Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
As a Korean adoptee, Louise Tanner has always felt like an outsider looking in. And the possibility of forming a romantic attachment is so laughable, she practically resigns herself to being single for the rest of her college days. She knows she needs to get over her fears, but she has to do it in a controlled fashion and under her own terms.

This means Gavin is most definitely not an option. Not the hunky graduate student that everyone idolizes.

She’s spent her entire life having people think she’s not good enough—the last thing she wants is to hook up with a guy who makes her feel even more inadequate.

But when she’s required to attend his tutoring sessions in order to pass her music major, Louise realizes there’s more to Gavin—and to her—than she’s ever dreamed.

287 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 2, 2018

30 people are currently reading
126 people want to read

About the author

Lily Kay

2 books40 followers
Lily has been writing and reading stories since she was in grade school. After finishing her Ph.D., Lily had a stint in Academia as an evaluation researcher. She teaches sociology part time and may drop a concept or two into her writing. When she's not teaching or writing, she's frolicking in the Rocky Mountains with her husband, two children, and two furry friends.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
44 (51%)
4 stars
24 (28%)
3 stars
12 (14%)
2 stars
4 (4%)
1 star
1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Linda Cotter.
662 reviews20 followers
March 8, 2016
Have you ever read a book that grabs you within the first chapter, holds you, and doesn't let you go?
That's this book.
For a new author and first release, this story amazed me. The characters are lovable and fun, the story is beautiful and somewhat tragic.
Louise (Louie) is just trying to heal. Having had a rough childhood because of bullying, being adopted, and not knowing her roots, she just wants to be normal and have a normal life. She's struggling to get there, but she's doing what she can.
Because she hid herself away, she doesn't have much experience with the opposite sex. She has male friends who she loves, and they are like extended family to her, but she's never met anyone who made her look twice.
Until Gavin.
A graduate student with a few accomplishments under his belt, Gavin and Louie are working together to help her improve. But when ghosts from Louie's past, and Gavin's present, threaten them, they have to decide if their relationship is worth fighting for.
Lily has done an amazing job bringing these characters, with real flaws and real feeling, to life. I cannot wait to see what else she's planning!
108 reviews2 followers
March 12, 2016
Lou was a poor tormented girl in middle and highschool. It became so bad that Lou thought she needed to try and take care of it
Gavin is a young gentleman who saw Louise and knew she was different. he's a big hot shot in the music business and in his personal life as well.
I am grateful to have had the chance to read this book. I felt it kind of hard to read at times because it brought up my own experiences and made it difficult to be OK. I wish I had friends like Lou.
anyway I think it was a great story and liked the twist can't wait to see what's next from this author.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews127 followers
Want to read
November 16, 2018
💝 FREE on Amazon today (11/16/2018)!💝

Blurb:
As a Korean adoptee, Louise Tanner has always felt like an outsider looking in. And the possibility of forming a romantic attachment is so laughable, she practically resigns herself to being single for the rest of her college days. She knows she needs to get over her fears, but she has to do it in a controlled fashion and under her own terms.

This means Gavin is most definitely not an option. Not the hunky graduate student that everyone idolizes.

She’s spent her entire life having people think she’s not good enough—the last thing she wants is to hook up with a guy who makes her feel even more inadequate.

But when she’s required to attend his tutoring sessions in order to pass her music major, Louise realizes there’s more to Gavin—and to her—than she’s ever dreamed.
Profile Image for Krystina Schuler.
Author 4 books7 followers
March 10, 2016
I was lucky enough to be able to read an Advance Copy of this book right before it was released. I can't wait to buy a paperback when it is available for my bookshelf and to re-read it all over again, because it's that good.

While Louie has her own unique problems, she is remarkably identifiable. She struggles with finding her place in the world, defining her identity, and overcoming a difficult past. While we may not share her specific history, I think it is easy to find pieces of ourselves in her. I know I did.

Gavin is a dream. He cooks and bakes, is a GQ cover-model, is musically gifted, and is empathetic and patient. And the best part is that he sticks his foot in his mouth and makes you shake your head in disappointment just enough to keep him from being completely fantastic. He's a flawed hero which makes for a more realistic story.

Louie and Gavin will have you laughing as often as they have you yelling at them. The book is fast paced and a quick read. While it takes a bit for Louie and Gavin to get together--not too long, mind you, just that you want them kissing long before they do! I'm impatient--it's super steamy once they do. It's very easy to fall in love with these characters and once you start reading you won't want to put the book down until you find out how it all turns out.

I would highly recommend this book, and I look forward to more from Lily Kay in the future.
Profile Image for Leanne.
Author 5 books84 followers
March 15, 2016
Wow, fabulous debut! This was a story unlike others I've read. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down! Lily Kay doesn't shy away from tackling sensitive issues, namely cultural identity and the after effects of bullying. This story has a closet full of believable characters that you'll laugh with, cry with, while hoping and praying that Louise and Gavin can navigate the obstacles in their path, find their way back to one another and never let go. A must read!
Profile Image for Kelly Bowen.
Author 21 books1,372 followers
April 4, 2016
A unique and uplifting tale of acceptance and finding the courage to love. Don't miss it!

If you're looking for something off the beaten path, this story has it all. A unique setting with diverse characters who struggle with their own past demons - but with acceptance and help, find the courage to risk their hearts for what matters most.


Profile Image for Heroes & Heartbreakers.
193 reviews41 followers
Read
March 15, 2016
This review originally appeared on Heroes and Heartbreakers:

Editor's Note: Lily Kay is the pen name for our blogger Tanya LK.

Compose by Lily Kay is the first in a new series. This story is a touching view into living a life filled with doubts. It’s a close look at what living with anxiety and recovering from an eating disorder is like ­—real topics that are very much prevalent on college campuses. Our heroine, Louise aka Louie Tanner, seems like she has everything, a loving family, great friends, but her demons lurk very close to the surface.

Louise is an interesting heroine. I love the unique spin on her family background. She was born in Korea, but adopted by a very nice American family as a baby. Living in a town where no one looks like her makes her stick out like a sore thumb. The bullying in her town reached such excessive and aggressive heights, she chose to attend college as far away as she could. My heart broke for Louise who was stuck in a place where she loved her family but wanted to explore more of her Asian roots. She’s also dealing with typical college issues. Basically Louise’s stress levels are an all time high.

Louise has never had a boyfriend and never ever really been kissed. Her social interactions with boys she thinks are cute are cringe worthy but, when she’s paired up with Gavin as her T.A, everything changes.

“Yup, I crashed into Gavin. It wasn’t sexy although his arms wrapped around my back and prevented me from falling further to the ground.

“Hey, you okay?” he asked. I noticed his arms still encase me, and for the first time, instead of the heebie jeebies, I actually felt safe and warm in a man’s arms.

Gavin and Louise work closely together on her music, she’s in a highly competitive music program and is working hard to be at the top. Gavin is the extremely helpful, hot T.A who is more than meets the eye. Gavin and Louise don’t automatically fall into love; this is a build up from tutors-to-lovers. Which is great because Louise’s self-esteem is at a low. She’s still working to build it up and she’s trying to overcome her issues. She wants to be her own heroine and I loved that about her.

Gavin is swoonworthy. He is so sweet and patient as their relationship turns in to more. He’s always willing to listen and he has great insight due to his own music-composing career. He’s extremely witty and is a good match for Louie’s own sarcastic personality. What’s compelling about both of these characters is their ability to transcend above the flaws. These are two people who are in need of some special kind of healing and they’re able to find it in each other.

Louie and Gavin aren’t the only ones who captured my attention. Their bands of friends are all colorful characters. They’re also ALL extremely supportive especially knowing Louie’s history. She wasn’t alone and I loved that for her. I can’t wait to see if the series continues and who will be next!

This story does focus on many aspects of mental health that are heartbreaking, showcasing that it’s not wrong to ask for help. It’s beautiful story of flawed people who find each other right when they needed it.
1 review1 follower
March 15, 2016

This is a great read! I became engaged with the characters in the first few pages and couldn’t put the book down. The romance between Louise and Gavin starts as a crush then grows slowly as the couple navigates the land mines of young love. Lily Kay’s conversational writing style draws the reader into the camaraderie of a group of close friends who support, coach and nurture one another. As the budding romance between Louise and Gavin progresses, the dynamic of supportive and protective friends undergirds the highs and lows of their relationship.

Each character brings very real issues to the story and Lily doesn’t hesitate to embrace and explore the challenges of academic stress, eating disorders, and mental health – common occurrences on a college campus. An important and enlightening aspect of Lily’s book is the portrayal of the challenges of interracial adoption. Lily’s approach realistically portrays life’s difficulties and healthy modes of coping with them while being open to the joys of life and love. It is filled with insight, humor and a beautiful portrayal of young love.

I highly recommend the book with the warning that you may not be able to tear yourself away from it. Looking forward to future books by this author.
1 review1 follower
April 5, 2016
I’m truly impressed with Lily Kay's talent! The college vernacular Kay employs perfectly parallels Louie’s sometimes vague, sometimes brutally graphic analysis of what’s happening around and inside her. I confess the ear-training, sight-singing and theory passages vividly brought back the anxiety and incompetence I felt 35 years ago when pursuing my own music major. I so appreciate Kay's ability to delve into the deep recesses of what body image, social acceptance or non-acceptance, and striving to be perfect, while knowing it’s unattainable, do to a person’s psyche and sense of self worth. I also love her ability to portray facial expressions and body language so cinematically that I felt I was actually watching Louie on screen! Not that Kay's writing reads like a script at all, rather that she can paint living pictures with language better than most.

A highly recommended read for young adults as well as though of us who well remember the angst of crossing that boundary from romantic crushes to fully realized love in all its deeply redeeming grace.
Hope to see more from Kay soon!
Profile Image for Jill Bridgeman.
486 reviews15 followers
April 11, 2016
There's nothing more painful that going through life being bullied and picked on about your hair color, skin color, how short/tall you are, how skinny/fat you are. All of which can cause a person to internalize the bullying and make life even worse. And having one specific person continue to torment you day in and day out can make going through life even worse than thought possible. Louise is a girl who suffered more than her share of the bullying. But she stuck it out in life and made small steps to become the person she always thought she could be. A few close friends whom she could confide in and a brother who would do anything to protect her. And then came Gavin. He opened Lou up even more to the world of possibilities. They may have had a bumpy start, but ultimately Lou would be able to see that he was exactly what she needed in her life. Someone who understood what she was going through and wouldn't judge her for her past. He embraced her and showed her that you can be accepted for who you are. Gavin was her life savor.
1 review1 follower
March 31, 2016
Debut novel by Lily Kay is a real page turner. Dealing with mixed racial adoption, Korean child in a White family and White town, Louise struggles with feelings of alienation, not belonging and not included, and experiences bullying throughout her school years until she enters college. To add to the pain of not being accepted, she experiences the trauma of anorexia. The book explores the meaning of all this and follows Louise through a year of college where she triumphs over inner demons, develops a loving relationship, and comes out a healthy woman in the end. A very timely and important topic for those who are faced with these experiences and for those who haven't, to understand what it's like to be bullied, not accepted, how it feels, and what it takes to conquer the demons incurred in childhood.
Profile Image for Sandra P.
12 reviews1 follower
March 13, 2016
This was a beautiful story about a Korean adoptee that struggles with self-esteem issues, all while finding love in college. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, even though it was a little young for me (I'm over 40). It was refreshing to read about a character's struggles, all while trying to be brave enough to get what she wants out of life. I wish I could've read Gavin's thoughts throughout; I would've like to have known what he was thinking through all of her 'freak outs'. A great first book by a new author. I usually hesitate to read a first book because the bad grammar usually kills it for me, but this reads like it was written by a seasoned author. And I loved, loved, loved the ending. I will definitely read the next one in the series when it comes out.
Profile Image for Amanda Cook.
Author 2 books28 followers
May 5, 2016
I'm not a big reader of romance, but I have to say that this one really grabbed me. I felt the story was real, especially all the struggles Louise faces and how she deals with them as a young woman trying to get through college and manage her feelings about love. The buildup of her relationship with Gavin was exciting to read, and I couldn't help but cheer them both on while simultaneously being frustrated at times. But, hey, they're college kids. :) This was a wonderful debut, and I look forward to reading more from Ms. Kay.
Profile Image for Mariana Lee.
672 reviews18 followers
March 10, 2016
What a fantastic emotional story, beautifully written with brilliant characters and a interesting plot. It's gripping, real and will totally captivate you. Louie is an incredible girl, she has been through so much heartache and pain in her life but she is trying so hard to overcome it all. Gavin is good looking, very talented and also has his own demons to deal with. Together this two embark on an incredible journey that will eventually help them heal. I can honestly say that this story will not disappoint you and it will certainly touch your heart.
Profile Image for Sherry Haynes.
1,230 reviews16 followers
March 16, 2016
Received a copy in exchange for honest review:

While the topic of this book is about a Korean Adoptee with self-esteem issues but the reader can place any ethnicity in this and just look at as an adopted child with self-esteem issues. The story was written to where it wasn't about her ethnicity but her issues and what she goes through to overcome them and who is there for her to get through the ups and downs. One of those who stand by her is someone who could be more than a friend if she would see herself the way he does. Enjoyed the book.
Profile Image for Molly Goldsmith.
115 reviews
March 19, 2016
Um, wow! This is the author's debut novel? It grabbed my attention right away, and I found myself reading when I should have been doing other things, like getting my kids ready for school! I'm usually a historical fiction kind of girl (romance is not something I normally pick up). I thought I'd give this a try anyhow, and wow - so good! Great character development, interesting story, and steamy hot scenes, but not over the top. This says it's #1, so I'm excited to read more from Ms. Kay!
Profile Image for Maureen.
37 reviews
March 19, 2016
I really enjoyed this book!! The main character, Lou, has a lot of demons that she is learning to deal with and I loved seeing her heal and evolve as I read the book. The romance between Lou and Gavin pulls you in from the beginning and Lou's friends and roommates added more depth to the story. I was sad when this book ended. Looking forward to another great book from this new author!!
Profile Image for Lisa Thomson.
24 reviews
March 15, 2016
i was given an arc of this for an honest review
Compose is not your typically romance the main charecters have flaws and lilly kay writing draws you I can say that this story will not disappoint you
This story has a closet full of believable characters that you'll laugh with, cry with
A must read!
Profile Image for Graceley Knox.
Author 52 books1,048 followers
March 21, 2016
Lousie and Gavin are two characters that surprised me. I was sure I knew where they were going and how they would get there but Lily Kay surprised me there. I laughed, I teared up and I cheered on the couple. I also wanted to yell at them a few times, but in my book thats a plus! I loved the fresh take on the new adult genre and I hope to see more from her as an author! Well done!
23 reviews3 followers
March 31, 2016
Kay gives the reader a protagonist, Louie, for whom I only want the best that life could give her. Real issues (bullying, interracial adoption, eating disorders, mental health, self-doubt) are dealt with honestly and with compassion. Real feelings, real life. I'm cheering for Louie!
154 reviews
April 4, 2016
A satisfying tale of a young woman's growth and bravery as she allows herself to find love. An engaging, quick read from an obviously talented new writer. Looking forward to reading more from Lily Kay!
Profile Image for Allyson.
215 reviews80 followers
June 9, 2016
I was given an arc of this for my honest review and Compose is not your typically romance. This story has alot of believable characters that you will laugh with cry with and feel as you are friends with them. I love the way lily kay pulls you into the story with her writing!
Profile Image for Christine.
847 reviews18 followers
March 16, 2016
I loved the idea of a romance with a Korean adoptee struggling with an eating disorder; it sounded so fresh and real compared to most college romances. Unfortunately the characters didn't engage me and execution of the story didn't fall into place as I hoped. 2.5 stars.
Profile Image for Jessica Ann.
192 reviews21 followers
March 24, 2016
Great story of overcoming life, self worth, and love. Lily did a great job with this story.
Profile Image for Maria Angie Mendoza.
3,175 reviews20 followers
October 21, 2016
Phenomenal read!
I had to take note from this book and pause before I could bring myself to finish reading this beautiful, deeply emotional and inspiring read!! A poignant story of love, forgiveness and hope.
Music major Louie finds herself in a battle within herself when she falls for her music tutor Gavin. He's everything she ever dreamed of in a guy, gorgeous, charming smart, AND he really likes her, despite her quirkiness. The only problem is that all this attention to her brought out the realization of old feelings and emotions that threw her into a frenzy.
Why?
Louie is the perfect example of good intentions going bad. She's an adopted Korean young woman raised by a white family's in northeast suburbia. Even though her parents' intentions were to love her unconditionally, they missed some steps in helpingher develop her own identity as a Korean.
As a child she was taunted and abused and made to feel like an outcast by her peers and community. This led to a secret life of desperation and anguish. Her feelings were manifested by her own secret taboo of self mutilation, eating disorders, and body shaming.
But this story is about Louie's journey into recovery and finding happiness. Through Gavin and his own secrets, she found the strength to trust herself and love herself enough to walk away from him.
The end... well you need to read and find out. And you must❣
4.5 shiny stars!!
Profile Image for Ginelle Blanch.
931 reviews26 followers
January 28, 2017
This was a really good story. A lot of self image issues are being worked through in the book. A lot of abandonment issues and trust issues.

I really loved this group of friends. They were close knit and fun. Helpful and concerned. I loved the musical environment and the professors were so well portrayed.

Gavin was a pretty great character. I loved his willingness to wait and to help Louie through her issues. I liked that he didn't just let her walk away. And, I liked that he was far from perfect and had issues of his own.

Good story.
Profile Image for Tracey.
199 reviews4 followers
June 13, 2017
Compose was everything a young romance should be with just enough "steam" to keep the adult readers happy. Sometimes I felt frustrated with the main character because I could not relate to her insecurities. However learning the reasons behind her insecurities enlightened me in ways I had never understood before. This "enlightenment" increased the story's value to me as a reader. I say "well done!" to my dear friend who wrote Compose.
22 reviews
June 13, 2019
Beautiful Read!

I can’t say enough nice things about this book! Louie was one of the stingiest protagonists I’ve ever read! Her transition to being a better her was so smooth and beautiful to watch! Love love love Gavin! He was very mature which sadly didn’t come easy and he loves Louie so much it’s adorable! Their love story evolved nicely and it was defiantly an easy cute read!
10 reviews
December 19, 2018
This was a good book. The dialogue between characters was great and often made me laugh out loud. The relationship between Louise and Gavin was sweet and I appreciate the speed at which bit developed given her background. That being said, I didn't really feel a strong connection between them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.