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Rosewood #1
Facing the Music: A Rosewood Novel
High school sweethearts Ivy and Blake were the unofficial royalty of Rosewood. At least until their relationship imploded in college and both their lives were changed forever. Ivy turned to her music and channeled her emotions into becoming a rock star. Her angry song about their relationship was a hit, turning Blake into a laughingstock, costing him his future in the NFL, and his reputation around town.
When a tornado whips through the small, southern town, Rosewood rallies to rebuild and reaches out to their most famous residents for help. Forced back together for the good of their community and their careers, Ivy and Blake have no choice but to put aside their differences and finally face the music.
“So funny! A quirky small town is the perfect backdrop for this romantic comedy and the author balances the mix of small town and celebrity life with skill.” 4 Stars – Romantic Times Magazine
“I fell in love from the first line of the book, and my joy continued throughout the entire story. From the kooky characters in the beauty shop, to the descriptive scenery of the town, to the struggle between Ivy and Blake, not to mention Ivy’s struggle with herself, this book fit the bill on all accounts!!!” – Beyond Her Book, Heidi’s Pick of the Week
When a tornado whips through the small, southern town, Rosewood rallies to rebuild and reaches out to their most famous residents for help. Forced back together for the good of their community and their careers, Ivy and Blake have no choice but to put aside their differences and finally face the music.
“So funny! A quirky small town is the perfect backdrop for this romantic comedy and the author balances the mix of small town and celebrity life with skill.” 4 Stars – Romantic Times Magazine
“I fell in love from the first line of the book, and my joy continued throughout the entire story. From the kooky characters in the beauty shop, to the descriptive scenery of the town, to the struggle between Ivy and Blake, not to mention Ivy’s struggle with herself, this book fit the bill on all accounts!!!” – Beyond Her Book, Heidi’s Pick of the Week
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2014
10 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Laurence
379 books211 followersAndrea Laurence has been a lover of reading and writing stories since she learned to read at a young age. She always dreamed of seeing her work in print and is thrilled to finally be able to share her special blend of sensuality and dry, sarcastic humor with the world. A dedicated West Coast girl transplanted into the Deep South, she's working on her own "happily ever after" with her new husband and a golden retriever puppy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
July 3, 2015
Rating: 4/5 Stars
The books that always end up catching my attentions are the ones with the funniest book blurbs, and Facing the Music had one that made me laugh so hard, I was wheezing.
I love reading books about scorned heroines, I love reading books about redemption romances, and I love reading books about musicians, athletes, actors, or anything that's extremely far from the ordinary. What I normally don't love are books with both scorned heroines and redemption romances, because most books end up as a hit or a miss with both those factors. Either the heroine just abruptly goes from hating someone to wanting to have his children, or the redemption arc falls flat. Which was why I was surprised that I enjoyed this book. Especially since it contained factors that would normally make me run far away from the book as possible. There was a cheating hero (don't worry, the cheating happened prior to the novel) and a love triangle (partially, since it technically isn't a love triangle--but it has the schematics of one anyway), both two elements I'm not fond of. I tend to let it slide if the author handles it gracefully without blowing it out of proportions.
Here's the thing. I hate cheating heroes. Most authors tend to gloss over it, making the heroes put the blame of their infidelity on the female/significant other. I appreciated how Blake came to redeem himself in a realistic manner. He knew what he did was wrong. He knew what he fucked up on. I liked that even though others were trying to defend Blake to Ivy, he owned up to it himself.
Also, as much as I enjoy plots revolved around scorned women--I tend to dislike it when authors drag it on for too long, making the characters whine excessively just for the sake of angst and more drama for the plot. It's why I really appreciated and was pleased to see how Ivy was willing to move on from the past. They both have hurt each other (in two different ways, of course), but they still carry torches for each other. They still want each other, and the chemistry is there. Chemistry doesn't lie, people. [wink wink nudge nudge].
And most importantly, I loved how the two of them were willing to move on. Especially since what he did hurt both of them badly in the end.
This book was charming and funny. I loved the secondary characters. I loved Blake's brothers: Grant and Simon. I loved Pepper, who was an amazing friend to Ivy (There's nothing I love more than amazing/realistic portrayal of friendships between girls). I loved Blake's grandmother (and her meddling). And I loved Ivy's best friend, Malcolm (who should team up with Blake's grandmother, because these two are the best meddlers I've read in fiction).
What I also found to enjoy was the chemistry between Ivy and Blake. It was sizzling, and Blake managed to prove to be sweet and swoon-worthy.
What I didn't really enjoy was Lydia. She was one piece of work, and she kept getting on my nerves because she was hellbent on shaming and being rude to Ivy. [No man is worth all that cattiness, no no no].
Either than that, this book was definitely a hit for me. There were lots of funny moments, lots of witty banter, and lots of amazing characters that just made the entire book sweet, charming, and fun.
I'm excited to read Grant's and Pepper's book next.
The books that always end up catching my attentions are the ones with the funniest book blurbs, and Facing the Music had one that made me laugh so hard, I was wheezing.
I love reading books about scorned heroines, I love reading books about redemption romances, and I love reading books about musicians, athletes, actors, or anything that's extremely far from the ordinary. What I normally don't love are books with both scorned heroines and redemption romances, because most books end up as a hit or a miss with both those factors. Either the heroine just abruptly goes from hating someone to wanting to have his children, or the redemption arc falls flat. Which was why I was surprised that I enjoyed this book. Especially since it contained factors that would normally make me run far away from the book as possible. There was a cheating hero (don't worry, the cheating happened prior to the novel) and a love triangle (partially, since it technically isn't a love triangle--but it has the schematics of one anyway), both two elements I'm not fond of. I tend to let it slide if the author handles it gracefully without blowing it out of proportions.
Here's the thing. I hate cheating heroes. Most authors tend to gloss over it, making the heroes put the blame of their infidelity on the female/significant other. I appreciated how Blake came to redeem himself in a realistic manner. He knew what he did was wrong. He knew what he fucked up on. I liked that even though others were trying to defend Blake to Ivy, he owned up to it himself.
Also, as much as I enjoy plots revolved around scorned women--I tend to dislike it when authors drag it on for too long, making the characters whine excessively just for the sake of angst and more drama for the plot. It's why I really appreciated and was pleased to see how Ivy was willing to move on from the past. They both have hurt each other (in two different ways, of course), but they still carry torches for each other. They still want each other, and the chemistry is there. Chemistry doesn't lie, people. [wink wink nudge nudge].
And most importantly, I loved how the two of them were willing to move on. Especially since what he did hurt both of them badly in the end.
This book was charming and funny. I loved the secondary characters. I loved Blake's brothers: Grant and Simon. I loved Pepper, who was an amazing friend to Ivy (There's nothing I love more than amazing/realistic portrayal of friendships between girls). I loved Blake's grandmother (and her meddling). And I loved Ivy's best friend, Malcolm (who should team up with Blake's grandmother, because these two are the best meddlers I've read in fiction).
What I also found to enjoy was the chemistry between Ivy and Blake. It was sizzling, and Blake managed to prove to be sweet and swoon-worthy.
What I didn't really enjoy was Lydia. She was one piece of work, and she kept getting on my nerves because she was hellbent on shaming and being rude to Ivy. [No man is worth all that cattiness, no no no].
Either than that, this book was definitely a hit for me. There were lots of funny moments, lots of witty banter, and lots of amazing characters that just made the entire book sweet, charming, and fun.
I'm excited to read Grant's and Pepper's book next.
July 22, 2015
Facing The Music is a beautiful, funny, heartwarming story that brought out all kinds of emotions in me. That's what I love most in a story, to really feel. Every page of this story was so enjoyable & I never became bored or lost interest. Such a beautifully written story. Andrea Laurence is an amazing & talented author.
July 24, 2014
(Arc provided by Net Galley and Pocket Star in exchange for an honest review)
Bell, Book & Candle | Facing the Music Review
I had my reservations about this book, but I am glad to say that I really enjoyed this book. The chemistry! Oh my, it was like....wow. This may e just a book, but I could see the fireworks go off every time Blake and Ivy were in a scene together.
Romance? Check.
Sexy and sultry guy? Most definitely check.
Drama? I could do without it, but yes..check?
And everything else inbetween the sheets? Check and check.
The plot was very captivating. I have never read a book where the woman humiliates her love interest, but it was amazing!...in some ways. I wish Ivy's character wasn't the fictionalized equivalent to Taylor Swift. I'm not really a fan of hers, and I feel that she plays the victim way too often for a woman in her mid 20s. Yeah I said it!
Anyways, it's a little hard for me to believe that Ivy "didn't know" the public would think her song "Size Matters" was referring to Blake's size, if you know what I mean. What did Ivy expect the song's title to allude to? Height? Countries? A T-Rex?
Blake is probably my favorite part of the entire book. He's so swoon worthy, with the exception of his past transgression. It's a bummer the Ivy's song acted as a catalyst for all things to go wrong in his life. His brothers are totally awesome as well.
Lydia was just a conniving little wretch. She's like a raccoon, she get's into everyone's business and just won't leave. Ivy let Lydia get under her skin too much. The Grandma was like all nosy grandmothers: they think they know best, and probably do. I didn't like how she kept chastising Blake for some of the things Ivy was at fault for. Then again, maybe she was trying to get him to man-up. Towards the end, I felt like Ivy should have done some of the chasing. She was the one who fled without hearing reason. You don't run away and hide from your lover; you fight for him. At least that's my opinion. There aren't many love scenes in this book, but it doesn't take away from the story at all.
Bell, Book & Candle | Facing the Music Review
I had my reservations about this book, but I am glad to say that I really enjoyed this book. The chemistry! Oh my, it was like....wow. This may e just a book, but I could see the fireworks go off every time Blake and Ivy were in a scene together.
Romance? Check.
Sexy and sultry guy? Most definitely check.
Drama? I could do without it, but yes..check?
And everything else inbetween the sheets? Check and check.
The plot was very captivating. I have never read a book where the woman humiliates her love interest, but it was amazing!...in some ways. I wish Ivy's character wasn't the fictionalized equivalent to Taylor Swift. I'm not really a fan of hers, and I feel that she plays the victim way too often for a woman in her mid 20s. Yeah I said it!
Anyways, it's a little hard for me to believe that Ivy "didn't know" the public would think her song "Size Matters" was referring to Blake's size, if you know what I mean. What did Ivy expect the song's title to allude to? Height? Countries? A T-Rex?
Blake is probably my favorite part of the entire book. He's so swoon worthy, with the exception of his past transgression. It's a bummer the Ivy's song acted as a catalyst for all things to go wrong in his life. His brothers are totally awesome as well.
Lydia was just a conniving little wretch. She's like a raccoon, she get's into everyone's business and just won't leave. Ivy let Lydia get under her skin too much. The Grandma was like all nosy grandmothers: they think they know best, and probably do. I didn't like how she kept chastising Blake for some of the things Ivy was at fault for. Then again, maybe she was trying to get him to man-up. Towards the end, I felt like Ivy should have done some of the chasing. She was the one who fled without hearing reason. You don't run away and hide from your lover; you fight for him. At least that's my opinion. There aren't many love scenes in this book, but it doesn't take away from the story at all.
July 11, 2014
If I could give this book 6 stars I would. Well, what can I say - If you like your books not far fetched and one that could be a true life story then - THIS BOOK IS A MUST BUY. I have not read anything by this author before and I am sorry its taken me this long to find her. The story is about a rock star (with a bad press), a retired football star, childhood love, enemies and second chances. The great mix of nice and nasty characters all gel well together in this book and make it what it is - which is a fabulous read. I can not wait for the next Rosewood series book which is out in Spring 2015, and I am wondering which of the characters they will be about as I think this will be a great series of books as the characters all need their stories told.
I know I have said it before but I really could not put this book down, I read whenever I got a spare minute as it is a fantastic feel good love story, one where you are routing for the main characters to get their 'happy ever after', I am now waiting in anticipation for the next instalment. Facing the Music
I know I have said it before but I really could not put this book down, I read whenever I got a spare minute as it is a fantastic feel good love story, one where you are routing for the main characters to get their 'happy ever after', I am now waiting in anticipation for the next instalment. Facing the Music
January 12, 2016
Originally posted at The Not-So-Literary Heiresses.
Facing the Music is one of those contemporary romance novels that’s easy to read and get into. I’ve read a lot of contemporaries that made me laze around and dragged days before I finish it but this book was not one of those. Though the story was not new, it was captivating and it made me love the idea of “second chance love” more.
Blake and Ivy had their first chance five years ago, but because of Blake’s inability to be patient he drove Ivy away making her write a song that no one imagined would be famous. Who would have thought that a calamity would reunite them and made them face what happened in the past five years.
Ivy was compared to Taylor Swift in this book because of her song “Size Matters”. She gained instant fame because of her song that describes Blake’s heart but was misunderstood as describing Blake’s manhood instead. I think this is the first time I came across a character like Ivy. I like that she used her broken heart to achieve her dreams, although I do not really approve some of her foolish decisions to date jerks just so that her past feelings for Blake would ignite again and in turn inspire her to write another song. Even if I did like her character I find it quite ironic that she thinks of herself too much of a victim after humiliating her ex-boyfriend through a song, in front of millions, or billions, of listeners. Haven’t she gathered enough courage and strength after five years of being famous?
He may have been a jerk and a coward but Blake definitely made it to my book boyfriend list. It was a total bummer that it took him five years to realize that Ivy was the one, but anyways I like him. His dreams of being an NHL superstar were crashed and yet he didn’t blame it on anyone else, especially on Ivy despite her song that totally blew his reputation. He realized his wrong doings and did everything he could to take Ivy back. He did not hold grudges and I think his character was more mature compared to Ivy. He loves his family and he has an adorable granny that helped him and Ivy get back together. His granny reminded me of The Bet by Rachel Van Dyken, because I like it when grandparents interevene in their grandchildren’s love life. And I meant that in a positive way.
The story wasn’t new at all but Andrea Laurence had her way of making readers want more. The characters weren’t whiny and did not dilly dally at all. She wrote honest characters that didn’t beat around the bush and I love that she did that. I started this past midnight just before going to sleep and later after a “few” chapters the sun’s already rising. It was very hard to put down once you get into it. The new relationship she built around Ivy and Blake was convincing and it didn’t matter that the concept of the book wasn’t new.
There are times I think the conflict went overboard, but I think Lydia as the antagonist prove her worth. This little b*tch was so annoying I wanted her gone and eaten by monsters, Arum, aliens, whatever. I just want her gone, and looking back I think she did her job well as a big fat conflict because she annoyed me like hell.
Although I love the story to bits and liked the way this was written, the ending disappointed me. I was already feeling their love, their passion and their desperation for each other but somehow their “final” getting back together seemed so weak compared to how they were picking up their relationship before the big fight. It felt rushed and I wish it was more convincing because it didn’t seem enough for me. We’re talking about a girl who lost her trust to the only man she ever loved, and them getting back together through a declaration of love seemed petty. I know the author tried to put some elements that would make it look like they didn’t jump into it immediately but I hope she put something more to make it more convincing and realistic.
Overall, I loved the story and the way the author executed this except for the ending. You know that feeling when your riding a rollercoaster and you feel excited with it just going up and then suddenly feel disappointed because you found out that it will just be going around and not roll down like you expected? I felt exactly like this. But don't fret, it was still a good read and I don’t regret reading this because I totally loved it despite the disappointing ending.
Facing the Music is one of those contemporary romance novels that’s easy to read and get into. I’ve read a lot of contemporaries that made me laze around and dragged days before I finish it but this book was not one of those. Though the story was not new, it was captivating and it made me love the idea of “second chance love” more.
Blake and Ivy had their first chance five years ago, but because of Blake’s inability to be patient he drove Ivy away making her write a song that no one imagined would be famous. Who would have thought that a calamity would reunite them and made them face what happened in the past five years.
Ivy was compared to Taylor Swift in this book because of her song “Size Matters”. She gained instant fame because of her song that describes Blake’s heart but was misunderstood as describing Blake’s manhood instead. I think this is the first time I came across a character like Ivy. I like that she used her broken heart to achieve her dreams, although I do not really approve some of her foolish decisions to date jerks just so that her past feelings for Blake would ignite again and in turn inspire her to write another song. Even if I did like her character I find it quite ironic that she thinks of herself too much of a victim after humiliating her ex-boyfriend through a song, in front of millions, or billions, of listeners. Haven’t she gathered enough courage and strength after five years of being famous?
He may have been a jerk and a coward but Blake definitely made it to my book boyfriend list. It was a total bummer that it took him five years to realize that Ivy was the one, but anyways I like him. His dreams of being an NHL superstar were crashed and yet he didn’t blame it on anyone else, especially on Ivy despite her song that totally blew his reputation. He realized his wrong doings and did everything he could to take Ivy back. He did not hold grudges and I think his character was more mature compared to Ivy. He loves his family and he has an adorable granny that helped him and Ivy get back together. His granny reminded me of The Bet by Rachel Van Dyken, because I like it when grandparents interevene in their grandchildren’s love life. And I meant that in a positive way.
The story wasn’t new at all but Andrea Laurence had her way of making readers want more. The characters weren’t whiny and did not dilly dally at all. She wrote honest characters that didn’t beat around the bush and I love that she did that. I started this past midnight just before going to sleep and later after a “few” chapters the sun’s already rising. It was very hard to put down once you get into it. The new relationship she built around Ivy and Blake was convincing and it didn’t matter that the concept of the book wasn’t new.
There are times I think the conflict went overboard, but I think Lydia as the antagonist prove her worth. This little b*tch was so annoying I wanted her gone and eaten by monsters, Arum, aliens, whatever. I just want her gone, and looking back I think she did her job well as a big fat conflict because she annoyed me like hell.
Although I love the story to bits and liked the way this was written, the ending disappointed me. I was already feeling their love, their passion and their desperation for each other but somehow their “final” getting back together seemed so weak compared to how they were picking up their relationship before the big fight. It felt rushed and I wish it was more convincing because it didn’t seem enough for me. We’re talking about a girl who lost her trust to the only man she ever loved, and them getting back together through a declaration of love seemed petty. I know the author tried to put some elements that would make it look like they didn’t jump into it immediately but I hope she put something more to make it more convincing and realistic.
Overall, I loved the story and the way the author executed this except for the ending. You know that feeling when your riding a rollercoaster and you feel excited with it just going up and then suddenly feel disappointed because you found out that it will just be going around and not roll down like you expected? I felt exactly like this. But don't fret, it was still a good read and I don’t regret reading this because I totally loved it despite the disappointing ending.
December 24, 2014
3 Predictable Stars!
Source: eARC for Honest Review Courtesy from Pocket Star via NetGalley
I will admit I'm a sucker for rockstar books and I thought it would be refreshing to have the girl be the rockstar for once. Now, it could have been refreshing but instead the book turned out to be mediocre and very predictable. The highlights for me were the mischievous meddling grandma and the vindictive bitch who I wanted to throat punch through out. How the hero and heroine honestly didn't see what she was capable of blows my mind.
Here is the crux of the book.... Ivy the struggling artist who gets burned by highschool sweetheart. Turns that heartbreak into a song which gets her where she needs to be and is now a top charting popstar where she takes her heartbreak and channels it to music publically. Remind you of anyone?
Blake the star quarterback who had it all but not a pining girlfriend by his side so he decides to open his horizons only to have it thrown in his face. He not only lives with that regret but the humiliation of the aftermath of her painful song.
After both returning home, Blake after he loses his career with a knee blown out and for Ivy to recover after another public relationship gone bad. She's home to lick her wounds and try to make up by doing charity to get the public to like her again.
Boy and girl reconnect by the meddling ways of grannie then all is well but some spiteful jealous bitch trying to destroy everything for it all to work out. Yada yada yada. The idea was sweet but way to predictable to get you hooked completely into the book.
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August 7, 2014
Ivy Hudson's song "Size Matters' had nothing to do with Blake's package size, but that didn't keep the world from thinking it so. Humiliated, poor Blake screwed up his Heisman moment and blew the big game, earning him a nice, cushy bench seat in the NFL. Didn't matter anyways, as a bad hit blew his knee out indefinitely. Now back in his home town heading up the football team, he was finally getting his life on track. Until Mother Nature was a bitch and took his field, and the town thought it'd be a great idea for the woman who made Blake a world-wide laughingstock to come home and help with a two week fundraiser to help rebuild. Bad part was, no one told either one of them they'd been paired to co-host the entire event, from riding in the parade to being the queen and king of a second-chance prom-themed dance. Love hurts. Especially the love of two people who had never completely given up on the other, but with humiliating betrayals on both fronts, who should have to suck it up and apologize first?
This is just your typical NA novel; quick and predictable with some definite cheese in the end. You've got your ridiculously successful, yet totally insecure, leading lady, the lover who broke her heart and the other woman who just can't seem to keep from playing interference. That said, I still really enjoyed it. I think most people will, provided they don't expect to be wowed or given anything truly original to read. There are definitely some funny moments, and the characters did keep me intrigued despite their predictable actions and emotions. It's a good, light read if that's what you're in the mood for. So go ahead, give it a go...
Copy provided by Pocket Star for honest review.
This is just your typical NA novel; quick and predictable with some definite cheese in the end. You've got your ridiculously successful, yet totally insecure, leading lady, the lover who broke her heart and the other woman who just can't seem to keep from playing interference. That said, I still really enjoyed it. I think most people will, provided they don't expect to be wowed or given anything truly original to read. There are definitely some funny moments, and the characters did keep me intrigued despite their predictable actions and emotions. It's a good, light read if that's what you're in the mood for. So go ahead, give it a go...
Copy provided by Pocket Star for honest review.
July 18, 2014
When I first started reading, the story immediately made me think of the movie "Sweet Home Alabama" and quickly pulled me in since that is one of my fav movies! This was a sweet love story about Ivy and Blake and second chances. I couldn't help but get caught up in their lives to see if they would find their way back to each other. I enjoyed the verbal sparring of Ivy and Blake as well as the rivalry between Ivy and Lydia! It wasn't the usual heated love scenes I'm used to reading, but it worked for this book. This is one I couldn't put down for dear I would miss something! Thoroughly enjoyed!
November 24, 2015
Fast-paced!
The dynamic in every character, the different settings, and the going-ons, made for a quick-paced read.
Rosewood is such a sweet town, and the residents are just as charming. Ivy and Blake have some super intense chemistry throughout that will warm any romantics heart. I'm so glad they got their happily ever after. Now I need a copy of, Feeding The Fire. Got to find out what else happens in this cut little town. Will it be more of Ivy and Blake? I do like them and hope to know more. Or will it be new people? I don't know, but look forward to finding out.
4.5/5
The dynamic in every character, the different settings, and the going-ons, made for a quick-paced read.
Rosewood is such a sweet town, and the residents are just as charming. Ivy and Blake have some super intense chemistry throughout that will warm any romantics heart. I'm so glad they got their happily ever after. Now I need a copy of, Feeding The Fire. Got to find out what else happens in this cut little town. Will it be more of Ivy and Blake? I do like them and hope to know more. Or will it be new people? I don't know, but look forward to finding out.
4.5/5
September 14, 2014
First in the Rosewood romance series with the couple focus on Ivy Hudson and Blake Chamberlain. Based in Rosewood, Alabama, and six years later.
This ARC was provided by NetGalley, Pocket Star, and Simon & Schuster in exchange for an honest review.
My Take
Laurence has really twisted the revenge-of-the-woman-wronged trope. It'll make you laugh even as you start off feeling bad for the guy. Of course, once you hear his side of things, you're likely to think he got what was coming! He made his bed, and now he's lyin' in it. I don't feel sorry for him a'tall anymore especially with some of the dimwitted moves he makes It did surprise me how well his grandmother knew him. Lucky thing for these two!
This is mostly a fluffy feel-good romance, except that Laurence has some nice switch-ups — besides the twist I mentioned above. And Laurence keeps you wondering just what that song does refer to, 'cause I know what I was thinking, ahem. When you do finally learn what Ivy/Laurence is really referring to, well, it just makes sense and is so well done, you can't help but laugh while you shake your head.
It's rather tacky of Ivy to date guys just to use 'em as she does. And I think Malcolm hit the nail on the head as to why this emotion is the only one she can write about. Ivy is missing out too, as it sure doesn't lead to a happy life. She ticks me off with her feeling of entitlement; that scene where she locks her keys and phone in the cabin comes to mind. She sure is accident-prone, probably 'cause she hasn't got her head on straight. Nor can she take what she likes to dish out.
I do like the sound of Ivy's family; it sounds as though the three of them have always been there for each other. As for Blake's family, if you discount his dad, the rest of them sound terrific as well.
Ivy must have had a really easy time of building her career as thin-skinned as she is. She does a nice job of lobbing most of Lydia's zingers right back at her, but there are a number that just crumple her up. And they don't make sense that they have that reaction. Ivy knows about Lydia's antics, and Ivy's childish reactions irritate me. I'm just not buyin' it. Laurence needs to work on those Ivy-Lydia interactions to make them believable. It's the only weak point Facing the Music has.
As for Lydia, I'm surprised no one has called that witch to account yet. She's a selfish, self-entitled nightmare. If she behaves this way with people she wants, how does she behave with the "riff-raff" in town? Why hasn't she been taken out yet? No, no, this should have been developed more with people's reactions to make it believable or toned down. Instead, it's as if Lydia is an invisible person in town. No one reacts to her except Blake and Ivy. I know, I'm whining. It's just that Laurence has gone so over the top with Lydia, that I don't see how anyone could possibly not notice her.
Huh, I like the point Blake's grandmother makes about why all these publicity events are so important to rebuild the gym. I never thought of it this way. She sure makes a good point about the town's sense of intimacy dying out. She'd be agreeing with Kevin about the press: use them even as they're using her. Yank that attention they're paying in the direction you want it.
Oh, crack me up!! Ivy's so worried that the locals would chase her out of town with pitchforks, that when I read how the townspeople rally against the reporters, well, I can't help but laugh. Makes you wish more "decent" people would react this way!
That message Rex delivers…I see his doing this as a loose thread…
Blake realizes he's missing the end of Ivy's show, so why doesn't he simply turn around and go back for the end of it? It is such a no-brainer as to what she's up to, and I've only known her for a few hours. And Ivy has her usual, lame reaction.
Laurence does do a good job playing on my emotions: Ivy's reactions, Lydia's actions, Blake's thoughts, the story Grandmother told about meeting Charles and his fits of courting, that one taunt of Lydia's that actually sounds as if it could be true.
The Story
Thank god Rosewood contacted Ivy — again — about doing a charity concert in her old home town. Lord knows the town needs it after that last disaster, and Ivy is desperate to get some good publicity after this last fiasco, even if this will be her first trip home since the song that launched her career. The one about her break-up with the town hero, "Size Matters".
Now her manager is requiring all sorts of PR stunts — in her old hometown — but also demanding she change the types of songs she writes.
All she has to do is get through these next two weeks and avoid Blake…
The Characters
Ivy Hudson has a reputation as a sweet-but-unlucky-in-love Grammy-award-winning singer. Kevin Lynch is Ivy's manager, who knows what he's doing to Ivy's chagrin. Malcolm Holt is one of her best friends, and she's been linked to him romantically. Lucky for Malcolm, the action film star… Dominick is her bodyguard.
Sarah Hudson is Ivy's mother and owns a beauty salon, Curls, gossip central. Ivy's dad, Trent, is the high school band teacher. Sounds like Ivy got quite a bit from her dad. Pepper Anthony is Sarah's only, very insightful, employee and a former classmate of Ivy's. Pepper's being set up for a Grant romance. Brian Green, the former chess geek, manages the electronics store and is dating Pepper.
The Chamberlains are the town's royalty, and Blake Chamberlain was the town's golden boy and is a former NFL quarterback whose career was cut short. Now he's coaching the high school football team. Adelia Chamberlain is Blake's imposing grandmother and the family matriarch. Norman is his lawyer dad, and it seems that Blake may be taking after his daddy's inability to keep his pants zipped. His mama is Helen, and we don't know if she's dead or alive. Maddie is one of Blake's sisters, a snotty one, and she works at the town bakery; Mitchell is Maddie's twin brother, and he's going for a medical degree; Grant is a younger brother and a local fireman with some great insights; Simon is the youngest and a policeman in town; and, Hazel is his book-lovin' baby sister. Winston is their houseman; Cookie is their cook.
Lydia Whittaker is the town rich mean girl who also went to school with Ivy. Her family owns a huge horse farm and two of the local restaurants: Ellen's Diner and Whittaker's where she's an executive chef. She's best friends with Maddie. Tells you what Maddie is like… Thomas is her little brother. Angus and Willow are the horses the Whittakers provide for the parade.
Francine Doyle does a nice casserole. Dorothy "Dotty" Baker is too old to care what she says, and she says anything she likes. Miss Vera's mac and cheese is to die for, and she always wins for her pies. Sheriff Todd. Emmett Sawyer is the new bar owner and bartender at Woody's. Jesse and Curt are a couple of guys with whom Blake had gone to school. Mayor Otto Gallagher has been the mayor all of Ivy's life; Marilyn is his wife. Mrs. Gloria Everett is Ivy's favorite history teacher, although she's now the high school principal. Miss Beverly Perkins owns Dressin' Up, the go-to shop for ladies needing a nice outfit. Such as tea with the town grande dame. Ruth is a waitress at Ellen's Diner; Fred is the cook. Miss Twila runs the B&B. Mr. Osbourne is the bank manager. Arthur Jackson owns the gas station. Miss Phyllis owns the antiques shop. Clark Newton is with the Rosewood Times. Petal Pushers is the local flower shop. Cheryl Buckman is a middle-aged lady working behind the counter of her daddy's ice cream store, Scoops. The same protective daddy who was a decorated sniper in Korea. Estelle Townsend owns Rosewood Cakes & Cookies, the local bakery. Josh Baldwin is the kicker on the high school football team, and the way Blake handles him is just beautiful. I'm curious what Rex Campbell's motivation was; he's another student on the football team.
Nash Russell is a tabloid celebrity reporter for Hollywood News. He's made a career out of uncovering every inspiration behind every one of Ivy's songs. Yeah, he's a not-nice guy and a disreputable journalist. Larry and Ted are from Celebrity Weekly. Jimmy is the talk show host.
Sterling Marshall is the jerk of a teen idol Ivy is in trouble over. Perfect Harmony was his boy band.
The Cover
The cover is sweet with a relaxed-looking Ivy and Blake lying on the green, green grass, each lying in the opposite direction with their heads touching. Ivy’s guitar is off to the side, and they appear to be relaxing into the day.
The title means different things to Ivy and Blake. Ivy’s music is for the release of her emotions while Blake is Facing the Music for what he did so long ago.
This ARC was provided by NetGalley, Pocket Star, and Simon & Schuster in exchange for an honest review.
My Take
Laurence has really twisted the revenge-of-the-woman-wronged trope. It'll make you laugh even as you start off feeling bad for the guy. Of course, once you hear his side of things, you're likely to think he got what was coming! He made his bed, and now he's lyin' in it. I don't feel sorry for him a'tall anymore especially with some of the dimwitted moves he makes It did surprise me how well his grandmother knew him. Lucky thing for these two!
This is mostly a fluffy feel-good romance, except that Laurence has some nice switch-ups — besides the twist I mentioned above. And Laurence keeps you wondering just what that song does refer to, 'cause I know what I was thinking, ahem. When you do finally learn what Ivy/Laurence is really referring to, well, it just makes sense and is so well done, you can't help but laugh while you shake your head.
It's rather tacky of Ivy to date guys just to use 'em as she does. And I think Malcolm hit the nail on the head as to why this emotion is the only one she can write about. Ivy is missing out too, as it sure doesn't lead to a happy life. She ticks me off with her feeling of entitlement; that scene where she locks her keys and phone in the cabin comes to mind. She sure is accident-prone, probably 'cause she hasn't got her head on straight. Nor can she take what she likes to dish out.
I do like the sound of Ivy's family; it sounds as though the three of them have always been there for each other. As for Blake's family, if you discount his dad, the rest of them sound terrific as well.
Ivy must have had a really easy time of building her career as thin-skinned as she is. She does a nice job of lobbing most of Lydia's zingers right back at her, but there are a number that just crumple her up. And they don't make sense that they have that reaction. Ivy knows about Lydia's antics, and Ivy's childish reactions irritate me. I'm just not buyin' it. Laurence needs to work on those Ivy-Lydia interactions to make them believable. It's the only weak point Facing the Music has.
As for Lydia, I'm surprised no one has called that witch to account yet. She's a selfish, self-entitled nightmare. If she behaves this way with people she wants, how does she behave with the "riff-raff" in town? Why hasn't she been taken out yet? No, no, this should have been developed more with people's reactions to make it believable or toned down. Instead, it's as if Lydia is an invisible person in town. No one reacts to her except Blake and Ivy. I know, I'm whining. It's just that Laurence has gone so over the top with Lydia, that I don't see how anyone could possibly not notice her.
Huh, I like the point Blake's grandmother makes about why all these publicity events are so important to rebuild the gym. I never thought of it this way. She sure makes a good point about the town's sense of intimacy dying out. She'd be agreeing with Kevin about the press: use them even as they're using her. Yank that attention they're paying in the direction you want it.
Oh, crack me up!! Ivy's so worried that the locals would chase her out of town with pitchforks, that when I read how the townspeople rally against the reporters, well, I can't help but laugh. Makes you wish more "decent" people would react this way!
That message Rex delivers…I see his doing this as a loose thread…
Blake realizes he's missing the end of Ivy's show, so why doesn't he simply turn around and go back for the end of it? It is such a no-brainer as to what she's up to, and I've only known her for a few hours. And Ivy has her usual, lame reaction.
Laurence does do a good job playing on my emotions: Ivy's reactions, Lydia's actions, Blake's thoughts, the story Grandmother told about meeting Charles and his fits of courting, that one taunt of Lydia's that actually sounds as if it could be true.
"It's the long, winding road…"
The Story
Thank god Rosewood contacted Ivy — again — about doing a charity concert in her old home town. Lord knows the town needs it after that last disaster, and Ivy is desperate to get some good publicity after this last fiasco, even if this will be her first trip home since the song that launched her career. The one about her break-up with the town hero, "Size Matters".
Now her manager is requiring all sorts of PR stunts — in her old hometown — but also demanding she change the types of songs she writes.
All she has to do is get through these next two weeks and avoid Blake…
The Characters
Ivy Hudson has a reputation as a sweet-but-unlucky-in-love Grammy-award-winning singer. Kevin Lynch is Ivy's manager, who knows what he's doing to Ivy's chagrin. Malcolm Holt is one of her best friends, and she's been linked to him romantically. Lucky for Malcolm, the action film star… Dominick is her bodyguard.
Sarah Hudson is Ivy's mother and owns a beauty salon, Curls, gossip central. Ivy's dad, Trent, is the high school band teacher. Sounds like Ivy got quite a bit from her dad. Pepper Anthony is Sarah's only, very insightful, employee and a former classmate of Ivy's. Pepper's being set up for a Grant romance. Brian Green, the former chess geek, manages the electronics store and is dating Pepper.
The Chamberlains are the town's royalty, and Blake Chamberlain was the town's golden boy and is a former NFL quarterback whose career was cut short. Now he's coaching the high school football team. Adelia Chamberlain is Blake's imposing grandmother and the family matriarch. Norman is his lawyer dad, and it seems that Blake may be taking after his daddy's inability to keep his pants zipped. His mama is Helen, and we don't know if she's dead or alive. Maddie is one of Blake's sisters, a snotty one, and she works at the town bakery; Mitchell is Maddie's twin brother, and he's going for a medical degree; Grant is a younger brother and a local fireman with some great insights; Simon is the youngest and a policeman in town; and, Hazel is his book-lovin' baby sister. Winston is their houseman; Cookie is their cook.
Lydia Whittaker is the town rich mean girl who also went to school with Ivy. Her family owns a huge horse farm and two of the local restaurants: Ellen's Diner and Whittaker's where she's an executive chef. She's best friends with Maddie. Tells you what Maddie is like… Thomas is her little brother. Angus and Willow are the horses the Whittakers provide for the parade.
Francine Doyle does a nice casserole. Dorothy "Dotty" Baker is too old to care what she says, and she says anything she likes. Miss Vera's mac and cheese is to die for, and she always wins for her pies. Sheriff Todd. Emmett Sawyer is the new bar owner and bartender at Woody's. Jesse and Curt are a couple of guys with whom Blake had gone to school. Mayor Otto Gallagher has been the mayor all of Ivy's life; Marilyn is his wife. Mrs. Gloria Everett is Ivy's favorite history teacher, although she's now the high school principal. Miss Beverly Perkins owns Dressin' Up, the go-to shop for ladies needing a nice outfit. Such as tea with the town grande dame. Ruth is a waitress at Ellen's Diner; Fred is the cook. Miss Twila runs the B&B. Mr. Osbourne is the bank manager. Arthur Jackson owns the gas station. Miss Phyllis owns the antiques shop. Clark Newton is with the Rosewood Times. Petal Pushers is the local flower shop. Cheryl Buckman is a middle-aged lady working behind the counter of her daddy's ice cream store, Scoops. The same protective daddy who was a decorated sniper in Korea. Estelle Townsend owns Rosewood Cakes & Cookies, the local bakery. Josh Baldwin is the kicker on the high school football team, and the way Blake handles him is just beautiful. I'm curious what Rex Campbell's motivation was; he's another student on the football team.
Nash Russell is a tabloid celebrity reporter for Hollywood News. He's made a career out of uncovering every inspiration behind every one of Ivy's songs. Yeah, he's a not-nice guy and a disreputable journalist. Larry and Ted are from Celebrity Weekly. Jimmy is the talk show host.
Sterling Marshall is the jerk of a teen idol Ivy is in trouble over. Perfect Harmony was his boy band.
The Cover
The cover is sweet with a relaxed-looking Ivy and Blake lying on the green, green grass, each lying in the opposite direction with their heads touching. Ivy’s guitar is off to the side, and they appear to be relaxing into the day.
The title means different things to Ivy and Blake. Ivy’s music is for the release of her emotions while Blake is Facing the Music for what he did so long ago.
October 31, 2023
3.5 ⭐️s
Author Andrea Laurence kindly sent me a copy of her book in exchange for an honest review…
I had fun reading this story. I think my timing was especially good because the main character Ivy is clearly inspired by Taylor Swift, who as we all know, is also currently dating a cute football player. I liked imagining that I was reading about some alternate universe Taylor. :)
Generally, I would describe Facing the Music as well written, charming, and often very funny. There is a scene where Ivy where I was literally cackling out loud.
One negative is that I wish the characters had done more to work through . It felt like it was looming over them the whole time. That’s a tough place to start a second chance romance from!
**Trigger warning for a few instances of weight/ body shaming and diet culture conversations.
Author Andrea Laurence kindly sent me a copy of her book in exchange for an honest review…
I had fun reading this story. I think my timing was especially good because the main character Ivy is clearly inspired by Taylor Swift, who as we all know, is also currently dating a cute football player. I liked imagining that I was reading about some alternate universe Taylor. :)
Generally, I would describe Facing the Music as well written, charming, and often very funny. There is a scene where Ivy where I was literally cackling out loud.
One negative is that I wish the characters had done more to work through . It felt like it was looming over them the whole time. That’s a tough place to start a second chance romance from!
**Trigger warning for a few instances of weight/ body shaming and diet culture conversations.
November 7, 2019
This book was a bit slow to start for me. Ivy and Blake's history was a bit complicated and it took a while for Ms. Laurence to set up their past for the reader. Once I got to the half way point, I was invested in this story. I wanted to see how things would work out for Ivy and Blake as well as what would happen to the mean girl trying to tear them apart. There were a couple of really amusing moments and some ones that made me swoon. The supporting characters added to the story and I can't wait for Pepper to get her story. I recommend reading this book and will be continuing on to the second book in this series.
October 27, 2023
Read it if you like southern small towns, second chance romance, romcoms or FMC with Taylor Swift vibes (or if you just like Taylor Swift)
Ivy loved Blake from high school to college but he broke her heart. She wrote a song about him called "size matters" and it was a hit, she became a rock star and he was humiliated.
Six years later she returns to their hometown for a concert and some more charity events and has to spend a los of time with him.
There are still sparks between them and they need to know if it's because of the hatred of because they never stop loving each other.
Ivy loved Blake from high school to college but he broke her heart. She wrote a song about him called "size matters" and it was a hit, she became a rock star and he was humiliated.
Six years later she returns to their hometown for a concert and some more charity events and has to spend a los of time with him.
There are still sparks between them and they need to know if it's because of the hatred of because they never stop loving each other.
October 8, 2024
2.5 stars
This unfortunately was a DNF for me. Very sweet story. I just feel like it was drawn out and there were soooo many opportunities for typical romcom moments. I get that the author probably wasn't planning for this to be a comedy of any sorts but the book just was a bit slow for me and left me bored and so I just skipped to the last chapter, from chapter 5, a d put 2 and 2 together. Beautiful story. Two ex lovers reunite after having hate divide them up. Has the typical ending we all expect. Very cute but just too slow/not interesting for me.
This unfortunately was a DNF for me. Very sweet story. I just feel like it was drawn out and there were soooo many opportunities for typical romcom moments. I get that the author probably wasn't planning for this to be a comedy of any sorts but the book just was a bit slow for me and left me bored and so I just skipped to the last chapter, from chapter 5, a d put 2 and 2 together. Beautiful story. Two ex lovers reunite after having hate divide them up. Has the typical ending we all expect. Very cute but just too slow/not interesting for me.
October 26, 2019
Ivy and Blake were high school sweethearts, she thought they will be together forever, till she caught Blake with a cheerleader. Devastated she wrote song which was a hit, but people got different meaning to that song and Blake's life got misrable. Few years past and now she is back to her hometown to help with fundraiser.
Will seeing Blake will bring all thise feelings back or they stay hidden?
Great story, loved it.
Will seeing Blake will bring all thise feelings back or they stay hidden?
Great story, loved it.
September 22, 2020
A sweet contemporary romance with likeable characters, lovely settings, and HEA. A rather predictable ending but that's what so comforting about romance novels, I find. Facing the Music is about forgiveness and second chances; of learning to the bad times go and hanging on to the good ones. An easy to read, single sitting, reading that warms my heart; a great start to a series.
November 14, 2023
I don’t often give 5 stars but yea. This book just felt like a warm cup of hot chocolate perfectly cooled to not too hot but just hot enough to warm you up after playing out in the snow as a kid. You instantly fall in love with the MCs and empathize with them. I loved there was still some uncertainty. This book was just such a good vibe .
September 15, 2014
Facing the Music by Andrea Laurence is a such a fun read! A wonderfully unique storyline, delightful characters and laugh out loud humor are just a few of things that make this romance such an outstanding read.
Ivy Hudson's relationship with Blake Chamberlain ended when she discovered him in a compromising position and in the aftermath, she channeled all of her hurt and anger into the song that launched her singing career. In the years since, her numerous breakups have continued to inspire her most popular songs but her latest breakup song results in a major public backlash against her. Needing a retreat from the public eye and generate some positive publicity, Ivy reluctantly returns to her small home town to use her celebrity status to help raise much needed funds for the high school's new gym. Much to Ivy's dismay, Blake figures prominently in the upcoming fundraising efforts and the passage of time has done nothing to dim her hurt or diminish their smoking hot desire for one another.
Ivy is a wonderful character and it is such a joy getting to know the woman behind the successful career. She has never forgotten her humble beginnings and she is still very down to earth. Her anger and hurt over Blake's betrayal have not lessened with time but she is able to put aside her feelings for the sake of the fundraiser. Despite her successful career, Ivy has a few insecurities that a nemesis from her childhood exploits at every turn.
Ah, poor Blake. His mistake in judgment all those years ago indirectly destroyed his career and he is just now finally beginning to bounce back when Ivy returns to town. He readily admits that Ivy's anger and hurt are justified but he also unfairly blames her for his football career crashing and burning. When he and Ivy can no longer avoid one another, they have a long overdue discussion about their notorious past and agree to leave the past behind.
The reconciliation between Ivy and Blake does not happen overnight and this makes the resolution of their past more believable. In the beginning of the story, they are both a little immature but over the course of the story, they each do some much needed growing up. This leads to a deeper connection between them as they get to know one another again. Their romance has a few bumps along the way when an adversary continually sabotages Ivy's self-confidence and Ivy reverts to old behavior instead of talking things out with Blake. The part of the storyline with the vindictive foe takes a little too long to resolve and eventually becomes repetitious.
Facing the Music is a very entertaining novel with an all star cast of engaging characters, plenty of Southern charm and an exceptional storyline. The romance between Ivy and Blake is playful, flirty and quite sensuous and their banter is quite humorous. Overall, it is a thoroughly enjoyable story and fans will be thrilled to discover Andrea Laurence plans to revisit the small town of Rosewood in the very near future.
Ivy Hudson's relationship with Blake Chamberlain ended when she discovered him in a compromising position and in the aftermath, she channeled all of her hurt and anger into the song that launched her singing career. In the years since, her numerous breakups have continued to inspire her most popular songs but her latest breakup song results in a major public backlash against her. Needing a retreat from the public eye and generate some positive publicity, Ivy reluctantly returns to her small home town to use her celebrity status to help raise much needed funds for the high school's new gym. Much to Ivy's dismay, Blake figures prominently in the upcoming fundraising efforts and the passage of time has done nothing to dim her hurt or diminish their smoking hot desire for one another.
Ivy is a wonderful character and it is such a joy getting to know the woman behind the successful career. She has never forgotten her humble beginnings and she is still very down to earth. Her anger and hurt over Blake's betrayal have not lessened with time but she is able to put aside her feelings for the sake of the fundraiser. Despite her successful career, Ivy has a few insecurities that a nemesis from her childhood exploits at every turn.
Ah, poor Blake. His mistake in judgment all those years ago indirectly destroyed his career and he is just now finally beginning to bounce back when Ivy returns to town. He readily admits that Ivy's anger and hurt are justified but he also unfairly blames her for his football career crashing and burning. When he and Ivy can no longer avoid one another, they have a long overdue discussion about their notorious past and agree to leave the past behind.
The reconciliation between Ivy and Blake does not happen overnight and this makes the resolution of their past more believable. In the beginning of the story, they are both a little immature but over the course of the story, they each do some much needed growing up. This leads to a deeper connection between them as they get to know one another again. Their romance has a few bumps along the way when an adversary continually sabotages Ivy's self-confidence and Ivy reverts to old behavior instead of talking things out with Blake. The part of the storyline with the vindictive foe takes a little too long to resolve and eventually becomes repetitious.
Facing the Music is a very entertaining novel with an all star cast of engaging characters, plenty of Southern charm and an exceptional storyline. The romance between Ivy and Blake is playful, flirty and quite sensuous and their banter is quite humorous. Overall, it is a thoroughly enjoyable story and fans will be thrilled to discover Andrea Laurence plans to revisit the small town of Rosewood in the very near future.
June 28, 2015
This review first appeared on Thoughts and Pens.
The premise of Facing The Music screamed of “Cliché” but it didn’t stop me from hitting the request button. The thing with this book is that the synopsis has reminded me of Taylor Swift and how she uses her music to vent out her anger for her ex-boyfriends. Plus, I have this crazy fascination about characters that use their musical talents to ruin their exes. If you have read Tracey Martin’s Another Little Piece of My Heart, then it has the same premise with this one. I enjoyed Martin’s work but it needed more polishing so I was hoping that Facing The Music will deliver. Well, it did and it didn’t.
How so? All was well and good until the reconciliation part. Basically, Taylor Swift Ivy Hudson became an international Rock Star after she released her first song, Size Matters, a single that clearly conveyed her contempt for her asshole of an ex-boyfriend. While the song propelled Ivy’s career to the top, it did the opposite to Blake’s.
There was nothing new when they met again as it followed the same lines of those other romance stories about exes seeing each other after so many years. Drama was aplenty but there was humor and some thought-provoking issues here. Humor and thought provoking issues can sometimes save a story from flopping completely. Indeed, it rescued Facing The Music.
Facing The Music made me wonder whether I would resort to what Ivy did if any of my exes cheated on me. The story of this book certainly revolved around the “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned” saying. Naturally, I expected that the reconciliation part is going to be mindblowing or at least, realistic considering the kind of damage Ivy has inflicted to Blake’s life. What I got instead is a hastily done resolution and the next thing I know, our characters are already kissing and eventually, having sex. I am not a relationship guru but these people have been hurting for over 6 years and just like that, they magically made up? I am at a loss for words. @_@
And then, here comes another conflict which didn’t actually help the plot evolve but rather it made things redundant. Please, the story is already clichéd enough as it is, why not seek for a new avenue to keep the story going?
The characters were likable enough. They acted true to their age and owned up their mistakes. I must say that Blake has impressed me in the end as he really matured from being a jerk to someone who is worth rooting for.
I’m so close to giving Facing The Music a 2-star rating but luckily, I had fun reading it. The characters and the picturesque setting, Rosewood, were also additional reasons why this book managed to scrape a passable rating and possibly, a follow from me. To conclude, if you are looking for a quick fix to your contemporary cravings, then consider picking up this one.
The premise of Facing The Music screamed of “Cliché” but it didn’t stop me from hitting the request button. The thing with this book is that the synopsis has reminded me of Taylor Swift and how she uses her music to vent out her anger for her ex-boyfriends. Plus, I have this crazy fascination about characters that use their musical talents to ruin their exes. If you have read Tracey Martin’s Another Little Piece of My Heart, then it has the same premise with this one. I enjoyed Martin’s work but it needed more polishing so I was hoping that Facing The Music will deliver. Well, it did and it didn’t.
How so? All was well and good until the reconciliation part. Basically, Taylor Swift Ivy Hudson became an international Rock Star after she released her first song, Size Matters, a single that clearly conveyed her contempt for her asshole of an ex-boyfriend. While the song propelled Ivy’s career to the top, it did the opposite to Blake’s.
There was nothing new when they met again as it followed the same lines of those other romance stories about exes seeing each other after so many years. Drama was aplenty but there was humor and some thought-provoking issues here. Humor and thought provoking issues can sometimes save a story from flopping completely. Indeed, it rescued Facing The Music.
Facing The Music made me wonder whether I would resort to what Ivy did if any of my exes cheated on me. The story of this book certainly revolved around the “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned” saying. Naturally, I expected that the reconciliation part is going to be mindblowing or at least, realistic considering the kind of damage Ivy has inflicted to Blake’s life. What I got instead is a hastily done resolution and the next thing I know, our characters are already kissing and eventually, having sex. I am not a relationship guru but these people have been hurting for over 6 years and just like that, they magically made up? I am at a loss for words. @_@
And then, here comes another conflict which didn’t actually help the plot evolve but rather it made things redundant. Please, the story is already clichéd enough as it is, why not seek for a new avenue to keep the story going?
The characters were likable enough. They acted true to their age and owned up their mistakes. I must say that Blake has impressed me in the end as he really matured from being a jerk to someone who is worth rooting for.
I’m so close to giving Facing The Music a 2-star rating but luckily, I had fun reading it. The characters and the picturesque setting, Rosewood, were also additional reasons why this book managed to scrape a passable rating and possibly, a follow from me. To conclude, if you are looking for a quick fix to your contemporary cravings, then consider picking up this one.
September 15, 2014
I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Originally posted on my blog.
Facing the Music is the story of Ivy Hudson. She is a pop star who made her name by writing a break-up song about the size of a certain body part of her ex-boyfriend Blake. After she has a bit of a misstep with her Hollywood image, she returns home to her small town of Rosewood to help raise money to rebuild the football field, after it was damaged by a tornado.
Little does she know that her ex is now the coach of the football team after his NFL dreams were shattered along with his leg, his heart, and also his ego. Now they are forced to be around each other for a prolonged period of time and they start realizing that all those feelings they had might not be as in the past as they thought.
I really enjoyed this book. It was very sweet and genuine. It was a really cute romance and a pretty quick read. I enjoyed the characters and the setting was a really good choice.
I normally don’t gravitate towards characters like Ivy, but I really connected with her. I really enjoyed her voice in this book and her interactions with all of the other characters. She is struggling to try and write songs that aren’t about breaking up and her relationship with Blake turns out to be perfect inspiration for her.
Blake was a really nice character. He was kind of typical jock, but also has the heart of gold. He is still struggling with the way his football career ended. He harbors some ill feelings for Ivy, at least he thinks he does, and he isn’t exactly trilled that Ivy is back in town. I loved all of his interactions with Ivy and their playful banter.
The chemistry between Ivy and Blake was very evident. It was obvious from the first time they laid eyes on each other that they still had very real feelings for each other. The relationship progressed very realistically and it was very sweet. As with any story of this type, they go through a little rough patch, but it gets resolved fairly quickly.
The reason I only gave this 4 stars is because it is kind of predictable, although I feel like most books like this one are. I kept waiting for the bad thing to happen because a bad thing always happens. I hate that the bad thing had to happen but I was happy that it turned out, as it usually does, much differently than it appears.
I really enjoyed this book and I think you will too. If you like small town, really sweet romance, you will enjoy this book too.
Originally posted on my blog.
Facing the Music is the story of Ivy Hudson. She is a pop star who made her name by writing a break-up song about the size of a certain body part of her ex-boyfriend Blake. After she has a bit of a misstep with her Hollywood image, she returns home to her small town of Rosewood to help raise money to rebuild the football field, after it was damaged by a tornado.
Little does she know that her ex is now the coach of the football team after his NFL dreams were shattered along with his leg, his heart, and also his ego. Now they are forced to be around each other for a prolonged period of time and they start realizing that all those feelings they had might not be as in the past as they thought.
I really enjoyed this book. It was very sweet and genuine. It was a really cute romance and a pretty quick read. I enjoyed the characters and the setting was a really good choice.
I normally don’t gravitate towards characters like Ivy, but I really connected with her. I really enjoyed her voice in this book and her interactions with all of the other characters. She is struggling to try and write songs that aren’t about breaking up and her relationship with Blake turns out to be perfect inspiration for her.
Blake was a really nice character. He was kind of typical jock, but also has the heart of gold. He is still struggling with the way his football career ended. He harbors some ill feelings for Ivy, at least he thinks he does, and he isn’t exactly trilled that Ivy is back in town. I loved all of his interactions with Ivy and their playful banter.
The chemistry between Ivy and Blake was very evident. It was obvious from the first time they laid eyes on each other that they still had very real feelings for each other. The relationship progressed very realistically and it was very sweet. As with any story of this type, they go through a little rough patch, but it gets resolved fairly quickly.
The reason I only gave this 4 stars is because it is kind of predictable, although I feel like most books like this one are. I kept waiting for the bad thing to happen because a bad thing always happens. I hate that the bad thing had to happen but I was happy that it turned out, as it usually does, much differently than it appears.
I really enjoyed this book and I think you will too. If you like small town, really sweet romance, you will enjoy this book too.
September 25, 2014
I always get a little more excited when I start a new series that takes place in a small town. I think it's a sign that one of these days I should get in my car and leave for such a town, one that's named something like 'Harmony', or 'Happiness', or, you know, 'All The Sexy Men Are Here'. Something simple and just for my needs. For this series though, I have to make do with Rosewood, hometown to one famous singer named Ivy Hudson, who caught the fame train for her well known break-up songs, and one ex-NFL player, now coach to the local team, Blake Chamberlain. I'm not a big fan of second chance stories, but this one was different. Not only was the story funny and the characters likable, but the whole second chance plotline takes place years away from the first one. So I was able to make my peace with that. And you know, because this is a small town where everyone knows everyone else, people stick up for each other, and there's a big family line with potential heroes for future books. Plus, the town festival. I'm a sucker for those.
I had a lot of fun reading this. It was surprising how fast I liked the characters, it normally takes me a few chapters to get the hang of things and make a connection. But with everyone in this one there was an instant kinship. I laughed out loud a few times, shamelessly enjoyed the hard time Blake had with Ivy's best known song-the one she wrote after him-, constantly imagined myself in Ivy's shoes, and not just the designer ones too, and simply wished I lived in a place like that. Alas, this one's taken too, so I should now take a map and start playing 'point your finger anywhere'.
I strongly recommend this book. If you like small town romances like me, and when I say 'like' I mean get super excited when you see one, and you don't mind having your fun and laugh in the expense of the heroes and heroines' hard times-they do get their happy endings after all-, then this one's for you. Even though the ending was just a tad-and I can't believe I'm going to say this- too romantic, it still was a great read that I immensely enjoyed. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up, you never know, you might find yourself wanting to bake a pie, enjoy your local diner with a hottie or even be tempted to write a song of your own for one of your exes. It's worth a try, right? My only problem, I may not be as talented as Ivy, but all I can think about when considering writing my own song is Phoebe's Smelly Cat from Friends.
Smelly cat, smelly cat
What are they feeding you?
Smelly cat, smelly cat
It's not your fault
Catchy, isn't it?
I had a lot of fun reading this. It was surprising how fast I liked the characters, it normally takes me a few chapters to get the hang of things and make a connection. But with everyone in this one there was an instant kinship. I laughed out loud a few times, shamelessly enjoyed the hard time Blake had with Ivy's best known song-the one she wrote after him-, constantly imagined myself in Ivy's shoes, and not just the designer ones too, and simply wished I lived in a place like that. Alas, this one's taken too, so I should now take a map and start playing 'point your finger anywhere'.
I strongly recommend this book. If you like small town romances like me, and when I say 'like' I mean get super excited when you see one, and you don't mind having your fun and laugh in the expense of the heroes and heroines' hard times-they do get their happy endings after all-, then this one's for you. Even though the ending was just a tad-and I can't believe I'm going to say this- too romantic, it still was a great read that I immensely enjoyed. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up, you never know, you might find yourself wanting to bake a pie, enjoy your local diner with a hottie or even be tempted to write a song of your own for one of your exes. It's worth a try, right? My only problem, I may not be as talented as Ivy, but all I can think about when considering writing my own song is Phoebe's Smelly Cat from Friends.
Smelly cat, smelly cat
What are they feeding you?
Smelly cat, smelly cat
It's not your fault
Catchy, isn't it?
September 25, 2014
Facing The Music is a second chance story between Ivy and Blake, former high-school sweethearts whose romance didn't make it through the college years. Distance, youth, impatience and temptation blew up their relationship leaving broken- hearted Ivy angry, Taylor Swift style. Golden Boy Blake Chamberlain suffered humiliation as her Pop song Size Matters took off with the naughty minded public misreading what the song was about and a football injury changing his career plans.
Fate has Ivy returning to her hometown, Rosewood in Alabama. Her manager wants her to recharge her career after a string of songs about ex's and sales are down as the public tires of the same old, same old. A tornado blew through town, destroying part of the high school and a few of the residents including Blake's grandmother ( a very wise woman), hope she will return to help with find-raising to rebuild.
I enjoyed watching the reunion of Ivy and Blake take place layer by layer. Of course at first, their is anger, bitterness and hurt and they sounded like kids when they fought. Then, they are reluctantly maneuvered into spending a lot of time together for the fund raisers. Then there is a truce of sorts, and finally their rekindling chemistry makes them take a chance on what might be. Their is a lot of humor and sexy banter between the two former lovers.
I really liked that Ivy hadn't acted like an L. A. Diva when she returned and most of the town welcomed her home, which surprised her. Blake is now coaching football at the high-school successfully and was loved still by the town. And as they spend time together reconnecting, you see them think more about their past and accepting where they are now and where they can go into the future.
The only thing I didn't care for was the stereotype cartoon character called Lydia. Once Ivy's best friend, the wealthier Lydia became a bitter shrew and mean girl during their teen years, jealous because Ivy was just as popular as she was and Ivy had Blake, too. Now as an adult, she doesn't want to take no for an answer when Blake doesn't want to date her anymore. She's even willing to hurt innocent people in order to hurt Ivy and sabotage her time with Blake. I know Lydia was bringing conflict to the story, but I to me, characters like Lydia are a dime a dozen.
Otherwise, I enjoyed many of the towns people like Blake's brothers and an old friend Pepper. The story was cute and light-hearted fun and I liked it for the most part. And yes, I would like to read another Rosewood book.
September 20, 2014
Posted on What I'm Reading
Welcome to Rosewood, Alabama. Andrea Laurence has started a new series that features a small-town name Rosewood. Where you will find that southern small-town charm, but if you cross them you best be leaving. Anyway, let's talk about Facing the Music.
When I started reading Facing the Music it reminded me of Taylor Swift love life mixed with Sweet Home Alabama feel. Cause we all know that Taylor Swift tends to write songs about her exes. If you didn't know that, there you go. I mention the Sweet Home Alabama cause if you remember that movie Melanie had go back home to deal with some issues. There is more to the story than that way simplified version.
Basically, Ivy Hudson needs to return home cause of some issues and rebuild her image after her latest breakup. The opportunity arises when Blake's grandmother (Adelia Chamberlain) asks Ivy to come back to the hometown and help with fundraiser efforts. Now this scheming grandmother may have a sweet facade, but don't that fool ya. Trust me she's like the grand matriarch of the town and she will meddle in your life, if she needs to. Adelia was trouble with Blake and Ivy's breakup and figure this would be an opportunity to reunite them.
Ivy hurt by Blake's action while in college decided to that inspiration and make a song which humiliated him. Now they have to work together for the good of the town, at the same time move past all the hurt and anger of the past. In essence face the music. Haha. However, they have Adelia trying to thrust them together again, and Lydia trying to keep them apart.
Yes, Facing the Music is a cute story about reunited lovers that have work on overcoming past issues. While in the story Blake is trying to prove to Ivy that he's not the same guy he was when they first broke up. However, Ivy has to deal with her insecurities and believe Blake has change. Yet, you have Lydia wanting exploit Ivy's weakness at every moment. Overall, a pretty good start for a new series that is a light fun read with bits of humor. So, if are looking for a small-town read that has a reunited lovers story, you might give Facing the Music a try.
Copy provided by PocketBook via NetGalley
Welcome to Rosewood, Alabama. Andrea Laurence has started a new series that features a small-town name Rosewood. Where you will find that southern small-town charm, but if you cross them you best be leaving. Anyway, let's talk about Facing the Music.
When I started reading Facing the Music it reminded me of Taylor Swift love life mixed with Sweet Home Alabama feel. Cause we all know that Taylor Swift tends to write songs about her exes. If you didn't know that, there you go. I mention the Sweet Home Alabama cause if you remember that movie Melanie had go back home to deal with some issues. There is more to the story than that way simplified version.
Basically, Ivy Hudson needs to return home cause of some issues and rebuild her image after her latest breakup. The opportunity arises when Blake's grandmother (Adelia Chamberlain) asks Ivy to come back to the hometown and help with fundraiser efforts. Now this scheming grandmother may have a sweet facade, but don't that fool ya. Trust me she's like the grand matriarch of the town and she will meddle in your life, if she needs to. Adelia was trouble with Blake and Ivy's breakup and figure this would be an opportunity to reunite them.
Ivy hurt by Blake's action while in college decided to that inspiration and make a song which humiliated him. Now they have to work together for the good of the town, at the same time move past all the hurt and anger of the past. In essence face the music. Haha. However, they have Adelia trying to thrust them together again, and Lydia trying to keep them apart.
Yes, Facing the Music is a cute story about reunited lovers that have work on overcoming past issues. While in the story Blake is trying to prove to Ivy that he's not the same guy he was when they first broke up. However, Ivy has to deal with her insecurities and believe Blake has change. Yet, you have Lydia wanting exploit Ivy's weakness at every moment. Overall, a pretty good start for a new series that is a light fun read with bits of humor. So, if are looking for a small-town read that has a reunited lovers story, you might give Facing the Music a try.
Copy provided by PocketBook via NetGalley
June 27, 2017
FACING THE MUSIC by Andrea Laurence is a sweet second chance love story set in the charming small town of Rosewood, Alabama. Home town to popular rock star Ivy Hudson and her first love and high school sweetheart, former NFL quarterback, Blake Chamberlain.
Ivy and Blake dated for four years until Ivy walked in on him wrapped around some cheerleader and refused to speak to him again. Instead she wrote a song about the boy who broke her heart entitled "Size Matter" that shared her disappointment and pain with the world an d launched her singing career. While Blake was humiliated to all their friends, family and the world once the press determined Ivy had written the song about the football star. They both went on to achieve fame although Blake's was short-lived after a career crushing injury.
The story begins five years later, when after a tornado has wiped out Rosewood's football stadium and gymnasium, Ivy is asked to come back to town to use her fame and participate in fundraiser activities to restore the school. She is told she'll be working closely with the school's football coach, but not that it's Blake. Blake is also kept in the dark as to the scope of his role until its too late to back out gracefully. They both act as if they are willing to suffer through it but secretly are both feeling the same chemistry they always had together and with no one else.
Ms. Lawrence infuses the story with plenty of comical moments. The scene at the lake house where they see each other again for the first time is hilarious. The nosiness and gossip line of the small town as well as the brotherly teasing between the Chamberlain boys adds to the fun of the story. There's also the humorous banter between Ivy and Blake as they work out the anger, hurt an d resentment of their past. Even the atttitude of the annoying tabloid reporter comes off in a slightly self-deprecating way. To add a little drama to the story and feed on Ivy' s insecurities, her old high school rival is there in the middle of it all still trying to lure Blake away and run Ivy off. But in the end love wins out, because hurt as they were neither had stopped loving the other. 3.5 stars.
~Complimentary copy downloaded from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
Ivy and Blake dated for four years until Ivy walked in on him wrapped around some cheerleader and refused to speak to him again. Instead she wrote a song about the boy who broke her heart entitled "Size Matter" that shared her disappointment and pain with the world an d launched her singing career. While Blake was humiliated to all their friends, family and the world once the press determined Ivy had written the song about the football star. They both went on to achieve fame although Blake's was short-lived after a career crushing injury.
The story begins five years later, when after a tornado has wiped out Rosewood's football stadium and gymnasium, Ivy is asked to come back to town to use her fame and participate in fundraiser activities to restore the school. She is told she'll be working closely with the school's football coach, but not that it's Blake. Blake is also kept in the dark as to the scope of his role until its too late to back out gracefully. They both act as if they are willing to suffer through it but secretly are both feeling the same chemistry they always had together and with no one else.
Ms. Lawrence infuses the story with plenty of comical moments. The scene at the lake house where they see each other again for the first time is hilarious. The nosiness and gossip line of the small town as well as the brotherly teasing between the Chamberlain boys adds to the fun of the story. There's also the humorous banter between Ivy and Blake as they work out the anger, hurt an d resentment of their past. Even the atttitude of the annoying tabloid reporter comes off in a slightly self-deprecating way. To add a little drama to the story and feed on Ivy' s insecurities, her old high school rival is there in the middle of it all still trying to lure Blake away and run Ivy off. But in the end love wins out, because hurt as they were neither had stopped loving the other. 3.5 stars.
~Complimentary copy downloaded from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
June 12, 2015
Reeling from pain and heartache, Ivy turned it into a chart-topping song and catapulted her career into the stratosphere. Her hit song, ‘Size Matters’, brought her to the top of her game, but happiness has eluded her and bouncing around from one bad relationship to another has given her great material to write songs about, but the latest foray into love has backfired for Ivy. Forced by her manager to work on something new and help in a charity event, Ivy has returned home to her small town. She hasn’t been back since she left, and she’s not looking forward to seeing her ex or all the questions about the ‘size’ of something either!
Blake was on the road to a great NFL career, and he wanted his girlfriend Ivy by his side. The long distance romance these young college sweethearts had embarked upon was proving very daunting. When Ivy couldn’t get to Blake, he made a mistake and got caught. Not fighting for them, he let her go. Soon, an injury took him out of the game and Blake has been home ever since. Having to live down a certain top-selling song, hasn’t helped much either! However, now Ivy is back, and feelings that Blake and she thought were long buried are reemerging. Yet, outside forces are scheming to keep them apart. Will they let down their guard enough to work past the hurts from before, or will Blake let her run from him again and not fight for their love?
Facing the Music is an entertaining, sweet romance with incredibly likeable characters! Blake and Ivy proved that they weren’t perfect and managed to wound one another in selfish choices that they made years ago.
Facing the Music felt very contemporary and reminded me of a well-known artist of today, but it was enjoyable nonetheless. I liked that both Blake and Ivy grew over the years and that some jealousy was still evident because of a past hurt in Facing the Music. However, I did find that I was curious about some other aspects of their lives apart in Facing the Music, and I thought perhaps that they would explore that, but they didn’t.
This book was reviewed by Vanessa for Joyfully Reviewed (JR), and was provided by the publisher/author at no cost to JR for the purpose of being reviewed.
Blake was on the road to a great NFL career, and he wanted his girlfriend Ivy by his side. The long distance romance these young college sweethearts had embarked upon was proving very daunting. When Ivy couldn’t get to Blake, he made a mistake and got caught. Not fighting for them, he let her go. Soon, an injury took him out of the game and Blake has been home ever since. Having to live down a certain top-selling song, hasn’t helped much either! However, now Ivy is back, and feelings that Blake and she thought were long buried are reemerging. Yet, outside forces are scheming to keep them apart. Will they let down their guard enough to work past the hurts from before, or will Blake let her run from him again and not fight for their love?
Facing the Music is an entertaining, sweet romance with incredibly likeable characters! Blake and Ivy proved that they weren’t perfect and managed to wound one another in selfish choices that they made years ago.
Facing the Music felt very contemporary and reminded me of a well-known artist of today, but it was enjoyable nonetheless. I liked that both Blake and Ivy grew over the years and that some jealousy was still evident because of a past hurt in Facing the Music. However, I did find that I was curious about some other aspects of their lives apart in Facing the Music, and I thought perhaps that they would explore that, but they didn’t.
This book was reviewed by Vanessa for Joyfully Reviewed (JR), and was provided by the publisher/author at no cost to JR for the purpose of being reviewed.
October 28, 2014
To read this review and others like it check out my site at www.homelovebooks.com
I thought the whole idea for this book was great, and I’m surprised I haven’t picked up a book like this before. I am one of those people who think Taylor Swift gets a bad rap for writing songs about her exes, I mean everyone writes songs about their exes, look at No Doubt, they made it big off songs Gwen wrote about her ex who was also a member of the band, I mean talk about awkward. I digress.
I liked Ivy, she definitely goes for the wrong kinds of guys, which is how she ended up back in her small hometown trying to do some repair to her public image. She made it big off a song called “Size Matters” written about her ex, and while it wasn’t about the size of what was in his pants, I don’t think she minded that everyone thought it was. Although she did feel a bit bad when the media figured out it was him (can’t help but feel bad for Blake on that one).
Blake hasn’t had it easy, but he has really made the best of the situation. He made a mistake when he was with Ivy and he lost her for it, and then he had to deal with the song that made her famous. And then of course his future didn’t work out when he injured himself, and that’s how he ended up back in his small town. But he seems to have made his life turn out okay, he works at the school, is good with his family, and is just a pretty decent guy. I liked that about him.
I loved Blake and Ivy together. It starts off with an amusing scene involving some bushes and a mishap with a door. There are plenty of laugh out loud moments in this book with the two of them. Also I thought the bad guy in this book, Lydia was kind of perfect for the story, and she was someone that read as authentic, I could really see a girl out there in the real world just like her. The book is much more character and story driven then hot and steamy scenes, but it works so well for the book. I would highly recommend this book.
I thought the whole idea for this book was great, and I’m surprised I haven’t picked up a book like this before. I am one of those people who think Taylor Swift gets a bad rap for writing songs about her exes, I mean everyone writes songs about their exes, look at No Doubt, they made it big off songs Gwen wrote about her ex who was also a member of the band, I mean talk about awkward. I digress.
I liked Ivy, she definitely goes for the wrong kinds of guys, which is how she ended up back in her small hometown trying to do some repair to her public image. She made it big off a song called “Size Matters” written about her ex, and while it wasn’t about the size of what was in his pants, I don’t think she minded that everyone thought it was. Although she did feel a bit bad when the media figured out it was him (can’t help but feel bad for Blake on that one).
Blake hasn’t had it easy, but he has really made the best of the situation. He made a mistake when he was with Ivy and he lost her for it, and then he had to deal with the song that made her famous. And then of course his future didn’t work out when he injured himself, and that’s how he ended up back in his small town. But he seems to have made his life turn out okay, he works at the school, is good with his family, and is just a pretty decent guy. I liked that about him.
I loved Blake and Ivy together. It starts off with an amusing scene involving some bushes and a mishap with a door. There are plenty of laugh out loud moments in this book with the two of them. Also I thought the bad guy in this book, Lydia was kind of perfect for the story, and she was someone that read as authentic, I could really see a girl out there in the real world just like her. The book is much more character and story driven then hot and steamy scenes, but it works so well for the book. I would highly recommend this book.
April 23, 2015
This book was sweet, funny, romantic and full of tension. We meet Ivy who's returning home after some bad press with her last relationship, and is back in Rosewood to help with the fundraising to rebuild the high school gym and football field. She's hesitant on going back since the man who broke her heart, the one that she wrote a song about that made her career, lives is Rosewood as well.
I know Ivy was freaking out about running into Blake the first time, but the way they saw each other for the first time in six years was absolutely hilarious. Even then, when they were still angry, the sexual tension between these two was sparking flames everywhere!
When Blake and Ivy finally call a truce and forgive each other for the past mistakes their friendship starts to grow, and they start to get closer to one another, but Ivy's mortal enemy from school, Lydia, has many other ideas on who Blake should be with, and what should happen to Ivy. I really despised Lydia's character and if I could have strangled her, I definitely would have.
This book is definitely a refreshing read, even though there was some drama. I loved all the tension and LOL moments in this book as well. I was always rooting for Blake and Ivy to get back together, and their course back to one another is a bumpy road, but I enjoyed every single second of it!
The only part of this book that I felt could have been better is the ending. I wish it would have been more than what it was, especially with all the craziness that Blake and Ivy had been through previously. I do hope we get to see some of Ivy and Blake in the next book in this series.
Facing the Music is a quick fast paced romance. If you're looking for a famous rock star, a hot football hunk, and a ton of history between them that causes you to laugh and scream all at once, definitely add Facing the Music to your TBR list today!
I know Ivy was freaking out about running into Blake the first time, but the way they saw each other for the first time in six years was absolutely hilarious. Even then, when they were still angry, the sexual tension between these two was sparking flames everywhere!
When Blake and Ivy finally call a truce and forgive each other for the past mistakes their friendship starts to grow, and they start to get closer to one another, but Ivy's mortal enemy from school, Lydia, has many other ideas on who Blake should be with, and what should happen to Ivy. I really despised Lydia's character and if I could have strangled her, I definitely would have.
This book is definitely a refreshing read, even though there was some drama. I loved all the tension and LOL moments in this book as well. I was always rooting for Blake and Ivy to get back together, and their course back to one another is a bumpy road, but I enjoyed every single second of it!
The only part of this book that I felt could have been better is the ending. I wish it would have been more than what it was, especially with all the craziness that Blake and Ivy had been through previously. I do hope we get to see some of Ivy and Blake in the next book in this series.
Facing the Music is a quick fast paced romance. If you're looking for a famous rock star, a hot football hunk, and a ton of history between them that causes you to laugh and scream all at once, definitely add Facing the Music to your TBR list today!
September 16, 2014
Facing the Music (Rosewood #1) by Andrea Laurence Ivy Hudson was devastated after discovering her longtime football player boyfriend, Blake Chamberlain, cheating on her. She wrote the song “Size Matters” about their breakup launching her career. Five years later, a tornado destroyed her home town, and she was asked to come home to participate in a benefit to raise money for her high school; having to face Blake, who was emasculated as a result of her song.I don’t condone what Blake did, but my heart did go out to him. Poor guy had quite a spurt of bad luck; he loses the love of his life; his NFL career ends due to injury, and he is laughed at by the entire country because of a misinterpreted song. I like that he made the best of his situation and went home to coach his high school football team. Even though he could no longer play the sport he loves, he has a lot to offer the kids as a coach. I liked that the inhabitants of Rosewood seemed to protect their own around outsiders and the paparazzi. It is definitely a tight community. I could understand why Ivy was nervous coming back after everything that happened.I enjoyed the dynamics between Ivy and Blake. It was fascinating to see how they interacted around each other throughout the novel. There were some interesting twists that made the story intriguing yet believable. I also have to mention that I absolutely loved the ending.The writing was well done and had a great flow. I enjoyed the characters. They were well developed to the point that I am resolved in reading more about them future books. Facing the Music was a great start to the Rosewood Series.Complimentary copy provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2015
I wanted this to be at least a 4-star rating, but it didn't quite get there.
I didn't take much of a liking to Ivy. I think the author tried to make her stand out in a good way, to make her seem different from other celebrities, but personally I think it flopped. I was liking Blake's character, but the ending was not impressive and only showed just how superficial Ivy, and I guess Blake, are. He proposes to her during an interview on TV, for the whole world to see. So much for personal and private and romantic. Not to mention, he was pushed by his Grandma to propose anyway.
I also hated the drama with Lydia; it seemed so over-the-top, so high school-ish, it was ridiculous. Ivy and Lydia's bantering was childish and really didn't showcase any of the maturity that Ivy was supposed to have gained over the last six years.
I think the ending was rushed and everything came together like some fairy tale; I honestly don't think it should have been that easy. Seemed entirely unrealistic to me, and anything I enjoyed prior to the ending was shortly lived. But the 3-star rating is because I genuinely did enjoy the middle half of Facing The Music; the first half wasn't too bad either, but the writing style and storytelling shined during the middle. Ivy, Lydia and the Grandma's meddling, and the ending were just not something I could ignore and forget.
Facing The Music had promise to be a 4, possibly even a 5, but unfortunately Andrea Laurence took the route of adding in quite a few cliches that really ruined things. I will read more of her work though, and only hope there's some improvement on the negatives.
I didn't take much of a liking to Ivy. I think the author tried to make her stand out in a good way, to make her seem different from other celebrities, but personally I think it flopped. I was liking Blake's character, but the ending was not impressive and only showed just how superficial Ivy, and I guess Blake, are. He proposes to her during an interview on TV, for the whole world to see. So much for personal and private and romantic. Not to mention, he was pushed by his Grandma to propose anyway.
I also hated the drama with Lydia; it seemed so over-the-top, so high school-ish, it was ridiculous. Ivy and Lydia's bantering was childish and really didn't showcase any of the maturity that Ivy was supposed to have gained over the last six years.
I think the ending was rushed and everything came together like some fairy tale; I honestly don't think it should have been that easy. Seemed entirely unrealistic to me, and anything I enjoyed prior to the ending was shortly lived. But the 3-star rating is because I genuinely did enjoy the middle half of Facing The Music; the first half wasn't too bad either, but the writing style and storytelling shined during the middle. Ivy, Lydia and the Grandma's meddling, and the ending were just not something I could ignore and forget.
Facing The Music had promise to be a 4, possibly even a 5, but unfortunately Andrea Laurence took the route of adding in quite a few cliches that really ruined things. I will read more of her work though, and only hope there's some improvement on the negatives.
August 17, 2014
Facing the Music by Andrea Laurence is a fun little romance. MC Ivy Hudson hasn’t been back to her hometown since making it big in the music industry—with a song she wrote about her ex after he cheated on her. After a career built on songs written about exes, Ivy heads back to Rosewood to help support a local charity event. The only problem with that is, her ex, aka Blake Chamberlain, is there, too.
The fun begins fairly early on when Blake and Ivy see each other again for the first time under fairly unfortunate—for Ivy—circumstances, and the fun, chuckles, and craziness pretty much ensues from there.
As one might expect from this kind of romance, yes, it is fairly predictable, but the situations the characters are thrown into bring interest to the story, and certain add a layer of entertainment value into the mix. Plus, the scenes between Ivy and Blake most certainly hold chemistry despite those, too, being pretty predictable.
Also, as one might expect from this type of story, there is a ‘baddie’—that ill-doer waiting at every turn to throw a spanner into the works for their own personal gain. This is possibly the least entertaining element of the story, because the one causing all of the problems was so blatantly easy to spot, and whilst I suspected their reasoning, I really wanted the motivation behind their moves to be built on something a little more substantial.
That being said, this was still fun. Still humorous. And I still enjoyed it. So if you’re looking for a light-hearted, slightly comical, easy romance of a read, you might want to try this one.
The fun begins fairly early on when Blake and Ivy see each other again for the first time under fairly unfortunate—for Ivy—circumstances, and the fun, chuckles, and craziness pretty much ensues from there.
As one might expect from this kind of romance, yes, it is fairly predictable, but the situations the characters are thrown into bring interest to the story, and certain add a layer of entertainment value into the mix. Plus, the scenes between Ivy and Blake most certainly hold chemistry despite those, too, being pretty predictable.
Also, as one might expect from this type of story, there is a ‘baddie’—that ill-doer waiting at every turn to throw a spanner into the works for their own personal gain. This is possibly the least entertaining element of the story, because the one causing all of the problems was so blatantly easy to spot, and whilst I suspected their reasoning, I really wanted the motivation behind their moves to be built on something a little more substantial.
That being said, this was still fun. Still humorous. And I still enjoyed it. So if you’re looking for a light-hearted, slightly comical, easy romance of a read, you might want to try this one.
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