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Back on Top #3
In Harmony
Nyah Monroe has a secret.
Double bassist for the philharmonic by day, by night she’s Queen Roe—an underground DJ with a growing following. Nyah works tirelessly to keep her worlds separate, her names straight and her outfits square, but doing it all alone is overwhelming. When Tommy “Boombox” Mills offers his rep and experience in exchange for her underground cred, she agrees.
But she makes the rules. No big stages, no superstar fame. She knows what she wants out of her DJ career, and she’s not about to let some slick agent tell her different, even if he does have a smile that knocks her backward.
A powerhouse agent, Tommy knows the scene, and Queen Roe is on fire. Beautiful, sexy and talented, she’s exactly what he needs to secure his legacy. She was made to play on the big stage—all he has to do is convince her.
As they travel in close quarters, playing club after club, their partnership soon becomes more about pleasure than business. But when Nyah learns the truth about why Tommy recruited her, she’s forced to decide once and for all what she wants out of her career—and her life.
Back on Top
Book 1: In Rhythm
Book 2: In Harmony
Double bassist for the philharmonic by day, by night she’s Queen Roe—an underground DJ with a growing following. Nyah works tirelessly to keep her worlds separate, her names straight and her outfits square, but doing it all alone is overwhelming. When Tommy “Boombox” Mills offers his rep and experience in exchange for her underground cred, she agrees.
But she makes the rules. No big stages, no superstar fame. She knows what she wants out of her DJ career, and she’s not about to let some slick agent tell her different, even if he does have a smile that knocks her backward.
A powerhouse agent, Tommy knows the scene, and Queen Roe is on fire. Beautiful, sexy and talented, she’s exactly what he needs to secure his legacy. She was made to play on the big stage—all he has to do is convince her.
As they travel in close quarters, playing club after club, their partnership soon becomes more about pleasure than business. But when Nyah learns the truth about why Tommy recruited her, she’s forced to decide once and for all what she wants out of her career—and her life.
Back on Top
Book 1: In Rhythm
Book 2: In Harmony
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 20, 2021
4 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
J.N. Welsh
10 books60 followersJN Welsh is a native New Yorker and natural storyteller. As a child in school, she was a voracious reader who stole her older sister’s romance novels. She graduated to writing entertaining love stories for her friends and the writer was born.
Her love for romance continued to grow and she published her first novel in 2005. Her stories are entertaining and provocative, leaving her readers breathless and coming back for more.
For recent releases, updates and to connect with her on social media visit: www.JNWelshAuthor.com.
Her love for romance continued to grow and she published her first novel in 2005. Her stories are entertaining and provocative, leaving her readers breathless and coming back for more.
For recent releases, updates and to connect with her on social media visit: www.JNWelshAuthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 20, 2021
Disappointing
The book was well written as always but I just couldn’t believe their love story. Tommy was too soft , indecisive which is not what I was used to from him. As for Nyah, she was unbearable. She was indeed a spoiled brat. I understand her desire to control her career but she was selfish. A good deal is when both people win whilst she basically wanted to get Tommy’s name for access to Artistique but didn’t want to give anything in return. Yes Tommy shouldn’t have booked her without her approval, however she overreacted. He had mentioned this festival before so it’s not like she was completely blindsided. Tommy had actually helped her conquer her big stages fear. He also helped her keep her 2 lives separate. If he was actually a shark, he could have blown her cover to push her into a DJ life and make her loose her Philharmonic spot. She basically thought she knew better and couldn’t learn anything from anyone. I really didn’t like her energy. All her existential issues should have been worked out with a therapist. Lastly, the move with Yas at the end was terrible. She could have had the decency to tell him in advance. Clearly it’s best if they want a relationship but still. Lastly we didn’t get a definitive conclusion. Is she still going to do both? Is she going to do big festivals?
The book was well written as always but I just couldn’t believe their love story. Tommy was too soft , indecisive which is not what I was used to from him. As for Nyah, she was unbearable. She was indeed a spoiled brat. I understand her desire to control her career but she was selfish. A good deal is when both people win whilst she basically wanted to get Tommy’s name for access to Artistique but didn’t want to give anything in return. Yes Tommy shouldn’t have booked her without her approval, however she overreacted. He had mentioned this festival before so it’s not like she was completely blindsided. Tommy had actually helped her conquer her big stages fear. He also helped her keep her 2 lives separate. If he was actually a shark, he could have blown her cover to push her into a DJ life and make her loose her Philharmonic spot. She basically thought she knew better and couldn’t learn anything from anyone. I really didn’t like her energy. All her existential issues should have been worked out with a therapist. Lastly, the move with Yas at the end was terrible. She could have had the decency to tell him in advance. Clearly it’s best if they want a relationship but still. Lastly we didn’t get a definitive conclusion. Is she still going to do both? Is she going to do big festivals?
October 2, 2021
3 Stars / 4 Steam Fans
Once again, we are back in the EDM world that JN Walsh has created. Nyah is a classically trained bass player that has a secret persona as an EDM DJ. Tommy is a well-known music agent that needs an act for a big festival and thinks Queen Roe will be the perfect fit. Nyah and Tommy attend one event on a cruise ship where they embark on friends with benefits journey that turns into something more.
Video review available in Week 35: Aug 29 – Sep 4, 2021, full weekly book reviews available on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.
For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
Once again, we are back in the EDM world that JN Walsh has created. Nyah is a classically trained bass player that has a secret persona as an EDM DJ. Tommy is a well-known music agent that needs an act for a big festival and thinks Queen Roe will be the perfect fit. Nyah and Tommy attend one event on a cruise ship where they embark on friends with benefits journey that turns into something more.
Video review available in Week 35: Aug 29 – Sep 4, 2021, full weekly book reviews available on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.
For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
July 20, 2021
When Nyah Monroe experiences devastating career results while following in her icon father’s footsteps, she nearly gives up on her musical career.
But time, distance and an honest self evaluation of who she is as an artist has her embracing two careers, one as a double bassist for the Philharmonic and the other, an reinvention of herself as Queen Roe, an EDM artist making music on her own terms.
When she’s denied a coveted spot at an upcoming event, it’s Super Agent Tommy Mills to the rescue. He has dual reasons, though he fails to share them with her.
As her popularity grows, so does her career and it’s just a matter of when it will all implode, and who will be the casualties from the fallout besides her and her dual careers?
This time around—will she permanently retreat or will she let her fans and friends see who she truly is beneath her public personas? Recommended: Read It!
But time, distance and an honest self evaluation of who she is as an artist has her embracing two careers, one as a double bassist for the Philharmonic and the other, an reinvention of herself as Queen Roe, an EDM artist making music on her own terms.
When she’s denied a coveted spot at an upcoming event, it’s Super Agent Tommy Mills to the rescue. He has dual reasons, though he fails to share them with her.
As her popularity grows, so does her career and it’s just a matter of when it will all implode, and who will be the casualties from the fallout besides her and her dual careers?
This time around—will she permanently retreat or will she let her fans and friends see who she truly is beneath her public personas? Recommended: Read It!
June 3, 2021
3.5 stars. By day, Nyah is a classical musician, playing double bass in a prestigious orchestra. But by night, she's Queen Roe, underground EDM DJ with a devoted following. She wants to keep her two worlds (and personas) separate, but agrees to sign with agent Tommy "Boombox" when things start to get more complicated. Both try to keep things professional, but there's an undeniable attraction between them. And when they end up in adjoining staterooms for an EDM cruise, things get more complicated than ever.
Nyah and Tommy are a great pairing. Both have some hangups and hurts from their respective pasts, but they really seem to get each other. There are some extremely steamy scenes, but they can also talk to each other about their lives. I felt like the ending was kind of abrupt (no spoilers, but I still have some questions about the long-term viability of Nyah's dual life). But otherwise an enjoyable story.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC to review. All opinions are my own.
Nyah and Tommy are a great pairing. Both have some hangups and hurts from their respective pasts, but they really seem to get each other. There are some extremely steamy scenes, but they can also talk to each other about their lives. I felt like the ending was kind of abrupt (no spoilers, but I still have some questions about the long-term viability of Nyah's dual life). But otherwise an enjoyable story.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC to review. All opinions are my own.
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June 2, 2021Categories
Carina Press Romance Promise, Contemporary Romance, Romance, Multicultural & Interracial Romance, Romantic Comedy, Women's Fiction
Miniseries
Back on Top (Book #3)
Carina Press Romance Promise, Contemporary Romance, Romance, Multicultural & Interracial Romance, Romantic Comedy, Women's Fiction
Miniseries
Back on Top (Book #3)
July 9, 2024
Enjoyed the book. However, there were a distracting number of typos. LOVED the male protagonist, like REALLY LOVED.
August 10, 2021
I wavered between a 3.5 and a 3 for this. I'll explain why.
As a romance, this works.
There's some contrived drama where the MCs really could have been a little more communicative and honest (and less presumptuous) but I get it, that's where the tension comes from.
The plot is good: I was intrigued by the premise -- it's a fun trope and clearly one that works, I mean Shakespeare made it popular, right?
I bought the story: we've got the musician who plays in a Symphony by day and rocks the underground clubs at night. Even though there's no question where the book is going, Welsh totally made that bit work.
I even looked for some of the tracks she's mentioned to add to my own playlist (sadly, only found one!) and found myself cheering for her (and her friends). Some other reviewers have thought she was spoilt and confused but I actually liked all the people in here: they were believable and worked their parts just right.
The problem I actually had was with the writing: long explications and most of the dialogue just didn't work for me; about a third of the book in, I nearly gave up. There is too much tell, rather than show and the only dialogues that rang true were at the club with Trinket; I am sure Welsh could do better, I was disappointed in this bit. But, clearly this still works for many readers -- who can turn this part off and work with a narrative VO in their heads -- and focus on the love story as well as the how long is Nyah/Queen Roe going to pull off her dual identities and when and how will they finally merge.
Still, there's all kinds of tension, all kinds of relationships that have to be manoeuvred and even saved, plus, of course, love!
Note: There is an explicit sex scene.
Big thanks to #netgalley for providing a free copy for an honest review.
As a romance, this works.
There's some contrived drama where the MCs really could have been a little more communicative and honest (and less presumptuous) but I get it, that's where the tension comes from.
The plot is good: I was intrigued by the premise -- it's a fun trope and clearly one that works, I mean Shakespeare made it popular, right?
I bought the story: we've got the musician who plays in a Symphony by day and rocks the underground clubs at night. Even though there's no question where the book is going, Welsh totally made that bit work.
I even looked for some of the tracks she's mentioned to add to my own playlist (sadly, only found one!) and found myself cheering for her (and her friends). Some other reviewers have thought she was spoilt and confused but I actually liked all the people in here: they were believable and worked their parts just right.
The problem I actually had was with the writing: long explications and most of the dialogue just didn't work for me; about a third of the book in, I nearly gave up. There is too much tell, rather than show and the only dialogues that rang true were at the club with Trinket; I am sure Welsh could do better, I was disappointed in this bit. But, clearly this still works for many readers -- who can turn this part off and work with a narrative VO in their heads -- and focus on the love story as well as the how long is Nyah/Queen Roe going to pull off her dual identities and when and how will they finally merge.
Still, there's all kinds of tension, all kinds of relationships that have to be manoeuvred and even saved, plus, of course, love!
Note: There is an explicit sex scene.
Big thanks to #netgalley for providing a free copy for an honest review.
July 22, 2021
JN Welch is a new author to me and after reading “In Harmony” it will most definitely not be the last book that I will read by this author.
Nyah Monroe has a dual career and by day she is a classical musician and by night her career takes her into the wonderful world as an underground DJ known as “Queen Roe” and Nyah is good at her DJ job. Things are moving so fast for Nyah that she soon realizes that she is in need of an agent. Tommy “Boombox” Mills who is representing Nyah has his own agenda. Nyah lets him know that she is in charge and she makes her own rules. Tommy knows that once Nyah makes it he knows he will be able to gain entry off of Queen Roe into the Sunburst Festival. Nyah and Tommy are travelling to events and they are getting closer and are falling in love.
I enjoyed reading about Nya “Queen Roe” and Tommy “Boombox” on their journey to romance.
Nyah Monroe has a dual career and by day she is a classical musician and by night her career takes her into the wonderful world as an underground DJ known as “Queen Roe” and Nyah is good at her DJ job. Things are moving so fast for Nyah that she soon realizes that she is in need of an agent. Tommy “Boombox” Mills who is representing Nyah has his own agenda. Nyah lets him know that she is in charge and she makes her own rules. Tommy knows that once Nyah makes it he knows he will be able to gain entry off of Queen Roe into the Sunburst Festival. Nyah and Tommy are travelling to events and they are getting closer and are falling in love.
I enjoyed reading about Nya “Queen Roe” and Tommy “Boombox” on their journey to romance.
April 18, 2022
Another music-based romance! This one was solid romance with a fascinating lead. Nyah is a double bassist with the philharmonic by day but turns into the Queen DJ by night. Her love interest is Tommy Mills, an agent who has definite ideas about her career. It's a great setup for the forced proximity trope and the romance really pays out its dividends in deferred chemistry, palpable tension and hot scenes between our leads. There's a lot of on-page consent and the intimacy that grows between Nyah and Tommy is believable - I was rooting for them all the way to the end. The pacing was a bit uneven in places but in general, a well-executed romance.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2021
Wow! I loved this one - my first by JN Welsh but definitely not the last.
Nyah, aka Queen Roe, can't stand Tommy, aka Boombox, but they need each other professionally. And so they end up working together and eventually, after resistance, falling in love with each other.
The romance was sizzling (I love that the hot scenes had explicit consent from both sides), the storyline and insights into both classical & EDM wonderfully woven into each other, and the settings + side characters well rounded and enticing for more - more live music, more living in the moment, more connection with great friends, more doing what I love.
This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone.
Nyah, aka Queen Roe, can't stand Tommy, aka Boombox, but they need each other professionally. And so they end up working together and eventually, after resistance, falling in love with each other.
The romance was sizzling (I love that the hot scenes had explicit consent from both sides), the storyline and insights into both classical & EDM wonderfully woven into each other, and the settings + side characters well rounded and enticing for more - more live music, more living in the moment, more connection with great friends, more doing what I love.
This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone.
June 5, 2024
Another in the Back on Top series, in which Queen Roe, an underground DJ, is also a classical double bass player in the local symphony. How she can keep her two musical lives different is becoming more difficult as her career(s) begin to gain more fans.
When she reluctantly takes on an agent in order to apply for a special program, she selects Tommy Mills with some provisos. He agrees, but then gets himself and her into trouble when he signs her up for a festival without first checking with her.
That does is: their relationship (in bed and professionally) is ruined. Can it ever be fixed? And what have her parents got to do with second chance opportunities?
When she reluctantly takes on an agent in order to apply for a special program, she selects Tommy Mills with some provisos. He agrees, but then gets himself and her into trouble when he signs her up for a festival without first checking with her.
That does is: their relationship (in bed and professionally) is ruined. Can it ever be fixed? And what have her parents got to do with second chance opportunities?
August 5, 2021
I received an ARC of this book.
That was a good book. I liked the music industry background, both classical and electronic. Nyah was a very interesting character and Queen Roe sounded pretty cool. Tommy was a good love interest too, although I was a bit surprised with him dropping the ball nit just once but twice as a manager/agent. But they made a good pair and and their chemistry was hot. So all in all, an entertaining read.
That was a good book. I liked the music industry background, both classical and electronic. Nyah was a very interesting character and Queen Roe sounded pretty cool. Tommy was a good love interest too, although I was a bit surprised with him dropping the ball nit just once but twice as a manager/agent. But they made a good pair and and their chemistry was hot. So all in all, an entertaining read.
October 4, 2021
Don't get the credit it deserves
Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2021
This is a different story. It's straddles different ganras of music. At the end of the day, honesty and communication are the most important things. I enjoyed the story and I appreciate contrasts all throughout this story.
Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2021
This is a different story. It's straddles different ganras of music. At the end of the day, honesty and communication are the most important things. I enjoyed the story and I appreciate contrasts all throughout this story.
May 31, 2021
I absolutely enjoyed reading In Harmony. I read almost every day and i rarely find books filled with so much culture. Representation truly matters and I’m sure any woman of color will feel great reading this book. 5 stars!
August 3, 2021
New to me author JN Welsh wrote an engaging, slow burn romance of self-discovery, real life emotions and connection. The writing, plot and dialogue is on point. Bravo JN for showcasing diverse characters with real issues!! #InHarmony #NetGalley
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews