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Assignment: Romance #3
Key Change: An Assignment: Romance Novel
From bestselling romance author Barbara Valentin comes the next hilarious and heartwarming Romance novel... The first thing Sara Cleff, a hard-edged, shower-singing rock music critic, wants to do after following a band on tour is crawl into her nice comfy bed in her well-appointed, optimally located vintage apartment. But before making it home, she learns her roommate-slash-boyfriend has apparently broken up with her while she was away on assignment and sublet their apartment out from underneath her. Ouch! When her key no longer fits in the lock, the last person she expects to find on the other side of the door is Andrew Benet, a wickedly gorgeous music director from a nearby church. Something about the brash music critic strikes a chord with Andrew, and he offers her the chance to stay on one condition—she has to join the choir at his church. While Andrew may hold the lease on Sara’s apartment, does he have the key to unlock her heart? Romance False Start Help Wanted Key Change The Plate Spinner Chronicles (non-fiction collection) What critics are saying about Barbara Valentin's "A lighthearted and endearing blend of comedy, drama, and romance. Quick-moving and thoroughly delightful." —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review "Barbara Valentin delivers love, laughter, and a happily ever after—what more could you ask for?" —Gemma Halliday, New York Times bestselling author "False Start was such a wonderful romantic comedy and even though there isn't an ounce of steam in it. I completely loved it! 5 stars!" —Boundless Book Reviews "I had a hard time putting (Help Wanted) down. That’s probably why I had no trouble reading it in two days! I’ll also stubbornly admit that I got a little teary-eyed towards the end, and I absolutely loved the ending. It was the perfect finish and one of my favorite endings, hands down." —Chick Lit Central
197 pages, Paperback
First published December 2, 2015
24 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Valentin
7 books234 followersAuthor of the bestselling Assignment: Romance series, Barbara is a second-generation journalist, her work has appeared in the Chicago Tribune and its affiliates as well as the lifestyle sites, Mom.Me and BlogHer.
After Publisher's Weekly gave her first manuscript, False Start, a coveted starred review, she was included on their “Indie Star” list.
In 2018, USA Today included her fifth book, Order Up, on their "Most Anticipated Release" list.
A member of Women's Fiction Writers Association, Barbara lives in the Chicago area.
After Publisher's Weekly gave her first manuscript, False Start, a coveted starred review, she was included on their “Indie Star” list.
In 2018, USA Today included her fifth book, Order Up, on their "Most Anticipated Release" list.
A member of Women's Fiction Writers Association, Barbara lives in the Chicago area.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 20, 2015
This was a fun filled, sweet romance book. Don't get me wrong - it isn't "innocent" but the storyline and the characters feel like they are your friends and that you could be right there with them. I like that this book focuses around music - a music critic, Sara Cleff (who can also belt out a tune) and a Catholic Church Music Minister, Andrew Benet, who plays the organ at the church and directs the choir but knows nothing about current music. I also like Sara's last name, quite a play on music so it is no surprise that she is involved in the music scene.
This story also has its funny moments that had me chuckling out loud. With the ups and downs and misunderstandings between Sara and Andrew, it makes for entertaining reading. It's not without some serious moments when they realize the attraction for each other when they couldn't be more different from each other. But they say that opposites attract!
I hadn't read anything by this author before but will definitely check out her other works.
This story also has its funny moments that had me chuckling out loud. With the ups and downs and misunderstandings between Sara and Andrew, it makes for entertaining reading. It's not without some serious moments when they realize the attraction for each other when they couldn't be more different from each other. But they say that opposites attract!
I hadn't read anything by this author before but will definitely check out her other works.
January 27, 2016
Reviewed for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com
Sara Treff is a rock music critic with a bit of an attitude. All right, she’s got a lot of attitude. There are a lot of walls built up around her, protecting her from harm or damage that may be inflicted on her heart. That’s why she chose a boyfriend who cares a lot more about his own needs than he’d ever care about Sara’s. And that’s why said boyfriend managed to virtually eliminate her from the apartment they share when he moves away, while she’s out on an assignment, without giving her much of a notice or head’s up! Maybe she should have put her name on the lease, too, but that’s all in hindsight.
Andrew Benet is a music director at the local church, a quiet man who would rather keep to himself then engage with anyone. He’s had his heart broken, to the point where he’s not quite sure if he’ll be able to ever find someone worth holding onto. When an apartment suddenly becomes available near work, he’s quick to snatch it up, although he’s a little confused as to the details of the lease. It’s a sublet, fully furnished, and anything he doesn’t want, he’s been given the go ahead to throw it out, or donate it.
And that’s when Sara and Andrew collide.
After finding out that she’s been kicked out of the place she’s felt the most at home in, and that most of her belongings are gone, Andrew comes up with a plan: as long as Sara helps him out in the choir at the church, he’ll let her stay in the apartment, until she’s able to find a place of her own and get back on her feet. Feeling she’s faced with no other option, Sara takes him up on the offer, and quickly finds herself in a situation she never bargained for.
I’m a big fan of Barbara Valentin. Having read Help Wanted, False Start, and The Plate Spinner Chronicles, I was seriously anticipating Key Change, and it was just as fantastic as I thought it would be! I love how she makes sure to engage her readers in Sara and Andrew’s story, but doesn’t forget to include the beloved characters from her an Assignment series, like Claire Nelson, or Mattie Ross. I get to see what they’re up to, as well, while they support their friend Sara in her time of need.
Will Sara ever find a way to let someone in, and trust in love? And, has Andrew finally found someone worth holding onto? I really enjoyed the “opposites attract” approach with these two, and the drama mixed in with perpetual chaos. It was just enough so I’d never know what’s going to happen. I had a hard time putting this book down, but in all honesty, the entire an Assignment series was like that, for me.
Sara Treff is a rock music critic with a bit of an attitude. All right, she’s got a lot of attitude. There are a lot of walls built up around her, protecting her from harm or damage that may be inflicted on her heart. That’s why she chose a boyfriend who cares a lot more about his own needs than he’d ever care about Sara’s. And that’s why said boyfriend managed to virtually eliminate her from the apartment they share when he moves away, while she’s out on an assignment, without giving her much of a notice or head’s up! Maybe she should have put her name on the lease, too, but that’s all in hindsight.
Andrew Benet is a music director at the local church, a quiet man who would rather keep to himself then engage with anyone. He’s had his heart broken, to the point where he’s not quite sure if he’ll be able to ever find someone worth holding onto. When an apartment suddenly becomes available near work, he’s quick to snatch it up, although he’s a little confused as to the details of the lease. It’s a sublet, fully furnished, and anything he doesn’t want, he’s been given the go ahead to throw it out, or donate it.
And that’s when Sara and Andrew collide.
After finding out that she’s been kicked out of the place she’s felt the most at home in, and that most of her belongings are gone, Andrew comes up with a plan: as long as Sara helps him out in the choir at the church, he’ll let her stay in the apartment, until she’s able to find a place of her own and get back on her feet. Feeling she’s faced with no other option, Sara takes him up on the offer, and quickly finds herself in a situation she never bargained for.
I’m a big fan of Barbara Valentin. Having read Help Wanted, False Start, and The Plate Spinner Chronicles, I was seriously anticipating Key Change, and it was just as fantastic as I thought it would be! I love how she makes sure to engage her readers in Sara and Andrew’s story, but doesn’t forget to include the beloved characters from her an Assignment series, like Claire Nelson, or Mattie Ross. I get to see what they’re up to, as well, while they support their friend Sara in her time of need.
Will Sara ever find a way to let someone in, and trust in love? And, has Andrew finally found someone worth holding onto? I really enjoyed the “opposites attract” approach with these two, and the drama mixed in with perpetual chaos. It was just enough so I’d never know what’s going to happen. I had a hard time putting this book down, but in all honesty, the entire an Assignment series was like that, for me.
February 1, 2016
Reviewed by Robin
Book provided by the author for review
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
I had a bit of a problem getting into the story at first but once I got into the story it wasn’t bad.
I do have to say that there is a lot going on within the original story as there are many characters introduced. I found it hard to keep track at first but it was easy to slide into their lives.
Sara and Andrew were a little awkward at first. I think it was the way that they were thrown into the whole situation of being roommates and not really knowing each other. Sara was a little more carefree in wanting to move things along whereas Andrew was a little more on the cautious side. The chemistry wasn’t there at first, but developed at more of a gradual feel which was different yet nice.
As Andrew finds out more about Sara he decides to invite her to sing in the choir at church. I think that this brings them a little closer. It gives Sara a lot to think about as her feelings for Andrew change and the past comes into play. She does go to confession finding that she is forgiven. Easy…well yes but only if you forgive yourself. Letting it go is the hard part.
Andrew and Sara took things slow getting to know each other first becoming friends first. Ms. Valentin also brought into the story the subtleness of being obstinate. It is okay to just sleep with someone without the sex. I think this is a good lesson for those young and old.
Despite the confusion in the beginning I found this to be a fun, fast paced, well written story with a very simple yet cute love story. Overall I enjoyed this story and will look for more of Ms. Valentin’s story. They are a nice change of pace.
Book provided by the author for review
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
I had a bit of a problem getting into the story at first but once I got into the story it wasn’t bad.
I do have to say that there is a lot going on within the original story as there are many characters introduced. I found it hard to keep track at first but it was easy to slide into their lives.
Sara and Andrew were a little awkward at first. I think it was the way that they were thrown into the whole situation of being roommates and not really knowing each other. Sara was a little more carefree in wanting to move things along whereas Andrew was a little more on the cautious side. The chemistry wasn’t there at first, but developed at more of a gradual feel which was different yet nice.
As Andrew finds out more about Sara he decides to invite her to sing in the choir at church. I think that this brings them a little closer. It gives Sara a lot to think about as her feelings for Andrew change and the past comes into play. She does go to confession finding that she is forgiven. Easy…well yes but only if you forgive yourself. Letting it go is the hard part.
Andrew and Sara took things slow getting to know each other first becoming friends first. Ms. Valentin also brought into the story the subtleness of being obstinate. It is okay to just sleep with someone without the sex. I think this is a good lesson for those young and old.
Despite the confusion in the beginning I found this to be a fun, fast paced, well written story with a very simple yet cute love story. Overall I enjoyed this story and will look for more of Ms. Valentin’s story. They are a nice change of pace.
December 14, 2015
This was an immensely entertaining read. It has a brilliant blend of emotions, from sadness to laughter and a bit of love spread throughout.
I found that the author created characters who had depth and a variety of personalities. It was very interesting to read along as the two main characters interacted, as they were polar opposites, but seemed to really click. I was really drawn in by the fact that they were brought together from an unhappy incident, but made the best of the situation. It was great, as well,to see the leading lady step outside her comfort zone and really try something.
I liked the pace of the story. I did find it a bit hard to latch onto in the beginning, but after the first few pages, I was completely hooked.the author wrote the story very fluidly, but still gave you lots of opportunity to be surprised.
I found the premise of the story very engaging. It drew me in and really made me want to see what happened next. I am not a religious person at all, but I was still keen to see what happened in the church music program, and with our main characters.
The supporting characters were done very well. Each had a purpose in the story, whether good or bad, but they always provided something interesting for the read. I loved the characters who gave the main characters support and love, even if it is hard love.
If you want a fun, romantic read to enjoy, I highly recommend giving this book a go.
I received this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion .
I found that the author created characters who had depth and a variety of personalities. It was very interesting to read along as the two main characters interacted, as they were polar opposites, but seemed to really click. I was really drawn in by the fact that they were brought together from an unhappy incident, but made the best of the situation. It was great, as well,to see the leading lady step outside her comfort zone and really try something.
I liked the pace of the story. I did find it a bit hard to latch onto in the beginning, but after the first few pages, I was completely hooked.the author wrote the story very fluidly, but still gave you lots of opportunity to be surprised.
I found the premise of the story very engaging. It drew me in and really made me want to see what happened next. I am not a religious person at all, but I was still keen to see what happened in the church music program, and with our main characters.
The supporting characters were done very well. Each had a purpose in the story, whether good or bad, but they always provided something interesting for the read. I loved the characters who gave the main characters support and love, even if it is hard love.
If you want a fun, romantic read to enjoy, I highly recommend giving this book a go.
I received this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion .
December 7, 2015
Key Change is described as a romantic comedy , but it’s much more than that. We have Andrew, the choir director at a Catholic Church, and Sara, a music critic at a Chicago newspaper. He is straitlaced, she colors outside the box, he is kind and serious, she is sarcastic and dresses in a gothic manner.
They meet by accident, and end up living in the same apartment. That’s when the story gets interesting .
That said, it’s also a book about how our childhood and youth , sometimes has us creating walls to protect ourselves and in order to create that protective shell, we can become sarcastic, aloof, irreverent etc. But in the end, love blossoms when we find the right person that “gets us” and loves us for whom we really are.
A book not to be missed . Though the book is part of a series, it’s a standalone.
They meet by accident, and end up living in the same apartment. That’s when the story gets interesting .
That said, it’s also a book about how our childhood and youth , sometimes has us creating walls to protect ourselves and in order to create that protective shell, we can become sarcastic, aloof, irreverent etc. But in the end, love blossoms when we find the right person that “gets us” and loves us for whom we really are.
A book not to be missed . Though the book is part of a series, it’s a standalone.
July 19, 2016
I reviewed a copy of this for an honest review and I was so lucky to find Barbara Valentin's book so entertaining. I read this in one day. I just couldn't put it down. Sara is a goth music critic who is sent on a tour with a loser band. When she arrives home, she discovers that her boyfriend broke up with her and left town without saying goodbye. That wasn't so bad as the only reason she was staying with him was because of the apartment. The big problem was that the key didn't fit in the lock. When the door is opened, Sara meets Michael, a Catholic music director, the person who is now living in her apartment. He makes a deal that she can stay as long as she joins his church choir, which is missing something. This is a beautiful story of total opposites who learn to adapt to each other and to let love into their lives.
December 28, 2015
There was a surprisingly emotional edge to this novel. Sara, a music critic, is left homeless when her so called boyfriend goes back to the UK while is is away on assignment. When she comes back home a new man is living at her abode. He is a music minister at local church. Having the giving heart that he does, music minister Andrew (not Andy) Benet makes a deal with Sara that will give her six weeks to find a new apartment but this karaoke queen must sing in his Choir and help him land the job at the church on a permanent basis.
This was a great story. It really pulled on my heart strings. I think you will love it to. Please check this one out. New fav author.
I paid for this title with my own money.
This was a great story. It really pulled on my heart strings. I think you will love it to. Please check this one out. New fav author.
I paid for this title with my own money.
November 19, 2015
I enjoyed this book immensely. I really felt the characters were well written and were easy to identify with. There is Sara, not happy but not thinking she deserves more. There is Andrew who has been hurt and shies away from relationships. The two get together due to him moving into her apartment when she is away as her boyfriend left and sublet the apartment without advising her. Gradually they realize they need each other to be happy. On the periphery is Claire who is pregnant with her fifth child and gives advice in a newspaper column. This was an ARC for honest review. I would recommend this book and hope there are more of these Chicago based stories.
December 12, 2015
This book is a part of the Plate Spinner Series and focuses on Sara Cleff, music critic at the Chicago Gazette, and Andrew Benet, interim music director at St. Matthias. The author brings these two together in such a surprising way and uses music to keep them together. I love the way the author uses Sara's friends like glue to hold Sara together throughout the story. I wish I had as good of friends as she does. I laughed and cried and enjoyed myself from beginning to end.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 24, 2015
This is an engaging story that will quickly grab your attention and keep you turning the pages. The characters were fun and enjoyable to get to know. The story centers on two characters who don't realize they need each other in order to get what they both want/need. I found this to be an enjoyable read!
I received an advanced copy of this manuscript from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advanced copy of this manuscript from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 8, 2015
Good catholic meets lapsed catholic with music as their only common interest. Oh yes, they do share an apartment due to unusual circumstances. You will laugh. You will cry. You will enjoy.
July 19, 2017
Sara Cleff is a music critic and journalist for the Chicago Gazette and is sent on a 10 day trip to document the latest greatest band to come out of the midwest. In a plan to increase readership and lower expenses but save jobs, the editor has outlined the trip to Sara and two others and told them they are to leave tomorrow morning. In her rush to pack and get on the road, Sara forgets to leave a rent check for her apartment mate, Jer.
Andrew Benet is an underappreciated organist and music director at St. Matthias church who is struggling to keep his job. Sleeping on his brother's couch since he moved to Chicago has gotten old, but finding an apartment isn't easy. When a member of the congregation offers him a furnished sublet apartment, he is thrilled. One small catch. He has to get rid of the previous tenant's belongings. He donates everything but a box of personal items to various charities and settles into the perfect apartment.
10 days on tour and Sara can't wait to get home to her perfect bed and apartment she shares with Jer. Only when she finally gets there, her key doesn't work on the lock. Trouble has come. And it is looking pretty grim for her when the door is opened by a stranger.
This was a fun book about an impossible situation and how it was resolved I liked the way the gradual changes happened, but it wasn't exactly what I thought would happen. It was delightful to read another book of the series best known for the columnist called the Plate Spinner. I enjoyed old and new characters mingling and all the twists and turns. A fairly quick read but one that made me glad I chose it!
Andrew Benet is an underappreciated organist and music director at St. Matthias church who is struggling to keep his job. Sleeping on his brother's couch since he moved to Chicago has gotten old, but finding an apartment isn't easy. When a member of the congregation offers him a furnished sublet apartment, he is thrilled. One small catch. He has to get rid of the previous tenant's belongings. He donates everything but a box of personal items to various charities and settles into the perfect apartment.
10 days on tour and Sara can't wait to get home to her perfect bed and apartment she shares with Jer. Only when she finally gets there, her key doesn't work on the lock. Trouble has come. And it is looking pretty grim for her when the door is opened by a stranger.
This was a fun book about an impossible situation and how it was resolved I liked the way the gradual changes happened, but it wasn't exactly what I thought would happen. It was delightful to read another book of the series best known for the columnist called the Plate Spinner. I enjoyed old and new characters mingling and all the twists and turns. A fairly quick read but one that made me glad I chose it!
April 29, 2020
Caveat lector! Other books in this series have been fun enough from the viewpoint of someone outside of the Catholic neighborhood culture. I'm leaving it at 3 stars because it was well-enough written, but the mores of this particular romance are quite conservative and if you don't agree with them, you may find this book more annoying than enjoyable by the end. Unlike the others, which emphasize the positive about the characters, this one is all about a "bad" girl becoming good. If you empathize with her "bad" choices or don't think all of them are so terrible, you may not find her "better" choices on the way to earning her man compelling.
June 17, 2017
Very clever title on so many levels for this cute, edgy, and unafraid rom-com.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews