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Face the Music
Music producer, Mason Liner, has one passion: the acts she can bring to the top of the charts. When the biggest record label in Nashville hands her a new client, country music royalty, Sophie Roddy, Mason’s reluctant to take on a problem diva whose excessive lifestyle almost ruined her career, but can't turn down the challenge.
Victoria Roddy has lived in Sophie Roddy’s shadow for as long as she can remember. Being her mother's assistant is more than a job description...it’s her life. Now arrogant and aggravating Mason thinks she can turn Sophie’s career around, but Victoria doesn’t believe Mason’s ridiculous demands and exhaustive schedule are what her mother needs right now.
Mason and Victoria have to work together, so it’s really too bad they can’t stand each other, and even worse that they can’t seem to deny their attraction.
Cover Artist: Tammy Seidick
Genres: Contemporary / Romance
Tags: Enemies to Lovers Romance, Music, Actors/Artists, Celebrity, Close Quarters
Words: 92,500
Victoria Roddy has lived in Sophie Roddy’s shadow for as long as she can remember. Being her mother's assistant is more than a job description...it’s her life. Now arrogant and aggravating Mason thinks she can turn Sophie’s career around, but Victoria doesn’t believe Mason’s ridiculous demands and exhaustive schedule are what her mother needs right now.
Mason and Victoria have to work together, so it’s really too bad they can’t stand each other, and even worse that they can’t seem to deny their attraction.
Cover Artist: Tammy Seidick
Genres: Contemporary / Romance
Tags: Enemies to Lovers Romance, Music, Actors/Artists, Celebrity, Close Quarters
Words: 92,500
264 pages, Paperback
First published April 9, 2020
20 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
Ali Vali
58 books462 followersAli Vali is the author of the long-running Cain Casey "Devil" series and the Genesis Clan "Forces" series, as well as numerous standalone romances including two Lambda Literary Award finalists, Calling the Dead and Love Match, and her 2017 release, Beauty and the Boss. Ali also has a novella in the collection Girls with Guns.
Originally from Cuba, Ali has retained much of her family's traditions and language and uses them frequently in her stories. Having her father read her stories and poetry before bed every night as a child infused her with a love of reading, which she carries till today. Ali currently lives outside New Orleans, Louisiana, and she has discovered that living in Louisiana provides plenty of material to draw from in creating her novels and short stories.
Originally from Cuba, Ali has retained much of her family's traditions and language and uses them frequently in her stories. Having her father read her stories and poetry before bed every night as a child infused her with a love of reading, which she carries till today. Ali currently lives outside New Orleans, Louisiana, and she has discovered that living in Louisiana provides plenty of material to draw from in creating her novels and short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
March 31, 2020
Ok this was a very solid entertaining romance read!
I’m a fan of Ali Vali’s romance reads and this didn’t fail. I was so interested because I love music romance books but this specific one I thought was done very nicely because your MC is not actually the star but rather the daughter of a star, living in her shadows.
So what’s interesting about this read was the additional twist of mother/daughter dynamics which was interesting to read (for personal reasons).. The supporting characters as well were interesting and added to my liking to this book (Masons parents were adorable)..
People sometimes read books for different reasons, some escape reality, some are looking for deep reads to make them questions things in general.. I personally read for entertainment, so this book was spot on!
It’s pure entertainment with 2 likable strong characters. I had mentioned earlier in one of my reviews that liking the MCs would make it a break a read for me. So imagine if you like both, A LOT! I think a romance can’t ever be a real romance without 2 characters that you root for.. so from beginning to start I was rooting for those 2, especially that they were it wasn’t a smooth start between them.
I recommend this book if you’re stuck in quarantine/curfew like me, and want to relax and enjoy an interesting storyline, and for bonus points, very good steamy sex scenes with incredible chemistry.
A solid 4 rating and I received an ARC for an honest review.
I’m a fan of Ali Vali’s romance reads and this didn’t fail. I was so interested because I love music romance books but this specific one I thought was done very nicely because your MC is not actually the star but rather the daughter of a star, living in her shadows.
So what’s interesting about this read was the additional twist of mother/daughter dynamics which was interesting to read (for personal reasons).. The supporting characters as well were interesting and added to my liking to this book (Masons parents were adorable)..
People sometimes read books for different reasons, some escape reality, some are looking for deep reads to make them questions things in general.. I personally read for entertainment, so this book was spot on!
It’s pure entertainment with 2 likable strong characters. I had mentioned earlier in one of my reviews that liking the MCs would make it a break a read for me. So imagine if you like both, A LOT! I think a romance can’t ever be a real romance without 2 characters that you root for.. so from beginning to start I was rooting for those 2, especially that they were it wasn’t a smooth start between them.
I recommend this book if you’re stuck in quarantine/curfew like me, and want to relax and enjoy an interesting storyline, and for bonus points, very good steamy sex scenes with incredible chemistry.
A solid 4 rating and I received an ARC for an honest review.
July 5, 2020
3.5 Stars for this standalone novel, Face the Music by Ali Vali.
This is the story of a music producer, Mason Liner who works for her father’s Nashville record company. She had been in California working with non-country artists but is called back to Nashville by her father to handle Sophie Roddy. Sophie was “THE QUEEN of Country” for many years, but lately her star has been slipping, with alcohol and drug related incidences both on and off stage. Just when Mason arrives in Nashville, Sophie nearly overdoses on stage. Mason has almost no choice but to put Sophie up at her Nashville ranch to detox.
Sophie’s daughter, Victoria has been her mother’s berated and disrespected assistant for many years. Nevertheless, she is uncomfortable with Mason’s decision to lock Sophie in at Mason’s ranch for one-on-one drug detox and rehab with Mason’s friend Belle, a retired drug and addiction therapist. No surprise, Sophie doesn’t appreciate it either. But Victoria agrees with a bit of convincing by Mason “Which would you prefer? A dead Sophie or an angry Sophie?”
With Sophie in the main house, Victoria stays in the small original ranch house that Mason restored. Mason’s artists would go the river house to work on new songs and arrangements. It is here, away from her demanding mother and with the help of Mason, that Victoria blooms.
This is an enemy to lover love story. I get a “Xena/Gabrielle trope” vibe. Which is often a theme in Vali’s stories. There is Mason. The too perfect Mason, IMO. So perfect, it became annoying. She is a beautiful six foot tall, dark haired, wealthy executive. Victoria describes Mason as a butch who with her “sweet and caring personality, she was irresistible” At one point, Victoria sprained her ankle and Mason carried her everywhere. I mean everywhere. Around the ranch, up and down hills, etc. All Mason needed was a red cape. Then there is the strawberry blond, Victoria. I liked that we were able to watch her struggle and fight to step away from her Mother’s shadow and find her own niche.
An advanced reading copy has been sent to me by the publisher, Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley for my honest review
This is the story of a music producer, Mason Liner who works for her father’s Nashville record company. She had been in California working with non-country artists but is called back to Nashville by her father to handle Sophie Roddy. Sophie was “THE QUEEN of Country” for many years, but lately her star has been slipping, with alcohol and drug related incidences both on and off stage. Just when Mason arrives in Nashville, Sophie nearly overdoses on stage. Mason has almost no choice but to put Sophie up at her Nashville ranch to detox.
Sophie’s daughter, Victoria has been her mother’s berated and disrespected assistant for many years. Nevertheless, she is uncomfortable with Mason’s decision to lock Sophie in at Mason’s ranch for one-on-one drug detox and rehab with Mason’s friend Belle, a retired drug and addiction therapist. No surprise, Sophie doesn’t appreciate it either. But Victoria agrees with a bit of convincing by Mason “Which would you prefer? A dead Sophie or an angry Sophie?”
With Sophie in the main house, Victoria stays in the small original ranch house that Mason restored. Mason’s artists would go the river house to work on new songs and arrangements. It is here, away from her demanding mother and with the help of Mason, that Victoria blooms.
This is an enemy to lover love story. I get a “Xena/Gabrielle trope” vibe. Which is often a theme in Vali’s stories. There is Mason. The too perfect Mason, IMO. So perfect, it became annoying. She is a beautiful six foot tall, dark haired, wealthy executive. Victoria describes Mason as a butch who with her “sweet and caring personality, she was irresistible” At one point, Victoria sprained her ankle and Mason carried her everywhere. I mean everywhere. Around the ranch, up and down hills, etc. All Mason needed was a red cape. Then there is the strawberry blond, Victoria. I liked that we were able to watch her struggle and fight to step away from her Mother’s shadow and find her own niche.
An advanced reading copy has been sent to me by the publisher, Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley for my honest review
March 29, 2020
When the world is facing a horrible pandemic, Face the Music is a wonderful love story that will make you forget your real life, if only for a moment.
This book is about music, substance abuse, mother-daughter issues and facing the music on several levels. And after that recital, you may wonder how the hell I enjoyed this book. Let me tell you.
This book is not about the celebrity musician but her daughter Victoria. When her mom Sophie seems to hit rock bottom she meets Mason. It was love at first sight, not! It's safe to say that this is an enemy to lovers romance. Only the enemy part (luckily) doesn't take that long.
Mason is sent to clean up the mess Sophie has made and Victoria isn't exactly happy with that. After a second mess within 24 hours, Mason decides to get in the big guns and askes her friend Belle to help out in fixing Sophie.
The start of the 12 step program Sophie is going through takes place at Mason's estate. Where it is Belles job to get Sophie sober and face the music, Belle askes Mason to take care of Victoria because it takes two to tango. Sophie and Victoria feed each other and didn't become the best versions of themselves in the process. Where if found Victoria a real bitch in the first pages, she became more and more a very likeable person under the caring hand of Mason. Eventually, she finds her own voice, pun intended. Their journey is a pleasure to read and only gets interrupted by the bumpy road Sophie seems to travel.
The fierce-love trademark of Vali drips off the pages of this book and I loved it. At some point, there was one sentence in the book that made me long back to the badasses Vali writes about in her Cain Casey series. Mason said: "I have some friends who are good at explaining things to people who have trouble understanding anything." Other than that Mason is just a sweet loyal butch.
Victoria at first seems a strong bitchy type, but soon enough you'll discover that her persona is made out of the insecurity's she has because of her neglected childhood. Because of that, her insecurity comes back time and time again on the pages. She's lucky to meet someone as patient and loyal as Mason. And from personal experience, I could totally relate to this storyline.
The secondary characters in this book are mostly great, except for Victoria's mom and her "boyfriend" Weston. Besides lovely Belle, we've got Jeb (ranch help), Colt (good looking country star), Wilbur (a sweet young guy from the doughnut shop), Josette (Vic's best friend) and off course Masons parents Sonny and Amelia. Because a Vali book isn't complete without strong and loving parents. I would love a book about Belle, she's got a very interesting background and career move going on.
For those who like steam, you can indulge in this book. Where the sex scenes in Vali's book are never very graphic and extensive, they always have great chemistry. You'll regularly find sex and chemistry on the pages of this book. It doesn't always add to the story, but as I have a healthy appetite for sex in books: I won't complain. Thank you, Vali!
It is safe to say that if you like an enemy to lovers romance, you will enjoy this book. For me, it was a great way to escape. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This and other reviews on my blog: https://lesfic.home.blog
This book is about music, substance abuse, mother-daughter issues and facing the music on several levels. And after that recital, you may wonder how the hell I enjoyed this book. Let me tell you.
This book is not about the celebrity musician but her daughter Victoria. When her mom Sophie seems to hit rock bottom she meets Mason. It was love at first sight, not! It's safe to say that this is an enemy to lovers romance. Only the enemy part (luckily) doesn't take that long.
Mason is sent to clean up the mess Sophie has made and Victoria isn't exactly happy with that. After a second mess within 24 hours, Mason decides to get in the big guns and askes her friend Belle to help out in fixing Sophie.
The start of the 12 step program Sophie is going through takes place at Mason's estate. Where it is Belles job to get Sophie sober and face the music, Belle askes Mason to take care of Victoria because it takes two to tango. Sophie and Victoria feed each other and didn't become the best versions of themselves in the process. Where if found Victoria a real bitch in the first pages, she became more and more a very likeable person under the caring hand of Mason. Eventually, she finds her own voice, pun intended. Their journey is a pleasure to read and only gets interrupted by the bumpy road Sophie seems to travel.
The fierce-love trademark of Vali drips off the pages of this book and I loved it. At some point, there was one sentence in the book that made me long back to the badasses Vali writes about in her Cain Casey series. Mason said: "I have some friends who are good at explaining things to people who have trouble understanding anything." Other than that Mason is just a sweet loyal butch.
Victoria at first seems a strong bitchy type, but soon enough you'll discover that her persona is made out of the insecurity's she has because of her neglected childhood. Because of that, her insecurity comes back time and time again on the pages. She's lucky to meet someone as patient and loyal as Mason. And from personal experience, I could totally relate to this storyline.
The secondary characters in this book are mostly great, except for Victoria's mom and her "boyfriend" Weston. Besides lovely Belle, we've got Jeb (ranch help), Colt (good looking country star), Wilbur (a sweet young guy from the doughnut shop), Josette (Vic's best friend) and off course Masons parents Sonny and Amelia. Because a Vali book isn't complete without strong and loving parents. I would love a book about Belle, she's got a very interesting background and career move going on.
For those who like steam, you can indulge in this book. Where the sex scenes in Vali's book are never very graphic and extensive, they always have great chemistry. You'll regularly find sex and chemistry on the pages of this book. It doesn't always add to the story, but as I have a healthy appetite for sex in books: I won't complain. Thank you, Vali!
It is safe to say that if you like an enemy to lovers romance, you will enjoy this book. For me, it was a great way to escape. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This and other reviews on my blog: https://lesfic.home.blog
March 16, 2020
Face the Music by Ali Vali was exactly the book that I needed to read during this time of crappy real life. This is a typical Ali Vali romance with strong characters, a beautiful setting (Nashville, Tennessee), and an enemies-to-lovers style tale. The two main characters are beautiful, strong-willed, and easy to fall in love with. The romance between them is steamy, and so are the sex scenes.
Music producer Mason Liner and Victoria Roddy, the daughter of country music celebrity Sophie Roddy must work together to save the career and quite possibly the life of Sophie. Alcohol and drugs have caused Sophie to spiral out of control publicly, and when she overdoses and almost dies, Mason intervenes. This creates the conflict between Mason and Victoria, but the more the two work together, the more intense the attraction between them grows.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. As I said above, it was a great escape from real life, even for just a few hours, and that is what I needed. I love Ms. Vali’s romances. Let’s be honest, I love pretty much everything I’ve ever read of hers, and this book is no different. If you enjoy romantic stories, with beautiful and strong characters, lovely settings, and interesting plots, then I can recommend this novel.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Music producer Mason Liner and Victoria Roddy, the daughter of country music celebrity Sophie Roddy must work together to save the career and quite possibly the life of Sophie. Alcohol and drugs have caused Sophie to spiral out of control publicly, and when she overdoses and almost dies, Mason intervenes. This creates the conflict between Mason and Victoria, but the more the two work together, the more intense the attraction between them grows.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. As I said above, it was a great escape from real life, even for just a few hours, and that is what I needed. I love Ms. Vali’s romances. Let’s be honest, I love pretty much everything I’ve ever read of hers, and this book is no different. If you enjoy romantic stories, with beautiful and strong characters, lovely settings, and interesting plots, then I can recommend this novel.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
March 13, 2020
Music, romance, family, mother/daughter dynamics, problem diva what a ride. This read made me think about what it feels like to have someone in your corner that believes in you. Veronica Roddy, reluctant manager for her country music royalty mother. As a result, Veronica is not living her life and hates what her mother, Sophie Roddy is doing to her career and life. Mason Liner, works with her father as a music producer and she is unbelievably awesome with her straight talk and desire to be helpful to Veronica. There have been very few characters in this genre with the "I am with you, no matter what" personality as Mason. While Sophie gets the help she needs, Mason and Veronica grow closer. While Mason and her family may appear to good to be true and Veronica and her family messed up, I appreciated how one family can be there for another family and both benefit.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
March 9, 2020
This really is only my second full length romance I have read by Vali and I would have to say this was okay. Face the Music is really an emotional roller coaster. The mains in this one are Mason and Victoria. Another key play is Victoria's mom Sophie. Mason is a confident, attractive, kind and thoughtful woman. Victoria has really lived in her mother's shadow and she may be attractive but for sure she is jaded. This is mainly because her mother is a piece of work and has treated her terribly. So initially Mason and Victoria is like oil and water.
Again this read was okay for me. I really did like Mason and her parents. For them to be in the music business where it appears to be cut throat they are some really nice people. I really did like the depiction of them. Honestly, as I read this one I really felt sorry for Victoria. Her mother really didn't want her and it shows in her actions. One thing that bothered me in this one was How Victoria and Mason got to the point where they were dating. Maybe I misunderstood Mason's intentions in the beginning. I knew she was a pretty awesome person, but not sure if I would have put the two of them together at any point. I did find this romance to drag a little in the middle. I did enjoy the ending and glad that Victoria was able to get to the point she was at.
I will rate this one 3.5 stars
This arc was provided by Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review
Again this read was okay for me. I really did like Mason and her parents. For them to be in the music business where it appears to be cut throat they are some really nice people. I really did like the depiction of them. Honestly, as I read this one I really felt sorry for Victoria. Her mother really didn't want her and it shows in her actions. One thing that bothered me in this one was How Victoria and Mason got to the point where they were dating. Maybe I misunderstood Mason's intentions in the beginning. I knew she was a pretty awesome person, but not sure if I would have put the two of them together at any point. I did find this romance to drag a little in the middle. I did enjoy the ending and glad that Victoria was able to get to the point she was at.
I will rate this one 3.5 stars
This arc was provided by Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review
April 5, 2020
I like Ali Vali’s books, although she’s not exactly one of my favorite authors. This book surprised me. I enjoyed it very, very much. And not because of the romance, that was really sweet indeed. The interesting thing here was the relationship between Sophie Roddy, a country music superstar, and her daughter Victoria, living in her mother’s shadow.
The main characters, Victoria and Mason, were absolutely awesome. The supporting characters were as well charming, specially Mason’s parents. In short, I enjoyed this book thoroughly.
The main characters, Victoria and Mason, were absolutely awesome. The supporting characters were as well charming, specially Mason’s parents. In short, I enjoyed this book thoroughly.
September 30, 2024
Victoria is the daughter of country music star Sophie Roddy. Mason is the daughter of the president of Sophie's record company. When Sophie falls drunk from the Grand Ole Opry stage, Mason is assigned to do damage control on behalf of the record company.
And so begins an enemies-to-lovers romance between "straight" Victoria and "butch" and not-straight Mason. Along the way, Victoria emerges from her mother's shadow and into the spotlight as a performer in her own right.
It's a great story, helped by how much the characters and setting feel like they've been lifted from ABC's "Nashville," one of my favourite TV series.
Once they get there, the intimate scenes between Victoria and Mason are plentiful and hot, but I never felt they became the story's focus, as can be the case. They may move a tad too quickly from despising each other to infatuation to declarations of love, but I smiled through the whole process, so I'm good with that.
And so begins an enemies-to-lovers romance between "straight" Victoria and "butch" and not-straight Mason. Along the way, Victoria emerges from her mother's shadow and into the spotlight as a performer in her own right.
It's a great story, helped by how much the characters and setting feel like they've been lifted from ABC's "Nashville," one of my favourite TV series.
Once they get there, the intimate scenes between Victoria and Mason are plentiful and hot, but I never felt they became the story's focus, as can be the case. They may move a tad too quickly from despising each other to infatuation to declarations of love, but I smiled through the whole process, so I'm good with that.
March 20, 2020
I RECEIVED AN ARC COPY OF THE BOOK FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY AND VOLUNTARILY LEAVING MY REVIEW.
I REALLY ENJOYED THIS STORY. MASON AND VICTORIA ARE BOTH GREAT CHARACTERS. BOTH ARE STRONG WILLED AND CAN BE STUBBORN BUT THEY ARE CARING INDIVIDUALS ONCE YOU GET TO KNOW THEM. AT FIRST, VICTORIA HATES MASON BUT AS THEY SPEND MORE TIME TOGETHER THEN SHE FINDS OUT SHE LIKES MASON AS MORE THAN JUST A FRIEND. THEY REALLY ARE AN ADORABLE COUPLE.
I REALLY ENJOYED THE STORY LINE AND LOVED ALL THE CHARACTERS WITH THE EXCEPTION OF SOFIE (VICTORIA'S MOTHER). THE WAY SHE TREATED HER DAUGHTER WAS NOT NEEDED ESPECIALLY AFTER EVERYTHING SHE DONE FOR HER AND I JUST COULD NOT TAKE TO HER AT ALL. THE PACE WAS JUST RIGHT.
IF YOU LIKE ENEMIES TO LOVERS THEN THIS COULD BE THE BOOK FOR YOU. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND GIVING IT A READ.
I REALLY ENJOYED THIS STORY. MASON AND VICTORIA ARE BOTH GREAT CHARACTERS. BOTH ARE STRONG WILLED AND CAN BE STUBBORN BUT THEY ARE CARING INDIVIDUALS ONCE YOU GET TO KNOW THEM. AT FIRST, VICTORIA HATES MASON BUT AS THEY SPEND MORE TIME TOGETHER THEN SHE FINDS OUT SHE LIKES MASON AS MORE THAN JUST A FRIEND. THEY REALLY ARE AN ADORABLE COUPLE.
I REALLY ENJOYED THE STORY LINE AND LOVED ALL THE CHARACTERS WITH THE EXCEPTION OF SOFIE (VICTORIA'S MOTHER). THE WAY SHE TREATED HER DAUGHTER WAS NOT NEEDED ESPECIALLY AFTER EVERYTHING SHE DONE FOR HER AND I JUST COULD NOT TAKE TO HER AT ALL. THE PACE WAS JUST RIGHT.
IF YOU LIKE ENEMIES TO LOVERS THEN THIS COULD BE THE BOOK FOR YOU. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND GIVING IT A READ.
March 9, 2020
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Mason is a music producer and thing she loves most about her job is the artist’s she can bring to the top. It hasn’t been easy living in her father shadow but she learns to overcome that. When her father ask her help with one of their bigger client Sophie Roddy who has been going self destruct lately she is reluctant to do so. When she meets Sophie and her daughter Victoria it doesn’t go as plan and they clash.
Victoria have basically sacrifice her own life to managing her mother career and life and it made her angry and distrustful towards the world even though her anger should be direct at her mother because she doesn’t appreciate everything her daughter done for her. Victoria and Mason butt head over her mother care but they come to a compromise. Mason calls in a favor from her friend Belle who help her when she needed it and knows she can go the same for Sophie and Victoria.
The romance between Mason and Victoria is sweet it’s not rush as Mason shows Victoria that she can have a life and that she needs to learn let her mother stand on her own two feet and put herself first for once.
Overall great read can’t wait for next book by this author hopefully the next one would be a third book with the characters Detective Sept and Keegan.
Mason is a music producer and thing she loves most about her job is the artist’s she can bring to the top. It hasn’t been easy living in her father shadow but she learns to overcome that. When her father ask her help with one of their bigger client Sophie Roddy who has been going self destruct lately she is reluctant to do so. When she meets Sophie and her daughter Victoria it doesn’t go as plan and they clash.
Victoria have basically sacrifice her own life to managing her mother career and life and it made her angry and distrustful towards the world even though her anger should be direct at her mother because she doesn’t appreciate everything her daughter done for her. Victoria and Mason butt head over her mother care but they come to a compromise. Mason calls in a favor from her friend Belle who help her when she needed it and knows she can go the same for Sophie and Victoria.
The romance between Mason and Victoria is sweet it’s not rush as Mason shows Victoria that she can have a life and that she needs to learn let her mother stand on her own two feet and put herself first for once.
Overall great read can’t wait for next book by this author hopefully the next one would be a third book with the characters Detective Sept and Keegan.
July 28, 2020
An OK read. I’m quite a fan of Vali’s books, but this one is not on the top of the list for me. It’s a good book that I think plenty of readers will like, but for some reason it didn’t resonate that much with me.
The story is about Victoria, the daughter of a famous country singer (Sophie), and Mason, a music producer. The two meet through Sophie who is on a fast track to destruction because of an alcohol and drug addiction. Victoria is Sophie’s manager who has lived her whole life in the shadow of her famous mother. Victoria and Sophie do not have a good relationship, but Victoria can’t turn her back on her mother (even if she is a horrible person). After a catastrophic incident during a performance Mason has to step in as Sophie’s music label representative and offers help. This story is an enemy to lovers’ story as Victoria immediately dislikes Mason. However, when Victoria and Sophie have to accept help from Mason, her feelings towards Mason change rather rapidly (perhaps too rapidly?).
The characters are typical of Vali’s writing, where Mason is the confident, charming (and too good to be true?) butch and Victoria a strong (outwardly anyway) femme. Their personalities and interactions, however, felt very formulaic and I just didn’t feel the chemistry. At some points the characters were just too far over the top for me, for instance when damsel in distress Victoria sprains her ankle and is carried absolutely everywhere for days on end by chivalrous Mason. I’m sure there are people loving the knight in shining armor trope, but it didn’t work for me (not in this book anyway).
That aside, I thought the portrayal of Sophie and her relationship with Victoria was well done. Ok, Sophie’s a bitch and a terrible mother, but the hard road for drug addicts and the effects it has on their family is clearly described here. The relationship between Victoria and Sophie is everything but easy and Victoria has to decide as to how far she wants/needs to go to help her mother, while also building a life for herself. This storyline is about as important as the romance part in the book and honestly, I enjoyed this part better.
So, there were parts that I really enjoyed and parts that I enjoyed less. Also, the book gives nice insights in the country music scene.
The story is about Victoria, the daughter of a famous country singer (Sophie), and Mason, a music producer. The two meet through Sophie who is on a fast track to destruction because of an alcohol and drug addiction. Victoria is Sophie’s manager who has lived her whole life in the shadow of her famous mother. Victoria and Sophie do not have a good relationship, but Victoria can’t turn her back on her mother (even if she is a horrible person). After a catastrophic incident during a performance Mason has to step in as Sophie’s music label representative and offers help. This story is an enemy to lovers’ story as Victoria immediately dislikes Mason. However, when Victoria and Sophie have to accept help from Mason, her feelings towards Mason change rather rapidly (perhaps too rapidly?).
The characters are typical of Vali’s writing, where Mason is the confident, charming (and too good to be true?) butch and Victoria a strong (outwardly anyway) femme. Their personalities and interactions, however, felt very formulaic and I just didn’t feel the chemistry. At some points the characters were just too far over the top for me, for instance when damsel in distress Victoria sprains her ankle and is carried absolutely everywhere for days on end by chivalrous Mason. I’m sure there are people loving the knight in shining armor trope, but it didn’t work for me (not in this book anyway).
That aside, I thought the portrayal of Sophie and her relationship with Victoria was well done. Ok, Sophie’s a bitch and a terrible mother, but the hard road for drug addicts and the effects it has on their family is clearly described here. The relationship between Victoria and Sophie is everything but easy and Victoria has to decide as to how far she wants/needs to go to help her mother, while also building a life for herself. This storyline is about as important as the romance part in the book and honestly, I enjoyed this part better.
So, there were parts that I really enjoyed and parts that I enjoyed less. Also, the book gives nice insights in the country music scene.
July 23, 2020
It took me quite a while to get around to reading this book, which is a little unfair to the author. But I'm a big fan of Ali Vali, so I buckled down and got to it. This plot and setting is a departure for the author, usually her characters are set in or around New Orleans. So Nashville was a bit of an adjustment. As with all her other books, family is a strong theme here. The solidarity of a family that loves and stands by each other, and a broken one that is cracked, flawed and in need of healing. And as with all her other works, we are shown that love can triumph over all pain and heal all wounds. Fictional ones anyway.
The main characters were interesting. I felt Victoria was more fully drawn than Mason, but that didn't take anything away from Mason, it only made Vic a little more relatable. But then, how do I relate to a woman who has acres and acres of land, horses, vehicles, a mansion and a guest house? By relating to her desire to keep her loved ones safe and happy. She and I connected over that element of her personality. Sophie on the other hand...not so much.
This novel did not flow as well as most of Vali's other works, but I can't really put my finger on why that is. My enjoyment of the story didn't suffer too much, just enough that it felt...different. But my favourite works belonging to this author will always be her "Devil" series, so I'm admittedly biased. The cover is stunning, and a great visual clue for the setting of most of the novel. The editing and writing are solid as always. There is a lot of sex in this one, so fans of Vali's intense love scenes will enjoy that.
Overall, a departure from her usual fare, but an enjoyable one that's a treat to read!
The main characters were interesting. I felt Victoria was more fully drawn than Mason, but that didn't take anything away from Mason, it only made Vic a little more relatable. But then, how do I relate to a woman who has acres and acres of land, horses, vehicles, a mansion and a guest house? By relating to her desire to keep her loved ones safe and happy. She and I connected over that element of her personality. Sophie on the other hand...not so much.
This novel did not flow as well as most of Vali's other works, but I can't really put my finger on why that is. My enjoyment of the story didn't suffer too much, just enough that it felt...different. But my favourite works belonging to this author will always be her "Devil" series, so I'm admittedly biased. The cover is stunning, and a great visual clue for the setting of most of the novel. The editing and writing are solid as always. There is a lot of sex in this one, so fans of Vali's intense love scenes will enjoy that.
Overall, a departure from her usual fare, but an enjoyable one that's a treat to read!
April 15, 2020
It's really good. And HOTTTT!
I want to live on Blue Heaven.
I want to live on Blue Heaven.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2020
Country-music, Nashville-centered romance. Overcoming challenges, becoming your own person outside of your parent's shadow, and realizing your own self-worth. Took a little while to warm up to this story, but I loved how truly supportive Mason - the dominant, confident character - is as she and Victoria try to make it work.
Victoria Roddy has spent her life making sure her mother's music career stays on track. As her manager, this task gets more and more difficult as her country-music legend mother descends further and further into drugs and alcohol. After two near-death disasters and a forced intervention, Victoria is left with enormous guilt and being pulled down by the weight of her perceived obligation to her mother.
Mason Liner is the daughter of country-music producer royalty and has been tasked by her father to decide the fate of legend-cum-addict Sophie Roddy and, tangentially, that of her daughter, Victoria.
During Sophie's forced convalescence, Mason and Victoria become closer than closer. But can Mason help Victoria see how special Victoria can really be outside of her mother? Is love and support enough to tear down the walls of a lifetime of neglect and put-downs?
Victoria Roddy has spent her life making sure her mother's music career stays on track. As her manager, this task gets more and more difficult as her country-music legend mother descends further and further into drugs and alcohol. After two near-death disasters and a forced intervention, Victoria is left with enormous guilt and being pulled down by the weight of her perceived obligation to her mother.
Mason Liner is the daughter of country-music producer royalty and has been tasked by her father to decide the fate of legend-cum-addict Sophie Roddy and, tangentially, that of her daughter, Victoria.
During Sophie's forced convalescence, Mason and Victoria become closer than closer. But can Mason help Victoria see how special Victoria can really be outside of her mother? Is love and support enough to tear down the walls of a lifetime of neglect and put-downs?
April 1, 2020
Ever since the first time I read a Cain Casey Devil story, Ali Vali had me hooked. You can count on having a dashing butch with black hair and a strong love of family. This is a true feel-good Hollywood-type story, with everyone's dreams coming true. And that's what we all need right now. Plus, the "chemistry" between Mason and Victoria is off the charts. A great way to spend five hours thinking about something nice.
April 15, 2020
Sophie Roddy wasn’t the easiest performer to work with but she is a country music legend. She has done everything it seems to ruin her own career so when top music producer Mason Liner is asked to take on Sophie as a client her first instinct is to say no but who finds it hard to turn down the challenge.
Problem is that Sophie’s assistant Victoria is also her daughter. And she takes that job very seriously so when Mason Liner comes on board as Sophie's new producer she doesn’t think Mason knows what she’s doing is in any way going to help her mother to the top of the charts again. So the clashes begin. Problem is there is an undeniable attraction between the two of them.
Ali Vali has given us a story line that has been used in one form or another but the difference here is her use of the supporting cast. Having a well rounded cast makes this book all the more interesting. Between Mason, Victoria and of course Sophie, Ms Vali has given us a very enjoyable romance.
ARC via NetGalley/Bold Stroke Books
Problem is that Sophie’s assistant Victoria is also her daughter. And she takes that job very seriously so when Mason Liner comes on board as Sophie's new producer she doesn’t think Mason knows what she’s doing is in any way going to help her mother to the top of the charts again. So the clashes begin. Problem is there is an undeniable attraction between the two of them.
Ali Vali has given us a story line that has been used in one form or another but the difference here is her use of the supporting cast. Having a well rounded cast makes this book all the more interesting. Between Mason, Victoria and of course Sophie, Ms Vali has given us a very enjoyable romance.
ARC via NetGalley/Bold Stroke Books
April 19, 2020
The two main characters were very likeable. I love a book with strong female characters and both Mason and Victoria got it going on in all departments.hehe...I enjoyed how Vali took Victoria's character from a bitchie mess that i hated and brought her out on the other end as lovable sweetness that i came to adore. The secondary characters were well written and helped bring the story together as a whole. If you want to escape the world as we know it, I would totally recommend picking up this book. I'm sure you will enjoy it.
I was provided a ARC by the publisher via NetGally
I was provided a ARC by the publisher via NetGally
March 25, 2020
I usually really like the books from this author, but this one felt a bit off for me.
Victoria is the daughter of a country music legend, but her mom their, Sophie, seems to be more interested in drugs and booze than her career or daughter. Music exec Mason steps in to tell both women the truth and help them navigate their way to a solution. Mason is the polar opposite of Victoria, she loves life, is happy and confident and always seems to see the bright side. Victoria dislikes her from the get go. At first Vic doesn’t know Mason is the daughter of Sonny, who owns the label. Which actually sets them off on equal terms, as Mason doesn’t know Vic is Sophie’s daughter. Mason tries to teach Vic about living a happy life while Sophie is getting sober. This all takes place on Mason’s ranch. Things happen, and I guess life happens, situations and mindsets change, as do all their lives.
I had a hard time keeping time in this book and seeing which POV was chosen, it seemed to be a bit over the place. There were some serious bits of doubt and angst that aren’t dealt with in the book after being mentioned several times. I liked the character of Mason and her family as well as the therapist Belle, even if she only plays a small role in the story. I guess for me their are just too many things unresolved and it was a bit all over the place. Oh and my god they are taking the u-haul thing to the next level!
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
Victoria is the daughter of a country music legend, but her mom their, Sophie, seems to be more interested in drugs and booze than her career or daughter. Music exec Mason steps in to tell both women the truth and help them navigate their way to a solution. Mason is the polar opposite of Victoria, she loves life, is happy and confident and always seems to see the bright side. Victoria dislikes her from the get go. At first Vic doesn’t know Mason is the daughter of Sonny, who owns the label. Which actually sets them off on equal terms, as Mason doesn’t know Vic is Sophie’s daughter. Mason tries to teach Vic about living a happy life while Sophie is getting sober. This all takes place on Mason’s ranch. Things happen, and I guess life happens, situations and mindsets change, as do all their lives.
I had a hard time keeping time in this book and seeing which POV was chosen, it seemed to be a bit over the place. There were some serious bits of doubt and angst that aren’t dealt with in the book after being mentioned several times. I liked the character of Mason and her family as well as the therapist Belle, even if she only plays a small role in the story. I guess for me their are just too many things unresolved and it was a bit all over the place. Oh and my god they are taking the u-haul thing to the next level!
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
March 17, 2020
Sophie Roddy is country music legend, and her daughter Victoria works as her assistant. But when Sophie falls from grace into drugs and alcohol, Victoria will try anything to help her recover even if it means joining forces with the infuriating woman from Sophie's record label, Mason Liner. As Sophie begins her recovery, Mason and Victoria spend more and more time together, and their attraction is undeniable. Victoria has the freedom out from under her mother's shadow, to discover who she really is and who she is meant to be.
There was something about Mason's character that just rubbed me the wrong way - she was a little too knight in shining armour and old-fashioned masculinity for me. Normally these characteristics are written in a way that is swoon worthy in Ali Vali's butch characters, but in Mason it made me feel icky, like Victoria was too weak to do anything. Usually these characteristics are met by a strong femme character and they balance each other out, but here it made Victoria fade rather than shine. I did like Victoria's evolution throughout this book, I'm glad she found her voice. I loved all the secondary characters and the rich story and world Vali created in this book. The writing as always is excellent, and I enjoyed the story overall, but Mason's character kept me from fully connecting to the romance side of things.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There was something about Mason's character that just rubbed me the wrong way - she was a little too knight in shining armour and old-fashioned masculinity for me. Normally these characteristics are written in a way that is swoon worthy in Ali Vali's butch characters, but in Mason it made me feel icky, like Victoria was too weak to do anything. Usually these characteristics are met by a strong femme character and they balance each other out, but here it made Victoria fade rather than shine. I did like Victoria's evolution throughout this book, I'm glad she found her voice. I loved all the secondary characters and the rich story and world Vali created in this book. The writing as always is excellent, and I enjoyed the story overall, but Mason's character kept me from fully connecting to the romance side of things.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2020
I received this ARC via NetGalley and publisher for an honest review..many thanks!
Sometimes when I have read other Ali Vali books it’s either hit or miss but this was a hit for me.
All of Victoria Roddy’s life she has lived in the shadow of her famous legendary Country music artist Sophia Roddy. She gave up her dreams to be an artist but unfortunately she is her mother’s manager and babysitter trying everything she can to keep her on the right path but the drinking and drugs finally take their toll.
Enter music producer Mason Liner. She is the daughter of the music executive who made Victoria’s mother famous and is willing to help get Victoria’s mother into rehab and provide tough love and immediately they butt heads.
Will Victoria allow and trust Mason to help her mother and will she trust Mason with her heart.
I really enjoyed this book however the hardest part was Victoria’s selfishly mean mother Sofia who honestly doesn’t deserve her daughter or her forgiveness.
4.5 stars
Sometimes when I have read other Ali Vali books it’s either hit or miss but this was a hit for me.
All of Victoria Roddy’s life she has lived in the shadow of her famous legendary Country music artist Sophia Roddy. She gave up her dreams to be an artist but unfortunately she is her mother’s manager and babysitter trying everything she can to keep her on the right path but the drinking and drugs finally take their toll.
Enter music producer Mason Liner. She is the daughter of the music executive who made Victoria’s mother famous and is willing to help get Victoria’s mother into rehab and provide tough love and immediately they butt heads.
Will Victoria allow and trust Mason to help her mother and will she trust Mason with her heart.
I really enjoyed this book however the hardest part was Victoria’s selfishly mean mother Sofia who honestly doesn’t deserve her daughter or her forgiveness.
4.5 stars
April 11, 2020
This is fabulous uplifting story. Sometimes there is knight in shining armor, who will be your best friend and lover or wife if you willing, but also someone, who has your back 100% no matter what you decide. Vic got extremely lucky. Mason was swept of her feet by Vic, and was willing to help her no matter the outcome. The outcone was more than Vic hoped or even dreamed of. No matter that there was much family drama with her mother.
Sometime, even the worst moments of your life, can bring best results. All you have to do is allow it to happen.
Sometime, even the worst moments of your life, can bring best results. All you have to do is allow it to happen.
March 18, 2020
Face the music was a fast fun read. I loved the setting and I enjoyed the characters of Mason and Bryce. I thought their story was engaging and I could relate to the difficult relationship between Bryce and her mother. The dysfunction drew the reader in and the character’s weaknesses just made them that more believable. I had never read Ali Vali, but I would certainly keep a look our for more of her titles. This was a solid romance. I received this title as an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2021
A Butch Femme romance about substance abuse, music, love, and discovery.
This story is tragic and incredibly messy. Victoria and Mason must navigate Victoria’s famous mother’s substance abuse issues and find a path toward happiness.
Victoria and Mason start their relationship at each other’s throats. It’s a volatile situation and Victoria defaults to anger causing the two to brawl on more than one occasion.
This story featured a lot of heavy elements and emotional drama. There is a lot of trauma and damage to work through by all the characters involved which created a highly charged story. The musical aspect was really fitting and added another layer of depth both to the characters and the story.
Victoria and Mason have a pretty easy relationship despite their rough start. They have a sweet and caring connection that is threatened by self doubt and fear more than any external forces. They have undeniable passion. I loved how they fit together.
I loved Mason’s confident, suave, and compassionate nature. Victoria is kind, sweet, passionate, yet also angry and weary. They have to work to trust and share with one another.
The dialogue did occasionally feel disjointed or off and I experiences a couple minor inconsistences. All pretty easy to overlook in Lieu of all the positives of the story.
This is a great story of redemption and finding that person who brings light to your world. This romance tugs the hearts strings and shows how love is truly supposed to be. A swoon worthy read.
This story is tragic and incredibly messy. Victoria and Mason must navigate Victoria’s famous mother’s substance abuse issues and find a path toward happiness.
Victoria and Mason start their relationship at each other’s throats. It’s a volatile situation and Victoria defaults to anger causing the two to brawl on more than one occasion.
This story featured a lot of heavy elements and emotional drama. There is a lot of trauma and damage to work through by all the characters involved which created a highly charged story. The musical aspect was really fitting and added another layer of depth both to the characters and the story.
Victoria and Mason have a pretty easy relationship despite their rough start. They have a sweet and caring connection that is threatened by self doubt and fear more than any external forces. They have undeniable passion. I loved how they fit together.
I loved Mason’s confident, suave, and compassionate nature. Victoria is kind, sweet, passionate, yet also angry and weary. They have to work to trust and share with one another.
The dialogue did occasionally feel disjointed or off and I experiences a couple minor inconsistences. All pretty easy to overlook in Lieu of all the positives of the story.
This is a great story of redemption and finding that person who brings light to your world. This romance tugs the hearts strings and shows how love is truly supposed to be. A swoon worthy read.
March 4, 2020
This is Ali Vali's 25th book and it's awesome! I loved this stand alone story about family, music and love. You can feel this author in the storyline like all of her books but this one is different from her usual New Orleans fishing or mob offerings. The main characters were so good together and had chemistry burning the pages. The family dynamics were intense and emotional. The ending is just perfect. This book is a must read and a definite recommend. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 22, 2020
I am semi-new to Ali Vali, and the more I read, the more I can’t believe I was so late to the party because I really enjoy her stories. I really like the low angst element of this book because it left me to concentrate more on the love story between Mason and Victoria.
Mason, in the beginning, I wasn’t one hundred per cent keen on but by the end, she was my favourite character. She was really something else, and when she was vulnerable with Victoria, you could see the real Mason. Victoria, I just wanted to cuddle from the get-go, and I was so happy that Mason steps up to this job more than once.
Mason and Victoria have a great dynamic and their friendship shone through numerous times to show that this wasn’t just about love, but about something deeper and more aligned to soul mates.
I feel there is a story with secondary character Belle… I just wanted more of her. I also felt there could be something between Victoria’s best friend, Josette and Mason’s assistant, Scarlet. I know Josette was portrayed as straight, but she is a toaster-oven romance waiting to happen.
I would have liked more flashbacks. We get one flashback from Mason about a previous relationship but still, I felt if anyone deserved a flashback and a window into the past it would be Victoria and her childhood/ young adult life with her mother.
The chemistry between Victoria and Mason is off the charts, and their sex life was sizzling hot! The also had a beautiful and loving relationship on top of it. Like I said before this is a love that soul mate stories are made of.
This is a delightful book that has jumped into my re-read pile. It’s definitely the perfect story to curl up in bed on a lazy Sunday and read all day.
4 Stars
Mason, in the beginning, I wasn’t one hundred per cent keen on but by the end, she was my favourite character. She was really something else, and when she was vulnerable with Victoria, you could see the real Mason. Victoria, I just wanted to cuddle from the get-go, and I was so happy that Mason steps up to this job more than once.
Mason and Victoria have a great dynamic and their friendship shone through numerous times to show that this wasn’t just about love, but about something deeper and more aligned to soul mates.
I feel there is a story with secondary character Belle… I just wanted more of her. I also felt there could be something between Victoria’s best friend, Josette and Mason’s assistant, Scarlet. I know Josette was portrayed as straight, but she is a toaster-oven romance waiting to happen.
I would have liked more flashbacks. We get one flashback from Mason about a previous relationship but still, I felt if anyone deserved a flashback and a window into the past it would be Victoria and her childhood/ young adult life with her mother.
The chemistry between Victoria and Mason is off the charts, and their sex life was sizzling hot! The also had a beautiful and loving relationship on top of it. Like I said before this is a love that soul mate stories are made of.
This is a delightful book that has jumped into my re-read pile. It’s definitely the perfect story to curl up in bed on a lazy Sunday and read all day.
4 Stars
May 27, 2024
Face the Music is the first Ali Vali book I've read and whilst a music romance wouldn't usually be my first go-to, I actually really enjoyed this story.
The book fits into quite a few tropes, namely enemies to lovers, celebrity, and forced proximity, with core themes of music, substance abuse, and parentification issues.
Mason Liner is a major Nashville music producer tasked with handling a fallen star of a diva; country star Sophie Roddy. As if Sophie's shenanigans weren't enough for Mason to corral, she also has Sophie's daughter come personal assistant, Victoria Roddy, to pacify as well.
What really drew me into this story is that, yes whilst there is the central romance story between Mason and Victoria to enjoy, there's also many other layers to explore.
Readers get to see Sophie's detox and recovery as she struggles with accepting that she is growing older. Which introduces a great secondary character in Belle, who is not only a retired addiction therapist but Mason's occassional hook-up. I'd love to see Belle's story told in full!
And then there's Victoria's journey which is a gripping story just on its own. Having lived in her mother's shadow for so long, neglecting and forgoing her own needs and desires, you can't help but root for Victoria. I found myself really wanting her to finally break free of that toxic relationship and environment, and be able to see her flourish in every aspect of her own life.
Overall, a very different type of romance story which focuses on helping people when you're in a position to do so. Even if sometimes those people are hard to like and even harder to be gracious towards.
The book fits into quite a few tropes, namely enemies to lovers, celebrity, and forced proximity, with core themes of music, substance abuse, and parentification issues.
Mason Liner is a major Nashville music producer tasked with handling a fallen star of a diva; country star Sophie Roddy. As if Sophie's shenanigans weren't enough for Mason to corral, she also has Sophie's daughter come personal assistant, Victoria Roddy, to pacify as well.
What really drew me into this story is that, yes whilst there is the central romance story between Mason and Victoria to enjoy, there's also many other layers to explore.
Readers get to see Sophie's detox and recovery as she struggles with accepting that she is growing older. Which introduces a great secondary character in Belle, who is not only a retired addiction therapist but Mason's occassional hook-up. I'd love to see Belle's story told in full!
And then there's Victoria's journey which is a gripping story just on its own. Having lived in her mother's shadow for so long, neglecting and forgoing her own needs and desires, you can't help but root for Victoria. I found myself really wanting her to finally break free of that toxic relationship and environment, and be able to see her flourish in every aspect of her own life.
Overall, a very different type of romance story which focuses on helping people when you're in a position to do so. Even if sometimes those people are hard to like and even harder to be gracious towards.
April 18, 2020
Love at the Opry
Sophie is a Country Western singer whose career has spanned decades. Lately however she is in a tail spin of drugs and alcohol thanks to her worm of a boyfriend, whom she is totally devoted to. Her daughter and manager, Victoria is doing her best to help her but it’s a losing battle. Victoria and Sophie have always had a strained relationship but it is steadily getting worse. When Sophie’s label sends in Mason, a brilliant music producer and daughter of the owner of Sophie’s label, to do damage control, things do not go well at all!!! When Sophie nearly dies of an overdose, Victoria realizes she needs Mason’s help and learns maybe the woman isn’t out to destroy her and her mother after all….
This book is so full of romance and mushiness it will make a diabetic need a shot! (But it’s not over done or vapid, it’s sweet and beautiful) There is a lot of drama surrounding Sophie but the main focus of the book is Victoria and Mason. Victoria needs to figure out what she wants to do with her life but having the self-esteem of a mouse and the confidence of a crumpled leaf, it’s hard for her to know what to do and who to trust. Mason is totally there for Victoria, supporting her, encouraging her and loving her. It was wonderful to watch Victoria spread her wings and learn to fly. She finds her voice and follows her heart leading her to become strong and capable of doing just about anything. I loved watching the women get closer and fall in love and then watching that love grow and bloom into something really special. This is another great romance by Ms Vali and Im still swooning over it!
Sophie is a Country Western singer whose career has spanned decades. Lately however she is in a tail spin of drugs and alcohol thanks to her worm of a boyfriend, whom she is totally devoted to. Her daughter and manager, Victoria is doing her best to help her but it’s a losing battle. Victoria and Sophie have always had a strained relationship but it is steadily getting worse. When Sophie’s label sends in Mason, a brilliant music producer and daughter of the owner of Sophie’s label, to do damage control, things do not go well at all!!! When Sophie nearly dies of an overdose, Victoria realizes she needs Mason’s help and learns maybe the woman isn’t out to destroy her and her mother after all….
This book is so full of romance and mushiness it will make a diabetic need a shot! (But it’s not over done or vapid, it’s sweet and beautiful) There is a lot of drama surrounding Sophie but the main focus of the book is Victoria and Mason. Victoria needs to figure out what she wants to do with her life but having the self-esteem of a mouse and the confidence of a crumpled leaf, it’s hard for her to know what to do and who to trust. Mason is totally there for Victoria, supporting her, encouraging her and loving her. It was wonderful to watch Victoria spread her wings and learn to fly. She finds her voice and follows her heart leading her to become strong and capable of doing just about anything. I loved watching the women get closer and fall in love and then watching that love grow and bloom into something really special. This is another great romance by Ms Vali and Im still swooning over it!
April 23, 2020
Another fantastic book by one of my favourite authors. Ali Vali writes detailed and relatable characters who don’t always see eye to eye but do always find their way.
Music guru Mason Liner doesn’t leave a great first impression on the daughter of Country Music Star Sophie Roddy, but then again Victoria Roddy isn’t easily impressed by Music executives, who she sees as greedy and incompetent, when it comes to managing her mothers fading career. Victoria is her mother’s manager but due to a troubled relationship has never felt wanted nor loved. When Mason selflessly offers to help both Roddy women overcome career crippling issues, she is met with anger and suspicious minds. Can the faith, generosity and a comforting environment erode a lifetime of unfrequented love and a desire to fit.
It took me a bit to warm to Victoria but as the author developed her personality and I followed her journey, I began to fall a little in love with her. Mason is a generous stud and I had no trouble relating to her.
Both Main characters were well developed. Secondary characters were all essential to the story. The dialogue was relatable and believable and helped the story flow. The entire story was well told and well edited. Another winner by this very capable author.
Music guru Mason Liner doesn’t leave a great first impression on the daughter of Country Music Star Sophie Roddy, but then again Victoria Roddy isn’t easily impressed by Music executives, who she sees as greedy and incompetent, when it comes to managing her mothers fading career. Victoria is her mother’s manager but due to a troubled relationship has never felt wanted nor loved. When Mason selflessly offers to help both Roddy women overcome career crippling issues, she is met with anger and suspicious minds. Can the faith, generosity and a comforting environment erode a lifetime of unfrequented love and a desire to fit.
It took me a bit to warm to Victoria but as the author developed her personality and I followed her journey, I began to fall a little in love with her. Mason is a generous stud and I had no trouble relating to her.
Both Main characters were well developed. Secondary characters were all essential to the story. The dialogue was relatable and believable and helped the story flow. The entire story was well told and well edited. Another winner by this very capable author.
June 28, 2024
Face the Music
This heartfelt novel by Ali Vali was a beautiful book. I feel that all of Ali Vali books seemed centrred on a theme, this being finding yourself. The MCs rocky start turns into intense chemistry.
I love that most of Vali's books are low angst after the get-together. There is excellent communication. There are plenty of hot, steamy scenes to keep it interesting.
The protagonist is artfully created and creates plenty of disdain.
Both of the MCs had growth. I enjoyed the secondary characters. They added depth to the story and were supported.
I look forward to more books by Ali Vali.
This heartfelt novel by Ali Vali was a beautiful book. I feel that all of Ali Vali books seemed centrred on a theme, this being finding yourself. The MCs rocky start turns into intense chemistry.
I love that most of Vali's books are low angst after the get-together. There is excellent communication. There are plenty of hot, steamy scenes to keep it interesting.
The protagonist is artfully created and creates plenty of disdain.
Both of the MCs had growth. I enjoyed the secondary characters. They added depth to the story and were supported.
I look forward to more books by Ali Vali.
July 10, 2020
This was a hard read - taut, tense and full of angst, the recovery from narcotics is well documented, but this book faces head on the abuse, guilt and suffering the love ones of the abuser feel and how it effects them. It is, basically a love story and for that, I love it. Thank you.
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