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Lyrics of Love #1
My Hero Next Door
She’s only confident when she sings. He’s following the beat of his heart. Will a moment of impromptu harmony cue a romantic duet?
Ella:
Okay, I’ll admit it. I’m not the most self-confident person on the planet. In fact, I’m pretty sure I have, well… none.
That’s why I followed David all the way to UChicago. He’s my boyfriend. The one with the meticulous plans for our future. If I just cling tight enough to his hand, I can survive anything.
Or maybe not.
Because the thing that usually calms my nerves—singing to myself in the dorm shower—has just been blown apart by an impromptu duet with a guy over the wall, and it’s making my heart pound like nothing ever has before.
How can one duet send my life into a spiral of confusion?
Cole:
I’m in my last year at UChicago and I can’t wait to graduate and get on with my big dreams, but whoever sang with me over the shower wall… Oh man, I have to find this girl. Something about her voice spoke to me like nothing ever has before.
But she’s shy. Timid. She won’t accept my invitations to meet up in the hallway. And that’s not my only problem.
My roommate’s new girlfriend, Ella, has just moved here and she’s sparking things inside of me I never thought I could feel.
I don’t get it.
I thought I was set. Happy. But now I’m locked in a battle between pining for Ella and desperately hunting for a shower songbird that I swear could change my life for the better.
My Hero Next Door is the first standalone book in the Lyrics of Love sweet contemporary romance series. If you like offbeat meet-cutes, soulful men to swoon over, and love’s beautiful ballads, then you’ll adore Melody Sweet’s tale of destiny.
PLEASE NOTE:
This book was previously published as Fever by Melissa Pearl. It has been rewritten and re-edited to this sweet romance edition. Enjoy!
Ella:
Okay, I’ll admit it. I’m not the most self-confident person on the planet. In fact, I’m pretty sure I have, well… none.
That’s why I followed David all the way to UChicago. He’s my boyfriend. The one with the meticulous plans for our future. If I just cling tight enough to his hand, I can survive anything.
Or maybe not.
Because the thing that usually calms my nerves—singing to myself in the dorm shower—has just been blown apart by an impromptu duet with a guy over the wall, and it’s making my heart pound like nothing ever has before.
How can one duet send my life into a spiral of confusion?
Cole:
I’m in my last year at UChicago and I can’t wait to graduate and get on with my big dreams, but whoever sang with me over the shower wall… Oh man, I have to find this girl. Something about her voice spoke to me like nothing ever has before.
But she’s shy. Timid. She won’t accept my invitations to meet up in the hallway. And that’s not my only problem.
My roommate’s new girlfriend, Ella, has just moved here and she’s sparking things inside of me I never thought I could feel.
I don’t get it.
I thought I was set. Happy. But now I’m locked in a battle between pining for Ella and desperately hunting for a shower songbird that I swear could change my life for the better.
My Hero Next Door is the first standalone book in the Lyrics of Love sweet contemporary romance series. If you like offbeat meet-cutes, soulful men to swoon over, and love’s beautiful ballads, then you’ll adore Melody Sweet’s tale of destiny.
PLEASE NOTE:
This book was previously published as Fever by Melissa Pearl. It has been rewritten and re-edited to this sweet romance edition. Enjoy!
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2020
199 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
About the author
Melody Sweet
17 books65 followersMelody Sweet is a romance author who loves to write about love. Her first series - Lyrics of Love, is coming-of-age romance at its best.
These novels will appeal to readers who love escaping into a book and getting caught up in a journey of self-discovery and romance.
She is also about to release a new rom-com series set in an elite boarding school. Enter the hallways of Haven Academy and watch these teachers fall in love. (Includes all your favorite rom-com tropes and feel good moments.)
****
Melody Sweet is a Forever Love Publishing author. If you'd like to download the Starter Library (3 books for FREE), then you can copy and paste this link into your Internet browser: http://bit.ly/FLP_Library
Website: www.foreverlovepublishing.com
Email: melodysweetauthor@gmail.com
These novels will appeal to readers who love escaping into a book and getting caught up in a journey of self-discovery and romance.
She is also about to release a new rom-com series set in an elite boarding school. Enter the hallways of Haven Academy and watch these teachers fall in love. (Includes all your favorite rom-com tropes and feel good moments.)
****
Melody Sweet is a Forever Love Publishing author. If you'd like to download the Starter Library (3 books for FREE), then you can copy and paste this link into your Internet browser: http://bit.ly/FLP_Library
Website: www.foreverlovepublishing.com
Email: melodysweetauthor@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 27, 2020
Wow. So lyrical, so beautiful, so heartbreaking at times!
This is the kind of story that I love to read, two people, meet by chance and yet they find love and passion in the midst of their problems. And boy do they have problems!
Ella is a sweet girl, she is quiet, shy and insecure about herself but deep down, she is a romantic at heart with a beautiful singing voice. But her boyfriend of three years does not know any of this. He has big plans and ambitions for his life and hers, but is she happy with that? Can she be happy with that?
To complicate things more, we have Cole, a man of dreams to open up a pub. He is so busy with life he has no time for relationships but when a singing voice on the other side of the dorm showers stops him in his thoughts, he is captivated by this voice, and joins in with her singing. He really wants to know who this mysterious “songbird” is. Worse yet, Ella, his best mates girlfriend and recently moved in and she is stilling his thoughts too.
What will happen when both Cole’s and Ella’s paths will cross? Will they deny the obvious chemistry between them because of everyone around them? And what of the girl with the beautiful voice?
Read this amazing story that will sweep you off your feet and make you fall in love with handsome men and laugh with amazing besties who are too funny.
Highly recommend this sweet series to all YA Clean Romance lovers
Received a copy from the author herself, for an honest review, thank you!
This is the kind of story that I love to read, two people, meet by chance and yet they find love and passion in the midst of their problems. And boy do they have problems!
Ella is a sweet girl, she is quiet, shy and insecure about herself but deep down, she is a romantic at heart with a beautiful singing voice. But her boyfriend of three years does not know any of this. He has big plans and ambitions for his life and hers, but is she happy with that? Can she be happy with that?
To complicate things more, we have Cole, a man of dreams to open up a pub. He is so busy with life he has no time for relationships but when a singing voice on the other side of the dorm showers stops him in his thoughts, he is captivated by this voice, and joins in with her singing. He really wants to know who this mysterious “songbird” is. Worse yet, Ella, his best mates girlfriend and recently moved in and she is stilling his thoughts too.
What will happen when both Cole’s and Ella’s paths will cross? Will they deny the obvious chemistry between them because of everyone around them? And what of the girl with the beautiful voice?
Read this amazing story that will sweep you off your feet and make you fall in love with handsome men and laugh with amazing besties who are too funny.
Highly recommend this sweet series to all YA Clean Romance lovers
Received a copy from the author herself, for an honest review, thank you!
May 11, 2020
This was such a nice love story.
For those of you who want to be sure, this is truly clean romance. You can read it, no problem, even if you are 13-14.
Good characters and not much drama, just life lessons and self discovery.
And of course the book does give some valuable information for music lovers since it's full of lyrics and songs.
For those of you who want to be sure, this is truly clean romance. You can read it, no problem, even if you are 13-14.
Good characters and not much drama, just life lessons and self discovery.
And of course the book does give some valuable information for music lovers since it's full of lyrics and songs.
May 9, 2020
I have read other books by one of this author's other pen name and I was excited to dive into this series now that they're gettign re-published. I really like this author's writing style as this book was no exception. But sadly the plot line of this book didn't fully work for me.
Ella lost her parents when she was young and her boyfriend of 3 years helped her deal with life without them. Now's she finally joining his at campus in Chicago. This is a big change for her and she struggles to adjust. When one days she's singing in the shower, a guy joins her in a duet and from that moment everything changes. She also develops feelings for her boyfriend's best friend and roommate Cole, who is actually shower guy as well, she just doesn't know it yet. While she slowly grows closer to Cole she has to choose between him and her boyfriend David.
I liked the set-up with the whole mysterious shower guy and girl and how they meet while singing and have a connection while only having heard each other's voices. I thought this was such a fun and intriguing way for them to meet and I like how they have that connection while singing. I also liked seeing Cole and Ella get to know each other. They are so sweet together and it's clear they are great for one another.
What I didn't care for was all the plot surrounding the fact Ella already has a boyfriend. Her boyfriend, David, clearly isn't right for her, but he also isn't a bad guy. Honestly I felt bad for him. Ella remains with her boyfriend and tries to make it work, but she doesn't really try to make it work in my opinion. I wish she opened up to David or told him about her doubts or struggles. Tried to confide in him or improve their relationship. As most of the book she sticks with him, but then never opens up to him. I honestly couldn't see why they were together, except for the fact that they had been together for years. That seemed to be the only reason they were together and I didn't feel their romance or connection. David also didn't really seem to try harder to let Ella in or improve their relationship. I would've liked to get at least a glimpse of why they cared for each other or really see them try put in the effort in their relationship. Now David and their relationships just felt like a plot device and one I didn't particular like. I think I might've liked this one more if it felt like a love triangle where the girl really struggles to choose as now it's obvious David isn't right for her and she just can't see it as she doesn't want to hurt him and he gives her stability. It just didn't really feel like a compelling reason for her to stay with him and she ended up hurting both guys.
I actually liked Ella for the most part and I thought it was realistic how lost she sometimes feels and how she struggles to adjust to this new change. She has very low self confidence, but I thought this was interesting to see in a main character and it just fit her personality. Cole was a likeable guy as well, he thought he didn't want a real relationship, but when he grows closer to Ella he realizes he really wants someone to share his dreams with.
While I liked Ella and Cole together and seeing them grow closer. I didn't like how Ella and Cole are falling for each other while she's till in a relationship. I get this sometimes happens, but the whole book is about that point and it also gets resolved very late on in the book. I would've liked to see more of Cole and Ella their relationship without the cloud of her current relationship hanging over them so I could really get a feel for how they would be together. While I didn't like the main premise and angst about the situation there were some great scenes. I liked how Cole was there for Ella and really saw her. I also was glad they at least felt guilty for their feelings with Ella still being in a relationship. I thought Cole was a good guy for Ella, but due to the shadow of her current relationship I just didn't fully warm up to their romance.
One of my favorite parts of the book is later in the book when Ella finally goes and figures out what it is she wants from live. She also stands up for herself and says no to something while this is obviously hard for her to do as she hurts others with it. She really shows some growth in the later part of this book and I think this part was so important for her to go through. I just wish it had lasted a bit longer or come sooner so we really can see her change and deal with this.
There are some interesting side characters, some of which clearly will get their own book. I liked how close Morgan, Jody and Ella were and how they are there for one another. I am not a fan usually of best friends who push the main character out of their comfort zone, but it seems that was what Ella needed at times.
To summarize: I liked the writing style and the set-up, but the sort of love triangle plot line didn't work for me. I got frustrated with Ella sticking with her boyfriend, while at the same time it felt like she didn't try and make their relationship better while she was falling for Cole at the same time. Cole and Ella did make for a great couple, but I never fully warmed up to their romance due to the black cloud of her current relationship hanging over them. There are some great scenes between them and I liked how Cole is there for her and they get to know each other. There is a part at the end where Ella really tried and figure out what it is she wants and she grows a lot and that was great to see. I just wish there was more of that and that part had been a bit longer. All in all this book didn't fully work for me, but I hope I'll enjoy the next one more.
Ella lost her parents when she was young and her boyfriend of 3 years helped her deal with life without them. Now's she finally joining his at campus in Chicago. This is a big change for her and she struggles to adjust. When one days she's singing in the shower, a guy joins her in a duet and from that moment everything changes. She also develops feelings for her boyfriend's best friend and roommate Cole, who is actually shower guy as well, she just doesn't know it yet. While she slowly grows closer to Cole she has to choose between him and her boyfriend David.
I liked the set-up with the whole mysterious shower guy and girl and how they meet while singing and have a connection while only having heard each other's voices. I thought this was such a fun and intriguing way for them to meet and I like how they have that connection while singing. I also liked seeing Cole and Ella get to know each other. They are so sweet together and it's clear they are great for one another.
What I didn't care for was all the plot surrounding the fact Ella already has a boyfriend. Her boyfriend, David, clearly isn't right for her, but he also isn't a bad guy. Honestly I felt bad for him. Ella remains with her boyfriend and tries to make it work, but she doesn't really try to make it work in my opinion. I wish she opened up to David or told him about her doubts or struggles. Tried to confide in him or improve their relationship. As most of the book she sticks with him, but then never opens up to him. I honestly couldn't see why they were together, except for the fact that they had been together for years. That seemed to be the only reason they were together and I didn't feel their romance or connection. David also didn't really seem to try harder to let Ella in or improve their relationship. I would've liked to get at least a glimpse of why they cared for each other or really see them try put in the effort in their relationship. Now David and their relationships just felt like a plot device and one I didn't particular like. I think I might've liked this one more if it felt like a love triangle where the girl really struggles to choose as now it's obvious David isn't right for her and she just can't see it as she doesn't want to hurt him and he gives her stability. It just didn't really feel like a compelling reason for her to stay with him and she ended up hurting both guys.
I actually liked Ella for the most part and I thought it was realistic how lost she sometimes feels and how she struggles to adjust to this new change. She has very low self confidence, but I thought this was interesting to see in a main character and it just fit her personality. Cole was a likeable guy as well, he thought he didn't want a real relationship, but when he grows closer to Ella he realizes he really wants someone to share his dreams with.
While I liked Ella and Cole together and seeing them grow closer. I didn't like how Ella and Cole are falling for each other while she's till in a relationship. I get this sometimes happens, but the whole book is about that point and it also gets resolved very late on in the book. I would've liked to see more of Cole and Ella their relationship without the cloud of her current relationship hanging over them so I could really get a feel for how they would be together. While I didn't like the main premise and angst about the situation there were some great scenes. I liked how Cole was there for Ella and really saw her. I also was glad they at least felt guilty for their feelings with Ella still being in a relationship. I thought Cole was a good guy for Ella, but due to the shadow of her current relationship I just didn't fully warm up to their romance.
One of my favorite parts of the book is later in the book when Ella finally goes and figures out what it is she wants from live. She also stands up for herself and says no to something while this is obviously hard for her to do as she hurts others with it. She really shows some growth in the later part of this book and I think this part was so important for her to go through. I just wish it had lasted a bit longer or come sooner so we really can see her change and deal with this.
There are some interesting side characters, some of which clearly will get their own book. I liked how close Morgan, Jody and Ella were and how they are there for one another. I am not a fan usually of best friends who push the main character out of their comfort zone, but it seems that was what Ella needed at times.
To summarize: I liked the writing style and the set-up, but the sort of love triangle plot line didn't work for me. I got frustrated with Ella sticking with her boyfriend, while at the same time it felt like she didn't try and make their relationship better while she was falling for Cole at the same time. Cole and Ella did make for a great couple, but I never fully warmed up to their romance due to the black cloud of her current relationship hanging over them. There are some great scenes between them and I liked how Cole is there for her and they get to know each other. There is a part at the end where Ella really tried and figure out what it is she wants and she grows a lot and that was great to see. I just wish there was more of that and that part had been a bit longer. All in all this book didn't fully work for me, but I hope I'll enjoy the next one more.
July 24, 2020
For I can't help falling in love with you.
Ella follows her meticulous, efficient boyfriend David to University. The opposite of David. Ella has no real plans for her future. She is shy and withdrawing where David is more outgoing and ambitious. Ella is only bold and confident when she sings in the shower. One day she hears another voice singing from the other side of the shower. Ella and the stranger sing in perfect harmony only to fall in love. Cole rushes out to find who the person on the other side is to find out they had run out of the campus shower before he can find out. The next day Ella meets David’s best friend Cole, not realizing Cole is the phantom voice singing with her in the shower. I love this story. I read the original ”Fever” and loved that too. The only difference with this version is the author took out the sex scenes. The story is still sweet and romantic with or without the sex scenes. It reminds me of Cinderella in a way where the shower is the glass slipper. Lol. I love the end. I laughed and cried. It just grabs you in the heart. So, if you want an old fashioned sweet romance, that you will remember for the rest of your life. Pick this book up to read this weekend. I received a complimentary ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Ella follows her meticulous, efficient boyfriend David to University. The opposite of David. Ella has no real plans for her future. She is shy and withdrawing where David is more outgoing and ambitious. Ella is only bold and confident when she sings in the shower. One day she hears another voice singing from the other side of the shower. Ella and the stranger sing in perfect harmony only to fall in love. Cole rushes out to find who the person on the other side is to find out they had run out of the campus shower before he can find out. The next day Ella meets David’s best friend Cole, not realizing Cole is the phantom voice singing with her in the shower. I love this story. I read the original ”Fever” and loved that too. The only difference with this version is the author took out the sex scenes. The story is still sweet and romantic with or without the sex scenes. It reminds me of Cinderella in a way where the shower is the glass slipper. Lol. I love the end. I laughed and cried. It just grabs you in the heart. So, if you want an old fashioned sweet romance, that you will remember for the rest of your life. Pick this book up to read this weekend. I received a complimentary ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 10, 2020
What a wonderful start to a series, I know it's rewritten but I never read the original anyway.
Cole and Ella had a chemistry that couldn't be denied...totally taboo though, as she was in a relationship. People outgrow each other and heart break is inevitable.
I really enjoyed the girls group, they truly cared about each other.
The mystery of the shower guy/girl was funny too.
Great story, wonderful music and relatable characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to book 2.
Cole and Ella had a chemistry that couldn't be denied...totally taboo though, as she was in a relationship. People outgrow each other and heart break is inevitable.
I really enjoyed the girls group, they truly cared about each other.
The mystery of the shower guy/girl was funny too.
Great story, wonderful music and relatable characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to book 2.
Read
June 14, 2023This is NOT a sweet romance which is really sad since the writing was fantastic.
Content: fade to black but the characters are literally naked before it blacks out and when they zone back in they are still naked, people are overhearing others sleeping together, language
Content: fade to black but the characters are literally naked before it blacks out and when they zone back in they are still naked, people are overhearing others sleeping together, language
May 25, 2020
Since all three of these amazing “Lyrics Of Love” stories are releasing at the same time (and I read them all at the same time), I felt that I would just do one “short and sweet” review of all three!
Melody Sweet wrote such fantastically original, sweet and page turning stories. They were all such a fun reads! It was nice to read some sweet romance during this intense time in the world, these stories definitively kept my mood up!
I loved that in each book there was a good balance between slightly more emotional scenes and light/fun scenes between the characters. Plus, both the story and the characters were well developed and perfectly depicted/described on every page. All three books have such great characters, I couldn’t even begin to say which story I liked the most!
These stories were exactly what I was in the mood to read. I read each book one right after the other! I couldn’t get enough!
I have read other works by this writer and let me tell you, she did not disappoint her readers here! Her writing was just as superb as always!
I would highly recommend grabbing any or all of these stories and diving in over a weekend or just when the story can/will really be enjoyed. These sweet romances are all 5 stars from me!
Just in case you are hadn’t taken a look at the other books in the series, here are all the goodreads links for you to check out:
My Hero Next Door: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
My Superstar Romance: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
My Change of Heart: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
Melody Sweet wrote such fantastically original, sweet and page turning stories. They were all such a fun reads! It was nice to read some sweet romance during this intense time in the world, these stories definitively kept my mood up!
I loved that in each book there was a good balance between slightly more emotional scenes and light/fun scenes between the characters. Plus, both the story and the characters were well developed and perfectly depicted/described on every page. All three books have such great characters, I couldn’t even begin to say which story I liked the most!
These stories were exactly what I was in the mood to read. I read each book one right after the other! I couldn’t get enough!
I have read other works by this writer and let me tell you, she did not disappoint her readers here! Her writing was just as superb as always!
I would highly recommend grabbing any or all of these stories and diving in over a weekend or just when the story can/will really be enjoyed. These sweet romances are all 5 stars from me!
Just in case you are hadn’t taken a look at the other books in the series, here are all the goodreads links for you to check out:
My Hero Next Door: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
My Superstar Romance: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
My Change of Heart: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
June 1, 2020
My Hero Next Door is a clean but still steamy YA. I felt that this story was just a little predictable but it was still enjoyable.
I liked the characters and I’m glad that they each get their own book. I definitely liked Cole more than David. Throughout this whole story you can kinda tell that David and Ella aren’t the perfect match they thought they were. I really enjoyed the chemistry between Ella and Cole and thought it was interesting how they met.
I felt bad for these two also though because they both experienced losing their parents at a young age. These two were made for each other in so many different ways. I wish Ella could have been honest with David and not hurt him so badly but I was kinda surprised David didn’t notice how little they had in common until way later. I also kinda wished that Ella hadn’t done what she did and faced up to it a little sooner but thankfully she realized she could stand on her own without any help. The character development with Ella was really good and the ending was perfect for these two.
I liked the characters and I’m glad that they each get their own book. I definitely liked Cole more than David. Throughout this whole story you can kinda tell that David and Ella aren’t the perfect match they thought they were. I really enjoyed the chemistry between Ella and Cole and thought it was interesting how they met.
I felt bad for these two also though because they both experienced losing their parents at a young age. These two were made for each other in so many different ways. I wish Ella could have been honest with David and not hurt him so badly but I was kinda surprised David didn’t notice how little they had in common until way later. I also kinda wished that Ella hadn’t done what she did and faced up to it a little sooner but thankfully she realized she could stand on her own without any help. The character development with Ella was really good and the ending was perfect for these two.
May 9, 2020
This beautiful sweet romance captured my heart from the beginning. The whole book is filled with a musical theme and the one poignant moment that will change their lives forever comes when Cole hears a beautiful jazz tune in the shower stall next to his and he can't help but sing along. He then makes it his mission to find his songbird.
What Cole does not count on is the feelings he will have when he first lays eyes on his roommate and best friend Dave's girlfriend Ella. She followed her boyfriend to college and has never swayed in her feelings for their mapped out future. However college has a way of bringing out new experiences that will open her eyes to a future she never thought possible which could include the music and lyrics she never let herself believe she could dream for. Cole will absolutely charm his way into your heart and Ella is on a mission of growth and life experience, these two were perfect for each other in a world where circumstances are never perfect.
What Cole does not count on is the feelings he will have when he first lays eyes on his roommate and best friend Dave's girlfriend Ella. She followed her boyfriend to college and has never swayed in her feelings for their mapped out future. However college has a way of bringing out new experiences that will open her eyes to a future she never thought possible which could include the music and lyrics she never let herself believe she could dream for. Cole will absolutely charm his way into your heart and Ella is on a mission of growth and life experience, these two were perfect for each other in a world where circumstances are never perfect.
May 17, 2020
Sweet, sweet romance....
Ella, being the girl next door that she is, doesn't even realize that Mr. Right is quite literally in her building. What she does believe is that David..her long term boyfriend, is the one she should be with. He is safe, secure, and very logical when it came to his plans. But what about what she wants? What is it about this guy who has sung his way into her mind and heart that makes her rethink all the decisions that she has made thus far?
The biggest question is...who is this guy? Will his romantic deep voice match his character? Or will he just be an egotistic jerk? What about David?
I enjoyed reading this book and wanted to scream to Ella who the guy that she heard was. You would think she would put two and two together, but...nope! You must read this one and follow Ella through her travels and roller coaster ride that she now calls her life.
Ella, being the girl next door that she is, doesn't even realize that Mr. Right is quite literally in her building. What she does believe is that David..her long term boyfriend, is the one she should be with. He is safe, secure, and very logical when it came to his plans. But what about what she wants? What is it about this guy who has sung his way into her mind and heart that makes her rethink all the decisions that she has made thus far?
The biggest question is...who is this guy? Will his romantic deep voice match his character? Or will he just be an egotistic jerk? What about David?
I enjoyed reading this book and wanted to scream to Ella who the guy that she heard was. You would think she would put two and two together, but...nope! You must read this one and follow Ella through her travels and roller coaster ride that she now calls her life.
May 22, 2020
My Hero Next Door is a rewrite of the book Fever by Melissa Pearl (under a new pen name). It is a more of a PG-13 version of the story, with fade to black sexual content and some mild swearing. It is part of The Lyrics of Love series. I have not read the original book.
I love the stories this author writes under her different pen names and was excited to receive a ARC of this novel for my honest review.
In the beginning of the book Ella is very much a follower, afraid to speak up for herself and stuck in a relationship for fear of hurting her boyfriend. She really needs to find her voice.
Cole is happy with his life the way it is and not looking for a relationship.
Jazz music is Ella’s love, but she only sings in the shower. Cole happens to hear her singing through the wall one morning and joins in. The duet stirs them both and they feel an instant connection.
I loved the music aspect to this story and each shower scene is written beautifully.
As the story unfolds both characters struggle with longing, guilt, and a bit of curiosity (not knowing who the person singing behind the shower wall is). I liked the character development as they faced their personal challenges. The secondary characters are also well developed and likable. The ending was perfect.
It is a fast read and really hard to put down. It has all the feeling and emotion in a terrific romance novel.
I love the stories this author writes under her different pen names and was excited to receive a ARC of this novel for my honest review.
In the beginning of the book Ella is very much a follower, afraid to speak up for herself and stuck in a relationship for fear of hurting her boyfriend. She really needs to find her voice.
Cole is happy with his life the way it is and not looking for a relationship.
Jazz music is Ella’s love, but she only sings in the shower. Cole happens to hear her singing through the wall one morning and joins in. The duet stirs them both and they feel an instant connection.
I loved the music aspect to this story and each shower scene is written beautifully.
As the story unfolds both characters struggle with longing, guilt, and a bit of curiosity (not knowing who the person singing behind the shower wall is). I liked the character development as they faced their personal challenges. The secondary characters are also well developed and likable. The ending was perfect.
It is a fast read and really hard to put down. It has all the feeling and emotion in a terrific romance novel.
May 27, 2020
My Hero Next Door is an amazing read!! I am a huge fan of the songbird series and Melody (Melissa) rewritten this series to a more sweet clean romance. This is the first book of the series and I’m in awe with the characters all over again. The characters will bring you into their world of finding yourself and follow your dreams. Cole and Ella’s story really shows you what soulmates are and their connection through music really shines. I really enjoyed this story and loved that it has its own playlist. Looking forward to reading the rest of the books.
I voluntarily leave an honest review of this Advanced Readers Copy.
I voluntarily leave an honest review of this Advanced Readers Copy.
May 16, 2020
Ella is moving to Chicago to go to college and be with her boyfriend David. She lacks of self confidence and david is her anchor. But is she really happy or is she living David’s dreams. When she start singing Jazz in the shower of her dorm and guy for the man shower star singing alongside she feels an instant connection. But David means safe. Will she be able to forget shower guy and keep going with her safe life? Great story
May 27, 2020
I received an ARC copy for my honest opinion. This is a love story about two fated souls and how they found each other. Cole and Ella know about losses and Music is what starts the spark of deep feeling between them. I really liked Cole and the way his dream was his motor and inspiration. Ella not much I really didn’t like how she never stood up for her and how she prefer to fled than facing trouble but at the end the way everything resulted was sweet.
May 17, 2020
I wasn't sure of this book at first but, as the story unfolded, I began to be more and more certain that I was falling in love with the characters and their story. This is a story of moving on and taking charge of your life. It portrays the difference between settling for pretty good and going for the gold. In other words, it portrays life as it should be, not life as it sometimes is.
June 20, 2020
I just loved this story. The plot is engaging, as is the story of Ella and Cole.
After the death of her parents when she was fifteen, Ella was sent to live with her aunt in Los Angeles. Luckily for her, she soon befriended her neighbors, Morgan and Jody, and the three became practically sisters. When Morgan went to UChicago, Ella and Jody stayed in LA, and she started dating David.
David is an extremely focused guy with his goals, and Ella got used to others making decisions for her, so when he convinces her to transfer to UChicago, she goes, despite being scared to death.
Little did she know that her life was about to change completely.
Ella is extremely confident when she sings, and when she's in the middle of singing in the dorm shower, she immediately starts a duet with a guy on the other side of the wall. The two are quickly attracted, but she is committed to David and doesn't accept meeting the guy in person.
Meanwhile, Cole is David's roommate, and when he meets Ella, he feels an immediate attraction to her and, as they spend a few moments together, he really listens to her.
When secrets are revealed, will they be able to overcome life's upheavals and be happy?
I just loved the story and all the characters. I highly recommend the reading.
After the death of her parents when she was fifteen, Ella was sent to live with her aunt in Los Angeles. Luckily for her, she soon befriended her neighbors, Morgan and Jody, and the three became practically sisters. When Morgan went to UChicago, Ella and Jody stayed in LA, and she started dating David.
David is an extremely focused guy with his goals, and Ella got used to others making decisions for her, so when he convinces her to transfer to UChicago, she goes, despite being scared to death.
Little did she know that her life was about to change completely.
Ella is extremely confident when she sings, and when she's in the middle of singing in the dorm shower, she immediately starts a duet with a guy on the other side of the wall. The two are quickly attracted, but she is committed to David and doesn't accept meeting the guy in person.
Meanwhile, Cole is David's roommate, and when he meets Ella, he feels an immediate attraction to her and, as they spend a few moments together, he really listens to her.
When secrets are revealed, will they be able to overcome life's upheavals and be happy?
I just loved the story and all the characters. I highly recommend the reading.
May 9, 2020
Absolutely lovely story to make your day. A romance well worth reading. Don’t miss out once it’s released.
May 28, 2020
Wow. What a great book. I absolutely loved it.
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June 4, 2020
Such a sweet story. I really liked the characters in this book. Ella is a sweet and shy girl who is trying to find herself in this world. She has a boyfriend David but falls in love with his best friend/roommate Cole. This book was definitely a lot about self discovery. I’m glad that Ella finally finds herself and her dreams.
June 4, 2020
This book was very heartwarming and sweet. It kept me hooked from the first page to the very last one. I loved all the characters.
Ella was one heck of a leading lady on one hand she frustrated the heck out of me because she kept hanging on to a relationship that was clearly not meant to be but on the other hand I was happy to see her grow and take control of her life and stop being a doormat.
Ella was one heck of a leading lady on one hand she frustrated the heck out of me because she kept hanging on to a relationship that was clearly not meant to be but on the other hand I was happy to see her grow and take control of her life and stop being a doormat.
June 1, 2020
I will start this review by saying I originally read this book when it was published as Fever by Melissa Pearl. This one is a less steamy version but it all honesty, you don’t really miss it.
I will also make a MASSIVE mention, that Cole Reynolds holds his place firm on my Book Boyfriends list. (He misses out on top spot to his best mate Troy, but we’ll meet him later.)
Ella Simmons is in a long term relationship with David, and is happy to be part of his plan to one day get married and have a family. When she moves across the country to be with him, she soon discovers that her dreams are his and doesn't really have any idea of what to do outside her relationship.
Her and David are two very different people, but her main goal was to make him happy, therefore keeping part of herself locked away. She wants nothing more then David... Until she finds herself longing for the stranger on the other side of the shower wall with the amazing singing voice, in perfect duet with her own...... Cole Reynolds is happy with his single life. Being able to do whatever and whoever he wants.
When talking about his dreams with his foster mother, she reminds him that dreams are better shared with someone you love. Brushing it off as nothing more then her being a romantic, Cole finds himself showering after his shift and hearing the voice of an angel. Singing along with her, he discovers that maybe this 'Songbird' was what his foster mother had been talking about. Desperate to meet her, the two remain anonymous.
Cole then meets his roommate, and best mate, David's girlfriend and he is immediately attracted to her.
Knowing she is off limits, he sets out to find his 'Songbird'.......
This book was written with such realistic characters and in a very believable setting. It has been written in a way, that I even felt something for David's character. He wasn't written evil or horrible in the way that I was hoping Ella would leave him. They just didn't suit. Other books I have read have portrayed the boyfriend in such a way, it leaves you desperate for the leading lady to leave him, and makes you think why she was ever with him in the first place.
So my recommendation, read this book for an enjoyable, easy paced read.
I will also make a MASSIVE mention, that Cole Reynolds holds his place firm on my Book Boyfriends list. (He misses out on top spot to his best mate Troy, but we’ll meet him later.)
Ella Simmons is in a long term relationship with David, and is happy to be part of his plan to one day get married and have a family. When she moves across the country to be with him, she soon discovers that her dreams are his and doesn't really have any idea of what to do outside her relationship.
Her and David are two very different people, but her main goal was to make him happy, therefore keeping part of herself locked away. She wants nothing more then David... Until she finds herself longing for the stranger on the other side of the shower wall with the amazing singing voice, in perfect duet with her own...... Cole Reynolds is happy with his single life. Being able to do whatever and whoever he wants.
When talking about his dreams with his foster mother, she reminds him that dreams are better shared with someone you love. Brushing it off as nothing more then her being a romantic, Cole finds himself showering after his shift and hearing the voice of an angel. Singing along with her, he discovers that maybe this 'Songbird' was what his foster mother had been talking about. Desperate to meet her, the two remain anonymous.
Cole then meets his roommate, and best mate, David's girlfriend and he is immediately attracted to her.
Knowing she is off limits, he sets out to find his 'Songbird'.......
This book was written with such realistic characters and in a very believable setting. It has been written in a way, that I even felt something for David's character. He wasn't written evil or horrible in the way that I was hoping Ella would leave him. They just didn't suit. Other books I have read have portrayed the boyfriend in such a way, it leaves you desperate for the leading lady to leave him, and makes you think why she was ever with him in the first place.
So my recommendation, read this book for an enjoyable, easy paced read.
June 19, 2020
Great story
I enjoyed this story a lot. I love that the series comes with a music soundtrack that you can play as you read. It really adds another dimension to the reading experience. In This book all the songs are oldies.
I enjoyed this story a lot. I love that the series comes with a music soundtrack that you can play as you read. It really adds another dimension to the reading experience. In This book all the songs are oldies.
June 11, 2020
Let me start off by saying that I definitely enjoyed this book and would recommend it. It had an interesting plot line and I sympathized with both Ella and Cole. However, there were a few places where it got a bit draggy etc. Also, I never read the original, and while this definitely falls under sweet romance, I'd have to label it on the edgy side. It seemed to me like there was still plenty of talk/thinking about sex. Maybe a bit more than I would prefer... All in all tho, a good read with good feels!
December 14, 2020
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I enjoyed this story a lot. The characters were superb. They had a background that shaped them the way they are now. They had flaws but were able to overcome them for each other. Their story was a different one. I didn’t really know how everything would get resolved and whether the main characters would find love. While David wasn’t the best boyfriend, he was a good guy and I’m happy the author didn’t show him as a bad man. Morgan and Jody were fun characters who helped Ella find the best version of herself. Cole and Ella were the best versions of themselves together. The story was a fun one which felt complete.
Basically, Ella is Cole’s best friend’s girlfriend. They’ve been together for three years but it is shown that they really don’t know each other. David helped Ella out of the mess she was in during her junior year. He’s been Ella’s safe person who would be there for her no matter what. But he doesn’t know her for her. She’s musical and talented. Cole and Ella both have a troubled past. Cole and Ella meet unconventionally. They don’t actually meet at first. She was singing in the shower and he, from the other side of the wall, continued the song. They both thought the other’s voice was incredible. Then later in the day when they meet, they both think the other is attractive. Slowly, through time, they started linking each other for their personalities. They share the deepest of their secrets. But David is still there.
I wrote this voluntary review in exchange for an ARC copy.
I enjoyed this story a lot. The characters were superb. They had a background that shaped them the way they are now. They had flaws but were able to overcome them for each other. Their story was a different one. I didn’t really know how everything would get resolved and whether the main characters would find love. While David wasn’t the best boyfriend, he was a good guy and I’m happy the author didn’t show him as a bad man. Morgan and Jody were fun characters who helped Ella find the best version of herself. Cole and Ella were the best versions of themselves together. The story was a fun one which felt complete.
Basically, Ella is Cole’s best friend’s girlfriend. They’ve been together for three years but it is shown that they really don’t know each other. David helped Ella out of the mess she was in during her junior year. He’s been Ella’s safe person who would be there for her no matter what. But he doesn’t know her for her. She’s musical and talented. Cole and Ella both have a troubled past. Cole and Ella meet unconventionally. They don’t actually meet at first. She was singing in the shower and he, from the other side of the wall, continued the song. They both thought the other’s voice was incredible. Then later in the day when they meet, they both think the other is attractive. Slowly, through time, they started linking each other for their personalities. They share the deepest of their secrets. But David is still there.
I wrote this voluntary review in exchange for an ARC copy.
June 4, 2021
Great first book in a brilliant series
First read this story when it was titled Fever and I enjoyed it just as much the second time. Just couldn't it down, stayed up past bed time to finish it. Ella has moved to Chicago to University and to be with her best friend Morgan us her boyfriend David. Her secret is she loves to sing in the shower, one morning a handsome voice sings with her. Cole hears the voice of an angel one morning but she shy and runs away before he can learn who it is. Meanwhile he meets Ella as his roommates girlfriend, sparks fly but he won't be that guy.
Will Ella choose stable David or the guy makes her voice and courage saw
First read this story when it was titled Fever and I enjoyed it just as much the second time. Just couldn't it down, stayed up past bed time to finish it. Ella has moved to Chicago to University and to be with her best friend Morgan us her boyfriend David. Her secret is she loves to sing in the shower, one morning a handsome voice sings with her. Cole hears the voice of an angel one morning but she shy and runs away before he can learn who it is. Meanwhile he meets Ella as his roommates girlfriend, sparks fly but he won't be that guy.
Will Ella choose stable David or the guy makes her voice and courage saw
January 28, 2021
Holy moly! The feels the angst, the love, the forbidden! I loved everything about this book and can’t believe I just found it. Finally an author that can write an amazing book & give you all the feels without all the details, if ya know what I mean. I loved it and will continue on to the rest of the series!
October 15, 2020
So I mostly skimmed. But I know there's people who review without reading shit on this site so I think this should be OK. (Ending spoilers too, just a little)
I usually steer clear from love triangle stories because the axis aka the girl in the middle is usually some wishy washy bimbo who inevitably plays with hearts and cheats on one or the other. Or both. But this book did not do that. I am so pleased about it. I don't know if I can chalk it up to a clean read or not but that was nice.
The other thing I liked? The resolution. So far, this is the only book with love triangle dynamics that didn't pretty much shove down your throat that the person who loses the girl has to automatically make up with everybody and friendship has to stay in tact. I never thought I'd ever see this because it seemed like some people didn't think it counted as a proper HEA. But I think this did it well.
David and Cole are no longer friends. No pressure on Cole's end to try and badger David into fixing that because he knows the consequences of his actions. David doesn't forgive but he doesn't resent and ultimately tells Cole where to find Ella. David also tells Ella that she needs to accept her own consequences that she needs to accept that if she picks Cole, it'll always hurt David and that's that. Which helped her realize she was probably still looking for approval. In the end, Cole gets to Ella and all is well. They're still in the States while David is somewhere in Europe as that was the last thing he told Cole he'd be before he ended their friendship.
At first, I thought it was a bit anticlimactic which is saying something considering they did fight. But then I realized, real life is often this way. I mean, David is pretty much cutting them both out of his life. There's nothing more to say or do.
So overall, I'm satisfied. I'm not gonna openly recommend it but I don't think you'll hate the way this plays out.
I usually steer clear from love triangle stories because the axis aka the girl in the middle is usually some wishy washy bimbo who inevitably plays with hearts and cheats on one or the other. Or both. But this book did not do that. I am so pleased about it. I don't know if I can chalk it up to a clean read or not but that was nice.
The other thing I liked? The resolution. So far, this is the only book with love triangle dynamics that didn't pretty much shove down your throat that the person who loses the girl has to automatically make up with everybody and friendship has to stay in tact. I never thought I'd ever see this because it seemed like some people didn't think it counted as a proper HEA. But I think this did it well.
David and Cole are no longer friends. No pressure on Cole's end to try and badger David into fixing that because he knows the consequences of his actions. David doesn't forgive but he doesn't resent and ultimately tells Cole where to find Ella. David also tells Ella that she needs to accept her own consequences that she needs to accept that if she picks Cole, it'll always hurt David and that's that. Which helped her realize she was probably still looking for approval. In the end, Cole gets to Ella and all is well. They're still in the States while David is somewhere in Europe as that was the last thing he told Cole he'd be before he ended their friendship.
At first, I thought it was a bit anticlimactic which is saying something considering they did fight. But then I realized, real life is often this way. I mean, David is pretty much cutting them both out of his life. There's nothing more to say or do.
So overall, I'm satisfied. I'm not gonna openly recommend it but I don't think you'll hate the way this plays out.
June 18, 2020
I really wanted to love this book. Intertwining music and romance is right up my alley, but this just didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I liked Cole’s character, but both Ella and David felt very cookie-cutter to me, and it was hard to care about them when they didn’t have too much depth. Overall it was a cute little love story but just not my favorite.
December 23, 2020
I wish it had more time between Cole and Ella. I felt it was too much of her being focused on keeping her relationship with David. It became annoying in a way as you just want to yell at her "break up with him already!" I liked the book a lot, but felt Ella and Cole getting to know each other and falling in love was more important and it didn't get enough attention.
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