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Sanderson Brothers #1
A Song for Noah
Noah Sanderson is the oldest brother in a family of four - three gay, and one straight - living in the small town of Lincolnport. He's about to have his younger brother’s wedding, the 10th anniversary of his parents’ tragic death, and the return to town of his first love, Callum, collide in what feels like a terrifying recipe for disaster. All Noah wants to do is keep a low profile, but all three events carry hidden opportunities and secret traps. One of the most compelling is the possibility of a second chance for romance.
Callum McCrea was Noah’s high school sweetheart in private, and the best friend of Noah’s brother, Ike, in public. Callum and Noah kept their relationship discreet even when Callum’s farewell in pursuit of a professional music career broke Noah’s heart. Now, Ike is getting married, and Callum can’t say no to the wedding invitation. He returns to the Midwestern town of Lincolnport as a hometown hero with a desire to bridge an eight-year gap by offering Noah friendship and a hug.
A Song for Noah is a 59,000-word gay second chance romance with strong family relationship themes. This is the first book in the Sanderson Brothers series. It features four brothers: high school art teacher, Noah, the oldest, businessman, Ike, the acknowledged leader of the family, police officer, Jared, and Ivy League college student, Matthew. The tragic loss of their parents brought the four boys close together and forged an unbreakable bond.
All of the books can be read as standalone stories, but they are best read as a continuing series about the Sanderson family including all four brothers as characters in each novel.
Callum McCrea was Noah’s high school sweetheart in private, and the best friend of Noah’s brother, Ike, in public. Callum and Noah kept their relationship discreet even when Callum’s farewell in pursuit of a professional music career broke Noah’s heart. Now, Ike is getting married, and Callum can’t say no to the wedding invitation. He returns to the Midwestern town of Lincolnport as a hometown hero with a desire to bridge an eight-year gap by offering Noah friendship and a hug.
A Song for Noah is a 59,000-word gay second chance romance with strong family relationship themes. This is the first book in the Sanderson Brothers series. It features four brothers: high school art teacher, Noah, the oldest, businessman, Ike, the acknowledged leader of the family, police officer, Jared, and Ivy League college student, Matthew. The tragic loss of their parents brought the four boys close together and forged an unbreakable bond.
All of the books can be read as standalone stories, but they are best read as a continuing series about the Sanderson family including all four brothers as characters in each novel.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 5, 2020
104 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 12, 2020
Really enjoyed this start to a new series by this author. Loved Noah and Callum sooo much! I have always found this author's book to flow so easily as I read which makes reading them so effortless and fun. Looking forward to the rest of the brothers' stories!
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February 18, 2021DNF. Pulling the plug at 53% - 2*
There are things to like about this book and even though I determined early on that it had some issues I thought I could get through to the end, but it is not to be. Noah dated his younger brother's bet friend Callum when they were in high school. They slept together once and then Callum took off to become a hugely successful singer/songwriter. They have not spoken in all that time although Callum has kept in touch with the brother. He has now come back to their home town for the brother's wedding.
The book started out well. I liked the characters and their introduction. There was an odd conversation between Callum and a children's author on the plane that didn't ring true at all for me but I thought it was pretty minor. As the book progressed my irritation with it grew. The initial timeline given on their high school relationship is that they dated for the last two years of Callum being in school. For Noah this is correlates to his last year in high school and first year in art school. Later in the book Callum is talking about this history but this time he mentions things getting easier for them once he (Callum) was in college. Timeline fails always bother me, but even that was not enough to get me to drop it.
Then nail in the coffin for me was the utterly ridiculous way Callum is about his celebrity status. It was not at all believable. eye rolling bad. It did not fit in with the nice guy hermit that he is supposed to be. I simply could not believe it. However if such a person actually existed I sure as heck would not want to know him and would hope his love life was an utter failure. I would not want him getting a nice guy like Noah. Here is an example from the wedding reception:
That was the final straw for me.
There are things to like about this book and even though I determined early on that it had some issues I thought I could get through to the end, but it is not to be. Noah dated his younger brother's bet friend Callum when they were in high school. They slept together once and then Callum took off to become a hugely successful singer/songwriter. They have not spoken in all that time although Callum has kept in touch with the brother. He has now come back to their home town for the brother's wedding.
The book started out well. I liked the characters and their introduction. There was an odd conversation between Callum and a children's author on the plane that didn't ring true at all for me but I thought it was pretty minor. As the book progressed my irritation with it grew. The initial timeline given on their high school relationship is that they dated for the last two years of Callum being in school. For Noah this is correlates to his last year in high school and first year in art school. Later in the book Callum is talking about this history but this time he mentions things getting easier for them once he (Callum) was in college. Timeline fails always bother me, but even that was not enough to get me to drop it.
Then nail in the coffin for me was the utterly ridiculous way Callum is about his celebrity status. It was not at all believable. eye rolling bad. It did not fit in with the nice guy hermit that he is supposed to be. I simply could not believe it. However if such a person actually existed I sure as heck would not want to know him and would hope his love life was an utter failure. I would not want him getting a nice guy like Noah. Here is an example from the wedding reception:
I sat at a table with Noah's two cousins from New Jersey. At first they didn't know my celebrity status. When I introduced myself and told them that I was a professional singer, one of the women asked, "Have you ever recorded anything?"
They were both classical musicians. One blushed with embarrassment when I explained that my record sales total was over 20 million.
That was the final straw for me.
February 16, 2021
4 and 1/2 stars. This is only my second book by DeClan Rhodes. The first book I read didn’t really appeal so I have overlooked his other books.I’m so glad I decided to give this book a try. I loved it. I loved the writing, I loved the story, and I loved Noah and Cullen. I don’t usually care for stories about singers. So, if can can write one I love then I’m impressed. This was a sweet love story. I’m sure I’ll read every book about the Sanderson brothers.
July 11, 2020
This is the first in a new series about brothers. This is a low angst, second chance, heart warming romance.
Noah and Callum are sweet together. Callum comes back to their hometown for Noah's brothers wedding and the sparks are still there. There are some obstacles that they need to work out before they get their HEA.
Noah and Callum are sweet together. Callum comes back to their hometown for Noah's brothers wedding and the sparks are still there. There are some obstacles that they need to work out before they get their HEA.
February 24, 2025
A heartwarming tale about the power of forgiveness and true love.
4 musical stars!
Simply stated, in high school Noah, the youngest of four brothers (three of whom are gay) had a relationship with Callum, the gay best friend of Ike, Noah's younger brother. But when Callum's musical career took off, he left Lincolnport abruptly for Los Angeles to record his music. This left Noah devastated.
Eight years pass and Callum's career is waning. He's lost the ability to write new songs. When Ike invites Callum to his wedding, thinking he'll never attend, but he does.
Old wounds reopen for Noah regarding Callum. Callum hasn't contacted Noah in eight years and Noah is resentful.
With moderate world building and a great cast of supporting characters (particularly Callum's bodyguard), the author connects multiple plotlines expertly. Despite Callum's reluctance to come "out" in LA, he finds this more difficult the longer he's around Noah. And when he must return to LA, his "muse" has returned and new songs begin to coalesce in his mind.
Upon his return to LA, Callum records his first new song in years. A very special song. He posts in on social media and the song skyrockets to number one.
What follows is a truly heated and deeply moving tale concerning the two men. Forgiveness and feelings are discussed and dealt with, opening the pathway to a great future for both Noah and Callum. (As well as his brothers!)
I really enjoyed this story. Although Noah had to become the defacto parents to his brothers after their parents were killed in a car accident when he was just 15, the brothers were taken in by their Aunt. She provided a home and acceptance for the brothers, no matter their sexuality.
This is the first book in a series about the Sanderson brothers and I want to read them all!
4 musical stars!
Simply stated, in high school Noah, the youngest of four brothers (three of whom are gay) had a relationship with Callum, the gay best friend of Ike, Noah's younger brother. But when Callum's musical career took off, he left Lincolnport abruptly for Los Angeles to record his music. This left Noah devastated.
Eight years pass and Callum's career is waning. He's lost the ability to write new songs. When Ike invites Callum to his wedding, thinking he'll never attend, but he does.
Old wounds reopen for Noah regarding Callum. Callum hasn't contacted Noah in eight years and Noah is resentful.
With moderate world building and a great cast of supporting characters (particularly Callum's bodyguard), the author connects multiple plotlines expertly. Despite Callum's reluctance to come "out" in LA, he finds this more difficult the longer he's around Noah. And when he must return to LA, his "muse" has returned and new songs begin to coalesce in his mind.
Upon his return to LA, Callum records his first new song in years. A very special song. He posts in on social media and the song skyrockets to number one.
What follows is a truly heated and deeply moving tale concerning the two men. Forgiveness and feelings are discussed and dealt with, opening the pathway to a great future for both Noah and Callum. (As well as his brothers!)
I really enjoyed this story. Although Noah had to become the defacto parents to his brothers after their parents were killed in a car accident when he was just 15, the brothers were taken in by their Aunt. She provided a home and acceptance for the brothers, no matter their sexuality.
This is the first book in a series about the Sanderson brothers and I want to read them all!
August 4, 2021
It was OK, two stars. It was just a bit blah!
Nothing really happens and I found the two main characters a little insipid to be honest. Zero angst and not much of a plot.....Boy made good returns to his hometown for a friend's wedding. Bumps into his first love, they get back together again and everything is hunky dory, the end.
I won't be buying any further stories in this series.
Nothing really happens and I found the two main characters a little insipid to be honest. Zero angst and not much of a plot.....Boy made good returns to his hometown for a friend's wedding. Bumps into his first love, they get back together again and everything is hunky dory, the end.
I won't be buying any further stories in this series.
April 20, 2022
It was a good read. 3.5 stars. I liked Noah and Callum as a couple, I really enjoyed the relationship and dynamics between the Sanderson Brothers. (Keep em coming my way, please)
The reason why I don't give this book more than 3.5 stars is that I felt it was 50 pages too short.
Don't get me wrong, it was so well-written that I ended up connecting with Noah to the point of crying a little during the cemetery scene (and that doesn't happen so often in my case), but I'm sort of used to reading longer books.
In other words: the book was nice, the main characters were fine and the romance was okay, the secondary characters were likable enough for me to admit I'm going to miss them if they don't do any cameos in the next book(s), but it was all a little too quick.
If you're looking for a short, wholesome read to take you out of the reader's block this could be the one.
The reason why I don't give this book more than 3.5 stars is that I felt it was 50 pages too short.
Don't get me wrong, it was so well-written that I ended up connecting with Noah to the point of crying a little during the cemetery scene (and that doesn't happen so often in my case), but I'm sort of used to reading longer books.
In other words: the book was nice, the main characters were fine and the romance was okay, the secondary characters were likable enough for me to admit I'm going to miss them if they don't do any cameos in the next book(s), but it was all a little too quick.
If you're looking for a short, wholesome read to take you out of the reader's block this could be the one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2020
Left me disappointed.
Just couldn't get into this story. I'm a definite fan of Declan Rhoades but this story didn't ring any bells for me. Callum has an over-inflated ego and a cold personality. Noah, on the other hand, comes across as insecure and totally deserving of anyone other than Callum. Even after 8 years Noah still has a crush for Callum even though Callum ditched Noah to pursue his music career. I mean he ditched him under the cruelest of circumstances by just leaving Noah in the lurch w/o any explanation and now he's back to resume their closet affair. I received an ARC from the author for this review.
Just couldn't get into this story. I'm a definite fan of Declan Rhoades but this story didn't ring any bells for me. Callum has an over-inflated ego and a cold personality. Noah, on the other hand, comes across as insecure and totally deserving of anyone other than Callum. Even after 8 years Noah still has a crush for Callum even though Callum ditched Noah to pursue his music career. I mean he ditched him under the cruelest of circumstances by just leaving Noah in the lurch w/o any explanation and now he's back to resume their closet affair. I received an ARC from the author for this review.
April 18, 2021
Normally, I find that series about brothers go one of two ways - either they are really good, or blah. This is the first of four books in this series, and it was really good. I loved both of the main characters - Noah and Callum. The writing was good, and the side stories, including the interaction with the brothers added to the story. The only negative was how easily Noah forgave Callum for leaving all those years ago. I would have thought it could have been at least a few discussions or arguments, but it kind of hung in the air without every really being discussed fully.
A great start to a series!
A great start to a series!
March 13, 2025
The title is true; it was a song for Noah, but getting there was an adventure.
A First Time For Pete was the first book in this series, and knowing some outcomes with the other brothers was beneficial. This is an easy-to-read, fairytale-like look at a place where four brothers lost their parents in an auto accident and formed a bond that defines family. In this initial offering, Declan Rhodes builds their hometown and the atmosphere where whispered wishes transform into things that must be done, and people look out for each other.
However, that magic is a bit broken for Noah, the oldest of the brothers, who turned down his inheritance to run the family company and gave it to his brother Ike. In this book, Ike is getting married to a woman he adores and who values brotherly bonds. Some of the text is written as if they have telepathy regarding the needs of the weakest.
It is Ike and Claire's wedding that draws Callum McCrea back to Lincolnport. Callum was Noah’s secret lover in high school and left town after school without saying goodbye to Noah. Noah still harbors longing in his heart for Callum, but he also feels anger about how Callum left town without a farewell and now returns as a celebrated chart-topping musician and singer.
The reunion is awkward and marks the beginning of this story of second-chance love. It is a sweet reunion, but it’s tough to overshadow the long years of separation without any communication. The adventure to the end is lovely, but it’s filled with angst when Callum quickly leaves without resolution on the future of the two.
Noah and Callum's love story became legendary. Their romance was a testament to the power of love, leaving everyone in awe of the sweet, swoon-worthy, Hollywood-like romance that unfolded before their eyes.
A First Time For Pete was the first book in this series, and knowing some outcomes with the other brothers was beneficial. This is an easy-to-read, fairytale-like look at a place where four brothers lost their parents in an auto accident and formed a bond that defines family. In this initial offering, Declan Rhodes builds their hometown and the atmosphere where whispered wishes transform into things that must be done, and people look out for each other.
However, that magic is a bit broken for Noah, the oldest of the brothers, who turned down his inheritance to run the family company and gave it to his brother Ike. In this book, Ike is getting married to a woman he adores and who values brotherly bonds. Some of the text is written as if they have telepathy regarding the needs of the weakest.
It is Ike and Claire's wedding that draws Callum McCrea back to Lincolnport. Callum was Noah’s secret lover in high school and left town after school without saying goodbye to Noah. Noah still harbors longing in his heart for Callum, but he also feels anger about how Callum left town without a farewell and now returns as a celebrated chart-topping musician and singer.
The reunion is awkward and marks the beginning of this story of second-chance love. It is a sweet reunion, but it’s tough to overshadow the long years of separation without any communication. The adventure to the end is lovely, but it’s filled with angst when Callum quickly leaves without resolution on the future of the two.
Noah and Callum's love story became legendary. Their romance was a testament to the power of love, leaving everyone in awe of the sweet, swoon-worthy, Hollywood-like romance that unfolded before their eyes.
July 8, 2020
💞 Wedding festivities relaunch a relationship but will it fly?
👬🎸This is a good, pretty low angst second chance romance for Noah, the eldest of the four Sanderson brothers, only one of whom is straight. It's small-town support and togetherness with a celebrity twist. The celebrity, Callum, left town to launch a music career in L.A.. He's remain single and closeted but seeing Noah again shakes things up. There are a lot of love vibes floating around this wedding; even Callum's bodyguard gets into the mood!💘
Of the two lead characters, Callum is not my favorite as I believe he's made some thoughtless, almost cruel moves vis a vis Noah, a really sweet sculptor and art teacher and a terrific older brother. Noah has seen too many key people in his life leave and he's right to have mixed feelings about Callum's visit. He's even kept his feelings for Callum under wraps even from his family to avoid awkwardness since Callum was his brother Ike's best friend. It's obvious that Callum is Noah's Achilles heel. As to the 💦steam, it comes naturally as these two men have known each other at least since they were teens and have a history.
The writing's good and I am a pushover for small-town romance so I enjoyed Noah's story. Looking forward to the series continuing for brothers Jared's and Matthew's romances but this is a complete standalone with no cliffhangers.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
👬🎸This is a good, pretty low angst second chance romance for Noah, the eldest of the four Sanderson brothers, only one of whom is straight. It's small-town support and togetherness with a celebrity twist. The celebrity, Callum, left town to launch a music career in L.A.. He's remain single and closeted but seeing Noah again shakes things up. There are a lot of love vibes floating around this wedding; even Callum's bodyguard gets into the mood!💘
Of the two lead characters, Callum is not my favorite as I believe he's made some thoughtless, almost cruel moves vis a vis Noah, a really sweet sculptor and art teacher and a terrific older brother. Noah has seen too many key people in his life leave and he's right to have mixed feelings about Callum's visit. He's even kept his feelings for Callum under wraps even from his family to avoid awkwardness since Callum was his brother Ike's best friend. It's obvious that Callum is Noah's Achilles heel. As to the 💦steam, it comes naturally as these two men have known each other at least since they were teens and have a history.
The writing's good and I am a pushover for small-town romance so I enjoyed Noah's story. Looking forward to the series continuing for brothers Jared's and Matthew's romances but this is a complete standalone with no cliffhangers.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
July 12, 2020
"To the outside world, Noah was my friend but nothing more than that."
I really liked this first story of the Sanderson's Brothers series, by Declan Rhodes. I enjoyed how Rhodes not only included the other Sanderson brothers throughout this story, obviously, making way for future books in this series, but also developing their characters. We meet Noah as his brother is about to be married, as his secret love, is about to return to town, and as the anniversary of his parent's deaths, are all about to converge. Before Callum left town to become a pop star, he was best friend to Noah's older brother, Ike, in high school, and had a secret relationship with Noah. When Callum returns for the wedding, Noah believes that he and Callum can be adults, and that Noah won't lose his heart. The one that broke when Callum left. I get that Callum is a different person now, and has had different life experiences, but Noah is such a sweetheart, and Callum... he's not. He's not awful, in fact, he had some considerate moments, but I kept waiting for a moment of humility or humbleness, and where he'd prove himself worthy of Noah. I guess, there is always the rest of the series, for that? In this small town, second chance romance, you can expect some drama, angst, family interaction, wedding fun, misadventures, humorous situations, steamy moments, and romance. An engaging read. I received this book as an ARC from the author, and I volunteered this review.
I really liked this first story of the Sanderson's Brothers series, by Declan Rhodes. I enjoyed how Rhodes not only included the other Sanderson brothers throughout this story, obviously, making way for future books in this series, but also developing their characters. We meet Noah as his brother is about to be married, as his secret love, is about to return to town, and as the anniversary of his parent's deaths, are all about to converge. Before Callum left town to become a pop star, he was best friend to Noah's older brother, Ike, in high school, and had a secret relationship with Noah. When Callum returns for the wedding, Noah believes that he and Callum can be adults, and that Noah won't lose his heart. The one that broke when Callum left. I get that Callum is a different person now, and has had different life experiences, but Noah is such a sweetheart, and Callum... he's not. He's not awful, in fact, he had some considerate moments, but I kept waiting for a moment of humility or humbleness, and where he'd prove himself worthy of Noah. I guess, there is always the rest of the series, for that? In this small town, second chance romance, you can expect some drama, angst, family interaction, wedding fun, misadventures, humorous situations, steamy moments, and romance. An engaging read. I received this book as an ARC from the author, and I volunteered this review.
July 17, 2020
Sometimes secrets weigh heavier than actual problems. Noah, the eldest of 4 brothers, kept them together while Ike, a year younger was the official leader. I was getting married to his childhood sweetheart, Claire. He is the only straight brother. Callum, now a famous rock star and his former best friend is returning for the wedding. He carried on a secret relationship with Noah for 2 years. Callum is in the closet. They both feel they never got closure since Callum presented Noah with the faite accompli of his departure. Callum is experiencing writers block and a feeling of discontent. Callum carries the baggage of thinking Noah could have fought for him. Noah feels Callum could have looked back over the past 8 years. Lots of questions. Lots of no communication. They still feel the pull and think they are fighting it. Will they talk? Can Callum admit his preference? Will Callum write again? Will he find his balance? Nice story. Characters reflect their growth, their lack of communication and self exploration. Good story. Looking forward to reading about the other brothers. I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 28, 2020
Nice Start
Anything written by Declan Rhodes gets my immediate interest and this one satisfied my curiosity about where this series may be going. It involves a family of four orphaned brothers, three of whom are openly gay in a small town somewhere in the midwest (Wisconsin, I would guess), of whom the oldest is Noah and the second oldest is the straight one, Ike, who is getting married which sets up the scenario herein.
Ike's best friend, Callum, left town at the end of high school to go to Los Angeles to fulfill his dream of becoming a music star. He accomplished that and is now a mega star who is returning to his hometown for the first time since leaving. This is complicated because even though no one knows it, he and Noah were secret boyfriends during high school.
This obvious trope has been played out in many books and in this one it works because Noah is such a hugely sympathetic character (Callum is not quite), and his brothers are introduced as absolutely realistic--one brother is a town cop, the youngest is a student at Columbia in New York City, and of course there is the wedding boy, Ike.
I liked this family very much. That means I will come back to see how the other two brothers do because how Rhodes gets Noah and Callum through the crisis of getting to know each other again is a tour de force that I would like to see him match. 4 1/2 stars.
Anything written by Declan Rhodes gets my immediate interest and this one satisfied my curiosity about where this series may be going. It involves a family of four orphaned brothers, three of whom are openly gay in a small town somewhere in the midwest (Wisconsin, I would guess), of whom the oldest is Noah and the second oldest is the straight one, Ike, who is getting married which sets up the scenario herein.
Ike's best friend, Callum, left town at the end of high school to go to Los Angeles to fulfill his dream of becoming a music star. He accomplished that and is now a mega star who is returning to his hometown for the first time since leaving. This is complicated because even though no one knows it, he and Noah were secret boyfriends during high school.
This obvious trope has been played out in many books and in this one it works because Noah is such a hugely sympathetic character (Callum is not quite), and his brothers are introduced as absolutely realistic--one brother is a town cop, the youngest is a student at Columbia in New York City, and of course there is the wedding boy, Ike.
I liked this family very much. That means I will come back to see how the other two brothers do because how Rhodes gets Noah and Callum through the crisis of getting to know each other again is a tour de force that I would like to see him match. 4 1/2 stars.
July 14, 2020
One of my favorite things about a starting a new series by Declan Rhodes is getting to know the characters, and I've gotta say The Sanderson Brothers has some great ones. This introduction to the series focuses on Noah and Callum, who have terrific chemistry, but then, I wouldn't expect any less from this author. The romance is all about Callum and Noah's second chance, and these guys are just so darn lovable that you can't help but root for them. Especially Noah, I just loved Noah. He's sweet and adorable, and then we get the more serious side - and I'm going to leave that part right there to avoid spoilers. I'll just say that this one definitely tugs at the heartstrings, and I may have even shed a few tears at one point. To sum it up, the story is entertaining, the characters are engaging, and I can't wait to see what's next for the Sanderson brothers and company.
July 8, 2020
I enjoyed reading this book, but I don't know that Noah's character was fully fleshed out before-hand. If Ike didn't know about the relationship between Noah and Callum, why did the fact that they keep in touch never once come up in eight years? Especially when Callum's album went big? As the brothers started healing, why wouldn't they have seen how Noah wasn't, and then tried to help him much earlier?
I also got the impression that Callum wasn't familiar with Noah's art before this book started, was that only something that he got into in college? If they knew each other so well before, why did none of that seem to carry over into this story?
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I also got the impression that Callum wasn't familiar with Noah's art before this book started, was that only something that he got into in college? If they knew each other so well before, why did none of that seem to carry over into this story?
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
July 9, 2020
I liked Noah and Callum and thought they had a relatively sweet and low-angst second-chance story. But I was continuously frustrated with Callum. He didn't actually ever end up apologising and I was a bit disappointed by that. And also, he never seemed to really listen to Noah. There were times Noah would point something out or try and fight for them, only to have Callum just leave him hanging and end up listening to someone else. I think perhaps if Callum's character was fleshed out a little more, it would have given their romance more substance. But despite that, I was rooting for them to work it out and get their HEA. And that song at the end is incredibly sweet! I loved Noah and all his brothers so I can't wait for their stories next.
July 14, 2020
Intriguing start to a new series
Soon after graduating high school small town boys Noah and Callum separated 8 years prior. Callum ran off to California for a music career. Noah remained pining in their home town. Callum returns for the wedding of Ike, his best friend and Noah's brother. The story of their dance around the idea of a reconciliation is a bit awkward. Callum is pretty much a self centered dick, having opted for his music career over the man of his dreams. It is credible, however, that he could have a lot of anxiety over coming out in the entertainment world.
I find it intriguing that 3 of 4 brothers in this story are gay. How frequent is that in reality?
Looking forward to the next Sanderson Brothers episode.
Soon after graduating high school small town boys Noah and Callum separated 8 years prior. Callum ran off to California for a music career. Noah remained pining in their home town. Callum returns for the wedding of Ike, his best friend and Noah's brother. The story of their dance around the idea of a reconciliation is a bit awkward. Callum is pretty much a self centered dick, having opted for his music career over the man of his dreams. It is credible, however, that he could have a lot of anxiety over coming out in the entertainment world.
I find it intriguing that 3 of 4 brothers in this story are gay. How frequent is that in reality?
Looking forward to the next Sanderson Brothers episode.
October 11, 2021
Meh, it was kinda ok, even though I have a lot of issues wih this book, my 3 stars are for Clint, Leo, Jared and Mel. Callum was kinda of an a-hole and a bit arrogant for my taste. The fear he had of coming out seemed ridiculous to me, he is a singer songwriter, it's not like gays who are proudly out are rare in the artistic world. And in the end Noah had to go after him when he couldn't even give him a single call? He promised Mel and Clint he was going to call him in the morning and in the end, he didn't; Noah called him and also the whole encounter with Amanda at the airport was ridiculous because it was literally a repeat of how Callum met Mel. OH, and then miraculously, Amanda's father has an art gallery! Who would've thought? Blergh.
July 12, 2020
Noah has been left behind by Callum and he tries to play it cool when they're forced together for his brother's wedding, but I could feel his anxiety and pain. This is the only guy that he'd ever fallen in love with. It's so obvious that Callum's heart never let Noah go. I liked that Callum was willing to help Noah with the grief of losing his parents. Facing his own fears takes him a bit longer and he does manage to bungle things a bit before he does. I loved that he is willing to "jump off the cliff without a parachute" in order to show Noah how much he loves him. The epilogue is extremely satisfying. I'm ready for book two!
Highly recommended author
Highly recommended author
July 24, 2020
Really enjoyed the first story of the Sanderson Brothers. In book one we not only get to meet the mc’s Noah Sanderson and Callum McCrea but the other Sanderson brother’s which makes way for their individual stories.
Noah had his heart broken when his secret love Callum left town for a music career and became a famous pop star. Now Callum has returned for his best friends and also Noah’s brother Ike’s wedding. Can and will they be able to pretend to just be friends or will their connection still prove to be to strong?!
This is a great second chance at love with low angst, plenty of family support and I for one can’t wait for book 2.
Noah had his heart broken when his secret love Callum left town for a music career and became a famous pop star. Now Callum has returned for his best friends and also Noah’s brother Ike’s wedding. Can and will they be able to pretend to just be friends or will their connection still prove to be to strong?!
This is a great second chance at love with low angst, plenty of family support and I for one can’t wait for book 2.
March 3, 2021
The first time reading this author, which surprised me, and I am not sure that I will be reading much more of their work...
The present-day timeline was precise while the past-timeline was a jumbled mess! I didn't click with either MC, although Ike certainly made a great impression... how weird is that? *headdesk* ;p
I will be continuing with this series and I hope for better things with book two, A Man for Jared! *fingers crossed*
The present-day timeline was precise while the past-timeline was a jumbled mess! I didn't click with either MC, although Ike certainly made a great impression... how weird is that? *headdesk* ;p
I will be continuing with this series and I hope for better things with book two, A Man for Jared! *fingers crossed*
June 26, 2021
Sanderson Brothers #1
An angsty, sappy story in all the best and right ways. Rhodes introduces the 4 brothers and select other townspeople as the plot focuses on the former and developing reunion of high school chums Callum and the titular Noah. Great effort is evident in the world building of this small town on Lake Michigan as the family celebrates brother Ike's wedding, Callum's return from the performering world of LA, a memorial of an accident. Smiles and tears litter this joyous read.
An angsty, sappy story in all the best and right ways. Rhodes introduces the 4 brothers and select other townspeople as the plot focuses on the former and developing reunion of high school chums Callum and the titular Noah. Great effort is evident in the world building of this small town on Lake Michigan as the family celebrates brother Ike's wedding, Callum's return from the performering world of LA, a memorial of an accident. Smiles and tears litter this joyous read.
June 10, 2025
Declan Rhodes has become one of my favourite authors. This book is the strongest of his I have read so far. It has a plot that is believable. It has characters, both main and secondary who are caring and interesting. The flow in the writing draws one into the story - a very difficult book to put down.
The ending captures the diversity between a small town and the idolization and loneliness of a large city. I particularly liked the Epilogue. Because the Chapters are written as either one of the main characters, my only problem was figuring out which one of the, was writing that chapter.
The ending captures the diversity between a small town and the idolization and loneliness of a large city. I particularly liked the Epilogue. Because the Chapters are written as either one of the main characters, my only problem was figuring out which one of the, was writing that chapter.
July 9, 2020
This was a really sweet, second chance romance. Callum and Noah had a secret relationship before Callum found his big break and moved to LA. Now Callum is back in their small home town for Noah's brothers wedding and the spark is definitely still there but there are obstacles to overcome, not least being the distance between the two men's lives and the little fact that Callum is still not out. I really enjoyed this book and I am looking foward to seeing the rest of the brothers get their HEA.
July 11, 2020
A second chance romance with a HEA.
A closeted performer and an artist who never grieved.
A small town with lots of wonderful, accepting people.
A bunch of brothers who support each other.
A musician who has lost his muse...maybe it's in the closet!
Declan has written an emotional story with characters you wished you knew more about...and could spend more time with. Since it's a series, we may get our wish!
A closeted performer and an artist who never grieved.
A small town with lots of wonderful, accepting people.
A bunch of brothers who support each other.
A musician who has lost his muse...maybe it's in the closet!
Declan has written an emotional story with characters you wished you knew more about...and could spend more time with. Since it's a series, we may get our wish!
July 14, 2020
A well written sweet second chance love story. Coming out is never easy...add to that the fact that you are a star..even harder. A chance to come home for his former best friends wedding brings Callum face to face with the boy (now man) he left behind to find his fame. Noah still lives in the same small town, living his life but still thinks about the man who left him in the dust so many years ago. Hard not to considering his music is played on the radio. They live very different lives...can they really find their way back to each other.
July 14, 2020
As always Declan Rhodes delivers a nice storyline with strong characters surrounded by great and supportive side characters. The heat level is not very high and there are a few issues that should have been addressed and solved before the HEA (like the fact that Callum left 8 years ago, never got in touch with Noah and does not apologies or justifies his behavior when reconnecting with Noah), but it was an overall entertaining and quick read.
January 27, 2021
As a young gay man just starting out in life, I was so driven to accomplish things like having a career, I often forgot to pay attention to other things like having a balanced life. I really enjoyed Declan Rhodes’s story A Song for Noah.
The second chance romance reminds us of how important it is to find that balance, even if we have to backtrack a bit to find it!
Great job Declan! Full our 5-stars from me!
The second chance romance reminds us of how important it is to find that balance, even if we have to backtrack a bit to find it!
Great job Declan! Full our 5-stars from me!
July 26, 2020
There were fewer dramas here than in some of Declan’s other books but the story was sweet. I don’t really understand the reviewers who disliked Callum - he’s not as well-developed as a character as Noah but I didn’t view him as conceited.
I received an ARC copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
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