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Not This Time
Sofia is tired: of touring, of her record company, of her fake boyfriend. After collapsing on stage, she’s forced to recuperate at her beach house.
Madison feels settled for the first time in a long while. She’s back home in Miami and her interior design business is thriving. So what if she’s a little lonely, the universe will send her someone when she’s ready. But Madison soon discovers the universe has a sick sense of humor when Sofia turns out to be her new client. Once upon a time, they were bandmates in America’s hottest girl band. Their biggest secret? They were in love―the forever and ever kind―until Sofia told Madison she was going solo.
Flung back into each other’s lives, each is forced to face the hurt they caused the other. But maybe, just maybe, Sofia’s new single, “Not This Time,” is the universe playing matchmaker again.
Madison feels settled for the first time in a long while. She’s back home in Miami and her interior design business is thriving. So what if she’s a little lonely, the universe will send her someone when she’s ready. But Madison soon discovers the universe has a sick sense of humor when Sofia turns out to be her new client. Once upon a time, they were bandmates in America’s hottest girl band. Their biggest secret? They were in love―the forever and ever kind―until Sofia told Madison she was going solo.
Flung back into each other’s lives, each is forced to face the hurt they caused the other. But maybe, just maybe, Sofia’s new single, “Not This Time,” is the universe playing matchmaker again.
278 pages, Paperback
First published December 15, 2020
14 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
M.A. Binfield
4 books16 followersMA Binfield is a hopeless romantic living in the UK with her long-term partner. She loves books, tea, traveling, tea, theater, and tea. She is a frustrated linguist who is overly tall and has always wanted to be left-handed. She’s a passionate public servant and, randomly, a qualified football referee. Home is always where the heart is.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
December 5, 2020
When I reviewed M.A. Binfield’s debut novel, One Small Step, in December 2019, I wrote that at first it was a bit too much tell, not enough show then got a lot better, which made it very promising. Not This Time doesn’t have this problem at all and finds its pace right from the start.
The story begins with Sofia and Maddie wondering if their relationship can survive Sofia leaving the girl band they form with two other women. Sofia wants to try her luck on her own, but part of her motivation is the chance to live their relationship openly. Five years later, Sofia, now 32, is a star in her own right but clearly on the edge of burnout. Her fake boyfriend’s possessiveness isn’t helping. As to Maddie, she’s back in Miami with her toddler. She’s not in the music business anymore and has become an interior designer. And guess who needs a designer for her new house?
Not This Time is a pretty exciting second-chance romance. Five years after their breakup, both women still feel betrayed and let down by the other, and it will take more than one chance meeting for them to be able to trust again. Yet at the same time, the pull, the chemistry haven’t changed.
I loved how the author wrote the characters’ journey back to each other. It never feels forced, the miscommunication that is usually annoying in lesfic is justified by their common history, the chemistry is palpable because the love is undeniable. There’s character-growth too, especially on Sofia’s part. Maddie is too worried about what the consequences of taking a chance would have on her son to be very flexible and it’s absolutely understandable. Sofia, on the other hand, is ready for a big change in her life. The freedom she thought she would find by going solo never materialized and she’s more than ready to finally take charge of her own destiny. Finding Maddie again is just the incentive she needed.
If there’s one thing that’s never in doubt between Sofia and Maddie, it’s chemistry. Every time they’re in the same room, it’s there. You just know that when they finally allow themselves to do something about it, they’ll combust.
There are also pretty good secondary characters. Noah, the fake boyfriend, made me cringe quite a few times. Sofia’s mom too, for different reasons. I liked how Sofia’s manager evolved. Maddie’s son Matteo is adorable, and I really enjoyed her relationship with her sister and with Daya, her former bandmate.
After a promising debut novel, M.A. Binfield firmly establishes herself as an author to watch out for.
ARC provided to Les Rêveur for an honest review.
The story begins with Sofia and Maddie wondering if their relationship can survive Sofia leaving the girl band they form with two other women. Sofia wants to try her luck on her own, but part of her motivation is the chance to live their relationship openly. Five years later, Sofia, now 32, is a star in her own right but clearly on the edge of burnout. Her fake boyfriend’s possessiveness isn’t helping. As to Maddie, she’s back in Miami with her toddler. She’s not in the music business anymore and has become an interior designer. And guess who needs a designer for her new house?
Not This Time is a pretty exciting second-chance romance. Five years after their breakup, both women still feel betrayed and let down by the other, and it will take more than one chance meeting for them to be able to trust again. Yet at the same time, the pull, the chemistry haven’t changed.
I loved how the author wrote the characters’ journey back to each other. It never feels forced, the miscommunication that is usually annoying in lesfic is justified by their common history, the chemistry is palpable because the love is undeniable. There’s character-growth too, especially on Sofia’s part. Maddie is too worried about what the consequences of taking a chance would have on her son to be very flexible and it’s absolutely understandable. Sofia, on the other hand, is ready for a big change in her life. The freedom she thought she would find by going solo never materialized and she’s more than ready to finally take charge of her own destiny. Finding Maddie again is just the incentive she needed.
If there’s one thing that’s never in doubt between Sofia and Maddie, it’s chemistry. Every time they’re in the same room, it’s there. You just know that when they finally allow themselves to do something about it, they’ll combust.
There are also pretty good secondary characters. Noah, the fake boyfriend, made me cringe quite a few times. Sofia’s mom too, for different reasons. I liked how Sofia’s manager evolved. Maddie’s son Matteo is adorable, and I really enjoyed her relationship with her sister and with Daya, her former bandmate.
After a promising debut novel, M.A. Binfield firmly establishes herself as an author to watch out for.
ARC provided to Les Rêveur for an honest review.
December 13, 2020
‘Not this Time’ by MA Binfield is an angsty and sweet second chance romance about a pop superstar, Sofi, and her ex-bandmate, Maddie.
Sofi and Maddie were in a popular girl band and a romantic relationship 5 years ago. However, Sofi decided to leave the band so she could have more control over her music and personal life. The decision brought many problems to them as a couple and they ended up breaking up. Skip ahead to the present and Sofi is a solo artist with an exhausting career. She goes on a forced break and decides to decorate her home. The interior designer that her manager hires happens to be owned by none other than Maddie. Maddie has not only changed careers but is also the mother to a three-year-old, Mateo.
What I loved about ‘Not this Time’ is it highlights that love is not always enough for a relationship to last and thrive. Especially when you have things like fame, managers, and busy schedules to overcome. It’s quite obvious from the first chapter that both Sofi and Maddie love each other deeply. They keep it a secret from the outside world but are open with their love to each other and the ones closest to them. However, they let their insecurities, miscommunication, and lies from other outside sources get the better of them.
After they meet again, while the love is still quite obviously there, they have some of the same issues. There’s added pressure from Sofi’s people that she not come out as a lesbian so as to not ruin her career and lose her fanbase. She also has a fake boyfriend who has forgotten he’s only a fake boyfriend and lets jealousy and possessiveness come in between Sofi and Maddie and the rekindling of their relationship. Not only is he in Sofi’s life, she can’t tell Maddie the truth about their relationship or she could be sued for half a million dollars. Maddie has been out of the limelight for a while and has no desire to be back in it. She’s protective of her private life and wanting to keep her son safe.
Maddie spends a lot of the time going back and forth about what to with the relationship. It did get a little repetitive after a while but I also understood where’s she coming from. My main issue with Maddie, and the book overall, was that she came across as making Sofi choose between her and her career. Sofi truly loves her music and I just didn’t think it was fair of Maddie to put her in that position. I feel like there could be a middle ground somewhere.
Overall, this a very enjoyable read for me. It was angsty enough that it kept me going even in the middle of their sweeter moments together. I recommend this for fans of angsty, second chance romance and especially those who love the celebrity romance trope.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review.
Sofi and Maddie were in a popular girl band and a romantic relationship 5 years ago. However, Sofi decided to leave the band so she could have more control over her music and personal life. The decision brought many problems to them as a couple and they ended up breaking up. Skip ahead to the present and Sofi is a solo artist with an exhausting career. She goes on a forced break and decides to decorate her home. The interior designer that her manager hires happens to be owned by none other than Maddie. Maddie has not only changed careers but is also the mother to a three-year-old, Mateo.
What I loved about ‘Not this Time’ is it highlights that love is not always enough for a relationship to last and thrive. Especially when you have things like fame, managers, and busy schedules to overcome. It’s quite obvious from the first chapter that both Sofi and Maddie love each other deeply. They keep it a secret from the outside world but are open with their love to each other and the ones closest to them. However, they let their insecurities, miscommunication, and lies from other outside sources get the better of them.
After they meet again, while the love is still quite obviously there, they have some of the same issues. There’s added pressure from Sofi’s people that she not come out as a lesbian so as to not ruin her career and lose her fanbase. She also has a fake boyfriend who has forgotten he’s only a fake boyfriend and lets jealousy and possessiveness come in between Sofi and Maddie and the rekindling of their relationship. Not only is he in Sofi’s life, she can’t tell Maddie the truth about their relationship or she could be sued for half a million dollars. Maddie has been out of the limelight for a while and has no desire to be back in it. She’s protective of her private life and wanting to keep her son safe.
Maddie spends a lot of the time going back and forth about what to with the relationship. It did get a little repetitive after a while but I also understood where’s she coming from. My main issue with Maddie, and the book overall, was that she came across as making Sofi choose between her and her career. Sofi truly loves her music and I just didn’t think it was fair of Maddie to put her in that position. I feel like there could be a middle ground somewhere.
Overall, this a very enjoyable read for me. It was angsty enough that it kept me going even in the middle of their sweeter moments together. I recommend this for fans of angsty, second chance romance and especially those who love the celebrity romance trope.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review.
November 24, 2020
3.5 stars. This book is for all those romance lovers! It had a few bumps, but was a very fulfilling second-chance love story.
Sofi is a pop star who started her career in a popular girl band and fell in love with Maddie. Forced to hide their relationship by their management and not allowed to make their own decisions Sofi decided to leave the band. However, due to lies and music industry politics, their relationship did not survive the band breakup.
5-years later they meet again and they soon realize that they never stopped loving each other. Their history and painful memories kept them apart, but the present circumstances are not helping either. Sofi has a fake boyfriend and a contract with a hefty fine that forbids her to talk about it. Maddie has a son to take care of and doesn’t want to be sucked in again in the crazy music scene in which Sofi lives.
Both characters are very likeable. Sofi is sweet and insecure about her body image and how to live her life. She tends to let people (e.g. her manager and her mother) take advantage of this insecurity to a point where it affects her health. Maddie’s life is pretty sorted, she has her own interior design company and her little family of which she is fiercely protective. This protective instinct also stretches to Sofi and she hates seeing her inflicting damage to her physical and mental health just to advance her career.
There is some angst involved, due to their past and current situations, but the overall feeling of this book is that of a deep love, even when they are not together. I could really feel and believe the chemistry between Sofi and Maddie and was so hoping they would find a way to be together. The lives of Sofi and Maddie, as well as the portrayal of the music industry, are romanticized, and the ending is extremely sweet, but it gives what our inner romantic wants.
As mentioned, there were also a few bumps for me. The book is well written, but during the second half, the constant push-pull became a bit repetitive, as well as some descriptions of their feelings for each other. I think some text could have been edited out to keep up the pace. Also, the believability of the way Sofi handles the fake boyfriend situation and Maddie’s reaction to it was a bit questionable. However, it did add some angst and uncertainty to the storyline which seemed to be the intention.
A book that will make those looking for a highly romantic book very happy!
I received an ARC from Bold Stroke Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Sofi is a pop star who started her career in a popular girl band and fell in love with Maddie. Forced to hide their relationship by their management and not allowed to make their own decisions Sofi decided to leave the band. However, due to lies and music industry politics, their relationship did not survive the band breakup.
5-years later they meet again and they soon realize that they never stopped loving each other. Their history and painful memories kept them apart, but the present circumstances are not helping either. Sofi has a fake boyfriend and a contract with a hefty fine that forbids her to talk about it. Maddie has a son to take care of and doesn’t want to be sucked in again in the crazy music scene in which Sofi lives.
Both characters are very likeable. Sofi is sweet and insecure about her body image and how to live her life. She tends to let people (e.g. her manager and her mother) take advantage of this insecurity to a point where it affects her health. Maddie’s life is pretty sorted, she has her own interior design company and her little family of which she is fiercely protective. This protective instinct also stretches to Sofi and she hates seeing her inflicting damage to her physical and mental health just to advance her career.
There is some angst involved, due to their past and current situations, but the overall feeling of this book is that of a deep love, even when they are not together. I could really feel and believe the chemistry between Sofi and Maddie and was so hoping they would find a way to be together. The lives of Sofi and Maddie, as well as the portrayal of the music industry, are romanticized, and the ending is extremely sweet, but it gives what our inner romantic wants.
As mentioned, there were also a few bumps for me. The book is well written, but during the second half, the constant push-pull became a bit repetitive, as well as some descriptions of their feelings for each other. I think some text could have been edited out to keep up the pace. Also, the believability of the way Sofi handles the fake boyfriend situation and Maddie’s reaction to it was a bit questionable. However, it did add some angst and uncertainty to the storyline which seemed to be the intention.
A book that will make those looking for a highly romantic book very happy!
I received an ARC from Bold Stroke Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
February 5, 2021
I'm not sure why, but I was surprised at how much I liked this. I think it is because I have read a lot of singer/celebrity romances and they usually miss the mark for some reason or other. They feel superficial. They put a whole bunch of cringe worthy song lyrics. But this one felt like a new spin on things. For one, the girls were a part of the same band/group once upon a time. So it wasn't like it was small town nobody falls for super celebrity crush. And there was some really good tension when they walked back into each other's lives. Anyway, I was totally into it.
December 14, 2020
I’m not sure why but this one really surprised me. I try not to dwell on the book blurbs - only reading them when deciding which ones to review - so whilst I remembered that this was about a musician, I wasn’t expecting a second chance romance with as much passion and chemistry as I got.
The book opens with a lot of heat. We meet Sofia and Maddie at the point of the band they are both in breaking up due to Sofia making the decision to go solo. They don’t want to break up but it feels like a lost cause. I have to admit after that much steam I wasn’t quite sure where you could take the rest of the book - but Binfield does a great job of keeping up the narrative.
When we cut to the present day, Maddie is no longer in the business, she’s running her own interior design company. By chance she’s contracted for a job that ends up being for Sofia’s house. The universe bringing them back together forces Sofia to look carefully at the career she’s made for herself and whether she’s happy with her life choices.
I loved the push-pull of them getting back together. There’s lots of feelings between the two, from love, to hesitance and everything in between. The normally annoying lack of communication makes sense in this narrative.
There’s quite a cast of secondary characters - the majority of which all of have cringeworthy moments. Maddie’s son is absolutely adorable and I liked how the other band member we meet, Daya, is honest about the past with both Sofia and Maddie. I also really enjoyed the few moments Maddie has with her sister Ashley.
I really enjoyed the romance and narrative of this story even though it does fall into some of the typical tropes. I think all wlw romance fans would find something enjoyable in this one.
I received an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The book opens with a lot of heat. We meet Sofia and Maddie at the point of the band they are both in breaking up due to Sofia making the decision to go solo. They don’t want to break up but it feels like a lost cause. I have to admit after that much steam I wasn’t quite sure where you could take the rest of the book - but Binfield does a great job of keeping up the narrative.
When we cut to the present day, Maddie is no longer in the business, she’s running her own interior design company. By chance she’s contracted for a job that ends up being for Sofia’s house. The universe bringing them back together forces Sofia to look carefully at the career she’s made for herself and whether she’s happy with her life choices.
I loved the push-pull of them getting back together. There’s lots of feelings between the two, from love, to hesitance and everything in between. The normally annoying lack of communication makes sense in this narrative.
There’s quite a cast of secondary characters - the majority of which all of have cringeworthy moments. Maddie’s son is absolutely adorable and I liked how the other band member we meet, Daya, is honest about the past with both Sofia and Maddie. I also really enjoyed the few moments Maddie has with her sister Ashley.
I really enjoyed the romance and narrative of this story even though it does fall into some of the typical tropes. I think all wlw romance fans would find something enjoyable in this one.
I received an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 23, 2020
The things I enjoy most in my spare time are reading and listening to music, when an author wraps that all into one I am bound to enjoy it.
Sofia is a pop star who seems to have it all, the pop star boyfriend, great musical success, a happy life. But all of it is fake, Noah and Sofia have a contract to pretend to be a couple, Sofia is tired of touring and no one listening to her, tired of lying, just tired in general. Sofia is planning to have her new house in Miami redecorated so it can truly be a home for her. Sofia wasn't involved in hiring the company to do the decorating, at the first meeting at her house she is truly surprised to see her old bandmate Madison. Their biggest secret is that they used to be in love. Their love affair ended when Sofia left the band, and they were both left with shattered hearts. Now, 5 years later, there are some unresolved issues, but their attraction is still there. When Sofia collapses on stage, Madison seems to be the only one that cares about Sofia's health and her state of mind. But Sofia is keeping a lot of things from Maddie, while Maddie just doesn't want to be sucked in again.
Not This Time, is the title of the book, but also a song title. The song Sofia is releasing, something she believes in, and at this point in her life has never been more meaningful. Having Maddie back in her life is all she ever wanted, but their past is hard to forget.
The author is a self-professed romantic and I think this book is an example of that. It is an easy romance with some angst. But also the description of the music industry, even the sorted one with fake boyfriends, is romanticised. I don't mind it, it makes me feel good. I like reading these books on a rainy weekend. At times I did find the angst, especially with Maddie a bit too much, it was getting to be a bit repetitive. I do really like the ending of the book, that is the hopeless romantic in me I guess. There is no real character development, of course some, but not a lot, somehow I didn't mind it one bit. This book is a certain improvement over MA Binfield's One Small Step. I enjoyed that one as well, because it made me feel good, but I liked this one just a bit more.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
Sofia is a pop star who seems to have it all, the pop star boyfriend, great musical success, a happy life. But all of it is fake, Noah and Sofia have a contract to pretend to be a couple, Sofia is tired of touring and no one listening to her, tired of lying, just tired in general. Sofia is planning to have her new house in Miami redecorated so it can truly be a home for her. Sofia wasn't involved in hiring the company to do the decorating, at the first meeting at her house she is truly surprised to see her old bandmate Madison. Their biggest secret is that they used to be in love. Their love affair ended when Sofia left the band, and they were both left with shattered hearts. Now, 5 years later, there are some unresolved issues, but their attraction is still there. When Sofia collapses on stage, Madison seems to be the only one that cares about Sofia's health and her state of mind. But Sofia is keeping a lot of things from Maddie, while Maddie just doesn't want to be sucked in again.
Not This Time, is the title of the book, but also a song title. The song Sofia is releasing, something she believes in, and at this point in her life has never been more meaningful. Having Maddie back in her life is all she ever wanted, but their past is hard to forget.
The author is a self-professed romantic and I think this book is an example of that. It is an easy romance with some angst. But also the description of the music industry, even the sorted one with fake boyfriends, is romanticised. I don't mind it, it makes me feel good. I like reading these books on a rainy weekend. At times I did find the angst, especially with Maddie a bit too much, it was getting to be a bit repetitive. I do really like the ending of the book, that is the hopeless romantic in me I guess. There is no real character development, of course some, but not a lot, somehow I didn't mind it one bit. This book is a certain improvement over MA Binfield's One Small Step. I enjoyed that one as well, because it made me feel good, but I liked this one just a bit more.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
November 7, 2020
Not This Time by MA Binfield is a sweet and heart warming love story. I don't really love second chance romances but because I really liked author's debut novel, I was excited to read this.
I liked the main romance and there was definite chemistry between the two women.(This is totally based on Camren!)
The author described both sides in an interesting way. But I think that the misunderstanding that caused their romantic breakup/band break should've been explored more. I wish we were shown a few flashbacks of the past. It would've helped me connect with the characters better. The book was pretty low angst overall.
I really enjoyed the first half a lot but there were some things that annoyed me in the second half. Like when Sofia didn't tell Madison the truth about her and Noah and gave flimsy excuses for it.
I didn't like this book as much as I did the author's first one but it was still good. I will definitely be looking forward to author's next book.
I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.
I liked the main romance and there was definite chemistry between the two women.(This is totally based on Camren!)
The author described both sides in an interesting way. But I think that the misunderstanding that caused their romantic breakup/band break should've been explored more. I wish we were shown a few flashbacks of the past. It would've helped me connect with the characters better. The book was pretty low angst overall.
I really enjoyed the first half a lot but there were some things that annoyed me in the second half. Like when Sofia didn't tell Madison the truth about her and Noah and gave flimsy excuses for it.
I didn't like this book as much as I did the author's first one but it was still good. I will definitely be looking forward to author's next book.
I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.
March 20, 2022
3 stars
I'd say this was an average celebrity romance in every way, shape and form. Kinda formulaic, but if it ain't broken there's no reason to fix it
I'd say this was an average celebrity romance in every way, shape and form. Kinda formulaic, but if it ain't broken there's no reason to fix it
November 28, 2020
3 stars. Sofia is a huge pop star who is tired of traveling and never being in one location long enough to really enjoy everything. She used to be in a girl band with three other girls until she decided to go solo, which broke up the band. She also had a secret when she was in the band, she was dating her bandmate, Madison. Madison and Sofia were in love and boke up when Sofia decided to go solo. Madison and Sofia had a misunderstanding about what that meant and never talked again for 5 years. Madison is now an interior designer and is hired to decorate Sofia's house. Madison did not know it was Sofia's house until Sofia walks down the stairs. They wind up back in each other's lives.
I enjoyed this novel. I enjoyed the old relationship meeting again storyline. I liked how they interacted and their romance developed. This book was written well but not amazing, which is why it is getting the score it is. I also wished there was more tension between the two characters and they took longer to get back together. I thought this was the perfect novel to have a lot of tension before anything happens. They both just seemed to immediately start spending time together, accepting that they should. It seemed like a lot considering they had not talked in five years. Overall, I would recommend this novel.
I enjoyed this novel. I enjoyed the old relationship meeting again storyline. I liked how they interacted and their romance developed. This book was written well but not amazing, which is why it is getting the score it is. I also wished there was more tension between the two characters and they took longer to get back together. I thought this was the perfect novel to have a lot of tension before anything happens. They both just seemed to immediately start spending time together, accepting that they should. It seemed like a lot considering they had not talked in five years. Overall, I would recommend this novel.
October 17, 2021
Really enjoyed this one, totally caught up in the tale. Read in one day, it really is that good! Highly recommended.
April 2, 2021
Just like I was sure the last book I read was Taylor Swift fanfic, I’m pretty confident this was a Camila Cabello one. It wasn’t some kind of theme I was hoping to continue, but life makes me laugh sometimes.
The book. For a moment there, at the beginning I felt it moving so fast. I was reading the required misunderstanding/rift developing nicely, then fast forward to the reconnecting, seeing how much book I had left and being totally confused about it, because it didn’t showed us much of them, without each other, like I was expecting and it was just the first few pages.
Then the book got a more sedated pace, they learn about their new lives, talk about the rift 2 seconds into the reconnecting, and all the hard topics you just kind of read about, getting fast in a different way, rushed, but still, so much of the book left. They are seeing each other all the time and having deep conversations, with the obligated should we give this a second chance internal questions and the glances and fond smiles BUT I need you to work on everything with me from now on.
I am confused, I just finished it and still don’t know if that new relationship between them developed was in 2 days, 2 weeks or 2 months but I kept reading.
Maddie attitude rubbed me the wrong way most of the time, but perhaps it’s a mother thing, demanding everyone to chance for you and your kid, and since I don’t have kids, I can’t relate. But I felt Sofia’s indecision and complacency, it annoyed me, but I got it. She was empty, doing things she didn’t mind, but not particularly liked, just existing, and latching at someone else to finally do something about that unsatisfying life is wonderful, because someone else is doing the hard work with you so you can just go with their flow. Then, almost at nothing left in the book, she finally realizes she’s the one that should be taking control of her life and that made the book for me.
It’s a 3.5.
The book. For a moment there, at the beginning I felt it moving so fast. I was reading the required misunderstanding/rift developing nicely, then fast forward to the reconnecting, seeing how much book I had left and being totally confused about it, because it didn’t showed us much of them, without each other, like I was expecting and it was just the first few pages.
Then the book got a more sedated pace, they learn about their new lives, talk about the rift 2 seconds into the reconnecting, and all the hard topics you just kind of read about, getting fast in a different way, rushed, but still, so much of the book left. They are seeing each other all the time and having deep conversations, with the obligated should we give this a second chance internal questions and the glances and fond smiles BUT I need you to work on everything with me from now on.
I am confused, I just finished it and still don’t know if that new relationship between them developed was in 2 days, 2 weeks or 2 months but I kept reading.
Maddie attitude rubbed me the wrong way most of the time, but perhaps it’s a mother thing, demanding everyone to chance for you and your kid, and since I don’t have kids, I can’t relate. But I felt Sofia’s indecision and complacency, it annoyed me, but I got it. She was empty, doing things she didn’t mind, but not particularly liked, just existing, and latching at someone else to finally do something about that unsatisfying life is wonderful, because someone else is doing the hard work with you so you can just go with their flow. Then, almost at nothing left in the book, she finally realizes she’s the one that should be taking control of her life and that made the book for me.
It’s a 3.5.
February 8, 2021
3.5/5 Stars
Not This Time is a really fun second chance sapphic romance between two women who were formerly in the same girlband. I really enjoyed the two main characters, Sofia and Madison, and I liked their different complexities and quirks. In general I'm quite a fan of second chance romances and this one did scratch the itch I had for some good old fashioned adult romance, but I did have a wee bit of a problem with the pacing - particularly in the second half of the book I felt the story dragging on a little as so much of the conflict/hesitations between Sofia and Madison felt extremely repetitive and I honestly felt like the story could have been cut shorter by at least 50 pages or so. I also wished that there had been a teeny bit more of the women's respective jobs in the book as it felt like Madison's interior decorating plotline got a little bit lost among the romance and honestly, I'm just a sucker for books with singers in them and it's purely self-indulgence that made me want to see more of Sofia's life as a singer! Overall, a fun, quick read and I'm looking forward to reading more by the author in the future!
Thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an e-ARC in return for an honest review!
Not This Time is a really fun second chance sapphic romance between two women who were formerly in the same girlband. I really enjoyed the two main characters, Sofia and Madison, and I liked their different complexities and quirks. In general I'm quite a fan of second chance romances and this one did scratch the itch I had for some good old fashioned adult romance, but I did have a wee bit of a problem with the pacing - particularly in the second half of the book I felt the story dragging on a little as so much of the conflict/hesitations between Sofia and Madison felt extremely repetitive and I honestly felt like the story could have been cut shorter by at least 50 pages or so. I also wished that there had been a teeny bit more of the women's respective jobs in the book as it felt like Madison's interior decorating plotline got a little bit lost among the romance and honestly, I'm just a sucker for books with singers in them and it's purely self-indulgence that made me want to see more of Sofia's life as a singer! Overall, a fun, quick read and I'm looking forward to reading more by the author in the future!
Thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an e-ARC in return for an honest review!
June 23, 2021
This way my first book by the author I have read. And it definitely won’t be my last one. Actually after finishing this book I definitely going to read her debut novel very soon.
When Sofia and Maddie meet again after several years both are still drawn to each other. Both are also still hurt and were never able to forget what they once had.
But of course it’s not easy for them. Sofia the star with the fake boyfriend and Maddie the one that loves her privacy. Especially because she also has to think of her son. I totally fell in love with this little guy right away. And so is Sofia.
The connection between them is unbelievable and the sparks are just flying. I couldn’t put the book down because I wanted to know what happens next and wow how I did not get disappointed. Besides this beautiful love story I also loved that Sofia didn’t have the perfect body and how this topic was treated in the book. This is actually such a rare thing in the books I read, that I was very happy to see this here. It made me connect with the characters even more. And again this sweet little guy just made my heart melt. He is even able to steal the show during the epilogue. 😍
I won’t reveal anything else. I just wanna say that I definitely recommend this story to every romance lover and lover of second chance romances. You won’t be disappointed.
When Sofia and Maddie meet again after several years both are still drawn to each other. Both are also still hurt and were never able to forget what they once had.
But of course it’s not easy for them. Sofia the star with the fake boyfriend and Maddie the one that loves her privacy. Especially because she also has to think of her son. I totally fell in love with this little guy right away. And so is Sofia.
The connection between them is unbelievable and the sparks are just flying. I couldn’t put the book down because I wanted to know what happens next and wow how I did not get disappointed. Besides this beautiful love story I also loved that Sofia didn’t have the perfect body and how this topic was treated in the book. This is actually such a rare thing in the books I read, that I was very happy to see this here. It made me connect with the characters even more. And again this sweet little guy just made my heart melt. He is even able to steal the show during the epilogue. 😍
I won’t reveal anything else. I just wanna say that I definitely recommend this story to every romance lover and lover of second chance romances. You won’t be disappointed.
November 16, 2020
* I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
I think MA Binfield has a great potential as a new author. Her previous book was great and I really liked this one as well. Both MCs were flawed but really likable and their chemistry was insane, I couldn't help but root for them hardcore.
The one thing that didn't work for me was the reason that Sofi was hiding the truth about her and Noah for the best part of the book and i just knew that when the truth would come up, Maddie would feel betrayed all over again. Still it was a totally recommendable read.
I think MA Binfield has a great potential as a new author. Her previous book was great and I really liked this one as well. Both MCs were flawed but really likable and their chemistry was insane, I couldn't help but root for them hardcore.
The one thing that didn't work for me was the reason that Sofi was hiding the truth about her and Noah for the best part of the book and i just knew that when the truth would come up, Maddie would feel betrayed all over again. Still it was a totally recommendable read.
December 8, 2020
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 stars
Sofia and Madison used to be in one of America's biggest girl bands together, touring around the world and falling in love with each other--until Sofia decided to go solo, ultimately resulting in their band and relationship crumbling. Years later, things are looking a bit different. Sofia is a successful solo artist with a busy schedule, a fake boyfriend, and controlling management. Madison is an interior designer raising her son by herself. Living two very different lives now, Sofia and Madison haven't crossed paths since their band split, until Madison accidentally is hired by Sofia to refurbish her home. As the two start to reconnect, old feelings and new problems arise.
I was ready to love Not This Time. Anything with a sapphic relationship and music usually intrigues me, but unfortunately, this book didn't do it for me. Right at the start of the book, I was put off by the prologue. It starts with the moment Sofia tells Madison she will be going solo. I didn't necessarily think this was a bad place to start, but it quickly morphs into a poorly written sex scene. I read the word "arousal" so many times in the first 5% of the book, which started to sound quite ridiculous. It definitely did not seem like a strong start. There's also lots of hurt feelings and confusion, which was understandable, but something about the dynamic felt off to me--but I was hoping that this was just reflective of the characters being young and still figuring out their identities.
Unfortunately, even as the book progressed, I was bothered by the dynamic between Sofia and Madison. Neither of the characters were likable and I had a hard time believing their love for each other went any deeper than physical attraction and sex. I never really felt any sympathy towards the characters, nor did I really care if they got together or not. Everything felt so dramatic, pushy, and angry, which would have been okay given the circumstances if there were some other feelings to balance it all out. I felt bored the majority of the book, as nothing really seemed unpredictable or interesting. Most of the pages consisted of fights, misunderstandings, and unhealthy behaviors.
Another minor detail that bothered me was the conversations about weight and body image. Sofia gains some weight, which prompts her to start fasting. Even though there's discussions about Sofia's doctor ordering her to stop fasting, I really wanted more from this part of the book. Sofia calls herself fat, and Madison quickly reassures her that she's not, but I just don't think this is the way to handle weight gain. Being fat isn't some terrible sinful thing and I just really hate when people respond to those struggling with body image issues with "oh, you're not fat!" as if fat is automatically equated with ugly. This was really a minor part of the book but I just thought it was a missed opportunity to counteract stereotypes and have Madison show her love for Sofia.
Overall, I was disappointed by Not This Time. The pacing was boring, the characters were unlikeable, and the writing was simple and repetitive.
2.5 stars
Sofia and Madison used to be in one of America's biggest girl bands together, touring around the world and falling in love with each other--until Sofia decided to go solo, ultimately resulting in their band and relationship crumbling. Years later, things are looking a bit different. Sofia is a successful solo artist with a busy schedule, a fake boyfriend, and controlling management. Madison is an interior designer raising her son by herself. Living two very different lives now, Sofia and Madison haven't crossed paths since their band split, until Madison accidentally is hired by Sofia to refurbish her home. As the two start to reconnect, old feelings and new problems arise.
I was ready to love Not This Time. Anything with a sapphic relationship and music usually intrigues me, but unfortunately, this book didn't do it for me. Right at the start of the book, I was put off by the prologue. It starts with the moment Sofia tells Madison she will be going solo. I didn't necessarily think this was a bad place to start, but it quickly morphs into a poorly written sex scene. I read the word "arousal" so many times in the first 5% of the book, which started to sound quite ridiculous. It definitely did not seem like a strong start. There's also lots of hurt feelings and confusion, which was understandable, but something about the dynamic felt off to me--but I was hoping that this was just reflective of the characters being young and still figuring out their identities.
Unfortunately, even as the book progressed, I was bothered by the dynamic between Sofia and Madison. Neither of the characters were likable and I had a hard time believing their love for each other went any deeper than physical attraction and sex. I never really felt any sympathy towards the characters, nor did I really care if they got together or not. Everything felt so dramatic, pushy, and angry, which would have been okay given the circumstances if there were some other feelings to balance it all out. I felt bored the majority of the book, as nothing really seemed unpredictable or interesting. Most of the pages consisted of fights, misunderstandings, and unhealthy behaviors.
Another minor detail that bothered me was the conversations about weight and body image. Sofia gains some weight, which prompts her to start fasting. Even though there's discussions about Sofia's doctor ordering her to stop fasting, I really wanted more from this part of the book. Sofia calls herself fat, and Madison quickly reassures her that she's not, but I just don't think this is the way to handle weight gain. Being fat isn't some terrible sinful thing and I just really hate when people respond to those struggling with body image issues with "oh, you're not fat!" as if fat is automatically equated with ugly. This was really a minor part of the book but I just thought it was a missed opportunity to counteract stereotypes and have Madison show her love for Sofia.
Overall, I was disappointed by Not This Time. The pacing was boring, the characters were unlikeable, and the writing was simple and repetitive.
December 30, 2020
3.5/5 stars
This book was a real gem. It was somehow both sweet and angsty, creating a perfect mix of emotional and heartwarming. I was not necessarily hesitant going into this book, but second-chances romances tend to be a hit-or-miss for me. Some seem to fail to establish the love the characters have for each other in the past which is very important for this kind of romance. This book had absolutely no trouble in developing a deep, heartwarming and once-in-a-lifetime love between Maddie and Sofi. From the first few chapters, the extreme emotional charge and adoration between these women was so palpable. I had fallen in love with their relationship and was rooting for them even before they met for the first time in years.
I absolutely love hollywood romances, but especially books about musicians. The tension between the craziness that is celebrity life and those left behind creates so much angst, I just love it! It was especially angsty in this book considering Maddie was dropped from her music label while Sofi, here ex-band member, was having an extremely successful solo career. Both parties made so many mistakes, and the hurt was just pouring off the pages. Don't get me wrong, this book wasn't completely sad or angsty. The sweet scenes between Maddie and Sofi, as well as the very charming side-characters (especially Matteo, the cutie) helped balance the angst. All in all, this made the book emotional but also heartwarming,
Since this is the first book I have read from M.A. Binfield, I am excited to read more from her. Knowing that this is only her second published book (or so Goodreads tells me), I am even more surprised at how well-written and emotional the book was. I can only imagine how many more great relationships she will construct in the future.
This book was a real gem. It was somehow both sweet and angsty, creating a perfect mix of emotional and heartwarming. I was not necessarily hesitant going into this book, but second-chances romances tend to be a hit-or-miss for me. Some seem to fail to establish the love the characters have for each other in the past which is very important for this kind of romance. This book had absolutely no trouble in developing a deep, heartwarming and once-in-a-lifetime love between Maddie and Sofi. From the first few chapters, the extreme emotional charge and adoration between these women was so palpable. I had fallen in love with their relationship and was rooting for them even before they met for the first time in years.
I absolutely love hollywood romances, but especially books about musicians. The tension between the craziness that is celebrity life and those left behind creates so much angst, I just love it! It was especially angsty in this book considering Maddie was dropped from her music label while Sofi, here ex-band member, was having an extremely successful solo career. Both parties made so many mistakes, and the hurt was just pouring off the pages. Don't get me wrong, this book wasn't completely sad or angsty. The sweet scenes between Maddie and Sofi, as well as the very charming side-characters (especially Matteo, the cutie) helped balance the angst. All in all, this made the book emotional but also heartwarming,
Since this is the first book I have read from M.A. Binfield, I am excited to read more from her. Knowing that this is only her second published book (or so Goodreads tells me), I am even more surprised at how well-written and emotional the book was. I can only imagine how many more great relationships she will construct in the future.
December 26, 2020
I recieved this ebook from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It's a fantastic romance. I loved that music is such a big part of the plot.
Sofia is a pop star but she's tired of the life she's living, she hates living a lie every day with her fake boyfriend. One day, after she collapses on stage, she takes a few days off in her beach house. And that's a great opportunity for her to meet her house designer and tell her how she wants everything. But she doesn't know the designer is Madison, her ex-bandmate and ex-lover. Madison, former singer, is starting a design business and she accepts a job in a wonderful beach house. She has no idea that the house belongs to Sofia until they meet again the first day of her job at the house. Is this fate giving them a second chance?
A romance mixed with music? Yes, please! This was really good. I loved Mateo's character (who wouldn't?) but Sofia and Maddie were great too. Even though I thought it was a bit predictable, it was a wonderful story.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It's a fantastic romance. I loved that music is such a big part of the plot.
Sofia is a pop star but she's tired of the life she's living, she hates living a lie every day with her fake boyfriend. One day, after she collapses on stage, she takes a few days off in her beach house. And that's a great opportunity for her to meet her house designer and tell her how she wants everything. But she doesn't know the designer is Madison, her ex-bandmate and ex-lover. Madison, former singer, is starting a design business and she accepts a job in a wonderful beach house. She has no idea that the house belongs to Sofia until they meet again the first day of her job at the house. Is this fate giving them a second chance?
A romance mixed with music? Yes, please! This was really good. I loved Mateo's character (who wouldn't?) but Sofia and Maddie were great too. Even though I thought it was a bit predictable, it was a wonderful story.
November 9, 2020
This was my first MA Binfield book and it definitely won't be my last! Sofia and Madison were bandmates and lovers for years but were forced to keep their relationship a secret. When Sofia decided to strike out on her own, she not only lost Madison but also her other friends. When an unexpected meeting between the two occurs, they found that lies were the reason they were kept apart. What follows is a really sweet story of two soul mates reconnecting and trying to navigate their way back into one another's hearts. I really enjoyed this book a lot and look forward to this author's next book!
I receive an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I receive an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2021
did i just read c*mren fanfiction by accident
November 8, 2020
Sofia is tired as much as she loves her career she tired of what comes along with it and when she collapsed she realize she needs time for herself and decides to rest at her beach house.
Madison is happy with her life she has her son and her business as interior design is going well yes she lonely sometimes although she not looking for love but if the universe send it her way she won’t let it walk by but if she knew the universe was going send her the one person she never thought she see she would’ve never listen to the universe.
Sofia and Madison were both in a well known band together what was amazing the public never pick up on them being lovers but that stop the moment Sofia wanted a solo career yes I still think they could’ve work it out but with hurt feelings and pride being in their way they went there separate ways now years later they come face to face and those feelings they had is still there.
Will they give their selves a second chance at a life together or will they leave what they still feel behind them I enjoy the read because it was low on angst which I love don’t get me wrong I love angst because it makes me root for the couple more with this couple the angst was just right that you got both POV.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Madison is happy with her life she has her son and her business as interior design is going well yes she lonely sometimes although she not looking for love but if the universe send it her way she won’t let it walk by but if she knew the universe was going send her the one person she never thought she see she would’ve never listen to the universe.
Sofia and Madison were both in a well known band together what was amazing the public never pick up on them being lovers but that stop the moment Sofia wanted a solo career yes I still think they could’ve work it out but with hurt feelings and pride being in their way they went there separate ways now years later they come face to face and those feelings they had is still there.
Will they give their selves a second chance at a life together or will they leave what they still feel behind them I enjoy the read because it was low on angst which I love don’t get me wrong I love angst because it makes me root for the couple more with this couple the angst was just right that you got both POV.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
November 7, 2020
Sofia and Madison were part of a well-known band and meanwhile, unnoticed by the public, lovers. When Sofia wants to leave the band, the two break up. After 5 years they meet again, now in their early thirties. Maddie lives a reclusive life with her 3-year-old son, Sofi is a famous solo artist.
The book "Not this time" by MA Binfield is a wonderful second-chance-romance in the music business. The main characters are both likeable and you wish them only the best. I devoured the book in two sittings and gave myself completely to the story. All in all, a definite reading recommendation from me.
I received a copy from netgalley in exchange for a an honest review.
The book "Not this time" by MA Binfield is a wonderful second-chance-romance in the music business. The main characters are both likeable and you wish them only the best. I devoured the book in two sittings and gave myself completely to the story. All in all, a definite reading recommendation from me.
I received a copy from netgalley in exchange for a an honest review.
June 5, 2021
I liked this book. It was an interesting take on the celebrity trope, focusing less on the actual celebrity life, and more on the actual difficulties created by that lifestyle. My main issue with the book was that it felt like a lot of going around in circles over the same conflicts. And yet another book where major conflicts could have been resolved by people just talking to each other.
That said, it was a sweet, enjoyable book
That said, it was a sweet, enjoyable book
April 18, 2021
This novel falls under the “second-chance” category of romance. The two main characters are Maddie and Sofia. They are in an all-girl band and are hoping for their big break to come soon. However, Sofia makes the decision to go off on her own leaving her band friends feeling betrayed. In addition, Maddie and Sofia were in a romantic relationship and is hurt and confused that Sofia made with decision without even talking to her first.
Five year later, Sofia is a super-pop star. However, now she is tired of non-stop touring and being told what types of songs to write and sing. In addition, she has been in a fake relationship with a man because her manager suggested that it would not be good for her to be gay since her target audience are young people.
Maddie has since moved on and has left the music world behind. She lives in Miami with her young child and owns a successful interior decorating company. As the story unfolds, Maddie is hired by Sofia to completely decorate her mansion in Miami. The twist to the story is that Maddie is unaware initially that her new client is her old lover and Maddie is not told who runs the interior decorating firm. Of course, the chemistry is still present between them. The story will lead us through how they are able to bridge the emotional gap and not hurt Sofia’s music career.
Ms. Binfield has written a good story that readers will enjoy. Maddie’s character sends us through a wide range of emotions, and I was rooting for her happiness. I would be remiss if I did not mention the secondary characters because they, too, help to cause a great deal of the emotional ups and downs in the story. There is Noah, the fake boyfriend who thinks he is really her boyfriend, Sofia’s mother who is the typical backstage mother, and Mateo, Maddie’s cute little son.
I recommend Not This Time and rate it with 4 out of 5 stars. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Binfield’s future books.
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Five year later, Sofia is a super-pop star. However, now she is tired of non-stop touring and being told what types of songs to write and sing. In addition, she has been in a fake relationship with a man because her manager suggested that it would not be good for her to be gay since her target audience are young people.
Maddie has since moved on and has left the music world behind. She lives in Miami with her young child and owns a successful interior decorating company. As the story unfolds, Maddie is hired by Sofia to completely decorate her mansion in Miami. The twist to the story is that Maddie is unaware initially that her new client is her old lover and Maddie is not told who runs the interior decorating firm. Of course, the chemistry is still present between them. The story will lead us through how they are able to bridge the emotional gap and not hurt Sofia’s music career.
Ms. Binfield has written a good story that readers will enjoy. Maddie’s character sends us through a wide range of emotions, and I was rooting for her happiness. I would be remiss if I did not mention the secondary characters because they, too, help to cause a great deal of the emotional ups and downs in the story. There is Noah, the fake boyfriend who thinks he is really her boyfriend, Sofia’s mother who is the typical backstage mother, and Mateo, Maddie’s cute little son.
I recommend Not This Time and rate it with 4 out of 5 stars. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Binfield’s future books.
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 23, 2020
Four and a half stars, because I was surprised that this exceeded my expectations.
This might now be one of my favourite second chance romances, because even within their past, we aren't confused about how the characters felt for each other. My biggest pet peeve is when all of the drama happens because the characters don't communicate enough. I know, I know, it's not realistic for any couple to lay all their cards on the table. But as readers, we often see the thoughts of both sides, and it gets frustrating when something that could be minor causes a major issue. These characters really feel like they were in a healthy three-year relationship before the split, making it so much more pleasant to root for them. Of course, their tendency to be honest with each other when it counts means that the obstacles—*cough* certain third parties manipulating them to get what they want—seem a little ridiculous.
I would have liked to see Sofi done better justice. I thought that her faults contribute less to the problems than aforementioned external factors, or even Maddie. (Maybe there's a little deception at one point, but she's also on a contract.) Nobody wants to give her a chance to explain her side, and it bothered me that all of her friends were willing to turn on her without even asking for further explanation? Daya was hostile, and made a lot of decisions on Maddie's behalf, which I didn't think she should have done. Even if Sofi deserved to be shut out, Maddie might have found closure by hearing her out one last time? In any case, there was so much opposition from literally everyone that Sofi or Maddie talked to: not a single person seemed to think that they were a good match, until Ashley switched camps with no explanation. Shouldn't these people be better judges of character? What about loyalty?
Other than that, I enjoyed myself. They're a sweet couple, and the pace worked for me. It seems that MA Binfield deserves more recognition.
This might now be one of my favourite second chance romances, because even within their past, we aren't confused about how the characters felt for each other. My biggest pet peeve is when all of the drama happens because the characters don't communicate enough. I know, I know, it's not realistic for any couple to lay all their cards on the table. But as readers, we often see the thoughts of both sides, and it gets frustrating when something that could be minor causes a major issue. These characters really feel like they were in a healthy three-year relationship before the split, making it so much more pleasant to root for them. Of course, their tendency to be honest with each other when it counts means that the obstacles—*cough* certain third parties manipulating them to get what they want—seem a little ridiculous.
I would have liked to see Sofi done better justice. I thought that her faults contribute less to the problems than aforementioned external factors, or even Maddie. (Maybe there's a little deception at one point, but she's also on a contract.) Nobody wants to give her a chance to explain her side, and it bothered me that all of her friends were willing to turn on her without even asking for further explanation? Daya was hostile, and made a lot of decisions on Maddie's behalf, which I didn't think she should have done. Even if Sofi deserved to be shut out, Maddie might have found closure by hearing her out one last time? In any case, there was so much opposition from literally everyone that Sofi or Maddie talked to: not a single person seemed to think that they were a good match, until Ashley switched camps with no explanation. Shouldn't these people be better judges of character? What about loyalty?
Other than that, I enjoyed myself. They're a sweet couple, and the pace worked for me. It seems that MA Binfield deserves more recognition.
December 29, 2020
I love you and always will. I promise to make room and time for you in my life. I like reads about girl bands and I was looking forward to seeing how this read would unfold. Sofia is driven to be a successful and famous musician with her bandmates. Along the way, she finds love with Madison, one of her bandmates. Their relationship has to be kept secret because it would have a negative impact on the band's image. After misunderstandings, misinformation, and perceived betrayal, the band breaks up and so do Madison and Sofia.
Five years later, Sofia and Madison are brought back together and the pull is still there and so is the love. Madison has moved on from the judgmental and demanding music world and for the most part is happy. Sofia is a successful solo artist, working hard to stay relevant. Madison wants Sofia to take some time away from the tour which may be seen as pushy but in actuality, it is friendship and caring. Sofia is tired physically, mentally, and emotionally and it seems that Madison is the only one that sees it. A good read for pop music and I will love you always fans.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
Five years later, Sofia and Madison are brought back together and the pull is still there and so is the love. Madison has moved on from the judgmental and demanding music world and for the most part is happy. Sofia is a successful solo artist, working hard to stay relevant. Madison wants Sofia to take some time away from the tour which may be seen as pushy but in actuality, it is friendship and caring. Sofia is tired physically, mentally, and emotionally and it seems that Madison is the only one that sees it. A good read for pop music and I will love you always fans.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
November 30, 2020
A second chance romance about a burnt out singer Sofia and her former bandmate Madison, who is now an interior designer with a 3 year old son. A lot of past hurt to get over, misunderstandings to sort out and learning to trust. Will love conquer all?
When the lifes of Sofia and Madison collide again it's like the universe is trying to tell them something but will they be able to listen or even want to? Lovely romance to read, I liked both characters, although Sofia had to grow on me for a bit, she seemed a bit spineless in the beginning, letting other people dictate her whole life. There is angst, good supporting characters and a believable romance in this book..I would recommend it to anyone who wants to curl for an easy romantic read on a Sunday afternoon.
*** An ARC was provided by Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. ***
When the lifes of Sofia and Madison collide again it's like the universe is trying to tell them something but will they be able to listen or even want to? Lovely romance to read, I liked both characters, although Sofia had to grow on me for a bit, she seemed a bit spineless in the beginning, letting other people dictate her whole life. There is angst, good supporting characters and a believable romance in this book..I would recommend it to anyone who wants to curl for an easy romantic read on a Sunday afternoon.
*** An ARC was provided by Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. ***
January 14, 2021
🏳️🌈👩❤👩📚⚢🎼👩🎤🎤🎸👩💼👩❤💋👩📖👭🏳️🌈
That’s in exchange of an honest review that I received an ARC of "Not This Time" by MA Binfield from BSB (via NetGalley).
So, here it is !!!
My rating : 2.5 ⭐️
The story sets mainly in Miami, Florida and focuses on burnt out highly popular singer Sofia Flores, and Madison Martin, Sofia’s former bandmate in America’s hottest girl band, turned interior designer & now with a 3 years old son. Once upon a time Sofia and Madison were more than bandmates … Their biggest secret was that they were lovers and madly in love ― the forever and ever kind ― until Sofia told Madison she was going solo. After five years apart, the universe and its sick sense of humor make them meet again, when it turns out that Sofia is Madison’s new client.
MA Binfield really has a great potential as a still new author. I really LOVED her first book, "One Small Step", when I read it at the beginning of last year … Good writing style and likeable characters with a great chemistery were found in it … So, I was really impatient to give a try to her second novel … But, nope, the "magic" of this new (and quite short) book of hers didn’t work for me the way I hoped it would, not this time … because I really struggled through this reading …
What to say about the MCs ?? => Well, for sure that none of them was likeable & the dynamic between them was, at best, weird and I’m probably not the only one who had a very hard time believing that their "love" for each other went any deeper than physical attraction & sex… And the intimate scenes – nope, I can’t even call them "love scenes" – were not as well written as they could have been, they were definitely not engaging & the (I’d guess, supposedly erotic) first encounter after their reunion (the one which happened in Paris) was even pretty unhieginic … Seriously, I wasn’t able to connect with either of the them. Madison was very annoying (especially with her fast judgment and her propention to accuse & also the poor image she projects about bi people : a woman breaks her heart, so, she get drunk, seduce guys and sleep with them (and ends up pregnant) ... Seriously ?? ) and Sofia/Sofi/Sof was just tiresome with all her useless contradictions, her more than numerous lies (beginning to those to herself …). & her imaginary body issues. OK, that last one was a minor part of the novel but having such body image issues seems hard to believe for such a popular singer who could have easily afforded to use professional assistance to get rid of them … Maybe it could have been interesting to explore this arc (since Sofia's Mom did everything to maintain this biased image) which is, in this case, a missed opportunity … it could have counteract some stereotypes and given them an opportunity to fight some battles together, and allow Madison to show (at least a part of) her love for Sofia. Well, if you can believe that they once were in love. Personally I’m still wondering why they would have broken-up if it was, indeed, the forever and ever kind … It doesn’ make any sense …
I found the permanent switch between "Sofia", "Sofi" and "Sof" very irritating because not consistent. From my POV, choosing one name only for each situation – one professional and one personal -- for the MC would have been better than switching between the three all the novel long.
Gosh … The entire Noah situation was just totally ridiculous and definitely both irritating and boring. It would have been a story set in the past, like 30 years ago, I would have understood (well, at least, I guess I would have …) but the excuses given by Sofia and her people for NOT coming out and play this stupid masquarade seem totally unbielavable in the current days … especially when you know than, in real life and between others, there are more and more (for example) former Disney "favorite" singers coming out (wherever they place themself in the spectrum) … So why would it be an issue for a singer as popular as Sofia is supposed to be ??
It saddens me but, especially compared to the author’s great first novel, the story about this felt really "flat" despite the tons of drama put in it … and in addition, it was full of repetitions. It’s really hard to believe (even if it’s actually the case) that both books have been written by the same author ….
TBH, my favorite character in the entire book is little Mateo, even if his introduction felt as flat as the rest since we didn’t see much of interactions of the kid with the grow-ups … I wish we could have had more scenes about him & I think it would have been more interesting to have more interactions between him and Sofia, he could have helped her in her struggle againt her poor body image since kids, usually, love people unconditionally … Maybe those scenes existed in the very first draft and have been cut afterwards, which would be a shame if it happened this way because cuting them would have cut our chance to find a genuine interest in the MCs & see a human, loving and maybe also compassionate side of them …
If I had to make a very short and quite different version of my review, it’d be something like this :
- Did I enjoy this book? => Not really. Sadly it wasn't up my alley like I thought it would be.
- Did I find the characters believable? => Nope &, in addition, they were not likeable and even very annoying …
- Is this book now included in my "must be re-read"-list? => Nope !
- Will I purchase the paperback? => Nope !
- Would I read another book by this author? => Yes because she’s a promising author that I appreciate a lot and I don’t want to stay on this disappointing experience. I just hope that her next novel will meet, at least, the quality level of her first one …
- Would I recommend this book => I’ll let people use their free will to read the novel, or not …
🏳️🌈👩❤👩📚⚢🎼👩🎤🎤🎸👩💼👩❤💋👩📖👭🏳️🌈
That’s in exchange of an honest review that I received an ARC of "Not This Time" by MA Binfield from BSB (via NetGalley).
So, here it is !!!
My rating : 2.5 ⭐️
The story sets mainly in Miami, Florida and focuses on burnt out highly popular singer Sofia Flores, and Madison Martin, Sofia’s former bandmate in America’s hottest girl band, turned interior designer & now with a 3 years old son. Once upon a time Sofia and Madison were more than bandmates … Their biggest secret was that they were lovers and madly in love ― the forever and ever kind ― until Sofia told Madison she was going solo. After five years apart, the universe and its sick sense of humor make them meet again, when it turns out that Sofia is Madison’s new client.
MA Binfield really has a great potential as a still new author. I really LOVED her first book, "One Small Step", when I read it at the beginning of last year … Good writing style and likeable characters with a great chemistery were found in it … So, I was really impatient to give a try to her second novel … But, nope, the "magic" of this new (and quite short) book of hers didn’t work for me the way I hoped it would, not this time … because I really struggled through this reading …
What to say about the MCs ?? => Well, for sure that none of them was likeable & the dynamic between them was, at best, weird and I’m probably not the only one who had a very hard time believing that their "love" for each other went any deeper than physical attraction & sex… And the intimate scenes – nope, I can’t even call them "love scenes" – were not as well written as they could have been, they were definitely not engaging & the (I’d guess, supposedly erotic) first encounter after their reunion (the one which happened in Paris) was even pretty unhieginic … Seriously, I wasn’t able to connect with either of the them. Madison was very annoying (especially with her fast judgment and her propention to accuse & also the poor image she projects about bi people : a woman breaks her heart, so, she get drunk, seduce guys and sleep with them (and ends up pregnant) ... Seriously ?? ) and Sofia/Sofi/Sof was just tiresome with all her useless contradictions, her more than numerous lies (beginning to those to herself …). & her imaginary body issues. OK, that last one was a minor part of the novel but having such body image issues seems hard to believe for such a popular singer who could have easily afforded to use professional assistance to get rid of them … Maybe it could have been interesting to explore this arc (since Sofia's Mom did everything to maintain this biased image) which is, in this case, a missed opportunity … it could have counteract some stereotypes and given them an opportunity to fight some battles together, and allow Madison to show (at least a part of) her love for Sofia. Well, if you can believe that they once were in love. Personally I’m still wondering why they would have broken-up if it was, indeed, the forever and ever kind … It doesn’ make any sense …
I found the permanent switch between "Sofia", "Sofi" and "Sof" very irritating because not consistent. From my POV, choosing one name only for each situation – one professional and one personal -- for the MC would have been better than switching between the three all the novel long.
Gosh … The entire Noah situation was just totally ridiculous and definitely both irritating and boring. It would have been a story set in the past, like 30 years ago, I would have understood (well, at least, I guess I would have …) but the excuses given by Sofia and her people for NOT coming out and play this stupid masquarade seem totally unbielavable in the current days … especially when you know than, in real life and between others, there are more and more (for example) former Disney "favorite" singers coming out (wherever they place themself in the spectrum) … So why would it be an issue for a singer as popular as Sofia is supposed to be ??
It saddens me but, especially compared to the author’s great first novel, the story about this felt really "flat" despite the tons of drama put in it … and in addition, it was full of repetitions. It’s really hard to believe (even if it’s actually the case) that both books have been written by the same author ….
TBH, my favorite character in the entire book is little Mateo, even if his introduction felt as flat as the rest since we didn’t see much of interactions of the kid with the grow-ups … I wish we could have had more scenes about him & I think it would have been more interesting to have more interactions between him and Sofia, he could have helped her in her struggle againt her poor body image since kids, usually, love people unconditionally … Maybe those scenes existed in the very first draft and have been cut afterwards, which would be a shame if it happened this way because cuting them would have cut our chance to find a genuine interest in the MCs & see a human, loving and maybe also compassionate side of them …
If I had to make a very short and quite different version of my review, it’d be something like this :
- Did I enjoy this book? => Not really. Sadly it wasn't up my alley like I thought it would be.
- Did I find the characters believable? => Nope &, in addition, they were not likeable and even very annoying …
- Is this book now included in my "must be re-read"-list? => Nope !
- Will I purchase the paperback? => Nope !
- Would I read another book by this author? => Yes because she’s a promising author that I appreciate a lot and I don’t want to stay on this disappointing experience. I just hope that her next novel will meet, at least, the quality level of her first one …
- Would I recommend this book => I’ll let people use their free will to read the novel, or not …
🏳️🌈👩❤👩📚⚢🎼👩🎤🎤🎸👩💼👩❤💋👩📖👭🏳️🌈
November 14, 2020
I was drawn into the story from the first page. It’s a novel about two young band mates who fall in love, and then are torn apart by life. Five years later they reconnect, and It seems the whole world is against them. Nevertheless they are drawn to each other, but still can’t seem to get on the same page. It’s a sweet novel with a happy ending.
December 29, 2020
Lovely.
The ending was sweet, the buildup realistic and heartfelt.
The ending was sweet, the buildup realistic and heartfelt.
December 19, 2022
This has been a normal romance; the truth is that, because of how it started I hoped that it would be better than it has ended up being. However, it has not followed that line and it faltered a bit.
The two protagonists are members of a musical group of adolescents and the story begins when Sofia is promoted as a solo singer, leaving her companions behind, so they feel betrayed. Maddie, one of the other members of the group, is also Sofia’s lover, a relationship they keep secret because the record company would never accept such atrocity. So, despite the fact that Sofia promises Maddie that she will do the impossible so that they can continue seeing each other, this ends up being impossible and the two lose contact. After an impasse, they meet again in very different circumstances, with Sofia being a successful artist and Maddie an interior designer who happens to be hired to decorate Sofia's new house in Miami.
Maddie has serious doubts about relating to Sofia again, she does not trust her, and now she has a son who is the main thing in her life. Nevertheless, Sofia is determined that this can be achieved, despite the obstacles that her team, mainly her mother, puts in the way.
I think there have been too many misunderstandings, certainly little respect for Sofia's wishes on the part of everyone around her and a certain passivity from Maddie, which at times have been a bit tiresome. Although it may have recovered a bit in the end and overall it was quite good.
Publisher Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for my honest review
The two protagonists are members of a musical group of adolescents and the story begins when Sofia is promoted as a solo singer, leaving her companions behind, so they feel betrayed. Maddie, one of the other members of the group, is also Sofia’s lover, a relationship they keep secret because the record company would never accept such atrocity. So, despite the fact that Sofia promises Maddie that she will do the impossible so that they can continue seeing each other, this ends up being impossible and the two lose contact. After an impasse, they meet again in very different circumstances, with Sofia being a successful artist and Maddie an interior designer who happens to be hired to decorate Sofia's new house in Miami.
Maddie has serious doubts about relating to Sofia again, she does not trust her, and now she has a son who is the main thing in her life. Nevertheless, Sofia is determined that this can be achieved, despite the obstacles that her team, mainly her mother, puts in the way.
I think there have been too many misunderstandings, certainly little respect for Sofia's wishes on the part of everyone around her and a certain passivity from Maddie, which at times have been a bit tiresome. Although it may have recovered a bit in the end and overall it was quite good.
Publisher Bold Strokes Books was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via Netgalley for my honest review
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