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The Lillys #1
The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B08BW3D95R
Her name's Antonia "Toni" Bennette (yeah, she's heard all the jokes before) and she's not a rock star. Neither are the Lillys—not yet. But the difference between being famous and being almost famous can be a single wrong note...or the start of something that'll change your life forever.
Growing up in dive bars up and down the East Coast, Toni Bennette's guitar was her only companion...until she met Sebastian Quick. Seb was a little older, a lot wiser, and before long he was Toni's way out, promising they'd escape their stifling small town together. Then Seb turned eighteen and split without looking back.
Now, Toni's all grown up and making a name for herself in Philadelphia's indie scene. When a friend suggests she try out for a hot new up-and-coming band, Toni decides to take a chance. Strong, feminist, and fierce as fire, Toni B. and the Lillys are the perfect match...except Seb's now moonlighting as their manager. Whatever. Toni can handle it. No problem. Or it wouldn't be if Seb didn't still hold a piece of her heart...not to mention the key to her future.
Her name's Antonia "Toni" Bennette (yeah, she's heard all the jokes before) and she's not a rock star. Neither are the Lillys—not yet. But the difference between being famous and being almost famous can be a single wrong note...or the start of something that'll change your life forever.
Growing up in dive bars up and down the East Coast, Toni Bennette's guitar was her only companion...until she met Sebastian Quick. Seb was a little older, a lot wiser, and before long he was Toni's way out, promising they'd escape their stifling small town together. Then Seb turned eighteen and split without looking back.
Now, Toni's all grown up and making a name for herself in Philadelphia's indie scene. When a friend suggests she try out for a hot new up-and-coming band, Toni decides to take a chance. Strong, feminist, and fierce as fire, Toni B. and the Lillys are the perfect match...except Seb's now moonlighting as their manager. Whatever. Toni can handle it. No problem. Or it wouldn't be if Seb didn't still hold a piece of her heart...not to mention the key to her future.
433 pages, ebook
First published May 4, 2021
489 people are currently reading
20851 people want to read
About the author
Xio Axelrod
27 books1,187 followersXio Axelrod is a USA Today bestselling author of different flavours of contemporary romance. She also writes what she likes to call strange, twisted tales. Xio grew up in the music industry and began recording at a young age. When she isn’t writing stories, she can be found in the studio, writing songs, or performing on international stages (under a different, no-so-secret name). She lives in Philadelphia with one full-time husband and several part-time cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,104 reviews
December 24, 2021
Wow! This book ripped my heart out! It truly sledgehammered and broke it into million pieces! My face stained with tears! They still drip, they won’t stop!
This is heartfelt, real tear jerker, poignant story of Antonia Bennett: a musical prodigy, a unique, outstanding talent who could captivate your heart and enchant your soul with her powerful voice! She’s extraordinary! But she’s also insecure, hiding at your comfort zone! Her mother abandoned her. Her father mistreated her and her love of her life left her without explanation!
She ached a lot. Her heart bled, her soul crushed, her resilience tested several times. But she survived, she’s tough, she’s talented, she’s good hearted, she’s fighter!
Now it’s time for her to shine. She deserved the all spotlight, applause, appreciation even though she’s afraid of being trapped by the power and ecstasy of fame! She’s on the verge of big breakthrough but unfortunately the man broke her, betrayed her trust, her one and only love is back! Seb is at her band but she doesn’t want him back! She’s tarnished but she
survived. She still tries to gather the pieces of her broken heart. How will she work with him? How will she protect her heart?
This is emotional, well written, genuine, unputdownable, amazing indie novel that I truly enjoyed and engaged with the characters. Toni’s heartbreaking, compelling story conquered my heart!
I’m rounding up my 4.5 stars to 5 well deserved, power of music, self discovery, a star is born stars!
Special thanks to Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
This is heartfelt, real tear jerker, poignant story of Antonia Bennett: a musical prodigy, a unique, outstanding talent who could captivate your heart and enchant your soul with her powerful voice! She’s extraordinary! But she’s also insecure, hiding at your comfort zone! Her mother abandoned her. Her father mistreated her and her love of her life left her without explanation!
She ached a lot. Her heart bled, her soul crushed, her resilience tested several times. But she survived, she’s tough, she’s talented, she’s good hearted, she’s fighter!
Now it’s time for her to shine. She deserved the all spotlight, applause, appreciation even though she’s afraid of being trapped by the power and ecstasy of fame! She’s on the verge of big breakthrough but unfortunately the man broke her, betrayed her trust, her one and only love is back! Seb is at her band but she doesn’t want him back! She’s tarnished but she
survived. She still tries to gather the pieces of her broken heart. How will she work with him? How will she protect her heart?
This is emotional, well written, genuine, unputdownable, amazing indie novel that I truly enjoyed and engaged with the characters. Toni’s heartbreaking, compelling story conquered my heart!
I’m rounding up my 4.5 stars to 5 well deserved, power of music, self discovery, a star is born stars!
Special thanks to Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
June 5, 2022
Toni loves to make music, but you see, she really doesn’t want the fame. However, she needs some money so she joins The Lillys. Sebastian is like the Lillys manager but not really the manager, so it was a big shock when they realized they are going to be working together and seeing each other a lot. You see, they had a falling out when Seb just left her and took some money! Are they able to resolve what happened years ago?
Toni was an interesting character. Her mom was also in the music industry, so she saw how it affected her and really wanted none of it. Her parents both had and continue to affect her and who she is today. We also learn more about Seb and more reveals about how life has been for him. Toni and Seb’s relationship, as to be expected, goes through changes, but I wasn’t enveloped like I would have wanted. I like that there are instances where even though there is some nostalgia in their interactions, they are still relearning about each other. Overall, this didn’t really blow my mind, but I’m satisfied for the most part.
Toni was an interesting character. Her mom was also in the music industry, so she saw how it affected her and really wanted none of it. Her parents both had and continue to affect her and who she is today. We also learn more about Seb and more reveals about how life has been for him. Toni and Seb’s relationship, as to be expected, goes through changes, but I wasn’t enveloped like I would have wanted. I like that there are instances where even though there is some nostalgia in their interactions, they are still relearning about each other. Overall, this didn’t really blow my mind, but I’m satisfied for the most part.
October 31, 2021
lots of conflicting feelings here
i adored the set up for this book and really liked toni's character, but i really didn't like the romance element in the story.
i think a big part of that was the way the story was told. this book imo leans into the ~emotions~ (think Brittainy Cherry) and relies on you buying into the characters feelings rather than any concrete attraction/similarities/common interests. and i think i could have overlooked that had this book not been a second chance romance. they're incredibly hard to pull off but almost impossible when we're supposed to believe, with very little context, that these childhood friends are meant to be together. we get a small handful of flashbacks but nothing substantial enough to build buy in.
i'm super particular, which i think is evident if you've read any of my reviews. but if you like emotional romances and don't have beef with second chance romances you might enjoy this. i think i just wanted more girl-band-rising-star-ness and less "romance."
i adored the set up for this book and really liked toni's character, but i really didn't like the romance element in the story.
i think a big part of that was the way the story was told. this book imo leans into the ~emotions~ (think Brittainy Cherry) and relies on you buying into the characters feelings rather than any concrete attraction/similarities/common interests. and i think i could have overlooked that had this book not been a second chance romance. they're incredibly hard to pull off but almost impossible when we're supposed to believe, with very little context, that these childhood friends are meant to be together. we get a small handful of flashbacks but nothing substantial enough to build buy in.
i'm super particular, which i think is evident if you've read any of my reviews. but if you like emotional romances and don't have beef with second chance romances you might enjoy this. i think i just wanted more girl-band-rising-star-ness and less "romance."
Read
May 5, 2021A rock band romance, very much not my usual reading but I wanted to try this and was rewarded because it's lovely. Toni is a great central character, quite reserved and dealing with a lot from her neglectful parents. Seb is also fairly screwed up from his abusive father. The flashbacks to their childhood together are really well done, limning it in without going on at length. And the music milieu is terrific--author obviously knows her stuff and it's both convincing and engaging, sweeping you into this world.
It's a very slow burn romance, which worked for me: both MCs are trying to make good decisions. The rest of the band are lightly sketched except for the bad-girl character, but I liked how she's screwed up and entitled rather than evil. I hope she gets her redemption and I definitely hope the English lawyer guy gets to be an MC in due course. Yes, I will be following this series.
Lightly, fluently written in that one-more-chapter way that makes you suddenly realise a book ate your evening, and highly enjoyable all round.
It's a very slow burn romance, which worked for me: both MCs are trying to make good decisions. The rest of the band are lightly sketched except for the bad-girl character, but I liked how she's screwed up and entitled rather than evil. I hope she gets her redemption and I definitely hope the English lawyer guy gets to be an MC in due course. Yes, I will be following this series.
Lightly, fluently written in that one-more-chapter way that makes you suddenly realise a book ate your evening, and highly enjoyable all round.
May 17, 2021
3.5 stars
I love a good rockstar romance and I thought it was great that The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes focused on a female rocker instead of a male. Toni was awesome and there was a lot to love about this book.
Toni and Seb are friends as kids. When they had no one else, they had each other. When Seb turns 18 he leaves town and leaves 16 year old Toni behind. Fast forward 8 or 9 years and Toni hasn't seen Seb since. She's now pursing her dream of playing music and happens to run into Seb out of nowhere.
This story focuses on Toni and Seb some, and there is definitely some romantic elements, but I think the band, the music, and the friendship took the primary focus. I enjoyed reading about the band members in the The Lilly's and hope their stories get told as well. I'll be honest, there was a character in this one I couldn't stand and every scene she was in just had me... ugh. And it personally felt a little too long for me, especially at the start.
Overall, I found this one enjoyable and will definitely check out more from this author! I'm always happy to find a new author to read and recommend this for anyone looking for a rockstar romance with an amazingly strong female lead!
I love a good rockstar romance and I thought it was great that The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes focused on a female rocker instead of a male. Toni was awesome and there was a lot to love about this book.
Toni and Seb are friends as kids. When they had no one else, they had each other. When Seb turns 18 he leaves town and leaves 16 year old Toni behind. Fast forward 8 or 9 years and Toni hasn't seen Seb since. She's now pursing her dream of playing music and happens to run into Seb out of nowhere.
This story focuses on Toni and Seb some, and there is definitely some romantic elements, but I think the band, the music, and the friendship took the primary focus. I enjoyed reading about the band members in the The Lilly's and hope their stories get told as well. I'll be honest, there was a character in this one I couldn't stand and every scene she was in just had me... ugh. And it personally felt a little too long for me, especially at the start.
Overall, I found this one enjoyable and will definitely check out more from this author! I'm always happy to find a new author to read and recommend this for anyone looking for a rockstar romance with an amazingly strong female lead!
Audio book source: Hoopla (library borrow)
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Alexander Cendese and Tamika Simone
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Contemporary romance (rockstar/childhood friends/second chance)
Length: 13 hours and 2 minutes
February 5, 2023
3 stars
When Toni was a young girl, she was dropped off at her father’s bar with only a guitar. There, she met her childhood friend Seb, and the two of them planned to leave together. But when Seb turned eighteen, he left Toni behind. Now, about seven years later, Toni has made a name for herself in the indie music scene. But when she auditions for an up and coming band The Lilly’s, she is reunited with Seb again.
This book had a lot going for it, rock star romance, second chance romance. But it really fell kind of flat for me. I loved all of Toni’s portions of the book, but I strongly believe Seb’s POV could have been cut all together. That with slow placing and more than 400 pages, the kiss of death for me. I listened to the audio and pretty much same opinion, female narrator great, male one awful. Plus, sex scenes in a book shouldn’t make me verbally say out loud “ew”.
Had this book been shorter with a faster pace, I think I would have loved it. But every little thing felt dragged out and took away from my overall enjoyment.
When Toni was a young girl, she was dropped off at her father’s bar with only a guitar. There, she met her childhood friend Seb, and the two of them planned to leave together. But when Seb turned eighteen, he left Toni behind. Now, about seven years later, Toni has made a name for herself in the indie music scene. But when she auditions for an up and coming band The Lilly’s, she is reunited with Seb again.
This book had a lot going for it, rock star romance, second chance romance. But it really fell kind of flat for me. I loved all of Toni’s portions of the book, but I strongly believe Seb’s POV could have been cut all together. That with slow placing and more than 400 pages, the kiss of death for me. I listened to the audio and pretty much same opinion, female narrator great, male one awful. Plus, sex scenes in a book shouldn’t make me verbally say out loud “ew”.
Had this book been shorter with a faster pace, I think I would have loved it. But every little thing felt dragged out and took away from my overall enjoyment.
September 21, 2021
So I stayed up until 1:30 a.m. to finish Xio Axelrod's
The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes
. Just. So. Amazing!
Toni Bennette (yes, she’s heard the jokes) was the daughter of a musician mother who left her behind to pursue fame. She grew up in a small town with a father who gave her nothing and never treated her as anything more than a burden.
Her only salvations during those days were making music and spending time with her best friend, Sebastian. Toni and Seb dream of getting away from their town and their parents, and pursuing their musical dreams. They even save money to help them make their escape. But the day Seb turns 18, he takes his share of the money and leaves without a trace.
Years later, Toni is a successful session artist and a musician-in-residence at a small club in Philadelphia. Her talent is evident and exceptional but she lacks the belief in herself and the desire to pursue fame. When she unexpectedly runs into Seb, it reopens old wounds and awakens feelings neither acknowledged as teenagers. But Toni isn’t willing to let herself get hurt again or get drawn in by him.
When an immense career opportunity comes Toni’s way, she’s unsure what to do. A band on the verge of stardom needs at least a temporary guitarist to replace their current one, who is a mercurial, talented trainwreck. It may never amount to anything, but it could change her life completely. Is she ready for the possibility of fame? And what does Seb have to do with the band?
The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes was such a great, emotional story about pursuing your dreams, finding your way, and trying to move beyond old hurts and resentments. I loved these characters and was so impressed with Axelrod’s storytelling choices, because there definitely were places where things could have veered into melodrama. (I have seen it happen too many times, y'all.)
I’ve been reading a lot of books lately where music factors into the plot and this is definitely a favorite among them. What an exceptional book!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
Toni Bennette (yes, she’s heard the jokes) was the daughter of a musician mother who left her behind to pursue fame. She grew up in a small town with a father who gave her nothing and never treated her as anything more than a burden.
Her only salvations during those days were making music and spending time with her best friend, Sebastian. Toni and Seb dream of getting away from their town and their parents, and pursuing their musical dreams. They even save money to help them make their escape. But the day Seb turns 18, he takes his share of the money and leaves without a trace.
Years later, Toni is a successful session artist and a musician-in-residence at a small club in Philadelphia. Her talent is evident and exceptional but she lacks the belief in herself and the desire to pursue fame. When she unexpectedly runs into Seb, it reopens old wounds and awakens feelings neither acknowledged as teenagers. But Toni isn’t willing to let herself get hurt again or get drawn in by him.
When an immense career opportunity comes Toni’s way, she’s unsure what to do. A band on the verge of stardom needs at least a temporary guitarist to replace their current one, who is a mercurial, talented trainwreck. It may never amount to anything, but it could change her life completely. Is she ready for the possibility of fame? And what does Seb have to do with the band?
The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes was such a great, emotional story about pursuing your dreams, finding your way, and trying to move beyond old hurts and resentments. I loved these characters and was so impressed with Axelrod’s storytelling choices, because there definitely were places where things could have veered into melodrama. (I have seen it happen too many times, y'all.)
I’ve been reading a lot of books lately where music factors into the plot and this is definitely a favorite among them. What an exceptional book!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
dnf
December 21, 2021😴 this is putting me to sleep, it’s not bad it just isn’t grabbing me
Dnf @ pg140
More thoughts here: https://youtu.be/9olbeJ_PrSw
Dnf @ pg140
More thoughts here: https://youtu.be/9olbeJ_PrSw
December 28, 2021
“I’m off the deep end..watch as I dive in.”
This book🥺. The ache in my chest will not be soothed at the moment. I don’t know how I’m supposed to review this masterpiece of a book. Why is my face so wet? This book is the reason y’all. Have mercy!
This book is beyond girl power. Antonia Bennet is such a force to be reckoned with. How do you guard your heart around the one that broke it several years ago?
This book is all heart, and soul. I can’t tell you the feeling of seeing this fierce, bad ass, mega talented, black woman with the power of Prince or Lenny Kravitz on the guitar. Toni has been through so much! From a mother that abandoned her, to a father who treated her like sh*t, to a guy she loved that left without even a backward glance.
I get chills just thinking about how this should be on the big screen. THIS is why I love indie romance! Xio dug deep, and spared us nothing. We aren’t worthy of her amazing talent! I knew this book would be huge when I first started seeing the buzz about it last year. I’m so glad that it didn’t disappoint.
I loved the differences, and complexities of all the women in The Lilly’s. They were KILLER BAD ASS WOMEN WITH MADDD SKILLS. What musicians they all were, but Toni stole it. Toni & Seb..even better! Just trust me when I say, you need this book in your life!
So, in a nutshell:
One of my very top reads of the year
This needs to be on the big screen
I need all the music on a soundtrack
Please, and thank you. Xo
This book🥺. The ache in my chest will not be soothed at the moment. I don’t know how I’m supposed to review this masterpiece of a book. Why is my face so wet? This book is the reason y’all. Have mercy!
This book is beyond girl power. Antonia Bennet is such a force to be reckoned with. How do you guard your heart around the one that broke it several years ago?
This book is all heart, and soul. I can’t tell you the feeling of seeing this fierce, bad ass, mega talented, black woman with the power of Prince or Lenny Kravitz on the guitar. Toni has been through so much! From a mother that abandoned her, to a father who treated her like sh*t, to a guy she loved that left without even a backward glance.
I get chills just thinking about how this should be on the big screen. THIS is why I love indie romance! Xio dug deep, and spared us nothing. We aren’t worthy of her amazing talent! I knew this book would be huge when I first started seeing the buzz about it last year. I’m so glad that it didn’t disappoint.
I loved the differences, and complexities of all the women in The Lilly’s. They were KILLER BAD ASS WOMEN WITH MADDD SKILLS. What musicians they all were, but Toni stole it. Toni & Seb..even better! Just trust me when I say, you need this book in your life!
So, in a nutshell:
One of my very top reads of the year
This needs to be on the big screen
I need all the music on a soundtrack
Please, and thank you. Xo
May 7, 2021
A ROCK ‘N’ ROLL FAIRYTALE I was fortunate enough to get to host an IG live with Xio Axelrod, she told me her friend describe the book as a rock ‘n’ roll fairytale so I decided I was going to steal it! It is a perfect description of this fabulous story!A sweet second chance romance set in the music world. Xio’s Love and knowledge of music really came through on the pages of this book. I’d venture to say it was almost a love story to music and the second chance romance took a backseat to that. Toni had a tough childhood, a mother who was obsessed with fame and a father who didn’t know how to deal with a teenage daughter. The one bright spot in her teenage years was her best friend Seb. Seb and Toni shared a passion for music and were planning to get out of the small town where they lived as soon as they could. But then Seb up and left without a word and Toni was left picking up the pieces. Years later Toni is working as a studio musician and performing in small venues when she once again crosses paths with Seb.
If you love music and love strong female characters then you’re going to love this book! Toni finds herself temporarily filling playing guitar in an all girls band and this was a major focus of the book. This also was probably my favorite part of the story. I really loved the dynamics and banter between the bandmembers. And I am super excited that this is part of a series and all the other band members will be getting their own stories! The audiobook was narrated by Alexander Cendese and Tamika Simone. I loved the dual narration and thought they did A fabulous job. I particularly loved Alexander’s version of Candy’s voice. This was a fabulous story with a lot of heart!
*** Big thank you to Sourcebooks Casa & Dreamscape Media for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
If you love music and love strong female characters then you’re going to love this book! Toni finds herself temporarily filling playing guitar in an all girls band and this was a major focus of the book. This also was probably my favorite part of the story. I really loved the dynamics and banter between the bandmembers. And I am super excited that this is part of a series and all the other band members will be getting their own stories! The audiobook was narrated by Alexander Cendese and Tamika Simone. I loved the dual narration and thought they did A fabulous job. I particularly loved Alexander’s version of Candy’s voice. This was a fabulous story with a lot of heart!
*** Big thank you to Sourcebooks Casa & Dreamscape Media for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
September 2, 2023
The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes by Xio Axelrod
The Lillys series #1. Contemporary romance. Dual time line via memories. Chick lit.
Toni Bennette grew up in dive bars. She learned to play guitar and used it to form her whole life. She’s made a name for herself in the Philadelphia indie scene and decides to audition as a temporary replacement for one of the Lillys’. Strong, feminist, and fierce as fire, Toni and the Lillys are the perfect match. Which doesn’t sit well with wild woman Candy who being replaced. Toni also has to reconcile working with Sebastian Quick again after he left her cold when he turned eighteen. They had been best friends and support for each other since grade school, promising each other they would leave their small, poor, existence behind when they left together. They both still have feelings for each other. Now they have to figure out what they want their future to look like.
I loved this story. Well written and emotional from a heartbreaking child put on a bus by herself to a confident woman holding her own as she’s making her music. Sure, like all of us, she has insecurities that she must deal with while trying to impress and befriend a group of already impressive musicians and singers.
Engaging and ultimately heart warming. I’m cheering on the band and the women behind it.
The Lillys series #1. Contemporary romance. Dual time line via memories. Chick lit.
Toni Bennette grew up in dive bars. She learned to play guitar and used it to form her whole life. She’s made a name for herself in the Philadelphia indie scene and decides to audition as a temporary replacement for one of the Lillys’. Strong, feminist, and fierce as fire, Toni and the Lillys are the perfect match. Which doesn’t sit well with wild woman Candy who being replaced. Toni also has to reconcile working with Sebastian Quick again after he left her cold when he turned eighteen. They had been best friends and support for each other since grade school, promising each other they would leave their small, poor, existence behind when they left together. They both still have feelings for each other. Now they have to figure out what they want their future to look like.
I loved this story. Well written and emotional from a heartbreaking child put on a bus by herself to a confident woman holding her own as she’s making her music. Sure, like all of us, she has insecurities that she must deal with while trying to impress and befriend a group of already impressive musicians and singers.
Engaging and ultimately heart warming. I’m cheering on the band and the women behind it.
April 10, 2021
Indie rock artist Antonia "Toni B" Bennett gets a chance to fill in as the guitarist in a hot new girl band signed to a major label when there's problems with their main guitarist. This might finally be her ticket out of PA to chase her dreams. Sebastian Quick aka Seb is managing The Lilly's and tired of playing babysitter to the train wreck that is Candy. Things are further complicated when the girl that got away is back in his life.
At first I wasn't really sure what to make of this book. It's labelled a romance and there is a romance in it that's like a second chance friends to lovers type. But for a chunk of the book it didn't feel like a priority. So it took me longer to get behind them and root for them to be together. Plus much of their relationship relied on flashbacks to their childhood.
It felt like not much happened in this story. Toni has a complicated relationship dynamic with her parents that was interesting but not enough to sustain this story. It was an easy listen but overall it wasn't a particularly memorable one.
At first I wasn't really sure what to make of this book. It's labelled a romance and there is a romance in it that's like a second chance friends to lovers type. But for a chunk of the book it didn't feel like a priority. So it took me longer to get behind them and root for them to be together. Plus much of their relationship relied on flashbacks to their childhood.
It felt like not much happened in this story. Toni has a complicated relationship dynamic with her parents that was interesting but not enough to sustain this story. It was an easy listen but overall it wasn't a particularly memorable one.
July 14, 2021
The Girl With Stars in Her Eyes is where slow-burn romance meets a story about a young woman finding herself and coming to terms with how her past affects her present as a musician. Childhood crush gets a second chance and our heroine who has never sought fame despite her talent get the opportunity to play with an up and coming female rock band.
This is a more character driven story and I think what made me like it is how the characters felt real and relatable. That doesn’t always happen when you pick up rock star romances but it might help that the author has firsthand experience of the music industry. This is a really solid debut novel and I’m interested to read more from this author.
One small annoyance that I couldn’t unsee once I noticed it was that the word nonplussed was used incorrectly several times. She isn’t the only author to do this but PSA for everyone, nonplussed means surprised and confused. It doesn’t mean unbothered or not fazed, which is how it’s used in this book. Copy editors, I’m looking at you!
This is a more character driven story and I think what made me like it is how the characters felt real and relatable. That doesn’t always happen when you pick up rock star romances but it might help that the author has firsthand experience of the music industry. This is a really solid debut novel and I’m interested to read more from this author.
One small annoyance that I couldn’t unsee once I noticed it was that the word nonplussed was used incorrectly several times. She isn’t the only author to do this but PSA for everyone, nonplussed means surprised and confused. It doesn’t mean unbothered or not fazed, which is how it’s used in this book. Copy editors, I’m looking at you!
January 21, 2022
I felt like the story was a good one but it isn't a story that will stick in my memory for long. I really liked the music theme in this but the romance wasn't one of my favorites. Overall an decent audiobook 3.5 stars
May 22, 2021
The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes by Xio Axelrod is an angsty second-chance romance set in the music world. Antonia "Toni" Bennette and Sebastian Quick grew up together in a destitute town in Pennsylvania. Neglected by their parents, they became best friends and each other solace. They planned to leave the town together, but when Sebastian turned eighteen, he left town and Toni behind without a backward glance. Eight years later fate brings them back together, when Toni, a talented musician, gets a chance to join an up-and-coming band, the Lillys. Sebastian is the band's manager and all-around fixer. They will have to work together despite their unresolved issues, and Seb's complicated relationship with the band's members.
Second-chance romance is my favorite trope, and I really liked Toni and Seb'd love story, but Seb annoyed me repeatedly. He had a very toxic relationship/friendship with one of the band members, which he would not break, even when it was making him miserable and affecting the whole band. I would've enjoyed the book a little more if this toxic relationship wasn't so drawn out. I did like all other members of the Lillys and the band's dynamic. I think we will be getting more books in the series featuring other characters, and I am very much looking forward to reading their stories. I would recommend The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes, especially to readers who like rock-star and second-chance romance
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley
Second-chance romance is my favorite trope, and I really liked Toni and Seb'd love story, but Seb annoyed me repeatedly. He had a very toxic relationship/friendship with one of the band members, which he would not break, even when it was making him miserable and affecting the whole band. I would've enjoyed the book a little more if this toxic relationship wasn't so drawn out. I did like all other members of the Lillys and the band's dynamic. I think we will be getting more books in the series featuring other characters, and I am very much looking forward to reading their stories. I would recommend The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes, especially to readers who like rock-star and second-chance romance
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley
July 23, 2021
Loved, loved, loved… then loved some more! I could it get enough of this story! I have struggled to keep my focus on any book these last few months (year!) but I couldn’t put this down. I adored Toni and her journey to be her authentic self. The flash backs with Seb we’re sweet and added so much, but were never overpowering. I would say if you are looking for a straight romance, this might leave you wanting, but it was the perfect level for me. I loved watching their relationship grow along with Toni, never over her. I can’t wait to read the rest of this series! Give me ALL the Lilly’s content!
February 12, 2024
An okay listen although the narrators almost ruined it for me with how shrill their voices were.
Also this should have been “The Girl WITHOUT Stars in Her Eyes” considering she didn’t want anything with the limelight.
Can’t believe the most interesting and entertaining thing about this was the OW’s drama.
I’m still gonna be reading the next book though.
Also this should have been “The Girl WITHOUT Stars in Her Eyes” considering she didn’t want anything with the limelight.
Can’t believe the most interesting and entertaining thing about this was the OW’s drama.
I’m still gonna be reading the next book though.
May 13, 2021
"She had the crowd in the palm of her hand but didn't seem to realize it."
This book is pitched as DAISY JONES & THE SIX meets A STAR IS BORN, and that is very accurate.
4 stars -- ARC received from publisher for an honest review. Featured on my YouTube channel in a May 4th ARC reading vlog: https://youtu.be/yShogJjMCTE
REVIEW
I had so much fun reading this book and diving into the world of The Lillys--and all-female rock band. There are multiple conversations in this book about the innate sexism of the rock music industry and it was refreshing to see such an honest take on the situation. I loved learning about The Lillys and am so happy that each member is getting their own romance. Each character is so well flushed out and I became extremely invested in everyone's story. Axelrod's writing will have you feeling like you are a fly-on-wall because it is so immersive.
While there is an angsty, second-chance romance between Toni and Sebastian, it isn't the main plot of the story. I really appreciated that because we got to focus more on Toni's emotional journey. She is an extremely complex character with a heavy backstory and a lot of trauma--especially pertaining to her parents. Toni has a lot of trust issues, and watching her finding a family in The Lillys was a beautiful experience. I really loved her progression and felt her pain.
While I enjoyed getting Seb's POV, I became frustrated at times with his character. This isn't his fault, but Candi's fault. I hated her. I hated her from the moment I met her and knew that you couldn't trust her as far as you could throw her. She is manipulative, selfish, and egotistical. At the beginning Seb is under her thumb--and as the "peace-maker" of the group, it is his job to reel her in because of her drug/alcohol problem. It was a long journey, but Seb eventually comes to realise how toxic Candi is--and I was so happy to see this growth.
Back to the romance. Oh my god. When things started to heat up between them? It was SO hot. I really enjoyed the few steamy scenes and they were really well written. I also loved the progression of their romance. As a second-chance romance, there is a lot of history and hurt. I am really picky about my second-chance romances because I never feel like we understand their connection. But Alexrod uses flashbacks to show their childhood together, while also taking the time to show their reconnection present day. Toni doesn't trust Seb and is really hurt by his past actions. I appreciated that it took some time for her to let him back in to her life, that she was reluctant to open old wounds. I really adored their romance.
While I really loved this book, I didn't emotionally connect with the characters like I wanted to. For a book to be five-stars, there has to be that extra something that really pulls at my core. So, I am giving the book a solid four-stars.
If you are looking for a romance heavy book, this isn't it. Please go into knowing it focuses more on the music industry and Toni's journey within it. If you understand that, I think you will really love and appreciate this book.
CW: parental abandonment, parental abuse (physical and mental), addition (drugs and alcohol), toxic relationships
This book is pitched as DAISY JONES & THE SIX meets A STAR IS BORN, and that is very accurate.
4 stars -- ARC received from publisher for an honest review. Featured on my YouTube channel in a May 4th ARC reading vlog: https://youtu.be/yShogJjMCTE
REVIEW
I had so much fun reading this book and diving into the world of The Lillys--and all-female rock band. There are multiple conversations in this book about the innate sexism of the rock music industry and it was refreshing to see such an honest take on the situation. I loved learning about The Lillys and am so happy that each member is getting their own romance. Each character is so well flushed out and I became extremely invested in everyone's story. Axelrod's writing will have you feeling like you are a fly-on-wall because it is so immersive.
While there is an angsty, second-chance romance between Toni and Sebastian, it isn't the main plot of the story. I really appreciated that because we got to focus more on Toni's emotional journey. She is an extremely complex character with a heavy backstory and a lot of trauma--especially pertaining to her parents. Toni has a lot of trust issues, and watching her finding a family in The Lillys was a beautiful experience. I really loved her progression and felt her pain.
While I enjoyed getting Seb's POV, I became frustrated at times with his character. This isn't his fault, but Candi's fault. I hated her. I hated her from the moment I met her and knew that you couldn't trust her as far as you could throw her. She is manipulative, selfish, and egotistical. At the beginning Seb is under her thumb--and as the "peace-maker" of the group, it is his job to reel her in because of her drug/alcohol problem. It was a long journey, but Seb eventually comes to realise how toxic Candi is--and I was so happy to see this growth.
Back to the romance. Oh my god. When things started to heat up between them? It was SO hot. I really enjoyed the few steamy scenes and they were really well written. I also loved the progression of their romance. As a second-chance romance, there is a lot of history and hurt. I am really picky about my second-chance romances because I never feel like we understand their connection. But Alexrod uses flashbacks to show their childhood together, while also taking the time to show their reconnection present day. Toni doesn't trust Seb and is really hurt by his past actions. I appreciated that it took some time for her to let him back in to her life, that she was reluctant to open old wounds. I really adored their romance.
While I really loved this book, I didn't emotionally connect with the characters like I wanted to. For a book to be five-stars, there has to be that extra something that really pulls at my core. So, I am giving the book a solid four-stars.
If you are looking for a romance heavy book, this isn't it. Please go into knowing it focuses more on the music industry and Toni's journey within it. If you understand that, I think you will really love and appreciate this book.
CW: parental abandonment, parental abuse (physical and mental), addition (drugs and alcohol), toxic relationships
June 4, 2021
3.5 Stars
Total A Star is Born vibes here!
This was a good read but I wouldn't classify it as a Romance read. I would classify this as Fiction and/or Women's Fiction.
I think above all else, this book was about relationships and they were written so beautifully - between Toni and her parents, Toni and her bandmates, Toni and Seb. The imagery was incredible! I felt like I was in the book watching everything happen in real time.
The story focuses on Toni and Seb some, and while there were is definitely some romantic elements, the band, the music, and the friendship were the main focuses. I did enjoy reading about the band members in the The Lilly's and hope their stories get told, as this looks like it will be book 1 of a series. I'll be honest, there was a character in this story I couldn't stand, and every scene she was in just had me about to blow up. Also, it felt a little too long for me, especially in the beginning.
Overall, I found this book to be fairly enjoyable and will definitely check this author out again! I love finding a new author to read, and I'd recommend this for anyone looking for a Rockstar romance with a fierce female lead.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for my advanced review copy, which I received in exchange for an honest review.
Total A Star is Born vibes here!
This was a good read but I wouldn't classify it as a Romance read. I would classify this as Fiction and/or Women's Fiction.
I think above all else, this book was about relationships and they were written so beautifully - between Toni and her parents, Toni and her bandmates, Toni and Seb. The imagery was incredible! I felt like I was in the book watching everything happen in real time.
The story focuses on Toni and Seb some, and while there were is definitely some romantic elements, the band, the music, and the friendship were the main focuses. I did enjoy reading about the band members in the The Lilly's and hope their stories get told, as this looks like it will be book 1 of a series. I'll be honest, there was a character in this story I couldn't stand, and every scene she was in just had me about to blow up. Also, it felt a little too long for me, especially in the beginning.
Overall, I found this book to be fairly enjoyable and will definitely check this author out again! I love finding a new author to read, and I'd recommend this for anyone looking for a Rockstar romance with a fierce female lead.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for my advanced review copy, which I received in exchange for an honest review.
March 18, 2021
Both contemporary romance and a wonderful love letter to musicians, this is the story of Antonia “Toni” Bennette, a supremely talented up-and-coming guitarist and singer. Toni has worked hard to overcome a childhood spent moving from city to city while her mother chased fame, being sent to live with a father she barely knew, and finally the sudden exit of her best friend/childhood crush Seb, her partner in escaping their unhappy small town lives. Toni was never the girl who wanted stardom, and only occasionally performs live at a place called the Electric Unicorn. She’s found a place to do the work she loves at The Phactory as a “hired gun,” sharing her talents as a session guitarist. But everything changes one day when she loses a session to none other than Seb Quick, who shows up at the studio after being out of her life for the past eight years. When Toni is invited to audition for The Lillys, a band on the cusp of superstardom, she realizes that despite her hurt and anger, she will have to sort through her feelings and work with Seb if she wants to achieve her dreams.
February 17, 2022
This was a fun story about a Black woman in the rock ‘n’ roll music industry absolutely killing it which was inspiring and really cool to read about.
But overall, I really just wanted more romance! Seb and Toni had a second chance, enemies to lovers kind of love but didn’t share as many sweet moments as I would’ve liked. Which was fine but my hopeless romantic heart just needed a little more cute moments in there for me to really enjoy it.
There was spice (close to the end, kind of a slow burn) which I very much enjoyed.😌
I loved the badass all female band and the growth both Toni and Seb had to go through after growing up with such terrible parents.
But like I said I was mainly in it for the romance and it didn’t completely deliver. And because of that I found it hard to really get into.
I do, however, definitely suggest reading this if you’re looking for a book about female rock stars who are killing it and finding themselves. With a little romance sprinkled in!
But overall, I really just wanted more romance! Seb and Toni had a second chance, enemies to lovers kind of love but didn’t share as many sweet moments as I would’ve liked. Which was fine but my hopeless romantic heart just needed a little more cute moments in there for me to really enjoy it.
There was spice (close to the end, kind of a slow burn) which I very much enjoyed.😌
I loved the badass all female band and the growth both Toni and Seb had to go through after growing up with such terrible parents.
But like I said I was mainly in it for the romance and it didn’t completely deliver. And because of that I found it hard to really get into.
I do, however, definitely suggest reading this if you’re looking for a book about female rock stars who are killing it and finding themselves. With a little romance sprinkled in!
February 15, 2021
Written with an easy grace and vivid style, this story follows Toni Bennett (pun intended), an indie rock singer and guitarist. With abandonment issues thanks to a careless mother and nearly nonexistent father, Toni is careful in both her career and her personal life, facing the innate sexism of the rock music industry and maintaining a careful distance even with her friends. When she has the chance to audition with The Lillies, a hot new all-female band, she gives it a try. Ms. Axelrod weaves in a love story between Toni and Sebastian, her first love, also a musician, with the kind of angsty conflict I love. I was fascinated with the music scene, something I know nothing about, but which was brought to bright life in this engaging, vivid page-turner.
May 4, 2021
I'm going to try and keep this review on the shorter side (for me...and it didn’t happen....)
If you're a music lover (especially rock of the 90's), this book is for you.
If you like a rock band that consists of talented women, this book is for you.
If you like second chance romances, this book is for you.
If you like a story that combines a flawed childhood with finding ones path into adulthood, this book is for you.
I honestly picked this book up originally because of the gorgeous cover (I'm a cover lover, what can I say?), but ended up LOVING the story within the pages. Toni was my girl! A girl that grew up in messed up and broken homes, but ended up making something of herself on her own terms. The girl could rock and play music like no one's business. But she wanted to stay behind the scenes, even though you could tell she is meant for more.
And then there was Seb. Someone that was her safe place when they were kids. But he left their small, no nothing town and with that, left Toni behind to fend for herself. What happens when they run into one another under circumstances beyond their control?
This story is one of music, redemption and second chances and it was done with such musical precision. You can tell Ms Axelrod has a love and knowledge of music and it really shines through in this story and the characters. I loved Toni, her talent, her vision and her journey. I liked being able to step back in time and see her and Seb as kids and what they endured. Getting their past is what made any future for them believable. I enjoyed seeing Seb and his broken self. Even when he keeps trying to help others that are beyond help, it shows the kind of man he is. Then there is the Lilly's. The band that rocks and is ready to hit the big time. Each band member held a piece to the story and did it with a quiet, yet powerful reverence. From beginning to end, the book held a pulse. I could feel the rhythm and notes of the heart of the book. The main characters as well as the supporting characters really held the group and the plot together and let us focus on the journey of Toni and her future.
It's unusual to get a book focused on women in rock bands and I loved that Xio Axelrod gave it to us and did it with finesse. She showed the sex, drugs and rock n roll right along with the sexism that is very much a part of show business, but she also gave us talented musicians that rocked the pages right out of this book. Be prepared for music, drama and a side of romance. The Girl With Stars in Her Eyes won't disappoint.
If you're a music lover (especially rock of the 90's), this book is for you.
If you like a rock band that consists of talented women, this book is for you.
If you like second chance romances, this book is for you.
If you like a story that combines a flawed childhood with finding ones path into adulthood, this book is for you.
I honestly picked this book up originally because of the gorgeous cover (I'm a cover lover, what can I say?), but ended up LOVING the story within the pages. Toni was my girl! A girl that grew up in messed up and broken homes, but ended up making something of herself on her own terms. The girl could rock and play music like no one's business. But she wanted to stay behind the scenes, even though you could tell she is meant for more.
And then there was Seb. Someone that was her safe place when they were kids. But he left their small, no nothing town and with that, left Toni behind to fend for herself. What happens when they run into one another under circumstances beyond their control?
This story is one of music, redemption and second chances and it was done with such musical precision. You can tell Ms Axelrod has a love and knowledge of music and it really shines through in this story and the characters. I loved Toni, her talent, her vision and her journey. I liked being able to step back in time and see her and Seb as kids and what they endured. Getting their past is what made any future for them believable. I enjoyed seeing Seb and his broken self. Even when he keeps trying to help others that are beyond help, it shows the kind of man he is. Then there is the Lilly's. The band that rocks and is ready to hit the big time. Each band member held a piece to the story and did it with a quiet, yet powerful reverence. From beginning to end, the book held a pulse. I could feel the rhythm and notes of the heart of the book. The main characters as well as the supporting characters really held the group and the plot together and let us focus on the journey of Toni and her future.
It's unusual to get a book focused on women in rock bands and I loved that Xio Axelrod gave it to us and did it with finesse. She showed the sex, drugs and rock n roll right along with the sexism that is very much a part of show business, but she also gave us talented musicians that rocked the pages right out of this book. Be prepared for music, drama and a side of romance. The Girl With Stars in Her Eyes won't disappoint.
August 16, 2021
Solid 2.5 stars ⭐⭐
This story lacked a lot of information....the author provided a lot of content without resolution or understanding, it seems that he/she provided the content to stretch the story. This was a decent story about a young lady who came from basically a sh*tty situation with terrible parents and to get out that situation, she was able to use music as her solis...Toni B was invited to play with a band who was on the brink of stardom into the music business as their lead guitarist. The story really could have been better with more understanding of the information about Toni B.'s upbringing to get a better understanding of her life and what shaped her. The narration was tolerable....the female narrator read the book too fast, she basically read the story to us instead of the acting that I've grown accustom too.
This story lacked a lot of information....the author provided a lot of content without resolution or understanding, it seems that he/she provided the content to stretch the story. This was a decent story about a young lady who came from basically a sh*tty situation with terrible parents and to get out that situation, she was able to use music as her solis...Toni B was invited to play with a band who was on the brink of stardom into the music business as their lead guitarist. The story really could have been better with more understanding of the information about Toni B.'s upbringing to get a better understanding of her life and what shaped her. The narration was tolerable....the female narrator read the book too fast, she basically read the story to us instead of the acting that I've grown accustom too.
March 20, 2024
An all too realistic story of a female rock band
The idea of an all-female rock band is great, and Xio Axelrod uses personal experience to infuse the story with lots of realistic tidbits and facts about the music scene. Unfortunately, the characters don't have that same realism and ability to resonate. Growing up, Toni Bennette (yeah, yeah, she's heard it all) had one love: music. But her best friend Seb Quick was a pretty close second, even if she kept her romantic feelings hidden. When Seb disappeared when they were both teens, it broke Toni's heart. She thought she moved on until Seb shows up again in Toni's life. Toni's on the verge of her big break, but she's not sure she wants it if Seb is involved.
I found this story to be good but not remarkable. The tale of The Lillys--the female rock band that Toni could potentially join--is an interesting one. Axelrod's in-depth exploration of the music industry is certainly accurate (it seemed) but sometimes too much. STARS often feels long and repetitive. It's hard to love the rekindled romance between Seb and Toni if you do not feel the strength of their original childhood connection or forgive Seb as easily as Toni does. The inability to quickly connect to those two made the book feel longer and less plausible.
Toni is so strong that it seems as if she could solve her own problems and have her own dreams. I easily tired of many manufactured dramas that could be quickly solved (just hire security, etc.). What's funny is that I was intrigued by each band member's story and wanted more. There was just a lot of drama and too much repetition to delve into what I truly wanted from the story.
The idea of an all-female rock band is great, and Xio Axelrod uses personal experience to infuse the story with lots of realistic tidbits and facts about the music scene. Unfortunately, the characters don't have that same realism and ability to resonate. Growing up, Toni Bennette (yeah, yeah, she's heard it all) had one love: music. But her best friend Seb Quick was a pretty close second, even if she kept her romantic feelings hidden. When Seb disappeared when they were both teens, it broke Toni's heart. She thought she moved on until Seb shows up again in Toni's life. Toni's on the verge of her big break, but she's not sure she wants it if Seb is involved.
I found this story to be good but not remarkable. The tale of The Lillys--the female rock band that Toni could potentially join--is an interesting one. Axelrod's in-depth exploration of the music industry is certainly accurate (it seemed) but sometimes too much. STARS often feels long and repetitive. It's hard to love the rekindled romance between Seb and Toni if you do not feel the strength of their original childhood connection or forgive Seb as easily as Toni does. The inability to quickly connect to those two made the book feel longer and less plausible.
Toni is so strong that it seems as if she could solve her own problems and have her own dreams. I easily tired of many manufactured dramas that could be quickly solved (just hire security, etc.). What's funny is that I was intrigued by each band member's story and wanted more. There was just a lot of drama and too much repetition to delve into what I truly wanted from the story.
April 30, 2021
I read The Girl With Stars in Her Eyes on my little getaway, and the author's knowledge of the music industry and love of music is a standout here, and the writing makes you hear music.
I personally wanted the romance arc to be more central but that's typical for me. I would definitely say this story is more about Toni's journey towards actualizing dreams she didn't even know she had than about the romance and HEA she finds with her childhood friend and crush. The romance is definitely there but it is an ultimate slow-burn (the first 100 pages the two aren't even on page together except in flashback).
But if you love stories with complicated relationships to fame, found family, messy characters who are not villainized, and poetic language - snap this one up. I'd love to know if anyone listened on audio once the book is released.
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and the publisher for the arc
I personally wanted the romance arc to be more central but that's typical for me. I would definitely say this story is more about Toni's journey towards actualizing dreams she didn't even know she had than about the romance and HEA she finds with her childhood friend and crush. The romance is definitely there but it is an ultimate slow-burn (the first 100 pages the two aren't even on page together except in flashback).
But if you love stories with complicated relationships to fame, found family, messy characters who are not villainized, and poetic language - snap this one up. I'd love to know if anyone listened on audio once the book is released.
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and the publisher for the arc
July 4, 2021
I liked the characters, especially the Lilly’s but the romantic part of this story just confused the hell out of me
July 11, 2021
Some may find this story a bit detailed, some may find it a bit long winded, not me. I thoroughly enjoyed this part rock-and-roll, part romance story, written by a true musician. Having the beginning start when Antonia was a pre-teen and moving quickly into adulthood worked. I liked getting the background of she and her friend, Sebastian, interspersed amongst the present day, it didn't dwell too much on the past or the present. I look forward to reading book number 2.
September 11, 2024
4 Stars
I enjoyed this so much more than I thought I would. It has a great storyline and interesting characters, including Lilly's various band members. The romance is compelling and not overly angsty. I'm curious about where the series will go from here.
April 21, 2021
I completely fell in love with Toni & Seb's story. This author has some serious talent.
Antonia (Toni) and Sebastian (Seb) were childhood friends until the day he left her behind. Now, years later, fate brings them back into one another's orbit and Toni is still quite bitter....to say the least. Seb has his work cut out for him trying to explain to Toni why he had to leave. Can they find their way back to their friendship? Can they possibly be more?
Meanwhile, I also really enjoyed the side characters that Ms. Axelrod created. From each of the Lilly's band members to Toni's other friends, the characters all felt fleshed out and real. In addition, the author's knowledge about the music industry felt personal and extensive. She shared musical information in a way that enriched the story and made it feel like a character all its own.
I simply liked everything about this book and cannot wait to read more about the Lillys.
I went back and forth between the ebook and the audiobook. The audiobook was quite enjoyable. I thought the narrators' voices were perfect for these characters. For me, they really captured their personalities and emotions.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
Antonia (Toni) and Sebastian (Seb) were childhood friends until the day he left her behind. Now, years later, fate brings them back into one another's orbit and Toni is still quite bitter....to say the least. Seb has his work cut out for him trying to explain to Toni why he had to leave. Can they find their way back to their friendship? Can they possibly be more?
Meanwhile, I also really enjoyed the side characters that Ms. Axelrod created. From each of the Lilly's band members to Toni's other friends, the characters all felt fleshed out and real. In addition, the author's knowledge about the music industry felt personal and extensive. She shared musical information in a way that enriched the story and made it feel like a character all its own.
I simply liked everything about this book and cannot wait to read more about the Lillys.
I went back and forth between the ebook and the audiobook. The audiobook was quite enjoyable. I thought the narrators' voices were perfect for these characters. For me, they really captured their personalities and emotions.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
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