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Magnum Opus #2
Staccato
“Two men from two different worlds, with hearts aligned in a staccato beat.”
Blind from childhood Yanik experiences life though taste, touch, feel, sound. And his passion for music was the heart all of those things, leaving room for nothing else. But his dreams of making it in the classical world didn’t last after his brother calls him home to take care of their dying father.
It’s easy for Nik to resign himself to watching his career crumble—now relegated to an elementary school music teacher where the parents see blind musicians as side-show acts. He can even resign himself to being alone the rest of his life, because he’s long-since accepted he’s an impossible man to love.
But he’s not sure he can live with the sudden rush of desire that crashes through him the moment he meets Adam—a bright spark in his sea of turmoil.
Adam is the sort of man Nik has never allowed himself to want—a guitarist in a punk band working at the local tattoo shop, with no real direction in life. And it doesn’t take long for Adam to get under his skin.
But just as Nik is finally is starting to feel settled, one of his idols shows up at his door and offers him the chance to leave everything behind and work with one of the most prestigious composers in Rome—Nicolas Michaud.
With the most talented modern composers at his disposal, Nik will be able to compose his Magnum Opus for the world to hear. But will it mean anything at all without Adam by his side?
Blind from childhood Yanik experiences life though taste, touch, feel, sound. And his passion for music was the heart all of those things, leaving room for nothing else. But his dreams of making it in the classical world didn’t last after his brother calls him home to take care of their dying father.
It’s easy for Nik to resign himself to watching his career crumble—now relegated to an elementary school music teacher where the parents see blind musicians as side-show acts. He can even resign himself to being alone the rest of his life, because he’s long-since accepted he’s an impossible man to love.
But he’s not sure he can live with the sudden rush of desire that crashes through him the moment he meets Adam—a bright spark in his sea of turmoil.
Adam is the sort of man Nik has never allowed himself to want—a guitarist in a punk band working at the local tattoo shop, with no real direction in life. And it doesn’t take long for Adam to get under his skin.
But just as Nik is finally is starting to feel settled, one of his idols shows up at his door and offers him the chance to leave everything behind and work with one of the most prestigious composers in Rome—Nicolas Michaud.
With the most talented modern composers at his disposal, Nik will be able to compose his Magnum Opus for the world to hear. But will it mean anything at all without Adam by his side?
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2021
About the author
E.M. Lindsey
146 books1,462 followersE.M. Lindsey is the author of MM contemporary romance. She presently lives and works in the southeastern United States.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 12, 2021
I was so excited about this book, I loved Verismo so much and I couldn't wait to read more in this universe. Disabled characters and music, I love reading about both.
I enjoyed reading the book, Nik and Adam were both interesting characters, Nik the blind pianist and Adam the trans tatto artist. I loved their relationship, but after a while I got really bored. The romance was so slow and nothing was really happening. It wasn't a romance story for me, instead a life journey and self acceptance. Don't get me wrong, those are important to, but it was just too much for me this time. I wanted romance and not whining characters. I wanted kisses, little touches and hopefully sex... But no. It was the slowest slow burn in my reading experience.
I wanted to feel emotions, just like when I felt when I read Verismo, but this time I just couldn't connect with them, and the piano/music wasn't important for me either.
And it was so long with unimportant scenes.
I'm sad and sorry, but I wanted so much more from this book.
I got an ARC and this was my honest review.
I enjoyed reading the book, Nik and Adam were both interesting characters, Nik the blind pianist and Adam the trans tatto artist. I loved their relationship, but after a while I got really bored. The romance was so slow and nothing was really happening. It wasn't a romance story for me, instead a life journey and self acceptance. Don't get me wrong, those are important to, but it was just too much for me this time. I wanted romance and not whining characters. I wanted kisses, little touches and hopefully sex... But no. It was the slowest slow burn in my reading experience.
I wanted to feel emotions, just like when I felt when I read Verismo, but this time I just couldn't connect with them, and the piano/music wasn't important for me either.
And it was so long with unimportant scenes.
I'm sad and sorry, but I wanted so much more from this book.
I got an ARC and this was my honest review.
May 13, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Staccato is a sweet and intriguing read that celebrates both diversity and the capabilities of people with physical challenges. Yanik’s independence is so vibrantly described on the page, as are his rebukes for folks who underestimate his abilities. Adam has is own personal issues, dealing with his transition and having had poor experiences with men. Yanik’s attraction to him is intoxicating, and worth fighting for, if Yanik would keep communication going. It’s a struggle when Yanik shuts things down, time after time, because of his own reticence to stay put. Both men have had few experiences with strong love, and that’s intimidating for each in their own way. I loved how supportive Adam was, and how he didn’t just let Yanik walk all over him. Both characters are rendered so carefully and with so much texture that it was easy to ride along and experience their highs and lows. Expect a lot of emotion and a bit of steam.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Staccato is a sweet and intriguing read that celebrates both diversity and the capabilities of people with physical challenges. Yanik’s independence is so vibrantly described on the page, as are his rebukes for folks who underestimate his abilities. Adam has is own personal issues, dealing with his transition and having had poor experiences with men. Yanik’s attraction to him is intoxicating, and worth fighting for, if Yanik would keep communication going. It’s a struggle when Yanik shuts things down, time after time, because of his own reticence to stay put. Both men have had few experiences with strong love, and that’s intimidating for each in their own way. I loved how supportive Adam was, and how he didn’t just let Yanik walk all over him. Both characters are rendered so carefully and with so much texture that it was easy to ride along and experience their highs and lows. Expect a lot of emotion and a bit of steam.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
March 27, 2021
Sorry, it's just not my cuppa.
Maybe when I'm in the mood for this sub-genre, I'll be back :/
March 29, 2021
EM Lindsey has to ability to captivate you over and over again. I love the ease with which the words flow and envelope you. That happened again with Nik and Adam. Two men who have their own issues and obstacles to overcome and the relationship(s) issue. Their music, their families, their love for each other.
March 10, 2021
I cannot begin to express how long I've waited for this book. Verismo is one of my all-time favorite books and to be back in that world, it's like coming home. That being said, Staccato is very different from Verismo in terms of feel, the characters are broken in a different way, but the heart of it is still there.
One thing I love most about these books is the prose. The writing just flows and after a few pages, I forget that I'm reading about two fictional characters, but I'm immersed into their world with them. It's beautiful and flowery in some parts, but not overdone. EM Lindsey has a talent to make their words rise and fall like the music her characters create.
Both Adam and Nik are lovely, lonely people. Neither of them fits into the world around them. They drift and accept the meager offerings in front of them because they feel like they have no choice. It's heartbreaking to see so much potential in them and knowing that they don't feel like they're worth it.
When they meet they don't expect anything. They can sense, in a way, that the other person is a kindred soul, but both of them are locked in their own bubbles and don't know how to breach them, or if they even want to. Neither Adam nor Nik want to be hurt, but they can't see their tentative friendship going anywhere until their feelings begin to spill over into their every interaction.
Nik is so sure that he is a hard man to love he pushes Adam away every chance he gets. There's a bit of a communication problem that got to me. I have a thing for communication in books and so I was equally heartbroken and frustrated with him at one point.
Adam is used to being listless, he wants more in life but doesn't see his full-worth and doesn't believe he deserves anything, not when he doesn't have a clear-cut path. I resonated with him so much as I understand how hard it is to watch everyone around you seem to have their life together while you're just stagnant. I wanted to tell him that he didn't have to have his whole life figured out, that it was okay to be who and what he was. That looking forward to a future where he has roots is enough of a dream and he shouldn't push himself just because he thinks he should.
Staccato was everything I wanted from a Verismo sequel and more. We got to see some old favorites. Not going to lie, I squealed when Cedric and Nicolas showed up on-page. Nik and Adam had their own journey to make and it was painful in such a beautiful way. I was in tears the last few chapters as they were bittersweet words that tugged at every single feel I've ever had.
Staccato is more than the next book in the Magnum Opus series, it's Nik and Adam and the love they fight for every messy step of the way.
One thing I love most about these books is the prose. The writing just flows and after a few pages, I forget that I'm reading about two fictional characters, but I'm immersed into their world with them. It's beautiful and flowery in some parts, but not overdone. EM Lindsey has a talent to make their words rise and fall like the music her characters create.
Both Adam and Nik are lovely, lonely people. Neither of them fits into the world around them. They drift and accept the meager offerings in front of them because they feel like they have no choice. It's heartbreaking to see so much potential in them and knowing that they don't feel like they're worth it.
When they meet they don't expect anything. They can sense, in a way, that the other person is a kindred soul, but both of them are locked in their own bubbles and don't know how to breach them, or if they even want to. Neither Adam nor Nik want to be hurt, but they can't see their tentative friendship going anywhere until their feelings begin to spill over into their every interaction.
Nik is so sure that he is a hard man to love he pushes Adam away every chance he gets. There's a bit of a communication problem that got to me. I have a thing for communication in books and so I was equally heartbroken and frustrated with him at one point.
Adam is used to being listless, he wants more in life but doesn't see his full-worth and doesn't believe he deserves anything, not when he doesn't have a clear-cut path. I resonated with him so much as I understand how hard it is to watch everyone around you seem to have their life together while you're just stagnant. I wanted to tell him that he didn't have to have his whole life figured out, that it was okay to be who and what he was. That looking forward to a future where he has roots is enough of a dream and he shouldn't push himself just because he thinks he should.
Staccato was everything I wanted from a Verismo sequel and more. We got to see some old favorites. Not going to lie, I squealed when Cedric and Nicolas showed up on-page. Nik and Adam had their own journey to make and it was painful in such a beautiful way. I was in tears the last few chapters as they were bittersweet words that tugged at every single feel I've ever had.
Staccato is more than the next book in the Magnum Opus series, it's Nik and Adam and the love they fight for every messy step of the way.
March 9, 2021
Wow! EM Lindsey's Staccato is an amazing read. The second book in the Magnum Opus series, it's definitely best if read after Verismo. This one isn't quite as dark and heavy as the first book , but it's also full of pain and loneliness.
Nik and Adam. A blind musician and a piercer at the tattoo shop. Two men who desperately long for stability and normalcy. Both are in a place holder kind of job, currently sacrificing their lives to help out their families.
Nik's caring for his father and teaching music lessons. Nothing he has planned for himself. Adam meanwhile, is also sacrificing for his family, helping his sister while her husband's deployed.
There's a lot of depth to these men. Adam's trans, which leaves him with a slew of doubts and insecurities, especially when meeting a potential romantic interest. He's so damn lost in his life. With no direction and set future, he's just floundering. He just wants to be loved and feel safe. I do love his niece though.
And Nik is blind, which gives him his own set of issues. And oh dear Lord, he's so damn broken. It's a tough read. He's struggling with his father's illness, a stagnant career, and the ability to love.
Of course, his job also leads him to some pushy parents who don't understand that you can't force a passion on someone. I love how Nic encourages the child though.
This is a story of mistakes and frustration, self doubts and insecurities, and two men who want the best for the other, despite not knowing what that is. Damn. Everything is so complicated for these men.
The author does a great job illustrating many of the ways that Adam being trans affects him. It's well written, with knowledge and care.
And then, omg, and then we get to meet up with the men from the first book. Yes, I am that excited about this wonderful surprise!
And just like in the first book, the music doesn't come automatically. One needs to find their muse and the perfect accompanist. The musical journey through this series is truly impressive.
Staccato is an amazing romance. This EM Lindsey series is hurt/comfort at it's best and I couldn't put it down.
Nik and Adam. A blind musician and a piercer at the tattoo shop. Two men who desperately long for stability and normalcy. Both are in a place holder kind of job, currently sacrificing their lives to help out their families.
Nik's caring for his father and teaching music lessons. Nothing he has planned for himself. Adam meanwhile, is also sacrificing for his family, helping his sister while her husband's deployed.
There's a lot of depth to these men. Adam's trans, which leaves him with a slew of doubts and insecurities, especially when meeting a potential romantic interest. He's so damn lost in his life. With no direction and set future, he's just floundering. He just wants to be loved and feel safe. I do love his niece though.
And Nik is blind, which gives him his own set of issues. And oh dear Lord, he's so damn broken. It's a tough read. He's struggling with his father's illness, a stagnant career, and the ability to love.
Of course, his job also leads him to some pushy parents who don't understand that you can't force a passion on someone. I love how Nic encourages the child though.
This is a story of mistakes and frustration, self doubts and insecurities, and two men who want the best for the other, despite not knowing what that is. Damn. Everything is so complicated for these men.
The author does a great job illustrating many of the ways that Adam being trans affects him. It's well written, with knowledge and care.
And then, omg, and then we get to meet up with the men from the first book. Yes, I am that excited about this wonderful surprise!
And just like in the first book, the music doesn't come automatically. One needs to find their muse and the perfect accompanist. The musical journey through this series is truly impressive.
Staccato is an amazing romance. This EM Lindsey series is hurt/comfort at it's best and I couldn't put it down.
March 9, 2021
I've read plenty of stories about musicians, but none of them have been as magnificent as this one. Adam and Nik had the same kind of push and pull that so many couples do, but the way their journey was written transformed this from a simple love story into something all-consuming. Music has always held a special place in my heart, and to see it given the reverence it deserves by Adam and Nik made me lose my heart completely to them. Their story was heavy, sometimes crushingly sad in the moments where life didn't give either man a break, but no less beautiful for it. They didn't always say the right thing and sometimes got so lost in their own heads that they couldn't see what was going on around them, but I still loved them. Despite their fears and different lifestyles and everything else stacked against them, Adam and Nik found acceptance and love in each other's arms. The two of them certainly put my heart through the wringer as they came together in soaring heights of passion then faltered and doubted their connection, but it was all worth it in the end. It's rare for a story to move me to tears, but in those final few chapters I just couldn't hold it back as the weight of everything in this story rushed over me. I'm going to have the biggest book hangover after finishing this epic romance, and I've never been happier about it.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
March 13, 2021
Nik and Adam both know what it’s like to move through a world that fixates on their differences. When they end up in the same place at the same time, it’s in a backwater town neither of them really want to be in, doing jobs neither really want to do. Adam’s there because he’s adrift, helping his sister while his brother-in-law is deployed and Nik because his father’s illness brought him away from the musical career he loved. Their lives are marked by plenty of burdens, but in each other they find a shared affinity for music and a love that promises them both something, and someone, they desperately need. Of course, in spite, or perhaps because of that, nothing about their relationship is easy.
There’s something deeply, achingly, frustratingly relatable about Nik’s refusal to take a chance on his feelings for Adam, and about the many, many times throughout their relationship that he falters instead of speaking up or reaching out— even as part of me was devastated for the pain that he causes himself and Adam, I understood why he was doing it, and it broke my heart that he couldn’t get out of his own way, even though it was clear he really wanted to. Ultimately, I loved them both, and every member of their friend group of battered but resilient souls.
Tl;dr: It’s a beautiful novel, and it made me feel from start to finish. Highly recommend.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There’s something deeply, achingly, frustratingly relatable about Nik’s refusal to take a chance on his feelings for Adam, and about the many, many times throughout their relationship that he falters instead of speaking up or reaching out— even as part of me was devastated for the pain that he causes himself and Adam, I understood why he was doing it, and it broke my heart that he couldn’t get out of his own way, even though it was clear he really wanted to. Ultimately, I loved them both, and every member of their friend group of battered but resilient souls.
Tl;dr: It’s a beautiful novel, and it made me feel from start to finish. Highly recommend.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 14, 2021
Hurt comfort done right!
What a beautiful story of two very battered by the cruel realities of life but still standing strong, individuals. Nik and Adam are so inspiring and so very perfect for each other that it's hard not to be captivated by the story of their insta attraction and how they face it all-doubts, insecurity, meddling siblings, grief, career ambitions and the struggle that comes with love.
The author has done a great job of highlighting Nik's independent, brave and aspiring personality, beyond the limitations of his disability.
Adam's character is lovable from the very start and I love how understanding, patient and affectionate he was, despite his own doubts and struggle.
The romance between the two is so very beautiful to read.
Some lines were truly poetic, including the paras on the magic art that is music.
I really need to read more of this author.
If you are looking for a hurt comfort romance that will make your heart look beyond grim reality and put a smile on your face, one click this ASAP.
What a beautiful story of two very battered by the cruel realities of life but still standing strong, individuals. Nik and Adam are so inspiring and so very perfect for each other that it's hard not to be captivated by the story of their insta attraction and how they face it all-doubts, insecurity, meddling siblings, grief, career ambitions and the struggle that comes with love.
The author has done a great job of highlighting Nik's independent, brave and aspiring personality, beyond the limitations of his disability.
Adam's character is lovable from the very start and I love how understanding, patient and affectionate he was, despite his own doubts and struggle.
The romance between the two is so very beautiful to read.
Some lines were truly poetic, including the paras on the magic art that is music.
|"Home was calling him—his sheet music, his soft bed where he could lie there and tap silent notes out under his fingers and let the feeling of what really moved him create the first beautiful thing he’d written in years. Adam. His name was Adam. And there was no escaping it now."|
I really need to read more of this author.
If you are looking for a hurt comfort romance that will make your heart look beyond grim reality and put a smile on your face, one click this ASAP.
February 28, 2021
I feel like I'm constantly repeating myself with my reviews for this author, I'm not sure how many more ways to say incandescent, heartbreakingly real and all the words I use a lot when reviewing their work.
This is an angsty book, and the HEA is saved til right at the very last moment but there's just something about every character EM Lindsey writes that sucks you and makes you feel every tiny emotion they feel.
Nik and Adam are no different. Nik is a very lucky man that Adam is so forgiving, as he definitely doesn't make this relationship easy. It's a testament to the author that Adam's forgiveness feels authentic and natural.
There's a theme of fate running through this book, and I can't remember if it's present in the first book as it's so long since I read it, but I love how in Staccato, it's so finely and subtly woven into the story that the payoff at the end in simply a natural progression of this setup.
There's a content warning in this book for the death of a parent due to a terminal illness (Alzheimer's). I found this a part of the story tough to read as someone who has been through a similar situation.
I received an ARC and have chosen to leave an honest review.
This is an angsty book, and the HEA is saved til right at the very last moment but there's just something about every character EM Lindsey writes that sucks you and makes you feel every tiny emotion they feel.
Nik and Adam are no different. Nik is a very lucky man that Adam is so forgiving, as he definitely doesn't make this relationship easy. It's a testament to the author that Adam's forgiveness feels authentic and natural.
There's a theme of fate running through this book, and I can't remember if it's present in the first book as it's so long since I read it, but I love how in Staccato, it's so finely and subtly woven into the story that the payoff at the end in simply a natural progression of this setup.
There's a content warning in this book for the death of a parent due to a terminal illness (Alzheimer's). I found this a part of the story tough to read as someone who has been through a similar situation.
I received an ARC and have chosen to leave an honest review.
March 5, 2021
EM Lindsey’s characters have so much depth and emotion. They are very complex and make for a heavy, yet well worth it, read. Adam and Nik are total opposites but something about them together just works. Nik is so afraid of love, however, that he keeps pushing Adam away. Adam just wants love and acceptance. He wants to settle down somewhere with the simple things in life. He just hasn’t figured out where yet. Nik makes him want to put down roots, but Nik is just as adrift as he is. These two made me cry. No spoilers here but I needed tissues. This is a really good book! I had the same reaction with the first one in this series, Verismo. Now if you haven’t read that book, it’s ok. You won’t really miss anything except how some of the characters towards the end of the book meet. But if you have, be prepared because this book is just as moving. Lindsey really has a gift for character creation and development that brings me to my knees sometimes. Very well-written and worth the read.
March 23, 2021
Another great from Lindsey! I just adore the writing style and how the emotions flow into you. I really clicked with Adam right away. I loved him and how he loved his sister and his niece and just how he was happy with life and and where he was at in his life. I really like how Nik supported that and did not look down on him for that. Nik was a bit harder for me to like, as he was a bitter character, and I understood him or I think I did anyway. He had a hard road being blind his entire life and living with his mother's guilt over such, but in reality it was no one's fault. I loved Van, and how much he loved his brother even though it was difficult to see sometimes. Then I loved how Cedric, Nicholas, Remy, Alessio, and even Ben! It was great to be able to check in with all these characters. I really loved how the relationship developed and even the split seemed necessary and worked so well. And then the reunion was that much sweeter along with the little bit we got in the future.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
February 19, 2021
Staccato
This book swept me up. I felt the loneliness and love Adam and Nik were missing. I’ve read almost every book EM has written and I just felt something different for this book. It’s hard to explain it.
They guys are just looking for love and stability. They are in thankless jobs just getting by. They are not doing anything they love. Nik has given up so much for his family and Adam is living with his sister helping while her husband is employed in adored his time with his niece.
There are a few secondary characters I am already begging for because I fell hard for them and need more.
I felt all different emotions for these guys. I laughed, cried, swooned, and wanted to fight against someone. EM knows more to pull out the emotions in a book.
Kudos and well done to a beautiful love story of finding love, happiness in life and occupations , and how to fight for those you love.
This book swept me up. I felt the loneliness and love Adam and Nik were missing. I’ve read almost every book EM has written and I just felt something different for this book. It’s hard to explain it.
They guys are just looking for love and stability. They are in thankless jobs just getting by. They are not doing anything they love. Nik has given up so much for his family and Adam is living with his sister helping while her husband is employed in adored his time with his niece.
There are a few secondary characters I am already begging for because I fell hard for them and need more.
I felt all different emotions for these guys. I laughed, cried, swooned, and wanted to fight against someone. EM knows more to pull out the emotions in a book.
Kudos and well done to a beautiful love story of finding love, happiness in life and occupations , and how to fight for those you love.
March 9, 2021
4.25 Stars
This story was a beautifully written, heartfelt, and emotional. The characters will pull up a chair and settle in, claiming a spot in the book lovers’ section of your heart.
The author is really good at getting you emotionally invested in their books. This is another prime example of the talent they hold within their mind. I hope this series winds up in audiobook format, because I would love to hear them brought to life.
I loved Adam and Nik together. They were great together. Their differences gave them a sense of realness, and I feel like it just made them stronger. I love the many layers they had, giving them depth and making them easier to relate to.
I have not had the chance to read the first book in the series, but I don’t feel like it hurt my enjoyment of this book. Of course, now I want to read it. I’m looking forward to more from this author.
***I received a copy of this book for my reading pleasure. All thoughts and opinions are my own.***
This story was a beautifully written, heartfelt, and emotional. The characters will pull up a chair and settle in, claiming a spot in the book lovers’ section of your heart.
The author is really good at getting you emotionally invested in their books. This is another prime example of the talent they hold within their mind. I hope this series winds up in audiobook format, because I would love to hear them brought to life.
I loved Adam and Nik together. They were great together. Their differences gave them a sense of realness, and I feel like it just made them stronger. I love the many layers they had, giving them depth and making them easier to relate to.
I have not had the chance to read the first book in the series, but I don’t feel like it hurt my enjoyment of this book. Of course, now I want to read it. I’m looking forward to more from this author.
***I received a copy of this book for my reading pleasure. All thoughts and opinions are my own.***
March 12, 2021
I had such high expectations because book 1 was so hauntingly beautiful and although the writing is very good in book 2 I felt it did not live up the the 1st. Staccato is definitely worth reading and characters are complex but I failed to connect with why they were so unmotivated to improve their situation until the very end and arghh Nik was so frustrating when he felt like nothing worked out for him but he never asked for what he needed or what would make him happy.
I loved seeing the characters from book 1 towards the end however I was so upset with the Ben and Cedric story in the end (don't want to detail more to include any spoilers, but it just felt wrong.
Overall this is a very well written book and definitely worth the read, I just think my expectations were too high after book 1.
I loved seeing the characters from book 1 towards the end however I was so upset with the Ben and Cedric story in the end (don't want to detail more to include any spoilers, but it just felt wrong.
Overall this is a very well written book and definitely worth the read, I just think my expectations were too high after book 1.
March 22, 2021
Nik and Adam
I enjoyed the story of Nik, the man who lost his eyes to cancer as a child; and Adam, the trans man who wants to be loved for himself. Nik was a successful pianist but now he's had to teach orchestra to kids and give private piano lessons in order to be near his ailing father. Adam is helping his sister out with her 4 year old daughter and working in a tattoo shop as a piercer.
They meet, they have an attraction, but Nik is afraid to have anything more so they stay just as friends.
I can see both of these characters would want to guard their hearts from being bruised. But they can't help falling as they really fit together.
The small town they live in is unfortunate.
Good story. I was taken into the story which is the best kind of feeling and what I look for in a book.
I enjoyed the story of Nik, the man who lost his eyes to cancer as a child; and Adam, the trans man who wants to be loved for himself. Nik was a successful pianist but now he's had to teach orchestra to kids and give private piano lessons in order to be near his ailing father. Adam is helping his sister out with her 4 year old daughter and working in a tattoo shop as a piercer.
They meet, they have an attraction, but Nik is afraid to have anything more so they stay just as friends.
I can see both of these characters would want to guard their hearts from being bruised. But they can't help falling as they really fit together.
The small town they live in is unfortunate.
Good story. I was taken into the story which is the best kind of feeling and what I look for in a book.
Read
March 20, 2021Mixed Feeling with this one.. An okay start to the book, I really wanted to love this since it featured a blind person in the story. The book progresses and they get to know each other with a friendship and teasing. Each include their own story up to date, Adam's storyline being a trans while Nik's being a teacher but wanted more in life. A scenes where Nik stuffs up and has to apologize for hurting Adam. Factors get in the way before they even have a chance. A sadness and hurt story which is a good read. But for me, some of this book was skimmed as scenes lost my attention. Nik and Adam each had their baggage which turns into dramas. I struggled reading this one and hadn't read the other books in the series.
Nik was blind and had once had a dream to be a concert pianist but now he taught school children music.
Adam is trans and worked at a tattoo piercings shop.
Nik was blind and had once had a dream to be a concert pianist but now he taught school children music.
Adam is trans and worked at a tattoo piercings shop.
May 25, 2021
This story is not only heartbreaking but heartwarming. It is the story of Yanik (Nik) and Adam, two men with complicated lives who think love will never find them. Nik is blind, former concert pianist now teacher and music instructor in a small town. Gurvan (Van) is his brother also partially blind both due to cancer at an early age. Adam has an identical twin Stella and he is a cisman dealing with issues of his own. His job is as a piercer at a tattoo shop. They meet they break up they reunite they break up, the one thing they don’t do is communicate and tell each other how much they love one another. This storyline has a lot of highs and lows throughout the book but it touches your heart in so many ways.
March 8, 2021
Another stunningly beautiful and moving read by this author. The writing and pacing are perfect, and the characters are so real and flawed. Nik and Adam have so much depth and emotion to their characters that it’s impossible not to become absorbed in their story. Nik, especially, just etched himself into my heart. He’s so afraid of love that he’s constantly pushing Adam away. The angst levels are consequently rather high, saving the solid HEA right till the very end. It’s hard to explain any further just how wonderfully crafted this story is. All I can say is definitely give this series a read!
March 12, 2021
I love the second book in the Magnum Opus as much as I did the first one. Nik and Adam are perfect together, even though they are as different as night and day. Their love for music is what makes their relationship so special. Adam is blind, a piano teacher, and is helping his twin take care of their father. Nik is a piercer, plays the guitar, and is helping his sister take care of her daughter. The book is romantic, sweet, some angst, all the characters are likable and their story is well written with a great flow to it. E.M. Lindsey's books always have my attention from start to finish and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
March 13, 2021
This book evokes a myriad of feelings. The characters draw you in in such a way that you almost feel their pain, their loneliness and their affection. Seeing familiar faces as their story intertwines with Nik and Adam’s is a bonus. This journey is so full of emotions that you feel taxed but in the best possible way. It’s easy to connect with the heroes as they may have their baggage they carry with them yet they are very engaging, likable. Reading was a delight and as an addition to the first book it is a keeper. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
March 22, 2021
This is a book about choices both Nik and Adam have had certain choices forced on them and have also made certain choices about how they will live their lives and how they feel about themselves and the possibility or lack of a loving relationship. When they meet and as they get to know each other, they discover new opportunities but those also force new choices. I loved the way this book was written. The prose was itself deep and musical and it created a whole world for me to get lost in with these characters.
March 20, 2021
I loved the first book but this one didn't grip me like the first. It took me a while to get onto the story and characters but once there I liked the plot. Again it deals with a disability and sometimes the difficult circumstances that can arise. This was emotional with the struggles of the characters but gave a satisfying ending which left me happy. Well written.
I received this book by the author and this is my honest opinion
March 21, 2021
The blurb tells you a general idea, however as I found with "Verismo" the first book of this series, this author bring all the character, especially the main ones, Nik and Adam, completely to life. I had to have a tissue held to my cheeks to catch the tears for the last few chapters. Stunning, emotional and a book so well worth reading. I loved it! “I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.”
March 9, 2021
Such a haunting story of two men who are broken emotionally, but their connection is instant and beautiful. Adam and Nik are different as can be on the outside. But on the inside where it counts, they love hard and deep. I was a little worried I wouldn't get my HEA, but the author got them there in the end. Bring some tissues along for the ride.
March 19, 2021
Conducting
Nik and his brother Van shared the responsibilities of taking care of their father, who was dying. Nik had given up his career as a pianist. Going back home Nik found himself lost until he found Adam. Their journey was full of rough patches. Nik was blind and Adam was cis. I loved their journey.
Nik and his brother Van shared the responsibilities of taking care of their father, who was dying. Nik had given up his career as a pianist. Going back home Nik found himself lost until he found Adam. Their journey was full of rough patches. Nik was blind and Adam was cis. I loved their journey.
March 28, 2021
Another Awesome Read!!
EM Lindsay all I can say I was moved to tears reading this one. I loved Nik, Van, Adam, Jay and Seth. Stella and Evie loved them also.
This was another awesome read and I loved seeing Cedric, Nicholas and the crew show up. This had all the emotions as the first and some. Thank you for sharing your craft so intimately with us.
EM Lindsay all I can say I was moved to tears reading this one. I loved Nik, Van, Adam, Jay and Seth. Stella and Evie loved them also.
This was another awesome read and I loved seeing Cedric, Nicholas and the crew show up. This had all the emotions as the first and some. Thank you for sharing your craft so intimately with us.
April 14, 2021
Another Magnum Opus, but different
The original book was breathtaking, so getting I tothis one, only a week later, took me longer than I expected, but the on again off again romance between a musician who’s lost his eyes and a trans male who has no self esteem became a beautiful love story.
The original book was breathtaking, so getting I tothis one, only a week later, took me longer than I expected, but the on again off again romance between a musician who’s lost his eyes and a trans male who has no self esteem became a beautiful love story.
March 2, 2021
I got an ARC from the author.
Nik and Adam, wow! I absolutely love their story and the very introspettive way which the author tell us about their life.
I'm so glad I've got the chance to read it in advance.
Nik and Adam, wow! I absolutely love their story and the very introspettive way which the author tell us about their life.
I'm so glad I've got the chance to read it in advance.
March 10, 2021
This book was a long time coming and I had so many expectations after book 1! It totally blew them away! Yanik and Adam's story is absolutely epic!
I loved both the characters and EM Lindsey's writing style is always a feast for the reader!
I loved both the characters and EM Lindsey's writing style is always a feast for the reader!
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