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Concerto Amour #2
While the Music Lasts
In the world of the bestselling novel Forbidden Melody, comes a new stand alone novel.
Childhood best friends Florence Bell and Bailey Scott had known since they met that they wanted to play music together. What they weren't prepared for, was falling in love.
Florence, a prodigy cellist, with world renowned musicians as parents, had always been destined for greatness. So, when she gets an opportunity of a lifetime, she has to take it and leave a devastated Bailey behind.
After spending two years building a life without Florence in it, a tragic accident thrusts her into Bailey's life once again. With years of unresolved feelings, can Bailey forgive Florence for their past? Can Florence remember it?
And will their music be what saves them both?
Childhood best friends Florence Bell and Bailey Scott had known since they met that they wanted to play music together. What they weren't prepared for, was falling in love.
Florence, a prodigy cellist, with world renowned musicians as parents, had always been destined for greatness. So, when she gets an opportunity of a lifetime, she has to take it and leave a devastated Bailey behind.
After spending two years building a life without Florence in it, a tragic accident thrusts her into Bailey's life once again. With years of unresolved feelings, can Bailey forgive Florence for their past? Can Florence remember it?
And will their music be what saves them both?
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2021
68 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
Magnolia Robbins
19 books120 followersMaggie is a bestselling queer romance author from the west coast. When she isn't writing, you'll almost always find a cup of coffee in her hands.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
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March 21, 2022Positive review deleted based upon recent events
August 23, 2022
Forbidden Melody is one of my favorite books, but this story did not live up to the first book at all. It was lacking complexity, resolution and genuine connection between the characters.
The ending left me with more questions than satisfaction of Bailey and Florence getting back together.
The little glimpses into the lives of Emma and Juliet though I enjoyed very much.
The ending left me with more questions than satisfaction of Bailey and Florence getting back together.
The little glimpses into the lives of Emma and Juliet though I enjoyed very much.
August 10, 2021
3.5 stars
This was a sweet read for fans of classical music. A second chance romance between a cellist and a high school music teacher. When you are a world class musician is your professional life more important than the love of your life? If you get a second chance at love will your priorities change?
The author includes all the music mentioned or played by the mains which the reader can play while reading this story. An okay romance.
This was a sweet read for fans of classical music. A second chance romance between a cellist and a high school music teacher. When you are a world class musician is your professional life more important than the love of your life? If you get a second chance at love will your priorities change?
The author includes all the music mentioned or played by the mains which the reader can play while reading this story. An okay romance.
April 29, 2021
If you've loved Forbidden Melody (and let's be honest, who didn't love that book), you're in for a proper treat right at the beginning of this book. That alone made my day before I even got into reading about Florence and Bailey. Just the simple mention of Tristesse alone brought back all the memories from when I was reading Forbidden Melody. What a brilliant way to start a book and a lovely way of showing how those two books are 'somewhat' connected. I've loved seeing 'side' characters of Forbidden Melody again while getting to know the new stars of the show. I didn't realize back then how much I've liked them all in the end. Emerson being there for Florence and talking some sense into her seemed oddly familiar and I love the guy for that. A lot.
Now, Florence and Bailey? I've lost track of how often my heart broke for the two of them. I wanted to hug them both, repeatedly. I loved how, once again, music was a way of communication. For things they couldn't say. I've never thought about the guitar in that setting, but with Bailey it just made sense. Also, where I'm tempted to pick up a random cello and try my luck...
Honestly, what's not to love? There's heartbreak in there. Lots, really. Angst. Music. And also so much love. The entire package is right there and it's worth every single second spent reading.
Also: The Ugly Duckling? I have a soft spot for that thing, I don't know why.
Now, Florence and Bailey? I've lost track of how often my heart broke for the two of them. I wanted to hug them both, repeatedly. I loved how, once again, music was a way of communication. For things they couldn't say. I've never thought about the guitar in that setting, but with Bailey it just made sense. Also, where I'm tempted to pick up a random cello and try my luck...
Honestly, what's not to love? There's heartbreak in there. Lots, really. Angst. Music. And also so much love. The entire package is right there and it's worth every single second spent reading.
Also: The Ugly Duckling? I have a soft spot for that thing, I don't know why.
June 27, 2023
Forbidden Melody is one of my favorite books and I was thrilled when this book came out. While it can be read as a standalone, it’s best to read Forbidden Melody first. This book began with an absolutely horrific accident which changed Florence’s life forever. What follows is a really sweet story of two hearts finding their way back to one another. I highly recommend this one!
May 22, 2022
It's been too long since I read this. I remember liking it, and it's well written.
May 18, 2021
3.5*
June 8, 2021
3.5 stars
This sequel focused on an ancillary connection & characters to the original book. Alas, I did find this a little less interesting. At points, this seemed to drag on, which didn't happen in the first book. There still is a lot of fire & connection between the main characters Florence & Bailey but I was not as vested in this outing.
This sequel focused on an ancillary connection & characters to the original book. Alas, I did find this a little less interesting. At points, this seemed to drag on, which didn't happen in the first book. There still is a lot of fire & connection between the main characters Florence & Bailey but I was not as vested in this outing.
October 14, 2021
For a moment I thought they wouldn't end up together and I cried for a few pages, I'm happy I was wrong, because after everything they've been through, they really deserve to be happy.
I'm sad about a little thing I can't say because it'd be a spoiler, but I get it's how life is.
I wish there were more moments of them happy together, I missed that
I've lost my memory too, not as much time as Florence, and for different reasons, but It's really hard not remembering important things, moments, people I met, some I had the chance to meet again, others I haven't and I'll never remember
hot level🔥: 4/5
I'm sad about a little thing I can't say because it'd be a spoiler, but I get it's how life is.
I wish there were more moments of them happy together, I missed that
I've lost my memory too, not as much time as Florence, and for different reasons, but It's really hard not remembering important things, moments, people I met, some I had the chance to meet again, others I haven't and I'll never remember
hot level🔥: 4/5
January 5, 2022
Love the juasta position between the story and the music: good back characters and enjoyable story. I really love her writing. Recommended.
July 17, 2022
Such a sweet book.. With characters that are clearly soulmates.. Books with songs captivate me!
Florence and Bailey is só cutiee..
And music is.. Bravo...
Florence and Bailey is só cutiee..
And music is.. Bravo...
May 9, 2021
While the Music Lasts is a perfectly crafted sapphic second chance romance. More times than not, I have difficulty enjoying this trope b/c I don’t find the reason for the initial separation to really make sense. One does not make a decision to rip their own heart out lightly after all.
In this story, the reason was laid out but the different factors involved were further clarified throughout the story almost right up until the end. I personally appreciated the attention given to that.
This is a beautiful story centered on two musicians who were best friends since childhood. (Bailey plays guitar and Florence is a Cellist). They became lovers during college and spent five years together before an opportunity to play in a Symphony overseas tore them apart.
Two years later, a tragedy places them back within each other’s reach. They then need to see if what they lost can be found again.
The writing in this book is phenomenal!
The chemistry between Bailey and Florence is almost palpable. I don’t think I’ve ever rooted for two characters more than I did here. This is a book I know I’ll read again and again.
In this story, the reason was laid out but the different factors involved were further clarified throughout the story almost right up until the end. I personally appreciated the attention given to that.
This is a beautiful story centered on two musicians who were best friends since childhood. (Bailey plays guitar and Florence is a Cellist). They became lovers during college and spent five years together before an opportunity to play in a Symphony overseas tore them apart.
Two years later, a tragedy places them back within each other’s reach. They then need to see if what they lost can be found again.
The writing in this book is phenomenal!
The chemistry between Bailey and Florence is almost palpable. I don’t think I’ve ever rooted for two characters more than I did here. This is a book I know I’ll read again and again.
October 9, 2022
Great story, maybe not for me.
I loved revisiting this universe of music and love, seeing a little glimpse of the life that my favorite characters are living was a very welcome surprise. I really enjoy Magnolia Robbins' way of writing; how she describes the way music connects with her characters is amazing, you can feel both the love and notes floating in the air, but I could not connect entirely with Florence and Bailey; and I really wanted to.
I am not a fan of lost memories / amnesia stories, but I welcome any good story related to some form of art, and after reading Forbidden Melody, I could not miss this one; but there wasn't a connection with their story of love. I'm not saying it's a bad story, but maybe not for me.
I will give it a try as an Audio Book, it could be a different experience.
Give it a try, Magnolia Robbins describes music in her books in a beautiful way, it could become your favorite next story.
I loved revisiting this universe of music and love, seeing a little glimpse of the life that my favorite characters are living was a very welcome surprise. I really enjoy Magnolia Robbins' way of writing; how she describes the way music connects with her characters is amazing, you can feel both the love and notes floating in the air, but I could not connect entirely with Florence and Bailey; and I really wanted to.
I am not a fan of lost memories / amnesia stories, but I welcome any good story related to some form of art, and after reading Forbidden Melody, I could not miss this one; but there wasn't a connection with their story of love. I'm not saying it's a bad story, but maybe not for me.
I will give it a try as an Audio Book, it could be a different experience.
Give it a try, Magnolia Robbins describes music in her books in a beautiful way, it could become your favorite next story.
June 30, 2021
When love is so real its just right
This is an emotional & entertaining story with characters so genuine & so relatable that they truly feel like real people in your actual reality, combined with a believably compelling & heart-felt plot line drawing you in so effortlessly & subtly, you don't realize exactly just how caught up you are til you try & can’t make yourself put it down.
This is an emotional & entertaining story with characters so genuine & so relatable that they truly feel like real people in your actual reality, combined with a believably compelling & heart-felt plot line drawing you in so effortlessly & subtly, you don't realize exactly just how caught up you are til you try & can’t make yourself put it down.
May 1, 2021
Simply wonderful
This was a great story and the music knowledge was amazing. You can tell the author did her research for this book.
This was a great story and the music knowledge was amazing. You can tell the author did her research for this book.
June 3, 2021
Heartrending story
A large part of this story was abut the loss of a love between Florence and Bailey. Florence and Bailey had been friends since childhood. They met while waiting for their respective music lessons. They matured as friends and as musicians. A difficult decision is made by one of them that deeply affects the love they had. I deeply felt Bailey’s pain and it made me wonder how I would have reacted. Music is said to heal the soul and is the language of love. This story stays true to those sentiments but not without a lot of disquietude.
This is the second book Ms Robbins has written using music, “Forbidden Melody” being the first, and she writes so well about stringed instruments I feel she must play some.
A large part of this story was abut the loss of a love between Florence and Bailey. Florence and Bailey had been friends since childhood. They met while waiting for their respective music lessons. They matured as friends and as musicians. A difficult decision is made by one of them that deeply affects the love they had. I deeply felt Bailey’s pain and it made me wonder how I would have reacted. Music is said to heal the soul and is the language of love. This story stays true to those sentiments but not without a lot of disquietude.
This is the second book Ms Robbins has written using music, “Forbidden Melody” being the first, and she writes so well about stringed instruments I feel she must play some.
May 8, 2021
A wonderful story about soul mates.
Magnolia Robbins has done it again !! Thank you for your gift!
This is a story that you can come back to and read again and again. You can meet you soulmate as a child.
Two young girls meet on the day of their first music lesson. One with a cello and one with a guitar. Both become outstanding, even exceptional musicians.
They grow up together as best friends and in college become more than best friends.
Lifelong dreams and aspirations tear them apart and then a tragic accident brings them back together this time will they be able to live the lives they need to together or will they have to separate again.
Magnolia Robbins has done it again !! Thank you for your gift!
This is a story that you can come back to and read again and again. You can meet you soulmate as a child.
Two young girls meet on the day of their first music lesson. One with a cello and one with a guitar. Both become outstanding, even exceptional musicians.
They grow up together as best friends and in college become more than best friends.
Lifelong dreams and aspirations tear them apart and then a tragic accident brings them back together this time will they be able to live the lives they need to together or will they have to separate again.
September 20, 2021
Will there be a follow up book?
Even with the epilogue I'm not satisfied with that ending it feels like too much is left unsaid and makes me wonder if Florence is really deserving of Bailey. I'd like to see her POV before her memory loss, what made her return this time and what stopped her prior? I'd love even a short story a few years later seeing her regaining her memories and dealing with her choices. I understand leaving Bailey for your dreams but how could she have betrayed her that badly to begin with
Even with the epilogue I'm not satisfied with that ending it feels like too much is left unsaid and makes me wonder if Florence is really deserving of Bailey. I'd like to see her POV before her memory loss, what made her return this time and what stopped her prior? I'd love even a short story a few years later seeing her regaining her memories and dealing with her choices. I understand leaving Bailey for your dreams but how could she have betrayed her that badly to begin with
May 2, 2021
I really really enjoyed this book. When I read the playlist and saw 'A Thousand Years' I thought if I haven't already cried I will when I get to this song. So...I cried way before that.
The situation was heart-wrenching. Without giving away the plot, I defy anyone not to feel their heart ache for Bailey.
I loved 'Forbidden Melody' so I was anxious about 'While the Music Lasts' living up to it. Well, it did. Both books stand alone and both are in my favourite file.
The situation was heart-wrenching. Without giving away the plot, I defy anyone not to feel their heart ache for Bailey.
I loved 'Forbidden Melody' so I was anxious about 'While the Music Lasts' living up to it. Well, it did. Both books stand alone and both are in my favourite file.
May 4, 2021
Wonderful story!
As good as Forbidden Melody was this story is a close second! The character development was excellent. Florence and Bailey were so in love that even with Florence suffering from retrograde amnesia it was strongly prevalent. The supporting characters were excellent. Emerson (Florence’s uncle), and Therese (Bailey’s mother) were very supporting, and loving. I hope there will be a third book in the series.
As good as Forbidden Melody was this story is a close second! The character development was excellent. Florence and Bailey were so in love that even with Florence suffering from retrograde amnesia it was strongly prevalent. The supporting characters were excellent. Emerson (Florence’s uncle), and Therese (Bailey’s mother) were very supporting, and loving. I hope there will be a third book in the series.
May 8, 2021
Good book
A beautiful love story that is going to make you cry. Florence and Bailey started music lessons together when they where young , built a friendship through the years that lead to love that was suppose to be strong. Music and dreams split them until an accident happens. The characters flowed so well you feel like you are there with all the beautiful music that they play.
A beautiful love story that is going to make you cry. Florence and Bailey started music lessons together when they where young , built a friendship through the years that lead to love that was suppose to be strong. Music and dreams split them until an accident happens. The characters flowed so well you feel like you are there with all the beautiful music that they play.
May 16, 2021
I loved it
I just finished reading this wonderful story and I still haven't stopped crying. In the beginning I was really upset with Florence and then again when she left the second time. I was so glad when she realized just how much she did love Bailey. The way the story was written was different and refreshing. I guess I knew they would be together it still didn't let me know for sure and I liked that. I look forward to reading another from you.
I just finished reading this wonderful story and I still haven't stopped crying. In the beginning I was really upset with Florence and then again when she left the second time. I was so glad when she realized just how much she did love Bailey. The way the story was written was different and refreshing. I guess I knew they would be together it still didn't let me know for sure and I liked that. I look forward to reading another from you.
April 23, 2022
musical
The basis of the story was fine but for me the was way too much detail about the music - it overshadows the story for me. If you are way into your classical music then this may be the book for you but it was way out of balance for me. I’ve read other books with similar music/love stories where the two have been perfectly in tune with each other giving them a good balance but sadly this one didn’t for me.
The basis of the story was fine but for me the was way too much detail about the music - it overshadows the story for me. If you are way into your classical music then this may be the book for you but it was way out of balance for me. I’ve read other books with similar music/love stories where the two have been perfectly in tune with each other giving them a good balance but sadly this one didn’t for me.
May 3, 2021
Definitely a keeper! This is one of those books that you won’t get tired of reading over and over. The author did a great job developing the MCs, how you can almost hear the MCs passionately perform, and how you are always left wanting more after each chapter. So full of emotions and the delivery is just perfect. Good job on this one.
May 4, 2021
I could hear the music coming off the pages as I read this book. When Florence played "A Thousand Years", I cried along while reading. This book moved me beyond words. I definitely recommend this book!!!!
August 24, 2021
A nice sequel
I enjoyed this book and it was nice to have call backs to forbidden melody. So!e of the choices bothered me, like Bailey's decision towards the end. But I enjoyed the book!
I enjoyed this book and it was nice to have call backs to forbidden melody. So!e of the choices bothered me, like Bailey's decision towards the end. But I enjoyed the book!
May 2, 2021
Great.
I really enjoyed While the Music Lasts. It was great to be back in the music world. A beautiful, romantic love story.
I really enjoyed While the Music Lasts. It was great to be back in the music world. A beautiful, romantic love story.
May 9, 2021
Fantastic Read
I absolutely loved Forbidden Melody so much that I have to admit that I was concerned that While The Music Lasts wouldn’t compare favourably to its predecessor. There was no need to worry, this book was fabulous. The characters were well written and you felt for them throughout. The book is full of heartbreak, angst and of course love. It was also to see the return of some characters from Forbidden Melody. As with the previous book the music was exceptionally well researched, listening to it greatly enhances the read which I did on my second read through. I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC copy in exchange for an honest opinion.
I absolutely loved Forbidden Melody so much that I have to admit that I was concerned that While The Music Lasts wouldn’t compare favourably to its predecessor. There was no need to worry, this book was fabulous. The characters were well written and you felt for them throughout. The book is full of heartbreak, angst and of course love. It was also to see the return of some characters from Forbidden Melody. As with the previous book the music was exceptionally well researched, listening to it greatly enhances the read which I did on my second read through. I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC copy in exchange for an honest opinion.
May 15, 2021
Beautiful story
Enjoyed the musical lessons, supporting characters and the romance. The interplay of emotions using the music to connect emotionally and spiritually.
Enjoyed the musical lessons, supporting characters and the romance. The interplay of emotions using the music to connect emotionally and spiritually.
June 11, 2021
I thought this was a brilliant read, I got totally immersed in the struggle of the making choices that can affect a person's life!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews