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Vixens Rock #1
Rhythm
She came to the mountains for silence. He came to make noise.
When Beth rents a mountainside cabin to focus on her art, the last person on earth she wants sharing her retreat is a drummer from a metal band. Finn is big, bearded, and tattooed, irritating and irresistible in equal measure. But when a storm forces them together, Beth and Finn soon find the tension between them is enough to shake the mountain to rubble, and that their hearts may not beat to such different rhythms after all.
When Beth rents a mountainside cabin to focus on her art, the last person on earth she wants sharing her retreat is a drummer from a metal band. Finn is big, bearded, and tattooed, irritating and irresistible in equal measure. But when a storm forces them together, Beth and Finn soon find the tension between them is enough to shake the mountain to rubble, and that their hearts may not beat to such different rhythms after all.
156 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2021
About the author
Marie Lipscomb
16 books98 followersMarie is a romance and fantasy author with a penchant for unlikely heroes, fantastical creatures, and finding romance in the midst of chaos. She has a particular fondness for big, squishy, cinnamon-roll heroes, especially if they're beardy.
She was born in Bolton, in the North West of England. After getting a bit taller, she attended The University of Cumbria, confusingly located in Lancaster, UK.
She studied Drama as her major, but needed to take a minor. In a spectacularly on-brand move, she left it to the last minute to look into things, and creative writing seemed the easiest choice (hahaha!)
Eventually, she realized drama was not for her, but loved creative writing. She went on to study creative writing at a postgraduate level and just never stopped setting herself homework.
Marie now lives in Virginia, USA, with her husband, Jacob, her dog, Alfie, Jacob's dog, Belle, and Merlin the bearded dragon. When she's not writing, she can usually be found playing the same three video games on a loop (*cough* Dragon Age)
She was born in Bolton, in the North West of England. After getting a bit taller, she attended The University of Cumbria, confusingly located in Lancaster, UK.
She studied Drama as her major, but needed to take a minor. In a spectacularly on-brand move, she left it to the last minute to look into things, and creative writing seemed the easiest choice (hahaha!)
Eventually, she realized drama was not for her, but loved creative writing. She went on to study creative writing at a postgraduate level and just never stopped setting herself homework.
Marie now lives in Virginia, USA, with her husband, Jacob, her dog, Alfie, Jacob's dog, Belle, and Merlin the bearded dragon. When she's not writing, she can usually be found playing the same three video games on a loop (*cough* Dragon Age)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
October 19, 2022
This isn't by any means terrible or unbearable. It just isn't good. Nor is it for me.
My last romances were taken from a list that recommended nontraditional male leads, particularly in the physical aspect. And while those have been somewhat met, the books are just not that great.
Rhythm is insta-love and insta-lust. The latter I can get behind, the former not at all. Conflict derives from the stupidest of miscommunications, a song is written, a painting is painted, mushy and corny apologies abound, sex happens and basically, that's the entire story.
So, yeah, not my cup of tea. I skimmed more than half of it just to finish it.
My last romances were taken from a list that recommended nontraditional male leads, particularly in the physical aspect. And while those have been somewhat met, the books are just not that great.
Rhythm is insta-love and insta-lust. The latter I can get behind, the former not at all. Conflict derives from the stupidest of miscommunications, a song is written, a painting is painted, mushy and corny apologies abound, sex happens and basically, that's the entire story.
So, yeah, not my cup of tea. I skimmed more than half of it just to finish it.
August 18, 2021
Finally, some good fucking food
June 27, 2021
3 stars.
I saw a couple other reviews mentioning the awkwardness of dual third person present narration, but I wasn’t expecting it to bother me. Reader, it bothered me.
I didn’t love that the big conflict was nothing but a dumb misunderstanding.
Insta-love yo the extreme. They briefly and hornily bicker, then start thinking in terms of love and forever mid-one night stand.
It was also set up in the beginning like Beth had some big reason from her past that she specifically hated drums more than any other instrument, but that never came to light.
As for positives — I liked the remote mountain setting for the first half, the forced proximity, the contrast bw drumming and painting, the fact that they both created way-too-personal art about each other during the separation. The groveling scene was brief but effective.
Steam: 3/5🔥 (2 scenes)
I saw a couple other reviews mentioning the awkwardness of dual third person present narration, but I wasn’t expecting it to bother me. Reader, it bothered me.
I didn’t love that the big conflict was nothing but a dumb misunderstanding.
Insta-love yo the extreme. They briefly and hornily bicker, then start thinking in terms of love and forever mid-one night stand.
It was also set up in the beginning like Beth had some big reason from her past that she specifically hated drums more than any other instrument, but that never came to light.
As for positives — I liked the remote mountain setting for the first half, the forced proximity, the contrast bw drumming and painting, the fact that they both created way-too-personal art about each other during the separation. The groveling scene was brief but effective.
Steam: 3/5🔥 (2 scenes)
June 14, 2021
Sweet, sexy, cute, and kinda funny at times. Very intense feelings.
July 16, 2021
whew boy plus-sized musicians should have their own romance genre. I loved this quick, steamy read so much! I know conflicts based on misunderstandings always face criticism but it didn’t bother me at all. it felt right for the characters and the situation. maybe the POV didn’t need to be switched as often as it was but again, didn’t really bother me. does anything really matter when a big hulking drummer falls in love with a curvy artist? I don’t think so. this is just a story you can escape with and I can’t wait to read the next one in the series.
June 4, 2021
3.5 Such a fun read! And, whew, HOT.
I just want more! I needed it to be about twice as long as it was. I would have loved a bit more depth to these two characters, that I loved just from that surface skin we got.
I just want more! I needed it to be about twice as long as it was. I would have loved a bit more depth to these two characters, that I loved just from that surface skin we got.
June 17, 2021
The third person, present tense narration style really took me out of the story...
I found it hard to connect with the characters because I kept thinking of how odd the writing style was. Other than that, it was a pretty sweet novella with a "non-traditional" hero.
I found it hard to connect with the characters because I kept thinking of how odd the writing style was. Other than that, it was a pretty sweet novella with a "non-traditional" hero.
July 25, 2021
Rhythm is a quick and steamy read featuring two plus sized artists: Finn, a drummer in a symphonic punk band preparing for a breakout tour and Beth, a painter in need of inspiration for an upcoming charity art show. Intent on making progress with their artistic undertakings, each seeks out the isolation of a rented mountain cabin, Finn for the freedom to practice at all hours and Beth for the peace and quiet to overcome her creative block. But much to their mutual irritation, it’s not isolation they find. Finn’s plans for two weeks of blissful solitude in the downstairs half of his grandmother’s vacation cabin are interrupted by a very angry and very sexy Beth, who’s dismayed to discover the charming cabin she’s rented comes with a noisy “beast below.”
Though the two start off completely at odds, it’s a clear case of antagonism as foreplay. Their insta-lust burns hot, and no sooner is the door slammed on their argument than they’re synched up fantasizing about each other in a hot, parallel self-pleasuring scene. When a storm floods the lower unit, the two are forced to share the upper where there’s (say it with me) only one bed. Insta-lust quickly gives way to insta-love as they find their muses in one another and explore their emotional, artistic, and physical compatibility.
While I’m not usually a fan of insta-love, I thought it worked well with the novella pacing and lent credibility to the misunderstanding that fuels the conflict here. There are also several time jumps that helped me buy into to the conflict resolution and eventual HEA. The 3rd person present, dual POV took a little getting used to but wasn’t a dealbreaker, and I was glad to have Finn’s POV.
Though Beth and Finn each have their moments, for me Finn is the standout character. I love that he’s both a big, beefy thrasher and a sensitive guy who’d do anything for his grandmother, rocks eyeliner and a muppet shirt, stays friends with his exes and takes life and has trusted relationships with his female and nonbinary band mates (whose influence is evident whether he’s twirling through a mist of cologne like they taught him or groveling when he’s screwed up big). He searches for compromise, even in the midst of heated conflict, and can handle Beth venting her upset at him without taking it personally.
I also love the emphasis on consent and explicit communication, use of sex toys, and intriguing glimpses of fellow Vixen’s Wail band mates. I’m excited to see more of them as the series continues.
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up
Though the two start off completely at odds, it’s a clear case of antagonism as foreplay. Their insta-lust burns hot, and no sooner is the door slammed on their argument than they’re synched up fantasizing about each other in a hot, parallel self-pleasuring scene. When a storm floods the lower unit, the two are forced to share the upper where there’s (say it with me) only one bed. Insta-lust quickly gives way to insta-love as they find their muses in one another and explore their emotional, artistic, and physical compatibility.
While I’m not usually a fan of insta-love, I thought it worked well with the novella pacing and lent credibility to the misunderstanding that fuels the conflict here. There are also several time jumps that helped me buy into to the conflict resolution and eventual HEA. The 3rd person present, dual POV took a little getting used to but wasn’t a dealbreaker, and I was glad to have Finn’s POV.
Though Beth and Finn each have their moments, for me Finn is the standout character. I love that he’s both a big, beefy thrasher and a sensitive guy who’d do anything for his grandmother, rocks eyeliner and a muppet shirt, stays friends with his exes and takes life and has trusted relationships with his female and nonbinary band mates (whose influence is evident whether he’s twirling through a mist of cologne like they taught him or groveling when he’s screwed up big). He searches for compromise, even in the midst of heated conflict, and can handle Beth venting her upset at him without taking it personally.
I also love the emphasis on consent and explicit communication, use of sex toys, and intriguing glimpses of fellow Vixen’s Wail band mates. I’m excited to see more of them as the series continues.
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up
June 4, 2021
Rhythm is an aptly named book. There’s the overt rhythm of Finn’s drumming, as he practices for the “symphonic band” he’s in. But there’s also the rhythm in the patterns of art expressed by the painter Beth. Both she and Finn needs to explore their inner muses. But when they’re together one weekend at a remote cabin rental, they end up exploring far more in an explosive physical encounter.
There are rhythms also in the familiar tropes of romance that Lipscomb uses here: Enemies to Lovers, There’s Only One Bed, and more. And then there are the rhythms of love scenes in romance that Lipscomb deploys to full effect, showing how both Finn and Beth find the other so attractive that their mutual lure is essentially irresistible.
Rhythm as a romance ebbs and flows—Finn is too quick to judge, Beth holds on to resentment too long—but overall the journey through this book’s beats and pulses is one that turns out to be really enjoyable. It’s interesting to see two artistic people of different types come together, each bringing out the best in one another’s craft. And Lipscomb has written a lovely, entrancing romance in Rhythm, with its own special beat and pulse.
There are rhythms also in the familiar tropes of romance that Lipscomb uses here: Enemies to Lovers, There’s Only One Bed, and more. And then there are the rhythms of love scenes in romance that Lipscomb deploys to full effect, showing how both Finn and Beth find the other so attractive that their mutual lure is essentially irresistible.
Rhythm as a romance ebbs and flows—Finn is too quick to judge, Beth holds on to resentment too long—but overall the journey through this book’s beats and pulses is one that turns out to be really enjoyable. It’s interesting to see two artistic people of different types come together, each bringing out the best in one another’s craft. And Lipscomb has written a lovely, entrancing romance in Rhythm, with its own special beat and pulse.
August 30, 2021
4.5 🌟
I absolutely adored this rockstar romance! What's not to love about a sexy, soft, and squishy (not to mention bearded and tattooed) drummer and a sassy artist finding love? ❤☺ Even though they're each trying to get away from it all to focus on their art, they soon find that they both inspire the other...
This is the first book in a series and I cannot wait to read the rest! Thank you to Marie Lipscomb for writing an honest-to-god plus-size hero. We need more burly bears in the world.
*I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
** Find more written AND podcast reviews on www.boobiesandnoobies.com
I absolutely adored this rockstar romance! What's not to love about a sexy, soft, and squishy (not to mention bearded and tattooed) drummer and a sassy artist finding love? ❤☺ Even though they're each trying to get away from it all to focus on their art, they soon find that they both inspire the other...
This is the first book in a series and I cannot wait to read the rest! Thank you to Marie Lipscomb for writing an honest-to-god plus-size hero. We need more burly bears in the world.
*I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
** Find more written AND podcast reviews on www.boobiesandnoobies.com
May 8, 2021
Marie Lipscomb understands her characters. Her writing is clean and full of feeling. It's visceral and sexy and deep in her characters heads. Rhythm is build in short POV passes, building a simple story into something note perfect. Romance has a very strict arc, and Rhythm hits every beat (see what I did there?) right on... rhythm?
What sets this apart for me is the characters. Beth is plus sized and unabashed about it. Finn lusts after her BECAUSE of how she looks. And it is lust, not her sparkling personality (they annoy the hell out of each other) that has him tied in knots. And the attraction is returned with interest. Beth thinks about Finn, and his big belly and big arms and body, as physical perfection. It isn't one of those "despite" things. Add it to a growing list of heroines and heroes with no room for shame.
I got a copy of the ARC for this book in exchange for my unbiased opinion.
What sets this apart for me is the characters. Beth is plus sized and unabashed about it. Finn lusts after her BECAUSE of how she looks. And it is lust, not her sparkling personality (they annoy the hell out of each other) that has him tied in knots. And the attraction is returned with interest. Beth thinks about Finn, and his big belly and big arms and body, as physical perfection. It isn't one of those "despite" things. Add it to a growing list of heroines and heroes with no room for shame.
I got a copy of the ARC for this book in exchange for my unbiased opinion.
October 25, 2021
Cute short featuring two heavier mains. The Big Issue did feel rather forced—especially given there was no character context given to make it reasonable that they would make the assumption they did—but these two were not going to have any real conflict beyond being mildly annoyed with each other. Super quick instalove, but I enjoyed the dynamic between the two and how they express themselves artistically.
March 23, 2022
Cabin trope? ✓
Close proximity? ✓
BBM hero? ✓
BBW heroine? ✓
Hate-flirting? ✓✓✓
Angry-banging? ✓✓✓✓✓
Miscommunication that didn't drive me nuts? ✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓
Satisfying HEA? ✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓
More. I need more. Give me dirty brain food. Give it to me, now.
Close proximity? ✓
BBM hero? ✓
BBW heroine? ✓
Hate-flirting? ✓✓✓
Angry-banging? ✓✓✓✓✓
Miscommunication that didn't drive me nuts? ✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓
Satisfying HEA? ✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓
More. I need more. Give me dirty brain food. Give it to me, now.
April 11, 2022
This book is the first one I read by Marie Lipscomb and I'm happy that I started with this one because I really enjoyed it, it was super sweet, hot and fun and has two of my favorite tropes ever: forced prox and a rockstar MC.
I'm excited to read the next two of the series.
Tropes:
Forced Proximity
Rockstar MMC
Artist FMC
Plus size rep
I'm excited to read the next two of the series.
Tropes:
Forced Proximity
Rockstar MMC
Artist FMC
Plus size rep
June 4, 2021
Sexy, plus-size hero
Rhythm is much more my jam than the Blackmere series. Contemporary setting, an awesome plus-size hero, and very sexy. Looking forward to more!
Rhythm is much more my jam than the Blackmere series. Contemporary setting, an awesome plus-size hero, and very sexy. Looking forward to more!
August 4, 2021
Such a sweet book. I loved the hero.
June 4, 2021
The Artist and the Drummer . . .
This is a story combining two artistic, creative temperaments, so you know the fireworks will be awesome when they clash!
Beth Barlow rents the top floor of a mountainside cabin, looking for quiet and solitude to focus intensely on her art. But that is not what she gets. Sharing her retreat with a drummer from a metal band, who had rented the bottom floor of the cabin, has to be her worst nightmare! Finn had been pleased with his isolated location so he can practice drumming without disturbing anyone. He quickly discovered a firecracker of a woman upstairs who is not happy. He had assumed, seeing no car, that his neighbor was gone for a time and he could get in some work. She came pounding on his door until he finally saw her through the glass. When she screamed at him that she was asleep, he asked where her car was. When she confusedly answered that she didn’t have one, he calmly and smoothly said, "Oh, so where did you park your broomstick?” She unfortunately laughs. But not to be bested, she replies, “Just around the corner, propped up beside the bridge I assume you usually live beneath.” The tone was set and the chemistry between them began to sizzle.
As the storm continues, Finn’s downstairs area has some flooding. He goes upstairs with Beth and she paints his picture. What she captured in the painting amazed him, seeing how she saw him. So he paid her double the price for the charity drive, and ended up spending the night. After such a short time together, why was she feeling so awful at the idea of never seeing this amazing man again?
This is a story combining two artistic, creative temperaments, so you know the fireworks will be awesome when they clash!
Beth Barlow rents the top floor of a mountainside cabin, looking for quiet and solitude to focus intensely on her art. But that is not what she gets. Sharing her retreat with a drummer from a metal band, who had rented the bottom floor of the cabin, has to be her worst nightmare! Finn had been pleased with his isolated location so he can practice drumming without disturbing anyone. He quickly discovered a firecracker of a woman upstairs who is not happy. He had assumed, seeing no car, that his neighbor was gone for a time and he could get in some work. She came pounding on his door until he finally saw her through the glass. When she screamed at him that she was asleep, he asked where her car was. When she confusedly answered that she didn’t have one, he calmly and smoothly said, "Oh, so where did you park your broomstick?” She unfortunately laughs. But not to be bested, she replies, “Just around the corner, propped up beside the bridge I assume you usually live beneath.” The tone was set and the chemistry between them began to sizzle.
As the storm continues, Finn’s downstairs area has some flooding. He goes upstairs with Beth and she paints his picture. What she captured in the painting amazed him, seeing how she saw him. So he paid her double the price for the charity drive, and ended up spending the night. After such a short time together, why was she feeling so awful at the idea of never seeing this amazing man again?
June 8, 2021
Wonderful story where 2 people find each other despite the fact that they both wanted something different.
Finn has retired to the mountains as he prepares for his upcoming tour as a band drummer.
Beth has retired to the mountains to enjoy the tranquility in preparation for her upcoming exhibition as a painter.
The sound he makes makes her teeth grit. She lets him know in an unmistakable way what she thinks of him, in her pajamas in the rain. And all he hears is his blood flowing through his veins on the picture he has before his eyes.
The downpour turns into a storm and Finn's downstairs apartment threatens to overflow. To save his drums, he asks Beth if he can place his instruments with her. And she invites him for the night. A night that turns Finn's world upside down. But the next morning he hears Beth say on the phone that it was terrible, that she is ashamed of her behavior. Finn was already half in love with her and his heart is breaking. He decides to ignore her further.
Beth doesn't know what makes Finn turn into a man she doesn't recognize. All she knows is that she can't forgot about him
Who will take the first step? Will they get back together?
The story is described from both POV. I find Finn especially well described in his emotions and the way in which he is vulnerable. Nice to read a story where the man comes across as tough but whose self-confidence is lower and dares to admit that he was wrong.
Recommended for a read
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Finn has retired to the mountains as he prepares for his upcoming tour as a band drummer.
Beth has retired to the mountains to enjoy the tranquility in preparation for her upcoming exhibition as a painter.
The sound he makes makes her teeth grit. She lets him know in an unmistakable way what she thinks of him, in her pajamas in the rain. And all he hears is his blood flowing through his veins on the picture he has before his eyes.
The downpour turns into a storm and Finn's downstairs apartment threatens to overflow. To save his drums, he asks Beth if he can place his instruments with her. And she invites him for the night. A night that turns Finn's world upside down. But the next morning he hears Beth say on the phone that it was terrible, that she is ashamed of her behavior. Finn was already half in love with her and his heart is breaking. He decides to ignore her further.
Beth doesn't know what makes Finn turn into a man she doesn't recognize. All she knows is that she can't forgot about him
Who will take the first step? Will they get back together?
The story is described from both POV. I find Finn especially well described in his emotions and the way in which he is vulnerable. Nice to read a story where the man comes across as tough but whose self-confidence is lower and dares to admit that he was wrong.
Recommended for a read
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 2, 2021
Beth is a artist she needs time away to herself no city no smog and definitely no noise just the lovely quiet mountains when she arrives at the cabin she finds out that she has rented the top floor while someone else has rented the bottom, she wasn’t happy but as long as the person left her alone then she will be fine and hopefully paint something good. Finn is beating on his drums trying to get the beat together when he suddenly hears a knock on his door he’s not happy because he thought that he would be alone, when he answers the door there is a curvy goddess standing there and Finn finds out that this woman is a spitfire. There is so much more going on in this amazing story but I will let you find that out for yourself, this is my absolute favourite genre rockstars, bands etc I loved this story and the characters and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series and I definitely recommend this book.
January 21, 2022
Finn is a big, adorable sweetheart. Beth is talented and funny. The author has such a talent for writing wonderful, complex characters who have real issues going on but are still good people. This book has fantastic plus-sized representation. It's also quite steamy. I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out!
(I received an ARC of this book and am acquainted with the author on social media.)
(I received an ARC of this book and am acquainted with the author on social media.)
August 15, 2021
I read this for a book club and was very much enjoying myself until there's a Big Misunderstanding. GAH. It helps a little bit that a supporting character points out the hero's idiocy, but it doesn't make his assumptions less idiotic, you know? I got along fine with the writing, though the POV changes a little too quickly for my comfort, and am looking forward to reading more from Lipscomb.
May 31, 2021
This was a short and sweet story, with plenty of heat. I really enjoyed it!
Beth is an artist, trying to work on a piece to sell at a charity art show, and she can't concentrate at home, so she rents a retreat an hour away, up on the mountain. She's just hoping for some peace, quiet, and solitude to do her work. That is NOT what she finds.
Finn is a drummer for a metal band, and he's relaxing, and working, on his annual cabin trip. There's no one around for miles to complain about the noise when he's practicing, just how he likes it. But, then there's a woman banging on his door, demanding quiet, and he doesn't know what to do. Especially since he finds himself more drawn to her than he's ever been to anyone.
Beth and Finn had blazing chemistry, even when all they did was argue at first. Their connection was pretty much instant, and HOT, and it was exciting to read. I loved that both of them had bigger bodies, and they were both wildly attracted to each other, without question. Their time together was magical, and it was a joy to read. So, that made their dark moment even more painful.
Beth's best friend Sadie was hilarious, and we got a small glimpse of Finn's Vixen's Wail bandmates (side note, what a GREAT name for a band!!), so that was fun too. But, since this was a shorter story, the focus was definitely on our two main characters, even when they were apart. I loved the descriptions of both Beth's art, and Finn's music. They were so visceral, and really made me feel like I was seeing/hearing them for myself.
This was a steamy little story, and I enjoyed the way they eventually worked out their issues. I've really loved everything I've read from this author so far, and I'm excited to learn more about the other band members in future stories!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. This review is my personal opinion, voluntarily given.
Reviewed by Megan from Romanced by the Book
Beth is an artist, trying to work on a piece to sell at a charity art show, and she can't concentrate at home, so she rents a retreat an hour away, up on the mountain. She's just hoping for some peace, quiet, and solitude to do her work. That is NOT what she finds.
Finn is a drummer for a metal band, and he's relaxing, and working, on his annual cabin trip. There's no one around for miles to complain about the noise when he's practicing, just how he likes it. But, then there's a woman banging on his door, demanding quiet, and he doesn't know what to do. Especially since he finds himself more drawn to her than he's ever been to anyone.
Beth and Finn had blazing chemistry, even when all they did was argue at first. Their connection was pretty much instant, and HOT, and it was exciting to read. I loved that both of them had bigger bodies, and they were both wildly attracted to each other, without question. Their time together was magical, and it was a joy to read. So, that made their dark moment even more painful.
Beth's best friend Sadie was hilarious, and we got a small glimpse of Finn's Vixen's Wail bandmates (side note, what a GREAT name for a band!!), so that was fun too. But, since this was a shorter story, the focus was definitely on our two main characters, even when they were apart. I loved the descriptions of both Beth's art, and Finn's music. They were so visceral, and really made me feel like I was seeing/hearing them for myself.
This was a steamy little story, and I enjoyed the way they eventually worked out their issues. I've really loved everything I've read from this author so far, and I'm excited to learn more about the other band members in future stories!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. This review is my personal opinion, voluntarily given.
Reviewed by Megan from Romanced by the Book
June 2, 2021
While Rhythm isn’t my first rock star romance, it’s definitely not a subgenre I actively reach for. However, with Marie Lipscomb’s body positive, queer friendly approach to the genre drew me in immediately.
And a large part of that is due to her well-rounded, dynamic characters. Both are plus-size and love themselves and each other for it. They have real issues to work through that aren’t related to their respective sizes, and that’s just so refreshing to read.
And while the shorter length means the focus is primarily on the leads, it’s nice to see the other members of Vixen’s Wail (which is the coolest band name!) featuring to an extent, and I’m excited to see more of them in the next books.
My one gripe is with some of the structural choices, an issue I believe I also had with Lipscomb’s short in a previous VGP anthology. Despite being written in third person, the text relies on subheadings to indicate whose perspective we’re in, and the perspective switches sometimes happen in the same chapter, in the same scene, without what feels like a logical break, so it feels like a head-hop. I for the most part feel that subheadings indicating perspective aren’t needed for pure third person books, but also feel this was used as a crutch so there didn’t always need to be seamless transitions between sections.
That quibble aside, I enjoyed this book a lot, and can’t wait to see what’s next for the series and in terms of Lipscomb’s future projects in general. If you love seeing fat rep in romance and/or love rock star romance, I enthusiastically recommend this one!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
And a large part of that is due to her well-rounded, dynamic characters. Both are plus-size and love themselves and each other for it. They have real issues to work through that aren’t related to their respective sizes, and that’s just so refreshing to read.
And while the shorter length means the focus is primarily on the leads, it’s nice to see the other members of Vixen’s Wail (which is the coolest band name!) featuring to an extent, and I’m excited to see more of them in the next books.
My one gripe is with some of the structural choices, an issue I believe I also had with Lipscomb’s short in a previous VGP anthology. Despite being written in third person, the text relies on subheadings to indicate whose perspective we’re in, and the perspective switches sometimes happen in the same chapter, in the same scene, without what feels like a logical break, so it feels like a head-hop. I for the most part feel that subheadings indicating perspective aren’t needed for pure third person books, but also feel this was used as a crutch so there didn’t always need to be seamless transitions between sections.
That quibble aside, I enjoyed this book a lot, and can’t wait to see what’s next for the series and in terms of Lipscomb’s future projects in general. If you love seeing fat rep in romance and/or love rock star romance, I enthusiastically recommend this one!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 11, 2021
This was a great quick read! I loved the chemistry between Finn and Beth and really liked how each of their creative pursuits were a big part of their lives. Sadie also seemed like a great friend and balanced Beth out. I also enjoyed how Beth and Finn both met each other outside of their comfort zone and had to compromise right away to get along. This story had two plus-sized characters finding love with no mention of how their weight impacted their lives- a huge win for me!
The conflict seemed a bit forced and I was unsure of how I felt about the way their "dark moment" happened. To me, this story could have resolved without any major conflict and would have been great, especially given the length. Overall, I enjoyed Lipscomp's writing and hope to read more from her soon!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The conflict seemed a bit forced and I was unsure of how I felt about the way their "dark moment" happened. To me, this story could have resolved without any major conflict and would have been great, especially given the length. Overall, I enjoyed Lipscomp's writing and hope to read more from her soon!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 4, 2021
Beth has rented the top floor of a cabin in the wood in search of quiet. Finn is there for very different reasons. She is an artist who wants to use the solitude as a muse to help her focus and produce work. Unfortunately for her she is sharing the space with drummer who is using the space to practice and hone his craft and he thought he was there alone. Beth is not a happy camper about his noise and she lets him know it. When she confronts him about the noise, theirs is not a meet cute. When a storm comes and forces them to hunker down together. When she does a painting of him that he really likes things change between them and they wind up sharing more than space for the night. This was a very cute friends to lovers story to spend the afternoon with.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 3, 2021
4.5 ⭐️s
This is the second enemies to lovers romance I’ve read from Marie Lipscomb (The first being Works of Friction in the Enemies to Lovers Vol 1 anthology from Violet Gaze Press which was fan-TASTIC) and she just does it SO WELL. We’re talking top tier pettiness, tension, and surrender all wrapped up in a sweet, sexy package.
I love Marie’s big squishy heroes and Finn is definitely that! He’s the drummer for a symphonic metal band but he’s SUCH a softie. And the way Finn and Beth are both so into each other from the start, even when either would gladly see the other fall into a ravine?? Divine!
Rhythm melted my heart in some places, heated up other parts of my anatomy in others, and made me want to do some head smacking in yet still others. I’m really excited for the rest of this inclusive rock crew and can’t wait to read more Vixen’s Wail tales!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the second enemies to lovers romance I’ve read from Marie Lipscomb (The first being Works of Friction in the Enemies to Lovers Vol 1 anthology from Violet Gaze Press which was fan-TASTIC) and she just does it SO WELL. We’re talking top tier pettiness, tension, and surrender all wrapped up in a sweet, sexy package.
I love Marie’s big squishy heroes and Finn is definitely that! He’s the drummer for a symphonic metal band but he’s SUCH a softie. And the way Finn and Beth are both so into each other from the start, even when either would gladly see the other fall into a ravine?? Divine!
Rhythm melted my heart in some places, heated up other parts of my anatomy in others, and made me want to do some head smacking in yet still others. I’m really excited for the rest of this inclusive rock crew and can’t wait to read more Vixen’s Wail tales!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 16, 2021
Beth wants peace and quiet while finishing an art piece for charity. Finn wants to practice his drums for an upcoming tour. They are instantly at odds until a storm hits and his lower half gets flooded. Forced closeness opens up situations that stir their hearts.
The characters are well detailed with depth and intense emotions. The storyline has its ups and downs as the miscommunication comes between them. The romance reconnects in an unusual way as the two secretly invade the others worlds. Surprises galore and a great ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters are well detailed with depth and intense emotions. The storyline has its ups and downs as the miscommunication comes between them. The romance reconnects in an unusual way as the two secretly invade the others worlds. Surprises galore and a great ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 22, 2021
4.25 stars rounded up for the yummy big boy representation :-) I haven’t read a lot of rockstar romances but really enjoyed this one. Finn and Beth were adorable and I loved the enemies to lovers, yearning & hot sex themes! The dual POV, third person present tense style took a bit of getting used to but once I found the flow it was fine. I’m personally not a huge fan of present tense but the dual POV, which I prefer in romance, made up for it.
The miscommunication was done well, and I could see how it could easily happen with Finn’s character & insecurities. The end was adorable!
I am officially a Vixens Wail groupie now :-)
The miscommunication was done well, and I could see how it could easily happen with Finn’s character & insecurities. The end was adorable!
I am officially a Vixens Wail groupie now :-)
June 3, 2021
3.5 Stars
I really liked both of our protagonists and the meet-cute/meet-ugly, and I thought Beth and Finn were great together. That being said, it should've been a full-length novel. There wasn't enough build-up to warrant the ending conflict, so I was more annoyed than curious as to how it would be resolved. Also, I thought the POV shifts were a little weird. I'm all for dual point-of-view but I felt like the changes between them were too abrupt. Im still interested to see the rest of the series though!
I really liked both of our protagonists and the meet-cute/meet-ugly, and I thought Beth and Finn were great together. That being said, it should've been a full-length novel. There wasn't enough build-up to warrant the ending conflict, so I was more annoyed than curious as to how it would be resolved. Also, I thought the POV shifts were a little weird. I'm all for dual point-of-view but I felt like the changes between them were too abrupt. Im still interested to see the rest of the series though!
June 4, 2021
This is a new-to-me author so I went in with no expectations. I was extremely please to find that I really enjoyed this author’s style and pace.
This a great book featuring a hero that it a big burly looking guy that is really a softy at heart. It was also great to read about a guy who wasn’t stereotypically handsome with giant muscles, but more realistic looking. I like diversity in characters. Great story looking forward to the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This a great book featuring a hero that it a big burly looking guy that is really a softy at heart. It was also great to read about a guy who wasn’t stereotypically handsome with giant muscles, but more realistic looking. I like diversity in characters. Great story looking forward to the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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