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Music City Dreamers
Music can bring lovers together. In Music City, it can tear them apart.
Louie Francis is ready for another life and she’s going to make it happen. She sets out to make her dreams of being a songwriter in Nashville come true, and she’s determined to be the person she’s always wanted to be.
Heather King had dreams of being the next Country superstar. But it isn’t long before she figures out her dream is creating her own label. If only she can play the game just a little longer…
When they meet at the Bluebird Café, sparks fly. But Heather knows what being an out lesbian in Nashville would do to her career, and Louie struggles to be anything other than exactly who she is. Thrust together to work with Country royalty, they must figure out how to be Music City dreamers without losing themselves and, ultimately, each other.
Louie Francis is ready for another life and she’s going to make it happen. She sets out to make her dreams of being a songwriter in Nashville come true, and she’s determined to be the person she’s always wanted to be.
Heather King had dreams of being the next Country superstar. But it isn’t long before she figures out her dream is creating her own label. If only she can play the game just a little longer…
When they meet at the Bluebird Café, sparks fly. But Heather knows what being an out lesbian in Nashville would do to her career, and Louie struggles to be anything other than exactly who she is. Thrust together to work with Country royalty, they must figure out how to be Music City dreamers without losing themselves and, ultimately, each other.
278 pages, Paperback
Published August 12, 2021
About the author
Robyn Nyx
21 books122 followersRobyn Nyx is an avid shutterbug and lover of all things fast and physical. Her writing often reflects both of those passions. She lives with her soul mate and fellow scribe. They have no kids or kittens, which allows them to travel to exotic places at the drop of a hat for “research.” She works hard to find writing time, when she’s not being distracted by blue skies and motorbike rides.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
January 10, 2019
3.25 Stars. I have some really mixed emotions about this book. On one hand I thought it was very readable and much better than the only other Nyx book I’ve read Never Enough. On the other hand there were definitely some things that didn’t work for me so this is giving me mixed feelings to say the least.
I’m not really a country music fan. However, I do like past artists like Cash and Dolly and I know enough about county to know it’s not very diverse. I wasn’t surprised by the sexism, racism, and homophobia in this book. But I must admit I was disappointed that Nyx didn’t seem to capture more of the magic of Nashville. I wanted the music and setting to shine a bit more.
When it came to the characters is where I had some real struggles. I really liked Louie and her friend Gabe, but I had trouble with just about everyone else. I felt most of the secondary characters felt cartoonish and too stereotypical, not fully fleshed out people. Besides Louie, the other main was Heather. Again I had big issues with her. This is more of a personal thing but I cannot stand spineless characters. It just irks me and honestly it made me have some real trouble believing in the potential romance.
This romance is very slow to build. In fact it was too slow for me. Besides a bit of flirting, nothing and I mean nothing happens until the last quarter of the book. I really needed something more to believe there was a possibility of a HEA for this potential couple. They started to seem better off just friends to me. And I have to agree with Dee’s review, the sex scene felt smooshed into the book. I actually thought it would have been better not to have one and I never admit to that.
I just did a lot of complaining. I do want to make clear this book wasn’t bad. In fact my score is on the slightly better than okay scale. This book is very readable. I only put it down once and picked it back up right away. Even though I didn’t agree with a lot of Nyx writing choices, the actual writing was good. Another plus was Louie and her friendship with Gabe. I mentioned this briefly but this was a highlight for me. I really wish we had gotten to see more of what happened to Gabe at the end. And Louie herself shined enough to help distract me from some of my grievances.
I think if you are a county music fan, you might want to give this a go. There are not many lesfic books with Nashville as a setting. This book wasn’t really my cup of tea, but I didn’t mind reading it and I don’t feel my time was wasted.
An ARC was given to me by BSB for a honest review.
I’m not really a country music fan. However, I do like past artists like Cash and Dolly and I know enough about county to know it’s not very diverse. I wasn’t surprised by the sexism, racism, and homophobia in this book. But I must admit I was disappointed that Nyx didn’t seem to capture more of the magic of Nashville. I wanted the music and setting to shine a bit more.
When it came to the characters is where I had some real struggles. I really liked Louie and her friend Gabe, but I had trouble with just about everyone else. I felt most of the secondary characters felt cartoonish and too stereotypical, not fully fleshed out people. Besides Louie, the other main was Heather. Again I had big issues with her. This is more of a personal thing but I cannot stand spineless characters. It just irks me and honestly it made me have some real trouble believing in the potential romance.
This romance is very slow to build. In fact it was too slow for me. Besides a bit of flirting, nothing and I mean nothing happens until the last quarter of the book. I really needed something more to believe there was a possibility of a HEA for this potential couple. They started to seem better off just friends to me. And I have to agree with Dee’s review, the sex scene felt smooshed into the book. I actually thought it would have been better not to have one and I never admit to that.
I just did a lot of complaining. I do want to make clear this book wasn’t bad. In fact my score is on the slightly better than okay scale. This book is very readable. I only put it down once and picked it back up right away. Even though I didn’t agree with a lot of Nyx writing choices, the actual writing was good. Another plus was Louie and her friendship with Gabe. I mentioned this briefly but this was a highlight for me. I really wish we had gotten to see more of what happened to Gabe at the end. And Louie herself shined enough to help distract me from some of my grievances.
I think if you are a county music fan, you might want to give this a go. There are not many lesfic books with Nashville as a setting. This book wasn’t really my cup of tea, but I didn’t mind reading it and I don’t feel my time was wasted.
An ARC was given to me by BSB for a honest review.
January 1, 2025
**'Good research and being knowledgeable can be akin to really telling good stories. So try to not forget..'
2.5 Stars!
My second book by Ms. Nyx and i think she's more of a crime/mystery/thriller storyteller. This storyline was mediocre at best.
2.5 Stars!
My second book by Ms. Nyx and i think she's more of a crime/mystery/thriller storyteller. This storyline was mediocre at best.
December 23, 2018
Louie has finally made enough money to make her way to Nashville to follow her dream of making it as a songwriter. Her journey has already been delayed by her girlfriend clearing out her account and stealing her stuff but all it did was fuel her determination. As luck would have it, the first person she meets is a young black man who needs a housemate while he works towards his break into country music. A good friend, a place to stay, a part-time job and things are looking up for Louie.
Heather has been working for Rocky Top record label for five years and she's good at finding new artists that will sell. The industry isn't sympathetic to the LGBTQIA community and her boss has already gotten rid of one exec who was openly gay. Heather is in the closet and her job depends on it. Then she meets Louie who couldn't hide her appearance if she tried and for the first time, Heather is attracted to a woman who isn't a femme.
I loved Louie as a character because she knows who she is and where her talents lie. She's honest, direct and honorable. Heather, on the other hand, I spent nearly the whole book willing her to have a spine. I don't think she was a bad person and the way she was characterized gave good motivation for who she was and the choices she made but I struggled to believe she was good enough for Louie.
I haven't read a novel by Nyx before and this isn't what I expected. I was pleasantly surprised but I have a strong feeling this is a departure from what she normally writes. I enjoyed the way it was written and was thoroughly engaged by the story even though some characters didn't do what I wanted them to. I'm also not a fan of country musical and even that didn't detract too much.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Heather has been working for Rocky Top record label for five years and she's good at finding new artists that will sell. The industry isn't sympathetic to the LGBTQIA community and her boss has already gotten rid of one exec who was openly gay. Heather is in the closet and her job depends on it. Then she meets Louie who couldn't hide her appearance if she tried and for the first time, Heather is attracted to a woman who isn't a femme.
I loved Louie as a character because she knows who she is and where her talents lie. She's honest, direct and honorable. Heather, on the other hand, I spent nearly the whole book willing her to have a spine. I don't think she was a bad person and the way she was characterized gave good motivation for who she was and the choices she made but I struggled to believe she was good enough for Louie.
I haven't read a novel by Nyx before and this isn't what I expected. I was pleasantly surprised but I have a strong feeling this is a departure from what she normally writes. I enjoyed the way it was written and was thoroughly engaged by the story even though some characters didn't do what I wanted them to. I'm also not a fan of country musical and even that didn't detract too much.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
December 17, 2018
I experienced so many first with this book.
My first book by this author.
The first book with such a heavy focus on sexual orientation that at times it became overwhelming.
The first book that made me go, "What's with all the similes?"
Some I loved others tossed me right out of the story- For example: Guilt tore at Louise like piranhas on a steer. Is that a thing? Never mind, not what I need to be thinking about while reading a romance....
like a demented otter with a rock on a snail. - say what?
Moving on....
The first time I've empathized with a character, yet by the end of the book I lost complete respect for her. (Heather)
The first time I've read a romance where I would've been truly happy if the heroines had NOT got together.
The first book that would've been better if the one and only sex scene was cut...it felt out of place, like the author threw it in to keep readers happy.
And the first (from memory) with a line that made me do a second take. Made me take a step-back and not react, and still left me pissed off and mystified.
Dialogue during a pool game between Louie, our butch heroine, and another butch. Referred to as 'Hefty Butch'
If anyone can explain, I'm all ears.
All of that aside, the story was compelling and not once was I tempted to skim read.
Gabe's an awesome side character. I love, love, loved his relationship with Louie, and these two characters, along with Louie's Mom, made the story for me.
Would I read more by Robyn Nyx? Absolutely.
My first book by this author.
The first book with such a heavy focus on sexual orientation that at times it became overwhelming.
The first book that made me go, "What's with all the similes?"
Some I loved others tossed me right out of the story- For example: Guilt tore at Louise like piranhas on a steer. Is that a thing? Never mind, not what I need to be thinking about while reading a romance....
like a demented otter with a rock on a snail. - say what?
Moving on....
The first time I've empathized with a character, yet by the end of the book I lost complete respect for her. (Heather)
The first time I've read a romance where I would've been truly happy if the heroines had NOT got together.
The first book that would've been better if the one and only sex scene was cut...it felt out of place, like the author threw it in to keep readers happy.
And the first (from memory) with a line that made me do a second take. Made me take a step-back and not react, and still left me pissed off and mystified.
Dialogue during a pool game between Louie, our butch heroine, and another butch. Referred to as 'Hefty Butch'
"You better not be hustling me, Kid."Seriously, what does that even me? Someone in a club is going to tie her up and spank her? Power exchange is going to be negotiated and exchanged over a pool game?
"I've read enough lesbian BDSM stories to know doing that wouldn't end well for me," said Louie.
If anyone can explain, I'm all ears.
All of that aside, the story was compelling and not once was I tempted to skim read.
Gabe's an awesome side character. I love, love, loved his relationship with Louie, and these two characters, along with Louie's Mom, made the story for me.
Would I read more by Robyn Nyx? Absolutely.
January 14, 2019
Robyn Nyx has a solid stable of enjoyable and compelling novels behind her; however, for me, this was a big disappointment. I was drawn to it because of the unusual Nashville setting and the diverse characters. The two main characters who became somewhat romantically involved were both lesbians, but that's where the similarities end. Louie is described as butch, Heather as petite and conventionally pretty. Louie is loud, proud and takes no prisoners when it comes to her sexuality, whereas Heather is in the closet about it all so as not to lose her hard-earned reputation as a record label mogul. They are chalk and cheese and it felt a little like Ms Nyx was playing to stereotypes in putting them together. Also, if I'm brutally honest, I found the whole narrative boring and slow-moving; not at all what I would expect from such a talented author.
I felt that there was a massive focus on pushing the sexualities of these people to the forefront of the reader's mind that it created characters whose personality traits were hugely lacking. Each of these things contributed to a forced and contrived feeling plot. That said, Nyx very adeptly and realistically portrayed the homophobia and racism that is sadly woven tightly into the fabric of our societies. We claim to be so forward-thinking, modern and accepting, but we are mere neanderthals.
Many thanks to Bold Strokes Books, Inc. for an ARC.
I felt that there was a massive focus on pushing the sexualities of these people to the forefront of the reader's mind that it created characters whose personality traits were hugely lacking. Each of these things contributed to a forced and contrived feeling plot. That said, Nyx very adeptly and realistically portrayed the homophobia and racism that is sadly woven tightly into the fabric of our societies. We claim to be so forward-thinking, modern and accepting, but we are mere neanderthals.
Many thanks to Bold Strokes Books, Inc. for an ARC.
December 15, 2018
Louie is a butch songwriter that leaves Chicago to pursue her dreams in Nashville. Right upon arrival, she hits it off with a talented young singer and decides to room with him.
Heather is a scout for a major music label, recently promoted after her mentor was fired for being gay. She has to live a closeted life because she would lose everything. All she really wants to do is start her own label and then she can be herself.
The stakes rise for all involved as their paths merge. All pursuing similar dreams but having to do so I'm drastically different ways.
The story was entertaining and I was invested in the outcome. The main characters had a lot of chemistry. Tons of tension as circumstances dictate the pace of their courtship.
I didn't care for all of the labels and focus on sexuality. At one point, one of the characters referred to her past girlfriends as 'long hairs' and I couldn't stop picturing long hair cats and dogs. Is that really a thing people say? Anyhow, I certainly appreciate sexual diversity in books. There aren't enough butch leads. But I don't want to read about it like I'm studying sexuality 101. It was a little overboard for me.
The end was a bit abrupt for me. And I expected something a little more grand.
This one was OK.
An ARC was provided by Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley for an honest review.
Heather is a scout for a major music label, recently promoted after her mentor was fired for being gay. She has to live a closeted life because she would lose everything. All she really wants to do is start her own label and then she can be herself.
The stakes rise for all involved as their paths merge. All pursuing similar dreams but having to do so I'm drastically different ways.
The story was entertaining and I was invested in the outcome. The main characters had a lot of chemistry. Tons of tension as circumstances dictate the pace of their courtship.
I didn't care for all of the labels and focus on sexuality. At one point, one of the characters referred to her past girlfriends as 'long hairs' and I couldn't stop picturing long hair cats and dogs. Is that really a thing people say? Anyhow, I certainly appreciate sexual diversity in books. There aren't enough butch leads. But I don't want to read about it like I'm studying sexuality 101. It was a little overboard for me.
The end was a bit abrupt for me. And I expected something a little more grand.
This one was OK.
An ARC was provided by Bold Strokes Books through Netgalley for an honest review.
January 18, 2019
I have been waiting for this book patiently since the teaser was posted on social media last year. I love country music, big fan of anything Nashville and when mixing them with a lesbian fiction romance I knew I was going to be on board straight away.
The story begins with Louie working hard to make enough money to get to Nashville where she is certain her dream can come true. Heather is already in Nashville and while she failed at her attempt at being a country music star she is excelling in her job of finding the next big talent while she works for a prestigious music label. Heather’s main goal now is to make enough money so she can start her own label and finally come out the closet. When she meets Louie, all bet’s are off and she can’t help but want to break her celibacy to find out what there is between them but Louie is firmly out of the closet and has no intention of going back in. How can it possibly work? Especially when they now need to work together.
Firstly I want to mention this is the first book I have read by Robyn Nyx and what a way to start. I really enjoyed the slow pace of the book and while it could be considered a slow burn (and it was in many ways), the characters feelings for each other were evident from the moment they met. There was no uncertainty from either Heather or Louie, they both knew they wanted each other but it was the outside world that was the issue.
Heather was a great protagonist to get to know. She was so sure of her path and how she had to make her dream of having her own label that she never anticipated her feelings for Louie and that they could make her question everything. Her closeted sexuality was understandable in the world she worked and the city she lived. It actually made me sad and wonder how many of my favourite country stars might be hiding in the closet.
Louie was just the epitome of sexy. She’s butch, handsome, strong while sensitive, passionate but respectful and honestly, she is just amazing and everything that makes my heart go weak. The fact she writes country songs just made me fall even harder. Wow!
The chemistry between them both is so charged that at times it seeped from the page. There was a moment outside the BlueBird Café (Famous Nashville spot) where the tension and lust was so evident that it gave me chills.
The secondary characters in this book help to make it something really special. Gabe, Louie’s best friend and roommate stole my heart and I loved that he got so much page time. He reminded me so much of my best friend that I wanted to cuddle him so much. Other secondary characters included the country superstar, Savana and while she is a force to be reckoned with, she left me wondering what her story was for the future…
My only issue was that I felt the book ended a little too quickly and I really feel it needed an epilogue which would have definitely rounded it up to the 5 stars. However in saying this, if the book turns into a series, or gets a sequel then I will most definitely be changing to 5 stars.
This has definitely put Robyn Nyx on ‘one to watch’ list and I’ve already started eyeing up her back catalogue.
4 Stars
The story begins with Louie working hard to make enough money to get to Nashville where she is certain her dream can come true. Heather is already in Nashville and while she failed at her attempt at being a country music star she is excelling in her job of finding the next big talent while she works for a prestigious music label. Heather’s main goal now is to make enough money so she can start her own label and finally come out the closet. When she meets Louie, all bet’s are off and she can’t help but want to break her celibacy to find out what there is between them but Louie is firmly out of the closet and has no intention of going back in. How can it possibly work? Especially when they now need to work together.
Firstly I want to mention this is the first book I have read by Robyn Nyx and what a way to start. I really enjoyed the slow pace of the book and while it could be considered a slow burn (and it was in many ways), the characters feelings for each other were evident from the moment they met. There was no uncertainty from either Heather or Louie, they both knew they wanted each other but it was the outside world that was the issue.
Heather was a great protagonist to get to know. She was so sure of her path and how she had to make her dream of having her own label that she never anticipated her feelings for Louie and that they could make her question everything. Her closeted sexuality was understandable in the world she worked and the city she lived. It actually made me sad and wonder how many of my favourite country stars might be hiding in the closet.
Louie was just the epitome of sexy. She’s butch, handsome, strong while sensitive, passionate but respectful and honestly, she is just amazing and everything that makes my heart go weak. The fact she writes country songs just made me fall even harder. Wow!
The chemistry between them both is so charged that at times it seeped from the page. There was a moment outside the BlueBird Café (Famous Nashville spot) where the tension and lust was so evident that it gave me chills.
The secondary characters in this book help to make it something really special. Gabe, Louie’s best friend and roommate stole my heart and I loved that he got so much page time. He reminded me so much of my best friend that I wanted to cuddle him so much. Other secondary characters included the country superstar, Savana and while she is a force to be reckoned with, she left me wondering what her story was for the future…
My only issue was that I felt the book ended a little too quickly and I really feel it needed an epilogue which would have definitely rounded it up to the 5 stars. However in saying this, if the book turns into a series, or gets a sequel then I will most definitely be changing to 5 stars.
This has definitely put Robyn Nyx on ‘one to watch’ list and I’ve already started eyeing up her back catalogue.
4 Stars
February 11, 2019
You've read how Robyn Nyx told her speculative fic stories, you've read how she tackled crime. How about a straight-up contemporary romance immersed in America's country music scene, eh? That's exactly what she'd given us in her latest, "Music City Dreamers."
First off, I have to mention - LOUIE??!?!??!! I was very surprised cos if you've read "Changing in Time," book 2 of Nyx's Extractor trilogy, you'd know that Louie was a minor albeit engaging character that caught Landry's attention. I thought it was a crackin' idea for Nyx to pluck her out of oblivion and give her her own story! Outside-the-box brill! I loved Louie in "Changing." So obviously I couldn't wait to find out what Nyx had in-store for her in this contemporary romance that took her from the streets of Chicago to the heart of country music, Nashville.
I loved Louie. She was such a go-getter, determined to chase after her Nashville dream as a country music songwriter come what may. She had a plan, stuck with it, and faced it head on. Her enthusiasm was palpable. I was cheering her on in me mind! Despite all the hardships in her life, including her past relationship and what she did in the past which Nyx mentioned briefly in passing (an homage to "Change In Time,"perhaps!), Louie had this steadfast positive energy within her, a glass-half-full kind of character, in general. I could feel her zest for living her life in truth above all else which was captivating. I totally related to her. One nuanced moment I enjoyed was Louie's internal visualisation process whenever her mind was muddled by negative thoughts. The level of detail was visually described. It was fascinating to observe, as time and time again throughout the story, I would find Louie in the midst of her visualisation exercise. I thought it highlighted Louie's state of mind with a better understanding of her emotional struggles. Totally relatable.
Heather, the other protagonist, was an intriguing character to explore because of her "baggage". A deeply closeted executive/talent scout working for the biggest label in town, slowly plotting her way to reaching her ultimate dream - creating her own label in a deeply bigoted, misogynistic and exclusive country music industry. From the start, I felt acutely unsettled with her character when she literally had to "lie" about herself, enduring all sorts of homophobic, sexist remarks and behaviour day in, day out in her workplace. Her emotional turmoil and her constant struggle with her sexuality in public were written fervently and with vigour which increased in intensity and urgency since her fated encounter with Louie. It didn't help her dilemma when she found herself attracted to the very out, very obviously queer, butch-looking Louie, who clearly wasn't her type at all! Strange how attraction works, eh? I absolutely enjoyed Heather's naivete about all things related to LGBTQ etiquette, which Nyx crafted with chuckling results especially having to be schooled by her very straight bestie in stuff like gender identity, labelling, etc.. Snigger!
Full Commentary here... In Bugs' Own Words
First off, I have to mention - LOUIE??!?!??!! I was very surprised cos if you've read "Changing in Time," book 2 of Nyx's Extractor trilogy, you'd know that Louie was a minor albeit engaging character that caught Landry's attention. I thought it was a crackin' idea for Nyx to pluck her out of oblivion and give her her own story! Outside-the-box brill! I loved Louie in "Changing." So obviously I couldn't wait to find out what Nyx had in-store for her in this contemporary romance that took her from the streets of Chicago to the heart of country music, Nashville.
I loved Louie. She was such a go-getter, determined to chase after her Nashville dream as a country music songwriter come what may. She had a plan, stuck with it, and faced it head on. Her enthusiasm was palpable. I was cheering her on in me mind! Despite all the hardships in her life, including her past relationship and what she did in the past which Nyx mentioned briefly in passing (an homage to "Change In Time,"perhaps!), Louie had this steadfast positive energy within her, a glass-half-full kind of character, in general. I could feel her zest for living her life in truth above all else which was captivating. I totally related to her. One nuanced moment I enjoyed was Louie's internal visualisation process whenever her mind was muddled by negative thoughts. The level of detail was visually described. It was fascinating to observe, as time and time again throughout the story, I would find Louie in the midst of her visualisation exercise. I thought it highlighted Louie's state of mind with a better understanding of her emotional struggles. Totally relatable.
Heather, the other protagonist, was an intriguing character to explore because of her "baggage". A deeply closeted executive/talent scout working for the biggest label in town, slowly plotting her way to reaching her ultimate dream - creating her own label in a deeply bigoted, misogynistic and exclusive country music industry. From the start, I felt acutely unsettled with her character when she literally had to "lie" about herself, enduring all sorts of homophobic, sexist remarks and behaviour day in, day out in her workplace. Her emotional turmoil and her constant struggle with her sexuality in public were written fervently and with vigour which increased in intensity and urgency since her fated encounter with Louie. It didn't help her dilemma when she found herself attracted to the very out, very obviously queer, butch-looking Louie, who clearly wasn't her type at all! Strange how attraction works, eh? I absolutely enjoyed Heather's naivete about all things related to LGBTQ etiquette, which Nyx crafted with chuckling results especially having to be schooled by her very straight bestie in stuff like gender identity, labelling, etc.. Snigger!
Full Commentary here... In Bugs' Own Words
May 6, 2019
An honest review thanks to NetGalley. For some reason I could not get into this book, it felt monotonous and flat. I did think the author did a good job with the chemistry between Heather and Louie and I found myself skipping page after page to get to their interactions some more. These two actually made the book interesting but it felt like there were twenty plus pages of nothing between their interactions.
January 10, 2019
This book is perfect in so many ways. For a huge fan of country music, this story had all the components to make it like the perfect country song. Heartaches, drama, romance, all the ups and downs of falling in love, betrayal, it had it all!!!
I just adored the story, the characters, and all the emotion poured in to create a romance with the perfect balance of conflict. The characters, Heather, a top Music Exec on Music Row in Nashville, and Louie Francis, a dreamer who wants nothing more than to write her songs and for them to be heard, couldn’t be any more of a contrast. Yet they worked and created a wonderous pair that I couldn’t help but cheer for.
But, it’s not plain sailing. Louie is proud of who she is and Heather is hiding! It’s a lot for them to work through. Throw in the homophobic boss man, and the diva country superstar with a crush and it was all pure drama that had my heart not only racing, but breaking, for both Heather and Louie.
The additional characters, like Louie’s mom, and Gabe who is a really good friend to Louie when she first comes to Nashville are great additions to the story. Heather’s friends and acquaintances bring fun, and even more drama for Louie, because all good country has the dreaded ex, and for Louie hers is that and so much more.
I am honoured to have this book in my collection and will absolutely treasure it. With its references to great country songs, and tackling of subjects of how niche the country music market is for those who don’t fit the stereotype.
I highly recommended this book, not only to country music fans or anyone who loves that scene in Nashville, but to anyone who wants an epic and very heartfelt romance story. This book is for you!
I just adored the story, the characters, and all the emotion poured in to create a romance with the perfect balance of conflict. The characters, Heather, a top Music Exec on Music Row in Nashville, and Louie Francis, a dreamer who wants nothing more than to write her songs and for them to be heard, couldn’t be any more of a contrast. Yet they worked and created a wonderous pair that I couldn’t help but cheer for.
But, it’s not plain sailing. Louie is proud of who she is and Heather is hiding! It’s a lot for them to work through. Throw in the homophobic boss man, and the diva country superstar with a crush and it was all pure drama that had my heart not only racing, but breaking, for both Heather and Louie.
The additional characters, like Louie’s mom, and Gabe who is a really good friend to Louie when she first comes to Nashville are great additions to the story. Heather’s friends and acquaintances bring fun, and even more drama for Louie, because all good country has the dreaded ex, and for Louie hers is that and so much more.
I am honoured to have this book in my collection and will absolutely treasure it. With its references to great country songs, and tackling of subjects of how niche the country music market is for those who don’t fit the stereotype.
I highly recommended this book, not only to country music fans or anyone who loves that scene in Nashville, but to anyone who wants an epic and very heartfelt romance story. This book is for you!
August 1, 2021
Come on down and get lost with the Music City Dreamers. I felt like I went to Nashville for a spell. The idea of behind the scenes interactions intrigued me. Louie is such an enjoyable and relatable character. Her mother is a fantastic supporting character. Louie is a person that is clearly LBGT whereas Heather the record producer is so hidden deep in the closet.
Robyn Nyx gets into the nitty-gritty of what the country music scene is today, very little others breaking through. I felt like I was a fly on the wall listening to some very realistic conversations (homophobia, racism). The flurry and passion that Louie has for song-writing was fascinating. The romance story was Hollywood drama but in Nashville.
I got this an ARC for my honest review.
Jae's SRC
character is a musician
new to you author
Robyn Nyx gets into the nitty-gritty of what the country music scene is today, very little others breaking through. I felt like I was a fly on the wall listening to some very realistic conversations (homophobia, racism). The flurry and passion that Louie has for song-writing was fascinating. The romance story was Hollywood drama but in Nashville.
I got this an ARC for my honest review.
Jae's SRC
character is a musician
new to you author
September 15, 2019
"Music City Dreamers".
I so enjoyed every page, even though I wanted to shake the two main characters, Louie and Heather. I wanted to tell them to just love each other, and not worry about what the music industry thought of their relationship. However, that's just me being a romantic I guess. I also loved how Robyn Nyx uses other characters Gabe, Emma and Louie's mom, to explore and express the main characters thoughts and feelings.
Just a brilliant read. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
I so enjoyed every page, even though I wanted to shake the two main characters, Louie and Heather. I wanted to tell them to just love each other, and not worry about what the music industry thought of their relationship. However, that's just me being a romantic I guess. I also loved how Robyn Nyx uses other characters Gabe, Emma and Louie's mom, to explore and express the main characters thoughts and feelings.
Just a brilliant read. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
January 3, 2019
This is my first time reading a book by Robin Nyx so I went in with zero expectations.
The two main characters are Louie and Heather. Louie has had a rough life and it does help that her ex-girlfriend cleaned out their bank account upon leaving her. Louie is confidant about who she is and travels to Nashville to become a Country song writer. She knows of the homophobia in the country industry, but is not going to change who she is because of it. Heather on the other hand is and exec at one of the Country music record labels. She has worked hard to get where she is and feels that she must stay in the closet to be successful until she is able to open her own record label. There are some other supporting characters (Gabe and Savana) that help shape the book but for this review it's not necessary to mention details about them
Overall i felt the first half of the book was boring. The second half became better for me and saved this romance. During the first half of the book, there was lots of details given out about the past and it made the book move slowly. The second part of the book is where I saw better interaction between the MC's. I could see where the MC's could make a better couple. I enjoyed the theme of the books, it just wasn't enough for me to keep me interested in the entire book.
I rate this one 2.75 so will round to 3.
This ARC was provided by Netgalley and the Publisher for an honest review.
The two main characters are Louie and Heather. Louie has had a rough life and it does help that her ex-girlfriend cleaned out their bank account upon leaving her. Louie is confidant about who she is and travels to Nashville to become a Country song writer. She knows of the homophobia in the country industry, but is not going to change who she is because of it. Heather on the other hand is and exec at one of the Country music record labels. She has worked hard to get where she is and feels that she must stay in the closet to be successful until she is able to open her own record label. There are some other supporting characters (Gabe and Savana) that help shape the book but for this review it's not necessary to mention details about them
Overall i felt the first half of the book was boring. The second half became better for me and saved this romance. During the first half of the book, there was lots of details given out about the past and it made the book move slowly. The second part of the book is where I saw better interaction between the MC's. I could see where the MC's could make a better couple. I enjoyed the theme of the books, it just wasn't enough for me to keep me interested in the entire book.
I rate this one 2.75 so will round to 3.
This ARC was provided by Netgalley and the Publisher for an honest review.
December 19, 2018
This book is about homophobia and racism written within the framework of a romance.
Read the full review @https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
January 27, 2019
I began reading this book because NPR recommended it in a post about romance novels to read in January. Having recently read First Position from Bold Strokes Books, I was incredibly excited to read another story from the imprint. Unfortunately, this one was more of a disappointment.
I felt like I was reading the same sentences over and over again. The characters were constantly explaining themselves and their motivations, but the motivations never shifted. As a result, they both felt whiny and repetitive. It was hard to like the characters much due to that.
The book certainly could've used several more edits, but I think that one thing that is solely contributable to the author is the amount of judgement she projected onto the characters. The author wastes no time assuming that characters only have long hair because society is forcing them to, that the women only wear makeup to work because they have to, and that women who own their sexuality only do so to be manipulative. The only character in this book who the author believes knows who she is would be Louie, who presents more masculine. Anyone who embraces and enjoys femininity is probably wrong or hiding her true self, according to the author.
Throughout this story, anyone who isn't the Louie stereotype is constantly getting crapped on, and in that way, this story doesn't feel very inclusive. It was disappointing to read something so exclusionary from Bold Strokes Books and from an author who is a member of the LGBTQA+ community. The story rags on "long-haireds," being friends before dating someone, keeping your sexuality private because you are trying to pursue a career in a homophobic society, and somehow manages to have a main character so insecure about the way other lesbians view her that she wonders if she is a "card carrying lesbian." At one point, Louie wonders how Heather could choose her five year long career and lifelong goals over their relationship, which is exactly one-date-old. Heather ends up desperately apologizing for it, and nobody ever questions why Louie is expecting that enormous level of commitment from someone she barely is in a relationship with.
I will say that I appreciated the fact that they had motivations other than romance. Both characters had career goals and that gave them things in common. I also appreciated the fact that Louie is a butch main character. There aren't enough of those out there.
The most fun I had was when the characters were at work or talking about work. The least fun I had was when they were together. I legitimately was not rooting for these two, and I'm a huge sucker for romance.
I wish this book had been edited through a few more times, because the subject matter was intriguing enough to keep me reading to the end despite the fact that I was frustrated with each line insulting anyone who wasn't exactly the way the author envisions queer women. Unfortunately, I'm unable to give this book more than two stars, which is hugely disappointing to me. I was rooting for it.
I felt like I was reading the same sentences over and over again. The characters were constantly explaining themselves and their motivations, but the motivations never shifted. As a result, they both felt whiny and repetitive. It was hard to like the characters much due to that.
The book certainly could've used several more edits, but I think that one thing that is solely contributable to the author is the amount of judgement she projected onto the characters. The author wastes no time assuming that characters only have long hair because society is forcing them to, that the women only wear makeup to work because they have to, and that women who own their sexuality only do so to be manipulative. The only character in this book who the author believes knows who she is would be Louie, who presents more masculine. Anyone who embraces and enjoys femininity is probably wrong or hiding her true self, according to the author.
Throughout this story, anyone who isn't the Louie stereotype is constantly getting crapped on, and in that way, this story doesn't feel very inclusive. It was disappointing to read something so exclusionary from Bold Strokes Books and from an author who is a member of the LGBTQA+ community. The story rags on "long-haireds," being friends before dating someone, keeping your sexuality private because you are trying to pursue a career in a homophobic society, and somehow manages to have a main character so insecure about the way other lesbians view her that she wonders if she is a "card carrying lesbian." At one point, Louie wonders how Heather could choose her five year long career and lifelong goals over their relationship, which is exactly one-date-old. Heather ends up desperately apologizing for it, and nobody ever questions why Louie is expecting that enormous level of commitment from someone she barely is in a relationship with.
I will say that I appreciated the fact that they had motivations other than romance. Both characters had career goals and that gave them things in common. I also appreciated the fact that Louie is a butch main character. There aren't enough of those out there.
The most fun I had was when the characters were at work or talking about work. The least fun I had was when they were together. I legitimately was not rooting for these two, and I'm a huge sucker for romance.
I wish this book had been edited through a few more times, because the subject matter was intriguing enough to keep me reading to the end despite the fact that I was frustrated with each line insulting anyone who wasn't exactly the way the author envisions queer women. Unfortunately, I'm unable to give this book more than two stars, which is hugely disappointing to me. I was rooting for it.
August 2, 2021
I really enjoyed Music City Dreamers by Robyn Nyx and found it hard to put down! It tells the story of out and proud butch lesbian Louie Francis as she follows her dream of making it as a song writer in Nashville. Along the way Louie meets new friends, old enemies and the beautiful (but closeted) femme music executive Heather King.
Nyx captures Nashville and the country music business with brutal realism. She doesn’t shy away from the reality of homophobia, racism and sexism within mainstream country music or the workplace. Often lesbian romances take place in a utopian world where being queer is accepted and embraced. Not this book. The exploration of prejudice and the abuse of power is challenging and refreshing. As is Nyx’s exploration of sexual and gender identity. Some might find her treatment a bit heavy handed or simplistic, but I feel she manages to create characters to address this without resorting to stereotypes.
Indeed, the characters are the driving force of the book and the plot. Heather King is a true dichotomy, successful and career minded but paralysed when it comes to loving openly by the narrow-mindedness of the industry she works in and the closet she steadfastly refuses to exit until she has achieved her career goals. She is flawed, weak and infuriating at times, but I felt this added to my ability to relate to her and made her a more believable and likeable character. Heather’s genuine fear and concern about coming out or being outed is something which resonates with me as a Gen X reader, as did the damage the notion of “passing” as straight does to the queer community. Louie is Heather’s total opposite – butch, proud and loyal to a fault. She knows who she is and is happy in her own skin and pronouns! Louie will not compromise her values or beliefs for anyone or her own success. She is the kind of person and role model we should all aspire to be.
Having said this Music City Dreamers is not a heavy book. Despite some angst it is witty, funny and romantic too. The romance between Louie and Heather is a slow burn with real chemistry. My biggest criticism is that I found the end of the book a little rushed and the much awaited sex scene was one-sided and a bit of an anti-climax. Perhaps Nyx is trying to challenge the butch/femme sexual stereotypes so often found in lesbian romances, but I feel strongly that both characters deserve more intimacy and passion. That aside, I’ve thought about this book and the characters a lot since finishing it and I totally recommend reading it, hence five stars.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Nyx captures Nashville and the country music business with brutal realism. She doesn’t shy away from the reality of homophobia, racism and sexism within mainstream country music or the workplace. Often lesbian romances take place in a utopian world where being queer is accepted and embraced. Not this book. The exploration of prejudice and the abuse of power is challenging and refreshing. As is Nyx’s exploration of sexual and gender identity. Some might find her treatment a bit heavy handed or simplistic, but I feel she manages to create characters to address this without resorting to stereotypes.
Indeed, the characters are the driving force of the book and the plot. Heather King is a true dichotomy, successful and career minded but paralysed when it comes to loving openly by the narrow-mindedness of the industry she works in and the closet she steadfastly refuses to exit until she has achieved her career goals. She is flawed, weak and infuriating at times, but I felt this added to my ability to relate to her and made her a more believable and likeable character. Heather’s genuine fear and concern about coming out or being outed is something which resonates with me as a Gen X reader, as did the damage the notion of “passing” as straight does to the queer community. Louie is Heather’s total opposite – butch, proud and loyal to a fault. She knows who she is and is happy in her own skin and pronouns! Louie will not compromise her values or beliefs for anyone or her own success. She is the kind of person and role model we should all aspire to be.
Having said this Music City Dreamers is not a heavy book. Despite some angst it is witty, funny and romantic too. The romance between Louie and Heather is a slow burn with real chemistry. My biggest criticism is that I found the end of the book a little rushed and the much awaited sex scene was one-sided and a bit of an anti-climax. Perhaps Nyx is trying to challenge the butch/femme sexual stereotypes so often found in lesbian romances, but I feel strongly that both characters deserve more intimacy and passion. That aside, I’ve thought about this book and the characters a lot since finishing it and I totally recommend reading it, hence five stars.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 20, 2018
After having all her savings stolen by her ex, Louie Francis, has once again saved up enough money to get her to Nashville and the life she’s been dreaming about – becoming a songwriter to the stars. She no sooner arrives than her waiter invites her to be his housemate and soon thereafter, she is hired to write the songs for the Queen of Country’s next album all the while falling for the closeted executive at one of the record companies, Heather King.
This is my first book by this author, and I wasn’t impressed by the writing. However, her main characters were likable as was Louie’s housemate, Gabe. The rest of the characters were stereotypes of the positions, i.e., the lecherous, racist, and homophobic head of the company and the diva superstar. The setting was unique although the author didn’t give us anything that would make Nashville come alive for those readers who have never been to the city.
This book needed a good editor who could rein in the author’s penchant for over using cliché’s and similes. Some of the latter, like one character being drawn to the other “like white to rice.” Wait. What? I had to stop reading long enough to parse that and decide it made no sense. Her editor should have also deleted half of the many, many usages of Heather’s nickname (for which there was no explanation on how the nickname came about) by her best friend. The latter became simply annoying after awhile.
*Spoiler Alert
The author spends 90% of her book having Heather explain why she can’t see Louie in public because it could jeopardize her career and dash her hopes of owning her own label if the public found out she is lesbian. And yet, in the end, she seemingly decides on the spur of the moment that she doesn’t want to be closeted anymore and, at the drop of a hat, runs to Louie, who has decided she can’t live her life in the closet with someone who betrayed her, but then changes her mind without a second thought. To say that the ending was rushed is putting it mildly.
This is my first book by this author, and I wasn’t impressed by the writing. However, her main characters were likable as was Louie’s housemate, Gabe. The rest of the characters were stereotypes of the positions, i.e., the lecherous, racist, and homophobic head of the company and the diva superstar. The setting was unique although the author didn’t give us anything that would make Nashville come alive for those readers who have never been to the city.
This book needed a good editor who could rein in the author’s penchant for over using cliché’s and similes. Some of the latter, like one character being drawn to the other “like white to rice.” Wait. What? I had to stop reading long enough to parse that and decide it made no sense. Her editor should have also deleted half of the many, many usages of Heather’s nickname (for which there was no explanation on how the nickname came about) by her best friend. The latter became simply annoying after awhile.
*Spoiler Alert
The author spends 90% of her book having Heather explain why she can’t see Louie in public because it could jeopardize her career and dash her hopes of owning her own label if the public found out she is lesbian. And yet, in the end, she seemingly decides on the spur of the moment that she doesn’t want to be closeted anymore and, at the drop of a hat, runs to Louie, who has decided she can’t live her life in the closet with someone who betrayed her, but then changes her mind without a second thought. To say that the ending was rushed is putting it mildly.
January 17, 2019
This is a bit different style then we're used to from Robyn Nyx - a little on the lighter side but still deals with some serious topics. I'm not really a country music person so I have to admit I've never considered the racism and homophobia in the community, it was an eye opening read for sure. It was a really interesting view of a world I know nothing about.
After being dealt a couple of bad hands - Louie finally has enough money to move to Nashville and turn her life around. She's always dreamed of being a songwriter and she's ready to make her big break. Nothing in Nashville comes easy, particularly after sparks fly between her and Heather King, a producer and talent finder for one of the largest record companies in Nashville. Heather is determined to keep her sexuality under wraps, for fear it will ruin her career. Louie isn't about to go back into the closet for just anyone, but it isn't long before Heather means something more to her. Can the two women juggle their career and their budding relationship, or will one of those things crash and burn?
I really enjoyed this book - the characters were all unique and well developed. The dialogue was excellent. The world I know nothing about came to life on the page. Heather and Louie were so good together - their chemistry was tangible and the angst was so good.
I adored the friendship between Louie and Gabe - it's the kind of thing that makes the world go round! And the songs they wrote together came across as so powerful - the emotion really showed and really stole the show for me in this book.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
After being dealt a couple of bad hands - Louie finally has enough money to move to Nashville and turn her life around. She's always dreamed of being a songwriter and she's ready to make her big break. Nothing in Nashville comes easy, particularly after sparks fly between her and Heather King, a producer and talent finder for one of the largest record companies in Nashville. Heather is determined to keep her sexuality under wraps, for fear it will ruin her career. Louie isn't about to go back into the closet for just anyone, but it isn't long before Heather means something more to her. Can the two women juggle their career and their budding relationship, or will one of those things crash and burn?
I really enjoyed this book - the characters were all unique and well developed. The dialogue was excellent. The world I know nothing about came to life on the page. Heather and Louie were so good together - their chemistry was tangible and the angst was so good.
I adored the friendship between Louie and Gabe - it's the kind of thing that makes the world go round! And the songs they wrote together came across as so powerful - the emotion really showed and really stole the show for me in this book.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 26, 2019
Brought back memories of my twenties
I was stuck in bed and instead of "binge watching" tv to pass time, I grabbed my new book by Robyn Nix, "Music City Dreamers" and did a "binge read".
It was such a fun book to read! I read it in one day and can honestly say I "knew" each character from my own youth!
The heart pounding, sweaty hands, tongue tied feeling when you run into the "one" and fall hard and fast!
Louie is a wonderful character! I love her look and her out of the closest honesty. I love Heather and remember the days of working in corporate during my twenties and having the skirt suits and pumps that convinced those around me I was straight; so although out from 17, I "passed" until coworkers were allowed into my friend circle.
Mia; oh my Mia! I knew one too many "Mia's" back then as well!
I love country music; I respected Nix's knowledge of the Nashville scene; and I love that, as an older lesbian, I could easily fall into the book and see myself as part of the story line. I also had an "Emma" (and still do!) that listened to my love dramas!
Fun, fun, read!
This was a far cry from Nix's other body of work (that I am such a BIG fan of!), so I wasn't sure how I would like this different type of story from her; but I did!!
Thank you Robyn, for another great read!
Thank you for your review.
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I was stuck in bed and instead of "binge watching" tv to pass time, I grabbed my new book by Robyn Nix, "Music City Dreamers" and did a "binge read".
It was such a fun book to read! I read it in one day and can honestly say I "knew" each character from my own youth!
The heart pounding, sweaty hands, tongue tied feeling when you run into the "one" and fall hard and fast!
Louie is a wonderful character! I love her look and her out of the closest honesty. I love Heather and remember the days of working in corporate during my twenties and having the skirt suits and pumps that convinced those around me I was straight; so although out from 17, I "passed" until coworkers were allowed into my friend circle.
Mia; oh my Mia! I knew one too many "Mia's" back then as well!
I love country music; I respected Nix's knowledge of the Nashville scene; and I love that, as an older lesbian, I could easily fall into the book and see myself as part of the story line. I also had an "Emma" (and still do!) that listened to my love dramas!
Fun, fun, read!
This was a far cry from Nix's other body of work (that I am such a BIG fan of!), so I wasn't sure how I would like this different type of story from her; but I did!!
Thank you Robyn, for another great read!
Thank you for your review.
Edit
Delete
December 20, 2018
What a lovely romance set in the heart of Nashville's country music scene. Two dreamers are trying to make their way, and this book captures the desire to make your dreams come true, along with all the ethical questions that can come up along the way. It was nice to see a book dealing with questions about gender and how those are still relevant today.
This book is a departure from Nyx's previous work, in that it's a straight-forward romance, and I think she really pulled it off.
I'm a fan of her writing--I think she draws scenes and locations beautifully, and I really liked both characters (I've got a crush on Louie, for sure.) I wasn't sure about Heather at first, but her character arc was really strong and by the end I was rooting for her. Secondary character Gabe is someone you want to squish in a hug. The friendship between them is a fab storyline running alongside the romance, and both relationships deal with real world questions, much like Nyx's other work has.
Definitely recommend. It will be interesting to see what path Nyx takes next, as she's clearly someone who likes to play with different genres.
This book is a departure from Nyx's previous work, in that it's a straight-forward romance, and I think she really pulled it off.
I'm a fan of her writing--I think she draws scenes and locations beautifully, and I really liked both characters (I've got a crush on Louie, for sure.) I wasn't sure about Heather at first, but her character arc was really strong and by the end I was rooting for her. Secondary character Gabe is someone you want to squish in a hug. The friendship between them is a fab storyline running alongside the romance, and both relationships deal with real world questions, much like Nyx's other work has.
Definitely recommend. It will be interesting to see what path Nyx takes next, as she's clearly someone who likes to play with different genres.
September 5, 2019
Not a fan of country music this book was a stretch for me, but oddly not the reason I did not like it.
The story runs the typical romance formula. Everything is roses and sunshine, something kills the roses and blots out the sun, then back to sunny happy people. At least it skipped the part where the main characters don’t like each other at first, but ultimately fall in lust/love.
Problem I had is that the whole way through all that super, wonderful happy time I was expecting something bug and horrible to happen (it wouldn’t be a romance if it didn’t). That dread during the first three quarters of the book, that I was already struggling to get through, was mind numbingly awful.
By the time we get to the good stuff (and honey this book could have faded to black the sex scene wasn’t needed), I found I truly did not care if the two main characters got together or not.
On a positive note it wasn’t bogged down with a bunch of song lyrics and poetry that I would have skipped anyway. With one of the main characters being a song writer that could have been a big thing throughout. Glad it wasn’t.
Just my humble opinion. Thanks to Bold Stroke Books for the ARC.
The story runs the typical romance formula. Everything is roses and sunshine, something kills the roses and blots out the sun, then back to sunny happy people. At least it skipped the part where the main characters don’t like each other at first, but ultimately fall in lust/love.
Problem I had is that the whole way through all that super, wonderful happy time I was expecting something bug and horrible to happen (it wouldn’t be a romance if it didn’t). That dread during the first three quarters of the book, that I was already struggling to get through, was mind numbingly awful.
By the time we get to the good stuff (and honey this book could have faded to black the sex scene wasn’t needed), I found I truly did not care if the two main characters got together or not.
On a positive note it wasn’t bogged down with a bunch of song lyrics and poetry that I would have skipped anyway. With one of the main characters being a song writer that could have been a big thing throughout. Glad it wasn’t.
Just my humble opinion. Thanks to Bold Stroke Books for the ARC.
November 26, 2019
I wasn't sure what to expect from Nyx's foray into writing a story that focused more on romance than it did action. But i wasn't disappointed by the authors efforts.
I'm not a country music fanatic, so a lot of the scene setting in the book was beyond me to a certain extent. I was however already aware that country music is big in the south of America and those states can be fairly conservative. As such i was pleased to see that even with a more romantic genre, Nyx still doesn't turn away from writing about the less savoury aspects of life.
Queue a whole host of interesting topics (homophobia, sexism, racism, gender identities, abuse, coming out, ambitions etc) woven into this love story from beginning to end.
Ultimately, i enjoyed reading this book and i was pleased to find that this story offered something more to get your teeth into other than girl meets girls, falls in love, the end!
The only thing left mulling over in my mind was whether i liked the ending. I'm still note sure if i wanted Louie to tell Heather to go sling her hook or if Heather did indeed deserve a second chance?!? Guess i'll just have to read it again to decide that one!
I'm not a country music fanatic, so a lot of the scene setting in the book was beyond me to a certain extent. I was however already aware that country music is big in the south of America and those states can be fairly conservative. As such i was pleased to see that even with a more romantic genre, Nyx still doesn't turn away from writing about the less savoury aspects of life.
Queue a whole host of interesting topics (homophobia, sexism, racism, gender identities, abuse, coming out, ambitions etc) woven into this love story from beginning to end.
Ultimately, i enjoyed reading this book and i was pleased to find that this story offered something more to get your teeth into other than girl meets girls, falls in love, the end!
The only thing left mulling over in my mind was whether i liked the ending. I'm still note sure if i wanted Louie to tell Heather to go sling her hook or if Heather did indeed deserve a second chance?!? Guess i'll just have to read it again to decide that one!
January 12, 2019
4.5 stars. I've read this author's previous books. This is a bit different than her series, yet still great. I loved Louie. She's the kind of hot woman I'm married to. Heather, I understood, as she grew up and lives in a conservative and controlling environment with parents she'll never measure up for. This book was a sweet exploration on patience for "out" Louie and personal growth for the closeted Heather. Throw in racism and gender stereotyping, with some sexual harrassment and you have quite the sociopolitical storyline. This book has male characters cast traditionally and non traditionally, breaking more stereotypes. This author was able to combine many similar but different issues in one book while maintaining a romantic thread throughout. The best part of the book? I wish Louie's mom could be mine. Worst part? Not a fan of the egg eating scene, lol. But it shows the author's descriptive craft. I will definitely continue reading this author's work. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 12, 2019
What a wonderful surprise!
Such a change of direction for this talented author, sci-fi fiction, edgy, hard erotica and frankly brutal characters to this delightfully soft and relatable love story.
Once I got into the story I didn’t want to put it down I was so desperate to find what how it all ends up: careers, love lives, reputations, dreams. At points I wanted to punch two of the characters for being so career minded when I wanted them to think about long term happiness instead of career success and at times I wanted to take the other lead character in my own arms and take her for my own.
I loved the portrayal of different modern lesbian identities and how comfortable the characters were in their own skin. I loved that I could relate to one of the lead character’s difficulties understanding identities and not being sure how to behave around them.
A triumph, I hope to read more romance novels by the wonderful Robyn Nyx.
Such a change of direction for this talented author, sci-fi fiction, edgy, hard erotica and frankly brutal characters to this delightfully soft and relatable love story.
Once I got into the story I didn’t want to put it down I was so desperate to find what how it all ends up: careers, love lives, reputations, dreams. At points I wanted to punch two of the characters for being so career minded when I wanted them to think about long term happiness instead of career success and at times I wanted to take the other lead character in my own arms and take her for my own.
I loved the portrayal of different modern lesbian identities and how comfortable the characters were in their own skin. I loved that I could relate to one of the lead character’s difficulties understanding identities and not being sure how to behave around them.
A triumph, I hope to read more romance novels by the wonderful Robyn Nyx.
July 24, 2021
musician
I really enjoyed the characters. I come from a musical family and I know how cutthroat the music business is in Nashville. Now a days it is all about making a buck & not the actual music. Plus Nashville has become notorious for excluding everything but white men very openly in the last 10 years. That is why you see so many great artists under the Americana Music Flag now. Nashville seems to be trying to polish their image with adding some black and female artists now. How many women in the top 10 or 20?
But back to this book, I thought it was great at exposing that sometime people make a choice to put their careers first for a while and then once they are successful they can come out of the closet. However that choice can be a double edge sword.
I love when characters stand up for their dreams and for love.
I would recommend this book.
I really enjoyed the characters. I come from a musical family and I know how cutthroat the music business is in Nashville. Now a days it is all about making a buck & not the actual music. Plus Nashville has become notorious for excluding everything but white men very openly in the last 10 years. That is why you see so many great artists under the Americana Music Flag now. Nashville seems to be trying to polish their image with adding some black and female artists now. How many women in the top 10 or 20?
But back to this book, I thought it was great at exposing that sometime people make a choice to put their careers first for a while and then once they are successful they can come out of the closet. However that choice can be a double edge sword.
I love when characters stand up for their dreams and for love.
I would recommend this book.
July 26, 2024
Nashville dreams!
This is my first book from Robyn Nyx and I enjoyed her characters and writing style very much. It appears the author gets into the nitty gritty of the country music scene in Nashville taking us behind the scenes. The pairing of Heather, a closeted lesbian music exec and Louie, an out and proud butch songwriter made for a great story. It's so unfortunate that today, in 2024, people still can't be who they are if they are going to be completely accepted.
It's truly a heartwarming story with authentic main characters that I was really rooting for and very interesting secondary characters, some of them such beautiful humans; such as, Gabe, Louie's roommate, Emma, Heather's best friend, and Louie's wonderfully supportive mother. This is a terrific book that I highly recommend!
This is my first book from Robyn Nyx and I enjoyed her characters and writing style very much. It appears the author gets into the nitty gritty of the country music scene in Nashville taking us behind the scenes. The pairing of Heather, a closeted lesbian music exec and Louie, an out and proud butch songwriter made for a great story. It's so unfortunate that today, in 2024, people still can't be who they are if they are going to be completely accepted.
It's truly a heartwarming story with authentic main characters that I was really rooting for and very interesting secondary characters, some of them such beautiful humans; such as, Gabe, Louie's roommate, Emma, Heather's best friend, and Louie's wonderfully supportive mother. This is a terrific book that I highly recommend!
February 26, 2019
A big thank you to Net Galley for sending me this book to read.
Now this is a really hard one for me because I absolutely loved the story but I didn’t really connect with the characters...
Don’t get me wrong, I loved them, I loved Louie, Heather and Gabe but I found myself screaming through most of the book In frustration because I just wanted Heather to be true to herself!
There were a lot of strange stereotypes in this book such as apparently lesbians and threesomes is a very popular thing 🤷🏼♀️😂.
I don’t know, like I said I absolutely loved the story but there were just some things I couldn’t get over and couldn’t connect with..
Now this is a really hard one for me because I absolutely loved the story but I didn’t really connect with the characters...
Don’t get me wrong, I loved them, I loved Louie, Heather and Gabe but I found myself screaming through most of the book In frustration because I just wanted Heather to be true to herself!
There were a lot of strange stereotypes in this book such as apparently lesbians and threesomes is a very popular thing 🤷🏼♀️😂.
I don’t know, like I said I absolutely loved the story but there were just some things I couldn’t get over and couldn’t connect with..
December 23, 2018
I found this book interesting, good romance, but too long.
I am a fan of Ms Nyx, for her writing and her way of describing her protagonists, as well as her hiring. Louie is extraordinary in his way of living his homosexuality and his way of assuming it. Heather's character is more ambiguous and diffuse at first to love.
I found the lesson about gender too supportive, and moved, Louie being a lesbian butch.
This book is too long and in addition, its end is rushed.
The cover is amazing for its colors and its simple but revealing design.
A book to read without any hesitation.
I am a fan of Ms Nyx, for her writing and her way of describing her protagonists, as well as her hiring. Louie is extraordinary in his way of living his homosexuality and his way of assuming it. Heather's character is more ambiguous and diffuse at first to love.
I found the lesson about gender too supportive, and moved, Louie being a lesbian butch.
This book is too long and in addition, its end is rushed.
The cover is amazing for its colors and its simple but revealing design.
A book to read without any hesitation.
January 3, 2019
This book is a very good reminder that the longer you stay in the closet the scary it is to leave, because it’s hard to remember who you really are and not who you’ve pretended to be. Masks gradually penetrate your skin and become you. At the same time, being out and proud still isn’t easy and often compromises have to be made until you feel you are ready. This story is a lovely celebration of all of this. A good, heartwarming read for the new year.
January 3, 2019
Very nice story about two very different women. Portrayed the things I love and hate about living in the South. Never before have I wanted to punch a fictional character as much as I did two in this book. But a secondary character, Gabe, is the sweetest guy ever. The entire topic made me pick up my bass and play some Johnny Cash. Nice style change for the author, and I look forward to more in this subgenre.
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