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For Love or Music
They’ll discover the key to love in this scripted multi-cast romance with an immersive soundscape.
Sadie and Max fell in love while training to be classical pianists in music school, and they’ve been chasing their dreams together ever since. Now they’ve gotten engaged and are on the verge of a bright future—until an unexpected twist throws them out of harmony. When they’re both finalists in the prestigious Van Cage piano competition, they go from being each other’s biggest fans to fierce rivals. The winner will be launched into a meteoric career as a concert pianist, but only one can take first place. Now Max and Sadie face the ultimate test. What will come first—love or their dreams?
Sadie and Max fell in love while training to be classical pianists in music school, and they’ve been chasing their dreams together ever since. Now they’ve gotten engaged and are on the verge of a bright future—until an unexpected twist throws them out of harmony. When they’re both finalists in the prestigious Van Cage piano competition, they go from being each other’s biggest fans to fierce rivals. The winner will be launched into a meteoric career as a concert pianist, but only one can take first place. Now Max and Sadie face the ultimate test. What will come first—love or their dreams?
Audiobook
Published April 28, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
May 30, 2022
divorce, babes. divorce.
December 11, 2022
3,5 stars
August 22, 2022
Read via audible plus (narrated by Piper Goodeve, Kris Koscheski, Hollis McCarthy, Abby Craden, Natasha Soudek, Jozef Szabo, Sarah Beth Pfifer, A.T. Chandler, Vikas Adam, and Sam Breen).
April 7, 2023
lol what this was awful
February 5, 2025
Review 12/22/22:
Extremely entertaining audioplay
This romance between two brilliant pianists was really fun to listen to. Though the story is relatively short, it has a complete plot with a satisfying HEA.
I am always thrilled whenever Audible releases a full cast production. All of the actors performing in this release have done a fabulous job. The classical pianist is terrific, and the sound effects in the background throughout are extremely well done.
Bravo!!
Re-listen to audioplay 2/5/25: This audioplay was definitely worth listening to again. I greatly enjoyed it. The piano music is provided by the extremely talented pianist, Carl Patrick Bolleia. It is a wonderful addition to the overall multicast performance.
Extremely entertaining audioplay
This romance between two brilliant pianists was really fun to listen to. Though the story is relatively short, it has a complete plot with a satisfying HEA.
I am always thrilled whenever Audible releases a full cast production. All of the actors performing in this release have done a fabulous job. The classical pianist is terrific, and the sound effects in the background throughout are extremely well done.
Bravo!!
Re-listen to audioplay 2/5/25: This audioplay was definitely worth listening to again. I greatly enjoyed it. The piano music is provided by the extremely talented pianist, Carl Patrick Bolleia. It is a wonderful addition to the overall multicast performance.
September 9, 2024
This is a really cute, short audiobook. I could relate to the characters because I'm a musician who has always dated other musicians. I can understand and appreciate the complications between the couple in this book.
November 2, 2023
Most dysfunctional relationship.
May 16, 2024
Okay i get why people hate this story.
Engaged couple fighting against eachother in a competition.
He has been preparing for years, she is starting out only.
His coach is a nice man, her coach gives me evil villain vibes.
She didn't tell him about applying for the competition because "everything is all about him"
He doesn't take her as a worthy opponent, her feelings are hurt.
They drift apart during the time of completion, he tries to make amends, her coach shuts them down.
Unnecessary information about her coach's anxiety strictness and meddling in their life.
He is selfish and self absorbed, she is her coach's puppet.
His sister with cancer is having an operation he decides to quit at final but she presude him to compete.
She wins and there was no epilogue about a happy marriage
By all these you read tell me, don't you feel sorry for the guy i did.That didn't make me a non feminist, but still the story is plotted in a way that you feel like ypu should be rooting for the underdog which clearly is the guy.
They could have announced two winners or atleast should have gave him a second prize
Not worth a reread bad story
Engaged couple fighting against eachother in a competition.
He has been preparing for years, she is starting out only.
His coach is a nice man, her coach gives me evil villain vibes.
She didn't tell him about applying for the competition because "everything is all about him"
He doesn't take her as a worthy opponent, her feelings are hurt.
They drift apart during the time of completion, he tries to make amends, her coach shuts them down.
Unnecessary information about her coach's anxiety strictness and meddling in their life.
He is selfish and self absorbed, she is her coach's puppet.
His sister with cancer is having an operation he decides to quit at final but she presude him to compete.
She wins and there was no epilogue about a happy marriage
By all these you read tell me, don't you feel sorry for the guy i did.That didn't make me a non feminist, but still the story is plotted in a way that you feel like ypu should be rooting for the underdog which clearly is the guy.
They could have announced two winners or atleast should have gave him a second prize
Not worth a reread bad story
August 16, 2022
3.5 stars
I'm rating this based on enjoyment rather than plot because I was entertained throughout the audiobook. Loved the cast and the production, but my biggest issue was Max. I did not like Max and the ending did not redeem him completely. Also I can imagine this as a movie.
I'm rating this based on enjoyment rather than plot because I was entertained throughout the audiobook. Loved the cast and the production, but my biggest issue was Max. I did not like Max and the ending did not redeem him completely. Also I can imagine this as a movie.
June 25, 2022
Not my fave in terms of plot. Loved the cast though.
December 20, 2023
A cute little audiobook!
January 2, 2024
I see a divorce in their future. Near future.
November 26, 2024
3.5⭐️
May 9, 2023
They should have had more piano!! But a very sweet story of musicians.
August 8, 2023
Yikes. Definitely not for me. The story was really bad. Thankfully, it was short, only 1 hour 42 minutes and then I sped it up to double time just to get through it. Not even going to bother with a full review, just that the male main character was highly unlikable and too immature and selfish to be in a relationship, let alone get married. The narrators did a good job though. Included in Audible Plus catalog but I don't recommend it.
January 21, 2025
It's such a cute story. Predictable ending, but sometimes you need a good feel story!
May 11, 2022
I really love Julie Lipson's multi-cast audioplays. They're rich with world building and engage more than one of your senses as you experience the story. Her first one Snow Day put me right in the middle of an Alpine village on Christmas Eve. I felt like I was really experiencing that culture, it was so well produced. This one, For Love Or Music, features ten, count 'em TEN narrators and one piano virtuoso Carl Patrick Bolleia. I'm telling you, Audible puts money into these audioplays.
This story of an engaged couple who are competing against each other in a high level piano competition explores the drive, ruthlessness, and hidden agendas that might strain a relationship if it isn't protected and prioritized. How this couple resolves that for themselves is the essence of the story that brings out quite an array of emotions in a mere one hour, forty two minutes. And the music! Even the short snippets that we got were dazzling.
This is another great Audible Original production of a lovely story by a very talented writer (who also happens to be an accomplished pianist). I look forward to listening to more of Julie Lipson's work brought to life.
This story of an engaged couple who are competing against each other in a high level piano competition explores the drive, ruthlessness, and hidden agendas that might strain a relationship if it isn't protected and prioritized. How this couple resolves that for themselves is the essence of the story that brings out quite an array of emotions in a mere one hour, forty two minutes. And the music! Even the short snippets that we got were dazzling.
This is another great Audible Original production of a lovely story by a very talented writer (who also happens to be an accomplished pianist). I look forward to listening to more of Julie Lipson's work brought to life.
June 12, 2022
Unbelievably hokey. This is a multi cast production with no narration. It has intermittent piano selections. I found it hard to take this seriously, it was so ridiculous. The storyline was contrived and the constant miscommunications were annoying. The ending was ridiculous as well. If you win a competition, you are contractually bound to that agreement unless you step down. Just thrown together to be a feel good romance. Ugh!
January 26, 2023
Just… terrible.
The female protagonist was a terrible character. I actively disliked her. The male protagonist was fine, but like wallpaper. Fiona was somehow one dimensional, horrible, and vulnerable. Pavil was the only decent non-bland one of the bunch. And his only characteristic was “supportive”. The plot was flimsy and predictable. Honestly the classical music was the only redeeming quality.
The female protagonist was a terrible character. I actively disliked her. The male protagonist was fine, but like wallpaper. Fiona was somehow one dimensional, horrible, and vulnerable. Pavil was the only decent non-bland one of the bunch. And his only characteristic was “supportive”. The plot was flimsy and predictable. Honestly the classical music was the only redeeming quality.
December 1, 2022
Story was cute but the narration was annoying and obnoxious. Within the first 5 minutes, I had heard the word “babe” more times than I cared to hear. I’m glad this short story was less than 2 hours. Honestly, I’m surprised I didn’t DNF it. There were several characters I found annoying. Fiona topped the list.
October 20, 2023
I’ve gotta say, both of the MC’s annoyed the crap out of me. She was kind of a b**** and he was a doof. Idk if it was the narrator’s voice, the way he delivered lines, or the writing, that made Max the most unattractive man. Also, without giving any spoilers, I totally think the other person should have won the competition.
April 21, 2023
For Love or Music is the first romance I’ve ever read in which the couple is already together and happily so. When we first meet Max and Sadie, they’re a cute couple who is just getting engaged. But their celebration quickly devolves into worry about how their relationship can withstand this new hurdle: They’ve both been accepted as finalists in a prestigious piano competition. Both of their music careers are on the line… and so is their love for each other. Competing against each other may be more strain than their relationship can handle.
I personally love music, maybe more than most. In For Love or Music, music takes center stage. I love hearing about how passionate both Sadie and Max are about music, piano, and playing. And in this audiobook version, I love getting to hear snippets of Sadie and Max playing piano, from practicing to their final performances in the competition. It brings their story feel that much more palpable. (This audiobook also features other sounds, like of cell phone ringtones and heels clicking on a stage in a quiet auditorium.)
Both Sadie and Max are likable characters, even in the midst of their frustration during the competition. I also enjoyed the supporting characters, from their respective piano coaches to their family members to the persistent radio interviewer. (Danny may actually be my favorite character!) They each have their own lives, personalities, and hurdles to overcome, adding extra dimension to the book, even with its short duration. All of the voice actors did a wonderful job in bringing their respective characters to life.
Although I could have done without the brief makeup and immediate renewal of anger later on in the book, this is an enjoyable story of a couple working through a trying scenario.
For Love or Music is a sweet and realistic love story between two likable people thrown into an unusual test. I love the music and appreciate how the characters navigate the competition and their relationship. It’s only an hour and 42 minutes, but it packs in a vivid and memorable romance.
* Please read my full review on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! *
I personally love music, maybe more than most. In For Love or Music, music takes center stage. I love hearing about how passionate both Sadie and Max are about music, piano, and playing. And in this audiobook version, I love getting to hear snippets of Sadie and Max playing piano, from practicing to their final performances in the competition. It brings their story feel that much more palpable. (This audiobook also features other sounds, like of cell phone ringtones and heels clicking on a stage in a quiet auditorium.)
Both Sadie and Max are likable characters, even in the midst of their frustration during the competition. I also enjoyed the supporting characters, from their respective piano coaches to their family members to the persistent radio interviewer. (Danny may actually be my favorite character!) They each have their own lives, personalities, and hurdles to overcome, adding extra dimension to the book, even with its short duration. All of the voice actors did a wonderful job in bringing their respective characters to life.
Although I could have done without the brief makeup and immediate renewal of anger later on in the book, this is an enjoyable story of a couple working through a trying scenario.
For Love or Music is a sweet and realistic love story between two likable people thrown into an unusual test. I love the music and appreciate how the characters navigate the competition and their relationship. It’s only an hour and 42 minutes, but it packs in a vivid and memorable romance.
* Please read my full review on my blog, Amanda's Book Corner! *
December 2, 2025
This short story has nothing but dialogue in it. This is the second book that I listen to that has nothing but dialogue. But it was a full cast production. The cast did really well. It made me think that I was watching a movie with no picture. It reminded me of another story that I listen to. It was After The Fairy Tale. I did a book review on that. Click here for the book review. All of the actors performing in this release have done a wonderful job. The sound effects were good and the classical pianist is terrific. All of it was well done.
The story was a couple entered a competition. The girlfriend knew that her man had entered it. Behind his back, she entered into it. The boyfriend has been preparing for years for this competition. She has only started out. I did not like her coach. I felt like she wanted the girlfriend to break up with her boyfriend or something. The girlfriend did not tell her man that she entered the competition. They drift apart during the time of completion. He tries to make amends but her coach shuts them down. Her coach likes to meddle in her lift.
There is no narration in this audio book. There are some kissing scenes and that is it. It is a clean romance. The only indication that they were kissing were kissing sounds and that’s it. I think I am going to start to read the review before I listen to an audio book from now on. It was a cute story and all. These type of audio books are not for me. But I might give one more a chance. I don’t like to DNF an audio book.
The story was a couple entered a competition. The girlfriend knew that her man had entered it. Behind his back, she entered into it. The boyfriend has been preparing for years for this competition. She has only started out. I did not like her coach. I felt like she wanted the girlfriend to break up with her boyfriend or something. The girlfriend did not tell her man that she entered the competition. They drift apart during the time of completion. He tries to make amends but her coach shuts them down. Her coach likes to meddle in her lift.
There is no narration in this audio book. There are some kissing scenes and that is it. It is a clean romance. The only indication that they were kissing were kissing sounds and that’s it. I think I am going to start to read the review before I listen to an audio book from now on. It was a cute story and all. These type of audio books are not for me. But I might give one more a chance. I don’t like to DNF an audio book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2022
For Love Or Music by Julie Lipson 1 hour and 42 minutes performed by Piper Goodeve, Kris Koscheski, Hollis McCarthy, Abby Craden, Natasha Soudek, Jozef Szabo, Sarah Beth Pfifer, A. T. Chandler, Vikas Adam, and Sam Been and a Full Cast
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Audiobook
Featuring: Seattle, Austin, Pianists, Drama, Audible Originals
Rating as a movie: PG-13 for innuendo
My rating: ⭐⭐
My thoughts: 18% - I already don't like Max.
69% - Meh
I thought the production was great. It felt like I was watching a real movie compared to previous encounters where it was like watching a movie on a television without a picture. The problem was is was a Hallmark movie with terrible acting and a mediocre script. I think 50% of the story was music and sound affects. I didn't like Max so I didn't care what happened to him. I don't know how you get Sadie from Cassandra, that was a first, but she wasn't great either. The ending was very predictable, but it's a given when you throw in romance.
Recommend to others?: Maybe. I wasn't impressed, but I could see some romantics enjoying the variety.
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Audiobook
Featuring: Seattle, Austin, Pianists, Drama, Audible Originals
Rating as a movie: PG-13 for innuendo
My rating: ⭐⭐
My thoughts: 18% - I already don't like Max.
69% - Meh
I thought the production was great. It felt like I was watching a real movie compared to previous encounters where it was like watching a movie on a television without a picture. The problem was is was a Hallmark movie with terrible acting and a mediocre script. I think 50% of the story was music and sound affects. I didn't like Max so I didn't care what happened to him. I don't know how you get Sadie from Cassandra, that was a first, but she wasn't great either. The ending was very predictable, but it's a given when you throw in romance.
Recommend to others?: Maybe. I wasn't impressed, but I could see some romantics enjoying the variety.
January 22, 2023
Musical multi-cast audiobooks definitely have a lot to offer and I'm always looking forward to it , but this one in particular the first time around I actually DNF'd it right away because of the cheesy dialogue and I knew I'd have to be in a certain mood for something like this where I would have to turn a blind eye ( or ear ) to the cheesy dialogue.
The second time around I found about the conflict caused by the music and I was like " hmm , spicy drama .. I'm all for it". The second conflict seemed a bit hasty but overall I thought the performance was good.
Plot was ok and I liked seeing the conflict arising from both people wanting to move forward in their career. It's a bit tame , had it been a story set in Indian background I think it would have had the spice it needed .
But that's just me nitpicking , I thought the audiobook overall was good fun. Being the genre it is I don't think I'll re-listen to it tho.
The second time around I found about the conflict caused by the music and I was like " hmm , spicy drama .. I'm all for it". The second conflict seemed a bit hasty but overall I thought the performance was good.
Plot was ok and I liked seeing the conflict arising from both people wanting to move forward in their career. It's a bit tame , had it been a story set in Indian background I think it would have had the spice it needed .
But that's just me nitpicking , I thought the audiobook overall was good fun. Being the genre it is I don't think I'll re-listen to it tho.
August 27, 2023
This audiobook is.... fine. The performances are good, the production value is top notch, and the story. The story is okay, It is completely about two people two caught up in their own stress to properly communicate. And there are several moments where you feel they might finally talk to each other, but something (usually one of their coaches) intervenes. That's not great, but without conflict there isn't much story. So fine.
I have seen several reviews lambasting either Max or Sadie. I found them both to be pretty realistic. No, they don't act perfectly toward each other. But do any of us. On the other hand, their inability as a couple "in love" to properly communicate does grate on you.
Bottom line: This is a short novella that is free with Audible+. The story is sweet even when the characters get annoying. And there is good piano playing to boot. It is hardly life changing, but if you need a brief romance with music, this will do.
I have seen several reviews lambasting either Max or Sadie. I found them both to be pretty realistic. No, they don't act perfectly toward each other. But do any of us. On the other hand, their inability as a couple "in love" to properly communicate does grate on you.
Bottom line: This is a short novella that is free with Audible+. The story is sweet even when the characters get annoying. And there is good piano playing to boot. It is hardly life changing, but if you need a brief romance with music, this will do.
May 22, 2022
This audiobook was so brilliantly produced!
The main romance, for how short the story was, was fraught with external conflict that took away from my enjoyment of the couple's relationship.
Nevertheless, this was a really fun listen - I especially enjoyed the radio snippets (Ron Butler's narration was EXCELLENT) and other multimedia aspects, including the excerpts of the piano pieces Sadie and Max would practise. The case of narrators and sound effects added a touch of realism that made this feel a lot like a radio play! Definitely recommended!
The main romance, for how short the story was, was fraught with external conflict that took away from my enjoyment of the couple's relationship.
Nevertheless, this was a really fun listen - I especially enjoyed the radio snippets (Ron Butler's narration was EXCELLENT) and other multimedia aspects, including the excerpts of the piano pieces Sadie and Max would practise. The case of narrators and sound effects added a touch of realism that made this feel a lot like a radio play! Definitely recommended!
January 31, 2024
2.5 stars - I enjoyed the narration and audio production as well as the Hallmark-y vibe. But that’s pretty much it. All of the characters in this were unlikeable to varying degrees. But there was no one I disliked more than the mmc. He came off as such a sulky selfish manchild and I don’t buy the character growth he supposedly had all on his lonesome. Both the mmc and fmc need individual therapy in addition to couples therapy. And even if that happens, my prediction for a hypothetical bonus epilogue is divorce.
April 10, 2024
I give this 2.5 it was nice I enjoyed it overall there were some small parts I didn’t love but overall it was nice and cute it really does show how things can be if you’re competing against someone you love because it can get hard but if you truly love each other than you can pull through but I still can’t believe something he said even if it wasn’t to her face that made me a little mad but I guess that second thing he said was really cute and sweet but idk was just weird he said that
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2024
Sadie and Max are each others biggest fans. They're both amazing piano players. Max is waiting to find out of he will be in the biggest competition of his career. When he goes home to tell Sadie the great news he's got by the news she applied too. He struggles and they take a break. It effects both of them both mood and playing ability. They agree to be two against the world, if one wins they both win. But they get the best result possible once the winners are announced.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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