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The Newton Family #1
Strummed
The countdown is over.
Harlin Cox had one year to make it as a famous singer or succumb to the wishes of her boyfriend and become his boring trophy wife. It’s the last day of the year, but giving up just doesn’t feel right. The stars align and it just may be time for hers to shine.
Tru Newton, a singer from the hood, is R&B and hip hop personified. His career has been full steam ahead, but the possibility of its ending is constantly looming. Just when he thought his career had peaked, he meets the stunning singer who’ll help him get to the next level professionally and romantically. However, envy and jealousy lurk in the shadows, threatening to end both in the blink of an eye.
Harlin’s interest is piqued by the rude yet handsome singer who can catapult her career; but also hold the keys to her heart. Can they get past the bumps in the road to see it come to fruition?
Harlin Cox had one year to make it as a famous singer or succumb to the wishes of her boyfriend and become his boring trophy wife. It’s the last day of the year, but giving up just doesn’t feel right. The stars align and it just may be time for hers to shine.
Tru Newton, a singer from the hood, is R&B and hip hop personified. His career has been full steam ahead, but the possibility of its ending is constantly looming. Just when he thought his career had peaked, he meets the stunning singer who’ll help him get to the next level professionally and romantically. However, envy and jealousy lurk in the shadows, threatening to end both in the blink of an eye.
Harlin’s interest is piqued by the rude yet handsome singer who can catapult her career; but also hold the keys to her heart. Can they get past the bumps in the road to see it come to fruition?
315 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 5, 2022
200 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
About the author
Iesha Bree
52 books223 followersIf you haven't read a novel by Iesha Bree, you can expect to read about bold independent women and Smooth, Charming Men ready to mend broken hearts. Each novel penned to heal and show each woman they're worthy of love.
I am an Indie Author! So be on the lookout for that!! Cover Designer, and reader. I have been reading all types of books by many different authors for years and I just love the idea of love so I decided I should share what I dream and hope to have someday! I'm also a military brat, so I always have this itch to travel to a new place that's another one of my passions.
I have a book club if you're interested in getting sneak peeks to my new books, as well as participate in deep book discussions, and my character introductions to new series! lookup
I am an Indie Author! So be on the lookout for that!! Cover Designer, and reader. I have been reading all types of books by many different authors for years and I just love the idea of love so I decided I should share what I dream and hope to have someday! I'm also a military brat, so I always have this itch to travel to a new place that's another one of my passions.
I have a book club if you're interested in getting sneak peeks to my new books, as well as participate in deep book discussions, and my character introductions to new series! lookup
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
November 13, 2022
Interesting Story
Strummed was able to keep my attention….this was the story of two musicians developing a personal and professional relationship….the story also include Their best friends get together as well…interesting dynamic
Strummed was able to keep my attention….this was the story of two musicians developing a personal and professional relationship….the story also include Their best friends get together as well…interesting dynamic
November 9, 2022
Most kids from the ghetto have hopes and dreams. Dreams of making it out of the hood and being able to provide for their family. Some are successful in turning their dreams into a reality, but most are not. And when one sets their sights on a career in the music industry, sometimes that makes the dream that much more unattainable. Tru Newton was successful in attaining his dream, but impending doom was on the horizon. When fate places an angel with bright red hair in his path, things are looking up for him. Life has hardened him, and relationships just aren't his thing, but something about Harlin Cox has him ready to risk it all. Strummed is an unconventional love story that helps not only the characters, but also readers, realize sometimes what want is exactly what you need. "Once you've been strummed, you never go back."
Struman "Tru" Newton isn't your typical R&B bad boy. He's hood in just about every sense of the word. "I pulled my nine from the back of my jeans and cocked it for good measure." Raised in the streets of hard knocks, he's found a way to get him and his family out of the hood. But the music industry is fickle, and his record label needs his next album to pop, or his career may be a thing of the past. When his manager hears a red headed beauty by the name of Harlin perform, he knows the exact way he's going to get Tru back in the game. The only obstacles in his way of his rise back to the top is his attraction to Harlin, and his attitude. "I couldn't really read her, but I damn sure couldn't stop the way my eyes ate up every inch of her." With him being so unfamiliar with relationships, it was very interesting to read how this unfolded.
Harlin Cox packed up her bags and gave herself a year to get her foot in the door of the music industry. With her boyfriend Tonio banking on her failure, things just didn't seem to be worth her continuing to try. When she's approached by James, Tru's manager, she's slightly discouraged when she realizes that he's only interested in her song writing ability, not her vocal skills. When her friend Laine convinces her that this is still an opportunity of a lifetime, she forces herself to look at the glass half full. Once she's in the studio with Tru, not even his rude behavior can calm the sexual tension brewing between the two. "I hated the power he continued to work over my body. It didn't hurt that he was an asshole." With one foot still in her relationship with Tonio and another tiptoeing towards Tru, Harlin may not be able to handle all that life is throwing her way.
When Iesha reached out to me on reviewing this book, I was a little hesitant. I didn't have as much time as I would've liked, and I was in the midst of birthday celebrations. But from the moment I read the first chapter, I was so glad she did. Once I started reading, it was as if the pages were flipping themselves. I couldn't wait to see how things would go with these characters. Initially, I was confused on how to feel about Tru, but as the story progressed, him and his rude ways had become enjoyable to read, and I found myself rooting for him and Harlin. There is a subsequent storyline that takes place as well in the book with Harlin's best friend, Laine, and Tru's best friend Rocko. Their story was equally entertaining to read but doesn't over shadow the main characters. The storyline paired with the dope cover made this a five star read for me. When I finished, I was left feeling just like Tru said, "You've just been strummed." Great job Iesha!
Struman "Tru" Newton isn't your typical R&B bad boy. He's hood in just about every sense of the word. "I pulled my nine from the back of my jeans and cocked it for good measure." Raised in the streets of hard knocks, he's found a way to get him and his family out of the hood. But the music industry is fickle, and his record label needs his next album to pop, or his career may be a thing of the past. When his manager hears a red headed beauty by the name of Harlin perform, he knows the exact way he's going to get Tru back in the game. The only obstacles in his way of his rise back to the top is his attraction to Harlin, and his attitude. "I couldn't really read her, but I damn sure couldn't stop the way my eyes ate up every inch of her." With him being so unfamiliar with relationships, it was very interesting to read how this unfolded.
Harlin Cox packed up her bags and gave herself a year to get her foot in the door of the music industry. With her boyfriend Tonio banking on her failure, things just didn't seem to be worth her continuing to try. When she's approached by James, Tru's manager, she's slightly discouraged when she realizes that he's only interested in her song writing ability, not her vocal skills. When her friend Laine convinces her that this is still an opportunity of a lifetime, she forces herself to look at the glass half full. Once she's in the studio with Tru, not even his rude behavior can calm the sexual tension brewing between the two. "I hated the power he continued to work over my body. It didn't hurt that he was an asshole." With one foot still in her relationship with Tonio and another tiptoeing towards Tru, Harlin may not be able to handle all that life is throwing her way.
When Iesha reached out to me on reviewing this book, I was a little hesitant. I didn't have as much time as I would've liked, and I was in the midst of birthday celebrations. But from the moment I read the first chapter, I was so glad she did. Once I started reading, it was as if the pages were flipping themselves. I couldn't wait to see how things would go with these characters. Initially, I was confused on how to feel about Tru, but as the story progressed, him and his rude ways had become enjoyable to read, and I found myself rooting for him and Harlin. There is a subsequent storyline that takes place as well in the book with Harlin's best friend, Laine, and Tru's best friend Rocko. Their story was equally entertaining to read but doesn't over shadow the main characters. The storyline paired with the dope cover made this a five star read for me. When I finished, I was left feeling just like Tru said, "You've just been strummed." Great job Iesha!
November 27, 2022
Strummed was a really good story! I liked the flow of the story and the characters. I found myself rooting for Harlin to get her big break because she definitely deserved it.
Harlin took a chance on herself to make it in a new city as a singer & songwriter. Now, her significant other and mother really set her up- giving her one year to make her dreams a reality or go back home. What?! It was an unrealistic expectation and I felt bad for Harlin. When Tru was introduced, we were not friends- he was mean and a little bitter. He needed to be humbled and Harlin did just that. My girl was not with the games and wasn’t going to belittle herself to stroke Tru’s ego. What I did like what Tru knew from the beginning that Harlin was it for him and I was here for it!! He went above and beyond to stake his claim on her- but he had to work for it!
I also really liked the co-characters, Rocko and Laine, they brought an extra layer to the story that I appreciated. It was a good balance because Tru and Harlin was a lot at times. I loved that Rocko believed in Laine’s dreams and didn’t mind, “paying it forward” the same as Tru did for him.
This was my first time reading this authors work and I enjoyed her writing style. I wish there was more performances and insight on Harlin and Tru, as performers but the ending definitely made up for that- it was beautiful.
Harlin took a chance on herself to make it in a new city as a singer & songwriter. Now, her significant other and mother really set her up- giving her one year to make her dreams a reality or go back home. What?! It was an unrealistic expectation and I felt bad for Harlin. When Tru was introduced, we were not friends- he was mean and a little bitter. He needed to be humbled and Harlin did just that. My girl was not with the games and wasn’t going to belittle herself to stroke Tru’s ego. What I did like what Tru knew from the beginning that Harlin was it for him and I was here for it!! He went above and beyond to stake his claim on her- but he had to work for it!
I also really liked the co-characters, Rocko and Laine, they brought an extra layer to the story that I appreciated. It was a good balance because Tru and Harlin was a lot at times. I loved that Rocko believed in Laine’s dreams and didn’t mind, “paying it forward” the same as Tru did for him.
This was my first time reading this authors work and I enjoyed her writing style. I wish there was more performances and insight on Harlin and Tru, as performers but the ending definitely made up for that- it was beautiful.
March 9, 2023
Review
Good book. Great story I'm glad that Harlin and Tru got together and I'm glad that Harlin got rid of the last dude he was a jerk and was controlling.
Good book. Great story I'm glad that Harlin and Tru got together and I'm glad that Harlin got rid of the last dude he was a jerk and was controlling.
November 5, 2022
Wow, wow, wow, just wow! .This book is a 5 ⭐️ This book was definitely different from what this author normally writes and I love it. You can tell that she definitely stepped out of her comfort zone with this one and I was not disappointed.
This story follows the story of two couples, best friends Tru and Rocko and Harlin and Laine. The main couple this story centers around is Tru and Harlin. Tru definitely was giving off that BDE energy from the very beginning! He did not care that Harlin had a boyfriend when they first met because he knew she was meant for him! Tru had a reckless mouth too that Harlin was not use to and he was not use to showing emotions. But they both balanced each other out and in the end Tru learned how to express himself and let Harlin in! Harlin got use to Tru reckless mouth and grew to like it because she was a firecracker too at times.
Rocko and Laine relationship was well written. He was definitely what she needed and crossed her path at the right time. Rocko catered to Laine needs and always reminded her that as her man it was his job to take care of her. Laine was used to doing everything on her own but once she let her wall down and let Rocko in it was a wrap.
Definitely go read this new release from this author you will not be disappointed. I highly recommend you listen to the playlist while reading the book! 😁
This story follows the story of two couples, best friends Tru and Rocko and Harlin and Laine. The main couple this story centers around is Tru and Harlin. Tru definitely was giving off that BDE energy from the very beginning! He did not care that Harlin had a boyfriend when they first met because he knew she was meant for him! Tru had a reckless mouth too that Harlin was not use to and he was not use to showing emotions. But they both balanced each other out and in the end Tru learned how to express himself and let Harlin in! Harlin got use to Tru reckless mouth and grew to like it because she was a firecracker too at times.
Rocko and Laine relationship was well written. He was definitely what she needed and crossed her path at the right time. Rocko catered to Laine needs and always reminded her that as her man it was his job to take care of her. Laine was used to doing everything on her own but once she let her wall down and let Rocko in it was a wrap.
Definitely go read this new release from this author you will not be disappointed. I highly recommend you listen to the playlist while reading the book! 😁
November 7, 2022
Tru love
Tru was so rude, but I loved him! 😆 He was a Whatchu see is Whatchu get type of guy. I could appreciate his straight forwardness. The sub characters were just as entertaining as Tru and Harlin. For a minute I didn’t think they would get it together but I was so glad that they did. There is so much to say but I couldn’t dare address it all in this review. Just know that it’s a really good read! The author did great!
Tru was so rude, but I loved him! 😆 He was a Whatchu see is Whatchu get type of guy. I could appreciate his straight forwardness. The sub characters were just as entertaining as Tru and Harlin. For a minute I didn’t think they would get it together but I was so glad that they did. There is so much to say but I couldn’t dare address it all in this review. Just know that it’s a really good read! The author did great!
November 14, 2022
So good
I absolutely loved this book. I've been a fan of Iesha since the beginning, and I love to see her growth. Tru was rude and told it like it is, and I loved that about him. He'd met his match with Harlin, and I loved their chemistry together. I also loved the friendship they both had with their friends. And Rocko, he was a quiet one but baby he came through for Laine. There's so much I could say about this book, but I'll just say read it!
I absolutely loved this book. I've been a fan of Iesha since the beginning, and I love to see her growth. Tru was rude and told it like it is, and I loved that about him. He'd met his match with Harlin, and I loved their chemistry together. I also loved the friendship they both had with their friends. And Rocko, he was a quiet one but baby he came through for Laine. There's so much I could say about this book, but I'll just say read it!
November 6, 2022
Ms. Iesha you did that!🙌🏾
This was such a great story! I LOVED Tru & Harlin!🥰 Tru was a brash, smart @ss, but Harlin was no pushover and gave as good as she got. I liked them together musically and romantically. I love how Harlin pushed Tru out of his comfort zone in all areas. I also loved Laine, she was such a supportive friend and her journey with Rocko was beautiful to see. Jen's storyline was disappointing, but very realistic. I was surprised Tonio was as vindictive as he was and I'm mad we didn't see Vanity get dog walked by Harlin after her stunt. This was a really great story! Brava, Ms. Iesha! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
This was such a great story! I LOVED Tru & Harlin!🥰 Tru was a brash, smart @ss, but Harlin was no pushover and gave as good as she got. I liked them together musically and romantically. I love how Harlin pushed Tru out of his comfort zone in all areas. I also loved Laine, she was such a supportive friend and her journey with Rocko was beautiful to see. Jen's storyline was disappointing, but very realistic. I was surprised Tonio was as vindictive as he was and I'm mad we didn't see Vanity get dog walked by Harlin after her stunt. This was a really great story! Brava, Ms. Iesha! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
November 6, 2022
Simply The Best!
This is a good book! Please read it. Once you start reading you will never stop. You will love this book, very enjoyable to keep your attention from beginning to the very end.
This is a good book! Please read it. Once you start reading you will never stop. You will love this book, very enjoyable to keep your attention from beginning to the very end.
November 12, 2022
An awesome read!
Wow, a read about conquering your dreams and falling in love. The dramatics and the personality of each character stands out and they're very relatable. You'll enjoy this read about dreams,love, family issues and starting over. One click.
Wow, a read about conquering your dreams and falling in love. The dramatics and the personality of each character stands out and they're very relatable. You'll enjoy this read about dreams,love, family issues and starting over. One click.
November 15, 2022
Who would have thought
These folk was funny and lovable. Tru had me in stitches. Harolin definitely was this yoke. When that fool told her he was nice by letting her babysit his kids all night. I laughed so hard. Her slow ass had to think twice about that sh!t. As evil as Tru was he definitely kept everybody on their toes. This was a great read and I would recommend everybody to enjoy this romance.
These folk was funny and lovable. Tru had me in stitches. Harolin definitely was this yoke. When that fool told her he was nice by letting her babysit his kids all night. I laughed so hard. Her slow ass had to think twice about that sh!t. As evil as Tru was he definitely kept everybody on their toes. This was a great read and I would recommend everybody to enjoy this romance.
February 9, 2023
Strummed
This book was everything and held my attention from the very first page. I love the friendship between Tru and Rocko and between Laine and Harlin. They bond was everything. I'm was happy that Tru and Harlin work it out they definitely was made for each other.
This book was everything and held my attention from the very first page. I love the friendship between Tru and Rocko and between Laine and Harlin. They bond was everything. I'm was happy that Tru and Harlin work it out they definitely was made for each other.
November 16, 2022
I Enjoyed It!
This was a cool read. I loved how funny all characters were. How the girls had each others back. Tru need therapy. That man was straight crazy. Glad the drama didn't linger and everyone got their happy ending.😍
This was a cool read. I loved how funny all characters were. How the girls had each others back. Tru need therapy. That man was straight crazy. Glad the drama didn't linger and everyone got their happy ending.😍
November 11, 2022
ok read
This was my first read by this author. It was a pretty good read! It seems like more drama happened toward the end.
This was my first read by this author. It was a pretty good read! It seems like more drama happened toward the end.
November 10, 2022
wow
This book was everything,I loved the flow of the book,the characters and how tru didn’t play about the ones he loved
This book was everything,I loved the flow of the book,the characters and how tru didn’t play about the ones he loved
November 14, 2022
Tru and Rocko
These brothers are the truth, just exuding Alpha energy but can be soft for their woman. Overall great read about fighting for your dreams and when you find someone to go on that journey with you, a partnership out of these world.
These brothers are the truth, just exuding Alpha energy but can be soft for their woman. Overall great read about fighting for your dreams and when you find someone to go on that journey with you, a partnership out of these world.
November 15, 2022
Strummed
I must say this was a really good read. When a hood man with BDE can bring the streets and sing. Whew Chile!! Hey Tru!!
I must say this was a really good read. When a hood man with BDE can bring the streets and sing. Whew Chile!! Hey Tru!!
December 15, 2022
5 stars
I loved, loved, LOVED this read by author Iesha Bree!!! The chemistry between Tru and Harlin was off the charts. I enjoyed how Rocko and Laine's point of view added so much insight to the main story. I highly recommend this book.
I loved, loved, LOVED this read by author Iesha Bree!!! The chemistry between Tru and Harlin was off the charts. I enjoyed how Rocko and Laine's point of view added so much insight to the main story. I highly recommend this book.
October 20, 2025
Perfection: this book was too good!!!
November 8, 2022
Strummed
This was very well written. I was so entertained by Tru and his rude boy persona. Harlin was the perfect chick to deal with it. I love seeing besties that support each other like Laine and Harlin💜 Rocko and Tru were bros for life! Great standalone!
This was very well written. I was so entertained by Tru and his rude boy persona. Harlin was the perfect chick to deal with it. I love seeing besties that support each other like Laine and Harlin💜 Rocko and Tru were bros for life! Great standalone!
November 30, 2022
I really loved this book
I have read a lot of this writer book, but this is one of her best book I have read, I was so sad when this book ended, I want more to read of this story, if you have read it have not read any of this writer books , you should read this story, loved it so much.
I have read a lot of this writer book, but this is one of her best book I have read, I was so sad when this book ended, I want more to read of this story, if you have read it have not read any of this writer books , you should read this story, loved it so much.
November 30, 2022
A Note to Definitively Sing…
So proud of you. This was by far your better book to date! It was different for you but it looks good on you. Readers, definitely take a chance on Tru, it’s worth it. And the minor characters don’t disappoint either. I wouldn’t mind my own Tru or Rocko and I swear Harlin and Laine are my real life friends. I highly recommend.
So proud of you. This was by far your better book to date! It was different for you but it looks good on you. Readers, definitely take a chance on Tru, it’s worth it. And the minor characters don’t disappoint either. I wouldn’t mind my own Tru or Rocko and I swear Harlin and Laine are my real life friends. I highly recommend.
November 27, 2022
Love it
This book was everything!!!! From beginning to end I was hooked. I just love me some Tru, Harlin, Rocko and Laine. I can read about them all day. I wish it was a series because I can't get enough. Bravo!!!
This book was everything!!!! From beginning to end I was hooked. I just love me some Tru, Harlin, Rocko and Laine. I can read about them all day. I wish it was a series because I can't get enough. Bravo!!!
November 20, 2022
Tru
I love me some Tru he didn't care what came out of his mouth. I was glad when Harlin let Tonio go he didn't want her to succeed. Laine and Rocko was a cute couple. Kadeem needs a book I believe him and Jen will get back together😘.
I love me some Tru he didn't care what came out of his mouth. I was glad when Harlin let Tonio go he didn't want her to succeed. Laine and Rocko was a cute couple. Kadeem needs a book I believe him and Jen will get back together😘.
November 9, 2022
MrsTee_Reading_Realtor
Nobody can make your dream a reality but you. Nobody can measure what’s too much but you. Harlain and Laine both aspiring to make their dreams come true and taking on everything in the process. I’m here for the BFF love and support. Tru and Rocko got it out the mud and enjoying the fruits of their labor. Tru was mean, arrogant, and sexy at the same time. His persona was authentically rude because he had no filter. But if you earned his respect he valued you. I loved him! 😂 His one liners were on point and he did not play. Rocko was quiet but no nonsense and both of them fell hard for their chosen lady. I would have loved for each couple to have their own book it was a lot that was not explored. This is a good read and missed 5 stars due to editing errors.
Nobody can make your dream a reality but you. Nobody can measure what’s too much but you. Harlain and Laine both aspiring to make their dreams come true and taking on everything in the process. I’m here for the BFF love and support. Tru and Rocko got it out the mud and enjoying the fruits of their labor. Tru was mean, arrogant, and sexy at the same time. His persona was authentically rude because he had no filter. But if you earned his respect he valued you. I loved him! 😂 His one liners were on point and he did not play. Rocko was quiet but no nonsense and both of them fell hard for their chosen lady. I would have loved for each couple to have their own book it was a lot that was not explored. This is a good read and missed 5 stars due to editing errors.
January 12, 2026
It’s not that the story is bad. It’s not even that the writing isn’t great. It’s just that, I no longer believe that possessive and disrespectful behavior equals passion.
MFC is a song writer & singer. She has a legitimate boyfriend however the MMC (who is a singer & apparent psychopath) wants her.
The disrespect:
After the studio he “kidnaps” her and upon bringing her to her residence where he knows her bf is he leans in to kiss her. To which she then straddles his lap; said bf comes out in an attempt to get his gf & the MMC proceeds to cuss him out & threaten to beat his ass.
The possession:
That night she calls the MMC and he tells her to not ever allow her bf to bring her to said studio again. She hangs up on him and he shows up in her house in her bedroom. Where he demands she repeats what happened at the end of the call & says do it again & we’ll have a problem. She shows up to studio he is beating feet to get to her as he wants to know who dropped her off & he barks on her that he told her to not let her bf show face round him no more!
I am firm believer that you allow what you like & clearly she liked it so like I said it wasn’t a bad story or writing it just wasn’t for me.
Furthermore, the MMC’s name is hell. Further, furthermore I listened to this while cleaning house on a Sunday & I was not ready for “I want to taste you; PAINT MY FACE!” (WHOA, WHOA, WHOA, WHOA YOU’RE TAKING ME TOO FAST TOO SOON! WHOA!) also, the narrator’s voice for the women…
Dear reader,
Imagine the voice men do for women now make it very breathy.
SIGH,
YEAH THAT’S WHO SCREAMED PAINT MY FACE! LMAO
MFC is a song writer & singer. She has a legitimate boyfriend however the MMC (who is a singer & apparent psychopath) wants her.
The disrespect:
After the studio he “kidnaps” her and upon bringing her to her residence where he knows her bf is he leans in to kiss her. To which she then straddles his lap; said bf comes out in an attempt to get his gf & the MMC proceeds to cuss him out & threaten to beat his ass.
The possession:
That night she calls the MMC and he tells her to not ever allow her bf to bring her to said studio again. She hangs up on him and he shows up in her house in her bedroom. Where he demands she repeats what happened at the end of the call & says do it again & we’ll have a problem. She shows up to studio he is beating feet to get to her as he wants to know who dropped her off & he barks on her that he told her to not let her bf show face round him no more!
I am firm believer that you allow what you like & clearly she liked it so like I said it wasn’t a bad story or writing it just wasn’t for me.
Furthermore, the MMC’s name is hell. Further, furthermore I listened to this while cleaning house on a Sunday & I was not ready for “I want to taste you; PAINT MY FACE!” (WHOA, WHOA, WHOA, WHOA YOU’RE TAKING ME TOO FAST TOO SOON! WHOA!) also, the narrator’s voice for the women…
Dear reader,
Imagine the voice men do for women now make it very breathy.
SIGH,
YEAH THAT’S WHO SCREAMED PAINT MY FACE! LMAO
May 30, 2023
Strummed was one of the first novels by Iesha Bree that I've read. Subsequently, I went and bought her entire catalogue so that I could get as many gems as possible. I initially finished this novel back in January but am only now getting a chance to write my review. Strummed by Iesha Bree is a heartwarming and inspiring story about love, music, and the power of dreams. The novel follows the story of Harlin Cox, a talented singer who has always dreamed of making it big in the music industry. However, she has been struggling to get her career off the ground. Her boyfriend, who is a wealthy businessman, wants her to give up on her dreams and become his trophy wife. Harlin is torn between her dreams and her relationship, but she knows that she can't give up on her music. Strummed is a well-written and enjoyable novel. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the plot is engaging. The novel is also full of positive messages about love, music, and the power of dreams. I would highly recommend Strummed to anyone who enjoys romance novels, music, or inspiring stories. There were some parts that seemed slow at first but that was solved by putting on my favorite playlist and sinking further into the story. I think that anyone who loves romance and music will enjoy the story of Harlan and Tru.
November 12, 2025
I honestly wasn’t expecting this book to be as entertaining as it was. I will have to read more books from this author as this was my first time reading from her catalogue. The writing style was simple, and there was a comedic element that was pleasantly surprising. The only cringey aspect was the MMC consistently referring to women as the B word and then immediately correcting it to ‘females’ as if that isn’t any less misogynistic *eye roll*.
As for the plot, this was essentially the east coast/NYC version of August Lane by Regina Black or Rifts and Refrains by Tiye. The MMCs in those books were clearly raised right and were the quintessential southern gentleman. The MMC in this story was absolutely giving an ‘around the way’ Brooklyn, Bronx, or Queens hard and crass type of guy lol. I don’t think NYC was ever mentioned in the book, but the MMC’s personality alone wasn’t giving any other big city.
Finally, I really loved the friendship storyline. The FMC and her best friend navigating their dreams together and having each other’s backs was really precious to see. It definitely gave the story a bit more depth.
As for the plot, this was essentially the east coast/NYC version of August Lane by Regina Black or Rifts and Refrains by Tiye. The MMCs in those books were clearly raised right and were the quintessential southern gentleman. The MMC in this story was absolutely giving an ‘around the way’ Brooklyn, Bronx, or Queens hard and crass type of guy lol. I don’t think NYC was ever mentioned in the book, but the MMC’s personality alone wasn’t giving any other big city.
Finally, I really loved the friendship storyline. The FMC and her best friend navigating their dreams together and having each other’s backs was really precious to see. It definitely gave the story a bit more depth.
November 5, 2022
OMG this book here was absolutely perfection! This was my first read from Iesha Bree but the way I was thoroughly entertained has me needing to go back and get into her catalogue.
Y’all, know I have a thing for a man with a reckless mouth and Tru definitely had that. What I loved most was that Harlin was with the recklessness as well. My girl gave as good as she got (most of the time). Although this book focused mainly on these two my favorite from the book was Laine sis was so complex with her hard exterior and beautiful heart. I knew I would love Rocko from jump so those two together made me so happy!
This plot gave so much… we have situations happening from all sides adding to an already excellent story. The plot twist in this book left me gasping but it was the audacity of some of these characters that did for me 😂
I’m looking forward to what Iesha Bree has up next because if this is what she’s giving now I know the future can hold more greatness!
Y’all, know I have a thing for a man with a reckless mouth and Tru definitely had that. What I loved most was that Harlin was with the recklessness as well. My girl gave as good as she got (most of the time). Although this book focused mainly on these two my favorite from the book was Laine sis was so complex with her hard exterior and beautiful heart. I knew I would love Rocko from jump so those two together made me so happy!
This plot gave so much… we have situations happening from all sides adding to an already excellent story. The plot twist in this book left me gasping but it was the audacity of some of these characters that did for me 😂
I’m looking forward to what Iesha Bree has up next because if this is what she’s giving now I know the future can hold more greatness!
October 1, 2025
Singer/songwriter Harlin Cox is attempting to make her dreams come true within a year by the request of her unsupportive boyfriend. Just when that year is about up a window opens up and through that window is Tru. That man was unfiltered, arrogant and missing a few screws. He set his sights on Harlin and stood on business. There is a third act breakup due to miscommunication. I will say I don’t like it took to the end of the book for them to reconcile.
Second couple is Laine and Rocko. Best friends of Harlin and Tru. She’s a dancer looking to own a studio and he owns a mechanic shop. They’re real lowkey and keeping it cute. Minimal drama, but I do see they’ll get another book.
I wish I knew how old Kadeem was. They said he was close to Jen’s age of 18 but how close. He was very immature and acting like a weirdo. If he was that young I guess I can understand. I heard he has character development so I’m excited to read what’s next for him.
Second couple is Laine and Rocko. Best friends of Harlin and Tru. She’s a dancer looking to own a studio and he owns a mechanic shop. They’re real lowkey and keeping it cute. Minimal drama, but I do see they’ll get another book.
I wish I knew how old Kadeem was. They said he was close to Jen’s age of 18 but how close. He was very immature and acting like a weirdo. If he was that young I guess I can understand. I heard he has character development so I’m excited to read what’s next for him.
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