What do you think?
Rate this book
The Sound of Serendipity
Emerson Kingsley fell in love on a Central Park bench.
After months of watching serial dater Maddox Bailey from afar, the quiet heiress couldn’t help herself.
She believes that the moment they meet will be spectacular—that she could be the one to slow him down—if she ever finds the nerve to speak to him.
Until the day the universe places them in the same New York City taxicab and Emerson realizes that her daydreams are too far from her reality.
When she learns Maddox is her newest employee at her father’s recording label, she fights her desires and tries to ignore his disarming smile.
But even Emerson can’t deny that real-life Maddox is better than anything she could’ve dreamed—sexy, passionate, and full of possibilities.
After months of watching serial dater Maddox Bailey from afar, the quiet heiress couldn’t help herself.
She believes that the moment they meet will be spectacular—that she could be the one to slow him down—if she ever finds the nerve to speak to him.
Until the day the universe places them in the same New York City taxicab and Emerson realizes that her daydreams are too far from her reality.
When she learns Maddox is her newest employee at her father’s recording label, she fights her desires and tries to ignore his disarming smile.
But even Emerson can’t deny that real-life Maddox is better than anything she could’ve dreamed—sexy, passionate, and full of possibilities.
Unknown Binding
Published April 14, 2016
14 people are currently reading
417 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia A. Rodriguez
24 books340 followersCynthia hates writing her own bio. In her down-time, you can find her watching movies, ranging anywhere from classic to action flicks (she has a weakness for Marvel adaptations), and reading any novel she can get her hands on.
She loves hearing from her readers! You can reach Cynthia at cynthia.a.rodriguez6@gmail.com. Both her Twitter and Instagram handles are @thecynrodriguez.
She loves hearing from her readers! You can reach Cynthia at cynthia.a.rodriguez6@gmail.com. Both her Twitter and Instagram handles are @thecynrodriguez.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
April 18, 2016
I LOVED IT. I LOVED IT. I LOVED IT. I LOVEEEEEEED IT.
Cynthia A. Rodriguez captured my heart with Crashing souls, but with TSoS, she is telling me “You are mine, and I'm never letting you go.”
There are many books that make things to my heart, but there are just a few that leave its marks in it. TSoS is one of them, I have no idea how Cynthia does it, but she always managed to blow my mind with her words. So magical.
If I had to use a word to describe this book, it would be the word “Bliss”, because that is what this book was for me, “pure and utterely bliss”.
As a reader, I love when I click with a character, since the moment you can relate with one of them, that is the moment when the magic begins, when you get lost in the story. And let me tell you that I'm still lost in it, and I'm pretty sure I won't be alone in this journey for long.
I can go more into detail about the plot or the characters but I'm not. I have always believed that you need to read the book to know if you will love it or not, to experience it by yourself, so I can tell you I loved it or hated it, but you and I are not the same person, and this is just my opinion; so, the only thing I can do, is to recommend it to you and hope you love it as much as I did.
With the perfect amount of romance, angst, oh so yummy smutty scenes, and a beautifully unique story, because someting that stand Cynthia out in this sea of new authors, is her originality; The sound of Serendipity is here to stay as one of the best books of the romance genre of this year.
Cynthia A. Rodriguez captured my heart with Crashing souls, but with TSoS, she is telling me “You are mine, and I'm never letting you go.”
There are many books that make things to my heart, but there are just a few that leave its marks in it. TSoS is one of them, I have no idea how Cynthia does it, but she always managed to blow my mind with her words. So magical.
If I had to use a word to describe this book, it would be the word “Bliss”, because that is what this book was for me, “pure and utterely bliss”.
As a reader, I love when I click with a character, since the moment you can relate with one of them, that is the moment when the magic begins, when you get lost in the story. And let me tell you that I'm still lost in it, and I'm pretty sure I won't be alone in this journey for long.
I can go more into detail about the plot or the characters but I'm not. I have always believed that you need to read the book to know if you will love it or not, to experience it by yourself, so I can tell you I loved it or hated it, but you and I are not the same person, and this is just my opinion; so, the only thing I can do, is to recommend it to you and hope you love it as much as I did.
With the perfect amount of romance, angst, oh so yummy smutty scenes, and a beautifully unique story, because someting that stand Cynthia out in this sea of new authors, is her originality; The sound of Serendipity is here to stay as one of the best books of the romance genre of this year.
August 27, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Have you ever read a book and just felt so connected to the story, the writing and the characters that it felt like you were in a trance? Well, that’s what happened when I read The Sound of Serendipity. I was drawn in from the very first sentence and could not put it down until the very end. Simply put - it was magic.
Emmerson was always watching others and wondering what their life story was, until one day someone encouraged her to start living her own. There was something so intriguing about Emmerson’s character that had me completely enthralled to know more about her. Her personality had so many layers, so many faces, but underneath, the real her was just screaming to come out.
This book is everything. I could ramble on and on about how phenomenal it is and how much I loved it, but at the end of the day it’s only my personal opinion. The only thing I can do is encourage you to read it and hope you feel something similar to what I did. It was the perfect blend of passionate love, angst, self-discovery and some deliciously sexy scenes.
Cynthia A. Rodriguez is a new to me author and I am so, so happy that I took the chance because now I am hooked. I cannot wait to read more of her past and future work.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Have you ever read a book and just felt so connected to the story, the writing and the characters that it felt like you were in a trance? Well, that’s what happened when I read The Sound of Serendipity. I was drawn in from the very first sentence and could not put it down until the very end. Simply put - it was magic.
Emmerson was always watching others and wondering what their life story was, until one day someone encouraged her to start living her own. There was something so intriguing about Emmerson’s character that had me completely enthralled to know more about her. Her personality had so many layers, so many faces, but underneath, the real her was just screaming to come out.
This book is everything. I could ramble on and on about how phenomenal it is and how much I loved it, but at the end of the day it’s only my personal opinion. The only thing I can do is encourage you to read it and hope you feel something similar to what I did. It was the perfect blend of passionate love, angst, self-discovery and some deliciously sexy scenes.
Cynthia A. Rodriguez is a new to me author and I am so, so happy that I took the chance because now I am hooked. I cannot wait to read more of her past and future work.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
April 6, 2016
Beautiful...loved every word.
August 23, 2020
"I don't mind that I'm nearly invisible to people"
There is no doubt that The Sound of Serendipity is a beautifully written story but it is also an extremely sad story; there is nothing light or fluffy about Emerson's story and this is totally Emerson's story with Maddox a worthy if at times in my eyes a not so nice co-star. This could be as the story is written from Emerson's POV and if there was one thing I would change about the book is that I would have liked one chapter near the end from Maddox's POV to fully understand Why? It isn't my place in the review to tell you what the Why is — it is for you to read.
I believe we have all been like Emerson at some point — where you feel you are invisible to people, sitting on train, waiting in an airport, check out line. Where the world goes by as if you are not there, people pushing in front of you, never saying please or thank you; when you make up stories about the people you see while your invisible. Are they married, is he going to proposal; well I know I have. And for Emerson the only daughter of a record company tycoon that has been her life. Ever since her mom died Emerson finds it hard to communicate verbal poised to take over the company her talent and her passion lies in the music not the paper work. Her one escape is sitting in Central Park people watching and when a man catches her eye over the months she watches him while she remains invisible to him. The women he meets the lingering kisses that she wishes were for her.
When by fate the same man Maddox comes to work for her father the shy young girl is at a loss admiring from afar and being invisible is some much more difficult when the invisibility clock and security blanket is thrown of and you are left exposed.
Maddox has waiting a long time to get his break and to work for this company is like a dream come true and Emerson is a mystery he can't work out but as the two become closer Emerson starts to believe that there is HEA for her after all and she is no longer the by-standing in the story but the main star only trouble is is Maddox all he appears to be!
May 20, 2016
Serendipity
Serendipity means a "fortunate happenstance" or "pleasant surprise". It was coined by Horace Walpole in 1754.
Dreaming of her perfect moment when souls collide and her happily ever after is born, dreaming of serendipity. Emerson Kingsley at first doesn't realise her perfect moment will be more then just one moment, She soon realises it is made up of hundreds of little moments.
Em has a tough shell around herself, she retreats into it a lot. From the moment we are introduced to her in this story I could tell she had a beautiful story to tell. A lost soul trying to find her way in the world that is hers for the taking. Hurt by the past and drowning in her new roll at he fathers company, she guards her words and thoughts with a fortress.
"“I bet you’ve built entire civilizations in there. And guessing by the way you refuse to speak unless absolutely necessary, I’d be willing to bet that every thought beats at your brain. I can see possibilities in your eyes. They live behind the bars you set them up in, and they’re begging me to convince you to let them free.”"
Having people watched fo so long, wondering about their stories Em becomes infatuated with a man she watches. Dreams for him to be her story. Then fate begins their story.
The connection between Em and Maddox is beautiful, it's like a flower blooming from the gentle touch of the Spring sun. Navigating her broken pieces and putting them back together one by one Maddox nurtures Ems beautiful soul. Maddox is charming, flirty, intuitive but has a bit of a jerk moment or 2. But what's a beautiful story without faults. He definitely made me love him.
Every character in this story plays an integral roll in Em transformation into a beautiful butterfly. Her father, her assistant, her new found clients, friends, Maddox. I do wonder to myself now Iv finished this story, what happens with Holly, is there another story there? He was a mysterious one.
This is my first read by Cynthia A Rodriguez and What a beautiful story it is. Her words were like a melody you fall in love with. A sound you have to keep listening to as it seeps into your soul. I felt like I was inside the story, watching it happen before my eyes, that's how beautifully it is done.
While there's no catalyst events that will have me thinking about this story in months to come, the story as a whole will remain with me. It's simply on of those ones that touches something inside and doesn't let go.
Serendipity means a "fortunate happenstance" or "pleasant surprise". It was coined by Horace Walpole in 1754.
Dreaming of her perfect moment when souls collide and her happily ever after is born, dreaming of serendipity. Emerson Kingsley at first doesn't realise her perfect moment will be more then just one moment, She soon realises it is made up of hundreds of little moments.
Em has a tough shell around herself, she retreats into it a lot. From the moment we are introduced to her in this story I could tell she had a beautiful story to tell. A lost soul trying to find her way in the world that is hers for the taking. Hurt by the past and drowning in her new roll at he fathers company, she guards her words and thoughts with a fortress.
"“I bet you’ve built entire civilizations in there. And guessing by the way you refuse to speak unless absolutely necessary, I’d be willing to bet that every thought beats at your brain. I can see possibilities in your eyes. They live behind the bars you set them up in, and they’re begging me to convince you to let them free.”"
Having people watched fo so long, wondering about their stories Em becomes infatuated with a man she watches. Dreams for him to be her story. Then fate begins their story.
The connection between Em and Maddox is beautiful, it's like a flower blooming from the gentle touch of the Spring sun. Navigating her broken pieces and putting them back together one by one Maddox nurtures Ems beautiful soul. Maddox is charming, flirty, intuitive but has a bit of a jerk moment or 2. But what's a beautiful story without faults. He definitely made me love him.
Every character in this story plays an integral roll in Em transformation into a beautiful butterfly. Her father, her assistant, her new found clients, friends, Maddox. I do wonder to myself now Iv finished this story, what happens with Holly, is there another story there? He was a mysterious one.
This is my first read by Cynthia A Rodriguez and What a beautiful story it is. Her words were like a melody you fall in love with. A sound you have to keep listening to as it seeps into your soul. I felt like I was inside the story, watching it happen before my eyes, that's how beautifully it is done.
While there's no catalyst events that will have me thinking about this story in months to come, the story as a whole will remain with me. It's simply on of those ones that touches something inside and doesn't let go.
July 28, 2016
This book! I don't even know where to begin. My heart can't take it with so many beautifully written words and characters that you can't help but love. I loved how they met. I loved how they ended. I loved everything in between. But is it really an ending? I can hear the music, I can feel it in my bones. I woke up and went to bed with them and you should too! Must read!
September 2, 2020
* I received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review *
This workplace romance novel was not what I was expecting. I had a hard time connecting with both characters. I felt like the bones were there, but it just needed more to get the reader to connect with the characters.
Heartbreak sounds like dead silence. For a second. Then the world crashes and continues around you.”
Emerson was not what I was expecting. I do not understand why she was being so cold to Maddox when she first met him. He did nothing to her except be the object of her stalking for the past few months. The only reason we “know” he is a serial dater is because she watched him with women at the park. I feel like she got this idea of him because of what she made up in her head and when he did not fall in love with her right away, she was mad about it. It was hard to root for her. I was excited to think that she would be this badass heroine who is strong and has no problem showing them that she can take over for her dad. That was not the case.
“Maybe I didn’t love you at first sight the way you always dreamed. But...I saw you and I wanted to know you. I knew you and wanted to love you. I love you...and now I want to never be without you. All you’ve ever wanted was to experience things. Experience this with me. Feel what it’s like for me to love you and love me just as fiercely.”
Halfway through this book and I was bored. I needed more character depth. I had a hard time connecting to both Emerson and Maddox. The story was there but when I read romance novels I want to be invested in both characters and want to see them get together. I want to feel the attraction and while I like it when the characters do not fall in love right away, I did not feel anything here. I did not feel any attraction or sexual tension. I was not anxious to see their story build because I felt nothing. I connected more with her roommate then I did either one of them. It is almost impossible for an author to make the hero unattractive so I was disappointed to have no attraction to Maddox. It takes more than the description of a hot guy. It felt like I watched a dramatic movie and the actors had no emotion. I was disappointed. The words were there but without, but it means nothing if I do not feel it.
“Like maybe we were one piece at some point and then somehow we were separated and cast into the world like a pair of dice.”
This workplace romance novel was not what I was expecting. I had a hard time connecting with both characters. I felt like the bones were there, but it just needed more to get the reader to connect with the characters.
Heartbreak sounds like dead silence. For a second. Then the world crashes and continues around you.”
Emerson was not what I was expecting. I do not understand why she was being so cold to Maddox when she first met him. He did nothing to her except be the object of her stalking for the past few months. The only reason we “know” he is a serial dater is because she watched him with women at the park. I feel like she got this idea of him because of what she made up in her head and when he did not fall in love with her right away, she was mad about it. It was hard to root for her. I was excited to think that she would be this badass heroine who is strong and has no problem showing them that she can take over for her dad. That was not the case.
“Maybe I didn’t love you at first sight the way you always dreamed. But...I saw you and I wanted to know you. I knew you and wanted to love you. I love you...and now I want to never be without you. All you’ve ever wanted was to experience things. Experience this with me. Feel what it’s like for me to love you and love me just as fiercely.”
Halfway through this book and I was bored. I needed more character depth. I had a hard time connecting to both Emerson and Maddox. The story was there but when I read romance novels I want to be invested in both characters and want to see them get together. I want to feel the attraction and while I like it when the characters do not fall in love right away, I did not feel anything here. I did not feel any attraction or sexual tension. I was not anxious to see their story build because I felt nothing. I connected more with her roommate then I did either one of them. It is almost impossible for an author to make the hero unattractive so I was disappointed to have no attraction to Maddox. It takes more than the description of a hot guy. It felt like I watched a dramatic movie and the actors had no emotion. I was disappointed. The words were there but without, but it means nothing if I do not feel it.
“Like maybe we were one piece at some point and then somehow we were separated and cast into the world like a pair of dice.”
August 25, 2020
Simply Superb!
Cynthia A. Rodriguez totally blew me away with this heart rendering, deeply emotional story for me! This is my second read by her and she has certainly gained me as a fan!
The way this author writes captivated me from the first paragraph! Phenomenally woven tapestry of lyrically enthralling poetic prose! I mean it, I couldn’t put this book down!
The story begins with Emerson in Central Park watching people walking by and imagining their story in her mind, simply guessing their lives through her imagination.
“I hate that I’m okay living in the background, all right with being an understudy and living life through secondhand experiences.”
She’s captivated by a man, Maddox, that draws her attention and is drawn to getting glimpses of his many encounters with different women. He has her spellbound this way for months until they meet and ultimately end up working together. Emerson has a deeply guarded experience in her past which keeps her hesitant to fully interact and enjoy social interactions.
Maddox is someone whom she tries to avoid getting involved with initially. Her past makes her hesitant. Eventually though, their draw towards one another is palpable.
But not all is what it seems and my heart literally raced in certain parts that quite frankly caught me totally by surprise.
“I’ve never felt this way before. This man could be heaven and hell and I’d both flourish and perish by his hand.”
The twist was unexpectedly gut wrenching and yet I loved how much Emmie evolved in her personal growth and professional goals and Maddox had a lot to redeem himself for. YOU HAVE TO READ THIS STORY TO GET THE FULL EFFECT!!
“There’s magic in the air; a serendipitous breeze that makes me want to say more.”
Cynthia A. Rodriguez totally blew me away with this heart rendering, deeply emotional story for me! This is my second read by her and she has certainly gained me as a fan!
The way this author writes captivated me from the first paragraph! Phenomenally woven tapestry of lyrically enthralling poetic prose! I mean it, I couldn’t put this book down!
The story begins with Emerson in Central Park watching people walking by and imagining their story in her mind, simply guessing their lives through her imagination.
“I hate that I’m okay living in the background, all right with being an understudy and living life through secondhand experiences.”
She’s captivated by a man, Maddox, that draws her attention and is drawn to getting glimpses of his many encounters with different women. He has her spellbound this way for months until they meet and ultimately end up working together. Emerson has a deeply guarded experience in her past which keeps her hesitant to fully interact and enjoy social interactions.
Maddox is someone whom she tries to avoid getting involved with initially. Her past makes her hesitant. Eventually though, their draw towards one another is palpable.
But not all is what it seems and my heart literally raced in certain parts that quite frankly caught me totally by surprise.
“I’ve never felt this way before. This man could be heaven and hell and I’d both flourish and perish by his hand.”
The twist was unexpectedly gut wrenching and yet I loved how much Emmie evolved in her personal growth and professional goals and Maddox had a lot to redeem himself for. YOU HAVE TO READ THIS STORY TO GET THE FULL EFFECT!!
“There’s magic in the air; a serendipitous breeze that makes me want to say more.”
August 29, 2020
What a fantastic read. This is the 2nd book I've read from this author and I was again captivated from start to finish. The Sound of Serendipity was romantic, angsty, steamy, and unique and I loved every moment of it. This is Emerson and Maddox story and you will fall in love with these two characters as the story progresses. Its a slow burn romance with excellent character development, and some twists you wont see coming. There was a cast of secondary characters who played a prominent role providing balance and support and I loved them. This novel will take you around New York city and the music industry and will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride. This page turner was well written and I would highly recommend it to all romance lovers.
January 12, 2024
I absolutely 💜💜💜 Emerson and Maddox. She's shy but yet doesn't put up with much from others. She does compare herself to others as she realizes her surroundings and doesn't feel like she's worthy. She's also still recovering from a heartbreak. She discovers Maddox one day sitting on a bench in Central Park and that's where her obsession starts.
Maddox was a musician but now he is a producer and loves the music industry. The way he bonded with Emerson over their love of music and just sounds in general was absolutely perfect. Cynthia always knows how to keep you on your toes. I was a little hesitant when the book was almost done but the ending couldn't have been better.
Cynthia will never let me down when it comes to shedding some happy tears. She knows how to put you on a roller-coaster. I highly recommend this book by her and also my favorite book by her which is Teófila’s Guide to Saving the Sun ☀️💛
😘😘😘😘😘
Maddox was a musician but now he is a producer and loves the music industry. The way he bonded with Emerson over their love of music and just sounds in general was absolutely perfect. Cynthia always knows how to keep you on your toes. I was a little hesitant when the book was almost done but the ending couldn't have been better.
Cynthia will never let me down when it comes to shedding some happy tears. She knows how to put you on a roller-coaster. I highly recommend this book by her and also my favorite book by her which is Teófila’s Guide to Saving the Sun ☀️💛
😘😘😘😘😘
August 25, 2020
You feel all the words in this story, it was beautifully written.
September 3, 2020
5 PERFECTION STARS!! Wow, just wow!! I felt every every beautiful word. I was so sucked into this book from beginning to end. I can't wait to read more by this author.
April 12, 2021
5+ stars!!
When I bought this book, I didn't think much of it. I usually buy books at random, and I saw a book by Ann Aguirre from this online bookstore and decided to add this to my cart when I checked out. And I picked it up out of the blue from the piles of books on my bed, because I love anything New York as it reminds me of F.R.I.E.N.D.S. And to add to that, I also just watched Serendipity for the first time a few weeks ago and I guess the title of the book drew me in.
Let me just say, I was talking about how the last book I read took me out of my reading rut, but THIS ONE made me forget about that last book. I haven't been stuck to a book this much since early December. From the moment I picked it up, I couldn't stop reading it. The past few months, I'd pick up my current read every now and then, then I'd either watch YouTube/Netflix or color or do something else. Well today, I didn't turn on the TV until 7 pm because I was too engrossed in this book.
I thought this was about a teen being infatuated with another boy that she sees at Central Park, but boy was I wrong. This being a new adult romance made it so much more that I expected. I love it. I put so much annotation marks on this book, more than I've done ever. I'm not exaggerating.
SPOILERS AHEAD
This book is about Emerson. She likes to listen to the world. She observes people and she creates story in her head about them. She particularly likes going to a cafe in Central Park and people watch until she sees this guy and is automatically drawn to him. Every time she goes there, she sees him with a different woman and slowly, she begins imagining that it was her with him. Well one day, she gets in a cab with him and they share the cab. She finds that his name was Maddox. She's too scared of her dreams coming true that she tries to avoid him but then when she goes to a movie with her best friend Hollis, she meets him there, too. Maddox finds about her name, too.
In a series of events, Maddox ends up working at Emmy's office. A little background is Emerson's father owns this really big recording label, and she's expected to take over from there. And Maddox likes producing music, hence why he applied for a job there, too. And Emmy and Maddox's paths just keep on crossing. While Emersln tries to avoid Maddox, Maddox tries to get closer to Emerson.
One night he offers to take her to the best night of her life and she agrees. Through drinking and living a little, Maddox gets to learn more about Emmy and he gets her to open up a bit. This has soon become a little secret tradition that they had formed and one night, Emmy gets an idea to write a song about Maddox. They both get to his apartment and produces the song together and Emmy is really falling for Maddox. Maddox, likewise, but neither of them are ready to admit it, especially when Emmy sees a used condom in Maddox's trash.
Fast forward, these two eventually gets together, but Emmy doesn't want anyone to find out. Not even her best friend. A background on Emmy is she's been in love once only to have her heart be shattered to pieces. And aside from that, being 23 and already the next in line to carry their company, she doesn't want people to think that this is all being handed down to her, and she doesn't want her empolyees to think anything of her. Hollis eventually finds out about their relationship. When the time comes though that she's ready to tell her father, Emmy's father sees them kissing in Maddox's office. Things are finally going great until a party in their company where Emerson hears a woman speaking to Maddox saying how he slept with the HR to get his job and is now sleeping with the owner's daughter to get a higher position to which Maddox didn't deny. Emerson even tried to let him explain himself and he didn't. (?!?!?!?)
Well, at work Emmy produced an album for a really famous performer named Asa, and after this blowup, Asa reaches out to her as Carmen (another famous performer) needed a producer for her indie album that she's planning to release on her own. During their meeting, Maddox was somehow at the same restaurant and tries to talk to Emerson. They do talk, and Maddox wants her back. Emmy tells him he has to earn her back.
With the help of these two, she was slowly healing until Carmen hears the song that she and Maddox created. She wants to include it in her album, and Emmy doesn't want that because it meant having to talk to Maddox who she has been avoiding altogether. (maddox has been sending her songs every night since their break up). Carmen gets a hold of Maddox and gets the rights to the song. The release of the album was a success, and in her first concert, Carmen admits to the crowd that she only got Maddox to say yes if she lets him and Emmy sing that song together. They sing it together on stage, and slowly Emmy and Maddox piece together what they lost.
Maddox really did his best to earn Emmy back, and eventually he proposes to her at Central Park to which she said yes, yey!
I don't know, I am in love with this book. Too many annotation marks for quotes and verses I adored. It's like Cynthia Rodriguez is writing a poem only in a form of a story. I can't describe it but every paragraph was so beautfilly written, and Emerson would have to be one of the best, if not THE best, protagonist ever. I love her. She's rich and successful, yes, but in most ways, she's very relatable, too. I love that she is a listener. The world goes by around her, and she takes her time to learn about people and she creates stories about them in her mind. I loved that. She's rich and beautiful and yet, really humble, too. At work, she seems aloof but only because she wants to be the very best for her father, but she doesn't hinder herself from doing what she loves to do - producing music.
While I'm at it, I love all of the characters so much. I love Emerson and Maddox and Hollis and Emerson's dad.
Maddox is so unapologetically himself, sometimes to a fault, but mostly, it's what I like about him. He isn't perfect, although that was what Daydream Maddox was. He says what he feels, he is confident in himself, he is social, and he has the energy in him that draws people in. Not to mention that he's very handsome, too. I must say, I felt betrayed with what he did. Hell, I was mad for Emerson! I felt like I was reading Emmy's diary through it all, and I was there when she put him high on a pedestal only to learn that he was using her in the beginning. Emerson was already insecure enough, and somehow I wanted to protect her character from getting hurt, because he was the only person (aside from Hollis) that she was opening up to!!! Then he hurts her like that, and didn't even had the balls to expain to her immediately. Honestly, I was done with his bullshit of sending her songs at night instead of just explaining to her when he was ready. At first I listened to the songs, then I gave up. I mean, he wouldn't have explained at all if they hadn't chanced upon the restaurant. I don't know what he was waiting for.
He says he was ready to fall, and is already falling in love, and yet he cannot come to Emerson and explain himself immediately. He's 9 years older than her, and she was handling things more maturely. But aside from that, I like him a lot. He remembers things about Emerson, and I like when he said that him and Emerson are alike. Because they both like to listen. Emerson to world, and him to Emerson. Ahh. He also easily picks up on het quirks and how she matches her earrings to her mood. He knows her earrings are special so she gifts her a bunch of it on Christmas. He's very thoughtful that way. He even records the most mundane things that Emerson would say to make a song for her.
In a way, what he did is wrong, but a lot of people do that. He never expected to fall for her. Emerson kept him a secret so he never would have succeeded either way. Good for Emmy on that. And when this blew up, he did the right thing and quit the job. Although I never knew how Emmy's father felt about Maddox when they got back together because he witnessed and saw what happened in their breakup.
I needed to add also that I love Emerson's relationship with her father. It was strained for a bit, but they eventually reconnected. They only had each other anyway. The two grew apart when Emmy's father tells Emmy that she's bound to pick up where he'll be leaving the company. In Mr. Kingsley's mind, he's spending less time at work so he could give himself the time to grieve for his wife and so he could spend more time with Emmy. But because she's the one busy now, they only grew apart. In the end, Mr. kingsley's says he misses his job and more so he misses Emmy. Emmy admits that she may never want to take over the company because her passion is producing music. She admits that she doesn't want to disappoint him, and he says that he's only ever been so proud of Emerson. Ahh my heart. I adore the father-daughter relationship in this story.
There's Hollis, too. He's Emmy's rich assistant, bestfriend, and they share an apartment together. He's also gay. In another dimension, I think he'd be perfect for Emmy, but he's perfect as her best friend, too. He knows her, he accepts her, her supports her, and he protects her. He also keeps her schedule in check!
Overall, this book is perfect. It shows that love isn't perfect, no one is perfect, but we choose to love either way. I love Emerson for how strong she is. I felt her pain when Maddox betrayed her. When she forgave him so easily, I wanted to bonk her head. But Maddox is a good guy. Anyway, Maddox had to win her back, and it took a while to regain her complete trust. I know this isn't real, but I would really bonk Maddox if he ever hurts Emerson again. We must protect Emmy at all costs! It's 2:28 am, I have to sleep, but I'll end with saying that this is one already one of my favorites ever. I will most definitely reread this!
Also I don't know what to do with my life anymore. The bar is set so high I can't think of a book that I want to read that will match my love for this book. ALSO MORE PEOPLE NEED TO READ THIS.
When I bought this book, I didn't think much of it. I usually buy books at random, and I saw a book by Ann Aguirre from this online bookstore and decided to add this to my cart when I checked out. And I picked it up out of the blue from the piles of books on my bed, because I love anything New York as it reminds me of F.R.I.E.N.D.S. And to add to that, I also just watched Serendipity for the first time a few weeks ago and I guess the title of the book drew me in.
Let me just say, I was talking about how the last book I read took me out of my reading rut, but THIS ONE made me forget about that last book. I haven't been stuck to a book this much since early December. From the moment I picked it up, I couldn't stop reading it. The past few months, I'd pick up my current read every now and then, then I'd either watch YouTube/Netflix or color or do something else. Well today, I didn't turn on the TV until 7 pm because I was too engrossed in this book.
I thought this was about a teen being infatuated with another boy that she sees at Central Park, but boy was I wrong. This being a new adult romance made it so much more that I expected. I love it. I put so much annotation marks on this book, more than I've done ever. I'm not exaggerating.
SPOILERS AHEAD
This book is about Emerson. She likes to listen to the world. She observes people and she creates story in her head about them. She particularly likes going to a cafe in Central Park and people watch until she sees this guy and is automatically drawn to him. Every time she goes there, she sees him with a different woman and slowly, she begins imagining that it was her with him. Well one day, she gets in a cab with him and they share the cab. She finds that his name was Maddox. She's too scared of her dreams coming true that she tries to avoid him but then when she goes to a movie with her best friend Hollis, she meets him there, too. Maddox finds about her name, too.
In a series of events, Maddox ends up working at Emmy's office. A little background is Emerson's father owns this really big recording label, and she's expected to take over from there. And Maddox likes producing music, hence why he applied for a job there, too. And Emmy and Maddox's paths just keep on crossing. While Emersln tries to avoid Maddox, Maddox tries to get closer to Emerson.
One night he offers to take her to the best night of her life and she agrees. Through drinking and living a little, Maddox gets to learn more about Emmy and he gets her to open up a bit. This has soon become a little secret tradition that they had formed and one night, Emmy gets an idea to write a song about Maddox. They both get to his apartment and produces the song together and Emmy is really falling for Maddox. Maddox, likewise, but neither of them are ready to admit it, especially when Emmy sees a used condom in Maddox's trash.
Fast forward, these two eventually gets together, but Emmy doesn't want anyone to find out. Not even her best friend. A background on Emmy is she's been in love once only to have her heart be shattered to pieces. And aside from that, being 23 and already the next in line to carry their company, she doesn't want people to think that this is all being handed down to her, and she doesn't want her empolyees to think anything of her. Hollis eventually finds out about their relationship. When the time comes though that she's ready to tell her father, Emmy's father sees them kissing in Maddox's office. Things are finally going great until a party in their company where Emerson hears a woman speaking to Maddox saying how he slept with the HR to get his job and is now sleeping with the owner's daughter to get a higher position to which Maddox didn't deny. Emerson even tried to let him explain himself and he didn't. (?!?!?!?)
Well, at work Emmy produced an album for a really famous performer named Asa, and after this blowup, Asa reaches out to her as Carmen (another famous performer) needed a producer for her indie album that she's planning to release on her own. During their meeting, Maddox was somehow at the same restaurant and tries to talk to Emerson. They do talk, and Maddox wants her back. Emmy tells him he has to earn her back.
With the help of these two, she was slowly healing until Carmen hears the song that she and Maddox created. She wants to include it in her album, and Emmy doesn't want that because it meant having to talk to Maddox who she has been avoiding altogether. (maddox has been sending her songs every night since their break up). Carmen gets a hold of Maddox and gets the rights to the song. The release of the album was a success, and in her first concert, Carmen admits to the crowd that she only got Maddox to say yes if she lets him and Emmy sing that song together. They sing it together on stage, and slowly Emmy and Maddox piece together what they lost.
Maddox really did his best to earn Emmy back, and eventually he proposes to her at Central Park to which she said yes, yey!
I don't know, I am in love with this book. Too many annotation marks for quotes and verses I adored. It's like Cynthia Rodriguez is writing a poem only in a form of a story. I can't describe it but every paragraph was so beautfilly written, and Emerson would have to be one of the best, if not THE best, protagonist ever. I love her. She's rich and successful, yes, but in most ways, she's very relatable, too. I love that she is a listener. The world goes by around her, and she takes her time to learn about people and she creates stories about them in her mind. I loved that. She's rich and beautiful and yet, really humble, too. At work, she seems aloof but only because she wants to be the very best for her father, but she doesn't hinder herself from doing what she loves to do - producing music.
While I'm at it, I love all of the characters so much. I love Emerson and Maddox and Hollis and Emerson's dad.
Maddox is so unapologetically himself, sometimes to a fault, but mostly, it's what I like about him. He isn't perfect, although that was what Daydream Maddox was. He says what he feels, he is confident in himself, he is social, and he has the energy in him that draws people in. Not to mention that he's very handsome, too. I must say, I felt betrayed with what he did. Hell, I was mad for Emerson! I felt like I was reading Emmy's diary through it all, and I was there when she put him high on a pedestal only to learn that he was using her in the beginning. Emerson was already insecure enough, and somehow I wanted to protect her character from getting hurt, because he was the only person (aside from Hollis) that she was opening up to!!! Then he hurts her like that, and didn't even had the balls to expain to her immediately. Honestly, I was done with his bullshit of sending her songs at night instead of just explaining to her when he was ready. At first I listened to the songs, then I gave up. I mean, he wouldn't have explained at all if they hadn't chanced upon the restaurant. I don't know what he was waiting for.
He says he was ready to fall, and is already falling in love, and yet he cannot come to Emerson and explain himself immediately. He's 9 years older than her, and she was handling things more maturely. But aside from that, I like him a lot. He remembers things about Emerson, and I like when he said that him and Emerson are alike. Because they both like to listen. Emerson to world, and him to Emerson. Ahh. He also easily picks up on het quirks and how she matches her earrings to her mood. He knows her earrings are special so she gifts her a bunch of it on Christmas. He's very thoughtful that way. He even records the most mundane things that Emerson would say to make a song for her.
In a way, what he did is wrong, but a lot of people do that. He never expected to fall for her. Emerson kept him a secret so he never would have succeeded either way. Good for Emmy on that. And when this blew up, he did the right thing and quit the job. Although I never knew how Emmy's father felt about Maddox when they got back together because he witnessed and saw what happened in their breakup.
I needed to add also that I love Emerson's relationship with her father. It was strained for a bit, but they eventually reconnected. They only had each other anyway. The two grew apart when Emmy's father tells Emmy that she's bound to pick up where he'll be leaving the company. In Mr. Kingsley's mind, he's spending less time at work so he could give himself the time to grieve for his wife and so he could spend more time with Emmy. But because she's the one busy now, they only grew apart. In the end, Mr. kingsley's says he misses his job and more so he misses Emmy. Emmy admits that she may never want to take over the company because her passion is producing music. She admits that she doesn't want to disappoint him, and he says that he's only ever been so proud of Emerson. Ahh my heart. I adore the father-daughter relationship in this story.
There's Hollis, too. He's Emmy's rich assistant, bestfriend, and they share an apartment together. He's also gay. In another dimension, I think he'd be perfect for Emmy, but he's perfect as her best friend, too. He knows her, he accepts her, her supports her, and he protects her. He also keeps her schedule in check!
Overall, this book is perfect. It shows that love isn't perfect, no one is perfect, but we choose to love either way. I love Emerson for how strong she is. I felt her pain when Maddox betrayed her. When she forgave him so easily, I wanted to bonk her head. But Maddox is a good guy. Anyway, Maddox had to win her back, and it took a while to regain her complete trust. I know this isn't real, but I would really bonk Maddox if he ever hurts Emerson again. We must protect Emmy at all costs! It's 2:28 am, I have to sleep, but I'll end with saying that this is one already one of my favorites ever. I will most definitely reread this!
Also I don't know what to do with my life anymore. The bar is set so high I can't think of a book that I want to read that will match my love for this book. ALSO MORE PEOPLE NEED TO READ THIS.
August 26, 2020
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Emerson “Emmy” Kingsley loves observing things around her and lets life pass by in front of her on a Central Park bench. She grabs her usual drink at a cafe and goes to the green benches and “people watch”. It’s quite fascinating and directs her focus more with observing Maddox and the people (mostly women) that goes up to him to introduce themselves. She works for her father, Dustin Kingsley, in the music business under Kingsley Records, after deciding to drop out of university. She loves to make music and share it with the world.
Maddox Bailey was just a man that Emmy would observe from afar in Central Park until he wasn’t. He’s a mystery to the readers since the book is all from Emmy’s point of view. We do get to meet him more when he starts his new job with Kingsley Records that would require him to have more interactions with Emmy. He may look like a manwhore as what Emmy describes in the very first chapter but do not be fooled. He is deeper than first portrayed and will push Emmy outside her ‘comfort zone’ that will help her find ‘herself’ later on.
I’ve been excited to be part of this book. It’s a much-anticipated book on my list since I read the blurb. I quickly devoured this book and as I started the book, the opening immediately hit me.
It’s an age-gap romance that I normally stay out of since most of them feel “forced” and “done for the sake of it” but somehow for this book, I was willing to give it a try. I am so glad that I did. I didn’t feel it until their ages were mentioned and other people treated Emmy as too young to be heading a company or even having wine! Emmy seems to match an older outlook, sophistication, and acts ‘mature’ for her age. She seems older than the usual 23 year old around the block.
The start of the book just grabs you. Readers get to dives into her mind immediately at the start of the book without us knowing it…a good kind of ambush. The writing is smart, witty, and genuine. It’s doesn’t try hard since the characters speak for themselves. Emmy’s thoughts and internal dialogues are so raw and forthright that readers are swept way to just feel the moment. Each word and action is purposeful.
The story seems “stalkerish” at first glance wherein Emmy sits in the same park bench each week while keeping an eye out of a particular boy – but it’s not! Although Emmy is known to listen versus speak or participate, I strongly feel Emmy has been “observing” Maddox as she slowly builds her confidence to speak to Maddox. She’s the “admirer from afar” and she is a cautious one. Until they do meet at her workplace, Emmy’s world starts colliding with her real life.
The chemistry between Emmy and Maddox from the start is an intensely slow one. Emmy feels it inch by inch, living off their “moments” that will surely get readers giddy. Since they work in the same company, they seem to be running into each other more and interacting in a way that pushes Emmy out of her comfort zone; this is aside from having taken more responsibilities in the company. I was patient with the “slower pace” on Emmy and Maddox since I believe Maddox could sense that moving too fast will be inappropriate as they are colleagues and she’s the boss’ daughter…but also because maybe he could sense that Emmy needed to sort out her own “thoughts” before even venturing to anything with him. Maddox gets it right for Emmy. As Hollis said, “He actually gets you Em.”
Emmy’s backstory has its sad parts and it pops up randomly in the book. She feels the music around her through her daily experiences – love, and loss. This shaped her outlook at the start of the book. She went through a few things that had her fearful of experiencing the present with Maddox, with the music, with her impending role in the music business.
Emmy’s social skills are constantly questioned by her work colleagues since she hardly exerts her opinions as strongly as others. She’s the one that wouldn’t volunteer anything but there is a reason for this. This book is not your typical contemporary romance book. Emmy is the anti-hero, the underdog that readers don’t see coming. I hang on to her since I know Emmy’s a very special character who will show everyone at the end, that she’s the one to look out for…the one who will surprise us all and take over this whole book through her silence.
I love the references to some popular areas that I, myself, have been to so it’s a good reminder of the places I missed, given the current travel situation, like Central Park, Union Square Cafe, and Ziegfeld Theater. It sort of gave an ode to readers of the heritage and importance of these places.
I wanted to specially mention the supporting characters in this book. Although they aren’t a lot, I loved them all!
Hollis is a hoot! Yes, similar to the book. He’s Emmy’s roommate and a good friend who conveniently works for Kingsley Music also in the secretarial department. He’s a great supporting character for Emmy that it’s hard not to site some of his quotes. Strong supporting characters help shape the main characters become the best versions of themselves, which Hollis does with how Emmy becomes a stronger, confident woman.
Dustin Kinsley is a very supportive single-parent father, whose wife passed away before seeing his business’ fruition. He is a hardworking and determined man based on how he started the company from the ground up. He, like Emmy, didn’t finish his degree and learned through real-life experiences to get Kinsley Records one of the big names in the music industry. All of his work is through gut instincts and he passed this instinctual gift to Emmy. He is slowly letting Emmy take the reigns to the business but still reminded her of the importance of family and her happiness constantly.
This book is unassuming but it has a ‘pull’ that makes readers fall hard into the story. Emmy’s thoughts and rationalization are all so raw and with grit that it’s impossible not to feel and get emotional. Each breath, step, flashback fills us with unadulterated honesty.
I am a believer that heroes can be strong in their own unique way, no matter how flawed or broken they come. Emmy is one unique heroine in my mind. She has this quiet critical-thinking strength oozing out of her. Maybe all of this comes from the love and support of her father that transcends to how she approaches and listens to music, how she treats people and how she sees the world – a “quiet strength” that makes her beautiful and elegant in her own way.
There were so many things that I didn’t see coming as I approached the final few chapters, which was poetic that made me hold on to my breath. I shed a tear or two for Emmy’s plight and pain. I felt the shock and despair as Emmy…everything just “happened” at once. Readers will see both, Emmy and Maddox, succumb to the consequences of their actions, and mistakes were made. What they initially did with good intentions suddenly was tainted with betrayal, and doubt. Emmy and Maddox had to find their way back to listen to the other’s “music/sounds” and forgive themselves to become worthy of the other. How the author ended the book felt like being under a waterfall, washing off all the hurt and pain as you come out renewed and hopeful. It came in a rush, readers will come out renewed and hopeful in the best possible way.
There is an added bonus for readers is in this edition. Two prequel books are included at the end of the book, The Sound of the Beginning, and The Sound of Maddox.
The Sound of the Beginning tells the story of Emmy and Henry Esposito. We find out what happened that changed Emmy’s perception of love. The Sound of Maddox gives us a sneak peek to how and what happened as Emmy first laid eyes on Maddox. It is a great way of reminiscing on the story all over again.
I highly recommend this book – for readers who want to see a different kind of strength for the main character, readers who love New York and its colorful characters, and most of all, readers who are are die-hard HEA fans – finding and trusting love again after all the pain has settled. There is a lot of growing up, being brave finding love, accepting “the random moments”, accepting forgiveness, and healing love. All the ingredients in making this book “epic” for readers.
**Note: I have a habit of highlighting quotes, events, names in books, which is why eBooks are better options for me but with this book, I seem to highlight almost everything in the book since there are a lot of quotable sentences/phrases. This blows my mind because this is rare. I’m amazed at how good this book is!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Emerson “Emmy” Kingsley loves observing things around her and lets life pass by in front of her on a Central Park bench. She grabs her usual drink at a cafe and goes to the green benches and “people watch”. It’s quite fascinating and directs her focus more with observing Maddox and the people (mostly women) that goes up to him to introduce themselves. She works for her father, Dustin Kingsley, in the music business under Kingsley Records, after deciding to drop out of university. She loves to make music and share it with the world.
Maddox Bailey was just a man that Emmy would observe from afar in Central Park until he wasn’t. He’s a mystery to the readers since the book is all from Emmy’s point of view. We do get to meet him more when he starts his new job with Kingsley Records that would require him to have more interactions with Emmy. He may look like a manwhore as what Emmy describes in the very first chapter but do not be fooled. He is deeper than first portrayed and will push Emmy outside her ‘comfort zone’ that will help her find ‘herself’ later on.
I’ve been excited to be part of this book. It’s a much-anticipated book on my list since I read the blurb. I quickly devoured this book and as I started the book, the opening immediately hit me.
It’s an age-gap romance that I normally stay out of since most of them feel “forced” and “done for the sake of it” but somehow for this book, I was willing to give it a try. I am so glad that I did. I didn’t feel it until their ages were mentioned and other people treated Emmy as too young to be heading a company or even having wine! Emmy seems to match an older outlook, sophistication, and acts ‘mature’ for her age. She seems older than the usual 23 year old around the block.
Live is either a daring adventure or nothing.
— Maddox, The Sound of Serendipity
The start of the book just grabs you. Readers get to dives into her mind immediately at the start of the book without us knowing it…a good kind of ambush. The writing is smart, witty, and genuine. It’s doesn’t try hard since the characters speak for themselves. Emmy’s thoughts and internal dialogues are so raw and forthright that readers are swept way to just feel the moment. Each word and action is purposeful.
The story seems “stalkerish” at first glance wherein Emmy sits in the same park bench each week while keeping an eye out of a particular boy – but it’s not! Although Emmy is known to listen versus speak or participate, I strongly feel Emmy has been “observing” Maddox as she slowly builds her confidence to speak to Maddox. She’s the “admirer from afar” and she is a cautious one. Until they do meet at her workplace, Emmy’s world starts colliding with her real life.
I’ve merely perfected the art of watching from the sidelines, wishing it were me.
— Emmy, The Sound of Serendipity
The chemistry between Emmy and Maddox from the start is an intensely slow one. Emmy feels it inch by inch, living off their “moments” that will surely get readers giddy. Since they work in the same company, they seem to be running into each other more and interacting in a way that pushes Emmy out of her comfort zone; this is aside from having taken more responsibilities in the company. I was patient with the “slower pace” on Emmy and Maddox since I believe Maddox could sense that moving too fast will be inappropriate as they are colleagues and she’s the boss’ daughter…but also because maybe he could sense that Emmy needed to sort out her own “thoughts” before even venturing to anything with him. Maddox gets it right for Emmy. As Hollis said, “He actually gets you Em.”
Emmy’s backstory has its sad parts and it pops up randomly in the book. She feels the music around her through her daily experiences – love, and loss. This shaped her outlook at the start of the book. She went through a few things that had her fearful of experiencing the present with Maddox, with the music, with her impending role in the music business.
Emmy’s social skills are constantly questioned by her work colleagues since she hardly exerts her opinions as strongly as others. She’s the one that wouldn’t volunteer anything but there is a reason for this. This book is not your typical contemporary romance book. Emmy is the anti-hero, the underdog that readers don’t see coming. I hang on to her since I know Emmy’s a very special character who will show everyone at the end, that she’s the one to look out for…the one who will surprise us all and take over this whole book through her silence.
I love the references to some popular areas that I, myself, have been to so it’s a good reminder of the places I missed, given the current travel situation, like Central Park, Union Square Cafe, and Ziegfeld Theater. It sort of gave an ode to readers of the heritage and importance of these places.
I wanted to specially mention the supporting characters in this book. Although they aren’t a lot, I loved them all!
Hollis is a hoot! Yes, similar to the book. He’s Emmy’s roommate and a good friend who conveniently works for Kingsley Music also in the secretarial department. He’s a great supporting character for Emmy that it’s hard not to site some of his quotes. Strong supporting characters help shape the main characters become the best versions of themselves, which Hollis does with how Emmy becomes a stronger, confident woman.
Dustin Kinsley is a very supportive single-parent father, whose wife passed away before seeing his business’ fruition. He is a hardworking and determined man based on how he started the company from the ground up. He, like Emmy, didn’t finish his degree and learned through real-life experiences to get Kinsley Records one of the big names in the music industry. All of his work is through gut instincts and he passed this instinctual gift to Emmy. He is slowly letting Emmy take the reigns to the business but still reminded her of the importance of family and her happiness constantly.
This book is unassuming but it has a ‘pull’ that makes readers fall hard into the story. Emmy’s thoughts and rationalization are all so raw and with grit that it’s impossible not to feel and get emotional. Each breath, step, flashback fills us with unadulterated honesty.
I realize that these moments – the real ones – are the ones worth fantasizing about. Because I’m learning that the same Maddox who can make me crazy with lust, can also warm my heart without words.
— Emmy, The Sound of Serendipity
I am a believer that heroes can be strong in their own unique way, no matter how flawed or broken they come. Emmy is one unique heroine in my mind. She has this quiet critical-thinking strength oozing out of her. Maybe all of this comes from the love and support of her father that transcends to how she approaches and listens to music, how she treats people and how she sees the world – a “quiet strength” that makes her beautiful and elegant in her own way.
There were so many things that I didn’t see coming as I approached the final few chapters, which was poetic that made me hold on to my breath. I shed a tear or two for Emmy’s plight and pain. I felt the shock and despair as Emmy…everything just “happened” at once. Readers will see both, Emmy and Maddox, succumb to the consequences of their actions, and mistakes were made. What they initially did with good intentions suddenly was tainted with betrayal, and doubt. Emmy and Maddox had to find their way back to listen to the other’s “music/sounds” and forgive themselves to become worthy of the other. How the author ended the book felt like being under a waterfall, washing off all the hurt and pain as you come out renewed and hopeful. It came in a rush, readers will come out renewed and hopeful in the best possible way.
I was never afraid of loving you, Emerson. I was afraid of not being good enough for you to love.
— Maddox, The Sound of Serendipity
There is an added bonus for readers is in this edition. Two prequel books are included at the end of the book, The Sound of the Beginning, and The Sound of Maddox.
The Sound of the Beginning tells the story of Emmy and Henry Esposito. We find out what happened that changed Emmy’s perception of love. The Sound of Maddox gives us a sneak peek to how and what happened as Emmy first laid eyes on Maddox. It is a great way of reminiscing on the story all over again.
I highly recommend this book – for readers who want to see a different kind of strength for the main character, readers who love New York and its colorful characters, and most of all, readers who are are die-hard HEA fans – finding and trusting love again after all the pain has settled. There is a lot of growing up, being brave finding love, accepting “the random moments”, accepting forgiveness, and healing love. All the ingredients in making this book “epic” for readers.
**Note: I have a habit of highlighting quotes, events, names in books, which is why eBooks are better options for me but with this book, I seem to highlight almost everything in the book since there are a lot of quotable sentences/phrases. This blows my mind because this is rare. I’m amazed at how good this book is!
April 29, 2016
Melanie's Review
The Sound of Serendipity is my first Cynthia Rodriguez book and what I’ve come out with is the appreciation for how beautifully she writes. Emerson and Maddox’s love story had a quiet disposition about it, yet the author’s words made me see the intensity behind the calm. As beautiful as the words written across the pages were, I’m going to be very honest and say that it took me quite a while to get through this book. I didn’t feel a sense of urgency to flip through the pages like a madwoman because I HAD to find out how it all comes together. Instead, there was this sort of laziness that it seemed to draw out of me. It made me want to sit down and relax, re-open my Kindle and take my time with it. The pacing of this book and the amount of back and forth detail about every bit of emotion that Emerson was feeling were definitely the catalysts to the languidness it brought out of me. And quite frankly, I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.
Emerson’s character was a struggle for me during so many times in this book and I know it’s because I couldn’t relate to her and for me, I need to somehow be able to relate to the heroine in some way or another. Books for me are an escape from the daily realities and to be able to step into the shoes of its heroine is one of the biggest pleasures for someone with a serious case of fiction addiction. I will say that there were those times, though scarce, that I sympathized for her. Losing her mom at a pivotal time in a girl’s life and suddenly having the weight of the world on her shoulders. I felt bad that she had to be pressured into sacrificing her own passion in order for her to feel like she wasn’t letting her father down. But the thing is… I never felt like she actually wanted to stand up for herself. She let other people’s opinions get to her to the point of toxicity. She allowed those around her to make decisions for her, never comfortable enough to stand up for herself. Ugh. I had such a tough time with this. I love a vulnerable heroine, in fact I think vulnerability makes for the best of them but ultimately, the heroine must save herself. I so wanted her to step away from the wall and break through the shadows.
Now her relationship with Maddox was a bit of a conundrum for me at the start. You see, Emerson has been watching and at the same time been falling in love with Maddox from afar for months. Sitting on a park bench she sees a slew of different women on his arm and she berated herself with self-doubt, believing that a man like him could never want a girl like her. But suddenly fate steps in and Maddox becomes an everyday fixture for her and ultimately, albeit pretty quickly Maddox falls for Emerson. I thought they were charming together, lots of little sweet moments between them that spoke volumes. She begins to open up to Maddox as she’s never done with anyone else in her life and as their relationship progresses into something more, he begins to set this fire within her that I’d been waiting to see. For the latter part of this book, Emerson grew into the heroine I wish we could have seen more of.
Though this book was a bit too drawn out for my taste, I can’t deny the silent beauty behind Cynthia Rodriguez’s words. The Sound of Serendipity most certainly meets the angst quota. So if you’re in the market for that, this one is a definite must read for you.
** ARC provided for an honest review **
I also review under We Like It Big Book Blog and you can find us at http://www.welikeitbigbookblog.wordpr...
The Sound of Serendipity is my first Cynthia Rodriguez book and what I’ve come out with is the appreciation for how beautifully she writes. Emerson and Maddox’s love story had a quiet disposition about it, yet the author’s words made me see the intensity behind the calm. As beautiful as the words written across the pages were, I’m going to be very honest and say that it took me quite a while to get through this book. I didn’t feel a sense of urgency to flip through the pages like a madwoman because I HAD to find out how it all comes together. Instead, there was this sort of laziness that it seemed to draw out of me. It made me want to sit down and relax, re-open my Kindle and take my time with it. The pacing of this book and the amount of back and forth detail about every bit of emotion that Emerson was feeling were definitely the catalysts to the languidness it brought out of me. And quite frankly, I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.
Emerson’s character was a struggle for me during so many times in this book and I know it’s because I couldn’t relate to her and for me, I need to somehow be able to relate to the heroine in some way or another. Books for me are an escape from the daily realities and to be able to step into the shoes of its heroine is one of the biggest pleasures for someone with a serious case of fiction addiction. I will say that there were those times, though scarce, that I sympathized for her. Losing her mom at a pivotal time in a girl’s life and suddenly having the weight of the world on her shoulders. I felt bad that she had to be pressured into sacrificing her own passion in order for her to feel like she wasn’t letting her father down. But the thing is… I never felt like she actually wanted to stand up for herself. She let other people’s opinions get to her to the point of toxicity. She allowed those around her to make decisions for her, never comfortable enough to stand up for herself. Ugh. I had such a tough time with this. I love a vulnerable heroine, in fact I think vulnerability makes for the best of them but ultimately, the heroine must save herself. I so wanted her to step away from the wall and break through the shadows.
Now her relationship with Maddox was a bit of a conundrum for me at the start. You see, Emerson has been watching and at the same time been falling in love with Maddox from afar for months. Sitting on a park bench she sees a slew of different women on his arm and she berated herself with self-doubt, believing that a man like him could never want a girl like her. But suddenly fate steps in and Maddox becomes an everyday fixture for her and ultimately, albeit pretty quickly Maddox falls for Emerson. I thought they were charming together, lots of little sweet moments between them that spoke volumes. She begins to open up to Maddox as she’s never done with anyone else in her life and as their relationship progresses into something more, he begins to set this fire within her that I’d been waiting to see. For the latter part of this book, Emerson grew into the heroine I wish we could have seen more of.
Though this book was a bit too drawn out for my taste, I can’t deny the silent beauty behind Cynthia Rodriguez’s words. The Sound of Serendipity most certainly meets the angst quota. So if you’re in the market for that, this one is a definite must read for you.
** ARC provided for an honest review **
I also review under We Like It Big Book Blog and you can find us at http://www.welikeitbigbookblog.wordpr...
March 10, 2016
What can I really say? All day long – at work, with the kiddos, during lunch, etc. – and for many days now, I’ve tried to come up with a way to accurately describe my love for The Sound of Serendipity. Guess what I’ve come up with? Not a damn thing, because it’s impossible for words on paper to express my adoration and the completely ridiculous amount of fangirl love I have for this book.
Kinda interesting story. I had never heard of Cynthia A. Rodriguez. Unbeknownst to me, she had a few prior releases (which I now will be one-clicking to devour at a later time) and she had this upcoming book that no one knew about. It was super sneaky. So while I’ve been reading it, I couldn’t talk to anyone. That’s like torture! I couldn’t squee about it. I couldn’t vent out my frustrations over some of the character’s mistakes they made. I couldn’t do anything except soak it all in, but in the end, I’m so glad that I went at it by myself. It allowed me to really dive into the story, with no preconceived notions, no pressure from friends, no expectations on what others had suggested. Just me, Emerson, Maddox, and Cynthia’s flawless writing. Ahh, now that’s the life.
The Sound of Serendipity is the epitome of that oh so magical mixture of romance, angst, and frustration. The tummy flipping, butterfly inducing, and hair tugging combo that I can’t ever say no to. I love being pulled in many different directions within the pages of a book and this one did that for me. Emerson and Maddox’s story is beautiful, but there’s no shortage of flaws on both of their parts, and that makes it so much more interesting. Is their relationship perfect? Not even a little bit. Do they make mistakes that might make a reader think, “what the hell are you doing?!” Absolutely. But is it so incredibly fascinating? Without a doubt. You’ll find yourself completely immersed in this story and coming up for air as if you’re suffocating in their lives.
While I did love the characters, what made them tick, and their story as a whole, I think I loved Rodriguez’s writing equally as much. I’m honestly addicted to her at this point. The Sound of Serendipity has that feeling that she stopped and considered every word in every paragraph on every page. Her descriptions are so vivid; you’ll swear you’re sitting on that park bench next to them. The way she not only brings their story to life but also evokes the emotions that the characters are feeling is utter perfection.
“Falling in love means falling to your doom. Nothing good can come of gifting someone an organ you can’t survive without.”
“Fuck love at first sight. Fuck lust. Fuck it all. It pales in comparison to what we have…”
Swoon. So. Much. Swoon. I just can’t.
Overall, The Sound of Serendipity has blown me away. Some books, you know it from the moment you read that synopsis that it will become a new favorite. You can see it in the amount of love and care that an author has put into their work, and for me, this one screamed to me that I needed it in my life. It not only met but also exceeded my expectations. It’s an eloquently told, unique story that will undoubtedly leave a mark in the romance genre.
<3 Erin
Kinda interesting story. I had never heard of Cynthia A. Rodriguez. Unbeknownst to me, she had a few prior releases (which I now will be one-clicking to devour at a later time) and she had this upcoming book that no one knew about. It was super sneaky. So while I’ve been reading it, I couldn’t talk to anyone. That’s like torture! I couldn’t squee about it. I couldn’t vent out my frustrations over some of the character’s mistakes they made. I couldn’t do anything except soak it all in, but in the end, I’m so glad that I went at it by myself. It allowed me to really dive into the story, with no preconceived notions, no pressure from friends, no expectations on what others had suggested. Just me, Emerson, Maddox, and Cynthia’s flawless writing. Ahh, now that’s the life.
The Sound of Serendipity is the epitome of that oh so magical mixture of romance, angst, and frustration. The tummy flipping, butterfly inducing, and hair tugging combo that I can’t ever say no to. I love being pulled in many different directions within the pages of a book and this one did that for me. Emerson and Maddox’s story is beautiful, but there’s no shortage of flaws on both of their parts, and that makes it so much more interesting. Is their relationship perfect? Not even a little bit. Do they make mistakes that might make a reader think, “what the hell are you doing?!” Absolutely. But is it so incredibly fascinating? Without a doubt. You’ll find yourself completely immersed in this story and coming up for air as if you’re suffocating in their lives.
While I did love the characters, what made them tick, and their story as a whole, I think I loved Rodriguez’s writing equally as much. I’m honestly addicted to her at this point. The Sound of Serendipity has that feeling that she stopped and considered every word in every paragraph on every page. Her descriptions are so vivid; you’ll swear you’re sitting on that park bench next to them. The way she not only brings their story to life but also evokes the emotions that the characters are feeling is utter perfection.
“Falling in love means falling to your doom. Nothing good can come of gifting someone an organ you can’t survive without.”
“Fuck love at first sight. Fuck lust. Fuck it all. It pales in comparison to what we have…”
Swoon. So. Much. Swoon. I just can’t.
Overall, The Sound of Serendipity has blown me away. Some books, you know it from the moment you read that synopsis that it will become a new favorite. You can see it in the amount of love and care that an author has put into their work, and for me, this one screamed to me that I needed it in my life. It not only met but also exceeded my expectations. It’s an eloquently told, unique story that will undoubtedly leave a mark in the romance genre.
<3 Erin
April 4, 2016
Where do I even start with this book?!? It was just simply amazing. There is no other way to put it. What I liked best about it was the originality in the heroine's character. I have been waiting a long time for someone to write a character like hers and Cynthia brought her to life. I can go more into detail about the characters and what I liked about them, but I am not. I want all of you to go into reading this without the bias opinion of someone else and come up with your own conclusions, but I am sure you all will love it as much as I did. I think that I liked this book a little more, just for the fact that I found my personality lining up perfectly with a lot of the traits that Emerson had, and when an author can get that deep connection it makes the book even better because we can relate. Which brings me to my favorite passage from the book, “To the untrained eye, you’re cold and quiet, but I know your warmth and I’ve heard your voice. You’re not quiet, you’re listening. And you are not cold. Not many can handle the fire in your soul.”
The book was beautiful, that the best I can come up with. I can give this book as much praise as I want and I will for a very long time, but this is one of those that everyone has to read. I have read two other books by Cynthia and I can say that this is by far one of my favorite, not just by her but in general. This book has already made it to my top favorites this year and we aren’t even halfway through the year!
The book was beautiful, that the best I can come up with. I can give this book as much praise as I want and I will for a very long time, but this is one of those that everyone has to read. I have read two other books by Cynthia and I can say that this is by far one of my favorite, not just by her but in general. This book has already made it to my top favorites this year and we aren’t even halfway through the year!
March 11, 2016
Okay, so I'm going to start this review by saying that this was a different side of the author that I thoroughly enjoyed. Her previous works aren't as romantically involved as this, and it was a fresh take on a tale of love, loss, and discovering the beauty in yourself.
I don't do spoilers, but I'll spoil this for you; Maddox will ruin any man for you.
DAYUM MADDOX. Day-um.
This story will take you on a trip through NYC and the music industry. It will also take you on a trip through one woman's outlook on love. While most stories like this typically end one way, this one kept me guessing and pulled the rug out from under me a few times. I admired the author's writing style and her characters. They are bold and unforgettable, yet she allows enough room for you to create their appearances in your own mind, something that is lost a lot anymore when it comes to writing.
This is a beautiful story that will make you smile, laugh, and really feel for these characters. The minor characters are just as wonderful, and I have an obsession with Hollis. He's a good guy.
Kudos on this amazing read and congrats to the author for successfully creating a story that is both captivating and beautiful.
I don't do spoilers, but I'll spoil this for you; Maddox will ruin any man for you.
DAYUM MADDOX. Day-um.
This story will take you on a trip through NYC and the music industry. It will also take you on a trip through one woman's outlook on love. While most stories like this typically end one way, this one kept me guessing and pulled the rug out from under me a few times. I admired the author's writing style and her characters. They are bold and unforgettable, yet she allows enough room for you to create their appearances in your own mind, something that is lost a lot anymore when it comes to writing.
This is a beautiful story that will make you smile, laugh, and really feel for these characters. The minor characters are just as wonderful, and I have an obsession with Hollis. He's a good guy.
Kudos on this amazing read and congrats to the author for successfully creating a story that is both captivating and beautiful.
April 17, 2016
This book makes you feel EVERYTHING. She makes you feel the weight of her words. They pull you in like your favorite song, which is important because the whole premise of the book is based around music. She created these complex, flawed characters that you can't help but adore. You feel the pain, the passion, the hurt, the beauty, you feel the significance of every word she poured into the pages. Emerson was my favorite character. You get to witness her grow into this amazing, independent woman. You get to witness her form bonds with great friends. You get to witness her fall in love with a man, have her heart broken again, and turn into the most beautiful butterfly, and oh man does she soar! She finally finds a way to stand on her own two feet. As a woman, I couldn't ask for more. In comes Maddox... You love him, you question his motives, you hate him, you fall in love with him again. You are left wondering what is happening. There's not many pages left and you don't know if you're going to get your HEA. You're rushing through the pages searching for your answer. You're holding your breath, then there it is. The encore... It's brilliant, sexy, and soft. The title of the book couldn't be more perfect!! Trust me, you won't be let down if you decide to just "open the door."
March 26, 2016
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*
There are words in the world people use everyday to describe something or someone that is very meaningful to them or has impacted them in the best way possible. Words like appealing, lovely, delightful, and pleasant. And while all of those words are things people would love to hear when associated with them or something they have to do with, they aren't quite the words I would use when I think of The Sound of Serendipity and how it was written. If someone were to ask me how I would describe TSOS in four words or less, my response would easily be: "Astonishing, captivating, and beautifully exquisite!"
There's honestly not much I can say other than that. This book has me at a loss for words, I'd give away way too much and spoil it for everyone if I even try to say more. Just know Cynthia Rodriguez has a way of putting into writing what our subconscious minds think and wonder about on a daily basis. Throw in an amazing roller coaster love story and you have, in my opinion, one of the best books written in 2016 so far. With that being said, if someone asked me if there was one book that they absolutely needed to read in 2016 it will most definitely be The Sound of Serendipity by Cynthia Rodriguez! Well freaking done!!
There are words in the world people use everyday to describe something or someone that is very meaningful to them or has impacted them in the best way possible. Words like appealing, lovely, delightful, and pleasant. And while all of those words are things people would love to hear when associated with them or something they have to do with, they aren't quite the words I would use when I think of The Sound of Serendipity and how it was written. If someone were to ask me how I would describe TSOS in four words or less, my response would easily be: "Astonishing, captivating, and beautifully exquisite!"
There's honestly not much I can say other than that. This book has me at a loss for words, I'd give away way too much and spoil it for everyone if I even try to say more. Just know Cynthia Rodriguez has a way of putting into writing what our subconscious minds think and wonder about on a daily basis. Throw in an amazing roller coaster love story and you have, in my opinion, one of the best books written in 2016 so far. With that being said, if someone asked me if there was one book that they absolutely needed to read in 2016 it will most definitely be The Sound of Serendipity by Cynthia Rodriguez! Well freaking done!!
May 1, 2016
"And love... Love sounds like whispers and stolen kisses while the muted tones of traffic blends into the background."
Cynthia Rodriguez writes love, creating vivid images, crashing souls, and a sensory overload of "the feels."
Emerson, my quiet soul. She's lost. On a collision course to find herself. A real woman with emotions that will very well trigger the same inside of you. A woman whose been burned by a past relationship and left in the flames of heartache.
Maddox is a high and low kinda guy. This man, this cheeky fellow with the irresistible smirk and quirks who got lost in the music when there was no other place to wander- this guy is everything. But he will make you wonder at times if he's being true, all while falling in and out, and back in love again with him.
The Sound of Serendipity was a raw story created around two beautiful, and at times broken characters. With a bewitching plot, paired with Cynthia's way of completely enchanting readers with her engaging words and you're sure to be lured into a world where love is a bittersweet melody.
Cynthia Rodriguez writes love, creating vivid images, crashing souls, and a sensory overload of "the feels."
Emerson, my quiet soul. She's lost. On a collision course to find herself. A real woman with emotions that will very well trigger the same inside of you. A woman whose been burned by a past relationship and left in the flames of heartache.
Maddox is a high and low kinda guy. This man, this cheeky fellow with the irresistible smirk and quirks who got lost in the music when there was no other place to wander- this guy is everything. But he will make you wonder at times if he's being true, all while falling in and out, and back in love again with him.
The Sound of Serendipity was a raw story created around two beautiful, and at times broken characters. With a bewitching plot, paired with Cynthia's way of completely enchanting readers with her engaging words and you're sure to be lured into a world where love is a bittersweet melody.
March 24, 2016
The Sound of Serendipity was an extremely sneaky, behind-the-scenes novel from Cynthia A. Rodriguez. While I absolutely loved the deep, intellectual feel Crashing Souls delivered, the new emotions revealed from the author in this book were remarkable.
Rodriguez has a way with words; each one serves a purpose and is strategically placed to deliver one helluva story.
TSoS is so much more than a romance novel. It's the journey of a young woman in NYC trying to find her way in life. She knew she had a rough past and this story was her journey on whether or not she would let it define her future. While I absolutely loved Maddox Bailey and want to have his babies, I was infatuated with Emerson Kingsley. Her character was so precisely written and I feel... educated (for lack of a smarter term) after reading her journey.
I loved this book. I think I messaged Cynthia every day expressing how much I didn't want to finish the book or have their story "end." I highly recommend it!!!
Rodriguez has a way with words; each one serves a purpose and is strategically placed to deliver one helluva story.
TSoS is so much more than a romance novel. It's the journey of a young woman in NYC trying to find her way in life. She knew she had a rough past and this story was her journey on whether or not she would let it define her future. While I absolutely loved Maddox Bailey and want to have his babies, I was infatuated with Emerson Kingsley. Her character was so precisely written and I feel... educated (for lack of a smarter term) after reading her journey.
I loved this book. I think I messaged Cynthia every day expressing how much I didn't want to finish the book or have their story "end." I highly recommend it!!!
April 6, 2016
One thing I learned about this author is that she has the ability to stun me into silence. She wows me with the words she creates. This book was no different. From the very beginning of the book I knew I absolutely LOVED Emerson. She had this way about her that was so.... real . You couldn't help but take in her emotions and realize where she was coming from. I love when authors bring out the real in characters and Cynthia did just that. Which brings me to the sexy, irresistible Maddox. OMG. I actually don't know what to say about him. I wanted to lick him, shake him, and completely devour him!!! These two together... It was beautiful.
I defiantly recommend this book to everyone. I feel like it is a love everyone needs to read about and witness.
An absolutely beautiful, stunning story that will leave you rushing for the next page, but also trying to slow down to relish it.
Review from: Brittany Stevens
Blog: @darkreadings on Instagram
I defiantly recommend this book to everyone. I feel like it is a love everyone needs to read about and witness.
An absolutely beautiful, stunning story that will leave you rushing for the next page, but also trying to slow down to relish it.
Review from: Brittany Stevens
Blog: @darkreadings on Instagram
March 18, 2016
“Fuck love at first sight. Fuck lust. Fuck it all. It pales in comparison to what we have…”
Damn.
Cynthia Rodriguez has went and knocked it out of the park AGAIN! Her writing is truly remarkable. Every single thing about this story was spell binding.
It was such a thrilling story with such real raw emotions!
Emerson... Bless her heart. I loved her so, Just seeing how her mind works and hearing her story, really pulled at my heart and made me love her more and more.
Maddox.... I hate him and I love him. I don't know which I feel more for him though. I can't say much without ruining the story but I am on the fence about him but know I want to love him so much! I really do. I would even say he might even be swoon worthy but I'll have to get him so more thought. ;)
I highly recommend this book and I am so incredibly thankful that I received an ARC of it!!
Damn.
Cynthia Rodriguez has went and knocked it out of the park AGAIN! Her writing is truly remarkable. Every single thing about this story was spell binding.
It was such a thrilling story with such real raw emotions!
Emerson... Bless her heart. I loved her so, Just seeing how her mind works and hearing her story, really pulled at my heart and made me love her more and more.
Maddox.... I hate him and I love him. I don't know which I feel more for him though. I can't say much without ruining the story but I am on the fence about him but know I want to love him so much! I really do. I would even say he might even be swoon worthy but I'll have to get him so more thought. ;)
I highly recommend this book and I am so incredibly thankful that I received an ARC of it!!
August 20, 2018
2.75 stars! I enjoyed the premise of this book. But it was so DRAWN OUT. And it took FOREVER to get to the good stuff. I was getting bored that I almost DNF. But my OCD won't allow me to start a book and not finish it, so I trekked on. I enjoyed the last few chapters but maybe that was because I knew it was coming to and end. It wasn't a horrible book but if the author's other books are similar to this, I don't see myself reading anything else by her.
March 15, 2016
This book went above and beyond all of my expectations! It is written so damn well. I was literally hooked from the opening paragraph! Emerson and Maddox are PERFECTION! I am so excited for everyone to read this! A DEFINITE MUST READ!
March 31, 2016
Beautifully written. I laughed, cried, and swooned all over this book. Honestly, I didn't want it to end. Well done Cynthia, well done. <3
November 20, 2024
If I could give this book a 0, I would. But I can't. So I give it a 1.
First of all, let me start off by saying that I bought this book as a blind date with a book. I did not willingly pick it up off the shelve.
The plot sounded intriguing at first. Heir to a record label meets guy in a cab. He starts working at the record label. They start dating. Happy ending. Not. This is a quarter baked idea that needed to be sent back to the editor about 50 more times.
This is a romance, yet the sex scenes lacked so much feeling. Dry is not a word that should be used to describe a sex scene, but that is what they were. It is like the author wanted to write a dark romance male protagonist, but we're left with borderline abuser? Nothing crossed a line, but if I was treated like that, it would be OVER.
Now let's talk about how the female protagonist is a 23 year old, college dropout who is being groomed to take over her father's very successful record label in NYC. This is not at all plausible. She would have been forced to get a degree even if she needed a couple years to fuck off. She is painted as an introvert who loves to watch people, be an observer, and only offer her opinion when she deems it worthy. Her character was not painted as a pushover at first, but by the end a light breeze would've made her keel over.
Additionally her only friends are her father and her roommate. She doesn't tell either about her relationship with the MMC until more than halfway through the book. Her father finds out by walking in on the MMC and FMC heavily making out.
I will give props to the end of the book when the FMC makes friends with two music artists and helps one produce an album. That was cute. However, I don't think the author did any research into the music industry before sitting down to write.
The drama in this book was probably the worst part. Everything was resolved within half a page. There were multiple points where the MMC and the FMC got into an argument that would've made a great plot point for the book. However, this book was so conflict adverse that the conflict just vanished and everything was fine by the next chapter.
I was so confused when it came to the third act breakup. I read the words. I comprehended what they meant, however... what?
The MMC is a dark romance MMC wanna-be. That is all I have to say.
Okay, I have more to say. He is portrayed as a player who always has a lady on his arm, until he meets the FMC. But what about the FMC makes her special? She's basically a child. I am 22, and could not imagine being in her shoes. How did this player get turned into a respectable man with one cab ride where they didn't even say more than 10 words? His character needed more depth to help the reader understand why he would give up his original lifestyle.
There were so many lines in this book I wish I could unread.
I know I am forgetting some of the grievances I have with this book, but I've said my piece.
First of all, let me start off by saying that I bought this book as a blind date with a book. I did not willingly pick it up off the shelve.
The plot sounded intriguing at first. Heir to a record label meets guy in a cab. He starts working at the record label. They start dating. Happy ending. Not. This is a quarter baked idea that needed to be sent back to the editor about 50 more times.
This is a romance, yet the sex scenes lacked so much feeling. Dry is not a word that should be used to describe a sex scene, but that is what they were. It is like the author wanted to write a dark romance male protagonist, but we're left with borderline abuser? Nothing crossed a line, but if I was treated like that, it would be OVER.
Now let's talk about how the female protagonist is a 23 year old, college dropout who is being groomed to take over her father's very successful record label in NYC. This is not at all plausible. She would have been forced to get a degree even if she needed a couple years to fuck off. She is painted as an introvert who loves to watch people, be an observer, and only offer her opinion when she deems it worthy. Her character was not painted as a pushover at first, but by the end a light breeze would've made her keel over.
Additionally her only friends are her father and her roommate. She doesn't tell either about her relationship with the MMC until more than halfway through the book. Her father finds out by walking in on the MMC and FMC heavily making out.
I will give props to the end of the book when the FMC makes friends with two music artists and helps one produce an album. That was cute. However, I don't think the author did any research into the music industry before sitting down to write.
The drama in this book was probably the worst part. Everything was resolved within half a page. There were multiple points where the MMC and the FMC got into an argument that would've made a great plot point for the book. However, this book was so conflict adverse that the conflict just vanished and everything was fine by the next chapter.
I was so confused when it came to the third act breakup. I read the words. I comprehended what they meant, however... what?
The MMC is a dark romance MMC wanna-be. That is all I have to say.
Okay, I have more to say. He is portrayed as a player who always has a lady on his arm, until he meets the FMC. But what about the FMC makes her special? She's basically a child. I am 22, and could not imagine being in her shoes. How did this player get turned into a respectable man with one cab ride where they didn't even say more than 10 words? His character needed more depth to help the reader understand why he would give up his original lifestyle.
There were so many lines in this book I wish I could unread.
I know I am forgetting some of the grievances I have with this book, but I've said my piece.
August 25, 2020
I received a free ARC copy of this book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is my first book by this author and I did enjoy it. It is well written, has very interesting characters and a fascinating story to tell. For me this stories theme seemed to be about her father. Emerson, the female lead has a VERY complicated relationship with her father. Yes their is romance and lots of sex with the male lead, Maddox but this story is in her POV only. We never hear from Maddox at all in this story. It is largely Emerson's journey and its about her growing up, finding love and finding acceptance from her father.
Emerson is a people watcher. She is shy, quiet and very young. She is 23 to Maddox's 34 and sometimes it felt like she was way too young for him. She is a runner. Some of that is her father sending her away when her mother dies and some of it is hurt from a previous relationship. Its what she knows and so when life gets too much she runs away and she runs out on Maddox and her friend, Hollis a lot.
This story takes place in the music business. Emerson is the daughter of a man who has his own music production company. She adores music but her destiny is the run the company when her dad retires. Her best friend Hollis works and lives with her. He knows her best of everyone and he was a wonderful support system for her. At times I thought Em suffered from depression. She locks herself in her room a lot and uses it to escape from life.
Maddox is someone she watches in the park. Not really like a stalker more of that he entertains her.. He ends up sharing a cab with her one day and that starts their serendipity story when he ends up working for her at her company. At times I did not like Maddox. I felt he used her attraction to him to manipulate her. I also felt he tried to make her jealous with how he treats this other woman in HR.
But Emerson shines in this story and its what kept me reading this story as I watched her grow and change and decide what she needed and wanted in her life and her relationship with her father. I really found it a fascinating story and enjoyed it a lot. But it was more about chick lit for me than the romance angle.
This is my first book by this author and I did enjoy it. It is well written, has very interesting characters and a fascinating story to tell. For me this stories theme seemed to be about her father. Emerson, the female lead has a VERY complicated relationship with her father. Yes their is romance and lots of sex with the male lead, Maddox but this story is in her POV only. We never hear from Maddox at all in this story. It is largely Emerson's journey and its about her growing up, finding love and finding acceptance from her father.
Emerson is a people watcher. She is shy, quiet and very young. She is 23 to Maddox's 34 and sometimes it felt like she was way too young for him. She is a runner. Some of that is her father sending her away when her mother dies and some of it is hurt from a previous relationship. Its what she knows and so when life gets too much she runs away and she runs out on Maddox and her friend, Hollis a lot.
This story takes place in the music business. Emerson is the daughter of a man who has his own music production company. She adores music but her destiny is the run the company when her dad retires. Her best friend Hollis works and lives with her. He knows her best of everyone and he was a wonderful support system for her. At times I thought Em suffered from depression. She locks herself in her room a lot and uses it to escape from life.
Maddox is someone she watches in the park. Not really like a stalker more of that he entertains her.. He ends up sharing a cab with her one day and that starts their serendipity story when he ends up working for her at her company. At times I did not like Maddox. I felt he used her attraction to him to manipulate her. I also felt he tried to make her jealous with how he treats this other woman in HR.
But Emerson shines in this story and its what kept me reading this story as I watched her grow and change and decide what she needed and wanted in her life and her relationship with her father. I really found it a fascinating story and enjoyed it a lot. But it was more about chick lit for me than the romance angle.
August 23, 2020
This author could make a shopping list sound interesting with the way she writes. Her sentences are full of poetic prose that does multiple things to you as you are reading. Firstly it makes you stop and think about things/life. Secondly, her descriptions are so vividly poignant, you feel like you are right there beside the characters, travelling through this story with them.
I get excited every time I dive in a new book by this author, no matter your tastes (trust me I can be picky!), you'll never be disappointed and will always finish the book fulfilled.
When the chance came to read a book I had heard fellow readers rave about, I jumped at it. I love it when authors revamp their books, it shows commitment to their craft. Every book an author produces is slightly better than the last as it's true what they say about practice makes perfect. So when they go back and work on a book published years ago, you just know magic will be within the pages.
You'll only have to read the first chapter of this book to realize I am right...
Being someone who is often quiet myself, preferring to listen more than talk, I found myself relating to Emerson even more. The journey you are taken on through her eyes has highs and lows that will wring every emotion from you, leaving you breathless and captivated.
Music feeds the soul, and the two main characters of this magical story have plenty of that (well heart and soul). Like I said earlier, this authors writing style truly has you almost believing you are part of the story/experiencing this right there beside the characters. (It's done so brilliantly it deserves a repeat)
Like all books by this talented author, they never go the way you expect, and your heart is nevertheless safe, but after all the pain, is there rays of hope??
Read to find out... As usual this is a book I won't forget for a long time...
Definitely recommend, would give more stars if I could.
I get excited every time I dive in a new book by this author, no matter your tastes (trust me I can be picky!), you'll never be disappointed and will always finish the book fulfilled.
When the chance came to read a book I had heard fellow readers rave about, I jumped at it. I love it when authors revamp their books, it shows commitment to their craft. Every book an author produces is slightly better than the last as it's true what they say about practice makes perfect. So when they go back and work on a book published years ago, you just know magic will be within the pages.
You'll only have to read the first chapter of this book to realize I am right...
Being someone who is often quiet myself, preferring to listen more than talk, I found myself relating to Emerson even more. The journey you are taken on through her eyes has highs and lows that will wring every emotion from you, leaving you breathless and captivated.
Music feeds the soul, and the two main characters of this magical story have plenty of that (well heart and soul). Like I said earlier, this authors writing style truly has you almost believing you are part of the story/experiencing this right there beside the characters. (It's done so brilliantly it deserves a repeat)
Like all books by this talented author, they never go the way you expect, and your heart is nevertheless safe, but after all the pain, is there rays of hope??
Read to find out... As usual this is a book I won't forget for a long time...
Definitely recommend, would give more stars if I could.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews