Reviews

Playing the Maestro by Aubrie Dionne

vailynst's review

2.0

The Easthampton's Civic Symphony is slowly becoming obsolete. Wolf Braun, a well known German conductor, is hired to whip the orchestra in shape and to create an influx of revenue. One of the terms in his contract states that he cannot get intimately involved with the other musicians. He didn't think twice about the condition, because he had no desire to get involved with anyone after his most recent and disastrous relationship. Until he meets Melody, the lead flute player and a close twin in appearance to his ex. Wolf didn't plan on falling for another green eyed, brunette. It didn't matter if she played music with her whole heart. It didn't matter that her passion sneaks into his thoughts or her scent lingers in the air.

2.5 Stars

Spoiler

I really enjoy stories that involve music or art. I was delighted by the beginning of the story because I enjoyed the turns of phrase about music. There's a nice start to the main characters and I'm all set to be reeled into their romance. I liked how there are obstacles Wolf and Melody have to overcome in order to meet on common ground.

I began to lose interest when Melody and Wolf share their first kiss. What begins as a charming story about two musicians falling in love becomes a teenage soap opera. Instead of reading a story that has two grown adults, I really felt like I was reading about two young kids trying to deal with being in love for the first time. The situation with Blake and Alda could have made interesting tension to move the story but I mostly felt annoyed.

I cannot pin point exactly where the story changes from a charming tale to a drama of teen angst. I believe the changes happen as the story moves away from Wolf and Melody to focus on the ridiculous accusations of slander and Blake's trite manipulations. I cared more about the main characters when the story focused on who they are and building the relationship where interest and lust grow into love.

My favorite moments are when Melody and Wolf meet at Toys R Us and at the hospital. Their first date is a close third.

In the end, this love story is cute. I would recommend it for a light, quick read to pass time.

Read via NetGalley

condygurl's review

5.0

This book is incredible! Melody Mires is the principal flutist in the Easthampton Civic Symphony. She has sworn off musicians because of the way they are so egotistical and her disastrous “date” with Blake where he could only talk about his violin showed that much.

I love how the author set the stage, first we have Blake whose only goal seems to be to get his sister the principal flutist seat, and we have Wolf who is trying desperately to escape an ex. Not too promising of a romance in the making huh?

Well I have to say that I truly enjoyed this book. I nearly ate it up, I read it so quickly. I was sucked into the story from the very first page. Melody just spoke to me on some level, she is so sweet and caring and down to earth. She isn’t into herself as so many musicians seem to be.

I loved all the little twists and turns this book took and all the little disasters that cropped up. It had me turning the page just to find out if there would ever be a happy ever after. I think this was an absolutely wonderful and heart-warming story.

I give this book 5 stars and I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who likes a little musical romance in their life. By the way, my two daughters actually played in New York and it was nice to be able to relate to some of the story, especially since I haven’t touched an instrument in about 6 years. Now I’m actually missing it and thinking of getting a new keyboard at least so I can play again.

Thank you Aubrie Dionne for this wonderful tale and for re-awakening my love of playing the music not just listening to it!

Details/Disclaimer: Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review