Title: Play It Loud
Author: Gina Lee Nelson
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Buy Link: Buy Play It Loud Here!
Rating: You Need to Read
Reviewer: Nerine
Blurb:
Claire Ashton-Howard strikes out on her own to prove to herself, her Upper East Side family, and Downtown Magazine, she has what it takes to be a journalist. When she rescues Evan Price from the path of an oncoming subway train, she stumbles onto the story of a lifetime.
A devastating motorcycle accident stripped Evan of icon status. Now ready to make a comeback, the former pop star must confront the demons in his past and convince Insignia Braff Music he's more than a has-been. Drawn to Claire's passion, Evan allows her into his guarded heart.
Revealing his painful secrets will cement her reputation. Little does Claire know that immersing herself in Evan's life will cause her to question herself. As the days pass, Claire's heart and head take sides.
The love of her life? Or the story of her life? She can't have both.
Review:
Claire Ashton-Howard is determined to approach life on her own terms, despite her privileged upbringing. Although she was groomed to be a professional musician by her parents, she dreams of being a journalist. While out researching a story about homeless people, she inadvertently saves the life of a famous musician, Evan Price, who, after a horrible motorcycle accident, is intent on making his comeback. Sensing a story, Claire auditions as a backing musician, hoping to dig up dirt for an exclusive inside scoop. The only thing is, she never bargained on falling for the man and having her feelings returned with equal intensity.
Be it my background in music or my present involvement in the media industry, Play It Loud resonated instantly with me. I immediately empathized with the characters in this little page-turner. Gina Lee Nelson tells a heart-warming, engaging story and it was easy to forgive the few patches where her narrative could have benefited from stronger transitions. It's refreshing to see a contemporary romance author put effort into her setting and secondary characters, offering the right blend of romantic tension and textured story arcs. Gina Lee Nelson takes a well-worn trope and gives it a unique sparkle with undertones of humour drawing to a satisfying conclusion.
