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Blue Notes #1
Blue Notes
Blame it on jet lag. Jason Greene thought he had everything: a dream job as a partner in a large Philadelphia law firm, a beautiful fiancee, and more money than he could ever hope to spend. Then he finds his future wife in bed with another man, and he's forced to rethink his life and his choices. On a moment's notice, he runs away to Paris, hoping to make peace with his life.
But Jason's leave of absence becomes a true journey of the heart when he meets Jules, a struggling jazz violinist with his own cross to bear. In the City of Love, it doesn't take them long to fall into bed, but as they're both about to learn, they can't run from the past. Sooner or later, they'll have to face the music.
But Jason's leave of absence becomes a true journey of the heart when he meets Jules, a struggling jazz violinist with his own cross to bear. In the City of Love, it doesn't take them long to fall into bed, but as they're both about to learn, they can't run from the past. Sooner or later, they'll have to face the music.
293 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 30, 2011
22 people are currently reading
1324 people want to read
About the author
Shira Anthony
41 books427 followersShira Anthony is a complete sucker for a happily-ever-after, and rarely reads or writes a story without one. Never a fan of instalove, Shira likes to write stories about real men with real issues making real relationships work.
In her last incarnation, Shira was a professional opera singer, performing roles in such operas as “Tosca,” “Pagliacci,” and “La Traviata,” among others. Her Blue Notes Series is loosely based upon her own experiences as a professional musician.
Shira is married with two children and two insane dogs and when she’s not writing, she is usually in a courtroom trying to make the world safer for children. When she’s not working, she can be found aboard a 36’ catamaran at the Carolina coast with her favorite sexy captain at the wheel. She’s given up TV for evenings spent with her laptop, and she never goes anywhere without a pile of unread M/M romance on her Kindle.
Interested in hearing Shira sing? Here's a link to a live performance of Shira singing an aria from Puccini's "Tosca": http://www.shiraanthony.com/wp-conten...
You can subscribe to Shira's monthly newsletter for updates, free fiction, and subscriber-only contests here: http://www.shiraanthony.com/newsletter/
In her last incarnation, Shira was a professional opera singer, performing roles in such operas as “Tosca,” “Pagliacci,” and “La Traviata,” among others. Her Blue Notes Series is loosely based upon her own experiences as a professional musician.
Shira is married with two children and two insane dogs and when she’s not writing, she is usually in a courtroom trying to make the world safer for children. When she’s not working, she can be found aboard a 36’ catamaran at the Carolina coast with her favorite sexy captain at the wheel. She’s given up TV for evenings spent with her laptop, and she never goes anywhere without a pile of unread M/M romance on her Kindle.
Interested in hearing Shira sing? Here's a link to a live performance of Shira singing an aria from Puccini's "Tosca": http://www.shiraanthony.com/wp-conten...
You can subscribe to Shira's monthly newsletter for updates, free fiction, and subscriber-only contests here: http://www.shiraanthony.com/newsletter/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 276 reviews
August 8, 2014
3.5--Sweet--Stars!!
I was all set to give this one a full 4 stars, but then I had to deduct for the "conflict" at the end. The dreaded MISCOMMUNICATION!
That aside, I really enjoyed this one.
Jaz is a lawyer. He caught his soon to be wife cheating on him and heads to Paris for some much needed time away. To clear his head, take a break from work, etc.
His first night there, Jaz meets Jules playing at a bar. A missed bus, and Jules finds himself spending the night with Jaz.
Jaz has always been curious about men and has done some past experimenting but for the most part he's always been with woman. Jules was very persistant in his pursuit of Jaz.
This was definitely insta-lust/insta-love whatever you want to call it. Things progressed pretty quickly between Jaz and Jules. But darn if they weren't as sweet as can be.
Jaz is sort of stuck. His first love was always music, which he shares with Jules. Being around Jules forces Jaz to confront that past and why he let his music go when he loved it so much.
Jaz and Jules spend the next few months exploring the city and each other. This was a very steamy read. Jules and Jaz has great chemistry.
Knowing that Jaz would eventually have to return to the States, I knew there would be drama of some sort. Not to mention, things with Jaz and Diane were never completely resolved. But darn I did not like how things went down.
And then the resulting aftermath.....ugh,
JUST HAVE A CONVERSATION!
So yeah, the end kind of nosedived a bit but as a whole it was still a good read. Especially for a freebie!
I was all set to give this one a full 4 stars, but then I had to deduct for the "conflict" at the end. The dreaded MISCOMMUNICATION!
That aside, I really enjoyed this one.
Jaz is a lawyer. He caught his soon to be wife cheating on him and heads to Paris for some much needed time away. To clear his head, take a break from work, etc.
His first night there, Jaz meets Jules playing at a bar. A missed bus, and Jules finds himself spending the night with Jaz.
Jaz has always been curious about men and has done some past experimenting but for the most part he's always been with woman. Jules was very persistant in his pursuit of Jaz.
This was definitely insta-lust/insta-love whatever you want to call it. Things progressed pretty quickly between Jaz and Jules. But darn if they weren't as sweet as can be.
Jaz is sort of stuck. His first love was always music, which he shares with Jules. Being around Jules forces Jaz to confront that past and why he let his music go when he loved it so much.
Jaz and Jules spend the next few months exploring the city and each other. This was a very steamy read. Jules and Jaz has great chemistry.
Knowing that Jaz would eventually have to return to the States, I knew there would be drama of some sort. Not to mention, things with Jaz and Diane were never completely resolved. But darn I did not like how things went down.
And then the resulting aftermath.....ugh,
JUST HAVE A CONVERSATION!
So yeah, the end kind of nosedived a bit but as a whole it was still a good read. Especially for a freebie!
January 4, 2012
3.65 stars rounded up
I don't think I can add other things that haven't been mentioned before by my other reviewer friends. Yes, the repetitive terms older man/younger man, American/Frenchman is off-putting. In fact, I actually counted around 35 mentions of older man, 60+ mentions of younger man/young man (not to mention the term 'kid' that Jason sometimes also use to describe Jules). I know Jason is older and Jules is younger, can we get on with it?
Oh, and I'm also pretty annoyed with Jason's unnecessary internal 'drama-queen' of thinking that he is being old enough to be Jules father. Considering Jason is 34 and Jules is 22, THAT is highly improbable, isn't it? Except if guys are frequently becoming a father when they're 12 years old. Jeez!
I also agree that the last part becomes a bit tad too long -- ALTHOUGH, if the idea is for us to meet a character named Sam, whom I truly hope will get his own story, it's pretty nice.
Despite all that ...
I like how Jason doesn't end up contemplating too much whether he's gay or bi, that he just takes Jules as his lover, and acknowledges that he is indeed in love with the violinist. I also like how Jules pretty much takes over Jason's heart with his own determination and a young man spirit (yes, I end up using the term 'young man', forgive me).
And ... I have to admit the passion for music and the lovely city of Paris helps. On the dedication page, Ms. Anthony thank her parents for the gift of Paris. I can sense how the beauty of Paris captures her mind in this book. In fact, it seems like Paris infuses a life of its own, making this story more engaging (and helps the rating).
I don't think I can add other things that haven't been mentioned before by my other reviewer friends. Yes, the repetitive terms older man/younger man, American/Frenchman is off-putting. In fact, I actually counted around 35 mentions of older man, 60+ mentions of younger man/young man (not to mention the term 'kid' that Jason sometimes also use to describe Jules). I know Jason is older and Jules is younger, can we get on with it?
Oh, and I'm also pretty annoyed with Jason's unnecessary internal 'drama-queen' of thinking that he is being old enough to be Jules father. Considering Jason is 34 and Jules is 22, THAT is highly improbable, isn't it? Except if guys are frequently becoming a father when they're 12 years old. Jeez!
I also agree that the last part becomes a bit tad too long -- ALTHOUGH, if the idea is for us to meet a character named Sam, whom I truly hope will get his own story, it's pretty nice.
Despite all that ...
I like how Jason doesn't end up contemplating too much whether he's gay or bi, that he just takes Jules as his lover, and acknowledges that he is indeed in love with the violinist. I also like how Jules pretty much takes over Jason's heart with his own determination and a young man spirit (yes, I end up using the term 'young man', forgive me).
And ... I have to admit the passion for music and the lovely city of Paris helps. On the dedication page, Ms. Anthony thank her parents for the gift of Paris. I can sense how the beauty of Paris captures her mind in this book. In fact, it seems like Paris infuses a life of its own, making this story more engaging (and helps the rating).
Read
November 25, 2018I started this on July 14 and dropped it temporarily because of the instalove.
I'm not in the mood to get back to it.
DNF 45%
I'm not in the mood to get back to it.
DNF 45%
December 30, 2011
Blue Notes - at first sight a GFY is more like the journey of a man discovering what he wants from life and love by falling for a much younger man on a visit to Paris.
Tourist attractions,delicious food,jazz and classical music galore,lots of terms in French language - this book really got the French-vibe...
Jonas and Jules were an adorable couple that fell in love quickly but they both needed their time to get comfortable in their relationship,especially the older Jonas who fled to Paris after a bad break up with a cheating fiance and a stressfull job as a successful lawyer.Meeting Jules,a young jazz musician made him deal with unpleasent childhood memories and re-discovering his long time buried love for music and playing the piano.
A big niggle was the use of terms like older man/younger man,American/Frenchman.Especially in the sex scenes they were off-putting and unnecessary.
Some cliches here and there like the older Jonas automatically taking the lead and Jules as the younger man being insecure and behaving immature.
But overall I really enjoyed this book!
Tourist attractions,delicious food,jazz and classical music galore,lots of terms in French language - this book really got the French-vibe...
Jonas and Jules were an adorable couple that fell in love quickly but they both needed their time to get comfortable in their relationship,especially the older Jonas who fled to Paris after a bad break up with a cheating fiance and a stressfull job as a successful lawyer.Meeting Jules,a young jazz musician made him deal with unpleasent childhood memories and re-discovering his long time buried love for music and playing the piano.
A big niggle was the use of terms like older man/younger man,American/Frenchman.Especially in the sex scenes they were off-putting and unnecessary.
Some cliches here and there like the older Jonas automatically taking the lead and Jules as the younger man being insecure and behaving immature.
But overall I really enjoyed this book!
January 9, 2012
After walking in on his fiance and a strange man in his bed, Jason Greene needs a break. A long break, far away from his Philadelphia home. So he arranges a two month sabbatical from the law firm he is with, and makes plans to stay at his sister's apartment in Paris.
Yes, two months in Paris, the city of lights and love could be just what he needs.
On his first night there, he stumbles on a small jazz club, and decides to stay for the show. The relaxation is just what he needs, and jazz soothes his damaged soul. And there, he meets Jules, one of the jazz trio playing that night. Their music is a revelation, as is the man.
Seeing Jules standing in the rain waiting for the next bus, Jason makes the impetuous decision to invite him home with him. And somehow Jules ends up staying. And the two become fast friends, exploring Paris. As it turns out, Jason lived in Paris and knows is better, some ways, than even Jules.
As the friendship between the two deepens, so does the attraction. Before either can think, they fall into a passionate affair. Jason is new to loving a man, but has thought about it before. Jules is gay, and no stranger to it.
But both are surprised by how quickly the attraction flames into more. Could it be love? For Jules, for sure. But Jason is only there for two months.
Will the two be able to make an affair into something more permanent? Or will the past that haunts Jules, and, indeed Jason's past, come between the two? And can a long distance relationship work with them?
Shira Anthony has composed a bluesy take on love and relationships with this relaxed, sure riff. She has created two very likable characters in Jules and Jason. I wanted them to come together, and I wanted them to stay together.
The chemistry is hot, and the romance and sex hotter. For Jason, it is a revelation, as he explores what it is to reconnect with his passion. For music, for life and for love.
And Jules. He is a genuine man. At once so sure of himself, then so vulnerable. The perfect mate for Jason's strength and surety.
This book was as sweetly satisfying as a night of wine, John Coltrane and beignets.
Give it a read.
Tom
Yes, two months in Paris, the city of lights and love could be just what he needs.
On his first night there, he stumbles on a small jazz club, and decides to stay for the show. The relaxation is just what he needs, and jazz soothes his damaged soul. And there, he meets Jules, one of the jazz trio playing that night. Their music is a revelation, as is the man.
Seeing Jules standing in the rain waiting for the next bus, Jason makes the impetuous decision to invite him home with him. And somehow Jules ends up staying. And the two become fast friends, exploring Paris. As it turns out, Jason lived in Paris and knows is better, some ways, than even Jules.
As the friendship between the two deepens, so does the attraction. Before either can think, they fall into a passionate affair. Jason is new to loving a man, but has thought about it before. Jules is gay, and no stranger to it.
But both are surprised by how quickly the attraction flames into more. Could it be love? For Jules, for sure. But Jason is only there for two months.
Will the two be able to make an affair into something more permanent? Or will the past that haunts Jules, and, indeed Jason's past, come between the two? And can a long distance relationship work with them?
Shira Anthony has composed a bluesy take on love and relationships with this relaxed, sure riff. She has created two very likable characters in Jules and Jason. I wanted them to come together, and I wanted them to stay together.
The chemistry is hot, and the romance and sex hotter. For Jason, it is a revelation, as he explores what it is to reconnect with his passion. For music, for life and for love.
And Jules. He is a genuine man. At once so sure of himself, then so vulnerable. The perfect mate for Jason's strength and surety.
This book was as sweetly satisfying as a night of wine, John Coltrane and beignets.
Give it a read.
Tom
June 23, 2013
3.5 Stars--This was an interesting enough debut from Shira Anthony about finding love with a rebound and first homosexual experience. Lawyer Jason Greene just caught his female fiancee cheating on him, so he tucks tail and runs his broken heart to Paris to try to mend. There he meets a 22 year old musician, Jules who is gay and outwardly flirtatious, on his first night visiting a jazz club. The two become unofficial roommates, fall into bed rather quickly and Jason discovers he can love a man.
The sex was hot, the angst was low, the vibe of the story fairly mellow. The issues were easily resolved. The secondary characters were interesting enough to have me read the rest of the series. There were minor jealousies and misunderstandings but no major quibbles.
I do believe the best part was the setting. Paris is an easy city to fall in love with.
My issues with the story? It could be the mellowness, I'm not sure and I'm not that anxious to go back to examine. I did question Jason's true feelings for fully kicking open the door to being in a gay relationship and so quickly (I mean, if a strange woman laid in the bed next to me and I woke to find her there...she would not be greeted with a smile) I had some doubts.
I liked Jules and Jah-son(that's me saying it in my charming fake French accent, in fact for parts of the book I used my fake French accent to read out loud), glad they got their happy ending but I'm not heavily invested.
The sex was hot, the angst was low, the vibe of the story fairly mellow. The issues were easily resolved. The secondary characters were interesting enough to have me read the rest of the series. There were minor jealousies and misunderstandings but no major quibbles.
I do believe the best part was the setting. Paris is an easy city to fall in love with.
My issues with the story? It could be the mellowness, I'm not sure and I'm not that anxious to go back to examine. I did question Jason's true feelings for fully kicking open the door to being in a gay relationship and so quickly (I mean, if a strange woman laid in the bed next to me and I woke to find her there...she would not be greeted with a smile) I had some doubts.
I liked Jules and Jah-son(that's me saying it in my charming fake French accent, in fact for parts of the book I used my fake French accent to read out loud), glad they got their happy ending but I'm not heavily invested.
January 2, 2012
I really loved this story. It hit me just right. This is a GFY (although his sexuality is questionable to begin with) where we get to meet Jaz the toppy lawyer who meets a young cute submissive violin player. There are some really decent surprises to the story that keep it moving in a great direction. It does have the traditional secrets, miscommunication and Jules tend to be a 'runner', but other than that the story was solid. A plus to the story is that at least 80% of the story is based in Paris.
As others have pointed out, there are some terminology issues through out the story that get old - older man/younger man, American/Frenchman, etc. I cannot really comment on the French, even though I took 7 years of it through out my schooling, the phrasing and meaning looked right to me. With that said, there was too much 'he said this in french using the slang vernacular' type footnotes through out the story that drive me crazy - especially since the sentence would be in English. I could have done without all that.
As others have pointed out, there are some terminology issues through out the story that get old - older man/younger man, American/Frenchman, etc. I cannot really comment on the French, even though I took 7 years of it through out my schooling, the phrasing and meaning looked right to me. With that said, there was too much 'he said this in french using the slang vernacular' type footnotes through out the story that drive me crazy - especially since the sentence would be in English. I could have done without all that.
venture-out
November 6, 2016
FREE today on Amazon US (8/8/2014).
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I...
January 13, 2013
This was a pleasant surprise. I could really feel the emotions between both Jules and Jaz/Jason and I easily loved them both. Rosie was an amazing sister to Jaz, even though she annoyed me a bit when she kept butting into her brothers relationship issues
There was quite a bit packed into this story and I will definitely be reading the other books, too.
My only issue, and this is a huge peeve of mine, was the excessive use of "the older man", "the younger man", "the American", and "the Frenchman". I really do not like that at all, but that's me.
All in all, a very enjoyable read.
There was quite a bit packed into this story and I will definitely be reading the other books, too.
My only issue, and this is a huge peeve of mine, was the excessive use of "the older man", "the younger man", "the American", and "the Frenchman". I really do not like that at all, but that's me.
All in all, a very enjoyable read.
December 30, 2011
Sims has taken my thoughts right out of my head down to the niggles in her review. :D I agree 110%. Lovely story, great couple and an amazing sense of place that completely carried me away. Two totally different types of stories from this author and 2/2 so far in my book.
January 2, 2016
I thought Peter B. Brooke gave a wonderful performance and narrated spectacularly, particularly with the whole French language and accents. The narration was truly enjoyable - 5 Stars for the narration!
Jason walks in on his fiancé boning another dude. He jokingly swears off women and takes a leave of absence and goes to Paris, where he lived with his family as a teenager, to stay in his sister's apartment and lick his wounds.
Once there he sees Jules playing in a jazz club, and through a series of events, ends up putting him up for the night...which then turns into months. They begin a pretty hot relationship, and fall in love. It was really sweet and sexy and I was enjoying the story thoroughly.
Then there is a whole BIG MISUNDERSTANDING thing that happens that is, in my opinion, completely unnecessary. Unfortunately, it completely tanked my good mood and lowered my opinion dramatically.
However, the characters finally get back on track and they get their HEA.
Honestly, I would have given the story itself 4 Stars because it was really pleasant and engaging and I was enjoying it thoroughly, but I removed a star because of the unnecessary BIG MISUNDERSTANDING plot. I truly despise unnecessary miscommunication/misunderstanding!
In the end though, Brooke's narrative performance is brilliant and I had a great time listening to him.
Recommended!
This review has been cross-posted at Reviews by Jessewave.
February 8, 2012
This was a nice relaxing read.
I felt almost as if I was in Paris with Jules and Jason (Jaz), as Jaz discovered a new side of himself and Jules grows into the man he is meant to be.
There is no real conflict for Jaz , as he realizes he's gay/bi and he does play a very important role in moving Jules career forward, but in the end it's a story of a developing love between these two very different men.
I felt almost as if I was in Paris with Jules and Jason (Jaz), as Jaz discovered a new side of himself and Jules grows into the man he is meant to be.
There is no real conflict for Jaz , as he realizes he's gay/bi and he does play a very important role in moving Jules career forward, but in the end it's a story of a developing love between these two very different men.
January 7, 2012
I have to fully disclose that I've met Shira Anthony and found her adorable and lovely. So in the spirit of full disclosure, I have to declare that I went into reading Blue Notes with her sparkling personality and wit in mind.
And oh the book did not disappoint.
I love Paris (for the most part). It's not one of my deep loves like Venice or San Francisco but Paris has a certain flavour to it and Blue Notes captures that perfectly. Paris does love its music and certainly, has an intense love affair with jazz so it was nice to see this tendre serve as a backdrop for this novel.
For me the book really began in Paris. Certainly the back story in the beginning was necessary so you could see why Jason got to where he was but the richness of Anthony's writing began to unfurl once he hit the streets of Paris. Jason's engagement and overt push-me-pull-you interaction with Jules was sweet and conflicted in the beginning but then resolved into a lush entanglement.
There were a few conflicts...standard in this form of the M/M genre and a stumble or two, as is normal but it all works out.
Do I have a complaint? Only that I wish there'd been more of their relationship shown as it developed. That for me was the most satisfying aspect of this book. Jason and Jules slowly discovering one another was key to this book and I wanted much more of that. I'd have love to see them go through the Lourve or even try to figure out why there's a damned glass pyramid in front of one of the most elegantly built buildings in the world. I'd have loved to see more of Jules' discovery of the city he lived in as seen by someone who could open up doors that were previously closed to him. It was entrancing to see the tidbits Anthony gave us.
I wanted more.
The book was a satisfying meander through a relationship of seemingly impossible romance... impossible only if one stared at it from the outside but the characters within were suitably and admirably matched.
I look forward to more books from this author. Get back to the keyboard, Ms. Anthony.
And oh the book did not disappoint.
I love Paris (for the most part). It's not one of my deep loves like Venice or San Francisco but Paris has a certain flavour to it and Blue Notes captures that perfectly. Paris does love its music and certainly, has an intense love affair with jazz so it was nice to see this tendre serve as a backdrop for this novel.
For me the book really began in Paris. Certainly the back story in the beginning was necessary so you could see why Jason got to where he was but the richness of Anthony's writing began to unfurl once he hit the streets of Paris. Jason's engagement and overt push-me-pull-you interaction with Jules was sweet and conflicted in the beginning but then resolved into a lush entanglement.
There were a few conflicts...standard in this form of the M/M genre and a stumble or two, as is normal but it all works out.
Do I have a complaint? Only that I wish there'd been more of their relationship shown as it developed. That for me was the most satisfying aspect of this book. Jason and Jules slowly discovering one another was key to this book and I wanted much more of that. I'd have love to see them go through the Lourve or even try to figure out why there's a damned glass pyramid in front of one of the most elegantly built buildings in the world. I'd have loved to see more of Jules' discovery of the city he lived in as seen by someone who could open up doors that were previously closed to him. It was entrancing to see the tidbits Anthony gave us.
I wanted more.
The book was a satisfying meander through a relationship of seemingly impossible romance... impossible only if one stared at it from the outside but the characters within were suitably and admirably matched.
I look forward to more books from this author. Get back to the keyboard, Ms. Anthony.
September 22, 2012
Quick review:
Cover: Good
Rating: NC-17
Steaminess: HOT
Thumbs Up: 3.5
Overall: An interesting read that kept my attention.
Characters: Good
Plot: You can’t enjoy your future unless you free yourself from the past.
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? N/A
Recommend: sure
Book Boyfriend: Jason
SUMMARY (50 words or less)
I really found myself rooting for Jason. The set up for the story was a little unbelievable. Once you accept that, you can enjoy the story. If only the author didn’t keep mentioning the age difference it could have been better. It was only a mere approximately ten years.
For a full review and yummy pic, see my blog post at:
http://mmromancebookreviews.blogspot....
Cover: Good
Rating: NC-17
Steaminess: HOT
Thumbs Up: 3.5
Overall: An interesting read that kept my attention.
Characters: Good
Plot: You can’t enjoy your future unless you free yourself from the past.
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? N/A
Recommend: sure
Book Boyfriend: Jason
SUMMARY (50 words or less)
I really found myself rooting for Jason. The set up for the story was a little unbelievable. Once you accept that, you can enjoy the story. If only the author didn’t keep mentioning the age difference it could have been better. It was only a mere approximately ten years.
For a full review and yummy pic, see my blog post at:
http://mmromancebookreviews.blogspot....
Want to read
August 7, 2014I can't message everyone because I only have phone internet but... Kindle freebie today! Hope everyone picks this one up!
May 22, 2022
This was a pretty good read. Jason Greene thought he had everything he was a partner in a law firm and he had a fiancée until he came home and found her in bed with another man so he runs off to Paris. This was a pretty good read he meets a young musician named Jules. I really liked Jules he was young and flirty. Each one of them are battling past hurts. Jules who is stubborn his mother put him out when he was 16 she uses his little brother to get what she wants from him which is money. This was a good read from an author that I have read before. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
September 15, 2013
And I find myself utterly in love with yet another character names Jules. This book was so amazingly sweet and exceedingly romantic. Paris and jazz music of course helping that image right along into a solid 4.5 stars.
Jason “Jaz” Greene is an extremely successful lawyer. He’s a shark in the courtroom, commanding, and in control of his life, until the day he walks in on his fiancé cheating on him. Feeling like his life is out of control he takes a leave of absence from his firm and travels to Paris, a place he’s loved tremendously in the past. Expecting only to find some peace and get away from it all for a while, surprises lurk around the corner for Jaz.
Jules is a struggling jazz violinist. Running from a troubled past Jules lives a very unsettled lifestyle. No real means of supporting himself and crashing with his best friend while he ruthlessly pulls his band along behind him. One night of jazz at the club can change all that. Jules likes what he sees when he spots the older American watching their set. Pouring on the flirt he wheedles his way into Jaz’s life despite Jaz’s protestations.
As a musician for quite a big chunk of my life I loved the backdrop of this book. Of course I never had near the abilities of either of these two, but I did spend 13 years playing the piano and adore music in all forms. The pulse of the music really helped bring these two together and you could just see how passionate they were about it. I could just hear the sound of the jazz as it lilted it’s way through this book with the touch of the classics thrown in for a change of pace. Fantastically well done.
I believe I’ve already mentioned how much I wanted to just pick Jules up and put him in my pocket to carry around with me forever. He’s just too sweet for words. I really felt for his troubled life and couldn’t stop grinning at how much he wanted to be perfect for Jaz. He is flirty fun and a complete and utter brat. In other words absolutely adorable. His passion for his music feeds everything he does, and if I had one complaint about this book it’s that they never really explain why he had to leave school. You assume it had something to do with financial difficulties but it’s never explicitly stated.
Jaz, oh my Jaz, you poor tortured soul. Having been a performer I remember just how painful and agonizing those graded performances can be. I identified so much with his terror from his past. Watching Jules help him face it so clearly depicted everything that was right about these two as a couple. And for some reason the insta-love, gay for you, bent of this story didn’t bother me as much as in other books. I just really enjoyed both these characters so much. Since the meat of this story takes place as they’re figuring out their relationship and living together it made sense for them to fall hard and quickly. The battle here isn’t do I love him, so much as can we make it work.
Paris…what can I say, I find Paris so much more romantic in a novel than in real life. I was never that enraptured of the city while visiting, but here it is the icing on the cake of this story. Having Europe be the backdrop really added to the sense of being taken away from everything one knows and rediscovering yourself. The imagery of old world music and place helped to cast a certain spell over this relationship, one the modern world had to find its place in. This relationship was like a couple out of time and it’s only when the current world gets thrust into it in the form of Jaz’s ex-fiancé that things get rocky.
I love to think of these two travelling around the world together, playing music, laughing, and being genuinely in love. The age gap means nothing when two people were as right for each other as these two. I found myself completely captivated my Ms. Anthony’s writing style and other than one little glitch when she had two incidental characters both named David, I couldn’t put it down. Such a light flowing read that gave you a beautiful sense of place and environment. I highly recommend reading this book to anyone loving a heart warming romance.
Jason “Jaz” Greene is an extremely successful lawyer. He’s a shark in the courtroom, commanding, and in control of his life, until the day he walks in on his fiancé cheating on him. Feeling like his life is out of control he takes a leave of absence from his firm and travels to Paris, a place he’s loved tremendously in the past. Expecting only to find some peace and get away from it all for a while, surprises lurk around the corner for Jaz.
Jules is a struggling jazz violinist. Running from a troubled past Jules lives a very unsettled lifestyle. No real means of supporting himself and crashing with his best friend while he ruthlessly pulls his band along behind him. One night of jazz at the club can change all that. Jules likes what he sees when he spots the older American watching their set. Pouring on the flirt he wheedles his way into Jaz’s life despite Jaz’s protestations.
As a musician for quite a big chunk of my life I loved the backdrop of this book. Of course I never had near the abilities of either of these two, but I did spend 13 years playing the piano and adore music in all forms. The pulse of the music really helped bring these two together and you could just see how passionate they were about it. I could just hear the sound of the jazz as it lilted it’s way through this book with the touch of the classics thrown in for a change of pace. Fantastically well done.
I believe I’ve already mentioned how much I wanted to just pick Jules up and put him in my pocket to carry around with me forever. He’s just too sweet for words. I really felt for his troubled life and couldn’t stop grinning at how much he wanted to be perfect for Jaz. He is flirty fun and a complete and utter brat. In other words absolutely adorable. His passion for his music feeds everything he does, and if I had one complaint about this book it’s that they never really explain why he had to leave school. You assume it had something to do with financial difficulties but it’s never explicitly stated.
Jaz, oh my Jaz, you poor tortured soul. Having been a performer I remember just how painful and agonizing those graded performances can be. I identified so much with his terror from his past. Watching Jules help him face it so clearly depicted everything that was right about these two as a couple. And for some reason the insta-love, gay for you, bent of this story didn’t bother me as much as in other books. I just really enjoyed both these characters so much. Since the meat of this story takes place as they’re figuring out their relationship and living together it made sense for them to fall hard and quickly. The battle here isn’t do I love him, so much as can we make it work.
Paris…what can I say, I find Paris so much more romantic in a novel than in real life. I was never that enraptured of the city while visiting, but here it is the icing on the cake of this story. Having Europe be the backdrop really added to the sense of being taken away from everything one knows and rediscovering yourself. The imagery of old world music and place helped to cast a certain spell over this relationship, one the modern world had to find its place in. This relationship was like a couple out of time and it’s only when the current world gets thrust into it in the form of Jaz’s ex-fiancé that things get rocky.
I love to think of these two travelling around the world together, playing music, laughing, and being genuinely in love. The age gap means nothing when two people were as right for each other as these two. I found myself completely captivated my Ms. Anthony’s writing style and other than one little glitch when she had two incidental characters both named David, I couldn’t put it down. Such a light flowing read that gave you a beautiful sense of place and environment. I highly recommend reading this book to anyone loving a heart warming romance.
January 20, 2014
*Happy sigh*
Having just finished this one I can say this was possible the most romantic or maybe it's just because it's the freshest in my memory lol.
Watching Jules and Jason grow closer had me feeling all warm inside. The slow build from friendship to more worked perfectly for me.
There are no big dramas or deep angst in this book, unless you count the slight hic cup at the end. Typically I wanted to smack a few heads together.
Surprisingly I found even though I wanted to hate on Diane and her lousy timing, I found I couldn't. Maybe if she had stuck around I could of, but she at least had the sense to bow out gracefully lol.
Another journey into the lives of two guys meeting and building a life together. I'm already looking forward to the next book so I can catch up with them all again.
Having just finished this one I can say this was possible the most romantic or maybe it's just because it's the freshest in my memory lol.
Watching Jules and Jason grow closer had me feeling all warm inside. The slow build from friendship to more worked perfectly for me.
There are no big dramas or deep angst in this book, unless you count the slight hic cup at the end. Typically I wanted to smack a few heads together.
Surprisingly I found even though I wanted to hate on Diane and her lousy timing, I found I couldn't. Maybe if she had stuck around I could of, but she at least had the sense to bow out gracefully lol.
Another journey into the lives of two guys meeting and building a life together. I'm already looking forward to the next book so I can catch up with them all again.
June 12, 2015
I think the synopsis of this good aptly described the journey to love for Jason Green and Jules Bardon. I do feel bad but I found this story to be quite slow in pace. The only quick development was Jason jumping into a gay relationship after being "straight" all this time.
I was also indifferent to the characters. While I sympathized with Jason but he was boring to me. I don’t condone cheating but I felt like she cheated to get a rise or some kind of emotion from the workaholic. Also Jason clearly used work to avoid dealing with the lack of intimacy or feeling with his fiancée. So I had clearly didn’t truly sympathize with Jason as he was not honest with her nor himself. Jules was also difficult to embrace as he appeared adrift in life and sort of lazy. I did enjoy his relentless pursuit of Jason, though Jason caved really quickly for a straight man. I think I could have used more emotional upheaval or angst to engage me. The author’s description of Paris definitely wetted my appetite to travel abroad to the city of love.
I was also indifferent to the characters. While I sympathized with Jason but he was boring to me. I don’t condone cheating but I felt like she cheated to get a rise or some kind of emotion from the workaholic. Also Jason clearly used work to avoid dealing with the lack of intimacy or feeling with his fiancée. So I had clearly didn’t truly sympathize with Jason as he was not honest with her nor himself. Jules was also difficult to embrace as he appeared adrift in life and sort of lazy. I did enjoy his relentless pursuit of Jason, though Jason caved really quickly for a straight man. I think I could have used more emotional upheaval or angst to engage me. The author’s description of Paris definitely wetted my appetite to travel abroad to the city of love.
December 30, 2011
A great read! Sexy, sweet, with a wonderful HEA that make me tear up. The Paris backdrop was wonderful and realistic, almost like another character in the story. It made me wish I was there. And Jules, he was so sweet. Strong, and fragile, too, and a perfect match for Jason. I especially enjoyed the music references (I need to go listen to a few of them now!) and the way the author described them. I look forward to reading more of this series!
May 1, 2017
This book could have been really great with about half the words turned into a plot. It was so slow moving and wordy and nothing happened through most of it. I was bored to tears. This is what I wrote a the 45% mark:
This review is going to be a lot more negative than usual for a good book because it had so much potential. The author can turn a phrase well. This could have been a five star book for me, but the problems overwhelmed the writing. Here are my notes in no particular order:
Excellent knowledge of French (or so it seems to this non French speaker). I like the explanations of colloquialisms.
Why did the author give both MCs J names? So annoying. Perhaps the French don't pronounce the first J, I have no idea, but I have to keep reminding myself which is which.
I have no interest in all this irrelevant past stuff. So much is unnecessary and dull.
Sex and sexual tension is hot.
I hate when grown men are called brats.
Aw, man, they've got Jukes giggling. Seriously? A grown man giggling?
What the hell does je t'aime mean? I hate it when writers do that. This is obviously an important moment. Does that mean "I love you"? Some of us are ignorant Americans who were raised knowing ten different languages. I took Latin instead of French in high school and don't regret it for a minute. In college I took Swahili because it fit with my intended graduate studies major and travel interests. I lived in Canada for a year and a half and learned a lot of stuff but not French. (See how fascinating my back story is? Yeah, those of the MCs aren't either.)
I went online because I was sick of not knowing the French and gosse means young child. That is so gross and not an appropriate term of endearment. Is it common like "baby" is here? I got the impression it wasn't at all since they talk about it, so the word is used more literally and that's so not attractive. (I also really hate having to use the Internet in order to understand what is happening in a love scene.)
Deadpanned. I hate that word. Quipped, too. I don't need to be told the character is making a joke. That's like saying, "I know you're too dumb to recognize a joke when you hear it so I'm going to explain it to you."
Judaism stuff really interesting. Not very relevant to the story but I didn't mind learning something that was not boring.
The explanation for how the music sounds and what was needed to fix that one song is done very well. I really felt like I understood what it must be like for someone with perfect pitch and musical genius.
I hope she italicizes a few more words because I'm incapable of figuring out how to read a sentence without her help.
He would really get flunked if he got stage fright? That's asinine. I'm not saying it wouldn't be true--I don't know anything about the French educational system--just that it's ridiculous.
I don't care if a phrase isn't that important. (And if it's not, why make it in French?) I feel like an outsider when the French isn't translated. It's really distancing.
Angst came and went almost immediately for Jules. It lasted longer for Jason but I just never got a feel for what the problem was that affected him so deeply. They act like he was abused or something which he wasn't.
The end game was contrived and drew on long enough that I really liked the foil and was actually rooting for one of the MCs to move on and get with him.
Mostly this was well written and deserves high ratings. With the exception of the author not knowing when to stop talking about something or moving on to the next scene, the problems I had are mostly just personal preferences. This book is just not my thing. I need a plot and conflict and not the contrived stuff.
3.5 stars rounded up
It's sweet but I'm bored to death. No angst, no drama, no conflict, no action, no plot. I may just die because I think maybe I could literally be bored to death. Have a virtual roast for me instead of a funeral.Even though there were some great moments, I had a hard time sticking with it. Too much completely unnecessary back story was included. Back story is important for an author to know so the characters feel well rounded, but not everything needs to be shared.
This review is going to be a lot more negative than usual for a good book because it had so much potential. The author can turn a phrase well. This could have been a five star book for me, but the problems overwhelmed the writing. Here are my notes in no particular order:
Excellent knowledge of French (or so it seems to this non French speaker). I like the explanations of colloquialisms.
Why did the author give both MCs J names? So annoying. Perhaps the French don't pronounce the first J, I have no idea, but I have to keep reminding myself which is which.
I have no interest in all this irrelevant past stuff. So much is unnecessary and dull.
Sex and sexual tension is hot.
I hate when grown men are called brats.
Aw, man, they've got Jukes giggling. Seriously? A grown man giggling?
What the hell does je t'aime mean? I hate it when writers do that. This is obviously an important moment. Does that mean "I love you"? Some of us are ignorant Americans who were raised knowing ten different languages. I took Latin instead of French in high school and don't regret it for a minute. In college I took Swahili because it fit with my intended graduate studies major and travel interests. I lived in Canada for a year and a half and learned a lot of stuff but not French. (See how fascinating my back story is? Yeah, those of the MCs aren't either.)
I went online because I was sick of not knowing the French and gosse means young child. That is so gross and not an appropriate term of endearment. Is it common like "baby" is here? I got the impression it wasn't at all since they talk about it, so the word is used more literally and that's so not attractive. (I also really hate having to use the Internet in order to understand what is happening in a love scene.)
Deadpanned. I hate that word. Quipped, too. I don't need to be told the character is making a joke. That's like saying, "I know you're too dumb to recognize a joke when you hear it so I'm going to explain it to you."
Judaism stuff really interesting. Not very relevant to the story but I didn't mind learning something that was not boring.
The explanation for how the music sounds and what was needed to fix that one song is done very well. I really felt like I understood what it must be like for someone with perfect pitch and musical genius.
I hope she italicizes a few more words because I'm incapable of figuring out how to read a sentence without her help.
He would really get flunked if he got stage fright? That's asinine. I'm not saying it wouldn't be true--I don't know anything about the French educational system--just that it's ridiculous.
I don't care if a phrase isn't that important. (And if it's not, why make it in French?) I feel like an outsider when the French isn't translated. It's really distancing.
Angst came and went almost immediately for Jules. It lasted longer for Jason but I just never got a feel for what the problem was that affected him so deeply. They act like he was abused or something which he wasn't.
The end game was contrived and drew on long enough that I really liked the foil and was actually rooting for one of the MCs to move on and get with him.
Mostly this was well written and deserves high ratings. With the exception of the author not knowing when to stop talking about something or moving on to the next scene, the problems I had are mostly just personal preferences. This book is just not my thing. I need a plot and conflict and not the contrived stuff.
3.5 stars rounded up
April 9, 2012
Stars: 2.5/5
Overall
While this story has some shining moments, the writing, the "rich man rescues poor kid" trope, and the beginning kept me from rating it too high. Initially I was concerned the book was going to end up on my rare DNF shelf, but it kept my attention enough to read through to the end. It picks up after its rocky start and some readers may be more forgiving of the negatives I point out, especially those who love Paris stories with music focuses and a slight age gap between protagonists.
This book did nothing to make me hate it, and most of its weaknesses fade as the story continues (although most never vanish). Still, it wasn't enough to enamor me to want to re-read it, thus the wavering 2.5 score.
Strengths
Music played a wonderful role in this story, working to bring the men together, express emotions, and challenge Jason while giving something for Jules to be successful in. Unlike the forced feel of the locale name-drops, all the music references felt organic in the story.
Although the beginning of the story didn't impress me, the latter-middle part hit its stride and carried me through. The characters' interactions seemed more plausible and heartfelt as Jason struggled to deal with his feelings--both recognizing them and verbalizing them--and Jules coped with all his insecurities. Rosie also makes more appearances, pushing everything she wants into place. Although some of the end verges on an eye roll, the strength of the middle section kept this story from falling in on itself. Despite (or because of) the Big Misunderstanding, I struggled with the sadness the characters felt and was rewarded with the eventual resolution.
Weaknesses
The writing suffers mainly from telling too much and over explaining, which probably annoys me more than the average reader, but still gives it a stilted and amateurish feel. It only flickered on the rim of my focus, but like that shadow you see out of the corner of the eye, it was distracting.
The author is obviously in love with Paris, as the characters played tourist and the reader learned all about the sites. Sadly, these parts sounded to me like name-drops more than setting the location. I didn't get a feel for France from the grand architecture and hot spots--instead, the taste of locale bleed through best in the more intimate moments of breakfast consisting of bread and cheese, pastries, and the likes. I wanted to feel that all the time, but then the main character would go for a walk and we'd be bogged down with the names of places again.
While I'd have to re-read to be certain, this story suffers from magical perspective. Initially the entire story takes place from Jaz's perspective, with his thoughts coloring everything. For the majority this holds true. But at some point the perspective is opened up to Jules and Rosie. While there could be some benefits in seeing in the heads of both lead men, it was too inconsistent.
While the development of "love" took its time and I felt was pretty well handled, the initial "Oh, hey, come home with me" was unbelievable. I couldn't fathom any reason Jaz would let a complete stranger stay the night when it would be much more likely, if he were going to invite him home at all, for him to stay until the next bus could arrive, since that was the "reason" for the invitation anyway. While obviously there needed to be a catalyst that drove them together, the one we are provided is not very plausible.
While it didn't particularly bother me, and most just made me roll my eyes in good humor, this story does have a Big Misunderstanding. If you don't like that, you'll probably want to stay away from this classically performed example.
Requested this book for review.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
Overall
While this story has some shining moments, the writing, the "rich man rescues poor kid" trope, and the beginning kept me from rating it too high. Initially I was concerned the book was going to end up on my rare DNF shelf, but it kept my attention enough to read through to the end. It picks up after its rocky start and some readers may be more forgiving of the negatives I point out, especially those who love Paris stories with music focuses and a slight age gap between protagonists.
This book did nothing to make me hate it, and most of its weaknesses fade as the story continues (although most never vanish). Still, it wasn't enough to enamor me to want to re-read it, thus the wavering 2.5 score.
Strengths
Music played a wonderful role in this story, working to bring the men together, express emotions, and challenge Jason while giving something for Jules to be successful in. Unlike the forced feel of the locale name-drops, all the music references felt organic in the story.
Although the beginning of the story didn't impress me, the latter-middle part hit its stride and carried me through. The characters' interactions seemed more plausible and heartfelt as Jason struggled to deal with his feelings--both recognizing them and verbalizing them--and Jules coped with all his insecurities. Rosie also makes more appearances, pushing everything she wants into place. Although some of the end verges on an eye roll, the strength of the middle section kept this story from falling in on itself. Despite (or because of) the Big Misunderstanding, I struggled with the sadness the characters felt and was rewarded with the eventual resolution.
Weaknesses
The writing suffers mainly from telling too much and over explaining, which probably annoys me more than the average reader, but still gives it a stilted and amateurish feel. It only flickered on the rim of my focus, but like that shadow you see out of the corner of the eye, it was distracting.
The author is obviously in love with Paris, as the characters played tourist and the reader learned all about the sites. Sadly, these parts sounded to me like name-drops more than setting the location. I didn't get a feel for France from the grand architecture and hot spots--instead, the taste of locale bleed through best in the more intimate moments of breakfast consisting of bread and cheese, pastries, and the likes. I wanted to feel that all the time, but then the main character would go for a walk and we'd be bogged down with the names of places again.
While I'd have to re-read to be certain, this story suffers from magical perspective. Initially the entire story takes place from Jaz's perspective, with his thoughts coloring everything. For the majority this holds true. But at some point the perspective is opened up to Jules and Rosie. While there could be some benefits in seeing in the heads of both lead men, it was too inconsistent.
While the development of "love" took its time and I felt was pretty well handled, the initial "Oh, hey, come home with me" was unbelievable. I couldn't fathom any reason Jaz would let a complete stranger stay the night when it would be much more likely, if he were going to invite him home at all, for him to stay until the next bus could arrive, since that was the "reason" for the invitation anyway. While obviously there needed to be a catalyst that drove them together, the one we are provided is not very plausible.
While it didn't particularly bother me, and most just made me roll my eyes in good humor, this story does have a Big Misunderstanding. If you don't like that, you'll probably want to stay away from this classically performed example.
Requested this book for review.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
November 22, 2017
***3,8 stars rounded up
---review contain spoilers.***
This book is sweet, but a litter bitter for me because I didn't like the way their lacking of communication and I didn't like Jason's weakness about his ex and after the separation.
Jason is definitely not my dream man.
Jules on the other hand is sweet, strong, but also stubborn at the same time.
But I loved him no matter what.
Thank God for Rosie, I don't know what will happen to them if there's no Rosie!!!
Jason probably ended with that Sam guy! (Though I don't mind to hear in the future about that sweet guy).
This book was a little 'hard' for me to digest, not just because Jules kept me hungry all the time with his cooking skills, also the French language, which I found a little distracted me from enjoying the book.
But overall, this book is enjoyable, entertaining, the sex is hot hot hot, and they're f***ed like bunnies all the time!
And what I loved about this story is, the strong chemistry between Jason and Jules!
And I think I'm going to find out about Alex and David.And I hope that Anthony the stunning blonde have his own story!
Recommended for:
- Sweet seekers
- Food lovers (especially quiche)
- Music geek (especially classic)
Definitely not recommended for you who's on diet!
---review contain spoilers.***
This book is sweet, but a litter bitter for me because I didn't like the way their lacking of communication and I didn't like Jason's weakness about his ex and after the separation.
Jason is definitely not my dream man.
Jules on the other hand is sweet, strong, but also stubborn at the same time.
But I loved him no matter what.
Thank God for Rosie, I don't know what will happen to them if there's no Rosie!!!
Jason probably ended with that Sam guy! (Though I don't mind to hear in the future about that sweet guy).
This book was a little 'hard' for me to digest, not just because Jules kept me hungry all the time with his cooking skills, also the French language, which I found a little distracted me from enjoying the book.
But overall, this book is enjoyable, entertaining, the sex is hot hot hot, and they're f***ed like bunnies all the time!
And what I loved about this story is, the strong chemistry between Jason and Jules!
And I think I'm going to find out about Alex and David.And I hope that Anthony the stunning blonde have his own story!
Recommended for:
- Sweet seekers
- Food lovers (especially quiche)
- Music geek (especially classic)
Definitely not recommended for you who's on diet!
August 10, 2013
Let's get the niggles out of the way first. I felt the author overused words like "The Frenchman", "the American", and "the kid". Yes, Jules was younger than Jason, but not THAT much younger, and Jason was not old enough to be his father, so I didn't really get that worry either.
Now, on to what I really enjoyed. Jules was just adorable, Jason was average but likable, and I really liked Rosalie, Jason's sister. Really, there was no one not to like in this one, even Jason's ex didn't come across as badly as I expected.
There was a lot of bad history behind Jules, but the story never let itself get bogged down in the angst and tragedy of what happened, and Jules didn't let it define him or really hold him back in any way. A bit insecure at times, but on the whole, pretty well adjusted considering all he went through.
It was really nice to find a GFY story where the guy doesn't spend all this time wangsting and worrying over his sudden attraction to a man. Jason just went with it, and it was nice to see.
Paris was like a character all it's own, although I did at times feel like I was on a tour. I'll most likely read more in this series, but I probably won't rush, as I think they aren't connected.
Now, on to what I really enjoyed. Jules was just adorable, Jason was average but likable, and I really liked Rosalie, Jason's sister. Really, there was no one not to like in this one, even Jason's ex didn't come across as badly as I expected.
There was a lot of bad history behind Jules, but the story never let itself get bogged down in the angst and tragedy of what happened, and Jules didn't let it define him or really hold him back in any way. A bit insecure at times, but on the whole, pretty well adjusted considering all he went through.
It was really nice to find a GFY story where the guy doesn't spend all this time wangsting and worrying over his sudden attraction to a man. Jason just went with it, and it was nice to see.
Paris was like a character all it's own, although I did at times feel like I was on a tour. I'll most likely read more in this series, but I probably won't rush, as I think they aren't connected.
January 17, 2013
4.5 stars
Not much to say about this that hasn’t been said before. I loved it!
From the characters, the setting and the music references – I loved it from start to finish. The writing was very good. I enjoyed how the characters developed throughout the story and how the author managed to give insight into both characters to make me want to cheer them on. Jason was a great characters to get to know, but it was Jules who won my heart. He wore his heart on his sleeve and I just wanted to take him home with me. He was strong yet vulnerable, lovable and sexy. I so enjoyed how he seduced Jason and I admired his loyalty to his friends, brother and his music.
What made this an even more enjoyable read were the music references. I especially enjoyed how Shira Anthony made Paris and the music come alive throughout the story without making me feel overwhelmed.
I liked the romance aspect of the story. It felt believable and not too ‘out-there’. The secondary characters were a great addition too. I especially enjoyed Jason’s sister and something about Sam intrigued me.
I enjoyed this book very much, so much so that I read the whole series during the weekend.
Not much to say about this that hasn’t been said before. I loved it!
From the characters, the setting and the music references – I loved it from start to finish. The writing was very good. I enjoyed how the characters developed throughout the story and how the author managed to give insight into both characters to make me want to cheer them on. Jason was a great characters to get to know, but it was Jules who won my heart. He wore his heart on his sleeve and I just wanted to take him home with me. He was strong yet vulnerable, lovable and sexy. I so enjoyed how he seduced Jason and I admired his loyalty to his friends, brother and his music.
What made this an even more enjoyable read were the music references. I especially enjoyed how Shira Anthony made Paris and the music come alive throughout the story without making me feel overwhelmed.
I liked the romance aspect of the story. It felt believable and not too ‘out-there’. The secondary characters were a great addition too. I especially enjoyed Jason’s sister and something about Sam intrigued me.
I enjoyed this book very much, so much so that I read the whole series during the weekend.
January 13, 2013
I really enjoyed this story. The way Jason and Jules began their relationship just seemed very believable. It was easy to feel the varying emotions from Jason when being with Jules for the first time. Even though there was a pretty big age gap, and they seemed to be very different on the outside (Jason being a successful lawyer and Jules being a struggling musician from the streets), they turned out to be quite the good fit for each other.
The only real thing that bugged me about this was the frequent use of terms to describe each man. The American, or the Frenchman. The older gentleman, or the younger man, etc. They were frequent enough to be noticeable and distract from the story.
I'm looking forward to reading the other books in this series, which I understand are stand alones, but I'm hoping to see these two again.
The only real thing that bugged me about this was the frequent use of terms to describe each man. The American, or the Frenchman. The older gentleman, or the younger man, etc. They were frequent enough to be noticeable and distract from the story.
I'm looking forward to reading the other books in this series, which I understand are stand alones, but I'm hoping to see these two again.
January 14, 2013
3.5 Stars
I really liked this story and the characters...but I LOVED the visual and auditory imagery. I felt like I was in Paris and could hear the music.
Overall it was a pretty good read aside from a few annoyances along with the very predictable ending. The overuse of the American, the Frenchman, the older man, the younger man, etc. has to be my biggest complaint! Plus, both characters names began with "J" so I kept getting them confused.
Looking forward to reading the others in this series.
I really liked this story and the characters...but I LOVED the visual and auditory imagery. I felt like I was in Paris and could hear the music.
Overall it was a pretty good read aside from a few annoyances along with the very predictable ending. The overuse of the American, the Frenchman, the older man, the younger man, etc. has to be my biggest complaint! Plus, both characters names began with "J" so I kept getting them confused.
Looking forward to reading the others in this series.
October 17, 2014
Oh my God I loved this book.
Set in France for most of the book, it is a love story being a "straight" Jewish American Lawyer and A french Violinist. this was great in both romance and the way both flawed characters lifted each other up. the sister Rosie of the lawyer Jason was a great supporting character as was quite a few of the other secondary cast.
Set in France for most of the book, it is a love story being a "straight" Jewish American Lawyer and A french Violinist. this was great in both romance and the way both flawed characters lifted each other up. the sister Rosie of the lawyer Jason was a great supporting character as was quite a few of the other secondary cast.
January 2, 2012
Very sweet story, but the weak, unimpressive reconciliation after the separation (which wasn't dramatic/emotional enough either) really took away from my enjoyment of the book.
2.5 stars
2.5 stars
July 9, 2025
I haven't had great luck with this author, but Blue Notes is an okay read. There's a lot of drama, the old "dang, why can't they just talk openly and resolve their issues deal, and loads of dirty s*x. So if that's what you're looking for, you'll love this one.
Anthony does do a nice job with descriptions of Paris and music.
The audio version of Blue Notes is performed by Peter B. Brooke.
Anthony does do a nice job with descriptions of Paris and music.
The audio version of Blue Notes is performed by Peter B. Brooke.
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