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Out of Tune
Twenty-year-old Maggie Roads’ parents are legendary in the country music world. She wants nothing more than to follow in their footsteps, but the limelight isn’t reserved for singers who can’t carry a tune, let alone keep a rhythm.
When her parents tell her they’re getting divorced, Maggie decides it’s time to leave home and take her future into her own hands. Moving in with Cole, her best friend and sometimes boyfriend, might not be the best of ideas, but she’s got to start somewhere. Their off-and-on romance gets even more complicated when Maggie crushes on her new voice teacher, Nathan, who unlocks her stunning potential. A sensational music career of her own is finally within reach, but Maggie might need more than perfect pitch to find what she’s really looking for.
**Out of Tune is considered clean New Adult/Young Adult fiction appropriate for adults and young adults**
When her parents tell her they’re getting divorced, Maggie decides it’s time to leave home and take her future into her own hands. Moving in with Cole, her best friend and sometimes boyfriend, might not be the best of ideas, but she’s got to start somewhere. Their off-and-on romance gets even more complicated when Maggie crushes on her new voice teacher, Nathan, who unlocks her stunning potential. A sensational music career of her own is finally within reach, but Maggie might need more than perfect pitch to find what she’s really looking for.
**Out of Tune is considered clean New Adult/Young Adult fiction appropriate for adults and young adults**
402 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 2013
16 people are currently reading
1183 people want to read
About the author
Michelle D. Argyle
20 books418 followersMichelle lives and writes in Utah, surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. Michelle mainly writes contemporary fiction, but occasionally branches into other genres.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
December 3, 2013
Out of Tune was extremely underwhelming for me. It was a meandering tale of twenty-year-old Maggie, whose parents are famous country stars. She too wants to sing -- one problem, she sounds like a strangled cat. Now, I feel for her, for I too cannot sing though I long desperately for the talent. But you know what? I don't get mad at people for not supporting my dream of superstardom. Because I live in reality, where people who cannot sing do not become singers! Except I guess for Rihanna. Maggie, however, feels betrayed by her family and friends discouragement of her dream. Really? Maybe this is because she's beyond tone deaf and cannot actually hear how bad she sounds. Apparently she has some kind of condition that I never fully understood wherein music sounds like noise to her and she feels vibrations more than sounds ... or something. Regardless, her outrage over the fact that few support her dreams was grating.
Maggie dated Cole, the drummer of her parents' band, for a few months and they're still friends. Though he introduces her to Nathan, a PhD in music or psychology or possibly both who endeavors to help Maggie's amusicality. It is, ostensibly, a love triangle, though it never really feels that way. Maggie is attracted to both of them, though Cole is keeping mysterious secrets from her and Nathan is super professional so what's a poor, sheltered, helpless, non-driving, never-had-a-job or went-to-real-school, tone deaf, songwriter to do? Be torn between two awesomely hawt guys, that's what!
Maggie was milquetoast. I never understood what made her special enough for one guy to like her, much less two. And for various reasons I didn't much care for Cole or Nathan. Or anyone else. So much blah.
Maggie dated Cole, the drummer of her parents' band, for a few months and they're still friends. Though he introduces her to Nathan, a PhD in music or psychology or possibly both who endeavors to help Maggie's amusicality. It is, ostensibly, a love triangle, though it never really feels that way. Maggie is attracted to both of them, though Cole is keeping mysterious secrets from her and Nathan is super professional so what's a poor, sheltered, helpless, non-driving, never-had-a-job or went-to-real-school, tone deaf, songwriter to do? Be torn between two awesomely hawt guys, that's what!
Maggie was milquetoast. I never understood what made her special enough for one guy to like her, much less two. And for various reasons I didn't much care for Cole or Nathan. Or anyone else. So much blah.
December 6, 2013
OUT OF TUNE has become my favorite YA/New Adult title this fall! The book is about a twenty-something girl named Maggie who wants nothing more than to step out of the shadow of her country music superstar parents, and sing. Turns out, it's not that easy.
I absolutely loved the fact that OUT OF TUNE was a love story, without all of the explicit sex. The author really gave the reader credit, in allowing us to use our imagination. I really empathized with Maggie and the tough decisions she had to make. I repeatedly found myself pausing in order to put myself in the same situation. Would I take on all the responsibility that would come with being with Cole? Or would I choose the comfortable life with Nathan? I just loved how deep the whole situation was.
OUT OF TUNE was definitely a page turner. Country music and out of the norm situations with the characters was a refreshing change of pace in a genre that seems to be stale. I will definitely be recommending this novel to friends and family, as well as checking out more of Michelle D. Argyle's titles!
I absolutely loved the fact that OUT OF TUNE was a love story, without all of the explicit sex. The author really gave the reader credit, in allowing us to use our imagination. I really empathized with Maggie and the tough decisions she had to make. I repeatedly found myself pausing in order to put myself in the same situation. Would I take on all the responsibility that would come with being with Cole? Or would I choose the comfortable life with Nathan? I just loved how deep the whole situation was.
OUT OF TUNE was definitely a page turner. Country music and out of the norm situations with the characters was a refreshing change of pace in a genre that seems to be stale. I will definitely be recommending this novel to friends and family, as well as checking out more of Michelle D. Argyle's titles!
December 12, 2013
Please note: there is also a giveaway associated with this post on my blog, here, so go check that out.
Book Info: Genre: Literary Fiction
Reading Level: New Adult
Recommended for: fans of New Adult, coming-of-age fiction, country music
Trigger Warnings: infidelity, miscarriage
My Thoughts: While this is not the sort of book I normally read, I have read and enjoyed this author's work in the past ( Monarch , review linked here; The Breakaway , review linked here), so decided to give it a go.
“All the good things were easy to overlook when she was standing in a pile of wreckage, wondering what had started the first explosion.” That quote sort of encapsulates the story and the experiences that Maggie goes through during the course of this book. She's been sheltered her whole life, home-schooled, following her country-music-star parents on their tours, and now, at 20, she wants to strike out on her own.
The one thing I really did not like was the resolution of the love triangle. Even though what happened is, unfortunately, realistic, it seems very unfair to the guy she doesn't pick. It also felt sort of tacked on. Unfortunately I can't be more specific, so as to avoid spoilers, but I think most folks will see what I mean when they read this.
However, fans of New Adult novels, coming-of-age books, and country music should all enjoy this book. It is well-written (not that I'd expect anything less of this author) and the characters can all be related to easily. Check it out if this sounds like your sort of thing.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author's publicist in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: Twenty-year-old Maggie Roads’ parents are legendary in the country music world. She wants nothing more than to follow in their footsteps, but the limelight isn’t reserved for singers who can’t carry a tune, let alone keep a rhythm.
When her parents tell her they’re getting divorced, Maggie decides it’s time to leave home and take her future into her own hands. Moving in with Cole, her best friend and sometimes boyfriend, might not be the best of ideas, but she’s got to start somewhere. Their off-and-on romance gets even more complicated when Maggie crushes on her new voice teacher, Nathan, who unlocks her stunning potential. A sensational music career of her own is finally within reach, but Maggie might need more than perfect pitch to find what she’s really looking for.
December 28, 2013
I am quite unsure what to say about this. Did I enjoy it? Yes. Did I like the writing? Yes. Did I love the characters? No. And that is where my problem lies. The heroine, Maggie, almost ruined the whole thing for me. She was 20, but came off as very immature. She whined about people telling her she couldn't sing well (and she really couldn't sing), she took the news of like a young child, and her indecisiveness about the young men in her life was nerve wracking. She cried buckets of tears too. Cole kept pushing Maggie away, even though he loves her, and Nathan wanted her even knowing that she wasn't in love with him and that she was confused about what she really wanted.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley
April 11, 2018
Good wholesome story
I really enjoyed this story. It had substance to it, the issues were real, and it just felt as though it was more realistic than most stories around. The characters were relatable too.
I really enjoyed this story. It had substance to it, the issues were real, and it just felt as though it was more realistic than most stories around. The characters were relatable too.
June 11, 2015
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed Out of Tune. It was a nice change of pace from the normal boy meets girl, girl falls for boy and they live happily ever after. This was a story about Maggie who is a twenty-something woman who is trying to find herself. She goes through a lot of heartache to get to where she wants to be, but it does make her a stronger person I think.
Maggie is the daughter of Down Sugar Road and wants to be a singer just like her parents. They live the perfect life and she wants if for herself too. The only thing is, she is completely tone deaf, and her parents are what they seem. With everything getting thrown at her in sure a short time, she runs to her very good friend (and old flame) Cole. Maggie and Cole used to have a very intense relationship, that is until he wanted to end it. Maggie soon finds out, Cole has been keeping a huge secret from her and she runs to the arms of another man, her new voice teacher Nathan.
Soon Maggie starts to realize that maybe she over reacted when she received the news about her parents, and about Cole as well. She tries her hardest to make up for all of her own mistakes and the anger she showed to everyone, and while doing this, she finally finds who she wants to be. The only question, does she really want to stay with Nathan or will she try to get Cole? Maggie is starting to finally see what she might be missing and realizes she never should have let Cole push her away. Will she try to make amends and have her happily ever after?
I really liked this book, it was different and I liked that Maggie was a really country. Michelle definitely did a fantastic job explaining the music business and going into details about that part of the story. The only thing that irritated me was Maggie and Cole's relationship. There were points I just wanted to smack them both and tell them to wake up. I will say I did enjoy going on Maggie's journey with her and hope their is a novella or something with what happens with her and Cole.
I really enjoyed Out of Tune. It was a nice change of pace from the normal boy meets girl, girl falls for boy and they live happily ever after. This was a story about Maggie who is a twenty-something woman who is trying to find herself. She goes through a lot of heartache to get to where she wants to be, but it does make her a stronger person I think.
Maggie is the daughter of Down Sugar Road and wants to be a singer just like her parents. They live the perfect life and she wants if for herself too. The only thing is, she is completely tone deaf, and her parents are what they seem. With everything getting thrown at her in sure a short time, she runs to her very good friend (and old flame) Cole. Maggie and Cole used to have a very intense relationship, that is until he wanted to end it. Maggie soon finds out, Cole has been keeping a huge secret from her and she runs to the arms of another man, her new voice teacher Nathan.
Soon Maggie starts to realize that maybe she over reacted when she received the news about her parents, and about Cole as well. She tries her hardest to make up for all of her own mistakes and the anger she showed to everyone, and while doing this, she finally finds who she wants to be. The only question, does she really want to stay with Nathan or will she try to get Cole? Maggie is starting to finally see what she might be missing and realizes she never should have let Cole push her away. Will she try to make amends and have her happily ever after?
I really liked this book, it was different and I liked that Maggie was a really country. Michelle definitely did a fantastic job explaining the music business and going into details about that part of the story. The only thing that irritated me was Maggie and Cole's relationship. There were points I just wanted to smack them both and tell them to wake up. I will say I did enjoy going on Maggie's journey with her and hope their is a novella or something with what happens with her and Cole.
December 5, 2013
Oh man Out Of Tune had me on the edge of my seat. Michelle never ceases to amaze me when it comes to her writing because she always takes me on this journey that I love so much I don't want it to end. Reading this book had me there and then some.
Maggie Roads is a talented song writer and the daughter of legendary country singers. She would love to sing but she can't hold a note and is tone deaf to boot so she does what comes next and that is write songs. But her hearts desire is to be a singer and she knows what she has to do to get there but is not sure if she can actual do it. But then she gets some disturbing news about her parents and she knows it is time to move on and put on her big panties and do what she has to do to reach her dream.
She leaves her parents home to move in with her best friend and sometimes boyfriend Cole. it isn't the best situation but it is something for her to start with. So she moves in and hires a voice coach so she can fulfill her life long dreams of becoming a singer. As she spend more and more time with her voice coach Nathan she is so crushing on him and it seems that Nathan may have some feelings for Maggie as well.
But what will Maggie do because she has Cole but she wants Nathan and then her parents going through their stuff and last but not least she wants to sing. She wants to sing her heart out so bad that she willing to do whatever it takes to make that dream come true.
Will she stay out of tune or will she tune in!
Maggie Roads is a talented song writer and the daughter of legendary country singers. She would love to sing but she can't hold a note and is tone deaf to boot so she does what comes next and that is write songs. But her hearts desire is to be a singer and she knows what she has to do to get there but is not sure if she can actual do it. But then she gets some disturbing news about her parents and she knows it is time to move on and put on her big panties and do what she has to do to reach her dream.
She leaves her parents home to move in with her best friend and sometimes boyfriend Cole. it isn't the best situation but it is something for her to start with. So she moves in and hires a voice coach so she can fulfill her life long dreams of becoming a singer. As she spend more and more time with her voice coach Nathan she is so crushing on him and it seems that Nathan may have some feelings for Maggie as well.
But what will Maggie do because she has Cole but she wants Nathan and then her parents going through their stuff and last but not least she wants to sing. She wants to sing her heart out so bad that she willing to do whatever it takes to make that dream come true.
Will she stay out of tune or will she tune in!
August 4, 2016
Maggie is the daughter of two country superstars and has dreamed of following in their footsteps for as long as she can remember. There is one problem with her plan: Maggie cannot sing very well. When her best friend Grace moves away for college, Maggie realizes it is time to start chasing her dreams too. Her friend and ex-boyfriend Cole, who incidentally is the drummer in her parents' band, is the only person who actively encourages Maggie to go for her dreams. He insists that with the right coaching she can get her voice, which is sometimes good, to be always great. Despite how close they are, even after their breakup, Cole is keeping a huge secret from Maggie; a secret that he doesn't think she can live with, so he pushes her away instead. In fact, Cole pushes her right into Nathan's arms when he introduces Maggie to her new voice teacher. Maggie's life is further uprooted when she learns that her parents' relationship is on the fritz and she moves out of their house. When she finally learns of Cole's secret, Maggie decides she doesn't need to run from his secret, but help him cope with it. While she begins chasing her dreams on her own, she realizes that maybe what she thought she wanted isn't what she is meant to do or who she is meant to be.
Out of Tune was a captivating read about a girl chasing big dreams and figuring out what she really wants in life in the progress. The story was fun, sad, heartwarming, and humorous at times. I really enjoyed the musical aspect of the book-I love music and related to Maggie, Nathan, and Cole's love for music and the way it touches peoples lives (not to mention I am a country music fan myself and immediately adore any book that mentions Garth Brooks!). It was refreshing to read about a character who was not perfect and had to really work to better herself at times. Maggie is an okay singer who has often been accused of being tone deaf, yet that doesn't stop her from meeting with different voice teachers and pushing herself to achieve her goals. It figures that she figures out that maybe her dreams are not what she wants, but really what she thinks she wants in life; but her perseverance is what helps her learn what she really wants in life. It is also what helps her realize who she wants to be with and why. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I read most of it in one sitting and had to leave my kindle across the book so I would stop reading it and get some sleep before work! The characters are likable because they are so human. Even her parents who famous singers make very common human mistakes and have to learn from them. Another great thing about this book is that it is a story about love, and different kinds of love, without being overly sexual. Not really one to complain about explicit content of a book, but it was nice to have a book that doesn't need some sort of warning about what the reader will encounter. Solid 4 stars!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Out of Tune was a captivating read about a girl chasing big dreams and figuring out what she really wants in life in the progress. The story was fun, sad, heartwarming, and humorous at times. I really enjoyed the musical aspect of the book-I love music and related to Maggie, Nathan, and Cole's love for music and the way it touches peoples lives (not to mention I am a country music fan myself and immediately adore any book that mentions Garth Brooks!). It was refreshing to read about a character who was not perfect and had to really work to better herself at times. Maggie is an okay singer who has often been accused of being tone deaf, yet that doesn't stop her from meeting with different voice teachers and pushing herself to achieve her goals. It figures that she figures out that maybe her dreams are not what she wants, but really what she thinks she wants in life; but her perseverance is what helps her learn what she really wants in life. It is also what helps her realize who she wants to be with and why. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I read most of it in one sitting and had to leave my kindle across the book so I would stop reading it and get some sleep before work! The characters are likable because they are so human. Even her parents who famous singers make very common human mistakes and have to learn from them. Another great thing about this book is that it is a story about love, and different kinds of love, without being overly sexual. Not really one to complain about explicit content of a book, but it was nice to have a book that doesn't need some sort of warning about what the reader will encounter. Solid 4 stars!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 9, 2013
Really liked this story. It's been a while since a read a young adult book/ new adult that was this clean, but there was still love. This book had enough love, heart, and self-discovery. There was a great message behind this book - Discovering what you want out of life and going for it despite the opinions of friends and family.
Sometimes when we are blessed with people in our lives who care so much about you, they seem to think they know what's best and push you to believe you are not meant to do certain things, when that should be up to you.
Life should be about us discovering whether or not we are meant to do things, not are friends and family saying we should or shouldn't at least try. Maggie thinks she wants to be a singer although others think she can't sing - she needs to figure out whether or not that's right for her. This is so realistic and I can relate to Maggie although it's a totally different situation since her parents are famous and all..lol.
Maggie is the daughter of a famous country duo. Music and singing is a huge part of her life but her parents are trying stop her from becoming a singer. They have good intentions but end up hurting Maggie in the process. She has her ex-boyfriend Cole who is so supportive in her singing and introduces her to a vocal coach, Nathan.He tells her they cannot be with each other for some mysterious reason, but is still part of her life. She meets Nathan, her vocal teacher and develops a crush. He played such a huge part in her becoming comfortable and confident in being a singer. Is Nathan right for Maggie or will she end u with Cole despite his secret?
This story really had me guessing how things would end up for Maggie and I was quite pleased with how it ended. "Out of Tune" has a lot to with Maggie's singing but it also had to do with her famous parents as well as her relationship with Cole.
At times I felt this story dragged just a bit and many of the characters were really stubborn and too mysterious like Cole and Maggie's mom.
Note: A free copy was provided to me by Netgalley.
Sometimes when we are blessed with people in our lives who care so much about you, they seem to think they know what's best and push you to believe you are not meant to do certain things, when that should be up to you.
Life should be about us discovering whether or not we are meant to do things, not are friends and family saying we should or shouldn't at least try. Maggie thinks she wants to be a singer although others think she can't sing - she needs to figure out whether or not that's right for her. This is so realistic and I can relate to Maggie although it's a totally different situation since her parents are famous and all..lol.
Maggie is the daughter of a famous country duo. Music and singing is a huge part of her life but her parents are trying stop her from becoming a singer. They have good intentions but end up hurting Maggie in the process. She has her ex-boyfriend Cole who is so supportive in her singing and introduces her to a vocal coach, Nathan.He tells her they cannot be with each other for some mysterious reason, but is still part of her life. She meets Nathan, her vocal teacher and develops a crush. He played such a huge part in her becoming comfortable and confident in being a singer. Is Nathan right for Maggie or will she end u with Cole despite his secret?
This story really had me guessing how things would end up for Maggie and I was quite pleased with how it ended. "Out of Tune" has a lot to with Maggie's singing but it also had to do with her famous parents as well as her relationship with Cole.
At times I felt this story dragged just a bit and many of the characters were really stubborn and too mysterious like Cole and Maggie's mom.
Note: A free copy was provided to me by Netgalley.
November 25, 2013
This was a quick and easy read, and it was a unique topic for me – what if your parents were one of the most famous country singing duos in the nation (Think Tim McGraw and Faith Hill), but you were completely tone deaf?
Maggie is a talented songwriter, but all she wants to do is sing. Unfortunately, she doesn’t have the natural ability that her superstar parents should have passed on to her. She’s at a crossroads in her life, 20 years old but still doesn’t know how to drive and never started college. She didn’t need those things, thanks to her parents. But when Maggie finds out her parents are separating right on the heels of her best friend Grace leaving for college and her ex-boyfriend Cole leaving her parents’ band, Maggie knows she needs a change too. As she pursues her dreams of being a singer despite being completely tone deaf, Maggie must figure out what it is she really wants in life.
I really enjoyed this story, which gave insight into the pressure a music star’s child might feel to live up to that image and that talent. Maggie’s parents are portrayed as flawed, but still down to earth stars, even though Maggie states that they never commingle with “normal” people. As she deals with the glaring faults of her mom and dad, her confusion over her relationship with Cole, and her determination to become a singer, Maggie really grows up. She learns to drive, she sings in front of a huge crowd, and she makes her own decisions and her own mistakes.
I loved how even though there was sort of a love triangle in the book, both men were worthy of her love. It made the end choice that much more satisfying, as did the conclusion of her journey to become a singer. I recommend to all. I really enjoyed Argyle's writing and storytelling, and I'm excited to read more of her work.
(Disclaimer; I received an ARC copy of this book for free via Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.)
Maggie is a talented songwriter, but all she wants to do is sing. Unfortunately, she doesn’t have the natural ability that her superstar parents should have passed on to her. She’s at a crossroads in her life, 20 years old but still doesn’t know how to drive and never started college. She didn’t need those things, thanks to her parents. But when Maggie finds out her parents are separating right on the heels of her best friend Grace leaving for college and her ex-boyfriend Cole leaving her parents’ band, Maggie knows she needs a change too. As she pursues her dreams of being a singer despite being completely tone deaf, Maggie must figure out what it is she really wants in life.
I really enjoyed this story, which gave insight into the pressure a music star’s child might feel to live up to that image and that talent. Maggie’s parents are portrayed as flawed, but still down to earth stars, even though Maggie states that they never commingle with “normal” people. As she deals with the glaring faults of her mom and dad, her confusion over her relationship with Cole, and her determination to become a singer, Maggie really grows up. She learns to drive, she sings in front of a huge crowd, and she makes her own decisions and her own mistakes.
I loved how even though there was sort of a love triangle in the book, both men were worthy of her love. It made the end choice that much more satisfying, as did the conclusion of her journey to become a singer. I recommend to all. I really enjoyed Argyle's writing and storytelling, and I'm excited to read more of her work.
(Disclaimer; I received an ARC copy of this book for free via Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2013
ARC copy received from NetGalley for an honest review
This book was okay, I don't know why but I just couldn't get into this book.
The books is about 20yr old Maggie, who's parents are legendary in the country music world. She wants nothing more than to follow in their footsteps, but the limelight isn't reserved for singers who can't carry a tune, let alone keep a rhythm. When her parents tell her they're getting divorced, Maggie decides it's time to leave home and take her future into her own hands. Moving in with Cole, her best friend and sometimes boyfriend, might not be the best of ideas, but she's got to start somewhere. Their off-and-on romance gets even more complicated when Maggie crushes on her new voice teacher, Nathan, who unlocks her stunning potential. A sensational music career of her own is finally within reach, but Maggie might need more than perfect pitch to find what she's really looking for.
This book was labelled as new adult but I would say its more young adult. I think my main issue with the book was Maggie and how she treated Nathan, I really felt sorry for him. I just found it really hard to connect to Maggie's character. The ending bugged me a little too, it just seemed to end to quickly. It would have been good to see how Maggie dealt with the choices she made. If I'm honest I found the story a little boring at times and skipped over it.
This book was okay, I don't know why but I just couldn't get into this book.
The books is about 20yr old Maggie, who's parents are legendary in the country music world. She wants nothing more than to follow in their footsteps, but the limelight isn't reserved for singers who can't carry a tune, let alone keep a rhythm. When her parents tell her they're getting divorced, Maggie decides it's time to leave home and take her future into her own hands. Moving in with Cole, her best friend and sometimes boyfriend, might not be the best of ideas, but she's got to start somewhere. Their off-and-on romance gets even more complicated when Maggie crushes on her new voice teacher, Nathan, who unlocks her stunning potential. A sensational music career of her own is finally within reach, but Maggie might need more than perfect pitch to find what she's really looking for.
This book was labelled as new adult but I would say its more young adult. I think my main issue with the book was Maggie and how she treated Nathan, I really felt sorry for him. I just found it really hard to connect to Maggie's character. The ending bugged me a little too, it just seemed to end to quickly. It would have been good to see how Maggie dealt with the choices she made. If I'm honest I found the story a little boring at times and skipped over it.
August 10, 2016
This is the first book that I read from this author and I will definitely check out her other books because I have to say that I really loved it. Which surprised me because I didn’t think I’d do as much.
Even though the story doesn’t have much action, you still don’t get tired of reading it because of Maggie. She is such a strong and courageous person and you just want her to get to achieve her dream and become happy again. She is so determined to get her voice fixed and she keeps on trying and working hard even though everything seems to be falling apart around her. She grew up so much throughout this book, I’m so proud of the young woman she became and I wished I had her as a friend. When you talk about character development, that is it!
Finally, it is a wonderful book that made me definitely put me into a “country music” mood and I recommend it to everyone who thinks might like it. :)
Even though the story doesn’t have much action, you still don’t get tired of reading it because of Maggie. She is such a strong and courageous person and you just want her to get to achieve her dream and become happy again. She is so determined to get her voice fixed and she keeps on trying and working hard even though everything seems to be falling apart around her. She grew up so much throughout this book, I’m so proud of the young woman she became and I wished I had her as a friend. When you talk about character development, that is it!
Finally, it is a wonderful book that made me definitely put me into a “country music” mood and I recommend it to everyone who thinks might like it. :)
December 3, 2013
22 year old Maggie wants to be a country singer just like her parents but there is one little problem, she can't sing or can she? Maggie is a sweet girl who just wants to sing, Unfortunately she is tone deaf and she has no confidence. After finding out that her parents are divorcing, she decides to move out on her own. At first, she moves in with her best friend/ex boyfriend Cole but after a bad performance decides to stay with her new voice teacher Nathan who she has a major crush on. Nathan helps unlocks Maggie's amazing voice but now Maggie is stuck between her feeling for both Cole and Nathan.
I really enjoyed this book. The story drew me in and I fell in love with both Cole and Nathan. The only issue I had was that it ended kind of abruptly. Yes, you got your Happily Ever After but I felt that it really needed another chapter or at least an Epilogue. It did not feel finished. But I was happy with the outcome of the story, I just wish there was more of it!
I really enjoyed this book. The story drew me in and I fell in love with both Cole and Nathan. The only issue I had was that it ended kind of abruptly. Yes, you got your Happily Ever After but I felt that it really needed another chapter or at least an Epilogue. It did not feel finished. But I was happy with the outcome of the story, I just wish there was more of it!
July 15, 2015
Although the writing was good and I would read another book by this author, the storyline fell flat for me. Nothing about this story was realistic. Maggie was supposed to be 20 but sounded more like a whiny 15-year-old. Maybe that's because her parents are country superstars and she has been indulged her whole life. She starts out really liking her ex-boyfriend Cole but for some reason I couldn't understand she starts feeling attraction for her voice teacher -- that Cole got for her. Maybe that's what the younger generation does now but I thought it was fickle and strange for a woman that age. Her parents are getting a divorce because her father cheated on her and then you find out her mother was pregnant by another man....so that means SHE cheated as well. WTF?? Maybe a younger adult would find this interesting but this middle-aged former groupie did not.
December 2, 2013
" 2.5 or 3 Okay Stars"
Its an Okay read I guess. Its not the hooked you up story and I'm kinda struggling to finish the book.
Maggie the main character is the daughter of two country superstars. Living the life behind the shadows of her her parents she wanted to start her own career in singing and writing music. Though Maggie couldn't sing so shes struggling to find herself surrounded by the people encouraging her not to sing.
Honestly I don't get it that a person could not really sing at all. I havent heard someone that sings really bad and honestly I get bored most of the time reading it. I guess I'm glad that the story ends in a nice way.
ARC provided by publishers via Netgalley in exchange for honest review.
Its an Okay read I guess. Its not the hooked you up story and I'm kinda struggling to finish the book.
Maggie the main character is the daughter of two country superstars. Living the life behind the shadows of her her parents she wanted to start her own career in singing and writing music. Though Maggie couldn't sing so shes struggling to find herself surrounded by the people encouraging her not to sing.
Honestly I don't get it that a person could not really sing at all. I havent heard someone that sings really bad and honestly I get bored most of the time reading it. I guess I'm glad that the story ends in a nice way.
ARC provided by publishers via Netgalley in exchange for honest review.
October 21, 2013
OUT OF TUNE has instantly become one of my favorite novels. With its country music roots and crisp Colorado backdrop, the journey Maggie takes into adulthood gives readers the perfect blend of romance, drama, and profound self-discovery. Michelle D. Argyle’s signature smooth storytelling makes this an addictive read.
November 23, 2013
Even though this wasn't maybe the type of book i typically read, i found myself wanting to find out what happened to maggie as the story progressed. This book is about following your dreams, no matter what anybody thinks because sometimes that gets you to where you really want to be. I found it wonderfully written and it left me wanting more.
December 6, 2013
*********Was given an ARC for an honest review*******************
This book was about a child of celebrities learning how to be herself and what she wants to do with her life. Following in her country singer parent's footsteps only seems to be the normal route, but you need one major thing, to be able to sing.
This book was about a child of celebrities learning how to be herself and what she wants to do with her life. Following in her country singer parent's footsteps only seems to be the normal route, but you need one major thing, to be able to sing.
read-sample-and-passed
May 16, 2015I think I'm going to have to give up on this author. Despite enjoying The Breakaway and it's sequel I have yet to find anything else by her that I can get past 10%. I'm sad because the concept of this book sounded awesome.
January 3, 2014
Love Argyle's work!
November 23, 2013
I loved this book!! The characters are so genuine and easy to love!! What a great story!!
June 2, 2021
Maggie, Nathan and Cole. What a mess! After reading the blurb, I was interested in the premise of the story and dived right in. Sadly, as soon as I got to know Maggie my interest waned. She was a 20 year old immature selfish brat. I did not care for her at all which in turn turned me off reading her story. Especially, when Nathan comes into the scene and she's "torn" between Cole and him. I still can't see what they saw in her, but that's neither her nor there. The story, while well-written, dragged in places, which I attribute to Maggie's whining and whiplash inner thoughts when deciding between her suitors. *roll eyes* All in all, not at all the story I expected and definitely not the story for me.
December 23, 2021
This book was cute. I didn't really have any strong feelings for any of the characters, but that could be because I'm not a big fan of country music, and this book often felt like a love letter to country music. I wasn't a big fan of the age gap between the protagonist and the two suitors in the love triangle, so that may have also hindered my enjoyment of this book. Overall, it was cute. If you want a cute contemporary romance, this is one.
March 2, 2015
Note: I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Out of Tune is the last book I finished reading before the new year, and I am glad that it is also the last one I get to review this year because it's a good book to remember the end of 2013 by. I thoroughly enjoyed it for the depth it offers alongside the roller coaster ride of a life that Maggie is faced with as she transitions into adulthood. Also, I loved the music aspects, even though I'm not a country music fan. It's a shame, really, seeing how I spent my childhood hearing my dad blast country music. Though who knows? Maybe I'll connect with it after all when I listen through the playlist that Michelle Argyle added at the end.
I should start with a warning: Out of Tune is one emotionally packed book! It is also so much more than Maggie's romantic interests in Cole and Nathan. Before you dismiss it for the love triangle, please hear me out! There's a lot more to the book than the romance. Maggie is set on pursuing her dreams while trying to keep things together as her world crumbles. Her parents divorcing, her best friend moving away and realizing that the time has come to fend for herself all add different layers to the story. As much as I wish that only Cole or only Nathan would've been part of Maggie's life, I liked her approach to both these men. She knows that singing is her primary goal. Whatever confusion may cloud her mind, it cannot detract from her plans and for that I must applaud Out of Tune. It is first about self-actualization before love, even if love matters a great deal to Maggie.
What struck me was the growth that is evident in Maggie from the beginning to the end. The Maggie we start out with is a vastly different one from the Maggie we end with. She gains mature through all her trials but remains a believable 20-year-old who occasionally still slips into self-absorption yet has a good heart, wanting to reach out to those she loves. For all her insecurities, she also learns to become more self-assured and to appreciate the good things that she still has. Watching Maggie grow throughout the pages is what adds to the depth and to the strength of Out of Tune. For me, it also encouraged me to reflect on how I have grown myself over the past year, think about what I want and how the people I love fit into all that as well.
Interestingly, it seems that this book has been a little under the radar but I do hope that that will change in the coming year. I think it's a wonderful book for music lovers and for readers looking for New Adult books that are not primarily concerned with explicit romance but instead are concerned with strong characters that fill the void between teenhood and not quite adulthood.
This review is also available on dudettereads.com.
Out of Tune is the last book I finished reading before the new year, and I am glad that it is also the last one I get to review this year because it's a good book to remember the end of 2013 by. I thoroughly enjoyed it for the depth it offers alongside the roller coaster ride of a life that Maggie is faced with as she transitions into adulthood. Also, I loved the music aspects, even though I'm not a country music fan. It's a shame, really, seeing how I spent my childhood hearing my dad blast country music. Though who knows? Maybe I'll connect with it after all when I listen through the playlist that Michelle Argyle added at the end.
I should start with a warning: Out of Tune is one emotionally packed book! It is also so much more than Maggie's romantic interests in Cole and Nathan. Before you dismiss it for the love triangle, please hear me out! There's a lot more to the book than the romance. Maggie is set on pursuing her dreams while trying to keep things together as her world crumbles. Her parents divorcing, her best friend moving away and realizing that the time has come to fend for herself all add different layers to the story. As much as I wish that only Cole or only Nathan would've been part of Maggie's life, I liked her approach to both these men. She knows that singing is her primary goal. Whatever confusion may cloud her mind, it cannot detract from her plans and for that I must applaud Out of Tune. It is first about self-actualization before love, even if love matters a great deal to Maggie.
What struck me was the growth that is evident in Maggie from the beginning to the end. The Maggie we start out with is a vastly different one from the Maggie we end with. She gains mature through all her trials but remains a believable 20-year-old who occasionally still slips into self-absorption yet has a good heart, wanting to reach out to those she loves. For all her insecurities, she also learns to become more self-assured and to appreciate the good things that she still has. Watching Maggie grow throughout the pages is what adds to the depth and to the strength of Out of Tune. For me, it also encouraged me to reflect on how I have grown myself over the past year, think about what I want and how the people I love fit into all that as well.
Interestingly, it seems that this book has been a little under the radar but I do hope that that will change in the coming year. I think it's a wonderful book for music lovers and for readers looking for New Adult books that are not primarily concerned with explicit romance but instead are concerned with strong characters that fill the void between teenhood and not quite adulthood.
This review is also available on dudettereads.com.
August 5, 2016
3.5 stars
This book has a lot of things going for it. First, Maggie is completely believable as a 20 year old protagonist. She’s not impossibly sophisticated, even considering that she is raised by this universe’s answer to Faith Hill and Tim McGraw (so maybe keep it zipped, Tim, mmmkay?). Second, country music is not a genre that is overly represented in fiction in general, and it’s nice that no character in this book is actively trying to be Taylor Swift. Third, this is one of the least trigger-inducing New Adult novels that I have ever read. I appreciated that Maggie has to overcome several real things that don’t involve blunt force trauma or parental death. There’s a lot of hard stuff happening in Maggie’s life, but it feels manageable for her and for an audience of readers to deal with. Fourth, Maggie is kind of a brat. That doesn’t seem like a compliment, but really, it’s all tied into my first point, and it helped me believe that this is a story about a young woman who is growing up and experiencing any number of life-changing events in a brief amount of time. Even when I wanted to shake her and then put her in time out, I believed in the pettiness and immaturity at the heart of her actions and words. Fifth, I love the role that words play in this novel. I mean, duh. Yes, the books that I review here generally feature a lot of words, but for these characters, expression is especially important. They can’t always do it, either through language or music. What is not said is often at least as important as what is said.
I have to cover snark a bit, since I kept waiting for the part of the book where Maggie was going to hitchhike but 1) she lives in Colorado, and the months in which this book takes place are definitely not the ones in which you want to stand on the side of the road in that outfit and 2) I don’t believe that anybody would hitchhike with a vintage guitar is worth $10K without at least putting said guitar in a case. Please, music people, tell me this is true.
I wish that the author had given more resources on understanding what amusia is, but I already feel like I learned a few new things from this book. The author bills this as a clean book, and it is, but BONING DOES HAPPEN, and it's generally not regretted. FYI.
I received this book free from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest reviewand my firstborn child.
This book has a lot of things going for it. First, Maggie is completely believable as a 20 year old protagonist. She’s not impossibly sophisticated, even considering that she is raised by this universe’s answer to Faith Hill and Tim McGraw (so maybe keep it zipped, Tim, mmmkay?). Second, country music is not a genre that is overly represented in fiction in general, and it’s nice that no character in this book is actively trying to be Taylor Swift. Third, this is one of the least trigger-inducing New Adult novels that I have ever read. I appreciated that Maggie has to overcome several real things that don’t involve blunt force trauma or parental death. There’s a lot of hard stuff happening in Maggie’s life, but it feels manageable for her and for an audience of readers to deal with. Fourth, Maggie is kind of a brat. That doesn’t seem like a compliment, but really, it’s all tied into my first point, and it helped me believe that this is a story about a young woman who is growing up and experiencing any number of life-changing events in a brief amount of time. Even when I wanted to shake her and then put her in time out, I believed in the pettiness and immaturity at the heart of her actions and words. Fifth, I love the role that words play in this novel. I mean, duh. Yes, the books that I review here generally feature a lot of words, but for these characters, expression is especially important. They can’t always do it, either through language or music. What is not said is often at least as important as what is said.
I have to cover snark a bit, since I kept waiting for the part of the book where Maggie was going to hitchhike but 1) she lives in Colorado, and the months in which this book takes place are definitely not the ones in which you want to stand on the side of the road in that outfit and 2) I don’t believe that anybody would hitchhike with a vintage guitar is worth $10K without at least putting said guitar in a case. Please, music people, tell me this is true.
I wish that the author had given more resources on understanding what amusia is, but I already feel like I learned a few new things from this book. The author bills this as a clean book, and it is, but BONING DOES HAPPEN, and it's generally not regretted. FYI.
I received this book free from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review
December 11, 2013
If you are looking for a leisure, but pleasant reading try Out of Tune.
The story is well told and even if it does not contain bumps or major twists it will catch you. At least it caught me. Not often it happen to me to want that something to happen or not in a book. Usually I read, anticipate (or try to) the possible courses of the story and I'm glad or "upset" at the author if it doesn’t work out as I wanted. But here I stood breathless for something to not happen!
In my opinion, the author has caught well Maggie’s frustration and desire to succeed to sing despite the difficulties that she have to face. Those who did not really have wished something in life maybe will have another obstacle to overcome in order to understand why so much fuss about it and that Maggie not only wants to sing, but she wants to sing well. The fact that her parents, although loving and caring ones, does not communicate enough with her (or with each other) and that they extend the public image even over the family life, will complicate everything.
Anyway, the story is about how to find your own place in life, about growing up that sometimes comes not only from your own mistakes or trials, but also from the choices of your close ones.
Regarding the love story, the romance triangle created is a possible one, a sweet trap. Both "pretenders" are top ones and you have nothing to reproach them ... most of the time. For the "good intentions", but based on a misapplied soul generosity and an annoying male pride (although motivated by the author) it came to me, several times, to slap them,one or the other, on the back of the neck. In what concerns Nathan ... hmm, he is trying to be the good boy, but I would have tried more, especially that his feelings are not too distinct either, and his past definitely is still a clear present.
In the end, I got to congratulate Meggie for some decisions, though she disappoint me in others, but what can you do, that's life, sometimes without explosions and fireworks, but with detour routes that cannot leave you unmarked. But, isn’t it, all's well when ends well.
As I said at the beginning, it's a nice and well told story.
http://mythicalbooks.blogspot.ro/2013...
The story is well told and even if it does not contain bumps or major twists it will catch you. At least it caught me. Not often it happen to me to want that something to happen or not in a book. Usually I read, anticipate (or try to) the possible courses of the story and I'm glad or "upset" at the author if it doesn’t work out as I wanted. But here I stood breathless for something to not happen!
In my opinion, the author has caught well Maggie’s frustration and desire to succeed to sing despite the difficulties that she have to face. Those who did not really have wished something in life maybe will have another obstacle to overcome in order to understand why so much fuss about it and that Maggie not only wants to sing, but she wants to sing well. The fact that her parents, although loving and caring ones, does not communicate enough with her (or with each other) and that they extend the public image even over the family life, will complicate everything.
Anyway, the story is about how to find your own place in life, about growing up that sometimes comes not only from your own mistakes or trials, but also from the choices of your close ones.
Regarding the love story, the romance triangle created is a possible one, a sweet trap. Both "pretenders" are top ones and you have nothing to reproach them ... most of the time. For the "good intentions", but based on a misapplied soul generosity and an annoying male pride (although motivated by the author) it came to me, several times, to slap them,one or the other, on the back of the neck. In what concerns Nathan ... hmm, he is trying to be the good boy, but I would have tried more, especially that his feelings are not too distinct either, and his past definitely is still a clear present.
In the end, I got to congratulate Meggie for some decisions, though she disappoint me in others, but what can you do, that's life, sometimes without explosions and fireworks, but with detour routes that cannot leave you unmarked. But, isn’t it, all's well when ends well.
As I said at the beginning, it's a nice and well told story.
http://mythicalbooks.blogspot.ro/2013...
January 16, 2014
This review and more on So Bookalicious
I really liked this book. These days most in most new adult books I read sex seems the central of the book, like it is obliged to put it in their ‘cause otherwise it won’t be a new adult book. But that was not the case with Out of Tune at that’s part of why I liked this book so much. Maggie still tries to figure out who she is and what she wants, so you can believe me when I say that there is still plenty of love, drama, heartache and self-discovery in this book.
This book held some great messages, believe in yourself and in your dreams no matter what your friends, family or others may say. All Maggie wanted all her life was to sing just like her parents but there is only one problem, she can’t sing. At least what everyone around her says. But Maggie doesn’t give up hope that one day she can sing. The only person who supports her in this is her ex-boyfriend and good friend Cole. But Cole is holding back on Maggie because of his past, afraid that Maggie will never look the same at him if his secrets come out. So instead he pushes her in the direction of Nathan, Maggie’s vocal teacher.
During the book most characters realize that they have made mistakes, mostly to protect the other. And they try to make up for it. So there are many ups and downs in this book what only made it more realistic. I also liked how Michelle explained the music business, she really went into details about that part of the story. The way the book was great too, Maggie and her friends still have to sort some things out but you can clearly see in which direction they are heading. So Out of Tune is definitely one of the best music books that I’ve read so far.
I really liked this book. These days most in most new adult books I read sex seems the central of the book, like it is obliged to put it in their ‘cause otherwise it won’t be a new adult book. But that was not the case with Out of Tune at that’s part of why I liked this book so much. Maggie still tries to figure out who she is and what she wants, so you can believe me when I say that there is still plenty of love, drama, heartache and self-discovery in this book.
This book held some great messages, believe in yourself and in your dreams no matter what your friends, family or others may say. All Maggie wanted all her life was to sing just like her parents but there is only one problem, she can’t sing. At least what everyone around her says. But Maggie doesn’t give up hope that one day she can sing. The only person who supports her in this is her ex-boyfriend and good friend Cole. But Cole is holding back on Maggie because of his past, afraid that Maggie will never look the same at him if his secrets come out. So instead he pushes her in the direction of Nathan, Maggie’s vocal teacher.
During the book most characters realize that they have made mistakes, mostly to protect the other. And they try to make up for it. So there are many ups and downs in this book what only made it more realistic. I also liked how Michelle explained the music business, she really went into details about that part of the story. The way the book was great too, Maggie and her friends still have to sort some things out but you can clearly see in which direction they are heading. So Out of Tune is definitely one of the best music books that I’ve read so far.
January 8, 2014
Out of Tune took me inside the world of American country music seen through the eyes of a young woman at a crossroads in her life. Twenty year old Maggie Roads has spent years touring the circuit, living under her parents shadow, depressed by her inability to sustain a song, yet so desperately wanting for music to be front and centre of her life. And into that turmoil comes more hurdles and setbacks and temptations and the realisation that her parents could have been considerably more supportive.
What I loved about this book is the original storyline and the surprises that kept on coming. I had no idea how the love triangle was going to work itself out – I still would like to read more anon on this Michelle - if you are reading this! ☺ But ultimately this is a story about a very modern girl who could have made some bad choices for herself but didn’t. The way she was her own best-friend, honest and considered rather than inpulsive and regretful was a wonderful example for others who might be tempted to dive into relationships, ignoring all the waming bells and confusion of their heart. And through testing the waters and being honest with herself, she found her true north along with her true love.
“Nathan you can call me Mags” – just love the acceptance of this line. I don’t read a lot of the Young Adult genre so don’t know how this compares with other stories out there, however for me in terms of my other reads I would give it 3.5 stars.
What I loved about this book is the original storyline and the surprises that kept on coming. I had no idea how the love triangle was going to work itself out – I still would like to read more anon on this Michelle - if you are reading this! ☺ But ultimately this is a story about a very modern girl who could have made some bad choices for herself but didn’t. The way she was her own best-friend, honest and considered rather than inpulsive and regretful was a wonderful example for others who might be tempted to dive into relationships, ignoring all the waming bells and confusion of their heart. And through testing the waters and being honest with herself, she found her true north along with her true love.
“Nathan you can call me Mags” – just love the acceptance of this line. I don’t read a lot of the Young Adult genre so don’t know how this compares with other stories out there, however for me in terms of my other reads I would give it 3.5 stars.
January 19, 2014
The main character in this story is Maggie, she is the daughter of a famous country singing duo. She has been told her whole life that she cannot sing, she cannot carry a tune at all. As she graduates high school her best friend leaves for college, her friend from her parents band quiets and she gets in a fight with her parents and moves out. people all around her keep telling to just keep writing songs not to worry about the singing part but that is what she wants to do. She then found a vocal coach who starts to help her and then she finds out her parents are getting a divorce. She is still in love with her ex-boyfriend who she still can’t figure out why they broke up. She goes along and gets a place of her own and when she finally is able to sing in front of people she decides she doesn’t like it as much as she thought she would, but people are still wanting her songs that she is writing. She also finds out that her ex had a son he did not know about and that he was now responsible for. He is in a hospital because of an accident that killed his mother. This is something they work through because everyone around the band always treated her differently. She was trying to show her, parents her friends and her ex that she was growing up if they would let her. A good story. I got this book from net galley.
May 16, 2014
Review included in my Week In Review at Lives and Breathes Book Blog.
2.5/3 Stars
I’m just not sure how I feel about this book. Did I like it? Well, I liked the idea of it. I liked some of the characters. I liked some of the story line. The other parts that I didn't like, I didn't dislike. They just fell flat for me and underdeveloped. Maggie is the twenty year old daughter of country music stars. All she wants to do is sing. But she can’t sing, not well anyways. The idea behind it was entertaining; I thought the focus would be on her journey of her dream. It was not, not completely. There were so many other things going on in this book; the drama with her parents, then Cole's secrets. There were things that just didn't make a lot of sense to me or seemed unnecessary, as if to only add drama. I would have preferred less drama and instead that some of the twists and ideas were better developed. I did really like how the story ended up playing out and how we saw Maggie’s dream change.
ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
2.5/3 Stars
I’m just not sure how I feel about this book. Did I like it? Well, I liked the idea of it. I liked some of the characters. I liked some of the story line. The other parts that I didn't like, I didn't dislike. They just fell flat for me and underdeveloped. Maggie is the twenty year old daughter of country music stars. All she wants to do is sing. But she can’t sing, not well anyways. The idea behind it was entertaining; I thought the focus would be on her journey of her dream. It was not, not completely. There were so many other things going on in this book; the drama with her parents, then Cole's secrets. There were things that just didn't make a lot of sense to me or seemed unnecessary, as if to only add drama. I would have preferred less drama and instead that some of the twists and ideas were better developed. I did really like how the story ended up playing out and how we saw Maggie’s dream change.
ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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