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Counterpoint
Brilliant young pianist Alexandria is poised for classical music superstardom… until the night she unravels in front of thousands at her Carnegie Hall debut.
Brilliant young pianist Nate is poised for classical music superstardom… until the night a horrific accident took away everything—and everyone he loved.
Now fate—and a wily cowboy pianist named Wyatt—have brought them both to Texas for a summer of intensive study and healing. And, though the two butt heads almost immediately, it’s soon clear that, together, Alex and Nate possess a dazzling chemistry that eclipses anything they might have done alone.
But the real test of their longevity as partners—on stage and off—comes when Alex’s overbearing father threatens to destroy everything they’ve both worked so hard for. Painful choices must be made and lives will be changed forever.
While Nate wrestles with the gut-wrenching guilt of his past, Alex is forced to confront the grim prospects for her future. And suddenly, each must decide if there is enough power in their music and enough courage in their hearts to breach the chasm between them.
Brilliant young pianist Nate is poised for classical music superstardom… until the night a horrific accident took away everything—and everyone he loved.
Now fate—and a wily cowboy pianist named Wyatt—have brought them both to Texas for a summer of intensive study and healing. And, though the two butt heads almost immediately, it’s soon clear that, together, Alex and Nate possess a dazzling chemistry that eclipses anything they might have done alone.
But the real test of their longevity as partners—on stage and off—comes when Alex’s overbearing father threatens to destroy everything they’ve both worked so hard for. Painful choices must be made and lives will be changed forever.
While Nate wrestles with the gut-wrenching guilt of his past, Alex is forced to confront the grim prospects for her future. And suddenly, each must decide if there is enough power in their music and enough courage in their hearts to breach the chasm between them.
288 pages, Paperback
Published January 14, 2024
About the author
Lauren E. Rico
15 books586 followersLibrarian Note: Also writes under the pen name L.E. Rico.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 5, 2020
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
There was so much to like about this enemies to lovers (well, sort of!) story of two damaged pianists in their mid-twenties. The glamorous world of classical music is the backdrop for this story. Alexandria's overbearing and demanding father has crippled her ability to perform. Nathanial was a child prodigy who lost his entire family in a plane crash which he barely survived. Enter Wyatt - the "Pianist Whisperer".
There are mysteries, high drama and a diabolical father that make the plot interesting. I found the (almost) "insta-love/attraction" a bit too speedy. We could have done with a bit more interaction between the main characters before they ripped each other's clothes off. Still, their supportive relationship was endearing. Notwithstanding this minor issue, the author writes very well, and you can bet that I am going to hunt down her other titles. It was a highly engrossing and entertaining read during the "Stay Home" order. I was suffering from seasonal allergies and my brain is too fuzzy to tackle anything like a thriller or literary fiction. Counterpoint was exactly what the doctor ordered: passion, drama and a very satisfying HEA. It was hard to put this one down. I'm rating this one a 4.4 out of 5. Enjoy!
There was so much to like about this enemies to lovers (well, sort of!) story of two damaged pianists in their mid-twenties. The glamorous world of classical music is the backdrop for this story. Alexandria's overbearing and demanding father has crippled her ability to perform. Nathanial was a child prodigy who lost his entire family in a plane crash which he barely survived. Enter Wyatt - the "Pianist Whisperer".
There are mysteries, high drama and a diabolical father that make the plot interesting. I found the (almost) "insta-love/attraction" a bit too speedy. We could have done with a bit more interaction between the main characters before they ripped each other's clothes off. Still, their supportive relationship was endearing. Notwithstanding this minor issue, the author writes very well, and you can bet that I am going to hunt down her other titles. It was a highly engrossing and entertaining read during the "Stay Home" order. I was suffering from seasonal allergies and my brain is too fuzzy to tackle anything like a thriller or literary fiction. Counterpoint was exactly what the doctor ordered: passion, drama and a very satisfying HEA. It was hard to put this one down. I'm rating this one a 4.4 out of 5. Enjoy!
March 28, 2019
Lauren E. Rico speaks directly to the soft spot I suspect I’ll always have for classical music and the very rare bit of romantic fiction written around it, because there’s just so much to explore in what’s typically considered a big-ego, elitist and inaccessible world. And well, that it was a world that I belonged to, very briefly so long ago, makes the classic music romance, so to speak, a wistful step back into that passionate, intriguing and cut-throat space.
The unique meeting of accomplished classical pianists, both child prodigies, both fallen in their own ways and unable to pick themselves up until the intervention of a mysterious do-gooder who wanted nothing more but to get them going again….no surprise then, that I jumped on ‘Counterpoint’ as soon as the ARC was available.
Nathaniel Calloway’s and Alexandria Mickelson-Fitch’s stalled careers start to collide in a way that neither could have ever imagined, thanks to a Texan cowboy professor who seem determined to get their back their tarnished stardom. Cue the resulting family drama, the heaving chests, the loud denials and affirmations came to the fore that catapulted the storytelling into soap-opera territory at times.
There were clear hurdles to jump over here: obsessive, helicopter parenting, volatile tempers with sometime immature outbursts (throw in the broody artistic-temperament) and so much ego-shuffling. I was sceptical of the quick switch from hostility to near-instalove, got frustrated when adults started behaving like teenagers who suddenly couldn’t see reason and devolved into self-absorbed, entitled, snivelling messes who couldn’t handle themselves let alone others.
Still, I lapped up every descriptive passage of the music that both Nate and Alex played, lapped up their duets and the heady sense of the music that spilled from the pages and left me wanting more as I rode every wave of high and low with them. The music’s made magic in Rico’s hands and I could only wish there were more of such stories from her.
*ARC by the author
The unique meeting of accomplished classical pianists, both child prodigies, both fallen in their own ways and unable to pick themselves up until the intervention of a mysterious do-gooder who wanted nothing more but to get them going again….no surprise then, that I jumped on ‘Counterpoint’ as soon as the ARC was available.
Nathaniel Calloway’s and Alexandria Mickelson-Fitch’s stalled careers start to collide in a way that neither could have ever imagined, thanks to a Texan cowboy professor who seem determined to get their back their tarnished stardom. Cue the resulting family drama, the heaving chests, the loud denials and affirmations came to the fore that catapulted the storytelling into soap-opera territory at times.
There were clear hurdles to jump over here: obsessive, helicopter parenting, volatile tempers with sometime immature outbursts (throw in the broody artistic-temperament) and so much ego-shuffling. I was sceptical of the quick switch from hostility to near-instalove, got frustrated when adults started behaving like teenagers who suddenly couldn’t see reason and devolved into self-absorbed, entitled, snivelling messes who couldn’t handle themselves let alone others.
Still, I lapped up every descriptive passage of the music that both Nate and Alex played, lapped up their duets and the heady sense of the music that spilled from the pages and left me wanting more as I rode every wave of high and low with them. The music’s made magic in Rico’s hands and I could only wish there were more of such stories from her.
*ARC by the author
June 11, 2021
*I received a free copy from NetGalley for an honest review*
What a lovely concept for a book! I'm a Music Major and have only read maybe one music book that I liked. This makes it two. I didn't know this was going to be NA, but it was a pleasant surprise. The author gave fantastic explanations when talking about the piano or how it felt to play it. This is what every musician hopes for: the chance to feel the magic of music.
Alex: Her father is such a jerk! I thought for sure he was going to physically abuse his family, but he never did. I was almost disappointed because it would have been cool to see Nate step up to the role of protector. Alex is a feisty girl who doesn't want to do what her dad wants but isn't brave enough to go against him. She's in a bad situation and can't get out. I laughed so much while reading her and Nate's conversations! Those two have the best inner dialogue too.
Nate: Haha. I love this guy. He's far from perfect and has had a really messed up life. He's got scars to prove it. I love his imperfections because I was tired of reading books where the MC is the perfect girl/guy. Nate is hilarious and I want more of him. He really knows how to rile someone. I didn't like how much he hurt Alex in their last big argument. That was harsh.
"Fine!" I mutter under my breath, mimicking her tepid response. "Fine. It was fine."
Haha. He is so immature sometimes.
"Dude, what's your problem?" he asks.
"A girl."
He nods. "Yeah, I've been there. Good luck, man."
Wyatt: This cowboy is amazing. He's a piano whisperer! I love him so much. He's funny and saves Nate/Alex from themselves. His little secret about Alex's mom was a shocker. I did not see that coming!
What bothered me most was how fast Nate and Alex got together. They knew each other for-what-a day? And they're kissing! But I got over it fast because the author inserted thoughts into Nate's head about being confused because he didn't believe in insta-love. He kept thinking it was too fast. That's what saved this from actually being insta-love. There were also a few lines throughout the book that were repeated and were ignored.
I could not believe how many hilarious lines there were! I was not expecting that. I went into this almost blind and didn't think it would be good, but it was everything and more.
What a lovely concept for a book! I'm a Music Major and have only read maybe one music book that I liked. This makes it two. I didn't know this was going to be NA, but it was a pleasant surprise. The author gave fantastic explanations when talking about the piano or how it felt to play it. This is what every musician hopes for: the chance to feel the magic of music.
Alex: Her father is such a jerk! I thought for sure he was going to physically abuse his family, but he never did. I was almost disappointed because it would have been cool to see Nate step up to the role of protector. Alex is a feisty girl who doesn't want to do what her dad wants but isn't brave enough to go against him. She's in a bad situation and can't get out. I laughed so much while reading her and Nate's conversations! Those two have the best inner dialogue too.
Nate: Haha. I love this guy. He's far from perfect and has had a really messed up life. He's got scars to prove it. I love his imperfections because I was tired of reading books where the MC is the perfect girl/guy. Nate is hilarious and I want more of him. He really knows how to rile someone. I didn't like how much he hurt Alex in their last big argument. That was harsh.
"Fine!" I mutter under my breath, mimicking her tepid response. "Fine. It was fine."
Haha. He is so immature sometimes.
"Dude, what's your problem?" he asks.
"A girl."
He nods. "Yeah, I've been there. Good luck, man."
Wyatt: This cowboy is amazing. He's a piano whisperer! I love him so much. He's funny and saves Nate/Alex from themselves. His little secret about Alex's mom was a shocker. I did not see that coming!
What bothered me most was how fast Nate and Alex got together. They knew each other for-what-a day? And they're kissing! But I got over it fast because the author inserted thoughts into Nate's head about being confused because he didn't believe in insta-love. He kept thinking it was too fast. That's what saved this from actually being insta-love. There were also a few lines throughout the book that were repeated and were ignored.
I could not believe how many hilarious lines there were! I was not expecting that. I went into this almost blind and didn't think it would be good, but it was everything and more.
April 28, 2020
Counterpoint is the second novel in the Symphony Hall series by Lauren E. Rico. I came across it when I was looking for some romances to review and this one seemed dark and fun. It's not quite what I was expecting, but I had a great time none the less.
This story is about to Pianists, working together to make their dreams come true. Apart, they are a hot mess. Together, they have a chance to get everything they ever wanted. But will they get out of their own way to get it?
After Alex has a breakdown before her debut in Carnegie Hall, her father puts her on lockdown and is ready to make sure she does what she is meant for, in some pretty forceful ways.
Nate was a brilliant young pianist poised for stardom when an accident derails his plans.
Enter Wyatt, a crazy cowboy piano teacher who isn't ready to give up on either of these savants. So he scoops them up and takes them to Texas for a summer of intensive training and practicing. They two butt heads and a beautiful chemistry emerges. This was a very sexy hate to love. I don't understand music the way these 2 do, but I really enjoyed their chemistry.
Alex is almost stunted in her personal reactions and very skittish after growing up in an oppressive home life. She is 24 and seems more like a teenager. Nate is fighting a lot of demons but he is totally into Alex. But they are still young and there is a lot of issues that come with that. There is so much pressure and it is hard not crack beneath it. Its hard for them both to trust.
I felt immense sympathy for both of them and it was painful to go through it with them. This is a little more angsty than I normally like to read, but it was also sexy and exciting.
I give it 4/5 Stars.
This story is about to Pianists, working together to make their dreams come true. Apart, they are a hot mess. Together, they have a chance to get everything they ever wanted. But will they get out of their own way to get it?
After Alex has a breakdown before her debut in Carnegie Hall, her father puts her on lockdown and is ready to make sure she does what she is meant for, in some pretty forceful ways.
Nate was a brilliant young pianist poised for stardom when an accident derails his plans.
Enter Wyatt, a crazy cowboy piano teacher who isn't ready to give up on either of these savants. So he scoops them up and takes them to Texas for a summer of intensive training and practicing. They two butt heads and a beautiful chemistry emerges. This was a very sexy hate to love. I don't understand music the way these 2 do, but I really enjoyed their chemistry.
Alex is almost stunted in her personal reactions and very skittish after growing up in an oppressive home life. She is 24 and seems more like a teenager. Nate is fighting a lot of demons but he is totally into Alex. But they are still young and there is a lot of issues that come with that. There is so much pressure and it is hard not crack beneath it. Its hard for them both to trust.
I felt immense sympathy for both of them and it was painful to go through it with them. This is a little more angsty than I normally like to read, but it was also sexy and exciting.
I give it 4/5 Stars.
April 23, 2020
Plays on your heart strings:
What a tragic and emotionally gripping novel that had me captivated from the very beginning!
It is the story of two hurting, fragile and broken pianists who finally find healing and a way to embrace their futures. Nate is a child prodigy who has experienced incredible loss and he has become a fearful recluse. Meanwhile Alex has performance anxiety and is facing intense pressure from her family. Initially like oil and water, they find that it's only by working together that they have the strength to move forward and embrace their destiny. You could really feel the chemistry and connection between these two and in fact all of the characters came across as real and authentic
I thought the author did a great job of presenting classical musical facts and details to make it realistic but without it being overpowering nor confusing. This is the 1st book I've read by this author but certainly hope it won't be the last.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
What a tragic and emotionally gripping novel that had me captivated from the very beginning!
It is the story of two hurting, fragile and broken pianists who finally find healing and a way to embrace their futures. Nate is a child prodigy who has experienced incredible loss and he has become a fearful recluse. Meanwhile Alex has performance anxiety and is facing intense pressure from her family. Initially like oil and water, they find that it's only by working together that they have the strength to move forward and embrace their destiny. You could really feel the chemistry and connection between these two and in fact all of the characters came across as real and authentic
I thought the author did a great job of presenting classical musical facts and details to make it realistic but without it being overpowering nor confusing. This is the 1st book I've read by this author but certainly hope it won't be the last.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
January 17, 2021
The story of two damaged musicians, who meet and find support in each other. A romantic romp with serious musical undertones. If you're a musician you'll enjoy the descriptions of the classical piano music they play. If you're not you can speed read through those. There's plenty of steam between the two, and plenty of stupidity and stubbornness too. Several times I thought..."really? THAT's the way you're going to react, this is so predictable." Still, it was a fun read.
I found this author while I was listening to Broadway Music (I think that was the channel) on Sirius Music in the car. She was hosting a show and mentioned something about overcoming a writer's block. I wondered what she wrote so I looked her up when I got home. She writes a lot of different kind of romances. Some tamer than this, some a lot more than I'd want to read. I emailed her because initially I couldn't find her books on Amazon and she told me which series was which. You can find out more on her website. https://www.laurenrico.com/about/
I found this author while I was listening to Broadway Music (I think that was the channel) on Sirius Music in the car. She was hosting a show and mentioned something about overcoming a writer's block. I wondered what she wrote so I looked her up when I got home. She writes a lot of different kind of romances. Some tamer than this, some a lot more than I'd want to read. I emailed her because initially I couldn't find her books on Amazon and she told me which series was which. You can find out more on her website. https://www.laurenrico.com/about/
April 18, 2020
Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was an emotional rollercoaster of a story. Alex and Nate are two extraordinary pianist who have experienced pain, loss and disappointment. They are brought together by Wyatt, their mentor, who has made it his personal mission to help them meet their full potential.
At first Nate distrust Alex intentions but as their chemistry grows he gives in and their love blooms. It's a love story that is beautifully written, masterly illustrating the passion this couple has for music and for each other. When they played together I could just imagine it must have been magical.
And yet I longed for a more slow burn romance. I felt they fell in love too quickly and pulled apart even faster. It would have been much more poignant if they had a chance to really get to know each other before jumping into bed.
Overall, I enjoyed it and recommend reading it.
This was an emotional rollercoaster of a story. Alex and Nate are two extraordinary pianist who have experienced pain, loss and disappointment. They are brought together by Wyatt, their mentor, who has made it his personal mission to help them meet their full potential.
At first Nate distrust Alex intentions but as their chemistry grows he gives in and their love blooms. It's a love story that is beautifully written, masterly illustrating the passion this couple has for music and for each other. When they played together I could just imagine it must have been magical.
And yet I longed for a more slow burn romance. I felt they fell in love too quickly and pulled apart even faster. It would have been much more poignant if they had a chance to really get to know each other before jumping into bed.
Overall, I enjoyed it and recommend reading it.
April 4, 2020
I enjoyed the story between Alex and Nate and it made me want to listen to the music they discussed, especially Danse Macabre. The author lists the musical selections at the beginning of the book as well, and I thought that was a nice touch. I really enjoyed Wyatt's character, and I pictured him as looking like a young Woody Harrelson for some reason? I did think that the unnamed sixty year old man that came to Alex's aid who gave her a business card would have some sort of tie-in later, but nothing came of that. Overall an enjoyable read about two people coming together to heal.
Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 27, 2019
Lauren does it yet again! A book that you just can't put down. Alexandria and Nate, 2 pianists with their own issues who hate each other, love each other and hate each other. Wyatt, the "piano whisperer" with his own baggage that tries to help them independently and ends up bringing them together, much to his joy and dismay. I can't share anymore or I would give too much away, so I will leave you with this. "Oh the tangle webs we weave"
May 12, 2020
What I liked about Counterpoint:
- I really enjoyed the way that Lauren told Alex and Nate's story. The chapters alternate between the main character's perspectives, which is my favorite ways to read a romance. This way the reader is able to see the relationship build between the characters without having to guess anyone's intentions.
-I thought that there was a nice balance between sex scenes and intimate connection through conversations between Alex and Nate. They listened to each other as they unpacked their years of emotional baggage and tried to help each other process their feelings.
What I disliked about Counterpoint:
-In the beginning, I felt that Nate's backstory set up was a little clunky and would have been better incorporated a few chapters later.
Who would I recommend Counterpoint:
-Fans of classical music
-Fan of romance with LOTS of emotional baggage
Overall Thoughts:
Overall, I think this was a wonderful story. I enjoyed how both Alex and Nate were able to grow as individuals and as a couple.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Harmony House Productions for the e-ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
- I really enjoyed the way that Lauren told Alex and Nate's story. The chapters alternate between the main character's perspectives, which is my favorite ways to read a romance. This way the reader is able to see the relationship build between the characters without having to guess anyone's intentions.
-I thought that there was a nice balance between sex scenes and intimate connection through conversations between Alex and Nate. They listened to each other as they unpacked their years of emotional baggage and tried to help each other process their feelings.
What I disliked about Counterpoint:
-In the beginning, I felt that Nate's backstory set up was a little clunky and would have been better incorporated a few chapters later.
Who would I recommend Counterpoint:
-Fans of classical music
-Fan of romance with LOTS of emotional baggage
Overall Thoughts:
Overall, I think this was a wonderful story. I enjoyed how both Alex and Nate were able to grow as individuals and as a couple.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Harmony House Productions for the e-ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
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June 14, 20193.5/5.0
“Counterpoint” is a poignant story of two lonesome people with tragic tales whose dreams come true through the magic of music.
Read the rest of the review in the 2019 June InD'tale Magazine!
“Counterpoint” is a poignant story of two lonesome people with tragic tales whose dreams come true through the magic of music.
Read the rest of the review in the 2019 June InD'tale Magazine!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews