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Teachers' Lounge #2
Band Together
Leo Cooper is back in Green Valley to hide.
Not fall in love with the tenacious band director who's determined to drag him into the light.
After being kicked out of his massively successful rock band, Leo is content to spend Bunco nights with his mom, lay low making snacks, and lick his wounds. He'd rather work in his garden than give any attention to his failed music career.
Cut to the gorgeous high school band director relentlessly popping up in his life, making demands, and talking about giving back to the community.
Mari Mitchell knows what it's like to be overlooked.
She's determined to do whatever it takes to ensure her students get the best shot possible even if that means running herself ragged.
And when a former rockstar returns to town, who could be better to help her favorite student make their dreams come true?
Does it matter that he's a moody musician who reminds her of a handsome tragic hero of an old-timey movie?
NO!
She's too busy for things like burning hot physical attraction and chemistry that won't quit. She needs Leo for more than his irresistible drummer arms. No matter how amazing they feel wrapped around her...
But what nobody knows is that the hit to Leo’s pride was a big one, and Mari might be asking too much.
Can these two band together? Or will their painful pasts prevent them from having the future they deserve?
'𝐵𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑇𝑜𝑔𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟' 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑓𝑢𝑙𝑙-𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑎𝑟𝑦 𝑟𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑏𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑎𝑠 𝑎 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑒. 𝐵𝑜𝑜𝑘 #2 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑇𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑠' 𝐿𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠, 𝐺𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑦 𝐶ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠, 𝑃𝑒𝑛𝑛𝑦 𝑅𝑒𝑖𝑑 𝐵𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑈𝑛𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑒.
Not fall in love with the tenacious band director who's determined to drag him into the light.
After being kicked out of his massively successful rock band, Leo is content to spend Bunco nights with his mom, lay low making snacks, and lick his wounds. He'd rather work in his garden than give any attention to his failed music career.
Cut to the gorgeous high school band director relentlessly popping up in his life, making demands, and talking about giving back to the community.
Mari Mitchell knows what it's like to be overlooked.
She's determined to do whatever it takes to ensure her students get the best shot possible even if that means running herself ragged.
And when a former rockstar returns to town, who could be better to help her favorite student make their dreams come true?
Does it matter that he's a moody musician who reminds her of a handsome tragic hero of an old-timey movie?
NO!
She's too busy for things like burning hot physical attraction and chemistry that won't quit. She needs Leo for more than his irresistible drummer arms. No matter how amazing they feel wrapped around her...
But what nobody knows is that the hit to Leo’s pride was a big one, and Mari might be asking too much.
Can these two band together? Or will their painful pasts prevent them from having the future they deserve?
'𝐵𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑇𝑜𝑔𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟' 𝑖𝑠 𝑎 𝑓𝑢𝑙𝑙-𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑎𝑟𝑦 𝑟𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑏𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑎𝑠 𝑎 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑒. 𝐵𝑜𝑜𝑘 #2 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑇𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑠' 𝐿𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠, 𝐺𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑦 𝐶ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠, 𝑃𝑒𝑛𝑛𝑦 𝑅𝑒𝑖𝑑 𝐵𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑈𝑛𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑒.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2024
181 people are currently reading
532 people want to read
About the author
Piper Sheldon
23 books992 followersVisit me at pipersheldon.com and sign up for my newsletter here!
Piper Sheldon writes Contemporary Romance and Paranormal Romance. Her books are a little funny, a lotta romantic, and with just a little twist of something more. She lives with her husband, daughter, and two needy dogs at home in the desert Southwest. She finds writing bios in the third person an extreme sport of awkwardness.
Piper Sheldon writes Contemporary Romance and Paranormal Romance. Her books are a little funny, a lotta romantic, and with just a little twist of something more. She lives with her husband, daughter, and two needy dogs at home in the desert Southwest. She finds writing bios in the third person an extreme sport of awkwardness.
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May 2, 2024
★★ NOW AVAILABLE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED ★★
I'm so excited to let you all know that Band Together by Piper Sheldon is live in kindle unlimited! Don't miss out on this friends to lovers small-town story set in Green Valley!
★★Read in KU★★
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3UBSpdR
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CVK9HRM2
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CVK9HRM2
Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CVK9HRM2
★★BLURB★★
Leo Cooper is back in Green Valley to hide.
Not fall in love with the tenacious band director who's determined to drag him into the light.
After being kicked out of his massively successful rock band, Leo is content to spend Bunco nights with his mom, lay low making snacks, and lick his wounds. He'd rather work in his garden than give any attention to his failed music career.
Cut to the gorgeous high school band director relentlessly popping up in his life, making demands, and talking about giving back to the community.
Mari Mitchell knows what it's like to be overlooked.
She's determined to do whatever it takes to ensure her students get the best shot possible even if that means running herself ragged.
And when a former rockstar returns to town, who could be better to help her favorite student make their dreams come true?
Does it matter that he's a moody musician who reminds her of a handsome tragic hero of an old-timey movie?
NO!
She's too busy for things like burning hot physical attraction and chemistry that won't quit. She needs Leo for more than his irresistible drummer arms. No matter how amazing they feel wrapped around her...
But what nobody knows is that the hit to Leo's pride was a big one, and Mari might be asking too much.
Can these two band together? Or will their painful pasts prevent them from having the future they deserve?
'Band Together' is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #2 in the Teachers' Lounge series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.
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May 2, 2024I cannot wait for this book to be out in the world! I had so much fun writing these two! Their banter and chemistry is Fire!
May 2 and it is finally live and out in the world! I hope you love reading these two as much as I loved writing them!
May 2 and it is finally live and out in the world! I hope you love reading these two as much as I loved writing them!
Want to read
May 2, 2024★★ NOW AVAILABLE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED ★★
Today is the day!! Band Together by Piper Sheldon is finally ALIVE in kindle unlimited! Don't miss out, go read the friends to lovers small-town goodness now ❤
★★Read in KU!★★
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3UBSpdR
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CVK9HRM2
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CVK9HRM2
Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CVK9HRM2
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
★★BLURB★★
Leo Cooper is back in Green Valley to hide.
Not fall in love with the tenacious band director who's determined to drag him into the light.
After being kicked out of his massively successful rock band, Leo is content to spend Bunco nights with his mom, lay low making snacks, and lick his wounds. He'd rather work in his garden than give any attention to his failed music career.
Cut to the gorgeous high school band director relentlessly popping up in his life, making demands, and talking about giving back to the community.
Mari Mitchell knows what it's like to be overlooked.
She's determined to do whatever it takes to ensure her students get the best shot possible even if that means running herself ragged.
And when a former rockstar returns to town, who could be better to help her favorite student make their dreams come true?
Does it matter that he's a moody musician who reminds her of a handsome tragic hero of an old-timey movie?
NO!
She's too busy for things like burning hot physical attraction and chemistry that won't quit. She needs Leo for more than his irresistible drummer arms. No matter how amazing they feel wrapped around her...
But what nobody knows is that the hit to Leo's pride was a big one, and Mari might be asking too much.
Can these two band together? Or will their painful pasts prevent them from having the future they deserve?
'Band Together' is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #2 in the Teachers' Lounge series, Green Valley Chronicles, Penny Reid Book Universe.
May 5, 2024
I was provided an ARC of this book via the author and Smartypants Romance, all opinions are my own.
As with all of the books in the Smartypants universe, this reads as a complete standalone. We first meet Mari and Leo in Passing Notes, which I highly recommend, but that follows a completely different couple.
I love a good found family story and this really delves deeply into that. Sometimes the family you choose is better for you than the family your were born with, and Mari discovers that in this book. While her family isn't necessarily terrible to her, they don't respect her and often treat her as if she is an afterthought. I really loved that she had a support system in her cousin Clara and found one in Leo. No one wanted to change her, they only wanted to help her and be there for her. On the flip side Leo had some internal struggles as well, he had to deal with returning home home after being on tour with a successful rock band. Green Valley is the last place he wanted to come back to, but he has some healing and soul searching to do. When Mari asks Leo to tutor one of his students, it forces him to face alot of his feelings about his band, his music, and himself in general. There are quite a few emotional moments in the book, but they are well balanced with humorous and tender moments as well.
I hope we get more from this series. I loved so many of the side characters and I hope we get to see more of them in the future This has great banter and chemistry between the characters. When the communication between our main love interests starts to slip, they either talk about it or one of their support people is there to give them a nudge to talk to their partner about what is going on instead of jumping to conclusions and letting things fester. I loved the resolution that Mari's student Cath came to about her future, it was perfect! I thought I knew how that was going to end but I was pleasantly surprised, I also loved Leo's grand gesture at the end.
As with all of the books in the Smartypants universe, this reads as a complete standalone. We first meet Mari and Leo in Passing Notes, which I highly recommend, but that follows a completely different couple.
I love a good found family story and this really delves deeply into that. Sometimes the family you choose is better for you than the family your were born with, and Mari discovers that in this book. While her family isn't necessarily terrible to her, they don't respect her and often treat her as if she is an afterthought. I really loved that she had a support system in her cousin Clara and found one in Leo. No one wanted to change her, they only wanted to help her and be there for her. On the flip side Leo had some internal struggles as well, he had to deal with returning home home after being on tour with a successful rock band. Green Valley is the last place he wanted to come back to, but he has some healing and soul searching to do. When Mari asks Leo to tutor one of his students, it forces him to face alot of his feelings about his band, his music, and himself in general. There are quite a few emotional moments in the book, but they are well balanced with humorous and tender moments as well.
I hope we get more from this series. I loved so many of the side characters and I hope we get to see more of them in the future This has great banter and chemistry between the characters. When the communication between our main love interests starts to slip, they either talk about it or one of their support people is there to give them a nudge to talk to their partner about what is going on instead of jumping to conclusions and letting things fester. I loved the resolution that Mari's student Cath came to about her future, it was perfect! I thought I knew how that was going to end but I was pleasantly surprised, I also loved Leo's grand gesture at the end.
April 11, 2024
Bon je suis un peu biaisée, je suis déjà très fan de la façon dont Piper Sheldon raconte ses histoires. C’était un peu couru d’avance que j’aime celui-là.
On découvre les deux héros dans le tome précédent "Passing Notes", certaines scènes du début se passent en parallèle du tome 1.
Mari est professeur de musique au lycée, c’est elle qui anime la fanfare et une de ses élèves va avoir une audition dans une prestigieuse université. Cependant pour l’aider à progresser dans ses répétitions, Mari a besoin de l’aide d’un musicien professionnel, et un batteur de surcroît. Heureusement, il y en a un de retour à Green Valley. Mari est déterminée à le recruter à sa cause.
Leo a été viré de son groupe de rock, il est venu panser ses blessures dans sa ville natale chez sa maman. Pour le moment il ne veut plus entendre parler de batterie et préfère passer son temps au jardin à faire pousser des plantes. Il ne veut pas que Mari lui demande d’aider son élève, il ne pense même pas être légitime de coacher, lui qui pense avoir raté sa vie et sa carrière.
Mari et Leo ont tous les deux des soucis dans leur vie et ne font pas forcément attention à ce qu’ils projettent sur l’autre. Leurs a priori prennent le devant au début mais ils vont vite se rendre compte qu'ils font fausse route. L'un comme l'autre cachent beaucoup plus de profondeur et de qualités qui ne peut que les rendre irrésistibles.
Même si on ne les voit pas beaucoup, j'ai beaucoup aimé les dynamiques apportées par les personnages secondaires : Cath, l'ado qui va se faire coacher par Leo, et Vander le meilleur ami de Leo.
*****************
Well I'm a little biased, I'm already a big fan of the way Piper Sheldon tells her stories. It was a bit of a done deal that I liked this one.
The two heroes were introduiced in the previous volume "Passing Notes", certain scenes at the beginning take place in parallel with volume 1.
Mari is a high school music teacher, she leads the marching band and one of her students is going to have an audition at a prestigious university. However, to help her progress in her rehearsals, Mari needs the help of a professional musician, and a drummer at that. Fortunately, there is one back in Green Valley. Mari is determined to recruit him to her cause.
Leo was fired from his rock band, he came to lick his wounds in his hometown with his mother. For the moment he no longer wants to hear about drums and prefers to spend his time in the garden growing plants. He doesn't want Mari to ask him for help with her student, he doesn't even think he is legitimate to coach, he thinks he's failed his life and career.
Mari and Leo both have problems in their lives and don't necessarily pay attention to what they project onto the other. Their preconceptions take over at the beginning but they will quickly realize that they are wrong. Both hide much more depth and qualities which can only make them irresistible.
Even if we don't see them much, I really liked the dynamics brought by the secondary characters: Cath, the teenager who will be coached by Leo, and Vander, Leo's best friend.
-Read as an ARC-
On découvre les deux héros dans le tome précédent "Passing Notes", certaines scènes du début se passent en parallèle du tome 1.
Mari est professeur de musique au lycée, c’est elle qui anime la fanfare et une de ses élèves va avoir une audition dans une prestigieuse université. Cependant pour l’aider à progresser dans ses répétitions, Mari a besoin de l’aide d’un musicien professionnel, et un batteur de surcroît. Heureusement, il y en a un de retour à Green Valley. Mari est déterminée à le recruter à sa cause.
Leo a été viré de son groupe de rock, il est venu panser ses blessures dans sa ville natale chez sa maman. Pour le moment il ne veut plus entendre parler de batterie et préfère passer son temps au jardin à faire pousser des plantes. Il ne veut pas que Mari lui demande d’aider son élève, il ne pense même pas être légitime de coacher, lui qui pense avoir raté sa vie et sa carrière.
Mari et Leo ont tous les deux des soucis dans leur vie et ne font pas forcément attention à ce qu’ils projettent sur l’autre. Leurs a priori prennent le devant au début mais ils vont vite se rendre compte qu'ils font fausse route. L'un comme l'autre cachent beaucoup plus de profondeur et de qualités qui ne peut que les rendre irrésistibles.
Même si on ne les voit pas beaucoup, j'ai beaucoup aimé les dynamiques apportées par les personnages secondaires : Cath, l'ado qui va se faire coacher par Leo, et Vander le meilleur ami de Leo.
*****************
Well I'm a little biased, I'm already a big fan of the way Piper Sheldon tells her stories. It was a bit of a done deal that I liked this one.
The two heroes were introduiced in the previous volume "Passing Notes", certain scenes at the beginning take place in parallel with volume 1.
Mari is a high school music teacher, she leads the marching band and one of her students is going to have an audition at a prestigious university. However, to help her progress in her rehearsals, Mari needs the help of a professional musician, and a drummer at that. Fortunately, there is one back in Green Valley. Mari is determined to recruit him to her cause.
Leo was fired from his rock band, he came to lick his wounds in his hometown with his mother. For the moment he no longer wants to hear about drums and prefers to spend his time in the garden growing plants. He doesn't want Mari to ask him for help with her student, he doesn't even think he is legitimate to coach, he thinks he's failed his life and career.
Mari and Leo both have problems in their lives and don't necessarily pay attention to what they project onto the other. Their preconceptions take over at the beginning but they will quickly realize that they are wrong. Both hide much more depth and qualities which can only make them irresistible.
Even if we don't see them much, I really liked the dynamics brought by the secondary characters: Cath, the teenager who will be coached by Leo, and Vander, Leo's best friend.
-Read as an ARC-
May 2, 2024
We're back in GV and YESSS! Mari (cousin to Clara) and Leo (neighbor to Clara) are up and their romance is a wee bit fraught with insecurities. I mean, Mari's family routinely dismisses her wants and makes her feel like she's TOO MUCH when she expresses any sort of emotion. Leo is kind of just a hot mess thanks to his world imploding thanks to his fallout with his band. These two have a lot to work through and I am here for it.
First up, Mari. After her family lets her down (again!), she channels her upset into helping one of her students. Which means getting Leo to help her. Because drummer. While Mari might have been a wee bit pushy, it was all for a good cause. Frankly, Leo needed the pushiness to break out of his rut. It takes a little time and a fair amount of effort, but soon she and Leo are spending time together and she starts to see he's not nearly the entitled, spoiled rockstar she originally thought him to be.
On Leo's end, he's wallowing. Getting kicked out of his band was needed (for reasons), but he's struggling to come to grips with (a) what he should do now and (b) how to get over losing a gig that most people would kill for. Yeah, the guys a spiraling mess. Then Mari bulldozes into his life and wakes him up. She shakes him out of his rut and it doesn't take long before their quasi-friendship turns into something more.
Family (both good and bad), friends who have your back, lots of gardening, a musician who doesn't see the brilliance in himself, and a lady who's pushy about all the things that matter most to her. GOOD STUFF.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
First up, Mari. After her family lets her down (again!), she channels her upset into helping one of her students. Which means getting Leo to help her. Because drummer. While Mari might have been a wee bit pushy, it was all for a good cause. Frankly, Leo needed the pushiness to break out of his rut. It takes a little time and a fair amount of effort, but soon she and Leo are spending time together and she starts to see he's not nearly the entitled, spoiled rockstar she originally thought him to be.
On Leo's end, he's wallowing. Getting kicked out of his band was needed (for reasons), but he's struggling to come to grips with (a) what he should do now and (b) how to get over losing a gig that most people would kill for. Yeah, the guys a spiraling mess. Then Mari bulldozes into his life and wakes him up. She shakes him out of his rut and it doesn't take long before their quasi-friendship turns into something more.
Family (both good and bad), friends who have your back, lots of gardening, a musician who doesn't see the brilliance in himself, and a lady who's pushy about all the things that matter most to her. GOOD STUFF.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
June 12, 2024
3.5 stars
A little background before I begin this review. Band Together is the 2nd book (and apparently the final one) in the Teachers Lounge Series. The 2-book series is based in the imaginary town of Green Valley TN. which is apparently the province of author Penny Reid who first imagined the town for several of her series. Which is apparently why this series is considered part of the Penny Reid Green Valley Universe. The 1st book in this series, Passing Notes was written by Nora Everly, not Piper Sheldon the author of this book, nor Penny Reid. Both stories take place pretty much in parallel. Because neither book in this series was written by Penny Reid there are only minor connections to the books In her Green Valley based series. A few of her characters and the businesses that appeared in Reid’s series are mentioned in these books. And because the two books are written by two different authors only the main protagonists from the first book, Clara and Nick and Pin Dick the miserable high school principal appear in this book. More on that later in this review. I enjoy reading romance series because I enjoy the way an inter-related ensemble cast gradually grows as the series goes on, with at least the main characters from the previous books appearing in multiple books. With three different authors at least tangently involved in the creation of this series that never really happens to any true extent leaving me to wonder what the inspiration for or point of this collaborative series was?
Mariam or Mari as she’s most frequently called is the female protagonist in this book. Mari appeared in the Passing Notes as a secondary character, a cousin on her father’s side to that book’s female protagonist Clara. In that book Clara does a little matchmaking to get Mari and this book’s male protagonist Leo together. Mari is the much put upon band teacher at Green Valley High School. She spends her days teaching music to multiple variations of the school’s bands and organizing their public appearances. She spends her nights and weekends attending those appearances and trying to raise money to keep the school’s under funded music programs going. Mari’s passion for raising money for the music programs has many people considering her pushy or aggressive. Because her two older brothers never returned to live in Green Valley after they graduated from college and then her parents followed them out of town, Mari has abandonment issues that play heavily into this story. Her unspoken anger over the fact that none of her family can ever find the time to visit her in Green Valley is often the catalyst for Mari’s sometimes quick temper. Mari’s mother was always chastising her for her emotional responses telling her that it isn’t ladylike. Mari has come to believe that because she can be pushy and sometimes reacts angrily people don’t love her and that’s why they always leave her.
Leo was also introduced in Passing Notes as Clara’s odd neighbor who lives across the street from her and shares her passion for gardening. Leo is the former drummer of the Burnouts, a hugely popular rock band whom he co-founded with his BFF Vander. Former because he was fired by Vander and his bandmates. He has returned to Green Valley to live in shame and seclusion, living in the house he bought for his single mom Janice, with her. Leo hated growing up in Green Valley where he was bullied as a kid because he was shy and had a quirky personality. He is intensely introverted and suffers from social anxiety. Which is what caused his eventual firing from the Burnouts when he could no longer handle the pressures of being a rock star constantly in the public’s eye. Growing up Leo had been a little bit quirky and insecure which made him a target for the school bullies. Vander was both his only friend and protector. Which made his firing extremely hard on him. Now feeling like a failure, forced to return home to a place he swore he’d never return to, he spends his days at home tending his flower garden, sharpening his cooking skills, rarely leaving his property.
Mira has a student drummer Kath, who is a child protégé. Kath is preparing for her audition to Berklee a highly regarded music college. While Kath’s talent is obvious Mira senses something is missing in her performance. She seeks out someone who can help figure out what is missing in Kath’s performances and bring it out of her. Which leads her to Leo. Leo’s mom Janice was Mira’s band teacher in high school and was instrumental (pun intended) in encouraging her to get her music degree and replace her when she retired. Janice approaches Mira about asking Leo to work with Kath. Leo was a few years behind Mira in high school so she only knows him by reputation. She considers him a typical egotistical self-absorbed rock star. And believes that’s the reason Leo is resistant to offering his help with Kath. Partially because Leo finds himself annoying attracted to the beautiful and pushy band instructor and partially because Mira is a force of nature who refuses to take no for an answer, Leo eventually agrees to help tutor Kath even though he doesn’t believe he has the ability to really help her. As Leo and Mira spend time together they come to be not only physically attracted to one another but find their different personalities really compliment each other. Leo helps Mira with her tendency to react first and think later and Mira helps push Leo out of his comfort zone. Despite their mutual affection and sexual attraction their emotional baggage continues to get in the way of their budding relationship. Until finally at the end of the story they both become brave enough to fight to lay their personal baggage aside in order to be together. Just when Mari is convinced she has driven Leo away like she has everyone else in her life, he makes a huge romantic gesture and they live happily ever after. There’s no formal epilogue in this story which made it to me feel like it ended just a bit abruptly.
A little background before I begin this review. Band Together is the 2nd book (and apparently the final one) in the Teachers Lounge Series. The 2-book series is based in the imaginary town of Green Valley TN. which is apparently the province of author Penny Reid who first imagined the town for several of her series. Which is apparently why this series is considered part of the Penny Reid Green Valley Universe. The 1st book in this series, Passing Notes was written by Nora Everly, not Piper Sheldon the author of this book, nor Penny Reid. Both stories take place pretty much in parallel. Because neither book in this series was written by Penny Reid there are only minor connections to the books In her Green Valley based series. A few of her characters and the businesses that appeared in Reid’s series are mentioned in these books. And because the two books are written by two different authors only the main protagonists from the first book, Clara and Nick and Pin Dick the miserable high school principal appear in this book. More on that later in this review. I enjoy reading romance series because I enjoy the way an inter-related ensemble cast gradually grows as the series goes on, with at least the main characters from the previous books appearing in multiple books. With three different authors at least tangently involved in the creation of this series that never really happens to any true extent leaving me to wonder what the inspiration for or point of this collaborative series was?
Mariam or Mari as she’s most frequently called is the female protagonist in this book. Mari appeared in the Passing Notes as a secondary character, a cousin on her father’s side to that book’s female protagonist Clara. In that book Clara does a little matchmaking to get Mari and this book’s male protagonist Leo together. Mari is the much put upon band teacher at Green Valley High School. She spends her days teaching music to multiple variations of the school’s bands and organizing their public appearances. She spends her nights and weekends attending those appearances and trying to raise money to keep the school’s under funded music programs going. Mari’s passion for raising money for the music programs has many people considering her pushy or aggressive. Because her two older brothers never returned to live in Green Valley after they graduated from college and then her parents followed them out of town, Mari has abandonment issues that play heavily into this story. Her unspoken anger over the fact that none of her family can ever find the time to visit her in Green Valley is often the catalyst for Mari’s sometimes quick temper. Mari’s mother was always chastising her for her emotional responses telling her that it isn’t ladylike. Mari has come to believe that because she can be pushy and sometimes reacts angrily people don’t love her and that’s why they always leave her.
Leo was also introduced in Passing Notes as Clara’s odd neighbor who lives across the street from her and shares her passion for gardening. Leo is the former drummer of the Burnouts, a hugely popular rock band whom he co-founded with his BFF Vander. Former because he was fired by Vander and his bandmates. He has returned to Green Valley to live in shame and seclusion, living in the house he bought for his single mom Janice, with her. Leo hated growing up in Green Valley where he was bullied as a kid because he was shy and had a quirky personality. He is intensely introverted and suffers from social anxiety. Which is what caused his eventual firing from the Burnouts when he could no longer handle the pressures of being a rock star constantly in the public’s eye. Growing up Leo had been a little bit quirky and insecure which made him a target for the school bullies. Vander was both his only friend and protector. Which made his firing extremely hard on him. Now feeling like a failure, forced to return home to a place he swore he’d never return to, he spends his days at home tending his flower garden, sharpening his cooking skills, rarely leaving his property.
Mira has a student drummer Kath, who is a child protégé. Kath is preparing for her audition to Berklee a highly regarded music college. While Kath’s talent is obvious Mira senses something is missing in her performance. She seeks out someone who can help figure out what is missing in Kath’s performances and bring it out of her. Which leads her to Leo. Leo’s mom Janice was Mira’s band teacher in high school and was instrumental (pun intended) in encouraging her to get her music degree and replace her when she retired. Janice approaches Mira about asking Leo to work with Kath. Leo was a few years behind Mira in high school so she only knows him by reputation. She considers him a typical egotistical self-absorbed rock star. And believes that’s the reason Leo is resistant to offering his help with Kath. Partially because Leo finds himself annoying attracted to the beautiful and pushy band instructor and partially because Mira is a force of nature who refuses to take no for an answer, Leo eventually agrees to help tutor Kath even though he doesn’t believe he has the ability to really help her. As Leo and Mira spend time together they come to be not only physically attracted to one another but find their different personalities really compliment each other. Leo helps Mira with her tendency to react first and think later and Mira helps push Leo out of his comfort zone. Despite their mutual affection and sexual attraction their emotional baggage continues to get in the way of their budding relationship. Until finally at the end of the story they both become brave enough to fight to lay their personal baggage aside in order to be together. Just when Mari is convinced she has driven Leo away like she has everyone else in her life, he makes a huge romantic gesture and they live happily ever after. There’s no formal epilogue in this story which made it to me feel like it ended just a bit abruptly.
June 29, 2024
She is an intense band teacher that just wants people to show up for her. He is a burnt out drummer that used to be famous. When he doesn't agree to help her with a prodigy student she sends a marching band to his house as a wake up call.
Mari Mitchell is the High School Band teacher. She spends a lot of hours investing in these kids and begging for people in their town to fund the program. When a colleague suggests she contact a local retired rockstar to help one of her students, Mari doesn't hesitate to agree to try. When her out of town family cancels their visit, Mari pushes down all the hurt. When the slightest inconvenience is presented to her, Mari is quick to respond in anger. Which is why she woke up and chose violence in the form of her band marching up to the door of this rockstar unwilling to take no for an answer.
Leo Cooper was a musician emo kid no one respected in High School. Which is why he and his best friend left town immediately after graduation. Since then, their band became popular and a household name. So when Leo returns to Green Valley Tennessee to live as a recluse with his mom, the local gossips are talking about it. Leo finds peace and meaning in his garden and his mother's friends. He was always an introvert so this change of lifestyle wasn't deeply questioned. When a friend of his asks him to mentor a local student who is a prodigy in music, Leo has zero interest in helping. His imposter syndrome makes the decision for him. So when he is rudely awakened early one morning he isn't himself while he is wearing his mother's caftan.
Mari has never met Leo although she has a great relationship with his mother, the former band teacher. Convincing him to help her student is not going to be easy but she is determined. Once Leo meets Mari, he realizes he will do anything for her, including fight his crippling insecurities. The two become friends, bonding easily. Once Mari gets a glimpse of who Leo really is, she is drawn to him. Her fear of rejection and abandonment has her putting them in the friend zone. Leo is falling for Mari and is willing to take all the time she needs. Lack of communication and outside pressures threaten their tenuous relationship leaving both wishing people would choose them.
Dual POV, friends to lovers, open door love scenes.
Leo and Mari are sweet together but their love story gave me "meh" feelings. I think I had a hard time connecting with Mari. She is a hot headed woman with a temper and emotionally immature. Her unchecked trauma dominates her life. I'm thankful she was able to have a caring friend point all that out to her in a hard conversation. Leo is fun, but his angst is not my favorite. Both of their insecurities gave me second hand embarrassment. I did enjoy the path of them spending time together falling for one another but neither one had the emotional capacity to do anything about it. These two read like two characters much younger than their age because of their lack of emotional maturity. So the building of their slow burn didn't really hit hard because of the rollercoaster journey it took to get there. (Example: they experience a light physically intimate moment, then don't discuss it or even try anything again for several months). I wanted to like this much more than I did. Anticlimactic HEA and tepid Epilogue.
Mari Mitchell is the High School Band teacher. She spends a lot of hours investing in these kids and begging for people in their town to fund the program. When a colleague suggests she contact a local retired rockstar to help one of her students, Mari doesn't hesitate to agree to try. When her out of town family cancels their visit, Mari pushes down all the hurt. When the slightest inconvenience is presented to her, Mari is quick to respond in anger. Which is why she woke up and chose violence in the form of her band marching up to the door of this rockstar unwilling to take no for an answer.
Leo Cooper was a musician emo kid no one respected in High School. Which is why he and his best friend left town immediately after graduation. Since then, their band became popular and a household name. So when Leo returns to Green Valley Tennessee to live as a recluse with his mom, the local gossips are talking about it. Leo finds peace and meaning in his garden and his mother's friends. He was always an introvert so this change of lifestyle wasn't deeply questioned. When a friend of his asks him to mentor a local student who is a prodigy in music, Leo has zero interest in helping. His imposter syndrome makes the decision for him. So when he is rudely awakened early one morning he isn't himself while he is wearing his mother's caftan.
Mari has never met Leo although she has a great relationship with his mother, the former band teacher. Convincing him to help her student is not going to be easy but she is determined. Once Leo meets Mari, he realizes he will do anything for her, including fight his crippling insecurities. The two become friends, bonding easily. Once Mari gets a glimpse of who Leo really is, she is drawn to him. Her fear of rejection and abandonment has her putting them in the friend zone. Leo is falling for Mari and is willing to take all the time she needs. Lack of communication and outside pressures threaten their tenuous relationship leaving both wishing people would choose them.
Dual POV, friends to lovers, open door love scenes.
Leo and Mari are sweet together but their love story gave me "meh" feelings. I think I had a hard time connecting with Mari. She is a hot headed woman with a temper and emotionally immature. Her unchecked trauma dominates her life. I'm thankful she was able to have a caring friend point all that out to her in a hard conversation. Leo is fun, but his angst is not my favorite. Both of their insecurities gave me second hand embarrassment. I did enjoy the path of them spending time together falling for one another but neither one had the emotional capacity to do anything about it. These two read like two characters much younger than their age because of their lack of emotional maturity. So the building of their slow burn didn't really hit hard because of the rollercoaster journey it took to get there. (Example: they experience a light physically intimate moment, then don't discuss it or even try anything again for several months). I wanted to like this much more than I did. Anticlimactic HEA and tepid Epilogue.
April 8, 2024
Witty banter, small-town charm, and friends-to-lovers chemistry work in perfect rhythm while the backbeat hits all the feels.
"Ever since she'd shown up on my lawn, she was the only thing that occupied my mind. My internal metronome was set to the beat of her heart."
I adore the opposites-attract, slow-build from friends to more, and how Mari and Leo don't run away from each other's insecurities. They are so good together. Building one another up and providing strength and understanding when the other is vulnerable. These parts of their stories, as they learn more about themselves and how they fit as a couple, are an absolute emotional hit right in the heart.There are notes of Mari and Leo that resonate in me.
The humor and banter hit all the right notes. I love how Mari's tenacity slowly brings Leo out of his comfort zone and opens him to possibilities he never thought he'd be good enough for. And talk about swoony. Leo is a swoony, kind and protective sweetheart under that gruff facade. I love how caring he is and how he's always making Mari feel seen, chosen and cared for.
"This is it for me. I will work every day to make you feel seen," he said. "I will spend every day making you feel loved."
If you've read Passing Notes(Teacher's Lounge, book 1, Nora Everly) ─ don't worry Band Together is a standalone ─ you'll recognize some fun characters from the first book in the Teacher's Lounge series as well as some Scorned Women's Society character cameos.
I adore Mari and Leo's story. Band Together is witty and fun, heartfelt and will definitely tug at your emotions. I hope we get more stories from the Teacher's Lounge series and I really want one of them to include that principal's downfall...
"Ever since she'd shown up on my lawn, she was the only thing that occupied my mind. My internal metronome was set to the beat of her heart."
I adore the opposites-attract, slow-build from friends to more, and how Mari and Leo don't run away from each other's insecurities. They are so good together. Building one another up and providing strength and understanding when the other is vulnerable. These parts of their stories, as they learn more about themselves and how they fit as a couple, are an absolute emotional hit right in the heart.There are notes of Mari and Leo that resonate in me.
The humor and banter hit all the right notes. I love how Mari's tenacity slowly brings Leo out of his comfort zone and opens him to possibilities he never thought he'd be good enough for. And talk about swoony. Leo is a swoony, kind and protective sweetheart under that gruff facade. I love how caring he is and how he's always making Mari feel seen, chosen and cared for.
"This is it for me. I will work every day to make you feel seen," he said. "I will spend every day making you feel loved."
If you've read Passing Notes(Teacher's Lounge, book 1, Nora Everly) ─ don't worry Band Together is a standalone ─ you'll recognize some fun characters from the first book in the Teacher's Lounge series as well as some Scorned Women's Society character cameos.
I adore Mari and Leo's story. Band Together is witty and fun, heartfelt and will definitely tug at your emotions. I hope we get more stories from the Teacher's Lounge series and I really want one of them to include that principal's downfall...
May 5, 2024
The first thing I loved about this was how it overlapped time wise with the first book in the series, Passing Notes. While I had a little bit of a bumpy/slow start with this one, once I really got to see the characters and some of their real thoughts and feelings, I was hooked and wanted to see how these two could make the opposites attract trope work out for their HEA.
It started with me needing to know more about Leo. I mean why did he leave his band? Why did he come back to this town that he couldn’t wait to leave? Why was he so nervous or scared to pick up the drumsticks and play again? His reluctance to be around other people made sense and as the story went on it filled in a lot of the spaces for me in what had happened to him.
And then there was Mari. She was such a great person, with such a big heart for her students and her friends, but I totally got how she felt that everyone left her. While for the most part I don’t have those same family issues, I definitely get the feelings about friends who move on after a while. I have also felt the same way wondering why I was so easy to leave. There were sometimes in this story that I kind of felt like my life was being used for her story, lol.
I’m still angry every time they share about the jerk of a principal or the lousy librarian they have at the school. Ugh. I think I need to write a story for this series about a new librarian that is what these students deserve, and give her the HEA I’ll probably never get, but I deserve too!
In the end though, the third act break up was fitting for how these two characters felt about themselves, and the big drama that came between them also was exactly fitting for the whole story. While I didn’t see it coming, when it was there, I knew it was the perfect plot point and really I love how the author did that! Not to mention the final bit where the grand gesture happened, and yeah, just adored this one!
I can’t wait to hopefully read more in this series from these authors in future SmartyPants releases, and yay for this wonderful new world in my favorite fictional town of Green Valley!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
It started with me needing to know more about Leo. I mean why did he leave his band? Why did he come back to this town that he couldn’t wait to leave? Why was he so nervous or scared to pick up the drumsticks and play again? His reluctance to be around other people made sense and as the story went on it filled in a lot of the spaces for me in what had happened to him.
And then there was Mari. She was such a great person, with such a big heart for her students and her friends, but I totally got how she felt that everyone left her. While for the most part I don’t have those same family issues, I definitely get the feelings about friends who move on after a while. I have also felt the same way wondering why I was so easy to leave. There were sometimes in this story that I kind of felt like my life was being used for her story, lol.
I’m still angry every time they share about the jerk of a principal or the lousy librarian they have at the school. Ugh. I think I need to write a story for this series about a new librarian that is what these students deserve, and give her the HEA I’ll probably never get, but I deserve too!
In the end though, the third act break up was fitting for how these two characters felt about themselves, and the big drama that came between them also was exactly fitting for the whole story. While I didn’t see it coming, when it was there, I knew it was the perfect plot point and really I love how the author did that! Not to mention the final bit where the grand gesture happened, and yeah, just adored this one!
I can’t wait to hopefully read more in this series from these authors in future SmartyPants releases, and yay for this wonderful new world in my favorite fictional town of Green Valley!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
May 2, 2024
***5 ‘Rage Room’ Stars***
When I picked this book I didn’t know I’d meet and be intrigued by both Leo and Mari in Passing Notes, so to say I was all excited to find out more about them and what was going on between them in an understatement and while they both gave me a good case of whiplash, I had a really difficult time putting this one down because I needed to see both get those lightbulbs moments about themselves and each other was not disappointed.
I did end up adoring both Leo and Mari. Both are really good people with good hearts that are a bit bruised and battered and they go to extremes to protect themselves that tend to keep them stuck in a vicious cycle they can never truly break out of. So, when they collide they do their best to keep the other at bay, but fail miserably as walls are broken down and they see that the surface doesn’t match the interior. Things start off rough between them, but the more they are together, the more I liked them and liked what I saw going on between them. They gave each other a safe place to land while supporting each other to feel what they felt and taking chances they may not have ever considered.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, even the whiplash moments, because I got extremely invested in both Leo and Mari’s growth as characters and enjoyed watching them break the cycles they were in. I will say that there was one thing I was hoping would happen, but didn’t. I do understand why and it was touched on, but I still would have loved it if it did (and no it has nothing to do with a certain principal) But I loved Janice and Clara rocked in this one. I loved Cath as well and am hoping that maybe she’ll get her own HEA on day.
~ Copy provided by SmartyPants Romance & voluntarily reviewed ~
When I picked this book I didn’t know I’d meet and be intrigued by both Leo and Mari in Passing Notes, so to say I was all excited to find out more about them and what was going on between them in an understatement and while they both gave me a good case of whiplash, I had a really difficult time putting this one down because I needed to see both get those lightbulbs moments about themselves and each other was not disappointed.
I did end up adoring both Leo and Mari. Both are really good people with good hearts that are a bit bruised and battered and they go to extremes to protect themselves that tend to keep them stuck in a vicious cycle they can never truly break out of. So, when they collide they do their best to keep the other at bay, but fail miserably as walls are broken down and they see that the surface doesn’t match the interior. Things start off rough between them, but the more they are together, the more I liked them and liked what I saw going on between them. They gave each other a safe place to land while supporting each other to feel what they felt and taking chances they may not have ever considered.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, even the whiplash moments, because I got extremely invested in both Leo and Mari’s growth as characters and enjoyed watching them break the cycles they were in. I will say that there was one thing I was hoping would happen, but didn’t. I do understand why and it was touched on, but I still would have loved it if it did (and no it has nothing to do with a certain principal) But I loved Janice and Clara rocked in this one. I loved Cath as well and am hoping that maybe she’ll get her own HEA on day.
~ Copy provided by SmartyPants Romance & voluntarily reviewed ~
April 15, 2024
Format - E ARC
Rating- ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice- 🌶 🌶
Series- Teachers Lounge
Troupes- Enemies to friends to lovers, found family, small town, 3rd act brake up
Representation- General anxiety
CW-gaslighting, I hated her family…
I’m so excited Piper is writing again in Green Valley! This time she brings us a fiery band teacher and the Ex drummer of a rock band both of which have emotional trauma they need to work though while they fall for each other.
Mari has one goal in life, Keep the GVHS band funded and a staple of the community so that the evil principal can’t get rid of it. To that end she is determined to recruit Leo to mentor her latest prodigy, a dummer named Cath who also happens to be trans. (I loved that little tidbit and how it was such a subtle mic drop.)
Leo is hiding out in the town he couldn’t wait to see in his rearview mirror, cooking, gardening, and game night with the geriatric ladies of Green Valley are as exciting as he wants his days.
When Mari shows up with the marching band on his front yard with a wake up call he has no choice but to give in and do as she asks, while he struggles with his feeling inadequacy.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching these two dance around each other before finally giving in.
Piper delivers on the mutual pinning, steam and the spice.
I am so looking forward to more from Piper and this new series in the SPRU!
Rating- ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice- 🌶 🌶
Series- Teachers Lounge
Troupes- Enemies to friends to lovers, found family, small town, 3rd act brake up
Representation- General anxiety
CW-gaslighting, I hated her family…
I’m so excited Piper is writing again in Green Valley! This time she brings us a fiery band teacher and the Ex drummer of a rock band both of which have emotional trauma they need to work though while they fall for each other.
Mari has one goal in life, Keep the GVHS band funded and a staple of the community so that the evil principal can’t get rid of it. To that end she is determined to recruit Leo to mentor her latest prodigy, a dummer named Cath who also happens to be trans. (I loved that little tidbit and how it was such a subtle mic drop.)
Leo is hiding out in the town he couldn’t wait to see in his rearview mirror, cooking, gardening, and game night with the geriatric ladies of Green Valley are as exciting as he wants his days.
When Mari shows up with the marching band on his front yard with a wake up call he has no choice but to give in and do as she asks, while he struggles with his feeling inadequacy.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching these two dance around each other before finally giving in.
Piper delivers on the mutual pinning, steam and the spice.
I am so looking forward to more from Piper and this new series in the SPRU!
March 30, 2024
Piper is an instant click author for me. I’m so grateful to Smartypants romance for the arc they provided.
This new series in Smartypants romance is fantastic. Although this is a stand alone, I highly recommend reading Passing Notes, by Nora Everly, first as there is some character cross over…plus it’s an amazing book!
I was in the marching band in high school and this story brought back so many memories…good ones!
Leo and Mari are so amazing - their banter, overall dialogue and interactions will have you laughing out loud, swooning and loving every word of their story.
Their chemistry is off the charts…she’s a determined, strong woman who is willing to do whatever it takes to help her students and the music program. He is dealing with some baggage that he needs to work through as is not ready for take action Mari.
I love how they bring out the best in each other, help one another realize their strengths and move beyond their doubts to build an amazing relationship.
There are a few cameos from other characters in the SP-universe…especially Devlin. My favorite line - Don’t forget to lock the bathroom door…IYKYK.
Such a good read!! Cannot wait for the other books in this series!!
This new series in Smartypants romance is fantastic. Although this is a stand alone, I highly recommend reading Passing Notes, by Nora Everly, first as there is some character cross over…plus it’s an amazing book!
I was in the marching band in high school and this story brought back so many memories…good ones!
Leo and Mari are so amazing - their banter, overall dialogue and interactions will have you laughing out loud, swooning and loving every word of their story.
Their chemistry is off the charts…she’s a determined, strong woman who is willing to do whatever it takes to help her students and the music program. He is dealing with some baggage that he needs to work through as is not ready for take action Mari.
I love how they bring out the best in each other, help one another realize their strengths and move beyond their doubts to build an amazing relationship.
There are a few cameos from other characters in the SP-universe…especially Devlin. My favorite line - Don’t forget to lock the bathroom door…IYKYK.
Such a good read!! Cannot wait for the other books in this series!!
April 28, 2024
Some days I need to read a really great rom com and Band Together fit that need perfectly! It's the second book set in the fictional Green Valley Teachers' Lounge series and stands alone even though you will recognize some of the supporting characters from Passing Notes (book one in the series). Mari Mitchell is a band teacher on a mission. Well she's always on a mission but today's mission is to get the town's local recluse and former famous drummer Leo Cooper to help tutor one of her students for a college entrance tryout. Leo has returned to the town that he hated growing up to lick his wounds. He wants to garden, cook and play Bunco with his mom's friends. That's it. He does not want to get involved with anyone in town especially the cute but demanding band director. Well Leo doesn't know Mari but he's about to get a taste of her determination. Band Together was really cute. I loved it for all of its sweetness and laughter. The cast of characters cannot be beat. I feel like I personally know every one of them. Band Together truly is rom com perfection. Everything about this story made me smile. I need more of Green Valley and its teachers in my life. It was told from dual POV and do yourself a huge favor and run and read this today!
May 4, 2024
4.5 Stars
This is the second book in the Teacher's Lounge series. I really love this series. Mari and Leo had me gobbling up the pages. Honestly the banter between them was a huge draw and then the humor. I was laughing through out the book! Mari is a force to reckoned with especially when it comes to her band students. Leo is back in Green Valley and he is hiding out from life with his gardening. With a little match making Leo is going to come out of his shell in the best way possible. Mari and Leo balance each other out and bring out the best of each other. Leo helping Cath brings back what Leo loved about music and that was a beautiful thing to see. Man did I want to knock some sense into Mari's family. I hated the way they don't acknowledge her. That's what makes Mari's found family so special. This book has plenty heart and feels, but also delivers on the heat and humor. I highly recommend this book!!
https://nicolesbookmusings.blogspot.c...
This is the second book in the Teacher's Lounge series. I really love this series. Mari and Leo had me gobbling up the pages. Honestly the banter between them was a huge draw and then the humor. I was laughing through out the book! Mari is a force to reckoned with especially when it comes to her band students. Leo is back in Green Valley and he is hiding out from life with his gardening. With a little match making Leo is going to come out of his shell in the best way possible. Mari and Leo balance each other out and bring out the best of each other. Leo helping Cath brings back what Leo loved about music and that was a beautiful thing to see. Man did I want to knock some sense into Mari's family. I hated the way they don't acknowledge her. That's what makes Mari's found family so special. This book has plenty heart and feels, but also delivers on the heat and humor. I highly recommend this book!!
https://nicolesbookmusings.blogspot.c...
May 9, 2024
Can I just say I love a book with dual POV! Can I also say that I love a book that is interconnected within the same community but can be read as a standalone!
This is the second book in a Smarty-Pants Romance, Teachers Lounge series, but it can be read solo, as a standalone (but I do recommend having read the first book, “Passing Notes” to enhance the experience).
Mari is a teacher with a passion for her students and making sure that they get all the best opportunities. Leo is a former emo rocker who is wallowing, but still searching for his best life. I absolutely adored their love/hate relationship and I felt like they were so fun to get to know. I really love the fact that both of them enhanced the other person’s life in all the best ways and while Mari could be a little pushy with him, and I wish that she had stood up to her family more, I really feel like you see the growth they each have both individually and together. We love people who are better because of someone, but not necessarily incomplete without them. Definitely a recommend for me and such a fun read.
*** This ARC was generously given by the author for an honest review
This is the second book in a Smarty-Pants Romance, Teachers Lounge series, but it can be read solo, as a standalone (but I do recommend having read the first book, “Passing Notes” to enhance the experience).
Mari is a teacher with a passion for her students and making sure that they get all the best opportunities. Leo is a former emo rocker who is wallowing, but still searching for his best life. I absolutely adored their love/hate relationship and I felt like they were so fun to get to know. I really love the fact that both of them enhanced the other person’s life in all the best ways and while Mari could be a little pushy with him, and I wish that she had stood up to her family more, I really feel like you see the growth they each have both individually and together. We love people who are better because of someone, but not necessarily incomplete without them. Definitely a recommend for me and such a fun read.
*** This ARC was generously given by the author for an honest review
March 26, 2024
I will start this by saying I’m a huge Piper Sheldon fan and she did not disappoint.
We go back to Green Valley but instead of the scorned Women’s society (if you haven’t read it go now) we enter Green Valley high to meet the music Mari Mitchell who will do everything in her power to save her music program. She seeks the help of a Leo, retired 28 year old drummer who rather be with his garden then with people.
This story is a perfect exploration of character growth. I love that both MC understood they needed to work of themselves before entering a relationship. The friends to lovers was done perfectly.
I can’t wait to see what more Piper has to offer in offer in this series. Vander I’m looking at you!
If you want friends to loved, small town romance with a rock star feel look no further. Even if you are not, this is a beautiful story of two characters that you will fall in love with.
We go back to Green Valley but instead of the scorned Women’s society (if you haven’t read it go now) we enter Green Valley high to meet the music Mari Mitchell who will do everything in her power to save her music program. She seeks the help of a Leo, retired 28 year old drummer who rather be with his garden then with people.
This story is a perfect exploration of character growth. I love that both MC understood they needed to work of themselves before entering a relationship. The friends to lovers was done perfectly.
I can’t wait to see what more Piper has to offer in offer in this series. Vander I’m looking at you!
If you want friends to loved, small town romance with a rock star feel look no further. Even if you are not, this is a beautiful story of two characters that you will fall in love with.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. Leo & Mari both feel unlikable or lovable. Mari’s family have moved away & invariably cancels any plans to visit. She is alone, overworked, under appreciated and has to fight for every penny/donation to keep the band she teaches at the high school afloat. She also has a temper. Leo is back in his hometown after being fired from the famous band in which he was the drummer. He fled said town as soon as he graduated after years of bullying and now feels like more of a loser than ever. He has anxiety & rarely leaves his house. He loves flowers. Mari shows up on his lawn one morning with a small band in tow to get his attention and demands he tutor a promising student of hers who has an upcoming drumming audition to get into a famous college of music. Read to discover what they figure out about themselves & each other and if they fall in love. There are interesting side characters along the way. I was tearing up at the end.
May 28, 2024
Love this Green Valley, Tennessee book 🩵 book 2 in a new Smartypants Romance series, the Teacher’s Lounge where we meet Mari and Leo both ex students of Green Valley High, with Mari now the go-getting tenacious band and music teacher, and Leo, a drummer who was a previous member of a very famous band, The Burnouts.
Band Together tells a beautiful romance, with both Mari and Leo being exactly who the other needs in their lives.
The author writes about anxiety with care and sensitivity as Leo lives his daily life with the struggles anxiety brings. Mari is feeling that she is alone in this world and I love that those around her, her found family bring her the love and care she so desires.
I enjoyed reading this book from start to finish, with snippets of characters and a town I have grown to love through Penny Reid’s books and the Smartypants Romance world.
I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Band Together tells a beautiful romance, with both Mari and Leo being exactly who the other needs in their lives.
The author writes about anxiety with care and sensitivity as Leo lives his daily life with the struggles anxiety brings. Mari is feeling that she is alone in this world and I love that those around her, her found family bring her the love and care she so desires.
I enjoyed reading this book from start to finish, with snippets of characters and a town I have grown to love through Penny Reid’s books and the Smartypants Romance world.
I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review.
April 28, 2024
POV: Dual
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
I was so glad to be back in Green Valley with this cute read that has a unique pairing of a famous rockstar and a school band teacher!
What I loved most is that Leo is the opposite of the normal rockstar MMC. He’s a former emo kid who is now awkward and sweet, except for when he gets behind his drum set. He falls fast and hard for Mari, and I enjoyed seeing him figure out who he is back in Green Valley with her help as well as a few other friends.
The real villains in this story are Mari’s family, and I would’ve loved for her to stand up to them as part of her growth as a character but that’s probably just a me thing. This is a standalone and I read it as one, so it’s not necessary but I would love to read the one before this book to get more from this world!
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
I was so glad to be back in Green Valley with this cute read that has a unique pairing of a famous rockstar and a school band teacher!
What I loved most is that Leo is the opposite of the normal rockstar MMC. He’s a former emo kid who is now awkward and sweet, except for when he gets behind his drum set. He falls fast and hard for Mari, and I enjoyed seeing him figure out who he is back in Green Valley with her help as well as a few other friends.
The real villains in this story are Mari’s family, and I would’ve loved for her to stand up to them as part of her growth as a character but that’s probably just a me thing. This is a standalone and I read it as one, so it’s not necessary but I would love to read the one before this book to get more from this world!
May 2, 2024
This was a fun, slow build romance. I always look forward to visiting the small town of Green Valley. I never know who is going to pop in for a visit. The small town drama did not disappoint. Everyone seems to have an opinion.
Leo has returned to Green Valley to hide after leaving his job as a drummer. Mari is the high school music teacher trying to help save the music program and help Cath get into Berkeley. People with big hearts, only wanting to help, bring Leo and Mari together to help Cath succeed.
Leo and Mari both have emotional struggles. Mari is a hoot. She will do anything to get Leo's attention, not for love, but help. All she needs him to do is climb out of the dark. Sounds simple enough, but far from it. They may march to the beat of different drums, but they bring out the best in each other and in others. Band Together was a fun emotional read.
Leo has returned to Green Valley to hide after leaving his job as a drummer. Mari is the high school music teacher trying to help save the music program and help Cath get into Berkeley. People with big hearts, only wanting to help, bring Leo and Mari together to help Cath succeed.
Leo and Mari both have emotional struggles. Mari is a hoot. She will do anything to get Leo's attention, not for love, but help. All she needs him to do is climb out of the dark. Sounds simple enough, but far from it. They may march to the beat of different drums, but they bring out the best in each other and in others. Band Together was a fun emotional read.
April 29, 2024
4.5 Stars!
This book definitely got me in the feels. Piper has a unique way of writing small town romance, that just pulls me back to when I grew up in a small town. Especially how music and arts were always on the brink of being on the chopping block.
Mari’s drive in this book to do right by her students was so perfect, and though may have come from baggage with her own family, totally had me cheering for her no matter what.
Leo had such a gentle soul, it was so disheartening to hear his backstory, he loves so strong. Mari and him have this unique balance and they own how odd they are.
I adored Leo and Janice’s relationship, and I want to protect Cath at all costs.
Overall this was a great read, and I can’t wait to read whatever Piper writes next!
This book definitely got me in the feels. Piper has a unique way of writing small town romance, that just pulls me back to when I grew up in a small town. Especially how music and arts were always on the brink of being on the chopping block.
Mari’s drive in this book to do right by her students was so perfect, and though may have come from baggage with her own family, totally had me cheering for her no matter what.
Leo had such a gentle soul, it was so disheartening to hear his backstory, he loves so strong. Mari and him have this unique balance and they own how odd they are.
I adored Leo and Janice’s relationship, and I want to protect Cath at all costs.
Overall this was a great read, and I can’t wait to read whatever Piper writes next!
May 15, 2024
A great addition to this series!
Leo was in a famous rock band playing the drums and retired, but why? Mari is a music teacher at the high school of Green Valley teaching the school bands. She needs Leo’s help in preparing a student for the audition for a music school, but Leo has always been a unique person and now is mostly a hermit. Can she draw him out and have him help her student? This story speaks of past issues that run extremely deep. Can Leo and Mari help each other with each other’s issues? This is an inspiring story, to say the least. It’s loaded with anticipation of what will happen next and going forward. It also has a bit of steam added to it. I really enjoyed this book.
Leo was in a famous rock band playing the drums and retired, but why? Mari is a music teacher at the high school of Green Valley teaching the school bands. She needs Leo’s help in preparing a student for the audition for a music school, but Leo has always been a unique person and now is mostly a hermit. Can she draw him out and have him help her student? This story speaks of past issues that run extremely deep. Can Leo and Mari help each other with each other’s issues? This is an inspiring story, to say the least. It’s loaded with anticipation of what will happen next and going forward. It also has a bit of steam added to it. I really enjoyed this book.
January 12, 2025
Leo is back in Green River Valley to hide out after being "fired" from this rock band he helped found. Mari is the high school music teacher who needs his help with a brilliant student. Togetehr they find common ground to help the student while also growing closer. I enjoyed this intallment in this series. Both characters were a bit quirky and interesting and I liked that they had to work at figuring out how to be together but their friendship was always there. I will say the principal in this series, it a D*ck and should be fired. His creepiness, the fact he had a thing with a staff member, and the way he threatens funding with honestly he can't do as that is set by the district is all unprofessional and grounds for dismissal. Anyway, equal parts sweet and sexy this was a fun read.
May 7, 2024
Band Together is a slower burn friends to lovers romance between Mari (the band director at Green Valley High) and Leo (former drummer for a popular rock band, and son of Mari's predecessor and mentor.) Leo and Mari both come with their own unique baggage, and the more you learn, the more you will love these characters. I'm a band geek at heart, so I couldn't help but cheer for Mari as she fought SO hard for her students in a place where sports always overshadow the arts. Then there's reclusive Leo who has the biggest heart for the people he cares about. I adored these two characters individually and even moreso together.
Piper is uniquely talented at combining humor and banter with crazy chemistry, all the feels, and strong found family vibes. This one has all those things, then adds in all of the small town charms and shenanigans of Green Valley. The result is a story I couldn't stop reading.
Band Together is the second book in the new Teacher's Lounge series from Smartypants Romance. Characters from the first book make appearances, but you won't have a problem reading this as a standalone. Both books are available now in KU!
Piper is uniquely talented at combining humor and banter with crazy chemistry, all the feels, and strong found family vibes. This one has all those things, then adds in all of the small town charms and shenanigans of Green Valley. The result is a story I couldn't stop reading.
Band Together is the second book in the new Teacher's Lounge series from Smartypants Romance. Characters from the first book make appearances, but you won't have a problem reading this as a standalone. Both books are available now in KU!
May 6, 2024
Mari and Leo are side characters in Passing Notes, some of their story coincides and runs parallel with it. Leo seemed liked the weirdo of the neighborhood as a young guy living with his mom and his intense gardening skills. Mari is a feisty band teacher with an ax to grind, but when you know her story you’ll give her the ax. The two of them together is a slow burn and it’s easy to enjoy their characters and be patient with the outcome. After reading Passing Notes I was hoping Leo would be Mari’s guy, the overlapping scenes between the two books are witty and memorable. I read an early copy and have provided this review voluntarily.
May 12, 2024
This is my 1st Piper Sheldon read and I really enjoyed the 2nd book in the Teacher's Lounge series set in Penny Reid's Green Valley.
I absolutely loved Mari and Leo and their found family they created together!!
Mari is a force to be reckoned with in town and loved by many, especially her beloved HS band ! She does everything for these kids and has her heart set on Leo tutoring her star student, Cath.
Leo is the epitome of a hot emo band geek turned famous drummer turned shut in after a falling out with his band.
I loved how they helped eachother build confidence in themselves and find their self worth!
I absolutely loved Mari and Leo and their found family they created together!!
Mari is a force to be reckoned with in town and loved by many, especially her beloved HS band ! She does everything for these kids and has her heart set on Leo tutoring her star student, Cath.
Leo is the epitome of a hot emo band geek turned famous drummer turned shut in after a falling out with his band.
I loved how they helped eachother build confidence in themselves and find their self worth!
August 15, 2024
This was a cute little return to Green Valley, and really highlights the importance of arts funding. Really enjoyed the found family, small town vibes, and characters supporting each other through their trauma. Looking forward to seeing what other books we get in this series 💕
🏳️⚧️ I just wish there was more of a consequence to deadnaming a character (this is a CW at the front of the book) - I can see why the characters in that scene at the time weren’t empowered enough to speak up, and it would have been out of character for them to have done something at the time - but I would have liked to have seen it addressed in later chapters…
🏳️⚧️ I just wish there was more of a consequence to deadnaming a character (this is a CW at the front of the book) - I can see why the characters in that scene at the time weren’t empowered enough to speak up, and it would have been out of character for them to have done something at the time - but I would have liked to have seen it addressed in later chapters…
March 2, 2024
Band Together by P. Sheldon is book two in the Teacher's Lounge Series and is part of the Smartypants Romance World and fits right in.
This is book two in the Teacher's Lounge Series and is the story of Mari and Leo.
The previous book is Passing Notes by N. Everly.
Set in Greenvalley Highschool tells the story of Mari and Leo, and believe me when I say it's a good one - a story full of unexpected twists and turns that had me guessing right from the start til the last page.
A witty and fun read, romantic and gives all the feels, 4.5 beautiful stars.
This is book two in the Teacher's Lounge Series and is the story of Mari and Leo.
The previous book is Passing Notes by N. Everly.
Set in Greenvalley Highschool tells the story of Mari and Leo, and believe me when I say it's a good one - a story full of unexpected twists and turns that had me guessing right from the start til the last page.
A witty and fun read, romantic and gives all the feels, 4.5 beautiful stars.
November 21, 2024
4.5 stars
I loved this book! Band Together was a fun read for me, a real escape when I needed it/
Visiting Green Valley again, this story about a passionate music teacher and a grumpy former rock-star was heart-warming and entertaining. I found myself relating to Mari in so many ways, and I have no musical talent! To be thought of as too much, being repeatedly told to calm down and be quieter - to find a Leo who saw beyond her reputation to the wonderful person within, and encouraged her!
Highly recommend this entry in the Smartypants/World of Penny Reid universe!
I loved this book! Band Together was a fun read for me, a real escape when I needed it/
Visiting Green Valley again, this story about a passionate music teacher and a grumpy former rock-star was heart-warming and entertaining. I found myself relating to Mari in so many ways, and I have no musical talent! To be thought of as too much, being repeatedly told to calm down and be quieter - to find a Leo who saw beyond her reputation to the wonderful person within, and encouraged her!
Highly recommend this entry in the Smartypants/World of Penny Reid universe!
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