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Prelude to Love
Music speaks directly to the heart.
Two very different men face turning points in their lives after the collapse of long-term relationships….
Joel is a music teacher who knows it’s time to forget his ex and move on, while Marcus runs a lawn-mowing business and has come to Wellington to escape the reminders of a recent breakup. Although they’re opposites, when Joel and Marcus connect, their romance has the potential to hit all the right notes.
Too bad neither of them feels ready for new love.
With family and friends in common, dating is risky—things could get messy if it doesn’t work out. The sweet song of possibility draws them to each other, though, and they share a kiss following a Chopin prelude. But it will take some practice and perseverance to find their perfect harmony….
Two very different men face turning points in their lives after the collapse of long-term relationships….
Joel is a music teacher who knows it’s time to forget his ex and move on, while Marcus runs a lawn-mowing business and has come to Wellington to escape the reminders of a recent breakup. Although they’re opposites, when Joel and Marcus connect, their romance has the potential to hit all the right notes.
Too bad neither of them feels ready for new love.
With family and friends in common, dating is risky—things could get messy if it doesn’t work out. The sweet song of possibility draws them to each other, though, and they share a kiss following a Chopin prelude. But it will take some practice and perseverance to find their perfect harmony….
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 2, 2018
13 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Anne Barwell
23 books107 followersAnne Barwell lives in Wellington, New Zealand. She shares her home with two cats who are convinced that the house is run to suit them; this is an ongoing "discussion," and to date it appears as though the cats may be winning.
In 2008 she completed her conjoint BA in English Literature and Music/Bachelor of Teaching. She has worked as a music teacher, a primary school teacher, and now works in a library. She is a member of the Upper Hutt Science Fiction Club and plays violin for Hutt Valley Orchestra.
She is an avid reader across a wide range of genres and a watcher of far too many TV series and movies, although it can be argued that there is no such thing as "too many." These, of course, are best enjoyed with a decent cup of tea and further the continuing argument that the concept of "spare time" is really just a myth.
In 2008 she completed her conjoint BA in English Literature and Music/Bachelor of Teaching. She has worked as a music teacher, a primary school teacher, and now works in a library. She is a member of the Upper Hutt Science Fiction Club and plays violin for Hutt Valley Orchestra.
She is an avid reader across a wide range of genres and a watcher of far too many TV series and movies, although it can be argued that there is no such thing as "too many." These, of course, are best enjoyed with a decent cup of tea and further the continuing argument that the concept of "spare time" is really just a myth.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 10, 2018
This was a sweet romance about love and family (both blood and found) and it has a nice thread of hurt/comfort woven throughout.
I liked that I was able to turn on the audio and just enjoy listening as I went about my weekend chores. Andrew McFerrin does a nice job with the narration giving each character an easily discernible voice and imbuing emotion into the performance. I thought his New Zealand accent sounded a bit more English, but that's a small niggle in the grand scheme.
Good narration, low angst, easy paced, sweet romance with likable characters and a lovely HEA.
Story = 3 Stars, Narration = 4 Stars; Total = 3.5 Stars
Audio copy of Prelude to Love provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
June 1, 2018
Updated for audio book review:
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
I couldn’t resist this story when I read the blurb. I love the combination of found family and blood family, and I thought it was a great set up to get these two guys together. This book is sweet, and I liked both the MCs and the secondary characters. There was a realness to all the characters that I really enjoyed.
One of the lovely things about this book is that it’s set in New Zealand, and that gives the whole story a flavor that was really intriguing. I thought the author did a good job of explaining some of the idiosyncrasies without seeming like they were being explained, and let other things alone, as it was just how things were. I felt a little bit like I was getting an armchair vacation, and that gave the book a little something extra.
Both the MCs are nicely drawn, and we get to see exactly where each man’s head is at. Joel worked for a me a little bit better. He rambles when he’s nervous, and works too hard, and acknowledges his hang ups, even if he’s not sure how to fix them. He was totally endearing. Marcus was great as well, but I felt a bit removed from him at times. Some of his actions/thought processes were more telling than showing, and it was harder for me to fully engage with him. But I loved the easy way they fell together, and how they moved forward together. It wasn’t perfect, of course, and each man had issues they needed to overcome. But on the whole, these guys worked right from the start, and I enjoyed their romance.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
I couldn’t resist this story when I read the blurb. I love the combination of found family and blood family, and I thought it was a great set up to get these two guys together. This book is sweet, and I liked both the MCs and the secondary characters. There was a realness to all the characters that I really enjoyed.
One of the lovely things about this book is that it’s set in New Zealand, and that gives the whole story a flavor that was really intriguing. I thought the author did a good job of explaining some of the idiosyncrasies without seeming like they were being explained, and let other things alone, as it was just how things were. I felt a little bit like I was getting an armchair vacation, and that gave the book a little something extra.
Both the MCs are nicely drawn, and we get to see exactly where each man’s head is at. Joel worked for a me a little bit better. He rambles when he’s nervous, and works too hard, and acknowledges his hang ups, even if he’s not sure how to fix them. He was totally endearing. Marcus was great as well, but I felt a bit removed from him at times. Some of his actions/thought processes were more telling than showing, and it was harder for me to fully engage with him. But I loved the easy way they fell together, and how they moved forward together. It wasn’t perfect, of course, and each man had issues they needed to overcome. But on the whole, these guys worked right from the start, and I enjoyed their romance.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
January 13, 2018
A nice clean romance. Although the focus seems to move to Joel relationship with his estranged father as the story continues, rather than the romance between the two leading men. Maybe because they seem to be doing the relationship well, after the obstacles are being cleared (like Marcus weird ex!)
January 5, 2018
This was a sweet hurt/comfort romance set in Wellington, New Zealand. Joel is a music teacher at a local school and is still not quite over his ex-boyfriend, and Marcus is a landscaper who is moving to Wellington after a break-up. Marcus' sister is married to Joel's college roommate and best friend.
Neither is looking for a relationship, but with family/friends in common, they meet early on. There's interest on both sides, and as the book progresses, we see a sweet romance develop.
The book has little relationship angst, other than both men being concerned about possible consequences with their shared family/friends if things don't work out. Marcus' ex shows up too to wreak havoc but doesn't get very far. Both men had some hang-ups they needed to work on, but once they made the decision to try, it worked out quite nicely.
I liked both characters, though I connected a bit more with Joel, as Marcus felt detached on occasion, and they were both drawn realistically and felt relatable. The supporting cast in Marcus' sister, Joel's best friend, and their daughter was also well done, and they played a huge role in getting Joel and Marcus to push past their fears and give their budding relationship a real shot. The pushy woman who tries to win Joel for herself (lol, he's gay) was a bit annoying on occasion, and I wasn't quite clear on her purpose, to be honest. I don't think she brought anything to the table, and I wouldn't have missed her, had she been removed from the book.
This is a feel-good book, one you'd read on a cold winter's day, curled up with a hot beverage, in your favorite chair. I enjoyed reading it, and I think you will too. Give it a try.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher in exchange for an honest review. **
Neither is looking for a relationship, but with family/friends in common, they meet early on. There's interest on both sides, and as the book progresses, we see a sweet romance develop.
The book has little relationship angst, other than both men being concerned about possible consequences with their shared family/friends if things don't work out. Marcus' ex shows up too to wreak havoc but doesn't get very far. Both men had some hang-ups they needed to work on, but once they made the decision to try, it worked out quite nicely.
I liked both characters, though I connected a bit more with Joel, as Marcus felt detached on occasion, and they were both drawn realistically and felt relatable. The supporting cast in Marcus' sister, Joel's best friend, and their daughter was also well done, and they played a huge role in getting Joel and Marcus to push past their fears and give their budding relationship a real shot. The pushy woman who tries to win Joel for herself (lol, he's gay) was a bit annoying on occasion, and I wasn't quite clear on her purpose, to be honest. I don't think she brought anything to the table, and I wouldn't have missed her, had she been removed from the book.
This is a feel-good book, one you'd read on a cold winter's day, curled up with a hot beverage, in your favorite chair. I enjoyed reading it, and I think you will too. Give it a try.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher in exchange for an honest review. **
January 5, 2018
Moving on was never easy for both Marcus and Joel. But they needed it.
After some bad relationships in the past, it's quite hard to believe that they'll find a true love.
Both were so stubborn to admit their feeling to each other if not for Darin, Elle and Isabel playing matchmakers. Aah...family, sometimes we do need them, huh?
I liked the idea of the story, I liked the chemistry between Marcus and Joel. The music background for the story gave the story a soul.
This is a clean romance, the sex is definitely fade to black which is a little disappointing :P
There's jealousy and also family's story that needed to fix. Also Marcus needed to make sure that he's all for Joel and stopped his ex from coming on to him. Joel's problem with his Dad was quite believable and real, not overly dramatic as some of the books I read about family drama.
I liked the epilogue. Overall, this is enjoyable read and fun. Marcus and Joel are adorable together, and Marcus is definitely a keeper!
Read
January 4, 2018 3 Hearts
This is a very light read in every way. Light on the romance, light on the drama, light on the character development and light on the intimacy. It’s not a bad book, it’s just so light that I feel like I needed more substance to really enjoy the story.
Joel and Marcus met years ago when Joel’s best friend Darian married Marcus’ sister Ella. Both men had an attraction to the other but both men were in relationships at the time and were respectful of that. Over the years, random encounters and dinners have provided the men to see one another but it’s not until Marcus decides to move his life to Wellington for a fresh start that they begin a friendship.
Told in dual POV’s we know how the men feel about one another from first time Marcus is duped into taking his niece to piano practice with Uncle Joel. Everyone around them has the thought the men would be perfect together but they dance around the attraction for a few weeks until Marcus gets stranded at Joel’s place by coincidence or more so by meddling family.
I like both men but something held me back from being engaged with them as individuals or a couple. Both men come to the relationship with baggage of past lovers and Joel also has the family baggage of how his father treated him when he came out. A few instances of Joel’s mother and sister brought some life into him but I couldn’t connect to Joel nor Marcus enough to buy into their romance.
The small bit of drama with the couple was just that, a bit of drama that they get over quickly and the epilogue was cute but the speech felt forced.
It wasn’t a bad book, just not the fluff that I am used to with the Dreamspun houseline.
This is a very light read in every way. Light on the romance, light on the drama, light on the character development and light on the intimacy. It’s not a bad book, it’s just so light that I feel like I needed more substance to really enjoy the story.
Joel and Marcus met years ago when Joel’s best friend Darian married Marcus’ sister Ella. Both men had an attraction to the other but both men were in relationships at the time and were respectful of that. Over the years, random encounters and dinners have provided the men to see one another but it’s not until Marcus decides to move his life to Wellington for a fresh start that they begin a friendship.
Told in dual POV’s we know how the men feel about one another from first time Marcus is duped into taking his niece to piano practice with Uncle Joel. Everyone around them has the thought the men would be perfect together but they dance around the attraction for a few weeks until Marcus gets stranded at Joel’s place by coincidence or more so by meddling family.
I like both men but something held me back from being engaged with them as individuals or a couple. Both men come to the relationship with baggage of past lovers and Joel also has the family baggage of how his father treated him when he came out. A few instances of Joel’s mother and sister brought some life into him but I couldn’t connect to Joel nor Marcus enough to buy into their romance.
The small bit of drama with the couple was just that, a bit of drama that they get over quickly and the epilogue was cute but the speech felt forced.
It wasn’t a bad book, just not the fluff that I am used to with the Dreamspun houseline.
January 4, 2018
It is never easy to face the breakup of a long-term relationship, and while people react to it in different ways, shying away from the next potential commitment is an understandable and, I suspect, fairly common reaction. Joel and Marcus are both dealing with the consequences of an ex quitting on them, so when they meet due to loving meddling of family and friends, neither of them is ready to contemplate something more permanent. But they can’t deny the attraction they feel and Fate has other ideas… so they’ll have to figure it out. It’s quite the struggle, and their differences certainly made it an interesting process. Since the story is set in New Zealand, the setting also added a lot to my enjoyment, and the lack of major angst made this an entertaining read.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
March 3, 2018
An easy to read romance about Joel, a music teacher, and Marcus, a gardener/lawn mower, who get pushed together by friends and family. I feel like I should have liked it more, but honestly there wasn't a huge wow-factor for me.
Read
March 17, 2018Yawn.
February 16, 2018
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is the story of a slow, simple romance between two very ordinary men. Joel is a music teacher. Marcus is a landscape gardener. The story focuses on the lead up to an important high school concert that Joel is organising.
This is gentle romance and I found the mundane domesticity of the story pretty tedious at times. There isn’t really any excitement at all. It’s a low heat romance with a cute cat and a cute kid at the centre of it. Even Joel’s family estrangement resolves easily and doesn’t cause too much angst.
Personally, I was bored. I found both Joel and Marcus pretty bland and I really wasn’t terribly interested in their lives. For me, fiction always needs to be more exciting than real life and this just wasn’t enough to keep my interest.
This is the story of a slow, simple romance between two very ordinary men. Joel is a music teacher. Marcus is a landscape gardener. The story focuses on the lead up to an important high school concert that Joel is organising.
This is gentle romance and I found the mundane domesticity of the story pretty tedious at times. There isn’t really any excitement at all. It’s a low heat romance with a cute cat and a cute kid at the centre of it. Even Joel’s family estrangement resolves easily and doesn’t cause too much angst.
Personally, I was bored. I found both Joel and Marcus pretty bland and I really wasn’t terribly interested in their lives. For me, fiction always needs to be more exciting than real life and this just wasn’t enough to keep my interest.
February 28, 2022
“Prelude to Love” is a sweet, entertaining story with just the right amount of emotions and a host of delightful characters!
Joel Ashcroft loves music and enjoys teaching. His students are important to him. He also teaches piano after school to youngsters. He has a wonderful family in the Prior’s: Darin, Ella and Isabel. For Isabel, he’s not only her teacher but an adopted uncle of sorts. If it wasn’t for his best friend Darin, Joel would have been without a family connection. Joel has his own house and keeps very busy and caters to his companion Nannerl.
Marcus Verden, is Ella’s brother, he’s left Hokitika, a place he loves. He’s making a new start in Wellington and is temporarily living at the Prior residence. He’s found a job that he enjoys lawn & gardening. He hopes to make the business his own. He loves working outside and just enjoys the wonders of nature.
Marcus has one nagging issue and that’s his ex, Garth. He’s made it clear to Garth that they are over but Garth continues his nagging. For Marcus the relationship became toxic and he made the necessary moves to keep his sanity.
Joel has several issues of his own. His biological family: sister Bernadette, mother Jill, and father Claude. Unfortunately, Joel never got the support from his mother or sister when his father, Claude, gave him no choice but to leave home. Joel’s feelings are very raw and he has fears about the estranged relationship with him and his father. Having had issues with his last boyfriend, Joel made his choice and is alone, except for his love of music and Nannerl.
Marcus and Joel meet but neither of them are even considering a new relationship. But there are those who see things differently. As time passes, Marcus and Joel grow closer but have misunderstandings along the way.
Joel has an even bigger fear to tackle. His pet projects are the choir and orchestra and there’s every possibility that funding will be lost for the music program. When the PTA suggests a concert fund raiser, Joel finds himself cornered into performing.
Anne Barwell creates a wonderful story with “Prelude to Love”. She brings the issues of: family drama from dysfunctional to supportive, acceptance, trust, a budding relationship and love surrounded with the beauty of music. There’s also many moments of humor that will bring on a smile.
I liked both Joel and Marcus they balanced each other with their caring, support and building confidence for each other. Marcus was especially interesting, he gave me impression of looking at things logically, but he had that vulnerability when it came to expressing himself.
Anne Barwell did have me on edge with Garth. I never knew what he would do next and he had the feel of being stalker-ish.
There’s a very delightful group of secondary characters: The Prior family, Darin, Ella and Isabell “the matchmakers”. Joel’s family Jill, Bernadette that try to make amends to be supportive. Joel’s father Claude, who has to come to terms with Joel and his happiness. And of course, Nunnerl, the scene stealer!!
“Prelude to Love” is entertaining and I found it to reflect Anne Barwell’s love of music!
Joel Ashcroft loves music and enjoys teaching. His students are important to him. He also teaches piano after school to youngsters. He has a wonderful family in the Prior’s: Darin, Ella and Isabel. For Isabel, he’s not only her teacher but an adopted uncle of sorts. If it wasn’t for his best friend Darin, Joel would have been without a family connection. Joel has his own house and keeps very busy and caters to his companion Nannerl.
Marcus Verden, is Ella’s brother, he’s left Hokitika, a place he loves. He’s making a new start in Wellington and is temporarily living at the Prior residence. He’s found a job that he enjoys lawn & gardening. He hopes to make the business his own. He loves working outside and just enjoys the wonders of nature.
Marcus has one nagging issue and that’s his ex, Garth. He’s made it clear to Garth that they are over but Garth continues his nagging. For Marcus the relationship became toxic and he made the necessary moves to keep his sanity.
Joel has several issues of his own. His biological family: sister Bernadette, mother Jill, and father Claude. Unfortunately, Joel never got the support from his mother or sister when his father, Claude, gave him no choice but to leave home. Joel’s feelings are very raw and he has fears about the estranged relationship with him and his father. Having had issues with his last boyfriend, Joel made his choice and is alone, except for his love of music and Nannerl.
Marcus and Joel meet but neither of them are even considering a new relationship. But there are those who see things differently. As time passes, Marcus and Joel grow closer but have misunderstandings along the way.
Joel has an even bigger fear to tackle. His pet projects are the choir and orchestra and there’s every possibility that funding will be lost for the music program. When the PTA suggests a concert fund raiser, Joel finds himself cornered into performing.
Anne Barwell creates a wonderful story with “Prelude to Love”. She brings the issues of: family drama from dysfunctional to supportive, acceptance, trust, a budding relationship and love surrounded with the beauty of music. There’s also many moments of humor that will bring on a smile.
I liked both Joel and Marcus they balanced each other with their caring, support and building confidence for each other. Marcus was especially interesting, he gave me impression of looking at things logically, but he had that vulnerability when it came to expressing himself.
Anne Barwell did have me on edge with Garth. I never knew what he would do next and he had the feel of being stalker-ish.
There’s a very delightful group of secondary characters: The Prior family, Darin, Ella and Isabell “the matchmakers”. Joel’s family Jill, Bernadette that try to make amends to be supportive. Joel’s father Claude, who has to come to terms with Joel and his happiness. And of course, Nunnerl, the scene stealer!!
“Prelude to Love” is entertaining and I found it to reflect Anne Barwell’s love of music!
January 9, 2018
Review originally posted on Just Love Reviews: https://justlovereviews.com/2018/01/0...
The writing was good, but I just really couldn’t get into this book.
My main problem was that most of the book didn’t even have anything to do with their relationship. Half of the book focused on Joel preparing for an upcoming concert, and then half was about his relationship with his dad. This led to the intimacy in the book being mostly situational instead of something that grew organically between the two MCs. Situational intimacy is fine if you like it but the reason why I enjoy romances is seeing people build a relationship in different ways. I don’t want to see the relationship built for them through meddling friends and situations forcing them to talk. It’s too easy and unrealistic.
Even though there were many issues in the book the resolutions and relationship were just unrealistically simple. I don’t want to read people screaming at each other but apart from not contacting each other for a bit there was low amount of conflict in this book. This is particularly bothersome because in the summary it says “neither of them feels ready for new love.” To me that signifies that there is going to be a slow burn romance with emotional conflict (internal or external) about it. Nope. Didn’t really happen and I felt like I was told one thing and delivered another.
To be honest, I didn’t like either one of the main characters. The length of the book was 234 pages, but I feel like it should have been half that. I don’t think the MCs, or their relationship, were interesting enough for this length. Joel had his music and Marcus had his gardening but still their personalities were tied to their relationship or their family. I know that sounds weird, but I don’t think we really got to know them outside of certain situations. With some characters their personality is so clear, but I honestly couldn’t tell you what these MCs were really like. I love character development in books so this was a downer for me.
I really hate to say it but I was just bored with this relationship, the MCs, and the whole book. I didn’t get invested and I just wanted to be done with the book so I could review it. I hate it when it feels like that because even if I don’t really enjoy a book I still want to give it a chance so I can give a fair review. There’s nothing really problematic or wrong with the book so I would recommend that, if you are really interested in it, you look at other reviews. It’d be a good book if you want something fluffy to read during your down time.
*I received an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The writing was good, but I just really couldn’t get into this book.
My main problem was that most of the book didn’t even have anything to do with their relationship. Half of the book focused on Joel preparing for an upcoming concert, and then half was about his relationship with his dad. This led to the intimacy in the book being mostly situational instead of something that grew organically between the two MCs. Situational intimacy is fine if you like it but the reason why I enjoy romances is seeing people build a relationship in different ways. I don’t want to see the relationship built for them through meddling friends and situations forcing them to talk. It’s too easy and unrealistic.
Even though there were many issues in the book the resolutions and relationship were just unrealistically simple. I don’t want to read people screaming at each other but apart from not contacting each other for a bit there was low amount of conflict in this book. This is particularly bothersome because in the summary it says “neither of them feels ready for new love.” To me that signifies that there is going to be a slow burn romance with emotional conflict (internal or external) about it. Nope. Didn’t really happen and I felt like I was told one thing and delivered another.
To be honest, I didn’t like either one of the main characters. The length of the book was 234 pages, but I feel like it should have been half that. I don’t think the MCs, or their relationship, were interesting enough for this length. Joel had his music and Marcus had his gardening but still their personalities were tied to their relationship or their family. I know that sounds weird, but I don’t think we really got to know them outside of certain situations. With some characters their personality is so clear, but I honestly couldn’t tell you what these MCs were really like. I love character development in books so this was a downer for me.
I really hate to say it but I was just bored with this relationship, the MCs, and the whole book. I didn’t get invested and I just wanted to be done with the book so I could review it. I hate it when it feels like that because even if I don’t really enjoy a book I still want to give it a chance so I can give a fair review. There’s nothing really problematic or wrong with the book so I would recommend that, if you are really interested in it, you look at other reviews. It’d be a good book if you want something fluffy to read during your down time.
*I received an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review.
February 22, 2022
Loved it! The author is new to me and I’ll definitely go looking for more by her. Joel and Marcus were perfect for one another although they were looking for a relationship or love. Joel has had a rough go, but he’s moved on. His parents kicked him out when he was eighteen for coming out. He now has great friends that are a wonderful found family. Marcus has moved back home. He’s also starting over after having broken up with his boyfriend and sold his business. Marcus’s sister and Joel’s best friend have been trying to set them up and eventually they decide to give friendship and dating a chance. There is a bit of family drama that they must work thru to be together, but the story is really, clean, sweet and low angst. The story kept me engaged, hooked me from the beginning and didn’t let go. Overall, a really great read. The story was really well written, the pacing flowed smoothly, highly recommend. I am voluntarily leaving a review form an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
March 24, 2022
When I saw that the romance was set in New Zealand, I was in. I really enjoy reading romance set in different countries. Joel is a workaholic and recovering from a relationship that didn’t pan out. He’s so focussed on his job and music, and is also carrying more baggage than LAX, that it’s going to take a very special person to crack his interior. Enter Marcus, having made the move to Joel’s hometown after a break-up with his boyfriend, and Marcus is the total opposite of Joel.
Then there is the family. They really added to this story, keeping the two guys in line, and also cheering for them to get together. Very sweet. But the family also made Joel and Marcus hesitant about starting something because if it didn’t work out, they’d have to deal with the fallout, since Joel’s best friend is married to Marcus’ sister. Yes, these guys have had encounters before, but nothing happened since they were both in relationships at the time.
Read more here: https://wp.me/p12iNR-7eS
Then there is the family. They really added to this story, keeping the two guys in line, and also cheering for them to get together. Very sweet. But the family also made Joel and Marcus hesitant about starting something because if it didn’t work out, they’d have to deal with the fallout, since Joel’s best friend is married to Marcus’ sister. Yes, these guys have had encounters before, but nothing happened since they were both in relationships at the time.
Read more here: https://wp.me/p12iNR-7eS
March 1, 2022
Lovely
This was such a lovely story. I really like the title because it referenced Joel’s love of music but also his and Marcus’s journey to love. This was one of those stories that really brings forth the fact that everyone brings the things that have shaped them into a new relationship with them. For some, it feels like they have an entire steamer trunk. While the characters themselves may have taken a moment to kick the reaction ship into gear, there is more past family issues to deal with than anything. Family and the idea of found family is very central to this story. That along with the happy ending really cinched this story for me.
This was such a lovely story. I really like the title because it referenced Joel’s love of music but also his and Marcus’s journey to love. This was one of those stories that really brings forth the fact that everyone brings the things that have shaped them into a new relationship with them. For some, it feels like they have an entire steamer trunk. While the characters themselves may have taken a moment to kick the reaction ship into gear, there is more past family issues to deal with than anything. Family and the idea of found family is very central to this story. That along with the happy ending really cinched this story for me.
March 9, 2022
This is a beautiful story of facing your fears of past failed relationships and opening yourself up to the happiness that is possible! Marcus and Joel are both wary of entering into a relationship, but their attraction, and matchmaking family overrides all of their inhibitions... This sweet and heartwarming story tugs at your heartstrings and would make a stone heart crack and swell with love! I loved every minute of reading it and was transported the whole time. Well written and developed! Highly recommended!
August 31, 2019
This novel sings, as Joel (a music teacher) and Marcus recover from past relationships and learn how to stay in tempo with each other and harmonize. Since this a Dreamspun Desire novel, it's sweet and simple focusing solely on the romance. However, the music references hit a high note, and the mouthwatering descriptions of New Zealand leave me yearning for a trip!
July 10, 2022
Joel and Marcus have known each other informally for years. When they do finally get together, they have to sort through some baggage from previous relationships, including Joel’s with his father. I enjoyed how the author’s knowledge of music provided many details in the story. True love always finds a way.
January 13, 2018
This story isn't just a story of two men finding each other and falling in love. It is also the story of what makes for family. It is also the healing that you can bring to another as you deal with your past.
April 26, 2018
Prelude to love is sweet enjoyable book to kill a few hours. It is a story of family and friend.
Andrew McFerrin did a good job narrating and had a distinct voice for each character.
If your looking for a sweet story, lots of feels, and a great HRA romance this is go you.
Andrew McFerrin did a good job narrating and had a distinct voice for each character.
If your looking for a sweet story, lots of feels, and a great HRA romance this is go you.
August 19, 2022
Sweet, gentle story about families - real and found.
I loved the New Zealand setting.
Both characters and their families were engaging and likeable. I enjoy this authors books very much and appreciate her range.
I loved the New Zealand setting.
Both characters and their families were engaging and likeable. I enjoy this authors books very much and appreciate her range.
September 11, 2023
A touching sweet/hurt romance between Joel, a music teacher, and Marcus, brother in law to Joel's longtime friend, the one thorn in their side is Joel homophobic father. A heartwarming, touching story, painful at times as their love is put to the test, beautifully written.
April 19, 2018
3.35⭐️.
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February 13, 20222nd edition now available for pre-order, releasing on 28th February, when it will be available through KU for the first time.
March 5, 2022
Beautiful story
I don’t usually leave reviews but I just loved Joel and Marcus so much. Beautifully written with so much heart
I don’t usually leave reviews but I just loved Joel and Marcus so much. Beautifully written with so much heart
March 20, 2022
A sweet, low heat romance with a focus on found family.
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August 5, 2022A duel hurt-comfort with a lot of sweet moments and a (for my taste) rather saccharine ending.
February 23, 2023
** 3.5 Stars **
April 7, 2018
Check out our
Prelude to Love
post on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Sarah – ☆☆☆
This is the story of a slow, simple romance between two very ordinary men. Joel is a music teacher. Marcus is a landscape gardener. The story focuses on the lead up to an important high school concert that Joel is organising.
This is gentle romance and I found the mundane domesticity of the story pretty tedious at times. There isn’t really any excitement at all. It’s a low-heat romance with a cute cat and a cute kid at the centre of it. Even Joel’s family estrangement resolves easily and doesn’t cause too much angst.
Personally, I was bored. I found both Joel and Marcus pretty bland and I really wasn’t terribly interested in their lives. For me, fiction always needs to be more exciting than real life and this just wasn’t enough to keep my interest.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Sarah – ☆☆☆
This is the story of a slow, simple romance between two very ordinary men. Joel is a music teacher. Marcus is a landscape gardener. The story focuses on the lead up to an important high school concert that Joel is organising.
This is gentle romance and I found the mundane domesticity of the story pretty tedious at times. There isn’t really any excitement at all. It’s a low-heat romance with a cute cat and a cute kid at the centre of it. Even Joel’s family estrangement resolves easily and doesn’t cause too much angst.
Personally, I was bored. I found both Joel and Marcus pretty bland and I really wasn’t terribly interested in their lives. For me, fiction always needs to be more exciting than real life and this just wasn’t enough to keep my interest.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
did-not-finish
January 9, 2018Took me 3 days to get to 10% and I still wasn’t really interested in either character...so decided to move on.
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