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The Break-Up Album
A sexy standalone novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blakely Read the book RT Book Reviews gave 4.5 "It's impossible not to fall utterly in love with the humor and passion between her tempting, talented hero and remarkably resilient heroine. New readers and longtime Don't miss this newest success." They say all's fair in love and music... I say life would be a lot fairer if I wasn't so wildly attracted to the man I'm spending all my days with, who's decidedly off-limits. But then again, I can't technically complain—I have a Grammy, a hit album, and a job most people would be envious of—I'm a rock star. What I haven't had in years is a hot date. The dating drought isn't because I'm a single mom. It's because I have a little itty-bitty issue with trust because of how my marriage imploded. Matthew is determined to break down my walls, and it sure doesn't hurt that he's British, witty, and far too tempting. He's also the toughest music journalist out there, and he's interviewing me for an in-depth article. The trouble is, I want to get in-depth with him, and the more time we spend together, the more tempted we both are to cross lines that shouldn't be crossed. Previously released as Far Too Tempting (October 2013), now updated for a new readership!
290 pages, Paperback
First published December 2, 2018
About the author
Lauren Blakely
218 books19.5k followersA #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that's sweet, sexy and witty. Her heroines are strong and smart and her heroes have hearts of gold and fantastic funny bones. She'd love to give you a free book today! Check out her web site to grab your free read: https://laurenblakely.com/one-free-book/
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➜ NEWSLETTER: laurenblakely.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
February 16, 2019
The Break-Up Album is about Jane Black, a rock star who was left by her husband when he realized that he was gay, now they have a child together but Jane finds it hard to trust another man again, until Matthew Harrigan, a sexy, British journalist wants to spend time with her and write a story about how an album is written. Only problem is Jane has writers block and is looking for inspiration. This was a really lovely romance, the characters were so sweet and likable and the story line was an interesting look at how you come back and build up your confidence as a woman and deal with the emotional roller coaster when your husband leaves the marriage when he realizes that he is gay. The building relationship between the characters was wonderful and the sex was hot.
January 26, 2019
Audiobook Review
Overall 4 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 3.5 stars
This isn't your typical rock star romance. It's a great twist on the trope with a healthy serving of forbidden/taboo romance as well. Andi Arndt and Shane East are fantastic as Jane and Matthew! The majority of the book is narrated superbly by Arndt, but this doesn't detract from East's sexy performance as the loveable Brisith music critic Matthew. In fact it makes Matthew's chapters and additions shine even more.
This book was a lot more emotional than I anticipated. Jane's past was especially poignant and my heart broke for her as things crumbled around her. Her confusion, anger, and heartbreak were so honest and raw. I loved seeing her regain her confidence and reclaim herself. The push and pull between her and Matthew was great, but once things move forward between them, I felt like the story seemed to stall. Things do pick up at the end and I felt Jane's reaction to Matthew's omission was justified given her history, but it still felt immature for her to run away and refuse to talk things through with him as adults. I enjoyed all the song references and how much of a role music plays in the events of our lives, but I just wasn't as captivated by The Break-Up Album as I have been with other Blakely books. It was still an entertaining listen, however, with fantastic narration!
Overall 4 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 3.5 stars
This isn't your typical rock star romance. It's a great twist on the trope with a healthy serving of forbidden/taboo romance as well. Andi Arndt and Shane East are fantastic as Jane and Matthew! The majority of the book is narrated superbly by Arndt, but this doesn't detract from East's sexy performance as the loveable Brisith music critic Matthew. In fact it makes Matthew's chapters and additions shine even more.
This book was a lot more emotional than I anticipated. Jane's past was especially poignant and my heart broke for her as things crumbled around her. Her confusion, anger, and heartbreak were so honest and raw. I loved seeing her regain her confidence and reclaim herself. The push and pull between her and Matthew was great, but once things move forward between them, I felt like the story seemed to stall. Things do pick up at the end and I felt Jane's reaction to Matthew's omission was justified given her history, but it still felt immature for her to run away and refuse to talk things through with him as adults. I enjoyed all the song references and how much of a role music plays in the events of our lives, but I just wasn't as captivated by The Break-Up Album as I have been with other Blakely books. It was still an entertaining listen, however, with fantastic narration!
November 7, 2019
ugh, so disappointed with this one!
The Breakup Album was such a boring audiobook. Oh lord, I tried to get into it and possibly invested into characters - but nope, couldn't. In this, you will meet Jane and Matthew. She is a singer who is going through a little writing slump. It also doesn't help that life for her sucks ass. With a failed marriage, secrets coming out, and nothing to really write about - she's stuck and hates it.
Then there's Matthew who writes reviews and he has his eye on Jane (in more than one way). The romance was kind of cute but nothing really happened until the end. Which of course, she found her muse and will to write music again.
Overall, the drama and love were predictable. Slightly sad that this book was such a letdown for me.
The Breakup Album was such a boring audiobook. Oh lord, I tried to get into it and possibly invested into characters - but nope, couldn't. In this, you will meet Jane and Matthew. She is a singer who is going through a little writing slump. It also doesn't help that life for her sucks ass. With a failed marriage, secrets coming out, and nothing to really write about - she's stuck and hates it.
Then there's Matthew who writes reviews and he has his eye on Jane (in more than one way). The romance was kind of cute but nothing really happened until the end. Which of course, she found her muse and will to write music again.
Overall, the drama and love were predictable. Slightly sad that this book was such a letdown for me.
September 30, 2020
I am a sucker for an English accent.
I seem to always say this about Andi’s narration lately that I listened to her so much all her characters are sounding the same but for this book she didn’t. I was so glad. I felt like she was Jane to me. I like that when she was speaking Matthew’s parts she used an accent. That really helped keep me in the story.
Jane is having a hard time with her marriage ending. So she writes a hit album and it goes so well she wins a Grammy for it. But the label wants more and now that she isn’t sad or as heartbroken it seems her muse as up and left the building.
She is hopeful again and is starting to see about dating again but she is gun shy. The man she feels something for is a journalist and can she really trust him?
Matthew can’t help himself he is falling for Jane even though she is supposed to be a job.
The chemistry these two have it fly’s from the pages right into our ears. I loved it. I loved how they talk things out. Sometimes life isn’t easy but they navigate it just right for them.
Great book I am so very glad I listened.
I seem to always say this about Andi’s narration lately that I listened to her so much all her characters are sounding the same but for this book she didn’t. I was so glad. I felt like she was Jane to me. I like that when she was speaking Matthew’s parts she used an accent. That really helped keep me in the story.
Jane is having a hard time with her marriage ending. So she writes a hit album and it goes so well she wins a Grammy for it. But the label wants more and now that she isn’t sad or as heartbroken it seems her muse as up and left the building.
She is hopeful again and is starting to see about dating again but she is gun shy. The man she feels something for is a journalist and can she really trust him?
Matthew can’t help himself he is falling for Jane even though she is supposed to be a job.
The chemistry these two have it fly’s from the pages right into our ears. I loved it. I loved how they talk things out. Sometimes life isn’t easy but they navigate it just right for them.
Great book I am so very glad I listened.
November 2, 2019
I was a little disappointed in this book since I usually love books written by Lauren Blakely. This one just seemed to be missing something for me. There was a lack of chemistry between the two MC's for me. You could tell there was some love for each other but not that desire found in most other books.
Jane is a singer who has finally found success. Matthew is someone who writes reviews. You could easily see where this could possibly go, however, it doesnt play out as you may think. Jane has walls built up from her failed marriage and Matthew is very prim and proper with morals. Not always a bad thing lol
One thing that I did like about this book was the musical aspect of it. Writing a song doesnt just come from sitting down and being told to write something. The good songs come from experiences and hurt, pain, anger, and love.
Jane is a singer who has finally found success. Matthew is someone who writes reviews. You could easily see where this could possibly go, however, it doesnt play out as you may think. Jane has walls built up from her failed marriage and Matthew is very prim and proper with morals. Not always a bad thing lol
One thing that I did like about this book was the musical aspect of it. Writing a song doesnt just come from sitting down and being told to write something. The good songs come from experiences and hurt, pain, anger, and love.
November 18, 2019
Rounded up from 3.5 stars
Lauren Blakely writes great books and although this wasn't my favorite, it was a good read. I love the duet narration style of the audiobook, Matthew has a hot British accent! The story was okay, it just felt like not a lot happened. I did like seeing Jane get over Aidan completely and be able to move on. Her relationship with her siblings was super cute too. Matthew is a good guy and nice match for Jane.
The characters were fun and the premise of the story was good, I just would have liked more going on.
Lauren Blakely writes great books and although this wasn't my favorite, it was a good read. I love the duet narration style of the audiobook, Matthew has a hot British accent! The story was okay, it just felt like not a lot happened. I did like seeing Jane get over Aidan completely and be able to move on. Her relationship with her siblings was super cute too. Matthew is a good guy and nice match for Jane.
The characters were fun and the premise of the story was good, I just would have liked more going on.
January 25, 2019
This book has all the feels... LB spelled out a story that took me from lows to highs and allowed me to perfectly feel Jane's every feeling. I can't tell you specifics because they'd be spoilers but there are scenes that we get to experience with Jane. Man, in the beginning, my throat hitched with an excited sob when a certain awesome something happened. Other times, too, my feelings were in tune with Jane's. My point is, LB did something special in this book. She was able to link moments in life with music and what feelings those tunes can evoke. It was deep and I'm sure other would connect differently because music means different things to all of us. This story was fun and had the awesome wit I love so much, and the characters felt like people I know. Oh, and if you love leading men with English accents who fall in love with sexy rock star moms, then this if for you!! Thanks, LB!!
February 10, 2019
Source: Brilliance Audio
The Break-Up Album is about Jane Black, a rockstar who was left by her husband because he finally comes to grip with being gay. This devastates Jane because she is totally in love with him and they have a kid together. With hindsight, she realizes she missed clues over the few years they were together including their one-night stand that had that left her pregnant.
Jane hasn’t been with a guy since her husband left her about a year ago. She hasn’t even been attracted to anyone, well that’s not true. She’s been attracted to Matthew from the first time she saw him, but at that first meeting she was still married and he had a girlfriend. Neither are true now and that attraction hasn’t faded. When Jane finds out Matthews also likes her and wants to interview her the two try to find their chemistry. Of course like other romances, the fight doesn’t last long.
Matthew is exactly what Jane needs. He gets her to open up and fall in love again. There are a few rocky steps to their HEA because of Jane’s past making it hard for her to trust again.
The Break-Up Album is narrated by Andi Arndt (Jane’s POV) and Shane East (Matthew’s POV) with Andi doing the majority of the narration because the story is told mostly through Jane’s POV. There are a few times within the same chapter both narrators voice the back and forth worth dialogue. Their voices work well together and they do a good job of bringing Jane and Matthew’s story to life.
While The Break-Up Album is not on the top of my favorite novels by Lauren Blakely it was still an enjoyable listen.
My Ratings:
Story: C+
Narration:
Shane East: A-
Andi Arndt: A-
The Break-Up Album is about Jane Black, a rockstar who was left by her husband because he finally comes to grip with being gay. This devastates Jane because she is totally in love with him and they have a kid together. With hindsight, she realizes she missed clues over the few years they were together including their one-night stand that had that left her pregnant.
Jane hasn’t been with a guy since her husband left her about a year ago. She hasn’t even been attracted to anyone, well that’s not true. She’s been attracted to Matthew from the first time she saw him, but at that first meeting she was still married and he had a girlfriend. Neither are true now and that attraction hasn’t faded. When Jane finds out Matthews also likes her and wants to interview her the two try to find their chemistry. Of course like other romances, the fight doesn’t last long.
Matthew is exactly what Jane needs. He gets her to open up and fall in love again. There are a few rocky steps to their HEA because of Jane’s past making it hard for her to trust again.
The Break-Up Album is narrated by Andi Arndt (Jane’s POV) and Shane East (Matthew’s POV) with Andi doing the majority of the narration because the story is told mostly through Jane’s POV. There are a few times within the same chapter both narrators voice the back and forth worth dialogue. Their voices work well together and they do a good job of bringing Jane and Matthew’s story to life.
While The Break-Up Album is not on the top of my favorite novels by Lauren Blakely it was still an enjoyable listen.
My Ratings:
Story: C+
Narration:
Shane East: A-
Andi Arndt: A-
September 9, 2019
Sweet, easy and enjoyable love story. No angst. Just girl meets boy, girl and boy fall for each other, then reality kicks in and they realise they have to work together so are unable to start a relationship. Obviously there’s a bit more to it than that. We have the ex husband and father of Jane’s child, who, it turns out, is gay. We have the fact that her love interest, Matthew, is also a music critic (Jane is an up and coming rock star). Lots of lovely little side stories included in this little gem. I listened to the audio version, because well, Shane East and Andi Arndt. Perfect.
January 27, 2019
I don't know where Lauren Blakely gets her inspiration from, but this story is not what I expected! Jane recently had a hit with her last album, winning a grammy and has shot to stardom. Matthew is a journalist looking to find his next big story, and is hoping it's Jane. And their romance begins. The taboo romance of Matt and Jane, after all, he is working with her is front and center of this book, and it's steamy. But what I love the most is the healing Jane goes through and the revelation of how life can be lived. I think it is expertly written, and gives good perspective on how we all take things to heart, place blame and try to figure out what we did wrong. I loved this story, as I do all of Lauren's book, but this one really resonated with me.
Andi Arndt and Shane East is all I have to say. Nothing more need to be said about these two narrators, except they always bring their A game. There is some emotional pull in this one that is masterfully portrayed and I loved the performances.
Andi Arndt and Shane East is all I have to say. Nothing more need to be said about these two narrators, except they always bring their A game. There is some emotional pull in this one that is masterfully portrayed and I loved the performances.
January 9, 2019
Matthew Harrigan has swept me away with his sexy British accent and abs! Elizabeth @ Carolina Chic''s Read
Let's start wit the cover... Michael Scanlon... yes please! Now you give him the absolutely sexy accent of Shane East and this is a sensory overload!
I loved the story of Jane Black the Grammy Winning singer/songwriter, who has got to have another hit record. It only took a broken heart and marriage to get the first one out of her. Enter Matthew Harrigan... Sexy British Reporter... you have the recipe for songs, right? Well this girl figures it out and gets the guy! I completely loved this story and am so glad I got to get this one off my TBR list!!!!!
Let's start wit the cover... Michael Scanlon... yes please! Now you give him the absolutely sexy accent of Shane East and this is a sensory overload!
I loved the story of Jane Black the Grammy Winning singer/songwriter, who has got to have another hit record. It only took a broken heart and marriage to get the first one out of her. Enter Matthew Harrigan... Sexy British Reporter... you have the recipe for songs, right? Well this girl figures it out and gets the guy! I completely loved this story and am so glad I got to get this one off my TBR list!!!!!
January 11, 2019
I loved this book! Of course, I love all Lauren Blakely's books, but this one kept me going straight through reading and didn't stop! The fact that it deals with Jane's reality of an entertainer and what decisions she has to make are included in this real life story. Her ex-husband's difficult journey that intertwines with hers and their child is also a storyline that many couples face today. The slow closeness that Jane and Matthew share instead of a quick connection is a meaningful relationship that shows that Mattew made the right choices. Very well written and an enjoyable book.
Read
February 19, 2019Read in 2016 when it was called, Far Too Tempting.
March 13, 2019
Narration was fabulous, two of my favorites. Story was cute. Didn’t have the same steaminess factor as most of Lauren’s other books do.
December 21, 2019
3.5 Stars
January 28, 2020
3.5
Fantastic narration
Fantastic narration
June 25, 2020
I think it's a case of it's not you, it's me. I've been in a weird mood today.
March 31, 2020
Really good. Loved the audio too!
February 12, 2023
I must confess it has been a while since I shed a tear of happiness while reading a story and a tear for heartache IN THE SAME BOOK! I am never disappointed by Lauren Blakely! This hot, steamy, music-filled and loving story has me so happy! The writing is smooth, elegant and descriptive enough to place you right there with the characters. Definitely a must read. I would also like to acknowledge the real-life scenarios that get incorporated into this story. Of course the combination of all of them happening in real-life to the same person is definitely a small possibility, but the certain parts of the narrative do happen to real people. I enjoy how LB can take various situations and string them into a fantastic romantic storyline. Sometimes parts of the scenarios hits close to home and sometimes the reminder from a book puts an arrow right through my chest. Either way, a reader can finding healing and hope in stories such as this one right here. Maybe a little similar to how the tunes of “Crushed” help others.
September 28, 2021
3 Stars for me!
My rating range of this story... 3 - 3.75 Stars
If significant, why?
Main Character Ratings...
H = 7/10
h = 7/10
Was cheating involved? No
Any major triggers to be aware of?
Scenes with heat... Yes
What point does it start? 50%
How much of the story? 15%
Anything beyond M/F? No
If yes, explained
Heat Rating... 6/10
Clean or Fade to Black - 1 or 2
Normal to Descriptive 3-5
Detailed Descriptive Sex - 6-7
Um, Wow, Beyond Descriptive Sex - 8 or above
Was there so much sex or unrealistic sex that you rolled your eyes and/or skipped forward? No
The back story... The blurb is good.
The Romance... Builds semi quickly
The drama explosion... There really wasn't one.
Final Notes... A bit too flowery for me. A 10 minute love scene includes 8.5 minutes of how amazing the h is. The humor also seemed a bit forced at times. Love Lauren Blakely though!
HEA or HFN? HEA
My rating range of this story... 3 - 3.75 Stars
If significant, why?
Main Character Ratings...
H = 7/10
h = 7/10
Was cheating involved? No
Any major triggers to be aware of?
Scenes with heat... Yes
What point does it start? 50%
How much of the story? 15%
Anything beyond M/F? No
If yes, explained
Heat Rating... 6/10
Clean or Fade to Black - 1 or 2
Normal to Descriptive 3-5
Detailed Descriptive Sex - 6-7
Um, Wow, Beyond Descriptive Sex - 8 or above
Was there so much sex or unrealistic sex that you rolled your eyes and/or skipped forward? No
The back story... The blurb is good.
The Romance... Builds semi quickly
The drama explosion... There really wasn't one.
Final Notes... A bit too flowery for me. A 10 minute love scene includes 8.5 minutes of how amazing the h is. The humor also seemed a bit forced at times. Love Lauren Blakely though!
HEA or HFN? HEA
October 2, 2021
This was honestly not my favorite from LB. Yes it had everything I love from her normal book formula, right down to the narrators Shane East and Andi Arndt, but this just didn't do it for me. I felt like there's too much celebrity name doing for one, which is understandable since the heroine is a musician but it started to feel like a list of artists and song titles. One thing I did feel like was missing was the comedy. Even when her books aren't classified as a romantic comedy there's always elements to the story that will tickle your giggle box. Not in this book. I did love the chemistry between the main characters and the sex was unbelievably hot but that was pretty much it for me. Sorry LB.
April 29, 2021
I liked having a story about a female rock star even though Jane was not your typical rock star. I thought that it brought a unique quality to the story. Jane drove me crazy though but I'm not sure how together I would be if my husband left me in way Jane was dumped!
I wasn't to fond of Matthew in the beginning either. He was wishy washy!!! He got better by the end but I could see why Jane was confused on his feelings for her.
Loved Jane's son, he was definitely one of my favorite parts of the story.
I wasn't to fond of Matthew in the beginning either. He was wishy washy!!! He got better by the end but I could see why Jane was confused on his feelings for her.
Loved Jane's son, he was definitely one of my favorite parts of the story.
November 9, 2021
I listened to the Audible version of this book. Shane East has the voice of a British god. The book was hilarious. The main characters were adorable in their love of music. The relationship was amazing especially considering everything that the FMC went through and her lack of trust in men is completely understandable. The MMC was sexy and kept pushing for an interview and being an adorable puppy chasing after the FMC
April 11, 2022
Unpopular opinion coming…I have grown bored of Lauren Blakely’s books. I’ve read too many with the same premise and only slight changes to the story. This book however is very different than her past books. I absolutely adored this take on a rockstar romance. A female, single mom, divorced rock star! I loved this! And Jane’s journey to heal was beautifully told, without losing the humor and steam Lauren always brings! Overall this may be one of my new favorite books!
March 27, 2023
I have mixed feelings on this one. On one hand, I liked the concept of the down on her luck indie rock star, and the fancy British writer/reviewer. Then on the other hand, she wins a Grammy, then the next day just hops in a regular cab? No car, just a plain ol' NY cab? And plenty of other times where she was just a normal everyday girl. No one recognizing her, etc.
The chemistry between the 2 MCs was good, I just didn't get into this one as much as I thought I would.
The chemistry between the 2 MCs was good, I just didn't get into this one as much as I thought I would.
May 23, 2021
One of my go to authors since discovering her a few years ago… but this book was a bit disappointing and I found myself putting it down several times to read something else. Not a bad story or characters, but just consistently meh…
October 4, 2022
The break-up of Jane Black’s marriage inspired her Grammy-winning album Crushed. Does she have another album in her? Can she only write sad songs?
The creative process is more interesting than the romance.
The creative process is more interesting than the romance.
October 5, 2021
Just average
December 14, 2021
Loved the story and the characters.
August 25, 2022
I liked this one but I didn’t love it. Sometimes rom-coms can be hit or miss for me and I just didn’t feel a connection to Matthew. But over it was still an enjoyable (beach) read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews