Unfinished Sympathy

Absolution #1

by Amélie S. Duncan

A symphony of passion and desire…

Aubrey Irving has music in her heart. Once a violin prodigy at the prestigious Juilliard, family issues and money problems forced her to give up her dreams. Now she struggles to care for her mother and makes a living as an audio engineer for a hot new video game developer.

Then she met Paul…

Handsome, gifted, wealthy…At twenty-eight years old, Paul Crane seems to have it all. He’s made a fortune as a modern commercial composer. But he longs to show the world that there’s more to his music than trendy, disposable tunes.

When Paul accepts an assignment to work with Aubrey on the soundtrack of a new video game, an impromptu audition of her music awakens a yearning deep inside his heart. But just as the sparks begin to fly, they both find themselves pulling away…

Aubrey has a dark and troubled past. Paul has a history of crossing the line with his clients. The last thing either of them wants is another temptation.

Can these two artistic souls unlock their hearts, and compose a symphony of passion? Or will their love song fade out before it even begins…

Genres: Romance, Music, Fiction

351 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 30, 2019

About the author

Amélie S. Duncan writes contemporary, erotic romances. Her inspiration comes from many sources including her life experiences and travels. She lives on the West Coast of the United States with her husband.

www.ameliesduncan.com

Reviews

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a rough one to get through. Paul and Aubrey weren't the problem. It was everyone else around them. It was like they lived to ruin Aubrey's life. Thankfully she had Paul because I'm not sure anything else in her life was going for her.

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aubrey has a past she's ashamed of. It's why she dropped out of Juilliard before finishing, and now works as a sound engineer at a gaming company on a temporary contract. When she first sees the gorgeous guy on the subway reading, she's instantly attracted. But it's when he starts working with her on her new project that their attraction explodes. Unfortunately, there are many obstacles in their way, including Aubrey's perhaps too stubborn independence, her past, and Paul's tendency to take over. Will they ever be on the same page?



There were parts of Unfinished Sympathy that I liked, but as a whole, it didn't really grab me. The chemistry between the two was flat, and they didn't make a very compelling couple. But really, the main problem I had with this story is Aubrey's character. She was a doormat, plain and simple. She allowed her sister to treat her terribly, she allowed her employer to treat her terribly, and she even allowed Paul to take over her life. Yes, she was independent and prickly, but she was also a huge doormat. She was my least favorite part of the story. Still, there were things I enjoyed - the musical aspect being the main thing I liked. It was by far the star here, and I really wished the couple at the center of this musical story was as good as the musical component.

ARC via Give Me Books Promotions for an honest review.

Review: Live Through Books Blog.

Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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[World Of Books 65 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written passionate romance based in the world of music with the unusually twist of the composing of music for computer games.

Paul Crane is 'infuriating, opinionated and impulsive but also charming and passionate' well that is what Aubrey Irving thinks about him. From the moment there eyes meet on a train there has a been a pull between the two. Paul a well know musician and composer has a problem justing people especially women who all seem to what him for him money his last girlfriend and Paul are going through a bitter law suit which has put Paul totally in the 'women are only after one thing - Money'.

Aubrey has had a hard few years a very talent violinist who was in her 2nd year at Juilliard life couldn't have been better but when her father died she fell apart and left Juilliard. Aubrey now spends her time working long hours at a gaming company working as a music video game developer to keep her mom and sister in the comfort they have always known - not an easy task with Aubrey and her sister never seeing eye to eye. But seen the day she walked out of Juilliard she has never played a violin again.

Aubrey jobs isn't the best in the world and her male co-workers are always putting her down and making her do most of the work while they take the credit.

However, when Paul is asked to work on the music for Emono Games new top game he chooses to work with him as he remembers her slightly from years before. The chemistry between the two cannot be ignored - but with Paul not trusting woman and Aubrey hiding a secret can the two make they own symphony or will it be unfinished.

[Alyson L · Rating 4 out of 5]

That is one sizzling cover - Yum! And what a unique slant on a musical storyline! Welcome to Paul and Aubrey's story folks - one filled with surprises and the unique use of music in the video game development business. Both characters come with their own issues, making the plot interesting and credible. I could have really done with less of one background character which is rare for me as I love a good villain. (Thus, in part, the 4 rather than a 4.5) The chemistry between Paul and Aubrey is part of what I really liked, making them burn up the pages, whether screaming at each other or scorching the sheets. (I needed a serious fan! LOL) All in all, I enjoyed the book and learned a lot about classical music. So if you are a video game aficionado, music lover or just enjoy a good romance, I recommend this read.

4❤️❤️❤️❤️
4🔥🔥🔥🔥

Disclaimer
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Sassy Southern Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!!!! This book kept me on the edge from the very moment I started reading. I absolutely LOVED everything about this book. The characters, the story line, the drama, and not to mention the intense steamy chemistry between Aubrey and Paul.

This book took me on such an emotional roller coaster. My heart broke for how Aubrey was treated, not only at work but by her sister as well. I knew there were secrets she was keeping about her past, but even not knowing what those were I still felt so connected to her emotions and was rooting for her to stand up for herself and demand the respect she deserved.

Paul was also an intense character. He tried to push Aubrey away because of things going on in his life, but the spark he felt when he was near her could not be ignored any longer. The problem is that Aubrey's job is in jeopardy if anyone finds out about their attraction to each other.

This book is a must read book for sure! From start to finish it keeps you guessing as to how things are going to work out. You will want to one click this one ASAP! By Alisa

[Amy Crull · Rating 4 out of 5]

The blurb called to me and the cover is super hot! The passion is clear between Paul and Aubrey is shown thru their music. Paul pushes Aubrey to see that the music is still in despite what happened in the past. Yes life got in the way and shook some things up in Aubrey. Losing her dad rocked her family hard core. She had to change some things in her and made some not so great choices, which gets thrown into her face daily by her awful sister. Aubrey is a sound engineer and is brilliant at what she does. When a promotion presents itself, this is her time to shine. She didn't expect for an attraction to Paul or with how beautiful of music they make together. She also didn't expect the company she worked for to treat like crap and disrespect her so much. They were the three musketeers as she called them. Aubrey had to watch herself and make sure she stayed on track to provide for her family. Paul had other things to deal with besides the music. He is a man who falls hard for women and they in turn suckers him into spending a ton of money on them. They only want him for one thing and he's learning that's not always a good thing. Aubrey shakes his world up. She doesn't want him to buy her things or be her savior. She works hard for what she does and wants to make her way. She is strong but takes a lot of beatings. Her and Paul have a connection. He wants her to see that anything is possible and she can get that dream she wanted. I will say I had a hard time getting into this book but I kept reading and I'm glad I did. It was a beautifully written book that brought the love of symphony and the strength of two broken souls together.

[Tiffany Readz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars-A Different Musical Read

Amelie S Duncan gives her readers a very musical read with Unfinished Sympathy, where we meet Paul and Aubrey. Two fantastic musicians at two very different points in thier careers.

Aubrey is a classically trained Juilliard violinist, however didn't graduate from the prestigious school. Her talents have landed her at Emono Games, a video game development company. She likes the job well enough, even if they don't realize what kind of talent she's hiding. One person that does, is Paul. A famous musician in his own right and knows exactly who Aubrey was/is.

Paul has made his mark in the music world and saw Aubrey when she was at her absolute best, now he's got to figure out why she's wasting her talent at Emono, while he is cutting some music for thier new game.

I wasn't a fan of Aubrey's wishy-washy, let everybody walk all over me character. She was treated horribly by the people in her life and took it, no fighting back. It was almost as if she didn't know what to do until Paul came into her life and started running it. I wished for a stronger female lead to go toe to toe with every obstacle put in her way.

Paul and Aubrey didn't light any fires for me either. Her with the doormat ways and him coming in and taking over, left zero chemistry between them. It was mainly him telling her what to do or manipulating her and her saying ok. It got real old real fast. Towards the end, I was more interested in what was going on within Emono Games than with Paul and Aubrey.

The book is well written and very musical of course. Along with Paul and Aubrey's romance, we are involved with her family and the Emono Games employees that helped keep the story interesting for me.

Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aubrey is a brilliant musician, who was going to Julliard when life happened, and she had to drop out. Now she works for an audio/production company to help her mother & sister out, as the finances have fallen to Aubrey, hell pretty much everything has fallen into her lap. This is the place where she met Paul Crane, a talented musician in his own right, as he composes music, on top of playing the piano. They share a connection which makes them even better at working together. He's super rich, and she's very independent, so things came to a head when he offered to help her out of a financial situation, as they couldn't stop fighting about it. Luckily, the music is bigger than their personalities, so it's the catalyst keeping them always coming back to each other. Unfinished Sympathy was a story which I enjoyed very much, and it brought all the emotions out while reading. Aubrey & Paul are perfect for each other, but it's always easier to see when not in the middle of it. I feel like Ms. Duncan portrayed the music industry very realistically, and there were even some f-bomb worthy twists which I loved. So, do Paul & Aubrey ever get past their issues?! You'll have to one click to find out! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Samantha (Millennial Life Crisis Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an interesting storyline and set of characters! After a traumatic experience and the loss of her father, Aubrey is attempting to rebuild her life the best way she can by working at a gaming company. Desperate for a permanent job, she pushes herself at work where the men are very prejudice against women – particularly Aubrey. Paul has been used by others the majority of his life, especially women trying to manipulate him to further their careers, and in his next business venture, meets Aubrey and is enthralled with her. While the pair tries to fight the feelings and chemistry they have in order to protect not only each other, but also their work, it ends up being the fight of their lives. I was so intrigued by Aubrey and her background and past experiences, as well as why she has made the decisions in life that she has that brought her to gaming and is such a strong character. In the end though, I felt that the storyline ended pretty abruptly and would’ve loved a little more of their HEA.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A chance first meeting on a train between Aubrey and Paul certainly has sparks flying between them. A second meeting has the potential to stop things in its tracks as Paul is being hired by the company to compose music for a computer game she is working on.

There is a lot of office politics going on in this company - no matter how hard she works and how good she is at her job, Aubrey is just not part of the boy's club. Paul though recognises her from her violin playing days and the talent that she has and insists that Aubrey be on the team that helps with the music. As they work closely, the attraction grows but Aubrey is dealing with some personal struggles: struggles that have left her doubting herself and her talent and left her alone.

I loved the twist on the music genre with bringing in computer games to the mix, making it relevant. I loved how this story unfolded and the nurturing of Aubrey by Paul...his tendency to take over not so much but his was always in the right place. Fabulous read.

***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***

[Margery Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding love story!
There are some stories that grow on you the further you read, and this is most certainly one of them. Aubrey is “lost” after she had to give up her career as a violinist due to family and money circumstances. She is now working as an audio engineer. On the complete opposite side of the financial and career spectrum is Paul. However, he too is a musician of considerable note. Their story begins when she is assigned to work with him on the music for a game. There are many circumstances in both of their lives that keep them on edge. Ms. Duncan’s considerable writing talent draws the reader into the story and creates a “vested" interest. Everything about this story is wonderful making it an absolute MUST READ!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Jin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audrey Irving is working as contract audio tech at video game company. She is fantastic at her job but nobody really realize how talented she is at her job. She has been working day and night to support her mother and sister, yet nobody in her corner except her lovely roommate. Ever since her dad's death, her life has never been happy. Until she met Paul Crane, a musician, pianist, and new age composer. Everything will change for both.
Paul is known for his music and his affairs with his female musicians. He needs to remain quiet when he decided to take this project but when he saw Audrey again, he wasn't sure if he could keep his feelings inside him. When he realized how talented Audrey is on her violin, he wants to work closely with her but with his impending lawsuit with his ex-girlfriend/upcoming artist, he has to keep everything professional.
Audrey and Paul is working closely and they are falling for each other. Both have to face their demons before they can move on with their relationship. Will they finish their symphony?
I did really feel bad for Audrey for everything she had to go through and she can finally find what she really wants to do with Paul. Paul really was a different mentor, lover to Audrey and I really like that he was pushing Audrey to do more and play. It started really slow and sad but it really ended in brighter tone.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.

[R Huiszoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amelie S. Duncan, ‘Unfinished Sympathy’, The Absolution Series, book 1.

As a Hidden Gems ARC reader I received a free copy and promised an honest review. Here it is.

Rating: 4 stars (of 5).

In general: a very musical romance.

The main characters are Aubrey Irving and Paul Crane.
Aubrey is raised in a middle class family. She appeared to be a very talented violin player. Her parents went out of their way to stimulate her musical career: Buying a precious violin, allowing a study at a famous conservatory, traveling with her to music competitions and buying her nice dresses for these events. But a few years ago her dad was killed in car accident and that changed Aubrey’s life completely. She had to leave music school, find a job and care financially for her devastated mom and sis.
During her job at an audio/video production company she meets Paul Crane, a famous and very successful sound engineer and especially a passionate piano-player/composer.
The author Amelie Duncan describes how Aubrey and Paul both have this passion for music and are very good when working and playing together. Paul is very wealthy and Aubrey is a very proud, independent woman, so she refuses his help when her financial situation becomes precarious. That causes quarrels, but the music brings them together again and again. The somewhat older and more experienced Paul learns her to fight for herself when her job is in danger and the author gives interesting insight in the music business, commercial mergers and the manipulation of the media.
An exciting book with a fine plot, good dialogues, credible characters (perhaps the bad sister a bit overdone), some hot love scenes and a lot of interesting information about classical music.

R. Huiszoon.

[Within The Pages Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a good lesson in self worth and regaining faith and trust. Very well written story that showcases the life of a down on her luck, overlooked heroine and a used and abuse hero.

Paul and Aubrey deserve to see their HEA after all the clawing and fighting it took to get there. The two have a chemistry that flies from the pages and encourages you to root for their success, both personally and professionally.

Good side characters and steaminess. Would definitely recommend to someone who enjoys music and the references made as well as someone looking for something slightly outside the typical realm of romance setups.

[Tanya Rae ~ TaSTy WordGasms · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading Unfinished Sympathy! The storyline is something I have not read before. This is Paul Crane and Aubrey Irving’s story!

Aubrey is a concert trained violinist, now working as a audio engineer barely making ends meet and Paul is a musician and composer. Aubrey has a shameful secret as to where she trained and why she isn’t training any longer.

Aubrey and Paul know of one another but haven’t met until he takes on an assignment to work on the soundtrack that Aubrey is working on.

You can imagine that sparks fly between them and their chemistry together is off the charts HOT! They create their own musical passion together!

I loved reading their story and wait until you find out the reason for Aubrey’s secret.

I love reading this authors books and if I could give Unfinished Sympathy more than 5 stars I would!

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free ARC of this novel via Hidden Gems in exchange for a review. This is my honest opinion.

This is the first time I read anything by this author. She will definitely be going on my list to keep of authors. This book was so awesome that I read it in less than a day. The plot was very deep and full. The support characters are believably awful. I loved the story between the two main characters was really beautiful. I can wait to look for more by this author.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read by Duncan. I really liked the emphasis on the musical sides of both Paul and Aubrey. There was plenty of chemistry and angst and loves the portrayal of their connection. I only knocked off half a point because Aubrey just exasperates me with always being a pushover. Glad she found her inner strength.

[Paige Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfinished Sympathy is a very musically charged book. It is well written, but I just couldn't like the female lead, Aubrey. There were too many times that she let others walk all over her. Paul's character was too demanding and added little chemistry between the two. Even though this book didn't keep me interested, I will read more from Amelie S. Duncan.

[Debra (Dragon Nanny) Phiri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt completely wrung out but in the best way! Debra @ Janise’s Jivin’ Book Blog




What this book has that is unique is that both lead characters really do have big issues that make a difference in their actually being able to be together.

I loved how they knew they have an attraction and they want to see where it goes but they have to really make sure its worth it. They also have to be able to communicate, which funnily enough is most issue with relationships. Fear of the past and what could be in the future is a huge communication blocker.

I love our supporting characters, well most of them. The others I would love to have knocked down huge pegs of life!

This story will make you smile, laugh, cry and cheer. Amelie S. Duncan has a way with words that you will not regret giving a try!

[Melissa B · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some things that I like and others that left uncaring about the characters. The music aspect is compelling but Aubrey was just so flat and they as a couple were lukewarm at best.
I'm voluntarily reviewing this after receiving from Hidden Arcs.

[H. · Rating 1 out of 5]

The plot had potencial, but the writting was really bad.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Late to the party on this book but found it well worth the read! Aubrey & Paul's romance
was just what I needed. Highly recommended.

[Morgan~ MorgsMysteryBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a long-burning romance, which I wasn’t expecting and I’m not sure how I feel about? I loved the music elements of this book! Especially how the author related it to feelings of the characters!

[Kat Crumb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

So glad i bought Paul's story.
I just loved the characters in the series. It was hard to picture paul grown up though. LOL

[April Scially · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet romance with gritty lead character and male lead.
enjoyed the added layers of the dysfunctional family dynamic to building the characters . I imagine this to be art of a series. good start.