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Studio 79

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It's 1997, and R&B star Castra is gearing up for the release of her third album in a crowded landscape of other young, beautiful, and talented singers. In a panic, her label reaches out to Romell "Danger" Brooks, super producer, to work his magic like he did on her first album seven years before. Castra’s singing career, and contract, depend on it.

He has 72 hours.

It seems like an impossible feat, because the two share a complicated history. The musical chemistry they created all those years ago was the catalyst for an explosive relationship full of young love, intense passion, and eventually, heartache.

The moment the first song begins to play, the scabs on their old wounds begin to tear away, and over the course of those three days, they're forced to confront those old feelings. With their careers, and hearts, at stake, can they recapture the magic?

156 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 9, 2022

72 people are currently reading
113 people want to read

About the author

Shae Sanders

57 books526 followers
Just a girl who loves black love. Reading it, writing it, and living it.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
Profile Image for Annette Williams.
1,192 reviews414 followers
April 26, 2022
**SOME SPOILERS**

When I started Studio 79, I was expecting an upbeat storyline about the 90’s music industry but that’s not what I got at all. It’s 1990 and Castra is at the height of her burgeoning music career. Her album is costing the charts at number one and she’s dating the love of her life when everything falls apart. In the blink of an eye, Cass' life implodes and she finds herself having to make a heart wrenching decision. Living with this decision has not been easy for Cass and it starting to affect her music. When her second album crashes and burns, Cass' label reaches out to the last person she wants to see or work with again. Super producer and Cass’ ex Romell “Danger” Brooks agrees to work on her third album but, he’s just as uneasy about the arrangement as she is. Cass and Rome haven’t seen or spoken to one another in five years and they have plenty of unfinished business that needs to be resolved between them. Over the next 72 hours, anger, tears, and attitudes are at an all-time high. Making music is easy but, getting over their broken hearts proves to be much harder. The finger pointing and petty back and forth with these two was real. Cass blames Rome, Rome blames Cass, and neither one of them are ready to acknowledge the role they both played in the demise of their relationship. Even after they finally have a conversation and a round of apologies, Cass and Rome still can’t move forward quite yet. There’s a tiny little obstacle that’s standing in their way. I was honestly shocked about Justin. I really thought Rome had done Cass dirty so, I was relieved when the truth was revealed. I absolutely loved the conversation Cass had with her mama. It was so relatable and mama was spittin’ was serious parental knowledge. Cass finally realized she was the only one standing in the way of her happiness. When she was done making her boss moves, she hopped on a plane back to the ATL to get her man. Yaaaaasssss Cass!!! You betta finally take control of your life and get your boo back. I loved this couple. Cass and Rome had to deal with a lot but, they never stopped loving each other. Studio 79 was a fun trip back to the 90’s. The nostalgic 90’s pop culture references to Puffy, Bad Boys, Teddy Riley, New Jack Swing, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Xscape, Jodeci, Boys II Men, Brandy, CDs, Jet Magazine, and Clearly Canadian Water had me smiling throughout the entire book. This was a trip down memory lane I didn’t know I needed. Thank you to Shae Sanders for this ARC and the opportunity to read it ahead of publication.
Profile Image for Jahda.
1,052 reviews314 followers
October 30, 2025
SHAEEE I wasn’t familiar with your pen girl. I loved this and wasn’t expecting the twist. Usually I’m like I need more but I love the way it ended.
Profile Image for Kameel.
1,063 reviews291 followers
May 26, 2022
This Is A Slow Burn Second Chance

Cass & Rome are taking a chance on love again….the story was a little slow for me, but when Cass got the opportunity to me Justin, it actually change my mind about the story….that part really did it for me and warmed my heart.
Profile Image for Toya  Davis-Stokley.
2,549 reviews99 followers
April 26, 2022
Damn, am I in my feelings! I could sense right away that there was some deep ish with Danger and Cass, but nothing could have prepared me for THAT revelation! 🤯 Even with all the unresolved issues these two had, they were still magic together! The chemistry and love was still right there! Cass was young, and focused on her career, I get it. But I wish that she had someone to help guide her through her decisions, instead of force them upon her! She was lashing out, because she felt caged with no say so over her own life! Danger was bae all day! Although he was hurt and angry about what went down, his love for Cass never wavered, and he wanted to always see her win. When I tell you I could feel all the pain and emotion these characters were going through!!!!!! Whew! 😢 I may as well have been right there in the room with them! So glad that Cass finally got the courage to do what was best for her, and find happiness! Great read! 👍👍👍
Profile Image for Melanin Book Lover.
269 reviews26 followers
April 10, 2022
Castro is set to release her third album but after her second album flops and the label isn’t impressed with how the current album is coming along they call in Super Producer Romell “Danger” to work his magic like he did seven years ago. They have only 72 hours to get this album together or Castro’s career is at stake, the problem is its been five years since Romell and Castra ended their relationship and they haven’t seen each other since. To be able to get through the next 72 hours together they have to work through the pain they’ve been holding onto for five years.

Whew Shae Sanders never disappoints, I read this book in one sitting because I could not walk away from this read. I could feel the chemistry between Castra and Romell from the first page, not only was their love seeping from each pages but so was their pain. At the height of Castra’s career she had to make a life altering decision that not only would impact her career but also her relationship with the love of her life Romell. Castra has carried the guilt with her for five years which ultimately affected her career anyway. Romell has had to live with the pain of Castra’s decision while his career soared to new heights.

While I liked Romell from the first page I was feeling some type of way about him but when the truth is finally revealed I was shocked and had to rethink my feelings for Romell, his pain all made sense then. I was glad when Castra owned up to her role in her decision and realized she was the one standing in the way of her own happiness. I loved how Romell pushed Castra in the booth and pulled the best out of her and how he supported her career and decisions even though it hurt him in the process.

I am more of a contemporary romance girl but it was nostalgic going back to the 90s when R&B was at its best. There were several references to 90s R&B influencers like Puffy, Teddy Riley, Brandy, Monica, Boys II Men etc. I was left wanting more of Romell and Castra, If Shae Sanders should be so inclined to give us a little update on this couple I would definitely jump at the chance to read it, but then again I jump at the chance to read any Shae Sanders read. This was an amazing second chance love story that I thoroughly enjoyed,

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for *Ebony I*.
1,405 reviews157 followers
November 10, 2025
Still in Love

I'm always skeptical when the past has to be revisited in books, because sometimes the transitions aren't smooth. However, this story didn't dive too far back, and the way the story flowed just made sense. I loved that the story took place in the 90's when R&B was at it's peak. The storyline was different, and my initial thought was correct, but I definitely began doubting myself as the story unfolded. I love when a story isn't predictable and provides a fresh story line, and this story did just that.

This is a second chance love story for Castra and Romell. These two were young lovers, both embarking on new careers in the music industry. When poor decisions, crazy sexual chemistry, the pressures of highly publicized careers, and just being young and dumb ultimately tears them apart. Five years later Castra finds herself needing Romell's help to revive both here career and her third album. The chemistry between them sizzles like it never left both musically and physically. They have some heavy unfinished business and Castra has to come to terms with the decision she made and the guilt that came with it. Rome was so kind and understanding for the most part. Nothing like these raggedies out here would have been. He was supportive in a way that I'm not sure most men could be. Even though his hear was on the line, he was open to being hurt again for Castra. This was sweet with a little bit of sadness.


P.S. I loved the wikipedia page at the end, even if the first album was listed incorrectly. Also did Coco ever get fired, because sis was getting paid for absolutely nothing. She negotiated her deal herself and Rome set it up....what was she there for???
Profile Image for Jordyn.
142 reviews59 followers
April 12, 2022
Refreshing storyline

This book was really good. It took us back to the 90's when R&B was in its prime. The storyline was really complex and I thought I had it figured out and I didn't. I loved Danger and how he loved Castra despite it all. Shae did a really good job with the creativity of the book and I really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Brittany Stewart.
1 review3 followers
April 12, 2022
Studio 79 is a nostalgic trip to one of the best decade for music. Super-Producer Romell “Danger” Brooks and R&B sensation Castra DeAvalon have three days to recapture the magic they first established on Castra’s first album five years ago. Not surviving the sophomore slump with her second album, Castra has a lot riding on her third one. A lot! Despite the album being finished, the label is still not satisfied and sends their artist to the one man they know that can turn things around, musically. Yet the producer and the singer had more than just a musical relationship and we learn throughout the story tidbits about their personal relationship.

I love this book! Not just because it’s a flashback to the 90’s(again, one of the last best decade for music) but because we get to learn how the music industry works, what it takes to make an album and how the industry as a whole can ruin relationships. What I also love about this book is the two main characters. Castra is a complicated young woman who’s past decisions is weighing her down in the present. Having began her career at the tender age of eighteen, she always had to do what pleased her parents, the label, etc; never having a voice. Danger didn’t play no games. Not when it came to his producing and when it came to being there for Castra, personally and professionally. Personally, I feel like he was the mature one especially when it came to the decision that ended their relationship. Usually in other novels, it’s always the woman left handling the responsibilities while the man can just go on about their lives but not this one. That twist I didn’t see coming! Now professionally, he really looked out for Castra after discovering that her label really didn’t have her back after all.

I enjoy the ending but I really wanted more. I wanted to see where Castra and Danger’s relationship goes. I need to know how things are going for them personally and professionally. I really believe they have more to tell. Thanks Shae Sanders for the ARC to give my honest review.
Profile Image for LaTosha Webber.
1,164 reviews72 followers
April 18, 2022
i want expecting that

I have so many feelings about the whole concept of this book and I’m not even sure how to process them. I think it’s an incredibly bold storyline and I honestly can’t wait to see what everyone else thinks. I think the timeline works in Cass’s favor for sure and because I’m a huge advocate for woman making the choices that make sense for them and not what society tells them they should want and aspire to. I think i just have issue with the way Cass went about it. What I know for sure is that this is capable of sparking some interesting conversations. Danger is an incredible man, not without his faults. I will say that I would have been totally ok if this hadn’t have me an HEA. Find me on IG bigbuttandabook if you want to to discuss. I’m giving it a week before I start with the spoilers lol
Profile Image for Stacy P.
98 reviews8 followers
April 13, 2022
This book definitely took me back to 90’s. I was pulling up all the old songs. Lol. I love how the author talked
About how the music industry worked.
This book was really good. I will say it start off a little slow to me, but honey when it picked up it picked up. I didn’t see that twist coming at all. Danger feelings for Castra never changed, after all that time.
Shae did a good job on this book. Must read
Profile Image for Mrs..
5,993 reviews107 followers
April 16, 2022
Rome wasn't built in a day

The story was about losing oneself for selfishness and finding the strength to overcome and move better. Castra gave up what she thought was a hindrance to her career and the man she loved. She could lose all she loved if the latest career move backfired. Rome wasn't built in a day; much like the old saying, the man Rome was worth the wait. 4.25 stars...
63 reviews
April 12, 2022
Great read!

I received an ARC copy in exchange for a honest review. Music brought Cass & Danger together but it also caused their relationship to be placed on pause for over 5years. Cass needs Danger's help to revive her career after her previous album flopped. Cass made a life altering decision that was best for her personally & professionally; but it's taking a toll on her present state of mind. Danger never held her decisions against her, instead he continues to love her. I enjoyed this story. Since there was no epilogue; hopefully, that's a sign that we'll hear from Cass & Danger again soon.
Profile Image for SELINA.
269 reviews38 followers
April 19, 2022
Studio 79 by Shae Sanders (2022/04/10)
Rating 3/5 Stars
Disclaimer: Thank you to the author (Shae Sanders) for providing me with an e-ARC to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Check this out with you like. . .
☆ Second Chance
☆Music
☆ Artist/producer

Castra DeAvalon, an R&B singer, is preparing to release her third album in this novel. Following the failure of her second album, her label contacts Romell "Danger" Brooks to work on it to rescue her vocalist career, as he did on her debut album seven years earlier, and he only has 72 hours to fix it.

Castra and Danger, on the other hand, have a convoluted past. They made the song all those years ago because of their youthful love explosive relationship, and they are unsure if they can work together while still suffering from the aftermath of their breakup.

However, as soon as Castra begins to sing about love and grief, they know that to fully forgive and go on, they must address those old feelings, but they are unsure whether the risk is worth it.

This novel was enjoyable to me, and I will be checking out more of Shae’s work. I liked the writing style, and I'm a sucker for second chances. The chemistry between the hero and heroine was fantastic. I enjoyed how he pushed the heroine to step outside of her comfort zone and create the finest music.

My appreciation of the novel was hindered by the fact that I wished we had seen the characters' initial meeting. I suppose I needed it to connect with the relationship rather than being informed about the history. I wished we could have seen some flashbacks to see what had transpired.

There is also a trope in this that I am not very fond of, but it was handled differently in the novel, and although I didn't love it, I also didn't despise it. I also believe that this novel could have used about 50 pages to really flesh out the relationship.

Overall, check it out if you need a fast second chance to read. Thank you again to the author for providing an e-arc of this book in return for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sharonda Isadora.
200 reviews21 followers
May 1, 2022
**Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read/review (ARC received).

Now, whew boy...what a trip down memory lane! I loved the ninetys music throwbacks. All the big names, the "fresh" magazine covers lols. Talk about nostaglia! But anyolways, this story is about Castra and Rome who have history in the music industry and chile, let's just say that both of them are not ready for the reconnection. But Castra needs super producer Rome like a bad habit at this point in her career as its not looking good for our girl.

We see as readers both Rome and Castra struggle initially because when I tell ya'll the history is deep between them, its deep. And the secret that revealed had me spinning. I commend Rome for stepping up and being a man about the situation. I also commend his understanding of Castra's decisiont to step away to save her career. Because even though I sided eyed the hell out of her, her futur definitely would have taken a different turn had she not. Thats what I love about Shae Sanders, she is alway able to get readers to see her vision on page.

All and all, I enjoyed this story. Both Rome and Castra come to realize their part in the break of their relationship. It was good to see Castra's growth on page and her finally taking control of ther life and realizing that yes, the people behind her played part in her decisions but ultimally, she had to be the one to voice how she wanted to move through life.

This was a good story and I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Kimberley (pennedbykdb).
87 reviews6 followers
April 15, 2022
Shae Sanders made some studio magic with this one!

Studio 79 is a second-chance romance between an R&B legend and her producer. They created magic on her debut album and in their personal lives but the magic didn't last. Now after her sophomore album flopped, they are thrust together once again to recreate some magic on her third album or she may get dropped from her label.

This was such a moving and heartbreaking read. Second-chance romances are always a reminder that love just sometimes isn't enough, and pain and heartbreak can still ruin a good thing. This was certainly the case with Danger and Castra. You could feel how deeply they loved each other but old hurts and a huge secret kept them from moving forward.

I enjoyed this book so much, I loved the insights into the music industry and the sprinkling of real-life music icons and happenings that were woven into the storyline seamlessly. I also enjoyed how music was used as a medium for Castra to work through her hurt and heartbreak and how well Shae was able to depict Castra and Danger’s emotions as the book progressed.

Studio 79 was a great read and the Castra wiki was an added bonus and a lovely spin on the usual 5 - 10 year epilogue.

Guys and gals, go read this book!!
Profile Image for Candi.
155 reviews
April 10, 2022
I’ve tried to write a review for this without including spoilers so consider this review VERY watered down.

This felt like jumping back into my childhood and all of the music that played on my Walkman. What seems like a very simple second chance romance delves into so much more. Young fame, how to parent a child in the industry, taking control of your future and accepting responsibility.

Cass and Danger are working together at the request of her label to recapture the magic from her first album, Danger knows all the ways to get the best out of her and does it even when Cass is ready to pitch a fit. Over the course of the three allotted days, they unpack years of baggage to work towards their second chance.

There’s a scene in the book between Cass and her mother that resonated with me on the Ferris wheel of motherhood and how we protect our children even when they have legally outgrown our protection. Lots of good for thought in that scene and appreciate that Shae includes so many different types of mothers in her books. It’s a theme that is neglected often.

I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
Profile Image for Matthania.
375 reviews35 followers
August 28, 2022
Now I love a good second-chance romance, and Studio 79 did not disappoint.

I loved Castra and Rome's chemistry, it jumped off the page. I liked that the story is set in the middle of their estrangement. Castra needs Rome's help to make her third album reach the same heights as her first. But the history between them threatens that. It added an air of mystery and curiosity that really made Studio 79 a page-turner.

I truly did not see the twist coming, but I was here for it.

The sex scenes were great and I'm happy Castra and Rome reconnected. This is only the second book I've read by Shae Sanders and she's becoming a favorite of mine. The writing was good, the chemistry was there, and the characters were likeable and relatable. I was invested and intrigued. I can't wait to make through Shae's backlist.
Profile Image for TellsOfABibliophile.
529 reviews15 followers
August 20, 2023
Second Chance Romance 😍

Rome and Castra both had something in common. Their love for music. They created her debut album that had the world loving her. Then things took a turn left. Now Castra back to record another album with Rome. Them being around eachother after years brung back old feelings. I loved Rome. He was such a good man. Caring. Loving. He loved Castra wholeheartedly. Castra felt the same but she held a lot of guilt. She made a lot of decisions based on others. But yall these two together I loved it. You can see the love and could tell they had a great friendship. I loved the rawness of this story. The wiki page at the end was so creative. I don’t think I seen a author do that. That was dope as hell and different. Read this book. You won’t be disappointed.
135 reviews
April 10, 2022
Shae did it again! Her writing style is masterful. Every time I read her books, I can visualize the story in my head and Studio 79 was no exception. I typically like books that are current, but taking us back to the 90’s was nostalgic.

This book definitely took me somewhere I did not expect to go. You don’t typically see women make the choices that Castra made, but she was young and very impressionable. I felt sorry for her as I read this book. Her love for her gift made her make a decision that she most definitely would be judge harshly for. However, Romell aka Danger was ready to love her and not judge her for the choices she made. They had a whirlwind romance that left them heartbroken, but even after being apart for so long they found their way back to each other and back to love.

I thoroughly enjoyed the journey Studio 79 took me on. Even though it was a short read, the storyline didn’t feel rushed.
873 reviews7 followers
April 11, 2022
Run it back

I received an ARC copy of this story and I went in blind. And let me just say that was the best way to experience Cass and Rome’s journey. The music that they made together as songstress and producer played out in a totally unexpected, heart-wrenching, flashback format. Featuring 90’s R&B music artist references, which many of us consider the last decade of “good music,” this love story not only tugged at my emotions, but by the end, had my eyeballs sweating. A choice was made, and then there was the aftermath! This is one that will have you processing after the last page is turned. Five Stars from this reader!
Profile Image for Brittany J. (BNJreads).
382 reviews41 followers
April 11, 2022
Rome and Castra, deeply rooted in love and regret. Words left unspoken for more than one reason totally killed their union. I enjoyed their connection in the studio. The way Rome loved her, never judged her and did his best to understand where she was coming from.

There was growth in this short story, mostly in Castra’s understanding of who was in her corner. Living for others is incredibly hard and she did it repeatedly for years. She lost sight of what was important to her and what she wanted and love helped her gain all of that vision back.

I love Black love; Rome and Castra embodied it fully.
Profile Image for Verlana Munn.
2,020 reviews40 followers
January 23, 2023
It's A Good Thing To Get A Second Chance At Love.

Shae, good read. Danger, was a good guy that had a heart of gold. He loved Castra with his whole heart. Castra, was young and wanted more out of life or so she thought , she was so miserable and she had to learn how channel her feelings in a positive way.
Meeting up with Danger again Castra was able to finally admit to things she had done wrong and begin her healing. Danger showed her how to take a step into her own situation to have all she needed and wanted. Sharing a secret between the two, coming together in the open letting go and living🤗🤗🤗
4 reviews1 follower
April 18, 2022
This beautiful cover is giving me all the late night, soft tender RnB, jazz club feels. I enjoyed this second chance romance. It sizzled and pop right where it needed to. Two "children" in a world of their choosing making decisions like they are adults. That genuine love and care is still evident but again they are in a world where their choices are not their own to make. Too many things hang in the balance and are they really "grown" enough to even try again. I found my happy place reading this. I loved the characters names; Danger and Castra.
Profile Image for Yolanda Moore.
148 reviews23 followers
May 23, 2022
Throwback love Story with a twist!

Castra has always wanted to be a singer. She found fame at a young age. She had a successful first album produced by Rome. She and Rome had good chemistry and passion. Something happened that tore them apart. Now she is back to record another album with Rome. Her career depends on this album being a success. Now that time has passed will Castra and Rome still have the chemistry needed to put her career back on track. I loved the setting being in the 90’s.
Profile Image for Whit.
3,643 reviews51 followers
August 20, 2024
Absolutely loved this captivating page turner! So much that I am returning this copy to KU and purchasing my own copy, so I can read it over and over whenever I want !!!!!!

First I loved Cass and Rome and how they worked to overcome their painful past, while keeping a precious secret. Cass needs Rome to revive her singing career, but will her guilt decimate their relationship one more time?

Thank you Ms. Shae! There was so much wisdom in these pages, reflecting how most of us self sabotage our own lives, through guilt and poor choices!
220 reviews2 followers
April 12, 2022
A second chance

When I saw this new Shae Sanders release, I moved it to the top of my TBR list. It did not disappoint!! I love love, I love music and I love the 90's so I knew the book would be good but it exceeded my expectations. I thought it would be a simple second chance at love story but the plot twists made this book a masterpiece. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would! I loved the addition of the Wiki
231 reviews6 followers
April 15, 2022
studio 79

I really enjoyed this book..it was different. We don’t normally get to see the heroine from this point of view. author wrote her in a way you could sympathize with her being a young girl in the industry faced with some tough decisions. also appreciated the era it was written. It made it most realistic in relation to the times. This author is becoming a favorite and I have read a few already I really liked so I am planning to binge the rest.
Profile Image for Monae Nicole.
Author 76 books188 followers
April 16, 2022
Great read

I really enjoyed this storyline and the nostalgia of it. It felt like I was right there with the characters. I completely understand Cass's decision and I admired Rome for supporting her decision. I also enjoyed getting a look at the behind the scenes stuff that goes on in the music business. Cass and Rome had chemistry that couldn't be denied. This is one of my favs by this author. Would highly recommend it.
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