In Tune by JN Welsh follows a classic "forbidden lovers" plotline, inundated with enough personality and diversity that it still feels fresh. A guaranteed HEA, the novel shines most outside of the intimate scenes between Leo and Luke, and more in the moments where the reader is, just for a few moments, convinced that their love won't work out. This is the conceit of many romance novels, in which even though you're aware two characters will fall in love, for enough heart-breaking moments, it doesn't feel like it will. Until, miraculously, something snaps and everything falls into place. JN Welsh succeeds especially in maintaining this deceit until the exact right moment. The pacing of In Tune is set at an even clip so keep you wanting to read more, while the cast is intriguing enough to want to learn more about. In all, In Tune is a romantic success.

this book was okay. it wasn't my favourite thing in the world and honestly, i couldn't really jive with the writing style. i wish that this book had more interesting characters, but it just wasn't for me honestly. but i know that there's someone out there that would have lots of fun with this quick and short read

Luke needed a manager. A manager that will him regain the amount of success he lost. When he meets his new manager, he is adamant any type of working relationship will not work. After meeting Leo and working with her their tumultuous relationship begins to change. Both are ready to put their past behind them and make music all night long.

interesting read with unique and interesting writing. this book really made me think and question things but kept me into the story.

Dreamy, talented guy...check. Feisty, smart, leading lady...check. Plenty of sexual tension....check. AND hot and heavy, and well-written sexy time...check.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆
This is the first book I have read by JN Welsh. I have mixed feelings about the book, but overall, I found it an enjoyable read. I did not entirely buy into the romance, which started as two angry people, then suddenly Luke decided Leo was worth his time and changed his view entirely, wanting to ignore the initial reasons for his dislike.

As we discover Leo's secret, it is difficult to understand how everything hangs together – she is meant to be an amazingly strong person, yet was okay with someone stealing what was hers... really, that is not how she is portrayed at all in her professional life. I tried to give the situation the benefit of the doubt, maybe it was intentional to show how she lost her confidence due to what happened to her – but then why wait to regain it? And why did her family let her? I loved the idea of such a strong female lead, but then her insecurities were inconsistent with this for me.

There are definitely some really great elements to this story, but for me they were a little buried in overly descriptive prose and were at times in need of a consistency check. It was set in the interesting world of EDM, with some good side characters; do give it a go and see what you think.

The story captured me from page 1 and I spent hours getting lost into this story. Leona and Luke had intense chemistry and I really felt their connection. I also liked that this story featured a strong female character who took charge and navigated each situation even when it was tearing her up inside. She's not perfect. She has insecurities that threaten her happiness and she has moments of vulnerability. At first I thought Luke would end up being another bad boy with a heart of gold. But he's no bad boy at all just a man scorned with anger directed at the wrong person. Luke is passionate about his career and has a need to prove himself. All in all this was a quick read that had me begging for more.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

*~~*ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest review *~~*

- Review to come

<a href="">Review</a> originally posted on my blog with added content <a href="https://mikkuchan.wordpress.com/">Mikku-chan / A world full of words</a>

Leona Sable is trying to bounce back from a music artist/lover that nearly destroyed her and her career as a talent manager in the music business. Her redemption and second chance comes in the form of Luke Anderson. An Electronic Dance Music (EDM) artist that needs representation after his manager/fiancee absconds with a lot of his money. Suffice to say, trust is lacking on both sides as well as the willingness to work together. They are more or less strong-armed into working with one another.

Luke having heard the whispers about Leona is reluctant to hire her so he gives her a difficult task that he doesn't believe she can pull off. Leona not one to back down from a challenge takes it on with great results. When they decide to work together and make it official with a contract Luke blindsides her with ridiculous conditions. Conditions that will haunt Luke as the tour rolls on and on.

Highly, highly Recommended: Read It!

I usually don’t read music-centered novels, but something about In Tune’s cover art and description caught my eye. This contemporary romance follows the love story between a famous EDM DJ and a music manager who fall for each other at first sight. It’s fast paced and the romance scenes run from hot to steamy!

Leona and Luke have their reservations on working together in the industry as we come to find out they’ve been burned by the same person whom they trusted deeply. Both have trust issues to work on in their new partnership and learn to move on from the past. Luke almost lost everything in his music empire since his former manager ran off with his money and Leona is struggling to be back in the public eye after her reputation was almost completely demolished. Once the two get past their initial reservations, we see how they work together to move towards the future and dominate the music industry.

I really liked the cast of characters featured in this novel and how each of their personalities added to the overall plot. Leona is a fierce boss when it comes to her career, but has the kindest heart. Luke has a hard outer shell, but is very caring. I loved how their relationship develops over the story and the constant banter between the two. They may butt heads, but at the end of the day they have each other’s backs. Leona’s best friend, Izzy, had me laughing throughout the book with her outspokenness, and I loved that she always gave Leona straight talk whenever she needed advice in her career in love life.

Besides the romance, the music aspect of the story was very interesting seeing a look behind the scenes of being a music promoter/manager and all the work that goes into tours, performances, etc.

This is the first book I’ve read by JN Welsh, and I look forward to checking out some of her other books!

In Tune totally enraptured this reader with its romance that seared every single page, the music that felt like a beat in my blood--and the writing that kept me engaged enough to almost miss my train stop twice--on two different occasions.

I'm not much of a music novel fan. They tend to lack the pizazz needed to really pull it off. It's often so heavy laden with lackluster romance, clinging to the normal new adult ideals, and music that does little to pull me in.

In Tune was NONE of that. It was well written. The pacing was torturingly sweet--and so perfectly timed. The only times I found myself rushing it along--was in my own greedy impatience.

The characters practically leaped off the page and grabbed me in a chokehold until they were done with me.

Luke is this dream music GOD--and as someone who is not much of a house music fan, I'd pay dollars to see him perform if he were real.

His love of music--his lofty goals, his oversized heart--all made him a character I easily fell in love with. Leona was no different. I admired her hard work, dedication and the sass she brought to the novel.

I admired her fight--and the dedication she had to her craft. Passion always makes me a happy reader--even in the many forms, it comes in.

This novel is absolutely outstanding, in romance, in content, in writing style--and in overall goodness.

I'm impressed and aching for more.

I love a good music romance novel, as you know. However, I’m not a fan of EDM so while I was interested in this novel’s plot, I wondered if I would be able to connect to the musical elements.

I did.

In Tune follows rising EDM DJ Luke and music manager Leona aka Leo. Luke needs a new manager after his old one screwed him over; temporarily wrecking his personal and professional life. Leona has had a rough last year after a less than amicable relationship. She needs to prove to herself and becoming Luke’s manager provides the perfect opportunity, even if he initially seems intent on making it complicated.

Leona and Luke were like oil and vinegar when they first met. There was an attraction there from the beginning, but they were both determined not to reveal them.

Luke may have been a bit of a pain in the ass when they first met but he turned out to be very attentive and loving. He appreciated Leo’s talent and was willing to be with her every step of the way, especially as parts of her past resurfaced. Leo wanted to pull back but Luke wasn’t going to let her off that easily.

Leo was a badass. She was amazing at her job and knew what she was doing, and was intent on crushing every tour goal they had. She didn’t want a repeat of her past and have the media crush and question what she was capable of. That meant that even though she was obviously in love with Luke, she wanted to keep things under wraps and had to make sure Luke understood that.

Luke and Leona had undeniable chemistry. They practically sizzled when they were together and that was no more evident than the week in San Francisco.

Second chances, trust issues and proving yourself are themes in In Tune. There were many layers to this workplace romance and definitely more than met the eye with both characters.

Music brought Leo and Luke together. It created a bond, attached strings to their relationship and offered them the promise of forever.

Leona/Leo thought she had known how the day was going to turn out she would have stayed in bed. Her boss and mentor Abraham Wallace started the conversation with “ a client only wants you” and ended it with “ Meet me at the Metro Hotel this evening at seven and be dressed for a night out.” Then Leona was collecting information on Electronic Dance Music DJ Luken” The Musical Prophet” Anderson.. Dale was Leona’s long time source. He told her Luke’s manager left his tour. Dale said allegedly there was a mesh of problems including stealing money. Fraternization, For the past year Leona had stayed out of the limelight after a horrible break-up with Paul Reeves,Paul had been a client and he had bad mouthed Wallace Entertainment as well as Leona saying she caused him lose of revenue and engaged in fraudulent actions when they broke up. Paul was a producer, Lately, she had to admit the administrative role Abe allowed her to perform was snorefest and she thought about a comeback and doing the work she loved. Though she was an experienced personal manager with production and tour experience . She knew the entertainment industry would make her pay for her absence. Ten Leona talked to Tracy Ruiz one of the resident lawyers of Wallace Entertainment and he said Luke didn’t have any previous but there had been some disturbances of the peace. Mr. Anderson had a string of episodes involving angry outbursts but no one got hurt. Only a couple of scuffles. Then Leona wondered what Abe got her into. A shady business past and anger issues….. Abe asked what Leona had found out and she said Luke was very into his fans and is all over the place and not just in the states.He is passionate about his music. Leona also told Abe people had nice things to say about Luke. Then she added there was some controversy about his last management. Then a e said the company needed Luke. The rumors were true Abe’s company is in financial difficulty. Then Abe said they would talk later. Abe was talking to Tommy ‘Boombox’ Mills. He told Leona Mr.” Anderson would join them momentarily”. Tommy said he wanted to familiarize her both with Lukes present situation and how he liked to do business. First Tommy said "Luke had limited time with them as he was appearing at the Aurora Nightclub. Having a residency with consistent monthly appearance was a good sign. Luke was in demand. He liked the vibe in N Y and Atlantic City right now but but Vegas was on her radar. If Leona was his manager securing a spot in Vegas would be one of her top priorities. Then Tommy said to leo “ he is talented, one of the front runners in EDM. He’s approaching a level many DJ’s aspire to but he needs good management. It’s what held him back for years.” Tommy added he could get Luke the gigs and appearances but he needs a champion to propel him forward. Leona is really good at her job. She is a kind and great leader. Luke and Leona appear to hate each other on meeting but there's still an attraction there but Leona doesn’t want another affair with a client. Luke believes Leona likes Paul . Luke still wants Leona to manage his tour. Both Leona and Luke got burnt by Paul. Then Luke finds out Leona hates Paul as much as he did.
I enjoyed this book. It had a good plot and pace. I really liked how they showed Leona as a strong talented woman who was very good at his job. I liked the plot and pace. I didn’t like Luke in the beginning I thought he was a butthole but he did change as the book went on. I didn’t care for the insta/lust but it did grow into love. I really like that Luke cared for his fans but also his family. I like this book didn’t involve drugs in it as most musicians romances do at some point in the book. I read this in one setting. I liked the characters a lot and the ins and outs of this book and I recommend.

Due to some problems with her last client, Leona Sable hasn’t worked as a tour manager in a year. But then she wants to get back into her profession and her first client is Luke Anderson, an EDM DJ. He isn’t exactly her biggest fan and so he has put a couple of clauses into her contract that he wants her to agree to. Just like a clause that says that she isn’t allowed to have sex for the entirety of the tour. Leona is willing to agree to the terms but only if they also apply to Luke. Will the two be able to stick to what’s written in the contract?

The premise of this book sounded great and I really wanted to love it but ultimately, “In Tune” just wasn’t for me. I was excited to read a great enemies-to-lovers romance, but in my opinion, they weren’t even really enemies in the first place – they just kind of disliked each other – and then also started liking each other way too quickly. Furthermore, I thought the plot was pretty boring and I did skim parts of the book towards the end of it because I just wasn’t really that interested in it anymore.

But my biggest problem with the book was the writing style. The author just used a lot of phrases you see in so many other books and that just often made me cringe a lot. Furthermore, I also didn’t really like the choice of POV in this novel. It was a bit of a third person omniscient POV but sometimes the narrator only knew the thoughts of the female MC and sometimes those of the main MC. Those changes often happened just randomly in the middle of chapters which was very confusing. Thus I feel like I would’ve enjoyed the book more if it had just been written alternately from both characters perspectives in first person POV.

However, one thing I really loved about “In Tune” were the characters. I loved how diverse they were and that they weren’t the bunch of typical white characters with the same personalities you find in so many other contemporary romances. Furthermore, “In Tune” was also a very quick read and I didn’t feel like I had to force myself to finish it.

So overall, I decided to give this book 2 out of 5 stars. I liked the characters, it was a quick read and I enjoyed the beginning of the novel. But like I said, I just really had a problem with the plot and the writing which is why I unfortunately just couldn’t give this a higher rating.

this book started out so good and i was super there for everything - leona was such a fabulous, bold, strong character, i love the enemies to lovers, luke was an ass butt and i couldn't wait to see him grovel and redeem himself... but somewhere along the line it stopped working for me. like hardcore. which is SUCH a bummer. i don't want to pick this book apart, i hate disliking books and i don't go into them hoping to dislike it and shit all over someone's hard work. the writing just didn't work for me at all and that's really all it is sometimes.

I enjoyed this story but I did find flaws in the formatting due to reviewing this as an ARC. Leona is this sassy personality in the music industry but at time I thought she was really weak and indecisive. She is in the middle of taking a break from the business after a bad breakup when her boss begs her to return and take on a new client. Luke is this DJ that had a bad breakup as well but needs Leona and her expertise. There is drama, swoon worthy moments, but there are also flaws with the story that I didn't feel were resolved. I do look forward to reading more from this author but I may just wait until the finished product is released.

This specific video review will be included in the September 2018 & #contempporaryathon wrap-up videos.

For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Rom Book Talk.

The first in what I hope is a series, JN Welsh's In Tune is an enemies-to-lovers romance set in the Electronic Dance Music (EDM) scene. The hero, Luke, is a DJ from Chicago who is embarking on a world tour and needs someone to manage him. (Though Luke isn't from the Netherlands, I pictured him as Afrojack, complete with soul patch.) The heroine, Leona, is on a year-long break from the business after a horrible breakup with a producer named Paul Reeves. Her boss and longtime friend, Abe, pulls her back in because Luke's agent wants Leo to manage the tour and Abe's business is in financial trouble.

The problem? Luke's had a bad experience with Paul himself. Paul was supposed to produce on his last album and not only messed up his sound, he ran off with Luke's fiance (and at-that-time manager) and a bunch of money. So Luke hates Paul and associates Leo with him. Leona hates Paul and associates Luke with being bullied back into the industry that gave her panic attacks for months.

This doesn't stop the two of them from being attracted to each other, though. *evil laugh* Leo is a chic, sexy Black woman with enviable style and she's really good at her job. Like SO GOOD. She's also kind and is a great leader, something I don't think we get to see heroines doing enough of in fiction. She leads with encouragement and precision, careful planning and working right alongside a team that trusts her implicitly. Can you tell that I loved Leo? Yeah, I really did.

Luke acts like a bit of an ass at first, but he quickly realizes that Leo isn't Paul 2.0 and that she doesn't like Paul anymore than Luke does. Once she proves herself, he lets himself trust her and things progress how you might expect. The pair has great chemistry and their dialogue is one of the best things about the book.

A few other things that stood out for me:

- Setting this book in the EDM scene makes it familiar to readers of rockstar romance, but still refreshing and different.

- Luke is not an a$$hole rockstar. He loves his family and loves his fans. He's an artist, but not a tortured one.

- No drugs! I know this probably makes me a grump, but I was really glad that Welsh didn't lean into the rave scene for this book. Things are professional and I wasn't worried that anyone was going to die from an overdose during the book. (This is not a subject I like reading about for a variety of reasons.)

- The sex is hot, but the stolen kisses and pining and "we can't do this" were just as compelling.



If you're wondering if the book will make sense to readers who aren't familiar with EDM, it will. There are some aspects that I think EDM fans will appreciate, but for the most part, it's a musician romance with great characters and a fresh voice. The writing is a bit clunky in places, but I found myself smiling while reading and I can't wait to read whatever JN Welsh gives us next.


Content Warnings: emotional manipulation, slimy promoter sexual harassment

Leona has been out of the limelight for a year now. Ever since everything blew up with her ex-boyfriend Paul, and the media frenzy that followed she has taken a back seat with her role in Wallace Management. But now her boss is asking her to step back into the roll she was made for and manage DJ Luke, the Musical Prophet. Not only would she be his manager, but she would be required to go on tour with him as well. But the first time the two meet face to face, tension fills the space. Yet, she couldn’t help finding him attractive. What would happen after four months on the road was anybody’s guess.

Well this was hot. I finished this book in two days. The plot was paced well with just enough action to keep moving without it feeling rushed. It’s easy to fall for the two main characters Leo and Luke and it’s fun watching the two fall for each other. The intimate scenes were playful, sexy and exciting. There was an undeniable chemistry between Leo and Luke and it was enjoyable learning how that would play out.

This book is a little predictable. The most well balanced and developed characters are the two leads. Not nearly as much effort is put into the supporting cast of the book. I would have liked to see more character development now, that would have added more depth to the story and the plot. Overall though this was a fun, easy to read and enjoyable romance novel.

The music industry is ever changing. One minute, you’re the hottest star with music that is redefining culture and then the next you’re entirely forgotten and wiped from everyone's memories.

Leona Sable has come to learn that once you step out of the spotlight, you’re forgotten from everyone’s mind. She had built a name for herself in the music industry showcasing that she could handle any type of person, manage the hell out of them and make them a star. Additionally, Leona just happens to know how to pull off a kick-ass tour. Despite her range of talents however, one bad piece of press destroyed all her hard work. With a year-long sabbatical under her belt, Leona returns ready to take on the next hit DJ, Luke Anderson.

With his entire reputation and career in jeopardy and coming off a recent betrayal of trust, Luke Anderson is wary of hiring someone new. Especially when that person is linked to the very figure that caused catastrophic issues for his career. Despite his fears, he knows that Leona is the only person who can help him achieve the dreams he wants. Luke keeps a close hold on her and at the same time brings himself deeper and deeper into Leona’s life. Two strong headed, fiery artists go head to head with each other. Both passionate about what music means to them, Luke and Leona find that they fit into each other’s lives in a practically perfect way. With drama, pressure, and paparazzi, can they find a way to meld their two very different lives?

This book lit a spark from the beginning and it just kept raging as it went on. Both Luke and Leona are fiery characters but in different ways. Leona is a straight shooter, determined go-getter that will literally tackle any challenge and do it with a smile while Luke is a passion-fueled artist that is always attempting to better himself. They both have this drive to live up to their potential and use it to better themselves. I loved how electric they were from the start. Even though they came off as hating each other, the connection and interest was there from the beginning. I just sat back and waited for the sparks to fly and enjoyed the burn that came along with it.

In Tune by J.N. Welsh is more than just your typical romance novel. The author touched on some real issues that people face when chasing their dreams and the sacrifices they must make to see it to fruition. The raw passion and emotion that is expressed in this book will touch you in a way that will leave you looking at music differently.

***ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.***

I cannot recommend this enough...needs to be read and you need to be on this fluffy cloud i'm on right now.
First of  i just read a book with a black female lead....in a Harlequin Novel. That's definitely a first for me. And then author-san just had to make Leona the girl  of my dreams
Strong
Hardworking
Can network to save you life
Beautiful with natural hair goals
intelligent 
Give a girl a break...

And then we have Luke 'The Musical Prophet' Anderson. The first pages had wanting to claw his eyes out i mean give Leona a break. But then reading further i understood why he came out aggressive at first its a sad story and i'm not sulky anymore because he made up for it ( with them smexy scenes of course).

What i absolutely loved

I loved the way Leona was portrayed, her work ethic is phenomenal, her team members respect and trust her. She goes above and beyond for her clients and even more for the people she loves. Despite the strong armor she has on, she is also vulnerable which just made her perfect. 

Luke, his passion for music permeated through the book and he loves EDM ( one of my dreams is to go to tomorrow land the biggest EDM festival). When he finally got his ass in check he was able to see Leona for what she really was and boy does he fall hard. I loved how he showed his tender side to Leona, his love wasn't selfish and Leona deserved to be loved in an unselfish way after what she had been through before. 

THE HAIR. 

I loved the representation of natural hair in the book, you get a taste of how its styled and our dear beloved shrinkage...and through it all Lukie Luke like it.

The sex was beautiful, it was all about true connection and giving. Not just taking but wanting to give each other true satisfaction. I had all the feels.

The team of people around her, the support  was just flowing through when a win happens they all celebrate and when something bad happens they all rally round and look for solutions. 

I  appreciated how she showed the behind the scenes of the making of a musician. 

I loved that both POV's were included, the humor was also good Izzy is the best( and a professor in bitchology). 



What i did not like

Honestly its so minor but it did give me a slight bump in reading. There were mistakes, they just make you go huh? for a bit.

I really wanted to see Paul and Ivy get their ass served on a platter of gold but ah well.. i guess its best left to the imagination.