This was an interesting listen. I enjoyed the female narration more than the male one who kind of droned on at times especially if listening to this at regular speed. I spent a lot of this story simple confused about my thoughts on this book. It wasn't bad but it also wasn't a must listen story that I was fully engaged throughout. At times I just felt like I was along for the journey.

CW: child abuse, drug/alcohol addiction and abuse

If I hadn’t committed to writing this review, I likely wouldn’t have finished this book. I was really intrigued by the cover, by the tropes - second chance! childhood best friends! - and by the fact that the author of this book is herself a musician, so I could trust that the industry as portrayed in the book would be accurate and exciting.

However, I felt like the romance got muddled down in the plot of the book and was ultimately underdeveloped, leaving me unsatisfied. The romance didn't read as central to the plot - we didn't even really get to see the characters interact substantively until over 25% of the way through the book. And even then, the characters weren't particularly likeable. Now, I understand the virtue of an "unlikeable" heroine/hero, however there was nothing particularly endearing, relatable, or even interestingly flawed about these characters.

As far as the audio is concerned, I love a dual narration. However, I had a few issues with both sides of this narration. I had to listen on 2x speed t0 get the pacing that worked best for me (which isn't raree for me). There were times when her audio had a tinny quality to it, and his narration felt overperformed at points. All things being equal for you, I'd recommend reading the book over listening to it.

I did find the ultimate climax of the plot compelling, cinematic, and gripping, and the resolution of the external conflict to be oh so satisfying.

It is clear that Xio Axelrod knows what she’s talking about (even if I don’t!). This book is perfect for music lovers with a sneak peak into the inside of the music industry.

Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC.