Billy Perkins is happy to be a piano teacher living above a record store in Baltimore and seeing his son Caleb for alternating weeks. One night, Caleb is up late after listening to Billy's favorite drummer Margot Hammer and finds some gummy candy hiding near the cereal. He eats the THC laced gummies by accident and become inspired to write to Margot via her publisher and invite her to Baltimore under the guise that he is a young (female) drummer who is inspired by her. In NYC, Margot has been a recluse since the breakup of her band and concurrent breakup of her marriage to famous actor Lawson. Her PR company finds the email from Caleb and whisks her down to Baltimore. This was a strange meet-cute but Margot finds her musical spark again and she and Billy eventually hit it off. A lot of complications ensue-their exes, their geographical distance, their career paths, Caleb's imminent departure for college, etc. This story was heartwarming with a lot of fun secondary characters. Lawson was my favorite -his narcissistic POV was hysterical. I also loved how everyone kept mentioning Billy's cardigans-I felt like they were a physical representation of his personality.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in return for my honest review.

What a pleasant surprise! This a novel about an almost extinct species, a truly nice and happy man. Billy is a forty-something music teacher living in Baltimore. He is the father of Caleb, a very tall 18 year old son. He shares custody with Robyn, Caleb’s mother, who is a vice-president of financial company.
You don’t really need to know about music (or Rock and Roll) to enjoy the theme here. Since he was very young, Billy has had a crush on Margot Hammer, the drummer in a female rock band. And when he meets her, through a series of unlikely events, watch for the black-and-white film to become rainbow-hued. What I guess I’m saying is that this is a fairy tale in the age of social media. Everything that happens is seen, recorded and seen on the internet. And that affects the plot.
Keeping the fairy tale idea in mind, just go ahead and enjoy the characters: The vinyl record store owner, the pretzel vendor (really? Flavored frosted pretzel toppings?), the Baltimore Ravens star and father of a piano prodigy, the Academy Award Nominated Black British actor formerly married to Margot, and a young boy who plays drums in the street on a set of Home Depot garbage cans.
It’s a very sweet love story whose ending leaves you with a sense of satisfaction with the novel, kind of like the taste of that fresh pretzel.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for an ARC copy to enjoy in exchange for an honest review.
What a pleasant surprise! This a novel about an almost extinct species, a truly nice and happy man. Billy is a forty-something music teacher living in Baltimore. He is the father of Caleb, a very tall 18 year old son. He shares custody with Robyn, Caleb’s mother, who is a vice-president of financial company.
You don’t really need to know about music (or Rock and Roll) to enjoy the theme here. Since he was very young, Billy has had a crush on Margot Hammer, the drummer in a female rock band. And when he meets her, through a series of unlikely events, watch for the black-and-white film to become rainbow-hued. What I guess I’m saying is that this is a fairy tale in the age of social media. Everything that happens is seen, recorded and seen on the internet. And that affects the plot.
Keeping the fairy tale idea in mind, just go ahead and enjoy the characters: The vinyl record store owner, the pretzel vendor (really? Flavored frosted pretzel toppings?), the Baltimore Ravens star and father of a piano prodigy, the Academy Award Nominated Black British actor formerly married to Margot, and a young boy who plays drums in the street on a set of Home Depot garbage cans.
It’s a very sweet love story whose ending leaves you with a sense of satisfaction with the novel, kind of like the taste of that fresh pretzel.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for an ARC copy to enjoy in exchange for an honest review.
What a pleasant surprise! This a novel about an almost extinct species, a truly nice and happy man. Billy is a forty-something music teacher living in Baltimore. He is the father of Caleb, a very tall 18 year old son. He shares custody with Robyn, Caleb’s mother, who is a vice-president of financial company.
You don’t really need to know about music (or Rock and Roll) to enjoy the theme here. Since he was very young, Billy has had a crush on Margot Hammer, the drummer in a female rock band. And when he meets her, through a series of unlikely events, watch for the black-and-white film to become rainbow-hued. What I guess I’m saying is that this is a fairy tale in the age of social media. Everything that happens is seen, recorded and seen on the internet. And that affects the plot.
Keeping the fairy tale idea in mind, just go ahead and enjoy the characters: The vinyl record store owner, the pretzel vendor (really? Flavored frosted pretzel toppings?), the Baltimore Ravens star and father of a piano prodigy, the Academy Award Nominated Black British actor formerly married to Margot, and a young boy who plays drums in the street on a set of Home Depot garbage cans.
It’s a very sweet love story whose ending leaves you with a sense of satisfaction with the novel, kind of like the taste of that fresh pretzel.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for an ARC copy to enjoy in exchange for an honest review.
What a pleasant surprise! This a novel about an almost extinct species, a truly nice and happy man. Billy is a forty-something music teacher living in Baltimore. He is the father of Caleb, a very tall 18 year old son. He shares custody with Robyn, Caleb’s mother, who is a vice-president of financial company.
You don’t really need to know about music (or Rock and Roll) to enjoy the theme here. Since he was very young, Billy has had a crush on Margot Hammer, the drummer in a female rock band. And when he meets her, through a series of unlikely events, watch for the black-and-white film to become rainbow-hued. What I guess I’m saying is that this is a fairy tale in the age of social media. Everything that happens is seen, recorded and seen on the internet. And that affects the plot.
Keeping the fairy tale idea in mind, just go ahead and enjoy the characters: The vinyl record store owner, the pretzel vendor (really? Flavored frosted pretzel toppings?), the Baltimore Ravens star and father of a piano prodigy, the Academy Award Nominated Black British actor formerly married to Margot, and a young boy who plays drums in the street on a set of Home Depot garbage cans.
It’s a very sweet love story whose ending leaves you with a sense of satisfaction with the novel, kind of like the taste of that fresh pretzel.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for an ARC copy to enjoy in exchange for an honest review.
What a pleasant surprise! This a novel about an almost extinct species, a truly nice and happy man. Billy is a forty-something music teacher living in Baltimore. He is the father of Caleb, a very tall 18 year old son. He shares custody with Robyn, Caleb’s mother, who is a vice-president of financial company.
You don’t really need to know about music (or Rock and Roll) to enjoy the theme here. Since he was very young, Billy has had a crush on Margot Hammer, the drummer in a female rock band. And when he meets her, through a series of unlikely events, watch for the black-and-white film to become rainbow-hued. What I guess I’m saying is that this is a fairy tale in the age of social media. Everything that happens is witnessed, recorded and seen on the internet. And that affects the plot.

Keeping the fairy tale idea in mind, just go ahead and enjoy the characters: The vinyl record store owner, the pretzel vendor (really? Flavored frosting pretzel toppings?), the Baltimore Ravens star and father of a piano prodigy, the Academy Award Nominated Black British actor formerly married to Margot, and a young boy who plays drums in the street on a set of Home Depot garbage cans.

Matthew Norman's novel is a very sweet love story whose ending leaves you with a sense of satisfaction with a sense of satisfaction, kind of like the taste of that fresh pretzel?

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for an ARC copy to enjoy in exchange for an honest review.

Cute story with a fun premise, I read it in one night!

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

This is a fun one! The rock star/non-celebrity trope works. Fantastic characters and an entirely engaging storyline. I found it easy and fun to visualize the scenes unfolding. Lots of swearing, but a clean romance. Pub date is June 2023 and will be a fun beach read!

Thank you #NetGalley and #DellPublishing for the ARC e-book!

A cute novel about falling in and out of love with a rock and roll twist. Billy is a single dad who teaches music and lives a simple and happy life. One day his son who is ready to go off to college is worried that his dad is lonely so he reaches out to his dad's old crush, Margot Hammer. Margot was a famous drummer but her band broke up many years ago. Margot and Billy meet and sparks fly but old flames threaten to derail the budding romance.

There were some good moments in this book but overall this book lacked a wow factor. Baltimore was the setting and I liked how the author brought the city to life. I just wanted a little more action. I was not glued to these pages and could easily put the book down. Overall, not a bad story especially if you love a story with a rock and roll theme.

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for this arc.

This book seems very charming and cute, from what I can tell, people really liked it. I did not finish it, however, this book is just not my brand of romance novels. That being said, the characters were well written, the second chance romance was a good plot line. I’d tell others to give this book a chance!

I received an Advanced Reader copy from Netgalley for my honest review. I was hooked from the beginning. I remember working in the record section of a store in the 70s. Music playing and the Carly Simon album No Secrets lined the walls. When music is a fIber of your being, it is as basic as breathing. Billy is a genuine happy guy with an unconventional family. His 18 yr old son Caleb goes between Billy’s home in Fells Point and his mother and stepfather’s house in Roland Park. Caleb uses a ruse to get former rock star Margot to come to the record store to meet his dad. Margot’s ex is a famous movie star. Things get complicated with love and work relationships. The Fells Point neighborhood bars and street vendors entice the reader to visit Baltimore. Read Charm City Rocks, put on your favorite songs, and escape with Billy and Margot.

Here’s what I liked about “Charm City Rocks” by Matthew Norman - it’s a really sweet story. It’s about a really sweet guy, Billy, who just seems like one of those guys you want to be friends with - he’s happy, he’s content, he enjoys his life, he likes his friends, he has his routine, and he’s fine. He likes his kid (soon to be going off to college), he not only is able to co-parent with his ex-girlfriend but also has an okay relationship with her husband so they all can parent the kid. This book wasn’t a steamy romance - it also wasn’t about teenage first love angst - instead it was about adults trying to figure out their lives (and wants) yet also being realistic about those wants in their lives. I cannot say that I was too thrilled by the secondary characters popping in, but they did add some depth (and confusion) for the main characters to deal with - and clarify life with. Overall, this was an enjoyable story … and “you go, guy in the cardigan!”

Charming book about single dad Billy who gets to meet his long-time rock star crush. A love story to Baltimore is included as well.

I loved this book! A single dad, and a rock and roll drummer he had a crush on in the height of her fame, have a not so cute first meet. For fans of rock and roll and love stories, this is for you!

Well, I read it in one day. Less than a day actually. And in a matter of hours I have decided that Matthew Norman is awesome!!! I don’t know when I last laughed out loud at fiction, but I sure as hell did with this one! Such an interesting collection of characters. And the way Baltimore is used is more like another character rather than the setting! Such a great read. I’m charmed! 💜💜📚

This was a sweet story about a single dad who meets his crush, former rock star Margot. I enjoyed the "later in life" aspect and I also enjoyed the relationship he had with his son. Something was missing though for me and I cant quite pinpoint what. Sometimes the book felt slow. I thought it was well written but it didnt make me giddy as my fav romcoms do.

First, I want to thank NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballentine and Matthew Norman for the advanced copy. I received a free, advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I don't read a lot of later in life romances, mostly because....that's me and I'm in denial. But I really enjoyed this book. What really worked for me were the friends/family and the way they shaped the storyline. Usually when I read later in life books they make me feel old like this is the chapter before Old Yeller dies and the main character is getting one last bone (no pun intended). This felt a lot more genuine and had a really cute premise. I absolutely loved all the musical references which is what originally drew me to the book. Having never been to Baltimore, I felt connected to the community with the descriptions the author gave.

I think the only thing that I didn't care for were all the POV's. It didn't add anything for me and those chapters could have been used to show more connection between the FMC and the MMC, which sometimes lacked. It made the plot drag at times switching back and forth.

I will say that I was surprised this was a fade to black with no spice just because the sheer amount of steamy romance on the market. However, I did not factor that into my rating. It's not everyone's preference but I do think some intimacy can help build the character relationship sometimes.

Overall, a fine book. I'd be curious to read more from this author

This charming novel features a music teacher and a former rock band drummer. Two people who could not be farther apart in personality some how find their way to each other. Billy Perkins has had a crush on Margot Hammer, drummer for the defunct band Burnt Flowers, since her was young,. Over the years, Margot has turned into a bit of a recluse because of her meltdown on the MTV awards show, but now a new documentary on girl bands has sparked renewed interest in her. Billy has kept the spark burning for her even though he has never met her until one day, through the machinations of his son, Margot appears at the music store in the building where Billy lives. A sweet, funny, adorable and unlikely romance. Wonderfully draw characters.

⭐️ ARC Review ⭐️

Charm City Rocks
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


While I don’t just read romance when it comes to ARC’s I limit myself to requesting romance books. I’ll say upfront that, while I really enjoyed Charm City Rocks, I feel it was miscategorized.

There was a romantic storyline, but this book had many other plot lines that often seemed of equal importance and so many points of view offered (the two main characters, their respective children and their ex’s and the new spouse of one of those ex’s) that calling it a romance seems a little misleading. I can understand, though, how labeling it as “fiction” or even “contemporary fiction” might feel too broad.

I did very much like this book, whatever category it does or doesn’t fit in! As a romance, it would be a closed-door romance- there is discussion of sex but nothing more than kissing on the page.

What I loved about this one:
✔️ All the points of view: while confusing at first, once my brain caught up to the writing style, it really worked!
✔️ A “later in life” romance plot line: at 39, I’m reluctant to call a book with characters in their early 40’s late in life, but I suppose that’s what it is!
✔️ The complexities and intricacies of balancing love, life, and family, especially with both main characters having children with former partners

All said: this was well worth the read, and I’ll definitely be looking into Matthew Norman’s previous books. Charm City Rocks is set to publish on June 6th, 2023, and I can already think of a few people I’d recommend it to!

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House, and Matthew Norman for a chance to read this charming story about love, family, and Baltimore!

Read dates: 03/15/2023- 03/18/2023
Goodreads review: posted 03/19/2023
Instagram review: posted 03/19/2023

This is my first Matthew Norman book but it certainly won't be my last! Piano teacher, Billy runs into his "crush" of years ago, rock star Margot when she visits Baltimore. Still smitten, Billy is once again captivated but his own life is complicated by the fact he's a single dad and co-parents with his ex and her partner. Although I know next to nothing about music, I loved the rock and roll era and could listen to those tunes endlessly! This novel is both heartbreaking and heartwarming as we see families, relationships, and partnerships at their worst and at their best as good people attempt to navigate this messy thing we call life! Soooo good!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

My first read by Matthew Norman. Charm City Rocks was a well paced story. Loved the middle aged stars of the story. Everyone deserves a great guy like Billy. And he gets his dream HEA. What is so special about this book is all the secondary characters. It makes Margot and Billy’s relationship all the more precious, knowing there is so much drama going on in the lives of Jose closest to them.

I also want to visit the Baltimore of this book. Norman makes it the Charm City.

Thank you Random House Publishing & Netgalley for the chance to read this book! I’ll start by saying that any book that revolves around rock music will always have my heart. That said, Charm City Rocks was a such a fun read!!! Now I want to visit Baltimore lol I especially loved to read about the growth we see in Margot’s character. I do wish there was a little bit more of creativity with some names like Nikki Mixx? Really? Lol also, I had to google what “aughts” meant. Like dude, just say the 2000s. Also, what was that ending??? It just felt so abrupt? I wish we actually got to read about them physically reuniting. For all we know, Margot got hit by a bus or something.
All in all, super charming read, definitely a book that I would read again!

Charm City Rocks by Matthew Norman was even more charming than I anticipated. I loved the nostalgic feeling I got from the music references. The love story, the exes, the drama all delivered a fun story that I was sad to see end.

Thank you to Random House Publishing-Ballantine, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

I thoroughly enjoyed this fifth and latest outing by Matthew Norman, a superbly charming, feel-good story about leaning into the things in life that you recognize can make you truly happy. This is the kind of book where after you finish it, you just want to walk outside in the sunlight, basking in the glow of the start of a potentially glorious weekend. If this book can't put a smile on your face, I'm not sure what will.

I've consistently enjoyed Matthew Norman's earlier efforts, and this doesn't lack his good-natured humor, witty signature. With Charm City Rocks, you have a story full of largely likable characters that you can't help but root for. Even the characters you're sort of supposed to hate have an undeniably magnetic charm to them, you can't help but root for little victories for everyone. Well, almost everyone.

Straight to the point, this book will put a smile on your face. And really, isn't that the goal of it all? To lean into the things in life that have the power to make you want to smile?

The above is my honest opinion in exchange for a free e-book copy of this book, thanks to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group, and of course, Matthew Norman.