Billy Perkins unexpectedly meets his rock star crush, Margot Hammer, in Charm City Rocks by Matthew Norman. The story details their meeting and what happens next between them. Will this meeting turn into a disaster or a whirlwind romance? Or will Billy get a simple autograph and go back to his life as a single dad living over a record store in Baltimore?

I liked the premise of the book because of being a music fan myself. Of course, I've had my own crushes on rock stars, although with my musical taste, I may as well go back into a time machine because some may not be of this world anymore.

And I liked all the interspersing of music in the book. It turns out that Billy is an accomplished musician himself albeit unfulfilled yet teaches kids how to play. He even has a few fans who can yell out requests through his open window. But I cannot imagine how he makes nearly enough money to sustain himself or his teenage son who's bound for an Ivy League or another prestigious school.

Other characters make their appearances and you get their perspectives as well. You'll find out why Margot Hammer gave up her career as a drummer and lives her own lonely, reclusive lifestyle in New York City. And Billy's son Caleb gives his perspective on his dad and his own life. You also meet Caleb's mom Robyn and her new husband Aaron. And don't forget famous actor Lawson Daniels who was once married to Margot.

I enjoyed the story well enough, but it's a little too trite in places and unbelievable. Some of the new relationships that form or are in development were too convenient. Just because people meet (and I don't even mean the two main characters) doesn't mean that they can become a couple. Invent another character then.

Since my son just started college near Baltimore, I found the scenes and references to Baltimore really cool. They definitely rang true, and I think it made the story more authentic. You can tell the author deeply knows what Charm City is all about. And speaking of the title, I liked it but felt it was lacking a bit in relation to the book. It's supposed to be the name of the record store, but I didn't feel like it was mentioned enough to be the title.

I'm glad I did get a chance to read this author. I like how he writes and would like to read another book of his. This was a little too much in the romance vein for my tastes, but I think other readers who enjoy that genre will like this one. And the central story that triggers the action felt very original and fresh.

This was a lovely story with a twist of Notting Hill vibes. I throughly enjoyed my time with these characters.

This very well written story of love, family and happiness feels like a chat with a good friend. It is relatable and enjoyable while entertaining at the sam time. The characters are well developed and it is a cute, engaging romance that made me feel a variety of different emotions. The music aspect is perfect and adds a light touch to the sweet story.

Charm City Rocks is an interesting romance between Billy, a single dad and music teacher from Baltimore, and Margot, the former drummer of a famous band, before their catastrophic split. Billy has been a fan of Margot's for decades. When Caleb, Billy's son, realizes she might be back in the spotlight, he develops a hare-brained scheme to get them together. From there, Billy and Margot hit it off but are their lives too different for them to be together? It's an entertaining story of following your dreams, finding what makes you happy, love, family and friendship.

Cute novel about a guy who gives music lessons and his chance meeting with a rock star from the 80s. Set in Baltimore, mostly. Lots of quirky characters. I liked it.

I really adored reading this book. You can’t help, but adore Billy and want the best for him. He and his ex have have put their son first and he is a good person who loves his dad and worries about him so he orchestrates nee manipulates a meeting of Billy’s long term celebrity crush. The cast, storyline and writing make for a truly wonderful read. This is my favorite by this author. Great relatable characters who are experiencing real world issues, humor, a fun romance, wonderful writing and so much more made for a truly wonderful read.

A fabulously fun and refreshing book that had me hooked from the beginning. The characters are simply wonderful, even the ones that I didn't like! The plot is all character driven an moves along flawlessly giving the reader the perfect amount of information exactly where it is needed. I eagerly read this feel-good book in one sitting and already miss the characters that feel like friends after going on this journey with them.

This book is a refreshing look into the modern family dynamics of today. Billy is a talented piano teacher living in Baltimore. He has a son, Caleb, with his ex-girlfriend, Robyn, And when Billy needs a place to stay Robyn offers him the garage apartment at the house she shares with her husband, Aaron. Caleb knows his dad has always had a crush on Margot Hammer so he tells a little lie that leads to an adorably awkward meet cute between Billy and Margot. This leads to a quick romantic encounter, but Billy calls off the potential relationship. Margot has a lot of baggage including her daughter, her movie star ex-husband, Lawson, her agent and her dysfunctional former bandmates. And the little side characters add so much to this great ensemble of characters.

I highly recommend this book! If you are looking for a second chance romance, a family-oriented book or just a good romance then this the book for you! I am extremely grateful to Random House - Ballentine and Netgalley for the opportunity to read a digital copy of this heartwarming book in exchange for an honest review.

This book feels so cozy and comfortable just like Billy’s cardigans. There is no bad character in the book, except maybe a few moments where I could have punched Nikki, but otherwise everyone is genuinely good. Just maybe misguided and naive, lost in doing what’s right for everyone but themselves. Read this book if you want to root for everyone to get their HEA…except maybe Nikki.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the arc.

Billy Perkins reminds me so much of the character : Ted Lasso. That's the kind of person I imagine when I read this book. I love this character. I could read about him in a series and not be bored. He's so refreshing. He teaches music lessons above a music store. He's a good father to his son who is about to head off to college. Billy was obsessed with Margo and her music.

Margo is a former rock band drummer who married a celebrity and then basically became a hermit. I was not as impressed with Margo. She like many people kind of lost her way and had to realize that she deserved more before she could do anything about it.

These two characters (and their families) come together in an unbelievable way when Billy's son thought of an insane idea to get Margo to Charm City Rocks (the music store Billy lives above).

I loved the premise of this book, I loved Billy and everything about him, I thought Margo was ok. Hopefully Billy makes her a better woman because she came into the book as kind of bitter and angry. Over all a great story, this is my first book by this author, I will definitely check out his other books.

A heart-warming novel about falling in and out of love with a rock and roll twist. The book is incredible; I genuinely enjoyed it a lot. Although it starts a bit slow at the beginning, the development of the story is fantastic. I immensely enjoyed the character development, especially connecting with Billy and Margot, both admirable characters. The story unfolds slowly but steadily, making it a very enjoyable and charming book. While not entirely a romance, it brings you into a reality not far from everyday life, delving into the world of music, personal growth in adulthood, and love not just in youth but also as you grow older, dealing not only with your love life but with other aspects of life like family.

Despite not being accustomed to the writing style, I loved it because throughout the story, we get to see not only Billy and Margot's points of view but also those of other supporting characters, which add to the overall positive vibe of the book. Beyond love, this is a tale of family, finding yourself again, and being brave. It truly had me smiling goofily as I read it.

4.5 strong stars! I loved this book! I thoroughly enjoyed Norman's All Together Now, so I was very excited to get his latest book, Charm City Rocks. Norman incorporates super likable characters. He's so good at creating fabulous conversation and backstories that you curl up comfortably and get lost in the characters' lives. I appreciated the references to the 80s celebrities and 80s "things". He's so good at writing about relationships - not just romantic relationships, but co-workers, parents, parents and kids, friends, acquaintances, etc. I'm really surprised I don't hear more about Matthew Norman, but readers need to take notice. He addresses romance, adult relationships and problems, adult kids, money, ... And his characters are good people! I'm looking forward to his next book. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine Dell for the Reader Copy.

This one wasn't for me. I couldn't get into the story and ended up DNF.

I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

This was super heartwarming, and I especially loved the way that the children of our main characters played their own roles throughout the book. There's a lot of growth and examination of what we care about and how we prioritize our own happiness and that of those we love, and the fantastical music elements are very fun!

I have to say that the cover doesn't do this book justice. I honestly wasn't quite sure what to think or expect from the book based on the cover. I know, I know...never judge a book by its cover! Luckily for me, the book far exceeded my expectations! However, I will say that it is aptly titled as the book is a delight and utterly charming even if the intent was to name it for the record store in the book.

“Charm City Rocks” was a cute story about a former female rockstar’s romance with a normal, single father. However, I found there to be a lot of ancillary plots that didn’t necessarily add much for me and had the book dragging a bit toward the end for me. It’s a bit of a feminist twist in my eyes as most of these romances include a celebrity male trying to find love with a normal woman. I liked this fine, but I didn’t find myself continuously drawn to this story like I did with Norman’s earlier novel, “All Together Now.” 3 stars ⭐️. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for access to this book for review.

This was super cute! It gave me Empire Records vibes and Daisy Jones feelings. I wish the romance hadn't been closed door though! I wanted to know the details haha.

I loved Charm City Rocks. A perfect blend of love, with family commitment, second chances, forgiveness, and new beginnings, it was hard to put this one down!
Thank you, NetGalley, for an advanced copy of this novel.

This was so much fun. I love anything related to pianos, love stories, and where the underdog wins in the end. Billy has never gotten over his teenage crush on rock star Margot Hammer. When his son impersonates a young girl drummer in hopes of getting Margot to meet up at the music store under his dad's apartment, all sorts of chaos ensues. This fun look at long-term crushes, celebrities, and how life can go on after divorce and devastation. This was a fun story that I enjoyed every bit of. Thank you, NetGalley for the eARC. 4 stars.

Sometimes the books I love the most are the hardest to review - not sure why! Charm City Rocks is just a delightful story, a second-chance/later-in-life love story to be sure, but also a love letter to the power of music and to the city of Baltimore.

We have a single dad, Billy, a piano teacher whose teenage son Caleb sets in motion a meetup with a rock star who Billy had a crush on years ago. (Billy is around 40 now.) It’s not exactly a “meet cute”! It’s more of a meet-disaster when Margot shows up at the titular record store, cameraman and record company agent in tow, for what she thinks is a meeting with a young girl, a drummer who idolizes her and her former band.

It was very refreshing to read a story featuring positive co-parenting. I loved Caleb - he was such a cute, dorky teen. It was also nice to read about “ordinary” people interacting with famous people and finding out that they are just regular people under the glamor.

I loved the other book by Matthew Norman that I’ve read (All Together Now) and this book has solidified him as one of my favorite authors.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bantam Dell for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book, although I was rather late to it. I bounced between the ARC and the published audiobook, courtesy of my public library. The narrator, Kristen DiMercurio, did an excellent job with the various voices and accents.

Good book but felt like it got a bit repetitive towards the middle of the book. Think some things were elongated more than necessary, but it has a good story line.