I've read all of Matthew Norman's novels except one and have loved them all. Charm City Rocks definitely pushed all of my buttons:

1. As a 60-something who found love later in life after being dismissed too often as being a nice guy, I loved the middle age romance where the nice guy meets the woman of his dreams.

2. As a guitarist who never achieved any form of musical success because of my weak vocals, I loved Billy, a talented piano player who topped out as a music teacher because he can't sing.

3. As a Dad who has shared my pop culture touchstones with my daughters while also trying to relate to theirs, I loved Billy's relationship with Caleb.

4. As a fan who has forged friendships with some of my all-time guitar heroes (though not in a romantic way), I loved Margot working past her celebrity to connect with Billy.

5. As a writer who never did anything more than self-publish, I love how Norman writes about characters and lives that probably resemble his own, and about the city he loves (Baltimore), and about music that he seems to clearly love.

Funny, charming, relatable -- a great read. Romance by a male writer about a male protagonist. You'd have to be the ultimate cynic to not like this. And even if you are, if you're a rock/pop fan, the music industry setting may win you over.

Could this story be any more charming?! Yes, I realize how cheesy that sounds but this book was wonderful. It blends teenage/young adult day dreaming with mid-life reality and it works so well. Billy is the most likable character that I think I've ever read and Margot is one that you want a second chance for, so badly. When she walks into his path, with the helping high hand of his son, Caleb, both of their future paths are shifted. Seriously, if you want a fun, closed door romance, this is definitely one to pick up. The weaving of the music references throughout the book sets such a great vibe.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

"𝘛𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘵: 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘪𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘴 𝘶𝘱 𝘴𝘰 𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵. 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘰𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘶𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘭𝘺, 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘳𝘵𝘺-𝘴𝘪𝘹 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘩𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘷𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬."

This is book is definitely different than your typical romances out there!

First of all, it's completely in third person, and told through multiple character POVs throughout the book. Honestly... it was a bit confusing at first, because you're getting to know everyone, and I was constantly like "whose head am I in?" - but it did get better as the book went along.

This method did work though with the storyline, because you have so many overlapping stories... ex-spouses and partners, mixing with current spouses/partners, a teenager in the middle of it all... and it really does provide a lot of character development and insight being able to jump between the POVs.

Overall, I really enjoyed the story, and I'm glad that everyone essentially got their happy ending... even if they were all traditional "happy".

Thank you @randomhouse and @netgalley for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
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Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.

This is my first book by this author, and II was absolutely charmed by everything about this book! The main couple captured my heart, but the side characters shared a piece as well. While the premise felt like a modern-day fairytale, meeting your crush rockstar in real life and having a whirlwind romance, the execution was so pure and realistic. I adored Billy and Margot. I applaud the author for not turning the exes into villains. It's not often you can grow to like the persons who could potentially cause conflict for the main couple. And Caleb had such a wonderful support system found in a non-traditional family setting. The story is funny and sweet, told in different points of view to give a fuller depth of emotion. I absolutely loved everything about this book! "Charm City Rocks" totally ROCKS!

5 stars

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the opportunity to read the ARC of Charm City Rocks by Matthew Norman. I really enjoyed this rom com. It was a Hallmark movie in a book about a used to be rock star and a music teacher. I loved the characters and the charming setting. This book made me want to visit Baltimore and I've never before felt that urge. This is a book about finding love later in life and making unconventional family dynamics work.

Well, I'd like to know where author Matthew Norman has been all my life?!?!

I was absolutely and thoroughly charmed by this story. What happens when a single dad meet the former rock star crush of his youth? Billy Perkins is about to find out thanks to some hilarious circumstances and his son Caleb's late night Google search. Billy lives in his favorite neighborhood of Baltimore, above his favorite music store, gives piano lessons and give impromptu concerts for his sidewalk audience. He is crazy about his teenage son and has a great co-parenting relationship with Caleb's mom and step-dad. He would tell you he is happy. And then Caleb arranges a 'meet cute' between his dad former rock goddess, Margot Hammer.

This sets off a domino effect of bizarre and riotous events that kickstart Margot's long dormant career thereby introducing us to an ever widening circle of characters. While some of these events seem wildly implausible, I can only tell you I bought in wholeheartedly and enjoyed every moment. I never once found myself rolling my eyes, only smiling and laughing and cheering for these flawed, but lovable people.

As a more mature reader, I am always thrilled when main characters are over 30! While romance is certainly is an element of this story, it is so much more. We get glimpses of the male dominated music industry and the challenges talented woman face; parents struggling with letting go of their college bound kid and what the empty nest will look like; friendship in all its many forms; and a big love letter to Baltimore, a character itself.

Loved it and am thrilled to see Matthew Norman has a backlist to dive into!

Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Dell for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

A fairly decent read. The relationship dynamic works well with everyone. As someone who is from Baltimore I felt all the references were just a bit out of place in some spots. Felt inauthentic. This would make a good movie though.

This book was charming, complex and delightful. After accidentally consuming some of his dad’s weed gummies, Caleb pretends to be a pre-teen girl in a band to invite famous drummer, Margot Hammer, of the band Burnt Flowers. This is after watching a Netflix special where Caleb’s dad mentioned his adolescent crush on Margot.

Upon arrival and realization Margot is unsurprisingly angry and hurt and leaves soon after arriving. However, she can’t stop thinking or Caleb’s dad, Billy Perkins. Billy is a cardigan wielding piano teacher and by all accounts the nicest guy. He’s sweet and sincere and Margot finds herself effortlessly drawn to him.

This novel shines a lot on complicated family dynamics, complex relationships and making tough decisions to truly put oneself first. A triumph of a tale tying together many of its characters through music.

4 stars!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Dell for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House Publishing, Ballantine, Dell for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by a favorite, Matthew Norman - 5 charming stars!

Billy is happy. He is an independent music teacher, teaching his students to love music and have fun at the same time. He lives above Charm City Rocks, a record store, and his son, Caleb, a senior in high school, is his best friend. Billy had a crush on Margot Hammer, the drummer for a now-defunct rock band, Burnt Flowers, who is far from happy. She lives in NYC and is mostly a recluse, especially according to her daughter, Poppy. When Caleb comes up with a scheme to get Margot to come to Baltimore, her label says she can't miss the publicity. Then an impromptu concert goes viral and everything changes.

This was the most charming book and I loved every minute. Every character is perfect - from cardigan-wearing Billy, to sweet Caleb, to his mom, Robyn and co-dad Aaron, and Margot and Poppy of course, with lots of great supporting characters to boot. I loved Billy's advice sessions with Caleb, Caleb's fear of leaving his parents lonely when he goes off to college, and everyone pulling together to raise a great kid. It's a love letter to Baltimore, music and all things happy. Must read!

I hated this book. I couldn’t get into this world or bring myself to care about these characters. I don’t recommend this one.

What an awesome book! Is it about new love, old love, becoming an adult, or rock-n-roll? I didn’t know what to expect when I started this book and thought it was for young adults. To the contrary, it was a love story between older adults. It had a great music theme that permeated the pages, along with great literary references. The writing was good, the characters exciting and it is all put together well. I thoroughly enjoyed every page.


I received an ARC from Random House Publishing through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under no obligation to do so.

In this twist of a rockstar romance, Billy Perkins is a single dad living over Charm City Rocks, a record store in Fells Point. His son Caleb is about to make some college decisions, but he's concerned about his dad's happiness if he were to go away to school. After some mistaken digestibles, Caleb contacts Margot Hammer, his dad's longtime crush who happens to be the drummer from a now defunct famous female rock band called Burnt Flowers. It's impulsive and crazy and he doesn't expect anything to come of it, but it does.

Margot Hammer is lonely.When she hears about the request to come to Baltimore, she decides to do it. She too has a young daughter who is concerned about her happiness. And then something magic happens in Baltimore in that romantic sort of way. Margot and Billy have a quiet relationship and it's almost like if you aren't paying attention, you could miss these two falling for each other, but they are good together and I found myself really wanting them to make it work.

There's lots going on all around them with kids and exes and money makers and a rekindling of the band. But at the core of it is happiness, and it's right there for Margot and Billy to grab onto. I liked that they both had supportive people in their corner, people who would encourage them to take the chances they needed to take.

I really enjoyed this story. I liked the subtle emotional content and how skillfully the words made me fall for these characters. In spite of things moving a bit slowly in spots, I was eager to keep reading this until I found out what happens to Billy and Margot in the final pages. I really liked the romance between them and I was rooting for them all the way. That's the way a romance should be, and I thought this was really terrific. There are some interesting secondary characters as well. It will be on my favorites of 2023 list for sure.

This was the sweet, light hearted book I needed! I loved the switch in perspectives and how we heard from so many different dynamic characters. I also now see Baltimore in a much better, more romantic way!

4.5 rounded up to 5
Charm City Rocks by Matthew Norman is aptly named because it is a charming story told from both a male and female perspective. Yes it's a romance but it's really more about people who have settled for a safe life and what it looks like and feels like to go after what you really want. The surrounding characters also ring true especially Billy's son Caleb. This is my first novel by Matthew Norman and I'm eager to read his earlier works.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. Charm City Rocks is on sale now.

Who knew that charm city could be so charming and romantic? The characters are skillfully drawn and the dialogue is crisp and quirky. A typical romance, but overlaid with lovely layers of niceness. A fun read - no deep explication necessary, just roll with the vibe!

In Charm City Rocks, Billy’s son Caleb accidentally eat some edibles and e-mails Billy’s celebrity crush Margot pretending to be in a girl band. Margot shows up in Baltimore only to realize that she has been catfished and band doesn’t exist.

After drinking a beer at the local bar she goes home to NYC only to realize that she hasn’t been as happy as she thought and returned to Baltimore to be with Billy.

Everything comes crashing down when Margot’s past life catches up to her new found happiness.

I thought Charm City Rocks is a charming book (pun intended). I loved the characters and was rooting for Margot and Billy the entire time. I loved seeing positive co-parenting!

If you love music I think Charm City Rocks is a book you should read!

Thanks to Dell and Netgalley for a copy in exchange of an honest review

Charm City Rocks is sweet, interesting, and layered. I loved this story about relationships, complications, famous/everyday person romance, and a love of music that binds.

Billy Perkins is a music teacher living above a record store in Baltimore called Charm City Rocks with his beloved teen son Caleb. He's content co-parenting with his ex-partner Robyn, who is remarried.

Margot Hammer, on the other hand, is miserable. The former drummer of the popular band Burnt Flowers is, decades later, a recluse living in New York City.

When a documentary shines a light on Margot again, Billy's longtime crush on the musician is renewed. Caleb cooks up a scheme to get Margot to perform at Charm City Rocks so his dad, who Caleb thinks is lonely, can finally meet Margot and, if all goes as planned, hopefully forge a connection.

I was in love with Charm City Rocks--the Baltimore love, the embracing of the beauty in an everyday life and in straightforward affection, the heartbreak of missed chances, and the soaring hearts who find renewed belief in true love.

The everyday-person/famous-person love is a favorite trope of mine, and Norman adds emotional complexities to each of the main characters' situations so that their ups and downs feel appealingly realistic.

There's no false-feeling angst or drummed-up (see what I did there?) drama in Charm City Rocks. The relationships are messy and wonderful, the characters are interesting, and I was captivated by the focus on making music as an escape, an outlet, or a compulsion.

This is a perfect light-fiction read that's fun and funny, but never silly.

I received a prepublication edition of this book courtesy of NetGalley and Dell.

If this book sounds intriguing, you might also be interested in the books on my Greedy Reading List, Six Rockin' Stories about Bands and Music or the book I reviewed yesterday, The Second Ending.

Lots of charm, not enough rock ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Don’t get me wrong, it was cute and charming, with lovable characters you can easily see casted in a Netflix romcom, but there was no urgency to it, no real threat to unhinge the storylines. I dunno, maybe I’m entering my ‘I need a heart-pacing thriller’ phase of my life, but this book, while indeed charming, needed more angst, more drama, more intensity. Basically, more rock n’ roll 🤘🏻

This was a super fun grumpy/sunshine romance where for once he’s the sunshine and she’s the grump! Lots of rock and roll references which made it extra awesome.

CHARM CITY ROCKS is my first book by Matthew Norman and it won't be my last. It is a refreshing romance about people in their 40s. I fell in love with the main protagonists, Billy and Margot. The entire cast is funny and relatable with great dialogue. This is also story about discovering yourself as you mature - how life doesn't have to stay static. There is always opportunity to grow if only you are brave enough to try. Music is infused throughout the book and adds a wonderful layer to the storyline.

A major highlight for me was the city of Baltimore. It is a character in and of itself. As a Marylander, I loved how Norman captured the quirkiness and authenticity of this often overlooked city. The city is its people and the cast of characters certainly were a product of Baltimore. I got a kick out of reading the Baltimorean infused dialogue.

CHARM CITY ROCKS gave me such great vibes. I highly recommend it! 4.5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine for the Advance Readers Copy.