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.

Sometimes you stumble upon a book and it's an unexpected gem.

This book is like a great album where every song is a hit. In Charm City Rocks every chapter hits the right note, each POV flows smoothly into the next, and the funny beats are spot on.

Billy is funny, and charming and a genuine cardigan-wearing nice guy. He's a piano teacher who lives above the record store, Charm City Rocks. He loves his son, he's a great dad, and he even gets along with his former partner, Robyn. He once had a huge crush on Margot Hammer, a drummer in the wildly popular band, Burnt Flowers. Margot was his dream girl.

Margot lives a quiet life in NYC, no more rock and roll for her. But when a documentary surfaces that brings her, and her band to the forefront once again, she realizes she misses playing music, and being creative. When she gets a chance to connect with a fan and perform at the record store Charm City Rocks, she takes it.

Seeing Margot at Charm City Rocks is a bit surreal for Billy, but hey, he's got one chance to shoot his shot. Right?

Heartwarming, sweet, funny, adorable, mature romance with great characters and a beautiful story line about second chances, following your heart, and chasing what makes you happy.

Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a delightful romance and i enjoyed the characters thoroughly. It was great to read about older characters.
Many thanks to Random house and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Charm City Rocks by Matthew Norman is an intriguing music-filled romance featuring a single dad that once had a crush on a rock & roll drummer & the former rockstar herself 20 years later.

I really appreciate romances that are about middle aged main characters. It is something that I think there is more a need of in the romance world & this book offers that!

I absolutely adored Margot & her relationship with her daughter, Poppy. They were so close, funny & just heartwarming. Billy & his son, Caleb, were also a great pair. I was so happy that the miscommunication that began this pair was resolved very quickly!

There was quite of bit of drama in it, which creates an interesting story to read along. This is a romance with a unique feel to it & I really enjoyed all the music that was immersed in it. There were a few moments where I missed a sense of urgency or wanted to fast forward a bit but I also have ADHD. I liked the variety of characters & their viewpoints throughout the story.

For romance fans & music lovers, Charm City Rocks could be a lovely recommendation for you!

Massive thanks to NetGalley & Dell for the free arc, which I voluntarily read & reviewed.

3.5 stars

Thank you Matthew Norman, Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC e-book. Who hasn't had a crush on some musician in their life? Lets face it celebrity crushes are inevitable no matter who you are and for a single dad, Billy, that was case, It's not until his teenage son makes a goal of setting his dad up with his once famous crush that their worlds collide and they see how much they needed to find each other. This is an adorable story that gives all those with celebrity crushes hope and just a wholesome romance that was really an enjoyable read.

4 stars!

"Charm City Rocks" by Matthew Norman is a super cute book full of music and interesting family dynamics and humor and love. Seriously, if you even slightly like music, you're going to want to read this romance! This book reminded me a lot of something Nick Hornby would write. There are a lot of characters, and each one of them gets a point of view, which makes the story feel fresh and compelling throughout. I absolutely loved the main characters, Billy and Margot! Billy ventures into manic pixie dream boy territory a little bit, but I seriously ate him up. He is such a great dad, a sweet soul, an all around good guy! Margot is one badass rockstar drummer. She has been a "recluse" ever since her band broke up in a very public way. Circumstances lead her to Billy's front doorstep, and there is an undeniable pull between the two of them. I loved their dynamic, their blossoming relationship, how Margot treats Billy's son Caleb and Caleb's mom (Billy's ex) Robyn, and how Billy and Andrew (Robyn's husband and Caleb's co-dad) have a symbiotic relationship as friends for the betterment of their son's life. This is a romance featuring "older" characters in their 40s, and it seriously felt so refreshing to read a story like this! Music also plays a main character in this novel. It brings people together, forms new relationships, tears people apart, heals the soul... music is everything. On that note, the city of Baltimore also plays a characters. This book is like a love letter to Baltimore. It's all about second chances, trying to find your place in the world, taking risks, following your dreams, staying connected, and being a good person. I enjoyed just about everything about this book. It's funny and full of fantastic banter, super sweet, easy to read, thoughtful, and compelling. You're going to want to read this one!

Thanks to NetGalley, Matthew Norman, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, and for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for my review.

I love a good celebrity meets average Joe and falls in love story. Charm City Rocks is probably my favorite of that storyline I've read to date! Margot Hammer is a rock legend who has more recently been living the life of a recluse when her PR team receives an email that has her headed to Baltimore... Billy Perkins is a happy guy, or at least that's what he thinks, but his teenage son, Caleb is about to head to college and he's worried about his dad. He's got to do something!

The main cast of characters are all loveable. You want good things for all of them. Charming is a good word for this book. The story flows so nicely and makes for a fast, fun read that I couldn't put down. I feel like I'm stingy with stars when it comes to this genre, but this was a five star in my opinion!! Loved it!

Title: Charm City Rocks
Author: Matthew Norman
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4 out of 5

Billy Perkins is happy. And why wouldn’t he be? He loves his job as an independent music teacher and his apartment in Baltimore above a record shop called Charm City Rocks. Most of all, he loves his brainy teenage son, Caleb.

Margot Hammer, on the other hand, is far from happy. The former drummer of the once-famous band Burnt Flowers, she’s now a rock-and-roll recluse living alone in New York City. When a new music documentary puts Margot back in the spotlight, she realizes how much she misses her old band and the music that gave her life meaning.

Billy has always had a crush on Margot. But she’s a legitimate rock star—or, at least, she was—so he never thought he’d meet her. Until Caleb, worried that his easygoing dad might actually be lonely, cooks up a scheme to get Margot to perform at Charm City Rocks.

It’s the longest of long shots, but Margot’s label has made it clear that any publicity is an opportunity she can’t afford to miss. When their paths collide, Billy realizes that he maybe wasn’t as happy as he thought—and Margot learns that sometimes the sweetest music is a duet.

I really enjoyed this read! I’ve never had any desire to visit Baltimore, but I loved how this city was such a big character in the story, and I loved the characters themselves. Even Billy’s cardigans. The family dynamics in the novel were interesting, to say the least, and they added so much to the story. Thoroughly enjoyed getting to know these characters!

Matthew Norman is from Nebraska. His newest novel is Charm City Rocks.

(Galley courtesy of Random House in exchange for an honest review.)