Never Too Late
By TA Williams
SUMMARY
A second chance to realise her dreams...A classically trained pianist, Steph works as a recording engineer for a small studio when she’s offered the job of a lifetime–travel to the Italian Riviera to help world-famous band, Royalty, record their reunion album after a decades-long hiatus. Steph could definitely do with the distraction. Her boyfriend–who also happens to be her boss–is increasingly unreliable and erratic, and she’s awaiting news from her doctor after a recent biopsy. So an all-expenses-paid trip to Italy is the perfect escape. What she doesn’t expect is an instant connection with, the son of Royalty’s lead singer. With her career–and her heart–at a crossroads, what path will Steph follow?
MY REVIEW:
The glamour of Hotel Portofino, the sex, drugs and rock and roll life of the Osbournes and a twist in the plot from a Barbara Cartland novel to keep readers guessing although there was always going to be a happy ending! Never Too Late is a fusion of all of those, set in Italy! What’s not to like?
The reader learns that a comeback album is going to be made by an aging rock band called Royalty who were as big as Pink Floyd or Queen in their day so our heroine, Stephanie, a talented, beautiful half-Italian recording engineer is given the opportunity of a lifetime to assist in this project.
It is an interesting story with unfolding layers. Perfectly plausible that burnt-out and faded rock stars should want to recreate those moments of adulation and fame and chase the high that rock music once gave them. However, sex drugs and floods of money have not always been the best ingredients to happy, contented family life as we learn throughout the story and there are undercurrents of sibling rivalry. Keith Bailey, the band’s leader, is renowned for his outrageous and difficult behaviour but as Steph arrives at his luxurious Italian villa, she wonders if she is going to like him and his entourage.
“Hopefully, Keith had mellowed with the passage of the years. She had met enough arrogant overpaid performers over the past few years to know that the prospect of spending up to a month among such people might not turn out to be a bed of roses”
As the story unveils itself, we take a liking to most of the characters and the bond which develops between Steph and the remaining band members.
The author mentions that one of the band, Vince the keyboard player took his own life which is how Steph, starts to fill the gap, as a fill-in pianist for the new album. In subliminal undertones, the author makes a comment that death was always part of the whole legacy, part of the deal with the devil that rock stars made. They partied hard, lived rough, lived the fullest of lives and made fantastic music but many paid for it by dying young.
We can take a guess that the illusive handsome musically talented son, Robert who lives in the house off the headland will be part of the story somehow and why not?
“Steph could not escape the fact that she found Keith’s younger son unexpectedly appealing, but she knew she would do well to steer clear of someone like Robert. Firstly, he was rich and famous and secondly because she was well aware of his reputation as a ‘donnailo’ or womaniser”
The romance which develops between the Robert and Steph is realistic and engaging. Although the author shows a clever use of a tried and tested ‘friends to lovers’ device by incorporating emotional conflict and a project which distracts them so they don’t get together until the end, there is however, emotional depth and vulnerability revealed in both characters. Steph must fly back to London after a health scare and over dinner one night, Robert reveals his own insecurities.
“I’ve spent the last few years living a hedonistic lifestyle, an artificial, superficial life. That’s ok for a while then the day comes when you realise there has to be more”

Why I recommend this book
Sig Williams excels at cosy storytelling and he really should have his own genre named uplifting escapism. He provides a gateway to another world that is different from yours, a go-to when you just want to escape from your own reality. The author effortlessly blends the gorgeous Italian landscape and its alluring glamour with the indulgences and extravagance that fame brings.
The story does encompass serious themes albeit in a light-hearted way. The subject matter in this book is quite a clever play on the mystique of rock stars and their search for eternal youth. Rock stars live to perform. Their creativity and talent can never be suppressed and seek immortality in their music. The book has warmth and wisdom.
But as always, Sig Williams captures the intoxicating and authentic flavour of Italy, the lifestyle and that is not easy unless you have lived there. Italians are passionate about life’s pleasures and the author excels in his descriptions of this hedonistic way of living. Food represents the biggest expression of Italian culture as a way to enjoy and socialise around a nice meal, a festival, a family celebration, or an event.
“Beppe returned with a huge plate of hand-carved ham and salami. Along with it were slices of melon, fresh figs, and a pot of goat’s cheese. He mumbled a quiet buon appetito and withdrew. Antipasti were followed by pappardelle ai Carciofi – wide strips of pasta covered in a creamy sauce made with fresh artichokes from Beppe’s garden”
Never Too Late is a comforting and enjoyable read.
‘Fiction can show you a different world. It can take you somewhere you've never been. And escapist fiction is just that: fiction that opens a door, shows the sunlight outside, gives you a place to go.’
Neil Gaiman


AUTHOR BIO:
TA Williams studied languages at university, then lived and worked in France and Switzerland before going to Italy for seven years as a teacher of English. He and his Italian wife returned to the UK with their little daughter (now long since grown up) where he ran an English language school for many years. Now he lives in a sleepy little village in Devonshire. He has been writing almost all his life but it was only seven years ago that he finally managed to find a publisher who liked his work enough to offer him his first contract.
The fact that he writes escapist romance is something he still finds hard to explain. His early books were thrillers and historical novels. He says that maybe it’s because there are so many horrible things happening in the world today that he feels the need to provide something to cheer up his readers. His books provide escapism to some gorgeous locations.

Social Media Links –
Website: www.tawilliamsbooks.com
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tawilliamsbooks
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrevorWilliamsBooks/

BOOK BLURB:
Published by Canelo Escape (2 March 2023)
Paperback and e-book available on Amazon
https://amzn.to/3IXWItN

OTHER BOOKS BY THIS AUTHOR:
Second Chances in Chianti
Secrets on the Italian Island
Dreaming of Italy
Dreaming of Tuscany
Under a Sienna Sun
A Little Piece of Paradise
Dreaming of Rome
An Escape to Remember
Dreaming of Verona
Dreaming of St Tropez

One of my favourite authors- I just know I am going to love everything he writes.
This is the start of a wonderful new series. I loved the idea of a group reforming in their 50's and 60's and loved seeing them take great joy in their writing and performing.
Steph is hired to help with the recording of their new album and as she is classically trained , sees herself helping out on the tracks.
A lovely labrador takes a starring role, as usual. Waldorf just loves life and meeting new friends. He helps her find a new love interest and we hope that all the obstacles in their way, can be overcome and a happy ever after is ahead.
I loved the setting, as always it transports you to another world, alongside the characters. You can just imagine the wonderful views, restaurants and food, and getting to know a new group of friends.

Stephanie works as a recording engineer along her boyfriend (who also happens to be her boss). When they get the job of a lifetime, producing the reunion album of a beloved rock band, Royalty, they travel to Italy where she’ll find both her personal and professional lives turned upside down. The ultimatum that was given to Ethan felt natural based on what is learned about the relationship between Stephanie and Ethan. I do liked the fact that they were able to remain friends and coworkers after everything that had happened between the two. However, sex drugs and floods of money have not always been the best ingredients to happy, contented family life as we learn throughout the story and there are undercurrents of sibling rivalry. And for Stephanie it is a dream come true to be able to meet the band and work on producing their album. Keith Bailey, the band’s leader, is renowned for his outrageous and difficult behavior but as Stephanie arrives at his luxurious Italian villa, she wonders if she is going to like him and his entourage. This was a great story.

This is a lovely setting chance romance, set in picturesque Italy. Both the setting and the romance stole my heart. The characters are so beautifully written that you feel every emotion as they do and they feel so genuine and realistic. If you love a romance you can lose yourself in and feel like you are on the best vacation then this is perfect.
3.5 Stars

I have read a few books by T. A. Williams and always enjoyed them, so I was looking forward to reading his latest romance novel – Never Too Late.
Steph is 30 years old and works as a recording engineer, employed by her musician boyfriend Ethan. She is thrilled to be given the chance to go to Italy to work with the award-winning band Royalty, as they record their comeback album.
They stay in accommodation above the recording studio and hang out with the band, who are now in their fifties and sixties, including the lead singer Keith Bailey and his wife of thirty years, Faye.
Sometimes, novels which feature famous (fictional) bands can be a bit cliched, but this isn’t the case at all here. I was fascinated by the group’s dynamics straight away and loved how they were all older now, with wives, and it was really interesting to see how different each band member was. I liked the idea that Steph had harboured a secret crush on Ben, but in real life, he didn’t match up to her expectations.
Ethan really is a bit of a waste of space and right from the start, I felt Steph could do much better. So it was interesting to see that relationship run its course and a new one begin…
The Italian setting is a beautiful one with Keith’s luxury villa and golden beaches. I also enjoyed visiting Lerici with its interesting shops and impressive ice cream parlours. (No guilt feelings when I’m only eating the ice cream in my mind!)
As fans of T. A. Williams (Me! Me!) will know, a black Labrador usually pops up in his books – and this is no exception. Meet Waldorf! A fan of the sea and very likely to shake the water all over you.
Overall, I thought this was a fabulous book. I liked Steph straight away and loved all the people she meets in Italy. It’s a romance, but so much more besides and I found it interesting throughout and a really great read.

This was a fantastic book. Once I got into it, I could not put it down. I think that this is a book that I can see myself getting the physical copy so that way I can annotate it. I enjoyed almost every single minute of reading this. I found myself escaping to another world though Steph’s POV. I think that this was a fantastic romance and is what I needed to kind of get out of the semi reading slump that I was in during February. To the point to where I was reading but maybe it would be like 30 pages and that would be it. But this really sucked me in to the point to where I did not want to put this book down. I wanted to know what was going to happen with Steph and Rob. I wanted to know if she was going to be able to follow her dreams that she always wanted. I wanted Steph to live her life the way that she saw fit and not being brought down by another person.

I do think that everything that happened in this book happened naturally. Nothing really felt forced. The ultimatum that was given to Ethan felt natural based on what is learned about the relationship between Steph and Ethan. I do liked the fact that they were able to remain friends and coworkers after everything that had happened between the two. I will mention that I was not the biggest fan of Ethans when he was first introduced just because of the fact that he was involved with drugs and alcohol. It did seem like he cared more about his friendships than what he had going on with Steph. But I do think that things did start to turn around for Ethan to the point to where I did like him, when he wasn’t involved with the drugs and alcohol.

The writing of this was great. I loved how the author brought the reader in. I think that the writing was part of the reason why I adored this read. I think that the writing style was one of my favorite parts of the whole read. Because if your writing style can pull me in, as a reader, then there is a good chance that I will be raving about your book for awhile. I think that if you are looking for a book with a great writing style, a great romance, where things flow naturally, and seems to be as realistic as possible, then this is the book for you.

I do see this being on my favorite books of the year list. Because that is how much I enjoyed this read. I do think that if you are looking for something that makes you escape and can be read somewhat fast then I would recommend this read. I do think that it is wonderful and think that others will be able to enjoy the works of TA Williams.

Never Too Late was such a heartwarming and romantic story. I loved all the descriptions of the Italian setting and the gorgeous food. It definitely left me dreaming of Italy. Although there was a lovely realistic touch to the story that made me feel connected with the story and the characters.

Steph was an engaging character and I couldn’t help but root for her. There is trouble in her romantic life and a health scare that brings another level of worry. The offer of work in Italy couldn’t have come at a better time for her. It’s safe to say that T.A. Williams whisked me off to Italy with Steph in a story filled with sweet and charming moments.

The minor characters in Never Too Late were also a wonderful addition to this book. They brought a combination of drama, friendship and support to Steph. The romance was a kind of slow burn and it felt realistic in the way it was portrayed. I was hoping there would be a happy ever after for this pair. I do think the combination of deeper issues contrasted well with the more lighthearted moments. I especially liked the addition of a musical theme running throughout.

Never Too Late really was a delightful escape from every day life!

After straying into the cozy mystery genre (quite successfully, imo), T.A. Williams is back to his (and mine) beloved Italian romances, bringing us this time to the Italian Riviera and the world of music.

Steph works as a recording engineer along her boyfriend (who also happens to be her boss). When they get the job of a lifetime, producing the reunion album of a beloved rock band, Royalty, they travel to Italy where she’ll find both her personal and professional lives turned upside down.

Once again the author manages to easily transport the reader to the Italian coast. I could feel myself bathing on the beach with Steph, throwing a stick to Waldorf or sitting around that terrace table feasting on those delicious sounding meals. OMG! The food descriptions! My mouth was watering the whole time!

I loved how normal all the characters felt. Some of them were huge stars but they were so down to earth, making Steph feel immediately at home. I found her to be pretty likeable. She knew what she needed and wanted when it came to her relationship and she was not afraid to voice her feels and stand her ground. Later, when faced with a big dilemma, I loved how they didn’t try to force the other one to change their life, but both were willing to make concessions. The author made it really easy to root for her.

The story dealt with some heavy issues like grief, drug abuse or the perils of fame, and how easily it can drown you out, giving the story more depth than your typical romance.

If you’ve read the author’s previous work, you’ll know by now that the one constant element throughout his books is a chocolate labrador, and of course there’s one here too! Waldorf, such a cheeky and gorgeous guy!

Another heartwarming and lovely romance with fantastic characterization and a lovely setting. Another winner for T.A. Williams.

Thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review

A romance set in Italy is just what the reader needs in these difficult times. I enjoyed Steph's second chance as life takes her in a totally new direction. However, after being thrust into the limelight, is it what she really wants? Sometimes love is more important, but can Steph find a way to have both?

This book is the perfect escape in which to lose yourself. If you like music then that is an added bonus. If not, a luxurious villa on the Italian riviera and a rock star lifestyle might just convert you.

A beautiful escapism novel set in the heart of the world of music and the vivid descriptions of Italy had my imagination thinking I was on Vacation. The descriptions of the food had my mouth watering for an Italian banquet. The characters were so wonderful and by the end of the story I felt as if I have known them all my life especially Stella. I loved the mischievous Labrador dog and all his antics. A talented book with a few heartbreaking moments but lots of love.

Musical dreams, unexpected chances,
Reunion or not? Maybe romances?
Work in Italy for a while....
Heartwarming read, made me smile!

A gorgeous, contemporary romance
With a musician given a life changing chance.
Going out as a recording engineer, so true,
But by the ending with a new role, too!

A world famous band getting together again?
Relationships need rebuilding after so much pain.
Will they play together after all the years
Or will this be a dream that'll end in tears?

A dream location and great possibilities, too
But for Steph there are dilemmas about what to do.
Her boss has been her boyfriend but something is wrong
Should she finish with him before too long?

Another possibility but they're countries apart,
There are other options for another fresh start.
With choices to be made that'll change every thing
Steph is unsure what her future will bring.

Another brilliant read full of surprises and twists,
A glimpse at celebrity lives and a romance that's not to be missed.
Together with an Italian setting beautifully described so
It is now on my list of new places to go!

A heartwarming story with great characters who
Soon become like friends to the reader, too.
As always, there's tasty food to make your mouth water
And a black Labrador not always doing what he ought to.

For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

This book ended up feeling a little bit middle of the road for me - it was no quite women’s fiction, not quite romance. There wasn’t enough of Rob and Steph interacting together to feel the slow-burn tension building. I also didn’t like the “gossipiness” of Steph and the other women, I wish we could have learned more about Rob in other ways other than Steph asking about his history. The plot line with Ethan just felt off as well. I liked the focus on the Italian coast and countryside, the description of food, the dog, the music. If you like a clean, more serious romance set in Italy you may enjoy this one. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to provide my honest review.

‘Never Too Late’ by T.A. Williams was such a vivid, moving, realistic story that completely sucked me into the character’s world. Full of music, travel, romance, passion, and the raw struggles life brings to each of us, as well the cutest pup ever, this book would make the perfect summer read. This was just an overall fantastic story, one that I couldn’t put down, and I absolutely recommend it.

T A Williams' books are always a treat as there's a good story and the setting is realistic and doesn't seem a sort of fantasy vision of Italy.
It's always a pleasure to visit the places and I enjoyed the plot and rooted for the characters.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

Despite my slight misgivings going into this book based on the cover and title making me feel as though this could be a heavily emotional story, I needn't have worried, as it was definitely T. A. Williams normal style for his romances.

And it was a fantastic story set in the world of music and predominately in Italy. I would love to know why Waldorf wasn't anywhere on the cover, was he played such a lovely role in the book, and he is just one more chocolate labrador of the author's that has stolen my heart.

I loved the idea of a band of aging rockers descending on an Italian villa to see if they can reform, ten years after tragedy struck and they lost a member. And for Steph it is a dream come true to be able to meet the band and work on producing their album.

Over the course of their time in Italy, we get to know the band their families really well, including one rather gorgeous musician who against Steph's better judgment seems to have seeped under her skin.

I just loved everything about this book, it really hooked me in and I read a good amount of it in one sitting, oblivious to the world around me. I loved all the various characters, and the delicious sounding food that was being served for every meal had my mouth watering.

This is another truly fabulous story from this always talented author.

Thank you to Canelo and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Never Too Late is a book I typically wouldn’t pick up, as I tend to read more psychological thrillers. I am so glad I received an advanced readers copy, because it was the perfect break from thrillers! I loved the characters & felt like I could relate to the main character’s struggles & journey. It was definitely an emotional read- full of hope, love and growth, and I devoured every word. I cannot wait to read more by this author, who somehow managed to pull me in to a new genre!

🎛🎤New career prospects for Steph; a blessing or a curse?🤔

This romance really worked for me for several reasons. The descriptions of the Italian coastal life and cuisine took me right there along with the characters. The glimpse into the mechanics of the music industry was enlightening and the challenges of the romance, with competing work schedules, brought in a bit of angst: just enough to provide a good dilemma to resolve (and I liked the way the author brought about the solution).

A good reading escape to an idyllic Italian September with a side of glamorous rock star lifestyle.

Thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

The author captures the Italian setting, food and ambience in his usual excellent way in this story of celebrity, comebacks, and, most of all, music. Steph's exciting career as a recording engineer allows her to work on a comeback album with a famous rock band. Transported to Italy, she witnessed first-hand ageing rock stars coming to terms with their pasts and love of music. A chance encounter on the beach with a friendly and very wet Labrador and his owner leads to a chance for a new career and possible love.

I love the lyrical description and sensory imagery that bring Italy to life in an immersive way. The characterisation and contemporary issues are well-written, and the romance is lovely.

I like the characters, the romance, the setting and the music industry theme.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

I always enjoy books by T A Williams and this didn’t disappoint. Great characters that were supportive, and those that weren’t had their reasons. The main story was about Steph who starts to work with the famous group Royalty who are hoping to reunite. The difference between London and Italy was well described and I loved how I could imagine being in Italy. The main character Steph was very confident but also very sympathetic and never forgot where she was from. This was a great read that I read quite quickly and thought it covered a variety of topics with a romantic theme throughout, especially between Steph and Rob, who is the son of lead singer Royalty.

Never too late is a romance that from the beginning is able to transport us from the gray and chaotic London to the sunny and quiet Lerici. Right away the author managed very well to describe the sights, smells,tastes and sounds of the Ligurian Coast managing effortlessly to transport me inside the book.
One of the features that I liked most about this book is the fact that it is much more than a music romance: in fact, the first part of the book focuses on the path taken by the members of the now-disbanded band to start talking to each other again, heal open wounds, make peace with the ghosts of the past, and start living again by deriving joy from what they were born to do: coming back to the scenes with their music. Thanks to the author's ability to characterize the characters, It was wonderful to read about their feelings and fears and how each of them found his way back to his love for music. The second part, on the other hand, is more focused on the main characters,Steph and Robert:Their journey is full of ups and downs and very realistic which is why you can't help but root for them even when they are separated by an ocean. An Honorable mention, on the other hand, goes to the Bailey family:From the first meeting you will become attached to them and soon you will find yourself with them sharing a breakfast on the terrace and listening to old stories about the band!
I had never read anything by the author which is why this read surprised me! The writing is smooth, the descriptions are very accurate and real, all characters have a solid background and are well developed . Plus you will find themes such as drugs abuse, sense of loss, grief and the negative side of fame treated in a very delicate and realistic way within an all-Italian setting. And oh, you will fall in love with Waldorf the labrador!