The Rundown
Twenty-three-year-old grad student Julia James works hard at what she loves doing: playing the cello. The principal cellist at The McInnes Conservatory of Music, Julia learns that she is one of three finalists for the highly competitive Kriesler International Music Competition. Among the finalists is French horn player Jeremy Corrigan. Julia always has her eye on Jeremy, but in the five years that she’s seen him in school he’s never given her the time of day. But an impromptu meeting reflects a different imagine of the handsome dude when he makes it very clear to Julia that he has noticed nuances about her.
Riddled with childhood scars, Julia has never faced her unresolved past. The only person who knows of her tainted childhood is Matthew Ayers, her musician roommate. He’s known Julia since they were kids in foster care. Regardless of their close connection, Julia has no romantic ties to Matthew. While Matthew is away on a two-week performance, Julia and Jeremy enter into a full-blown, steamy romance. Cal, the third Kriesler finalist, catches on immediately that Jeremy and Julia are going together, and in so many words attempts to warn Julia about Jeremy, but to no avail. Matthew gets wind of what transpires in his absence. He is livid—not out of jealousy but because Julia has fallen for a guy he despises. He, too, tries to impart words of caution. Julia just turns a deaf ear.
As the Kriesler competition final draws near, Jeremy comes up with the perfect getaway to relieve Julia’s tension: a two-hour train ride to the quaint hamlet of Montauk, New York. After enjoying jelly-filled croissants with coffee and a visit to the historic lighthouse, Jeremy suggests checking out the shops. The two enter a cozy shop; the last person she expects to see is her estranged mother. The situation leaves Julia emotionally crippled. As a result, she is unable to perform on the day of the final. Even though the contest committee offers Julia an extension, she has no idea that more drama is heading her way.
Rising author Lauren Rico takes her love of classical music and transforms it into a well written, beguiling tale of loss, love, and lies. Reverie comes complete with a fully developed cast placed within a series of erotic and twisted scenes. Kudos goes to Rico for producing a spellbinding story that grabs the attention of readers from the get-go.
The Recommendation
Rising romance author Lauren Rico spins a gripping tale of loss, love, and lies in book one of the Reverie series. A true storyteller, Rico grabs the attention of her audience from the get-go. Twisty and tantalizing, Reverie is bound to be a favorite among romance buffs with a love for classical music.
