Facing the Music

In this sizzling and hilarious contemporary e-book romance, pop sensation Ivy Hudson returns to her small town to face her ex. Only trouble is, she made her Taylor-Swift-like career with the hit song “Size Matters”—and the football hero has had to live it down ever since.

Five years ago, high school sweethearts Ivy and Blake’s relationship imploded and both their lives were changed forever. Ivy became a rock star and Blake lost not only his dreams of a successful NFL career, but his reputation. Ivy’s angry song about their breakup, called “Size Matters,” hit the top of the charts and Blake became a national laughingstock. He’s salvaged his career and returned to Rosewood to be the high school football coach, regaining his status as town hero and leading the boys to the state championships.

When a tornado whips through town and destroys the high school gymnasium and stadium, a committee is formed to help rebuild and plan some charity fundraisers. Blake’s grandmother requests that Ivy return to Rosewood for the events. Forced back together for the good of their hometown and their careers, Ivy and Blake have no choice but to put aside their differences, stop running from their pasts, and finally face the music.

For fans of Kristen Proby and Colette Auclair, Facing the Music hits a perfect balance between small-town romance and big-time success. Follow Ivy and Blake as they fall back in love and figure out what does matter in the end…

Andrea Laurence

Pocket Star

Release Date 9/15/14

Facing the Music is the newest release from Andrea Laurence. I was lucky enough to get a review copy through NetGalley thanks to the publisher.

I really enjoyed Facing the Music. Ivy and Blake were both really fun characters and I loved that after 5 years they still had pretty amazing chemistry. I especially loved that Blake's grandmother was the one to bring Ivy home, hoping Ivy and Blake could work things out. I wanted Blake and Ivy back together, yet knew they had so much to work through to make it happen. 

I grew up in a small town and so much of this story resonated with me. I'm sure the small town rivals occur in larger towns, but I know in small towns, very little ever changes. Lydia Whittaker and Ivy had been rivals since middle school and still didn't get along in the present. Lydia was completely opposite of Ivy, yet had been in love with Blake pretty much her whole life. Lydia hates Ivy and wants Blake for herself. Honestly, Lydia was a total witch and she was totally the perfect love-to-hate character in this book. I honestly felt a little sorry for her, as she continued to live in the past and even live in a bit of a dream world.

Facing the Music is a strong and sweet small town romance. I loved not only Ivy and Blake, but also many of the characters from Rosewood. I look forward to future books taking place in Rosewood.