The Treble With Men, is an all-new secret identity romantic standalone from Piper Sheldon. It's book two in the Scorned Women's Society.
🎻Cassie’s Review
This book is a retelling of the Phantom of the Opera, and Piper pulled it off flawlessly. The love for music in this book, it spoke to my soul.
I can say with certainty, this book will be a top book of 2020 for me. This story was THAT well written, these characters are THAT amazing.
I love how Kim talks about how exes shouldn't be grouped together to compare to the
new relationship. That's unfair to both the exes, and the new relationship. I was full on cheering, YES!
There is so much chemistry between Devlin and Kim, it just jumps off the pages. Kim was not confident in her choices, due to her previous bad choices - which was completely understandable, those choices landed her in rehab. Both Devlin and Kim had some major hurdles to overcome, and those hurdles were from their own past. By letting go of the past, their own failures, learning their lessons, but moving on, they were able to end that cycle of self doubt.
And Jethro - I love how he is still getting redeemed from his past, even now in Piper's books, with each of his exes. You'll have to read the book to find it, but absolutely worth it.
I loved the ladies of the Scorned Women's Society, can't wait to see who's book is next!
🎻Ashley’s Review
It takes a great deal of bravery to take on the world's most popular musical and retell it as contemporary romance. Author Piper Sheldon rises to that challenge and delivers her own, beautiful work of art in 'The Treble with Men,' which is easily one of the best books of 2020.
I could feel, and almost hear, the music coming out of the pages, an amazing testament to Sheldon's skill with the written word. I couldn't set this book down and simultaneously never wanted the story to be over. It flowed well, had good pacing, wonderful characters and an engaging story.
🎻🎻🎼🎼 Extra Tidbits
Have you seen any musicals live? Or gone to a professional orchestra concert?
Cassie- so many! Wicked has been my favorite so far! Musicals are like a love language to me.
Ashley-I’ve been lucky enough to see Phantom of the Opera and The Lion King on Broadway. And I’ve heard the Kansas City Symphony perform Star Wars. All were amazing experiences.
Do you play any musical instruments?
Cassie- flute, piano, all percussion (except trap)
Ashley- I tried to play the flute in fifth grade. That was abysmal, so I decided to stick with singing.
🎻🎻🎼🎼
Blurb
As far as Green Valley is concerned, Kim Dae disappeared into the Wraiths a decade ago. They were sort of right. Kim has spent her life since Jethro fighting her curious nature and trying to blend into the background. Unfortunately for her, a mysterious Maestro comes to town and takes quick notice of her for reasons unknown to anybody.
The masked conductor, known simply as Devlin, was already a source of much gossip thanks to his reputation for getting fired. Now, his sudden interest in the quiet fourth chair cellist has added fuel to the rumor fire. The new conductor of the symphony needs to learn to control his temper and finish his latest musical masterpiece and only the reluctant star of his symphony can help him do that. If Devlin can’t convince Kim to help to finish his latest composition he’ll lose everything.
Can Devlin and Kim compose without losing composure?
‘The Treble with Men’ is a full-length contemporary romance, can be read as a standalone, and is book #2 in the Scorned Women’s Society series, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
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🎻🎻🎼🎼 Excerpt
“Let’s play through. I want to hear if you’re qualified,” Devlin said.
“Yes, Maestro.”
Around me, the symphony moved into the ready position. Devlin didn’t pick up his baton.
“You’ll need to move,” he said coolly, as his gaze flicked to the empty first chair.
Amazingly, my legs supported me despite how badly my knees tingled. The neck of my cello was tightly gripped in my fist like it was the only thing keeping me from spinning off the earth.
“We will start from the Andante movement,” he called out as I got situated.
Next to me Barry gave me a brief nod of encouragement. I managed a small smile back. Playing alone at night was a heck of a lot different than feeling an entire symphony watch you. I wiped my palms on my dress pants before straightening my spine.
My nerves were shredded. I did this for a living and yet I couldn’t get my bow to stop wobbling where it hovered just above the strings. My heart sputtered and cranked to a manic tempo. Carla should be here. What if something happened to her? The world began to tune out around me. Tears pricked behind my eyes. How ridiculous was that? I played with these people every day, but if I tried to speak or breathe or move, I’d start to cry.
“Hey.” Devlin’s voice was so soft I hardly noticed it at first. His biker boots appeared in front of my blurring vision. “Christine?”
I lifted my chin to find him standing in front of me with a furrowed brow. “Is she okay?” The question just slipped out, but I needed to know.
He dropped into a crouch to better hear me, causing me to pick up soft hints of cologne, fabric softener, and motorcycle exhaust. “What?”
I asked again a little louder but likely only Barry would be able to hear, if that.
His face was impassive like he was processing what I said. “Who? Carla?”
I nodded stiffly.
“Family emergency. She’ll be back on Monday,” he spoke softly.
“Oh.” A weight lifted from my shoulders.
My chest rose as I took a deep breath in. I released it slowly. Surely the entire room was waiting to see what my deal was.
“I appreciate you stepping in for her.” He lifted his chin to get me to look into his eyes. “I’m sure she would appreciate it too.”
I doubted that, but at least I wasn’t taking the performance from her. I was helping the orchestra out. I could absolutely do this. My thoughts had me worrying my bottom lip.
His focus lowered to my lips then quickly to where my hand gripped the shoulder of my cello. He cleared his throat. “Are you ready?”
I swallowed down my irrational fears. Carla was fine. It was just one show. I could do this. I got into position in answer to his question. Those dark eyes flitted around my face as though checking to see if I really was ready.
“All you need to do is watch me.” When he spoke his mask hardly moved; nobody would know he’d spoken at all. My gaze was locked on his as it smoldered with intensity. “It’s you and me.”
As though I could look anywhere else. When he gave me his focus, the rest of the room faded away. The rest of the world.
“Ready?” he asked.
I forced my shoulders down. He got back onto the podium and I lifted my bow to wait for my solo entrance as he counted the rest of the orchestra in. The notes on the page transformed into a foreign language. The music quieted, signifying my entrance. I drew my bow along the string, but my tense arm caused a noticeable wobble. A wave of heat burned up my neck, a flush likely giving me away. Just when I thought I might lose total control, I remembered his directions. I looked to him.
His arm conducted the rest of the orchestra smoothly as they played their soft accompaniment, but his head was turned to me. He was willing me to look at him. His eyes narrowed when mine finally met his. He nodded his chin subtly. I didn’t need to read the music. I knew this solo in my sleep. Instead, I kept my focus on him. I played. Everything else blurred into the background. The music came then. It flowed through me.
It was just us and the beautiful music.
About Piper Sheldon Piper Sheldon writes Contemporary Romance and Magical Realism books that hope to be New York Times bestsellers when they grow up. For now, she works as a technical writer during the day and writes about love the rest of the time. Of course she also makes room for her husband, toddler, and two needy dogs at home in the Desert Southwest.
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