Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Niall Hilton cringes whenever he hears music from a group that used to be his favorite until after their second album. In his opinion Roarke McBride - the bands lead singer and songwriter – is to blame for the loss of rhythm that had made the band great. When a friend brings the singer into his home, Niall is irritated by the intrusion and lets Roarke know his opinion on his music. The singer surprises him with a performance of his latest hits, which to Niall's shock he actually enjoys. He's stumped as to why. Although Niall plans not to see Roarke again the musician is determined to change his mind. As he gets to know him Niall is drawn beyond the persona of Roarke the superstar to the man – who is interesting and aggravating.

Roarke McBride is used to some people not enjoying his music and is usually able to shrug it off. Niall's creations from his CD's make him laugh thinking it's a trick until Niall opens his mouth and insults him. Instead of taking it in stride as his norm Roarke is furious, at first. By the next day his thoughts are clear - Niall might hate his music but Roarke is determined to make the stunning man his. Niall was snarky, rude and blunt but as he gets to know him Roarke sees he would stand by his side and weather anything with him. In order for Niall and he to meld they will need to combine their…Opposing Rhythms.

First edition published by Pride Publishing, July 2012.

Book Review

It seems to be a cruel twist of fate when Niall Hilton discovers that the new neighbor he's attracted to is Roarke McBride, the one man Niall purports to despise. Even more intolerable is the fact that Roarke is attracted to him and instead of taking the insults Niall directs at him to heart, he decides to 'kill him with kindness' and persistence. Niall really wants to continue to dislike him, but with Roarke being as nice to him as he is, his resistance begins to weaken.

Roarke McBride is an interesting fellow. He's tired of all the razzle-dazzle of the music business and is ready to settle down; but his profession is making that difficult. When he first meets Niall, they don't know who each other is, so things are amicable and look hopeful. The fireworks begin when Niall learns that Roarke is the musician he despises and absolutely refuses to be civil to him. Roarke takes this as a challenge and is nothing but generous and polite. Fortunately, Roarke is as persistent as Niall is caustic. Niall has seemingly met his match. I loved his campaign to win Niall over, especially the way he surreptitiously draws Niall into his family. He's a bit presumptuous, but with Niall, it's the right approach. I especially loved that Roarke expresses happiness by baking for his family and friends.

Niall is one of the most interesting, intelligent, handsome, but difficult characters Talia has ever invented. If I had not have read the first two books in the series, I would have seen him only in a bad light, because his people skills leave a lot to be desired. But since I knew his background and how he got to where he was in this story, he's kind of like one of those people that you like in spite of his outward inhospitably. Even though he's downright rude, he's also brutally honest. He's like so many gifted people, complex, the good mixed in with the bad, balancing each other out. Niall is unique and has his own reasons for doing what he does. He has to come to his own conclusions and when he does, he follows through with them and he so loves being outrageous, regardless of the situation. No one else may understand his way of thinking, but at least he's honest.

'Opposing Rhythms' is a good story with unique characters with big personalities. There's a lot of tension and angst, but there are also some good times and strong family values. It's almost impossible not to get caught up in the spirit of things. Niall and Roarke's relationship is not a fairy tale by any means. It's a complex dance of wills, sometimes a cacophonous, sometimes rhythmic, but everyone knows that each love affair creates a harmony all its own. I recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a love story which is not love at first sight, one which needs a lot of work to achieve a successful outcome. Thanks, Talia, for a satisfyingly different love story.

 

 

 

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Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novella, 90 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	29-October-2019
Price	$3.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Z9WQ8LG