I realized that I never actually published this review on my blog. It’s up on various other sites, but I failed at putting it here, so it is better late than never.

Publication: August 7, 2018
Series: Play On #2
Read: August 2018
Format: Digital ARC
Rating: 5 Caffeinated Stars

Summary:

The New York Times Bestselling author of the On Dublin Street series and PLAY ON returns to the world of the arts in this intense and emotional standalone romance about love, sacrifice, and surviving both.

Once upon a time, Skylar Finch was the lead singer of a hugely successful American pop-rock band. But fame made her miserable. When years of living a lie suddenly ended in tragedy, Skylar fell off the map.

Eighteen months later she’s sleeping in a tent in a cemetery in Glasgow, making just enough money to eat by busking on the streets. She manages to avoid recognition, but not the attention of one of Glasgow’s ambitious A&R executives.

Killian O’Dea works at Skyscraper Records, Scotland’s most successful record label. Raised by his uncle and owner of the label, Killian’s upbringing would have been devoid of affection entirely if it wasn’t for his loving sister. Killian is unflinchingly determined to bring the label more success than ever, and the young homeless woman who busks on Buchanan Street is going to help him do that. Her music speaks to him in a way he refuses to over-analyze. All he knows is that if it can touch his dark soul, it’ll set everyone else’s alight.

Skylar makes it clear that she doesn’t want to sign with him. But when she experiences the dangerous reality of a woman sleeping rough, Skylar has no one else but Killian to turn to. An undeniable connection forms between them. But Skylar doesn’t want the career Killian is trying to forge for her, and when her past comes back to haunt her Killian will be faced with a decision that could ruin him. He must either free Skylar from his selfish machinations and destroy everything he’s ever worked for, or lose a woman who has come to mean more to him than he ever thought possible.

The summary was taken from the Goodreads description.

My Thoughts:

If I could rate this book with infinite stars, I would. Samantha Young is definitely my favorite romance author. Her books capture you in a way that too many authors fail to do. As Dust Dances was just breathtaking. The plot caught me from the moment I picked it up. I never wanted it to end.

Samantha Young captured the magic from her On Dublin Street books and made something so beautiful I’m going to experience a book hangover from. The characters were well written and realistic. I loved the chemistry between each character & I loved them for their heartaches, imperfections, and their story.

The Plot, like the characters, was engaging. It has been way too long since I picked up a book that grabbed me so forcefully I couldn’t focus on anything else. The plot was a unique twist to a rockstar romance, and I loved every second I spent reading it. Honestly, I’m so upset that this book is over. I’m actually tempted to reread it right now to experience it again.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. With that said, I bought this book because it is just so beautiful I knew I had to own it. It’s seriously one of my favorite books that I have read. It’s lovely, heart-wrenching, and touching. This has the magical feeling that Samantha Young has created with all of her books.

Amazon, Audible, Goodreads