This book was everything I wanted it to be! I knew there is a reason I couldn't wait to get Nixon's story. There was just something about him, destructive for sure, but something more as he is genuinely a good friend to both his band mates Jonas and Quinn, wanting THEM to be happy even if he couldn't see any happiness in his own life. But things are about to change. He has made a decision to deal with his addictions but it doesn't mean he is ready to deal with its reasons which has it's prices.
"Hush Note" has been Nixon Winters' life for the past 10 years. He is everything a true rockstar is - A good looking guitar player who (seems to) enjoy fame as it comes with money, women, alcohol and drugs. His band members are worried about him. They see this isn't about fame it's about not being "there" and not dealing with whatever it is that makes him so careless about his life especially during the summer months. When Nixon commits himself into a rehab center all they want to do is hope and pray this time it's for good which is why they take him home to his luxurious apartment and expect to stay as long as it takes.. But "Hush Note"'s manager has already made his own preparations for Nixon's return and they involve having his assistant Zoe Shannon as Nixon's personal "babysitter" making sure he doesn't get back to his vices and moreover starts WRITING. Janos and Quinn has already started some work on their next album but the one who writes the music has always been Nixon and so the brand - meaning Nixon - NEEDS to get on track.
Nixon hasn't written anything sober in nearly 10 years and what's on his mind currently isn't something he is comfortable putting out there. These are things he hasn't spoken about with anyone including his therapist. Staying still in his apartment with a constant distraction from the sexy yet out of reach Zoe with her calendar always open in front of her and a work ethic he can't begin to understand is doing the exact opposite. Yet he is still not ready to deal with the "outside world". After he spends a night listening to Zoe's "small town stories" he realizes the best solution is going home. Not to his own but to hers. Zoe isn't sure about the whole thing but even though she has her reasons to be weary she also REALLY misses her family so she goes along with it hoping for the best (but expecting the worst).
Zoe knew what she was getting herself into when her boss offered her this position. With her determination, work ethics and the big "prize" if she actually manages to get Nixon to where he needs to be she is totally and absolutely committed. The past 4 years has made her ready to dealing with the self centered, egotistical douche Nixon can be but there is a lot more to the guy and spending time together, especially in her little small town when she is far more recognizable than he is, her walls starts to crumble.
Nixon knows how to play his part. He has been doing it for years. Except for his band mates (and Ethan their tour manager) he allows no one to get close enough to realize there is an actual good person beneath it all. While it takes time for Zoe to find that guy underneath all these layers once they get to know each other and appreciate each other it's getting harder for both to put the mask on and be the person everyone expects them to be. That's without mentioning the OTT attraction. Nixon's first move isn't what Zoe expected on many levels but it mostly complicates things. She is falling for this sweet and complicated guy but what can he offer her besides heartache? She can see all the scars under the mask he wears but he won't allow her (or anyone) to touch, feel and look under them. He is guilt ridden and heart broken and he is the first to admit that. He isn't willing or ready to let his past go so anything he can offer her is better served during the winter when he is half himself but at least functioning (without his usual vices).
Nixon's story was truly heart breaking. It takes A LOT of time for us (and Zoe) to learn what happened all these years ago but it's worth the wait. Zoe is the most lovely person. Even if she never expected to she falls for Nixon and from there on the way she sees him was beautiful beyond words. She is always there for him. With a word and a touch. Sometimes with just a silent gesture. He more than appreciates her but he is scared to hope he can have this beautiful woman when he knows his past has always owned him. Nixon can be a really cool guy. Considerate, loving, funny and even easy going. Spending time so far away from his life and the music industry allows him to finally be at peace. Though his past is always a step behind and they both know it. Nixon needs to make his decision and though he phrases it as a decision for HER it isn't. He realizes that a bit too late. Lucky for him Zoe's love for him was never a question.
It was hard for me writing this review - saying what I needed to say but mostly NOT saying what I want for you to read and enjoy on your own. This was a beautiful heart felt story as well as sad and soul crashing. But don't expect this to just be a broody story. There is also much fun and enjoyment to be found wherever Nixon is around.
One last thing, I'm really glad I started reading this book on the weekend as I pulled an all-nighter getting to sleep at 5 am!!!! I just couldn't and wouldn't put this book down. This will NOT be the last book of Rebecca's I'm reading for sure!
A MUST READ!
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Rating:
★★★★★ |
E-Book
Edition | 307
pages
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Read on:
23-24 October 2020
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ABOUT THIS SERIES
Hush Note is a Contemporary Romance series written by Sarina Bowen, Devney Perry and Rebecca Yarros. It focuses on the 3 members of the rock band "Hush Note" - Jonas Smith, Quinn Montgomery and Nixon Winters - each getting his/her own book of Happily Ever After.
The first two books have two things in common, first being "lost love" and the second is having a kid in the mix. Yet it was very different in everything else including the circumstances of these things. The last book brings the whole three members of the band to a different place which was beautiful to watch. It was also my absolute favorite. NIxon's story was totally different and while we've seen his tendency to self destruct with glimpses into the guy he can be when his addictions aren't swallowing him whole, the person to truly heal him and his heart is Zoe. He was on his way to getting better but only on the surface, only for the sake of others, not his own. Zoe changed that.
A great series! Highly recommend you give it a go. It has been my first reading of both Devney and Rebecca (as I'm already a HUGE fan of Sarina) and I'm so happy I was giving this opportunity to get to know them a bit.
Books:
1. Lies & Lullabies [Jonas Smith & Kira Cassidy] (Published 23 September 2020) ★★★★½
2. Rifts & Refrains [Quinn Montgomery & Graham Hayes] (29 September 2020) ★★★★
3. Muses & Melodies [Nixon Winters & Zoe Shannon] (Published 6 October 2020) ★★★★★
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