Prelude

Book 4 of the series. I can only call the story inspiring ... David is a Maestro and a composer , behind the persona that the public sees is a deeply insecure man due to his grandfather's behavior while David was growing up. Alex is a talented violinist and humble and profound man due to his background growing up. Both men are completely different from each other in that sense but ... Perfect for each other at the same time. They meet for the first time at a concert that David is directing and Alex is replacing the violinist. Saying that David insecurities take a toll in the relationship between him and Alex is putting mildly. Alex is consistent with expressing his feelings ... being patient and waiting. David spends his alone time , finally , composing and realizing the truth behind the music. I must say Marla , Alex assistant , is an excellent character and Rachel , David's sister also ... Important part of their connection.

Wow! I loved this book! It's been a couple of days since I read it and I still sigh at the 'feels'.
One thing I love about a romance is to see the main characters get to know each other. The camaraderie, the banter, the honest exchanges--it always gets to me. Thankfully, Shira did not disappoint!
Of course, it helped that I found the characters intriguing. Since I had read some of the books before this one, I had a vague idea of who David was. But to read his story and the way it was told was something else altogether. He was complex in the most unexpected of ways which only served to melt my heart and feel for him and his struggles.
That's not to say that Alex's story was in any way lacking. I loved reading his story as well, especially how it shaped him into the person he was. He was funny and charming with a great heart and a deep sense of loyalty. I admired his tenacity, his humble ways and the way he felt so deeply.
So you can understand how thrilled I was to see them connect fully on the page. Their romance was slow in coming, but their time together always brought a sense of rightness and left me grinning just imagining how great they would be. Their chemistry only added to the appeal because Shira did not pull any punches either in bringing that aspect of their relationship to the page. Their physical attraction was always present and palpable, even in the most emotional or funny of scenes.
This is the fourth book in the series, but it can be read as a stand alone. As part of the series, I recommend following the chronological order so you can get a sense of where things are moving. However, I don't think it's necessary for your enjoyment or understanding of the story.
All in all, a wonderful addition to the series. An emotional, heart-felt and romantic read overall.

This is the 4th book in the Blue Notes series but the series can be read in any order. However there is an author note stating that this would be book 1 if you want to read the story in chronological order.
This is the story of David who is a conductor and Alex a violinist.
David has had immense success in his career as a conductor and leads the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. However, he is not happy and satisfied with his life. He has been brought up with wealth and privilege but suffered loss which has made him fearful of relationships. His desire to compose was also ridiculed and criticised by his harsh grandfather who raised him. Therefore the less than perfect public response to his earlier compositions has destroyed his confidence.
Alex, on the other hand, is much more a free spirit. He has a love of music expressed in his playing of classical music but he also dabbles with other forms of music. He has tattoos and an attitude that doesn't totally fit the expected mould of classical violinist. His life is a contrast to David, including his early life on the streets. Alex's strength and focus and talent is what enabled him to change his life around and he still finds it hard to believe that he doesn't have to watch every penny.
I really enjoyed this story. It was easy to feel sympathetic to David's situation, his lack of confidence was heartbreaking..\"He knew better, though. Alex wanted him now. Soon, he'd realize his mistake.\" Although, at times I just wanted to shake him and tell him to get over himself! I think that would be my main issue with the book - the length of time it took for David to work through his issues and realise that his happiness lay with Alex.
There was lots of sheer romanticism directly linked so music as David's feelings while he is with Alex translate into melody.....and sex as a symphony - yes! \"David's climax began like the distant rumble of the timpani and ended with a crescendo of sound - David's own voice, raw, unrestrained, and full of emotion.\"
A sweet and romantic 4 stars......
\"I hear you, Alex. My love, my muse, my teacher, my partner, my desire, my inspiration. I hear the music in your soul, and it becomes my own.\"