Imperfect Harmony (Lili’s review)

Title: Imperfect Harmony
Author: Jay Northcote
Publisher: Jaybird Press
Release Date: April 15th 2016
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance
Page Count: 189 pages
Reviewed by: Lili
Heat Level: 3 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:

Imperfect harmony can still be beautiful…

John Fletcher, a former musician, is stuck in limbo after losing his long-term partner two years ago. He’s shut himself off from everything that reminds him of what he’s lost. When his neighbour persuades him to join the local community choir, John rediscovers his love of music and finds a reason to start living again.

Rhys Callington, the talented and charismatic choir leader, captures John’s attention from the first moment they meet. He appears to be the polar opposite of John: young, vibrant, and full of life. But Rhys has darkness in his own past that is holding him back from following his dreams.

Despite the nineteen-year age gap, the two men grow close and a fragile relationship blossoms. Ghosts of the past and insecurities about the future threaten their newfound happiness. If they’re going to harmonise in life and love as they do in their music, they’ll need to start following the same score.

Gosh, I sure did love this one. Imperfect Harmony is the story of two very different with similar life experiences. John is 42 and grieving the loss of his partner David and his mom. At this point, he’s just going through the motions. Then one day he’s talked into participating in the local choir. The choir director is a charismatic young man with tattoos and blue hair and 19 years younger than John.

There was so much to love about this book here are my highlights:

-I love opposites attract stories, and this one was written exquisitely. Although these men had different personalities, they also had enough common ground to make their relationship work and seem believable.
-I thought the age difference was handled realistically. The concerns that came up were valid- I could see where John was coming from.
-The angst. It never became over the top, and I appreciated that both men were mature enough to communicate with each other.
-I loved the simplicity of the story. This was just a lovely slice of life book. It felt real.
-The pace flowed effortlessly.
-Great main characters!
-Relationship development was beautiful. My heart couldn’t help but melt during their interactions. The looks, the kisses, their music sessions.
-The epilogue. Thank you Miss Northcote for giving us one. ♥

I think Jay Northcote has it his stride- he’s just getting better and better. Imperfect Harmony is a delightful story about grieving, healing, second chances, and love. Well done, Mr. Northcote. 5 Stars.