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The Melody Thief (2012)

by Shira Anthony(Favorite Author)

4.05 of 5 Votes: 5

ISBN

1613726945 (ISBN13: 9781613726945)

languge

English

genre

Romance

publisher

Dreamspinner Press

series

Blue Notes

review 1: 4.5 stars. What a lovely surprise. I'd read two previous books in this series, and thought they were OK/good, but this one captured my attention and wouldn't let go.We're taken on Cary's journey from Bang-Me-in-the-Bathroom Redding, who deep down doesn't believe he's worthy of love, to In-a-Relationship-and-Loving-It Redding, who relishes his roles as a husband and father. Cary grew up with a cold mother who demanded perfection. As a musical prodigy, he missed out on a lot of his childhood. So when Antonio enters his life, he keeps waiting for the other shoe to drop.I love when the MCs are committed for a good chunk of the book, and we spend time witnessing their growth as a couple. We follow Cary and Antonio for over two years from their first meeting to moving in togeth... moreer to meeting the family. Cary is tempted by his demons, but he doesn't give in. He knows better than to throw away the best thing that ever happened to him. When someone unexpectedly comes back into his life, complications arise, but Cary still turns to Antonio for support. Antonio and Cary argue and struggle with communication, but the love is always evident. There was never any over-the-top drama.Cary certainly hit the jackpot with Antonio. Antonio's understanding, calm (maybe too much), thoughtful and loving. And he speaks Italian. Little Massimo was adorable without being precocious. He seemed like a realistic kid with his tantrums and the way he challenged Cary's role in their new family. No one was more surprised than Cary with how much he came to love the "stinker." And let's just say I melted a little every time Massimo called Cary, Cary Papa.I kept expecting the big misunderstanding or the manufactured breakup to rear their ugly heads, but they stayed away. The MCs were perfect for each, and we get to bask in their relationship, imperfections and all.
review 2: This story was amazing. It's even better than the first in the series. What I loved most about this one is that the author took the time to show us Cary's evolution from a screwed up young man who used alcohol and sex to make himself feel better to a mature and loving partner and father who has learned how to make positive life choices. Antonio was sexy as hell, yet kind and loving and a strong partner for Cary who was just so damaged-- by his parents, by his stunted emotional growth, and by his choice of lifestyle. I also liked the way the author handled John's alcoholism. It was a true depiction of the horror of the disease and encouraging Cary to seek help through Al-Anon was spot on. I'm excited to keep going with this series and I hope we get a peek back at these guys at some point in a future book. less

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