As Dust Dances

A Play On Novel

By: Samantha Young

Narrated by: Felicity Munroe

Length: 13 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's Summary

The New York Times best-selling author of the On Dublin Street series and Play On returns to the world of the arts in this sexy 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.

©2018 Samantha Young (P)2019 Audible, Inc.

Utterly Beautiful Story

I never read blurbs so when I started to listen and I realized this was a NA I was pretty stoked, I love Samantha’s NA reads. This book really sucked me in. I don’t know if it was Skylar’s pain or how she tries to cope with everything but her story really just had me wanting to know more.

Killian OMG I am in love with this dude he was so so aloof for so long then when you see his soft underbelly it something about a gruff exterior and a soft interior just does something to my romantic heart. I just know that the story is going to so good and it was.

I also loved Killian’s sister she is one of the best side characters she is exactly the relief this book needed when she comes in. I hope she gets a story because she was a great character.

Skylar’s bandmates really make the whole story come full circle I am glad for these few scenes it helped me to see the full sides to Skylar’s character. I hope a lot more people pick up this book because I loved it and I know you will too.

The narration I am completely naïve to what a good accent sounds like THANK G - O - D FOR THIS! Because I thought the narrator did AMAZING!! And I hope I find more books where she does accents!

Review of Dust Damces

Heroine is unlikeable. I kept hoping she would become more endearing but it did not happen. Her love interest seemed gorilla like. I would not recommend this audio book. I usually don’t take the time to write a review but I don’t want anyone else to waste their time or money.

2 out of 5

A more selfish and self-centered heroine is hard to find. The narration was excellent, be though!

Audiobook Version is a NO!

The narrator was okay when she was performing the protagonist. on the other hand, her Scots accent was horrendous, occasionally closer to eastern European. she did NOT need to be reading the male parts.

The narration pulled me out of the story, which was good, so I decided to read the book instead of listen to it.

So many emotions!

This book had all the feels! You'll break for Skylar and you will heal right along with her. Many times I wanted to hate Killian but as you get to know him you realize he too is fighting demons. It was a bit of a slow burn but it was so delicious. Overall 4 1/2 stars.

Narration was amazing! Seamlessly switched between accents and characters. New favorite narrator!

Heroine Skylar was quite dramatic

I wanted to like this story more but the heroine Skylar worked my nerves. From the homelessness thing to the fake accents, it just made me dislike how she dealt with her life issues.
Kellan was a really likable hero and much more responsible in how he treated others. Our pain doesn’t give us license to be cruel to others.
I would like to believe the heroine grew up but I’m not sure. She did start standing up for herself so that is a win for her.

The narration was really good but I wanted more angst.

The Story Was Fantastic! The narrator though...Ugh

I'm la sucker for a Samantha Young story! She loves to mix my American love of a complex bruting Scot. Her heroines always complexed as well. But this narrator? I dunno. I wished they'd gotten Claire Fitzpatrick from Play On to do it. Felicity's Scots accent sounds like a mix between Russian, French, and a hooting owl and her tone for Skyler was under developed and dry. Her voice for Killian made him sound bored. During intimate moments, I spent more time either laughing or cringing at Felicity's narration, than truly believing Killian was "enjoying himself" as the dialogue claimed he was. She made him sound bored, tired, or exhausted 98% of the book because she made his voice too low in her vocal register which made her vocal chords sound strained and confined. Her accent for Autumn and Eve were tolerable because she was able to talk in a higher register for them but there was still a mix of Russian and French influences.

Thank the heavens this was an Audible Escape book. I bought Play On simply for Carrie's performance because it was just so phenomenal and because, "Duh!" it was a Samantha Young novel. I wont buy this one. In fact, im gonna need to read just the book. My head feels like Felicity didn't have a grasp on Killian's character at all.

As for those who are ragging on the strength of Skyler as a character, or lack thereof, that's the journey of this book. It's a story about about how tragedy can shake a person's faith. No, Skyler isnt a strong character to start because she cant be after all that she's been through. This is about the journey to find her strength and how she learns how strength comes in all forms and Skyler finds hers in her own way, not through anyone's dictation. Once again that the heart and journey of one of Samantha's books. The journey is organic in Samantha's usual journey towards an understanding of one's life journey. is Skylar/Killian my favorite she's written? Nope. That'll probably always belong to Jo/Cameron and Olivia/Nate because I relate more to their struggles. That said, As Dust Dances IS a worthy read. Especially for those who use art and music as self-expression to get through life.

A fantastic listen!

Another great audiobook by Samantha Young. A beautiful story of finding your way and healing. Sizzling hot chemistry between Killian and Skylar. You’ll definitely feel the push and pull as well as the angst. Amazing narration by Felicity Monroe! I highly recommend this book.

Yuck

Could not even get to a good part assuming there is one. Obviously my 5 stars are quite different than other reviewers.

Amazing!

I didn’t like the first book on this series so I wasn’t expecting much of this installment. Boy was I wrong. This is a powerful story that tackles heavy subjects like mental health, addiction, bullying and others. Our heroine was a rock star a-la No Doubt but then tragedy hits her immediate family and she is not able to cope and quits the band, goes to Scotland to live in the street and become a street singer. One thing led to another and she meets our hero that is a music producer. Their story of love is sweet, powerful and consuming. Very good narration as well. Highly recommended.

Scottish accent put you off story

The book was ruined by the rubbish Scottish accents of the narrators. They sounded like grounds keeper willie from the Simpsons which put you off when trying to concentrate on the story. Would not recommend listening to this book.