The Break-Up Album

By: Lauren Blakely

Narrated by: Shane East, Andi Arndt

Jane Black has written the breakup album of the century, earning her a Grammy, a huge legion of new fans, and the pressure to repeat her success. Sure, the heartbreak from her husband's unconventional abandonment might have been her inspiration, but it hasn't done her any favors in the dating department. So when Matthew Harrigan, the toughest music journalist out there, asks for an interview, Jane agrees - as long as her personal life is completely off-limits. British, gorgeous, and way too tempting, Matthew's the first guy Jane's been attracted to since her husband. As she spends more time with him and their relationship heats up, though, so does her writer's block. How can the queen of the breakup pen the perfect follow-up when she's seriously in love?

©2013 Lauren Blakely (P)2018 Brilliance Publishing, Inc. This edition is made possible under a license arrangement with Entangled Publishing, Inc.

5-star beginning and ending, so-so in the middle

Jane Black is a rock star who pours her heart into an album after the breakup of her marriage. Her healing process is raw, emotional and believable in the story. Matthew is a journalist who wants to write an article about Jane and the “Creative Process” of writing her follow up album. Other characters include Jane’s 6-year old son and Jane’s relationships with her brother and sister who are both part of her team, helping her produce and manage her career. The book is mostly about over-coming writer’s block and moving on from heartbreak - these topics overshadow the romance and the creative process. The book gets bogged down and boring in the middle. But I’m so glad I persevered to the ending because once Jane breaks through her block the story picks up and put a smile on my face.

Other books featuring the “Creative Process” for writing music:
Midnight Blue by LJ Shen - edgy and angsty
The Duet by RS Grey - light and humorous with hot chemistry

Other musician/rock star books I’ve enjoyed:
Getting Played by Emma Chase - local band, small town, funny and steamy
Cake by J Bengtsson - all the feels, including humor; great coverage of a European tour
We Own Tonight by Corinne Michaels - alternates from funny to sad, covers all the feels
Beautiful Mistake by Vi Keeland - story about a music student details how we listen and experience music
Suddenly In Love by Julia London - rock star hiding/recuperating in a small town
Dare by SL Scott - Austin band on the verge of hitting it big; bad boy meets rich girl

Charming, witty, learning to love

Insightful story about Jane Black , a Indie rock star who created great music after major heartbreak. She finds love and inspiration after a bumpy journey with music writer Matthew. Charming Brits rule! ❤️

Expections

We're met with a perfect pairing for narration and a great story to go with it. Really enjoyed it.

Not your ordinary Rockstar romance!

I don't know where Lauren Blakely gets her inspiration from, but this story is not what I expected! Jane recently had a hit with her last album, winning a grammy and has shot to stardom. Matthew is a journalist looking to find his next big story, and is hoping it's Jane. And their romance begins. The taboo romance of Matt and Jane, after all, he is working with her is front and center of this book, and it's steamy. But what I love the most is the healing Jane goes through and the revelation of how life can be lived. I think it is expertly written, and gives good perspective on how we all take things to heart, place blame and try to figure out what we did wrong. I loved this story, as I do all of Lauren's book, but this one really resonated with me.

Andi Arndt and Shane East is all I have to say. Nothing more need to be said about these two narrators, except they always bring their A game. There is some emotional pull in this one that is masterfully portrayed and I loved the performances.

Good but not great

This is a pretty good book and it kept my interest, but it’s not a 5 star. I enjoyed it, but I didn’t love it or want to listen again. Narration great as usual and I am glad I listened. There was just something missing that would have made it a 5 star. Recommend the author.