The Break-Up Album

By: Lauren Blakely

Narrated by: Shane East, Andi Arndt

Length: 8 hrs

Publisher's Summary

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.

Great Twist on the Rock Star Romance

Overall 4 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 3.5 stars

This isn't your typical rock star romance. It's a great twist on the trope with a healthy serving of forbidden/taboo romance as well. Andi Arndt and Shane East are fantastic as Jane and Matthew! The majority of the book is narrated superbly by Arndt, but this doesn't detract from East's sexy performance as the loveable Brisith music critic Matthew. In fact it makes Matthew's chapters and additions shine even more.

This book was a lot more emotional than I anticipated. Jane's past was especially poignant and my heart broke for her as things crumbled around her. Her confusion, anger, and heartbreak were so honest and raw. I loved seeing her regain her confidence and reclaim herself. The push and pull between her and Matthew was great, but once things move forward between them, I felt like the story seemed to stall. Things do pick up at the end and I felt Jane's reaction to Matthew's omission was justified given her history, but it still felt immature for her to run away and refuse to talk things through with him as adults. I enjoyed all the song references and how much of a role music plays in the events of our lives, but I just wasn't as captivated by The Break-Up Album as I have been with other Blakely books. It was still an entertaining listen, however, with fantastic narration!

Good.

Shane East narrates this. Swoon. Need I say more?

Andi Arndt is excellent too, as usual. For narration, this story receives 5 stars.

Lauren Blakely writes beautifully. Her characters are likeable, intelligent people and you can’t help but love them. And that’s the case here, up to a point. The story started with promise and the narrators’ performances were enthusiastic, but the romance just didn’t enthrall me the way other Lauren Blakely novels have. Also, I was distracted by a distinct lack of fans. Heroine Jane Black has won a Grammy. She should be hounded wherever she goes. At least a little bit, especially since she is recognisable and lives in a big city with a huge number of fans. But that didn’t happen. But that’s just a minor complaint. This story was good, I just don’t feel it was 5 star-worthy, even with amazing narrators.

For compelling Lauren Blakely novels, try Wanderlust, Most Valuable Playboy and Unzipped.

Awesome Listen!

Lauren Blakely did it again with another wonderful story! I really enjoyed this listen with its vivid imagery and the fantastic narration. Shane East and Andi Arndt were perfect in this book. I loved their inner musings and how they brought the characters to life. Jane and Matthew are two characters that really appealed to me. I loved the storyline in this book was original, and how I once again felt like smiling listening to this book.

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.

A beautiful love story. Shane East was perfect!

Matthew and Jane were so awesome. After her divorce, Jane needed someone very special, and that’s what she gets with Matthew. Both not expecting what happens between them, you get so many feels with this book. Both of them used to being such professionals in their respective careers, they learn that they don’t quite know how to meander through the minefield of their getting to know each other. There’s plenty of heat, but it’s such a great story of getting what you want...and deserve. It’s not always easy, but sometimes you have to go back to the basics.

I made a playlist from Jane’s top breakup songs listed in this.

Listening to Shane is always a treat, and he kicked ass on this story. And of course, Andi is always the best!

Mixed emotions

I wanted to love this book. One of my favorite authors and 2 of my most favorite narrators, but the book just fell a little short for me. The concept was great but it just was lacking for me. I actually almost stopped listening but pushed through. One thing I would say I can’t stand is when authors try to write song lyrics.. you would think it would come naturally but for some reason it just doesn’t. I can’t recommend this book unfortunately but at least the narrators are hot and sexy to listen to!

Not a rom com but still well written

I really love Lauren Blakely's rom coms. I should have known this wouldn't be a rom com given the name of the book. But as always, the story is well written. Jane is a rock star who finally made a name for herself because of her break up album. Matthew is a writer, one of the best known reporters for a well known rock star magazine. They get together at first for work but there is so much chemistry and I liked their interactions. Matthew is such a great guy. Jane is also great and Lauren Blakely made her an emotional character, one who I think people will identify with because she's scared after being hurt so badly. I loved how their relationship evolved.

I listened to the audiobook through audible escape. Shane East. sigh. His voice, his accent, his ability to play an emotional character. I loved listening to him. Andi Arndt is one of my favorite narrators- she's able to play multiple characters seamlessly, male or female and she had a beautifully emotional performance here.

Love

This was a great, current book that kept my attention. love the performers as well

Matthew Harrigan has swept me away!!!!

Matthew Harrigan has swept me away with his sexy British accent and abs! Elizabeth @ Carolina Chic''s Read

Let's start wit the cover... Michael Scanlon... yes please! Now you give him the absolutely sexy accent of Shane East and this is a sensory overload!

I loved the story of Jane Black the Grammy Winning singer/songwriter, who has got to have another hit record. It only took a broken heart and marriage to get the first one out of her. Enter Matthew Harrigan... Sexy British Reporter... you have the recipe for songs, right? Well this girl figures it out and gets the guy! I completely loved this story and am so glad I got to get this one off my TBR list!!!!!

Beats expectations

I was hesitant to read this book but Ian glad I did. It was well balanced story and both narrators were amazing. I liked the power and fight of the female lead, she was never weak or whiny.

Light, easy read

Sweet, easy and enjoyable love story. No angst. Just girl meets boy, girl and boy fall for each other, then reality kicks in and they realise they have to work together so are unable to start a relationship. Obviously there’s a bit more to it than that. We have the ex husband and father of Jane’s child, who, it turns out, is gay. We have the fact that her love interest, Matthew, is also a music critic (Jane is an up and coming rock star). Lots of lovely little side stories included in this little gem. I listened to the audio version, because well, Shane East and Andi Arndt. Perfect.

Another cracking read

Lauren Blakely never fails to bring you a fantastic story, this one is no different. Characters and narration is spot on and perfect as usual