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.

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.

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.

Sweet, Heartfelt, and Sexy Romance!

I loved this twist on the forbidden rockstar romance! It is a beautiful story of learning how to trust, healing, and finding true love. Jane is flying high with the success of her latest album. She wrote it after her heartbreaking split from her husband. She has tried to keep her personal life out of the spotlight but there are journalists who have taken advantage of her new found fame. When sexy British journalist Matthew asks to interview her, she is intrigued. He is the first man she has been attracted to since her divorce but she doesn't know if she can trust any journalist. Matthew works hard to convince her of his integrity. It is a challenge since he has always been attracted to her. As they spend time together, they can't deny their attraction and explosive chemistry. But they struggle to keep it professional between them with both their careers on the line. Blakely did a splendid job updating this sweet and sizzling romance. Narrators, Shane East, and Andi Arndt were the perfect choice for Matthew and Jane. They nailed the chemistry between Jane and Matthew, and delivered their sexy banter flawlessly. I was totally lost to East's smooth, rich, voice, and he had me totally swooning as he brought the charming, dreamy, sexy Brit to life. Arndt easily brought the struggling yet spirited Jane to life.
I really enjoyed this sweet, heartfelt, and sexy story!

Love love love,.... Lauren Blakely!

Reading this book, I imagine the voices but hearing this new duet narration.... I love it. it is so frustrating to hear every written word when it can be heard differently, ie when its a text or email, etc. But, I love the way this author expresses with the written word.....

Loved it

Jane and Matthew. Loved this story. It starts out slow but it sure doesn’t end on a slow note. Jane, she’s finally made it. An upcoming singer/songwriter. Devastated by how her marriage ended she is not looking to hook up with any man. For now......
But she can’t deny the attraction to the man who is interviewing her after her successful launch of her first album......Can you say attraction, sizzles....all the good stuff one feels when instantly attracted to someone.
But is he all in for the right reasons? Will she have to break off a good thing to further her career?
Loved the story. Loved the couple......💕

Loved it!

Fun and held my interest the whole book. I'm a sucker for a British accent too!

Great music journey!

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Just enough angst and the narrators are superb! Both are award winners and made listening so much better. I just wish I could find a playlist for all the songs mentioned!

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.