Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Staccato (Magnum Opus #2) by E.M. Lindsey

 


Amazon Link - Available in KU 
Goodreads Link



“Two men from two different worlds, with hearts aligned in a staccato beat.”

Blind from childhood Yanik experiences life though taste, touch, feel, sound. And his passion for music was the heart all of those things, leaving room for nothing else. But his dreams of making it in the classical world didn’t last after his brother calls him home to take care of their dying father.

It’s easy for Nik to resign himself to watching his career crumble—now relegated to an elementary school music teacher where the parents see blind musicians as side-show acts. He can even resign himself to being alone the rest of his life, because he’s long-since accepted he’s an impossible man to love.

But he’s not sure he can live with the sudden rush of desire that crashes through him the moment he meets Adam—a bright spark in his sea of turmoil.

Adam is the sort of man Nik has never allowed himself to want—a guitarist in a punk band working at the local tattoo shop, with no real direction in life. And it doesn’t take long for Adam to get under his skin.

But just as Nik is finally is starting to feel settled, one of his idols shows up at his door and offers him the chance to leave everything behind and work with one of the most prestigious composers in Rome—Nicolas Michaud.

With the most talented modern composers at his disposal, Nik will be able to compose his Magnum Opus for the world to hear. But will it mean anything at all without Adam by his side?





My Rating - 5 Stars!


Wow! EM Lindsey's Staccato is an amazing read. The second book in the Magnum Opus series, it's definitely best if read after Verismo. This one isn't quite as dark and heavy as the first book , but it's also full of pain and loneliness. 

Nik and Adam. A blind musician and a piercer at the tattoo shop. Two men who desperately long for stability and normalcy. Both are in a place holder kind of job, currently sacrificing their lives to help out their families. 

Nik's caring for his father and teaching music lessons. Nothing he has planned for himself.  Adam meanwhile, is also sacrificing for his family, helping his sister while her husband's deployed. 

There's a lot of depth to these men. Adam's trans, which leaves him with a slew of doubts and insecurities, especially when meeting a potential romantic interest.  He's so damn lost in his life. With no direction and set future, he's just floundering. He just wants to be loved and feel safe.  I do love his niece though.  

And Nik is blind, which gives him his own set of issues. And oh dear Lord, he's so damn broken. It's a tough read. He's struggling with his father's illness, a stagnant career, and the ability to love. 

Of course, his job also leads him to some pushy parents who don't understand that you can't force a passion on someone. I love how Nic encourages the child though. 

This is a story of mistakes and frustration, self doubts and insecurities, and two men who want the best for the other, despite not knowing what that is. Damn. Everything is so complicated for these men. 

The author does a great job illustrating many of the ways that Adam being trans affects him. It's well written, with knowledge and care. 

And then, omg, and then we get to meet up with the men from the first book. Yes, I am that excited about this wonderful surprise!

And just like in the first book, the music doesn't come automatically. One needs to find their muse and the perfect accompanist. The musical journey through this series is truly impressive. 

Staccato is an amazing romance. This EM Lindsey series is hurt/comfort at it's best and I couldn't put it down.





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