Blue Notes by Carrie Lofty
Contemporary Romance/NA
Paperback, 352 pages
Gallery Books
May 6, 2014

Reviewed by Tori

Favorite Quote: “…I don’t want to be fragile. If that’s the price for bring around you, then you need to leave.”

Keeley Chambers, a piano prodigy, is a 21 year old junior at Tulane.  A product of an abusive childhood, she was raised in foster care and essentially reinvented herself in order to survive. When she plays in a small club, she catches the eye of Jude Villars, a private playboy who has his own demons.

Born with a silver spoon in his mouth, the loss of Jude’s parents at an impressionable age forced him to grow up quickly in order to run his parents company and raise his sister. Instantly intrigued by Keeley and the the light that seems to surround her, Jude begins a careful seduction to chip away at Keeley’s barriers, hoping to find the heart behind the woman.

Keeley struggles to keep her control around Jude but he shatters all her defenses and soon she is happily encased in his orbit. When her past catches up with her and secrets come to light, can Keeley and Jude ride it out or will Keeley be left playing the blues?

Blue Notes is a contemporary new adult romance set in New Orleans; its formulaic framework is built around an innocent college student with a tragic past and a jaded playboy with secrets of his own. I want to note first off that I feel the blurb comparing this book to Jamie McGuire and S.C. Stephens is somewhat misleading. This contemporary has neither the outrageous drama or mercurial protagonists that both aforementioned authors are famous for. Blue Notes stays on a pretty even keel story and character wise.

A steady meandering pace keeps the story moving along with pertinent background information given at intervals, allowing the reader to understand the motivation behind certain scenes and dialogue. Lacking the usual over dramatized situations and actions, this heavily character driven novel starts out with a bang as Keeley’s childhood is splayed open for us and we learn of the abuse she suffered at the hands of her violent drug addicted parents. Luckley, Keeley is fostered and eventually adopted by a wonderful couple who give Keeley the love and security she craves. Attending Tulane, Keeley meets Jude. Jude Villars is a sarcastic jaded playboy whose own insecurities hide a heart of gold. Though their initial interactions cast Jude in a bad light, the sexual tension between them foreshadows the inevitable as they bicker their way into a relationship built upon lies, secrets, and innuendos.

While I enjoyed the evolution of their relationship, it does take an awfully long time for this couple to lay the groundwork. It’s here where the story begins to stall. Too much push, pull, and emotional ruminations as we wait for Jude’s back story to be introduced. Endless descriptions and narration drags the story down. Even once they are a supposed  “couple” I was never fully convinced of the connection that pushes them past the sexual attraction.

Various cliches dog the storyline, keeping it from expanding beyond the boundaries the author constructed. Sexual shaming, the older more experienced man, a jealous spurned suitor, and the ridiculous aggressive behavior on the part of the hero all make appearances in here. Keeley becomes obsessed with Jude in the beginning without a plausible explanation. I don’t buy the “he’s gorgeous” defense. In return, Jude seemingly toys with Keeley; mocking her and making her feel as though she isn’t on his social level. I did enjoy that Lofty doesn’t make Keeley into a tragic heroine; binding her to suffer in silence. She is vocal in her feelings to Jude, letting him know she refuses to put up with that behavior and be pushed into a corner until he desires her again.

Well developed secondary characters are introduced-some that build Keeley’s confidence up and others who attempt to bring her down. Each are a dynamic force that blends well with Jude and Keeley’s journey. Keeley agrees to mentor a freshman who coincidentally is Jude’s younger sister. Adelaide is extremely talented but needs refining. She and Keeley build a friendship that expands beyond their “working” relationship and Keeley gleans some understanding about Jude through tidbits his sister drops. Keeley’s roommate, Janissa, is an interesting character whose unconditional friendship is a balm to Keeley’s soul. Brandon, a young man who flirts with Keeley, only to become angry when she refuses to date him. The relationship Keeley shares with her adoptive parents is sweet and infused with love. I enjoyed seeing a conflict free relationship in that aspect.

The last quarter of the book picks up, speeding us towards the end with an infusion of suspense and intrigue. The action I kept hoping for throughout the story only seems to appear here. Keeley is forced to confront her demons and fears concerning her past and future. Lofty works through Keeley’s issues with a firm hand allowing her to fight her own battle; producing a believable resolution that leaves us secure in Keeley’s well being.

All in all Lofty pens a likable new adult that hits all the key points but misses in some areas with too much narrative and not enough action.

RATING: C

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