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A Duet of Darkness and Dreams
When you’re lucky enough to have everything you’ve ever wanted, you might just lose out on what matters the most.
Ambitious college student Isabella Rodriguez wants to be a journalist more than anything. Unfortunately, those misogynistic jerks at her school newspaper refuse to sit up and take her seriously. Never in a million years would she have thought that writing about a metal band would be her foot in the door to achieving her dreams. Of course, it helps when there’s a super sexy drummer in that band willing to give her the inside scoop—even if all they can ever be is friends.
After getting signed to a record label and moving his band to San Francisco, Dave Noblar has finally made it—sort of. Now that he’s here, things aren’t going exactly the way he’d hoped, and he’s not about to let himself be distracted by the beautiful, smart journalism student who’s writing about his band. Especially when his bandmate forbids him from becoming involved with her. Besides, he learned his lesson about love five years ago, and he’s more determined than ever to close off his heart and keep his eyes on the prize.
When Isabella is tasked with tagging along to cover the band’s first national tour, this is the big break both of them need. But her internship stresses staying professional at all times, and her and Dave’s growing feelings for each other could jeopardize everything. So, they need to keep their distance.
Or maybe they’ll find their own rhythm.
A Duet of Darkness and Dreams is a steamy, off-limits friends to lovers romance. It’s a story about letting go of the past, chasing your dreams, and learning to trust your heart. This rockin’ 80s rockstar romance features two dreamers, who despite thinking they have to do everything on their own, just might be the light in each other’s darkness.
Ambitious college student Isabella Rodriguez wants to be a journalist more than anything. Unfortunately, those misogynistic jerks at her school newspaper refuse to sit up and take her seriously. Never in a million years would she have thought that writing about a metal band would be her foot in the door to achieving her dreams. Of course, it helps when there’s a super sexy drummer in that band willing to give her the inside scoop—even if all they can ever be is friends.
After getting signed to a record label and moving his band to San Francisco, Dave Noblar has finally made it—sort of. Now that he’s here, things aren’t going exactly the way he’d hoped, and he’s not about to let himself be distracted by the beautiful, smart journalism student who’s writing about his band. Especially when his bandmate forbids him from becoming involved with her. Besides, he learned his lesson about love five years ago, and he’s more determined than ever to close off his heart and keep his eyes on the prize.
When Isabella is tasked with tagging along to cover the band’s first national tour, this is the big break both of them need. But her internship stresses staying professional at all times, and her and Dave’s growing feelings for each other could jeopardize everything. So, they need to keep their distance.
Or maybe they’ll find their own rhythm.
A Duet of Darkness and Dreams is a steamy, off-limits friends to lovers romance. It’s a story about letting go of the past, chasing your dreams, and learning to trust your heart. This rockin’ 80s rockstar romance features two dreamers, who despite thinking they have to do everything on their own, just might be the light in each other’s darkness.
424 pages, Paperback
Published February 27, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
January 6, 2024
As obsessed with Dave and Isabella as I am with everything else LH Blake writes.
Check TWs!!
Check TWs!!
January 20, 2024
first of all, thank you to l.h. blake for the e-arc
releases on ku february 27, 2024!
wow. l.h. blake has talent. and i mean this is something special. when you first read a book by a new author and love it, you have to wonder if it was just a one-off. if it was the tropes or those specific characters. there’s always a healthy amount of skepticism when you move into that second book. and this was done beautifully, and as far as second books go, a song of sin and salvation was absolutely not a one-off.
blake has such a talent to write stories that are cute and fluffy, whilst dealing with heavy subject matters such as death, blackmail, and discrimination. there are moments that hit you incredibly hard, near to the point of an emily henry novel with its insightfulness.
dave and isabella have carved such a special place in my heart in such a short amount of time. and i do mean short. i read this in one sitting, in approximately 6 hours.
i won’t go too far as not to spoil, but there are characters in this story that make you feel anger, it puts a smile on your face, it might even make some cry (disclaimer: im on antidepressants i don’t cry). you will feel the full spectrum of emotion in these 400 pages. as women, we can all find a way to connect with isabella and her struggle to be a woman in the world run by men. even though this story is set in the 80s, there’s a hell of a lot of work to be done there. you can find a way to connect with dave and the guilt he feels for feeling like he didn’t do enough.
the love that is created between these two characters feels real. and one thing i can say is i am not the best with slow burns. i know a slow burn is good - and the writing is good - when im not bored up until the point where the characters finally snap and have to be together. i found myself a far bit into the book before realizing that these characters hadn’t even kissed yet. these characters feel like they would truly be in love, they went from “friends” with some insane sexual tension to much, much more.
i cannot recommend a song of sin and salvation and a duet of darkness and dreams enough. blake has 100% become a new autobuy author for me and i cannot wait for the next.
5 stars.
releases on ku february 27, 2024!
wow. l.h. blake has talent. and i mean this is something special. when you first read a book by a new author and love it, you have to wonder if it was just a one-off. if it was the tropes or those specific characters. there’s always a healthy amount of skepticism when you move into that second book. and this was done beautifully, and as far as second books go, a song of sin and salvation was absolutely not a one-off.
blake has such a talent to write stories that are cute and fluffy, whilst dealing with heavy subject matters such as death, blackmail, and discrimination. there are moments that hit you incredibly hard, near to the point of an emily henry novel with its insightfulness.
dave and isabella have carved such a special place in my heart in such a short amount of time. and i do mean short. i read this in one sitting, in approximately 6 hours.
i won’t go too far as not to spoil, but there are characters in this story that make you feel anger, it puts a smile on your face, it might even make some cry (disclaimer: im on antidepressants i don’t cry). you will feel the full spectrum of emotion in these 400 pages. as women, we can all find a way to connect with isabella and her struggle to be a woman in the world run by men. even though this story is set in the 80s, there’s a hell of a lot of work to be done there. you can find a way to connect with dave and the guilt he feels for feeling like he didn’t do enough.
the love that is created between these two characters feels real. and one thing i can say is i am not the best with slow burns. i know a slow burn is good - and the writing is good - when im not bored up until the point where the characters finally snap and have to be together. i found myself a far bit into the book before realizing that these characters hadn’t even kissed yet. these characters feel like they would truly be in love, they went from “friends” with some insane sexual tension to much, much more.
i cannot recommend a song of sin and salvation and a duet of darkness and dreams enough. blake has 100% become a new autobuy author for me and i cannot wait for the next.
5 stars.
January 23, 2024
FIVE BRILLIANT ⭐️s FOR CARNAL SINS DRUMMER'S STORY!!!
I loved Songs of Sin and Salvation so much... like I still constantly think about that book and pull it out just to have a sigh. So when LH Blake opened the opportunity for an ARC, I dove for hit, hand out, flapping in violence and screaming, "GIMME! GIMME!"
Yes, I. know it's not about James and Becks this time. And while it's not, there is enough of those beloved characters in this story to keep a girl sighing.
EVEN BETTER? Yes! Because now we get to meet James' bandmate from Carnal Sins, Dave Noblar. And Key and Joel, also from Care Sins, but this story focuses on Dave. Blonde hair, blue eyed Dave. Who carries a lot of baggage and guilt...anger to which he drums it out of his system.
One night, he meet's Becks' friend from college, Izzy. Izzy has her own struggles. She's trying to make a name for herself as a reporter in a man's world in the mid 1980s. (So totally like Nancy Wheeler...but better.) Izzy decides to write a story about Carnal Sins. A little PR couldn't hurt anyone, even if it is on a college paper and she's having to dot it with a fake name to get it noticed.
And so begins this story full of pasts, presents and fights towards the future. Carnal Sins is taking off, but is it because of the article? Or is it because they've been killing themselves and working for it? Is Isabella able to keep writing about the band because she's an excellent writer? Or is it because Dave won't stop staring at her?
There are questions flying everywhere and twists that are impossible to predict. And when they happen, you sit, gape-mouthed and thoughts flying... How did I miss that?
Such a good story! Like if it weren't for school work, I would have finished reading on Friday when I started. So good, I was thinking about it while writing out my papers.
There is angst! A great balance of it. There is heat! Such a nice heat once it hits you'll have to fan yourself. And so sweet, you'll need a glucose monitor. This was such a nice balance. And not all sex all the time. Not all angst all the time. A delicate dance that touched one extreme and the other seamlessly. Perfect.
I've already had to delete some of this review. Spoilers are all I want to talk about, and I could, but then me having to hide my review defeats the purpose of reviewing an ARC.
I recommend this book if you are looking for that perfect balance in a romance.
5 ⭐️s!
I loved Songs of Sin and Salvation so much... like I still constantly think about that book and pull it out just to have a sigh. So when LH Blake opened the opportunity for an ARC, I dove for hit, hand out, flapping in violence and screaming, "GIMME! GIMME!"
Yes, I. know it's not about James and Becks this time. And while it's not, there is enough of those beloved characters in this story to keep a girl sighing.
EVEN BETTER? Yes! Because now we get to meet James' bandmate from Carnal Sins, Dave Noblar. And Key and Joel, also from Care Sins, but this story focuses on Dave. Blonde hair, blue eyed Dave. Who carries a lot of baggage and guilt...anger to which he drums it out of his system.
One night, he meet's Becks' friend from college, Izzy. Izzy has her own struggles. She's trying to make a name for herself as a reporter in a man's world in the mid 1980s. (So totally like Nancy Wheeler...but better.) Izzy decides to write a story about Carnal Sins. A little PR couldn't hurt anyone, even if it is on a college paper and she's having to dot it with a fake name to get it noticed.
And so begins this story full of pasts, presents and fights towards the future. Carnal Sins is taking off, but is it because of the article? Or is it because they've been killing themselves and working for it? Is Isabella able to keep writing about the band because she's an excellent writer? Or is it because Dave won't stop staring at her?
There are questions flying everywhere and twists that are impossible to predict. And when they happen, you sit, gape-mouthed and thoughts flying... How did I miss that?
Such a good story! Like if it weren't for school work, I would have finished reading on Friday when I started. So good, I was thinking about it while writing out my papers.
There is angst! A great balance of it. There is heat! Such a nice heat once it hits you'll have to fan yourself. And so sweet, you'll need a glucose monitor. This was such a nice balance. And not all sex all the time. Not all angst all the time. A delicate dance that touched one extreme and the other seamlessly. Perfect.
I've already had to delete some of this review. Spoilers are all I want to talk about, and I could, but then me having to hide my review defeats the purpose of reviewing an ARC.
I recommend this book if you are looking for that perfect balance in a romance.
5 ⭐️s!
January 23, 2024
“𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐥𝐮𝐜𝐤. 𝐌𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬. 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐮𝐩.”
Excuse me while I scream; I loved these two. The way Blake brought to life a story about the ‘80s, with its highs and its lows (I’m looking at the misogynistic piece of sh*t here, he knows exactly who he is), is honestly astounding. I’m hoping for more books in this universe as I really really loved the found family trope & I’m hoping we all find our own Becks one day. Also the fact that I’ve always had a soft spot for the drummers in bands made it impossible not to fall in love with Dave aswell.
I’m totally new to this author, but I’m so grateful that she provided me with an ARC of A Duet of Darkness and Dreams. I’m encouraging you to read her work as it’s honestly enthralling 💐✨🎀
Excuse me while I scream; I loved these two. The way Blake brought to life a story about the ‘80s, with its highs and its lows (I’m looking at the misogynistic piece of sh*t here, he knows exactly who he is), is honestly astounding. I’m hoping for more books in this universe as I really really loved the found family trope & I’m hoping we all find our own Becks one day. Also the fact that I’ve always had a soft spot for the drummers in bands made it impossible not to fall in love with Dave aswell.
I’m totally new to this author, but I’m so grateful that she provided me with an ARC of A Duet of Darkness and Dreams. I’m encouraging you to read her work as it’s honestly enthralling 💐✨🎀
January 24, 2024
“You shouldn’t live your life consumed with the fear that things outside your control will happen.”
Omg. THIS BOOK.
Found family, slow burn, friends to lovers.
This author writes such complex characters and does villains really well. Maybe too well bc I too wanted to kill Simon 😂😂 I literally cheered when he got what he deserved. I loved the found family vibes the band had, especially the Christmas scene! I loved seeing the friendship solidify between Becks and Izzy. The spicy scenes were *chef’s kiss*
*Thank you to the author for gifting me an eARC in exchange for an honest review*
Omg. THIS BOOK.
Found family, slow burn, friends to lovers.
This author writes such complex characters and does villains really well. Maybe too well bc I too wanted to kill Simon 😂😂 I literally cheered when he got what he deserved. I loved the found family vibes the band had, especially the Christmas scene! I loved seeing the friendship solidify between Becks and Izzy. The spicy scenes were *chef’s kiss*
*Thank you to the author for gifting me an eARC in exchange for an honest review*
March 10, 2024
**AVAILABLE FEBRUARY 27, 2024**
😽
Y’all. This book! A Duet of Darkness and Dreams is a super fun and fast-paced sequel to one of my favorites of 2023, A Song of Sin and Salvation. I was singing along, kicking my legs, and gripping my kindle for dear life throughout the reading of this book; I could NOT put it down!
In this, we focus on Carnal Sins drummer Dave and a picá señorita, Isabella. Dave has only ever dreamed of hitting the rock music scene with a force to be respected. He has a slowly-revealed past that explains why trusting a good thing might be a bad idea. Yet when a gorgeous journalism student catches his eye, he doesn’t know just what kind of trance she will put him in.
Isabella has been working her entire life to break into the world of serious journalism. However, this is the 80s…and so you can only imagine how women in the workplace stood even then. Though when she decides to write about an up and coming band called Carnal Sins, she proves without a doubt that her talent cannot be overlooked.
Isabella and Dave’s worlds dance around one another, over and over, getting closer and closer. He’s warned not to touch her. She wants nothing more than to be his personal drum-set. She tries to pull away. His band is the new subject of her work. The slow burn and pining is exquisite. The burn turning into a volcanic eruption? Literally euphoria. 🤯
This book has it all: a banging playlist, primo tropes (including she’s off-limits, friends to lovers, found family, accidental touching, trauma-healing, and friends coming together to help fight a common enemy), good hair for days, and SPICE!
Also, Izzy’s scene where she decides to place her dreams ahead of everything else and refusing to be ashamed for it made me scream “ALEXA, PLAY THE MAN BY TAYLOR SWIFT”! 👏🏼
And while Dave starts off as a playboy rockstar, he slowly morphs into the soft boi green flag we adore by the end.
Cannot wait to read more from this author, who blends music and romance into literal treats for my heart. (Here’s hoping the next one will be about Key 🤞🏼)
**I WAS HONORED BY THIS WONDERFUL AUTHOR BY BEING SELECTED FOR AN eARC. IN RESPONSE, I AM REVIEWING THIS BOOK WITH UTMOST HONESTY. THANK YOU TO L.H. BLAKE FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO READ AND REVIEW YOUR WORK.**
😽
Y’all. This book! A Duet of Darkness and Dreams is a super fun and fast-paced sequel to one of my favorites of 2023, A Song of Sin and Salvation. I was singing along, kicking my legs, and gripping my kindle for dear life throughout the reading of this book; I could NOT put it down!
In this, we focus on Carnal Sins drummer Dave and a picá señorita, Isabella. Dave has only ever dreamed of hitting the rock music scene with a force to be respected. He has a slowly-revealed past that explains why trusting a good thing might be a bad idea. Yet when a gorgeous journalism student catches his eye, he doesn’t know just what kind of trance she will put him in.
Isabella has been working her entire life to break into the world of serious journalism. However, this is the 80s…and so you can only imagine how women in the workplace stood even then. Though when she decides to write about an up and coming band called Carnal Sins, she proves without a doubt that her talent cannot be overlooked.
Isabella and Dave’s worlds dance around one another, over and over, getting closer and closer. He’s warned not to touch her. She wants nothing more than to be his personal drum-set. She tries to pull away. His band is the new subject of her work. The slow burn and pining is exquisite. The burn turning into a volcanic eruption? Literally euphoria. 🤯
This book has it all: a banging playlist, primo tropes (including she’s off-limits, friends to lovers, found family, accidental touching, trauma-healing, and friends coming together to help fight a common enemy), good hair for days, and SPICE!
Also, Izzy’s scene where she decides to place her dreams ahead of everything else and refusing to be ashamed for it made me scream “ALEXA, PLAY THE MAN BY TAYLOR SWIFT”! 👏🏼
And while Dave starts off as a playboy rockstar, he slowly morphs into the soft boi green flag we adore by the end.
Cannot wait to read more from this author, who blends music and romance into literal treats for my heart. (Here’s hoping the next one will be about Key 🤞🏼)
**I WAS HONORED BY THIS WONDERFUL AUTHOR BY BEING SELECTED FOR AN eARC. IN RESPONSE, I AM REVIEWING THIS BOOK WITH UTMOST HONESTY. THANK YOU TO L.H. BLAKE FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO READ AND REVIEW YOUR WORK.**
January 21, 2024
{“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙖𝙬𝙚𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨, 𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙤 𝙂𝙞𝙧𝙡?” 𝙄 𝙖𝙨𝙠, 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙚𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙚𝙮𝙚𝙨. 𝘼 𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙜𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙣𝙤𝙨𝙚. “𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩?” “𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙥 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙣’𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙣 𝙤𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙤𝙬𝙣.”}
First, thank you L.H Blake for sending me the e-arc of this book. This was one of my most anticipated releases for this year. And it did not disappoint! She delivered another beautiful story that was as heart wrenching as it was heart warming. Isabela is a Latina woman trying to make it in journalism in the 80s. Already fighting an uphill battle and dealing with narcissistic colleagues. Dave is the drummer of an up and coming metal band who is dealing with some heavy trauma. I love that Dave is this handsome, bad boy drummer but he’s really just a heartbroken guy who really needs to trust in love. I adored their story and sometimes wished I could shake Dave to his senses but that’s why he has his bandmates to call him out on being an idiot. As sweet as this story is, it also has some incredible spice to it! L.H Blake really has perfected the balance of spice and plot and genuine romance. Her stories are so enjoyable and I am so happy to have discovered her books!
First, thank you L.H Blake for sending me the e-arc of this book. This was one of my most anticipated releases for this year. And it did not disappoint! She delivered another beautiful story that was as heart wrenching as it was heart warming. Isabela is a Latina woman trying to make it in journalism in the 80s. Already fighting an uphill battle and dealing with narcissistic colleagues. Dave is the drummer of an up and coming metal band who is dealing with some heavy trauma. I love that Dave is this handsome, bad boy drummer but he’s really just a heartbroken guy who really needs to trust in love. I adored their story and sometimes wished I could shake Dave to his senses but that’s why he has his bandmates to call him out on being an idiot. As sweet as this story is, it also has some incredible spice to it! L.H Blake really has perfected the balance of spice and plot and genuine romance. Her stories are so enjoyable and I am so happy to have discovered her books!
January 21, 2024
Just a like the first one this was so gripping, funny, spicy, heartwarming, heartbreaking,heart clenching fantastic read that I ended up crying by the end. Pure gold.
January 22, 2024
5/5 ⭐
3/5 🌶️
Tropes
- “She’s off limits”
- “I’m with the band”
- “A woman can!”
- Taming the rake
- “Get out of your comfort zone
- College-ish Romance
📖 My Thoughts
LH Blake has a talent for writing about the difficult things in life while also making it easy to read and even tossing humor in. I fell just as in love (if not more) with Izzy and Dave as I did with Becks and James.
Izzy is a college student in her senior year with one goal in mind: make something of herself. It’s a boys club in the journalism scene and she is hell bent on making her mark. Even if she needed a little push to do so.
Dave is the drummer for an up and coming band who has had nothing but a string of bad luck, that is until he finds his good luck (keychain) charm. 😉
Izzy is off limits. He can’t (😉🤭) be with Izzy because well, he’s a bit of a playboy. One and done type of dude. But there was something about her that dug into his mind.
Each of them have their inner turmoil and trauma to work through and boy howdy do they.
I love Blake’s writing style and the way her characters sink themselves deep into your soul. Here is to another hit bestie! You killed it🫶🏻
⚠️ Triggers
- Misogyny
- Emotional abuse
- Threat of s/h
- Alcoholism/dui
- Death
- Sexual harassment
- Racism
- Incarceration
🌶️ Spice
Oh boy, does Blake know how to write a spicy scene🤭 I feel like this book she took herself a little out of her comfort zone with the scenes and it paid off. It is far spicier than a song of sin and salvation and I am 100% here for it!
Read
January 23, 2024TBD
Okay, so I want to start this review off saying thank you to the author for providing me with a ARC copy of this book.
So the book features two MC's: we have Dave, a bad boy drummer in a metal band with a dark past and then there’s Isabella, an upcoming journalist who ends up covering the metal band in an article. In which together they sprout a slow burn friends to lovers romance.
Now this review will be speaking strictly about Isabella, the journalist. A large reason as to why I requested an ARC for this book was due to the “Latina representation” that the author was promoting via instagram which I was interested by.
Unfortunately, throughout the entire book there was no representation in sight. Which I was a little confused about given how in the author's posts anytime Isabella was addressed she was largely marketed as Latina.
Before I contacted the author and before writing out this review, I scoured this entire book for information about Isabella and her nationality and literally nowhere in the entire book was it ever mentioned or addressed. The only “proof” that Isabella was Latina was that she spoke Spanish and had a Latinx last name. OH, and how could I forget! The racist remarks thrown at her by one of the characters in the book.
That was it. I can’t believe I have to say this but Latinx representation in any genre is MORE than some thrown out spanish words and racist comments...
*Takes a deep breath
bare with me everyone...
I reached out to the author and asked for clarification as to what Isabella’s nationality was and if the lack of it was purposeful. The author stated that Isabella is of Mexican heritage but that it is a very “minor plot point” in the book.
The author also addressed that she herself wasn’t Latina so she didn’t feel comfortable writing about specific issues within the Mexican community. While I appreciate her stating how she felt and totally understand it, that doesn’t change the fact that Isabella’s character isn’t “representation” and as of right now doesn't deserve to be called representation at all despite the constant promotion of the book having “Latina representation.”
After some conversation with her I was able to convince L.H. Blake to make a couple changes. Now, I'm not sure if those changes will be seen through before the final copy of this book is published but I truly hope they will be. For the mean time this review will be kept up but not actual rating will be going to it until I have seen and read the edits myself.
I write this review with the intention to bring awareness to the importance of ACCURATE Latinx representation.
Okay, so I want to start this review off saying thank you to the author for providing me with a ARC copy of this book.
So the book features two MC's: we have Dave, a bad boy drummer in a metal band with a dark past and then there’s Isabella, an upcoming journalist who ends up covering the metal band in an article. In which together they sprout a slow burn friends to lovers romance.
Now this review will be speaking strictly about Isabella, the journalist. A large reason as to why I requested an ARC for this book was due to the “Latina representation” that the author was promoting via instagram which I was interested by.
Unfortunately, throughout the entire book there was no representation in sight. Which I was a little confused about given how in the author's posts anytime Isabella was addressed she was largely marketed as Latina.
Before I contacted the author and before writing out this review, I scoured this entire book for information about Isabella and her nationality and literally nowhere in the entire book was it ever mentioned or addressed. The only “proof” that Isabella was Latina was that she spoke Spanish and had a Latinx last name. OH, and how could I forget! The racist remarks thrown at her by one of the characters in the book.
That was it. I can’t believe I have to say this but Latinx representation in any genre is MORE than some thrown out spanish words and racist comments...
*Takes a deep breath
bare with me everyone...
I reached out to the author and asked for clarification as to what Isabella’s nationality was and if the lack of it was purposeful. The author stated that Isabella is of Mexican heritage but that it is a very “minor plot point” in the book.
The author also addressed that she herself wasn’t Latina so she didn’t feel comfortable writing about specific issues within the Mexican community. While I appreciate her stating how she felt and totally understand it, that doesn’t change the fact that Isabella’s character isn’t “representation” and as of right now doesn't deserve to be called representation at all despite the constant promotion of the book having “Latina representation.”
After some conversation with her I was able to convince L.H. Blake to make a couple changes. Now, I'm not sure if those changes will be seen through before the final copy of this book is published but I truly hope they will be. For the mean time this review will be kept up but not actual rating will be going to it until I have seen and read the edits myself.
I write this review with the intention to bring awareness to the importance of ACCURATE Latinx representation.
January 22, 2024
First off BIG THANK YOU to L.H. Blake for the ARC! I’ll obviously be snagging a physical copy asap (meaning February 27th aka ~release day~), but getting to read this in advance was amazing!!
Anyway - review time!
Last summer I read L.H. Blake’s other 80s-inspired romance (‘A Song Of Sin & Salvation’) - thinking it would be a fun, light read. What I discovered instead was many difficult experiences that mirror my own being written about with genuine empathy, understanding, & compassion. It turned into an oddly healing & cathartic experience I wasn’t entirely expecting going in.
‘A Duet of Darkness & Dreams’ is incredibly similar - featuring characters that feel incredibly lifelike, a plot that’s both fun & heartwarming, a satisfying slow burn, & of course, an 80s setting that gives me nostalgia for a decade I didn’t even live through. Simultaneously it also manages to handle some heavier topics with a level of understanding I haven’t encountered in most stories.
All of L.H. Blake’s stories (check them out if you haven’t !!) have a theme of “overcoming” - whether it be overcoming self-doubts, trauma, setbacks, past mistakes, etc. - that resonates with me deeply. Each of her stories show that healing (in whatever form that might take) is possible, things will work out (one way or another), & at the end of the day you do not have to fight through your hurt alone.
So, to L.H. Blake - if you’re reading this (& Goodreads is scary so I don’t blame you if you’re not!) - thank you for continuing to write the way you do. It takes a special sort of person to be able to not only understand human emotion & experiences (no matter how joyous or painful they may be), but also to write & share that with others in a caring & empathetic way. I can’t wait to read everything else you write!
💙🩵💙
Anyway - review time!
Last summer I read L.H. Blake’s other 80s-inspired romance (‘A Song Of Sin & Salvation’) - thinking it would be a fun, light read. What I discovered instead was many difficult experiences that mirror my own being written about with genuine empathy, understanding, & compassion. It turned into an oddly healing & cathartic experience I wasn’t entirely expecting going in.
‘A Duet of Darkness & Dreams’ is incredibly similar - featuring characters that feel incredibly lifelike, a plot that’s both fun & heartwarming, a satisfying slow burn, & of course, an 80s setting that gives me nostalgia for a decade I didn’t even live through. Simultaneously it also manages to handle some heavier topics with a level of understanding I haven’t encountered in most stories.
All of L.H. Blake’s stories (check them out if you haven’t !!) have a theme of “overcoming” - whether it be overcoming self-doubts, trauma, setbacks, past mistakes, etc. - that resonates with me deeply. Each of her stories show that healing (in whatever form that might take) is possible, things will work out (one way or another), & at the end of the day you do not have to fight through your hurt alone.
So, to L.H. Blake - if you’re reading this (& Goodreads is scary so I don’t blame you if you’re not!) - thank you for continuing to write the way you do. It takes a special sort of person to be able to not only understand human emotion & experiences (no matter how joyous or painful they may be), but also to write & share that with others in a caring & empathetic way. I can’t wait to read everything else you write!
💙🩵💙
January 23, 2024
Now that I have stopped fangirling over the perfectness of this story,I think I am ready to review this. Books don't make me emotional, especially in the romance drama since I am not-so secretly dead inside. This book though had tears streaming down my face more than once.
Following the unlikely couple of Isabella, a journalism student trying to make it to graduation, and Dave, the hot drummer for the band she is covering for an article, ADoD&D has a masterfully written grasp on moving on from past traumas to see the good in front of you. The characters jump off the page and find their way into your heart so quickly.
This book is a slow burn, mutual pining, friends to lovers story with just the right amount of spice. I wholeheartedly recommend this one.
Thank you to the author for an early copy of this book for review purposes.
Following the unlikely couple of Isabella, a journalism student trying to make it to graduation, and Dave, the hot drummer for the band she is covering for an article, ADoD&D has a masterfully written grasp on moving on from past traumas to see the good in front of you. The characters jump off the page and find their way into your heart so quickly.
This book is a slow burn, mutual pining, friends to lovers story with just the right amount of spice. I wholeheartedly recommend this one.
Thank you to the author for an early copy of this book for review purposes.
January 21, 2024
When I read A song of sin and salvation, I never related and loved a book more. After that I was immensely grateful to receive an ARC of A duet of darkness and dreams, and what a dream this book was! I loved it just as much as I loved the first book. I loved all the characters and the band, I wish Carnal sins was a real band! As a metalhead I loved the way the author showed respect to the amazing art that is metal and thrash music. The author showed such dedication and admiration to the music that I love. The book and writing were incredible, the romance such a delight! Dave and Isabella will forever have my heart, same as Rebecca and James. What an incredible experience reading this book!
January 22, 2024
Thank you to L.H. Blake for the e-arc of this book!
After reading the first book not too long ago and absolutely falling in love with the characters I KNEW I needed the second one as soon as I could get my hands on it. Let me just say it did not disappoint. I really liked Dave in the first book so finding out this story went more into his character (even though he’s blonde) I was already invested in learning more and I loved him (and Isabella)! I finished this book in 2 sittings and loved every second of it! I need more time to collect all my thoughts but this was an easy 5 stars for me
After reading the first book not too long ago and absolutely falling in love with the characters I KNEW I needed the second one as soon as I could get my hands on it. Let me just say it did not disappoint. I really liked Dave in the first book so finding out this story went more into his character (even though he’s blonde) I was already invested in learning more and I loved him (and Isabella)! I finished this book in 2 sittings and loved every second of it! I need more time to collect all my thoughts but this was an easy 5 stars for me
January 22, 2024
The second I picked this up, I couldn't put it down. In fact I finished it in 7 hours.
I fell in love with Izzy and Dave and couldn't wait to see where their romance took us. It's a fun and easy read. The slow burn was so good and had me hooked! I highly recommend both books in this series and look forward to more books by Blake and hopefully this series. L.H Blake has become a new autobuy author for me.
Releases to ku Feb 27th! Check trigger warnings. Thank you so much, LH Blake.
I fell in love with Izzy and Dave and couldn't wait to see where their romance took us. It's a fun and easy read. The slow burn was so good and had me hooked! I highly recommend both books in this series and look forward to more books by Blake and hopefully this series. L.H Blake has become a new autobuy author for me.
Releases to ku Feb 27th! Check trigger warnings. Thank you so much, LH Blake.
January 23, 2024
Dave + Isabella
-rockstar romance
-80s setting
-drummer x journalist
-forced proximity
omg i loved them!! the tension is seriously the best! i loved seeing James & Becks again too & now the band getting big & i love how Izzy didn’t take no man’s shit & the direction they plot went was great!!
-rockstar romance
-80s setting
-drummer x journalist
-forced proximity
omg i loved them!! the tension is seriously the best! i loved seeing James & Becks again too & now the band getting big & i love how Izzy didn’t take no man’s shit & the direction they plot went was great!!
January 22, 2024
“I can’t help but think that after so much darkness, she’s been the brightest light. She fell in love with my dreams, and I fell in love with hers.”
✨Slow Burn
✨Set in the 80’s
✨Rockstar Romance
✨Found Family
✨She’s off limits
Isabella gets invited by her friend, Becks, to come meet and listen to a local metal band, Carnal Sins. When Isabella arrives, she meets Dave, the drummer. They immediately hit it off; however, once Dave realizes who she is, he backs off as she is completely off limits. Dave doesn’t do relationships and is used to bringing home a new girl every night, so it’s smart for him to not go after Isabella. But for some reason, they can’t seem to stay away from each other, especially while Isabella goes on tour with Carnal Sins to write an article about their experience for her internship. It’s a strict policy for Isabella and Dave to keep things professional, and both are fighting for their dreams to come true. Nothing can get in the way, or so they say.
L.H. Blake has done it again. This slow burn, tension filled, forbidden romance had me blushing and rooting for Isabella and Dave from beginning to end. This book was such an easy read, and the imagery was spot on—I felt like I was truly there in the story. I flew through this book, just like I did with the first one in the series. It was such a beautiful story watching two people who have such incredible dreams come together and create their own.
I absolutely adored the main characters in this one. Isabella is a hardworking, dedicated college student who is trying her hardest to prove her worth and fulfill her dreams becoming a journalist. Dave is extremely ambitious, optimistic, and wants nothing more than to become a famous rockstar. Both have big dreams, with unfortunate darkness they keep hidden. They are perfect for each other as they are so different, yet similar in many ways. The connection they had was magnetic from the start, their tension was addicting to read, and the love they have for one another is beautiful.
Huge thank you to L.H. Blake for the incredible opportunity to receive this ARC. I truly loved every second of reading this story.
✨Slow Burn
✨Set in the 80’s
✨Rockstar Romance
✨Found Family
✨She’s off limits
Isabella gets invited by her friend, Becks, to come meet and listen to a local metal band, Carnal Sins. When Isabella arrives, she meets Dave, the drummer. They immediately hit it off; however, once Dave realizes who she is, he backs off as she is completely off limits. Dave doesn’t do relationships and is used to bringing home a new girl every night, so it’s smart for him to not go after Isabella. But for some reason, they can’t seem to stay away from each other, especially while Isabella goes on tour with Carnal Sins to write an article about their experience for her internship. It’s a strict policy for Isabella and Dave to keep things professional, and both are fighting for their dreams to come true. Nothing can get in the way, or so they say.
L.H. Blake has done it again. This slow burn, tension filled, forbidden romance had me blushing and rooting for Isabella and Dave from beginning to end. This book was such an easy read, and the imagery was spot on—I felt like I was truly there in the story. I flew through this book, just like I did with the first one in the series. It was such a beautiful story watching two people who have such incredible dreams come together and create their own.
I absolutely adored the main characters in this one. Isabella is a hardworking, dedicated college student who is trying her hardest to prove her worth and fulfill her dreams becoming a journalist. Dave is extremely ambitious, optimistic, and wants nothing more than to become a famous rockstar. Both have big dreams, with unfortunate darkness they keep hidden. They are perfect for each other as they are so different, yet similar in many ways. The connection they had was magnetic from the start, their tension was addicting to read, and the love they have for one another is beautiful.
Huge thank you to L.H. Blake for the incredible opportunity to receive this ARC. I truly loved every second of reading this story.
January 24, 2024
(Very soft spoilers, I think?)
Alright first of all. I can’t believe this book it’s real, it’s like I dreamed it to life…😉.
No but for real I loved this book so much, it’s safe to say it’s one of my absolute favorite ones now! I’d like to begin thanking L.H. Blake for being AMAZING! I literally ran into “A Song Of Sin And Salvation” (another treasure) like a week ago and devoured it only to find out right away that this masterpiece was coming! I ran to L.H instagram and saw that the ARCs had been sent and I was sad because I had missed the deadline but then she asked me if I had applied for one and like the awesome person she is, she broke the deadline rules for me and sent me one! Honestly you’re the real MVP!!!
Now to the book… OMG I don’t even know what to say, it’s SO SO GOOD! Like honestly I feel like the author spied on my dreams. 🧐 Let’s begin with the heroine, she is SO!!! 💕💫⭐️✨🌼🔥 I may be a bit biased here because just like Izzy, I’m latina haha and just like her I love Disco! LOL. I may not share her passion for journalism but I understand the need to make our dreams come true and how hard it is to do so. I understand the loneliness she felt and how awesome it feels to make friends who have your back when you need them! And just like her I have a weakness for blond long-haired drummers… 😏😍😂
Alright let’s talk about Dave now! First, what a cutie! The long-blond hair? The arms and the sleeveless shirts he wears? The bad jokes that are actually awesome? (BTW why are they called hamburgers? lol) He’s so passionate for what and who he loves and he fights for it if needed which is so so sexy! It was so sad to learn about his past and why he’s so angry… Wish I could hold him in my arms and reassure him but I guess he has Izzy for that and I’m vicariously living through her now! LOL.
Also the dialogue in this book? “I want you.” “Then fucking have me.” EXCUSE ME???? I almost choked on my saliva when I read that line.
For real I feel like L.H. custom wrote this book for me, I mean… hot musicians, a latina heroine, road trips, friends to lovers, a happy ending (with a bit of vengeance lol) and it’s all set in the 80’s!!! I may not have been alive for that amazing period of time but I love it, I am literally obsessed so when I found this series I felt like I had won the lottery! And O.M.G those spicy scenes… 😳🤭🫠 ISTG I was shivering haha!
Wish I had L.H. or Izzy’s talent to write so I could really put into words how much I enjoyed and love this book but I hope this honest review will do. I was so sad when I finished reading it but I’m hopeful there will be more… Is it Key’s or Joel’s turn? 😏 I honestly cannot wait! Sorry, but I just can’t get enough!
Thank you so much for this masterpiece L.H. Blake! Can’t wait to have my physical copy of ASOSAS & ADODAD and put them on a shrine!
Bonus: Listen to the playlist while reading! It’s absolute fire and I love that it’s also the titles of the chapters! I hadn’t listened to “Baby I’m-a Want You” before and I honestly don’t know how I survived? I love that song now and it makes me think of those scenes and AHHHH I love it! Also I so wish I could listen to track #5! I mean metal and disco? That sounds totally interesting! ;) ❤️❤️❤️
Alright first of all. I can’t believe this book it’s real, it’s like I dreamed it to life…😉.
No but for real I loved this book so much, it’s safe to say it’s one of my absolute favorite ones now! I’d like to begin thanking L.H. Blake for being AMAZING! I literally ran into “A Song Of Sin And Salvation” (another treasure) like a week ago and devoured it only to find out right away that this masterpiece was coming! I ran to L.H instagram and saw that the ARCs had been sent and I was sad because I had missed the deadline but then she asked me if I had applied for one and like the awesome person she is, she broke the deadline rules for me and sent me one! Honestly you’re the real MVP!!!
Now to the book… OMG I don’t even know what to say, it’s SO SO GOOD! Like honestly I feel like the author spied on my dreams. 🧐 Let’s begin with the heroine, she is SO!!! 💕💫⭐️✨🌼🔥 I may be a bit biased here because just like Izzy, I’m latina haha and just like her I love Disco! LOL. I may not share her passion for journalism but I understand the need to make our dreams come true and how hard it is to do so. I understand the loneliness she felt and how awesome it feels to make friends who have your back when you need them! And just like her I have a weakness for blond long-haired drummers… 😏😍😂
Alright let’s talk about Dave now! First, what a cutie! The long-blond hair? The arms and the sleeveless shirts he wears? The bad jokes that are actually awesome? (BTW why are they called hamburgers? lol) He’s so passionate for what and who he loves and he fights for it if needed which is so so sexy! It was so sad to learn about his past and why he’s so angry… Wish I could hold him in my arms and reassure him but I guess he has Izzy for that and I’m vicariously living through her now! LOL.
Also the dialogue in this book? “I want you.” “Then fucking have me.” EXCUSE ME???? I almost choked on my saliva when I read that line.
For real I feel like L.H. custom wrote this book for me, I mean… hot musicians, a latina heroine, road trips, friends to lovers, a happy ending (with a bit of vengeance lol) and it’s all set in the 80’s!!! I may not have been alive for that amazing period of time but I love it, I am literally obsessed so when I found this series I felt like I had won the lottery! And O.M.G those spicy scenes… 😳🤭🫠 ISTG I was shivering haha!
Wish I had L.H. or Izzy’s talent to write so I could really put into words how much I enjoyed and love this book but I hope this honest review will do. I was so sad when I finished reading it but I’m hopeful there will be more… Is it Key’s or Joel’s turn? 😏 I honestly cannot wait! Sorry, but I just can’t get enough!
Thank you so much for this masterpiece L.H. Blake! Can’t wait to have my physical copy of ASOSAS & ADODAD and put them on a shrine!
Bonus: Listen to the playlist while reading! It’s absolute fire and I love that it’s also the titles of the chapters! I hadn’t listened to “Baby I’m-a Want You” before and I honestly don’t know how I survived? I love that song now and it makes me think of those scenes and AHHHH I love it! Also I so wish I could listen to track #5! I mean metal and disco? That sounds totally interesting! ;) ❤️❤️❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2024
This is L.H. Blake’s second rockstar romance, an interconnected standalone. It is set in 1980s San Francisco, following a thrash metal band and their ascension to stardom, aided by journalism student Izzy and her coverage of them.
Blake is a master of character creation, quickly making us love Izzy and her intricacies, the way she thinks, and the challenges she faces as a woman in journalism. As in her first book, Blake doesn't take the easier route - she does not allow Izzy to be full of doubt and insecurity; there are elements of imposter syndrome, but ultimately Izzy knows she is good at what she does. Her flaws lie elsewhere, in her overthinking and her stubborn independence.
Dave is an equally complex and intriguing character. I loved the use of flashbacks to slowly learn about his past. This is an often overused device, but Blake’s offers us snapshots into the events that shaped him and his fears, allowing his present-day actions to speak for the rest. His behaviour is frustrating, yet Blake manages to keep us sympathetic to him, willing him to realise what could be if he allowed it.
The slow burn romance is sizzling hot, with angst and sexual tension in plentiful supply. And when they finally decide to ‘get it out of their systems’ (Sure, guys) the spice is excellent. Izzy and Dave are different in a lot of ways, but ultimately, they share the same values. As Dave would say, they have the same rhythm. They learn to lean on each other, and on their other friends. The growth in their characters is heartwarming, and it is what ultimately allows them to grow into the relationship with each other. I really like that Blake allows both characters to have their own path, which the other helps them to find, and come together because of this growth.
I loved that we got a good insight into James and Beck’s HEA. I loved these characters so much, and getting to spend more time with them was a delight.
Once again, L.H. Blake has created a masterpiece. Get yourself this book when it releases Feb 27th
Blake is a master of character creation, quickly making us love Izzy and her intricacies, the way she thinks, and the challenges she faces as a woman in journalism. As in her first book, Blake doesn't take the easier route - she does not allow Izzy to be full of doubt and insecurity; there are elements of imposter syndrome, but ultimately Izzy knows she is good at what she does. Her flaws lie elsewhere, in her overthinking and her stubborn independence.
Dave is an equally complex and intriguing character. I loved the use of flashbacks to slowly learn about his past. This is an often overused device, but Blake’s offers us snapshots into the events that shaped him and his fears, allowing his present-day actions to speak for the rest. His behaviour is frustrating, yet Blake manages to keep us sympathetic to him, willing him to realise what could be if he allowed it.
The slow burn romance is sizzling hot, with angst and sexual tension in plentiful supply. And when they finally decide to ‘get it out of their systems’ (Sure, guys) the spice is excellent. Izzy and Dave are different in a lot of ways, but ultimately, they share the same values. As Dave would say, they have the same rhythm. They learn to lean on each other, and on their other friends. The growth in their characters is heartwarming, and it is what ultimately allows them to grow into the relationship with each other. I really like that Blake allows both characters to have their own path, which the other helps them to find, and come together because of this growth.
I loved that we got a good insight into James and Beck’s HEA. I loved these characters so much, and getting to spend more time with them was a delight.
Once again, L.H. Blake has created a masterpiece. Get yourself this book when it releases Feb 27th
February 21, 2024
Many thanks to the author for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!
I've sometimes wished for more historical romance outside of regency romance, and if you've ever felt the same way, this is the book for you. The 80s setting is so great, and I would love to read more romances like this! I also looove reading stories that center music, so it was great to follow the drummer in an up and coming band and a music journalist!
The romance itself worked so well for me too. I really liked both characters and I thought they had great chemistry, which only improved throughout the book. This is a friends to lovers slowburn with some added angst from past relationship trauma on the guy's side. There was no unnecessary drama but instead very understandable growth they each had to go through.
I've sometimes wished for more historical romance outside of regency romance, and if you've ever felt the same way, this is the book for you. The 80s setting is so great, and I would love to read more romances like this! I also looove reading stories that center music, so it was great to follow the drummer in an up and coming band and a music journalist!
The romance itself worked so well for me too. I really liked both characters and I thought they had great chemistry, which only improved throughout the book. This is a friends to lovers slowburn with some added angst from past relationship trauma on the guy's side. There was no unnecessary drama but instead very understandable growth they each had to go through.
January 24, 2024
when i signed up for this ARC i wasn't expecting to actually love it as much as i did! i also didn't realize it was going to be as connected to a song of sin and salvation as it was, but i really liked how involved becks and james were too.
i liked the tropes in this and while the romance was predictable, it still had a will they won't they aspect that made it fun. sometimes the internal "spice" dialogue was uncomfortable because i always hate that LOL, but the spice scenes were great despite that.
most importantly i had fun reading this and hope there is more to come in this series!!! so fun! when this releases i hope you all take a chance to read it!!!
i liked the tropes in this and while the romance was predictable, it still had a will they won't they aspect that made it fun. sometimes the internal "spice" dialogue was uncomfortable because i always hate that LOL, but the spice scenes were great despite that.
most importantly i had fun reading this and hope there is more to come in this series!!! so fun! when this releases i hope you all take a chance to read it!!!
March 2, 2024
I will never pass up on a book from L.H. Blake.
I have to start by saying this is not my genre. But I was hooked by the wonderful writing and stark emotions from this author's fantasy romance title, and I've devoured everything else.
This book has so many real emotional stakes from start to finish, and every character shines with their individual voice. And I LOVED getting little peeks of James and Becks from the last book, like a little treat for those of us who loved them back when.
I loved the slow burn, loved the spice, and the emotional connection between the main characters that finally blossomed. And the genuine trauma that these characters needed to overcome to get there.
I have to start by saying this is not my genre. But I was hooked by the wonderful writing and stark emotions from this author's fantasy romance title, and I've devoured everything else.
This book has so many real emotional stakes from start to finish, and every character shines with their individual voice. And I LOVED getting little peeks of James and Becks from the last book, like a little treat for those of us who loved them back when.
I loved the slow burn, loved the spice, and the emotional connection between the main characters that finally blossomed. And the genuine trauma that these characters needed to overcome to get there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2024
L.H. Blake writes yet another amazing book in this series that makes my little heart happy. This is book two in the Carnal Sins series and you could read this as a standalone, but I highly recommend you pick up the first book and get acquainted with those characters because you will be seeing them again in this one. I had the privilege of arc reading the first book (A song of Sin & Salvation) and now book two (this book). They are both incredible 80's-inspired romances that also have some topics in them that are a little unsavory but they are just executed so well.
This book follows Isabella as she is working being a sort of intern at her college's school newspaper. Her dream is to be a journalist, but the problem is no one takes her seriously so she interviews a band and submits the work under a man's name. It becomes somewhat of a buzz and she steps forward as the author of the work. She gets the opportunity to interview the band again when her notebook goes missing. Which we find out is shady-mcShadster her coworker who literally sucks. He not only stole her notebook, but he used her work and claimed it as his own landing a really nice gig with it too.
She ends up quitting the school newspaper and she goes through a period of grieving while receiving rejection letter after rejection letter. During this time she gets a call from the head of the school newspaper and her life starts to change.
Our other main character is Dave and he is the drummer from Carnal Sins. He is pretty much told from the get go that Isabella is off limits. Dave is honestly this really sweet guy and I won't spoil it for you but he has been through a lot, but in terms of everything he has been through he really comes up top.
I just love this story so much and the hurdles each of these characters overcome throughout the story is just so beautifully written. L.H. Blake just knows how to really resonate with a reader and I think it's safe to say at this point, I would read anything written by them.
This book follows Isabella as she is working being a sort of intern at her college's school newspaper. Her dream is to be a journalist, but the problem is no one takes her seriously so she interviews a band and submits the work under a man's name. It becomes somewhat of a buzz and she steps forward as the author of the work. She gets the opportunity to interview the band again when her notebook goes missing. Which we find out is shady-mcShadster her coworker who literally sucks. He not only stole her notebook, but he used her work and claimed it as his own landing a really nice gig with it too.
She ends up quitting the school newspaper and she goes through a period of grieving while receiving rejection letter after rejection letter. During this time she gets a call from the head of the school newspaper and her life starts to change.
Our other main character is Dave and he is the drummer from Carnal Sins. He is pretty much told from the get go that Isabella is off limits. Dave is honestly this really sweet guy and I won't spoil it for you but he has been through a lot, but in terms of everything he has been through he really comes up top.
I just love this story so much and the hurdles each of these characters overcome throughout the story is just so beautifully written. L.H. Blake just knows how to really resonate with a reader and I think it's safe to say at this point, I would read anything written by them.
January 27, 2024
I had written an entire review and then the app failed. So here we are, doing it again…
This book??? When I signed up for the ARC I never expected to fall in love with it as much as I did. I have to be honest, normally tropes like slow burn, found family and friends to lovers are not my first choice. But this book made me fall in love with them.
The writing was done so fun and easy to read, I went through the book so fast!
The characters develop is such a beautiful way and we also get to know Izzy and Daves close friends! Also the flashbacks to Daves past gave us a beautiful rep of how past trauma continues to influence you current life if you let it.
I also have to say, Izzy continues to be a strong woman with her own dreams and aspirations. I love reading about her journey as a female in an all male environment!
P.S. the playlist is so worth listening to!! I love how the chapters are named after each song😍
This book??? When I signed up for the ARC I never expected to fall in love with it as much as I did. I have to be honest, normally tropes like slow burn, found family and friends to lovers are not my first choice. But this book made me fall in love with them.
The writing was done so fun and easy to read, I went through the book so fast!
The characters develop is such a beautiful way and we also get to know Izzy and Daves close friends! Also the flashbacks to Daves past gave us a beautiful rep of how past trauma continues to influence you current life if you let it.
I also have to say, Izzy continues to be a strong woman with her own dreams and aspirations. I love reading about her journey as a female in an all male environment!
P.S. the playlist is so worth listening to!! I love how the chapters are named after each song😍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2024
80's Rockstar romance! The second book in a great series by an author who knows how to write romance that is both sweet and spicy. I enjoyed getting to know the mmc who is introduced in the first book. I'm really looking forward to book 3.
February 27, 2024
4.5 stars ✨
L.H. Blake can do no wrong. She cannot. She takes a blank paper and she starts typing words on it and then it turns into a masterpiece. 👏🏻
I adore both Isabella, Dave and all the characters in this book. They really gave this story life and I couldn't stop reading this one for a minute.
Isabella is incredible. She wants to be a journalist and is fighting every day to prove to everyone how amazing she is. However, this isn't easy. It's a world domineered by men, and she has to go a double extra mile to make sure she's noticed and taken seriously.
When she accepts the invitation of her friend, Becks, to go see this unknown band, Carnal Sins, in which Beck's boyfriend is a part of, she never would've imagined that writing a story about them would be her small breakthrough.
Dave Noblar has always dreamed about making it in the big world as a drummer. And he worked his butt off his entire life to make sure his dreams would come true. Now being in San Francisco he thought that he was finally a step way closer to his goal, but things aren't actually as easy as he thought they'd be.
His one and only and main focus is his career. No distractions allowed. No breaks allowed. No going back.
No matter how stunning, funny and interesting Becks' friend may be.
The first night when Dave and Isabella meet the spark and attraction are instant. They build this connection between them, something so intimate and profound and secret that it just makes it feel extra special. 💙
I absolutely adored the slow-burn in this book. I love how strongly they fought what was obvious, I loved all the ups and downs and them figuring everything out. Their connection, their friendship and their relationship feel so real, their struggles feel so real, and their fears feel very real, too.
Learning of Dave's past broke my heart. At this point I will just prepare myself for a heartbreak or two when it comes to reading L.H. Blake's books in the future, because she definitely has this ability to make me feel as if someone's opening up my chest and trying to rip my heart out without any warning nor anesthesia, for that matter.
Some moments in this book made me so mad. To the point I wanted to punch something badly. And I may or may not have sent audio proof of all my feelings and emotions to Madison for anger management purposes 😂
There were some conflicts which annoyed me a bit, and I think they could've had a faster resolution if proper actions would've been taken.
Overall, this book is amazing. The main characters are amazing. L.H. Blake is even more amazing. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to ARC read this book, and I absolutely cannot wait for what she has in store for us next.
Oh, and, obviously, I cannot recommend this book and this series enough. 💗
L.H. Blake can do no wrong. She cannot. She takes a blank paper and she starts typing words on it and then it turns into a masterpiece. 👏🏻
I adore both Isabella, Dave and all the characters in this book. They really gave this story life and I couldn't stop reading this one for a minute.
Isabella is incredible. She wants to be a journalist and is fighting every day to prove to everyone how amazing she is. However, this isn't easy. It's a world domineered by men, and she has to go a double extra mile to make sure she's noticed and taken seriously.
When she accepts the invitation of her friend, Becks, to go see this unknown band, Carnal Sins, in which Beck's boyfriend is a part of, she never would've imagined that writing a story about them would be her small breakthrough.
Dave Noblar has always dreamed about making it in the big world as a drummer. And he worked his butt off his entire life to make sure his dreams would come true. Now being in San Francisco he thought that he was finally a step way closer to his goal, but things aren't actually as easy as he thought they'd be.
His one and only and main focus is his career. No distractions allowed. No breaks allowed. No going back.
No matter how stunning, funny and interesting Becks' friend may be.
The first night when Dave and Isabella meet the spark and attraction are instant. They build this connection between them, something so intimate and profound and secret that it just makes it feel extra special. 💙
I absolutely adored the slow-burn in this book. I love how strongly they fought what was obvious, I loved all the ups and downs and them figuring everything out. Their connection, their friendship and their relationship feel so real, their struggles feel so real, and their fears feel very real, too.
Learning of Dave's past broke my heart. At this point I will just prepare myself for a heartbreak or two when it comes to reading L.H. Blake's books in the future, because she definitely has this ability to make me feel as if someone's opening up my chest and trying to rip my heart out without any warning nor anesthesia, for that matter.
Some moments in this book made me so mad. To the point I wanted to punch something badly. And I may or may not have sent audio proof of all my feelings and emotions to Madison for anger management purposes 😂
There were some conflicts which annoyed me a bit, and I think they could've had a faster resolution if proper actions would've been taken.
Overall, this book is amazing. The main characters are amazing. L.H. Blake is even more amazing. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to ARC read this book, and I absolutely cannot wait for what she has in store for us next.
Oh, and, obviously, I cannot recommend this book and this series enough. 💗
January 25, 2024
No hay forma de que pueda superar lo que acabo de leer. L.H. Blake lo hizo de nuevo y fue mucho más allá. Si están buscando un libro con los siguientes tropes: slow burn, one bed, road trip, friends to lovers, rockstar romances, 80’s romance, sexual tension al topeeeee, pero que al mismo tiempo sea serio, sensible y honesto, ESTA ES SU MEJOR OPCIÓN 🥹
Primero que nada, WOW. Estoy obsesionada con todo el universo de Carnal Sins que L.H. Blake ha creado. Gracias a la autora por darme el honor de leer el libro antes de su lanzamiento. 🥹
Así como el primer libro de su serie, A Duet of Darkness and Dreams toca temas súper serios que aún en la actualidad vemos, como el machismo y sexismo en las áreas de trabajo y todo lo que eso implica en la carrera profesional de las mujeres. Es increíble que la historia se encuentra en 1989, pero sigue sucediendo en muchos lugares. Y L.H. Blake tiene un súper talento para describir esas emociones, no solo las fantasías románticas que tenemos. Que, hablando de ellas, uff 🔥🔥 otro nivel de slow burn, pero me encantaaaaa. Además, es una historia profunda sobre dejar atrás todo lo que te atormenta y no permitir que tus miedos te impidan abrir tus horizontes y permitirte amar y ser amado 🥹
Me encanta todo de este libro, los personajes son preciosos, todo lo que queremos ser y tener como amigos, como parejas, como familia 🥹 (esto último, estrictamente hablando solo de los protagonistas de A Duet of Darkness and Dreams, no del primer libro 😅). Y, como dijo la autora al principio, este es el libro para todos aquellos weirdos a los que alguna vez les dijeron que no podían cumplir sus sueños. PROVE THEM ALL WRONG! 🖕🏼❤️🩹
Primero que nada, WOW. Estoy obsesionada con todo el universo de Carnal Sins que L.H. Blake ha creado. Gracias a la autora por darme el honor de leer el libro antes de su lanzamiento. 🥹
Así como el primer libro de su serie, A Duet of Darkness and Dreams toca temas súper serios que aún en la actualidad vemos, como el machismo y sexismo en las áreas de trabajo y todo lo que eso implica en la carrera profesional de las mujeres. Es increíble que la historia se encuentra en 1989, pero sigue sucediendo en muchos lugares. Y L.H. Blake tiene un súper talento para describir esas emociones, no solo las fantasías románticas que tenemos. Que, hablando de ellas, uff 🔥🔥 otro nivel de slow burn, pero me encantaaaaa. Además, es una historia profunda sobre dejar atrás todo lo que te atormenta y no permitir que tus miedos te impidan abrir tus horizontes y permitirte amar y ser amado 🥹
Me encanta todo de este libro, los personajes son preciosos, todo lo que queremos ser y tener como amigos, como parejas, como familia 🥹 (esto último, estrictamente hablando solo de los protagonistas de A Duet of Darkness and Dreams, no del primer libro 😅). Y, como dijo la autora al principio, este es el libro para todos aquellos weirdos a los que alguna vez les dijeron que no podían cumplir sus sueños. PROVE THEM ALL WRONG! 🖕🏼❤️🩹
January 25, 2024
*this book contains some very real, very heavy topics so please read TWs if you decide to pick it up*
I received an e-ARC of this book. I LOVED the first book so I was beyond excited to read this one and man L.H. Blake did not disappoint. This book was SO GOOD!!! I could not put it down. It was so much fun returning to this world.
I just love Izzy and Dave. Love them together but also love all of their individual achievements and how they were both working to help the other’s dreams come true. I LOVED the bucket list and the good luck charm and their little inside jokes. These two characters were just so sweet and I love how hard they fought for each other and how they supported one another without fail even before they could fully admit their true feelings.
I really appreciate how well L.H. Blake balances these stories. The mix of beautiful love story, hilarious banter and the management of heavy topics is really well done. I laughed, I cried, and I fell in love with these characters. I really appreciate how these books can address such heavy things without being TOO heavy and changing the theme of the book. It really helps you understand why these characters are who they are and how hard they’re working to overcome their pasts.
A Song of Sin and Salvation was one of my top reads of 2023 and I was so excited to jump back into this world. I really loved the opportunity to get another glimpse into Becks and James while watching the love story between Dave and Izzy unfold. This book was just pure 80s gold and so much fun. I can’t wait to see what L.H. Blake does next!
I received an e-ARC of this book. I LOVED the first book so I was beyond excited to read this one and man L.H. Blake did not disappoint. This book was SO GOOD!!! I could not put it down. It was so much fun returning to this world.
I just love Izzy and Dave. Love them together but also love all of their individual achievements and how they were both working to help the other’s dreams come true. I LOVED the bucket list and the good luck charm and their little inside jokes. These two characters were just so sweet and I love how hard they fought for each other and how they supported one another without fail even before they could fully admit their true feelings.
I really appreciate how well L.H. Blake balances these stories. The mix of beautiful love story, hilarious banter and the management of heavy topics is really well done. I laughed, I cried, and I fell in love with these characters. I really appreciate how these books can address such heavy things without being TOO heavy and changing the theme of the book. It really helps you understand why these characters are who they are and how hard they’re working to overcome their pasts.
A Song of Sin and Salvation was one of my top reads of 2023 and I was so excited to jump back into this world. I really loved the opportunity to get another glimpse into Becks and James while watching the love story between Dave and Izzy unfold. This book was just pure 80s gold and so much fun. I can’t wait to see what L.H. Blake does next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2024
First, thank you L.H. Blake for my free ARC of A Duet of Darkness and Dreams! A Duet of Darkness and Dreams will be officially available on KU February 27, 2024
Now, let’s get into this 80’s dream! This book felt like an 80’s drama movie in my head. i could picture the setting and the characters so vividly. L.H. Blake has a talent to make you feel like you’re really there.
Isabella. What a relatable and strong willed main character. I found myself relating so much to her challenges as a woman in a male dominated world. What I love about her most is her willingness to always get back up. I kept thinking about what I would’ve done if I was faced with the hardships she kept facing throughout the book and she surprised me every time.
Dave. L.H. Blake, how dare you make me fall for a blonde man. Dave is exactly what you imagine the teddy bear metalhead to be. Tough on the outside and an absolute soft and kind hearted man on the inside. The way he fosters his and Isabella’s dream solely because he loves her and not because he wants the praise. What a man.
I loved all the tropes in this book and I found myself really invested in Carnal Sins story as well. I look forward to the next book, not just for the love story, but to see more from this found family group and their success. 5/5 A must read!
Now, let’s get into this 80’s dream! This book felt like an 80’s drama movie in my head. i could picture the setting and the characters so vividly. L.H. Blake has a talent to make you feel like you’re really there.
Isabella. What a relatable and strong willed main character. I found myself relating so much to her challenges as a woman in a male dominated world. What I love about her most is her willingness to always get back up. I kept thinking about what I would’ve done if I was faced with the hardships she kept facing throughout the book and she surprised me every time.
Dave. L.H. Blake, how dare you make me fall for a blonde man. Dave is exactly what you imagine the teddy bear metalhead to be. Tough on the outside and an absolute soft and kind hearted man on the inside. The way he fosters his and Isabella’s dream solely because he loves her and not because he wants the praise. What a man.
I loved all the tropes in this book and I found myself really invested in Carnal Sins story as well. I look forward to the next book, not just for the love story, but to see more from this found family group and their success. 5/5 A must read!
February 23, 2024
It’s actually unhealthy how much my heart ached and the amount of butterflies I experienced whilst reading this book.
Dave and Isabella’s attraction was instantaneous but I loved that we had to wait for them to find their way, as individuals and together. Isabella was a fighter and she knew what she wanted, she faced a lot of setbacks and discrimination as a woman in the journalism industry and she didn’t quit. Dave Noblar needs to be protected at all costs. Give me a grungy broken boy with the kindest heart and dirtiest mouth any day. Their connection ran so deep from day one and I loved the lucky charm of this story 🥹
The friendships were perfect, the writing so lovely and I cannot wait to read more from this author!
I loved that this book was set in the 80’s, something I’ve never read in a book before and listen, I wasn’t born back then but it felt nostalgic and I was here for all the vibes!
*𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬*
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: contemporary romance
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: friends to lovers, set in 80’s, rock band, reformed playboy, Latina FMC, road trip, duel pov
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞: 🌶️🌶️
Dave and Isabella’s attraction was instantaneous but I loved that we had to wait for them to find their way, as individuals and together. Isabella was a fighter and she knew what she wanted, she faced a lot of setbacks and discrimination as a woman in the journalism industry and she didn’t quit. Dave Noblar needs to be protected at all costs. Give me a grungy broken boy with the kindest heart and dirtiest mouth any day. Their connection ran so deep from day one and I loved the lucky charm of this story 🥹
The friendships were perfect, the writing so lovely and I cannot wait to read more from this author!
I loved that this book was set in the 80’s, something I’ve never read in a book before and listen, I wasn’t born back then but it felt nostalgic and I was here for all the vibes!
*𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬*
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: contemporary romance
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: friends to lovers, set in 80’s, rock band, reformed playboy, Latina FMC, road trip, duel pov
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞: 🌶️🌶️
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