A Cool Slow Burn Story
4 out of 5 stars
A lot of times, I go into these books without even reading the description. I know the author and narrator and assume I’m going to like it. It hasn’t let me down yet, especially in this genre. I’ve read this fourth book by Jaime Clevenger, and I’ve enjoyed them all. Clevenger has a way of writing these characters into certain situations, and every time I have that panicked “maybe this isn’t a HIL story,” — she did that hardcore in this one about 75% of the way through it.
I knew going into this one to expect some angst, but there was a lot on display here. It’s a friend-to-lovers story, but it has much more built around it. There was a lot of learning going on, along with a lot of pointing out that these two knew each other better than they expected. It felt like in one scene, they would be talking about knowing everything about each other, and in the next, they’d be like, “you don’t know me at all.” Now, I say this knowing that’s how real relationships work. Sometimes you think you know everything about a person, and something they do or say throws you. And other times, it’s a bigger secret. Either way – it’s always a learning experience. Some people are better at learning from them and growing. Thankfully, Clevenger’s characters seem to do that.
I thought this was an enjoyable read, with some moments that made me tear up. The final “reveal” of what they’d found, the person, etc., was really well done and an unexpected turn for me in this one. Usually, the focus is just these two, but the almost-parallel stories took me on an extra ride I wasn’t expecting.
Overall, the story, mixed with Craden’s ability to bring every word alive – I enjoyed Waiting for a Love Song. A nice slow burn, angsty, FTL story that I smiled throughout.
Book Description:
Jodi Burkitt is alone again. Her ex took everything with her—the friends, the fun, and the daughter that Jodi had loved like her own. She’s got plenty to distract her from the empty days and nights, especially her latest home renovation project.
When Jodi discovers a hidden jewelry box in the walls of the home she’s renovating, she turns to her ex’s friend, librarian Michele Galveston, to help piece together the mystery inside the box.
Michele Galveston is anything but a quiet librarian—she sings in a local band and has a talent for never following anyone’s rules but her own. Michele has a reputation for rarely staying with a woman for more than a few months and Jodi knows she should steer clear. But the closer they get to solving the mystery in the jewelry box, the closer Jodi and Michele get to each other.
Will Jodi risk her heart again—especially for someone as emotionally unavailable as Michele? And will Michele finally find a way to trust someone enough to share the secret she’s kept hidden for so many years? With Jodi’s wounded heart and Michele’s love ’em and leave ’em history, it’s likely that love songs and life might be two very different things.
Contains mature themes.
Waiting for a Love Song by Jaime ClevengerNarrator: Abby Craden
Length: 8 hrs and 45 mins
Published by Tantor Audio on September 13th 2022
Genres: Friends to Lovers, LesFic/Sapphic Fiction
Format: Audiobook
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Also by this author: Just One Reason, A Convenient Arrangement, Love, Accidentally
