#QueerLitLoft

Face the Music is the first Ali Vali book I’ve read, and whilst a music romance wouldn’t usually be my first-go-to, I really enjoyed this story.

The book fits into quite a few tropes, namely enemies to lovers, celebrity, and forced proximity, with core themes of music, substance abuse, and parentification issues.

Mason Liner is a major Nashville music producer tasked with handling a fallen star of a diva; country star Sophie Roddy. As if Sophie’s shenanigans weren’t enough for Mason to corral, she also has Sophie’s daughter come personal assistant, Victoria Roddy, to pacify as well.

What really drew me into this story is that, yes, whilst there is the central romance story between Mason and Victoria to enjoy, there’s also many other layers to explore. Readers get to see Sophie’s detox and recovery as she struggles accepting that she is growing older in a competitive and unforgiving industry. Which introduces a great secondary character in Belle, who is not only a retired addiction therapist, but Mason’s occasional hook-up. I’d love to see Belle’s story told in full!

And then there’s Victoria’s journey which is a gripping story just on its own. Having lived in her mother’s shadow for so long, neglecting and forgoing her own needs and desires, you can’t help but root for Victoria. I found myself really wanting her to finally break free of that toxic relationship and environment, and be able to see her flourish in every aspect of her own life.

Overall, a very different type of romance story which focuses on helping people when you’re in a position to do so. Even if sometimes those people are hard to like, and even harder to be gracious towards.

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