She’s his best friend’s little sister and off limits.College freshman, Finley Farrow, has two fairly ambitious goals this school year: make the football team and get over Shepard Connelly. The gorgeous football player with the magnificent voice would one day be a star on or off the field. But he’ll never see her as more than his best friend’s sister. Now her eye is on the end zone. Making the … zone. Making the team could turn out to be the easy part. Practicing with Shepard every day while ignoring her feelings? The real challenge.
Shepard hasn’t had it easy like the Farrows. He won his ticket to the prestigious Layton University through football. Yet his passion lies in music. His killer smile can get him almost any girl he wants, except the one he can’t have. Everything he’s wanted to say to her is channeled into his soul wrenching lyrics. But he’s been sitting on the sideline far too long and it’s time to make a move before the team’s starting quarterback wins her heart.
A life altering accusation could fumble everything for him. Most importantly, his big play for the only girl he’s ever wanted.
Family, friendship and love bind them together. Secrets, lies, and rules keep them apart.
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Songs for Cricket by Terri E. Laine can be characterized as friends to lovers or friends little sister romance or a sports romance that I listened to on audio narrated by Teri Schnaubelt and Zachary Webber. It is book one in the Butterfly Duet Series that is a spin-off of the Chasing Butterflies Series that can be read as standalone novels.
This is the first book of Terri’s that I have read and it definitely won’t be my last. I enjoyed the detail she put into the storyline. I really enjoyed the narrators on this project. I love when there are two narrators to help distinguish between the characters easily. They pulled me into the story and I just had to know how it was going to end.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves friends to lovers, sports romance, best friends sister books.
Songs For Cricket is a good brother’s best friend/friends to lovers read. I enjoy the way this author pens her stories they are so good, and I always have a hard time putting them down once I start. The characters are developed and you can’t help liking them. What was even better is this is the second generation, so it was great to see some of my favorite past characters as parents. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
Songs for Cricket
By: Terri E. Laine
Narrated by: Teri Schnaubelt, Zachary Webber
This is my second book by Terri E Laine, and I am just enamored with her writing. I was a little cautious thinking it may be too young for me, but this romance hits all the points I enjoy in a story. We have the Farlow triplets, and their friend, Shepard going off to start their first year of college. To stay with the boys, and be with Shep, her long time crush, Finley tries out for the football team and makes it. Socially unacceptable to be a girl playing football, Finley finds herself in for a long haul. But to her surprise, Shep is there to protect her. He too has had a crush, but being his best friend’s sister has prevented these two from acting on their feelings. When they do, will he have to choose between his best friend and the love of his life? Not only do we have this story line, but the complex character of Shep gives us a whole other story, with accusations of misconduct, manipulation and sheer distress. It’s a wonderfully written, compassionate and even a little steamy. Laine is master at his new adult genre.
Teri Schnaubelt and Zachary Webber hit all the emotions in this story. Schnaubelt is amazing. Her voicing of Finley made me remember being in college, feeling that incredible love as well as the hurt and frustration of situations. She made Finley credible and very real.Webber always delivers,and he gives Shep all the feels. He makes it so you know the characters, and feel their emotions. The two compliment each other well and made it a fantastic listen.
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Great Story & Audible Listen 4.5 Heartfelt Stars
Songs for Cricket
By: Terri E. Laine
Narrated by: Teri Schnaubelt, Zachary Webber
Series: Butterfly Duet, Book 1
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it is a great story that is not your usual college sports romance. The storylines are interesting and original, they grab you from the start and captivate your mind from start to end. I really liked the characters and how well the author developed them. Finley, August and Cooper are triplets are starting college, they chose to go to the same school and are living together in a town house along with Shepard, August and Cooper’s best friend. I admired Finley’s strength and determination going for what she wants. I appreciated the support she received from her brothers and Shepard, I loved the camaraderie between them. Shepard and Finley secretly crushed on each other but both are afraid to act on it afraid how her brothers & family will react. My one grievance in this story is how long it took for them to act on that crush, it got a bit frustrating. But all is redeemed when they finally do. I loved the chemistry between them from the start, loved how she was his biggest supporter throughout his ordeal. Also loved the camaraderie between the triplets and Shepard too. I highly recommend this story, it is enjoyable and entertaining, there is no shortage of drama, angst, twists, emotions and great romance. This is my first book written by Terri E. Laine and it will not be my last. Thank you for this great story.
I listened to the Audible edition, narrated by the talented Teri Schnaubelt and Zachary Webber who are amazing and entertaining storytellers and voice performers. They bring the characters to life, give each their own voice and personality. They project the emotions of the characters and the drama of the story in their performance. Thank you for another great listen
Finley makes the football team against her father’s and brother’s advice. She is determined to play with the guys as if nothing would be different. Sheperd has been the one that got away for Finley until now. I love thenoush and pull of these two as they struggled with being teammates and lusting after each other. Hazing the new teammate seems to be an issue for real at colleges and it is brought up in this story. Another issue that plagues colleges is rape, which is also touched upon in this story. I think both issues were handled with great care and true to life outcomes.
Terri Schnaubelt and Zachary Webber are a great narrating team. They both narrated the characters to bring them to life. It was as if the story was a movie playing in my mind instead of someone reading it. I completely got lost in the narration and loved it. Both Ms Schnaubelt and Mr Webber have voices that are easy to listen to and made the narration easy to follow. This narrating team enhanced 5he overall experience of this story.
The love story was sweet. The drama was annoying but it attested to the love that the four main characters had for each other, even when they were upset at each other. I loved that Finley was able to achieve her goals, even while she had her doubters. I’m jealous…I want someone to write me love songs!
3.5 STARS
I have been sitting here trying to ponder my thoughts, and I am kinda all over the place. As soon as I read the blurb for Songs For Cricket, I knew I had to give it a go. I am a sucker for falling for your brother’s best friend / friends to lovers romance, and this book checked those boxes, but it was just okay to me. With that being said I will give you MY pros and cons of Laine’s newest book. The writing was great, and story had depth to it, with relatable characters. I loved how strong minded some of the characters were, even when the odds were stacked against them. I loved the whole lyrical aspect, but wish there was more of it, it really would have changed the trajectory of the story, and made it more believable, I felt like the first half of the story was just blah. I almost gave it up, because even though this story is based on freshman in college, it felt childish, and immature with the actions of the characters. I also feel like if more details were added throughout this whole book, that it would had made the story feel more wholesome. To me, it just didn’t feel complete. In my opinion, there is so many questions that were left unanswered, that could have easily been answered in one or two sentences. I don’t foresee some of the unanswered questions being answered in this future series, because they really are not that important to the story, but they are to me. It would have made it so much more enjoyable. With my pros and cons listed, this will not keep me reading from this author.
Finley is most certainly not your average heroine. She is a tom boy, who loves sports just as much as a man. She is fiercely competitive, and will stop at nothing to make her dreams come true. She doesn’t let society or any one dictate who she is. She is a triplet and the only girl in the trio. She prefers guys to girls, and enjoys spending time with her brothers and a childhood friend.
Shepard has not been the luckiest guy in the world, he grew up much differently than most kids. He had a tough time growing up, but accepted it as it was, and wants to make something of himself. He finds solace in music, either in singing or writing. He is fiercely loyal to those he loves, including his mama. There is not one thing he wouldn’t do for her. He has been fortunate enough to be included in triplets clan over the years, and does everything with them.
When the Farrow triplets and Shepard decide to attend college together, things are drastically different than they were back home. When Finley has the freedom that she has always desired, she follows her dream. After years on the sideline, Shepard thinks it’s time to make the move on the one girl he has always envisioned as his. But what happens when outside forces interfere? Can Finley and Shepard finally be together as one, or is the pressure from the outside to much?
*I recommend this book.
*Reviewed For Reviews From The Heart
Finley Farrow is a triplet, she is off to college with her brothers and their best friend the boy she’s been in love with forever. She tries out for the football team and gets the boy. I loved the dynamic of the triplets. Hated the overprivileged girl who causes Shephard trouble when he turns her down.
I LOVED Shephard he is my new book boyfriend…SWOON
Have you ever just needed a book that was a breath of fresh air? That is what this book was for me. I fell in love with these characters and loved how you were able to see them find their path in life. Love can blind you and make you whole at the same time. I loved the plot of this book, friends to lovers in such an incredible genre. The writing is easy to follow and draws you in at just the right time leaving you wanting more and needing to finish this book in one sitting. I look forward to reading more for this author in the future.
Coming of Age
Finley and Shepard grew up together; literally in some ways. Due to his father’s convictions Shephard had moved in with the Farrow’s until he finished high school. He was best friends with Finley’s triplet brothers August and Cooper. Finley grew up running with the boys playing football and anything else the boys were up to.
Upon going to college and sharing a town house with her brothers and Shepard, Finley was finally going to take a chance and try out for the football team. She was also ready to deal with her feelings for Shepard. It was her spirit and never gives up attitude that I liked which would also bleed over into the drama that ended up falling into Shepard’s lap.
This book did touch on a subject that is facing many colleges today. It also brought to the forefront that some things are not always as they seem.
This was a book that kept me turning page after page. It took my heart on a ride that I didn’t want to get off and left me with some unanswered dealings with August.
Forbidden best friends littles sister romance.
Finley and Shepherd. Forbidden love in that Finley is shepherds best friends brother. It’s the kind of romance novel where you want to reach into the pages and shake the characters. They dance around their attraction and what they want. I felt so connected to this couple as I read this story. It’s the sweet, romantic love story. The steamy parts are not crazy in this book. It’s a more modest romance level. Terri E. Laine is one of my favorite authors. I was anticipating this book so much, and she definitely didn’t disappoint me. You will love and devour it very, very quickly!!!
5 STARS FOR SONGS FOR CRICKET!! This book will hit all your emotion buttons and the characters are perfect. The story of Finley and Shepard is forbidden, but it is hard when you love someone. There are tough subjects this book hits on, but so worth the read, perfectly executed by this author. You definitely need to 1-Click this book.
Finley and Shepard have known each other for a long time. They both secretly like each other but Shepard is the best friend of her brother. They are now away at college will either admit their feelings? If they do what will consequences be?
„Together was my destiny
Forever is my goal”
Oh, how much I would love for Shep to write me a song and sing it in my ear… Unfortunately this boy has his sweetheart and she will listen to his serenades. Songs for Cricket is a touching story in New Adult genre, which contains perfectly measured doses of romance and drama. Because without a bit of drama it would be boring, right?
I love everything in this story! We have here from friends to lovers trope, as well as brother’s best friend theme. Both characters are afraid to confess their feelings because this way they can not only risk their friendship, but also relationship between Shep and Fin’s brother.
In addition to the obvious romance the author also raises an important topic, which is to fulfill your own dreams, not the expectations of others. And also how unpleasant it is when you are judged by the actions of people to whom you are related.
The perfect mix! Young love, a pile of misunderstandings, angsty moments and all of this mitigated by a romantic note, which are songs written for a loved one. I totally recommend!
There isn’t one thing that Terri writes that doesn’t touch my heart in so many places and has me wanting more. Her books are a must read! She writes with her whole heart and soul bringing us beautiful characters and their stories.
Songs for Cricket is the next generation in the house that Sawyer, Ashton and their friends from the Chasing Butterflies series all shared at Layton University. You do not need to read that series for this book. Finley is the only girl that makes up the triplets in her family. She has always been part of the group with her brothers and their best friend Shepard and now they are all off to college. Finley hopes she can make the football team and also deal with feelings she has for Shepard. Will Shepard make his feelings known once he sees her getting attention from the quarterback? Will it be too late? My heart felt it all for these two. It’s a beautiful story with all the heartbreak, misunderstandings, decisions and love that young people go through. I was not able to put this slow burn friends to lovers story down!!!
Fantastic read with interesting characters and a gripping storyline. I applaud the author for topics touched within in this story. While they may not always be the most popular they need to be told, which she did beautifully. I was enthralled from page one and did not want the story to end. I hope to read more with these characters in the future.
Songs for Cricket by Terri E. Laine
5 Stars
What a really sweet entertaining read! Great characters. Great plot. Hit all of my emotions. Wonderful story!
“His songs were like windows into my soul.”
I do recommend!
The blurb and cover of this book had me picking up this book. Brothers best friend books are my favorites to read. And this one definitely didn’t disappoint. This is my first time reading this author and definitely won’t be my last. I absolutely fell in love with Shep and Finley and their story was a rough one but it was perfect. I didn’t want this book to end. I want so much more from these two characters and the others In this book. This book was completely different than any other brothers best friend book I’ve read and I loved it so much. I was hooked from the first page until the last. I can’t wait to see what this amazing author comes up with next. This authors words hooked me completely. So in love with this authors words and need more words from her.
4.5 Stars – A must-read college sports romance!
This book took place in the world of the Chasing Butterflies Series but with the younger generation from Sawyer and the gang. I absolutely loved that we’re brought back to the place where everything started, and even though there were now different characters I still felt the lingering presence of Ashton and the others. Especially since the new group took up residence within the walls where Ashton, Sawyer, Chance and Kelley lived while attending Layton University. And now Finn, Sawyer’s brother, was there as well! I’m so excited that he gets the chance to be a bigger part of this series because I’ve always loved this guy so much.
The story was told from Finley’s and Shepard’s POV and I adored them already when I first met them briefly in Ashton’s book. Well, I might have been biased with how much I loved them already before I started reading this book but I was confirmed in my love for them during this read.
Finley was stubborn but also a very brave and tough girl. I was in awe of her and of how she handled all the pressure and everything she had to deal with as the only girl around the boys.
Shepard was not easy to pin down because he was a great but rather normal kind of guy, he was one to stand back and assess situations first as opposed to August who had a very short temper, and Cooper the recluse who was the quiet and shy kind of guy. When it came to Finley though, all three of them didn’t hesitate to stand in front of her for protection. While August and Cooper were her brothers, their friend Shepard has been in love with her for years. Since he didn’t know if she reciprocated his feelings and he also didn’t want to destroy his friendship with the boys, he’d only been pinning for her from afar.
Like typical teenagers, they didn’t talk about their feelings which led to a lot of misunderstandings and so many wrong conclusions. I loved that Finn was there to be the voice of reason and for the great conversations with him.
Oh to be young again. All the heartbreak and tough decisions. I didn’t envy them and even got frustrated to the point where I wanted to yell at them to just finally tell each other how they felt. Well, of course that would have been too easy and I was sitting on pins and needles until it was time for them to finally be together. Obviously, I rooted for them because I was a fan of them since the very beginning.
I loved the story and couldn’t put it down with all the added drama that unfolded. It was nerve-wracking to follow all the lies and false accusation to the point of destroying a person’s life. Thank god for all the friends who had each other’s back because that’s invaluable.
The book had a familiar feel to it as the characters felt very similar to Ashton, Chance and Sawyer, plus the same environment at the University. But don’t let this keep you from reading this book because after a few chapters, it didn’t feel that way anymore as it obviously was a different story with different characters.
There were some football games in this book, what with all of them playing, which I loved especially because of Finley and how protective her guys were of her. I don’t know much about the sport but it was well enough explained, so even if you’re not into sports, this was an amazing read you really should consider reading! And if you loved Chance’s book, you’ll love this one as well.
Cooper the recluse reminded me a bit of Ashton which was probably why I felt an instant connection to him. I love him already and can’t wait for his book especially because this story hinted at August’s and Cooper’s coming stories but nothing concrete was revealed.
Songs For Cricket by Terri Laine is a falling for your brother’s best friend / friends to lovers romance. And I LOVE these type of romances!!
Finley, Shepard, August and Cooper. Head off to college together. And while Shepard has secretly been in love with his best friends August, and Cooper’s sister, she’s been secretly in love with him. Now that they are off to college all living together will the secrets be revealed? And what happens to the friendships? I really liked both Shepard and Finley’s characters, however at times both made very poor choices and caused a lot of unnecessary drama.
I really enjoyed this book. And while I haven’t read any if the previous books about the people before this, I can honestly say I wasn’t lost. I really enjoyed the characters, and the storyline, although at times I felt it was predictable, and lots of unnecessary drama. I am looking forward to the next book in the series! I’m intrigued by August and Cooper!