At Santa Cruz Central High School, they called them the misfits, the outcasts, the weirdos. But most of us knew them as the Lost Boys…Miller Stratton is a survivor. After a harrowing childhood of poverty, he will do anything it takes to find security for himself and his mom. He’s putting all his hopes and dreams in the fragile frame of his guitar and the beauty he creates with its strings and … its strings and his soulful voice.
Until Violet.
No one expects to meet the love of their life at age thirteen. But the spunky rich girl steals Miller’s heart and refuses to give it back.
Violet McNamara’s life hasn’t been as simple as it looks. Her picture-perfect family is not so perfect after all. Her best friend Miller is her one constant and she is determined not to ruin their friendship with romantic complications.
But the heart wants what it wants. As Miller’s star begins to rise to stratospheric heights, what will it take for Violet to realize that she’s the girl in all of his love songs?
Lost Boys is a new series of interconnected, coming-of-age standalones from USA Today bestselling author Emma Scott, coming in 2020
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This book was so incredible!!! It definitely checks all the boxes with (best) friends to lovers, high school angst, and the best friends ever! Parts of this book were hard to read. Miller having to endure growing up in his environment is a reality for so many kids and like his mom, she felt out of options. This made Miller’s drive and determination to get out and make something of his music for himself and his mom an absolute. It was fate that had Miller stumble upon Violet. The two could not be more different but they fit together like exact pieces of a puzzle. As complicated as everything was for them, their love never changed even when they scarified themselves because they thought it was best for the other.
This was such an emotional story, Violet and Miller continued to support each other when they needed it the most. Timing was not their friend. But their real friends were awesome. Shiloh, Ronan, Holden, & River are the best. Ultimately it is Violet and Miller and their deep connection that spans years and weathers turbulent times only to emerge stronger and more beautiful. You will definitely fall in love with The Girl in the Love Song and easily make it your next 1 click!!!
If Emma Scott didn’t have a book already by this title, this should have been called “How to Save a Life.” When it comes to Miller, Violet, Shiloh, and the other Lost Boys, there were so many near misses in so many ways. Some were physical and some were mental but they always looked out for each other. To know things like this go on in real life breaks my heart. However, the love that they all showed each other through some of their hardest times was uplifting, even as their tides shifted from each other as they experienced changes in their lives.
5 incredible stars!
I’ve said this before, but it bears repeating: Emma Scott is one of the best storyteller’s I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading.
Seriously, if you haven’t picked up one of her books before…you are missing out. But that’s okay, you can pick up The Girl in the Love Song.
Every Emma Scott book is so different in so many ways. I adore the way she opens up the reader’s eyes and our hearts to real life stuff through her love stories. Once you read The Girl in the Love Song, you’ll know exactly what I mean.
This is a beautiful and very moving coming-of-age story. Our hero, Miller, has had a very tough childhood to say the least. He’s had to grow up over-night. It’s made him shut his heart out to any hope of things ever changing or getting better for him and his mom. That is until he meets Violet.
These two form a immediate connection despite coming from very different backgrounds.
Violet’s dream is to become a doctor. She works very hard to get ahead and continues to do so. Her sweet kind heart made me instantly love her.
Miller is a very talented musician, who wishes for a brighter future than his dark and hopeless past.
Even as young teenagers they have this love that you just can’t deny. But both are scared to risk it all and fear they might lose each other in the process.
Ok, to be honest, I thought I was going to roll my eyes at the teenage angst and not be able to connect.
That couldn’t have been further from reality because I was totally all in with them. This just hooked me in from the very first chapter.
Emma truly writes love stories for the underdog. You are instantly in their shoes, you feel what’s in their hearts and you cheer them on until they reach their happily ever after. And it was quite the ride with Miller and Violet.
Additionally there we some fantastic secondary characters. True gems in this bunch and I can’t wait to read their stories in future books. (Please?!)
Another unforgettable reading experience that I’ll treasure. Must read!
I received this ARC from the author for an honest review. Thank you!
The Girl in the Love Song is the first book in the series Lost Boys by Emma Scott. The Girl in the Love Song is a sweet love story between two people who meet when they were thirteen years old and they grow up together.
He was mine. He’d always been mine since the day we met and maybe before that.
Miller and Violet meet when they were thirteen years old and they become best friends. They had a beautiful friendship and they become through the years, each other rock and they support one other through their problems. Their friendship was important for them and they didn’t want to lose that beautiful friendship. But, they fall in love and they decided to hide their feelings and to be just best friends.
“He leaned close, pressed my hands to his heart. “This is yours. Always. I’ll be whatever you want me to be. I’ll be your friend if that’s what you want. No more bullshit. Or I’ll be… more. I’ll be nothing. All I want is for you to be happy”.
But, after four years when they loved each other in secret, they decided to be together and they realized that they were meant to be together. Their love for one other was beautiful and inspiring.
I love you, Violet. I am so completely in love with you that being away from you is making me fucking crazy.
I loved The Girl in the Love Song by Emma Scott. I loved the beautiful friendship between Violet and Miller and how they fall in love. I loved the friendship between Miller and his friends Lost Boys and I cannot wait to read more about them in nest books in the series. I loved how Violet and Miller loved and support each other. I loved how Violet always believes in Miller’s dreams and encouraged him to pursue them. I love Miller because he is a wonderful guy who was trying to do the right thing and to protect the persons he loves and I love the way that Miller loves Violet. I recommend everyone to read this beautiful love story.
A beautiful touching story about best friends and first love. I loved Miller and Violet, two strong characters that overcame many obstacles to get to where they are meant to be.beautiful touching story about best friends and first love. I loved Miller and Violet, two strong characters that overcame many obstacles to get to where they are meant to be.
Emotionally moving work of art in true Emma Scott style! Absolutely loved this book from the moment I started reading it.
Emma Scott beautifully pours the emotions of the characters on to the pages! Definitely a wonderful 5 star read that hits true to home for many people in today’s world and comes out on the other side with a heart warming HEA!
Oh my heart!
Y’all my poor heart, it has been through so much just by reading this book. It is officially mush.
I just finished this story with tears in my eyes. These characters reached out from the pages, grabbed a hold of me, and never let go. I am so invested. Emma Scott has created such a beautiful coming of age story, brimming with emotions and fun! I loved every second of this book. It was absolute perfection. My heartstrings have officially been pulled!
This is a series I will absolutely be following and devouring! The Girl in the Love Song, is a MUST READ!
I’m not sure how she does it, but time and time again, Emma Scott writes the most beautiful stories. Each one is unique and so special. The Girl in the Love Song was just as I expected it to be- absolutely fantastic. I was floored by this epic, angsty, friend to lovers tale. The chronicle of Violet and Miller’s love begins at age 13, when they meet and form an instantaneous bond. The majority of the book takes place during high school, wrapping up just a few years beyond graduation. The connection between Violet and Miller is so deep and profound and getting to see if develop over the years was breathtaking. This was such an emotional book, one that will stay with me for a while. A must-read!
WOW! What a beautiful story. Great book, a lovely, heartwarming, emotional, and uplifting book. Once I started, I had a hard time putting it down. I thought things flowed really well, the characters felt very real and the writing was wonderful. This was just a great story about two people who found each other in a love song. Their love was honest and true, and I loved that. The ending was perfect, it brought everything full circle. If you’re looking for a touching love story, go and read this one.
My first thought whilst reading Emma Scott’s “The Girl in the Love Song:” wow, teenagers these days Their trials and tribulations all seem earth-shattering and life-altering. I’m so damned glad I’m way past all that shitty drama. That being said, however… I want more of Ms. Scott’s Lost Boys. LOL! Other people’s problems (especially if they’re fictional characters) are so much more interesting to know about. Sure beats experiencing the same OTT life.
Miller and Violet were best friends. The way they met – it felt like kismet. Their respective parental units were extreme sources of stress, pain, and frustration.
{{{ Let me just insert here: whenever I get asked “Why don’t you want kids?,” I make my inquirer read books featuring shitty parents – I think it helps nosey folks understand why most people should never procreate. Now, I freely admit, I’m one of those people. So, when I read about kids (even fictional ones) with problematic homes, I feel truly bad for them. }}}
Then, there are Miller and Vi’s tormentors/bullies/traitors from school. Frankie and Evelyn – ugh. Mean kids. The angst overtakes me. However, the intriguing parts also involve other minor characters, specifically, Miller and Violet’s friends: Ronan, Holden, Shiloh, and River. They’ve also got their own issues with their parents/guardians. (Ugh – why do all of these teenaged characters’ problems stem from shitty parents?) Personally, I can’t wait for Holden’s story.
The first of, perhaps, 3 (?) Lost Boys books, Emma Scott made me hurt, reflect, and introspect. I wanted to smoke to let out all the icky feels, even though I’ve quit for more than 4 years already. HAHAHA! For that alone, “The Girl in the Love Song” is a straight up 4-stars.
What a beautiful book by Emma Scott. I loved Violet and Miller’s story. Childhood best friends. Violet believed in Miller right from the start of their relationship, she cared for him and helped him in so many ways! Miller cared for Violet and loved her for so long.
This story is not rushed, you see them at different times in their lives and how their love develops and grows. So so amazing! It’s healing. They are together even when they are apart. I could not get enough of this beautiful story.
Emma Scott is one of the authors who I have to mentally and emotionally prepared myself for before I dive into their work. Her talented words had the ability to slay me every single time. The Girl in the Love Song destroyed me. This beautiful and heart-wrenching friends-to-lovers Rockstar romance was an outstanding emotional roller coaster which pull on my heartstrings. I laughed, I cried, I yelled and I was deeply immersed in the magic of first love, the hopefulness of teenage dreams, and the heartache of growing pains.
Miller stumbled into Violet’s life on her thirteenth birthday. A strong friendship was built under unfortunate circumstances. They shared a special bond based on respect, understanding and compassion. When that sacred connection grew into soul deepening love, Violet got scared and made Miller vow to be her friend in hope of keeping him in her life forever.
My heart ached for Miller. His difficult living situation was a tragedy. Sadly, the universe was not kind to him by adding a life-altering medical condition on top of it. He worked so hard just to keep his head above water. Violet was the only piece of nice in his young life. It hurt to see that he had to bottle his love for her up and doubt his worthiness of anything good and happy.
What started as an innocent and revered connection turned into an angsty, high school love drama during Violet and Miller’s high school senior year. All the misunderstanding and missed opportunities broke my heart. I was frustrated at all the bad timings and diversions. I was rooting for them, but the universe seemed to be working against this poor couple. I was elated with the ending which reinforced that trust, believe and unconditional love can overcome all of the curve balls life threw at you.
One of my favorite things about Emma’s book is that she always keeps thing real. I loved that all her characters were flawed. The problems and challenges that they face were tangible and relatable. Her characters make mistakes and screw up because they are human. In the process of getting back on their feet, they grow up and often with wisdom that would also make me ponder and improve.
The side characters of the story caught my attention. Miller, Holden and Ronan became fast friends in their senior year. These three boys were branded as the Lost Boys and each one had a story worth knowing. We got a glimpse of the other boys’ predicament and I cannot wait to see where their story lead.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
New Adult | Coming of Age | Rockstar Romance
Emma Scott kicks off a brand-new series with a bang! The Girl in the Love Song is an emotional coming of age tale that follows Miller and Violet as they navigate their close friendship and ultimately love. As with all of Emma’s novels, this book is deeply moving, and satisfying read with a touch of drama and a whole lot of love. It also gives a fresh take on the rockstar romance trope and made me fall for the sub-genre all over again. If you’ve read Emma’s books, you’ll not only notice that she can make an overused trope feel unique, but she also has a certain flair that incorporates real life issues into her novels. In this one, such issues include homelessness and juvenile diabetes.
Miller and Violet met by chance one night and have essentially been inseparable since. The two may be complete opposites in every way, but there’s an undeniable connection between the two that leads them to a forever type friendship. Weaving through the months and years we see these two grow together. We see the trouble that both Miller and Violet face in their home-lives, and we bond with them through connections forged because of their issues. We see friendship turn to more, we see mistakes, regrets, and assumptions. But most of all, we see an epic love story between two people who are destined for one another. I loved Miller and Violet. I loved how they LOVED each other, and I loved being a part of their journey as they navigated high school, college, and fame. This is a beautiful love story, one that completely held my heart from the moment I started reading and wouldn’t let go.
If you’ve read an Emma Scott novel, you know how precious they are. Her stories unfold in the most gorgeous and sometimes heartbreaking way, but they are so unique and epic that you can forgive the heartache you felt when reading. This is why I’m such a big fan of her novels and why I recommend this one and all the others to fellow readers.
What did I just read? Holy emotions! But wait, when I say emotion, I don’t want you to think this is a heavy book, because I didn’t find it heavy but I did find it all-consuming. Every level of the story had a new layer of emotion tagged on to it so by the end I honestly thought my heart was going to just burst. This is a story of two kids who, because good and love always win, navigated thru their growth of friendship and turmoil to more … *happy sigh* They met when they were just kids. When the world had yet to influence their minds and prejudice. Their story is poignant and laden with emotion, both good and sometimes not so good. Their journey to adulthood was riddled with misconnections and opportunities. There were times when the world worked against them but their connection never faltered. Yes, that thread that connected them got really frayed but they persevered, and it was glorious to read!
I’ve only read a few stories by this author thus far, and each one has turned out to be beyond anything I would have imagined them to be. There is a lot of life in this story. There is a lot of story in this book. There is so much to it I don’t even know what label would best fit it. It is definitely a life journey, a growth journey, a love journey, a friendship journey, a soul searching journey … I mean it’s just everything.
The Girl in the Love Song was my first Emma Scott Book, but it certainly won’t be my last. In fact, when I was done reading it I looked at my Goodreads to save some her of her books to my tbr list. This book was written so beautifully, I felt everything that the characters felt. Violet and Miller meet at 13 years old. She is a sweet, nerdy girl from a well off family. Miller is sweet, lonely and living in a car with his mother after his father abandoned them. Violet befriends Miller when he needs it most. They become the best of friends before exploring a romantic relationship. I loved both of them immensely. They both took their friendship and relationship very seriously. It was so refreshing for the guy to love just as much and deeply as the girl. This book is one of the best stories I have read this year. I will be recommending to to everyone.
In ‘The Girl in the Love Song’ we meet Violet and Miller at the age of thirteen. Their lives are totally different, but after meeting each other they both now they will always be part of each other lives. They take care of each other and love each other. But they both have their fears and they are both scared to become more than friends. This book has different parts. We start when Violet and Miller are thirteen, and in each part they are older and in another part of their life.
‘The Girl in the Love Song’ was very different than what I expected it to be when I started reading. For one, I didn’t expect this story to take place mostly in their teens. It’s not a bad thing, but they were just very young and I rarely read books about teens anymore. So this took some getting used too. This book made me look back at my own teen years, and boy am I glad those years are behind me.
From the moment Violet and Miller meet I just knew their story would be intense, and it definitely was. I loved their friendship, and the way they were each other’s soulmates even when they didn’t know this themselves. It was hard to read about how their lives where at times. Both of them had a hard time and it made me want to cry. How can people make such a mess of their lives?!
The romance between Violet and Miller was very sweet, and I loved their connection just so much. But what I loved most was the way they always had each other’s backs. Nothing could get between them.. And although the romance part in this book didn’t wow me as much as I’d hoped, I enjoyed every minute of this book.
There where also a lot of friends of Violet and Miller I kept wondering about. Especially those friends of Miller, the Lost boys. I definitely can’t wait to read their story.
Violet and Miller’s story was absolutely beautiful with a rockstar theme as the cherry on top, this was so realistic, how life teaches you lessons and you learn and grow with them, all the emotions from love to hurt, compassion, etc. are there, how even when they met so young their love grows stronger with time, definitely a must-read book. I can’t wait to read the following books in this new series.
A sweet story to warm your heart.
A boy who needs someone and
A girl who needs a friend – find each other in an unusual way in the middle of the night.
This isn’t your typical boy next door kinda book. Miller was a boy from the wrong side of the tracks but that first night he climbed into Violet’s window he climbed into her heart!
Even though Violet has a hard time admitting her feelings, Miller is writing love songs about the one girl he has always loved.
Miller collapses one night in her arms with a horrible life altering outcome. Violet who has made it her goal in life to be a doctor is devastated and realizes she will do anything to keep Miller, including hiding her true feelings because she never wants to lose him. (Violet has never had the best examples of love.)
Miller and Violet go through tons in high school, lots of changes and health issues but they remain the best of friends. Until, life just starts to pull them in different directions.
Will Violet ever get a clue that she is the girl in the love song and will Miller ever realize she is just afraid of losing him?
I have always loved the way Emma Scott gets into touch with those raw emotions but she really out did herself with Violet and Miller. She brings all the feels.
Emma Scott doesn’t just write books. She pours her heart into them and it bleeds all over the pages. Every time I read a book that she’s written, I’m nearly overcome with emotion for the characters in the story. Only they aren’t characters in a story. They come alive inside my mind. At times they leave me breathless. They break my heart. They make me cry. But most of all, they fill me with hope. I become consumed with their lives and the overwhelming need for them to be “okay.”
Miller & Violet were a duo you just instantly rooted for. Despite all of the obstacles (& there was no shortage), it was impossible not to hold onto hope for them. The music was woven perfectly throughout the story. And to hear Miller’s songs actually performed, made for an incredible reading experience.
When Miller found Ronan & Holden, it was like finding the final pieces of a puzzle. Their friendship was a beautiful thing to witness. I’m so glad this is the first book in a series because I am definitely not ready to say goodbye to these characters just yet.
I cannot recommend this book enough, but honestly, I feel that way about EVERY book I’ve read by Emma. If you’ve never read anything by her, please stop what you’re doing & read this book. And then keep going, you won’t regret it.
Emma Scott has done it again. She’s stolen my heart with The Girl in the Love Song. She’s built a world of characters that are intriguing, heartbreaking, and real. This is Miller and Violet’s story and it’s a story of first love — only love. It’s a story of hardship and adversity, illness, loss, and overcoming ALL of those things to achieve your dreams and goals and to stay true to your heart. It’s a beautiful beginning to this series and I can’t wait for more.