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
more
I’m not quite sure how I’m going to be able to articulate everything I feel for this book. Emma is an automatic one click author for me, because she writes stories that totally take me over from the time I start reading the first page. Right out of the gate I knew this story was going to be emotional and thought provoking and deep.
Violet and Miller meet when they are thirteen, at a time when both are struggling with family issues. Violet is the rich girl who is going to become a doctor and Miller is the homeless kid living in a car with his mom, but they form the deepest of friendships, being there for each other when life becomes too much.
Emma flawlessly delivers a story filled with angst as these two characters navigate the tumultuous teenage years and high school. Miller and his two best friends, Holden and Ronan, the Lost Boys as they’re known at school. Violet and her best friend Shiloh, but also her new set of friends who I liken to the Mean Girls of high school. I was also particularly intrigued with River, who Violet has had a crush on for years. I had almost forgotten how brutal high school can be, the bullies who prey on those less fortunate than themselves, the unrequited love of the geeky girl crushing on the football captain. Or the two best friends, secretly in love but too scared to jeopardize their friendship.
Miller really is every girl’s dream. The gorgeous young man who has a heart of gold. Loves his mom and wants to protect her. Plays the guitar and writes his own songs. Has his friend’s back no matter what. Dealing on a daily basis with managing diabetes. Still reeling from the hurt of his father leaving all those years ago.
Violet was quite ambitious, knowing from a young age she was going to be doctor. The studious, nerdy girl has suddenly become popular at school, but even that doesn’t change who she is, or the fact that she feels a connection to Miller that means more than anything else in her life.
It was so heart wrenching watching these two try to keep a hold of each other when everything around them was pulling them apart. Their paths were not going to be heading in the same direction, both pursuing their dreams while trying to find a way to stay connected. Both wanting nothing but happiness for the other. To compound matters, their feelings for each other were growing stronger and stronger, but was it worth risking their friendship?
Emma always, always, always captures my heart in her stories and twists me up with SO many feelings!! She writes the most complex, spellbinding stories that tackle serious issues and leave me wanting to wrap those characters up in soft cotton wool and protect them from every crappy thing life throws at them. I am always left emotionally wrung out, in the best of ways, when I finish reading.
I am so anxious to get the stories on the other Lost Boys and characters that endeared themselves to me while reading Miller and Violet’s story. I am sure their books will be as emotional and intense as The Girl in the Love Song is. It never ceases to amaze me how Emma produces such incredible stories. I loved it!
As a second chance romance lover, my heart is so freaking full right now. Adding childhood friends to lovers in the mix and it’s even fuller.
And the cherry on top of it all? A touch of rockstar romance.
I love Emma Scotts writing since my friend ( looking at you Mel ) talked me into reading Full Tilt. I think I‘m still suffering in some ways because of that duet but never mind.
I absolutely LOVED The Girl in the Love Song for obvious reasons. Second chance sucker, yada, yada but another reason why I loved it so much was because of Miller. He went through so much crap in his life, and to see how he FINALLY got the girl, and how successful he became with his music was just amazing.
I loved the setting. I wasn’t prepared for a New Adult College story, but I didn’t mind at all.
I ADORED the side kicks, and I‘m super excited about the other guys getting their own books.
Millers diabetic was absolutely new to me, I never read about it in romance books, thumbs up for giving that sickness some attention. I had a friend in school who had it and I definitely remembered him going to some tough crap every now and then because of it.
Violet. Sweet, sweet Vi. I do love me a drama free heroine. I loved seeing her growing up into the woman she became in the end.
Emmas writing sucks you in the story you don’t even realize how quickly you read it when you finished the book, and as I said above: My heart is full and happy and that’s because of Emmas magic.
I was swept away immediately once I started reading and I never wanted it to end. The story spans a long period of time starting at 13 when Miller and Violet meet. They are perfectly matched with their beauty and kindness although from very different circumstances, they both have a tendency to put others before themselves, especially each other.
The friendship grows and other bonds are developed with Shiloh, Ronan, River and Holden who all play important roles and have you falling a little in love with all of them (and totally anticipating future stories). The times together at the shack had my heart! As always with this author the emotion driven story covers many complex issues and all are handled with her usual grace and depth. I felt like the emotions shown at the early stages were very reminiscent of teen years and then we got to see how their maturity developed along with their relationship.
As if the words weren’t enough with this book, the songs take it to another level. There are links to click so you can listen as you read, and these songs are perfect!
I feel like this is the start of a wonderful series, and I have already made strong attachments to some of the secondary characters (Hi Ronan!) although mixed feelings about others (Evelyn) so I cannot wait to see where she takes us. Wherever it is, I will be sure to bring tissues…..
This story is so gripping, so overwhelming that it stirs you up and shakes you to the core, to touch your deepest feelings. It is brilliantly written like all things Emma, so compelling and visceral, emotions as raw as they get and you can never have enough of it. The narrative is fluid, simple and exactly because of that, impeccable. Fall in love with Miller and Violet as I have, can’t wait for the next 2 books in the series!
Oh my gosh! Definitely my favorite book of the year!!! This has aaalll the feels!!!
I fell in love with both Violet and Miller from the very beginning but as they pulled me further and further into their story, I fell in love even more. They became real to me as did their struggles, their disappointments, and their love. I experienced every emotion they did, crying when they cried, raging when they raged and cheering when they cheered.
This begins when Violet and Miller are thirteen and then takes us through the years into young adulthood. So of course there is going to be a certain amount of angst involved, afterall, we’re talking teenagers here. And that’s part of what makes this so wonderful. To watch them meet, fall in love, struggle with life and find a happy ending had my heart twisted in knots so many times before finally allowing it to find peace.
Ms. Scott knows how to tell a story in words so sublime it will reach deep into your soul and awaken a part of you you didn’t even know existed. When you add a hero and heroine that are as real as any you’ve ever read before and supporting characters that make you crave more from them, you’ve definitely found the perfect read. That’s what I found with A Girl in the Love song.
(Be sure to check out the links to songs written and performed especially for this book)
The Girl in the Love Song is absolutely beautiful. A wonderful coming of age love story that evoked so much emotions in me that I’m certain this book will be on my list of favorites for 2020. The writing, the storytelling, the characters, the pacing, literally every facet of the book is exquisitely done.
Miller and Violet’s journey enraptured me from the very first page and I lost myself in their tale. The relationship between them was beautiful and I fell in love with both of them. Their story had so much honesty and heart. So many feelings and emotions. Young love can be equal part a beautiful thing and painful, especially what transpires between Miller and Vi. Their friendship may have begun at 13 but that’s also when their love for one another blossomed too. Miller and Violet are that couple that you know are meant to be together, but have to endure hell of a lot to get there. I adored them and their devotion to each other and I especially loved watching them grow as the story progressed, changing and evolving as individuals. Their love was apparent with every interaction, every choice, every sacrifice they both made. A true journey of hope, heartbreak, love and joy.
Emma Scott has done it again. She’s totally stolen my heart with The Girl in the Love Song. She’s crafted a world of characters that are intriguing, complex, heartbreaking and real. She never ceases to touch and amaze me with her writing. I am always held spellbound by her rich and beautiful stories. Her books hit me in the feels like no other and this story was no exception. There’s something infinitely unique about the way Emma writes and quintessentially her. She pours her heart and soul which makes me fall in love with her writing time and time and time again. She always brings her characters to life and it’s always a joy and a privilege to experience her words. My heart was so full by the end of this book; that the boy and his “girl in the love song” finally found the ending they both so deserved. All the love and all the stars for this book. Thank you Emma!
***4.5 ‘Pendulum’ Stars***
Talk about having all the emotions pulled out of me.
This baby took me through all kinds, and every kind of feel possible and probably some I didn’t think were possible all in one book and definitely has me making grabby hands at the next one in the series.
I loved Violet and Miller. I also growled a lot at them throughout the book for a variety of reasons, but that’s what happens when you’re reading a coming of age story and these two definitely had life throw them a ton of curveballs. From start to finish I loved watching as they worked through their feelings ~ for their family, their friends and for each other ~ and with each choice (whether I agreed with them or not) they grew and I really liked how they found ways to not only pick themselves up, but each other and I loved where they were at when I read ‘The End’
This is definitely not a book that is all sunshine and roses, I mean, when things were good, they were really, really good, but it does tackle some heavy subjects right off the bat and as rough as it was to read at times, I like how the author handled it all. There were also some things that were predictable and some that were true surprises and both kept me turning the pages ~ even though there were parts that did drag a bit for me ~ because I needed to see how everything played out.
And then there are the secondary cast of characters….you all KNOW I’m a sucker for well written characters and this book is chock full of them! Holden, Shiloh, Ronan, River and Evelyn definitely add all kinds of teenage angsty goodness to this book, but they also added a lot of heart and I’m totally excited to get my hands on the next book in the series!
~ Copy provided by Valentine PR & voluntarily reviewed ~
Emma Scott is one of the very few authors I turn to for coming-of-age stories. Hers flow with ease, there’s a purpose in each chapter, you know she will treat them right.
“Don’t touch me, baby, don’t look at my scars, Until you want to know which ones are yours.”
This one is oodles of feel-good and angst coupled with unfortunate familial heartbreak.
There’s so much goodness in Miller and Violet yet their flaws are not glossed over. We see all their imperfections as they navigate the challenges of life.
This story also includes strong secondary characters, like Shiloh, Violet’s other best friend who tells it like it is yet is so attuned to her emotional needs, and Holden, a sleeper star in his own right.
“Do you want to be needed or do you want to be loved?”
“The smile that broke over her face was going straight into my next song.”
The Girl in the Love Song. First of all, 5 stars for just the title. I loved it the moment I heard it. 5 stars for Miller Stratton, he is everything. 5 stars for the songs (which you can click on and listen to while reading!) with lyrics so beautiful they made my heart melt. And 5 stars for the words that made up this story—words that hit me deep in my soul, as only Emma Scott can do.
Miller Stratton—the poor, handsome, lonely boy who meets Violet McNamara—the lonely, geeky, rich girl. They come from different worlds but form a very special bond from the moment they meet. As their relationship grows, Violet fights the romantic feelings she has towards Miller because of her parents tumultuous marriage. Miller has loved Violet for years but is convinced she only wants him as her best friend. Neither want to risk their friendship. They keep their feelings hidden and what unfolds is many missed opportunities and undisclosed truths. They are both denying what is in their hearts.
There are so many facets to this story—Miller is a talented musician and Violet has dreams of becoming a doctor. Miller also has health issues and a continued dismal home life.
We are introduced to the Lost Boys, a friendship of misfits. Miller, Holden and Ronan each had such distinct personalities and added so much to the story. I look forward to seeing them in future books. As high school comes to a close, these characters take their own directions but it is clear this group of friends have saved each other and forged a family in the process.
This book was filled with heartbreak and angst but also so many beautiful moments. It was emotional, it was inspiring, and it completely consumed my heart. I may have shed tears the entire last 1/4 of this book…but they were tears of happiness, closure, and perfect resolutions. My heart was full that the boy and his “girl in the love song” found the ending they both deserved. All the love for this book!
I’m pretty sure I am currently speechless but I’m going to give writing this review a shot while everything is fresh in my mind. The Girl in the Love Song is everything, it is a must read for anyone, not just lovers or romance novels. This book begins with Violet and Miller as 13 year old kids who meet and form a bond that just absolutely incredible. Violet is a girl who looks like she has pretty much everything, except as we all know things can appear perfect but never really are. Miller and his mom are homeless and just trying to make it and to top it all off Miller discovers he has a life changing illness.
Despite all the bad stuff in their life Violet and Miller become best friends although it is obvious they are more. There are so many things I would love to talk about in this review but there is no way I am ruining this incredible book for anyone. This is the first in a series and you will absolutely fall in love with every character, not just Violet and Miller.
Yes this is a romance but really it is just so much more. You definitely don’t want to miss out on this book. I was so incredibly fortunate to be given a chance to read this advanced readers copy in exchange for this review, which is 100% my own thoughts.
WOW! I mean…WOW! Completely emotional after reading this book. So good. The ups and downs were great. The flow was awesome. I loved the characters. Miller and Violet won me over immediately. They were perfect for each other. I wasn’t convinced they would make it. I really wasn’t. Not until the very end. Emma did a great job with this book. I couldn’t put it down.
The Girl in the Love Song is simply beautiful. A coming of age kind of love story that created a myriad of emotions in me with every turn of the page. Emma Scott once more masterfully writes a journey that is oft-times tragic but always allows the purity of love to seep through and rescue even the most battered of souls. And with Miller Stratton and Violet McNamara, these best friends are put to the test more than a few times and only time will tell as to whether that love can ultimately be their salvation.
I fell deep into this story immediately as Scott has this ability to make you feel a part of her books and you develop this special kind of kindred-ship with her characters. Treating both Violet and Miller as equals when their financial status couldn’t be further apart. Making my heart break over and over for the way Miller has to endure his home life but also giving me a boost of spirit as he continues to search for a way out. Watching as the undeniable tether between Violet and Miller is constantly stretched to the limit during their senior year of high school as they hesitantly go their separate ways. My heart was in my throat as their determination to not only follow their paths to both happiness and stability was often thrown for a loop as life decided otherwise. Wondering just how much more they could endure.
Miller is an outstanding person. The way he loves is magnificent. The way he cares for his mom and his new-found fellow lost boys is extraordinary. And his talent as a singer/songwriter is incredible. His transformation is a thing of wonder and the way he maintains his humility even as his star starts to shine made me adore him even more.
And then there is Violet. A selfless soul who is the best friend anyone could ask for and who is just trying to wade through the waters of being 17. Handling her vigorous studies, the issues at home and the determination to propel her Miller to the spotlight he deserves. Easily identifying with her wanting the star quarterback as she grapples with her feelings for Miller. True teenaged-angst for the taking and I loved every minute.
What is ultimately so endearing about this book is that Scott never humiliates her characters but instead allows them to trip and fall when necessary but then is just as generous in the way she shows them how to pick themselves up and dust themselves off. The secondary characters in Shiloh, Evelyn, Hunter, River and the mysterious Ronan all have their crosses to bear in one way or another but they maintain a respect that is decidedly crucial to their friendships. At times, they truly are quite the unexpected and motley crew but they all have a charm about them that made them very special. Even if others couldn’t always see it.
There are plenty of tangents off of this one main story of a girl in her ivory tower who one night finds her boy in rusted armor in the gardens below and yet somehow it all fits together perfectly. The other Lost Boys, who will get their stories told next, are the perfect ‘family’ for Miller when he needed them most. And I couldn’t help but treasure the flamboyant Hunter and the solemn Ronan as they support their talented friend and always want the best for him no matter what.
The Girl in the Love Song is much more than I initially thought it would be. It’s a book I couldn’t put down. One that had me smiling through a few tears and celebrating the rise of Miller Stratton. his undying love for Violet and the excruciating path he needs to take to find his well-deserved happy. Sure there are villains to every story, but they are just background noise since it’s the true heroes that shine ever so brightly no matter what life throws at them. And to me, these well-written and wonderful characters prove that there is a hero in all of us.
5 huge stars!
**4.5 Stars**
The Girl in the Love Song is an emotional and beautiful coming of age romance. The character and world building is exceptional. What blows me away every time I read an Emma Scott book is in particular the character building and development. Here it’s not just Violet and Miller but the secondary characters as well.
Violet and Miller meet at age thirteen and forms a special bond and friendship. It’s exquisitely explored through their actions and dialogue. There was no doubt in my mind that these two kids had a special friendship and was destined to be more. Soul mates. Lovers. A future together. That’s a testament to the flawless writing.
The story is heavy on emotion and it had to be when it deals with topics such as being homeless, broke, sexuality and health issues. It added depth to the characters and a relatability that only strengthened my connection to them. I was invested and intrigued.
Violet and Miller’s story isn’t an easy one. It’s a roller coaster ride of emotions thanks to these characters and the choices they make as they navigate their way through high school and life.
It pulled on my heartstrings and what I take away from this story is hope and perseverance.
The Girl in the Love Song is the first book in The Lost Boys series and it was fabulous. This book gave me great characters that touched me and left me wanting more. Being that it’s book 1 it did what it was meant to do for the upcoming books. It laid a strong foundation for the other two Lost Boys. There’s so much story left to tell and these characters have so much potential. I’m certain the author has only scratched the surface with what’s to come for these flawed Lost Boys. I for one cannot wait!
4.5 My First My Last Stars
I haven’t read a book by Scott for a while but what impacted me more after reading the first couple of chapters was where had I been…but now I’m home, home is in all this book’s glory. And I know I always say the same thing about her writing and I’ll say it again as The Girl in the Love Song merits my praise. She has done it again! Affecting me personally, her account of a health condition was surprisingly accurate yet all said and done, I should have known better as this is what Emma does! Nothing by halves, she’s given us her all, pouring her soul out to readers page after page.
‘Every note, every tune, every phrase and lyric were born from the same place in me that loved her and always would.’
Although I found Violet McNamara and Miller Stratton’s story a tad slow in parts, I had the feeling the author held back when she did for various reasons. I was right. Her digging deeply into characterization gives the reader a bird’s eye view of these two teenagers’ emotions and how they coped with them. And not only does the distinction between classes reflect strongly, but she’d also explored the thin line between friendship and true love. The way she’d focused on compassion, trust, and above all else, selfless support was for me, piercingly effective, too.
“There’s nothing sadder than a birthday cake with only one piece cut out.”
“I can’t think of a hundred things sadder,”
Miller is under an enormous amount of pressure, his dire situation causing me a great deal of anguish. Violet has her own cross to bear, and maybe what she’s experiencing is nothing in comparison to his but whatever the issue, in my book parents should always be there to give their kids the best possible advice regardless. This lass is strong, looks for solutions and her young mind is dead set on a better future for both of them. Admittedly, I fell head over heels for her and never undermine nerdy gals…they are the best! Miller, I have no words to describe how I felt about this terribly honourable chap.
‘It’s like we’re at the opposite ends of a maze, and every time we get close, someone takes a wrong turn.’
I loved Violet and Miller’s friends old and new. By no means are all Lost Boys’ confessions voiced in totality; but my dear heart…in many a passage all I wanted to know were the whys and wherefores of their hardships and give them a huge hug. I couldn’t have liked Shiloh more. What a blessing she is. And Evelyn, I had my beady eye on her throughout the read. So, to cut a long story (review) short, I couldn’t recommend this coming of age standalone more. Ooh yes, the playlist is out of this blinkin’ world. Just click on the underlined song title and you can listen along to the songs on a smart link. Not bravo, Emma…bravissimo!