In book 2, Xio Axelrod gives us Kayla’s story. The Lillys’ star is on the rise. There are still complications with the label, but the band is hitting the festival circuit and garnering fans. But with exposure also comes press. And interest in the members of the band. And people trying to create drama for them.

And Kayla does not want the story of her life growing up juxtaposed with her position as the propulsive drummer in a rock band plastered across headlines. Let’s just say that her current lifestyle does not jive with the carefully constructed persona she wore throughout childhood.

Hitting the festival circuit also means many, many hours on the bus in close proximity to the driver assigned to their tour—the hot, caring, intelligent, and insightful driver who has a past he doesn’t want in print as well and with whom Kayla feels an instant connection.

There is something about The Lillys, y’all. Each character is so dynamic. They are fiercely devoted to each other. And Axelrod’s writing makes their performances leap from the page. I felt like I was at the concerts and sitting in the recording booths, and I just want more—more of their passion, more of their drive, more of the beat, more of how they gel together, more of Lilly prowling across the stage. Pick me up and drop me at the music festival. I am ready for it. When can we expect book 3?

I adored this one. Axelrod takes on misogyny, systemic racism, patriarchal structures, and record label machinations while crafting a tender love story and growing The Lillys’ found family. I liked how the relationship between Kayla and Ty has a gradual build and how their actions and physical intimacy reflect that. I enjoyed watching The Lillys’ circle grow just a bit more. And, though I have a soft spot for each member of the band, whip-smart Kayla is my favorite.

While you could read this one as a standalone, I highly recommend reading The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes first to get background on the band, early introductions to its members, Toni and Seb’s story, and the backstory with former guitarist Candy and the record label.

I was fortunate to have advance copies of both the ebook and the audiobook, and you can’t go wrong with either one. The narration by Tyla Collier and Benjamin Charles is excellent. Both are new narrators for me, and I will be seeking out more audiobooks by them. 

I received an advance copy of the ebook from Sourcebooks Casablanca and an advance copy of the audiobook from Dreamscape Media, both via NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.