Most importantly, it is amazing to read a book that is so pro-Baltimore. Secondly, it is amazing to read a book that is so pro-Baltimore and so well-written. Matthew Norman's venture into romcoms is lighthearted and charming.

The characters are developed just enough and their flaws are obvious but not dwelled on. Norman goes out of his way to show that Margot and Billy are reasonably compatible and how they have both grown since the 1990s. Conflicts are easily settled but there aren't any obvious loose threads by the end of the novel. There are clear villains but even they aren't particularly cruel or egregiously out to get anyone for no reason.

Charm City Rocks isn't a particularly unique book but you don't always need to be unique to be a good read.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I didn’t think I could love a book more than Norman’s last novel (All Together Now). But Charm City Rocks pulled me in, made me fall in love with every character, and entertained me as I sped through the pages. This book is a love letter to the city of Baltimore, and a look at what it’s like to be past the early stages of life and not sure what will come next or how to pursue new dreams. THIS is my idea of a great book club read…or a mid-winter escape…or a great book to dive into on a random Tuesday. I’m already looking forward to the author’s next book. Highly recommend

I loved this one, so glad for the opportunity from Random House. A love of music intertwined with a love story, a kiss cam kiss, a sweet man who wears cardigans, a non-traditional blended family... I'm also happy any time I stumble across an imperfect love story involving middle aged divorced people, which doesn't happen often. I could go on, but will just say I definitely recommend reading this one when it comes out in June!

This was an incredibly charming book with well-rounded, thoughtful characters. Lots of love for music and Baltimore, too. I liked Margot and Billy together, and actually, all of the characters were sympathetic, likable people. Sweet read. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

Writing: 4.5/5 Characters: 5/5 Plot: 4.5/5

Norman’s books always make me happy. I love his characters — each one individually. They all live in imperfect worlds but make things work for them. They each think about what they want and can offer. They all have interesting personalities. I would be happy to spend time with every single character in the book.

Billy Perkins — cardigan wearing piano teacher with a prodigious knowledge of all music and an old time crush on the wild drummer from a briefly successful girl rock band who disappeared from sight nine years ago after a flame out on MTV. Margot Hammer — aforementioned drummer. And a bizarre, wonderful, somehow completely believable love story between them. Featuring a sprinkling of strong male and female characters, self knowledge, and relationships not focused on damage or drama, but on just figuring out what you want and can offer. And lots of music. All set down in Norman’s straightforward prose and great dialog.

I loved every minute of this book. No weak points. No filler. And a lovely ode to nice guys.

What a delightful, charming, true to life book! It was funny and hopeful and real. I truly enjoyed it and loved the (happy) ending!

I have always enjoyed Matthew Norman and this was no exception. This was a very sweet story with High Fidelity vibes—which is a compliment because I adore High Fidelity. Definitely recommend.

Billy is a single dad who wears cardigans. Oh, and he’s a super nice guy. He lives in Baltimore above a record shop where he teaches music. He’s pretty happy in life and loves his city.

Years ago, he had a crush on a drummer named Margot, who was part of a huge band that broke up one night during an award show. She’s now a recluse in New York until one day, she ends up in Baltimore and in the same room as Billy. How will the rock star handle the lovestruck cardigan-wearing fan? How will the fan act when confronted with the woman of his dreams.

Those are the questions that are answered through the book. Norman does a great job creating wonderful characters and a great setting in Baltimore. The book is hard to put down – sometimes endearing and sometimes cringeworthy, but always really good. It’s more of a romance than I typically read. But I enjoyed the nostalgic rock-and-roll feel of it.

Billy and Margot are a lot of fun together. His son and her movie star ex-husband are also great characters. Charm City Rocks is worth the read! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love this!! It had a Daisy jones and the six vib to it and we have all been searching for that since we read it. Yes I am completely absorbed in this
. I just reviewed Charm City Rocks by Matthew Norman. #CharmCityRocks #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL

I was lucky enough to get an advance copy from netgalley, and I loved it. #CharmCityRocks by Matthew Norman. Billy lives above a record store and gives piano lessons. One evening, Billy and his son are watching a documentary on rock bands and one of his favorite groups, Burnt Flowers, is mentioned. Billy tells his son how he always has had a crush on the drummer, Margot. What happens next, well, you need to read!

Charm City Rocks by Matthew Norman was a very enjoyable story.

I loved Billy and Margot's story. I thought this was a great romance story.
I felt these were very well developed characters. And thought they were fun but yet realistic.
I was completely enraptured by this couple's story.
The plot, and characters felt very real…and I thought it a was very written story.
I was definitely engrossed in this one.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House, Ballantine & Dell for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a cute read, though to me the writing felt stiff during the first chapter (maybe I just needed to get into it more?) and I wondered what I'd signed myself up for. Luckily it took off after that with a fun premise and some serious love to Baltimore. I'm not sure we needed all the POV's (but then again, having Lawson narrate a few chapters was mostly fun and very British). I wanted more from the ending as it felt really quick.

Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoy reading books by this author. It was no surprise to me that this book left me feeling good about life. A beautiful love story, one I stepped right into for the few hours that I read Charm City Rocks. I fell in love with Billy and imagined myself as Margot, his rockstar crush. This is one of those books that leaves you with a happy, content feeling—that all is right with the world. I was privileged to read a digital ARC through NetGalley and Dell. This opinion is my own.

Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read this eARC!

It was okay, pretty basic though. I liked the characters and the unlikely romance aspect of it. Honestly, there wasn't that much that was unique about it but it was a quick and fun read.

Charm City Rocks is delightful! It is the story of an unlikely romance and self-(re)discovery starring two lovable leads and the city of Baltimore.

Margot is one of the most talented drummers of all time but has been living a low-key life out of the spotlight for a couple of decades. When a new documentary features her former band for a couple of minutes, the public’s interest in Margot is renewed and they are wondering what happened to her. Billy is a friendly music teacher with a kid about to head to college. He’s living in his favorite city above a record store in an apartment he adores. All is well. But is it really?

Brought together by a scheming teenager, Billy and Margot meet much to Billy’s astonishment as he has had an intense celebrity crush on Margot for half his life. Soon, they feel a pull toward one another, and are nudged by their respective children (and the Internet after a video of them goes viral) to pursue their relationship.

I enjoyed reading this, my first novel by this author. There were many humorous moments, the supporting characters are likable, and it is easy to root for Margot and Billy to be together. Margot was an awesome character. Billy was sweet and kind though his deep infatuation with a woman he does not know is slightly creepy. Still, who can resist a charming rom-com set in “Charm City”? Not this reader. Recommended to anyone looking for a fun, light, improbable romance with some Notting Hill and Nick Hornby vibes. 4.5 stars.

Thank you very much to Random House Ballantine and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.