4 1/2 Stars!

What a quirky and fun read. Billy Perkins is a normal guy - - a guy that you really want to cheer for. He's kind and caring. He's a good dad. A piano teacher. And a good friend. And apparently he's had a long-term crush on drummer, Margot Hammer who used to play with a band that imploded years ago.

Margot is more than a drummer. She's a mother. An ex-wife. She's a woman who was wronged by not just her husband but also her bandmates. She isn't sure how to find her way back to music or if she even wants to try.

Then one day Margot is falsely lured to a music shop in Baltimore thinking she's going to meet with a group of young girls who want to be musicians only to find out they never existed. She's been brought there under false pretenses to meet Billy by his son. But Margot isn't angry, she's disappointed and maybe a little embarrassed. And Billy....well he doesn't want to lose his shot with his crush but it's not the best way to start something.

It's not the easiest way to start something but if it's meant....maybe Billy and Margot can find common ground and give it a go. This is really such a cute story that made my heart feel good.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to read and review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

One thing about me, I’ll almost always read a book about music/music lovers.

Charm City Rocks is a wholesome story about a high schooler that unwittingly gets into his dad’s gummies (they’re not for kids 😳) and then sends a message to said (single) dad’s long-time musician crush. I assure you, it’s a wholesome story😆

It was a really quick and easy read. I got a good chuckle out of it a few times, but overall it just didn’t move me. I don’t think I connected with the characters as easily as I’d have liked and I didn’t really fall for the romance either. It was good but forgettable IMO 😅

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you @netgalley @penguinrandomhouse for the gifted ebook! Charm City Rocks by Matthew Norman is OUT NOW 🎉🎉

#charmcityrocks #matthewnorman #bookreview #musichead #musiclovers #fictionbooks #bookreader #bookreviewer #bookblogger #readersofinstagram #instareaders #booksofinstagram #bibliophile #readingtime #readercommunity #bookstagram #netgalley #ebook #kindle

This is such a sweet and happy feel-good story! Your happy-go-lucky everyday Joe meets the rock idol of his youth, sparks fly then fizzle out. There’s so much more to this story, though. You’ll love Billy, his son Caleb, and even his ex-wife Robyn. You’ll be impressed with Margo Hammer, first a popular drummer, then married to a handsome actor, up until that one particular MTV Video Music Awards show when Margot kicked her drums off of her platform and stormed out…in the middle of the song.
Caleb thinks his dad and Margot would hit it off, so he tells a little white lie. Amazingly, after everyone gets over the lie, they really do hit it off. But they come from different backgrounds. She’s still famous and he’s a wonderful neighborhood music teacher and dad, but no paparazzi. It’s just not going to work. And surprisingly, it’s Billy that calls it quits.
But you can’t put out a fire that easily! Various characters in each person’s life play a pivotal role in this story, from the record store owner, the little kid who plays drums on buckets, Margot’s ex-husband Lawson, to the pro football player who just wants his son to learn piano from the best.
Read this book and meet the neighborhood. You’re gonna love it!
Thanks to Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine for an ARC in exchange for my honest
review. The publishing date was June 6, 2023.

A fairly normal romance, but also deviates from the norm somehow? There’s the meet cute and happily ever after but in between there’s a lot of focus on other people in the main characters’ lives (exes, kids, etc). Which that all made it interesting coupled with the third person omniscient pov. But that pov also didn’t really show billy and Margot falling in love. There was barely any dialogue or scenes that showed they worked together. We just had to believe it because side characters said they were so happy together. So overall, I liked the writing and I liked that it was a love story with just a lot of kind characters who are older, but it was a bit lacking.

Chaotic, charming, funny, and heartwarming. A fun read- romantic and endearing. Beautifully written and entertaining

I've read all of Matthew Norman's novels except one and have loved them all. Charm City Rocks definitely pushed all of my buttons:

1. As a 60-something who found love later in life after being dismissed too often as being a nice guy, I loved the middle age romance where the nice guy meets the woman of his dreams.

2. As a guitarist who never achieved any form of musical success because of my weak vocals, I loved Billy, a talented piano player who topped out as a music teacher because he can't sing.

3. As a Dad who has shared my pop culture touchstones with my daughters while also trying to relate to theirs, I loved Billy's relationship with Caleb.

4. As a fan who has forged friendships with some of my all-time guitar heroes (though not in a romantic way), I loved Margot working past her celebrity to connect with Billy.

5. As a writer who never did anything more than self-publish, I love how Norman writes about characters and lives that probably resemble his own, and about the city he loves (Baltimore), and about music that he seems to clearly love.

Funny, charming, relatable -- a great read. Romance by a male writer about a male protagonist. You'd have to be the ultimate cynic to not like this. And even if you are, if you're a rock/pop fan, the music industry setting may win you over.

Could this story be any more charming?! Yes, I realize how cheesy that sounds but this book was wonderful. It blends teenage/young adult day dreaming with mid-life reality and it works so well. Billy is the most likable character that I think I've ever read and Margot is one that you want a second chance for, so badly. When she walks into his path, with the helping high hand of his son, Caleb, both of their future paths are shifted. Seriously, if you want a fun, closed door romance, this is definitely one to pick up. The weaving of the music references throughout the book sets such a great vibe.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

"𝘛𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘵: 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘪𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘴 𝘶𝘱 𝘴𝘰 𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵. 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘰𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘶𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘭𝘺, 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘳𝘵𝘺-𝘴𝘪𝘹 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘩𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘷𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬."

This is book is definitely different than your typical romances out there!

First of all, it's completely in third person, and told through multiple character POVs throughout the book. Honestly... it was a bit confusing at first, because you're getting to know everyone, and I was constantly like "whose head am I in?" - but it did get better as the book went along.

This method did work though with the storyline, because you have so many overlapping stories... ex-spouses and partners, mixing with current spouses/partners, a teenager in the middle of it all... and it really does provide a lot of character development and insight being able to jump between the POVs.

Overall, I really enjoyed the story, and I'm glad that everyone essentially got their happy ending... even if they were all traditional "happy".

Thank you @randomhouse and @netgalley for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
.
.
.
.
#bookstagram #booksta #books #booksbooksbooks #avidreader #ilovereading #thetwistedlibrarian #professionalbookworm #charmcityrocks #matthewnorman #whatsnikkireading #book41of2023 #randomhousepublishing #netgalley #advancedreadercopy #kindleebook #baltimoremd #multiplePOVs #singledad #rockmusician #tangledwebs #lifeinthelimelight

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.

This is my first book by this author, and II was absolutely charmed by everything about this book! The main couple captured my heart, but the side characters shared a piece as well. While the premise felt like a modern-day fairytale, meeting your crush rockstar in real life and having a whirlwind romance, the execution was so pure and realistic. I adored Billy and Margot. I applaud the author for not turning the exes into villains. It's not often you can grow to like the persons who could potentially cause conflict for the main couple. And Caleb had such a wonderful support system found in a non-traditional family setting. The story is funny and sweet, told in different points of view to give a fuller depth of emotion. I absolutely loved everything about this book! "Charm City Rocks" totally ROCKS!

5 stars

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the opportunity to read the ARC of Charm City Rocks by Matthew Norman. I really enjoyed this rom com. It was a Hallmark movie in a book about a used to be rock star and a music teacher. I loved the characters and the charming setting. This book made me want to visit Baltimore and I've never before felt that urge. This is a book about finding love later in life and making unconventional family dynamics work.

Well, I'd like to know where author Matthew Norman has been all my life?!?!

I was absolutely and thoroughly charmed by this story. What happens when a single dad meet the former rock star crush of his youth? Billy Perkins is about to find out thanks to some hilarious circumstances and his son Caleb's late night Google search. Billy lives in his favorite neighborhood of Baltimore, above his favorite music store, gives piano lessons and give impromptu concerts for his sidewalk audience. He is crazy about his teenage son and has a great co-parenting relationship with Caleb's mom and step-dad. He would tell you he is happy. And then Caleb arranges a 'meet cute' between his dad former rock goddess, Margot Hammer.

This sets off a domino effect of bizarre and riotous events that kickstart Margot's long dormant career thereby introducing us to an ever widening circle of characters. While some of these events seem wildly implausible, I can only tell you I bought in wholeheartedly and enjoyed every moment. I never once found myself rolling my eyes, only smiling and laughing and cheering for these flawed, but lovable people.

As a more mature reader, I am always thrilled when main characters are over 30! While romance is certainly is an element of this story, it is so much more. We get glimpses of the male dominated music industry and the challenges talented woman face; parents struggling with letting go of their college bound kid and what the empty nest will look like; friendship in all its many forms; and a big love letter to Baltimore, a character itself.

Loved it and am thrilled to see Matthew Norman has a backlist to dive into!

Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Dell for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

A fairly decent read. The relationship dynamic works well with everyone. As someone who is from Baltimore I felt all the references were just a bit out of place in some spots. Felt inauthentic. This would make a good movie though.

This book was charming, complex and delightful. After accidentally consuming some of his dad’s weed gummies, Caleb pretends to be a pre-teen girl in a band to invite famous drummer, Margot Hammer, of the band Burnt Flowers. This is after watching a Netflix special where Caleb’s dad mentioned his adolescent crush on Margot.

Upon arrival and realization Margot is unsurprisingly angry and hurt and leaves soon after arriving. However, she can’t stop thinking or Caleb’s dad, Billy Perkins. Billy is a cardigan wielding piano teacher and by all accounts the nicest guy. He’s sweet and sincere and Margot finds herself effortlessly drawn to him.

This novel shines a lot on complicated family dynamics, complex relationships and making tough decisions to truly put oneself first. A triumph of a tale tying together many of its characters through music.

4 stars!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Dell for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House Publishing, Ballantine, Dell for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by a favorite, Matthew Norman - 5 charming stars!

Billy is happy. He is an independent music teacher, teaching his students to love music and have fun at the same time. He lives above Charm City Rocks, a record store, and his son, Caleb, a senior in high school, is his best friend. Billy had a crush on Margot Hammer, the drummer for a now-defunct rock band, Burnt Flowers, who is far from happy. She lives in NYC and is mostly a recluse, especially according to her daughter, Poppy. When Caleb comes up with a scheme to get Margot to come to Baltimore, her label says she can't miss the publicity. Then an impromptu concert goes viral and everything changes.

This was the most charming book and I loved every minute. Every character is perfect - from cardigan-wearing Billy, to sweet Caleb, to his mom, Robyn and co-dad Aaron, and Margot and Poppy of course, with lots of great supporting characters to boot. I loved Billy's advice sessions with Caleb, Caleb's fear of leaving his parents lonely when he goes off to college, and everyone pulling together to raise a great kid. It's a love letter to Baltimore, music and all things happy. Must read!

I hated this book. I couldn’t get into this world or bring myself to care about these characters. I don’t recommend this one.

What an awesome book! Is it about new love, old love, becoming an adult, or rock-n-roll? I didn’t know what to expect when I started this book and thought it was for young adults. To the contrary, it was a love story between older adults. It had a great music theme that permeated the pages, along with great literary references. The writing was good, the characters exciting and it is all put together well. I thoroughly enjoyed every page.


I received an ARC from Random House Publishing through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under no obligation to do so.

In this twist of a rockstar romance, Billy Perkins is a single dad living over Charm City Rocks, a record store in Fells Point. His son Caleb is about to make some college decisions, but he's concerned about his dad's happiness if he were to go away to school. After some mistaken digestibles, Caleb contacts Margot Hammer, his dad's longtime crush who happens to be the drummer from a now defunct famous female rock band called Burnt Flowers. It's impulsive and crazy and he doesn't expect anything to come of it, but it does.

Margot Hammer is lonely.When she hears about the request to come to Baltimore, she decides to do it. She too has a young daughter who is concerned about her happiness. And then something magic happens in Baltimore in that romantic sort of way. Margot and Billy have a quiet relationship and it's almost like if you aren't paying attention, you could miss these two falling for each other, but they are good together and I found myself really wanting them to make it work.

There's lots going on all around them with kids and exes and money makers and a rekindling of the band. But at the core of it is happiness, and it's right there for Margot and Billy to grab onto. I liked that they both had supportive people in their corner, people who would encourage them to take the chances they needed to take.

I really enjoyed this story. I liked the subtle emotional content and how skillfully the words made me fall for these characters. In spite of things moving a bit slowly in spots, I was eager to keep reading this until I found out what happens to Billy and Margot in the final pages. I really liked the romance between them and I was rooting for them all the way. That's the way a romance should be, and I thought this was really terrific. There are some interesting secondary characters as well. It will be on my favorites of 2023 list for sure.

This was the sweet, light hearted book I needed! I loved the switch in perspectives and how we heard from so many different dynamic characters. I also now see Baltimore in a much better, more romantic way!

4.5 rounded up to 5
Charm City Rocks by Matthew Norman is aptly named because it is a charming story told from both a male and female perspective. Yes it's a romance but it's really more about people who have settled for a safe life and what it looks like and feels like to go after what you really want. The surrounding characters also ring true especially Billy's son Caleb. This is my first novel by Matthew Norman and I'm eager to read his earlier works.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. Charm City Rocks is on sale now.

Who knew that charm city could be so charming and romantic? The characters are skillfully drawn and the dialogue is crisp and quirky. A typical romance, but overlaid with lovely layers of niceness. A fun read - no deep explication necessary, just roll with the vibe!