Reviewed by Kat
TITLE: Gypsy Heart
AUTHOR: Ann Lister
PUBLISHER: Rock Gods, Inc.
LENGTH: 213 pages
RELEASE DATE: February 26, 2021
BLURB:
Brett “Gypsy” Hart has never been one to abide by social norms, whether it’s professionally with his band, Gypsy Heart, or in his private life. He’s had an ongoing relationship with his music collaborator for many years but never fully committed to him nor said those three all-important words. Now Gypsy’s longtime love is gone, and he’s left picking up the pieces of his life while settling his friend’s estate.
Jacob McKinney owns the local cafe. He knows who Gypsy is the moment he walks into his restaurant and also knows why the famous musician is in town. They were formally introduced years ago, but he doubts Gypsy remembers him, which is just fine. Although Gypsy and Jacob live in two very different worlds, there was one person who’s tied them together.
John Kirby was a talented award-winning lyricist who worked with many musicians throughout his long career. Born with a heart defect, he made the most of his time, but in the end, left behind two very different men to process their loss. Kirby’s one wish was to bring Gypsy, the only man who owned his damaged heart, and Jacob together somehow—first, as a way to help each other mourn, but then as a new opportunity at love.
Can two grieving men find lasting love together and uncover the connection Kirby already knew existed between them? Dead men can’t talk, but their dreams can still come true—even from the beyond.
Gypsy Heart is a stand-alone rockstar romance with a slow burn, high emotions, grief/comfort, and an HEA.
REVIEW:
I have been in love with Ann Lister’s Rock Gods for so long and didn’t believe it was possible for her to top them, but Ann outdid even herself with this one! In my humble opinion I believe this is the best book she has written and that’s saying A LOT!!!
Gypsy is being put through the wringer when he discovers that his long-term lover, business partner and best friend Kirby not only didn’t share with him that he was sick but suddenly passed away without ever speaking to him about it. They may have had a non-traditional relationship, Gypsy now admits that’s all on him, but their love was real even though neither of them ever said it aloud. But now Gypsy has to not only pick up the pieces of his life but box up Kirby’s at the same time. All this and having to now start writing all the music for their Rock Band Gypsy Hearts without Kirby collaborating with him for the first time. How is he suppose to do all this and grieve the loss of his lover/partner?
Jacob discovers his best friend and one-time lover’s dead body when he calls and can’t get him to answer. He knew time was running out but not this fast. He at least has had over a week to process all this when Johnny’s longtime boyfriend and lover comes to town. He knows who Gypsy is and had promised Johnny that he would look out for the man that had always kept him from being Johnny’s. But maybe Johnny had known more than Jacob believed when chemistry starts to sizzle between him and Gypsy!
Oh my goodness gracious I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough on this book. Ann Lister grabbed hold of my heart from the first minutes and wouldn’t let go until it was all over. The grief of these two men and the love that they lost was gut wrenching. But John Kirby knew what he was saying both to Gypsy, in his letter, and to Jacob when he told him that he knew that both men would be perfect for the other.
My heart did go out to Kirby though. Snatched so early in life was cruel. And living his life willing to let the love of his life be free to pursue his passion was unbelievable. He let Gypsy have the life he wanted and put his dreams and desires on hold even though he knew deep down that his time was limited. He was a truly selfless and amazing lover and friend.
I know that it says it’s a standalone book but I really want to know what happen with Gypsy Heart. Does Gypsy step down and only write the music? Do they do limited engagements after the new album is released and Jake goes on tour with him? What happens with Paris and Riley? Do we get to meet and know Mitch and Percy? Inquiring minds need to know!!!
I hope that you enjoy this book and fall in love with Gypsy and Jake like I did too! This is a must-read and a major Book-of-the-Year contender for me!!!
RATING: 
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