Spin-off Saturdays: On Saturdays, I will review a series that is a spin-off series. It is recommended that you read the original series first in order to get the most out of the spin-off series. Here is this week’s offering:
Rivals Series is a spin-off of the Wicked Series
SERIESous’ Top Picks: Favourite Author, Canadian Author
Series: Rivals
This is a spinoff of the Wicked Series.
There is a spinoff of this series called The Enemies Trilogy.
Author: Piper Lawson
# of Books: 4 (Full Reading Order Here)
There is a prequel novella: #0.5 Love Notes
Book Order: Chronological
Complete?: Yes
Genre: Young Adult / New Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Music
Heat Rating: warm *Spicy YA*
Point of View: First Person, Alternating
Publication Date: April 29, 2020 – February 10, 2021
Source & Format: Author–eARC
WARNING: If you have not finished the original series, this review may have spoilers!
**This post was originally published as a review of the first book of the series. It has now been updated to include the newest publications in the series.**
My Expectations?
I’m a sucker for Rockstar romances and Piper Lawson’s Wicked Series was one I have never really encountered before. It was like the perfect mashup of other series yet entirely unique in its own way. And two of the characters that stood out to me the most were Annie and Tyler…and I prayed we would get to see their story one day!
How Does It Compare To The Original?
Wicked was more of a New Adult read while this new series straddles the line between YA and NA — which gives it its own unique flare.
But all the angst from the original series is here and perhaps it is present more so. These two have a lot of things going on in their personal and romantic lives and it shows. I loved the drama it brought around.
And I think the romance is stronger here. These two have a past friendship and connection to build up. Plus they have so much in common–even if they don’t always think so. You can’t help but root for them!
Anything I Didn’t Like?
–I Didn’t Understand All the Angst–
I’m also not entirely sure why Annie was so angry at Tyler at the start of the book. I think it’s explained a little better in the prequel novella from what I remember but I wanted that fleshed out a little more. Maybe some insight into why Tyler did what he did.
–Tyler As the “Prince of the School” Is a Bit of a Stretch–
I think Annie was the only one who really thought that. Yes, people like him (and Annie has some rivals for interest) but he wasn’t really in the popular crowd.
When to Read the Novella, #0.5 Love Notes:
I read this first and I think that’s probably the best way to do it. If you read the original series, it serves as a good appetizer for what’s to come. And for those who haven’t read the series, it fills in some of the little gaps about their history.
My Expectations for the Rest of the Series:
OH what an ending!!! I’m super duper excited to see where things go from here!
–May 16, 2020– Book #2: A Love Song for Rebels
This book was a step up for me from the last one. Gone are their high school days and it shows. Annie and Tyler have grown and matured so they start to talk more about their feelings and wants instead of just holding a silent, angsty grudge against each other. And I liked the conversations and developments that happened as a result. They’re coming into themselves, figuring out what is important and what they want. And most important of all: they are fighting for those dreams and wants.
Piper has a great knack for writing dramatics that are entertaining but grounded in some realism and I find as a reader, you really get sucked into the characters’ lives and their emotions. I really appreciated the struggles and the successes all the more because I feel like I know these characters so well.
–July 6, 2020– Book #3: A Love Song for Dreamers
The evolution of this story is so refreshing to me. We don’t often get trilogies following one couple anymore in the romance world and Piper has reminded me how good they could be. Watching these two grow into the people they’ve become has been such a treat; especially for fans who met them as kids in the Wicked Series.
I love the bittersweet realism infused into this story. Life doesn’t always go to plans and not everything works out like it does in the movies. So seeing these two struggle to find their footings in life and in their relationship kept me enthralled. As I said before, their growth has been amazing to watch as a reader. I feel like I’m closing a bit of a chapter on my life as they close theirs.
This was missing that little je ne said quoi to take it to that next level though. Perhaps it needed one good twist or dramatic element? Regardless, it was a fantastic ending for a series that has had me hooked from the start!
–July 9, 2021– Book #4: A Love Song For Always
This felt like an extended epilogue to wrap up some of those lingering storylines from the series and I’m all for it. What happens after the HEA? And I like that this book explores that idea a little more.
It also does a great job of getting readers excited for the spin-off series, The Enemies Trilogy, by giving us our first peek at the new leads.
Series Rating: 4/5
[Love Notes 4/5] | A Love Song for Liars 4/5 | A Love Song for Rebels 5/5 | A Love Song for Dreamers 4/5 | A Love Song for Always 4.5/5
If you love angsty romances that straddle the line between YA and NA — this is the series you need to start now!
Read if You Like: angst, music, first loves
Avoid if You: dislike romances spread out over multiple books
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Synopsis for A Love Song for Liars (from Goodreads):
I fell for Tyler Adams when he had nothing but a guitar.
He was my rebel prince, my handsome muse, my twisted friend.
We were worlds apart in every way that mattered:
He was poor, I was rich.
He was beautiful, I was plain.
He honed his talent in private, while I ached for the spotlight.
When Tyler moved in with us, Oakwood Prep fell on its knees to worship at his altar.
He traded my friendship for their crown.
I will never forgive his betrayal.
But some nights…
He makes me want to.
