The Glitter Bats were the ultimate pop-punk phenomenon—until they imploded six years ago, leaving their fans begging for a reunion and the bandmates out of each other’s lives. Valerie Quinn, their former lead singer, has since pivoted to a career in acting, but with her musical TV show teetering on the edge of cancellation, the press has unfairly pinned the blame on her. Desperate to change the narrative, Valerie hatches a bold plan: a one-night-only reunion of The Glitter Bats.
This means facing Caleb, the heartthrob bass player and her childhood best friend, who once held her heart but walked away from fame—and from her—to become a school teacher. As the bandmates spend the summer preparing for their big comeback, they confront the messy, unresolved issues that tore them apart while rediscovering the bond that brought them together. For Valerie and Caleb, the stakes are even higher as they try to rekindle their love, forcing them to confront the reasons their relationship faltered the first time around.
This novel is an emotional exploration of teenage fame, the exploitation by managers and labels, and the price of growing up too fast. The dynamics of the band’s found family felt messy and authentic as they unpacked their pasts and worked toward an uncertain future—sometimes triumphantly, sometimes disastrously. There were moments I wanted to scream at these characters for their selfish choices, but that, too, felt true to the spirit of rock and roll. I also enjoyed the creative inclusion of news articles chronicling the band’s rise and reunion; it offered a good way to revisit the past without being confined to one character’s perspective. I also thought Caleb’s anxiety and how Valerie understood and supported him was a great storyline.
🎧 On the Audiobook: Narrated by Mx. Nicky Endres, Helen Laser, and Colton Woods, the audiobook truly elevated the story. The narrators captured the tension and raw emotion of the characters perfectly, and the inclusion of news articles felt distinct and immersive, adding another layer of realism to the experience.
Book: 🌟🌟🌟💫
Audiobook: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️
Book Smart Kate 