What I Want: A 1970s Sapphic Rockstar Rivals to (Secret) Lovers Romance

I have thoroughly enjoyed France M. Thompson’s work and “What I Want” is no different! I absolutely loved this story and getting to know Cassie and Pia! Huge thanks to Frankie for allowing me to read this book before its release, today, April 21!!! “What I Want” is a story set in 1979 and follows two rock stars who are the leading ladies of their respective bands. Cassie Everard and Pia Lindberg are long time rivals, that is, until they are forced to write a song together. What happens when folk rock’s golden girl and English rose and punk rock’s black cat and rebel with a cause are put in a hotel room together to write a love song?! Well, let’s just say they’re not just finding their rhythm on paper, if you catch my drift. I really enjoy Frankie’s writing. It’s relaxing and easy to get lost in. I found myself not wanting to put “What I Want” down and was genuinely invested in the story from page one. I also love the layers she gives to her characters. There’s enough depth to get a good feel for them and make an emotional connection. You really want to root for Cassie and Pia to get their happily ever afters! I also may be a bit BI-as 😏, but I love the bisexual representation in most of Frankie’s books! I related to Cassie a lot in her sexuality self-discovery, and it always feels good to be represented! All-in-all, if you’re a reader who enjoys a good rivals to (secret) lovers, grumpy vs. sunshine, spicy, sapphic romance with dyslexia and hearing loss representation,…

“But do you know what being scared every single day of my life has taught me?” “What?” I whisper, my next breath dependent on her answer. “That you have to live with the fear. You have to look it in the face and take it along for the ride, but not the other way around. You can never let fear be the driver.” I am part of Generation X and was born in the 70s. I needed this book to be real! Life would have been so much easier if I had representation like these characters when I was growing up. I knew going in that this would be a romance with a HEA, but I couldn’t help feeling nervous for the characters because I know what it was like for the gay and lesbian community back then. I kept thinking “there’s no way this can end well.” I’m glad I was wrong. Our main characters are both lead singers and female front liners of very successful rival bands. Cassie Everard fronts the English folk pop band Evergreene, while Pia Lindberg fronts the punk rock band Femme Fatale. The story starts with the bands getting into a physical altercation at a Grammy’s afterparty. Cassie left within seconds of the fight breaking out “cementing her reputation as the least rock’n’roll rockstar.” Pia “punk rock’s unofficial queen” is in the middle of the melee. A month later the bands’ managers propose the two leading ladies sing a duet together. They both reluctantly agree and end up with a hit song. When the two meet to record their duet they end up working on rewriting the song together so the…

Phenomenal story by a fave author! I loved everything about it. The characters and the MCs character development, the tone and pacing, the descriptions of so many hotel rooms (lol) and venues, the music and the romance. I enjoyed the tension and the release ;). The story begins in the late 1970’s and goes through the early 1980’s. The two most famous rockstars and competitors are Pia and Cassie and their respective bands. Having the dual pov brought so much depth and insight to not only our MCs but also the goings on outside of the individual. Having these two sensations collaborate on a song was the foundation of so many experiences, feelings and emotions and road to happiness and just maybe love. Highly recommend!!!

Oh don’t mind me, I’m just gonna be over here singing power ballads from the late 70s/early 80s for the foreseeable future after finishing this one. I love a good rockstar romance, but this one just hit different. Set in 1979, it focuses on Pia and Cassie - 2 powerhouse female lead singers of rival rock bands. The chemistry and spice kicked in early & made for some addictive reading. But what really stood out was the uphill battle they faced - industry pressure, public perception, and the limitations of the time, which added so many emotions. I got completely attached to these two and my only complaint is that I can’t actually hear them perform their song together!

I received an ARC of this book. This story was next level i loved it. It followsPia and Cassie, supposed enemies but the truth is they never did the media made it up. When it dawns on them lines become blurred and phone calls and kiss happen. They had their ups and downs but in the end it was all owrth it becuase they got to fall in love and be friends andtogether they made magic with their music. I highly recommend this book