Rhythm & Muse - Paperback

by India Hill Brown (Author)

Cinderella meets Cyrano in this pitch-perfect YA rom-com that is a celebration of Black joy, first crushes, and putting your heart on the line for love.

Darren Johnson lives in his head. There, he can pine for his crush--total dream girl, Delia Dawson--in peace, away from the unsolicited opinions of his talkative family and showboat friends. When Delia announces a theme song contest for her popular podcast, Dillie D in the Place to Be, Darren's friends--convinced he'll never make a move--submit one of his secret side projects for consideration.

After the anonymous romantic verse catches Dillie's ear, she sets out to uncover the mystery singer behind the track. Now Darren must decide: Is he ready to step out of the shadows and take the lead in his own life?

• A Modern Cyrano Retelling: Darren has the lyrics, but he's too shy to tell Delia they're from him. When his song goes viral, he has to decide whether to stay in the shadows or claim his words--and the girl.
• Shy Hero x Popular Girl: He's a quiet musician who lives in his head; she's the host of a popular podcast everyone listens to. He's been crushing forever, but his anonymous song is the only thing brave enough to speak for him.
• Podcast Romance: When Delia Dawson launches a theme song contest for Dillie D in the Place to Be, she has no idea her secret admirer is the one behind the anonymous track everyone is falling for.
• A Celebration of Black Joy: A funny, heartfelt, and pitch-perfect high school romance that puts supportive friends, loving families, and Black creativity front and center.