The Love Variations: A Novel

In this emotional and empowering romance from the author of A Shot in the Dark, two musicians compete to win a prestigious piano competition . . . until sparks fly. Can a fiery romance help them to heal old wounds?

“Truly worth swooning over.”—The New York Times

Goldie Gensler has always wanted to be a concert musician like her parents, who were both principal musicians in the New York Philharmonic, but after a devastating multiple sclerosis diagnosis, that dream feels more urgent than ever. The world’s most prestigious international piano competition is coming up in two months in Stockholm. It’s the perfect chance for Goldie to make her dream come true. But it won’t be easy, because Jamie Larson, with his perfect technique and gorgeous ocean blue eyes, is competing too.

After his brother’s death three years ago, Jamie just doesn’t love music like he used to, and he has always resented Goldie for her easy road to professional musicianship, paved by her wealthy and talented parents. He’s spent hours and hours studying to make it from small-town Iowa to the best music school in New York City. Yet his technical precision is no match for Goldie’s imperfect but emotionally resonant performances that make audiences swoon. Nevertheless, Jamie is determined to prove that skill and dedication are what make a virtuoso musician.

Goldie and Jamie each have their own reasons to win, but when unexpected events force them to practice—and live—together in Goldie’s apartment over the holidays, they discover a passion for far more than music.

Victoria Lee is the nationally bestselling author of A Shot in the Dark, A Lesson in Vengeance, The Fever King, and its sequel The Electric Heir. She grew up in Durham, North Carolina, where she attended an arts school and played piano competitively. She has a PhD in psychology, which she uses to overanalyze fictional characters and also herself. She lives in New York City with her partner, children, and two malevolent pets.