I received a free copy of this book to write an honest review. While I wasn’t paid for this review, all thoughts are entirely my own.
I’m a romantic at heart and have enjoyed many romance novels over the years. However, occasionally a book comes along that isn’t just a romance but is profoundly romantic. Have you ever read a story that made you fall in love with a city? This happened to me with Rachel McMillan’s “Love in Three-Quarter Time,” which made me fall in love with Vienna, even more than Paris—a city I’ve never visited. My admiration for Vienna deepened with her second novella, “Rose in Three Quarter Time.”
SYNOPSIS
Rose MacNeil is a talented but undiscovered violinist when she first meets Oliver Thorne after a performance. Oliver, who was once a gifted cellist, is now a noted conductor for the Ranier Quartet in Vienna, following an accident that ended his cello career. Rose captivates Oliver both personally and professionally. He persuades her to stay in Vienna until a spot in his orchestra becomes available. While waiting, they develop a friendship, exploring the picturesque, historic city together.
When Rose is finally offered the position of the first chair, her visa is denied. In a desperate attempt to keep her in Vienna, they enter into a marriage of convenience, despite Oliver’s contract having a strict morals clause that forbids relationships with Quartet members, necessitating secrecy.
Beyond this, the emotional struggle intensifies as Oliver tries to maintain a respectful distance, honoring Rose’s wish for friendship only, while Rose starts falling for him as they live together, seeing the man behind his fame. Their shared love of music and the enchanting citysetting add layers of romance as they navigate their feelings.
REVIEW
While I adored “Love in Three-Quarter Time,” “Rose in Three Quarter Time” is perhaps one of the most romantic stories I’ve ever read. Combining a marriage of convenience with a deep appreciation for music and Vienna creates an incredibly captivating narrative.
A MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE
I’m a fan of the marriage of convenience trope, and it’s well-executed here. The marriage doesn’t happen immediately, giving Oliver and Rose time to form a solid friendship and for Oliver to realize his feelings for Rose. His proposal stems from a necessity to keep her close. This setup showcases an underrated quality in romance: restraint. There’s something deeply touching about people subverting their desires for the benefit of someone they love.
This marriage of convenience heightens the romantic tension between them, with each giving subtle signals of their feelings. Rose’s affection for Oliver grows through the little everyday things she learns about him while living together. Oliver shows his care for Rose through small acts, culminating in a grand gesture that reminds me of one of my favorite romantic film moments. But I’ll let you discover what it is for yourself.
I appreciate how McMillan respects the institution of marriage, even while pushing her characters into it out of convenience. Both Rose and Oliver commit deeply, intending to keep their vows for life even under unconventional circumstances. That’s real dedication.
A MOST ROMANTIC CITY
The author’s love for Vienna shines through, transforming the city into almost a third character. Through McMillan’s writing, I could almost smell the chocolate and coffee, see the beautiful buildings, and hear the historical tales as Rose and Oliver wandered through Vienna. It takes a skilled author to bring a city to life and make readers fall in love with it.
A LOVE OF MUSIC
The musical element is irresistible. The passion Rose and Oliver have for music is captivating, offering a glimpse into the professional music world. Even after years of playing the piano, I learned a lot from their experiences. Their love for music isn’t just about the classics but extends to diverse genres, emphasizing the pure joy of playing for love rather than acclaim. Oliver’s passion for composer Shostakovich also plays a crucial role in expressing his love for Rose.
MORE REASONS TO FALL IN LOVE
There are additional delightful elements: Parcheesi the cat, appearances by Klaus and Evelyn from “Love in Three Quarter Time,” and numerous references to classic films and Broadway plays. The novella even offers a brief look at Brussels and a surprising romantic moment there.
Typically, I’m not a fan of novellas because they often lack sufficient plot or character development. However, “Rose in Three Quarter Time” is a well-rounded story. Oliver’s reserved nature and protective instincts are endearing, while Rose’s past unfolds as their relationship deepens.
ADAPTATION
An adaptation of this novella would need a sizable budget to capture its essence, ideally filmed on location in Vienna. Based on the author’s inspiration, Shaun Evans from “Endeavour” fame would be perfect as Oliver. For Rose, I imagine Elisha Cuthbert or Eloise Mumford could do her justice.
RECOMMENDATION
If my review hasn’t made it clear enough, I absolutely loved “Rose in Three Quarter Time.” It’s not only one of the most romantic stories I’ve read but also a personal favorite. The beautiful love story, music, and charm of Vienna stayed with me long after I finished the book.
MORE ON THE AUTHOR
I recommend not only this novella but also “Love in Three Quarter Time” for added depth to the story. McMillan also authors two historical detective series, Herringford and Watts, and Van Buren and De Luca. Check out her Pinterest for story inspirations and follow her on Instagram for excellent book recommendations.
You can pre-order the book on Amazon, set to release on September 30.
Content Note: This is a clean read suitable for ages 13 and up, with only a few steamy kisses and implied physical intimacy.
