Review: Sympathy for the Blues by S.S. Genesee (The Dusty Brooms #1)

Note: An advance reader copy (ARC) was provided by the author via Gay Romance Reviews.

Sympathy for the Blues is the first book in the Dusty Brooms series from S.S. Genesee, who is a new-to-me author. Set in the 70s, this series starter introduces readers to Ray Roderick and Gene Hillard, best friends in their early twenties who happen to have formed a band called The Dusty Brooms. They're making a name for themselves while making beautiful music together along with the third member of the group in their hometown of Michigan. Ray and Gene share a bond that can never be broken...but soon, that bond comes under threat from feelings that neither of them can act on. Not if they want The Dusty Brooms to continue to succeed. Not if they want to keep their friendship intact, especially considering neither one has any idea that those "feelings" are actually rather mutual.

I love a slow burn read, and this book was slooooow buuuuurn to the max. For the record, Ray and Gene's story plays out throughout the entire series, which is a trilogy. I'm saying that because at the end of this first book, it's clear that these two main characters still have a lot of story to tell, and the title of the third book has their names in it...so yeah, that's how I did my whole deducing thing. As far as how the book was, I have a thing for historical fiction, and S.S. Genesee did not disappoint, coming up with main characters you hope will get their act together and make their way towards their happily-ever-after. There are complications, of course, and while we don't get that HEA by the end of this first book, I'm liking the journey so far, which is why I'm looking forward to book two. 4.5 stars for Sympathy for the Blues.

Date Read: 11 October 2025

Learn more about S.S. Genesee.

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