The Secret Song of Shelby Rey

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Author(s)

Rayne Lacko

Publisher Name

Spark Press

Genre(s)

Age Range

13+

Release Date

June 03, 2025

ISBN13

978-1684633128

ISBN10 or ASIN

For fans of Gayle Forman and Sarah Dessen, a musically gifted teen in 2010 Los Angeles gets caught up in the tumultuous world of a narcissistic rock star and his brilliant but heroin-addicted bandmate.

A story of love, music, addiction, and self-discovery from the author of A Song For The Road
Eighteen-year-old Shelby Rey has a secret superpower: she can hear people's deepest emotions and truths, in song form, just by touching them. But in a world where everyone guards their secrets, her gift feels more like a curse.
Life has been hard since she lost her dad, but it reaches a new low when she gets kicked out by her drug-addicted mom. Shelby's life hits a turning point, however, when she meets Zac Wyatt, a chart-topping rock star with a hidden side only she can hear. Swept into his world of fame and music, Shelby forms an electrifying connection with Zac that she can't resist.
But darkness lurks beneath the spotlight. Zac's jealousy of his bandmate Stanford, a troubled musical genius, threatens to destroy everything—and when Shelby uncovers Stanford's devastating truth, she faces an impossible choice that could shatter their world.
In a whirlwind of love, betrayal, heartbreak, and injustice, Shelby must find the courage to listen to her own inner song.

Editor review

1 review

Secret Song of Shelby Rey Review

February 02, 2026 (Updated: June 06, 2026)

Overall rating

4.3

Writing Style

5.0

Plot

4.0

Characters

4.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

N/A

I read a book a while ago, something so darkingly beautiful that it will always stick with me. It hit themes that typically aren't done in such a lyrical way. It was a story that truly took something taboo and turned it into a beautiful truth that I still think about.

The Secret Song of Shelby Rey made me feel this way. This book is another darkingly beautiful book. It hits topics that are true and hard to deal with in a lyrical way. I thought this book was so well done and truly took in every word that was written.

Shelby Rey hears other people's internal song. It's easy to understand why Shelby struggles. With only her Father's old cassette tape to hold her sanity together, Shelby's world is turned upside down when an altercation on a bus has her headphones confiscated by police.

Shelby then meets Jaclyn who wants to help her. Wants to understand what's wrong. But how do you tell someone that you can hear internal songs?

Zac Wyatt is a rockstar who wants to sing his own words, not those of his drugged out band mate. But when Zac tries to re-create the way Stanford writes songs, it backfires. Zac is forced to enter rehab under the guidance of Celebrity psychiatrist Roland.

Happenstance causes Shelby and Zac to meet and Zac is immediately taken in by Shelby. Here, the story unfolds.

While Shelby is the main character, we also get Zac's point of view with Stanford and Roland mixed in. This book goes through a lot of themes but done in such a tasteful way.

It is raw. It is powerful. It is inspiring. Don't be surprised to dislike some of the characters, they are written to be that way.

But be prepared to root for Shelby. To be proud of Shelby.

Overall, The Secret Song of Shelby Rey is a powerful book. It touches on dark subjects but it is a book that will stick with you. It is a book you'll remember. I highly recommend this book to anyone who looks for a powerful, impactful story that will stick with you.

*NOTE - as stated this book touched on a lot of subjects. It is definitely made for an older audience and would recommend researching the topics discussed throughout the book before deciding if it's right for you.