Missing the Beat

‘Missing the Beat’ by Cait Marie tells the story of Maya and Xander, two people who once knew each other and only recently reconnected. Their relationship is filled with plenty of ups, downs, and misunderstandings. Shared trauma and issues that torment them each individually are what keeps them apart, but the chemistry and care that the two show each other when they’re together dispels enough of their past to give them hope for a brighter future—hopefully one that they can spend together.

It’s not easy when Maya sees Xander again, especially when he seems to not remember her from summer camp all those years ago. The fact that he’s her co-star Lucas’ best friend doesn’t make matters easier. She can’t escape him—and even worse, she’s not sure she wants to. She doesn’t want to fall for him again, because the last time she fell hard, and when he acts like he doesn’t remember her, it stings far more than she cares to admit. With her best friend Eliza by her side, who happens to have just started to date Lucas, she tries to come to terms with the demons that haunt her from her own past, as well as the one she had with Xander, or as she remembers him, Alex.

Xander’s pop star personality often gets in the way of what could be real between them, but Maya sees past the flash, even though it frustrates and puzzles her since she remembers a sweet, kind boy so unlike the Xander she’s seeing so many years after their last meeting.

Cait Marie has done it again, sorting together the pieces of a puzzle made up of two people who think they’re so wrong for each other, but find that they just need to find the right fit and then everything will hopefully turn out okay. While this particular novel in the Bennu series has topics that can serve as triggers for some readers, including a past assault, terrifying weather, and family abuse, there is also a hearty dose of kindness, truth, love, and goodness that prevails despite the odds. Maya and Xander will keep readers invested in their stories, waiting to see just how they will intertwine.

I’m really glad that Cait chose the order that she did for these book. Out of the three, Maya was my least favorite so I wasn’t sure how I was going to enjoy this story. But I loved it. The first two books really build Maya’s character and I am so grateful for that. If you ignore the epilogue in Meeting the Star, this book takes place right after. It’s summertime and filming is wrapping up. Of course, Lucas’ best friend happens to be her first love. Like the other two books, this one follows the same formula but it’s just so good. The story was a little different because of their history but it eventually gets flushed out and all the feelings in the open. I absolutely loved this book and it was such a good way to end these stories.

As I said above, Maya wasn’t my favorite. It’s probably because out of the three, she is the most unlike me in personality. Kylie and Eliza were so easy to connect because they has characteristics that reminded me of myself. I didn’t really see anything in me in Maya. Once I realized that her personality was different, I learned to love her. She is a strong character who knows exactly what she wants and will do anything for those she cares about. In the other two books, she was a very strong woman but this book showed her vulnerabilities and I loved that about her. Xander was interesting as well. I know it’s all cliché but I love the fact that Cait didn’t make any of her famous characters bad. They were all down to earth and very respectful, including Xander.

FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, Missing the Beat by Cait Marie was amazing. If there was going to be one in the series I didn’t enjoy as much, I assumed it to be this book. However, I loved it. The rise and fall of the plot was good and the pacing fantastic. Being the shortest book of the trio, I definitely flew through this book. If you enjoyed the other two, then please make sure you read Maya and Xander’s story.

Maya's life seems like it's all coming together. She has the perfect job, the perfect friends, and her dreams are coming true. But when Xander enters the picture and doesn't even remember her, she becomes angry. Maya wants to avoid him, but that proves to be impossible since his best friend is her coworker. Not to mention Maya has a dark past that stains her to this day.

Xander is a rock star who wants to leave the past in the past. All that matters to him is moving forward. He also doesn't do relationships so is perfectly fine sleeping with Maya because that's all it'll ever be. With the hate brewing between them, how could it ever be anything more? But it's hard to avoid her since she's Eliza's best friend and they're both always with Lucas.

After finishing Lucas and Eliza's story, I was so looking forward to Maya's and Cait Marie doesn't disappoint. Once this book was in my hands, I couldn't put it down and finished it in one sitting. The tension between Maya and Xander is palpable on every page yet they can't stay away from each other. The twist about their past is an added bonus. I love all of the characters in this series and enjoy seeing the cameos and how everything comes together as it's meant to. MISSING THE BEAT does touch on some sensitive issues, but Cait Marie does it in the perfect way.


Final Verdict: I would recommend this to fans of contemporary romance who want all the feels. I look forward to more from Cait Marie who hasn't disappointed me yet.