
The Love Variations
a steamy rivals-to-lovers romance with big feelings
Victoria Lee(Author)
Piatkus Books (Publisher)
Published on 5. May 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
304 pages
978-0-349-43786-6 (ISBN)
Description
An emotionally powerful romance novel from the author of A SHOT IN THE DARK.
Goldie Gensler has always wanted to be a concert musician like her parents-but after a devastating multiple sclerosis diagnosis, that dream feels more urgent than ever. The world's most prestigious international piano competition in Stockholm is coming up in two months-it's the perfect chance for Goldie to make her dream come true. But her competition will be stiff because Jamie Larson, with his perfect technique and derisive glare and gorgeous ocean blue eyes, is competing too.
Jamie has always resented Goldie for her easy road to professional musicianship, given her wealthy parents who were both first chair in the New York Philharmonic. Jamie spent hours and hours studying to make it from small-town Iowa to the best music school in New York City. But his technical precision is no match for the way Goldie's imperfect but emotionally resonant music makes audiences swoon. He's determined to prove that skill and dedication are what makes for a good musician, but after his brother's suicide three years ago, Jamie just doesn't love music like he used to.
Goldie and Jamie 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 their passion for more than just music.
Praise for A SHOT IN THE DARK:
'A sensual love story about art and passion . . . emotional and heart-aching'
ASHLEY POSTON
'Victoria Lee aims straight for the heart, and pierces the centre without restraint'
KOSOKO JACKSON
'A moving portrait of queer love, religion, recovery, art, and community'
MACKENZI LEE
Goldie Gensler has always wanted to be a concert musician like her parents-but after a devastating multiple sclerosis diagnosis, that dream feels more urgent than ever. The world's most prestigious international piano competition in Stockholm is coming up in two months-it's the perfect chance for Goldie to make her dream come true. But her competition will be stiff because Jamie Larson, with his perfect technique and derisive glare and gorgeous ocean blue eyes, is competing too.
Jamie has always resented Goldie for her easy road to professional musicianship, given her wealthy parents who were both first chair in the New York Philharmonic. Jamie spent hours and hours studying to make it from small-town Iowa to the best music school in New York City. But his technical precision is no match for the way Goldie's imperfect but emotionally resonant music makes audiences swoon. He's determined to prove that skill and dedication are what makes for a good musician, but after his brother's suicide three years ago, Jamie just doesn't love music like he used to.
Goldie and Jamie 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 their passion for more than just music.
Praise for A SHOT IN THE DARK:
'A sensual love story about art and passion . . . emotional and heart-aching'
ASHLEY POSTON
'Victoria Lee aims straight for the heart, and pierces the centre without restraint'
KOSOKO JACKSON
'A moving portrait of queer love, religion, recovery, art, and community'
MACKENZI LEE
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Little, Brown Book Group
Dimensions
Height: 126 mm
Width: 197 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
Weight
210 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-349-43786-6 (9780349437866)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
05/2026
Piatkus Books
€7.99
Available for download
Person
Victoria Lee grew up in Durham, North Carolina, where she spent her childhood writing ghost stories and fantasizing about attending boarding school. She has a Ph.D. in psychology, which she uses to overanalyze fictional characters and also herself. Lee is the author of A Lesson in Vengeance as well as The Fever King and its sequel, The Electric Heir. She lives in New York City with her partner, cat, and malevolent dog. Visit her online at victorialeewrites.com and follow her on Twitter and Instagram @sosaidvictoria.