Carmen's entire life revolves around the violin. She focuses completely upon the instrument and forgoes much of normal teenage life. Her aim? To win the Guarneri competition and achieve the highest honor. The only obstacle in her path? Jeremy, an arrogant violinist with magical hands. The friction between them edges the line between aggression and passion.

Jeremy is a little infuriating, but the reader may be able to pick up on the fact that he is only acting a certain way to catch Carmen's attention. Carmen is easily provoked by Jeremy. The two fight for some of the novel before giving in to the other feelings that are obviously brewing between them. Carmen is hot-blooded and volatile while Jeremy has more of a cold snobbery facade going on. Carmen has anxiety attacks and receives medication that causes her to fall deeper into trouble than she has ever been before. Will Jeremy be able to help her?

VIRTUOSITY may seem predictable, but it is far from simple to predict how things are going to end. The book itself involves addiction to anti-anxiety drugs, pain, and passion. The teenage characters are still figuring out what they want from life beyond the violin, assuming they can have a life beyond the instrument, and the reader will enjoy watching them feel around and discover the potential surrounding them.