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emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Dementia
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Thank you to the publisher for the free eARC!
Rating: 4/5 stars
Joni is a songwriter struggling with writer’s block when she unexpectedly ends up with a melody—and the thoughts of a “bad boy” musician stuck in her head.
I loved the concept of this one, which, in true Ashley Poston fashion, was so fun and unique. This is a sweet book with a poignant core that tackled tough topics well, and a lot of it resonated really strongly with me: particularly the conversations about burnout and when to chase (and NOT chase) your dreams.
Ashley is one of my favorite authors, and this one did not click for me QUITE as much as some of her past books have, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it and think it will be a big hit (music pun intended). The descriptions of the setting were also great, and really made me want to visit the OBX area!
CW: Dementia; death of parent; grief
Rating: 4/5 stars
Joni is a songwriter struggling with writer’s block when she unexpectedly ends up with a melody—and the thoughts of a “bad boy” musician stuck in her head.
I loved the concept of this one, which, in true Ashley Poston fashion, was so fun and unique. This is a sweet book with a poignant core that tackled tough topics well, and a lot of it resonated really strongly with me: particularly the conversations about burnout and when to chase (and NOT chase) your dreams.
Ashley is one of my favorite authors, and this one did not click for me QUITE as much as some of her past books have, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it and think it will be a big hit (music pun intended). The descriptions of the setting were also great, and really made me want to visit the OBX area!
CW: Dementia; death of parent; grief
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia, Grief, Death of parent
dark
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Sounds Like Love is a stunning blend of emotional depth and magical realism that showcases Ashley Poston’s signature storytelling flair. For readers familiar with her previous works — or newcomers diving in for the first time — this novel offers a touching, immersive experience that lingers well after the final page.
At its heart, the story follows Joni, an emotionally exhausted creative returning to her small hometown of Vienna Shores after burning out in LA. What unfolds is a tender exploration of love, grief, and identity, all wrapped in an enchanting premise: Joni and a mysterious musician named Sasha find themselves psychically connected after a kiss, each hearing the other's thoughts and a haunting shared melody.
Joni is an incredibly authentic protagonist — her internal struggles, especially surrounding her mother’s early-onset dementia and her artistic stagnation, are portrayed with raw honesty. Her deep ties to her family and hometown ground the story in a beautiful sense of place and nostalgia, while Sasha — kind, brooding, and quietly magnetic — offers the perfect emotional counterbalance.
Poston weaves in her hallmark touch of magic with such elegance that it never overwhelms the realism. Instead, the supernatural elements enhance the emotional resonance, especially in the way secrets are no longer private between Joni and Sasha. This creates not only moments of vulnerability but also some of the most genuine romantic tension you’ll read in a contemporary love story.
The lyrical chapter titles and the music thread running through the book are especially moving for anyone who finds comfort and meaning in song. Despite the heaviness of certain themes — grief, burnout, the painful reality of a loved one slipping away — Poston manages to infuse warmth, humour, and hope into the narrative.
Sounds Like Love isn’t your typical romance, and that’s what makes it stand out. It's thoughtful, a little bittersweet, and completely original. Highly recommended for fans of emotional, character-driven love stories with a magical twist.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia, Grief, Death of parent
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia, Grief, Death of parent
Moderate: Death, Car accident
Minor: Alcoholism, Alcohol
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I liked this better than her last. I think the relationship could have used more development, but she did make me cry, so props.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Dementia
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
My new favorite from the author. Heartfelt, emotional, and beautiful. If you liked her previous Romances, then you’ll absolutely love this one. 💖
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia
Minor: Alcoholism, Death of parent
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Dementia
emotional
4⭐️
Okay, I just cried my way through the last 15% of this. Please read the authors note when you finish it, you can tell how much of herself Ashley put into aspects of the book.
I was halfway through the book saying I was expecting it to hit me in my feelings more, and the book really said, "Shut up and get the tissues out love." It came together brilliantly, and I loved the ending, bittersweet as it is.
I really liked our two main characters. Joni especially was a great person's head to be in. But sasha was perfect, I would have loved to get into his POV. They complimented each other really well, and the chemistry was woven into every meeting they had from the first one.
I loved Jonis parents. They're such bright characters even with the way their lives are changing, and you can't help but love them. Having them there really helped flesh Joni out. They provided both the humour and the emotion, and I have always loved characters like that.
I dont read a lot of magical realism, so I was worried that might take me out of the story but honestly I didn't find myself thinking about it too much. You sort of just accept that someone, somewhere decided that these two people needed to hear each other's thoughts to write this song. Especially once you reach the end.
My one issue with it was the miscommunication it somehow still managed to cause. It felt a little like repeating the same moment over, and it was taking me out of the romance a little. I wasn't a huge fan of the storyline with the ex either.
I initially wasn't a fan of the fact that they could hear every thought and, therefore, the dirty ones too. But I actually liked the way that came into play during the intimate scene on a more emotional level. I also really love that it isn't an explicit scene but also not fade to black. I'm sure some people won't, but I think it fits the story well.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book, and I'll probably be thinking about how emotional it made me for a while. But the middle of the romance let it down for me, and so I just can't give it more than 4 stars.
I received an advance review copy of this book, and this review represents my honest opinion. Thank you to netgalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
Okay, I just cried my way through the last 15% of this. Please read the authors note when you finish it, you can tell how much of herself Ashley put into aspects of the book.
I was halfway through the book saying I was expecting it to hit me in my feelings more, and the book really said, "Shut up and get the tissues out love." It came together brilliantly, and I loved the ending, bittersweet as it is.
I really liked our two main characters. Joni especially was a great person's head to be in. But sasha was perfect, I would have loved to get into his POV. They complimented each other really well, and the chemistry was woven into every meeting they had from the first one.
I loved Jonis parents. They're such bright characters even with the way their lives are changing, and you can't help but love them. Having them there really helped flesh Joni out. They provided both the humour and the emotion, and I have always loved characters like that.
I dont read a lot of magical realism, so I was worried that might take me out of the story but honestly I didn't find myself thinking about it too much. You sort of just accept that someone, somewhere decided that these two people needed to hear each other's thoughts to write this song. Especially once you reach the end.
My one issue with it was the miscommunication it somehow still managed to cause. It felt a little like repeating the same moment over, and it was taking me out of the romance a little. I wasn't a huge fan of the storyline with the ex either.
I initially wasn't a fan of the fact that they could hear every thought and, therefore, the dirty ones too. But I actually liked the way that came into play during the intimate scene on a more emotional level. I also really love that it isn't an explicit scene but also not fade to black. I'm sure some people won't, but I think it fits the story well.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book, and I'll probably be thinking about how emotional it made me for a while. But the middle of the romance let it down for me, and so I just can't give it more than 4 stars.
I received an advance review copy of this book, and this review represents my honest opinion. Thank you to netgalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Dementia
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Sounds Like Love" is as delightful as it is heartbreaking. Ashley Poston, of course, gives us another lightly fantastical, hopeful love story while absolutely crushing our hearts. She is so very good at writing grief and putting into words the jumbled, messy, intangible feelings that come along with it. The HEA is wistful, achy and beautiful. This story is easy to hold close to the heart and will resonate long after the last page is read.
NetGalley provided the ARC; opinion is mine.
NetGalley provided the ARC; opinion is mine.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia, Death of parent