Review by timetotalkbeauty - Sounds Like Love

timetotalkbeauty 's review for:

Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston

4.5

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.

Content Warnings