Thank you to NetGalley who provided the ARC for me to read.

Honestly I had my ups and downs with this book, that hard part of reading a book before release date is not entirely knowing what the book is about. Ashley Poston always writes beautifully but this one hit home in a new way.

Any book that can make me sob with a smile on my face is deserving of five stars. Not only that, this book is fantastically written.

TW: Dementia

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7573573259

4.5 ★ A melody, a mystery, and one very grumpy man stuck in my head…
You know that moment when you hear a song and it feels like someone wrote it just for you? Now imagine that song is literally haunting you... and the only way to get rid of it is to team up with the emotionally constipated (but weirdly hot) guy who's also hearing it. Yeah. Welcome to Sounds Like Love.
Ashley Poston strikes again with a story that's as swoony as it is soul-stirring. Joni is a burnt-out hitmaker with no spark left, returning home only to find the people and places she loves slipping away. Cue: existential crisis, salt air, and a voice in her head that is not her inner monologue but instead belongs to a brooding musician who thinks sarcasm is a love language. (He’s not wrong.)
Together, these two try to untangle the magical musical thread tying them together — while very obviously catching feelings and not talking about it like emotionally mature adults.
It’s romantic, a little mystical, deeply heartfelt, and made me want to move to a small beach town and open a record shop. Plus, the vibes? Immaculate.
Read if you love:
🎶 Found family and actual family drama
💘 Grumpy/sunshine, but make it psychic-song-connection edition
✨ Magical realism that hugs you instead of confusing you
🎤 Music as both plot device and emotional therapy

If Ashley Poston writes it, I will read it. Her writing is just so beautiful and I always find myself struggling to put her books down.

I went into this book expecting another charming, fun romance. A good time. I was not expecting to cry! And cry I did! - Still a good time though.

I just loved it. The atmosphere. The town. The people. Joni and Sasha. Joni's parents, especially her mom. As someone who has a playlist for every occasion, I loved Wyn. I loved Joni and Sasha finding themselves as well as each other, finding home and what that means to them.

Sorry to the next book I read because I'm going to be thinking about this one for while.

Thank you to the publisher, HQ stories, and NetGalley for providing me this absolute delight of an arc.

This is my first time reading an Ashley Poston novel but it will definitely not be my last. ‘Sounds like love’ was an absolute treat to read. From the magical realism, to a strong FMC, an equally strong MMC, family dynamics, music throughout I found I just couldn’t put it down or stop smiling. It was supernatural, emotional, heartfelt, whimsical, funny, deeply romantic and stole my heart. There isn’t a single thing I would change in this book and I cannot wait to read it again.

Joni is a song writer with writers block, who finds herself psychically linked to a former boyband member.

Sounds Like Love is a poignant and slightly melancholy romance with good characters and a real sense of family and belonging. An easy read, and an easy book to love.

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

A very good writing of a story that I would recommend to fans of romance with a bit of magical realism. Personally the book wasn’t for me - didn’t really enjoy the telepathic thoughts situation but I can also see how it is an intriguing part of the story.

I also think the author did a brilliant job at including the topic of dementia in the story - and the ending was truly heartbreaking and emotional.

The plot was thought-out and well structured and fans of romances will definitely love this one.

Five stars once again to Ms. Poston! Her books never cease to fill a niche and a spot l am looking for. The magic and the romance was a perfect mix and I felt myself smiling at my kindle as I read at multiple points, I also cried twice when reading it in the air at 1am on my flight home, having to keep my tears contained was a struggle. If it is not clear, to me the tears are a great thing J I was able to emotionally connect with so many of the plot points and the characters. I really felt like this book really spoke to my soul and worries I know that have had. If I could listen to the songs I. The book in real life then it would be an absolute dream come true.

A mesmerising read that drew me in from page 1. Beautiful author craft, a captivating story and some really great characters.

Joni Lark is an LA songwriter who has lost the ability to write since her mum’s early dementia diagnosis. At a gig where a singer is performing a song she wrote, she flirts with and kisses ex boyband star Sebastian, but immediately thinks it’s a mistake. She returns home for a ‘holiday’ desperate to find her writing mojo again but is instead faced with the realities of her family suffering such a difficult time. It’s made even worse when she realises she can hear a voice in her head, and it’s not hers but that of Sebastian.

This is a lovely magical realism story about music, love and grief. It covers a lot of plot with all of the story elements and it’s clear Ashley handed these with care as they’re close to her own story. There’s a lot of lovely, poignant moments for several of the characters and the location is really fleshed out - I felt like I was on the beach. Hearing each other’s thoughts could have got confusing but I personally found it fine to follow and enjoyed especially hearing how Sebastian spoke about Joni when he thought she couldn’t hear.

I did find Joni difficult at times, she struggles with the grief of losing her mum before she’s let her and feels her parents aren’t taking it seriously enough which was just hard to see as the reader because I felt we could see they were just living in the moment.

The writing is a little too flowery for my personal taste and I’m not enough of a music fan to truly internalise this experience as I just don’t know enough of the references. It was also so centered on writing a particular song and without being able to hear it I felt we slightly lost the magic for ourselves.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston
I give this book 4.5 stars.

When her parents decide to close the family music venue, Joni’s life begins to fall off key – she couldn’t possibly write another song. Until a melody comes to her, half-formed, and with an imagined voice in her head.
But then the very real man behind the voice shows up in Vienna Shores
To get out of each other’s heads, they’ll have to finish the song haunting them both. But there’s just one problem – they can’t agree on anything!

“Grief is a love song in reverse “
This book really resonated with me, the author delivers a romance with a unique concept of how two people can interact with each other and a more serious message (coping with early dementia)
Music playing a pivotal role in this story was a huge part of my enjoyment, I loved the chapter titles being a reference to music. The intertwining bond between Joni (Bird) a songwriter and Sebastian (Sasha) a former boy band member, their personal struggles and falling for each other. But most importantly how music has the power to connect and heals us on so many levels in so many different ways.
The perfect small town setting, the complications of family, illness,friendships and love. A journey through burnout,regret, and most importantly growth and understanding.
An enchanting tale that i recommend if you’re looking for a heartfelt summer read.
The author mentions at the end that this is her long goodbye for her Oma ❤️
With thanks to Netgalley, Ashley Poston and HQ for my chance to read and review this book.

This was a beautiful story centred around two musicians who meet at a mutual friend's concert and inexplicably end up in each other's heads... literally.

Joni Lark, a songwriter, has been surrounded by music all her life and a long over due trip home causes her to face up to the fact of her mums dementia diagnosis.

Sebastian Fall, former boy band star, is lost. A fractuous relationship with his superstar father and no idea how to find his way back to music.

The author writes beautiful surreal stories and this was no exception. The themes of dementia and loss of parents was delicately managed too.

Ashley Poston just has a way of bringing magic to life. I love it, I love her, and whatever she puts into her books- I need it injected into my brain.

This is close to The Seven Year Slip in terms of favorites. The connection through music (and a kiss!) was so much fun and so interesting. But, of course, it wouldn't be an Ashley Poston book if it wasn't emotional, with a few gut punch moments throughout the story. I've read a few books dealing with the very difficult topic of having a loved one deal with dementia, and Sounds Like Love did a phenomenal job of delicately handling the topic. There was care and sensitivity in approaching the topic, which I really appreciated (especially as someone who is going through this myself).

I didn't want to like the MMC. I was certain that there was no way that she could make us love him, let alone feel the chemistry between him and Joni. And I was proven wrong. I loved them, I loved them so much 😭 I loved all the characters and was *fully* invested in the side plots.

Also I need to hear this song now. I feel like it would change my life.

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.

This one was sensational🎶
Joni Lark creates songs for other people to sing, unforgettable, timeless songs.
She has always had inspiration from her hometown but suddenly there is nothing and then her family decide to close the music venue they have had for a lifetime. She has a song stuck in her head and then one day a voice also shows up but it is attached to a very real person and they can't deny some connection.

I will not reveal more, save for spoilers! The atmosphere and settings the author created in this novel were captivating. The characters and their connections, including the complex family relationship, also drew me in right away. The music aspect created such a wonderful ambience in the story and this was one I completely fell in love with! Highly recommend.

I had the best time reading this book! I adored the magical realism element in this one and the summer Vienna Shores vibes were just perfect. This felt like a sweet, cozy, and comforting hug.
I loved the romance between Joni and Sasha.
I liked how Ashley Poston showed the reality of chasing our dreams even when life gets confusing and we don’t know what makes us truly happy anymore really hit me. The themes of grief were beautiful and the ending had me tearing up.
For me, this story shows how the magic of music connects us to all the moments of our lives and lets our memories live on.
Thank you so much Netgalley and the HQ team for this e-arc💕

Ashley Poston is incredibly talented and while I didn't love this one as much as her previous romances (not a big musician girly, I'm sorry), I still had a great time reading. Incredibly emotional, unique and heartwarming, I would highly recommend this to any lover of romance.

Thanks to HQ and Netgalley for the earc!

I’ve always been a big fan of Poston’s adult books and she will forever be an auto-buy author for me. But I honestly haven’t fallen in love with her last two releases, with this one sadly being one of them.

I’m a massive music lover so when I read the synopsis, I knew I needed to read this. It just fell a bit short. Sasha was suddenly in Joni’s head and it felt like their relationship was a smidge two dimensional. They surely fell in love but there wasn’t much behind it. I wanted more of a story to back it up. To make it make sense.

The relationship between Joni and her mum, Wyn, won me over though. It was so beautifully written that it felt like their proper love story of the book.

4.25 stars, arc review. I really enjoyed this one especially the magical realism aspect I loved the emotional connection it gave Joni and Sasha. The themes of family and finding that spark again for your job and hobbies was done really well. The writing as always was brilliant. Also the little snippet with Lemon and Iwan was perfect, I miss them both. Thank you to netgalley and hq for the early copy :)

Thank you to HQ and Netgalley for providing me with an eArc in exchange for an honest review.

I LOVED THIS!.

The setting was one of my favourites, perfect for a sunny day in the summer by the beach.
I really like the female main character Joni, who is a songwriter and goes back to her hometown, after living in LA, for the summer to help her Mum, who is struggling with dementia.

Joni is so relatable, she loves her hometown and family, but in order to pursue what she thought was her dream, moves to LA to become a songwriter. However she never feels like she really fits in with LA and it's only when she returns home she realises how homesick she has been for her family and all the time she has lost with her mum.

The dynamic between her and Sasha was so well written! I loved the magical realism element that Ashely has in all of her books, as it makes them so unique and memorable.

This is one of her best works yet!

✨4 stars✨

This is my first time reading a book by Ashley Poston but it definitely won’t be the last one because I really enjoyed this!

I adored the development between the FMC and the MMC and their relationship. The plot device of being to hear each other’s thoughts and feelings added a unique twist to the story.

The exploration of grief and loss also added another layer that added to the heartfelt tone of the book that I really enjoyed.

I would definitely recommend this book!

I received an ARC from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!