I didn’t even know this book was coming out until the ARC landed in my hands — and once I started, I couldn’t stop. I didn’t just read about the Future Saints, I felt like I was living with them. The chaos, the music, the heartbreak — it all felt close, like I was standing right there next to them.
Hannah is the heart of everything. She’s that kind of person who draws you in without even trying, but underneath all that presence is so much pain. The loss of her sister is something she carries in every move, every word, every silence. Nothing in this book tries to simplify what she’s feeling, and that’s what made it hit so hard.
And then Theo walks in. A total contrast — sharp, focused, polished — the one the band calls the suit. But he’s not just there to manage the band. He’s steady in a way Hannah doesn’t even realize she needs at first. He sees her — not the version she shows the world, but the one that’s tired and raw and unsure. Their connection builds in the in-between moments, the quiet tension, the space where grief and love start to overlap.
There’s friction. There are setbacks. But it never feels forced — more like watching two people try to figure out how to move forward with all the weight they’re carrying. I loved that about them. It wasn’t just attraction. It was real effort, care, and something that felt earned.
The story got under my skin. There’s so much energy in the band’s world, but the emotion sits just beneath it all — humming, waiting, aching. It’s not just about fame or success. It’s about holding on to people, to yourself, to memory.
Certain moments, lines, and silent exchanges stayed with me long after the last page. They spoke louder than words, carrying everything that needed to be felt — complex, raw, and unforgettable.

I’m a big fan of Ashley Winstead’s books, always something fresh and different.

The Future Saints follows the band The Future Saints, they never quite made it and are on a downward spiral since the death of their manager. Record company fixer Theo has been despatched to see if he can coax out the album they owe the record company.

It’s fresh, contemporary and the character writing is excellent. Chaotic, charismatic lead sister Hannah is grieving and Theo doesn’t know if he’s facing a breakdown or a rebirth.

Thoroughly believable and compelling, Ashley Winstead really captures the rock band dynamic, the creative struggles and the commercial pressure. Hard to define, I wouldn’t exactly call it a romance. Don’t get hung up on the Daisy Jones and the Six comparisons, this is a very different book, ‘now’ instead of nostalgia, though just as great in its own way.

Very moving, involving and highly recommended!

Thanks to Netgalley and Aria & Aries

Wow, Ashley Winstead has done it again; this is my 3rd Five Star Read of hers. I can understand why The Future Saints has been likened to Daisy Jones & The Six (another Five Star Read) because both Hannah and Daisy are electric characters that just spark off the page. I wish their albums were real so I could play them on repeat.

I could relate so strongly to Hannah, who’s messed up after her younger sister, Ginny tragically drowned and how determined she is to make sure she isn’t forgotten. I lost Mum last year and I feel like the author really understands what it’s like to lose your person, the one who truly gets you in a way nobody else can and how utterly adrift it leaves you. I highlighted so many paragraphs because they captured my feelings so beautifully.

I’ve always had a soft spot for books about musicians and The Future Saints delves into the internal politics (and misogyny) in the music industry. Theo, who’s brought in as replacement manager for the band is a great character. He starts off as the Suit who’s trying his best to wrangle one final album from the band to impress his odious boss but you can tell it’s actually the music that drives him not the business and he becomes an honorary Saint.

I can’t wait for this to be published so more people can discover The Future Saints.

Ashley Winstead never disappoints me.

I've been anticipating this book for a while, as I love anything music/band related, so I was overjoyed when I was approved for the ARC and immediately dived right in.

The comparisons to Daisy Jones aren't exactly wrong - here, again, we have a rock band on the brink of success with their personal dynamics and issues threatening to ruin it for them - but Ashley always brings a darker edge to her work, and this is really a book about grief, and what that means, and how to explore a tragedy through art.

There's also a great look at how women are treated by fame - Hannah is going through something very publicly while creating great art and her gender is never something that the men or media around her are able to put aside (even Theo, their new manager, is fairly accused of favouritism towards her by the male members of the band).

I know I'm jumping around here. I waited a few days to write this after finishing the book to try and gather my thoughts and yet the book feels so wide and deep that it's still hard for me to collect them. I loved the members of the band - Hannah, our frontwoman, talented and spiralling. Ripper, a queer South Asian guitarist who is so aware of representation and what he means to people. And Kenny, the drummer and beating heart of the band. I loved these characters' relationships to each other - that even when they fought, they loved each other, and we got to see that unwavering support.

I do think for me, Theo and the romance were the weakest parts. He reminded me a lot of William Miller in Almost Famous pining after Penny Lane - he didn't really understand what was going on with Hannah, and he wanted to save her. I'm glad that Hannah found support in him, but I was more interested in her relationship with grief, with Ginny, and the other members of her band. Still, Theo creates the throughline and our introduction to the band and their journey - but to me, he was the least interesting member of the Future Saints.

I will say, I am more of a fan of her darker work (The Last Housewife is peak, This Book Will Bury Me) and this didn't quite have the same impact or pacing, but it was still fantastic - and I knew that going into it. Everything Ashley Winstead writes has the same kind of sharpness to it, and I really appreciated that here. I know that this is a book I'll be coming back to, and that there'll be something new for me to find here each time.

Thank you to NetGalley & Atria books for the eARC.

How is it possible that I’ve already read the best book of 2026? The Future Saints blew me away. Wow, wow, wow!

Ashley Winstead has once again proven she’s a master of crafting deeply human, unforgettable characters. I was completely invested in their stories from the very first page—I laughed with them, I cried with them, and I felt completely transported into their world. Her writing is so immersive, I could practically feel the locations and environments come to life around me.

This book is smart, emotional, and full of heart. I absolutely loved it. Don’t walk—run to read this when it releases. Winstead just keeps getting better and better.

I can't say I was ever familiar with Ashley Winstead's books, but I'm not disappointed.

The Future Saints is about The Future Saints, a band of three people in their late-twenties declining in popularity years after their one commercial hit. The passing of the main character's sister and band manager, Ginny, is pushing them to take a completely different path regarding what they start to write and perform. Enter Theo, nicknamed "The Fixer", sent by the label to help the band write one last album before they can drop them. From there starts a story not only between him and the main singer, Hannah, but also about grief, self-acceptance, found family and the love and impact of music in one's life.

What drew me is obviously the music aspect, which I absolutely love in books. It was heavily character-focused and not only about the main characters' love story, who we have the POVs through the book. Hannah is a force to be reckoned with and I absolutely loved her authenticity and her flaws. She is such a strong woman and her development was amazing. Theo's growth was also remarkable, and his choices were taken with a lot of maturity.

The only thing that did not do it for me was the period when the actions took place (2024-2025) and so references to TikTok for example. I definitely think it's more of a personal preference with having some of my favorite books about bands set in the 1980s/1990s.

The Future Saints is incredible and makes you understand that it's okay not to have everything fixed even if you're 28, that no matter what comes in your way you can fulfill your dreams if you surround yourself with good people, and that you should always reach out for help when needed. I definitely would recommend it.

Thank you to Aria or Aries and NetGalley for giving me an ARC in exchange for a honest review!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book. A 4 star rating from me. Loved the plot and the storytelling and relatable, likable characters. Loved every single second reading it.

This was exactly what I wanted Daisy Jones and the Six to be - all the decadence of the rock star lifestyle with deep emotional depictions of grief. I was hooked and couldn't put this down, the structure of excerpts of interviews and TikTok transcripts mixed with prose kept this interesting. It broke my reading slump with aplomb.

I particularly enjoyed that the refreshing focus was on Hannah's grieving, rather than the burgeoning romance with Theo, which allowed the romance to grow more organically in the background, whilst giving the grief respect it deserved. Having started the read assuming this would be light and fluffy, the depth of emotions conveyed were unexpected and I felt that Winstead respected me as a reader to be able to cope with this. It won't be for everyone due to potential triggers but I loved it.

I haven't read any Ashley Winstead before but will quickly now work my way through her backlist - the writing style entranced me. The ambiguous ending will not be for all readers, but it left me with a hopeful feeling for the characters on closing the book.

Hannah, who is both beautiful and broken, is the front woman of the band The Future Saints. They are falling apart rapidly because Hannah is losing her mind due to the death of Ginny, her sister and band manager. Everything changes when their record label's "fixer," Theo, takes over the band. This is an extremely well written book full of the highs and lows of the rock and roll life.

The Future Saints is about a band who have had some success but haven't quite lived up to their full potential. They are assigned a new manager following the passing of their much loved old manager, As they explore a new sound and experience some viral success they explode in popularity and the band and new manager Theo have to navigate their newfound success whilst also trying to come to terms with their grief and evolving personalities and feelings. In summary this book is a whirlwind of emotions and follows the band but most closely the lead singer Hannah who is struggling with grief and dealing with life in the spotlight. I absolutely adored this story. It was heartfelt and had some great depictions of grief and the struggles that Hannah faced. I loved all the members of the band and enjoyed the levity that their joint interactions brought to the book. I also really enjoyed Ashley Winstead's writing style and having only read one book by her before I look forward to reading more of her backlist.
I'm sure this will be a popular book upon its release! A really heartfelt emotional look at grief, addiction, evolving friendships and complex family issues whilst also very entertaining and an addictive read. Highly recommend!

Wow! I devoured this. Ashley Winstead has another 5 star read and this seems to be different from everything so far yet carries her signature style.

This is a serious page turner and I love how emotionally in touch this book is. Th characters make you feel and root for them and quickly turn the pages to know their fate. The supporting characters are amazingly written and add to the story. They show both the positives and negatives of the world they inhabit.

I loved the insight into the music world. Something that the fans of Daisy Jones and the Six would love. The writing style in terms of excerpts and pov is definitely engaging. But this book also beautifully integrates aspects of grief, loss, family, love, ambition, sacrifice. Th dialogues bring out the banter and witty nature of the characters amidst what they are facing. I have to say I loved the band and how the story is brought together. The dynamics play out beautifully.

I loved how the pap culture, social media, rivalry and industry control is shown. Not going to give any spoilers but it also has some good twists and amazing chemistry, but not what you would expect. Definitely recommend picking this one up! If you read one book this year let it be this one. If makes you wanting for the next book my Winstead as always!

Thank you Aria & Aries and NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange of my unbiased review.

This definitely isn’t the normal type of book by Ashley and it was good to see her out of her comfort zone. The book was engaging and I really enjoyed it!

The Future Saints was definitely a departure from Ashley Winstead's more lighthearted, fluffier romances - this felt more literary and emotional, slightly darker and more provocative. It was truly fantastic to read- I couldn't put it down! Whilst I don't get the sense Theo and Hannah are made for forever together, I think that really added to it. The way Winstead has written the band (very much Hannah/ Theo focussed at the start, then hearing more and more from Rip and other characters) really reflected the character development nicely. I loved that we saw Hannah and Theo's attitude towards alcohol progress as the book got darker and I think it was handled really sensitively without being glib. The tenderness from Theo and his persistence really endeared me to him.

I'm not sure about the Hannah/Ginny dialogue but it definitely had the desired effect of showing the true darkness and longing within Hannah. I enjoyed that despite being in a band and a book about the music industry, Winstead didn't get too bogged down in lyrics. This isn't a pick-up and read every day book- it requires the time, care and emotional commitment that Winstead has clearly poured into it.

‘The Future Saints’ by Ashley Winstead tells the story of record executive Theo, who has a reputation at his label for monetising and then culling “problem” bands. Dispatched to a dive bar to meet drifting rock band the Future Saints in their hometown, Theo realises that the group - who have been in a downward spiral since the death of their former manager - have something incredibly special. Having fallen in love with the magic of their music and the haunting vocals of grieving lead singer, Hannah, will he be able to keep things strictly business?

I recently read and enjoyed a couple of Winstead’s thrillers, but it’s been a while since I read a contemporary/romance novel from her… and this has reminded me what a talented and versatile author she is.

I became pretty obsessed with the band and found Theo so loveable… even more so when the rockstars were making fun of him for being a “suit”. Spiky, damaged Hannah had a lot of depth and was a captivating female lead! I also loved the mixed media style of the narrative.

I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoyed ‘Daisy Jones and the Six’ by Taylor Jenkins Reid, ‘The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits’ by Jennifer Weiner or Ava Wilder’s angsty celebrity romances!

This the first 2026 release I’ve given five stars to, and I’m hoping it’s a sign of what’s to come! I received an advance Digital Review Copy of this book from the publisher Aria & Aries via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Ashley Winstead impressed me with In My Dreams I Hold a Knife and after some reading I realized she branched into romances (I haven’t read any of hers yet). This book though, is something else-it’s contemporary, centered around a rock band that’s hanging on by a thread, it’s filled with entertainment, drama and love. Winstead explores friendship, grief/loss, sisterhood, mental health, love and fame. I continued to get more and more engaged in the book as various drama ensued. I read this one in two days…be warned it’s emotional and dark at times but such a stunning read.

Theo Ford, a music label "fixer", is sent to a dive bar to evaluate and salvage what he can of The Future Saints. The band initially showed promise, but after the death of their manager, Ginny, the lead singer’s sister, they are reeling. Hannah, our blonde haired, blue eyed front woman is haunted; she delivers a moving, soul-bearing performance that goes viral, resonating with millions. It is clear they are all grieving Ginny, and Theo can’t turn away.

Winstead has produced a magical story- the characters have such depth and their backgrounds are layered masterfully, creating a heartfelt, rich, Hollywood drama. Hannah’s character is depicted so well, she’s a bit of a mess, yearning for her sister, hurting and battling her own mental health demons. I was so impressed with how Winstead shows the fans relating to Hannah and her story through descriptions of Instagram posts and TikTok videos. Somehow she made it flow so well and it was easy to picture these fans speaking to Hannah.

Theo is the calm man in a suit that holds Hannah, Kenny and Rip together. He has to put his feelings aside momentarily to do what’s best for the band.

I loved the rock and roll, fame, and nostalgia that are draped throughout this book. Raw and real characters with true pain shine through the pages. Winstead’s writing is so vivid that it felt as though The Future Saints were my favourite band and I was there cheering them on every moment. It was a beautiful journey to be a part of and I was savoring every page…not to mention the slow burn love story and the ending, which was just perfection.

Please add this one to your list and even give it a pre-order! I think this will be a hit! Thank you to @netgalley and Aria and Aries for the arc!

Thank you to Ashley Winstead, Aria & Aries and NetGalley for this arc!

I am an absolute sucker for a rockstar/hollywood/famous person romance trope and when I saw this I thought it would be right up my street.
While it definitely had elements of that, it was not what I expected at all but in the best way.

The Future Saints follows Hannah, our lead singer of The Future Saints who is in the midst of grieving her beloved sister - and the bands manager - Ginny. In the only way she knows how to articulate it, what was once a soft, laidback sound to the band becomes a tragic and intense new sound that has started capturing attention. But with Hannah slowly going off the rails in an attempt to stay in her grief, the bands newfound fame brings about Theo, the bands new manager who is sent to clean up the Saints act and smash out a hit record full of their new material.

As the story unfolds, Hannah’s grief threatens to swallow her whole and Theo is perhaps the only person who is able to get through to her. It was definitely a romance by the end but not by conventional standards, but more of a book on grief and picking up the pieces in the aftermath of trauma.

I’ve never read a book by this author before but I loved the writing style. It read slightly TJR in style which I loved, and some have likened it to Daisy Jones & The Six (although I’ve never read that!). I am usually a fan of a big, lovely happy ever after and while the ending of this book was satisfying, it was open ended and left open to the imagination on what happens next which I surprisingly loved. I thought each and every character was so real and genuine and I felt such a connection to the characters even when I didn’t really like their actions.

One of my favourite reads in a long time; I would really recommend this one and I look forward to trying some other titles from this author!

I really didn’t need to be sold on this one - Ashley Winstead & perfect for fans of Daisy Jones…need you say more! As with all her books her writing is so engaging and I’m never bored, great characters and love stories about music and fame. I suppose my only criticism is that it will be so heavily compared to Daisy Jones and The Six which is one of my favourites and so it’s hard to live up to such high expectations. I will of course read anything this author writes and I love that she’s constantly trying different genres but if I’m 100% honest her thrillers are still my favourite!

Thank you to netgalley for providing an ecopy in exchange for an honest review.

The Future Saints rock band were once riding the top of the charts but now stricken by grief at the death of their manager they are washed out and losing fans. Their record company sends Theo Ford, an executive ‘fixer’ to check them out and see if he can get them back on track to fulfil their contract for one more album. He tracks them down to a run-down bar in a small Californian town and finds them playing a dispirited set. It’s not looking good for them, until lead singer Hannah Cortland belts out the last song which is so full of grief and emotion it blows him away.

Hannah’s new songs are coming from her grief at the death of her sister and band manager, Ginny. Gone is their light and breezy California pop, replaced by a totally different style showing raw emotions and longing. Videos of the performance go viral on social media and the public love it! The only problem is that Hannah is self-destructive and unstable, self medicating herself into oblivion with drugs and alcohol, but she certainly has a fierce talent if only Theo can help her harness it.

This is an emotionally raw account of a band on the edge, with grief and egos all playing a part as well as the pressure and demands of the music industry. Hannah is drawn as the quintessential talented and highly strung lead singer, vulnerable and haunted, out of control and on the edge of self-destructing. I don’t imagine there are too many ‘fixers’ around like Theo who starts to take a personal interest in the band and their music and in healing Hannah, rather than a purely business one, as he tries to steer them towards success. I would really liked to have got to know the other members of the band a bit more, as they are all interesting with a lot to offer. Overall,l I really enjoyed this moving depiction of grief and loss amidst the pressures of fame and creativity and I enjoyed the realistic ending.

The Future Saints is a story that follows a band called the Future Saints comprised of Hannah, Rip and Kenny. This book is told from the POV of Hannah and the POV of record executive Theo. Theo meets the Future Saints when they are performing at a dive bar in their hometown. The performance is a mess and the band is not what it used to be. Hannah is the lead singer and is struggling after the death of her sister who was also the band’s manager. Theo needs to motivate the band to make a new album which needs to be successful but Hannah keeps going viral for all the wrong reasons and she is not ready to move on from the death of her sister.

This book is very good and I’m really impressed by this author. This book sucked me in from the very start and I didn’t want to put this down. I read it in one day and found it to be a compelling story. The writing was good and it was very easy to connect to Hannah. This book is focused on Hannah’s grief which I found to be so relatable and I teared up at the end. It was cool to see the band through Theo’s eyes as an outsider. I have no musical talent but always thought it would be so cool to be in a band and this book helped me to experience what being in a band would be like. I can see many people enjoying this and I will be recommending this. I wouldn’t say this is like Daisy Jones and the Six that much, this is unique and a very different story to that book. It’s a story of grief, sisterhood and love. I thoroughly enjoyed this.

Sensational!!
Heartbreakingly beautiful💔Sorrowful. Mesmerising🎊
Some books will stay with you for years to come and this was one of those for me.

Theo, a record executive, is sent to meet the Future Saints. They are playing at a dive bar and avoiding their record label, since the death of their manager. Theo is struck by Hannah, the lead singer, who debuts a whole new song when he arrives at the bar. A new sound and a new opportunity. But things are more complicated than he initially expected and getting the band back to success may prove more challenging than he first thought, as Hannah's grief is all consuming.

This was just spectacular. The music, the grief, the challenges, friendships, love, triumphs, family and connections, community and loyalty. Inspiring and truly remarkable.

Theo is sent by his record label as the new manager for the Future Saints rock trio. Their former manager, sister to their singer and songwriter, Hannah, tragically drowned and their performances have plummeted . A wonderful insight into the lives of celebrity rockstars and the effect of social media, whilst suffering the grief echoed in Hannah's songs . Hard to put down, brilliant.

“Women with ambition are intimidating to a lot of men.”

That line hooked me right away, and it sets the tone perfectly for what The Future Saints is about — ambition, grief, fame, and finding the strength to keep going even when life throws everything at you.

As soon as I saw this compared to Daisy Jones & The Six, I knew I had to read it. I love anything with that band dynamic, and having already loved Ashley Winstead’s Fool Me Once duology, I was sure this would be right up my street. It absolutely was. In fact, it might be one of my favourite reads of 2025 already.

The book follows The Future Saints — Hannah (lead vocals and guitar), Tarak aka Ripper (bass), and Kenny (drums) — as they deal with the loss of their manager and try to keep going. When Theo steps in as their new manager, everything changes. The story switches between Hannah and Theo’s perspectives and mixes in interviews, articles, and even social media comment threads. I really liked that — it made the whole thing feel modern and alive, like you’re right in the middle of the chaos that comes with fame.

The way Ashley writes about the online world feels so real. The social media parts, with fans commenting, reacting, misinterpreting, and connecting — it’s exactly what life is like now. Some of the phrases actually made me laugh because I had to Google them; it made me feel old in the best way!

Hannah is one of those characters that gets under your skin. She’s strong, loyal, and messy in a completely believable way. You can feel her grief and frustration but also her heart. She’s trying so hard to keep it all together and you just want to reach through the page and give her a hug. She’s the kind of FMC who feels real enough that you could meet her in a coffee shop and just get her.

Theo is brilliant too — a really refreshing character in the world of music and management. He’s calm, grounded, and brings such a balance to Hannah’s chaos. The way their relationship develops feels natural and emotional, not rushed or overly romanticised. They just fit, and I loved watching that connection grow.

Then there’s the rest of the band — Kenny and Ripper. I completely adored them. Their friendship, their loyalty, the way they argue and still have each other’s backs no matter what — it gave me proper found-family vibes. There’s this real sense of them against the world, and I couldn’t get enough of that dynamic.

There’s also a twist around the band’s late manager that I genuinely didn’t see coming. It completely threw me but in the best way. It changes how you see certain moments earlier in the book, and it adds this wave of emotion that hit me right in the chest.

The book handles grief in such a raw and honest way. It doesn’t try to make it neat or easy. It shows the messy parts — the anger, the numbness, the tiny steps forward that don’t always feel like progress. There’s a line that really stuck with me: “Loss gives us an unexpected gift.” That’s exactly what Hannah’s journey shows — that sometimes loss gives you a new way of seeing the world, even if it hurts to get there.

And of course, the writing is stunning but still easy to read. It feels like music on the page — shifting rhythm, building emotion, never staying still. I loved the little nod to Kerri Maniscalco, too — it made me smile.

By the end, I was completely in bits. I laughed, I cried, I got angry and protective. I was so invested in these characters that finishing the last page actually hurt a little. The ending is… wow. Capital OMG. I wasn’t ready for it at all. It’s one of those that leaves you shouting “no, that can’t be it!” while secretly loving that it’s been left open. I need a sequel — I refuse to believe this is where it ends.

And there’s one final quote that sums up what this book really is: “You don’t have to be perfect to be powerful. You can pull yourself out of the dark.” That line broke me a bit, but it also tied everything together. It’s about grief, but it’s also about surviving, forgiving yourself, and finding your voice again — even when it shakes.

This book has everything I love: emotional depth, brilliant characters, a band that feels like a family, and a story that punches you right in the heart. I honestly can’t find a single fault.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 — I’ve absolutely adored this book. For me, it’s easily one of the best things I’ve read in 2025, and I’ve got no doubt it’ll be the book of the year for so many when it officially releases in January 2026.

I started reading "The Future Saints" with very few expectations. I thought it might be a rock band version of Layne Fargo's "The Favorites". I was thrilled to discover that it was far less stressful than that would have been.
Ashley Winstead's novel follows the titular rock band "The Future Saints" as they gain a new manager, workaholic Theo. I knew little of the plot going in and I think that that might be best way so I won't say much more, but what follows is a fairly sanitised exploration on grief, abandonment, growing up and self acceptance. I would have loved a bit more of a conclusion at the end, but it was beautifully rounded off, so I think I might be greedy.

The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead is a powerful and emotional book about love, loss and the cost of ambition. When record executive Theo discovers The Future Saints playing to a half-empty bar, he sees something extraordinary in Hannah, the band’s passionate lead singer. Her new sound is raw and unpolished, but it carries real pain and truth. Determined to give the band one last chance, Theo risks his career to help them rise again.

As the story unfolds, grief, fame and self-destruction collide. Hannah’s struggle to cope with loss and her complicated relationship with her sister Ginny drive the story forward, while Theo’s quiet empathy offers a counterpoint to her chaos. Their connection is tender and believable, full of both tension and understanding.

Winstead’s writing captures the spirit of music perfectly. The noise, the emotion and the power of performance leap from the page. Beneath it all lies a deep exploration of mental health, family and forgiveness.

Moving, honest and beautifully written, this is a story about finding hope and healing through the mess of art and love.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

Ashley Winstead can do no wrong! Wow, this book is intense and it broke me emotionally. Now everyone knows that I don’t do romance but if Ashley writes it I will read it. I was a bit of a mess of tears by the end of this book, I loved it so much.

I am a sucker for a book that goes behind the scenes in the music or film industries. We meet The Future Saints playing a gig that is half empty and has no feeling. That is until lead singer Hannah announces that they are playing a new song and the crowd goes wild. In the crowd is their new manager, a manager that they don’t want. Theo doesn’t let this stop him from getting backstage and into their lives.

I don’t want to say too much more about the story, it is one of those books that you just have to read to find out more. More than a story about a band, The Future Saints is an emotional roller coaster that will stay with me for a very long time.

It is a story of grief, of love, family, fame, friendship and so much more, it will break your heart and then stomp on it. Hannah is a brilliant character, not the most likeable person but so incredibly talented and broken, that you can’t help but feel for her. There is only one thing in the world that she wants, and coming to terms with the fact that she can never have it is what makes this story so special .

I loved her bandmates and long time friends Ripper and Kevin. They were the kind of friends that everyone wants, so loyal even through the really dark times. Theo was lovely too, so much patience.

This book is going to be top of everyone’s favourite books list when it comes out in January. You just have to read it. I don’t think anything I can say will do it the justice that it deserves.

Thank you so so much Aria and Aries for my early copy to read. Such an honour. Out in the world on January 22nd.

Ashley Winstead’s The Future Saints feels like a creative leap into new territory, and it’s an impressive one. Known for her thrillers, Winstead shifts into emotionally rich contemporary fiction without losing any of the intensity that defines her writing. This novel hums with grief, music, and the complicated bonds that hold people together long after life has pulled them in different directions.
At its heart is the band The Future Saints, a group frozen in place after the loss of their manager. Into their fractured world walks Theo, a record executive meant to sever ties with the band — not save them. But what he finds instead is a group with raw, aching potential, especially in their lead singer, Hannah. She’s a woman carving new space for herself through music, even as grief pushes her toward choices that threaten to derail everything she’s building. Her relationship with her sister Ginny adds another charged layer, making the story as much about family and shared wounds as it is about art.
Winstead handles the emotional landscape with honesty. The exploration of loss feels grounded and deeply human, capturing not only the weight of personal sorrow but the ripple effect it has on the people orbiting around it. The band’s history, friendships, and fractures carry the story as much as the music does, giving Hannah’s arc a real sense of depth and lived experience.
While there’s a thread of romance between Hannah and Theo, it stays mostly in the background — and that works. The true focus is Hannah’s struggle to move forward while fame, family, and her own self-destructive instincts collide. Readers expecting a sweeping love story may find the chemistry muted, but those drawn to character-driven fiction will appreciate that Winstead keeps the spotlight where it belongs.
The novel’s mixed-media structure — peppered with social posts, interviews, lyrics, and commentary — brings an immediacy that makes the band feel startlingly real. It’s easy to imagine their songs, to hear the rasp in Hannah’s voice, to sense the electricity of a group caught between collapse and rebirth.
A love letter to siblings, to the messiness of creative partnership, and to the heavy truths of addiction and grief, The Future Saints is a standout work of contemporary fiction. Fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid–style music narratives and emotionally immersive storytelling will find plenty to love here. It’s heartfelt, unique, and quietly powerful — the kind of book that lingers after the last note fades.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the alc.

📕 ASH’S RATING: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vibes: Rockstar Romantic, Almost Famous, Roadie Chaos

- - -
I always admire an author who can jump between genres so well and Ashley Winstead is the genre hopping queen. The last book I read from Ashley was a serial killer thriller and now she’s completely switched up to a band banging, heart thumping love story and she’s nailed both (5 stars from me!)

The Future Saints surprised me in the best way. The premise is not new.. struggling band, fragile hearts, grief and ghosts of the past but Ashley’s storytelling makes it feel fresh.

Her writing style has always been a joy to read and I love her mixed media style adding in fictional news articles and online chat forums and in particular how she brought The Future Saints characters to life so well that I wanted to go out and buy their album.

Sure there were a few over the top, cliche moments and that’s rockstar fiction for you. But there were moments that gave me absolute goosebumps and an ending that was so spine tingling it locked in a 5 star rating immediately!

If you’re a rock and roll romantic gal, an Almost Famous tragic (hi, it’s me) or you love book vibes like Daisy Jones and the Six or The Favourites, this one is calling your name.

A big thank you to Aria and Aries for the sneak peek of this read.

Theo Ford is a music manager, with a reputation for fixing bands. Sent to try to help The Future Saints, he arrives in their lives to find a band dealing with grief, especially lead singer Hannah, whose sister and the band’s previous manager, is the one they are grieving for.
This has a Daisy and the Six feel about it, it really feels like it takes what it’s like to be in a band, and have the spotlight on you, and turns it into an emotional roller coaster of a read.
Loved it.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Hope and healing found within the darkest depths of grief, The Future Saints is a cry of pain yet also an exultation in the release of letting go.

Theo Ford is the one they call at Manifest Records when things go wrong, and when he’s sent to The Future Saints, they’re in turmoil. Lead singer Hannah Cortland is drowning in grief, her pain flowing out of her into the lyrics of new songs, completely different from their old style. But mixed with their attention grabbing antics they’re generating more buzz than ever. She’s a bright star at risk of going supernova, and now the whole world is watching with cameras in their hands.

We get a backstage pass to the whirlwind ride of The Saints, seeing Hannah’s grief play out, and Theo awestruck from the side of the stage, dragged into their current as he becomes more and more bewitched by the lead singer. The excerpts of coverage, from tiktok videos to reviews and articles are the final shading that bring this vibrant band of characters to life, creating a media frenzy that’s all too believable. While skillfully telling a story of grief, fame and love it also manages to cast a critical spotlight on the insatiable public hunger for drama, the willingness to poke the bear and sit back and marvel at the fallout as a source of entertainment. The frenzy feels claustrophobic, that feeling increasing throughout the book as the fame grows, but also as you understand more and more about the characters. The world of The Future Saints is brought to life further with the inclusion of Hannah’s heartfelt lyrics. As I read it amazed me the skill on show, to not only write a book - bring characters, settings and scenes to life - but to also imagine up supporting music and lyrics. The sheer level of imagination and creativity required to not only put together a story of this kind, but to make it feel effortless, baffles me.

Both Hannah and Theo are flawed characters that could easily have been written into a hero and damsel story. However, Theo’s tendency to fall on his sword and rush in to save others is rarely shown as a good thing, and the only one that’s going to save Hannah is herself. It’s a gritty, wounded sort of love story that is all the more satisfying for it. A heady adrenaline rush of a read that is all consuming, I whizzed through it in a couple of days, feeling slightly dazed when I came up for breath.

A beautiful book that is ultimately about the deep love of family, friendships and grief.
The wild goings on of a rock band & record label drama are nothing new if you're into music at all, but the real focus for me was the clear exploitative nature of people at their most vulnerable, and how this continues to happen.
I really loved the writing of this book as it switches between Hannah and Theo's perspectives of events and therefore I felt I got to know both characters so well. I don't think the plot would have worked so well without this dual perspective as Hannah is guarding her secrets well and Theo is quite different to the bands impression of him, at least at the start.
A raw and engrossing read with an ending that does the book justice.

I absolutely adored this book. It strongly reminded me on Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novels, and hit just the same. The future saints has an interesting and emotional plot, mixed with a compelling romance story. I cried; I laughed and I loved every character and scene.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 stars

I really, really enjoyed this one. It felt so refreshing to read a story about a band told from their own perspective, and it made everything feel more personal, relatable, and real. The characters weren’t perfect, and that’s exactly why they worked. Their struggles, relationships, and emotions felt were very true to life.

This book surprised me in the best way. I found myself getting attached without even realising it, I was so invested in their journey and how everything would play out. It’s emotional, grounded, and doesn’t try too hard to impress.

Such a solid, memorable read and definitely one I’m glad I picked up.

Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books, and Ashley Winstead for the ARC.

I really enjoyed this book and the band dynamics between members. I struggled with liking Hannah at first but she grew on me, as did her relationship with Theo. A fun read!

I enjoyed this book that is perfect for fans of Daisy and the six. Themes of grief, spiralling, romantic attraction and relationships abound set in the backdrop of the music industry. The industry details the manipulation of its stars and fans and trials the highs and lows of the band and it's manager. Overall a hopeful book and one I would recommend.

Theo Ford is sent by his record label to California in order to either get one last good album out of The Future Saints or let them go for good, since they have been on a downward spiral. But once he gets to actually see them in action, Theo is struck by not only their music, but also by the lead singer herself, Hannah Cortland, and he decides he will do anything he can to help them reach their potential.

When thinking what my last read of the year should be, I decided to squeeze in one of my most anticipated reads that had been sitting on my kindle just waiting to be finally picked up, and the last thing I expected was to come face to face with one of my favourite reads of the year— if not The favourite. Honestly, I am struggling to put into words just how I feel about this book, because, as I type this, I just got done crying my eyes out over it, so, please forgive me if this is all over the place— but at least it would be true to how I feel.

It's not often a book hooks me as quick as this one did, and it's even more rare for it to make me feel as much as this one did within the first few chapters alone. I don't even really know what it was, exactly— maybe the writing, so raw and vulnerable, or maybe the characters, who just feel so painfully real. It also definitely helps that the core of the story is, unfortunately, so relatable, because we all experience grief, with all its messy, ugly consequences.

Hannah is such a complex, flawed character, but oh so easy to love and root for. You can feel her pain through the pages, and I couldn't help but wish it away, and watching her slowly get herself back together and move on, when she thought it was impossible, made me feel so incredibly happy, as if she was a friend of mine. Theo, eventually, brought some sense of peace that was so needed, and I feel like they balance each other out in a very wonderful way. Watching them slowly, so slowly, understand their feelings for each other, added such an underlying sense of hope throughout the story, and it did so in a magical way, and the dual point of view definitely added a lot to the reading experience.

The supporting characters, even though most of them felt like so much more than that, and are so prominent to the story, are so wonderfully and carefully crafted, and I loved each and every one of them. I absolutely loved Ripper, Kenny and Bowie; I loved how each felt so distinctive and was given their own personalities from the very start, making them so appealing and so easy to love, and treating them like full characters rather than just a background for the main acts. There was such a clear familiar bond between them and Hannah, and it was just as clear how damaged it had been by the loss they had all experienced; it felt like it was constantly lingering under the surface just waiting to explode. Ginny herself was such a crucial character, the true definition of haunting the narrative, and it was done so wonderfully, I wish I could have seen more of her, even from before the story starts.

There is just so much pain and sadness, but also so much love and hope in these pages. I went from bawling eyes out to smiling so often, I almost felt like I was losing my mind. It also is such a compulsive, entertaining read; I genuinely could not put it down, and could not stop thinking about it anytime I had to. This book is truly so special to me, and I feel like I am leaving a piece of myself between this pages, and I'm taking a piece of it back with me. I don't know if I'm even making sense anymore, so I guess that's my cue, but let me end this by saying, if it wasn't already clear, I could not recommend this book enough.

💭 ᴍʏ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛꜱ:
So.. I loved this book, but it took me a while to get into it. This is definitely not a romance in my opinion, but it is a very interesting read about grief. I loved the groups dynamic incl Ginny and Theo. It was raw and pure and full of emotions. It takes you in it’s grip and won’t let go. It’s a classic “one more chapter” until you realised you’ve finished the book. The character built is so good, it makes you feel so connected with every one of them. Highly recommend it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🤓 ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ:
Quick read
Short chapters
Music industry
Living with grief
Daisy Jones and the Six
Character Built

ꜱʏɴᴏᴘꜱɪꜱ:
𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘦𝘹𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘰 𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘚𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺’𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘮𝘣𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘯. 𝘚𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘳, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘢𝘹 𝘢 𝘯𝘦𝘸—𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘧𝘶𝘭—𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮, 𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘨𝘰.

𝘐𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺, 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘰 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘣𝘺 𝘏𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘢𝘩, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘱’𝘴 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘵𝘶𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳, 𝘸𝘩𝘰’𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘱𝘵 𝘣𝘺 𝘥𝘦𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥, 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘊𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘢 𝘱𝘰𝘱 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘨𝘶𝘵-𝘸𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘬. 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘤 𝘨𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘷𝘪𝘳𝘢𝘭, 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯 𝘶𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘧𝘢𝘯𝘴, 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘰 𝘱𝘶𝘵𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘳, 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘥, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵.

I am a major Ashley Winstead fan. Whether it's her rom-coms, dramas, or mystery, I'm in.

So when I knew that another romance is on the way, I was excited.

Nothing could've prepared me for The Future Saints. It took me a long time to write the review, but the story stayed with me.

The story is described as a love story, but it's so much more than that. It's a love letter to music, grief, and love itself.

The Future Saints kicks off with Theo Ford, a record label miracle worker who gets assigned as the manager of a struggling band, The Future Saints. While he was enthralled with them, he had no idea what to expect, or the heartbreak behind their final viral performance.

The characters are alive, Hannah, Theo, and her band mates, and even Ginny. The character development is sublime, and the writing even more so.

This book was SO refreshing, and I'm so glad the stars aligned in allowing me to read it. I'd had my eye on it since it first popped up on NetGalley, but waited until I'd cleared the other few books on my plate before requesting it, which meant I got in there pretty last minute!

I feel I should start by saying I haven't read Daisy Jones & The Six, so for those making comparisons, I can't comment. Maybe that's what gave me an unbiased perspective on this, or maybe it simply is just a good book! I actually like that the premise for this novel was unique and dynamic, but told in a way that still felt relatively light and easy to follow (as opposed to if the story had spanned decades and included 20-odd other characters).

I know people will say that it's Hannah, but for me, Theo was the heart of this whole book. I went into it expecting him to be the eye candy on the side to keep the romance girlies interested, but he was so much more than that. As a romance girly myself, I can hand-on-heart say that I am SO glad that the romance was in the background of this story, and the theme of grief and self-development is what played front and centre. If anything, that only made the romance shine brighter for me, because it felt so organic. It was slow burn not in a lusty way, but in a way that was built on an unexpected mutual respect, understanding and friendship. Unfortunately I think us romance readers can become a bit desensitised to the genre, where we're used to long, smutty chapters and obvious declarations. This romance actually gave me butterflies, and brought to life not the 'obvious' moments, but those smaller interactions that FEEL huge. The brushing of hands, the glances across a room, the moments of quiet understanding. I. Ate. It. Up.

I also really appreciated that Hannah's journey with grief was not romanticised in any way, and while Theo certainly might have helped her by being in her support network, it wasn't he who miraculously solved all of her problems - it was herself, and the professional help she sought.

My only (minor) gripes with this book would be that I think Kenny and Ripper needed more introduction in the beginning. I understand that Hannah was the protagonist, but I didn't feel like I really knew either of those characters at any point in the book, and was still getting them mixed up with each other at the end/struggling to picture either of them clearly. I also found the ending a little odd and open-ended, although I get that that's probably what the author was going for, it just fell a bit flat for me after all of the prior lead-up.

However, overall I genuinely loved the journey this book took me on, and that it wasn't just another cheesy romance.

I’ve always loved music-industry settings in books, especially when they don’t shy away from the rawness and ugliness behind the scenes, so I went into this one with high hopes and it didn’t disappoint. From the very beginning, the setup pulled me in, with the band stuck in such desperate, fragile place. I didn’t expect grief to take center stage the way it did, but it was handled so beautifully and felt deeply woven into the heart of the story.

Teo’s journey especially stood out to me. His struggles are shown with so much honesty, and in certain moments they’re laid bare in a way that really sticks with you. Watching him grow, heal, and slowly become a better, happier man by the end felt incredibly rewarding. And then there’s Hannah our wrecked, hurting FMC. She’s been through so much and is still carrying so much pain, but seeing her finally find the strength to ask for help and choose healing was both heartbreaking and hopeful.

The snippets from journals, interviews, TikToks, and headlines added depth, making the story feel real like you were watching everything unfold in real time. The ending is open in a quiet, lingering way, and for this story, it felt right. It doesn’t tie everything up neatly, but instead leaves you sitting with the emotions, the growth, and the sense that healing is ongoing and that felt honest.



Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. 🎸

When record executive Theo meets The Future Saints, they're a disaster. Since the tragic sudden death of their manager, the band has fractured. They need to produce a new, successful album - or they’re done. Theo is struck by lead singer Hannah, who has pivoted to a whole new sound. When the new music goes viral, the band, along with Theo, embark on tour. But the group is still grieving, and their troubles aren’t over yet…


This book was a fantastic 5⭐️ read! I love books that focus on the darkest side of celebrity on the music industry, and this was a beautifully written journey through grief, sudden stardom, and a delicate new love. The author posed the question - how do you cope when your biggest success is rooted in your deepest tragedy? The story alternates between Theo and Hannah’s POV, showing the events from each side and contrasting their motivations. The side characters added some brilliant comic relief, and the whole story felt raw and realistic. The characters really felt real, and Hannah’s POV especially was written in an emotive and thought-provoking way. As the eyes of the world turned to watch - and upload - Hannah’s downward spiral, it really asks questions about viral videos and how, in a world full of cameras, anyone’s worsts moments can become public entertainment. It was a gripping read - the characters felt so tangible and real that I was building a fan-cast in my head!

A cute story with a sweet, believable romance that kept me turning the pages. The characters are warm, and the dialogue flows.
I wasn’t as keen on the element where the dead sister appears to her sibling but it didn’t stop me from enjoying the book overall.

I have been chasing the high of a great rockstar book for a while and this book absolutely delivered. Record label executive Theo is tasked with the job of rescuing The Future Saints, a California pop band that has been struggling since losing a close friend and their music performances have suffered equally. This is a story about grief, the joy of music and the ugliness of healing.

Firstly, The Future Saints is one of the coolest band names I have ever heard. This story felt very realistic and relatable but still had that shiny edge of California cool rock-stardom. I absolutely loved the way the journey the band took both together and individually, it really reflected how differently each person’s path in life can be. Hannah was a beautiful example of never judging a book by its cover. She was layered with inspiration, talent and haunting pain and I completely fell in love with her.

The Future Saints also showcased the dangers of “going viral”. The internet certainly has many helpful features but this was an excellent reminder that so little is understood from the small pictures and videos that appear online and we must remember that there is always so much more going on with people than we ever realise.

This book was like a Daisy Jones and the Six set in current times and was an absolute stand out read for me. Music, romance, grief, fun, creativity, this book had everything I wanted from it and was a total masterpiece. I cannot recommend it enough.

Record executive Theo Ford is sent on a mission by Manifest Records to see the Future Saints play their latest gig, at a dive bar in their home town. Once an up-and-coming, shiny West Coast trio, the Future Saints have not only failed to meet their potential, but are falling apart at the seams - especially since the tragic death of their manager.

Theo's job, as Manifest's 'fixer', is to try to coax another album out of the band before the label drops them back into obscurity, and he is more than aware that he is facing an uphill task - until he sees a glimmer of hope in a surprising change of direction at the end of a lack-lustre gig.

Affecting new songs bring the Future Saints new fans, a new tour, and a new start, but can their change in fortunes save the group's singer Hannah from spiralling into a pit of despair?

Meet the Future Saints: Kenny Lovins on the drums; Tarak 'Ripper' Ravishankar on the bass; and charismatic lead singer and guitarist, Hannah Cortland. Their story unfolds through two compelling narratives from heart-broken Hannah, and Theo, the man sent to squeeze one more album from the band - with a sprinkling of social media posts, and transcripts from interviews with the band members, that chart the dramas around their fortunes.

Winstead delves nicely into the dynamics of a band struggling with the pressures of performing when their lives have hit rock-bottom, especially Hannah, whose answer to a loss she cannot even begin to deal with is to submerge herself in a self-destructive cycle of drink, drugs and partying. Enter Theo, who after a difficult start, is able to see beyond the bitter shell Hannah has built-up between herself and everyone around her to the hurt that lies within - the hurt she has poured into new songs tinged with sadness that connect with a wider audience than the Future Saints could ever imagine.

Weaving around the ups and downs of the music business, cynical corporate machinations, the dark side of fame, and the way social media makes people exploit the tragedy of those in the public eye, Winstead has written the most beautiful love story wreathed in messy lives struggling with loss and family dysfunction.

I came to adore both Hannah and Theo as they learn to open up to each other and face their demons. Winstead brings so much to this story in terms of shattered souls, tender emotion, kinship, and healing (particularly through the medium of music). Poignant reflections on the relationships between siblings, coming to terms with painful feelings from childhood that carry over into family estrangement, and moving on from wrenching heart-ache had me reaching for the tissues throughout. And a thinly veiled dig at celebrities that love to indulge in a little drama in front of the media for their own ends gave me more than a few wry smiles.

If you are looking for a novel that evokes Daisy Jones and the Six, but with characters you can genuinely fall in love with, and an ending that leaves you with a full heart and eyes brimming with tears, then this is the book for you. I adored it.

This was my most anticipated book of 2026 and Ashley @ashleywinsteadbooks absolutely delivered. Romcoms, thrillers and now this - Ashley Winstead is the queen of genre-hopping.

This is a love story but not the one you are expecting. This book is hard- hitting with themes of grief, ambition, fame, friendship and sisterhood. Ashley writes about love, loss and messy mistakes with so much heart and raw honesty. While it shares a similarity with Daisy Jones and The Six with regards to a struggling band, The Future saints takes on a more poignant, grief stricken tone exploring the bond of sisters.

As an older sister myself, I could totally relate to Hannah and her love for her sister. Ashley Winstead's writing is captivating with a steady pace evoking every emotion and characters that are flawed yet vulnerable. The novel alternated between Hannah and Theo's PoV and that really worked for me especially their slow-burn love story.

The Future Saints is an emotional and a gut punchingly real read that hit all the right notes leaving a lasting impression. I see this in my top reads of the year already and recommend for fans of music and character driven stories of fame and sisterhood.

This book's blurb describes it as "a love story, but not the one you're expecting". I'm thinking of it - and I am still thinking of it, two days after finishing it - as a love story on multiple levels. It's Theo, whose love for music and saviour complex find him in a situation where his 'fixer' reputation is tested both professionally and personally. It's the Future Saints as a band, with the complexities of their love for each other and what they do fractured by loss and heightened by the wave of popularity they suddenly find themselves surfing. And most of all it's Hannah, whose love and grief for Ginny simultaneously takes her to unprecedented musical heights and mental depths. Her history, and that of the band, is carefully revealed while the present-day juggernaut of touring and hedonism and expectations rolls along - her point of view and that of Theo's are cleverly interspersed with articles, interviews, other media that give an outsider's perspective.
I've seen this compared to Daisy Jones and the Six and I can understand why, but for me this feels more intense, probably because of the clearly delineated timeline and the events and emotions the characters go through in a relatively compressed period. And the way it plays out is, ultimately, bittersweet and realistic and hopeful - and for this reader, extremely satisfying.

Move aside Daisy Jones and the Six, I’ve found a new obsession.
Heartwarming, heartbreaking. A tender character story with an uplifting, cinematic plot and a relatable study of grief and denial.

Record executive, Theo, is sent to either fire or rescue The Future Saints, the band’s future hanging by its last thread as the group’s impetuous lead singer, Hannah, seems embroiled in a downward spiral of self-destruction.

A bunch of suburban geeks, sluts, and troublemakers meet at college. Sounds like the beginning of a joke. Instead, it was the start of something spectacular. Where the outsiders push their way in through art and expression.

<b>…no matter how much emotion you pack into a song, how much sound and fury, love and longing and lament, it’s always going to end. It simply can’t last. To me, that makes music the form of art that best represents the human experience. Writing songs is performing, on a small scale, what it means to be a being that exists as a temporary eruption of thought and feeling. We’re fireworks, right? This beautiful glittering explosion that’s dying as soon as it starts living.
</b>
A singer that is emotionally fragile but will never admit it. Someone who wants to ear the world down so they can feel a semblance of what she is.
A new, unwanted manager, a Suit, a guy with a saviour complex who had to balance the desire for a promotion and recognition, the need to people-please, and the clear care he has for the band.

I haven’t even got into the other band membership are fully fleshed out: a hot, self-confident guitarist and a gentle, hippie drummer. A dysfunctional friendship that functions as a family unit.

The formatting is also another highlight. Articles, interviews, even TikToks. This is so modern and now that it fully immersed me.

Don’t go in expecting a romance. This is a genre-spanning story about what success means, looks like, and costs. What grief and denial looks like. What family means. What recovery can look like.

This was almost a five-star, but I wanted slightly more from the ending. As you can imagine, I don’t want to say more due to spoilers.

Arc gifted by Head of Zeus.

I am a big Ashley Winstead fan but typically read nothing but thrillers. So going into this I wasn’t sure what I should expect, but this book positively surprised me. It was a very emotional read for me, dealing with topics like grief and loss and all the things that come with it, but also love and sisterhood. Ashley Winstead also knows how to write characters, they felt very real and raw.
Different from what I usually read, but deeply emotional, beautifully written, and absolutely worth it.

Ashley Winstead has done it again! The Future Saints is the kind of book that quietly sneaks up on you and then refuses to let go. Perfect for anyone who loved Daisy Jones & The Six, or for readers looking to start the year with an easy to read story with emotional depth - it'll tug at your heartstrings in just the right way.
I felt like a roadie with the Future Saints for 300+ pages - through the sweaty tour buses (and magic marker hijinks), late-night shows, fragile egos, and the thrill of chasing something bigger than yourself. There are very high highs, and devastating lows, and the band's journey feels almost cinematic.
It’s rare for me to genuinely love every character in a book, especially in a story where flaws are front and center, but this gang draws you in with empathy rather than judgment.

This one has definitely stuck with me!

Laughing, crying, and cheering for these characters as if they were real 🥹🎸❤️

Grief, love, friendship, and music 🎶 all perfectly brought together to make this beautiful and chaotic story. The Future Saints hit me harder than Daisy Jones & The Six and I’ll be thinking about this for a long time ❤️

Thanks for NetGalley for the arc, but I had to wait for the audiobook release to really get into it. Once I did, I couldn’t stop!

The future saints
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

First 5⭐️ of 2026! And no surprise at all cause Im obssesed with books involving music bands and drama (and this one has plenty of it).

The future saints is also the name of the band the story follows, after a tragic death shakes the core of every member and who they were. Theo is the producer send to put them back on track and squeeze at least one more good album out of them before their contract expires.

This book has everything you can expect: from substance abuse, alcohol and messy drama but the thing that set it apart from other similar books like Daisy Jones and The Six is the inmense sensitivity of the author when dealing with topics of death, grieve and lost. I don't tend to frequently cry while reading but this story made me so emotional at moments.

The characters where complex and also profoundly believable. It was like reading about actual real people and not about a made up story. The plot was raw and really engaging, and I was wanting to know at all times what would be happening next.

Even tho is not a romance novel, there was a romantic subplot that was also truly beautiful. Slow burned and intoxicating.
The found family and the friendships were also a huge plus.

Also, not super important, but what do you mean that this author also wrote In my dreams I hold a knife!!!!!??? I mean, the range of writing thrillers but also this, and doing it in such an amazing way, consider me impressed.

So, yes, I DO RECOMMEND! (obviously 🤭) and I'm already thinking about a reread on audiobook.

5 stars

May I say this will probably be in my top 5 best books of 2026!!!
This was absolutely wonderful. This book is about grief and trauma and losing yourself when you lose someone you love. I cried. Boy, did I cry. This book touches you in ways I didn't expect but loved.
I love the multiple POVs, and I'm usually annoyed by that, but here I actually love it because it makes sense it helps the narrative and furthers the story. It makes you love and understand the characters even more.
I also love how it also talks about misogyny and how women in all aspects are judged and punished for being human and how unfair it is.
My favorite quote is, "You can be flawed and messy and still talented. You don’t have to be perfect to be powerful. You can pull yourself out of the dark."
Overall, this was a wonderful book, one that I'll definitely be rereading soon.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.