Cover Image: Like a Love Song

Like a Love Song

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

This was a super fun, steamy fake-dating rom-com—so fun to see the two leads navigating the pressure of fame while learning about and supporting one another. A really satisfying, delightful romantic read!

Was this review helpful?

Heartwarming, heartfelt, and reminds you why you love certain romance tropes! Breezed through it and the kind of read that leaves you happy at the end!

Was this review helpful?

Like a love song was super cute and heartfelt and leaves you with a happy smile in your face. This book is aptly titled because it’s very much like a love song, soft and sweet and making you smile at some moments while also being a fun read.

We have our main characters: Natalie, the Brazilian pop star in the US and William the British indie actor. Natalie is dumped on camera by her boyfriend and has to date William as a publicity stunt for her career. There’s fake dating, cute bantering, friends to eventual lovers, we also have supportive cute best friends who are dating and being super cute!! This book while being light hearted also talks about the struggles of fame, family, being to true to yourself and your heritage. I read it super fast actually because it’s written SO well and I did not even realise when I was already halfway through the book.

Overall, if you’re looking for a cute YA romance that is light hearted, fun and sweet with heartfelt moments, friendships and romance then I highly recommend Like a love song as it has it all.
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an eARc through Netgalley.

Was this review helpful?

Like a Love Song seemed to be a promising book with some of my favourite tropes, but fell short unfortunately when it came to the writing. At times while reading, I kept wondering if I was reading a book ready to be traditionally published or a Wattpad book written by 14-year-old me. But, this book brought up a lot of important themes such as struggles of finding their own identity as well as self love. This is the reason why I'm giving it three stars instead of two.

Overall, the characters were at times too childish and the plot seemed more unrealistic than it should have been. Or maybe I'm not in the intended age group for this book? I feel like if I had read this when I was younger, I would have liked this book more. Either way, it was a short and alright read for me.

Was this review helpful?

It took me awhile to finish reading this one due to busy sched. But anyway, I had fun reading this book. It’s cute and fluffy. I like how they highlight the topic of LGBT+ Character development and world building is good. It’s just kinda predictable. Overall, it’s a good book

Was this review helpful?

Like A Love Song is definitely an appealing read plus it's a light-hearted and fast paced pages. This book dwell into fake dating trope, only one bed and celebrities main characters. Further, this one absolutely explores so many things in life, especially about culture, love, and self-acceptance.

(Massive thanks to PRH International for providing an eARC edition of this book my way.)

Was this review helpful?

A very cute read, LIKE A LOVE SONG deals with Latina pop star, Nati, who is dealing with the fallout of her public break-up and decides to fake-date indie film actor William in order to bring her image back up to par. Along the way, the fake dating turns into real feelings and the two must decide whether to continue their relationship in the spotlight. This story deals with mild xenophobia, anxiety, and the miscommunication trope.

Was this review helpful?

I feel like this would have worked better had the main character been older than 17. I'm sure this sort of thing does actually happen to young people in Hollywood but a bunch of adults meddling in relationships of literal teenagers feels weird and unnecessary.

That said, it was super cute and I liked Natalie as a main character.

Was this review helpful?

Rating: 4/5 stars
Huge thanks to Underlined for sending me an e-arc of Like a Love Song.

I had so much fun reading this book and enjoyed diving into the behind the scenes of a celebrity's life. This YA contemporary book dives into the spotlight and privacy of a celebrity’s life.

Along with privacy and limelight, we got a fake dating trope that made me adore Nati and Will together, as well as individuals.

I liked how this book dives into what privacy looks like for a celebrity and dives into the impact it has on one’s personal life. The entertainment industry doesn’t give a lot of privacy for celebrities like Natalia and Will, as they are always in the limelight.

This book is perfect if you’re in the room for a lighthearted rom-com book. Although the ending felt rushed to me, I still enjoyed my experience reading this book.

Was this review helpful?

I've been searching for a YA celebrity fake dating story and this was it and more!! It was light, fluffy and made my heart go ushy gushy! The book because of the rep and the inside into celebrity life, reminded me of You Had me At Hola by Alexis Daria.

Plus I'm alwayssss a fan of when YA books use mixed media to convey handwriting, or emails, or texts so this book delivered in that aspect.

Would definitely recommend!

Was this review helpful?

A fast-paced and entertaining rom-com, Like a Love Song by Gabriela Martins is a great debut! Having more Latine main characters in books makes me so happy, and seeing a Brazilian teen pop star being in front and center gave me life.
Natalie was such a great main character to read and I enjoyed her voice and her story. I am not from the diaspora, but I could understand her struggles with her identity as a Brazilian who left her home country at a young age and adapted to fit in on another. We get great character development from her, seeing her go from someone who wasn’t 100% herself to someone who was her true self. Her relationship with her mom and her best friends was something I really enjoyed, and I loved how they were always there for her.
William was a lovely love interest! I really enjoyed their shared moments, how they could be so relaxed and just free with each other, away from the spotlight and the drama. I would have loved seeing more of William, since I felt his character was a bit incomplete, and seeing more of him and his personality, his life, and his career would have given him more strength as a character and love interest.
Overall, if you are looking for a short but wholesome romance set in the Hollywood world with good character development and amazing friendships, Like a Love Song is for you.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book!! First of all, William and Nati forever, please and thank you. Second, I devoured Like a Love Song. Absolutely devoured it in about half a day. Third, fake dating to friends to lovers will ALWAYS remain superior!!

Like a Love Song investigates the consequences of fame, the pressure of being and looking perfect—and needing to be so 24/7, the tenuous status of reputation, and kicks asshole guys to the curb. This book is also about family and the journey of figuring out who you are and also who you are in connection with your heritage (with the additional barrier of being self conscious about not knowing the language of that culture well).

Also, the humor in Like a Love Song is so me; I was chucking during so many moments!

Essentially, this story is tons of fun. It's a whirlwind that takes readers on a journey of lived experiences, balancing swoon-worthy romance with confrontations with xenophobia, not feeling Brazilian enough, and coming to accept your identity.

Was this review helpful?

"𝙷𝚎 𝚕𝚊𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚜 𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚢 𝙸 𝚖𝚒𝚖𝚒𝚌 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚊𝚌𝚌𝚎𝚗𝚝, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚠𝚎 𝚔𝚎𝚎𝚙 𝚍𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚋𝚘𝚍𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍𝚗'𝚝 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚍𝚘 𝚒𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚊𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚝."

❀•𝄢••❀

"𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐠" 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 🎤

For this review to work, first, I have to ask you a question: would you ever risk your career to protect the privacy of your relationship? 🕯️ Because Natália (the MC) has a lesson or two to teach you.

First of all, I have two main points I absolutely adored in this book: LGBTQIA representation and Portugal/Brazil settings with representation for both portuguese variants. 🇧🇷🇵🇹 Absolutely incredible writing and world building, absolutely loved the bisexual representation on these characters I've grown to love!

Gabriela brings such a beautiful book alive - filled with drama, love, friendship and family relationships. 💜 I'll be honest, in the first half, I was a little reluctant it'd be a 3 ⭐ only - I was super hyped for this one! Then, mid book I was hooked!! 🎡 I really adored it and hurge everyone to give it a try! Go for me, it's
𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘵 (Hi, William 👋🏻).

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

❀•𝄢••❀

𝗛𝗮𝘀𝗵𝘁𝗮𝗴𝘀:

#gabrielamartins #likealovesong #youngadult #netgalley #netgalleyarc #penguinrandomhouse #arcreview #bookreview #author #portugueseauthor #bookstagram #books #bookstagrammer #booklover #bookworm #bookphotography #bookcommunity #bookobsessed #aesthetic #aestheticfeed #booksbooksbooks #booksofinstagram #reader #writer #bookstagramportugal #youngadultfantasy #asianfantasy #asianrepresentation #fantasybook #newrelease #newbook

Was this review helpful?

This book was a little different from the other famous pop star stories I've encountered in YA reads. For one thing, Nati is a Portuguese pop star fighting prejudices and stereotypes internally and externally. William's technically an up-and-coming star trying not to be because what comes with the territory is exactly what he doesn't want for himself. The pair together in the novel makes for a very remixed What-A-Girl-Wants love story.

Was this review helpful?

Can I give this book more than 5 stars? It was such a delight. From my huge interest in Hollywood gossip and the machine that feeds like (with things like fake relationships) to Natalia's spirit and superstardom, William who just wants to be an indie actor but has to play the game and their FAKE RELATIONSHIP?!?!? It's almost too much, but not enough. A delightful, delightful read!!!

Was this review helpful?

This book just reminds me of how a good YA contemporary can lift up your mood and just make you feel happy. Hearing the "Fake Dating Tropes" obviously I couldn't say no, but this book exceeds my expectation. It's just not an adorable romance story, but it also has meaningful messages about self-discovery and stays true to who you really are. I highly recommend this book!

- Teen Pop Star, Hollywood, Fake Dating plus with POC character. I mean it's a perfect recipe for a fun and lovely contemporary romance.
- Who are into the Fake Relationship Tropes like me? It's my second favorite trope. Maybe sometimes it feels unrealistic BUT it is just so damn fun to read. And this book perfectly delivered that joy!
- As an own voices book, I learned so many things about Latina culture, especially Brazilian.
- William! He is such a cinnamon roll! This London guy is so sweet, charming, funny, and so easy to fall for him. A perfect love interest for an adorable YA contemporary romance.
- Not just about romance, this book has a stronger message about being true to ourselves. This book also did well on represent the struggle of our main character since she feels that she didn't really belong anywhere and how she finally overcome that.

Was this review helpful?

𝘐’𝘮 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘈𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘦, 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘥𝘰 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨 💜

Hey Everybody! Today is my stop to review Like A Love Song by Gabriela Martins.

Natalie and Trent are America's sweethearts but seconds before the best moment in her life is about to happen, Natalie is dumped on screen, surrounded by hundreds of live streaming cameras at an award show, there goes her perfect!

Memes were made, twitter got wild.
Agent Bobbi and PR handler Ashley have to repair the damage to Natalie's image or she might lose all her fame. The plan is to find a fake boyfriend. William turns out to be opposite of all of Natalie's expectations but may be he is everything she needs?

Being with William makes Natalie realise that it's not necessary to be trending on Instagram to be happy in real life and you don't even think about selfies when you're having the most fun.

My favorite things about the book were-

1. The diversity of characters- Brazilian American rep, Jewish Rep, Pakistani American Lesbian character, Bisexual Brazilian American character.

The descriptions about Brazil, life as a Brazilian American, inclusion of Portugese words.

2. Fake Dating Trope/Friends first/Only One Bed Trope/Romantic, wholesome and not smutty/Best Bookish OTP

3. Not just the romance part the book but had many layers like self acceptance, the downside of fame and the ugliness behind social media, the importance of inclusion, Xenophobia and the author had dealt with all of them smoothly with observant writing and witty dialogues.

4. The powerhouses that were the side characters- Nati's bffs Brena & Padma and her mom.

5. The swoonworthy romance, the chapter- A serious evil mermaid move was my favorite in the book.

Perfect for the fans of Rent-A-Boyfriend and The Worst Best Man. This book will tug at your heartstrings and make you gush!

Thank you so much to @tbrbeyondtours @netgalley and @gabhi for giving me this wonderful opportunity and for the arc.

Was this review helpful?

Like a Love Song follows a Latina teen pop star whose image takes a dive after a messy public breakup, until she’s set up with a swoon-worthy fake boyfriend. My heart is full! This story is so fun and cute at the same time. Nati's struggles as a Latina woman who was a celebrity. She end up to realise that she didn't want to give up her heritage. I absolutely adored bisexual icon William. He was like super adorable and kind. I have recently become obsessed with the fake-dating trope and I love this book so much. Though I felt like the ending was kind of rushed a bit? I wish we could see more lovey-dovey of the couple in the end. But I love the book so much that I don't really care. I couldn't wait for more of Gabriela Martins.

Was this review helpful?

I ENJOYED…
☂️
- Like A Love Song starts with Natalie, a teen Brazilian pop star, getting dumped and humiliated by her famous boyfriend in a very public way, something she did not expect. To gain her popularity and reinstate her image, she’s suggested by her PR team to fake-date this gorgeous, indie British actor. Honestly, I’m writing this here again because you all should embrace the glorious awesomeness that is this synopsis. I knew I could be a big, big fan of this story from this only and I’m thrilled to say, I wasn’t wrong.
- Natalie is such a great main character, I immediately fell for her. She’s anxious and very worried about her image and what her fans think, she’s so relatable. I rooted for her right from the start and found her so endearing. Moreover, I loved how much she learned about herself and what she wants in her relationships, as well as with her career, thorough the book.
- Oh, the romance was one of my favorite parts of this story for sure, most of it all because it’s not insta-love, at all. Slowly, the fake couple gets to know each other, grow closer and become friends, until feelings grow and there’s only one bed trope (me = screaming here) and you’re here reading about those two and swooning. The chemistry between them was lovely and, if you’re a fan of the fake-dating trope, read Like A Love Song.
- Aside from the romance, there’s an incredible place for friendship in this story and I loved it. Natalie’s two best friends are always there for her and I loved that they had their own story, background and worries, too. They felt three-dimensional and were such a nice addition here.
book review like a love song gabriela martins
- YES to the family in this story, too! Natalie has a complicated relationship with her family back in Brazil and often feels inadequate because of the language barrier between them. I really liked seeing her journey with her own identity, slowly owning this part of her and getting a little bit closer to her family, too.

OVERALL
☂️
- Like A Love Song ended up being a hit for me. I loved the celebrity romance, the fake-dating, the friendships and the characters won my heart. 200% recommending it!

Was this review helpful?

Fake dating?! Latina lead and so much other representation?! Sign me up. After a humiliating video comes out and she becomes the next big meme after getting dumped by her boyfriend at an awards ceremony- Natalie’s life is thrown for a loop. She must fix her image and what’s the best way - move on with a new guy. Gotta love how the tropes just get pulled out to make such a fun romcom. Loved every second!

Was this review helpful?