Thanks Berkley for this ARC! This was such a fun read that I kept imagining visually. This book would make an amazing rom com movie adaptation. I was entertained and ate this book up in a day. I’m not the biggest fan of the “fish out of water” trope because I personally hate being put into new and unknown situations. (You will not find me without a spreadsheet planning out my days) However, I totally enjoyed Avery’s descent into public cancellation as she wears a Native American headdress inappropriately and disrespectfully on a magazine cover. She’s definitely Native but she has no clue what that means. Things turn dangerous and she’s sent to her long-lost grandmother in Oklahoma to hide out and hopefully get her reputation cleaned up. There she makes a lot of mistakes but she learns and grows. You have to push through some of the awkward and dumb things that she does as there are plenty. She has such an innocence to her character that I believed her ignorance and I also believed in her change and growth. She worked for it and the story was written with care and insight that only a Native author could accomplish.

Don’t let me forget Lucas. Lucas is a cowboy on her grandmother’s ranch who is the “most handsome man” she’s ever met. He hates her and her music. Did this become enemies to lovers? Yes, my friends. We have slow burn. Open door spice. This story was a fun summer read that also made me reflect on the insanity of cancel culture and the way Native American identity is vast and not for those on the outside to define.

Love is a War Song is my favourite romance book that I have read this year! I am amazed at Danica Nava and her growth from her first novel to this one.

The characters felt so real and developed and Lucas and Avery had incredible chemistry together. I loved their dynamic from the beginning and his tenderness and care for her as she connected with him and her community that she was estranged from.

I cannot wait to make everyone i know read this!!!

If you are a 90’s baby who loved the Hannah Montana movie like me, you are going to eat this up. This was such a fun and unique cowboy romance, perfect for the summer!

This story had a lot jam-packed inside a fairly short book: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, grumpy x sunshine, found family (and real family). The character development was stellar. I loved watching Avery learn about her family, grow into her culture, and find her voice. Lucas did NOT disappoint. It was hard to hear about his backstory, but made me love him even more as an MMC. Also hello dyslexia rep!!

There were moments where I was laughing out loud (truly any scene involving the horses), getting teary, and swooning. If you like the “he takes care of her” trope, get ready because there are some GREAT moments I loved throughout the book (the shoelace, the stickball game, the tornado, I could go on and on).

This one was a solid 4 stars for me! I found the story to be unique, fun, and frankly pretty educational in a way I needed. The last 25% was stellar, but the burn was slow (turns out I am maybe not a slow burn gal), and the pacing threw me off a bit/ made it hard for me to get into the story. I wish we got more romance sprinkled throughout, and also more interaction with Avery, her mother, and grandmother all together.

Thank you Berkley Romance and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Words can not begin to describe how much I loved this book!!!!!

I had a terrible week after losing a family member and I needed something that would be girly pop and keep me out of drowning grief

The fish out of water, grumpy x sunshine was perfection. I loved how Avery was so out of her element but was desperate to learn more about her family and her culture. As someone who struggles with finding her place in this world I related to Avery so much. Her growth is one of the best character ARCs I’ve read in a long time.

Avery Fox was a child Disney movie star, and now she's trying to make her name as an adult singer. Image is a problem, though. She's Native American, but through some bad advice and lack of context of her own culture, she's accused of being fake, phony, and not who she says she is. At the risk of losing her record deal, Avery's mother ships her off to her grandmother in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Her grandmother, Lottie, an enrolled citizen of the Muscogee, owns a struggling ranch, where Avery will connect to her roots and learn the value of the land. Lottie is a tough woman, but even tougher is her head ranch hand Lucas, who has no time for trivial problems like Avery's.

I picked this up when I saw that Danica Nava was going to be excluded from a lot of the cowboy romance displays at major booksellers. If you like cowboy romances, don't miss this book, and if you want to pick one up and don't know where to start, I recommend looking for the diversity of experiences this book has to offer. While celebrity and cowboy romances aren't my go-to genre by any stretch, I read this book in a day, wanting to know how Avery and Lucas would make it work.

Told entirely from Avery's perspective, I did wish earlier on in the narrative I'd had some insight into Lucas, but as Avery and Lucas get beyond their aversion and grow closer, Danica Nava gives us more of Lucas as he shares his past and his emotions with Avery. While both of the main characters are prickly, they also both feel well-rounded and that they are using that prickly exterior to protect themselves.

Love is a War Song is a lovely romance with nuances of identity and belonging. Add some diversity to your cowboy romances and read this one; you won't regret it.

This was the first book by Danica that l've read and it exceeded all of my expectations. It was just amazing. It was a funny, down to earth rom com that dealt with love, searching for a sense of belonging, cultural appropriation in a sense, and also people assuming who you are and who you aren't.
This story was based around a Muscogee pop star and her search for herself when she is forced to take a trip to where her family is from and learn about her roots. I loved everything about this book, the characters, and Danica's writing style. I am now on a mission to read The Truth According to Ember ASAP. Thank you to Berkley Romance/ACE Publishing for sending me a kindle copy as well as a gifted physical copy in the mail.

I decided to request this eARC because a lot of people have said this reminds them of Hannah Montana the Movie. There are pop star and horses involved, which is something I'm looking to read right now. The author's note said that she writes this book because she loves Hannah Montana and horses, but wanting to write one that represent Native Americans. I'd say she hit it right on the nail!

This book has all the elements from small-town cowboy romance, but with a Native American flavor added to the twist. After reading about 20% of the book, I learn new things I never heard of about the Native American culture. As I read throughout the book, I learn more and more about the culture, and I love it! I think I need to read more of these and I definitely will look for more Native American representation in my reading.

The book starts with Avery who's a pop singer well-known for her talent, but mostly for her Native American heritage. She posed for a magazine cover that she thought would strengthen her representation of her Native American heritage, but it was taken out of context. She was on a verge of being canceled so her mom decided to send her to Broken Arrow, where her grandmother lives.

For all her life, she never knew who her family is, let alone her Native American heritage. She was definitely hit with a lot of culture shocks but at the same time she's also learning all about where she comes from and where she belongs. She's met with people in the community who embrace and welcome her. Also teaching her the things she never learned about her own heritage.

The romance elements are also to swoon over for! Lucas the MMC is so dreamy. He might be working for Avery's grandmother but he has his own dreams and his own plan to make those come true. He's also so protective over Avery and the community. He's not holding Avery back and even helps her realize her true dreams.

Overall, I really enjoy this book! I definitely would love to read more from Danica Nava!

What a hilarious and beautiful indigenous cowboy romance. Danica Nava has once again proved herself to be a queen of Native rom coms. Her characters are full of heart, they're flawed and they're relatable. The indigenous representation is so lovely to see and to learn about. The story has humor and a light-heartedness to it while also evoking emotion through deeper themes of family, community, and self-discovery.

If you were a fan of Hannah Montana: The Movie, this one is for you. In this fish-out-of-water story, pop star Avery Fox comes to live with her grandmother in Broken Arrow, OK after receiving backlash over some questionable decisions involving a feathered warbonnet on front-page magazine cover. Now she's being shown the ropes around a horse ranch by a grumpy cowboy who can't stand her or her music.

Love is a War Song is a highly entertaining, quick-paced romance that's funny and sweet and even a little spicy. The chemistry between Avery and Lucas was palpable from the very beginning - I loved their dynamic and they had such great banter! This book solidified my love for the romance genre and I really hope to see more indigenous romance stories in the future 🫶🏼

Love is a War Song follows Avery Fox, a former child star turned pop singer, whose career takes a nosedive after a culturally insensitive magazine cover sparks public outrage. Dropped by sponsors and cut off from the music scene, she escapes to her grandmother’s ranch in rural Oklahoma to ride out the fallout—literally. Cue mucking stables, soul-searching, and one very attractive cowboy named Lucas, who is not impressed by fame or flash.

What follows is a story that’s raw, messy, and emotionally resonant. Danica Nava does a phenomenal job of capturing the full spectrum of emotion, shame, heartbreak, embarrassment, growth, and I felt it all. The secondhand embarrassment alone is reason enough to recommend this book.

But what really stands out is the message. Nava handles complex ideas like intent vs. impact, cultural accountability, and redemption with nuance. Avery’s journey isn’t about getting a free pass; it’s about sitting in the discomfort, learning, and trying to be better. She’s not a villain or a victim, rather she’s a young woman caught between image and identity, a product of an industry that sells personas rather than people. Watching her slowly understand that and take ownership of her actions was incredibly rewarding.

There’s also something timely here about how quickly we rush to judge, often without asking who really holds the power. This book made me think about how we, as a culture, sometimes aim our outrage at the face of a problem, not its roots. Nava handles that with sensitivity and weight.

As for the romance? It’s a deliciously slow burn. Lucas and Avery have genuine chemistry, and their dynamic, initial friction turning to reluctant trust, feels earned. The rural setting, the tension of a storm, and the “opposites attract” setup all work in perfect harmony. The story also features strong Indigenous representation and a clear respect for cultural nuance.

That said, a few elements didn’t quite land. The prose at times feels overly simplistic and leans more toward telling than showing, which made some emotional beats feel less impactful than they could have been. The dialogue occasionally comes across as a bit stiff or unnatural, and while Avery is in her twenties, the tone sometimes veers into YA territory, especially in how characters process and articulate their emotions. These things didn’t take away from the heart of the story, but they did make me wish the writing had a little more confidence in the reader’s ability to infer and feel alongside the characters.

Ultimately, Love is a War Song is a heartfelt, character-driven story that weaves real-world issues with emotional depth and just the right amount of romantic tension. Nava’s sophomore novel is a strong, thoughtful follow-up to The Truth According to Ember, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next. If you enjoy messy, redemptive stories about learning from your mistakes, finding your voice, and falling in love along the way, this one is well worth picking up. I’m already looking forward to whatever she writes next.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely love this book! I loved the main character, and I found her struggle with her Native identity and family really compelling. I really liked the chemistry between Avery and Lucas and found the romance incredibly swoon-worthy. As a personal preference, I would have liked to have Lucas' POV as well, but I thought then author did a great job in having us feel what Avery was feeling for and from him. I would have also liked a little more resolution in the relationship between Avery and her mother, as well as between her mother and grandmother. But I loved all the side characters and would love to visit this world again. A must read for anyone who loves Cowboy romances!

I really enjoyed this Native cowboy romance from Danica Nava! After being canceled when a social media post goes viral, pop star Avery Fox is sent to her grandmother’s ranch in Oklahoma until the media attention dies down. While there, she’s quickly forced to become accustomed to life on the ranch with its early wake ups and horses with a penchant for ponytails. She also meets Lucas Iron Eyes, a ranch hand who couldn’t be less impressed with Avery.

We see a lot of growth from Avery in this book, but I wanted the romance to be a little more central to the story. I also wanted a little more backstory and reconciliation with Avery’s mom and grandmother. I loved the elements of community in the book and how that theme carries through the story. I will definitely continue reading Nava’s work!

I voluntarily read a gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This is my first Danica Nava book and I am SO glad I was approved for this eARC (thank you NetGalley & Berkely). I really loved this cowboy romance, I enjoyed watching Avery’s character development. She owned her mistake, put her pride aside many times, and really tried to connect with a side of her she hadn’t known before. Lucas was endearing, even in his grumpiness, and I loved seeing him in all his cowboy glory.

Avery’s mom was frustrating me so much, I wanted to rip out my hair lol. BUT it was worth it and shows how complicated BIPOC relationships, because of their culture and other factors, but that doesn’t make her mom a villain. Avery’s growth was so prominent during the story but I loved watching Lucas connect with her and how she was able to support and help him.

I am so grateful to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book!

I really loved the story and the characters and was rooting for all of them. I struggled with the writing style and felt that everything happened very abruptly and then moved on very abruptly. I would have liked more time exploring what happened and why and how everyone felt about it. As it was, I had a hard time becoming immersed in the story and connecting with the characters and I loved the story and characters and would have liked to feel more connected to everything!

I’m still sitting with all the feelings this book stirred up. It’s raw, emotional, and beautifully written. From the first chapter, I could tell this wasn’t going to be a simple love story. It digs deep into pain, healing, and the complicated ways people hold on to love even when life makes it hard. The main characters felt so real to me. I connected with their struggles, their stubbornness, and the walls they built to protect themselves. The way Nava wrote their relationship was honest. It wasn’t polished or perfect. It was messy and sometimes heartbreaking, but that made it hit even harder. I found myself rooting for them, even when I wasn’t sure if they would make it. What stood out to me was the rhythm of the writing. Nava’s style has this lyrical, almost musical quality, which fits perfectly with the title and the story’s theme. There’s a steady beat of hope running under all the tension and heartbreak.

After deeply connecting with Danica Nava's "The Truth According to Ember," my anticipation for "Love Is a War Song" was incredibly high. I was eager to dive back into Nava's storytelling, and I'm thrilled to say this book not only met but exceeded every expectation.

It's true, Lucas undeniably captured my heart. His character is compelling and easy to fall for, leaving a lasting impression. However, while Lucas is a significant presence, the true essence of this novel lies in Avery's profound and often challenging journey of self-discovery. Her growth is the powerful core that resonates throughout the story.

Nava masterfully illustrates the transformative power of embracing one's identity and cultural heritage. The journey isn't always smooth, but it's depicted with remarkable authenticity. When Lucas first shared the insightful truth, "We are more than the sum of our mistakes," Avery, like many of us, might not have fully grasped its depth. Yet, as the narrative unfolds, we witness her gradual, often difficult, but ultimately triumphant understanding of this statement. It's incredibly moving to see her take ownership of her past, find her voice, and begin to live life on her own terms, rather than those dictated by the pressures of her career. Her evolution is truly inspiring.

This book offers a beautiful and honest exploration of family trauma, navigating its complexities with sensitivity. Ultimately, however, it's a story about healing, forgiveness, and the collective effort to move forward. It serves as a poignant reminder that even in the face of deep wounds, mending and growth are possible.

The Indigenous representation in "Love Is a War Song" is truly exceptional. Nava's portrayal of the Muskogee people feels deeply authentic and respectfully integrated into the narrative. It's far from a superficial inclusion; instead, it enriches every aspect of the story, showcasing traditions, language, and community with genuine insight. What makes this representation so impactful is its ability to be both culturally specific to the Muskogee experience and universally relatable in its themes of belonging, heritage, and finding one's place in the world. In a literary landscape where authentic Indigenous voices are often underrepresented, Nava provides a crucial perspective. This kind of representation is vital because it not only educates and celebrates a rich culture but also affirms the experiences of Indigenous readers, ensuring their stories are told with the depth and respect they deserve.

In conclusion, "Love Is a War Song" is more than a captivating romance; it's a powerful and deeply moving exploration of identity, healing, and the enduring strength found in culture and community. It's a book I wholeheartedly recommend.

I really enjoyed this book from start to finish, and didn’t want to put it down! The romance is fun and easy to get into. What really made this book stand out was the realistic journey of Avery from borderline unlikeable and definitely sheltered to a more mature and complete human. The author really threaded the needle well of navigating her spoiled beginnings to getting the reader to root for her personal growth.

I will absolutely recommend this book to romance and contemporary women’s fiction readers!

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
While I wasn’t a huge fan of Danica Nava’s debut romance last year, in hindsight, it doesn’t surprise me, as some of the tropes used weren’t my cup of tea. However, I remained hopeful for future books, that one would resonate with me more. Love is a War Song fortunately did just that and more.
With Nava having been one of several authors who spoke out in the wake of the questioning of the identity of another author who presented themselves as Native, I appreciated the discussions in the book about Native identity. The concept of enrollment and who can call themselves a member of a specific tribe are discussed, and while each tribe has their own traditions in this regard, this story contains the ones that pertains to the Muscogee, as those would be most relevant to these characters. And while Nava is not Muscogee herself, but rather Chickasaw, I admire her commitment to depicting Native cultures more broadly, while not depicting specifics of tribal traditions that are not her own.
Avery is a great protagonist to explore the concepts of this book. She has Native ancestry from the Muscogee tribe through her mother, but has been raised outside the community. I appreciate how the book handled the issue of having good intentions, but misfiring, when it came to the inciting incident with the photo shoot. Avery isn’t a bad person, but I respect that she acknowledged a need to connect to her roots on a deeper level. While ranch life is not for her at first, she perseveres and comes into her own throughout the book.
One of the issues I had with Nava’s first book was the love interest feeling rather underdeveloped. And while Lucas doesn’t have much of an arc of his own, I found him much more endearing. While he’s a bit put off by Avery’s pop star persona, and says some not-so-great things about Avery initially, but I did like how their relationship evolved once he realized Avery’s interest in the ranch and community was genuine. And with an element of the forbidden about it, due to them being from different worlds and the situation being temporary, the tensions were high, and I could not help but become invested as Avery tried to make the difficult choice between maintaining her pop star life and putting down roots at the ranch with Lucas, her family, and her tribe.
I absolutely adored this book, and would recommend it to readers searching for a Native American take on the Cowboy/Western romance genre, especially if you also happen to enjoy Hannah Montana: The Movie!

The cowboy romance of the summer!! God, this book was so good! The story itself was so fun and fast paced and literally made me feel like I had woken up in the world of Hannah Montana: The Movie. I thought the romance was so sweet and oh my god the rain scene 😩👌🏼 My heartstrings tugged so many times especially towards the end when everyone came together in support of the fmc. This has to be one of my favorite depictions of found family!

The representation in this book is powerful to say the least. Indigenous existence has been denied and overlooked far too long and Love is a War Song has come crashing through the door to remind the world that Indigenous voices matter in every space. I have a really strong feeling that Avery Fox is going to make a huge impact on readers who have also felt disconnected from their heritage and crave deeper understanding of where they come from.

Thank you so much to Berkley Romance and PRH Audio for the free copy & alc in exchange for my honest thoughts 💌

Thank you to Berkley for the advanced copy! All thoughts are my own.

The Hannah Montana romance for adults of my dreams, tbh. I had such a fun time with this and I really want this book to get a ton of love when it comes out! Danica has such a specific voice to her books where her main protagonists feel just so silly in the best way, but they're truly trying their best.

Avery was such a relatable character despite her being a literal celebrity. I loved her overall growth over the book as she connected with her roots and learned about her Native American heritage. I thought Lucas a great straight man to her generally goofy personality and I loved their chemistry together.

We also love the Native American representation from an authentic Native American author as these aspects of the story felt so lifelike and I feel like I actually learned a lot from this book! This is such an unique take on the "cowboy romance" sub genre of romance and I think a lot of people will really enjoy it.

This book already had me at “Muscogee pop star”. If you love The Hannah Montana Movie, love a romantic comedy, slow burn, cowboy romance, grumpy/sunshine trope…READ THIS BOOK.

This book had me giggling and kicking my feet at cute/romantic moments. I loved this book so much and I’m so happy this book exists.

As a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, I would like to say mvto (thank you) to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for giving me this ARC. I would also like to say mvto to the author for writing this book that will forever have a special place in my heart.