Sigh...this book, y'all. I have such a book hangover from staying up until after midnight this morning. As one of the founding members of the angst monster romance club (hi, it's me, please make me sob like a baby reading a romance)...this novel delivered.

Ashley Poston is a reliable read. I always love her touches of magical realism. (Much like Sarah Addison Allen, whom I will always love.) . This novel follows Joni and Sebastian (Sasha) as they realize the invisible (and visible) threads that sound like their love story. I love how Poston teed up the story (that, yes, I saw the connection coming, but absolutely didn't mind) and also bonus points for writing some beautiful (and believable) songs.

I totally and wholeheartedly recommend this title. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for approving my request to read this title.

Joni and Sasha are my favorite love song! I really enjoyed this story. The nods to popular music, a love letter to being home, and home being who you’re with.

Also the talking in the head moments were the best. I didn’t even want real dialogue, only them reading each other’s minds! ❤️💕

If you’re looking for the perfect book to read at the beach this summer, this it it.
How often do we ask ourselves “what if?” How often do we wonder if the choices we are making are the rights ones? How often when we are home to we wish to run - when running, do we yearn for home?
This story is a blend of magical realism (because what else would you expect? It simply has to be), romance, and the questions above. The answer, in my opinion, is daily.
At what point do we decide if it’s time to chase a dream or to let it go? Do we ever truly know? Are the memories we have made thus far enough and what happens when they begin to disappear?
I cannot begin to explain the number of emotions this story unraveled within me. This novel is so much more than a love story (though, it is an amazing one). It is a story about friendship and family and dreams and loss. This story is the human experience, but portrayed in such a beautiful way. My only critique is that it is extremely unfair that I don’t get to have my own Sebastian Fell inside my head. It would be delightful to have a hot man tell me to breathe every once in a while.

I really enjoyed this very sweet romance between two lonely people who just want to be seen for who they are. I loved the small town setting and the musical themes that ran through the whole book, especially the song title chapter headings.

The story is told only through Joni’s point of view, but I really enjoyed being inside her head. Joni is struggling as a songwriter and feels that her creative well has run dry. She has returned to her hometown to visit her parents and come to terms with her mother’s health issues. Her feelings about losing her mother felt very real and raw. I loved how close Joni was to her parents, yet felt unable to confront them about the issue of her mom dying. But Joni is resilient and even when she is dealing with lots of stuff in her own head, she was able to stay strong for her family.

Sebastian is the musician that Joni meets at the start of the book. He was famous for being the bad boy in a boy band in his teens and twenties. But now he just wants someone to see the real him, not the superstar that he was. I would have loved to see some of the story told from his point of view. He had a lot of issues that could have been explored a bit more if we could have some of the story from his thoughts and feelings. But otherwise I found him to be kind and funny, and also afraid of letting people in.

I really did enjoy seeing these two get over their first impressions of each other and eventually find their way to falling in love. It was a very sweet romance, and I really loved how they could hear each other’s thoughts. It made for some fun times and hilarious commentary on what was happening around them. Of course they had their ups and downs, but they do eventually figure it all out.

I really enjoyed the small town feeling of the setting. It felt authentic and I loved how everyone knew Joni and supported her. I really liked the musical references and the song title chapter headings were the best. There was a little bit of a drag in the narrative in the middle, when things seemed to get a bit repetitive, but the ending made up for that. The author’s exploration of grief was also well done. There was even a little cameo from the characters in The Seven Year Slip which I just adored. The ending was great and I loved the connection they found to why they were in each other’s thoughts.

Overall this was another sweet romance that had a touch of magical realism. If you enjoyed the other books from this author, than I have no doubt you will enjoy this one as well. If you have not yet read any books by this author, than I recommend this one to you as well. Especially if you like sweet romances with a touch of the magical.

I had such a good time reading "Sounds Like Love". It wasn't JUST a RomCom. This book had so much depth happening. It explored friendships, relationships with parents, personal goals and dreams, other people's expectations of us, and how we change throughout the years. I was completely emotionally invested in the characters and felt my heart drop when there was any miscommunication between the FMC AND MMC. Ashley Poston seems to just get better with every book she writes.

Ashley Poston’s writing heals a part of my soul and Joni’s story is no exception. It was a privilege to read this as many aspects of my family life are reflected in Joni’s one last good summer. Sounds Like Love is a story of change and acceptance, themes Poston does well in exploring in all her stories, and I believe this story resonate with new and old fans. I can’t wait to talk to friends about this book but I also look forward to what Poston comes up with next.

At this point, if Ashley Poston writes it, I'm reading it and falling head over heels in love with it!

Joni Lark is a hit writing song maker but has hit a wall ever since she found out about her mother's diagnosis. Just before Joni is heading back to Vienna Shores, NC to be with her family for the summer, Willa Grey, whose latest hit is one that Joni wrote, has invited her to her concert. While at the concert Joni runs into Sebastian Fell, former member of the boy band Renegade and the son of famous rock star Roman Fell whom her mother used to tour with. Their meeting was a interesting....it involved arguing and a great kiss....go figure.

Now back in Vienna Shores Joni feels more at peace. At the same time Joni keeps hearing a melody in her head and realizes that she can hear the thoughts of of a guy, Sasha who also hears this melody and Joni's thoughts. After talking through their thoughts for a while, the guy suggests they meet to try and figure out what is going on and maybe they are meant to finish this melody.

Of course the person who shows up is Sebastian and they spend the next few months trying to write a song. Over the course of time, Joni and Sasha start to develop real feelings and before they know it they are involved. The more involved they become, the easier the song is to write. At the same time, Joni's best friend, Gigi, who happens to be in a relationship with Joni's brother Mitchell is hiding something. Why can't her life go back to how things were?

Just as everything in her life comes to head, a hurricane bears down on their tiny town. With everything exploding around her, Joni does what she does best....pulls away. When the dust finally settles, Joni finds that her life may need a few changes in order to find her happy ending. The happy ever after comes in a beautiful surprise and Joni realizes that she is finally at peace.

I just adored this love story. What a clever plot line. Joni and Sasha thought they were both so different from the other, but in the end they were so very alike. I loved the journey these two took to find their happiness. Both characters were so interesting and I really enjoyed all the supporting characters too. Overall this was a fun book to read.

Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston
Rating: 4 stars
Steam: 1 chili
Pub date: 6/17

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Berkley Romance for my advanced copy!

Joni, a hit songwriter struggling with writer's block, decides to take a break and go home to visit her family. The night before she leaves, she meets Sebastian, a grumpy musician with his own baggage. When she starts to hear a voice and a melody in her head that no one else can, she can’t help but wonder who the voice belongs to until it turns out to be the last person she wants it to be.

The connection between Joni and Sebastian is written beautifully. It’s funny, emotional, and just the right amount of slow burn. I love how music plays such a significant role in both their individual lives and their relationship.

And while I enjoyed the romance, the relationship between Joni and her family is what really hit me in the feels. It’s hard for Joni to accept that everything in her life is changing, and some of the conversations she has with her mother are so emotional that it’s hard not to feel connected to them both.

The magical realism is subtle yet effective, and it lends the story a dreamy, hopeful vibe. If you love emotional romances with a touch of magic, this one’s for you.

𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4 ½ ✨⭐️
SOUNDS LIKE LOVE
🤍𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: contemporary romance/magical realism
📖 384 pages
𝗘𝗺𝗼𝗷𝗶𝘀: 🎶 💕✨✍🏼😢⚡️🎤🍒🏖️🎹🌀⚓️
𝗣𝘂𝗯 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲: 6/17/2025

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:
◽️ music & lyrics
◽️ chapter names with song titles
◽️ undeniable chemistry
◽️ summer vibes
◽️ small, coastal towns
◽️ magical realism

🩵𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲🩵

Thank you @netgalley @berkleyromance @prhaudio for the #gifted copy!

This was such a charming & feel good read, perfect for summer ☀️ . I loved the touch of magical realism woven into a small-town setting, which gave the story a whimsical & heartwarming vibe. Joni’s job as a songwriter in LA for a famous singer was such a fun, unique career, & her return home added emotion & nostalgia. The instant spark between Joni & Sebastian created a swoon worthy enemies-to-lovers arc, & their connection through music & magic felt special 🤗 .

The chemistry between the MC’s was electric, but it was the surrounding cast that brought the whole story to life too. Joni’s family, especially the dynamic between her best friend Gigi & her brother Mitch, added humor & warmth & her parent’s relationship was very sweet 🥹. Sebastian’s growth throughout the book was satisfying to watch, & the witty banter kept things light even when emotions ran high 🥲. At its heart, this is a story about rediscovering yourself, following your dreams—even if they’ve shifted—& embracing love in all its forms 🫶🏼

⚠️ dementia

𝗣𝗹𝗼𝘁: Joni Lark is a celebrated songwriter in LA—but she’s lost her spark & can’t write a single note. Hoping to rediscover her creativity, she returns to her coastal hometown of Vienna Shores, only to find everything changed—her best friend distant, her mother fading, & her family’s music venue on the verge of closing. Just when inspiration feels out of reach, a mysterious melody begins to echo in her mind—alongside a charming voice she’s convinced isn’t real. But when the man behind the voice shows up in town, guarded & unexpected, they realize they’re connected by more than just music. To break the tie, they’ll have to finish the song—& maybe risk falling for each other in the process.

4.5 Stars!

"Don't push me away." "Don't tell me to go. Not when you just asked me to stay."

Oh, my gosh! This book! I didn't expect it to be so emotional and beautiful, but that's exactly what it was.

Joni left town to chase her dreams. She has the world at fingers, until her mother is diagnosed with dementia. Suddenly everything comes to a grinding halt and she feels stuck in more ways than one. Enter Sasha. He didn't make the great first impression on Joni. But, that chance encounter ended up turning both of their worlds upside down..

Sounds Like Love was such a wonderful read. The plot was entertaining and unique. The characters were likeable and easy to connect with. They were realistically flawed, with palpable chemistry. I loved their banter and the way fate brought them together.

This book was pure magic and I loved every second of it. The magical realism was a welcome addition to this story and made it all that more enjoyable. In the end, this is the kind of swoony romance that will give you all the feels and leave hearts in your eyes.

Another fun and romantic title from Poston. I always enjoy myself when I read her work. Perfect for the summer!

Ashley Poston writes romance well. She never disappoints. This time she had a little magical help in telling her story. Loved the musical chapters and influences in her story

Joni has lost it…wherever spark she had for writing songs is gone. When she heads home to be with her mom who has been diagnosed with dementia she hopes that she can find what she has been missing. When she starts hearing a voice in her head she isn’t sure if she’s going crazy or if she is really communicating with someone. The answer to that helps her answer so many questions she has about life and the importance of a song.

This was a sweet story. A different meet-cute than I have seen before, so I appreciated that!

This book was so beautiful! It was emotional and heartfelt, as well as magical and enchanting. The writing was captivating, the characters were lovable, and the relationships were so meaningful. Magical realism isn't a genre I read regularly, but Ashley Poston does it so well and in a way that makes me want to read more of its kind. This book in particular really touched my heart because of how well it explored the topics of grief and creative burnout. Overall, I would absolutely recommend this book!

Ashley Poston has done it again! I was a BIG BIG fan of The Seven Year Slip and could not wait to read this novel and it did not disappoint. In fact, it made me SOB. This is a beautiful novel that explores grief, love, and finding yourself. One of Ashley Poston's greatest gifts is the ability to make you FEEL every word she writes. The moments of sadness/grief felt like gut punches while the moments of joy and love made you feel like you can fly. I also loved the magical elements this book contained. I can't recommend this one enough.

3.5 stars. Anybody who doesn't like Ashley Poston's magical realism romances just hates fun. Was this one my favorite of hers? No (The Dead Romantics you will always be famous to me). But it still had all of the things that make her books so wonderful. The witty banter, the deep emotional subplots that make you fall in love with her characters, the small town charm, the fun fantasy aspect that makes this story memorable among the dozens of other romances released every week, and of course the absolutely beautiful way in which Poston describes the act of love. She paints such a beautiful picture of love between, not only the romantic leads, but our main character and her friends and family.

I had to knock some stars because I felt like the middle third of this book went around in circles for a little while. Also, the pop culture references grew to be too much after the "Taylor, Olivia, and Sabrina" mention. Also, that Larry Stylinson reference? Absolutely criminal. All around, this book felt a little bit like thinly veiled Harry Styles fanfiction. But then One Direction was mentioned? I don't know. I'm not quite sure what's going on in this universe. All that being said, I loved all of our characters, I was deeply invested in Joni and her relationship with her mother, and I loved the small town/OBX/North Carolina setting. If Book Lovers by Emily Henry taught me anything it's that I'm a sucker for any book that takes place in NC.

If you’re more of a couchella person than a Coachella person — I come to you bearing a gift: a musician x songwriter romance, set in coastal Carolina, in a small-ish beach town that solidifies this as both a cozy and atmospheric summer read.

Sounds Like Love is fast-paced and interesting, but I struggled a bit with the romantic elements of the story. This almost felt like a novella to me at times, with its insta-love and underdeveloped romantic connection, but it fully redeems itself in the realm of complicated familial and platonic relationships, as well as the tumultuous relationship we have with our past selves. This book is absolutely 42 existential crises in a trench coat, and WILL make you circle the drain and unearth old mixtapes while pondering the elasticity of ambitions and whether we really ever give ourselves the freedom to chart a new course.

Where Ashley shines the brightest for me in general is her evil-masterminded-ness when it comes to penning some of the most painful, introspective musings on grief and love and relationships you'll ever read in your life, and this one delivers all of those things in a sweet, touching, if not a touch too brief, package. Like a painful little mixtape from Ashley to the reader, to listen to when we’re driving home from our beach vacation and wishing this was our life every single day.

Pick this up if you’re a fan of Ashley’s particular brand of ‘feels like I fell down the stairs oh my god this hurts in every bone of my body’ emotional storytelling. While the romantic elements may leave you a bit wanting, the rest of this book is an absolute masterpiece, making it the perfect nostalgic, painful, poignant summer read.

Read This Book If…you’ve ever wanted to be able to hear your partner’s thoughts!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston

Genre: romance with magical realism
Spice Level: 3/5🌶, 1-2 open door scenes
Setting: Outer Banks, North Carolina
POV: single, 1st person, past tense
Tropes: celebrity, secret pen pals (via telepathy), mutual muses

My Thoughts:
This was such a beautiful, tender read! It is like the third book I’ve read this year that has a parent with dementia/Alzheimer’s, so prepare yourself.

I will always love Ashley’s twists on magical realism, and I particularly loved their mental connection through music. It was like secret pen pals, but in their head!!

The main characters are a songwriter and a former boy band member, so music is important throughout the story, from the chapter headers to songs and lyrics woven throughout.

At times, this felt a little slow and I wanted a bit more from the relationship, but overall I really enjoyed it!

Memorable Quote: “Being seen so thoroughly it shook my very bones? That was a kind of intimacy I didn’t want, didn’t need.”

Thank you to the publisher for my advance copy!

Ashley Poston always does a phenomenal job mixing her romances with magical realism and a main character facing a real-life difficulty that feels relatable to the reader. In this one, a songwriter (Joni) is dealing with writer’s block when she decides to return home to spend more time with her family, as her mother is dealing with a dementia diagnosis. Here’s the catch: Joni is now telepathically connected to a fellow musician that she shared one circumstantial kiss with at a concert, and she can’t get this unfamiliar song out of her head. He can’t get the song out of his either. They decide to collaborate and their newfound telepathy gives them an inside look and an intimacy to each other’s thoughts and feelings. This novel felt like a warm blanket as Joni and Sebastian come to rely on and support each other with the nostalgic backdrop of her family’s age-worn music venue on the Outer Banks. This book truly felt like magic.