I had pretty high hopes for If Not For My Baby. Rockstar Romance is one of my absolute FAVORITE tropes, especially when it’s coupled with Found Family and any sort of Disability or Chronic Illness Representation.

Unfortunately the premise is the only thing that gained this book it’s 2-star rating from me. The writing felt awkward, character development of the MMC was almost non-existent, and it felt kind of lazy?

This is my favorite rockstar romance. Everything about it was stunning. I would not change a single thing about it. There is raw chemistry living inside this book and I need everyone to experience it.

It’s was fine. Not my fav. Too similar to real life musicians for me and made me feel weird. Not sure if the writing was for me.

I really enjoyed this one! As an avid Hozier fan, it followed him a bit too closely. I have found that I enjoy these fan fics when they’re sort of loosely based, not almost an exact replica of the person. Otherwise, I really liked the story. Didn’t love that Clem’s bff basically just vanished from the story? But otherwise, I liked it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

Okay, I really enjoyed this one. When I started it, I thought surely it won't be as good as the cover art makes it seem. I've been let down before with a book and its gorgeous cover. But this one was stellar.

No one can convince me that this wasn't Hozier fanfiction. Come on. Irish folk rock singer with luscious long hair who sings about nature and love and the human experience? I'm not mad about it. But no one is going to convince me that Hozier didn't inspire this author when creating Halloran. Another coincidence! Hozier, Halloran. See?

All in all this was a good romcom. The third act break up was believable and full of angst. I liked that everything was tied up neatly with no questions left unanswered. I will definitely be recommending this one.

Thank you to Kate Golden for reigniting my Hozier addiction! I haven't stopped thinking about this book since I finished it a week ago. Tom and Clem's chemistry was off the charts, and the YEARNING from Tom was too good. I loved all the side characters as well, they were entertaining and interesting. My only note, character-wise, is that Clem could be a little cringe/odd at times. I found myself getting second-hand embarrassment a few times from her. But that went away by the end of the book and I loved the conclusion so much.

If Not for My Baby brought something fresh and new to the romance book genre. The tropes and plot were unique and addicting. It was romantic, adventurous, and reflective. Lighthearted while still discussing deep and difficult topics. I think every romance reader is going to appreciate this refreshing take on a rockstar romance.

Thank you so much to Berkley, NetGalley, and Kate Golden for the ARC! I adored If Not for My Baby and I can't wait for (hopefully) more contemporary romances from Kate!

This was fine, I mean I enjoyed it but I do agree with what one character said: ''it's just a fling'' because I did not believe a single bit of this romance beyond the tour-close proximity-ness of it. It just felt very power imbalanced and I hero-worshipp-y. I think you have to love Hozier to really love this and I just don't. He's fine but I am not feral over him

If you've ever dreamed of going on tour with a band, this is the book for you! I loved the friendships and found family that Clementine discovered as well as all the descriptions of life on the road. The added element of trying to have a sneaky romance on a tour bus was especially fun.

I wasn't as big a fan of their romance in general, though. It felt pretty instalove and I would have loved a bit more interaction and depth between them before the relationship developed. I also thought a lot of Clementine's thoughts about Halloran felt pretty immature, like a high school crush, and the third act breakup was super frustrating. We're also constantly reminded how big and tall he is and how tiny she is, which got old quickly.

I did love the way Clementine related to and thought about music, and Halloran was a very sweet and patient MMC. While this wasn't my favorite, if you're looking for a sweet, music themed romance you should check it out!

I really didn't enjoy this book. Just wasn't my cup of tea. Thanks NetGalley & Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC!

I unfortunately did not enjoy this book. I can’t get past how obvious it is that the main character is supposed to be Hozier. Real people fanfiction is creepy. On top of that, everything about Tom Halloran comes from Hozier except his personal backstory… the piece of Hozier that is missing from Tom Halloran? Anything political about Hozier. Are you even a fan of the man if you can strip him of something so important to who he is and to his art and create a soulless caricature of him in his place? Ruined the book.

let me preface this review by saying I am absolutely the target audience for this book, & let me count the ways: rockstar romance, Irish accent MMC, forced proximity, he falls first, poetic songwriting that will leave you speechless, SHALL I GO ON?!?!?!! Kate Golden might as well have thrown this book right at my face with the speed in which I signed up for an ARC.

this book is simultaneously giddy & bubbly, and so emotionally evocative it creates a little home in the pocket of your heart. The personal struggles and “anti-lover girl” nature of the FMC felt so raw and were balanced so well by the hopeless romantic, tortured artist vibes of our MMC (Tom Halloran if you can hear me, I love you).

I have so many notes and highlights in my kindle and i practically binged it in one sitting. If you want a romance that feels like a soft free fall with a dash of excruciating yearning, set during a whirlwind concert tour, that will have you throwing the book across the room multiple times in an angsty fit of giggles then this is absolutely the book for you!!!!!

In the passionate, poetic rockstar romance If Not for My Baby, a small-town singer and the mysterious star who completely upends her world combine love, song, and heat in a harmonious way. This was such a fun read. I really enjoyed it and I would read more by this author!

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up. “If Not for my Baby” is a swoony love story between a rock star and a waitress/aspiring singer who has a lucky break when she gets the chance to be his backup singer. I will admit romances about famous and non-famous people happen to be a favourite a trope of mine when it’s done well. But this one definitely wasn’t perfect. By the 50% mark, I was expecting to give it a much lower rating.

I saw some other reviews that called this a slow-burn and I have to politely disagree, there’s nothing slow about this story. It made for a fun and steamy read, but when you’ve got the MMC professing his love for the FMC after they’ve literally only had two conversations with each other, my skepticism was high. I felt like they barely knew each other? Add in the age gap factor and I couldn’t help but feel this rockstar was really “in love” with the fact the she’s hot, young and blonde.

There were also issues with Clementine as a character. Her motivations were confusing and there wasn’t enough time spent getting to know her which didn’t help the romance feel believable. For instance I think the author could have done a better job exploring her distrust of love and relationships… it just didn’t really make sense or seem believable. If she hates relationships, why does she go on so many dates?

That being said, the second half of the book redeemed itself. I really enjoyed the fact that Tom was quiet, intelligent and sensitive and not the aggressive or overly masculine type. The ending was very sweet and romantic and I think served the appropriate justice to everyone. Overall, I enjoyed it!

Thank you NetGalley and Berkeley Romance for providing me with this ARC!

Clementine set her performing dreams aside to stick around her small town, working as a waitress at Happy Tortilla, and helping her mom at home after a fibromyalgia diagnosis. When a well paying opportunity arises to join a rockstar on tour as a backup singer, she goes for it. As a theater kid, Clem thrives in the spotlight and nothing beats the rush of performing with Tom Halloran, the Irish heartthrob and poetic genius that fans can't get enough of. Life on the road is not glamorous, but the rest of the bandmates become like family to Clementine. A mildly embarrassing late night hotel hallway conversation between herself and Halloran sparks a relationship between the two of them and it blossoms throughout the rest of the book.

From page one I was hooked on this story. Clementine is a dreamer, a lover of all things Broadway, someone who genuinely cares about others, a bit shy, and hilariously relatable. Halloran is a softie and introvert at heart, who was a little lost in the fame before meeting Clementine. The writing is lyrical and meaningful and the readers can feel the rush of what it's like to perform (and attend) a live rock show. Clem and Tom really balance each other out, with Clem a bit flighty and unsure about love, & Tom helps ground her both on and off the stage. This book is a huge reminder to do what you love and do it for yourself, and most importantly, don't sleepwalk through life! I highly recommend this Hozier-inspired rockstar romance.

Thank you NetGalley, Berkley Publishing, and the author for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Eight weeks on the road doing what you love.

It's time for Clementine to figure out what she wants, do something for herself, and stop pleasing everyone else.

This slow burn spicy read is filled with musical vibes with a MMC that gives Hozier vibes as he balances the demands and expectations in a competitive and sometimes lonely adventure.

Enjoyed the journey and hope there will be more to come from the secondary characters we met.

I typically don’t go for rockstar romances, so this was a but new and out of my depth but I was so pleasantly surprised! Kate did a fantastic job with this. I 100% missed most of the cues to Hozier because I really only know a few songs, I still had an absolute blast with this!!

This book is a true gem for fans of music-infused romance with emotional depth. It follows Clementine Clark, a grounded and cautious young woman who's learned to keep her heart safely guarded—especially from the kind of romantic chaos she grew up witnessing. But everything changes when she's offered the chance to join international rock star Thomas Patrick Halloran on his first U.S. tour as a backup singer.

What follows is a whirlwind journey that’s as much about self-discovery as it is about falling in love. Clementine's transformation from a small-town waitress with buried dreams to a performer with a powerful voice (onstage and off) is both inspiring and emotionally resonant. And Halloran? He’s not just another brooding musician—he’s a lyrical genius with a quiet vulnerability that makes you want to reread every conversation they share.

Their chemistry is electric from the start, but what really sets this story apart is how naturally the romance builds. Through stolen glances, backstage banter, and deep midnight conversations, their relationship blossoms into something real and unforgettable. It’s not just about attraction—it’s about connection, healing, and stepping into the spotlight of your own life.

This book strikes all the right chords: emotionally satisfying, beautifully written, and full of musical magic. Whether you're a romance lover, a sucker for a tortured artist, or just someone who’s ever dreamed of a second chance at passion, this duet is one you won’t want to miss.

yup yup yup....this is a good one. I don't care that this is basically Hozier fanfic because I ATE THIS UPPPPPPP. Devoured this so fast and I'm in love. Gimme more.

If Not for My Baby is a swoony rockstar romance following a small town girlie who is not looking for love but an opportunity comes and she finds herself on tour and falling for the Irish megastar whose voice makes even the heavens weep.

The book can be summed up in three words:
Steamy. Tender. And full of yearning.

23-year-old Clementine is afraid to fall in love, but she had no chance around 6ft chocolate-haired Tom Halloran who pours out adoration like poetry.

Halloran reminds me why I appreciate men who exude gentleness and softness. The way this man yearns made me melt on the inside especially around someone who is so hesitant to open up her heart.

Clementine was relatable in the sense that she's very guarded with her heart and it rubbed on an old wound that made me understand her hesitation. Seeing her break those walls gradually was quite satisfying.

This book made me want to dive in and listen to the music, Golden incorporates poetic lyrics beautifully.

I would like to thank the author for the opportunity to read an advanced reader's copy of this book! Review reflects my own reading experience.

1000% my kinda contemporary romance. THE YEARNING. The poetry this man comes up with - in his songs and to our girl. I am a Stan. What an emotional and beautiful story. It had the perfect arc too with our main character and the found family of the band. I also loved how he communicated. Kinda rare sometimes in contemporaries. I want to read all of Kate’s books now. Fantastic, run and get it now!!!!