Am I about to enter my rockstar romance phase? I think I might be. The absolute yearning Kate Golden infuses this book with truly bowled me over

Help, I’ve fallen for another fictional character 🥵🥴 I honestly don’t know what happened. I picked this book up solely due to the fact that everyone kept saying it gives Hozier vibes.

I want to put this 6’6 Irishman in my pocket for safe keeping. He can take me to his County Kerry forest to live forever. I’ll never leave him I swear it. His one and only flaw is his tendency to dog ear books, the savage.

This was a special romance between Clementine and Tom. My heart skipped literal beats. The love was so carefully curated and built up, I’m still in awe of it. First time in a long time where I didn’t mind only one pov. The way that this man sung to her and looked at her, you could feel everything that was conveying without having all of his thoughts on page. What a ride this was.

Thank you to Berkley for the e-ARC! This is my first Kate Golden book and I definitely enjoyed it. Her writing style is beautiful and descriptive, which helped me feel Clementine’s awe during the tour and with Tom. I think the romance was very believable and the chemistry was there quickly. I will say that I don’t personally love books that are so clearly based on a real person—it makes it hard to appreciate the character for himself rather than just picture the real-life counterpart and what you know of them. I also think Clementine could have been developed as a character a bit more outside her commitment issues and love of performing. At times, it made it hard for me to understand why Tom was immediately enamored of her. All in all, I enjoyed the book and finished it quickly. It was an original concept that stands out among other contemporary romances and had higher stakes that made the angst even sweeter.

4.75. I was so on day one when i started reading, but by the second day, i was more than half way done because the storyline was so consuming. my only complaint is i wish there was 200 pages more in the middle of the mmc and fmc interacting more. Also wished the mmc the was had told her eariler about the song, but regardless, loved this book.

Thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for this eARC!

This was fun! Disclaimer, I know nothing about Hozier, on whom the main character in this book is seemingly based, so I don't know how closely this book resembles him. I hope mostly that he's tall, a musician, and Irish, because beyond that I do think we get into some dubious territory.

BUT, I had fun with this, the female main character, Clementine, is from a small Texas town, but she can SING, and through shenanigans ends up on the national tour of Holleran, without even making a rehearsal or sound check. The two main characters really did have chemistry, and Kate Golden does a good job depicting the whirlwind of a tour. I thought some of the couple obstacles were a little less successful (for one thing, something Clementine finds out about Tom/Holleran might be something you would find out while googling your new bandmate? Maybe, maybe not). Also, there were sometimes there were unnecessary adjectives, which took me out of the writing a bit.

Overall, fun! Using this for the it was supposed to be a fling square on my Ripped Bodice Bingo (though they also kiss in the rain!)

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for an e-arc of this book!

That being said - I’m so sorry, what did I just read 😭😭😭
Saw this teased as Hozier inspired and am here to say, that is putting it MILDLY, this is truly Hozier fanfic. Had this been on A03, that’s one thing, but an actual novel??

I’m completely aware that there are celebrity inspired romances - had this loosely inspired by Hozier, I do not think there’d be an issue - this book would’ve been..fine??? Max 3 stars for me because I didn’t feel a ton of chemistry between them and my fav dynamic was actually the FMC and her mom, and the FMC did “not like other girls” a bit too much for me at the beginning, but oof the copy and paste of Hozier is just…a bit unsettling, to be honest.

These 2 stars are purely for the family dynamic - it really resonated with me. But the rest? Yikes.

Thanks again to the publisher, but this just wasn’t for me.

I do not know what good I did in a past life that resulted in me getting approved for an arc of this book but I am eternally grateful to past me—this book is rad. It is a whole mood. What a blessing to live in this world, however briefly. Also, let’s give it up for passionate, nerdy, and deeply kind heroines AND for heroes who like to read and are feminists! Loved the music and the vibes!

4.5 fecking stars

In all seriousness Kate, If Not for My Baby might be the best thing you've ever written yet. You are a literal fairy queen for blessing us with this Irish, whimsical, forest-goddess of a book. I'm simply obsessed.

This book had me in tears more times than I can count, in the best, most soul-healing kind of way. It's been so long since I stayed up all night to finish a story, but this one? I devoured it. I really couldn't put it down! And now, as I write this review in the quiet early morning hours with glassy eyes and a full heart... I can honestly say I needed this book and I'm so extremely grateful that it exists.

What unraveled between these characters wasn't just a love story, it was so much deeper than two people falling for each other. The longing, the tension, the way he saw her and held space for her, it made every steamy moment feel rich and earned. Their intimacy wasn't just chemistry, it was pure connection. It truly was a story about choosing each other through the hurt, the fear, the flaws, and past hurts/choices. SOO vulnerable, and real.

TOM!! | mean... he is LITERAL PERFECTION.
He doesn't just fall first, he dives headfirst and never lets up. He's completely soft and steady for her, a little tortured, and wildly romantic in that quiet, grounding kind of way.
The moment he nicknamed her "Clem" and later "baby"? | freaking melted. He's truly perfection wrapped in a soft, broody, indie rockstar shell.

Also, tiny side note but Raleigh being mentioned?!? My hometown?? I was fangirling so hard. wish that hotel was real iykyk!!!

✨Rockstar romance
✨Found family
✨Hozier-inspired energy
✨Hopeless romantic
✨He falls first (and the hardest)
✨Sweet & steamy spice

Thank you sooo much to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for providing this digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. I seriously cannot wait to see this beautiful, emotional, soul-shattering romance on my shelf. 🤍

Thank you so much to Net Galley and Berkley Publishing for the ARC! I received this copy in exchange for my honest review and as always I’m so appreciative of the opportunity.

Tom was a really sweet MMC to me and I loved Clementine’s journey of falling in love for the first time and navigating though it. Also appreciate the struggle of her trying to take care of a chronically ill parent.

But I HATE third act breakups (especially ones where just a small amount of communication would resolve it). Also lyrics in a book are just weird to me because I can’t hear the song- I get that the author was trying to portray his whimsy and soul but it just seemed unnecessary to me. And the whole attack with Greyson bothered me because we know in the real world the cops should have been called not just getting kicked off the tour.

Regardless I loved the premise behind this book just wish it had a little connection instead of just what felt like oh he/she is hot before the instant love between the MMC and FMC. For me personally just needed a couple more tweaks then could have been a four star read.

I will be posting this review in full on my goodreads profile, featuring parts of this review on my Instagram account story, and placing the story into the highlights portion of my Instagram page under ARC reviews (or page) on 7/3/2025.

I've been on a real kick for romances with musicians, and this really filled that craving. Clemetine ends up joining a rock star on his tour pretty suddenly, and being in close proximity for a time an attraction forms between the two of them. I liked when he stayed behind to help make sure she was okay, and more domestic moments with her mother.

Small town Texas gal, Clementine Clark, had given up on her dreams to sing and perform on stage being content to serve meals at the Happy Tortilla. Clementine has long been responsible for the single mom who raised her, a woman with a tendency to fall for the wrong guys, and also has some serious health issues.

When Clementine’s best friend calls with an almost too good to be true offer for her to go on tour as a backup singer for heartthrob Irish crooner, Halloran, she at first resists, but the money is seriously needed so she agrees. Being on tour in front of thousands of fans gives Clementine a thrill she had only previously dreamed about ever happening. Her attraction to Thomas Patrick Halloran fuels all of the intense emotions Clementine feels in this whirlwind, high intensity experience.

As she gets to know Halloran and the motley assortment of band members and associates of the group, Clementine has to deal with all the reasons while she should just go back home after the gig and resume her little life. She is a very angst-ridden young woman who wants to protect her heart at any cost.

Following Clementine’s logic that a relationship with a famous singer holds little promise because the ultimate fantasy and not realistic, her hesitancy is understandable. Halloran proves time and again that he is not the cliché rock and roller who has little care for relationships; however, Clementine’s efforts to continually push him away become tiresome at times. Halloran appears to be based on the singer Hozier so this story may appeal to his fans for that reason as it has a fanfic vibe.

5⭐️ I stayed up until 2 am to finish this and I have no regrets

I enjoyed every second of this book. I found myself not wanting to do anything except besides read. The character growth, the passion, the yearning!!! I am down bad for this man.

Thank you so much to Kate Golden, NetGalley, and Berkling Publishing Group for this ARC.

4.5 stars

Kate Golden has a way with words. In "If Not for My Baby," she weaves those beautiful words into a classic romance. Clementine and Tom's love story is like planets circling each other, until the day they decide to stop fighting and collide. This process is a beautiful torture to read, and I could not put this book down. Rockstar romance with some deeply layered characters thrown in.

Clems love and devotion to her mother and her illness was sweet to read at first, but as we dive deeper you see how this relationship is holding Celemetine back is every aspect of her life. This final realization by Clems mom brought me to tears.

Tom and Clems love story weaved through American backroads and live on a tour bus. Filled with longing looks and zero privacy, which leads to a lot of longing.

This is my third book by Kate Golden, and she does not disappoint.

Thank you, Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group, for this ARC for an honest review.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I wasn't sure quite what to expect, I'd read Kate Golden's Sacred Stones series and was so curious as to how I would like a romance book from her.

What I Liked: the writing, especially when talking about music, felt almost sumptuous. I felt like there was just this raw and visceral love for this craft that really came through every time Clementine and Tome would talk about music and how it can make people feel different things. I really liked the progression and pacing of their relationship, it felt natural to me in this very chaotic and crazy environment. I loved most of the members of the band - they had a lot of personality without being distracting and it was fun to watch them all become friends. The ending was really sweet and I loved where all the characters ended up.

What I Didn't Like: I had a hard time with Clementine's mom. I appreciated that they had a good conversation about their relationship at the end of the book, but it was difficult at times to like her when Clementine would remember all that she had to do to help her mom after a bad break up and the domino effects that could then have on her health. Additionally, the pacing in the middle was a little show - nothing too terrible but it got a tiny bit repetitive with all the cities and shows they were doing. Also, I hate Jen.

In this end, this was super cute and I'm really happy I read it. I'd recommend this one to anyone looking for a hot rock star romance. Thank you to Berkley Romance for the eARC - all opinions are my own!

thank you berkley for the arc!

3.75/5
this is such a sweet book! perfect for the type of person who adores musicals, music and a certain irish singer-songwriter. the descriptions of the MCs (especially tom) were very repetitive which was honestly pretty annoying but i truly can't help but enjoy this book. and i do not see enough people talking about clem's love of musicals, it was so cute! how could you not love that? and it did make me a little teary-eyed, so be warned it will tug at your heartstrings! if you are looking for something bright and summery and love a roadtrip, this one's for you!

I read and loved The Sacred Stones trilogy, so when I got a chance to read this one early I was super stoked. Rockstar romances have always been ones that I have enjoyed and this was no exception. This book is passionate and sensual, but was written in such a lyrical way. The MMC made me swoon and was a character I loved so much and related to. He’s such a sweetheart and found it easy to like him. The journey the FMC took was beautiful. I loved seeing her grow out of her comfort zone and come into herself towards the end. However It took me a little bit to warm up to her. Overall I think this is a fun, easy read. Not only do you get a love story, but it was a story of friendship and finding oneself as well.
Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for giving me the chance to read this early.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

I think I read a different book than everyone else 🤔

There are so many great reviews for this book, and I really enjoyed Kate's romantasy series, so I was pretty pumped for this one. But I had such a hard time with it.

I'll start by saying Tom is such a sweetheart. I loved his character and the contrast he provided to the rest of the group.

But Clementine...oof. There were times I enjoyed her but I couldn't get past how selfish she could be. And it wasn't in a particularly mean way, more oblivious. That's not to say that she wasn't kind and empathetic with others, but I didn't like how she handled both relationships you see her in and other times where she pushes Tom out of his comfort zone "for her." This guy is like the introvertiest introvert, and she doesn't waste much time trying to change that.

And not a fan of the ending. Another break up because of outside forces and no one bothers to communicate.

But so many people devoured this book so I wouldn't not recommend for romance readers ❤️

The first half of If Not For My Baby really sucked me in. I loved the insight into life as part of a touring rock group and a seeing part of the cutthroat popular music world. I love talented, competent characters who maybe have some baggage but don’t let that keep them from doing what they do well. I love supporting characters who are more than just cardboard placeholders in the narrative. And I enjoy first person narratives that help me see the world through a lens that is not my own. Kate Golden delivered on all that. My only criticisms are that the story went on a little too long and that I got impatient with the MC who couldn’t seem to get out of her own way enough to read the room regarding her relationship with the MMC. Over all? I loved this book!

Absolutely adorable. Clementine is cynical goofball, learning how to stand up for herself and figuring out how to go for what she wants in life. Tom is…well…HOT. Irish, tall, emotionally in touch, gah I want one of my own, please. So much growth and found family in this story. Coincidently I read this book while traveling through Ireland, which helped greatly with Irish accents in my head. Very cute, easy and emotional read!

Thanks you Net Galley for the ARC.

Clementine Clark has always put others' needs before her own. Between working and caring for her sick mother, Clementine doesn't have time for a relationship. She also doesn't believe in love after seeing the toll it took on her mom growing up. When Clementine gets the opportunity to work as a backing vocalist for Halloran, a popular Irish singer on his first US tour, she initially wants to refuse. Still, the money is enough to change her and her mom's lives. Clementine is instantly swept up in the whirlwind of touring and performing in front of thousands each night, but nothing compares to the feelings she gets when she's around Tom Halloran. The two couldn't be more different when it comes to viewing relationships, but the chemistry between them is undeniable. Clementine has always kept her heart closed, but with every stolen glance and passionate lyric, she's starting to change her tune.

The moment I heard the MMC was based on Hozier, I knew I needed to read this, but I was worried it would read too much like fanfiction and it did. I still enjoyed it, but I was expecting to be obsessed. It all came down to the characters for me. Since I love the person he's based on, I figured I would be obsessed with Halloran's character. He was tender and intelligent, exactly like how you'd picture Hozier to be, but I wanted him to feel more like a real person and less like a construct. Clementine also bothered me. I felt she lacked maturity and her jaded outlook got old fast. Something about the romance didn't work for me either. I never felt an emotional connection between them and thought it was all surface-level. Golden's writing was easy to fly through making it a quick read, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me.