In true ML Rio fashion, I never knew where this book was going to take me. The music woven into the novel was powerful and executed very well, which can be hard to do without seeming gimmicky. I ended up making a playlist to use while I read the novel, which in turn added an extra level of symbolism to the chapter titles and emtions Rio was trying to invoke, much like the way Shakespear was utilized in If We Were Villains. ML Rio has proven again why she is an auto-buy author!

What a rock & roll story! M.L. Rio comes with a setting and atmosphere that sucks us right into this world, Suzanne's world. The book has dual timelines, alternating between her childhood and adulthood, including her own personal struggles and traumas. She is on hellish soul-searching journey to make sense of events that destroyed her as a child. I also feel it was giving a little Daisy Jones vibes too? But don't be fooled. Hot Wax is very much its own and grabs your attention then refuses to let go. It feels addictive and I enjoyed the story. Thank you Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for the ARC. Pick this one up when it publishes September 09, 2025!

Thank you to netgalley & the publishers for an eARC in exchange for an honest review

Hot Wax opens up like the gravely tone of a record starting. Our main character, Suzanne, is playing a record from both sides. Side A is her younger self on the road with her “famous” father. Side B is Suzanne, an adult running from her past and searching for answers.

Hot Wax is told in a series of flashbacks.
From her flashbacks we see that life on the road, especially at 11, is extremely dangerous and toxic. Her childhood is nothing short of normal. She experiences some harsh realities that traumatize her into adulthood.

In the present day she is picking up the pieces of her past, collecting memories from her late, rockstar father. Suzanne is ultimately a flawed character. She has low self worth and makes rash decisions trying to fit in with society’s expectations.
With the help of her found family, Simon and Phoebe, they embark on a roadtrip to help her escape her own thoughts and bad choices.

After reading If We Were Villains, I knew M.L. Rio’s next books would never be the same as the last. I can rely on her ability to transport the reader into the setting, build on character development throughout the plot, and leave you feeling satisfied by the ending.
Overall, this is a good character story full of friendship, love and heartbreak, and rock n’ roll.

3.5 stars
Hot Wax releases September 9th, 2025

Thank you to netgalley & the publishers for an eARC in exchange for an honest review

I wrote this so I'm a little biased but I'm leaving a five-star rating for the whole team who worked on this book because I'm very lucky to be collaborating with such terrific people and I'm pretty sure readers will feel the love and fire behind HOT WAX.

Well written, and made me feel like I was along for the ride on a cross country road trip with the band. That being said, I did feel like the pacing was a bit off and thought some of the “snapshot” chapters could have been cut entirely. But all in all an entertaining read that many will undoubtedly enjoy.