Stirring. Poignant. Incredible. I had tears in my eyes so many times from Hannah's raw grief and got angry at the machinations of the toxic music industry which preys on artists instability for profit.

Hannah was such a compelling character - so talented but self-destructive as she desperately tries to keep her sister via her songs. Theo was just a sweetheart. Steadfast, loyal and a believer in their talent though slightly naïve to the music industry and the man he idolises as a quasi father stand in. I really appreciate that both Theo and Hannah had their own family dysfunction that drove them towards music, albeit in different ways. Their connection was palpable, but I appreciate that the book didn't neatly tie everything up given the circumstances they were both in. I also loved Ripper and Kenny and the way the three of them were family - having fights but also coming together when they needed to close ranks. A fave scene was the party with the Rolling Stone reporter (I wish I was there!) which added a bit of comic relief.

I felt like my heart was put through the wringer. Ashley Winstead has truly outdone herself because I was left wanting more. Encore!

Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

This book deserves ALL OF THE STARS!! I have been in a bit of a slump lately, and needed a book that made me feel something. This story made me feel all of the things! I rarely get emotional while reading, but this one had me tearing up multiple times.

I am a sucker for sister stories, and while this one is considered a romance, I think it was truly a love letter to sisters (or siblings) at its core. The heartbreak of our MCs loss of her sister was so strongly felt throughout the duration of the book, and watching her come to terms with the fact that life has to continue on was very emotional to read. The MCs were flawed but ones you wanted to root for, and the B characters were interesting as well.

I will read anything Ashely Winstead writes, but I was very pleasantly surprised by this one!

Can I just start by saying how impressed I am with Ashley Winstead’s range? This novel is contemporary fiction, but she also writes fantastic romance and thrillers—she truly does it all.

In this story, we follow Hannah, the lead singer of an up-and-coming band. Her sister, lifelong best friend, and band manager has tragically passed away. Hannah is left grappling with overwhelming grief, a new band manager (Theo), and the constant pressure of being in the public eye. As she tries to keep it together on stage, she’s quietly unraveling off of it.

This is a deeply emotional novel about sisterhood and loss and coming out on the other side. It’s raw, heartfelt, and beautifully written. Have your Kleenex ready—this one hits hard.

Publishing January 20th, 2026! I highly recommend it, especially for fans of Daisy Jones & The Six or Songs in Ursa Major.