Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston Book Review: A Magical Melody of Romance and Redemption
- Joao Nsita
- Jun 25
- 9 min read
Introduction
Ever heard a song that felt like it was written just for you, tugging at your heartstrings with every note? In Sounds Like Love, Ashley Poston composes a magical rom-com that hits all the right chords, blending telepathic connection, small-town charm, and soulful romance. Set for release on June 17, 2025, this New York Times bestseller’s tale follows Joni Lark, a songwriter with a creative block, and Sebastian, a jaded musician, as they share an inexplicable melody that could mend their broken dreams—or hearts. Poston’s whimsical touch makes this a must-read for romance lovers craving a spark of magic. Tune into more love stories at That Love Podcast’s Romance Book Recommendations.
Book Summary
Joni Lark, a celebrated LA songwriter, is living the dream—except she can’t write. Struck by an emptiness no hit song can fill, she returns to Vienna Shores, North Carolina, hoping her hometown’s beaches and her family’s music venue, The Revelry, will reignite her muse. But home isn’t the haven she remembers: her mother faces early-onset dementia, her best friend hides secrets, and The Revelry is closing. Enter Sebastian, a former rock star turned bitter recluse, whose voice haunts Joni’s mind with a lyric-less melody they both hear—telepathically.
Forced to collaborate to finish the song and break their strange connection, Joni and Sebastian clash amid Vienna Shores’ salty air and neon-lit concerts. Poston weaves a magical realism romance where music becomes a lifeline, exploring burnout, family, and second chances. The novel’s coastal setting and emotional depth make it a standout, a love story as catchy as a summer anthem.
Author’s Style and Craft
Ashley Poston’s prose is a love song itself—lyrical, witty, and infused with magical realism that feels like a warm coastal breeze. Her dual POV structure alternates between Joni’s vulnerable introspection and Sebastian’s wry cynicism, creating a rhythm that mirrors their songwriting. The pacing hums, balancing cozy small-town moments with escalating romantic tension, though flashbacks deepen their backstories seamlessly. Dialogue sparkles, as in Joni’s quip: “I was second-guessing the heels, but not the heart you’re about to break.”
Poston’s character development shines—Joni’s creative block feels palpable, while Sebastian’s guarded charm unfolds like a melody. Her vivid settings, from The Revelry’s stage to Vienna Shores’ boardwalk, immerse readers fully. While some transitions feel abrupt, Poston’s knack for blending whimsy with raw emotion—think The Seven Year Slip’s magic—makes Sounds Like Love a captivating read.
Themes and Deeper Meaning
Sounds Like Love explores burnout, grief, and the healing power of connection. Joni’s writer’s block and Sebastian’s faded stardom reflect the universal struggle to reclaim passion in a content-driven world, a nod to modern creative pressures. The telepathic melody symbolizes intimacy, showing how shared vulnerability can bridge loneliness. Poston’s portrayal of dementia through Joni’s mother adds a poignant layer, with The Revelry’s closure mirroring memory’s fragility.
The coastal setting serves as a metaphor for change—tides shift, but love endures. Themes of family and forgiveness resonate, tying to broader issues like mental health and the artist’s identity crisis. Poston’s magical realism elevates these, offering hope that even broken chords can harmonize, making the novel a soulful reflection on finding purpose through love.
Strengths
Poston’s magical realism is a triumph, the telepathic song a genius hook that keeps pages turning. Joni and Sebastian’s chemistry crackles—their balcony meet-cute, where Sebastian misjudges Joni, is pure rom-com gold. The Vienna Shores setting, with its “salty air and neon glow,” feels alive, grounding the fantastical in cozy warmth. Supporting characters, like Joni’s quirky friends and her parents’ touching backstory, add heart, per Goodreads reviews praising their “warmth and personality.”
The novel’s emotional depth shines, tackling dementia and burnout with sensitivity yet humor, ensuring a balanced tone. Poston’s playlist, included in the B&N Exclusive Edition, enhances immersion, making Sounds Like Love a multisensory delight. These strengths craft an unforgettable romance that sings to the soul.
Areas for Improvement
While enchanting, Sounds Like Love has minor stumbles. Some readers, per Goodreads, find the cover garish, potentially deterring new fans, though an alternate B&N design helps. The telepathic plot, while innovative, occasionally overshadows character depth—Sebastian’s past feels underexplored, leaving his bitterness vague. A few rushed scenes, like quick resolutions to friend conflicts, dilute emotional stakes.
These flaws may frustrate readers craving intricate backstories, but rom-com fans will overlook them for the whimsy. More focus on Sebastian’s rock-star fallout or slower pacing for Joni’s friendships could elevate the narrative. Still, Poston’s charm carries the day, making these quibbles minor in a sparkling tale.
Comparative Analysis
Sounds Like Love joins the magical rom-com wave, akin to Emily Henry’s Beach Read .
Its contribution—a music-driven, telepathic love story—sets it apart in 2025’s romance landscape, challenging norms with a fresh take on intimacy. Fans of Poston’s whimsical style will find it a natural evolution, cementing her as a genre innovator.
Target Audience
This book is a dream for adults (18–35) who love magical rom-coms, small-town romance, and musician love stories. Fans of Daisy Jones & The Six or The Idea of You will swoon over its rock-star vibes. Readers seeking diverse, emotional narratives will connect with Joni’s journey, though mild sexual content (two flames, per Swooon) warrants a note for sensitive audiences. Its themes of burnout and family appeal to creatives and those navigating loss, making it a versatile, heartwarming pick.
Personal Impact
Sounds Like Love struck a chord, Joni’s creative block mirroring my own moments of doubt. The telepathic melody felt like a hug from the universe, reminding me connection heals. Vienna Shores’ salty breeze lingered, and the romance left me starry-eyed. This book is a playlist for the soul—readers deserve its magic to lift their spirits.
Conclusion
Ashley Poston’s Sounds Like Love is a whimsical rom-com that weaves telepathic magic, coastal charm, and heartfelt romance into a summer anthem. Joni and Sebastian’s love story is a melody you’ll hum long after the last page, proving Poston’s reign in magical romance. Preorder this 2025 gem and let it sing—because love, like music, finds a way.
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Discover more romance reads at That Love Podcast’s Romance Book Recommendations.
About the Author
Ashley Poston, a New York Times bestselling author, hails from South Carolina, where she lives with her sassy cat and a library of books. Known for The Seven Year Slip, A Novel Love Story, and The Dead Romantics, she blends magical realism with romance, earning praise from Jodi Picoult and Carley Fortune. A former fanfiction writer, Poston’s stories resonate with whimsy and heart. Her 2025 release, Sounds Like Love, reflects her love for music and small towns. Find her at ashposton.com, Goodreads, or Penguin Random House.
FAQ Section
What is Sounds Like Love about?
A songwriter and musician share a telepathic melody, collaborating to break their connection in a magical rom-com set in Vienna Shores.
Who is Ashley Poston?
A bestselling author of magical rom-coms like The Seven Year Slip, known for whimsical love stories with heart.
Is this book a standalone?
Yes, it’s a standalone novel, perfect for new and returning Poston fans.
What themes does it explore?
Burnout, grief, family, intimacy, and healing, with magical realism tying to creative struggles.
Is it suitable for all readers?
Best for 18+ due to mild sexual content; ideal for rom-com and music fans.
How does it compare to Poston’s other books?
Cozier than A Novel Love Story, it’s her most music-driven, magical romance yet.
What’s the setting like?
Vienna Shores, North Carolina, with beaches, a music venue, and small-town charm.
Is there magical realism?
Yes, a telepathic song links the leads, adding Poston’s signature whimsical touch.
Where can I buy it?
Preorder on Amazon or Bookshop.org.
Why read this book?
A heartfelt, magical rom-com with swoony romance and deep themes—2025’s summer must-read!
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