| Author Name | Ashley Poston |
| Published date | 17 June 2025 |
| Genre | Romance |
| Amazon | Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston |
| Goodreads | Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston |
| Format | Kindle/Audiobook/Paperback/Hardcover |
| Pages | 384 |
| Language | English |
Book Summary
The novel follows Joni, a struggling songwriter, as she returns to her small hometown, haunted by grief and creative block. What was supposed to be a short visit home quickly turns into an emotional journey when she unexpectedly reconnects with Sebastian, a former teen heartthrob with a complicated past of his own.
Their connection is awkward, then tender, and finally, transformational. From witty banter to quiet moments of vulnerability, Joni and Sebastian slowly begin to dismantle the walls they’ve built around themselves. Together, they navigate themes of grief, loss, self-identity, and second chances, all while a soundtrack of healing plays in the background.
Poston’s signature slow-burn romance shines through, with chapters sprinkled with song lyrics that mirror the characters’ emotional states. It’s a story that doesn’t just talk about love, it sings it.
Character Dynamics
Joni is not your typical sunshine-and-rainbows protagonist. She’s introspective, messy, and achingly real. Readers are invited into her inner monologue, a place full of self-doubt, memories, and the chaos of creativity. She’s someone who can’t quite find the words in life, even though she’s made a career out of writing them. Her emotional arc is one of the novel’s greatest strengths.
Sebastian, meanwhile, is charming in an understated, “ex-boy-band member trying to live a quiet life” sort of way. He’s not swoon-worthy in the clichéd sense, he’s better. There’s a tenderness to his character that complements Joni’s restlessness. The way he listens, supports, and challenges her feels incredibly grounded.
Their relationship is slow to develop, but never stagnant. It builds like a crescendo, each chapter adding a new layer of trust, understanding, and affection. It’s not just about falling in love with someone else; it’s about learning to love yourself again.
The supporting characters, family, friends, and familiar faces from previous Poston books, round out the narrative beautifully. They aren’t just background noise; they’re part of the harmony that makes this story feel whole.
Favorite Tropes & Themes
- Music as Healing: Each chapter title feels like a track on an emotional playlist. Song lyrics serve as reflections of Joni’s inner world and her connection with Sebastian.
- Small-Town Summer Setting: Vienna Shores is cozy, sun-soaked, and layered with nostalgia. It’s the perfect setting for a story about starting over.
- Witty Banter + Deep Talks: Conversations between Joni and Sebastian shift naturally from sarcastic quips to soul-baring confessions.
- Second Chances: Not just in love, but in life and self-worth.
- Grief & Growth: The novel doesn’t shy away from emotional weight. It embraces it, and shows how healing is never linear, but always possible.
What Readers Are Saying
- FirstLight Reviews:
“Ashley Poston delivers a beautifully crafted romance that balances heart-wrenching emotion with romantic charm… Poston excels at crafting multi-layered storytelling that explores various forms of love while tackling complex themes of grief and loss.”
This reviewer especially appreciated the emotional complexity of the book, Joni’s realistic flaws, and how her internal struggles were turned into strengths through character development.
- Caitie Christian:
“Witty banter, relatable characters, themes of self-discovery and being brave enough to love again really resonated with me.”
Caitie highlighted how the novel offers exactly what many contemporary romance readers crave, characters who feel like friends, emotional honesty, and music-laced storytelling.
- Hayley Barker:
“It’s an easy read, perfect for a summer read, watching the waves, and clearing your mind, just like Joni.”
Hayley called this “the cutest beach read” and loved how Poston integrated a Spotify playlist, emotional ups and downs, and continuity with characters from her earlier works.
About the Author– Ashley Poston
Ashley Poston is a New York Times bestselling author whose work blends romance, wit, and whimsy with deeply human emotions. Known for her ability to craft characters that feel like people you’ve known forever, she has built a loyal readership through books like The Dead Romantics, Geekerella, and The Seven Year Slip. Poston often explores themes of self-identity, grief, and love through the lens of magical realism or heartfelt contemporary settings.
With Sounds Like Love, Poston returns to the emotional intimacy and layered storytelling her fans adore, this time, with a musical twist. She’s a master at writing characters who are hurting, healing, and still holding out hope.
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Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a romance that doesn’t shy away from real emotions, but still leaves you feeling lighter than when you began, Sounds Like Love is your next beach bag essential. It’s gentle, moving, a little funny, and above all, honest.
Perfect for readers who enjoy:
- Witty, relatable characters
- Music-inspired love stories
- Emotional depth without emotional exhaustion
- Second-chance romance
- Stories that feel like home, and healing
