I’ll be honest—sometimes I pick up a book just because the cover screams summer romance and I need a little magic in my life. Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston had me reading late into the night, headphones in, lost in a world where music feels like a second heartbeat.
The story blends magical realism with the ache of grief and the thrill of new love. If you crave books that tug at your heart and leave you humming long after, this one hits all the right notes.
Key Takeaways
Sounds Like Love mixes music, magic, and real feelings. It gives a special summer romance story. The story is about Joni and Sebastian.
Their magical music bond helps them heal and grow. Ashley Poston writes in a poetic and honest way. She uses both humor and strong feelings well. The book talks about grief, creative burnout, and slow-burn love.
It does this in a warm and honest way. The beach setting gives the story a bright, summer feel. It makes the mood and feelings stronger.
Magical realism feels natural here. It focuses on connection, not on fantasy rules or big worlds. The plot is a bit easy to guess. But the strong feelings and character bonds keep readers interested.
This book is great for people who like sweet, a little odd romances with some magic.
Worth Reading?
Overall Appeal
I have to confess, I started reading Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston on a random Tuesday night. I told myself I’d just read a chapter or two before bed. Next thing I knew, the sun was coming up, and I was still flipping pages, headphones tangled around my neck, heart pounding like I’d just run a marathon. This book has that kind of pull. The story wraps you up in a warm, summery hug, then tugs at your heart with every page.
The mix of magical realism and real-life heartbreak feels fresh. I could almost hear the music in my head, and sometimes I caught myself humming along. The romance is sweet but never too sugary. The grief feels real, not forced. I have to give props to Ashley Poston for making me laugh out loud one minute and then hit me with a line that left me blinking back tears.
Who Will Like It
If you love stories that blend music, magic, and messy feelings, this one’s for you. I think fans of summer romances will eat this up. Anyone who’s ever felt stuck, lost, or just needed a little hope will find something here.
Tip: If you’re the kind of reader who makes playlists for your favorite books, you’ll probably want to start one before you even finish chapter two.
This book stands out because it doesn’t just focus on the romance. It digs into grief, creative burnout, and the weird ways we connect with people. I’ve read a lot of summer romances, but this one feels different. The magical telepathy twist gives it a spark I didn’t expect.
I’d recommend it to:
Teens and adults who want a heartfelt, slightly quirky love story
Readers who enjoy magical realism but don’t want anything too heavy
Anyone who needs a good cry and a good laugh in the same book
To be fair, if you want a super fast-paced plot or a story with huge twists, you might find it a bit predictable. But if you’re here for the feels, the music, and the summer vibes, you’ll be glad you picked this up. After two decades of reviewing, I can say this one earns its spot on my summer reading list.
Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston Book Review
Plot Summary
I have to admit, I started Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston thinking I’d get a cute summer romance with a little magic sprinkled in. What I got was a story that felt like a song stuck in my head—haunting, beautiful, and impossible to shake. The book follows Joni Lark, a songwriter who feels completely burned out. She’s lost her spark, her music, and honestly, her sense of self. So, she heads back to her sleepy beach hometown, hoping the ocean air and old memories will help her heal.
But here’s where things get interesting. Joni starts hearing a melody in her head. It’s not just any tune—it’s a song she can’t escape, and it comes with a voice that isn’t hers. Turns out, she’s not alone. Sebastian, a mysterious musician, hears the same haunting song. Their connection isn’t just emotional; it’s magical. The two share a kind of telepathy through music, and it pulls them together in ways neither expects.
The setting is pure summer nostalgia. I could almost smell the salty air and feel the sand between my toes. The beach town feels alive, with music drifting from open windows and the sun setting over the water. Every scene pulses with the rhythm of summer—lazy afternoons, late-night walks, and the kind of magic that only happens when you’re young and a little bit lost.
I found myself humming along with Joni and Sebastian, wishing I could hear their song for real. The magical connection between them isn’t just a plot device—it’s the heart of the story. It’s what makes their journey feel so personal and raw.
Main Characters
Joni Lark is the kind of protagonist I root for, even when she frustrates me. She’s creative but stuck, grieving but trying to move forward. I saw a lot of myself in her—especially those moments when she doubts her own talent. Joni’s journey isn’t just about falling in love; it’s about finding her voice again, both literally and figuratively.
Sebastian, the mysterious musician, brings a quiet intensity to the story. He’s not your typical brooding love interest. Instead, he feels real—awkward, passionate about music, and just as lost as Joni. Their chemistry builds slowly, like a song that starts soft and grows louder with every verse. I loved watching them open up to each other, even when it hurt.
The supporting cast adds warmth and depth. Joni’s family and friends aren’t just background noise—they push her, challenge her, and sometimes drive her crazy. The audiobook narration by Patti Murin deserves a shoutout, too. Her voice brings these characters to life, making every emotion hit just a little harder.
Here’s a quick look at the main players:
Character | Role in the Story | What Stands Out |
|---|---|---|
Joni Lark | Songwriter, main protagonist | Creative burnout, grief, growth |
Sebastian | Mysterious musician, love interest | Magical connection, vulnerability |
Supporting Cast | Family, friends, townsfolk | Humor, support, realness |
After reading over 3,000 books, I can confidently say that the magical telepathy in Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston gives it a unique twist. The melody that ties Joni and Sebastian together isn’t just a gimmick—it’s the thread that weaves the whole story into something special. Even if I didn’t always connect with every character, I felt the pull of their music and their longing for something more.
Themes
Music
Music runs through this book like a heartbeat. I felt it in every chapter. As someone who grew up making playlists for every mood, I connected with Joni’s obsession with melodies. The way Ashley Poston writes about music feels so real. I could almost hear the notes in my head. Sometimes, I even paused to play a song that matched the mood. That’s how immersive it felt.
The magical telepathy between Joni and Sebastian? It’s not just a cute trick. It’s the soul of the story. Their shared song becomes a language only they understand. I loved how music helped them say things they couldn’t put into words. In my 20 years of reviewing, I rarely see music used this well in a romance. It’s not just background noise—it’s the glue that holds everything together.
If you’ve ever had a song stuck in your head that just won’t leave, you’ll get what Joni goes through. I found myself humming along, even after I closed the book.
Romance
I’ll be honest, I’m picky about romance. I want chemistry, but I don’t want it to feel forced. Sounds Like Love nails that balance. Joni and Sebastian’s relationship grows slowly. It’s awkward, sweet, and sometimes a little painful. I rooted for them, even when they made mistakes.
What sets this romance apart? It’s not just about falling in love. It’s about learning to trust again. Both characters carry scars. They don’t magically fix each other. Instead, they help each other heal. I have to give props to Poston for writing a love story that feels honest. No insta-love here—just two people finding their way, one note at a time.
The romance is:
Slow-burn (my favorite kind)
Full of banter and awkward silences
Rooted in real emotion
Grief and Healing
This book doesn’t shy away from tough feelings. Joni’s grief feels raw. I’ve read a lot of stories about loss, but this one hit me differently. Maybe it’s because I’ve had my own moments of creative burnout. I know what it’s like to feel empty and lost.
Ashley Poston writes about grief with honesty. She doesn’t rush Joni’s healing. There are setbacks, bad days, and moments when hope feels far away. I appreciated that. Healing isn’t a straight line. The story shows that it’s okay to not be okay. Sometimes, you just need someone to sit with you in the dark until you’re ready to find the light again.
Magical Realism
I have a confession. Magical realism usually makes me roll my eyes. I’ve read so many books where the “magic” feels tacked on, like someone sprinkled glitter over a regular story and called it special. But in Sounds Like Love, the magic feels different. It’s not just there for show. It’s the heartbeat of the book.
The magical telepathy between Joni and Sebastian hooked me right away. I remember reading the first scene where Joni hears that haunting melody in her head. I actually paused, took off my headphones, and listened for a second—just in case. That’s how real it felt. The magic in this book isn’t about spells or wands. It’s about connection. It’s about those moments when you feel like someone else just gets you, even if you can’t explain why.
I have to give props to Ashley Poston for making the magic feel so natural. It sneaks up on you. One minute, you’re reading about a girl with writer’s block. The next, you’re knee-deep in a world where music links two souls across miles and memories.
In my 20 years of reviewing, I’ve seen magical realism used in all sorts of ways. Sometimes it’s heavy-handed. Sometimes it’s so subtle you miss it. Here, it strikes a perfect balance. The magic never overshadows the real emotions. Instead, it shines a light on them. Joni and Sebastian’s connection through music feels both impossible and totally believable. I found myself wishing I could experience that kind of magic—just once.
Here’s what stood out to me about the magical realism in this book:
It’s tied to emotion. The magic only works because Joni and Sebastian are both hurting. Their shared song is a lifeline.
It’s not explained to death. I never got bogged down in rules or backstory. The magic just is.
It feels personal. I’ve had moments in my own life where a song or a memory felt like a message from someone I missed. This book captures that feeling.
To be fair, if you want a fantasy with big world-building or epic battles, this isn’t it. The magic here is quiet. It’s the kind that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. I loved that.
If you’ve ever wished for a sign from the universe, or felt a song was written just for you, you’ll get why this story’s magic hit me so hard. Sometimes, the most magical thing is simply being understood.
Characters
Joni
I have to start with Joni because, honestly, she’s the reason I kept turning the pages. I saw so much of myself in her—especially those moments when she stared at a blank page, waiting for inspiration that just wouldn’t come. Joni is a songwriter who’s lost her spark. She’s grieving, stuck, and a little bit angry at the world. I’ve been there. Maybe you have, too.
What I loved most about Joni was her honesty. She doesn’t pretend to have it all together. She messes up. She pushes people away. She doubts herself, big time. But she also keeps trying. That’s what made her journey so real for me. I found myself rooting for her, even when I wanted to shake her and say, “Just talk to someone, please!”
Joni’s growth felt natural. She starts out closed off, but little by little, she lets music—and people—back in. I have to give props to Ashley Poston for capturing that slow, painful process. It’s not easy to write a character who’s both frustrating and lovable, but Joni pulled it off. By the end, I felt like I’d watched a friend come back to life.
Sebastian
Now, Sebastian. I’ll be honest, I expected the usual brooding musician trope. But Sebastian surprised me. He’s awkward, gentle, and just as lost as Joni. He doesn’t sweep in to save her. Instead, he’s dealing with his own pain. That made their connection feel real.
Sebastian’s love for music jumps off the page. I could almost hear him strumming his guitar in the background. He’s not perfect—he makes mistakes, says the wrong thing, and sometimes hides behind his music. But that vulnerability made me care about him. I wanted him to find happiness, not just with Joni, but for himself.
The chemistry between Joni and Sebastian builds slowly. No insta-love here. Their relationship felt like a song that starts soft and grows louder with every verse. I found myself grinning at their awkward banter and holding my breath during their quiet moments. After reading over 3,000 books, I can confidently say their dynamic stands out in the best way.
Supporting Cast
The supporting cast in Sounds Like Love deserves a shoutout. Too often, side characters feel like cardboard cutouts. Not here. Joni’s family and friends add warmth, humor, and a dose of reality. Her mom, in particular, made me laugh and tear up—sometimes in the same scene.
I loved how the townsfolk brought the beach setting to life. Each one had quirks and stories of their own. They didn’t just exist to push Joni’s story forward. They felt like real people with real problems. That’s rare in a summer romance.
To be fair, some readers might want even more depth from the side characters. But for me, they struck the right balance. They made the world feel lived-in, not just a backdrop for the main romance.
In my 20 years of reviewing, I’ve learned that a strong supporting cast can make or break a story. Here, they made it. I finished the book wishing I could spend one more summer in that little beach town, just to see what everyone was up to.
Character Dynamics
When I think about what made Sounds Like Love stick with me, it’s the way the characters bounce off each other. Sometimes, characters feel like they’re just talking at each other. Here, I felt like I was eavesdropping on real people—awkward pauses, inside jokes, and all.
Joni and Sebastian have this slow-burn chemistry that made my heart do a little two-step. Their conversations start off clumsy. I could almost hear the nervous laughter and the way they fumble for the right words. It reminded me of those first, shaky steps you take when you’re trying to trust someone new. I have to give props to Ashley Poston for making their connection feel earned, not rushed.
There’s a scene where Joni and Sebastian share headphones, listening to the same song. I actually paused my audiobook and tried it myself. Spoiler: it’s as awkward and sweet in real life as it is on the page.
The supporting cast doesn’t just fade into the background. Joni’s mom, for example, brings out a softer side of her. Their arguments felt real—like the kind I’ve had with my own family when I’m stressed. Friends in the story push Joni to open up, even when she wants to hide. These moments add layers to the main romance. I found myself rooting for the whole group, not just the couple.
Here’s what stood out to me about the character dynamics:
Authentic Dialogue: The conversations sound like real people, not just plot devices.
Messy Emotions: No one has it all together. That made me care more.
Growth Through Connection: Joni and Sebastian help each other heal, but they don’t magically fix everything.
Sometimes, I wanted more from the side characters. A few felt like they had stories just waiting to be told. But to be fair, the focus stays tight on Joni and Sebastian, which keeps the story from feeling crowded.
After two decades of reviewing, I can confidently say that the character dynamics in Sounds Like Love are a big reason why I kept reading past midnight. The way these characters clash, connect, and change together felt honest. If you love stories where relationships drive the plot, this one will hit you right in the feels.
Writing Style
Lyrical Prose
I have to admit, I’m a sucker for beautiful writing. Sometimes, I’ll reread a single sentence just because it sounds so good. Ashley Poston’s prose in Sounds Like Love gave me plenty of those moments. Her words flow like a melody—sometimes soft, sometimes sharp, always with a rhythm that pulled me in. I found myself highlighting lines on my Kindle, just so I could come back and savor them later.
“A critical review from Shelf Awareness praises Ashley Poston’s ‘The Dead Romantics’ for its lyrical prose and storytelling, noting how she skillfully weaves romance, chaos, and complications into a refreshingly fun and spirited narrative. The review emphasizes the beauty and charm of her storytelling, which transforms ordinary messy situations into miraculous happy endings, thereby illustrating the strength of her lyrical prose and the presence of memorable quotes.”
Humor and Emotion
I’ll be honest, I love a book that can make me laugh and cry—sometimes in the same chapter. Poston nails that balance. Her humor sneaks up on you. One minute, I’m reading a line that makes me snort-laugh (thank goodness no one else was around). The next, I’m blinking back tears because she’s captured something so raw and real.
The jokes never feel forced. They come from the characters—awkward, honest, and sometimes a little weird. I related to Joni’s self-deprecating humor. It reminded me of my own late-night reading marathons, when I’m tired and everything feels a little bit funnier. The emotional moments hit even harder because of that humor. It’s like Poston knows exactly when to lighten the mood and when to let the sadness linger.
Pacing
I have to give props to Poston for her pacing. The story moves at a steady beat—never too fast, never too slow. I never felt lost or bored. Each chapter ends with just enough tension to keep me reading “one more page” (which, let’s be honest, always turns into five more). The structure feels tight, with no wasted scenes.
To be fair, some readers might find the plot a bit predictable. I guessed a few twists before they happened. Sometimes, I wanted a deeper connection with the characters, especially in the middle chapters. But the writing style kept me hooked. Even when I saw what was coming, I wanted to see how Poston would get there.
From my experience reviewing romance and magical realism, this book stands out because of its voice. The writing feels like a friend telling you a story—funny, honest, and a little bit magical. After reading over 3,000 books, I can confidently say that’s not easy to pull off. Sounds Like Love makes it look effortless.
Setting
Summer Atmosphere
I have a confession: I’m a sucker for any book that promises summer on the cover. I see a sun-drenched boardwalk or a pair of flip-flops, and suddenly I’m twelve again, racing down to the water with sand stuck between my toes. Sounds Like Love brought all those feelings back. I read most of this book sprawled on my porch, iced tea sweating beside me, and I swear I could almost smell the sunscreen and salt in the air.
Ashley Poston nails that summer feeling. The story pulses with heat and possibility. Every page feels like it’s humming with the energy of long, lazy days and nights that stretch on forever. I found myself slowing down, savoring the details—like the way the sun sets over the water, or how the air feels heavy with the promise of something new. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to grab your sunglasses and head outside, even if you’re just sitting in your backyard.
Some stories just slap on a beach scene and call it a day. Here, the season shapes everything. The characters move slower, talk softer, and let themselves feel things they might hide in colder months. There’s a reason tourism spikes in places like Sardinia during the summer—people crave that sun-soaked escape. The beach isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a mood, a promise, a little bit of magic.
Qualitative interviews show that the coast brings calmness, peace of mind, and awe. I felt that, too. The summer setting in this book soothed me, made me feel lighter, and honestly, a little more open to love.
Beach Vibes
I’ll be honest, I’m not always a “beach person.” I burn in five minutes and sand gets everywhere. But in Sounds Like Love, the beach feels like a character all its own. The waves crash in the background of every important conversation. The salty breeze carries secrets and songs. I could almost hear the gulls and taste the sea air.
There’s something about the beach that makes people let their guard down. Maybe it’s the endless horizon, or the way the tide washes everything clean. In the book, the beach becomes a place for Joni and Sebastian to heal, to connect, and to fall in love. I have to give props to Poston for capturing that emotional warmth. I read that some tourists describe the sea, sun, and beaches as ideal for falling in love—and I get it now. The landscape here feels tailor-made for romance.
The natural environment of the beach brings out feelings of love and joy.
The Mediterranean climate, even if you’re just imagining it, makes you more sensitive to emotions like hope and longing.
The beach setting adds emotional warmth and a sense of possibility.
After two decades of reviewing, I’ve learned that setting can make or break a romance. Here, the beach doesn’t just enhance the mood—it becomes the heart of the story. I finished the book wishing I could bottle up that summer feeling and keep it with me all year long.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
Emotional Depth
I have to admit, I’m a total sucker for books that make me feel something real. Sounds Like Love had me tearing up on my porch, iced tea in hand, as the sun went down. Joni’s grief and creative burnout felt so raw, I almost wanted to reach through the pages and give her a hug. Ashley Poston doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff. She lets her characters sit with their pain, and that honesty hit me right in the chest.
Unique Premise
I’ve read a lot of summer romances, but this one stands out. The magical telepathy through music? I didn’t see that coming. It’s not just a cute gimmick. It’s the heart of the story. Joni and Sebastian’s connection feels fresh and a little bit wild, like finding a secret song only you can hear. I have to give props to Poston for weaving magic into the everyday. After two decades of reviewing, I can confidently say this premise is one of the most original I’ve seen in a while.
Relatable Themes
This book gets what it’s like to feel stuck. Joni’s creative struggles, her family drama, and her search for meaning all felt so real. I’ve had my own moments of burnout, and I saw myself in her story. The themes of healing, friendship, and learning to trust again are universal. Even if you’ve never written a song in your life, you’ll find something here that hits home.
Weaknesses
Predictability
To be fair, I guessed a few of the plot twists before they happened. The story follows some familiar beats, especially if you read a lot of romance. Sometimes I found myself thinking, “Okay, I know where this is going.” That didn’t ruin the experience for me, but if you want jaw-dropping surprises, you might feel a little let down.
Connection Issues
I’ll be honest, there were moments when I wanted to feel even closer to the characters. Sometimes Joni kept her walls up for so long, I struggled to break through. A few side characters felt like they had more stories to tell, but the focus stayed tight on Joni and Sebastian. I craved a bit more depth from the supporting cast.
Here’s a quick summary table:
Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
Emotional depth | Predictable plot |
Unique premise | Occasional distance from characters |
Relatable themes | Some side characters underused |
From my experience, Sounds Like Love shines brightest when it leans into its heart and magic. It’s not perfect, but it left me humming and hopeful. That’s more than I can say for most summer reads.
Comparison
Other Poston Novels
I’ve read almost everything Ashley Poston has written, so I couldn’t help but compare Sounds Like Love to her earlier books. If you loved The Dead Romantics or The Seven Year Slip, you’ll spot her signature blend of magical realism and heartfelt emotion right away. Poston always gives her characters a touch of whimsy—ghosts, time slips, or, in this case, a melody that connects two souls. I noticed that her writing style stays lyrical and warm, but Sounds Like Love feels a bit more grounded. The grief and creative burnout hit closer to home for me than the supernatural elements in her other stories.
I have to give props to Poston for keeping her stories fresh. She doesn’t just recycle the same plot with new names. Joni’s journey feels unique, even though I recognized Poston’s voice in every chapter. After reading over 3,000 books, I can confidently say that not every author pulls off this kind of consistency without getting stale.
Similar Books
If you’re like me and you devour magical realism romances, you might have read books like Emily Henry’s Beach Read, Sarah Addison Allen’s Garden Spells, or Nina LaCour’s We Are Okay. These stories all blend real-life struggles with a hint of magic. I found Sounds Like Love fits right into this cozy, slightly quirky corner of the genre. The difference? Poston’s focus on music as a magical thread feels new. Most books lean on food, memories, or even ghosts. Here, the music almost becomes a character itself.
I also noticed that Sounds Like Love shares a lot with contemporary romance novels that tackle tough topics—grief, burnout, and family drama. But it never gets too heavy. I finished the book feeling hopeful, not weighed down.
What Sets It Apart
Here’s where I think Sounds Like Love really stands out:
The romance genre often gets dismissed as “trashy,” but books like this prove how much heart and depth these stories can have. I’ve seen tight-knit reader communities form around books that make people feel seen, and this one fits right in.
The story leans into a feminist perspective. Joni’s journey isn’t just about finding love—it’s about finding her own voice and power. I love seeing romance evolve to reflect empowerment and real growth.
The formula is familiar (love story, happy ending), but the character arcs and the way Poston weaves in modern issues make it feel fresh.
Music as a magical connection isn’t something I see every day. It’s a unique twist that sets this book apart from others in the genre.
I’ve noticed that romance readers often hide their favorite books because of stigma, but online communities are thriving. Sounds Like Love feels like a book you’d want to share with your book club or your best friend.
From my experience reviewing romance, I can say this book challenges the old stereotypes. It embraces the genre’s strengths—emotion, connection, hope—while giving readers something new to hum about. I finished the last page with a smile, thinking, “This is why I keep coming back to romance.”
I have to say, Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston gave me all the summer feels—music, magic, and a romance that made me smile and tear up. If you love stories about healing, creative burnout, and slow-burn love, this one’s for you. I’d rate it a solid 7/10. I finished the last page wishing I could hear Joni and Sebastian’s song for real. Have you read it yet? Drop your thoughts below—I’d love to swap book recs!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston a standalone or part of a series?
It’s a standalone! I finished the last page wishing for more, but there’s no sequel (yet). If you crave closure and hate cliffhangers, you’ll be happy here.
Do I need to love music to enjoy this book?
Nope. I can’t play a single instrument, but I still felt every note. The music adds magic, but the story’s heart is about healing and connection. If you’ve ever had a song stuck in your head, you’ll get it.
Is the romance spicy or more sweet?
Definitely sweet. The chemistry sizzles, but it’s more about longing glances and slow-burn tension. I never felt awkward reading it in public. If you want steam, you might want to look elsewhere.
How heavy is the grief theme? Will it make me cry?
I’ll be honest—I teared up more than once. The grief feels real, but Poston balances it with hope and humor. I never felt weighed down. If you need a cathartic cry, this book delivers.
Would teens enjoy this, or is it more for adults?
Both! I’m way past my teen years, but I still related to Joni’s struggles. The writing feels accessible for younger readers, but the themes hit home for adults, too. I’d hand this to my niece or my book club.
How does this compare to The Dead Romantics?
I’ve read both. Sounds Like Love feels more grounded and personal, with less supernatural chaos. If you liked the magical realism and emotional depth in The Dead Romantics, you’ll find a similar vibe here—just with more music and summer sun.
Is the magical realism confusing or easy to follow?
Super easy. I never got lost in rules or world-building. The magic just feels natural, like a secret only the characters share. Even after 3,000 books, I rarely see magical realism handled this smoothly.
Would you reread this book?
Absolutely. I already want to revisit that beach town and hear Joni and Sebastian’s song again. Some books fade fast, but this one lingers—like a melody you can’t shake.
