Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston
A Magical Musical Romance That Resonates Deeply.
Ashley Poston’s Sounds Like Love is an evocative contemporary romance infused with magical realism, centering on Joni Lark, a successful Los Angeles songwriter facing a crippling creative drought. When Joni returns to her coastal hometown of Vienna Shores, North Carolina, she is confronted with personal challenges, including her mother’s early-stage dementia and the impending loss of her cherished local music venue. In the midst of grief and creative block, Joni begins hearing a mysterious melody paired with a man’s voice in her mind — Sebastian “Sasha” Fell, the son of a legendary rocker struggling with his own shadows of legacy and addiction recovery. This inexplicable telepathic connection forces them together to write lyrics for the haunting tune they both hear. Poston masterfully explores the complex emotions of ambition, family bonds, vulnerability, and the bittersweet nature of dreams evolving over time.
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The novel excels in authentic character development and emotional depth. Joni’s journey from a burnt-out, guarded artist to someone rediscovering her true self and embracing vulnerability is both compelling and relatable. Sebastian, or Sasha, is more than just a love interest; he is a richly drawn character whose public glamour contrasts with his private struggles, creating a dynamic tension that fuels much of the story’s emotional power. Supporting characters like Joni’s stalwart best friend Gigi and her mother Wynona, whose decline due to dementia is handled with sensitivity, enrich the narrative. The story is not merely a romance but a heartfelt meditation on creativity, loss, and the courage to open oneself to connection and healing.
“A beautifully crafted novel that harmonizes magical realism with real-world struggles, offering readers a moving story about love, loss, and creative rebirth.”
The Book Guide® Editor
Poston’s writing shines through its blend of music, heartbreak, and hopeful romance wrapped in a small-town setting. The novel’s telepathic link between Joni and Sasha symbolizes the risks and rewards of intimacy—being truly seen and loved beyond defenses. Readers find it an emotional, atmospheric read with themes that resonate deeply about the meaning of success, love, and belonging. While some note a swift pace in the romance development, it remains a touching tale for anyone who appreciates music’s power and the human spirit’s resilience. Sounds Like Love stands as a stunning love letter to music, chosen family, and finding home within oneself and others.
Sounds Like Love (2025) by Ashley Poston
Sounds Like Love (2025) by Ashley Poston-
by The Book Guide® Editor4.6/5 Very good
