Kate’s writing shines in this book!
No spoiler arc review:
This book was so sweet! Kate is a master at writing devastating yearning. Genuinely, if you’ve been looking for yearning this is the book.
I love the complicated history of the FMC, Clementine. Her mother has an incurable condition that gets very little rep in media. As someone who also grew up too fast and became a caretaker of the adults around them, Clementine is very relatable in feeling responsible for other people and celebrating in others’ successes while downplaying her own. It takes meeting someone who loves her for who she is and not what she can do for them that holds a mirror up to herself, and forces her to question how she should move forward.
This book was heavily inspired by Hozier but I have some things I’d like to say about that. The description of his music, personality, and overall demeanor are what you’d associate with Hozier. Obviously most people don’t actually know him, which means outside of the general things most people know, the author made the MMC his own person. The majority of the time I read this I never pictured Hozier, because Tom truly is someone else.
Lastly, I did immersion reading and I have to say I LOVE that the book was from Clementine’s pov. I don’t think romance books have to be duel at all. HOWEVER what I loved about the way this audiobook was done was two narrators but the male voice actor did all of Tom’s lines and that’s it. It was very unique and a real treat.
If you enjoyed movies like A Star is Born, you’ll love this
Kate Golden’s writing truly captures the delicate balance between yearning and personal growth, emphasizing the emotional complexity of her characters. The protagonist, Clementine, presents a subtle yet powerful depiction of someone burdened by caregiving responsibilities for a parent with a rare, incurable condition—an aspect seldom explored in popular media. This adds authenticity and relatability, especially for readers who have experienced similar challenges of premature maturity and self-sacrifice. The narrative's appeal is intensified by the character Tom, who, though inspired by the singer Hozier, emerges as an independent and fully realized individual. This creative approach underscores how inspirations can be transformed to serve the story’s unique needs, reinforcing the theme of individuality and connection beyond superficial associations. A distinctive feature highlighted in this work is the audiobook's use of two narrators, with a dedicated male voice actor solely performing Tom’s lines. This method enriches the listening experience by offering a clear, immersive perspective that enhances character differentiation and emotional resonance without forcing a dual point of view in the novel format. Moreover, themes of love, self-discovery, and acceptance intertwine seamlessly, inviting readers to witness Clementine’s journey of understanding her worth beyond the caretaking role she embodies. Meeting someone who loves her genuinely challenges her to reflect inwardly and reconsider her future path—an inspiring message for anyone navigating complex relationships and personal identity. Fans of emotionally charged romances like "A Star is Born" will find this book particularly compelling, as it weaves music-inspired motifs with heartfelt storytelling. The nuanced depiction of romantic and familial bonds opens meaningful conversations about caregiving, personal desires, and the transformative power of love and acceptance.
