The Sound of Us

Radio Hearts #1

by Ashley Poston

America's favorite pop band, Roman Holiday, is done, dead, and so totally last year. For eighteen-year-old rockoholic Junie Baltimore, this is music to her ears. But when she discovers their sexy ex-lead singer hiding out on the boardwalk, her summer vacation becomes the cover story of the year.

She's willing to keep him a secret, but when a sleazy paparazzo offers her the cash she needs to save the bar her father left behind, could she sell out for the chance to save her future? Who is she kidding? That's a no-brainer...but she never planned on falling head over heels for the lead singer.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Young Adult, New Adult, Music, Fiction, Young Adult Contemporary

201 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 19, 2013

About the author

New York Times best-seller by day, fanfic author by night.

Viist her at www.ashposton.com.

Reviews

[Natalia · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was really light and short, but unfortunately wasn’t that good. The story was cliché and the characters were horrible. I don’t mind cliché characters and plot, sometimes the book might be fun even if it’s not that original, but here it wasn’t. It was as if the author was trying to make the main character “different”. Not only am I totally tired of seeing this sort of main characters, but she wasn’t even that different. The main characters was supposedly different, edgy and really into rock music. First of all the author seemed to know only 3 bands and they were really basic, the sort that everyone knows. I’m really tired of seeing the main character that is supposedly different, but actually has nothing unique about them.
The sort of relationship that is happening was sort of weird. They had no sort of connection and their meeting was awkward to say the least.
I really didn’t like this book. Not that there was something really wrong in this book, but it really annoyed me.

[Frankie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

My cheeks hurt from smiling -- THE SOUND OF US was such a fun ride. It struck just the right balance of humor, nostalgia (carnivals at the beach, crappy cars, dive bars), beautiful prose, and characters you want to be friends with. Junebug was a riot and after finishing this book all I want is to hang out with her and listen to the radio. She and her best friend, Maggie's, pop culture references (among them Harry Potter, Boy Meets World, Star Wars) had me laughing out loud and nodding my head like, YES, we all know the Cory and Topanga couple, and YES, omg, we all know how it feels to be stuck in a scene from a 90's movie.

My face when reading:



and after reading:



I haven't read many "New Adult" books that I love, but if more were like this, I would. Read it!

[Savvy Apperson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are there words to explain what I feel for this novel? It's fun and hilarious. The characters are amazing, feel real, and are great for laughs (and some tears). I have to say, while I love Junie and Roman, Maggie and Boaz are totes my favorites. Their lightheartedness and quirky natures off set the seriousness that Roman and Junie seem to possess. Junie's dour outlook on life seems to have damaged her "Fun" button but, I mean, come on, who doesn't want to fall in love with a broody rock star? Let alone be whisked away by said rock star to have a couple of wild times at the beach? I also love the tribute to all the 80's hairbands, and classic rock that seemed to be placed perfectly throughout the novel. So yeah, bro-ha's and bro-ho's, this one is going to be a re-read for me along with being a shiny new book in my collection.

[Dahlia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this so, so much, and in a category where it feels like every book is plagued with darkness, this is absolutely my new #1 rec when someone tells me they're looking for fun, lighter NA. The dialogue between the MC and LI is fantastic, and hanging out with them is just the best way to spend a few hours. Especially if you're into music-themed books, but even if you're just looking for fun, quirky characters to laugh with for a while, pick this one up ASAP.

[Candice Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book makes me want to date boys who wear suspenders and will make up ridiculous acronyms with me. It makes me want to wear red lipstick and leather jackets, and tell people about The Smiths, The Strokes, The 1975, Walk the Moon, Little Comets, X Ambassadors, and all my favorite music across decades. But mostly, it makes me want to get my ass in gear and do some writing, because sometimes you read a thing that PUSHES YOU. For me, THE SOUND OF US was that.

Ps, Roman Holiday 5eva!

[Dai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me encantaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

Mi lado adolescente dramática amó completamente esta historia. Junie y Roman son una pareja demasiado cute y aunque quise golpearlos en varias ocasiones disfrute demasiado leyéndolos.

Aunque mi favorito es Boaz... y su falda escocesa. ¡Quiero un libro de Boaz!

[Katie (Kitkatscanread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever wonder what it would be like to hang out with a pop star?
To see them behind the spotlight?

For Junie she gets the chance, but before long she discovers she's falling for Roman.
But Roman is still famous, and he'd never go out with a girl like Junie, right?

The Sound of Us is a epic tale of love, loss, friendship and being true to who you are.
This story will go far.

Fantastically written and a pleasure to read.

Full review: http://kitkat1242.blogspot.co.uk/2013...

[Christina (A Reader of Fictions) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ash Poston’s been on my radar increasingly, as I’ve been told by Dahlia that Geekerella is SUCH a Christina book. I picked up the second Radio Hearts book off of NetGalley a while back, because I have autoapproval and it has a pretty cover. Then I picked up The Sound of Us in a sale. Unfortunately, I’m not that impressed with Poston’s debut. I think it could have been pretty good, but a lack of editing was the kiss of death.

Honestly, I’m pretty offended that Bloomsbury’s Spark imprint felt this was worth selling. It’s frankly embarrassing how poorly this book is edited, considering that it first came out in 2010 and was picked up by Bloomsbury in 2013. It’s safe to say that, if editing was done, it was only of the spellcheck variety, meaning that there are lots of instances where wrong words are substituted. For example, miniature golf is referred to repeatedly as “put-put” and there’s a reference to “Robert Downy Jr.” There are so many more, and I thought about listing them all out (and may later on Goodreads if I’m feeling motivated). It’s a damn shame, because the whole reason I don’t read many self-pubs is because I want books that have been edited; I expected better out of the Bloomsbury name.

Aside from the atrocious lack of editing, The Sound of Us is just okay. I’m a sucker for celebrity romances, but this one never got me in the feels space. It was oddly hard for me to picture the characters, and the banter was not on point. Again, I think some editing could have made this shine, but here we are. I do appreciate that Roman was actually getting a bit pudgy, since he hadn’t been living the rock star life for about a year. You don’t generally see the hero losing his tone, so that was cool. I also like Junie’s dedication to her father’s bar and the focus on her grief. I just wish I bought into Junie and Roman having a future.

I’ll still be reading We Own the Night and Geekerella, but I’m less excited. And I really fucking hope Bloomsbury Spark edited book two.

[Hallie · Rating 2 out of 5]

A pretty fun premise let down by - a lot. For starters (and this is in the first section, so no spoilers), if the police are looking at someone for murder, they don't say "we couldn't find any witnesses to say he was somewhere else so he wasn't in their apartment killing her, so we'll let him go". Also, the vile journalist turned out to be ridiculously vile, and not even remotely credible. The scene at the cemetery near the end was -- thousands of mourning fans, reporters, etc, just outside the cemetery gates, where the memorial was held, and famous pop star sitting by dead girl's gravestone singing to her, almost unnoticed? Really??? Also - maybe things are different in the States, but how is it trespassing to go into a cemetery? Not sneaking in at night after it's closed, but during the day? Very much not my cup of tea.

[Jenny Kaczorowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a special magic that happens when you meet someone on vacation. Something about being away from the people and places that know you allows you to be more real. Ashley Poston captured that feeling and wrapped it up in the gauzy haze of stage lights and classic rock ballads. Junie is earnest and broken and resilient, just the kind of heroine I love, and Roman is a brilliant, delightful mess. Together, their chemistry sings. Sweet and funny, with so much heart and just the right amount of heat. The Sound of Us is everything a beach read should be. I'm still smiling, hours after finishing.

[Paula M · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can also read my review here.

"..falling in love is like hearing your favorite song for the first time. It's something so unsuspecting, something so quiet, that you don't realize it's happening until it's over, an all you is hear it again...."

We all have a band that EVERYBODY loves... except for you.


That is Rowan Holiday for Junie. His song irks her. Annoys her. So imagine them meeting... in a very awkward way. Let's just say that there are underwear involve!!

Ooooh guys!! I love this story so much. It is precious!! First of all, it's New Adult, a genre I am currently avoiding. But surprise surprise, this made me glad I gave it a chance. Second, it involves music!!!!! Does my exclamation point made my point? But not only music, it also involves hot swoony rock st- pop star. Third point, the heroine is me. Well not really, I don't have pink hair and I'm still working on my Radio heart status.. so what i'm trying to say is that I really identify with her.

And we all know that an awesome heroine you like plus a good and fun storyline makes a good read, yeah?

I don't even know what more to say other than it has a little bit of everything of what I've been looking for in a New Adult story. Yes, there's sexy parts and it has a funny and a riot of characters, but this book has a lot of heart too. Poston's characters are fleshed out. You relate to them and they're hard to let go. This book brings you joy and ache but it leaves you inspired and with realizations to think about. My one lost star there is just because of the romance. I just felt so deprived! I just want more Roman and Junebug moments together. Like, together together.

I didn't even had a hard time reading it, I finished it in one sitting and smiled and swooned and got teary eyed a little bit but when it came to the end, I had the biggest grin I could muster. Overall,The Sound Of Us is an engaging and poignant read. You read it. You'll love it. And you'll come back for more. Praise for Ashley Poston!

[Megan ~The Never Ending Book Basket · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading The Sound of Us. I came across this book on a blog about books in the new "New Adult" book genre/category. After reading the synopsis, I was intrigued to read this book and see if it was as good as it seemed. I was not disappointed. Not one bit.

Junie is a serious jem of a character. I'll be honest though, all of the characters in this book are gems. Junie is spectacularly real and unapologetic. (And you have to adore her pink hair.) Roman is charming yet very raw. Boaz and Maggie had me cracking up at just about everything they said, except for the times in which they were saying some pretty important and meaningful stuff. (That happened more than I thought it would.) When reading this book I also couldn't help but laugh out loud about every other page because of the quick whit these characters have. Their personalities shine through in this book, and I loved being able to laugh with them at every crazy thing they were saying and doing.

All of these characters come together to make a truly great story. The feelings that ooze out of this book feel wholly authentic, and nothing seems rushed or unreal. This story reads as if its actually happening, and will have you feeling every little bit. You feel what Junie feels. You feel for the other characters, and by the end of this book you will be rooting for all of them. (Even Caspian!)

The music in this book is spectacular. It is its own character and it makes this story something else. Every music reference, every moment involving music, and every song lyric you read will make you love the music and this book even more. The music exemplifies and amplifies every feeling and emotion that this book and its characters create.

All in all, this book was fantastic. The story and its events were wholly believable (even though the story is about a girl who meets and falls for a hiding rock star (or pop star depending on who you ask), its characters are adorably remarkable, and the feelings you will have reading this book will make you realize once again the power a good book has.

[Ezgi T · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ "i don't even know"

This feels like a cliche fanfiction, and I'm not a big fan of those. The main character is a "more of a classic rock type of girl" who "hates Roman Holiday" -- and Roman Holiday is the name of the pop? band in the book. It's very convenient to have the main character hate the band.

I didn't even read past chapter four but it doesn't take a genius to guess the rest of the book. There are many of the same story on Wattpad. Not that I have anything against cliches. I can enjoy a well-written cliche.

I just feel like this book isn't my cup of tea and I don't want to waste my time reading this. But if you're interested, I say give it a try--you might find yourself enjoying this.

[Sara (A Gingerly Review) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was ADORABLE!!! I wish I had read this sooner. On to book two!

[mae * ੈ✩‧₊˚ · Rating 5 out of 5]

how do i put to words about how i feel about this book?? let’s just say i gave it 5 stars and i cried the entire time after the 60% mark. this book made me realize how much i love my dad and that i’ll lose my mind if he dies and how much i live laugh love the rock boy romance🤭

[Casey (caseyreadss) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75☆

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty darn adorable and slightly more porny than I expected. Light read and I honestly think she's a solid writer.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I saw the cover for The Sound of Us I was instantly drawn to it, and after reading the synopsis, I knew I wanted to read it. The cover is eye catching and looks like the book could be a fun read, and it fits perfectly with the synopsis.
The protagonist of The Sound of Us is Junie, she 'works' at The Lining, her Father's bar that she has taken over in the running of it in the attempt to keep it standing after his passing. Leaving behind The Lining, Maggie, her best friend, and Caspian, her hook up, she goes on an unwanted vacation with her Mum and Step Dad, and her life as she knows it will never be the same after meting Roman Montgomery, lead singer of the broken up band, Roman Holiday.

The Sound of Us was an enjoyable, light read. The protagonist was easy to relate to. She has a unique personality and a hair style to match. I like how she is determined to keep the bar running, whether she is legal or not, how the workers are like family and how things remind her of her Dad.
Roman and Boaz were hilarious together, and I do think that occasionally Boaz outshone Roman with his spunky attitude and the words he spouted out of his mouth, but Roman was also very unassuming and blends into the background sometimes, which is understandable if you're trying to hide from the world.

The Sound of Us was full of a lot of emotional parts. I cried over the loss of Junie's Dad, but also laughed so hard I had tears in my eyes. One of my favourite parts was Plan B, a plan that Maggie, Junie's best friend, and Junie had planned from a young age, it definitely made me laugh as well as causing a distraction like it was intended to.  Junie is unexpectedly thrown into the spotlight, and I think she handles it considerably well, I loved getting to see her form a friendship with Boaz and Roman, even though they do lead her astray on occasion.

As The Sound of Us neared the end I enjoyed seeing how the past connected, but also how the present unfolded. The surprise for Junie from the employees of The Lining has got to be the best surprise ever, and it was something I did not see happening, I imagined the ending to turn out a different way. While the book didn't really end like I expected, it ended suddenly and I guess I wanted to see more of what happened next, I am looking forward to seeing what comes next in this series, will we get to follow the same characters or will we get to see other characters stories.

[Serendipity Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on www.serendipityreviews.co.uk.

This book was a refreshing change and a surprising one as it is on the debut list for Bloomsbury’s new ebook imprint, Bloomsbury Spark which is launched this month. The reason I found it refreshing was probably the setting. Considering how influential the musical and celebrity environment is on the younger generations, there aren’t many books that embrace the pop star phenomenon. I can only think of C.J. Skuse’s Rockoholic And Bridget Tyler’s Drummer Girl that are set in the music world and it is definitely a subject to be explored further.

Junie is about to embark on the annual family holiday, only this time without her dad. Not long after his death, her mum remarried her high school sweetheart and lost interest in the family run bar that is struggling to survive. Junie refuses to let it go under and reluctantly goes away with her mum, where she literally runs into one of the most notorious pop stars around, Roman Holliday, who had disappeared off the face of the earth since the death of his band mate, Holly. The two embark on an unlikely friendship, sparked by the tender flames of romance. There are a lot of similarities between Junie and Roman and their circumstances, which I do think helps to bring them together.

I loved all the characters. Each standing out proud and unique in their own way. Junie is one tough little cookie, not about to fall for a wallowing pop star…and yet Roman soon burrows into her affection. I loved Roman! He is the perfect blend of Adonis and geek; every girl’s dream. Maggie definitely stands out from the crowd, in her desperate attempts to get noticed by every male possible. There is an incident in the book referred to as Plan B and all I can say is that scene is priceless. I could envisage most girls doing this as a possible option when all other avenues have been exhausted.

This really was an enjoyable debut with quite a few poignant moments. With hints of many of the great 80’s movies, such as Roadhouse and Shag, this has a lovely retro feel to it and certainly lifts your spirits by the end. A solid and promising debut to put a smile on your face.

[Kelley Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seriously loved this book. I have a soft spot for stories that have some sort of music theme to them, and this one didn't disappoint. Poston did a fantastic job creating a flawed, confused and relateable character in Junie. Roman and Boaz and Maggie, the supporting characters in this tale, were well rounded and each had their own story outside of the one we were witness to.

I loved how I could feel Roman's pain and confusion and fear, even though I wasn't inside his head. The relationship between Junie and Roman was well developed and felt very authentic.

I can't wait to read more by this author.

[Ashley - Book Labyrinth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally read as Roman Holiday: Radio Hearts #1. When initially released the book had a bit of a non-ending to it. The Sound of Us, released by Bloomsbury Spark, definitely gives us more closure.

I'm keeping my rating at 4 stars, because that's what I had it at before, but I have to say that I didn't enjoy this book quite as much the second time around.

Overall, though, a cute read with larger than life characters.

[Samantha (WLABB) · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was really fun, and I loved the little surprises Poston stuck in there. That one at the very end may have made me a little misty.

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[Caz · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Sound of Us could have been so much more.

The book was full of plot holes and the love story is rushed.

Did Poston have a maximum word count for this book or was she just a little lazy in refining the story?

[Hazel (Stay Bookish) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 4-4.5

Was so surprised by how much I really liked this! It's a lovely book! Review tk.

[Judith Tewes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smartass rocker girl meets jaded boy band pop star in a glorious fusion of snappy one-liners, classic rock and pop culture references, and hotness. The Sound of Us is music to my keen reader ears.

[Jen McConnel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful, quirky love story! Complete with a light saber battle at midnight mini-golf, Junie and Roman's story will make you laugh, swoon, and speed read to find out what happens.

[VDC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite! Favorite! Favorite!! All the stars! Loved this one so incredibly much. I promise I'll review this more coherently soon. Until then, Ashley is my writer spirit animal.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing super fantastic but it was cute!

[Mella aka Maron · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Ashley Poston’s writing so I thought I’d check out this book of hers. I can tell it’s her and I can tell that it’s a bit rough around the edges but it’s so darn cute!

Junie was so real and raw. She was enough for this story and I won’t let anyone tell me otherwise. ❤️ Roman was a confusing character and I honestly wasn’t sure how the book would end with his weird reactions to things. 😂

Ultimately I had a lot of fun reading this book. I think some things felt like loose ends and some things were just weirdly written / not quite developed enough. But overall, this book is a fun and engaging read. It doesn’t try to be anything it’s not - it’s just weird and that’s okay.

[Seabrooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. A light, easy, cute read, finished in one evening and exactly what I needed on a low-mood day.