When the Music Hits: A Novel

by Amber Oliver

In this soulful debut novel set in the hypnotic music scene of New York City, a young woman lands her dream job at a major label—only to discover just how treacherous a place made to birth stars can be.

Growing up, Billie Grand sought solace in music, finding herself in the pulsing beats, striking lyrics, and mesmerizing voices that saved her when money issues and familial strife proved deafening. When she finally lands a coveted A&R assistant role at Lit Music Productions, one of the largest music labels in the country, it initially seems like everything she’s dreamed of—sleek offices, exclusive industry parties, flashy dealmaking—and she can’t wait until it’s her turn to find the next breakout headliner.

But as she continues to work at Lit, she discovers a dark side to all the glamor. The hours are long, the demands are insane, and Billie can’t shake the sense Lit’s higher ups are hiding something about their dealings. As Billie tries to sign her first artist, a shake-up threatens to change everything and endangers Billie’s already precarious place in the pecking order. Her love life, family, and friendships have all taken a hit, but Billie has her sights set on the stars. As a reckoning brews at the office and the costs of her dreams get ever higher, she will have to decide—is finding success worth losing herself?

When the Music Hits is a powerful and moving anthem for making space where there was none before, and introduces Amber Oliver as a blazing new talent to watch.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Music, Audiobook

Audible Audio

First published June 17, 2025

Reviews

[MJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a solid read. I was invested enough in the story to keep going, but it felt like there was a lot of build up to a predictable ending. The MC was hard to root for because she seemed very nieve. But I think that could also make her relatable to some readers. In my opinion this book will be loved by a younger audience that is interested in the music industry as this book is very descriptive in that area. I do wish it dug a little deeper into the characters. Overall, it was a good story.


Thank you Random House Publishing Group and Netgalley for this Advance Readers Copy ebook in exchange for my honest review

[Maren’s Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find myself enjoying stories that feature that peek behind the curtain in an allusive industry, and here, debut novelist Amber Oliver takes us into the brilliant but sometimes seedy world of music through the eyes of a young woman who lands the coveted role of A&R assistant at a prominent production company.

The story leads us through Billie’s time there as she navigates what had been her dream career, with the brutal realities of the industry itself, all while trying to maintain a work/life balance and pursue a blooming romance. While there is that romantic element, this is very much Billie’s story as she works to find her way in the world. I very much enjoyed this aspect— watching her come into her own and figuring out what she was willing to put up with, and what she wasn’t. And the author does a fantastic job of shining the light on the racial inequities present in the industry, an issue Billie hopes to be able to address in her career once more established.

Overall, a solid read, and I think those who are drawn to music-themed fiction and bios will really appreciate this debut. Also of note, the audio narrated by Ashley J. Hobbs, is fantastic.

Read if you like:
▪️women’s fiction
▪️coming of age
▪️debut novels
▪️books ft the music industry
▪️social commentary

Thank you Ballantine and PRH for the gifted copies.

[Andre(Read-A-Lot) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breezy novel. A inside look at the sordid music business through the eyes of protagonist Billie Grand. Billie has always loved music and set her sights early on to become an A&R executive at a major record label. There are myriad references to music theory, styles, instruments, mixing, etc., all designed to infuse the book with authenticity. Those references sometimes feel forced which blunts the hoped for authenticity. But the emotional moments and the feelings we get along Billie’s journey are real and sits you inside the story like a comfortable recliner. The author’s obvious passion for music is contagious and Billie’s universal relatability makes this story compelling. An exciting debut. Thanks to Netgalley and Ballantine for an advanced DRC. Book hits June 17,2025

[nestle • whatnestleread · Rating 3 out of 5]

We had a bit of a rocky start—I actually DNF’d it the first time around. But I came back, finished it, and while I wanted to love it, it just didn’t fully land for me. The premise? Super strong: a young Black woman fighting to make space for herself and others like her in the NYC music industry. There’s a lot to admire, especially the themes around identity, ambition, and how the industry can chew people up.

As much as I rooted for Billie, I never fully connected with her or the way her journey unfolded. The plot felt more like a string of moments than a cohesive arc, and by the second half, I was kind of skimming to just see where it all ended up. That said, I did appreciate Oliver’s perspective and the clear love she has for music. It really came through in all the little details and references.

Even though this wasn’t quite it for me, I still vibe with the author’s style, and I’m looking forward to seeing what she writes next.

[Sacha · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

A great debut does two things for me: (1) it stands on its own as a compelling read and (2) it makes me excited to read more from the author. _When the Music Hits_ easily meets both goals.

Billie Grand, named after Billie Holiday, is working toward her own iconic status. Like many, Billie has an incredible love for music and sees herself supporting new artists and nurturing their careers. The road to this goal is lengthy and challenging, and while Billie is rationally prepared for some of those realities, living them is a whole other experience. When Billie gets an entry-level opportunity at a major label, she perceives that she is on the verge of achieving her larger goals, but in this position, she becomes even more aware of how much her identities and the nature of the industry are barriers to her success.

Along with Billie's professional challenges, which are largely at the heart of her experience, she has two major relationships - and a third that is also compelling - that really shape her and the novel overall. Billie's romantic relationship reveals a different side of her that is in some ways more open and vulnerable than she can be at work (though a major issue in this relationship is how detached she's become as she focuses more on her career). Billie's relationship with her mother is also a highlight. Her mom is not good at adulting, and Billie is too used to cleaning up after the same mess her mom keeps finding herself in. Because of the repeat offenses, this becomes a really easy and intriguing way to chart Billie's progress. In the same situation, will she continue to respond as she has been and grow increasingly frustrating? Alternatively, will she establish a boundary and do what is right for her instead of constantly sacrificing herself? The third relationship is with a coworker who shares many similarities with Billie. This person helps Billie see what the future may hold and also helps her feel less isolated in a novel that is very much about how alone one can feel on the path to finding themselves.

In a relatively compact package, Oliver creates a layered character whose coming of age journey feels authentic, and while it is incomplete, it is still satisfying. I recommend this read, and I'll be looking forward to more from Amber Oliver.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Jordan Hill Forney at Random House, Dial Press & BBD for this widget, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a coming of age debut set in New York City that sees Billie, young Black woman trying to break into the music industry as an A&R exec only to discover the record label where she finally lands an assistant job, isn't as great as she had hoped. The book felt a lot like a mix between the movie Brown sugar and The devil wears Prada and was a bit too slow moving for my taste. Overall it was just an okay read for me. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review.

[Heidi Gorecki · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️s. I liked the culture and authenticity in the book, as Billie tries to follow her dream working in the music industry and navigating the intensity, dysfunction, and corruption, but also the joy and fulfillment of working with artists and making a difference with something you love.

The cultural and racial struggles she faced were really well presented and I liked seeing and learning of the world from Billie’s and other characters’ perspectives. I also enjoyed her friendships a lot in the book - I loved the support and honesty she and her friends invested in each other.

I did struggle with the very elaborate sections of the music industry mechanics - so many artist and band names, music theory and genre details. I am not really in that world so it felt like reading a technical document often and I ended up losing the plot a little. On the opposite end it kind of skimmed thru other parts of Billie’s story like starting her job or leading up to that part of the story that would help round it out instead.

Overall the writing was well done and I enjoyed the story, but I got kind of stuck on the minutiae. Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The description provided for this book really peeked my interest, so I was very excited to received an eARC of When the Music Hits, by Amber Oliver. The author follows a recent college graduate, Billie, as she works hard to carve out a lane for herself in the music industry. I found the insight very interesting, painting the picture of how difficult it is to be successful in the music industry. Throughout the book, the author goes deep into Billie’s music influences, often setting the scene with heavy music descriptions. This is a unique angle but the struggle for me was that it felt like it slowed the story way down. I often found myself skipping over the mood-setting music explanations by halfway through the book. Maybe someone with a strong background in the NYC music scene would find that more interesting. Similarly, the dialogue was along the same lines for me. I found the dialogue to be distracting, at times, although I’m sure it’s reflective of the NYC culture of those neighborhoods. Billie has a complex relationship with her mother, and is forced to often sacrifice her relationship with her friends for her career. I loved that Billie eventually drew a line in the sand, with her mom, and that she began to receive recognition for all of her extra hours spent at her job.

Overall, the 2nd half of this book was really enjoyable for me. Once the story got moving, I liked the behind-the-scenes look at how an artist would sign with a record label. I would recommend this book to someone in the young-adult genre, with an interest in the music industry.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this eARC!

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was sooo good! The story came alive for me. Loved the writing + the characters. The dialogue, music references + attention to small details like what the characters were wearing/eating/worrying about really set the mood. Excellent 4.5⭐ debut novel. A big thank you to Random House + Goodreads. I was thrilled to win an advanced reader copy in a Goodreads giveaway.

[Tilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

An earnest contemporary coming of age story set in New York’s prestigious and imperfect music industry. We follow Billie Grand, who dreams of working for a record label and uplifting Black voices, as she follows her passion and learns the hard way about the flaws in the system, as well as balancing her blossoming career with competing familial and romantic relationships. The gorgeous cover of this novel really encapsulates the cinematic feel of the story, and I could easily imagine a successful screen adaptation with dramatic lighting and an incredible soundtrack. As a book, however, it lacked some momentum; I kept waiting for a big reveal or twist that never came. Billie had challenges, but there were never any real setbacks or consequences as she pursued her dream, despite all the built-up tension. And, although there was great dialogue and some searing commentary on the racial and social inequities of the music industry, the characters felt a little underdeveloped, and I wasn’t always sure what they were thinking. Still a solid and compelling read, but not as satisfying as it might have been.

3.5 stars

Thanks to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Ash · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 overall it was a pretty decent story. The story follows Billie a music lover after getting her degree, to trying to land a job at music label as an A’R executive (her dream job) but instead becomes an assistant that will eventually work her way up. She has the support of her bff and her man but even they begin to question if the job is actually worth it because of the lengths this company goes to suppress black and brown people. But Billie wants to stay at this job to fight for those within to bring more for her community. I loved how the author intertwined the steers of New York with the culture and music. The storytelling was great but I felt that the ending of the book was a bit rushed after all of the buildup. I would still recommend this book to others and can’t wait to see what else this author has under her belt. Grateful for a complimentary copy for my honest book review.

[Morgan Gayles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay so boom… when I say this book was on brand for everything we see in the music industry today?! Whew. Billie is fresh outta college, just tryna get her foot in the door, but quickly finds out that being a Black woman in a male-dominated, messy music world is no small task. The racism, the sexism, the micro (and macro) aggressions? Very much present.

What I loved most though is how she’s constantly reminded, specifically by her boyfriend, that she can’t lose herself in the grind. The balance between chasing dreams and staying grounded is real, and sis had to make some hard choices that could shift her entire career.

[Meredith Schorr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really good! As a reader, I got to be an insider in the music industry and learn all about A&R! While the writing style was conversational and appealing, the story itself told of the rampant racism in the music industry and the inequities faced by Black and Brown artists. Billy was a passionate main character and her character growth as she persevered toward her dreams while sticking to her moral ground was really wonderful to follow. The way she communicated her issues to her mother and boyfriend were mature and admirable, something we don't see that often in novels. I'm excited to see what this author brings us next.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Amber Hooper · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️.5/5 stars. I went in thinking I was going to love this book because I love music. I do appreciate what Billie as fighting for and how she found a mentor in Nina. I can see some people loving this book, but it wasn't for me.

[Tanisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Maraya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book. Gives Insecure meets The Bold Type vibes. Such rich characters and friendships! Great plot and keeps a great pace through. Highly recommend.

[Shakkiena Mackey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amber Oliver's debut novel, 'When the Music Hits,' immerses readers in the vibrant yet challenging world of New York City's music industry through the eyes of Billie Grand, a young Black woman navigating her dream job at Lit Music Productions. The novel delves into the complexities of ambition, identity, and the industry's darker undercurrents, offering a poignant exploration of privilege and power dynamics. Oliver's lyrical prose and authentic portrayal of the music scene make this a compelling read for those interested in the intersection of culture and personal growth.

[Becca · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not love this book, I honestly didn't really like it. The writing style felt a lot like the main character was telling me about herself, her life, instead of showing me through action. There were also a lot of really specific details about music in a way that felt like the author or character were just flexing the long list of artists they knew, which really wasn't that interesting. I felt myself skimming a lot of this book to just see where the plot ended up because a lot of the prose was just not very compelling. Overall I liked the plot and there were a lot of interesting characters and their relationships we saw develop, I just think the storytelling and writing style could be improved.

[Viola Estrella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook version. The story follows a Black woman fighting to earn her place at a high-profile music company. The story doesn’t shy away from the racism and quiet hostility she faces. It examines it with precision and grace. The writing is crisp, layered, and full of insight. Every scene feels intentional.

The narrator’s voice carries the weight of each moment, amplifying the tension, vulnerability, and strength in the prose.

When the Music Hits isn’t about easy wins. It’s about persistence, pride, and the price of ambition. And it’s absolutely worth your time.

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

Enjoyed the audio. Quick read with a look into the music industry for BIPOC.

Lucas annoyed me when he NEVER asked how Billie’s event went & focused only on himself & I can’t stop thinking about it 😐

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amber Oliver's When the Music Hits feels like a backstage pass to the New York music scene — the good, the bad, and the ugly. It's the kind of story that makes you lean in close, like someone's spilling industry secrets over drinks after hours.

The plot's simple enough: Black woman lands dream job at big record label, discovers dream might actually be a nightmare. But Oliver, who grew up between the Bronx and Harlem, turns this familiar setup into something electric. She writes like someone who's seen behind the curtain and lived to tell about it.

What makes this book sing is how real it feels. The dialogue crackles with authenticity; you can practically hear the studio sessions and boardroom battles. Oliver nails the little details: the passive-aggressive emails, the subtle power plays, the way success in the music industry often means leaving pieces of yourself at the door.

This isn't just another "making it in the big city" story. It's about what happens when you finally get that seat at the table, only to realize you're expected to play by rules you never agreed to. Oliver asks the hard questions: Can you change a system from the inside? What's the real cost of success? And at what point does compromise become surrender?

At 288 pages, the book moves like a well-produced track, no filler, all killer. Sure, some subplots could use more airtime, but the main story hits hard and stays with you.

For a debut novel, this one's got serious replay value. Oliver might play it safe occasionally, but her voice is fresh, and her perspective is exactly what contemporary fiction needs. If you've ever wondered what really goes on behind those platinum records and glossy music videos, this book's got your answer, and it might make you think twice about what "making it" really means.

[Cynthia Kumanchik · Rating 5 out of 5]

With The Other Black Girl meets The Devil Wears Prada vibes, author Amber Oliver gives readers an inside view into the music industry and the struggles of the protagonist, Billie Grand, as she attempts to make her mark.

Billie Grand works hard to establish herself and lands a job as an assistant at Lit Music Productions, a large music label. Ambitious and driven, she assimilates into the company’s culture to eventually represent emerging artists. Billie strives to balance her work demands with her mother’s need for support while keeping her boyfriend happy.

The novel is an engaging and immersive read, thanks to its lively descriptions of the New York music industry and relatable characters. I thank Random House and NetGalley for allowing me to write and review When the Music Hits.

[Adanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re a music enthusiast or someone who loves stories that dive deep into ambition and integrity, When the Music Hits is definitely a debut to check out.

Music lover Billie is fierce, driven, and idealistic. Navigating the high-stakes music industry, her determination often blinds her to the ethical dilemmas surrounding her, as she confronts systemic issues like racism, sexism, and classism. Ambition clashes with values, forcing Billie into tough choices.

Outside of work, Billie is also dealing with the complex relationship with her mother. You can feel every ounce of her struggle in how to handle this problematic relationship. Fortunately, Billie is supported by her boyfriend, Lucas, and her best friend, Alicia.

While the ending wraps up a bit too neatly for my taste, When the Music Hits sparks conversations about the price of success and the sacrifices we make along the way as well as the dynamics of mother-daughter relationships.

When the Music Hits is a powerful debut that masterfully intertwines themes of race, power, and self-discovery, creating a rich tapestry that lingers long after the last page is turned.

[Chanika R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kudos to Oliver for being a music connoisseur whose love of the craft was obvious on every single page. That was easily the highlight of the work, but I wish I found Billie more compelling as a character. Her angst seemed manufactured at times, despite the use of her more conscious partner as obvious juxtaposition. All in all, it was a decent summer read that fed my love of music and NYC.

[Trisha]

YES! This cover alone sells me!

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

[Jennifer B · Rating 4 out of 5]

“When the Music Hits” is a vibrant love letter to the Bronx, to New York City, and to the healing power of music. It captures the pulse of chasing big dreams in the city that never sleeps while highlighting the systemic challenges that often stand in the way—particularly for those from BIPOC communities.

As a born-and-raised New Yorker, I picked up this book hoping to feel that familiar sense of home. I also love music and often use it as therapy, so this story spoke to me on multiple levels. Through Billie’s journey, I got to step inside the music industry and learn about the world of A&R from an insider’s perspective. Amber Oliver doesn’t shy away from exposing the rampant racism and inequities that Black and Brown artists face, making this both an enlightening and heartfelt read.

After earning her college degree, Billie lands a coveted position as an A&R assistant at Lit Music Productions. At first, it feels like everything she’s ever dreamed of—she’s scouting talent, searching for the next big headliner, and finally working in the industry she loves. But beneath the glamour lies a darker reality. Billie faces constant microaggressions from her white colleagues and witnesses the exploitative practices that prioritize profit over authenticity.

Trying to sign her first artist forces her into painful conflicts—with her loved ones, her values, and ultimately herself. The job quickly consumes her life. From the age of 14, Billie has worked hard to support her family, paying bills and carrying responsibilities far beyond her years. Even in her dream job, she continues to shoulder the weight—working long hours, sacrificing family events, her boyfriend’s milestones, and her own well-being to prove herself in a cutthroat industry.

I loved that both Billie and her boyfriend are artists in their own right—it added depth to their dynamic and showed how music connects and challenges them. Her friendship with her best friend was another highlight, grounding her amid the chaos.

On the flip side, Billie’s mother’s toxic relationship and dependence on her daughter’s income added emotional weight, making Billie’s sense of responsibility feel even more real. Her boss—an egotistical, coke-fueled executive—was infuriating to read, and I have to admit, I was satisfied to see him finally get what he deserved.

While part of me wished Billie had left Lit to work with the other woman who offered her a different path, I respected her decision to stay and carve out her own lane.

The novel immerses you in Billie’s life from the very beginning. It doesn’t romanticize the hustle—it shows the exhaustion, the sacrifices, and the emotional toll. But it also celebrates the joy of music, the strength of community, and the power of reclaiming one’s voice.

Billie’s growth is inspiring. She recognizes how much of herself she’s compromised and takes bold steps to change not only her trajectory but also the culture within the company. The finale is both dramatic and empowering—a fitting close to a story about finding your rhythm in a world that tries to silence it.

“When the Music Hits” is more than just a music-industry story; it’s a coming-of-age tale about ambition, identity, and resilience. Amber Oliver delivers a powerful, emotional, and deeply New York narrative that lingers long after the final page.

[Sarahjini Nunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a lover of urban music, the title and cover art reeled me in immediately. From page 1, I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed. Having a front row seat in Billie’s life evoked all levels of my emotional inventory. I cheered for her ambition and the motivation she possessed to overcome, better herself, and succeed despite her familial circumstances. I cursed her decision-making when it came to her personal life. My heart leaped for the one real friend she had in her corner amidst the many wolves that surrounded her. I felt utter disdain at some of the experiences that Billie endured as she tried to make it in the music industry. My heart leaped with joy at her ability to stay true to herself, and I applauded when she was able to stand up for herself. Lastly, I felt the nostalgia that was created with all the descriptions of NYC and the urban music scene. Simply phenomenal!

I truly enjoyed this book and appreciated the storyline, theme and apparent research that went into writing it. I enjoyed the romance theme and the depiction of healthy love emerging which overshadowed the toxicity in Billie’s life and breathed life into her. I would’ve loved to know a little more background on a few of these characters probably because I now feel personally invested in Billie’s world. I would definitely recommend this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the ARC!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, author Amber Oliver, and Random House Publishing-- Ballentine for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

An enjoyable read! I love books about the music industry, and this was an interesting one. I was impressed by Oliver's knowledge of artists; there were several less mainstream artists that I enjoy name-dropped throughout, and I immediately wanted to look up others based off of her description. It really helped to set the tone of the novel and emphasize Billie's passion and talent. I thought Oliver's writing was SO descriptive and was the highlight of the novel for me. Her characters were so dimensional, and I wish that Samirah was an actual musician that I could see/listen to! The story was engaging, if a little typical, and I was mostly hooked in. I do think that by the halfway mark, some plot points got a bit repetitive, and this book did feel a lot longer than its actual length. I could see where the ending was headed, and I wasn't surprised by the events that occurred, which wasn't a bad think but also didn't have me fully hooked in. I don't think the romance aspect added much to the story, but I did enjoy Billie's working relationship with Nina. If you enjoy reading about music and the music industry and are looking for a book with great writing, I recommend giving this a shot.

[Bargain Sleuth Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House/Ballantine Books for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

When the Music Hits is a coming-of-age story that also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the music industry. The story revolves around Billie, a young Black woman fresh out of college and wants to break into the industry. The tone is reflective and hopeful as it focuses on a myriad of things young Black adults encounter: power dynamics within a contemporary Black-female perspective, systemic microaggressions, and carving out space in a dominant culture setting.

The book was a little slow to start, but the pace picked up eventually; I cruised through the second half of the book, which I thought was much better. I was invested in the story and was really rooting for Billie to become an A&R executive. She does land a job with a record label, but as anyone can tell you, the path toward reaching one’s goal is not always smooth-sailing. As an assistant, Billie finds out that some things about working in the music industry aren’t as great as she hoped.

I don’t want to nit-pick, but I found Billie a bit naive, even after going through some things that should have wised her up a little. I think the book realistically shows how parts of the music industry work. I thought the build-up to a pretty predictable ending was a bit of a letdown, but overall, a very solid read.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

When The Music Hits by Amber Oliver as not my type of book at all. That being said, it was well done. The characters were well-written and well-rounded. The plot was interesting and in depth. The pacing was good and the conclusion was satisfying. It was about a young black woman, Billie, who had graduated from college and gotten her Masters’ and wanted nothing more than to work in the music industry, ideally a record company where careers could be made. She stayed on top of the music scene and had thousands of followers on Insta and TikTok. She had applied at all the major record companies and been rejected. She came into the last available one as second choice and was amazed, not thrilled, by what the duties of an assistant were. But, she watched and listened and waited for her shot. He boyfriend was a photographer and her best girlfriend a Jill-of-many-trades, wanting to be a journalist. It appeared to be a realistic story of young people starting on their life journeys. It was a good book. If only I was the right person to be reading it.

I was invited to read When the Music Hits by Ballantine Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BallantineBooks #AmberOliver #WhenTheMusicHits