What do you think?
Rate this book
Win a free print copy of this book!
23 days and 01:40:55
10 copies available
U.S. only
Motor City Love Song
Not yet published
Expected 10 Feb 26Win a free print copy of this book!
23 days and 01:40:55
10 copies available
U.S. only
No one knows why the queen of indie rock vanished from the Detroit scene twenty years ago. Now, her ex-girlfriend is determined to track her down—and what she uncovers will change everything.
Detroit, 1997. At the Artemis Club, Paloma is chasing rock-and-roll stardom, with her girlfriend and manager Jace committed to making her a worldwide indie sensation. But when Paloma suddenly disappears from the public eye in 2001, Jace is left to pick up the pieces.
Two decades later, Jace thought she’d left music for good. Yet when the Artemis Club is threatened, she commits to saving the venue even though she’ll have to track down Paloma, whose early-career hit just went viral. Paloma has her reasons for not wanting to be found, and Jace isn’t eager to reopen old wounds. Still, each keeps measuring her life against the love she lost. With the Artemis’s fate at stake, Jace and Paloma are pulled back into the scene they once ruled...and back toward each other.
Told in two voices, this sapphic salute to Detroit’s garage band era shows that sometimes, the truth is the most powerful love song of all.
Detroit, 1997. At the Artemis Club, Paloma is chasing rock-and-roll stardom, with her girlfriend and manager Jace committed to making her a worldwide indie sensation. But when Paloma suddenly disappears from the public eye in 2001, Jace is left to pick up the pieces.
Two decades later, Jace thought she’d left music for good. Yet when the Artemis Club is threatened, she commits to saving the venue even though she’ll have to track down Paloma, whose early-career hit just went viral. Paloma has her reasons for not wanting to be found, and Jace isn’t eager to reopen old wounds. Still, each keeps measuring her life against the love she lost. With the Artemis’s fate at stake, Jace and Paloma are pulled back into the scene they once ruled...and back toward each other.
Told in two voices, this sapphic salute to Detroit’s garage band era shows that sometimes, the truth is the most powerful love song of all.
304 pages, Paperback
Expected publication February 10, 2026
4 people are currently reading
3892 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 3, 2025
This novel was fine, objectively, but some parts just were not for me I suppose. The writing was objectively good and that entire aspect of the novel was well done. Same thing with the story structure, and all that jazz. The author was clearly knowledgeable and passionate about the subject matter and did their research (references in the back!) which I ALWAYS love to see. This novel had a nice little mystery right from the start and it did a great job of hooking my attention and keeping me engaged with the story throughout.
These characters were also well developed and written, messy, relatable, and incredibly human.
Rating: "C" / 3-Stars
Where this novel lost me (first) however is that it spent a lot of time (particularly in the first half) on scenes that I didn’t find relevant to the plot that I wanted to read about (the protagonists and their relationship, history, and what comes next) and I didn’t find all that interesting. It was almost like a slice-of-life story for a big part of it, and I simply wasn’t that engaged; I wanted them to get to the meat of the story that I was promised! If you are particularly interested in the music scene or some slice-of-life action then you might like this novel more than I did.
Then in the second half it lost me further because I didn’t like the “twist” (spoilers are CRIPPLING my ability to review this lol) and the reason for their falling out. I didn’t particularly like protagonist #2; I understood their character and all that and it was realistic, but in a lot of ways it was underwhelming as a story and I just didn’t get on the bandwagon. Their past issues stemmed largely from a lack of communication (ugh) and some other elements which I didn’t particularly love. I also found that the impact of everything was much less than I expected; nothing overly dramatic, no blow-up or big confrontation, just………events taking place.
This novel also fell into a personal pet peeve for me which is when a second chance romance doesn’t have a “past fallout” that is roughly equivalent to the “how we make it better in the present” (technical terms, I know!). Basically, there were some rather large issues in the past but in the present the resolution was mild and underwhelming. I realize a lot of time passed so the characters had “gotten over things” but…..still.
I might recommend to the author that the “twist” might necessitate a content warning because some readers are very put off by… certain things. I also realize that would end up being a spoiler….. idk you do you.
All that said, my response to this novel is “ehh”. Not amazing, not terrible. This WOULD however make a GREAT book club novel though I think. I can already think of several points I am conflicted about which would result in some great discussions; I would sign up for that book club and read this novel again for it in a heartbeat.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.
These characters were also well developed and written, messy, relatable, and incredibly human.
Rating: "C" / 3-Stars
Where this novel lost me (first) however is that it spent a lot of time (particularly in the first half) on scenes that I didn’t find relevant to the plot that I wanted to read about (the protagonists and their relationship, history, and what comes next) and I didn’t find all that interesting. It was almost like a slice-of-life story for a big part of it, and I simply wasn’t that engaged; I wanted them to get to the meat of the story that I was promised! If you are particularly interested in the music scene or some slice-of-life action then you might like this novel more than I did.
Then in the second half it lost me further because I didn’t like the “twist” (spoilers are CRIPPLING my ability to review this lol) and the reason for their falling out. I didn’t particularly like protagonist #2; I understood their character and all that and it was realistic, but in a lot of ways it was underwhelming as a story and I just didn’t get on the bandwagon. Their past issues stemmed largely from a lack of communication (ugh) and some other elements which I didn’t particularly love. I also found that the impact of everything was much less than I expected; nothing overly dramatic, no blow-up or big confrontation, just………events taking place.
This novel also fell into a personal pet peeve for me which is when a second chance romance doesn’t have a “past fallout” that is roughly equivalent to the “how we make it better in the present” (technical terms, I know!). Basically, there were some rather large issues in the past but in the present the resolution was mild and underwhelming. I realize a lot of time passed so the characters had “gotten over things” but…..still.
I might recommend to the author that the “twist” might necessitate a content warning because some readers are very put off by… certain things. I also realize that would end up being a spoiler….. idk you do you.
All that said, my response to this novel is “ehh”. Not amazing, not terrible. This WOULD however make a GREAT book club novel though I think. I can already think of several points I am conflicted about which would result in some great discussions; I would sign up for that book club and read this novel again for it in a heartbeat.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.
October 4, 2025
This is a sweet book about Jace and Paloma who are girlfriends but have fallen out due to Paloma's anxiety and a number of other things. It's about their relationship issues, music, and a lot of issues anyone can relate to: very unique!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
October 6, 2025
This is a hard book for me to rate because overall the story is good, but the execution fell very very very short. This felt like a second draft with miles to go. Many aspects were rushed and told rather than shown, and the characters were very one-note with little to no arc. I think the most frustrating part was how underdeveloped the love story was considering this is a romance. It’s a 2.5 but I simply cannot round up to a 3. But again, the concept is good and I was very interested in what was going to happen - the writing just needed significantly more work.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!
November 5, 2025
Thank you Net Galley for the ARC!
2.5 stars rounded up to 3
Motor City Love Song by Lisa Peers is a second chance romance taking place at the centre of the music scene in Detroit. The author does a wonderful job of immersing you in this setting. She is evidently passionate about the subject and you can feel the love for it in her writing. The story is told alternating between the past and present. This was great for building the history between Jace and Paloma and getting the reader invested in their relationship. And I was invested! I wanted to know how their meeting again after all these years was going to play out. This is unfortunately where things began to fall flat for me. Present day Jace and Paloma resolved their problems a little too easily… there was some major fallout all those years ago plus a massive bombshell dropped by one of the protagonists after they reunited. I was wanting more on page discussion, more work done towards their eventual getting back together. Overall the writing was solid, the story itself was interesting, but the romance itself was underwhelming.
December 7, 2025
📚Motor City Love Song
✍🏻Lisa Peers
Blurb:
No one knows why the queen of indie rock vanished from the Detroit scene twenty years ago. Now, her ex-girlfriend is determined to track her down—and what she uncovers will change everything.
Detroit, 1997. At the Artemis Club, Paloma is chasing rock-and-roll stardom, with her girlfriend and manager Jace committed to making her a worldwide indie sensation. But when Paloma suddenly disappears from the public eye in 2001, Jace is left to pick up the pieces.
Two decades later, Jace thought she’d left music for good. Yet when the Artemis Club is threatened, she commits to saving the venue even though she’ll have to track down Paloma, whose early-career hit just went viral. Paloma has her reasons for not wanting to be found, and Jace isn’t eager to reopen old wounds. Still, each keeps measuring her life against the love she lost. With the Artemis’s fate at stake, Jace and Paloma are pulled back into the scene they once ruled...and back toward each other.
Told in two voices, this sapphic salute to Detroit’s garage band era shows that sometimes, the truth is the most powerful love song of all.
My Thoughts:
This is a sweet book about Jace and Paloma who are girlfriends but have fallen out due to Paloma's anxiety and a number of other things. It's about their relationship issues, music, and a lot of issues anyone can relate to: very unique! Set in Detroit with an indie rock scene, the setting of this book was great. I really enjoyed how I’m immersive it was.
Jace was a club manager and Paloma was an indie rock queen things seemed to be going well chances to go worldwide until Paloma suddenly disappeared and two decades later Jace decides to look for her when her club is threatened to close down. Peers still focused on sapphic characters beyond their mid-twenties which I loved but this time, it was revisiting an old flame later in life. I loved learning about the Detroit music scene and could tell that Peers really put her heart and soul into this piece and is passionate about music, particularly in this area. While I’m not familiar with the scene or area itself, there are enough hints dropped (including specific band and song suggestions) to do a deep dive while you’re reading or once you’ve finished to add an additional layer to the novel. It’s very Riot girl meets up and coming queer artists, and 2025 (or 2026 when this publishes) creates this interesting review mirror to think about current artists like Chappell Roan or Renee Rapp who are out and proud and thread their queerness through their lyrics compared to performers from decades or a few ago, who are still inherently queer, but were afraid or warned against showing that queerness in their lyrics.
Thanks NetGalley, Dial Press Trade Paperback and Author Lisa Peers for the advanced copy of "Motor City Love Song" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#DialPressTradePaperback
#LisaPeers
#MotorCityLoveSong
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger Warnings: Cursing, Sexual content, Grief
✍🏻Lisa Peers
Blurb:
No one knows why the queen of indie rock vanished from the Detroit scene twenty years ago. Now, her ex-girlfriend is determined to track her down—and what she uncovers will change everything.
Detroit, 1997. At the Artemis Club, Paloma is chasing rock-and-roll stardom, with her girlfriend and manager Jace committed to making her a worldwide indie sensation. But when Paloma suddenly disappears from the public eye in 2001, Jace is left to pick up the pieces.
Two decades later, Jace thought she’d left music for good. Yet when the Artemis Club is threatened, she commits to saving the venue even though she’ll have to track down Paloma, whose early-career hit just went viral. Paloma has her reasons for not wanting to be found, and Jace isn’t eager to reopen old wounds. Still, each keeps measuring her life against the love she lost. With the Artemis’s fate at stake, Jace and Paloma are pulled back into the scene they once ruled...and back toward each other.
Told in two voices, this sapphic salute to Detroit’s garage band era shows that sometimes, the truth is the most powerful love song of all.
My Thoughts:
This is a sweet book about Jace and Paloma who are girlfriends but have fallen out due to Paloma's anxiety and a number of other things. It's about their relationship issues, music, and a lot of issues anyone can relate to: very unique! Set in Detroit with an indie rock scene, the setting of this book was great. I really enjoyed how I’m immersive it was.
Jace was a club manager and Paloma was an indie rock queen things seemed to be going well chances to go worldwide until Paloma suddenly disappeared and two decades later Jace decides to look for her when her club is threatened to close down. Peers still focused on sapphic characters beyond their mid-twenties which I loved but this time, it was revisiting an old flame later in life. I loved learning about the Detroit music scene and could tell that Peers really put her heart and soul into this piece and is passionate about music, particularly in this area. While I’m not familiar with the scene or area itself, there are enough hints dropped (including specific band and song suggestions) to do a deep dive while you’re reading or once you’ve finished to add an additional layer to the novel. It’s very Riot girl meets up and coming queer artists, and 2025 (or 2026 when this publishes) creates this interesting review mirror to think about current artists like Chappell Roan or Renee Rapp who are out and proud and thread their queerness through their lyrics compared to performers from decades or a few ago, who are still inherently queer, but were afraid or warned against showing that queerness in their lyrics.
Thanks NetGalley, Dial Press Trade Paperback and Author Lisa Peers for the advanced copy of "Motor City Love Song" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#DialPressTradePaperback
#LisaPeers
#MotorCityLoveSong
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger Warnings: Cursing, Sexual content, Grief
October 12, 2025
This was my second Lisa Peers read after Love at 350, and these two books are like night and day, in a great way. Peers still focused on sapphic characters beyond their mid-twenties which I loved but this time, it was revisiting an old flame later in life. I loved learning about the Detroit music scene and could tell that Peers really put her heart and soul into this piece and is passionate about music, particularly in this area. While I’m not familiar with the scene or area itself, there are enough hints dropped (including specific band and song suggestions) to do a deep dive while you’re reading or once you’ve finished to add an additional layer to the novel. It’s very Riot girl meets up and coming queer artists, and 2025 (or 2026 when this publishes) creates this interesting review mirror to think about current artists like Chappell Roan or Renee Rapp who are out and proud and thread their queerness through their lyrics compared to performers from decades or a few ago, who are still inherently queer, but were afraid or warned against showing that queerness in their lyrics.
While the passion and idea was strong, the execution and development was a bit lacking for me. I wish that rather than part one being Jace and part two being Paloma, the POVs went back and forth. The way it’s set up, (though I love the then and now timing for each), we take Jace’s side and view of the past and then Paloma is left fighting for attention and votes from the reader. If it went back and forth, we could see the contrast and conflict and understand why there are two sides to the story without pitting the characters against each other. I also felt like all of the conflict was set up and up and up only to be resolved within a single page. I don’t need a third act break up or major hijinks, but after YEARS of no communication and each leaving a relationship having thought it was the fault of the opposite person, to leave all the resolution of that conflict off the page and internal to the characters seems misplaced. I also wanted to root for the characters to be together more. Maybe starting in the past, then flipping between the characters to show how we got to the present and then resolving in the present would have made the relationship arc stronger. Still entertaining and fun, but it felt like an earlier draft of a future story that’s still a bit in the works.
While the passion and idea was strong, the execution and development was a bit lacking for me. I wish that rather than part one being Jace and part two being Paloma, the POVs went back and forth. The way it’s set up, (though I love the then and now timing for each), we take Jace’s side and view of the past and then Paloma is left fighting for attention and votes from the reader. If it went back and forth, we could see the contrast and conflict and understand why there are two sides to the story without pitting the characters against each other. I also felt like all of the conflict was set up and up and up only to be resolved within a single page. I don’t need a third act break up or major hijinks, but after YEARS of no communication and each leaving a relationship having thought it was the fault of the opposite person, to leave all the resolution of that conflict off the page and internal to the characters seems misplaced. I also wanted to root for the characters to be together more. Maybe starting in the past, then flipping between the characters to show how we got to the present and then resolving in the present would have made the relationship arc stronger. Still entertaining and fun, but it felt like an earlier draft of a future story that’s still a bit in the works.
October 18, 2025
Motor City Love Song delivers a riveting, emotionally charged tale set in Detroit’s vibrant Indie rock scene, so cinematically painted and immersive that I found myself wishing I could hang out at The Artemis with club manager Jace and rising indie rock queen Paloma. The electric chemistry between Paloma and Jace is palpable, as Jace commits to making Paloma a worldwide sensation and nearly succeeds—until Paloma abruptly disappears, leaving the indie rock scene and Jace with no explanation.
Two decades later, Jace’s beloved Artemis Club is about to close for good. An early career hit of Paloma’s has just resurfaced and gone viral. Jace is pulled back to her roots within Detroit’s music scene and commits to a plan that could save the Artemis, even though it means seeking out her ex-girlfriend who clearly does not want to be found. Paloma hasn’t contacted Jace in twenty years.
The stakes here feel painfully high, as Jace risks a second round of heartbreak in her efforts to reconnect with the long ago love she’s never really gotten over. Lisa Peers masterfully weaves together the two distinct perspectives of Jace and Paloma, whisking the reader along for the intoxicating thrill ride of Jace and Paloma’s romance alongside Paloma’s rise to brief stardom followed by the plummet into despair at the sudden loss of love and limelight together.
The characters in this story are layered, multi-dimensional, and relatable. Paloma and Jace are each, in their own way, earnest, endearing, flawed, hopeful; my heart ached for both of them. There is always more than one side to any story. We discover through perfectly paced revelations what was behind Paloma’s mysterious exit from the life she’d once wanted.
Motor City Love Song is not the story of just one romance or even two. There is another love story here. Within this novel lies the beating heart of Detroit’s indie rock scene, the small clubs, the garage bands, the underdog musician, the aspiring rock star, all lovingly crafted with authentic detail. When Peers describes the Artemis Club, I am right there with Jace, basking in the sound of the crowd, the soles of my shoes sticking to the venue floor that vibrates beneath my feet as Paloma takes the stage.
I loved this book. It was impossible to put down. I am still thinking about the characters and all they went through. A deeply emotional and heartfelt tribute to music, love, and second chances, Motor City Love Song is an absolute must-read.
Two decades later, Jace’s beloved Artemis Club is about to close for good. An early career hit of Paloma’s has just resurfaced and gone viral. Jace is pulled back to her roots within Detroit’s music scene and commits to a plan that could save the Artemis, even though it means seeking out her ex-girlfriend who clearly does not want to be found. Paloma hasn’t contacted Jace in twenty years.
The stakes here feel painfully high, as Jace risks a second round of heartbreak in her efforts to reconnect with the long ago love she’s never really gotten over. Lisa Peers masterfully weaves together the two distinct perspectives of Jace and Paloma, whisking the reader along for the intoxicating thrill ride of Jace and Paloma’s romance alongside Paloma’s rise to brief stardom followed by the plummet into despair at the sudden loss of love and limelight together.
The characters in this story are layered, multi-dimensional, and relatable. Paloma and Jace are each, in their own way, earnest, endearing, flawed, hopeful; my heart ached for both of them. There is always more than one side to any story. We discover through perfectly paced revelations what was behind Paloma’s mysterious exit from the life she’d once wanted.
Motor City Love Song is not the story of just one romance or even two. There is another love story here. Within this novel lies the beating heart of Detroit’s indie rock scene, the small clubs, the garage bands, the underdog musician, the aspiring rock star, all lovingly crafted with authentic detail. When Peers describes the Artemis Club, I am right there with Jace, basking in the sound of the crowd, the soles of my shoes sticking to the venue floor that vibrates beneath my feet as Paloma takes the stage.
I loved this book. It was impossible to put down. I am still thinking about the characters and all they went through. A deeply emotional and heartfelt tribute to music, love, and second chances, Motor City Love Song is an absolute must-read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Brief overview:
When the concert venue she frequented in her 20s encounters money problems post-pandemic, Jace agrees to step up and use her former band management skills and new event planning skills to create a fundraising event to keep The Artemis open. The only problem? Bands only want to play for free if Jace can get the reclusive Paloma back on stage after twenty years of secrecy.
The story is told from both Jace and Paloma's POV, switching halfway through, and alternating in time between 2023 and late 90s/early 00s to tell the story of the Detroit Garage music scene.
My thoughts:
As a Michigan resident, hearing all the names and descriptions of local spots (mixed in with the fictional) made it feel like hearing an old friend tell a story, complete with a Little Caesar's Arena jump scare. I do feel like some people that are not from Michigan may not understand some things, like why the 231 area code was important. So many parts of the story also genuinely felt like they could be real, like the song becoming famous again because of a show (example: Stranger Things x Kate Bush). The realism definitely added to this story feeling like a tale from a friend. It did feel like as we approached the end, things really sped up, and didn't feel like a fully formed bridge to the finale, but that also sort of resembles a story told by a friend, so I'm going to hope it was intentional!
3.5 stars, rounding up because I'm a sucker for Michigan stories. Thanks to Netgalley and Random House for the chance to check this out!
When the concert venue she frequented in her 20s encounters money problems post-pandemic, Jace agrees to step up and use her former band management skills and new event planning skills to create a fundraising event to keep The Artemis open. The only problem? Bands only want to play for free if Jace can get the reclusive Paloma back on stage after twenty years of secrecy.
The story is told from both Jace and Paloma's POV, switching halfway through, and alternating in time between 2023 and late 90s/early 00s to tell the story of the Detroit Garage music scene.
My thoughts:
As a Michigan resident, hearing all the names and descriptions of local spots (mixed in with the fictional) made it feel like hearing an old friend tell a story, complete with a Little Caesar's Arena jump scare. I do feel like some people that are not from Michigan may not understand some things, like why the 231 area code was important. So many parts of the story also genuinely felt like they could be real, like the song becoming famous again because of a show (example: Stranger Things x Kate Bush). The realism definitely added to this story feeling like a tale from a friend. It did feel like as we approached the end, things really sped up, and didn't feel like a fully formed bridge to the finale, but that also sort of resembles a story told by a friend, so I'm going to hope it was intentional!
3.5 stars, rounding up because I'm a sucker for Michigan stories. Thanks to Netgalley and Random House for the chance to check this out!
November 11, 2025
This book had such a strong premise, but the execution just didn’t land for me. Two queer musicians with a complicated past coming back together to save their favorite venue sounded emotional and gripping, but the chemistry between Jace and Paloma was just not there like it should have been. I couldn’t connect with the characters or find their love believable, and it’s hard to feel anything for the story when I just feel the main characters and their romance are not giving what they should have been.
The dual timeline, which included jumping between present day and the 90s, also didn’t do the book any favors. Instead of adding depth, it made things feel choppy and confusing at times. And because the emotional groundwork between the characters never really felt strong or clear, the whole relationship arc just fell flat.
The one thing I genuinely enjoyed was all the Michigan nods and I felt like I was really immersed in the setting. Those little details were fun, and felt authentic, which I appreciated. But overall, the story itself just didn’t hit the way I hoped it would. Great idea, great city for this love story… but the rest didn’t come together for me.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lisa Peers, and Dial Press Trade Paperback for the eARC of this book.
The dual timeline, which included jumping between present day and the 90s, also didn’t do the book any favors. Instead of adding depth, it made things feel choppy and confusing at times. And because the emotional groundwork between the characters never really felt strong or clear, the whole relationship arc just fell flat.
The one thing I genuinely enjoyed was all the Michigan nods and I felt like I was really immersed in the setting. Those little details were fun, and felt authentic, which I appreciated. But overall, the story itself just didn’t hit the way I hoped it would. Great idea, great city for this love story… but the rest didn’t come together for me.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lisa Peers, and Dial Press Trade Paperback for the eARC of this book.
October 20, 2025
I was invited by the publisher to review this book. Set in Detroit 1997, Paloma was chasing rock-and-roll dreams, with her girlfriend, and manager, Jace by her side. Then, once fame had found Paloma, she disappeared—leaving Jace to rebuild a life without her. Twenty years later, Jace thinks she’s moved on. But when their old club is about to shut down—and one of Paloma’s songs suddenly goes viral—she’s forced to confront the past she’s never stopped missing.
This was a really cool setting that I did not think I would be interested in, but I liked learning about garage bands. There is good attention to mental health in this book, and that is explored with care and consideration. I loved that this book was just not a romance between two people, but rather a romance with music.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House/Dial Press Trade Paperback for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a really cool setting that I did not think I would be interested in, but I liked learning about garage bands. There is good attention to mental health in this book, and that is explored with care and consideration. I loved that this book was just not a romance between two people, but rather a romance with music.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House/Dial Press Trade Paperback for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 2, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
Set in Detroit with an indie rock scene, the setting of this book was great. I really enjoyed how I’m immersive it was.
Jace was a club manager and Paloma was an indie rock queen things seemed to be going well chances to go worldwide until Paloma suddenly disappeared and two decades later Jace decides to look for her when her club is threatened to close down.
While the idea of this was good I just couldn’t get into the relationship. The characters unhealthy relationship was not what I was expecting. When it goes to current day in the story the characters didn’t change, nor did they work through any issues they had in the past. It felt slightly underdeveloped.
(Note: I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity.)
Read For
✓ Closure
✓ Lesbian
✓ Rock and Roll
✓ Rekindling Past Romance
⚠️ Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Sexual content, Grief
𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
Sad Level: 💧💧
Plot: 5/10
Pace: 8/10
Ending: 9/10
Characters: 6/10
Enjoyability: 6/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Would I Recommend? Maybe
Favorite Character: Jace
Favorite Quote: ❝ “I look like a raccoon after a bar fight.” “You always look beautiful to me,” ❞
POV: Third Person
Pages: 304
Format: ebook
Language: English
Release Date: 10, February 2026
Rep/Extras: Queer Diversity
November 8, 2025
I would like to thank Dial press and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. This is the story of Jace and Paloma. Paloma is a gifted singer songwriter in Detroit in the late 90's, early 2000's. Jace is her manager/girlfriend. The music is centered in the Artemis, a club in Chicago. Paloma makes an album and is making it big. But she disappears after an appearance on The David Letterman Show. Now it is 2023, And Jace is working at managing a company that produces events. The Artemis is falling n hard times and Jace is trying to produce a benefit show , and that means finding Paloma and confronting her past. It is set in two timelines, and they are clearly deliniated, by the titles- Way back when, and Not so long ago.It is an interesting story, about music, fame and love. The characters are well written and the plot is well paced.The ending seemed a little pat, but overall a good story.
October 28, 2025
“Motor City Love Song” was an enjoyable story. Detroit garage bands and the indie music scene at the fictional Artemis would probably not be my “jam.” But I appreciate people having the courage to do what they love and risk themselves, especially when doing so means being “unconventional.” So, I respect the real life indie or up-and-coming musicians whose lives and struggles are mirrored in this book, and the local venues that gave them a chance.
If you become emotional about books, you may find yourself in (happy) tears near the end. The story is full of colorful and interesting characters. There is a strong queer theme throughout, with the struggle for acceptance being a significant plot point but also characters and events that show things are getting better (although discrimination and prejudice still exist).
If you become emotional about books, you may find yourself in (happy) tears near the end. The story is full of colorful and interesting characters. There is a strong queer theme throughout, with the struggle for acceptance being a significant plot point but also characters and events that show things are getting better (although discrimination and prejudice still exist).
November 6, 2025
DRC from Netgalley and Random House / Dial Press Trade Paperback
Jace is new to managing bands and singers. When she hears Paloma, she knows she can make her big. Paloma, loves to sing, but also has other ambitions, including becoming a mother. But after her appliance on Letterman, Paloma just disappears. Jace is left with a broken heart and no answers to her many questions. Twenty years later, Jace learns that her friend and owner of the bar that made careers for many bands, is going under. She decides to hold a fund-raiser and thinks that if she can track Paloma down and convince her to play, they can make enough money to save the bar. What follows is flashbacks that tell the reader, and ultimately Jace, why Paloma left the public eye.
A heartwarming story about music, relationships, and second chances.
Jace is new to managing bands and singers. When she hears Paloma, she knows she can make her big. Paloma, loves to sing, but also has other ambitions, including becoming a mother. But after her appliance on Letterman, Paloma just disappears. Jace is left with a broken heart and no answers to her many questions. Twenty years later, Jace learns that her friend and owner of the bar that made careers for many bands, is going under. She decides to hold a fund-raiser and thinks that if she can track Paloma down and convince her to play, they can make enough money to save the bar. What follows is flashbacks that tell the reader, and ultimately Jace, why Paloma left the public eye.
A heartwarming story about music, relationships, and second chances.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Motor City Love Song by Lisa Peers is about a rock and role couple. Paloma is on track to be a rock and roll star with her girlfriend and manager Jace. 4 years later, Paloma suddenly disappears from the public eye and Jace is left to pick up the pieces.
2 decades later Jace learns that The Artemis Club is in trouble. In order to save it, she must track down Paloma, who has her own reasons for not wanting to be found. In order to try to save the club, the two must rekindle.
I enjoyed hearing about the Detroit Rock scene but didn't like the pacing of the book or how it jumped around. It is told in alternating point of views but also alternates between the late 90s and 2023, which was a bit hard to keep track of.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Random House, in exchange for my honesty opinion and review.
#motorcitylovesong #netgalley
2 decades later Jace learns that The Artemis Club is in trouble. In order to save it, she must track down Paloma, who has her own reasons for not wanting to be found. In order to try to save the club, the two must rekindle.
I enjoyed hearing about the Detroit Rock scene but didn't like the pacing of the book or how it jumped around. It is told in alternating point of views but also alternates between the late 90s and 2023, which was a bit hard to keep track of.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Random House, in exchange for my honesty opinion and review.
#motorcitylovesong #netgalley
October 19, 2025
I was excited by the premise of this book, so I wanted to like it much more than I did. Although I really liked the setting for the book, it suffered for me because the characters who are the love interests at the center of the story in no way belong together. They do not have a healthy relationship in the past. It didn't make any sense that both of them seemed to have been carrying torches for each other for the past 30 years, and nothing in the present story suggested to me that they had really worked through any of their past issues. It was like all of a sudden they were just back in love and in a relationship, and I totally missed how they got there.
November 8, 2025
Thanks NetGalley for this arc.
I usually don’t review books I dnf but this an arc so I have to. I read up to 50% before dnfing because I really wanted to give it a fair shot. The premise of the book is interesting, two queer musicians who had a failed relationship reuniting to save their favorite venue, but it really failed execution wise. I did not connect with either of the characters and therefore couldn’t connect with the story. The story also is duel timeline, one in present day and one in the 90s, which was hard to follow sometimes. I did however enjoy all the little Michigan references so I will give it points for really knowing and understanding the setting.
I usually don’t review books I dnf but this an arc so I have to. I read up to 50% before dnfing because I really wanted to give it a fair shot. The premise of the book is interesting, two queer musicians who had a failed relationship reuniting to save their favorite venue, but it really failed execution wise. I did not connect with either of the characters and therefore couldn’t connect with the story. The story also is duel timeline, one in present day and one in the 90s, which was hard to follow sometimes. I did however enjoy all the little Michigan references so I will give it points for really knowing and understanding the setting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2025
2.5, trending too low towards the end to bump up to 3. This had a solid premise and I did feel some connection to parts of it, but overall the execution felt both rushed and too compact. The story introduces characters that have a lot of history and baggage personally and as a couple, and this is ultimately resolved by...people just saying their over it. Combine that with the fact that too much of the book -- including very important conversations! -- is told in summary as opposed to directly as something that we can see, and it just did not compel me. Having said that, I did really appreciate how grounded this book was in place and in the music scene!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I liked this second-chance romance that felt like listening to a friend (or two) tell you a story about the one that got away. The writing was immersive off the bat, which made it easy to get going. Also, the Detroit music scene was vividly brought to life, even though I knew nothing about it going in. (If you do, you’ll probably love it!)
That said, the pacing was uneven and it jumped around a lot. I actually made a chart of the chapters in chronological order to help me. The writing does a decent job of orienting you in time, I just wanted to make sure I had it all straight. Even with the structural bumps, though, I’m glad I read this and I do recommend it.
That said, the pacing was uneven and it jumped around a lot. I actually made a chart of the chapters in chronological order to help me. The writing does a decent job of orienting you in time, I just wanted to make sure I had it all straight. Even with the structural bumps, though, I’m glad I read this and I do recommend it.
October 31, 2025
2.5 stars almost 3. Would’ve been a 3 but i didn’t like how things were wrapped up in the end idk maybe it’s cus the book was about to end and this is an ARC… and maybe there’s still room to make some edit but paloma got off too easy (1) and there were big conversations that should’ve been had on screen. if their whole problem was lack of communication i feel like we should’ve saw ((that)) conversation but idk
#Netgalley #ARC
#Netgalley #ARC
November 17, 2025
Motor City Love Song is a sweet, queer, second chance romance that was very enjoyable. When indie rock star Paloma leaves after her biggest gig without a word she leaves then girlfriend (and manager) and the rock world stunned. Fast forward twenty years later when Jace searches for her to help save a friend’s business. Will she find her? Will she help?! Will she answer the questions everyone has been wondering? Read it and find out!
December 2, 2025
This was okay, I guess? I really didn't love the first half, but the last half endeared itself to me a bit. It just took so long to get going. And I didn't love the drama or the characters much. While I thought I'd enjoy the musical focus, I just ended up feeling like I don't listen to enough niche stuff. Eh. This isn't a book I hated reading, but it's not one I'll be thinking about.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
Thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
November 14, 2025
A queer romance rooted in the Detroit music scene of the late 90's, early 00's. I know next to nothing about the Detroit music scene during these times, so I don't know how factual anything is or isn't, but I enjoyed the story, nonetheless. The story is written in dual timelines and from both FMCs perspective. Well written with likeable characters, a good romance that is relatively clean.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A fun book for people very into music, Detroit, and/or Detroit music. Felt a little alienating for those of us who aren't so a little hard to get into. I also felt like the big reveal and denouement were a bit of a let down. However, I enjoyed the characters and the musical nature of it.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews