Still Into You: A sizzling, spicy, second chance, rockstar romcom, brand-new for 2026!

by Erin Connor

Funny You Should Ask meets Almost Famous in this second chance, fake NOT dating, spicy, rockstar rom-com, from the author of the celebrated Unromance.

When elusive metal frontman Dax Nakamura agrees to give his first interview in years, he has one his ex, Sloane Donavan, has to write it.

Punk rock’s most notorious and elusive frontman, Dax Nakamura, is ready to set the record straight – about his band, his life, and what happened that summer. But the only person he trusts to tell his story is the ex he hasn’t spoken to in years, Sloane Donavan.

Sloane has been writing about music since she posted her first MySpace blog. A journalism degree, a failed internship, and countless backstage passes later, Sloane still hasn’t secured the dream job she left her dream man behind for. So when he reappears with a career-making opportunity, Sloane agrees with one their past must stay in the past.

As Dax opens up, old feelings resurface, and Sloane’s journalistic integrity hangs in the balance. The article Dax wants and the salacious tell-all Sloane’s editor expects are two completely different stories. This is the big break she’s been waiting for, but it comes with a price – the chance to rewrite the ending with her first and only love.

Perfect for fans rom-com tropes

Grumpy X Grumpier

Second Chance

Fake NOT dating

Spicy romances

He-Hates-Everyone-But-Her

Rockstar romance

Erin Connor is your favourite rom-com writer's favourite rom-com writer! They raved about with classic Hollywood rom-com magic' Andie Burke

'Erin Connor is my favourite new voice in romance' Alison Cochrun

'The chemistry between Sawyer and Mason is electric, and this book is properly funny and deeply charming. A real love letter to romance fans' Laura Wood

'Filled with razor-sharp banter and a happily-ever-after that will make every reader swoon in the most epic way, Unromance is written for those of us utterly obsessed with romcoms' Chip Pons

'Erin Connor delivers sharp wit, deliciously steamy moments, and so much charm that I was kicking my feet from the first page to the very last' Jessica Joyce

'A love letter to romance and its readers, Unromance is an impossibly charming love story … a sexy, delightful read!' Anita Kelly

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance, Contemporary, Music, Audiobook, Fiction

342 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 10, 2026

Reviews

[Liana Gold · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️ 3 ⭐️ She’s a reporter, he’s her assignment. From heartbreak to blurred lines, Connors writes a messy and complicated second chance romance full of emo music and millennial nostalgia, real conversation and relatable concerns. It’s great in a sense that it’s light with a HEA but it also shows how sometimes we have to put ourselves before others.

Sloane Donovan is a journalist/writer in the music industry. Dax Nakamura is half Black, half Japanese and 6 feet tall (OBVIOUSLY). They dated only for a month but Sloane broke it off because she put herself and her career first. She didn’t want to give up her big life plans and her future for a guy. She knew her mother gave up her life plans when she married her father, so Sloane didn’t want to follow in her mother’s footsteps. But Sloane was never able to get over Dax, he was it for her. Even after three years, he was everything to her and they were both pinning after each other.

MySpace and Mapquest!!? Hello 2010s when life was all about a good time. I remember those days so clearly—the culture of that era, the music, the friends, just so many references brought back so many memories. That was probably the best and my most favorite part of the book.

The romancing aspect? Not my favorite & nothing we haven’t read. It’s just not how I envision second chances. They were like alley cats, sizing each other up the first 30% but then they gave into their feelings and tension too quickly for my liking. I wanted more build up, more yearning, more shameless flirting. I did however enjoy their dense and very open conversation. I particularly liked how driven Sloane was despite being young. She carried that “head on her shoulders” vibe and if you know me, there is nothing more that will please me than a STRONG female character.

I also felt that the book lacked insight into Dax’s development/character because we never get to see their past. We get a lot of info from interview style chapters but never see their story from a different lens. This created a bit of a gap for me in their relationship and I had a hard time understanding his side of things.

“I want you even when it’s inconvenient”


Many thanks to NetGalley, Forever Grand Central Publishing and the author, Erin Connor for sending an early ARC.

Publication date: February 10, 2026

[Marieke (mariekes_mesmerizing_books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still Into You feels like those beautiful lyrics you just can’t stop thinking about. Like a song with searing guitars and pounding drums that you can’t get out of your head. Like a mind-blowing concert that keeps you awake at night, adrenaline still rushing through your veins. This story is so good it earned a spot on my most favorite 2025 shelf.

It’s a romance, a rockstar one, and it feels like we’re right there at the gigs, watching the love story between Sloane and Dax unfold. I smiled so much while reading, even during the angstier parts. The way Sloane and Dax fell for each other a second time and the chemistry that jumped off the page? Top-notch.

And can we talk about Dax, the frontman of Final Revelations? Think Måneskin, only in 2010, with a Black-Asian heartthrob who could make anyone forget their wedding vows. I know I’m happily married, but oh boy, did I love Dax.

I don’t want to say a lot more, just that if you love a second-chance romance without a third-act breakup, full of swooning, yearning, and so much chemistry, this story is for you.

Thank you, Forever and NetGalley, for this gorgeous romance!

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[Fernanda (ivyfer_isreading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying this book is Fernanda catnip. Second chance romance, the music industry, a rockstar mmc that is in a band, a fmc on the asexual spectrum(demi), excerpts of interviews AND talk of trauma and mental health. It’s like Erin Connor took a trip inside my brain and gave me exactly my type of book.
If you like music I can’t stress this enough you NEED to read this book.
I love Still Into You so much that I can’t write a good review because I have nothing to say except this is fantastic. The writing? Great. The characters? Love them all. The romance? Couldn’t get enough of it. The music industry stuff? Perfect. Give me 500 more pages and I’ll read it.
Long story short just read this book and thank me later.

Thank you Netgalley and Forever for this amazing ARC!!

[Katie’s Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

"I want this-you, us. Unconditionally. Long-distance, here, there, when it's hard and when it's easy. I don't need some perfect plan where everything works out to know this is what I want. I want you even when it's inconvenient."

This was so much fun! Honestly I was a little unsure going into this because the 2010's punk rock wasn't my scene, but I really enjoyed this

Sloan and Dax were adorable, full-stop. They met and had a summer fling three years prior during a summer festival tour and haven't seen or spoken to each other since. That changes when Dax's very big metal band chooses Sloan to write their first interview in eight years. Soon the two are 'forced' to spend time together and not only hide their past history, but hide their reconciling relationship.

Dax was so cute. He's this tattooed and pierced metal front-man but is so soft when he's with Sloan. I loved how even when he was trying to take things slow and not spook her off he wasn't shy about his affection or feelings. He constantly feeds and takes care of her! He still has a heart next to her name in his phone! I really loved how open they both were with each other, about their struggles and insecurities. They just understood each other so well

I also thought the relationship was just fleshed out so well. We're not given any flashbacks to their prior summer romance, it's only ever really seen in Sloan's recollections. But it feels like we're given enough- mentions of how they grew so close and quickly became all-consuming. The tension and angst are also so evident when they start to reconnect in the present, that you can just feel the unfinished history between these two.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing team for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[elise | bookingthroughlife · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75 stars!!

here's the thing, if you give me a forced proximity, second chance, musician romance, there's absolutely no way i'm not going to love it. truly erin connor hit it out of the park with her sophomore novel!! the yearning in this !!! the pining!!! the emotion!! it's toooooo good. dax & sloane are so perfect for each other it's not even funny. i could feel their chemistry & their connection with each other even after everything that happened. i thought the way they came to love each other again was SO PRECIOUS!!

another thing i adored about this book is the found family !!! the way the band found each other, supported each other through it all and became each other's rock? the way sloane fits into that? 🥹🥹🥹🥹

i really enjoyed learning about dax's band and how everything came to be -- definitely gave elements of daisy jones & the six but in it's own unique way. sloane being a journalist and finding her voice was so well captured. as a former journalist, i can testify that there truly are some stories that you struggle to write after holding interviews because there are a million different directions you could go and how are you supposed to decide???? erin did an incredible job capturing that back and forth until the epiphany hits you.

thank you ReadForever Books for the arc! this is my honest review.

[monica ✨ romantasyreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t felt like that reading a romance in so long 🥹

Erin Connor never misses

Full rtc 🎤❤️‍🔥

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐️
1/5 🌶️

Still Into You by Erin Conner felt like it was written for the girls who built their entire personalities around music. As an elder emo who spent every extra dollar and free moment on concert and festival tickets, I knew I had to read this. I drove across the country for shows, slept in cars at rest stops because hotel money meant fewer tickets, and followed one of my favorite bands around for a summer. Music wasn’t a hobby. It was the point.

I never wanted to be a music journalist like Sloane, but I understood her instantly. Music meant everything to me and my friends too. We skipped meals to buy CDs. We recorded songs off the radio onto cassette tapes and begged the DJ not to talk over the intro. We were band and choir nerds, so music wasn’t just something we listened to… it was something we lived. I can still tie specific songs and albums to exact moments in my life, and this book nails that feeling.

My only hesitation going in was the second-chance romance trope, which usually isn’t my thing. But Erin absolutely made it work. And most importantly: no cheating (thank god). This was about timing, growth, and real life getting in the way. Any millennial will recognize Sloane’s grind of having to “pay your dues” while living through all the ways our timelines got shoved back. Dream jobs, houses, stability… delayed, at best. But it built a truly resilient generation of people.

I loved Sloane’s relationship with her band friends and I loved finally meeting her brothers. As someone with only brothers, that dynamic felt painfully accurate. I also appreciated that Erin didn’t spell it out, but it’s clear both Sloane and Dax waited for each other. She needed space to finish college and start her journalism career. Dax needed time to clean up his act. Neither was perfect, but they were absolutely perfect for each other.

The ending sealed it for me. No babies. No wedding. No engagement. Just Dax singing to Sloane at his band’s last show. She was under a spotlight in the pit she hated because “it might break her nose”. Intimate. Emotional. Completely on brand.

“And we’ll keep doing things together and building a life because the details of it don’t really matter to me as long as it’s us.”

This isn’t just a romance. It’s a love letter to music, missed timing, and the dreams that take way longer than promised. I loved every second of it and cannot wait for the audiobook on release day.

Thanks to Erin, her publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC!

——
Edit 1/26/26:

Since I’d already got to read this book, I knew I was going to love the audio. We got veteran narrator Karissa Vacker (aka Vanessa Edwin) to read us the book. The real treat were the interview transcripts that were read by a full cast, a different person each representing a member of the band, Final Revelations. The only thing I would’ve preferred is that they had done the whole book as a full cast narration. It would’ve really elevated an already amazing story.

Thanks to Erin, her audiobook publisher, and NetGalley for the ALC.

[Erin (erinsreadingroom) · Rating 5 out of 5]

☆ 5 stars

Still Into You by author Erin Connor is the second chance romance of my dreams which offers the perfect amount of nostalgia that will leave you yearning for an era that has long since passed. The way this book has made me feel should be criminal in the way that I found myself checking my period tracking app to verify if I’m emotionally stable enough to carry on reading. This story is written with nothing but heart with its exploration into emotional depth, vulnerability and authenticity in a way that will that will leave you reeling in the aftermath. The uncertainty and fear that is at the root of our two main characters offers enough stakes to grip you into their clutches and an unwillingness to accept nothing less than a well-earned happily ever after. The exploration of mental illness, imposter syndrome, burn out and the demisexuality representation brought tears to my eyes on multiple occasions in my shock at how seen, heard and understood that it has made me feel. The hard-hitting topics addressed throughout this book are written beautifully in a manner that masterfully highlights their significance without feeling too heavy to handle. The found family elements were strong and added the perfect opening to explore deeper into the depths of our two main characters in a way that felt natural, and ultimately there is not a single thing that I could nitpick about this book. Okay, maybe one thing and that would have been a Dax POV… but that’s just me being greedy in that it would have elevated an already perfect book even higher for me.

Sloane Donovan was such a wonderful narrator to follow throughout her uncertain journey towards love as she learns to overcome the heartbreaking doubt and insecurity that plagues her brilliant mind. I really enjoyed getting to see a fierce woman such as Sloane learn how to command a space and learn how to utilise her authoritative voice in a male-dominated workspace. Her unwillingness to sacrifice her integrity and the determination she showcases to write the article that feels like a true and honest reflection to the band (and friends) that she loves was admirable. I loved getting to see these little snippets to her personality be revealed in fragments that helped to create a clearer picture as time continued to progress. Her openness and recognition of her sexuality was such a delight to me that I will yearn to see time and again in the books that I read. Part of what makes Sloane such a rich character for me was the wonderful groups of people that she surrounds herself with as we get the chance to see something new to her every single time. Her friendship group and their banter-filled dynamics was such a delight to witness and I adored the way that we got to witness a lighter Sloane who felt less burdened. Her closeness with her family, her father and one brother in particular, had me feeling emotional and I loved getting to see the trust that Sloane places in confiding to them when she’s struggling. Sloane is a character who feels deeply to the point that she almost seems to overwhelm herself so I was really glad to see that she’s never short of people to open herself up to. Her fears and insecurities felt relatable to me as a reader, and I really appreciate the way that she refused to abandon her ambition in her pursuit for love. Her ambitions are a fundamental part to her character and it felt empowering to see a woman do everything she can to attain the life that she yearns for, even if that involves some deep self-reflection and a shift in priorities. I adored Sloane’s journey of self-discovery as she learns how to chase for the life that she truly wants as opposed to the life that she thinks she’s supposed to have.

Dax Nakamura is the ultimate textbook boyfriend that will leave you swooning (and devastated that he’s not real) with his tough exterior and a gentle soul that I suspect will capture the heart of many readers alike myself. My heart broke in the process of getting to know the depths of his struggles and the weight that he carries on his shoulders after the events of his past. His honestly surrounding his battle with depression and addiction felt raw and honest in a way that brings tears to your eyes whilst also rendering you incapable of speech in its magnitude. I really felt for Dax as he undergoes the process in learning how to appreciate the triumph in overcoming whilst also managing the fear in the unknown of what comes after. His soft nature that is only on display for the people that he loves offered insight into a side of Dax that felt overwhelming in its sweetness and I couldn’t love this wonderful man more if I tried. It felt fundamental in the way that he yearned to understand Sloane wholly whilst being accommodating in the need to go at the pace that she was comfortable with. I adored the way that Dax remained unapologetic in his feelings and the way that he continued to show affection in every manner possible; secretive touches, cooking for her, remembering all of her favourite things, his willingness to love her in secret and how loudly he yearned to love her in public… all of it was perfection and felt so utterly befitting for a man who feels as intensely as Dax. Dax Nakamura is a lover boy through and through for one woman only and I had the absolute best time getting to witness him fight for the love that he refuses to miss out on a second time.

The exploration between Sloane and Dax was written with absolute perfection as they found themselves on once opposing paths with the end destination unexpectedly being the same — each other. Their romantic development felt authentic and honest in their determination to get it right the second time around without sacrificing fundamental pieces of themselves in the process. Their commitment to growing and evolving throughout life in a partnership that does not become stifled and stagnant, but instead supports and encourages the best from each other was beautiful to witness in its complexities. I adored the way that Sloane and Dax managed to communicate to the best of their ability at every turn and the way that this further strengthened their relationship. The sense of safety and security that they found in one-another brought tears to my eyes on several occasions alongside the many ways that they managed to communicate their love without fully needing to say the words. Sloane and Dax’s relationship felt truly earned and worked towards through to the end whilst also carrying a sense of ease that isn’t always easy to portray. I love these two with every piece of my heart, and I couldn’t be ending their story with anything but hope and a giddiness in my chest.

Still Into You is one of those unexpected gems that you expect to love whilst still being taken by surprise at how deeply you connected to the characters and the compelling journey that we get to follow them on. This is one of those stories that I’ve struggled to formulate my muddled thoughts into words in a way that could truly present it with the justice that it deserves. I couldn’t be happier with the conclusion of this book and the strong sense of hope that the reader is left with upon reaching the end. This is not a happily ever after story… it’s a ‘happy for now’ with the best still yet to come off-page. It’s a reminder to not look so far into the future that you forget to stop living within the present. I’m going to be thinking about this book for a very long time with it securing author Erin Connor on my list of authors to watch in the future. Still Into You was my first read by Connor and it will most definitely not be my last, so if you’re a fan of second-chance romances written with a lot of grit and heart… this is a book you’re going to want to keep an eye out for upon its February 2026 release.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still Into You is the perfect second chance rockstar romance for my fellow elder emos. I felt so nostalgic for my younger show-going self and that feeling of being a part of something that Erin describes so perfectly. Sloane was basically living my teenage dream. The frontman of an iconic rock band only having eyes for you? I’ll take one, please.

Second chance is honestly the best trope and I loved how Sloane & Dax’s story unfolded through glimpses of the past intertwined with their reconnection three years later. They had such great chemistry and the perfect mix of banter and heavier moments. Loved the spicy bits as well, 10/10 will swoon when Dax says “baby”. The interview transcripts were also really fun! Definitely recommend this one to the millennials and the music lovers.

Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Liz | thebohobookblogger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the PERFECT example of what a rockstar romance that’s traditionally published SHOULD BE. It’s delicious, sexy and well written. If you are a fan of 2010’s pop punk you will love this. It brought me back to highschool listening to Sleeping with Sirens and All Time Low.

Preorder and add this to your TBR! Thanks to Forever for the ARC!

[Mai | mai.readingnook · Rating 5 out of 5]

EFFING OBSESSED.

You know when you’re still riding the emotional high after an epic concert and you don’t really have the words to describe the experience except maybe with the biggest smile radiating out of your soul? Yeah. That’s this.

Angsty second chance romance between the reformed bad boy frontman of the biggest emo metal band and the music journalist he could never forget if he tried. The tension?! Palpable. Delicious.

My favorite thing about this reading experience is probably the pacing. It kept me feral, and I couldn’t get enough.

I think Erin has outdone herself and I don’t even know how she’s gonna top this, but I am very much looking forward to finding out how. Cause we all know she will.

Thank you so much for the ARC!!

[Clarissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Erin Connor loves music and the metal scene and that clearly comes across the pages of this book. I felt immersed with the writing and believed in the grandeur that Final Revelations and more specifically Dax had on stage. I wanted sooo much more from this book, I wanted more of their first romance - give me that ache that a second chance romance has!! Let me root for Sloan and Dax to finally get it right this time because of how their foundations were. Don't get me wrong, I rooted for them, but I wanted to understand why this was a life changing romance for Sloan. I also wanted more of the stories of the band and their history, the articles weren't enough (where is part 2 i am begging for part 2 of this article). i was hooked with the story of Final Revelations and I wish we got more of the band. Maybe if I re-read this I'll feel more solid because I was also reading like two other books at the same time, but I'm landing on a 3.5 rating for this (which is devastating to me - this book could've been my new it-book, it was literally the perfect premise for me, like come on, second chance romance with a metal frontman, this has me written all over it)

Thank you to Netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Emily G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I inhaled this in less than 24 hours.

What a fun, rockstar (think BMTH) style romance. The book follows a Music Reporter as she bumps into her Ex - who just so happens to be the voice of the music scene. The pair reconnect as she interviews his band for a piece and it’s just so much fun!

🎸Rockstar x Reporter
📰 Second Chance
🎸Forbidden aspects
📰Mental Health Rep
🎸He is down bad

My only note is I felt the ending was a bit rushed and would have liked a few more chapters exploring the conclusion a bit more!

[Holly Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was perfect. It was everything I was hoping it to be and so much more!!! I LOVED LOVED LOVED Unromance when I read last year. Erin’s writing is SO GOOD. It’s thoughtful and tender and feels like coming home. And THIS was all of that and more. There was A LOT packed into this without it feeling overwhelming. Between Sloane and her job, her struggle to find what’s best for her, Sloane and Dax, Dax and his past, and everything with the band - nothing felt MORE important, everything got to shine and have a spot and together it was just the perfect story!!

Sloane and Dax!!! Were!! PERFECT!!!! They were messy and complicated and epic!! their first time together was fleeting but LIFE CHANGING and then coming back together was ALSO all of those things AND SO MUCH MORE. I love them so much. And they love each other so much!! Their chemistry was great! Their banter was FANTASTIC!

There is NOTHING I love more than a man who loves his woman and that is Dax in every single way!

And literally everything to do with Sloane and her article about the band made my heart SO HAPPY! It was written so incredibly well. And seeing all of Sloane’s friends and family made my heart so happy!! Even though we got very little time with the secondary characters they all felt so real and so fleshed out and SO IMPORTANT.

After reading this again 😭 I am so in love with this story! And Erin’s writing! She’s able to capture so much EMOTION!! I felt every single emotion that the characters were feeling and it was truly magical???

I’m literally never going to be over this book.

Thanks to Forever for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

[angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5***
I adore second chance romances and I really loved the setting of this one. I liked the characters and I did really enjoy the romance. There were moments when the writing brought me out of the story but overall I did enjoy this book. I wasn’t fully connected to the characters because we actually don’t see the two main characters in the past when they first met/got together. The reason I love second chance romances so much is the fact that we get to see two characters meet each other at an earlier point in their life, love each other, and then lose connection because of something. But then we get to see them reconnect in a different state of their life. Unfortunately, we don’t get to see the past, we are only told about their relationship and how it was. That made a barrier for me when connecting to the characters because I would’ve loved to read about these two characters together in the past and see how they’ve changed and yet still love each other through that change of self. I did love the music and journalism aspect of the story and parts of it reminded me of ‘Daisy Jones & The Six’ with the interview aspect that was brought into this story. Overall, I did like this novel but wasn’t fully connected to the characters.

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a freaking masterpiece. I felt every emotion these characters did, so now I’m hungover bc boy did this book take me on a rollercoaster of feelings! I absolutely loved these MCs and reading about their first and second chances at love. Their romance was sweet and passionate and all consuming. Sloane is my demisexual queen. Dax is the metal musician of my dreams. I adore them together and separately.

All of the characters in this book felt so viscerally real. The personality dynamics felt like real bands and real families, and I loved them all.

The concert scenes the author set up were dynamic and epic. Never before in my life have I ever wondered what being in a mosh pit is like, and now I feel like I kinda know. Barely. But kinda..? Anyway, the sophomore slump doesn’t exist for Connor. This is a HIT.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Rebekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I want to go to a concert now!! RTC

[bookishlycaffenaited · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Three years ago, he won my name. Three years later, he still says it like a prize."

From the moment I read Erin Connor's debut, Unromance (which is one of my favourite books of all time), I knew she would be an auto-buy author for me. I was right because her sophomore novel, Still Into You, is exceptional.

The things I expected to experience - incredible, relatable, lyrical writing, quick wit humour, and a pace that just sucks you in - were all there. But there's so much more I experienced. For one, the love between Sloane and Dax was all-encompassing, consuming, tender, passionate, sexy, forgiving, loving, and everything in between. I was enamoured by these two and their instant, palpable chemistry. From the moment they interact, you feel the magnetic pull between them, a spark that refuses to die.

I loved Sloane as our fmc. Her voice was so vivid, as I really saw the passion in her for punk/rock, for journalism and journalistic integrity, for persevering and being self-sufficient. I loved seeing her navigate the world of journalism, with its sexism and nepotism, its cutthroat ways to be on top. I loved seeing Sloane become stronger and more self-assured, and her struggle with the direction of her article felt soooo real and earnest. Sloane, while wanting to prove herself and cement herself as a talented journalist, does not lose the parts of herself that make her, her. Her love for the music, her ability to feel and understand it, and her stubbornness in refusing to stoop to low levels for personal gain make her a character I rooted for so badly.

I also loved seeing Sloane's struggle with balancing her dreams and aspirations with her relationship with Dax. It's a central conflict between them that keeps them from fully, truly committing. It begs the question: What can we afford to lose? How do you choose a life that's fulfilling if it means sacrificing the one person you love most? Who do we want by our side through it all? I love how we see how dreams can change, how fighting to be with someone does not make you weak or less aspirational. I loved reading about sharing dreams and cheering your person on. I just adored the dynamic between Dax and Sloane; it felt so raw and real.

It's so clear how much Erin loves punk rock in this book. It practically bled from the pages how much research and love went into this book - from the organic references, the way she describes each show (the mosh pit scene?? obsessed), to band life in general. I love seeing an author's passion shine through in their books!

Now Dax himself??? Oh my lordddd. This man was equal parts cinnamon roll and equal parts rockstar hottie. The way this man yearns should be studied. His love and care for Sloane was so beautiful to see. The tender way he touches Sloane, like with a simple tuck and pull of her hair (!!!), had me squealing. I was legit GIDDY from this man, kicking my feet at how charismatic and flirty he was. But there's also such a depth to him that made me feel so wholeheartedly for him. One of the many aspects I loved about their relationship, and this book, is the concept of not just being heard, but being truly seen, and loved all the more for it. It was so touching to see this between Sloan and Dax; I honestly couldn't get enough of them.

The friendships in this book were fantastic, giving you that found family feel. I also loved how Sloan was shaped by her relationship with so many brothers - something I deeply related to. The exploration of being shaped by our traumas, as much as our loved ones shape us, really resonated with me as well.

Also, the snippets of Sloane's article throughout were fantastic. So fresh, giving such a unique edge to this already perfect novel. As well as the early 200s vibes, take me back!!!

I could ramble on and on (and on and on) about how incredible this book is. Erin Connor is truly someone you need to be putting on your radar. Her books just pull me and resonate with me in a way I can't describe. Her lyrical prose, her honest and raw characters, her humour, her intimate scenes (insaaaaanely hot in this one, woooow), and her messages just shine and stay with you. She's a must-read author, so don't hesitate to pick this up!

Thank you a million times over to Forever Publishing for the arc!!!

[Natalie | nats.bookrecs · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s nothing Erin Conner writes that I wont read. And this story has just become the blueprint on what a rockstar romance should be. Filled with early 2010s nostalgia wrapped in the most beautiful second chance yearning.

Dax and Sloanes tension and connection jumped right off the pages from the very first moment theyre thrown back together again. We get small snippets of their past hut enough to keep you feral for who they are now. I love the growth both these characters have clearly gone through from 3 years ago to their now and how brilliantly Erin wrote that. The struggles these characters have gone and their journey making them perfectly themselves nowadays.

Anytime Dax spoke I swear I was a puddle of swoon. He was so dreamy and made the perfect book boyfriend for you to fall all over. But I also love how perfectly he was made for Sloane. He was patient, resilient and know she needed him to be slowed but he was doing whatever it took to fight for her this time.

[Ghaida · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐
This magical, musical second-chance romance had me hooked. I love Dax and Sloane so much—the tension and yearning between these two is INSANE. They literally had me talking to my phone like, “Sloane woman, go get your man!”
I think I just found a new favorite author. Erin did a great job with Sloane, making her character feel real, emotional, and relatable 🤌🏼 .

[Aly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made my elder millennial, 00’s music loving heart so freaking happy.

Have you ever gotten so incredibly invested in characters and their story that you had to put the book down and go outside to touch grass or something because you realized you were having bigger feelings about fictional characters than is probably healthy? Well, now I have.

The longing these characters felt was intense and so well written. The author did an amazing job of throwing us into the deep end of a relationship full of tension and chemistry and mutual respect. Every scene these characters had together was sexy. And the spice HIT! I have to mention that the demisexual rep was such a great addition, especially for the time setting.

I don’t want to throw in any spoilers, but I also loved the way the author chose to write this story. Almost like a story within a story, but it never felt disjointed. It added so much to the heart of the main story and helped us understand the trauma these characters experienced.

I think anyone who loves music, second chances, and strong chemistry will absolutely love this book, but it especially feels like this book was written for those of us who grew up with garage bands, mixed CDs, and flip phones.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for a chance to read and review an eARC of this book.

[LGonz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucky to get the ARC of this on NetGalley because Wow! I loved this! If you love live music and going to concerts, there is so much that will resonate with you. The descriptions from Sloan’s viewpoint of being at shows really hit home for me.

I loved getting to read about Sloan and Dax and their journey back to each other! I also just loved that you could feel the author’s love for music through Sloan.

I am excited to look out for the audio of this and to see what comes next from this author!

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Forever, Grand Central Publishing, and Hachette Audio for the advanced copy! You can pick up Still Into You on February 10, 2026.

Erin Connor always amazes me with her intricate character work and the intense connections she builds between characters. I appreciate how much insight we get into Sloane and Dax, the two protagonists in Still Into You, as we watch them reconnect three years after their summer fling fizzles out.

Sloane is driven to succeed in her career as a music journalist, despite several bad breaks in the past. Dax, a frontman for a popular metal group, has a history of substance abuse that haunts him as his band is making its final album. When Dax trusts only Sloane to write the exclusive on their final comeback, could this be her shot at achieving her dreams? Or will her history with Dax get in the way?

The ending of this book especially got me emotionally. Hearing Dax and Sloane open up to one another about their pasts and how things have changed for them over the last three years was beautiful, especially as Sloane is also piecing together the band's history (and Dax's) from the other members for her article. I found it interesting that Connor didn't rely on a ton of flashbacks to illustrate Dax and Sloane's previous fling, instead focusing on the present and how they're connecting in the NOW.

I do think I would've picked up on a bit more if I were eyeball reading this instead of listening. I think the narrator did a good job, but I was listening while cleaning, and I fear I missed out on some of the crucial details I was aching for (namely, the 2010s nostalgia to really cement this book as a period piece). I'm sure they were there, but I fear my mind wandered or didn't fully appreciate them while listening, which could be on the narrator or on me.

But what I did pick up on was that Erin Connor KNOWS the punk rock/metal music scene. Every time she described a concert or song, I truly felt like I was there, listening, and soaking it in just like Sloane. Kudos to Connor for capturing that experience so vividly.

All in all, if you enjoy some angsty 2010s rock star x journalist romance with a dose of second chance, this is your book!

[Lacie Phinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ and 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Sugar, We’re Goin Down and we are loving every single moment of it in this rockstar love story. This book is everything my emo loving soul craves from a romance and there is no way I can keep this Dirty Little Secret all to myself. I’m going to MakeDamnSure everyone knows about it because I’d Do Anything to read this again for the first time. I love how this story reminds you of what it felt like to fall in love When You Were Young.
🎶 The story revolves around Sloane, a music journalist, who lands an interview with a legendary band and finds herself face-to-face with her ex, the captivating Dax. Old feelings resurface, and things get steamy. Get ready to obsess over this book.
🎧 I highly recommend reading the book while simultaneously listening to the audiobook for the best reading experience possible. Reading Sloane’s words and listening to the full cast band interviews was 10/10. They had me noticing All The Small Things that I might have missed otherwise.
❤️ To the author, Thnks fr th Mmrs. This book makes me want to Dance, Dance and I can’t wait to see what you do next.
Big thanks to @readforeverpub and @hachetteaudio for the comped copies in exchange for my honest review.

[Madison (madinotmaddiereads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve already been telling people at work about this book because it was so much fun to read! I was a big Paramore girl growing up and this felt like the perfect ode to that era of life. Erin Connor knows how to write wit and heart and I adored getting to immerse myself into Sloane and Dax as characters and root for their redemption round at love. Those first few chapters had me blushing harddddd.

The basis of this couple’s reunion was so cleverly executed! I appreciated how central Sloane’s career goals were and loved every moment that Dax so wholeheartedly supported her. The snippets of her story serving as chapter footers was perfection and made me feel so endeared to the band. In a way, this reminded me of Daisy Jones and the Six which I also love!

While their earlier stage together was alluded a few times throughout, I would have loved to see more of this developed for ultimate emotional impact! I think part of what makes second chance such an impactful trope for me is the exploration of the history shared between the characters.

For anyone who’s self inserted themselves in a 1D fanfic, fans of Bad Omens and men who yearn so good (bonus: he cooks for her 😩), you must pick up Still Into You asap!

Thank to Forever Pub for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest thoughts 💌

[Karen | karentalksbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

i’m obsessed with erin connor. this book sucked me in instantly. i couldn’t put it down (and i didn’t, i read it in one sitting on a rainy saturday — perfection 🤌🏽)

i know erin didn’t write this specifically for me, but it felt like she did. sloane is living out my dream: she’s a journalist who gets to go to all these amazing concerts and meet all these cool musicians and eventually a hot guitarist falls in love with her 🥰

dax nakamura is tall, broody, and tatted, but he’s also caring and sweet. he cooks for sloane and makes sure she eats, because she forgets. he can’t keep his eyes off of her because he’s so obsessed with her. he gives her his jacket when she’s cold (that scene is imprinted in my brain, by the way).

sloane is level-headed, hardworking, and quippy. she’s the only daughter in a family with four brothers, so she knows how to stand on her own. the sarcastic banter was on point!!!

i loved the band dynamic and living through the backstage lens. the transcripts from sloane’s interviews with the band gave me daisy jones vibes, and it was so fun to learn about their history. the tension between dax & sloane is off the charts (pun intended). a forbidden second-chance romance heightened the stakes and made me crave their first kiss so much more. and what a first kiss it was; two of my favorite microtropes of all time (i won’t tell you what they are because i want you to also screech when you read it) 😌

i’m devastated i can’t read this again for the first time. and i’m also so sad it doesn’t come out till february 2026. if you’re reading this, run to netgalley and request it asap and then come yap in my dms 🫶

thank you forever for my e-arc!

[caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s official: I am an Erin Connor fan

I liked Unromance quite a bit, but the pacing and meandering plot kept it from reaching that five star mark.

Still Into You does not suffer from pacing issues, and was actually a really great second chance romance. I am admittedly NOT a fan of second chance storylines. It is by far my least favorite trope. So, it’s even more exciting when I find one that I DO like.

Sloane was so clearly an avoidant and Dax was dealing with a lot of heavy emotions, that their initial breakup did make sense. Their chemistry, however, was palpable and they were really sweet with each other. I was so invested in the drama with Sloane’s job as a music reporter and the Final Revelations album. The nod to the band from Never Been Shipped was a fun surprise—that was one of my favorite 2025 books. The hardcore/punk music scene from the 2000s was really a wild (and sometimes awful time), and it was a treat to get to read TWO second chance nostalgic romances this year.

Good luck not singing that Paramore song in your head at least twice.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for ARC access 💕

[Samantha Gaudious · Rating 4 out of 5]

If there’s something ill devour every time, it’s a
Rockstar Romance! 🎸

Sloane is a Rock journalist & Dax is a Rockstar.
When asked to do a band interview, Sloane is our girl!
BUT she’s also his ex 😆

I really loved the vibe to this.
It’s emotional, passionate and there’s struggles.
The only thing I would’ve loved so much is a little more of their past and history!

Second Chance can sometimes be a hit or a miss for me and this was def a hit, absolutely worth the read 🖤

[lauren ☪︎ | litwiithlauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a love letter to elder emo millennials everywhere.

[julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 3.75
This was a cute read! There wasn’t a ton of conflict in the story so it wasn’t massively gripping for me but I thought the main characters were cute together and overall I enjoyed reading!