A Song I Wrote for Charlotte

by Caitlin Devlin

A Song I Wrote for Charlotte follows Connie Moore who ends up studying English Literature at university after she does not get into the Royal Academy of Music. Connie is determined to stay focused, but music production student Charlotte Owen drags Connie into university life. As their friendship grows, Connie begins to wonder if there is more to how she feels about Charlotte. But Charlotte isn’t the kind of person you can hold onto forever. And Connie might have to consider whether the life Charlotte has built for her is one she can sustain alone.

Genres: LGBT, Young Adult, Queer, Romance, Lesbian

320 pages, Paperback

Published April 23, 2026

Reviews

[Kai Spellmeier · Rating 5 out of 5]

sad contemporary YA is back, nature really is healing

[ahmeeka]

anything caitlin devlin writes, I'm reading it

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well that has left me wrung out.

[Neve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never reading one of Sharn's recommendations ever again because she's clearly a sadist.

[Isla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so beyond heart wrenching, yet incredibly humorous. I loved Connie’s inner monologue as she explores university for the first time, navigating a life that was different to what she had originally planned. The character exchanges were hilarious and so accurate to typical British university culture. The feelings expressed were extremely real and refreshing too.

I also loved how this book expresses the importance of understanding mental health and believing in yourself to make important decisions.

Thank you so much Harper Fire for the early copy. I have been been RAVING about this to everyone I see

[Sharn · Rating 4 out of 5]

i feel like i was slapped in the face, and then someone lingered holding ice to my cheek. i do think the goodreads description adds a slight hint of warning that the books’ blurb misses out, only because the LGBTQ+ strive for happy endings and positive representation. you don’t get that from this book, but i say the emotions this made me feel throughout, start to finish, really encapsulate how relatable this is at times. although neither of them really acknowledged their sexuality, by the end i think a lot of the internalised contradictions are portrayed so well. you have to remember this is basically a diary, and we only see what connie was wiling to admit to herself. it’s not the happy ending i wanted so badly by the halfway point, but not everyone’s story will be sunshine and overcoming hardships. i think we still need a sprinkle of these devastating beautiful stories because they’re just as real!

this is such an accurate UK university experience at times and it’s riddled me with nostalgia (i didn’t even graduate a year ago yet).

-reposted review because the actual rating didn’t save :(

[Mariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok so I’m gonna need 10 business days to recover from this book, than you very much.

What a rollercoaster omg. I haven’t cried this much while reading a book in a hot minute. This was such a beautiful story and although it did shatter my heart, there were also so many heartwarming moments in it.

A Song I Wrote for Charlotte is a coming of age story that follows Connie, as she moves into uni to study English Lit after not getting into the Royal Academy of Music. She’s focused and determined to work hard but when she meets Charlotte, one of her flatmates, she can’t stay away and is dragged into university life. As their friendship grows and her horizons broaden as she tries new things and meets new people, Connie will have to come to terms with her feelings and what she wants for her future.

I loved Connie and Charlotte so much. Connie, especially, I found really relatable and I think that the fact that I saw so many pieces on myself in her really heightened all my emotions. She did grow a lot throughout the book and I loved seeing her try new things and find her place and her people. Charlotte, though a little less sure of herself perhaps, was such a free spirit and I she played a big role in Connie’s journey. They were so sweet together and I really loved to see their dynamic change throughout the book.

I don’t want to give too much away because I think it’d take some of the beauty of this sorry away but it truly is a beautiful story and I loved reading it.

If a book that covers queerness, neurodivergence, friendship, loss and so much more sounds like something you’d enjoy, I couldn’t recommend this more.

Thanks to Harper Fire and Netgalley for sending me this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Elana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still recovering emotionally. Incredible

[Paul Shellard · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a stunning book. One that will stay with me for a long time. A beautiful coming of age story exploring love, friendship, devastating grief, queerness, neurodivergence, all manner of heartbreak. Characters that feel so real you will keep thinking about them long after you put the book down. A story that was only more incredible on second read. I’m so fortunate to have been able to read this one early - I can’t wait for the rest of the world to feel all the feels this masterpiece has to offer.

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this one hurt. Like I am emotionally destroyed and need about 5-10 business days to recover.

It's rare to find a book set in a UK university and this one captures that experience so well - the endless pasta cooking, flyering on campus, moving into a flat with strangers. It reminded me so much of uni which was very nostalgic and also emotional knowing I won't experience that again.

I also really connected to this because I related so much to Connie, who is heavily implied to be neurodivergent. This makes the social aspect of university difficult for her, along with the pressure she puts on herself to excel. Honestly, I wish I could've read this back when I started uni (and wasn't aware of my own neurodivergence) - I would've felt so much less alone in my awkwardness.

It was interesting to see her family dynamic and how that impacted her as well. It helped to understand her character and it warmed my heart to see Connie's character growth as the story progressed.

All the characters were so well written. I loved Charlotte and her persistence in befriending Connie. A literal ray of sunshine character. Her and Connie grow closer and closer, at first to Connie's resistance, as the book progresses and it is very sweet. Loved how they connected over music too!!

The side characters did feel very realistic and I could so easily picture all of them. The laddish boys, the posh girls. I have such a soft spot in my heart for her flatmates Toby, Eli and Imran. There was very much a found family element to the story that made it both heartwarming and heartbreaking.

I don't want to say too much but let's just say I wasn't expecting the ending! I'm maybe never getting over it.

This is such a beautifully written coming-of-age story that deals so authentically with themes of queerness, neurodivergence, friendship and grief.

[Niamh Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

I absolutely DEVOURED this!!

I was so excited for this ARC from NetGalley and somehow it still exceeded every expectation because I genuinely could not put it down. This book had everything - laughs, tears, BRUTAL emotional damage (seriously, where did that even come from?! 😭), and so many beautiful moments that completely caught me off guard.

Connie’s journey through the chaos of university felt so real, and I loved how it felt like we were experiencing every new step right alongside her. The sapphic love story, the beautiful friendships, and the neurodivergent rep made this feel incredibly special too.

Caitlin Devlin, you absolutely smashed it with this one!! 🥹✨

[Izzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caitlin Devlin’s writing continues to go from strength to strength. This has to be my favourite book from her thus far.

An outrageously accurate depiction of the ups and downs of first year university life (with a few extra twists on top). So many relatable moments for so many readers! At times it felt as if I was reliving parts of my own first year experience again - very nostalgic.

The queer and neurodivergent representation is handled with great care and understanding. A truly wonderful YA fiction.

You will laugh, you will cry, you will reminisce - overall an unmissable read.

[son! · Rating 5 out of 5]

saw it coming, but that didn’t make it hurt any less

[Oyanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

whatever you do, don't listen to honeybee by olivia rodrigo while reading or thinking about this book

[Zoeslibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very sweet and a fast read. I loved our main character Connie so much and seeing her find her place somewhere she never thought she’d belong to was my favorite part of it all. The titular Charlotte was a great character as well, and I really liked their dynamic. About 80% in there is a twist I’m not sure I enjoyed, but overall I felt the plot was pretty well executed and I had a great reading experience

Thank you NetGalley for the arc, all thoughts are my own

[cabejeh]

Saw the giveaway on tiktok and even though I didn’t win still went out to buy it as it intrigued me. Finished it in one night and I really enjoyed it! Made me a bit emotional as was so realistic and made me realise how much I miss uni. The story really reminds me of my own experience with identity at university. Have never had a character I could relate to as much as I do Connie, it’s great to feel somewhat recognised in a book. This book played with my emotions in a way I didn’t anticipate but I definitely believe this has got me out of my reading slump.

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

very honoured to have received an advanced copy ☺️

so this was DEVASTATING. i literally did not see that coming and was ready for charlotte and connie to slip off hand in hand to the sunset….

very beautiful writing and story. as a first year uni student can attest to having annoying flatmates… Would have been avoiding Mason like the plague. The setting was super fun and it made me so nostalgic even tho i have yet to move out of my accom 😭😭

loved loved loved this 1000% recommend ! 🌟

[Charlotte Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in under 4 hours, that is how much I loved it.
It is also the first book to ever make me cry, I was truly devastated at the end.
The character development and relationships in this book were truly beautiful and so real.
The emotion throughout was well written and raw and it was so easy to read and follow.
It genuinely took me back to my time at university, it made me smile, laugh and cry and I never saw that twist coming. Truly beautiful, poignant and moving.

[Josephine Lough · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ I’ve followed the author of this book for a couple years now, so when I saw this in Waterstones and read the first couple pages I knew I had to have it. I really could not put this down, the author has a wonderful way of writing which places you so perfectly in the moment with all the characters. They all felt so real, and I love when a book can ground me so well. The characters were undoubtedly my favourite part of the book, each having such distinct and (mostly) likeable personalities. The slow burn of Charlotte and Connie was perfect- each moment felt so rewarded with the build up and again just felt so real. Charlotte was such an angel- I loved reading about her. And the boys! Imran, Toby, and Eli were just so wonderful and funny- so kind and offered great comedic relief as well. I’m lowkey so jealous of this friendship group lol. And Connie of course- I will say it took me a while to warm up to her, but I loved her by the end. Charlotte’s death was definitely heartbreaking, but it was rewarding to read Connie’s grief and how she came out the other end. I honestly could have and wanted to read a lot more of this (which is something I usually don’t say about books these days) but I genuinely didn’t feel ready to leave everyone behind. I wanted to see what Connie did next, how she’d continue to deal with the grief and her grandmother and her dad, and what the boys would get up to in their next year. Massive props to the author, she is such a great writer. I envy her ability to create characters with a perfect mix of humour, real dialogue, and genuine struggles. I would love to read more of her work in the future <3

a paragraph I liked:
‘Go on, then, she said, turning to the rest of the flat. What did you all get up to?'
It transpired that Imran had won an Economics grant, Toby had got lost at a theme park, Mason had slept with his brothers ex-girlfriend, and Eli had accidently done acid.
'So pretty much what you'd expect, said Charlotte.

[Angelo Voßen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caitlin Devlin’s „A Song I Wrote For Charlotte“ is the kind of book that sneaks up on you. It doesn’t shout for attention with dramatic twists or grand gestures. Instead, it whispers, inviting you into the intimate, often awkward, and deeply human moments that make up a life. The premise is simple, but the execution is anything but. Devlin’s prose is tender and unflinching, capturing the raw, unfiltered emotions of someone who’s still figuring it all out.

What struck me most about this book was its honesty. The characters feel like real people, flawed and relatable, and their struggles are portrayed with authenticity. The book doesn’t offer easy answers, but it does offer something just as valuable: the reassurance that it’s okay to not have everything figured out.

The relationship at the heart of the story is beautifully understated. It’s not a grand romance, but a quiet, evolving connection built on shared silences and small, meaningful gestures. Devlin has a knack for writing dialogue that feels natural and unforced, and the interactions between the characters are some of the most compelling parts of the book. There’s a warmth to their dynamic that makes you root for them, even when they’re stumbling through their own insecurities.

If I had one critique, it’s that the pacing occasionally drags in the middle. There are moments where the introspection feels a bit heavy-handed, and I found myself wishing for a bit more forward momentum. But even then, the writing is so rich and the characters so well-drawn that it’s easy to forgive. By the time I reached the end, I was fully invested in their journey, and the final chapters left me with a bittersweet ache.

„A Song I Wrote For Charlotte“ is a novel for anyone who’s ever loved, lost, or tried to put their feelings into words. It’s a reminder that life isn’t about the big, dramatic moments — it’s about the small, quiet ones in between. And sometimes, those are the most beautiful of all.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Connie is devastated when she is rejected by the Royal Academy of Music doesn’t want her, and she has to pursue Plan B: moving into student halls to study English Literature. Connie plans to stay focused – mediocrity must be avoided at all costs. Just across the corridor, her flatmate Charlotte is sweet, sociable, and beautiful. Charlotte determinedly drags Connie into university life. As an unlikely friendship blossoms, Connie begins to wonder if she feels something more about Charlotte, and whether Charlotte could feel the same.

This is an amazing coming-of-age story celebrating self-discovery and LGBTQ+ & neurodivergent identities. I loved Connie’s voice - it perfectly captured this very specific part of growing up, when you first strike out on your own and have to decide who you’re going to be. The narrative moved from funny to emotive, as Connie dug deep and pushed out of her comfort zone. Settling into university wasn’t easy for me - although I met one of my best friends @onceuponabook30 who inspired me to start this account! The narrative is shaped almost like a diary, moving through Connie’s first semester. This was a slow burn romance and I really liked the almost grumpy/sunshine characteristic of the girls, although Connie really grew into herself and became more confident. I was so absorbed, and finished most of this in a weekend!

[Merrilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘I used to like being alone, before.’

Spoiler-free review

A Song I Wrote for Charlotte is about Connie Moore, who doesn’t get into Royal Academy of Music and has to pursue her Plan B. She moves into student halls and starts studying English Literature.

She meets her flatmates:

•Charlotte, a very extroverted Music Production student. She starts dragging Connie to parties and making sure she gets out of her room every once in a while.

•Eli, ‘the brown one who isn’t Imran’.

•Imran, the one who ‘doesn’t drink. He’s far too responsible’.

•Mason. I don’t know what to say about him. Connie describes him as ‘ridiculously good-looking’. Charlotte describes him as ‘the one who gets laid’.
I don’t like him.

•Toby, ‘the one person in this flat who doesn’t overshare’.

At first, she strongly dislikes her flatmates and even tries moving but warms up to them eventually.

This book is literally fantastic and I plan to reread it soon. Connie is a lot like me. It was really funny and relatable but the ending was very heartbreaking.

Rating: five stars

Age rating: 14+ (sexual references, a closed-door scene, characters drink alcohol, other drugs are mentioned, a lot of swear words)

This book mentioned lots of songs, I made a playlist (Apple Music): https://music.apple.com/ee/playlist/a...

[Holly Bowden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy five star read, with a beautiful combination of exquisite prose and a heartbreaking story.

I’m obsessed with Caitlin’s writing and have been since I first read ‘Born For This.’ People just don’t tend to write like this anymore, so her books are always a breath of fresh air. Her writing is faultless and has a beautiful timeless quality to it.

I loved Connie. I felt so seen through her. There aren’t many characters I feel I can relate to so strongly but she is definitely one of them. Reading and experiencing how her brain works felt like holding up a mirror.

And then there is Charlotte. Wonderful Charlotte. Everyone needs a Charlotte in their lives.

And the boys? The found family? Perfect.

I adored this story and the way it made me feel. I knew going into this book that I would be rating it five stars and now, leaving it behind, I wish I could give it six.

A wonderful YA book that I think everyone will love and should endeavour to read, regardless of age.

[Marta thebookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

A huge thank you to the publisher for gifting me this book early . I was warned I’d need tissues and they were absolutely right 🥲😭

Connie Moore has always had a plan for her future, but rejection forces her onto a new path. In a completely new environment, she struggles with self-doubt, pressure and letting others in, even as people keep showing her kindness and wanting to be her friend.

Charlotte is bubbly, vibrant and impossible not to love. She draws Connie out of her comfort zone, even when she shows a LOT of resistance at first 😅😂. Through Charlotte and the friends she meets, Connie begins to feel seen, accepted and encouraged to follow her own dreams. The friendships in this story are full of humor, tension and moments that spark growth and self-discovery.

I laughed, I cried and cheered as Connie learned to simply be herself. Her journey of letting go of expectations and embracing life is beautiful and inspiring. I could not predict this ending 👀…

I highly recommend this book, which comes out on the 23rd of April 🤍

[Emily G · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful read that had me sobbing into my pillow. Blessed to have read this early 🫶

The story follows Charlotte and Connie as they navigate university and newfound feelings towards each other. I think it was an excellent portrayal of discovering sexuality and coming to terms with all the changes uni brings. Devlin captured the wonderful weirdness of university friendships and mixed personalities perfectly. For sure the coming of age novel I would have loved to have read at 16-17.

Soppy moment but the rise in queer coming of age novels is so important and really gets me emotional as I remember how important books like You Know Me So Well were to me growing up. The neurodivergent rep in this was beautifully done also!

Recommend this as a quick sapphic read and its release during lesbian visibility week was a 10/10 decision! Please note this book explores topics of grief 🫶

[Laura The Busy Book Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't write a review perfect enough for this book. A coming of age story that navigates friendships, university, autism, love and heartbreak.

Connie is thrown outside her comfort zone into dorm life at university. Charlotte is determined to pull Connie into university life. It was lovely seeing the two personalities together and Charlotte helping Connie join in university life.

It was beautiful seeing the relationship between the two. Charlotte came across as someone who lights up a room, but had hidden sadness. Connie is someone who says what they are thinking and is uncomfortable with people touching her and laughing groups of people.

It was interesting seeing Charlotte's influence on Connie at the end, and Connie letting the other roommates into her world.

[Mya · Rating 2 out of 5]

WHY THE BURY YOUR GAYS TROPE IN A YA ROMANCE IN 2026??!! sorry for the spoilers but it's so unnecessary and damaging, I was hoping that we were getting over this for the younger generations (& there's no indication on the blurb so people deserve to know!).

Queer people deserve better representation than death and bereavement. And for an LGBT book, LGBT identity is never explicitly addressed, both the queer girls avoid accepting or taking pride in their sexuality.

The book was ok before that but this totally ruined it for me and the representation feels slightly icky now looking bad from this vantage point. Really really so dissapointing 💔

[isabella lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

i’m almost lost for words. wow what a beautiful devastating heartwarming and heartbreaking and heart wrenching book. a gorgeous queer coming of age story but so devastatingly sad. i absolutely cried my eyes out and still can’t stop crying. i know this book will stay with me for a long time, and i hope many people get the chance to read it.

i’ve loved everything caitlin devlin has written and her ya debut is no exception. absolutely loved the diary style of this one and i loved connie’s development throughout, we really saw how she changed and how charlotte changed her.

god i just can’t stop crying right now and i think even thinking about this book will just make me cry😭

[Isabelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Connie as a protagonist as I could relate to her a lot. However, I did not like that she was kind of forced to change herself throughout the book. She went along with her roommates' parties to make them stop bothering her about it, even though she ended up feeling uncomfortable sooner or later every time. The way her roommates worried about her in the last third of the book was very heartwarming, but for me this did not fully make up for the way they annoyed her in the beginning. 

[lyricswritinggirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this!!! From queerness, coming-of-age and neurodivergence to love and friendship: I doubt there's any topic in adolescence that this book didn't touch. And it all happened in the most beautiful, true-to-life, tragic way too *dramatic sigh*
I was tempted to give four stars but then I realised the thing I didn't like was not even meant to be liked! That's the point!! And ugh I cried even more after that realisation. This book stands on the same shelf with Jennifer Niven and John Green in my opinion.