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Secret Love Song
“When the past walks back into your life, will you guard your heart—or let it break all over again?”
Nova Marshall has learned how to keep the darkness at bay—hiding her scars behind smiles, clinging to small daily joys, and to the steady presence of Steven, the man who makes her feel safe.
But one night, at the restaurant where she works, everything shatters. On stage, guitar in hand, is Vincent Cooper—her childhood best friend, her confidant, the boy who vanished without a word, leaving behind an ache that never truly healed.
Now, caught between the life she fought to build and the pull of a bond that never let her go, Nova must protect her heart, or risk breaking it all over again.
Set against the vibrant yet bittersweet backdrop of San Francisco, Secret Love Song is the first book in a moving story of friendship, destiny, music, and the courage to love… even when it hurts.
Nova Marshall has learned how to keep the darkness at bay—hiding her scars behind smiles, clinging to small daily joys, and to the steady presence of Steven, the man who makes her feel safe.
But one night, at the restaurant where she works, everything shatters. On stage, guitar in hand, is Vincent Cooper—her childhood best friend, her confidant, the boy who vanished without a word, leaving behind an ache that never truly healed.
Now, caught between the life she fought to build and the pull of a bond that never let her go, Nova must protect her heart, or risk breaking it all over again.
Set against the vibrant yet bittersweet backdrop of San Francisco, Secret Love Song is the first book in a moving story of friendship, destiny, music, and the courage to love… even when it hurts.
624 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 11, 2025
11 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 10, 2025
“𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝓝𝓸𝓿𝓪’𝓼 𝓭𝓲𝓯𝓯𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓷𝓽. 𝓗𝓮𝓻 𝓺𝓾𝓲𝓻𝓴𝓼 𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓶𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓼𝓸𝓾𝓵 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓶𝓸𝓼𝓽 𝓫𝓮𝓪𝓾𝓽𝓲𝓯𝓾𝓵 𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝓲𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓵𝓭.”
I was so happy to get the arc for this book!
It was a long one, and after finishing it I can finally see that this book is truly about healing and learning how to love yourself, even when it feels impossible.
Vincent and Nova are such messy characters. But thats exactly what makes them human.
They’ve both been through so much, but their character development is so wholesome at the end. Especially Vincent, there were times I just wanted to give him the biggest hug😭
The only reason this wasn’t more than a 4⭐️ is that by the end there were some scenes that felt a bit repetitive.
And for a minute there I was stressing out that the whole thing between Vincent, Nova and Steven is gonna be a disaster. Luckily it turned out good.
I really enjoyed the writing especially the banter and tension between them. I could feel the emotion and yearning for each other through the pages.
But what really shone in this book is the friendship and found family. I loved getting to know each and every one of the friends, and can’t wait to know their whole story!
Highly recommended! Such an amazing debut novel. Full of emotion and love💗
QUOTES:
Nova Elizabeth Dehlia Marshall isn’t just a ray of sunshine. She’s the sun. I never thought the sun could cry. And yet, it does when no one is watching. She hides her sadness, giving up her own light just to brighten the world around her, to light up my sky.
“You’re the only person who makes this mess of a life feel like it’s worth it. You’re home, Nova. To me, to everyone who actually matters.”
Maybe happiness isn’t some faraway thing that’s vanished forever. Maybe it’s a series of tiny, ridiculous moments like this—being flung into the sky by people who love you, the sun on your face, the way your grandmother’s hand finds yours in the crowd. Maybe it’s possible to smile again, to feel something that’s not just survival but real, stupid joy.
“I breathe when you breathe. I hurt when you hurt. The music I compose belongs to you, Nova. My soul belongs to you. My fucked up mind finds peace only through your laugh.
“You’re love,” she whispers into my chest. I chuckle softly, teasing, “And here I thought I was music.” She giggles, that sound that always manages to undo me, before lifting her eyes back to mine.
“You’re everything.”
I was so happy to get the arc for this book!
It was a long one, and after finishing it I can finally see that this book is truly about healing and learning how to love yourself, even when it feels impossible.
Vincent and Nova are such messy characters. But thats exactly what makes them human.
They’ve both been through so much, but their character development is so wholesome at the end. Especially Vincent, there were times I just wanted to give him the biggest hug😭
The only reason this wasn’t more than a 4⭐️ is that by the end there were some scenes that felt a bit repetitive.
And for a minute there I was stressing out that the whole thing between Vincent, Nova and Steven is gonna be a disaster. Luckily it turned out good.
I really enjoyed the writing especially the banter and tension between them. I could feel the emotion and yearning for each other through the pages.
But what really shone in this book is the friendship and found family. I loved getting to know each and every one of the friends, and can’t wait to know their whole story!
Highly recommended! Such an amazing debut novel. Full of emotion and love💗
QUOTES:
Nova Elizabeth Dehlia Marshall isn’t just a ray of sunshine. She’s the sun. I never thought the sun could cry. And yet, it does when no one is watching. She hides her sadness, giving up her own light just to brighten the world around her, to light up my sky.
“You’re the only person who makes this mess of a life feel like it’s worth it. You’re home, Nova. To me, to everyone who actually matters.”
Maybe happiness isn’t some faraway thing that’s vanished forever. Maybe it’s a series of tiny, ridiculous moments like this—being flung into the sky by people who love you, the sun on your face, the way your grandmother’s hand finds yours in the crowd. Maybe it’s possible to smile again, to feel something that’s not just survival but real, stupid joy.
“I breathe when you breathe. I hurt when you hurt. The music I compose belongs to you, Nova. My soul belongs to you. My fucked up mind finds peace only through your laugh.
“You’re love,” she whispers into my chest. I chuckle softly, teasing, “And here I thought I was music.” She giggles, that sound that always manages to undo me, before lifting her eyes back to mine.
“You’re everything.”
November 22, 2025
[arc] this is the perfect way to debut your story. I am genuinely proud.
This characters are well written and have the biggest personalities ever, i LOVE the way they talk and express their passions. AND THE FOUND FAMILY!!! they have the best relationships ever.
The plot was so good, and even though i don’t have the best relationship with the past present trope, i really enjoyed this and felt like it actually added something to the story.
i recommend this 100%, i swear that even if the tropes are not your cup of tea, please give it a try. i speak from experience, this book had everything to make me hate it, and i gave it a chance, and now i can say with every confidence that i. love. this. book. so yeah this is a good book, this is the perfect debut and you should read it!
SEE YOU DECEMBER 11TH! ENJOY
This characters are well written and have the biggest personalities ever, i LOVE the way they talk and express their passions. AND THE FOUND FAMILY!!! they have the best relationships ever.
The plot was so good, and even though i don’t have the best relationship with the past present trope, i really enjoyed this and felt like it actually added something to the story.
i recommend this 100%, i swear that even if the tropes are not your cup of tea, please give it a try. i speak from experience, this book had everything to make me hate it, and i gave it a chance, and now i can say with every confidence that i. love. this. book. so yeah this is a good book, this is the perfect debut and you should read it!
SEE YOU DECEMBER 11TH! ENJOY
December 10, 2025
4.75 ⭐️ (arc) thank you so much to the author for trusting me with this copy !! This is going to be long so stay with me :)
Wow what an incredible debut novel !!! The found family in this was my favourite aspect - it was done so beautifully and all of their relationships with each other either had me grinning so hard, melted my heart, or left me me wanting to know more !! The characters were so well done, and you get such a strong sense of who they all are. They were all very three dimensional. This being so, had me at times, deeply rejecting some of their choices, but made complete sense for them to do. I also loved how involved the other characters were in the story without overpowering and stealing the focus off Nova and Vincent. I still was indulged with content on them without the main characters being sidelined ! The author balanced this line perfectly ! And did an amazing job of keeping the side characters still relevant, and not forgettable, which isn’t always easy with the number of them there was. Sam and Vincent’s relationship was my fav I think :( I love them so bad.
Nova and Vincent are truly soulmates, no doubts about it. Sometimes authors will make these claims only for it to fall flat, but this isn’t the case at all for Secret Love Song; I can’t fathom any world in which Nova and Vincent aren’t together. Their whole friends to lovers arc was done so well. Sometimes I got frustrated at the one step forward three steps back of them getting together, but it was understandable why it happened. The way they handled some situations bothered me, but this wasn’t a bad thing as it worked for them and pushed the plot further, and showed how invested I was in them and the story to get mad at their choices !!
In the best way possible, Nova gives such coming to age Disney main character but it works so well for her, and I can’t imagine her any other way.
Okay, I’m personally not always a lover of split timelines but the author executed this so well !! There were times where I actually wanted to just keep reading the past timeline (especially when they were older teens !) I was so so invested. As well as, the split timeline was such a necessity to Nova and Vincent’s story, it would’ve been incomplete without it.
A pet peeve I have in books is chapters that are just extended periods of talking/ heart to hearts, but this wasn’t the case for this book. Even the chapters that are just them chatting the whole time, it feels like you’re right there with them. They didn’t feel unnecessary or like dragged on heart to hearts; they felt natural, and real.
I was a big fan of all the pop culture, and music references !! They weren’t overdone or too niche to alienate anyone who doesn’t understand them, and were given in context !
After going through an editor, this book has such potential to be a massive hit !! (Even without one I still think it can do incredibly well, and I really hope it does!) The plot is sound, the characters are well developed, and the writing style matches the levels you see from accomplished authors ! The only faults were some mistakes which is to be expected from an indie author, and debut novel (also considering this is the authors third language blows my mind, you would never be able to tell). Any issues with the writing still didn’t take away from the comprehension of the story at all, and everything was still easily understandable.
I’m so excited to see the rest of the characters stories unfold and to come back to this universe !! (Aurora and Max are shrouded in so much mystery too I’m excited to learn more !! As well as the fan favs Maggie and Sam)
I genuinely had such an amazing time reading this book and will happily recommend it to everyone !
I’m a sucker for a good friends to lovers romance and NovaVincent didn’t disappoint <333
Wow what an incredible debut novel !!! The found family in this was my favourite aspect - it was done so beautifully and all of their relationships with each other either had me grinning so hard, melted my heart, or left me me wanting to know more !! The characters were so well done, and you get such a strong sense of who they all are. They were all very three dimensional. This being so, had me at times, deeply rejecting some of their choices, but made complete sense for them to do. I also loved how involved the other characters were in the story without overpowering and stealing the focus off Nova and Vincent. I still was indulged with content on them without the main characters being sidelined ! The author balanced this line perfectly ! And did an amazing job of keeping the side characters still relevant, and not forgettable, which isn’t always easy with the number of them there was. Sam and Vincent’s relationship was my fav I think :( I love them so bad.
Nova and Vincent are truly soulmates, no doubts about it. Sometimes authors will make these claims only for it to fall flat, but this isn’t the case at all for Secret Love Song; I can’t fathom any world in which Nova and Vincent aren’t together. Their whole friends to lovers arc was done so well. Sometimes I got frustrated at the one step forward three steps back of them getting together, but it was understandable why it happened. The way they handled some situations bothered me, but this wasn’t a bad thing as it worked for them and pushed the plot further, and showed how invested I was in them and the story to get mad at their choices !!
In the best way possible, Nova gives such coming to age Disney main character but it works so well for her, and I can’t imagine her any other way.
Okay, I’m personally not always a lover of split timelines but the author executed this so well !! There were times where I actually wanted to just keep reading the past timeline (especially when they were older teens !) I was so so invested. As well as, the split timeline was such a necessity to Nova and Vincent’s story, it would’ve been incomplete without it.
A pet peeve I have in books is chapters that are just extended periods of talking/ heart to hearts, but this wasn’t the case for this book. Even the chapters that are just them chatting the whole time, it feels like you’re right there with them. They didn’t feel unnecessary or like dragged on heart to hearts; they felt natural, and real.
I was a big fan of all the pop culture, and music references !! They weren’t overdone or too niche to alienate anyone who doesn’t understand them, and were given in context !
After going through an editor, this book has such potential to be a massive hit !! (Even without one I still think it can do incredibly well, and I really hope it does!) The plot is sound, the characters are well developed, and the writing style matches the levels you see from accomplished authors ! The only faults were some mistakes which is to be expected from an indie author, and debut novel (also considering this is the authors third language blows my mind, you would never be able to tell). Any issues with the writing still didn’t take away from the comprehension of the story at all, and everything was still easily understandable.
I’m so excited to see the rest of the characters stories unfold and to come back to this universe !! (Aurora and Max are shrouded in so much mystery too I’m excited to learn more !! As well as the fan favs Maggie and Sam)
I genuinely had such an amazing time reading this book and will happily recommend it to everyone !
I’m a sucker for a good friends to lovers romance and NovaVincent didn’t disappoint <333
November 22, 2025
3.5 ⭐ (arc) thank you so much to the author for trusting me with this copy!
this book had me suffering and stressing like omg (positive). both main characters drove me insane at times, but in a way i totally understood, they went through traumatic events so young that their behavior made sense… even if their push and pull was killing me lmao.
i really enjoyed the setting and the overall vibes. all the pop culture references, shows, movies, etc. made the characters feel real and grounded. plotwise, this is a strong debut, the concept is great, and the back and forth between present and past kept me hooked the whole time. the writing isn’t the best ever, but it still worked really well and held my attention.
excited to see more of the other characters in the next books <3 (max and aurora 👀)
this book had me suffering and stressing like omg (positive). both main characters drove me insane at times, but in a way i totally understood, they went through traumatic events so young that their behavior made sense… even if their push and pull was killing me lmao.
i really enjoyed the setting and the overall vibes. all the pop culture references, shows, movies, etc. made the characters feel real and grounded. plotwise, this is a strong debut, the concept is great, and the back and forth between present and past kept me hooked the whole time. the writing isn’t the best ever, but it still worked really well and held my attention.
excited to see more of the other characters in the next books <3 (max and aurora 👀)
December 25, 2025
i was so excited for this book to come out and it did not disappoint! from everything i saw pre-release, i had a feeling this author put her whole soul into creating this world of characters and the product absolutely showed that. found family done so well, along with the characters themselves and the relationships. i loved the main girl nova--she just felt so real and that's what i look for in a character, especially the fmc. each characters aesthetic was perfectly curated and i can't wait to read more about them in their own books. for a debut novel that i believe was independently published, this was great.
November 20, 2025
[arc]
this book and the emotions it made me feel are unreal
all the characters are extremely lovable, there is deep respect between all characters (even between the love triangle), the found family is so endearing, and the romance is out of this world i hope to feel it one day extraordinary. i hope nova and vincent get all the happiness in the universe they deserve it!
the writing is so good! it’s a debut novel but while it is captivating and well written i can’t wait to read the next ones and follow the evolution of the writing and the characters!
OUT DEC11 ON AMAZON! 🫶🏻
this book and the emotions it made me feel are unreal
all the characters are extremely lovable, there is deep respect between all characters (even between the love triangle), the found family is so endearing, and the romance is out of this world i hope to feel it one day extraordinary. i hope nova and vincent get all the happiness in the universe they deserve it!
the writing is so good! it’s a debut novel but while it is captivating and well written i can’t wait to read the next ones and follow the evolution of the writing and the characters!
OUT DEC11 ON AMAZON! 🫶🏻
November 14, 2025
3.75!!! (arc)
for a debut, this book is really well written; all the characters are all developed and interesting instead of being there to support the main couple. it was a ‘will they won’t they’ situation which did get on my nerves a little but it was understandable why they waited to be together.
it’s a childhood friend to lovers trope and i’m a sucker for any friend to lovers trope so of course i knew i’d enjoy this. also oomf wrote this so 🤍🤍
for a debut, this book is really well written; all the characters are all developed and interesting instead of being there to support the main couple. it was a ‘will they won’t they’ situation which did get on my nerves a little but it was understandable why they waited to be together.
it’s a childhood friend to lovers trope and i’m a sucker for any friend to lovers trope so of course i knew i’d enjoy this. also oomf wrote this so 🤍🤍
November 22, 2025
English:
(ARC) Thank you to the author for trusting me with this copy!
For a debut, this is pretty well done! I could connect with Vincent and Nova but also with the side characters. The found-family aspect is very well executed, and honestly, their scenes together were some of my favorite parts to read!
I went through so many moods, from the sadness caused by reading about their traumas to how cute Vincent and Nova were since the very first time they met. The way they handled certain situations sometimes irritated or upset me, but I don’t see that as a bad thing, on the contrary, it means their decisions actually made me react. They were really sweet. I spent the whole book thinking about how cute they were. Also, it was pretty angsty, which is something I really LOVE to read!
As for the plot, I really liked the way it shows you both the present and the past. Both parts are very important to get to know the main characters and also their friend group. The childhood-friends-to-lovers trope is always well executed when you can see their entire development from when they were kids.
I’m left wanting so much more about NovaVincent and the core eight, especially Sam and Maggie, who are honestly the ones that intrigue me the most!
Español:
(ARC) Muchas gracias a la autora por confiarme este libro!
Para ser un debut, está muy bien hecho. Pude conectar con Vincent y Nova y también con los personajes secundarios. El found-family está muy bien logrado y la verdad es que sus escenas juntos fueron de mis cosas favoritas de leer.
Pasé por muchos estados de ánimo, desde la tristeza que me generaba leer sus traumas hasta la ternura que me generaban Vincent y Nova. Como afrontaban algunas situaciones a veces me irritaba o me hacían enojar pero no lo considero algo malo, sino que lograron generarme una reacción a sus decisiones. Ellos fueron muy tiernos, estuve todo el libro diciendo lo cute que eran. Además, fue bastante angsty, cosa que a mi es algo que me encanta.
En cuanto a la trama, me gustó mucho la forma en la que te muestra el presente y el pasado. Ambas partes son muy importantes para conocer a los personajes principales y también a su grupo de amigos. El childhood friends to lovers siempre está bien logrado si se puede ser todo su desarrollo desde pequeños.
Me quedo con ganas de leer más sobre NovaVincent y el core 8 en general. Principalemente Sam y Maggie que son los que más me intrigan con todos los crumbs que tienen en este libro!
(ARC) Thank you to the author for trusting me with this copy!
For a debut, this is pretty well done! I could connect with Vincent and Nova but also with the side characters. The found-family aspect is very well executed, and honestly, their scenes together were some of my favorite parts to read!
I went through so many moods, from the sadness caused by reading about their traumas to how cute Vincent and Nova were since the very first time they met. The way they handled certain situations sometimes irritated or upset me, but I don’t see that as a bad thing, on the contrary, it means their decisions actually made me react. They were really sweet. I spent the whole book thinking about how cute they were. Also, it was pretty angsty, which is something I really LOVE to read!
As for the plot, I really liked the way it shows you both the present and the past. Both parts are very important to get to know the main characters and also their friend group. The childhood-friends-to-lovers trope is always well executed when you can see their entire development from when they were kids.
I’m left wanting so much more about NovaVincent and the core eight, especially Sam and Maggie, who are honestly the ones that intrigue me the most!
Español:
(ARC) Muchas gracias a la autora por confiarme este libro!
Para ser un debut, está muy bien hecho. Pude conectar con Vincent y Nova y también con los personajes secundarios. El found-family está muy bien logrado y la verdad es que sus escenas juntos fueron de mis cosas favoritas de leer.
Pasé por muchos estados de ánimo, desde la tristeza que me generaba leer sus traumas hasta la ternura que me generaban Vincent y Nova. Como afrontaban algunas situaciones a veces me irritaba o me hacían enojar pero no lo considero algo malo, sino que lograron generarme una reacción a sus decisiones. Ellos fueron muy tiernos, estuve todo el libro diciendo lo cute que eran. Además, fue bastante angsty, cosa que a mi es algo que me encanta.
En cuanto a la trama, me gustó mucho la forma en la que te muestra el presente y el pasado. Ambas partes son muy importantes para conocer a los personajes principales y también a su grupo de amigos. El childhood friends to lovers siempre está bien logrado si se puede ser todo su desarrollo desde pequeños.
Me quedo con ganas de leer más sobre NovaVincent y el core 8 en general. Principalemente Sam y Maggie que son los que más me intrigan con todos los crumbs que tienen en este libro!
January 18, 2026
si hubiera 10 estrellas se la daría, son mi mundo entero muy poca veces siento que un libro me toca tanto mi alma, amo a cada uno de los personajes pero novavincent son otra cosas en todo el libro sentí como si me hablarán a mi
thank you to the author for creating these characters; I seriously feel like I'm part of the group, and I saw myself reflected in Nova. There were parts where I felt like she was reading my mind.
thank you to the author for creating these characters; I seriously feel like I'm part of the group, and I saw myself reflected in Nova. There were parts where I felt like she was reading my mind.
January 4, 2026
amazing debut 🤍
December 19, 2025
terminei e amei muito esse livro, estou ansiosa para os próximos casais!!!
vivendo por aurora/Max e sam/Margaret😭😭❤️🩹
vivendo por aurora/Max e sam/Margaret😭😭❤️🩹
November 6, 2025
Arc Review - 4.5 ⭐️
Goshhhh this book was everything. I loved the quotes that started off each chapter. I had such a good time. This book spoke to me on a molecular level. Like the music, song choice, the bands…literally all my favs. honestly it sold me just for mentioning Seth Cohen and Andrew Garfrield and don’t even get me started on all the other pop culture references and young justice?!?!? like please. Author-Nim, you understand me sooo bad. The vibes in this book were absolutely immaculate. This book is truly a music lovers dream come true. I was living for the descriptions of everything. The detail about Will associating each person he meets with a superhero was so cute and endearing.
I can’t wait to learn more about himmmmm. I’m so curious.
But let’s talk about the writing. The writing is soooo good. I’ve never read a book like this. I’m obsessed with the writing style. It really felt like i was slowly uncovering secrets. sooo many layers. I loved the parallels that happen as you read the story and especially the ones you don’t pick up until later. I love how I’m never getting too much info about the characters to where it feels like a mouthful of information that’s being thrown at me. I think the way the info is revealed was absolutely genius. I love the instance of using very specific scenarios to relay info and it’s just like idk man there was so many like aha and ohhhh moments as things became full circle and i absolutely loved it and even now with me having read the full book…i’m still missing pieces about the certain individuals in the friend group but it’s not like oh i don’t know anything about them sorta way? if anything, in a to be continued and makes even more excited to read the future books. again I can’t wait to learn more about everyone and omg i’m so curious about Auroras incident…gosh the details mannnn. The story really hints at some things but you really don’t know until it’s revealed and i love that again amazing…so intriguing. ..i love you author
Nova and Vincent were so perfect, literal soulmates.
I loved reading about them and everything that led up to now. Vincent really pulled at my heartstrings. He’s just so lovely. Nova and Vincent both had rough upbringings and it’s just sooooo idk like I’m rainbows and glitter that they found and have each other.Nova is Literal sunshine. She’s so quirky and cute and soo unique. best girl down. I loved NovaVincents dynamic. I loved how sweet they were to each other. I loved Vincent’s parents. Daniel and Chris, dads of the year seriously. and Nova my sweet sweet girl…goshhhh. Every person in the friend group are sooo loved by me. I’m obsessed with all of them. Steven had me cracking me up so bad and I just found myself resonating with him. I loved his introduction. I love how they all met. I found Max and Steven’s beef hilarious and i’m happy that they seem to be getting along better now 🥺🥺 honestly the dynamics between Sam, Steven, and Max <33 chefs kiss. they’re so chaotic.
Can we just talk about Sam though?? Vincent and Sam haven’t know each other long at the time they move in together and like Sam really doesn’t play about Vincent and it’s just so precious i want to die. Him stepping into help him bathe, clean his room for him, prepare and take his meals to his room for him. It’s so pure and the love Vincent is surrounded by, the love they’re all surrounded as a chosen family is just too much for my heart. And Vincent coming home from rehab to all of his friends greeting him so warmly, lifting him into the air, similar to Steven, Max, and Vincent doing so to Nova when she was moving out of her childhood home…i can’t. My poor heart can’t take it. It’s so beautiful.
All of the future leading ladies in the book have my heart. I want maggie to cuss me out. She’s perfect.
I’m just so excited for more of this story of this lovely friend group to unfold, especially with Nova finally being able reunite with her baby brother Asher as well 🥺
All in all, thank you so so much for the ARC. can’t wait to re-read in December on release day lol <33
Goshhhh this book was everything. I loved the quotes that started off each chapter. I had such a good time. This book spoke to me on a molecular level. Like the music, song choice, the bands…literally all my favs. honestly it sold me just for mentioning Seth Cohen and Andrew Garfrield and don’t even get me started on all the other pop culture references and young justice?!?!? like please. Author-Nim, you understand me sooo bad. The vibes in this book were absolutely immaculate. This book is truly a music lovers dream come true. I was living for the descriptions of everything. The detail about Will associating each person he meets with a superhero was so cute and endearing.
I can’t wait to learn more about himmmmm. I’m so curious.
But let’s talk about the writing. The writing is soooo good. I’ve never read a book like this. I’m obsessed with the writing style. It really felt like i was slowly uncovering secrets. sooo many layers. I loved the parallels that happen as you read the story and especially the ones you don’t pick up until later. I love how I’m never getting too much info about the characters to where it feels like a mouthful of information that’s being thrown at me. I think the way the info is revealed was absolutely genius. I love the instance of using very specific scenarios to relay info and it’s just like idk man there was so many like aha and ohhhh moments as things became full circle and i absolutely loved it and even now with me having read the full book…i’m still missing pieces about the certain individuals in the friend group but it’s not like oh i don’t know anything about them sorta way? if anything, in a to be continued and makes even more excited to read the future books. again I can’t wait to learn more about everyone and omg i’m so curious about Auroras incident…gosh the details mannnn. The story really hints at some things but you really don’t know until it’s revealed and i love that again amazing…so intriguing. ..i love you author
Nova and Vincent were so perfect, literal soulmates.
I loved reading about them and everything that led up to now. Vincent really pulled at my heartstrings. He’s just so lovely. Nova and Vincent both had rough upbringings and it’s just sooooo idk like I’m rainbows and glitter that they found and have each other.Nova is Literal sunshine. She’s so quirky and cute and soo unique. best girl down. I loved NovaVincents dynamic. I loved how sweet they were to each other. I loved Vincent’s parents. Daniel and Chris, dads of the year seriously. and Nova my sweet sweet girl…goshhhh. Every person in the friend group are sooo loved by me. I’m obsessed with all of them. Steven had me cracking me up so bad and I just found myself resonating with him. I loved his introduction. I love how they all met. I found Max and Steven’s beef hilarious and i’m happy that they seem to be getting along better now 🥺🥺 honestly the dynamics between Sam, Steven, and Max <33 chefs kiss. they’re so chaotic.
Can we just talk about Sam though?? Vincent and Sam haven’t know each other long at the time they move in together and like Sam really doesn’t play about Vincent and it’s just so precious i want to die. Him stepping into help him bathe, clean his room for him, prepare and take his meals to his room for him. It’s so pure and the love Vincent is surrounded by, the love they’re all surrounded as a chosen family is just too much for my heart. And Vincent coming home from rehab to all of his friends greeting him so warmly, lifting him into the air, similar to Steven, Max, and Vincent doing so to Nova when she was moving out of her childhood home…i can’t. My poor heart can’t take it. It’s so beautiful.
All of the future leading ladies in the book have my heart. I want maggie to cuss me out. She’s perfect.
I’m just so excited for more of this story of this lovely friend group to unfold, especially with Nova finally being able reunite with her baby brother Asher as well 🥺
All in all, thank you so so much for the ARC. can’t wait to re-read in December on release day lol <33
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2025
secret love song is the first book of the san francisco's lullabies series and tells the story of nova marshall and vincent cooper, two best friends who havent talked to each other in five years, since vincent left without saying a word.
this book made me feel everything, nova and vincent have that kind of love that made me sad that I'm never gonna experience something like that in my life.
I'm also a sucker for the found family trope and the author made me fall in love with each one of them (except steven, of course, but she's no magician).
I felt a warm in my heart reading their story and I cant wait to read maggie and sam's book, cause I'm pretty sure they will turn that warmth into pure fire.
this book made me feel everything, nova and vincent have that kind of love that made me sad that I'm never gonna experience something like that in my life.
I'm also a sucker for the found family trope and the author made me fall in love with each one of them (except steven, of course, but she's no magician).
I felt a warm in my heart reading their story and I cant wait to read maggie and sam's book, cause I'm pretty sure they will turn that warmth into pure fire.
November 22, 2025
{arc} Fortunate to get a peak into the lives of nova & vincent as individuals while seeing if they’d actually have the romantic pairing not just because they are the main couple of the book as my initial opinion when I started a few pages in.
And while the debut of the novel’s underway come December. I didn’t think I could power through the length of the novel. Just lately I notice my cut off’s 400 pgs or less. Anyways I am not saying that negatively please don’t interpret as a complaint. The closer I got toward the ending I wish it could go on forever so all cares about page count was forgotten. it worked in the best interest of all loose ties for the setup & characters establishment.
NEVERTHELESS(!) gimme more. gimme less. I do invest.
The novel’s definitely a great opener to the series. Numerous times I felt punched in the gut,wrung dry on those love confessions like omg 🥹 beautiful. while wanting to punch the torturous yearning in the nicest way. Many points in the novel I wanted to shake them silly & kith their foreheads because damn y’all let me hold your hands to tell you your hearts not safe partially. Though, it’s balanced out by those wholesome moments shared. the deeper conversations for character accountability stood out most to me, much appreciated. It’s a big deal because not many authors will set it straight.
In my opinion, as a debut novel to an expanded universe for a series of novels to come.
I recommend giving it a chance.
4 ½ ⭐️
And while the debut of the novel’s underway come December. I didn’t think I could power through the length of the novel. Just lately I notice my cut off’s 400 pgs or less. Anyways I am not saying that negatively please don’t interpret as a complaint. The closer I got toward the ending I wish it could go on forever so all cares about page count was forgotten. it worked in the best interest of all loose ties for the setup & characters establishment.
NEVERTHELESS(!) gimme more. gimme less. I do invest.
The novel’s definitely a great opener to the series. Numerous times I felt punched in the gut,wrung dry on those love confessions like omg 🥹 beautiful. while wanting to punch the torturous yearning in the nicest way. Many points in the novel I wanted to shake them silly & kith their foreheads because damn y’all let me hold your hands to tell you your hearts not safe partially. Though, it’s balanced out by those wholesome moments shared. the deeper conversations for character accountability stood out most to me, much appreciated. It’s a big deal because not many authors will set it straight.
In my opinion, as a debut novel to an expanded universe for a series of novels to come.
I recommend giving it a chance.
4 ½ ⭐️
January 19, 2026
tropes:
-music romance
-second chance
-childhood friends to lovers
-found family
-2000 vibes
-traumatic past
-quiet guy x sunshine girl
-dual timeline
🇮🇹
Primo libro pubblicato e devo implorare chiunque per averne altri tipo subito!
ho amato la storia, le lacrime che ho versato ne sono la prova. Lacrime versate per le storie di Vincent e Nova, che sono dei personaggi che hanno vissuto TANTO (questo lo vediamo soprattutto grazie ai pov del presente e del passato) e che continuano a combattere contro il passato e soprattutto contro loro stessi. Questo li rende dei personaggi reali, con cui riesci facilmente a immedesimarti e strapparti i capelli per loro. Sono due personaggi fortissimi, che crollano come chiunque e che hanno bisogno il sostenersi a vicenda. Entrambi sono proprio destinati a stare insieme MA ho adorato come questo concetto non venga dato a inizio libro ma fatto capire mano a mano che si legge.
A livello di storia, questo è uno dei pochi libri con un salto tra presente e passato che non ho trovato fastidio, anzi era ben bilanciato. Unica pecca (che nemmeno lo è così tanto) è che verso la fine può sembra un pò un loop ma è una cosa minima.
Concludo ringraziando per l'opportunità di avermi fatto leggere questo libro come Arc e soprattutto se mi stai leggendo voglio leggere altri libri! Non puoi lasciarmi così
🇬🇧
First book published, and I have to beg everyone for more right now!
I loved the story, and the tears I shed are proof of that. Tears shed for the stories of Vincent and Nova, who are characters who have been through SO MUCH (we see this mostly through the POVs of the present and past) and who continue to fight against the past and, above all, against themselves.
This makes them real characters, with whom you can easily identify and tear your hair out for them. They are two very strong characters, who fall like anyone and who need each other's support. They are both truly meant to be together, BUT I loved how this concept isn't given at the beginning of the book but is made clear as you read.
Story-wise, this is one of the few books with a jump between present and past that I didn't find annoying; in fact, it was well-balanced. The only flaw (which isn't even that much) is that towards the end it can feel a bit like a loop, but that's a minor thing. I'll end by thanking you for the opportunity to let me read this book as Arc, and above all, if you're reading this, I want to read more books! You can't leave me like this.
-music romance
-second chance
-childhood friends to lovers
-found family
-2000 vibes
-traumatic past
-quiet guy x sunshine girl
-dual timeline
🇮🇹
Primo libro pubblicato e devo implorare chiunque per averne altri tipo subito!
ho amato la storia, le lacrime che ho versato ne sono la prova. Lacrime versate per le storie di Vincent e Nova, che sono dei personaggi che hanno vissuto TANTO (questo lo vediamo soprattutto grazie ai pov del presente e del passato) e che continuano a combattere contro il passato e soprattutto contro loro stessi. Questo li rende dei personaggi reali, con cui riesci facilmente a immedesimarti e strapparti i capelli per loro. Sono due personaggi fortissimi, che crollano come chiunque e che hanno bisogno il sostenersi a vicenda. Entrambi sono proprio destinati a stare insieme MA ho adorato come questo concetto non venga dato a inizio libro ma fatto capire mano a mano che si legge.
A livello di storia, questo è uno dei pochi libri con un salto tra presente e passato che non ho trovato fastidio, anzi era ben bilanciato. Unica pecca (che nemmeno lo è così tanto) è che verso la fine può sembra un pò un loop ma è una cosa minima.
Concludo ringraziando per l'opportunità di avermi fatto leggere questo libro come Arc e soprattutto se mi stai leggendo voglio leggere altri libri! Non puoi lasciarmi così
🇬🇧
First book published, and I have to beg everyone for more right now!
I loved the story, and the tears I shed are proof of that. Tears shed for the stories of Vincent and Nova, who are characters who have been through SO MUCH (we see this mostly through the POVs of the present and past) and who continue to fight against the past and, above all, against themselves.
This makes them real characters, with whom you can easily identify and tear your hair out for them. They are two very strong characters, who fall like anyone and who need each other's support. They are both truly meant to be together, BUT I loved how this concept isn't given at the beginning of the book but is made clear as you read.
Story-wise, this is one of the few books with a jump between present and past that I didn't find annoying; in fact, it was well-balanced. The only flaw (which isn't even that much) is that towards the end it can feel a bit like a loop, but that's a minor thing. I'll end by thanking you for the opportunity to let me read this book as Arc, and above all, if you're reading this, I want to read more books! You can't leave me like this.
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