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Love Felt Like This
Not yet published
Expected 8 Sep 26A grumpy rock star and a joyful children’s show creator revive television magic in this cozy small-town romance.
Griffin Harvey lives his life in the spotlight. Reluctantly. The brooding famous singer-songwriter is on the cusp of composing his sophomore album . . . if only he could find the notes. But after gaining custody of his two-year-old daughter, the only music he’s writing is about shapes and counting to ten.
Enter Beverly, who lives her life in the background producing children’s television and laughter. Except joy is hard to find when her nonprofit loses funding. She sinks all of her savings to revive the children’s show by herself, but when her variety show appearance collides with Griffin’s, their banter and chemistry is caught on live television.
Suddenly, Griffin is singing a new tune. He needs a muse, and Beverly needs all the help she can get. With his secret daughter in tow, they hide out in her cozy mountain hometown, attempting to script, compose, and revive television magic. Their dynamic shouldn’t work. He’s all harsh tattoos and rough hands while she’s bright colors and gentle touches. Once their three months of work are done, they’ll return to their separate worlds. But what happens when it seems the true magic might be found in each other?
Griffin Harvey lives his life in the spotlight. Reluctantly. The brooding famous singer-songwriter is on the cusp of composing his sophomore album . . . if only he could find the notes. But after gaining custody of his two-year-old daughter, the only music he’s writing is about shapes and counting to ten.
Enter Beverly, who lives her life in the background producing children’s television and laughter. Except joy is hard to find when her nonprofit loses funding. She sinks all of her savings to revive the children’s show by herself, but when her variety show appearance collides with Griffin’s, their banter and chemistry is caught on live television.
Suddenly, Griffin is singing a new tune. He needs a muse, and Beverly needs all the help she can get. With his secret daughter in tow, they hide out in her cozy mountain hometown, attempting to script, compose, and revive television magic. Their dynamic shouldn’t work. He’s all harsh tattoos and rough hands while she’s bright colors and gentle touches. Once their three months of work are done, they’ll return to their separate worlds. But what happens when it seems the true magic might be found in each other?
Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 8, 2026
About the author
Julie Olivia
25 books3,259 followersJulie Olivia writes cozy love stories filled with humor, spice, and close friend groups that feel like a warm hug. She is a roller coaster fan, avid romance reader, and rainy day enthusiast.
Julie lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and their very opinionated pets.
Sign-up for the newsletter for book updates, special offers, and VIP exclusives!: https://julieoliviaauthor.com/newslet...
She can be easily reached on Instagram at @JulieOliviaAuthor! Come say hi!
Visit her at JulieOliviaAuthor.com
Instagram: @JulieOliviaAuthor
Facebook: @JulieOliviaAuthor
Bookbub: https://bit.ly/2NbH7Jy
Julie lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and their very opinionated pets.
Sign-up for the newsletter for book updates, special offers, and VIP exclusives!: https://julieoliviaauthor.com/newslet...
She can be easily reached on Instagram at @JulieOliviaAuthor! Come say hi!
Visit her at JulieOliviaAuthor.com
Instagram: @JulieOliviaAuthor
Facebook: @JulieOliviaAuthor
Bookbub: https://bit.ly/2NbH7Jy
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
May 18, 2026
i was super excited for this one, after having loved ‘it it makes you happy’, and i fear this one was even better!!
if you can look past my intense fear of puppets, this was a really sweet story. i always have a soft spot for ‘celebrity’ romances (in this case a singer), so i was hooked from the get go. i usually also have complaints when it comes to child characters in books (specifically romance ones), but Ava read like an actual child and brought so much heart to this story. the small town setting was super endearing as well, and there was plenty of drama. Griffin was a sweetie pie and i loved how intelligent, motivated and headstrong our female lead, Beverly, was. i read this in under 24 hours, i would highly recommend!
if you can look past my intense fear of puppets, this was a really sweet story. i always have a soft spot for ‘celebrity’ romances (in this case a singer), so i was hooked from the get go. i usually also have complaints when it comes to child characters in books (specifically romance ones), but Ava read like an actual child and brought so much heart to this story. the small town setting was super endearing as well, and there was plenty of drama. Griffin was a sweetie pie and i loved how intelligent, motivated and headstrong our female lead, Beverly, was. i read this in under 24 hours, i would highly recommend!
June 17, 2026
“There were feathers cupped in her hands and captured in her hair, like the softest brush against my skin. The lightest touch to my heart. Love felt weightless. Love felt fuzzy. Stitched onto my soul by her needle and thread. Deeply. Desperately. Hopelessly. 𝓛𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝓯𝓮𝓵𝓽 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼.”
on repeat 𝄞 ࿐♬ 𓍢ִ🎧ྀི ᯓ ♪ˎˊ˗
"ʙʟᴏᴏᴍ" x ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴀᴘᴇʀ ᴋɪᴛᴇs
0:49 ───♥──────── 3:30
beware... this 100% turned into an essay
(AND ITS THE SHORTENED VERSION 😭)
I genuinely do not know how Julie Olivia does it, but she literally embodies cozy stories. Like HOW are her books this nostalgic and comforting while still feeling so intensely real?? Reading this felt less like reading fiction and more like stepping into an actual place that exists somewhere in the mountains where the air smells like pine trees and coffee and there’s music humming softly in the background at all times. Her stories don’t even feel written to me at this point. They feel lived in.
And this?? Infinity stars. Absolute infinity stars.
This whole book honestly felt like a love letter written between two pieces of a soul who didn’t know they belonged to the same one. Watching them ache for each other while trying to convince themselves they were doing the “right thing” actually made me want to scream. Like my chest HURT for them.
I fell in love with this story almost immediately. I already knew within the first few chapters it was going to own me completely. The premise felt so unique and refreshing too because I have NEVER read about a puppeteer before, and getting insight into Beverly’s world was so interesting from the very beginning. There was something so magical about the contrast between her softness and Griffin’s quieter, guarded nature. And honestly? Calling this grumpy x sunshine almost feels misleading because Griffin is barely even grumpy 😭 he’s just private and overwhelmed and trying his best while the entire world assumes things about him.
One of my absolute favorite things about this book was how much it explored the idea of perception versus reality. Beverly initially thinks Griffin is cold and difficult because that’s the version of him the world sees—this famous rockstar who keeps everyone at arm’s length—but underneath all of that he’s just… a man trying desperately to protect the people he loves. Especially Ava 😭😭 The way he loved her absolutely destroyed me in the best way. Not only was he protective over her in the sweetest way possible, but he was attentive in all those tiny realistic parenting moments that made him feel real instead of idealized. The scenes with her never felt like the author trying to convince us he was a good dad. He just WAS one. You could feel how much he loved her in every exhausted thought and every tiny interaction.
AND HIS BANDMATES??? OBSESSED WITH THEM.
That entire dynamic felt so natural and lived-in and funny. The support they gave him when he was struggling and figuring out fatherhood genuinely melted me. They felt like a real family instead of side characters added for filler, and every interaction with them made the story feel even warmer.
Also THANK YOU for finally writing a toddler who actually acts like a toddler. Ava felt REAL. The exhaustion felt real. The stress felt real. Nobody magically had everything together after one emotional conversation. Beverly and Griffin are both overwhelmed in completely different ways and I loved that the story let them stay messy and tired and human through all of it.
I loved the way Griffin saw Bev so clearly. Like he noticed EVERYTHING. Every little shift in her mood, every uncomfortable moment, every insecurity she tried to brush off. He defended her without making it performative. He was direct and gentle and patient in a way that made every interaction between them feel intimate long before anything romantic even happened. There’s something so intimate about being truly seen by someone, and this book captured that feeling perfectly. He never tried to change who she was. He just quietly reminded her over and over that she deserved care too.
&& the slowburn in this book was genuinely PERFECT because it never relied on huge dramatic moments to make the romance feel intense. It was all built through friendship and trust and small moments that slowly became unbearable in the best way possible. Quiet flirting. Shared looks. Inside jokes. Taking care of each other without even thinking about it. 🥹Watching Griffin slowly realize Beverly was becoming his muse was one of the most romantic things I’ve ever read because music had basically abandoned him emotionally before her. Then suddenly she walks into his life and everything starts waking back up again. 🥹🥹 & the way the book continues building on that idea throughout the story made it even better. Beverly doesn’t just inspire him creatively... she makes him feel alive again. His feelings for her weren’t just attraction. They became woven into everything he created.
Her happiness is pulling music out of him again??? This is literally poetry. LIKE SHUT UP 😭 (no actually don’t. please i beg of you. keep going)🥹😭😭
And the craziest part is that despite how poetic and emotional all of this was, the romance still somehow felt grounded and natural. Nothing about their connection felt rushed or artificial. You could genuinely understand why they became each other’s safe place.
The yearning became genuinely unbearable at some points 😭 like this man was DOWN BAD in the most romantic devastating way possible.
Yeah. Cool. Fine. Whatever. (i’m emotionally ruined)
This book understands intimacy in such a quiet beautiful way. Not just physical attraction, but emotional intimacy too. The kind where someone slowly becomes stitched into every part of your daily life until suddenly they’re everywhere.
&& I can't leave out the freaking emotional destruction phase that dropped out of nowhere 😭 the way they loved each other so selflessly that they were both willing to hurt themselves if it meant protecting the other person’s future 😭😭the kind of pain that hits harder because there’s no villain. (OKAY PAUSEEEEEEEEEEE. BEAU IS TOTALLY VILLAIN MATERIAL THAT PIECE OF GARBAGE. YOULL KNOW WHY WHEN YOU READ IT. anyway 😇) Just two people loving each other so much they’re terrified of becoming the reason the other loses their dreams.
That’s what made the emotional climax of this story hit so hard for me too. By that point, Griffin’s feelings for Beverly had become woven into literally every part of his life. His music, his thoughts, the way he viewed the world around him—she was in all of it. And because he’s such a guarded character overall, every vulnerable thought he had about her felt HUGE
LIKE???????? HOW DO YOU EVEN RECOVER AFTER READING SOMETHING LIKE THAT???
&& Beverly’s feelings for him felt so visceral and just as consuming.😭😭
That line honestly feels like the entire story distilled down into one sentence to me.
Two exhausted people carrying years of loneliness and pressure and responsibility finally finding someone who understands the weight of them completely.
And maybe that’s why this book affected me so deeply in the end. Underneath all the cozy mountain-town charm and soft flirting and found family warmth, this was really a story about two people learning they didn’t have to earn love by overworking themselves or carrying everything alone. They could just be loved as they were.
&& that EPILOGUE????? I’m not okay. Actually not okay. Sweetest thing I’ve ever read. 😭 Such a good wrap up
This story felt like music drifting through an open window. Like laughter in a warm kitchen. A story stitched together with music and love and exhaustion and hope. It was soft and healing and emotional and SO full of heart. 🎶 🎹🎧
Everything I could ever want in a romance wrapped into one beautiful story. ✨🧡
things to know about the book ↓
✨ single dad
✨ musician MMC
✨ forced proximity
✨ friends to lovers
✨ she's his muse
✨ slowburn
✨ dual POV
✨ small town
✨ found family
✨ artistic soulmates
✨ cozy mountain town vibes
swearing: yes
spice rating: 🌶️🌶️
→ chapters: 27, 30
Thank you NetGalley, publisher & author for this arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
And to my most beautiful girl Cara. Thank you for buddy reading this one with me. You made the experience 10x better with our rants and screams 🥹🫶🏼😭💗 ily so much pretty girl!! mwah
⸻⸻⸻
・❥・⁀➷ 🧡✨🎶 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕
no. way. I GOT THE FREAKING ARC EEEKKKKK
dropping everything rn!!! + i get to read it with my prettiest girl Cara?!?! YESSSS. So excited for us bestie 😽🧡
・❥・⁀➷ 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕝𝕖𝕒𝕤𝕖
oh hello there 🤭
I absolutely adored If It Makes You Happy, so seeing this especially with a cover just as beautiful already has me hooked. Add in music themes + a grumpy rockstar who’s a single dad?? I’m so seated for this
on repeat 𝄞 ࿐♬ 𓍢ִ🎧ྀི ᯓ ♪ˎˊ˗
"ʙʟᴏᴏᴍ" x ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴀᴘᴇʀ ᴋɪᴛᴇs
0:49 ───♥──────── 3:30
beware... this 100% turned into an essay
(AND ITS THE SHORTENED VERSION 😭)
I genuinely do not know how Julie Olivia does it, but she literally embodies cozy stories. Like HOW are her books this nostalgic and comforting while still feeling so intensely real?? Reading this felt less like reading fiction and more like stepping into an actual place that exists somewhere in the mountains where the air smells like pine trees and coffee and there’s music humming softly in the background at all times. Her stories don’t even feel written to me at this point. They feel lived in.
And this?? Infinity stars. Absolute infinity stars.
This whole book honestly felt like a love letter written between two pieces of a soul who didn’t know they belonged to the same one. Watching them ache for each other while trying to convince themselves they were doing the “right thing” actually made me want to scream. Like my chest HURT for them.
I fell in love with this story almost immediately. I already knew within the first few chapters it was going to own me completely. The premise felt so unique and refreshing too because I have NEVER read about a puppeteer before, and getting insight into Beverly’s world was so interesting from the very beginning. There was something so magical about the contrast between her softness and Griffin’s quieter, guarded nature. And honestly? Calling this grumpy x sunshine almost feels misleading because Griffin is barely even grumpy 😭 he’s just private and overwhelmed and trying his best while the entire world assumes things about him.
One of my absolute favorite things about this book was how much it explored the idea of perception versus reality. Beverly initially thinks Griffin is cold and difficult because that’s the version of him the world sees—this famous rockstar who keeps everyone at arm’s length—but underneath all of that he’s just… a man trying desperately to protect the people he loves. Especially Ava 😭😭 The way he loved her absolutely destroyed me in the best way. Not only was he protective over her in the sweetest way possible, but he was attentive in all those tiny realistic parenting moments that made him feel real instead of idealized. The scenes with her never felt like the author trying to convince us he was a good dad. He just WAS one. You could feel how much he loved her in every exhausted thought and every tiny interaction.
AND HIS BANDMATES??? OBSESSED WITH THEM.
That entire dynamic felt so natural and lived-in and funny. The support they gave him when he was struggling and figuring out fatherhood genuinely melted me. They felt like a real family instead of side characters added for filler, and every interaction with them made the story feel even warmer.
Also THANK YOU for finally writing a toddler who actually acts like a toddler. Ava felt REAL. The exhaustion felt real. The stress felt real. Nobody magically had everything together after one emotional conversation. Beverly and Griffin are both overwhelmed in completely different ways and I loved that the story let them stay messy and tired and human through all of it.
I loved the way Griffin saw Bev so clearly. Like he noticed EVERYTHING. Every little shift in her mood, every uncomfortable moment, every insecurity she tried to brush off. He defended her without making it performative. He was direct and gentle and patient in a way that made every interaction between them feel intimate long before anything romantic even happened. There’s something so intimate about being truly seen by someone, and this book captured that feeling perfectly. He never tried to change who she was. He just quietly reminded her over and over that she deserved care too.
&& the slowburn in this book was genuinely PERFECT because it never relied on huge dramatic moments to make the romance feel intense. It was all built through friendship and trust and small moments that slowly became unbearable in the best way possible. Quiet flirting. Shared looks. Inside jokes. Taking care of each other without even thinking about it. 🥹Watching Griffin slowly realize Beverly was becoming his muse was one of the most romantic things I’ve ever read because music had basically abandoned him emotionally before her. Then suddenly she walks into his life and everything starts waking back up again. 🥹🥹 & the way the book continues building on that idea throughout the story made it even better. Beverly doesn’t just inspire him creatively... she makes him feel alive again. His feelings for her weren’t just attraction. They became woven into everything he created.
“I’m crooning new chords that echo memories of Beverly’s laughter that night at the bar. Every strum is my fingers entwining through hers. Every breathy note is the exhalations against her skin on the red carpet.”
Her happiness is pulling music out of him again??? This is literally poetry. LIKE SHUT UP 😭 (no actually don’t. please i beg of you. keep going)🥹😭😭
And the craziest part is that despite how poetic and emotional all of this was, the romance still somehow felt grounded and natural. Nothing about their connection felt rushed or artificial. You could genuinely understand why they became each other’s safe place.
The yearning became genuinely unbearable at some points 😭 like this man was DOWN BAD in the most romantic devastating way possible.
“She stitches puppets, while I dedicate songs to her. She laughs, while I search for excuses to hold her hand. She stares; I ache.”
Yeah. Cool. Fine. Whatever. (i’m emotionally ruined)
This book understands intimacy in such a quiet beautiful way. Not just physical attraction, but emotional intimacy too. The kind where someone slowly becomes stitched into every part of your daily life until suddenly they’re everywhere.
&& I can't leave out the freaking emotional destruction phase that dropped out of nowhere 😭 the way they loved each other so selflessly that they were both willing to hurt themselves if it meant protecting the other person’s future 😭😭the kind of pain that hits harder because there’s no villain. (OKAY PAUSEEEEEEEEEEE. BEAU IS TOTALLY VILLAIN MATERIAL THAT PIECE OF GARBAGE. YOULL KNOW WHY WHEN YOU READ IT. anyway 😇) Just two people loving each other so much they’re terrified of becoming the reason the other loses their dreams.
That’s what made the emotional climax of this story hit so hard for me too. By that point, Griffin’s feelings for Beverly had become woven into literally every part of his life. His music, his thoughts, the way he viewed the world around him—she was in all of it. And because he’s such a guarded character overall, every vulnerable thought he had about her felt HUGE
“I’ve never been a big believer of heaven. But, if I did believe, if I did think that there was a reason for most things, I might–just maybe–believe that Beverly Alice Lark is an angel dropped to this earth just for me.”
LIKE???????? HOW DO YOU EVEN RECOVER AFTER READING SOMETHING LIKE THAT???
&& Beverly’s feelings for him felt so visceral and just as consuming.😭😭
“I can feel my heart beating like fire in my chest. My heavy soul is calling for its match.”
That line honestly feels like the entire story distilled down into one sentence to me.
Two exhausted people carrying years of loneliness and pressure and responsibility finally finding someone who understands the weight of them completely.
And maybe that’s why this book affected me so deeply in the end. Underneath all the cozy mountain-town charm and soft flirting and found family warmth, this was really a story about two people learning they didn’t have to earn love by overworking themselves or carrying everything alone. They could just be loved as they were.
&& that EPILOGUE????? I’m not okay. Actually not okay. Sweetest thing I’ve ever read. 😭 Such a good wrap up
This story felt like music drifting through an open window. Like laughter in a warm kitchen. A story stitched together with music and love and exhaustion and hope. It was soft and healing and emotional and SO full of heart. 🎶 🎹🎧
Everything I could ever want in a romance wrapped into one beautiful story. ✨🧡
things to know about the book ↓
✨ single dad
✨ musician MMC
✨ forced proximity
✨ friends to lovers
✨ she's his muse
✨ slowburn
✨ dual POV
✨ small town
✨ found family
✨ artistic soulmates
✨ cozy mountain town vibes
swearing: yes
spice rating: 🌶️🌶️
→ chapters: 27, 30
Thank you NetGalley, publisher & author for this arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
And to my most beautiful girl Cara. Thank you for buddy reading this one with me. You made the experience 10x better with our rants and screams 🥹🫶🏼😭💗 ily so much pretty girl!! mwah
⸻⸻⸻
・❥・⁀➷ 🧡✨🎶 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕
no. way. I GOT THE FREAKING ARC EEEKKKKK
dropping everything rn!!! + i get to read it with my prettiest girl Cara?!?! YESSSS. So excited for us bestie 😽🧡
・❥・⁀➷ 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕝𝕖𝕒𝕤𝕖
oh hello there 🤭
I absolutely adored If It Makes You Happy, so seeing this especially with a cover just as beautiful already has me hooked. Add in music themes + a grumpy rockstar who’s a single dad?? I’m so seated for this
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
REVIEW TO COME😍😍😭😭!!!!!!!!!
👯♀️🧸🎀🍓Buddy reading with my prettiest girl Cat👯♀️🧸🎀🍓!!!!!!
👯♀️🧸🎀🍓Buddy reading with my prettiest girl Cat👯♀️🧸🎀🍓!!!!!!
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Want to Read
March 9, 2026As someone who loved "If It Makes You Happy", I can't wait for this one! Both books have stunning covers, like, hello??
Watch me pretend the MMC is Hozier.
Watch me pretend the MMC is Hozier.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
For some reason, when I first saw this cover (which is absolutely gorgeous, by the way), I thought the MMC would be grumpy and kind of an asshole, but it turned out to be completely different. Griffin is a famous rock musician who writes songs and secretly raises his two-year-old daughter. I honestly wouldn’t even call him grumpy—to me, he’s just exhausted from the weight he carries on his shoulders. Even Beverly tells him that he takes care of everyone, and she wants to take care of him. At the same time, he’s incredibly sweet and kind, very responsible, and the best dad to his little girl. Also, finally a book where a two-year-old actually behaves like a two-year-old! For some reason, authors love giving children behavior that doesn’t match their age. I absolutely adored Ava!
Beverly is a puppeteer on a children’s TV show that’s on the verge of being cancelled. Their first meeting was hilarious. Beverly is also very hardworking and underestimates herself because of her jerk ex.
This romance turned out to be really cozy. I devoured the first half, but parts of the second half felt a little dragged out to me, and the third-act breakup felt slightly overdramatic. The characters didn’t actually break up, but they grew distant because of certain circumstances, and their behavior during that period felt a bit strange to me. Overall, though, it was an enjoyable book with adult characters dealing with adult problems.
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
✓grumpy x sunshine
✓single dad
✓fake dating
✓small mountain town
✓forced proximity
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group (Berkley) for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Beverly is a puppeteer on a children’s TV show that’s on the verge of being cancelled. Their first meeting was hilarious. Beverly is also very hardworking and underestimates herself because of her jerk ex.
This romance turned out to be really cozy. I devoured the first half, but parts of the second half felt a little dragged out to me, and the third-act breakup felt slightly overdramatic. The characters didn’t actually break up, but they grew distant because of certain circumstances, and their behavior during that period felt a bit strange to me. Overall, though, it was an enjoyable book with adult characters dealing with adult problems.
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
✓grumpy x sunshine
✓single dad
✓fake dating
✓small mountain town
✓forced proximity
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group (Berkley) for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Want to Read
April 18, 2026𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ── pre-release
release date - september 8th 2026
✧˖°🎸 ⋆｡˚꩜ 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀
⤷ grumpy x sunshine
⤷ single dad
⤷ small mountain town
⤷ children's tv puppeteer
⤷ rockstar musician
⤷ fake dating
⤷ found family
thank you so so much julia for having me on your arc team & berkley for sending the digital arc
___
THIS IS A NEED HELLO
THE COVER.
release date - september 8th 2026
✧˖°🎸 ⋆｡˚꩜ 𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀
⤷ grumpy x sunshine
⤷ single dad
⤷ small mountain town
⤷ children's tv puppeteer
⤷ rockstar musician
⤷ fake dating
⤷ found family
thank you so so much julia for having me on your arc team & berkley for sending the digital arc
___
THIS IS A NEED HELLO
THE COVER.
Want to Read
December 11, 2025going back to my roots when this comes out with the rockstar musician trope😝😝
I was heavily obsessed with that trope years ago. Can’t wait for this one!!!! and it’s even better with single dad in it hehe🤸🏻♀️
I was heavily obsessed with that trope years ago. Can’t wait for this one!!!! and it’s even better with single dad in it hehe🤸🏻♀️
Want to Read
December 11, 2025YES HI HELLO 🎸🎤
2026
April 23, 2026Valentine's Day TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley
May 10, 2026
I’m in Julie Olivia’s ARC team and had the privilege to read this book months before release (it’s coming out on September 8). But it’s 100% an honest review 🤗.
Within the first few pages I was laughing out loud. I loved Beverly from the beginning and even Griffin had my heart that first stage moment 🤭. I have never read such an unique job before and I loved all the layers of the story. I mean: grumpy x sunshine/fake dating/forced proximity/single dad?! That’s everything we want right 😍?!
Yes, it was a slow burn, but it was definitely worth the wait. I loved every part of Beverly, Griffin, little Ava, the whole Lark family and the band members. I loved all the funny puns and wittiness and oh my, those last few chapters. It was amazing!
I will never not recommend any book by Julie Olivia and this one goes straight up my favourites list 💗.
Within the first few pages I was laughing out loud. I loved Beverly from the beginning and even Griffin had my heart that first stage moment 🤭. I have never read such an unique job before and I loved all the layers of the story. I mean: grumpy x sunshine/fake dating/forced proximity/single dad?! That’s everything we want right 😍?!
Yes, it was a slow burn, but it was definitely worth the wait. I loved every part of Beverly, Griffin, little Ava, the whole Lark family and the band members. I loved all the funny puns and wittiness and oh my, those last few chapters. It was amazing!
I will never not recommend any book by Julie Olivia and this one goes straight up my favourites list 💗.
May 23, 2026
Wow, wow, wow I loved this book so much 🥹
Read this in a day and could start back at the beginning. I was worried at the start about the idea of a puppeteer, I thought it might be too cheesy, but it was the cutest story line.
I love the way Julie writes her characters - they’re so genuine and full of emotion and life. She really writes them in a way that they could come off the page and interact with you.
And the way she writes the love interests - give me 1,000 more books just like this! It’s not cringey or weird, it’s so normal and wonderful and I love it so much 😭
The man that Griffen is…👏🏼😍
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC, I will be purchasing a physical copy when it gets published!!
Read this in a day and could start back at the beginning. I was worried at the start about the idea of a puppeteer, I thought it might be too cheesy, but it was the cutest story line.
I love the way Julie writes her characters - they’re so genuine and full of emotion and life. She really writes them in a way that they could come off the page and interact with you.
And the way she writes the love interests - give me 1,000 more books just like this! It’s not cringey or weird, it’s so normal and wonderful and I love it so much 😭
The man that Griffen is…👏🏼😍
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC, I will be purchasing a physical copy when it gets published!!
May 5, 2026
A MILLION STARS.
Julie’s books become more and more alive each outing. These characters are so real I feel as though I could call them up in the real world and carry on conversations with them.
I loved everything about this and just adore how it is a celebration of niche passions and chasing lofty dreams. It celebrates kind hearted people and the joy of making someone laugh. It was a much needed break from everything going on in the world.
This novel was a massive comfort to me while reading. It took me back to my grandparents on a cozy winter night and to the Ozark mountains I visited as a child. It gave me the same feeling as a Glen Campbell song and for that it will remain gently on my mind for a long time.
A MUST read! (The companion playlist is a must as well)
Thank you so much to Julie Olivia and her team at Berkley for an eARC copy of this book.
Julie’s books become more and more alive each outing. These characters are so real I feel as though I could call them up in the real world and carry on conversations with them.
I loved everything about this and just adore how it is a celebration of niche passions and chasing lofty dreams. It celebrates kind hearted people and the joy of making someone laugh. It was a much needed break from everything going on in the world.
This novel was a massive comfort to me while reading. It took me back to my grandparents on a cozy winter night and to the Ozark mountains I visited as a child. It gave me the same feeling as a Glen Campbell song and for that it will remain gently on my mind for a long time.
A MUST read! (The companion playlist is a must as well)
Thank you so much to Julie Olivia and her team at Berkley for an eARC copy of this book.
April 19, 2026
“𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐲, 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐢𝐬 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐮𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐨 𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐠𝐨. 𝐌𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐛 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐬. 𝐈’𝐦 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐲 𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭, 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐞.”
Julie never disappoints, and with Love Felt Like This she really outdid herself. Just like with If It Makes You Happy, I found myself swooning and completely falling in love with these fictional characters who somehow feel very real.
I don’t usually react outwardly to books, but this one got to me. I teared up and caught myself smiling so many times without even realising it.
I already have a soft spot for the single parent trope, but add that he’s a rock star too? Unmatched.
I’m utterly obsessed with Beverly and Griffin and if you see me watching The Muppets, mind your business. I love them so much your honour, just read this when it comes out in September!
the vibes ™:
- single dad x puppeteer
- small town
- coolest fmc with a 70s style
- pets!!
- the funniest banter
- wholesome
Thank you so much to the author for adding me to the permanent ARC-team - I’m so grateful and this feels so surreal to me 💌
Julie never disappoints, and with Love Felt Like This she really outdid herself. Just like with If It Makes You Happy, I found myself swooning and completely falling in love with these fictional characters who somehow feel very real.
I don’t usually react outwardly to books, but this one got to me. I teared up and caught myself smiling so many times without even realising it.
I already have a soft spot for the single parent trope, but add that he’s a rock star too? Unmatched.
I’m utterly obsessed with Beverly and Griffin and if you see me watching The Muppets, mind your business. I love them so much your honour, just read this when it comes out in September!
the vibes ™:
- single dad x puppeteer
- small town
- coolest fmc with a 70s style
- pets!!
- the funniest banter
- wholesome
Thank you so much to the author for adding me to the permanent ARC-team - I’m so grateful and this feels so surreal to me 💌
May 14, 2026
I received an ARC of this book!? First of all thank you so much 💛💛
Julie, Julie, JULIEEE.
You have done it again. I’m obsessed with you. I’m obsessed with your writing!
I love when a book can transport me and oh girl this did exactly that. Dual POV is perfection. The characters are incredible, the slow burn is a chefs kiss. The last few chapters had me kicking my feet and screeching (my neighbors love me so much). Single dad?! I’m sat.
I love this book with all of my soul and I can’t wait to display my physical copy when it gets here! Please never stop writing 💛💛
Julie, Julie, JULIEEE.
You have done it again. I’m obsessed with you. I’m obsessed with your writing!
I love when a book can transport me and oh girl this did exactly that. Dual POV is perfection. The characters are incredible, the slow burn is a chefs kiss. The last few chapters had me kicking my feet and screeching (my neighbors love me so much). Single dad?! I’m sat.
I love this book with all of my soul and I can’t wait to display my physical copy when it gets here! Please never stop writing 💛💛
June 1, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the arc.
5⭐️
J’ai trop aimé! Griffin>>>. C’était mon deuxième livre de l’auteur et les deux sont des 5⭐️. J’ai aimé que le personnage principal soit une marionnettiste parce que c’est vraiment hors du commun. Aussi, je déteste son ex, une chance qu’elle a rencontré Griffin. Pis Ava était trop mignonne j’adore le single dad trope qui sont vraiment bien fait.
5⭐️
J’ai trop aimé! Griffin>>>. C’était mon deuxième livre de l’auteur et les deux sont des 5⭐️. J’ai aimé que le personnage principal soit une marionnettiste parce que c’est vraiment hors du commun. Aussi, je déteste son ex, une chance qu’elle a rencontré Griffin. Pis Ava était trop mignonne j’adore le single dad trope qui sont vraiment bien fait.
Want to Read
February 19, 2026i am so seated!!
May 28, 2026
griffin patrick harvey is yearnatron 5000. like WOW. truly reinvented the word. bev and griffin were so special. and bevs entire family was so important. nana and finch i love you. rob thank you so much for being you. and ava. my girl. god this was too good. i’m convinced julie olivia has like a special secret recipe to write the best small town ensembles ever im so serious. also taylor don’t appear in public or it’s over for you.
thank you to julie olivia and netgalley for the arc!!
thank you to julie olivia and netgalley for the arc!!
May 22, 2026
Something about this concept just worked so well! This book was like a warm cup of coffee in the morning and sunshine on a cold day and comfy socks by the fireplace all wrapped up into a book 🤍 All the cozy romance vibes with genuine heart and a touch of spice!
Shoutout to my favorites Nana, Ava, and Rob 🥹🥰
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for this eARC!
Shoutout to my favorites Nana, Ava, and Rob 🥹🥰
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for this eARC!
May 27, 2026
never in my life did I think I’d love a book centered around puppets but here we are
not as perfect as if it makes you happy but still beautiful and a fantastic time
not as perfect as if it makes you happy but still beautiful and a fantastic time
April 25, 2026
Pure perfection. No notes.
Full RTC.
Full RTC.
April 28, 2026
Thank you to Julie Olivia’s team for the eARC they sent to me in exchange for an honest review.
And here it is. Ready?
I read thins book on my kindle, after a long break from reading physical books (only listening to audiobooks for months). And I’m so glad I was able to bust out of my rut because of this book.
This is one of those rare stories that makes you wish you were a faster reader just so you can get to the next part faster. You want the next scene, the next bit of banter, the next description of the lovable main characters. And at the same time you’re SO into the world and story, you never want it to end.
I absolutely loved how JOlivia gives us a musician who would seem un-relatable, but in the circumstances he’s someone you feel like you truly know. And our female main character has a 70’s influenced style, is a badass woman who show-runs a puppet based children’s show (think that public broadcasting classic), and her anxiety and drive are truly palpable.
Their connection is beautifully built on a foundation of admiration, respect and friendship as the story gets going. And their banter is 10:10. Chefs kiss, no notes.
The KEY (my favorite part really) to a JO story is the incorporation of a whimsical setting or job. Puppeteer for a children’s show?? She makes them from felt? It’s her family legacy?? Truly a cup full of pure joy.
Thank you again for the ARC, I truly loved it. I don’t know what will change between this and the published version but I will have a very hard time moving on from this book.
And here it is. Ready?
I read thins book on my kindle, after a long break from reading physical books (only listening to audiobooks for months). And I’m so glad I was able to bust out of my rut because of this book.
This is one of those rare stories that makes you wish you were a faster reader just so you can get to the next part faster. You want the next scene, the next bit of banter, the next description of the lovable main characters. And at the same time you’re SO into the world and story, you never want it to end.
I absolutely loved how JOlivia gives us a musician who would seem un-relatable, but in the circumstances he’s someone you feel like you truly know. And our female main character has a 70’s influenced style, is a badass woman who show-runs a puppet based children’s show (think that public broadcasting classic), and her anxiety and drive are truly palpable.
Their connection is beautifully built on a foundation of admiration, respect and friendship as the story gets going. And their banter is 10:10. Chefs kiss, no notes.
The KEY (my favorite part really) to a JO story is the incorporation of a whimsical setting or job. Puppeteer for a children’s show?? She makes them from felt? It’s her family legacy?? Truly a cup full of pure joy.
Thank you again for the ARC, I truly loved it. I don’t know what will change between this and the published version but I will have a very hard time moving on from this book.
May 18, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley and Berkeley Publishing for the ARC of this title.
I am such a sucker for a single dad so I was so excited to receive this book! Griffin is such a lovable guy who is trying to keep his daughter Ava out of the spotlight he lives in as a rock star. Then he meets puppeteer, Beverly. They hit it off immediately and their love story is just the sweetest. I throughly enjoyed this book! 4.5 stars.
I am such a sucker for a single dad so I was so excited to receive this book! Griffin is such a lovable guy who is trying to keep his daughter Ava out of the spotlight he lives in as a rock star. Then he meets puppeteer, Beverly. They hit it off immediately and their love story is just the sweetest. I throughly enjoyed this book! 4.5 stars.
Want to Read
December 11, 2025IM SO READY
misc
February 20, 2026Okay Hozier, I see you
May 4, 2026
I’ve got the PERFECT winter romance for you! 🏔️ 🥞 💞
My summary:
In a surprising turn of events one sleep deprived rock star stumbles into the middle of a live puppet performance. With no choice but to roll with it the musician and the shockingly beautiful puppeteer improvise on the spot. And much to everyone’s surprise, especially the two performers, the chemistry between Bernie Bird and the grumpy star is off the charts. Unable to shake how much fun he had and the GORGEOUS eyes that stared up at him with such enthusiasm and sparkle, he demands his manager get her on the phone. Thus a partnership is born and Griffin finds himself packing up his daughter and his life to go write songs for a children’s show revival in the small town of Elk Grove.
My overall thoughts:
Julie Olivia is fast becoming one of my favorite contemporary romance authors. Her writing has this magical quality to it that never fails to coax pure joy from me. Her characters are truly people I wish I could meet and interact with and this book was no exception. The romance between Griffin and Beverly? My goodness I had little sparks shooting off inside my own chest. I loved it! Plus, the one concept I questioned going in . . . the puppeteering actually made this book even more special? Sorry, Julie I won’t question you again. 🫣
If you enjoy standalone romances where you fall in love with the small town and side characters just as much as the leads. If single dads and a community rising up to help speak to you. If you enjoy imperfect characters growing and connecting then this is a MUST read! Complete sunshine in book form. For my seasonal readers this is primary set in January - March. So a lovely winter romance with some Valentine’s Day scenes.
My rating: 5 ⭐️
Release Date: September 8th
What I loved:
- Griffin! My goodness does Olivia know how to write swoon worthy male leads. Every little detail had me falling for him down to how often he kissed his daughter’s forehead. He was a green flag MMC and I was all in for him! 😍
- The romance! Ah, I truly enjoyed these two as a couple and how their journey unfolded. And the chemistry between them? Hot damn. I honestly didn’t realize certain things were so attractive before but I found myself agreeing with Beverly. The way Griffin grabbed the doorway above his head, or her ankle and pulled her down to him? My wordddd. I was giddy.
- The Birds on The Block! What a fun and creative premise! I truly never thought about how much work, dedication, and creativity must go into puppeteering until now. Such a joyful peek into the world. I could literally feel Beverly’s passion seeping from the pages and it was contagious.
Thank you to Berkley and Julie Olivia for the advanced copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own and this is my voluntary review.
My summary:
In a surprising turn of events one sleep deprived rock star stumbles into the middle of a live puppet performance. With no choice but to roll with it the musician and the shockingly beautiful puppeteer improvise on the spot. And much to everyone’s surprise, especially the two performers, the chemistry between Bernie Bird and the grumpy star is off the charts. Unable to shake how much fun he had and the GORGEOUS eyes that stared up at him with such enthusiasm and sparkle, he demands his manager get her on the phone. Thus a partnership is born and Griffin finds himself packing up his daughter and his life to go write songs for a children’s show revival in the small town of Elk Grove.
My overall thoughts:
Julie Olivia is fast becoming one of my favorite contemporary romance authors. Her writing has this magical quality to it that never fails to coax pure joy from me. Her characters are truly people I wish I could meet and interact with and this book was no exception. The romance between Griffin and Beverly? My goodness I had little sparks shooting off inside my own chest. I loved it! Plus, the one concept I questioned going in . . . the puppeteering actually made this book even more special? Sorry, Julie I won’t question you again. 🫣
If you enjoy standalone romances where you fall in love with the small town and side characters just as much as the leads. If single dads and a community rising up to help speak to you. If you enjoy imperfect characters growing and connecting then this is a MUST read! Complete sunshine in book form. For my seasonal readers this is primary set in January - March. So a lovely winter romance with some Valentine’s Day scenes.
My rating: 5 ⭐️
Release Date: September 8th
What I loved:
- Griffin! My goodness does Olivia know how to write swoon worthy male leads. Every little detail had me falling for him down to how often he kissed his daughter’s forehead. He was a green flag MMC and I was all in for him! 😍
- The romance! Ah, I truly enjoyed these two as a couple and how their journey unfolded. And the chemistry between them? Hot damn. I honestly didn’t realize certain things were so attractive before but I found myself agreeing with Beverly. The way Griffin grabbed the doorway above his head, or her ankle and pulled her down to him? My wordddd. I was giddy.
- The Birds on The Block! What a fun and creative premise! I truly never thought about how much work, dedication, and creativity must go into puppeteering until now. Such a joyful peek into the world. I could literally feel Beverly’s passion seeping from the pages and it was contagious.
Thank you to Berkley and Julie Olivia for the advanced copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own and this is my voluntary review.
May 29, 2026
Okay Julie, I believe you. This book is magical! I will cheer for Griffen and Bev’s story with full chalance. It is a sweet sultry funny silly adorable slow burn. The yearning is masterful and the pain my heart felt for these two characters is somehow welcome and beautiful.
I lost count of how many times I cried but I know none of them were from being sad. The father and man that Griffen is 😮💨. If only we could be so lucky. And Bev is the fun sunshine silly hardworking counterweight to his silent grumpiness. But the real magic is when Bev and Griffen just riff with each other. Those scenes are all imagination and creativity. Julie captures the giggle out loud freedom and joy I hope we all had as kids watching puppet shows.
Both MCs are sweet and healing from deep old wounds. They are tentative and almost reluctant at times. They sort of orbit each other but eventually succumb to the gravity pulling them together.
Julie uses conventional tropes (fake dating, forced proximity, and single dad) in ways that feel fresh and exciting. The romance of it all is definitely a slow burn while the friendship is more like watching a flower bloom.
One gripe, the antagonists were not punished hard enough. I would have gone full mama bear on them. But that’s me not the characters.
It takes awhile to get to the spicy scene but oh boy is it worth it.
Five stars. Two thumbs way up!
I lost count of how many times I cried but I know none of them were from being sad. The father and man that Griffen is 😮💨. If only we could be so lucky. And Bev is the fun sunshine silly hardworking counterweight to his silent grumpiness. But the real magic is when Bev and Griffen just riff with each other. Those scenes are all imagination and creativity. Julie captures the giggle out loud freedom and joy I hope we all had as kids watching puppet shows.
Both MCs are sweet and healing from deep old wounds. They are tentative and almost reluctant at times. They sort of orbit each other but eventually succumb to the gravity pulling them together.
Julie uses conventional tropes (fake dating, forced proximity, and single dad) in ways that feel fresh and exciting. The romance of it all is definitely a slow burn while the friendship is more like watching a flower bloom.
One gripe, the antagonists were not punished hard enough. I would have gone full mama bear on them. But that’s me not the characters.
It takes awhile to get to the spicy scene but oh boy is it worth it.
Five stars. Two thumbs way up!
June 19, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Five stars, no notes!! This book is amazing!!
If It Makes You Happy was one of my favorite books of last year, so I knew that I was going to love this one and honestly it might just be one of my new favorite books of this year. A beautiful ode to Sesame Street, the 1970s, the music industry and finding the right person for you.
One of my favorite parts of the book was how Ava, the toddler, was portrayed. Being a toddler mom myself, I saw so much of my own little one in Ava's mannerisms and wanted to reach through the pages to give her a hug numerous times (and more pancakes).
This story truly brings you in to the world of making music and tv shows. You feel both the highs and lows that each of the characters go through in their career journeys throughout the book. And the connection between Beverly and Griffin is undeniable. They truly capture what it means to have their own goals and dreams, but that being together makes those even better.
Five stars, no notes!! This book is amazing!!
If It Makes You Happy was one of my favorite books of last year, so I knew that I was going to love this one and honestly it might just be one of my new favorite books of this year. A beautiful ode to Sesame Street, the 1970s, the music industry and finding the right person for you.
One of my favorite parts of the book was how Ava, the toddler, was portrayed. Being a toddler mom myself, I saw so much of my own little one in Ava's mannerisms and wanted to reach through the pages to give her a hug numerous times (and more pancakes).
This story truly brings you in to the world of making music and tv shows. You feel both the highs and lows that each of the characters go through in their career journeys throughout the book. And the connection between Beverly and Griffin is undeniable. They truly capture what it means to have their own goals and dreams, but that being together makes those even better.
April 20, 2026
I’ll be back with a full review!!!
Julie Olivia never misses! This was EVERYTHING!! I cannot even begin to explain how perfect Beverly and Griffin are!!
AND SHE WRITES A PERFECT EPILOGUE OH MY GOD.
Thanks to Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review and to Julie and her team for making it possible I got one!!!
Julie Olivia never misses! This was EVERYTHING!! I cannot even begin to explain how perfect Beverly and Griffin are!!
AND SHE WRITES A PERFECT EPILOGUE OH MY GOD.
Thanks to Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review and to Julie and her team for making it possible I got one!!!
May 5, 2026
my god, this book was perfect to me!! (full review to come!)
June 15, 2026
I absolutely feel in love with this book, with these characters, the writing and story were so well done. I can’t wait for others to read and experience this book for the first time. I will be highly jealous!
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