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Hey Jude: An Overly Dramatic Romantic Comedy
He makes my sad songs better, and I’m becoming someone I hardly recognize.
Myself.
I’m a strong independent woman until something’s wrong with my car.
Last year, I took a leap of faith—or maybe delusion. I loaded up my dusty guitar
and left twenty-two years of baggage behind.
That’s right. Lucy Sky Brooks took it on the run, baby.
But somehow I moved two hundred miles away from double shifts and family drama just to get tangled up in a toxic relationship. Now I’m tiptoeing around my boyfriend’s explosive personality, hoping it’s temporary and he’ll come to his senses … as if that method of conflict resolution has worked in the history of ever.
When my car, my job, and my relationship break down, my favorite neighbor, Daniel Crawford, handles it all with a wink and a grin. Even when it’s no longer funny. Because DC’s a fixer. Like me. He’s just better at it.
He’s also got better hair and he’s a way better guitarist. Don’t get me started on his gritty salted caramel voice or his shameless flirting tactics to get me to sing, because when we sing together—
Freaking fireworks.
Everyone says he loves me, and I know he does, but it’s never been like that.
Until I remember the hallway.
The music room.
The coffee shop.
The ever-loving kitchen.
I’ve got to get out of town … and out of DC’s hair.
Literally.
Hey Jude is a swoony sweet & snarky closed door Southern romantic dramedy with heart-stopping tension, hilarious found family, a touch of danger, and more power ballads than you can fit on a mixtape.
Myself.
I’m a strong independent woman until something’s wrong with my car.
Last year, I took a leap of faith—or maybe delusion. I loaded up my dusty guitar
and left twenty-two years of baggage behind.
That’s right. Lucy Sky Brooks took it on the run, baby.
But somehow I moved two hundred miles away from double shifts and family drama just to get tangled up in a toxic relationship. Now I’m tiptoeing around my boyfriend’s explosive personality, hoping it’s temporary and he’ll come to his senses … as if that method of conflict resolution has worked in the history of ever.
When my car, my job, and my relationship break down, my favorite neighbor, Daniel Crawford, handles it all with a wink and a grin. Even when it’s no longer funny. Because DC’s a fixer. Like me. He’s just better at it.
He’s also got better hair and he’s a way better guitarist. Don’t get me started on his gritty salted caramel voice or his shameless flirting tactics to get me to sing, because when we sing together—
Freaking fireworks.
Everyone says he loves me, and I know he does, but it’s never been like that.
Until I remember the hallway.
The music room.
The coffee shop.
The ever-loving kitchen.
I’ve got to get out of town … and out of DC’s hair.
Literally.
Hey Jude is a swoony sweet & snarky closed door Southern romantic dramedy with heart-stopping tension, hilarious found family, a touch of danger, and more power ballads than you can fit on a mixtape.
447 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 15, 2026
7 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 14, 2026
I’ve been trying to come up with the words to review this book for over a week. I’m still in shock this is the DEBUT book for Melissa. You should see the unhinged messages I sent her while I was reading. 😂 I’m so thankful I had the chance to read an advanced copy. It releases tomorrow so PLEASE get it, even if it’s through KU. It deserves all the love and you’ll grow having read it too.
The found family in this book is beautiful. I love these friends with a fierceness I can’t explain. More books have been demanded in this series so we can hang out again. 😂 One person’s meddling family member is the best too! It helps that she meddles alongside some of the friends. 😍
Lucy has a complicated relationship with her fiancé. She doesn’t know what to do in order to make things better. Daniel, however, is the literal best friend a girl could ask for. He is there for Lucy and knows what she needs. He is there for her without saying any words. The way these relationships are balanced in a very realistic way. I’ve been in Lucy’s shoes before (not such a high scale but still). It’s hard for others to understand how/when you find peace in friendship that doesn’t look traditional or expected.
The depth of trauma and hard in this book is unmatched for a romcom. The way Melissa addresses the past and present is mind-blowing. It’s not avoided and it has purpose. Everything is also resolved without rushing or forcing a “all wrapped” up conclusion.
Just a warning - you will absolutely end up HATING a character in this book but it’s completely necessary. It makes things happening later in the story and the growth for Lucy that much more powerful. And don’t worry, that icky person gets what they deserve. 😅
The found family in this book is beautiful. I love these friends with a fierceness I can’t explain. More books have been demanded in this series so we can hang out again. 😂 One person’s meddling family member is the best too! It helps that she meddles alongside some of the friends. 😍
Lucy has a complicated relationship with her fiancé. She doesn’t know what to do in order to make things better. Daniel, however, is the literal best friend a girl could ask for. He is there for Lucy and knows what she needs. He is there for her without saying any words. The way these relationships are balanced in a very realistic way. I’ve been in Lucy’s shoes before (not such a high scale but still). It’s hard for others to understand how/when you find peace in friendship that doesn’t look traditional or expected.
The depth of trauma and hard in this book is unmatched for a romcom. The way Melissa addresses the past and present is mind-blowing. It’s not avoided and it has purpose. Everything is also resolved without rushing or forcing a “all wrapped” up conclusion.
Just a warning - you will absolutely end up HATING a character in this book but it’s completely necessary. It makes things happening later in the story and the growth for Lucy that much more powerful. And don’t worry, that icky person gets what they deserve. 😅
January 17, 2026
Hey Jude is a witty, wonderful, totally engrossing, overly dramatic, romantic comedy. I absolutely fell in love with so many of these characters. Lucy and DC of course, but I want books for Annie, Jace, Sammy and more. Ms. Sweet has given the reader, flawed, slightly awkward, real characters. All the music is just the icing on the cake. Lucy was a little slow to give up her loser of a fiance but she had her reasons for trying to stand by that loser. From the beginning it was obvious that DC would do absolutely anything for Lucy. His love language is acts of service and Lucy is not getting much support from anyone other than her found family. Start reading early or be prepared to lose some sleep because you will not want to put this book down!
January 13, 2026
I absolutely loved everything about this book. The writing, the characters, the swoony banter…and as a person who loves the Beatles and big hair band music, I loved all the song and music references! Most of this book, i wanted to be Lucy! 😂 I mean, I got to sing on stage with a friend’s cover band before, but it wasn’t the same as Lucy singing with Sam! I can’t wait to read more books by this author! Sooo sooo good!! Fave book so far of 2026!!!
I received an ARC by this author in exchange for my honest review.
I received an ARC by this author in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2026
I LOVED this book! I cannot wait to read more from this author! ❤️
January 17, 2026
Now listen very closely: Melissa J. Sweet is not here to mess around.
The tension. The Grade A Certified Organic Sass. The tight-knit, flirty found family.
What a fantastic romcom of a debut has she unleashed! To use baseball metaphors I’m sure she would appreciate: she swung for the fences and hit a home run on this friends-to-lovers. She’s batting a thousand on banter. Scored a touchdown on that mutual yearning. Agh, two out of three.
Let me tell you about this double-glazed cinnamon-roll of a long-haired, tattooed hero whose screaming love language is acts of service and energy drink delivery. Our girl needs a safe-space who can both belt and flip a switch on his protective side, and Mr. Serotonin Dispenser ™ volunteers as tribute. He volunteers so hard—he just needs to find his words, okay?
Speaking of love-fools, I love me a plot where waiting for the heroine to get out of her own way as she’s showered with affection by the perfect man right in front of her IS the plot. Full disclosure: she’s engaged to someone else for half of this—I know, I know, I know. But don’t worry—you’ll be as charmed as you are frustrated by Lucy Sky. She’s got all the Older Sister sash badges: Avoidance, Guilt, Overburdening, Expert-level Comparmentalizing. She’s like a dear, scrappy friend you root for even as you want to smack her upside the head for her misplaced self-sacrificing and self-sabotaging misbelief. She’s a wordy one—says the teapot. Sometimes she goes off telling me her life story when all I want to know is when she’ll put herself and her darling end-game man out of their misery. And when it happens, ugh, it’s such a grand slam (ding ding ding!)
They’re all so dang lovable and have such palpable chemistry, you’re here for all of it. The cast, oh my word, the cast. I said “flirty found-family,” right? What absolute fun. I’m a sweet historical reader with a low tolerance for cringe and cliché. I don’t even like my contemporaries to be super pop culture referential. But this POV is jam-packed with such wit and random references you’ll either geek out or be totally fine googling it later so you can be cool too. I looove how this book proves you don’t need slapstick every chapter to earn the romcom category. For the love of Bret Michales, let's allow the banter and wit to carry it. This one steps up to the plate. (Not a baseball romance, I’m just locked in now.)
While I could’ve done without whole scenes that prove Mr. Red-Flag-Bunting Fiancé is a jerk that does not deserve her staying-power, we’re also hit over the head with how perfect JD is, and THAT I could not get enough of. Once he finds his words and is like “Oh, so you want me to take over. Say no more,” he busts himself out of the friend zone and never looks back. That third act kept me guessing: Would the villain need a firmer kick on the behind? Would our girl fabulously freak-out under pressure? Would Mr. United Nations of Green Flags choke? (Just kidding—I knew there was no way on that one.)
You know what takes a romance that keeps its eye on the swoon ball up to a whole other league? It’s the heart-achingly sweet epilogue that tracks so well. It’s the happily-ever-after tingles. Though I’m truly convinced all JD needs is a whiff of her peach-scented neck and maybe a freshly-baked pie to keep his love tank overflowing—gimme a bonus scene where Lucy gets to grand-gesture right back.
Melissa J. Sweet, warm welcome to the Feet-kicking Debut Hall of Fame. And yes, I also need a baseball romance now.
Content notes: A little more harmless innuendo and oogling than I’m used to, but I’ll allow it cause everyone is so dang charming and sweet. We go a little beyond kissing-only to not-too descriptive make-outs (tongue mentioned twice). There’s brief mention of suicide. On page verbally and borderline-physically abusive relationship. On page toxic parent. Secondary character surprise pregnancy situation. Some hilarious almost-swearing. Not totally on board with one of the nicknames but to each their own.
Thank you to the romcom prodigy author for an advanced copy.
The tension. The Grade A Certified Organic Sass. The tight-knit, flirty found family.
What a fantastic romcom of a debut has she unleashed! To use baseball metaphors I’m sure she would appreciate: she swung for the fences and hit a home run on this friends-to-lovers. She’s batting a thousand on banter. Scored a touchdown on that mutual yearning. Agh, two out of three.
Let me tell you about this double-glazed cinnamon-roll of a long-haired, tattooed hero whose screaming love language is acts of service and energy drink delivery. Our girl needs a safe-space who can both belt and flip a switch on his protective side, and Mr. Serotonin Dispenser ™ volunteers as tribute. He volunteers so hard—he just needs to find his words, okay?
Speaking of love-fools, I love me a plot where waiting for the heroine to get out of her own way as she’s showered with affection by the perfect man right in front of her IS the plot. Full disclosure: she’s engaged to someone else for half of this—I know, I know, I know. But don’t worry—you’ll be as charmed as you are frustrated by Lucy Sky. She’s got all the Older Sister sash badges: Avoidance, Guilt, Overburdening, Expert-level Comparmentalizing. She’s like a dear, scrappy friend you root for even as you want to smack her upside the head for her misplaced self-sacrificing and self-sabotaging misbelief. She’s a wordy one—says the teapot. Sometimes she goes off telling me her life story when all I want to know is when she’ll put herself and her darling end-game man out of their misery. And when it happens, ugh, it’s such a grand slam (ding ding ding!)
They’re all so dang lovable and have such palpable chemistry, you’re here for all of it. The cast, oh my word, the cast. I said “flirty found-family,” right? What absolute fun. I’m a sweet historical reader with a low tolerance for cringe and cliché. I don’t even like my contemporaries to be super pop culture referential. But this POV is jam-packed with such wit and random references you’ll either geek out or be totally fine googling it later so you can be cool too. I looove how this book proves you don’t need slapstick every chapter to earn the romcom category. For the love of Bret Michales, let's allow the banter and wit to carry it. This one steps up to the plate. (Not a baseball romance, I’m just locked in now.)
While I could’ve done without whole scenes that prove Mr. Red-Flag-Bunting Fiancé is a jerk that does not deserve her staying-power, we’re also hit over the head with how perfect JD is, and THAT I could not get enough of. Once he finds his words and is like “Oh, so you want me to take over. Say no more,” he busts himself out of the friend zone and never looks back. That third act kept me guessing: Would the villain need a firmer kick on the behind? Would our girl fabulously freak-out under pressure? Would Mr. United Nations of Green Flags choke? (Just kidding—I knew there was no way on that one.)
You know what takes a romance that keeps its eye on the swoon ball up to a whole other league? It’s the heart-achingly sweet epilogue that tracks so well. It’s the happily-ever-after tingles. Though I’m truly convinced all JD needs is a whiff of her peach-scented neck and maybe a freshly-baked pie to keep his love tank overflowing—gimme a bonus scene where Lucy gets to grand-gesture right back.
Melissa J. Sweet, warm welcome to the Feet-kicking Debut Hall of Fame. And yes, I also need a baseball romance now.
Content notes: A little more harmless innuendo and oogling than I’m used to, but I’ll allow it cause everyone is so dang charming and sweet. We go a little beyond kissing-only to not-too descriptive make-outs (tongue mentioned twice). There’s brief mention of suicide. On page verbally and borderline-physically abusive relationship. On page toxic parent. Secondary character surprise pregnancy situation. Some hilarious almost-swearing. Not totally on board with one of the nicknames but to each their own.
Thank you to the romcom prodigy author for an advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Melissa J Sweet took a sad song and she made it better for Lucy Sky Brooks ,but she doesn’t have mega bucks moving two hundred miles away from home , hoping for a better life without the family and all ,it took some time and made her frown overall … thus I’m writing it down in rhyme biding my time to tell you the story in all its glory and of the lyrical, emotional baggage when she left her home town. Disparaged .
She moved some two hundred miles to get away from drama and to a new panorama and friends . Moving in with her bestie Annie was a breath of fresh air away from home and the toxicity there. There’s also new guy friends to meet ,their neighbours who are sweet ,grumpy and smiling. One of them quite beguiling if she’d only take notice. But you see he bides his time this would be suitor and loses the chase before it’s begun . But he’s not done , he worships from afar and it’s Lucy he’s always there for. He’s her guy though she doesn’t see that they are meant to be.
So what does the author do to the poor girl? Give her a steady boyfriend like Nathan they even talk marriage though he’s too cheap to buy her a ring ,or discuss the horse and carriage or even help out with her clapped out car that doesn’t get her very far ,always going kaput.He doesn’t care ,just sits on his butt. He’s a cad who’s going to be a dad. Not Lucy’s though so she can thank her lucky stars. She’s not going to be doing Lamaze…
Waiting in the wings though is a guy who sings and would love to be her beau. DC is how he introduces himself ya know. …
DC is just there for her each and everyday as her friend on who she can depend. He’s not going to give up on this perfect lady especially because he thinks this Nathan fellow is rather shady. He missed the boat ,he saw her first but he didn’t want to be too fast to mention and chase her away with his thirst so that’s how easy HIS bubble burst , and now someone else caught her attention.
She is his Lucy in the Sky and he wants to shower her with Diamonds . He plays her song ,she plays his though she doesn’t know it at first …and an happy melody 🎶 it is …if only you could see it Lucy…. DC got ya back. Jace is stern of face but comes around and his heart is sound with Grace. Then there’s the baby of the pack who’s maybe the one with most sense of fun and all smiles ,Sam / Sammy might not make her hands clammy over him but she can make sweet music with him it seems and it’s even aired on video and phone screens .
But ooh I’m getting ahead a smidge . There’s that Nathan bloke who might as well be a fridge ,an icebox lying there in his socks ,not lifting a finger to make their relationship work ,in fact he’s a cad who’s going to be a dad to some other lass’s bairn . Lucy get yourself outta there before it’s your turn and it’s too late, better on the shelf says her mate Annie.
This book is truly a treat to tantalise and tease and it doesn’t half please.Its canny,a brilliantly portrayed storyline,simple divine. Great page turning throughout and some great standouts. A most compelling read indeed and I read with the utmost greed. Awesome storytelling too. Phew 😮💨
Most loved quote “ I’ve never been clingy, but he may regret giving me koala privileges.”❤️ This was heaven to read and the book is full of pearls like this. Exquisite? Bliss!
She moved some two hundred miles to get away from drama and to a new panorama and friends . Moving in with her bestie Annie was a breath of fresh air away from home and the toxicity there. There’s also new guy friends to meet ,their neighbours who are sweet ,grumpy and smiling. One of them quite beguiling if she’d only take notice. But you see he bides his time this would be suitor and loses the chase before it’s begun . But he’s not done , he worships from afar and it’s Lucy he’s always there for. He’s her guy though she doesn’t see that they are meant to be.
So what does the author do to the poor girl? Give her a steady boyfriend like Nathan they even talk marriage though he’s too cheap to buy her a ring ,or discuss the horse and carriage or even help out with her clapped out car that doesn’t get her very far ,always going kaput.He doesn’t care ,just sits on his butt. He’s a cad who’s going to be a dad. Not Lucy’s though so she can thank her lucky stars. She’s not going to be doing Lamaze…
Waiting in the wings though is a guy who sings and would love to be her beau. DC is how he introduces himself ya know. …
DC is just there for her each and everyday as her friend on who she can depend. He’s not going to give up on this perfect lady especially because he thinks this Nathan fellow is rather shady. He missed the boat ,he saw her first but he didn’t want to be too fast to mention and chase her away with his thirst so that’s how easy HIS bubble burst , and now someone else caught her attention.
She is his Lucy in the Sky and he wants to shower her with Diamonds . He plays her song ,she plays his though she doesn’t know it at first …and an happy melody 🎶 it is …if only you could see it Lucy…. DC got ya back. Jace is stern of face but comes around and his heart is sound with Grace. Then there’s the baby of the pack who’s maybe the one with most sense of fun and all smiles ,Sam / Sammy might not make her hands clammy over him but she can make sweet music with him it seems and it’s even aired on video and phone screens .
But ooh I’m getting ahead a smidge . There’s that Nathan bloke who might as well be a fridge ,an icebox lying there in his socks ,not lifting a finger to make their relationship work ,in fact he’s a cad who’s going to be a dad to some other lass’s bairn . Lucy get yourself outta there before it’s your turn and it’s too late, better on the shelf says her mate Annie.
This book is truly a treat to tantalise and tease and it doesn’t half please.Its canny,a brilliantly portrayed storyline,simple divine. Great page turning throughout and some great standouts. A most compelling read indeed and I read with the utmost greed. Awesome storytelling too. Phew 😮💨
Most loved quote “ I’ve never been clingy, but he may regret giving me koala privileges.”❤️ This was heaven to read and the book is full of pearls like this. Exquisite? Bliss!
Review of advance copy received from Author
OMG MELISSA JUST BLEW ME AWAY!!! This book was absolute PERFECTION! If you grew up with 90's TV, Movies, Music, The Beatles, and Pink this book will have you remembering the good days! This book seriously had me smiling through probably 90 percent of this book. I just had a blast with these characters and LOVED everyone of them! You will also have many laugh out loud moments!
Lucy is a very independent woman and she needs to get away from her toxic family drama, so she decides to move two hundred miles away and start fresh. When she moves into her apartment with her friend Annie she meets Sam, Jace and DC. These guys all hit it off with her instantly! I absolutely love the bond all these men have with Lucy!
Eventually Lucy starts dating a guy names Nathan and he one character you will not like! When she has car trouble he is not available to help but DC is there to make sure she gets her car fixed and is taken care of. Lucy has past trauma and because of that she doesn't always see things for what they are per the reason this story will be a slow burn in the BEST way!
DC (Jude) will do anything and everything he can for Lucy. He has been there for her since day one and you will fall in love with this man. He is officially a new book boyfriend for me because this man stole my heart! You will love how this story unfolds for Lucy and Jude.
Sam, Jace and Jude will have you laughing and falling in love with them through out this book. These men are the sweetest and there is nothing they won't do for Lucy and that just makes your heart melt.
This book will have you laughing, make you giddy, smiling like crazy, your heart will melt, you will have some emotions, but in the end you will be left with the best ending! I could read this book all over again because it was that good! I HIGHLY recommend this book and I can't wait for the next book.
Thank you Melissa J Sweet for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.
Lucy is a very independent woman and she needs to get away from her toxic family drama, so she decides to move two hundred miles away and start fresh. When she moves into her apartment with her friend Annie she meets Sam, Jace and DC. These guys all hit it off with her instantly! I absolutely love the bond all these men have with Lucy!
Eventually Lucy starts dating a guy names Nathan and he one character you will not like! When she has car trouble he is not available to help but DC is there to make sure she gets her car fixed and is taken care of. Lucy has past trauma and because of that she doesn't always see things for what they are per the reason this story will be a slow burn in the BEST way!
DC (Jude) will do anything and everything he can for Lucy. He has been there for her since day one and you will fall in love with this man. He is officially a new book boyfriend for me because this man stole my heart! You will love how this story unfolds for Lucy and Jude.
Sam, Jace and Jude will have you laughing and falling in love with them through out this book. These men are the sweetest and there is nothing they won't do for Lucy and that just makes your heart melt.
This book will have you laughing, make you giddy, smiling like crazy, your heart will melt, you will have some emotions, but in the end you will be left with the best ending! I could read this book all over again because it was that good! I HIGHLY recommend this book and I can't wait for the next book.
Thank you Melissa J Sweet for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Debut, who? I would have never guessed that this was Melissa J. Sweet’s debut novel! Hey, Jude had me captivated from the first chapter and devouring this book every spare minute that I had! This as friends to more story, was everything I could ever ask for!
Hey, Jude is the story of Lucy and Daniel/ DC best friends, neighbors, and singing buddies. Lucy is engaged to a less than stellar guy named Nathan and is completely blind to Jude‘s affection for her. Oh, she knows that he’s there when she needs him, he would do anything for her, and that he is the best friend ever, but that’s all they are is friends. Or is there a possibility for more?
I absolutely adored everything about this book! Daniel was literally the most perfect best friend I’ve ever read about! He had me swooning at every little thing he did! The way he loved and cared for Lucy was off the charts amazing in every way! He was the literal sweetest! I also loved Lucy, though being around DC made her a little needy, I loved seeing him come through for her. Their teasing and banter were so fun, I couldn’t stop smiling and happy sighing the whole time.
The whole friend group were in this story was a blast! I loved Lu’s roommate Annie, and her fun relationship with the snarky Jace and the golden retriever, Sammy!!
I can’t wait to see where the next book takes us in this fun friend group and I will definitely be reading any and all future books by Melissa J. Sweet!!
Favorite quotes:
“I’m only extracting a bit of serotonin. Believe me, he has it to spare. I’m surprised animals don’t follow him around singing “Hakuna Matata,” because Daniel Crawford is the definition of emotional regulation.”
“He does so much for me. I should be a better friend. Something about him turns me into this needy child who’s nothing like me. I shift in my seat to lean into his shoulder and squeeze his arm for a half hug. I’m not the most affectionate person but around Daniel Crawford? Mush.”
“I don’t forget about you. And I would never ignore you.” “You would never …” I whisper. “Damn straight. If you were mine, I wouldn’t let you out of my sight without kissing you so thoroughly you couldn’t wait to come home to me.”
Hey, Jude is the story of Lucy and Daniel/ DC best friends, neighbors, and singing buddies. Lucy is engaged to a less than stellar guy named Nathan and is completely blind to Jude‘s affection for her. Oh, she knows that he’s there when she needs him, he would do anything for her, and that he is the best friend ever, but that’s all they are is friends. Or is there a possibility for more?
I absolutely adored everything about this book! Daniel was literally the most perfect best friend I’ve ever read about! He had me swooning at every little thing he did! The way he loved and cared for Lucy was off the charts amazing in every way! He was the literal sweetest! I also loved Lucy, though being around DC made her a little needy, I loved seeing him come through for her. Their teasing and banter were so fun, I couldn’t stop smiling and happy sighing the whole time.
The whole friend group were in this story was a blast! I loved Lu’s roommate Annie, and her fun relationship with the snarky Jace and the golden retriever, Sammy!!
I can’t wait to see where the next book takes us in this fun friend group and I will definitely be reading any and all future books by Melissa J. Sweet!!
Favorite quotes:
“I’m only extracting a bit of serotonin. Believe me, he has it to spare. I’m surprised animals don’t follow him around singing “Hakuna Matata,” because Daniel Crawford is the definition of emotional regulation.”
“He does so much for me. I should be a better friend. Something about him turns me into this needy child who’s nothing like me. I shift in my seat to lean into his shoulder and squeeze his arm for a half hug. I’m not the most affectionate person but around Daniel Crawford? Mush.”
“I don’t forget about you. And I would never ignore you.” “You would never …” I whisper. “Damn straight. If you were mine, I wouldn’t let you out of my sight without kissing you so thoroughly you couldn’t wait to come home to me.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
Do you want to know how to take a great book and make it better? Well, for me personally, throwing in a good dose of music and Supernatural references will CERTAINLY do the trick! Right from the very start, I found myself completely obsessed with Jude and Lucy's story. The chemistry! The banter! My goodness, I couldn't get enough of these two together. The only problem? Through the first part of the story, she was in a relationship with someone else. I know, I know... that's not usually my favorite either... but these two? Well, there's no doubt who the right man for her truly is. And as we get a better picture of how toxic her relationship is and learn more about her past, that becomes even clearer, and I couldn't help but root for these two to get their happily ever after. This book had me smiling throughout, but I loved that it wasn't afraid to tackle the tough topics either. 'Overly dramatic romantic comedy' truly was the perfect description for this one... and I absolutely loved that! It wasn't just Jude and Lucy that I loved though. I truly found myself falling in love with this entire found family that they had as well. I need more of them. (Especially Sammy!) I am blown away that this is the author's first novel... with a debut like this one, I cannot wait to see what she does next!
Hey Jude is a closed-door romance with kisses only. It does have some minor language and innuendo.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Hey Jude is a closed-door romance with kisses only. It does have some minor language and innuendo.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars. Loved this rom-com about Lucy and DC! Ahh, all the flirting and tension was the best, especially the kitchen and whipped cream scene! It was tough while she was in a relationship with Nathan and waiting for her to break things off with him. He was the worst. I was so happy when she finally did break up with him and could be with Jude. He was super sweet and attentive to her. I didn’t like when he called her little girl, I know it was a term of endearment, but it wasn’t my favorite haha. Other than that they were so cute together!
I enjoyed seeing Lucy grow in confidence with her relationships and on stage. All the songs and music mentioned was fun and I can’t wait for a playlist!
It’s surprising that this is Sweet’s debut novel, as it was well-written, especially the dialogue and banter. I loved Lucy’s found family of friends and can’t wait for more of their stories too! Side note, I also appreciated that it was set in my home state of Tennessee, that was fun for me!
Content: kissing only, some slight innuendo, and verbal abuse
*I received an ARC from the author. Review is all my opinion.
I enjoyed seeing Lucy grow in confidence with her relationships and on stage. All the songs and music mentioned was fun and I can’t wait for a playlist!
It’s surprising that this is Sweet’s debut novel, as it was well-written, especially the dialogue and banter. I loved Lucy’s found family of friends and can’t wait for more of their stories too! Side note, I also appreciated that it was set in my home state of Tennessee, that was fun for me!
Content: kissing only, some slight innuendo, and verbal abuse
*I received an ARC from the author. Review is all my opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! What a debut novel. Melissa J. Sweet has written a novel that makes you want to keep reading over and over.
Lucy is a quirky, sassy girl that loves music. She grew up with a verbally abusive father and now has a boyfriend, that does the same thing. She is strong and independent but thinks she needs to fix everyone, and be supportive no matter what. Thankfully she has an amazing group of friends.
Jude is every girls fantasy. He is kind, generous, loving, responsible and incredibly hot. He is also one of Lucy's best friends. He is the manager of the apartment Lucy is renting. Their chemistry is off the charts. He understands Lucy and is a fierce protector.
Jace, Sam and Annie are all friends and or roommates with either Lucy or Jude. They are all super fun characters that I really want to read their stories.
I love the friend dynamic. They are all so supportive and good with each other. They each have bigger than life personalities. I love that they help each other to grow and be better. They give each other crap but they love each other no matter what.
I loved this book and I am really looking forward to future books by this author.
Lucy is a quirky, sassy girl that loves music. She grew up with a verbally abusive father and now has a boyfriend, that does the same thing. She is strong and independent but thinks she needs to fix everyone, and be supportive no matter what. Thankfully she has an amazing group of friends.
Jude is every girls fantasy. He is kind, generous, loving, responsible and incredibly hot. He is also one of Lucy's best friends. He is the manager of the apartment Lucy is renting. Their chemistry is off the charts. He understands Lucy and is a fierce protector.
Jace, Sam and Annie are all friends and or roommates with either Lucy or Jude. They are all super fun characters that I really want to read their stories.
I love the friend dynamic. They are all so supportive and good with each other. They each have bigger than life personalities. I love that they help each other to grow and be better. They give each other crap but they love each other no matter what.
I loved this book and I am really looking forward to future books by this author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hey Jude
By Melissa J Sweet
Is a friends to more, found family, rom-com that will have you laughing, crying, and swooning over these amazing characters. This is Melissa’s first book and she rocked it! You’ll definitely want to listen to the soundtrack that goes along with it.
Lucy moves to Crappie Branch, TN to attend college and leave baggage behind. Daniel, a fixer, maintains The Village where she lives and they have a meet cute her first day moving in.
One year later and they have become the best of friends. He is there for her through all of her mess. Even now as she is engaged and her fiancee is the worst.
“Everyone needs a friend like DC. Five stars. Highly recommend.”
Lu and DC have a common love, music. She sings and he can play, well… you’ll see.
Favorite quote: “Lu’s everyone’s favorite duet partner. But when the show’s over, she leaves with me.”
There are many side characters and I loved them all as well. I am so looking forward to reading more about Annie, Jace, Sammy, and Aunt Judy.
#nospiceromcom #friendstomore #foundfamily #meetcute #lucyintheskywithdiamonds #heyjude #arcread
By Melissa J Sweet
Is a friends to more, found family, rom-com that will have you laughing, crying, and swooning over these amazing characters. This is Melissa’s first book and she rocked it! You’ll definitely want to listen to the soundtrack that goes along with it.
Lucy moves to Crappie Branch, TN to attend college and leave baggage behind. Daniel, a fixer, maintains The Village where she lives and they have a meet cute her first day moving in.
One year later and they have become the best of friends. He is there for her through all of her mess. Even now as she is engaged and her fiancee is the worst.
“Everyone needs a friend like DC. Five stars. Highly recommend.”
Lu and DC have a common love, music. She sings and he can play, well… you’ll see.
Favorite quote: “Lu’s everyone’s favorite duet partner. But when the show’s over, she leaves with me.”
There are many side characters and I loved them all as well. I am so looking forward to reading more about Annie, Jace, Sammy, and Aunt Judy.
#nospiceromcom #friendstomore #foundfamily #meetcute #lucyintheskywithdiamonds #heyjude #arcread
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Your light doesn’t snuff out anyone else’s, but if that’s how they feel … Too dang bad. Light ’em up anyway.”
This was my first read of 2026, and to say it was the perfect one to start off my year could not be more accurate! I have debated on how to review this book—super light hearted and fun—or touch on a more emotional level. I am going to attempt to do both!
This story can totally be read as a lighthearted fun romantic comedy! It is! But it also has SO many heartfelt one liners, and situations that tugged at me. The story hits close to home, and I connected so quickly to Lucy’s character.
The way Lucy describes herself as a “successful neurotic procrastinator perfectionist” is epic, and I relate way too much to that statement! But Lucy also has a deeper battle she is facing with toxic relationships which seem to follow her, no matter her attempt to stay away from them. I want to say upfront, the author does not romanticize the toxic relationships. It is written with the reality that occurs within those types of relationships and our FMC has a beautiful character arc that I am 100% here for!!
“Woman, you’ve owned me for so long—we’re way past the return period.”
Okay, now for the fun!! I want to be best friends with Lucy and DC in real life!! 😂 their friendship, banter, and overall joy they bring to the pages of this book puts the biggest smile on my face!! Some of my favorite moments are the meet-cute, Aunt Judy’s house, car rides, text conversations, singing with Jace, parking lot at Lucy’s work, all the epic song references, the nicknames, the epilogue, and so much more!
This is a charming friends to more and found family story! These characters are a hoot and I cannot wait to see what Melissa writes next! This will be a favorite read of 2026!
Some more favorite quotes:
“Permission to koala?”
“I need some emotional strangulation.”
“…maybe I’ll learn to live with being the villain in someone’s story.”
This was my first read of 2026, and to say it was the perfect one to start off my year could not be more accurate! I have debated on how to review this book—super light hearted and fun—or touch on a more emotional level. I am going to attempt to do both!
This story can totally be read as a lighthearted fun romantic comedy! It is! But it also has SO many heartfelt one liners, and situations that tugged at me. The story hits close to home, and I connected so quickly to Lucy’s character.
The way Lucy describes herself as a “successful neurotic procrastinator perfectionist” is epic, and I relate way too much to that statement! But Lucy also has a deeper battle she is facing with toxic relationships which seem to follow her, no matter her attempt to stay away from them. I want to say upfront, the author does not romanticize the toxic relationships. It is written with the reality that occurs within those types of relationships and our FMC has a beautiful character arc that I am 100% here for!!
“Woman, you’ve owned me for so long—we’re way past the return period.”
Okay, now for the fun!! I want to be best friends with Lucy and DC in real life!! 😂 their friendship, banter, and overall joy they bring to the pages of this book puts the biggest smile on my face!! Some of my favorite moments are the meet-cute, Aunt Judy’s house, car rides, text conversations, singing with Jace, parking lot at Lucy’s work, all the epic song references, the nicknames, the epilogue, and so much more!
This is a charming friends to more and found family story! These characters are a hoot and I cannot wait to see what Melissa writes next! This will be a favorite read of 2026!
Some more favorite quotes:
“Permission to koala?”
“I need some emotional strangulation.”
“…maybe I’ll learn to live with being the villain in someone’s story.”
January 15, 2026
I loved this book! You will see the sweetest of friendships, reddest of flags, greenest of flags, nicknames galore, so many song references, and self-discovery. Trauma affects us all, and Lucy is no exception. When she moves into a new place, her roommate and neighbors become quick friends. She'll need all the help she can get as she navigates what life throws at her. Loved watching this story fall into place and how Melissa made each of her characters so full of personality. I am dying for the other characters' stories waiting to be told. Do yourself a favor and go read this!
Review of advance copy received from Author
READ THIS BOOK! Hands down a new favorite. I am absolutely floored that this is the author’s first book. Her writing reminded me a lot of Abby Jiminez. Her characters’ banter and humor in her writing is so much like Abby’s. This is a must read if you love RomComs!! I read this in less than 24 hours and did not want it to end. I need more from this group of friends!!!! DC is the best leading man and Lucy is adorable. You will fall in love with them! If you love friends to lovers, he falls first, banter, and musician love story - this is for you!!!
I received an ARC copy from the author. My opinions and review is honest & all my own.
I received an ARC copy from the author. My opinions and review is honest & all my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Warm up your singing voice and make room for your heart to swell when you start reading this “overly dramatic” rom-com. Hey Jude will forever hold a place in my heart. Take this book recommendation seriously. It is so good, you won’t believe it’s a debut novel. The attention to detail is amazing, including a beautiful back cover and extra artwork inside.
Lucy is engaged to a narcissistic jerk.
𝙃𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙗𝙖𝙙 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙚𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙄 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙚 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙠 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙪𝙣𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚.
Lucy’s friend Daniel has always been flirty but lately he's been…extra.
𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡𝙨 𝙜𝙚𝙩 “𝙂𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙈𝙤���𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝘽𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙪𝙡” 𝙩𝙚𝙭𝙩𝙨. 𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙢𝙚. 𝙄 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙-𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙨.
Hey Jude is a hilarious and deeply-felt story of Lucy’s awakening to real love. Her found family of musician friends helps her realize it’s okay to let go of a bad thing and receive the good right in front of her. And Daniel—Oh my! He’s the sweetest, swooniest, kindest, calmest, right-there-when-you-need-him-est man. But he needs to use his words, so Lucy exactly understands what he wants---Her.
What I love:
🎸Found Family
🎸Glorious slow burn tension
🎸So many nicknames!
🎸Rock and Roll. All decades. All genres.
🎸Pop Culture galore
🎸Song Title Chapter Titles
🎸Aunt Judy
🎸So much snark!
I laughed, cried, swooned, and sighed. Thank you, Mel, for including me in the release of this fabulous, healing book.
Lucy is engaged to a narcissistic jerk.
𝙃𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙗𝙖𝙙 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙚𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙄 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙚 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙠 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙪𝙣𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚.
Lucy’s friend Daniel has always been flirty but lately he's been…extra.
𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡𝙨 𝙜𝙚𝙩 “𝙂𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙈𝙤���𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝘽𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙪𝙡” 𝙩𝙚𝙭𝙩𝙨. 𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙢𝙚. 𝙄 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙-𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙨.
Hey Jude is a hilarious and deeply-felt story of Lucy’s awakening to real love. Her found family of musician friends helps her realize it’s okay to let go of a bad thing and receive the good right in front of her. And Daniel—Oh my! He’s the sweetest, swooniest, kindest, calmest, right-there-when-you-need-him-est man. But he needs to use his words, so Lucy exactly understands what he wants---Her.
What I love:
🎸Found Family
🎸Glorious slow burn tension
🎸So many nicknames!
🎸Rock and Roll. All decades. All genres.
🎸Pop Culture galore
🎸Song Title Chapter Titles
🎸Aunt Judy
🎸So much snark!
I laughed, cried, swooned, and sighed. Thank you, Mel, for including me in the release of this fabulous, healing book.
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