The Band Boy

by Jordan C. Byrd

Daisy Daniels has spent years building a life far from the chaos she once knew. No one would guess she’s the secret behind some of Jameson Kingston’s biggest songs, or that The Kings Court frontman once inspired the art that launched her own career.

As a teen, Daisy dreamed of escaping her tight-knit Bay Area town, not falling for a boy who would one day fill stadiums. But even before the band went global, Jameson’s charm made it impossible to look away. What started as an unlikely friendship became first love, a bond forged in song lyrics and brushstrokes on canvas. But as Jameson’s star rises, so does the pressure.

A ruthless manager.
A world tour.
A life that never slows down.

Daisy tries to hold onto the boy she knows, but the price of fame is sharp, and it cuts deep.

Years later, their paths cross again. Jameson is desperate for forgiveness, but Daisy can’t forget who he became when the spotlight swallowed him whole. As old feelings ignite and long-buried truths surface, Daisy must confront the secret she’s kept and decide if letting Jameson back in will heal what he broke… or destroy the safe, quiet life she has built.

Genres: Romance, Music

411 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 19, 2026

About the author

Jordan C. Byrd has been writing stories since the ninth grade and has been chasing emotionally rich, unforgettable love stories ever since. Based in Southern California, she writes romance filled with heart, longing, and the messy beauty of love that refuses to be forgotten.
Outside of writing, she loves time by the ocean, a good winery and traveling with her husband, also named Jordan, and their two young daughters.

Reviews

[RootsfortheVillain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daisy Daniels is known for her artistic talent and her passion for rock and roll. When she met Jameson in high school, she never expected to fall for his English charm or his music as part of The Kings Court. Their friendship soon became first love. As the band’s fame grew, Daisy struggled to keep her relationship with Jameson, but it ended in heartbreak. Years later, Jameson returns, hoping for forgiveness. Daisy still remembers the pain she went through and refuses to let Jameson discover the secret she has kept all this time.

Second chance romance is my favorite trope, and I really enjoyed The Band Boy. The story took me on an emotional ride. I liked how the book used dual timelines, showing Daisy and Jameson falling in love in high school and then meeting again nine years later, still working through their feelings. I was drawn in as their old feelings resurfaced, but now they also have to face the challenges of fame and working through the heartbreak of the past. This book was impossible to put down, and I was so sad when I finished Daisy and Jameson’s story.

The Band Boy is perfect for fans of:
🎸Rockstar Romance
💔Second Chance Romance
😍First Love

Thank you to Jordan C. Byrd and Book and Blooms PR for the opportunity to review The Band Boy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jeronimo · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not feel it, I’ve read cheating books before and when I do I have one thing that I must absolutely feel when it comes to them. The total and utter regret of his actions. I want it to be eating at the guy from his insides and while the guy constantly said it did, I personally didn’t feel that. While he did seem deeply sorry, i didn’t feel that desperation I needed for me to be able to move on. Everything about part 2 felt so passive for me since he found out about his daughter. He wasn’t groveling like a man who cheated should. Too many things pissed me off and I just didn’t buy this connection they had. She also was to accepting, like I get not being mean because he’s the father of your child so you need to keep things civil. But there’s this thing called drawing boundaries! She never did that! She didn’t act like this was the man that had betrayed her in the worst way, that told her to abort their child, that kept sleeping with the woman he cheated with. Every bad thing was resolved with an apology and it made em angry. By the end I wanted her to end with Matt! And the there was a misunderstanding and he almost slept with another woman because he was pissed off. Responding like a child when you’re almost 30 is pathetic! But then again that got solved so easily and I’m I just got so disgusted with this book. I kept going thinking at some point I was going to see the true grovel but it never came. I guess changing for the better and outgrowing his addiction is part of it but I needed more and I didn’t get it. Would not recommend

[Nicole Truss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Jordan C. Byrd and Love Notes PR for the ARC!

I really enjoyed The Band Boy. I normally gravitate toward athlete or cowboy male main characters, so a musician lead male isn’t usually my thing, but I actually really liked him!

I’m also a sucker for a second-chance romance. It kept me interested the whole time and was such a quick, easy read that was honestly hard to put down.

Overall, this was a really fun and bingeable romance with good chemistry and enough emotion to keep me invested. Definitely recommend if you love second-chance romances and want something you can fly through in a couple sittings.

[Brittany Peake · Rating 5 out of 5]

You have GOT to be kidding me. Love, obsessed, cannot get enough. I received this ARC from LoveNotes PR, and THANK YOU to them because omg.

I will admit it took me a couple chapters to commit. I’m not usually one to enjoy third person writing but it was also refreshing to see both sides of a situation simultaneously without waiting to flip to the other characters POV. I am also one to usually read 🌶️🌶️ novels, and while this didn’t have spice per se, it truly pulled at the heartstrings and evoked emotions I haven’t thought about in years.

Once I got into it, I stayed up til midnight before work and binged the rest in an afternoon. Seriously, I couldn’t stop.

The author said in her acknowledgement that she started this book years ago and kept coming back to it and finally decided to put it out there. Girl. I’m so glad you did. This was absolutely amazing! Please give me more.

‼️Mild spoilers ahead!!!!:

What can I say about The Band Boy? The young love. The hurt. The longing. The being torn between safe and dangerous. The second chance. The feelings that never truly disappear? Good grief. This book had me feeling some type of way and missing my adolescence. I am not one to have even the slightest interest in pregnancy tropes, but this one was handled well and was clearly pertinent to the story but didn’t feel like the main theme if that makes sense.

‼️‼️ More Spoilers and Trigger warning: conversations regarding abortion, drug use, cheating, pregnancy trope

[Julia MacNeil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author and Love Notes PR for sending me an ARC. 

Daisy Daniels was a quiet, rock and roll loving artist who kept her head down to get through high school. Then, a boy with a guitar, Jameson Kingston, stole her heart. But then, that boy starts a rise to fame that causes pain and heartbreak. 

But nine years later, after Daisy had walked away, she has found a life, a boyfriend and a job that has made her happy. So when that boy from nine years ago waltzes back into her life, she has to decide if she's willing to let him back in or if she can't forgive and forget. 

I found the first half of the story very good. It was lovely navigating the love between Daisy and Jameson. The newness of teenage love, the forbidden aspect, the stolen glances, the shyness, the small moments together. And then you see as he rises to fame, as they try to navigate loving each other through distance and fame, and how that fame takes a hold of him and causes pain and heartbreak. I really felt for Daisy but actually really didn't like Jameson after what he did. 

The book then navigates to nine years later, and Daisy having a new life, new boyfriend and a great job that allows her to be free in her painting. So when Jameson waltzes back in, I found it hard to even entertain the thought of speaking to him or giving him the time of day. I don't think him blaming her for keeping her secret was okay. I think her decision was a extremely justified. Maybe if we had had Jameson's POV within the dual timeline, it might have added a little bit more to understand him. And see more of what he went through in those nine years as well as what Daisy went through. I also kind of hoped Daisy took some more time for herself at the end, cause I was rooting for her more than her and Jameson being together honestly. 

I think it was a good second chance romance and a fun concept of the artist and the rock star and finding their way back. The writing was also very beautiful, with very deep and meaningful characters. But I think it was just the way it was laid out that took me out a little. And Jameson as an adult just didn't feel great as an MMC. Either way, as a debut novel this was incredibly impressive and I hope to see more from this author.

[tin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Love Notes PR for the digital ARC.

A rockstar romance is always fun. Seeing the progression between a normal relationship to the reality of dating someone famous. The blurb does not mention this so spoiler alert: this is a pregnancy trope. I have mixed feeling about pregnancy tropes in general but this was handled well and really drove the story. The co-parenting aspect was actually enjoyable and I wish we'd had more moments of that instead of the passion & chemistry between Daisy and Jameson.

The beginning of the story dragged a bit we're stuck in the past for almost 40% of the story before getting to the present day timeline.

Daisy is a good female lead! A testament to what it means to be selfless in motherhood. And personally, I like how the author made sure Daisy had friends and family to support in some capacity so she didn't have to rely on any man.

My biggest gripe is that she didn't go to therapy sooner especially seeing that it was mentioned for another character. While I understand how difficult her situation was, there were too many moments in the present that I was like girl go talk to someone!!! Like it was even more of a reason to check yourself help. The complicated relationships would've been more fulfilling I think if Daisy wasn't acting on her own so I was frustrated with how a relationship between her and another character ended up playing out.

[McKenna’s Book Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall rating: 3.75 / 5 stars

Thank you Love Notes PR and Jordan C. Byrd for this early ARC! I felt so honored to be an ARC reader for this cute story!

I loved that this book starts with a playlist 👏🥰 I always love when authors include music because it makes the story feel so much more personal and immersive.

I connected with Daisy Daniels right from the start. She’s creative, passionate about art and music, and just felt incredibly real and relatable to me. Watching her navigate life, love, and creativity made me so invested in her story.

And Jameson Kingston… 🫠✨ the flirt, the accent, the baby blue eyes, the lead singer in the band, AND Daisy’s brother’s friend. The chemistry between them was so good. Plus, he calls her “darlin’,” which honestly melted my heart every time.

What I loved most was how deeply they connected through music. Their relationship goes through intense highs and heartbreaking lows while dealing with touring, fame, growing up, and life constantly testing them.

This book felt emotional, messy, romantic, and real all at once, and I loved the journey Daisy and Jameson went on together. ✨

[Teniya Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love love looooooove!

First off, This was written beautifully. Secondly, the whole plot 🤯 The way Daisy speaks to her daughter about abortion was written so wonderfully. Team Jameson but wow Matt…couldn’t be me.

[i_just_readalot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and Love Notes PR for this ARC.

The anticipation with the foreshadowing in the first 40% of the book nearly killed me. The devastation of chapter 13 and the shock of chapter 15 are still with me.

This book follows Daisy and Jameson. They both meet and fall in love in high school and have to navigate Jameson's newfound success with his band The King's Court. When everything came crashing down between them, the two of them didn't talk for nine years. When I saw that nine-year time jump, I actually gasped. I was nearly in tears at this part because of how much the conflict in this hurt me. These characters make mistakes and they're allowed to grow which made this story so compelling. I was absolutely hooked right from the start, and I was rooting for them.

I would have loved to see more groveling and more healing. Jameson mentions getting off-page therapy, but we don' really see either of them deal with or heal through what happened so it wasn't a satisfying ending for me. I think a lot of the blame somehow ended on Daisy despite the conflict being a direct result of Jameson's actions. I think there needed to be more apologizing on his end.

That being said, I flew through this book, and I was actually physically reacting to so many of the scenes in this book because of how effected I was. I definitely recommend this to anyone who likes second chance romances and a lot of tension in their romances.

[Bea · Rating 4 out of 5]

i loved The Band Boy by Jordan C. Byrd and just wanted to write my own review because i didnt really like the other ones i read here on goodreads

Rating: 4.4 stars rounded down only because of certain issues written at the bottom

Firstly tropes. For some reason, some tropes were missing when i found it on Insta so i thought i should write them down first just so you know what you're jumping into.

Book tropes
- YA romance
- first love
- accidental pregnancy
- cheating
- drugs
- second chance romance
- rockstar bf
- writes songs about her
- gets her inspiration from him


Secondly, i want to write about each of the parts separately.

Part one is personally my favourite of the two parts. its about Daisy and Jameson throughout their teenage years. It shows how the two meet and, eventually, fall in love. Part one takes you through Daisy and Jameson's love story and the sweet teenage romance you'd get from a Lynn Painter book for example. It also shows part of the messiness of being a teenager thrust into fame. all this leads into the inevitable breakup and into the start of part two.

Part two takes place nine years into the future where Daisy and Jameson have both built their own lives at this point. By chance Jameson and Daisy meet where Daisy is currently working. It's a bit later on when Jameson learns what will tie the them together again and the two of them have to learn how to live with the mistakes of their past. Through all this, Daisy has to learn how to trust the man that once broke her heart into pieces and Jameson tries to show Daisy he has changed himself for the better.

Overall, i enjoyed the book. its easily a 4.4 star read for me i would recommend it to my friends so long as i told them the tropes and trigger warnings ahead of time since they're not really advertised. I think it was a great first book and i cant wait to read whatever Jordan writes in the future because, once again, i did enjoy the book.
However, i do feel there were certain aspects of the book which didnt sit right with me. they are listed below and are spoilers so beware.


things that didn't sit right with me ( !!!!! SPOILERS!!!!! )

1. Daisy's willingness to forgive and forget.
i felt that Daisy let everything slide too easily with Jameson when they're reunited. The fact that Jameson's drug use, cheating and the way she had to become a single parent seem to effect her relationship with Matt but not with Jameson is a bit strange to me. And the fact that Daisy was fully ready to commit to Jameson after less than three months ( after the birthday) but never actually integrated Matt into her life after three years felt off to me. And Matt was extremely supportive of Daisy and Amelia throughout the book so i couldn't understand how Daisy was ready to jump into the deep end with Jameson, but couldn't even progress to sharing a house with Matt.

2. Daisy's relationship with Matt.
In a way, i understand how Daisy thought keeping Matt at an arms distance would make it less likely that he could hurt her if she found out he was cheating, but i feel like after three years, a discussion for why this needs to change or a discussion about getting Daisy in therapy should of been had. Matt was very obviously in love with Daisy and wanted to be present in not only hers but her daughters life. i feel like Matt deserved better than than Daisy 100% but even though it was hers and Jameson's love story, Daisy should have been able to give him the family and stability he wanted. I felt so bad for Matt throughout the book and in a way, i would have rather Matt have a second secret family or get arrested for drug use or even die, than have the ending he had.

3. Jameson getting off easy with everything.
This ties into my first issue but i think it still needs to be stated. Jameson didn't even have to work hard to earn Daisy's forgiveness most of the time. He quite literally learns he had a daughter and suddenly, every time they meet so Jameson can learn about his daughter and try to earn back lost time, Daisy seems to forget all the trauma that he caused that lead her to that moment. She seems to forget that he tried to make her have an abortion or that he was so addicted to drugs, he had to go to rehab or the fact that he slept with another woman. I understand Jameson felt remorseful and regretful of his actions but that doesn't mean he gets a 'get out of jail free card' for all the pain he inflicted and it doesn't mean that Daisy can suddenly trust him more than she trusts Matt. Daisy should of acted more like Anna towards Jameson, at least at the beginning because i feel Daisy was way to trusting of someone she had very bad experiences with towards the end in their relationship.

4. Daisy trying to get Jameson of drugs.
While i know a lot of young talent who are thrown into the spotlight can often fall under the influence of drugs, i feel like especially after Daisy went to Lenny, there would at least be some minor interference on his part due to them being family. With that being said, i also understand why Lenny wouldn't have interfered due to his career being tied to Jameson.

[FabledWhimsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Thank you to Jordan C. Byrd and Love Notes PR for sending me an ARC of The Band Boy. This book is a love letter to growing up. It speaks of the hardships of teenage years, making mistakes and looking back and thinking “what if?”

࿔˚⋆ ʚ❤︎ɞ ⋆˚࿔ ࿔˚⋆ ʚ❤︎ɞ ⋆˚࿔

❤︎ I would like to preface my review by saying that these are my own personal opinions, just because I didn’t think something worked, doesn’t mean it wasn’t good or that I didn’t enjoy the book. I almost feel like I want to review this book in two halves. The first 40-50% of the book followed Daisy and Jameson along their journey of growing up. We watch them try to navigate teenage love and Jameson’s band, TKC, on their rise to fame. This is where The Band Boy truly shone for me, it encapsulates an aching nostalgia that lives inside all of us. It feels like opening a Time Machine and stepping into nights full of racing home for curfew and sitting, laughing without a care in the world with your friends. A world where the biggest worry we ever had was who was going to invite us to the Prom.

❤︎ Daisy and Jameson’s early relationship was one of patience, shy glances and stolen kisses. It was so sweet to watch them grow together and nurture their bond over the years. We know the tropes of this book, so we know that this part of their relationship may not be able to survive. The love was accompanied by a slow sense of dread, a kind of dramatic irony where we knew what was happening and could only brace for impact. Their relationship brought tears to my eyes. I felt so deeply for them, but I knew they would require time to grow into the people they needed to be for each other. Jordan really grasps the bittersweet feeling of growing up, and the fear of letting go.

❤︎ In the present day, we see Daisy. She is a strong and independent woman, but she wears the scars of her teenage love on her heart. Jameson pops back into her life, we see he has matured and changed, but I was right alongside Daisy in her reluctance to let him back in again. This, for me, is where I started to feel a bit detached from the story. I think Jordan did such an amazing job at writing Daisy that I wanted her to run a mile and never look back. I wanted her to heal, and I wasn’t sure how Jameson fit into that. Personally, I felt as if we were told, more than shown, that Jameson had changed. I bristled at his ability to appear back on the scene and speak to Daisy as if they hadn’t just spent 9 years apart.

❤︎ I think the writing and pacing of The Band Boy is good, so much so that I was such a big fan of the characters, especially Daisy, that I felt protective of them in a way I would a real friend. I think it’s a personal line I wouldn’t cross and, honestly, if Jameson walked back into my life, I don’t know if I would have been so open. Daisy is a better woman than me, that’s for sure. I’m a huge fan of a good grovel, I can excuse past hurt if I truly, deeply feel like a character has earned their redemption. But for me, Jameson’s atonement didn’t fully meet the mark. Do I think he’s a bad person? No, not at all. If I separated him from his relationship with Daisy, I like him a lot! However, this is just the one thing in the book that I didn’t love.

❤︎ I would like to say, that what didn't work for me is just a personal thing. I think I’m just bitter and less forgiving 😂 The way I see it, this makes this a enjoyable book. There were twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. I had moments where I had to get up and pace just to calm myself down. I was deeply invested in this story. Jordan wrote characters that I deeply cared about and truly wanted the best for. The pacing was great and the teenage love and growing up themes hit a soft spot for me. I would recommend this book for people who love second chance romances with a side of hurt and devastation.

[Dimitra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Band Boy 🎸
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & Jordan C.Byrd for trusting me with this ARC 🧁
The teenage version of Daisy Daniels, was fearless,in love and ready to drop everything in order to follow the boy she loved,while he was touring around the world.
Until she understood what fame really meant.
From that moment and for the next 9 years,constantly tried to rebuild her life, regain stability and keep a secret away from the man who broke her in more ways than one.

Starting this,I can say I love the way music and art got tangled together,due to our main characters interests.Literally, Byrd took two completely different forms of self expression,and made them look so good together!Continuing,I absolutely adored the writing,the narration was magical,the aura of this book one of its kind,making it really easy to read and perfect,even for the new readers 💗 .Also,this time the same technique that I wrote about in my previous review was used,giving us all the past scenes together,which is what made me not be able to stop reading for HOURS (Jokes aside,I read the first 70% IN ONE SITTING).
So as you understood we have an amazing story to begin with.
Getting into the characters,I can say that DD,was beautifully created,a strong girl and an amazing woman.I loved the way she expressed herself and the ways she formed all the relationships (her friendship with her best friend was MY FAVORITE,the just ate every time they were on page).Jameson ,on the other hand was main and only issue on this story.On the contrary,with Daisy which was sweety,I felt that J. was a little bit weak as a character.
In this book the price you have to pay for being famous,is a huge thing and the main reason things became the way they were,but I expected some big redemption arc or for something immense to happen that would made me be like oh,he is a good man!Yet,unfortunately this never occurred for me,and I felt like we just forgave him just like that.
Wrapping it up,I would say this is a really beautiful story,an amazing read if you want to relax and discharge from reality (our favorite thing to do),but in terms of the romance I would say I needed something greater in order to glue together the past,the issue,the now and the future they have together.✨
Out In May,19th🌼
4⭐

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jameson and Daisy

It took a few years for Jordan C Byrd to write this.
And I’m glad it was finished. It was well worth the read despite my thoughts about the MMC.
This was heartbreaking.
You get their history at the start; about 40% worth, and I knew exactly where it was going…. Didn’t make it hurt any less though.

So, while I absolutely loved the story - the family aspect, the emotions, Daisy and Amelia… I just couldn’t truly get behind Jameson.
I found him to be such a weak MMC, and arrogant about it too.
They were teens when it all went down (so of course, they do dumb things)… But he had a girl who loved him, supported him and gave him everything, and he pissed it all away chasing a high… And letting a viper get between them… Not going to spoil one thing about that particular plot, but let’s just say some information released at a later point in the book will make you absolutely rage.
It was very hard to reconcile that with the character we had seen in the first 35%.
And don’t even get me started on his band…. Enabling his actions, accepting it, and then acting like nothing went down when they finally met again…

Personal opinion here… the secret she withheld?
He has no right to be angry. He didn’t want it then… And actively worked with the OW to force her to abort the baby…. So, no… I had zero sympathy for him missing so many years.
Then, in a completely frustrating and senseless break-up… he basically tries to recreate the thing that split them years earlier just to hurt her because he thought she didn’t choose him…
Way to prove your love… NOT.

A couple of issues that I had. The later OW drama… I need a resolution on who this woman is, because anyone who willingly helps hurt another person like that is not a nice person. Was she an actual love interest for him, or just a friend?
And the ending? It did feel a little rushed. I would have liked to see something from him to truly show he was sorry, because while there were some songs written, he finally got clean, and he felt regret, I didn’t really feel that he actually did anything to truly make amends.

Thanks, Jordan, for the advance copy.

[Ely · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ARC Review — The Band Boy by Jordan C. Byrd

What this book has 🥰
🎸 Rockstar Romance
💞 First Love
🕰️ Right Person, Wrong Time
❤️ Second Chance Romance

This story completely pulled me in from the beginning how could it not if it has everything for me.

Daisy and Jameson’s love story felt emotional, nostalgic, and real in a way that made it impossible not to root for them and despite knowing that they will end up together but how can I not keep reading and rooting for them.

Character development , what can I say it was One of my favorite parts was seeing .

Daisy’s character development from her teenage years into adulthood. You could truly see how life shaped her into such a strong and resilient woman.
Jameson’s growth was equally compelling — watching him navigate love, mistakes (especially those mistakes) , heartbreak (and those heartbreak that not only he caused ), and ultimately understanding what Daisy meant to him made his journey feel authentic.

I also loved reading their younger years and experiencing that first love alongside them. Then seeing them reconnect years later, after time, distance, and disappointments, made the emotional tension even stronger.

OMG, The musical element added so much to the story, especially the songwriting aspect. I loved how music connected them and how Daisy slowly found her way back to loving music again. It made the romance feel even more emotional and intimate. I enjoy when music is added to any book I read.

Another thing I really enjoyed was the writing style and foreshadowing. There were moments where you could feel something coming, like the story was quietly preparing you for impact… and then BAM — the emotional moments hit perfectly.

If you love emotional second chances, first loves that never fully fade, rockstar romances, and right person wrong time stories, this one is definitely worth picking up.

FYI I am a sucker for second chances always will be, call me a hopeless romantic .

Finally did I mention this is Jordan’s first book and I LOVED IT ! I will keep reading her.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jordan C. Byrd’s The Band Boy is the kind of story that completely pulls you under emotionally. From the very beginning, Daisy’s voice feels so raw and real that it’s impossible not to step directly into her shoes as the story unfolds. You don’t just read about her heartbreak, dreams, and sacrifices — you feel them alongside her. Every stolen moment between Daisy and Jameson carries the intensity of first love, making the highs feel euphoric and the inevitable cracks in their relationship absolutely devastating.

What makes this story so compelling is how deeply personal it feels despite the backdrop of fame, music, and sold-out arenas. Daisy’s journey is grounded in vulnerability, creativity, and the struggle to protect yourself after loving someone who changed under the weight of success. Watching Jameson transform from the boy she once knew into someone almost unrecognizable is heartbreaking, and the emotional tension between who he was and who he became lingers throughout the novel.

The dual timeline works beautifully, slowly revealing the history between them while building anticipation for their reunion years later. Every interaction between Daisy and Jameson is layered with unresolved pain, chemistry, regret, and longing. Their connection feels authentic, messy, and deeply human.

One of the strongest parts of The Band Boy is how immersive it is emotionally. The writing makes you feel like you’re sitting beside Daisy through every concert, every quiet heartbreak, every moment she questions whether love is worth risking herself for again. The story captures both the magic and destruction that can come from loving someone destined for the spotlight.

Heartfelt, emotional, and impossible to put down, The Band Boy is a beautifully written second-chance romance about love, loss, forgiveness, and finding yourself again after being shattered by someone you once believed would never let you go.

[Anisha Choudhury | A Literary Autopsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclosure: I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of The Band Boy in exchange for an honest review.

The Band Boy is a contemporary second-chance romance that leans heavily into the "rockstar" and "small-town" tropes. While it explores the intoxicating nature of young love and the sharp price of fame, the execution offers a mixed diagnostic of emotional payoff and technical structure.

The Anatomy of the Romance:
The strongest section of the book is the dual-timeline’s look at Daisy and Jameson’s high school years. Jordan C. Byrd successfully captures the "first-love butterflies" and the fickle, intense nature of teenage connection. Those shared glances in the cafeteria, classrooms, and the bond forged over art and lyrics feel authentically sweet and serve as a solid foundation for the story's history.

The Diagnostic:
However, the transition into the adult timeline presented several hurdles. The POV shifts within chapters felt disjointed, making it difficult to maintain a steady emotional connection with the leads. While the second-chance trope is a staple of the industry, readers who prefer high-agency heroines may find Daisy’s journey frustrating. The "charm" Jameson utilizes to seek forgiveness often felt at odds with the gravity of his past actions, leading to a resolution that—while satisfying for fans of standard contemporary HEAs—may feel unearned for those looking for more rigorous character accountability.

The Verdict:
A fluffy, tropes-first read for fans of rockstar romances and second chances. While the technical execution of the dual timeline and POV shifts was a struggle for me personally, the decade of work the author put into this story shines through in the nostalgic high school sequences. It is a light, contemporary piece for readers who enjoy the classic "star-crossed lovers" narrative.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Band Boy was a heartfelt second-chance romance that focused heavily on emotional growth, healing, and the lasting impact of first love.

Daisy and Jameson shared a connection long before fame entered the picture. What started as friendship and young love eventually became something much more complicated as Jameson’s music career took off and the pressures of success began affecting the people around him. Years later, they find themselves face-to-face again, forced to confront old feelings, old mistakes, and the possibility that some loves never truly disappear.

One of the things I appreciated most about this book was how realistic the characters felt. Daisy spent years creating a life for herself outside of the shadow of her past, and I admired her strength and independence throughout the story. Jameson wasn’t written as a perfect hero, which made his journey more compelling. Watching him recognize the consequences of his choices and work toward redemption added depth to the romance.

This isn’t a romance that relies heavily on spice. Instead, the emotional connection between the characters takes center stage. The conversations, memories, regrets, and lingering feelings all worked together to create a story that felt authentic and relatable.

Jordan C. Byrd did a wonderful job balancing the romance with themes of forgiveness, personal growth, and learning whether love deserves a second chance after years apart. I found myself invested in both characters and eager to see how their story would unfold.

If you enjoy emotional second-chance romances, rockstar heroes, first-love stories, and character-driven relationships, this is definitely worth adding to your TBR.

⭐️ Overall Rating: 4/5
🔥 Burn Level: 3/5
🌶️ Spice Level: 2/5
💧 Emotional Impact: 4.5/5

Thank you to Love Notes PR for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book completely pulled me in during the first half. The early relationship between Daisy and Jameson felt emotional, nostalgic, and honestly really believable for a first-love romance mixed with rising fame.
Watching someone go from being just your person to suddenly belonging to the public is such an interesting dynamic, and I thought that aspect was handled really well. The beginning had this dreamy, almost cinematic quality to it that made it hard to stop reading.
Daisy was absolutely the standout character for me. Her creative side, the quieter energy she brought to the story, and the way she tried to protect her own heart made her feel very grounded and genuine. I loved the artistic atmosphere throughout the book too—the settings felt vivid and immersive in a way that really added to the reading experience.
For me personally, the story became harder to connect with after a major plot shift in the second half. The direction of the romance changed quite a bit, and I struggled to reconnect emotionally with the relationship afterward. I wanted more emotional resolution and more conversations that really unpacked the hurt between the characters.
I also realized while reading that third-person romance just isn’t usually my preferred POV style, so that affected my connection to the story as well.
✨ Things I liked:
🎸 Rockstar romance
💔 Complicated first love
🎨 Creative/artsy FMC
🌧️ Emotional atmosphere
🏡 Small-town roots
⭐ Fame & relationship pressure
Overall, this felt like a promising debut with beautiful imagery and strong emotional ideas, even if certain story choices didn’t fully work for me personally. Daisy especially is a character I’ll definitely remember 🤍

[My Used Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never thought I’d be into romances with a musician as the main character, and I usually avoid books centered around bands. But if those stories are anything like The Band Boy by Jordan C. Byrd, then I’ve clearly been missing out.

This childhood friends-to-lovers, second chance romance completely pulled me in from the very beginning. I devoured this book in a little over a day and gave it 5 out of 5 stars. I absolutely loved that the story was split into two parts: their teenage years and adulthood. It added so much depth to the characters and made the emotional buildup even stronger. You want to hate Jameson at times, but the connection between him and Daisy is undeniable, and you’ll find yourself rooting for him even when you know you probably shouldn’t.

I also really enjoyed that the story was written in third person. It was such a refreshing change from the dual point-of-view, first-person style that so many romances use now, and I think it worked perfectly for this story.

Not only was the story incredible, but it also took me through every emotion possible. I found myself laughing at some of the antics they got into as teenagers because I remember doing similar things at that age. Then suddenly I was crying over what Daisy had to face at only eighteen years old. That part hit especially close to home for me because I found myself in a similar situation years ago and remember how isolating it felt.

If you love emotional romances filled with angst, chemistry, heartbreak, and characters that feel incredibly real, this book is absolutely worth picking up.

Thank you to Jordan C. Byrd and Love Notes PR for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. I was truly blown away by this story and cannot wait to read more from this author.

[Romance.A.Tutto.Tondo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved The Band Boy.
This music romance / second-chance story completely wrecked me emotionally, especially during the flashbacks and the parts focused on the past.
Daisy is young and innocent when she first meets Jameson, an incredibly talented musician who sings in a band and becomes close friends with her brother. Their connection is immediate, but that friendship is also what initially keeps Jameson from pursuing anything with her.
And honestly? Jameson was probably my favorite part of the book. He’s thoughtful, gentle, attentive, and so deeply in love with Daisy that it hurts.
They have all the makings of the perfect high school sweetheart romance, the kind you expect to get an easy happily-ever-after. But life, fame, and growing up get in the way. Success at such a young age becomes a double-edged sword, capable of destroying even the strongest love.
The first half of this book shattered me. I cried, got frustrated, and felt every ounce of heartbreak right alongside the characters , and that’s exactly why I loved it so much.
When we meet them again later, they’re older and professionally successful, but emotionally? That’s a completely different story.
This was my first book by Jordan, and it completely won me over. Even though the plot itself is relatively simple, the emotions feel incredibly real and authentic. The writing managed to hit all the right notes, and despite being written in third person, the characters’ emotions come through so vividly.
If you love emotional romances, music industry stories, second chances, and books that make your heart ache before putting it back together, this one is definitely worth reading.
Thanks to the author and Love notes for the ARC.

[Ali Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy received from Love Notes PR

This book was my first rockstar romance, and I'm so ready for more! It is the perfect pallet cleanser and exactly what I needed. I would also say it's a good option to help get you out of a reading slump!

Although the beginning of the book is a little slow, I wasn't able to put it down- I got to around the 45% mark in one day! I loved the innocent and giddy feelings of being a teenager, having a crush, and falling in love that Jordan was able to capture so vividly.

While you get the YA first love, coming of age in the first part of the book, things take a turn and in the second part you get the healing with adult decisions / responsibilities and second chance romance.

I would rate this book 3.5 stars, simply because I was not expecting two specific tropes. I didn't love love love Jameson so much anymore after everything. I did find it a little difficult to truly root for him and was kind of waiting for him to take more accountability. I think Daisy and Jameson should have had a deeper more detailed conversation about their past and really showed the changes they have made. I also have to mention Matt, my heart truly did ache for him through out his storyline, knowing how the book would end.

This book is filled with honestly, pain, flawed and realistic characters, chemistry, healing, hope, and love so if you enjoy all of that, this book is definitely worth adding to you tbr!

While some tropes and plot points were unexpected (and personally something I gravitate away from) I really enjoyed reading this book and getting to see how Daisy and Jameson's story played out.

Thank you Jordan and Love Notes PR for the e-Arc and physical copy of the book. I cannot wait to see what is next for you! <3

[megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Review of advanced copy received from LoveNotes PR*

i love rockstar romances and this book started off SO strong for me — easily a 4 or 5 star read up until the 40ish percent mark. The portrayal of first loves and the transition from loving someone normal to loving someone famous was done so well.

3rd person POV is also such a rare find in romance books and I really enjoyed it

It started going downhill for me when *that* trope happened. My absolute least favorite trope and I do tend to avoid stories with that trope. However, seeing as there was no mention of it in the blurb, I was definitely caught off guard. It felt like an entirely different story after that point.

For the second part of the story, the plot goes in an entirely different direction. I found it difficult to root for the main characters because Jameson just didn’t redeem himself in my eyes.

Towards the end of the “before” chapters,the FMC has a pretty traumatic and emotional day, and she comes home to find him in bed with another woman.

I assumed we would find out later on that there was some reasoning behind it, whether it was a misunderstanding or whatever, but nope! He slept with someone else and CONTINUED sleeping with her even after the FMC dumped him and ran.

Just a really frustrating moment for me that totally ruined Jameson’s character.

I didn’t connect with the second part as much as I did the first. I would give the first half 4 stars and the second half two, so I gave this book an overall rating of 3 stars.

[Sigy George · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Band Boy was truly addictive for me. From the very first chapters, I found myself completely immersed in Daisy’s world of art, classic rock, insecurity, and first love.

Daisy was easily my favorite part of the book. She felt authentic and emotionally grounded, especially compared to many YA heroines who can feel overly polished. Her passion for art gave the story real emotional depth, and I loved how creativity became part of the way she understood herself and the people around her.

The chemistry between Daisy and Jameson was genuinely strong. Their relationship develops slowly through conversations, awkward moments, teasing, and emotional vulnerability, which makes it feel believable and engaging. Jameson is definitely written as the ultimate romantic lead, but the novel gives him enough emotional complexity to keep him from feeling completely one-dimensional.

I also loved the atmosphere of the book. The classic rock references, garage band practices, football games, and emotional intensity of high school life gave the story a nostalgic, cinematic quality.

There were a few things that didn’t fully work for me. Some side characters felt underdeveloped, and parts of the drama became slightly repetitive. A few scenes also leaned heavily into idealized romance fantasy. But overall, the emotional sincerity of the writing made it easy to stay invested.

If you enjoy slow-burn YA romance with artistic characters, music-filled settings, and emotionally charged relationships, this book is absolutely worth reading.

[gigi !! · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Love Notes PR and Jordan C. Byrd (who was kind enough to message me) for the chance to read this book early.

The Band Boy follows the relationship between artist Daisy and musician Jameson, an inseparable couple in their teens. We watch them at the very start of their relationship to the abrupt end where the story jumps to Daisy as an adult. The two reconnect and Daisy has to decide whether or not she can let him in again.

For all intents and purposes, this book was right up my alley. One of my favorite tropes is a musician love interest and based on the description, I thought I'd have a fun time... that wasn't the case. This book just wasn't what I expected. For the entire first part of The Band Boy, I was hoping that the tone would change because it was written exactly like a fan fiction (not complimentary) you'd find as a high schooler in 2014. I would've dnfed it if the writing didn't change, and luckily it did. The second half really saved this book for me. I loved the life Daisy built for herself (even though she heavily needed therapy just as much as Jameson) and how natural it felt when the she started to warm up to him. I could've gone without a few things like the miscommunication trope, the nonstop back and forth with how she felt, and more of a discussion between Daisy and Jameson about how part one ended, but I was happy with how their story ended. Predictable, but still cute.

[Sameerah Mohamed-Ferouz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Band Boy holds such a special place in my heart because this was my very first ARC read, and I honestly could not have asked for a better experience. I loved reading every second of this book and finished it so quickly because I just had to know what would happen next.

The writing was so immersive and detailed that I truly felt like I was Daisy the entire time, experiencing every emotion right alongside her. The story felt incredibly symbolic in so many ways, and every detail added something meaningful to the emotions, relationships, and overall atmosphere of the book. It was definitely relatable personally as well, so I genuinely connected with The Band Boy.

This story was emotional, nostalgic, cozy, heartbreaking, comforting, and heartwarming all at once. What stood out to me most was how beautifully it explored love, loss, hope, forgiveness, and second chances. It felt so real and relatable, and there were so many moments that deeply resonated with me.

Jameson and Daisy had me completely invested from beginning to end. Their connection felt so genuine and emotional, and I loved that the romance focused more on yearning and emotional depth rather than heavy spice.

And the ending… ugh. It was the perfect closure for everything. Warm, emotional, hopeful, and incredibly satisfying. This book honestly felt like everything I could want in a novel, and I know it’s going to stay with me for a very long time.

[Stephanie Gilbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an arc of this book and what a joy it was to read.I really couldn't put this book down. A second chance romance about young love that gets challenged by the fame of a rockstar.

This book had great flow and imagery. I really loved the main character Daisy's art studio… The small town and even the bar TKC got their start. I could really feel myself in these places. I also loved Daisy… What a great character. In her early years I could really see myself in her. Her tendency to be hard on herself but also know what she deserves felt really well placed. I too am someone who would much prefer a night of creating art over partying so I just thought she was such a precious character with so many strengths.


The disconnect for me came into play during the second half… I really love a second chance romance when trauma has been worked through in a healthy way but our male lead Jameson fell short for me… there were moments when I really wanted more accountability and for Daisy to stop defending him and really stand up for the decision she made. I was really waiting for them to have a deep heart to heart about what had happened, what was said, and how these characters have changed.

Overall this was a really impressive debut Novel by Byrd. I’d be thrilled to give future books a read!

[Ember Eubanks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you, Love Notes PR and Jordan C. Byrd for an ARC copy of this book. All reviews are my own opinion.


This is a well-written book that has all of the parts of a good read – the backstory build up, the references to well-known bands, and good chemistry between the two leads.

I liked all of the references to music–Pink Floyd playing on a record player before Daisy and Jameson share an intimate moment, Jameson performing a KISS cover, etc. My favorite scene is where they’re kissing and covered in paint. Such a heartwarming scene. Byrd is a great writer that makes you feel with Daisy–the giddiness of her first love and hurt over the door closing. The Band Boy asks the question – does first love deserve a second chance?

I didn’t mind the dual timelines of this book and I felt that it added an extra layer of what a reader needed to truly connect with Daisy and fall in love with Jameson.

However, I had trouble with Jameson’s arc from where we left off with the conclusion of the teenage arc. I found it hard for myself to forgive Jameson after the events that transpired (I won’t post to keep this spoiler free). Because this is a romance, I think his arc should’ve answered the question, “How much can a reader forgive?”

With all of this being said, I’m looking forward to future books from Jordan. Her future in the publishing world is bright.

[Breanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this one!! I did enjoy the first half, there was so much anticipation, little glances and sweet actions, and then complete devastation.

I do want to say right off the bat that this was not marketed as a secret baby/pregnancy trope, which I (personally, due to past experiences) can sometimes do ok with if I know what's coming. But having it thrown at me by surprise really takes me out of a book quick :/ So the second half of the book kind of lost me, first because of the pregnancy/secret baby trope, but also because I didn't quite feel like the MMC redeemed himself quite enough? I totally understood Daisy's hesitation to let him back in and I feel like personally it would have taken a lot more for me to do the same had I been in that situation 😅I also really wanted there to be more healing and growth for each MC, it's mentioned that Jameson and Daisy are going to get therapy but then we just go on to a happy ending. I realize these are very specific things that bother me and are probably no big deal at all to the majority of people. I give it 3.5 stars because the first half was really enjoyable for me! But the second half and the surprise trope took me out of the second half.

Thank you so much to LoveNotes PR and the author as always for allowing me to read and review!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Jordan and Love Notes for the ARC. Mild spoilers, but will try to tread carefully

I always love reading books set in the bay area, and when I saw the cover I got the feeling that I needed to read this book, and I'm glad I was selected.

This is one of the cutest and sweetest books I've read in a while. The story starts with Daisy and Jameson in high school where they first meet. Soon, though, Jameson and his band begin to get notoriety and fame, aspects of which wear on their relationship. When Daisy discovered she's pregnant, Jameson has his people set up an appointment to terminate it, leading to them breaking up and never speaking again... Until years later when they meet up at Daisy's art gallery.

I fell in love with all the characters with their flaws and broken bits, and loved how things developed with Daisy and Jameson as adults. I found myself cheering in some parts, and said in others (poor Matt). Had it not been for work I would have read it in a weekend. Despite work, I read the first quarter of it in one night.

Thank you again to the team and I'm excited to read more of Jordan's works in the future. I'm planning on going to pick up a physical copy of the book soon to enjoy over and over again.

[Maddie Hofstetter · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars

Thank you to Love Notes PR and author Jordan C. Byrd for the ARC! 🫶🏻

✨ Second chance romance
✨ Right person wrong time
✨ First love
✨ Rock star romance

Artist Daisy Daniels meets future rockstar Jameson Kingston on her first day in high school. They become fast friends and wind up as each other's first love. Then everything goes wrong. The pressure of touring, fame, and life in the fast lane destroy what they once had. Nine years later, they reconnect. Daisy has to decide how she handles both a secret she's been keeping and her relationship with Jameson.

Overall, The Band Boy was alright! The story was interesting, and I enjoyed some of the characters. Nearly 40% of the book takes place in the past, covering what initially happens between Daisy and Jameson in high school and just after graduation. I didn't expect the past timeline to be such a large part of the book, so that was a bit off to me. Some of the writing was also telling instead of showing, and the dialogue between characters sometimes sounded unnatural. There were also a few comments regarding religion that felt a bit out of place, since the characters had not really been established as religious. Even with these few things, the story was cute, I kept wanting to know what happened next, and I enjoyed the book pretty well!