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Creative Differences
Not yet published
Expected 9 Feb 27Propulsive and sexy, Creative Differences is a sapphic second-chance romance for fans of Here We Go Again and Daisy Jones & The Six.
Swanboat was your favorite band's favorite band. But after one perfect record and one fraught, intimate tour, the confessional–indie rock trio—lead singer Amelia Wells, guitarist Ramona Sloane, and bassist Bea Fink—suddenly broke up.
Five years later, Amelia is a star: She's transitioned into mainstream pop music, performing sold-out shows for obsessed fans. It's everything she's convinced herself she should want . . . even though her fame has started to feel less like success and more like loneliness.
Ramona hasn't spoken to Amelia since the last night of the tour. She's content playing small crowds and avoiding Amelia's inescapable hit single, "Emergency Contact," during her slot at the local indie radio station.
When Amelia's record label suggests a Swanboat reunion tour, she and Ramona each have their own reasons for agreeing. And they'd both do anything for Bea, who still doesn't know about the kiss that broke their band apart. All Ramona and Amelia have to do is get through two months of playing the songs that made them fall in love in the first place . . . and try not to do it all over again.
Swanboat was your favorite band's favorite band. But after one perfect record and one fraught, intimate tour, the confessional–indie rock trio—lead singer Amelia Wells, guitarist Ramona Sloane, and bassist Bea Fink—suddenly broke up.
Five years later, Amelia is a star: She's transitioned into mainstream pop music, performing sold-out shows for obsessed fans. It's everything she's convinced herself she should want . . . even though her fame has started to feel less like success and more like loneliness.
Ramona hasn't spoken to Amelia since the last night of the tour. She's content playing small crowds and avoiding Amelia's inescapable hit single, "Emergency Contact," during her slot at the local indie radio station.
When Amelia's record label suggests a Swanboat reunion tour, she and Ramona each have their own reasons for agreeing. And they'd both do anything for Bea, who still doesn't know about the kiss that broke their band apart. All Ramona and Amelia have to do is get through two months of playing the songs that made them fall in love in the first place . . . and try not to do it all over again.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 9, 2027
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July 12, 2026Saw this on Instagram last week and set a reminder to request it on netgalley when it was uploaded only for the publisher to reach out to me with an arc. Thank you Bindery Books for sending me an arc.
July 20, 2026
ARC Copy from Netgalley
Investing heavily into this one. Big big potential.
Inject this into my veins. A unique venn diagram of my love for rockstar autobiographies, sapphic yearning, and messy second chance romance. Loved the characters - especially Bea!!! They were way too cool for the rest of the band. Such a fun vibrant novel. Funny, very real and made you feel as if you were on this adventure with them. Also the music references were very nostalgic and had me drifting back to my favourite L7 and Jack Off Jill albums that I loved myself at 21.
This is a dumb criticism for a romance novel but I didn’t enjoy how the characters kept creating problems for themselves in a way that was very true to life but I wish there had been some actual obstacles for them to cross.
I felt the rigidness of the narrative was holding the book back. This almost veered towards being more than a romance novel but didn’t seem eager to step fully outside the boundaries of the genre, just staring longingly out the window at perhaps sorta being a satire and commentary on the modern diy scene.
Investing heavily into this one. Big big potential.
Inject this into my veins. A unique venn diagram of my love for rockstar autobiographies, sapphic yearning, and messy second chance romance. Loved the characters - especially Bea!!! They were way too cool for the rest of the band. Such a fun vibrant novel. Funny, very real and made you feel as if you were on this adventure with them. Also the music references were very nostalgic and had me drifting back to my favourite L7 and Jack Off Jill albums that I loved myself at 21.
This is a dumb criticism for a romance novel but I didn’t enjoy how the characters kept creating problems for themselves in a way that was very true to life but I wish there had been some actual obstacles for them to cross.
I felt the rigidness of the narrative was holding the book back. This almost veered towards being more than a romance novel but didn’t seem eager to step fully outside the boundaries of the genre, just staring longingly out the window at perhaps sorta being a satire and commentary on the modern diy scene.
July 29, 2026
Read for work, such a fun and earnest queer romance for sad girls everywhere!!
July 13, 2026
Sometimes the need to smack both the MCs upside the head is so strong. Amelia and Ramona were so painfully in their own heads, and for two MCs who are supposed to be super confident, when it came to each other they weren’t.
I couldn’t get into either character, Bea ended up being my favorite since they were the least problematic. There wasn’t anything in particular about the two that was bad, but there wasn’t anything about them that I loved. Usually I latch on to at least one, but was at a loss.
Everything was wrote well, and it was easy to follow along with the story. I didn’t love the sex scenes, mainly the wording made it feel vulgar.
Following a queer band on their journey of getting back together was a cool experience to be part of, but I just wanted a biiiit more of them being all together and getting closer.
Thank you NetGalley and Bindery Books for the ARC!
I couldn’t get into either character, Bea ended up being my favorite since they were the least problematic. There wasn’t anything in particular about the two that was bad, but there wasn’t anything about them that I loved. Usually I latch on to at least one, but was at a loss.
Everything was wrote well, and it was easy to follow along with the story. I didn’t love the sex scenes, mainly the wording made it feel vulgar.
Following a queer band on their journey of getting back together was a cool experience to be part of, but I just wanted a biiiit more of them being all together and getting closer.
Thank you NetGalley and Bindery Books for the ARC!
July 25, 2026
4.5 stars.
this is a digital advanced readers copy I received from netgalley and sapph-lit, this has no affect on my rating nor review.
five years after their indie rock band broke up, amelia and ramona along with their bassist beatrix are back for a reunion tour. each one of them has changed from their college years, and after ameila and ramona left things on bad terms five years ago, both must accept any feelings they have for each other.
yes!! this is what I wanted—a queer-centered story. I can never find anything like that, but this? yes ma’am.
I love the complexity of amelia and ramona‘s relationship. sometimes, they could have been a little bit dense about feelings, their own and each other’s, but I think it’s very realistic how complex their relationship is. I honestly love them and all of the other characters in this book, maybe except declan, but he wasn’t too bad. all of these characters are different and flawed, but they each fit the story well. this genre alone was very interesting, because I don’t see it too much, the band mates, having a “secret relationship.” when I first saw the arc on netgalley, it piqued my interest just because I don’t read a lot of stories about music and bands.
like I said before, sometimes, amelia and ramona were very dense about their feelings and things like that, but it’s not too worrisome because I find it to be really realistic and relatable. I also wanted to see more of the other band members. yes, the story is mainly about amelia and the amona‘s relationship, but I feel like we don’t know too much about the other characters and it’s almost like you can kind of take them out in the story would play out the same, especially fink and georgia.
something I thought about when I was reading was the possibility of adding more of the band and music element into the story to kind of balance that with the romance. I think this could have even further improved storyline and learn more about the characters and how their music reflects them. the critiques I have are very minor and they didn’t affect my overall enjoyment of the story. I really like this book and I think I would like to buy it when it releases.
this is a great book for queer people who want to see dynamics of queer relationships. relationships are complicated whether you’re straight or gay or lesbian, but I think dynamics are slightly different between straight and queer people
this is a digital advanced readers copy I received from netgalley and sapph-lit, this has no affect on my rating nor review.
five years after their indie rock band broke up, amelia and ramona along with their bassist beatrix are back for a reunion tour. each one of them has changed from their college years, and after ameila and ramona left things on bad terms five years ago, both must accept any feelings they have for each other.
yes!! this is what I wanted—a queer-centered story. I can never find anything like that, but this? yes ma’am.
I love the complexity of amelia and ramona‘s relationship. sometimes, they could have been a little bit dense about feelings, their own and each other’s, but I think it’s very realistic how complex their relationship is. I honestly love them and all of the other characters in this book, maybe except declan, but he wasn’t too bad. all of these characters are different and flawed, but they each fit the story well. this genre alone was very interesting, because I don’t see it too much, the band mates, having a “secret relationship.” when I first saw the arc on netgalley, it piqued my interest just because I don’t read a lot of stories about music and bands.
like I said before, sometimes, amelia and ramona were very dense about their feelings and things like that, but it’s not too worrisome because I find it to be really realistic and relatable. I also wanted to see more of the other band members. yes, the story is mainly about amelia and the amona‘s relationship, but I feel like we don’t know too much about the other characters and it’s almost like you can kind of take them out in the story would play out the same, especially fink and georgia.
something I thought about when I was reading was the possibility of adding more of the band and music element into the story to kind of balance that with the romance. I think this could have even further improved storyline and learn more about the characters and how their music reflects them. the critiques I have are very minor and they didn’t affect my overall enjoyment of the story. I really like this book and I think I would like to buy it when it releases.
this is a great book for queer people who want to see dynamics of queer relationships. relationships are complicated whether you’re straight or gay or lesbian, but I think dynamics are slightly different between straight and queer people
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2026
One thing about me? I’m gonna eat up a sapphic rockstar romance!
This was a lot of fun and a true slowburn which I adored. We really got to know Ramona and Amelia on a deeper level before the romance even started and that’s the kind of romance books I gravitate towards. There’s a great balance of character study and relationship dynamics here and it’s done super well.
The romance. Romana and Amelia are both dealing with their own insecurities when it comes to their personal and work life. These two have a great deal of history.First friends, then bandmates then lines were blurred and they went their own way. After Swanboat split up Romana went on to work in radio and Amelia went on to become one of the biggest pop stars in the world. The juxtaposition of their lives was very well done but they were also mirrors in a lot of ways. Watching these two grow and learn was great. I also appreciated the aspect of friendship that was woven through too. Their mutual friend and fellow bandmate Bea was at the forefront of their decisions too and I loved how they were written as a well rounded character with feelings and a life outside the band.
The sex. I thought the explicit scene were done super well, not cringe at all and very in character for these two. They didn’t feel like they were wearing masks when we finally got to the intimate scene. I also want to note the way the One Bed situation came to fruition was so so great and unique and FUNNY! Tropes like this can get tiring without putting a different twist on things and I loved how it was implemented here.
The writing. I am so so happy this was dual pov. More often than not we don’t get dual pov in sapphic romances and while I understand why that is, I also think having that second perspective can bring so much to the story and I think it was needed here so I’m glad we got both of these women’s voices.
The only thing that kept this from being a 5 star read was that I wished that they were aged up. They’re in their mid to late twenties when they reunite and I think if they’d have met up again in their 30’s there could have been a lot more angst and yearning involved.
Overall highly enjoyable and I cannot wait to see what Annabel and Lydia do next because I’ll be for sure following along.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bindery Books for sending me the arc. All opinions are my own.
This was a lot of fun and a true slowburn which I adored. We really got to know Ramona and Amelia on a deeper level before the romance even started and that’s the kind of romance books I gravitate towards. There’s a great balance of character study and relationship dynamics here and it’s done super well.
The romance. Romana and Amelia are both dealing with their own insecurities when it comes to their personal and work life. These two have a great deal of history.First friends, then bandmates then lines were blurred and they went their own way. After Swanboat split up Romana went on to work in radio and Amelia went on to become one of the biggest pop stars in the world. The juxtaposition of their lives was very well done but they were also mirrors in a lot of ways. Watching these two grow and learn was great. I also appreciated the aspect of friendship that was woven through too. Their mutual friend and fellow bandmate Bea was at the forefront of their decisions too and I loved how they were written as a well rounded character with feelings and a life outside the band.
The sex. I thought the explicit scene were done super well, not cringe at all and very in character for these two. They didn’t feel like they were wearing masks when we finally got to the intimate scene. I also want to note the way the One Bed situation came to fruition was so so great and unique and FUNNY! Tropes like this can get tiring without putting a different twist on things and I loved how it was implemented here.
The writing. I am so so happy this was dual pov. More often than not we don’t get dual pov in sapphic romances and while I understand why that is, I also think having that second perspective can bring so much to the story and I think it was needed here so I’m glad we got both of these women’s voices.
The only thing that kept this from being a 5 star read was that I wished that they were aged up. They’re in their mid to late twenties when they reunite and I think if they’d have met up again in their 30’s there could have been a lot more angst and yearning involved.
Overall highly enjoyable and I cannot wait to see what Annabel and Lydia do next because I’ll be for sure following along.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bindery Books for sending me the arc. All opinions are my own.
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July 23, 2026Thank you to netgalley for providing an advance reader copy!
This book is about two avoidants who i wanted to slap in the face multiple times throughout the book.
This book is about two avoidants who i wanted to slap in the face multiple times throughout the book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 very solid & happy Stars)
This one had a lot going for it. I loved the sapphic yearning, the Daisy Jones and the six vibes, the reunion tour, and even the second-chance romance which admittedly leaned hard into the "will they/won't they" tension. Even as someone who isn't always into to second-chance tropes, I really enjoyed reading this one.
Besides that, I wanna mention that the music references throughout are genuinely well done (it somewhat reminded me of Daisy Jones). But to continue to the main characters, Amelia and Ramona are the heart of the story, and their chemistry has real history behind it. A histories where you can actually feel the weight of everything unresolved between them. That said, I did find myself getting a little frustrated with both of them at times (you don’t wanna know how often I wanted to scream at them or push them together while reading this). I Even though I enjoyed the aspect that the two spend a lot of time stuck in their own heads when it comes to each other, it was still somewhat frustrating experiencing the same will they/won‘t they tension for the majority of the book. Moreover, I didn't connect with either of them quite as deeply as I wanted to, though I appreciated watching their old feelings slowly resurface as the tour brought them closer together, stop by stop. Bea (one could say the third main character and third person in the band) on the other hand, was an easy standout. She was genuinely so funny, and a genuinely great friend to both Ramona and Amelia (I’m so sure she would’ve liked to shake both of them too). I think it’s quite obvious from this review that she was the character I latched onto most, and I wouldn't say no to a spin-off centered on her. Furthermore, the backdrop of the band's reunion tour worked really well in my opinion. It blended the romance with themes of friendship, ambition, and reckoning with the past really nicely. Where this book shines though (besides having Bea as a character in it), is the tension and yearning!! But I think that’s gotten quite obvious from what I’ve written so far.
Overall I can say that if you're into sapphic musician romances with a MUNA vibe (I might’ve listened to them A LOT), plenty of longing, a slow-burn payoff, and such a good third main character (I’m looking at Bea again) this is worth picking up. It was still a solid and really enjoyable read.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Bindery Books for providing me with a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest and voluntarily given review!
This one had a lot going for it. I loved the sapphic yearning, the Daisy Jones and the six vibes, the reunion tour, and even the second-chance romance which admittedly leaned hard into the "will they/won't they" tension. Even as someone who isn't always into to second-chance tropes, I really enjoyed reading this one.
Besides that, I wanna mention that the music references throughout are genuinely well done (it somewhat reminded me of Daisy Jones). But to continue to the main characters, Amelia and Ramona are the heart of the story, and their chemistry has real history behind it. A histories where you can actually feel the weight of everything unresolved between them. That said, I did find myself getting a little frustrated with both of them at times (you don’t wanna know how often I wanted to scream at them or push them together while reading this). I Even though I enjoyed the aspect that the two spend a lot of time stuck in their own heads when it comes to each other, it was still somewhat frustrating experiencing the same will they/won‘t they tension for the majority of the book. Moreover, I didn't connect with either of them quite as deeply as I wanted to, though I appreciated watching their old feelings slowly resurface as the tour brought them closer together, stop by stop. Bea (one could say the third main character and third person in the band) on the other hand, was an easy standout. She was genuinely so funny, and a genuinely great friend to both Ramona and Amelia (I’m so sure she would’ve liked to shake both of them too). I think it’s quite obvious from this review that she was the character I latched onto most, and I wouldn't say no to a spin-off centered on her. Furthermore, the backdrop of the band's reunion tour worked really well in my opinion. It blended the romance with themes of friendship, ambition, and reckoning with the past really nicely. Where this book shines though (besides having Bea as a character in it), is the tension and yearning!! But I think that’s gotten quite obvious from what I’ve written so far.
Overall I can say that if you're into sapphic musician romances with a MUNA vibe (I might’ve listened to them A LOT), plenty of longing, a slow-burn payoff, and such a good third main character (I’m looking at Bea again) this is worth picking up. It was still a solid and really enjoyable read.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Bindery Books for providing me with a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest and voluntarily given review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Creative Differences by Annabel Paulsen and Lydia Wang
☀️☀️☀️☀️
Big thanks to Bindery Books and NetGalley for this ARC!
This sapphic romance is an ode to music, friendship, queerness, and growth. Filled with yearning and earnestness, it's a predictable but genuinely enjoyable ride.
Most of the second chance romances I've read in the past are full blown relationships, so finding this book where Ramona and Amelia *almost* got there before burning out and running made for interesting context. The built-in tension from that unresolved situation propelled the story forwards while still maintaining a slow burn in the current time romance.
Ramona and Amelia have great chemistry, and are both interesting and complex characters on their own, but they're not without weaknesses, namely the believable yet incredibly frustrating third act breakup. Without Bea, the fascinating and cool third band member, things would have been much more sulky and indulgent, so their presence acted as relief to that as well as the voice of logic.
The plot, which is structured around the reunion tour dates and locations across the US, is incredibly formulaic. Despite this predictability, the insightful internal monologues written by Paulsen and Wang made these more bland moments become great moments to expand on character. The writing is accessible and enjoyable. The pop culture references felt cool, not cringey, as did the band member themselves.
This story does not reinvent the wheel, but it is easy to read with compelling characters who clearly care deeply for each other and their music. It is unapologetically queer and emotional and, most importantly, a really good time.
"They stand there, the three of them, in a tight triangle. And it's like they're standing in the eye of a hurricane, like everything is happening around them and any one of them could get swept away in the catastrophic winds, but they won't, because they're all anchored to each other. They're held together with the weight of their own gravity, the gravity that they invent whenever they share a space."
☀️☀️☀️☀️
Big thanks to Bindery Books and NetGalley for this ARC!
This sapphic romance is an ode to music, friendship, queerness, and growth. Filled with yearning and earnestness, it's a predictable but genuinely enjoyable ride.
Most of the second chance romances I've read in the past are full blown relationships, so finding this book where Ramona and Amelia *almost* got there before burning out and running made for interesting context. The built-in tension from that unresolved situation propelled the story forwards while still maintaining a slow burn in the current time romance.
Ramona and Amelia have great chemistry, and are both interesting and complex characters on their own, but they're not without weaknesses, namely the believable yet incredibly frustrating third act breakup. Without Bea, the fascinating and cool third band member, things would have been much more sulky and indulgent, so their presence acted as relief to that as well as the voice of logic.
The plot, which is structured around the reunion tour dates and locations across the US, is incredibly formulaic. Despite this predictability, the insightful internal monologues written by Paulsen and Wang made these more bland moments become great moments to expand on character. The writing is accessible and enjoyable. The pop culture references felt cool, not cringey, as did the band member themselves.
This story does not reinvent the wheel, but it is easy to read with compelling characters who clearly care deeply for each other and their music. It is unapologetically queer and emotional and, most importantly, a really good time.
"They stand there, the three of them, in a tight triangle. And it's like they're standing in the eye of a hurricane, like everything is happening around them and any one of them could get swept away in the catastrophic winds, but they won't, because they're all anchored to each other. They're held together with the weight of their own gravity, the gravity that they invent whenever they share a space."
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an arc of this book!
Splendid, wonderful time for me to pick up this book. I have genuinely been dealing with feeling like a third-wheel in a trio that I am in and so, I was extremely fixated on Bea and their role in the band. I was just waiting for some kind of conflict to arise regarding that and well... I don't want to spoil so I shan't tell if you if there was such a conflict. But Bea spoke to me a lot, since my friends were just leaving me out. My friends aren't fucking (at least... I don't think) but the point still stands.
My third-wheel tangent aside, I did enjoy the romance very much. It was well-developed, with the characters being deeply flawed, but they are humans beings and that is in their nature. They can't be cookie-cutter perfect. Their actions will annoy you somewhat, but I really think that's the beauty of it. Who wants to read about characters that don't feel like people? Their issues with loneliness, trying to find yourself, dealing with romantic issues, feeling inadequate, imposter syndrome, they are deeply relatable. You don't have to be a famous pop star musician to feel the things they felt, because it's so universal. They weren't also annoying about it, you know? Mostly, if a successful, famous musician was ranting about your issues, depending on their tone, you would feel annoyed about it, no? You would kind of roll your eyes. But it didn't feel like that to me.
One of the tropes that I find so tedious is internalized homophobia and all its different subsections. Like hating yourself for being queer, coming to terms with it and that's what the story is about. I am not shaming anybody who loves that trope, but it's just so annoying to me. And I am very glad that a lot of queer romances these days don't exactly follow the trope; their struggles aren't about how shameless it is to be queer, but it's very universal problems that stems from who they are as people. I really appreciate that.
Splendid, wonderful time for me to pick up this book. I have genuinely been dealing with feeling like a third-wheel in a trio that I am in and so, I was extremely fixated on Bea and their role in the band. I was just waiting for some kind of conflict to arise regarding that and well... I don't want to spoil so I shan't tell if you if there was such a conflict. But Bea spoke to me a lot, since my friends were just leaving me out. My friends aren't fucking (at least... I don't think) but the point still stands.
My third-wheel tangent aside, I did enjoy the romance very much. It was well-developed, with the characters being deeply flawed, but they are humans beings and that is in their nature. They can't be cookie-cutter perfect. Their actions will annoy you somewhat, but I really think that's the beauty of it. Who wants to read about characters that don't feel like people? Their issues with loneliness, trying to find yourself, dealing with romantic issues, feeling inadequate, imposter syndrome, they are deeply relatable. You don't have to be a famous pop star musician to feel the things they felt, because it's so universal. They weren't also annoying about it, you know? Mostly, if a successful, famous musician was ranting about your issues, depending on their tone, you would feel annoyed about it, no? You would kind of roll your eyes. But it didn't feel like that to me.
One of the tropes that I find so tedious is internalized homophobia and all its different subsections. Like hating yourself for being queer, coming to terms with it and that's what the story is about. I am not shaming anybody who loves that trope, but it's just so annoying to me. And I am very glad that a lot of queer romances these days don't exactly follow the trope; their struggles aren't about how shameless it is to be queer, but it's very universal problems that stems from who they are as people. I really appreciate that.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.25/5 stars!
Creative Differences is a sweet, cute, and funny story about two women who are getting a second chance at love and friendship.
I think it was surprisingly good because I don’t necessarily enjoy romance. I enjoyed the banter and the mutual emotional constipation between Amelia and Ramona. Yes, you can be pushing thirty and still not have everything figured out feelings-wise.
I loved the dual POVs from both authors. I enjoyed how they tackled both FMCs' mental dilemmas because it didn’t feel like they were just putting it on paper just for the sake of moving the plot forward. It felt very realistic. It felt like these girls could be a friend I’d smack on the head for being obtuse, and they also felt like someone I could see in the mirror. They’re just like me for real. It was cliché, but it was enjoyable nonetheless. It was really fun and sweet.
I enjoyed Bea’s character as well. I loved that the story didn’t make me feel as if Bea were just a side character in the romance novel; they felt very much connected with both the FMCs, so that was really nice to read about, too. I take pride in friendships that don’t come second to romantic relationships.
I recommend this to someone who just wants to giggle for a bit and read something between a lesbian and bisexual FMC who also happen to be ex-bandmates!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bindery Books for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Publishing Date: February 9, 2027
Creative Differences is a sweet, cute, and funny story about two women who are getting a second chance at love and friendship.
I think it was surprisingly good because I don’t necessarily enjoy romance. I enjoyed the banter and the mutual emotional constipation between Amelia and Ramona. Yes, you can be pushing thirty and still not have everything figured out feelings-wise.
I loved the dual POVs from both authors. I enjoyed how they tackled both FMCs' mental dilemmas because it didn’t feel like they were just putting it on paper just for the sake of moving the plot forward. It felt very realistic. It felt like these girls could be a friend I’d smack on the head for being obtuse, and they also felt like someone I could see in the mirror. They’re just like me for real. It was cliché, but it was enjoyable nonetheless. It was really fun and sweet.
I enjoyed Bea’s character as well. I loved that the story didn’t make me feel as if Bea were just a side character in the romance novel; they felt very much connected with both the FMCs, so that was really nice to read about, too. I take pride in friendships that don’t come second to romantic relationships.
I recommend this to someone who just wants to giggle for a bit and read something between a lesbian and bisexual FMC who also happen to be ex-bandmates!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bindery Books for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Publishing Date: February 9, 2027
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It was absolutely planned that my 100th book of the year would incorporate as many of my favorite things as I could find in a book. Naturally, it's a Bindery book. Even when a book hasn't been in one of my (many) preferred genres, I've not yet been let down by a Bindery book. This book was no exception (it was literally tailored for me) rockstar romance, tour bus (and car) shenanigans, romance, sapphic lit, second chance, a little enemies to lovers (could have had more snark and higher stakes) sensitive handling of anxiety and depression, a fun approach to "the inn only has one bed!" and the sapphic YEARNING!!! I absolutely loved Bea and their calm yet firm way of handling their two best friends/bandmates. (Sometimes the dummies in love need someone to point out how they are dummies in love.) Would absolutely read more from their perspective! Watching Ramona tackle anxiety and her mental health while on a rockstar tour was uplifting. And even though my brain kept auto-correcting Amelia to Amelie, seeing her navigate loneliness and exploring how sometimes making the "safe" choice isn't really safe at all gave her depth that I didn't expect from the "popstar FMC."
Thank you to Bindery and NetGalley for my gifted EARC!
Thank you to Bindery and NetGalley for my gifted EARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Super sweet second chance romance with great chemistry between two wx bandmates and three characters with a friendship that I loved to read about.
In Creative Differences we had bisexual and lesbian FMCs and a non-binary Bea in a queer relationship with a woman and since you can't never have enough of queer people, it was an absolute delight to have all of them.
I enjoyed their romance (it's dual pov and it really worked here! Both authors worked really well together) but I personally really liked their individual journeys, both Amelia and Ramona had their own inner turmoil about their personal and profissional lives and each other and it was entertaining to see it being untangled while they were on tour; I loved the musical side of it, it's of course integral to the story and it was nice to have some of the artists I like getting name-dropped.
So if you like romance and especially a second chance romance between ex bandmates on a nostalgia ride with great chemistry and tension you'll enjoy this a lot.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bindery Books for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
In Creative Differences we had bisexual and lesbian FMCs and a non-binary Bea in a queer relationship with a woman and since you can't never have enough of queer people, it was an absolute delight to have all of them.
I enjoyed their romance (it's dual pov and it really worked here! Both authors worked really well together) but I personally really liked their individual journeys, both Amelia and Ramona had their own inner turmoil about their personal and profissional lives and each other and it was entertaining to see it being untangled while they were on tour; I loved the musical side of it, it's of course integral to the story and it was nice to have some of the artists I like getting name-dropped.
So if you like romance and especially a second chance romance between ex bandmates on a nostalgia ride with great chemistry and tension you'll enjoy this a lot.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bindery Books for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Bindery Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book early.
Creative Differences follows Ramona, a late twenties radio host and Amelia, a rising solo musician as their band gets back together for a reunion tour five years after a kiss broke them apart.
I really liked this book! The tension and chemistry between Ramona and Amelia was palpable and I loved how the dual perspective allowed us to see them both fall for each other again. Bea and the band members were all delights and I really appreciated how supportive they all were to each other and how the whole band found ways to work together.
I just wished we would've gotten more of the actual lyrics from the songs the band was playing on tour. There were only a few scenes actually on stage or of the group writing together and I wanted more of that! Also both main characters really just needed to talk through things and it was frustrating for them to almost get there several times but not quite.
But I really enjoyed the characters and relationships enough that these were minor critiques.
Thank you again to Bindery Books and NetGalley for the chance to read this early.
Creative Differences follows Ramona, a late twenties radio host and Amelia, a rising solo musician as their band gets back together for a reunion tour five years after a kiss broke them apart.
I really liked this book! The tension and chemistry between Ramona and Amelia was palpable and I loved how the dual perspective allowed us to see them both fall for each other again. Bea and the band members were all delights and I really appreciated how supportive they all were to each other and how the whole band found ways to work together.
I just wished we would've gotten more of the actual lyrics from the songs the band was playing on tour. There were only a few scenes actually on stage or of the group writing together and I wanted more of that! Also both main characters really just needed to talk through things and it was frustrating for them to almost get there several times but not quite.
But I really enjoyed the characters and relationships enough that these were minor critiques.
Thank you again to Bindery Books and NetGalley for the chance to read this early.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Advance reader copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
Artistic Differences really captures the essence of a band story, a love story, and also a friends as soulmates story: This book isn’t just about Ramona and Amelia, it’s about Bea as well, and how the three of them come together again as a band after a sudden and traumatic split five years before. All of these elements combined is what makes it so engaging and great to read, instead of just another formulaic literary rom-com that also has a band.
Something else that’s done perfectly here is how the neurodivergence of the characters is handled and represented in a very natural and realistic way. This is something that I really appreciated, as my spouse and I are both neurodivergent.
And the spice? It’s very, very slow burn, but is very, very worth it.
Thanks so much to Bindery Books and Sapph-Lit for the advance reader copy through Net Galley. I really loved this one, and I hope that the published version comes with a playlist, because the characters’ favorite music is mentioned often and featured prominently, as it should in any story about a band.
Artistic Differences really captures the essence of a band story, a love story, and also a friends as soulmates story: This book isn’t just about Ramona and Amelia, it’s about Bea as well, and how the three of them come together again as a band after a sudden and traumatic split five years before. All of these elements combined is what makes it so engaging and great to read, instead of just another formulaic literary rom-com that also has a band.
Something else that’s done perfectly here is how the neurodivergence of the characters is handled and represented in a very natural and realistic way. This is something that I really appreciated, as my spouse and I are both neurodivergent.
And the spice? It’s very, very slow burn, but is very, very worth it.
Thanks so much to Bindery Books and Sapph-Lit for the advance reader copy through Net Galley. I really loved this one, and I hope that the published version comes with a playlist, because the characters’ favorite music is mentioned often and featured prominently, as it should in any story about a band.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book had me hooked from the very beginning. A second chance, slow burn romance packed with sapphic yearning, delicious “will they/won’t they” tension, and a ton of messy emotions.
Set against the backdrop of a queer band’s reunion tour, the story balances romance with the complexities of friendship, ambition, and the challenges of revisiting the past. The characters felt super real, each with their own struggles, fears, and motivations, and I found myself genuinely rooting for all of them.
Ramona and Amelia’s romance is at the heart of the story, and their chemistry, history, and unresolved feelings made for a really compelling read. But Bea was also a standout character for me. If the authors ever decide to write a spin-off centred on Bea, I'd be all over that!
This is a heartfelt, emotional, and beautifully character driven sapphic romance that I think fans of second chance romances and queer music will really enjoy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Set against the backdrop of a queer band’s reunion tour, the story balances romance with the complexities of friendship, ambition, and the challenges of revisiting the past. The characters felt super real, each with their own struggles, fears, and motivations, and I found myself genuinely rooting for all of them.
Ramona and Amelia’s romance is at the heart of the story, and their chemistry, history, and unresolved feelings made for a really compelling read. But Bea was also a standout character for me. If the authors ever decide to write a spin-off centred on Bea, I'd be all over that!
This is a heartfelt, emotional, and beautifully character driven sapphic romance that I think fans of second chance romances and queer music will really enjoy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.75⭐️
your classic romance formula following an indie rock band who reunites after their breakup half a decade later. it gave me muna (the band) and heartstrings (the web comic) vibes and i am so here for it.
i enjoyed the setting and the road-trip aspect of it, but i still feel like i had too many issues with it.
the biggest one is why did the authors add two more members to the band if they were just going to be decoration?? i don't know if that part was realistic but even outside of hanging out, the main trio did everything on their own, including interviews and other band related activities. i sometimes wondered if the authors had not forgotten about quinn and georgia.
second, i've said this before and i'll say it again, but one of my biggest ick is mentioning taylor swift in a book as this feminist figure every young woman looks up to. don't include her if you don't want me to dock half a star to my rating.
finally, i understand a romance book needs to follow a certain formula, but i'm never a fan of the choices concerning the inevitable third act breakup. here again, i found the characters' behaviours very immature and while it was addressed after it, i would expect better from people over 25.
i still had a great time with this story and read it in just a few days! don't be deterred by my criticisms, it's always a pleasure to read queer love stories and i only want to encourage publishing to release more in the future!
thank you to netgalley and bindery x sapph lit for inviting me to read and review this arc!
your classic romance formula following an indie rock band who reunites after their breakup half a decade later. it gave me muna (the band) and heartstrings (the web comic) vibes and i am so here for it.
i enjoyed the setting and the road-trip aspect of it, but i still feel like i had too many issues with it.
the biggest one is why did the authors add two more members to the band if they were just going to be decoration?? i don't know if that part was realistic but even outside of hanging out, the main trio did everything on their own, including interviews and other band related activities. i sometimes wondered if the authors had not forgotten about quinn and georgia.
second, i've said this before and i'll say it again, but one of my biggest ick is mentioning taylor swift in a book as this feminist figure every young woman looks up to. don't include her if you don't want me to dock half a star to my rating.
finally, i understand a romance book needs to follow a certain formula, but i'm never a fan of the choices concerning the inevitable third act breakup. here again, i found the characters' behaviours very immature and while it was addressed after it, i would expect better from people over 25.
i still had a great time with this story and read it in just a few days! don't be deterred by my criticisms, it's always a pleasure to read queer love stories and i only want to encourage publishing to release more in the future!
thank you to netgalley and bindery x sapph lit for inviting me to read and review this arc!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
»Amelia's used to what-if-what-if-what-if, but she's not used to thinking about good what-ifs too.«
A sapphic story about friendship, love, second chances, being musicians AND there's a Halsey reference in it?! Count me in!! I gotta admit I never gravitate towards romance books at all, but I loved the cover so, so much and if I'm gonna read a love story of course it's gotta be queer and about two girls in a rock-band.
First things first I loved our three FMCs a lot and could find pieces of me in each of them. I'd have loved to read even more about Bea and their inner thoughts, in my opinion they were sometimes a bit too nonchalant during certain conversations.
The writing and sentence structures sometimes felt a bit clunky, especially at the beginning. But I still found the way Ramona's inner feelings were described as understandable and believable. There's spice in it (which usually I also avoid or find cringe) but it wasn't over the top, felt passionate and didn't feel dragged out endlessly
Thank you NetGalley and Bindery Books for the ARC!
A sapphic story about friendship, love, second chances, being musicians AND there's a Halsey reference in it?! Count me in!! I gotta admit I never gravitate towards romance books at all, but I loved the cover so, so much and if I'm gonna read a love story of course it's gotta be queer and about two girls in a rock-band.
First things first I loved our three FMCs a lot and could find pieces of me in each of them. I'd have loved to read even more about Bea and their inner thoughts, in my opinion they were sometimes a bit too nonchalant during certain conversations.
The writing and sentence structures sometimes felt a bit clunky, especially at the beginning. But I still found the way Ramona's inner feelings were described as understandable and believable. There's spice in it (which usually I also avoid or find cringe) but it wasn't over the top, felt passionate and didn't feel dragged out endlessly
Thank you NetGalley and Bindery Books for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Creative Differences is so fun and refreshing! A super sweet and endearing sapphic second-chance romance.
I love the frame of, "yes I'm still under 30, but have I already lost the best parts of my life?"
I instantly felt a kinship with Ramona; her tough exterior peels back to show a sweet, sensitive, and anxious woman who cares deeply about her friends. At first, I wanted to hate Mia, the recently “made it big” blonde pop star, but I eventually found myself endeared to her as well. And then there’s Bea, the glue that holds them together. Bea is everything you want in a best friend, someone who will hold you accountable, but will do absolutely anything for you as well.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bindery Books, for this ARC!
I love the frame of, "yes I'm still under 30, but have I already lost the best parts of my life?"
I instantly felt a kinship with Ramona; her tough exterior peels back to show a sweet, sensitive, and anxious woman who cares deeply about her friends. At first, I wanted to hate Mia, the recently “made it big” blonde pop star, but I eventually found myself endeared to her as well. And then there’s Bea, the glue that holds them together. Bea is everything you want in a best friend, someone who will hold you accountable, but will do absolutely anything for you as well.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bindery Books, for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Bindery Books for the ARC via NetGalley!!
As someone who loved Daisy Jones and the Six as well as The Final Revival of Opal and Nev, I was really enthused to get my hands on another music-centered fiction piece.
The reading experience overall was really enjoyable, and I loved getting to know Swanboat, its history and experience the nostalgia-driven reunion tour. Paulsen and Wang laid out a distinct dynamic between the trio that really set the foundation for all aspects of the story as well, and it was refreshing to see such a range of queer representation.
In terms of the romance, I found myself going back and forth with Amelia and Ramona, especially with the string of miscommunication in the second act echoing their first misunderstanding. When paired with both characters' stubbornness, it made it difficult at times to root for their inevitable reunion. Regardless, this was a great read, and I look forward to seeing it hit store shelves in 2027.
As someone who loved Daisy Jones and the Six as well as The Final Revival of Opal and Nev, I was really enthused to get my hands on another music-centered fiction piece.
The reading experience overall was really enjoyable, and I loved getting to know Swanboat, its history and experience the nostalgia-driven reunion tour. Paulsen and Wang laid out a distinct dynamic between the trio that really set the foundation for all aspects of the story as well, and it was refreshing to see such a range of queer representation.
In terms of the romance, I found myself going back and forth with Amelia and Ramona, especially with the string of miscommunication in the second act echoing their first misunderstanding. When paired with both characters' stubbornness, it made it difficult at times to root for their inevitable reunion. Regardless, this was a great read, and I look forward to seeing it hit store shelves in 2027.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
2 ⭐️ NETGALLEY ADVANCED READERS COPY.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
in creative differences, we get a group of girls that once use to be a band trying to rekindle that spark for a tour. however the band was left in shambles with little to no connection left between some of the members. we mainly follow ramona and amelia.
i really loved the premise of the book. it was so fun and exciting! however i did find it hard to invest in the book as it was written in third person. i personally prefer romances to be written in first person as it allows us to really understand the character. we get switchbacks between both the characters journeys throughout the book however they are written in third person, so i felt myself constantly being pulled out and having to remember who we actually following.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
in creative differences, we get a group of girls that once use to be a band trying to rekindle that spark for a tour. however the band was left in shambles with little to no connection left between some of the members. we mainly follow ramona and amelia.
i really loved the premise of the book. it was so fun and exciting! however i did find it hard to invest in the book as it was written in third person. i personally prefer romances to be written in first person as it allows us to really understand the character. we get switchbacks between both the characters journeys throughout the book however they are written in third person, so i felt myself constantly being pulled out and having to remember who we actually following.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In Creative Difference, I anticipated an incredible musical comeback story but the central partnership disappointed me. This narrative follows a fractured ensemble’s highway journey, progressing from icy silence into a tense, agonizingly sluggish reconciliation between Amelia and Ramona. Although the counterculture subgenre vibe is immaculate, the primary bond between both protagonist feels highly frustrating. Their dual viewpoints uncovered authentic vulnerabilities regarding panic episodes and overnight notoriety, yet the plot stalls entirely because the leads remain painfully defensive. They clash incessantly over trivialities, exhibiting immaturity that dampens the stakes.
Fortunately, their percussionist and friend Bea operates as a brilliant, grounding mediator. Despite intimate moments and a pleasant resolution, endless squabbling eclipsed the overall charm.
Fortunately, their percussionist and friend Bea operates as a brilliant, grounding mediator. Despite intimate moments and a pleasant resolution, endless squabbling eclipsed the overall charm.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2026
Creative Differences follows the queer band “Swanboat” on their reunion tour. I had fun reading this one, I really enjoyed the group dynamic not only between the girls but the other band members too. We really got to see them rekindle and bring that spark back they once lost.
I’m not usually a fan of third person pov in romance books. It was a bit difficult to get into due to that, and made it harder for me to connect to the characters. Regardless you still were able to see how deep their feelings were for one another, and feel their pain about what happened all those years ago. The pull between the two wanting the connection they once had. Along with the fear from being around each other again. A lot of back and forth between Amelia and Ramona. They were messy but I found their issues to be relatable.
Thank you Netgalley for this e-arc! All opinions are my own.
I’m not usually a fan of third person pov in romance books. It was a bit difficult to get into due to that, and made it harder for me to connect to the characters. Regardless you still were able to see how deep their feelings were for one another, and feel their pain about what happened all those years ago. The pull between the two wanting the connection they once had. Along with the fear from being around each other again. A lot of back and forth between Amelia and Ramona. They were messy but I found their issues to be relatable.
Thank you Netgalley for this e-arc! All opinions are my own.
August 1, 2026
I read this as an ARC (thank you!!!!) and I wanted to love it but I ended up just liking it. I might not be the target audience because musician drama is a little eye roll to me. This romance felt very formulaic. On the plus side, the side character, Bea, was extremely lovable and interesting. The mains fell a little flat to me. I wish they had just set the book in college because I didn’t really feel like the 5 year jump added anything - it seems the characters did not evolve at all in that time. We could have had a little more dram if Declan was more of a fleshed out character. I really liked the final chapter and how the authors talked about the uncertainty of everything and choosing to chase what makes you happy anyway. It was an easy read, and the writing was fun and breezy. Definitely a book to read on a plane or throw in your beach bag.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love that its written in 3rd person present tense, I hardly ever read a book from that perspective and it's wonderful!
I dont usually like alot of refrences to pop culture in books, I feel like it tends to go one of two ways: its cringe or it feels immediatly dated- this did neither. It feels modern and real.
Romona and Amelia both think the other is so cool, and so out of their league and I think their dynamic is so interesting. Even though both of them are stars, they dont really feel like it- they feel like regular people struggling with the fam thrust upon them. I also love that the book represents a lesbian/bi relationship!
I Love the portrayal of anxiety and depression in ramonas character, its very well done.
I was absolutly delighted snd honored to get the opportunity to read this book before its published, it has been a wonderful experience.
I dont usually like alot of refrences to pop culture in books, I feel like it tends to go one of two ways: its cringe or it feels immediatly dated- this did neither. It feels modern and real.
Romona and Amelia both think the other is so cool, and so out of their league and I think their dynamic is so interesting. Even though both of them are stars, they dont really feel like it- they feel like regular people struggling with the fam thrust upon them. I also love that the book represents a lesbian/bi relationship!
I Love the portrayal of anxiety and depression in ramonas character, its very well done.
I was absolutly delighted snd honored to get the opportunity to read this book before its published, it has been a wonderful experience.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.75 stars
Thank you Netgalley for sending me a copy.
I requested this book because I love the cover and reading the synopsis I was expecting sapphic yearning and angst and while I got that it wasn’t as dramatic as I was expecting which isn’t a bad thing at all.
Reading this book was like watching an early 2000s rom com (even though the book does not take place in that time). You get the delightful cheesy troupes and fun drama between the characters knowing that it will end happily. I would love this book to be adapted into a movie.
The sexual & romantic tension between Amelia & Ramona was delicious and while the drama could have been solved with communication, it did not deter my enjoyment of the book. Overall I would recommend checking it out.
Thank you Netgalley for sending me a copy.
I requested this book because I love the cover and reading the synopsis I was expecting sapphic yearning and angst and while I got that it wasn’t as dramatic as I was expecting which isn’t a bad thing at all.
Reading this book was like watching an early 2000s rom com (even though the book does not take place in that time). You get the delightful cheesy troupes and fun drama between the characters knowing that it will end happily. I would love this book to be adapted into a movie.
The sexual & romantic tension between Amelia & Ramona was delicious and while the drama could have been solved with communication, it did not deter my enjoyment of the book. Overall I would recommend checking it out.
July 28, 2026
This has been the summer of singer sapphic romances for me!! I just want to say I am grateful for the opportunity to have read this early! The friendship aspect of Swanboat with Ramona, Amelia, and Bea was my favorite part! Though I was not a fan of how both of them left out Bea in key decisions many times! I get they were going through it but the band is 3 members not two! And also wish the girls themselves would just have been more into communicating with each other! It was a bit frustrating at times but I get there wouldn’t be much of a book without the conflict! They were very cute together when they did finally come together and work it out! Overall a solid book that I would recommend
I received an eARC from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own
I received an eARC from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Advanced reader copy sent by publisher through NetGalley in exchange for honest review
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this read. Particularly Amelia and Bea I liked as characters. Perfectly flawed, relatable despite their careers. There were several *kicks legs* cute moments and the ending tied everything together well. Ramona at times I felt frustrated by, this is probably a reflection of her frustrations with herself, but I just wanted to scream “COMMUNICATE”!
I wish there had been more outside of the romance, more on Bea would have been great, they’re such a dynamic character I was missing them at times.
Overall a nice sapphic romance, I look forward to reading more within the genre.
Thank you to Sapph-Lit for the arc
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this read. Particularly Amelia and Bea I liked as characters. Perfectly flawed, relatable despite their careers. There were several *kicks legs* cute moments and the ending tied everything together well. Ramona at times I felt frustrated by, this is probably a reflection of her frustrations with herself, but I just wanted to scream “COMMUNICATE”!
I wish there had been more outside of the romance, more on Bea would have been great, they’re such a dynamic character I was missing them at times.
Overall a nice sapphic romance, I look forward to reading more within the genre.
Thank you to Sapph-Lit for the arc
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was... disappointing.
I think what ruined my experience was having high expectations, so be aware of that. This is a book about two band mates that fell in love, set during a reunion tour of their band after they went on solo careers for years. You would think music would be a big part of the story, and that was the main reason I picked this up because I just love the music industry, and yet it was severely lacking. I cannot say there's nothing about music, but I was a lot less than what I was expecting or hoping for, so that was a bummer.
The romance in itself was cute, I liked their chemistry and the characters felt very real. It's a pretty short book so some things were brushed over too quickly for my liking.
I liked it enough, but it appears to be something it is not. I would still recommend it, but go in knowing it is just a romance and the music part doesn't add much depth.
Thank you Netgalley and Bindery Books for the ARC.
I think what ruined my experience was having high expectations, so be aware of that. This is a book about two band mates that fell in love, set during a reunion tour of their band after they went on solo careers for years. You would think music would be a big part of the story, and that was the main reason I picked this up because I just love the music industry, and yet it was severely lacking. I cannot say there's nothing about music, but I was a lot less than what I was expecting or hoping for, so that was a bummer.
The romance in itself was cute, I liked their chemistry and the characters felt very real. It's a pretty short book so some things were brushed over too quickly for my liking.
I liked it enough, but it appears to be something it is not. I would still recommend it, but go in knowing it is just a romance and the music part doesn't add much depth.
Thank you Netgalley and Bindery Books for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
sapphic indie pop princesses assemble!!! this is the second chance romance trope at its best — the FMCs' voices were each so distinct yet so relatable. the band in the story is very MUNA / boygenius coded. i really connected to Amelia's relationship with her family and her self doubt despite dizzying success. i felt Ramona’s man hating and self sabotaging nature. i loved Bea so much and how they served as a reality check for them both in different ways. the yearning! the tension! i was rooting for them all the whole time!!!! also the spice was hot AF. 11/10 highly recommend xoxo
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