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The Music Between You And I
A nerdy Black woman in her thirties and a reclusive British rockstar twice her age were never supposed to make sense. Until they do.
Poppy Thomas is the kind of nerdy Black millennial who can write about cartoons and pop culture nonsense without blinking. None of it gets her taken seriously. She is frustrated and still dreaming of writing something that actually matters.
At a crowded coffee shop, Poppy offers an anxious older man the empty chair at her table. He seems ordinary at first. Quiet. A little out of place. But beneath the nerves, there is an unexpected charm. A warmth that catches her off guard. And when he speaks, his low voice, touched with a British accent, lingers longer than it should.
There is something about him she cannot quite place.
Not at first.
Days later, the realization hits.
Summoner.
The vanished rockstar she grew up on, obsessed over, even wrote fanfiction about.
He was everywhere once. Sixty million records sold. Then he disappeared.
An interview with him could change everything.
He shuts her down flat.
But Poppy can't let it go. She keeps showing up. Again and again. What starts as curiosity turns into fixation. And somewhere along the way, the story she wanted starts to matter less than the man in front of her.
Poppy, living with depression, finds an unexpected steadiness in him. Summoner, worn down by fame and anxiety, begins to step back into the world he left behind.
Falling for each other is the easy part.
Loving each other means facing family, friends, and a world with opinions, and deciding if they are willing to endure it for a love that refuses to stay small.
Poppy Thomas is the kind of nerdy Black millennial who can write about cartoons and pop culture nonsense without blinking. None of it gets her taken seriously. She is frustrated and still dreaming of writing something that actually matters.
At a crowded coffee shop, Poppy offers an anxious older man the empty chair at her table. He seems ordinary at first. Quiet. A little out of place. But beneath the nerves, there is an unexpected charm. A warmth that catches her off guard. And when he speaks, his low voice, touched with a British accent, lingers longer than it should.
There is something about him she cannot quite place.
Not at first.
Days later, the realization hits.
Summoner.
The vanished rockstar she grew up on, obsessed over, even wrote fanfiction about.
He was everywhere once. Sixty million records sold. Then he disappeared.
An interview with him could change everything.
He shuts her down flat.
But Poppy can't let it go. She keeps showing up. Again and again. What starts as curiosity turns into fixation. And somewhere along the way, the story she wanted starts to matter less than the man in front of her.
Poppy, living with depression, finds an unexpected steadiness in him. Summoner, worn down by fame and anxiety, begins to step back into the world he left behind.
Falling for each other is the easy part.
Loving each other means facing family, friends, and a world with opinions, and deciding if they are willing to endure it for a love that refuses to stay small.
- GenresFriends To Lovers
414 pages, Paperback
Published August 4, 2026
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August 19, 2026Quiana you did it again. This book revived me from the dead.
August 8, 2026
Quick Summary: A broken to beautiful age gap romance
My Review: The Music Between You And I by Quiana Glide is a contemporary, multicultural romance. It was released on 8/4/26.
About the Book: "A nerdy Black woman in her thirties and a reclusive British rockstar twice her age were never supposed to make sense. Until they do."
In My Own Words: A chance encounter affords two troubled souls with an opportunity to find love, life, and a new song of survival.
What I Liked/Loved:
- I liked this novel because it was imperfect in the way that draws interest.
- I don't know that I have ever read a book where both leads were actively trying to work through anxiety and depression individually and together. I liked seeing this element.
- I liked that the story was not so neat and tidy when it came to the various relationships and connections.
- I liked that real emotions were addressed in a deeper way. The doubt, the feelings of unworthiness, the neediness, the insecurity, the fight for normalcy (whatever that means).
- I liked seeing the healthy and unhealthy support systems. That added a realistic quality.
- I liked that mental health treatment and medication were spoken of and presented in a positive light.
- I liked that I got to see a journey toward healing for both characters.
What I Did Not Like/Care For:
- A few instances of negative talk and put downs were off-putting. Particularly, I did not care for some of the things Summoner said to Poppy early on. She also spoke negatively about herself.
- I did not care for how Summoner chose to handle the conflict between his ex and Poppy at times. I did not think it was believable that she as a Black woman would tolerate or put up with the messy overreach, especially the situation in Spain. (It was for real, for real messed the fluffer up.)
- I did not think the manipulation that took place was resolved effectively.
- I am still trying to figure out the Jordan + Shay drama. The inclusion of their see-saw relationship eludes me.
My Final Say: This was a special kind of story. It was sweet, raw, and a little tarnished around the edges.
The story featured two flawed people who were doing their very best to survive the circumstances they found themselves in. They had to navigate their own mental health issues, their troubled familial dysfunction, their professional relationships, and the challenges of both dating and caring for someone who was actively dealing with mental health struggles.
In the end, I will just say that this story made me think. It also made me hope...for this couple and for others like them who are searching for an indescribable love that embraces all the parts of life and heart unconditionally.
Content Warning: Please read any and all author/publisher notes on this book. Some of the content may be triggering.
Other: Readers who enjoy age gap, rocker x writer, BWWM love stories may like this one.
Rating: 3.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status: ⭐⭐⭐1/2
Level: 🌶️🌶️
Format: 📱
Cover: +
Title: +
Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Xpresso Book Tours | LR Publishing), and to NetGalley. Thank you so very much for granting access to a digital ARC of this work in exchange for an honest critique. It was a pleasure to review.
My Review: The Music Between You And I by Quiana Glide is a contemporary, multicultural romance. It was released on 8/4/26.
About the Book: "A nerdy Black woman in her thirties and a reclusive British rockstar twice her age were never supposed to make sense. Until they do."
In My Own Words: A chance encounter affords two troubled souls with an opportunity to find love, life, and a new song of survival.
What I Liked/Loved:
- I liked this novel because it was imperfect in the way that draws interest.
- I don't know that I have ever read a book where both leads were actively trying to work through anxiety and depression individually and together. I liked seeing this element.
- I liked that the story was not so neat and tidy when it came to the various relationships and connections.
- I liked that real emotions were addressed in a deeper way. The doubt, the feelings of unworthiness, the neediness, the insecurity, the fight for normalcy (whatever that means).
- I liked seeing the healthy and unhealthy support systems. That added a realistic quality.
- I liked that mental health treatment and medication were spoken of and presented in a positive light.
- I liked that I got to see a journey toward healing for both characters.
What I Did Not Like/Care For:
- A few instances of negative talk and put downs were off-putting. Particularly, I did not care for some of the things Summoner said to Poppy early on. She also spoke negatively about herself.
- I did not care for how Summoner chose to handle the conflict between his ex and Poppy at times. I did not think it was believable that she as a Black woman would tolerate or put up with the messy overreach, especially the situation in Spain. (It was for real, for real messed the fluffer up.)
- I did not think the manipulation that took place was resolved effectively.
- I am still trying to figure out the Jordan + Shay drama. The inclusion of their see-saw relationship eludes me.
My Final Say: This was a special kind of story. It was sweet, raw, and a little tarnished around the edges.
The story featured two flawed people who were doing their very best to survive the circumstances they found themselves in. They had to navigate their own mental health issues, their troubled familial dysfunction, their professional relationships, and the challenges of both dating and caring for someone who was actively dealing with mental health struggles.
In the end, I will just say that this story made me think. It also made me hope...for this couple and for others like them who are searching for an indescribable love that embraces all the parts of life and heart unconditionally.
Content Warning: Please read any and all author/publisher notes on this book. Some of the content may be triggering.
Other: Readers who enjoy age gap, rocker x writer, BWWM love stories may like this one.
Rating: 3.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status: ⭐⭐⭐1/2
Level: 🌶️🌶️
Format: 📱
Cover: +
Title: +
Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Xpresso Book Tours | LR Publishing), and to NetGalley. Thank you so very much for granting access to a digital ARC of this work in exchange for an honest critique. It was a pleasure to review.
August 4, 2026
Tropes: Music Industry, Mental Health Representation, Age Gap, Slow-burn, Survivors Guilt, Friends to Lovers
SCORE 3.75 out of 5, rounded to 4
The Music Between You And I is the fourth book that I have read by Quiana Glide. Her books contain quirky characters with realistic struggles that often resonate with readers. This book is written from the POV of the MFC; Poppy and gently highlighted that she was often hampered by her emotional baggage, so much so and I felt that at points in time she was not reliable narrator.
Poppy’s world has a narrow focus; she is a contributor for an entertainment and news website. Her mother passed in childbirth, and she lives with her father, and they have an odd symbiotic relationship. She has two successful friends who are dating, and she is always the “odd man out”. At work, Poppy would like to produce more than fluff pieces that just take up space. When she helps an older attractive man in a coffee shop and realizes that he is reclusive rock legend Summoner, she is sure that she has found her angle if she can get an exclusive. Unfortunately, Summoner has spent the last several years hiding from the world and refuses her overtures. However, Poppy has idolized Summoner since she was a girl and inserts herself into his existence.
Cut off from the world, Summoner finds a kindred spirit in Poppy, and they form a heated and much needed relationship, but will the barriers in their lives deter their relationship? Their 30+ year age gap, his fans, her mental health, his devious family are all factors with enough power to derail them!
Conclusion:
Ms. Glide is a gifted and intuitive writer and tackled a touchy subject with grace. Poppy’s raw emotional spirals are handled with delicacy and respect; her pain is visible and real. Summoner became a safe spot for her and the uplifting part was that the relationship was not one sided. Despite optics and conventional opinions, they supply something the other lacked. We hear all of Poppy’s thoughts and internal longings, Summoner was such an extraordinarily kind and giving person that I would have liked to have a glimpse inside as he made decisions. Final words, Ms. Glide gives readers a moving look at love through the lens of someone dealing with mental health challenges and we get a realistic depiction of their trials and triumphs. I particularly liked that the epilogue was in the form of an interview with shared perspectives.
Favorite Lines:
His expression was almost stoic, but his eyes deceived. They pulled me in with unspoken tales and kept me captive with untold promises.
I couldn’t play an instrument, or carry a tune, but music provided me an entryway to countless worlds.
When I closed my eyes, Summoner’s eyes greeted me. They teased me about what I knew to be true.
I wanted to walk out of the coffee shop and lay down in the middle of the road.
The weapon of music cast aside his nerves, anxieties, and fears.
https://theretiredreader.com/f/the-mu...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
SCORE 3.75 out of 5, rounded to 4
The Music Between You And I is the fourth book that I have read by Quiana Glide. Her books contain quirky characters with realistic struggles that often resonate with readers. This book is written from the POV of the MFC; Poppy and gently highlighted that she was often hampered by her emotional baggage, so much so and I felt that at points in time she was not reliable narrator.
Poppy’s world has a narrow focus; she is a contributor for an entertainment and news website. Her mother passed in childbirth, and she lives with her father, and they have an odd symbiotic relationship. She has two successful friends who are dating, and she is always the “odd man out”. At work, Poppy would like to produce more than fluff pieces that just take up space. When she helps an older attractive man in a coffee shop and realizes that he is reclusive rock legend Summoner, she is sure that she has found her angle if she can get an exclusive. Unfortunately, Summoner has spent the last several years hiding from the world and refuses her overtures. However, Poppy has idolized Summoner since she was a girl and inserts herself into his existence.
Cut off from the world, Summoner finds a kindred spirit in Poppy, and they form a heated and much needed relationship, but will the barriers in their lives deter their relationship? Their 30+ year age gap, his fans, her mental health, his devious family are all factors with enough power to derail them!
Conclusion:
Ms. Glide is a gifted and intuitive writer and tackled a touchy subject with grace. Poppy’s raw emotional spirals are handled with delicacy and respect; her pain is visible and real. Summoner became a safe spot for her and the uplifting part was that the relationship was not one sided. Despite optics and conventional opinions, they supply something the other lacked. We hear all of Poppy’s thoughts and internal longings, Summoner was such an extraordinarily kind and giving person that I would have liked to have a glimpse inside as he made decisions. Final words, Ms. Glide gives readers a moving look at love through the lens of someone dealing with mental health challenges and we get a realistic depiction of their trials and triumphs. I particularly liked that the epilogue was in the form of an interview with shared perspectives.
Favorite Lines:
His expression was almost stoic, but his eyes deceived. They pulled me in with unspoken tales and kept me captive with untold promises.
I couldn’t play an instrument, or carry a tune, but music provided me an entryway to countless worlds.
When I closed my eyes, Summoner’s eyes greeted me. They teased me about what I knew to be true.
I wanted to walk out of the coffee shop and lay down in the middle of the road.
The weapon of music cast aside his nerves, anxieties, and fears.
https://theretiredreader.com/f/the-mu...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Want to Read
July 26, 2026The Music Between You And IQuiana Glide
This has to be one of the sweetest books I've read recently, and honestly, it's become one of those books that will stay close to my heart. It wasn't just about romance. It was about grief, trauma, mental health, and two people slowly helping each other heal.
The biggest reason I loved this book was Poppy. She was such a kind, innocent soul, and my heart broke for her. She spent so long blaming herself for her mother's death when it was never her fault. I could actually relate to that part where she had good friends around her but still didn't feel comfortable enough to share what she was going through. Sometimes you have people who care about you, but opening up is still the hardest thing to do.
And can we talk about Shay? She was honestly the friend everyone deserves. She was always there for Poppy, looking after her like an older sister or even a mother at times. Jordan was such a sweetheart too, and Daisy... I absolutely loved her. She was such a baddie for standing up for Poppy, even when it meant going against her own mother and brother.
I also really liked how the book handled mental health. Both Poppy and Summoner had their own trauma, and instead of magically fixing each other, they slowly healed together. That felt real and comforting.
One thing that really hurt me was Poppy's father. I understand that he was grieving, but it felt like he was grieving only for himself. He never really tried to have those important conversations with Poppy about her mother, and I kept wishing he had been there for her emotionally.
Now, coming to the romance, I wasn't completely invested in Poppy and Summoner's relationship. I loved them as individuals more than I loved them as a couple. Also, I'm usually not a fan of age-gap romances, but surprisingly, I kept forgetting that this was one until it was mentioned again, so it never really bothered me while reading.
Overall, this was such a wholesome and emotional story. It made me smile, made me emotional, and reminded me that healing doesn't always happen alone. If you enjoy slow-burn romances with mental health representation, a rockstar romance, and characters who slowly find their way back to themselves, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a read.
This has to be one of the sweetest books I've read recently, and honestly, it's become one of those books that will stay close to my heart. It wasn't just about romance. It was about grief, trauma, mental health, and two people slowly helping each other heal.
The biggest reason I loved this book was Poppy. She was such a kind, innocent soul, and my heart broke for her. She spent so long blaming herself for her mother's death when it was never her fault. I could actually relate to that part where she had good friends around her but still didn't feel comfortable enough to share what she was going through. Sometimes you have people who care about you, but opening up is still the hardest thing to do.
And can we talk about Shay? She was honestly the friend everyone deserves. She was always there for Poppy, looking after her like an older sister or even a mother at times. Jordan was such a sweetheart too, and Daisy... I absolutely loved her. She was such a baddie for standing up for Poppy, even when it meant going against her own mother and brother.
I also really liked how the book handled mental health. Both Poppy and Summoner had their own trauma, and instead of magically fixing each other, they slowly healed together. That felt real and comforting.
One thing that really hurt me was Poppy's father. I understand that he was grieving, but it felt like he was grieving only for himself. He never really tried to have those important conversations with Poppy about her mother, and I kept wishing he had been there for her emotionally.
Now, coming to the romance, I wasn't completely invested in Poppy and Summoner's relationship. I loved them as individuals more than I loved them as a couple. Also, I'm usually not a fan of age-gap romances, but surprisingly, I kept forgetting that this was one until it was mentioned again, so it never really bothered me while reading.
Overall, this was such a wholesome and emotional story. It made me smile, made me emotional, and reminded me that healing doesn't always happen alone. If you enjoy slow-burn romances with mental health representation, a rockstar romance, and characters who slowly find their way back to themselves, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I spent half this book alternating between laughing at Poppy's decisions and begging her to make one sensible choice. She is messy, impulsive, relatable, and somehow impossible not to root for. The chemistry between Poppy and Summoner isn't built on instant romance but really on high curiosity, awkward conversations, shared musics, emotional baggage, and two people who are carrying more loneliness than they know what to do with. Their interactions feel strangely intimate even when almost nothing happens. Those little conversation had me waiting for one of them to finally say what they were really thinking.
I loved the fact that how honestly the book handles mental health. Poppy makes terrible decisions, second guesses herself constantly, gets embarrassed and keeps going anyway. At some point, I wanted to scream at her but I also understood why she was doing what she was doing.
If you want me to talk about Summoner, I do have one thing to say about that, the author somehow turned a retired rock legend into the most socially awkward, secretive, tea drinking man imaginable and I loved that. Instead of acting like an untouchable celebrity, he feels like someone desperately trying to disappear from the world. Every time he appeared, I wanted another chapter from his perspective because there was clearly so much hiding beneath the surface.
Music isn't just mentioned, but still it becomes part of the emotional language of the story. Whether they're talking about records, songs, or old performances, it all carries this nostalgic warmth that makes the romance feel something instead of following the usual celebrity love story formula. If you enjoy character driven romances where emotional tension matters more than constant plot twists, the payoff is worth it.
This book completely won me over. I laughed and even rolled my eyes, I wanted to confiscate Poppy's phone several times, and somehow I ended up completely invested in these two wonderfully awkward people. It's sweet, emotional, funny, and addictive. Once the relationship starts developing, it's incredibly hard to put down.
I loved the fact that how honestly the book handles mental health. Poppy makes terrible decisions, second guesses herself constantly, gets embarrassed and keeps going anyway. At some point, I wanted to scream at her but I also understood why she was doing what she was doing.
If you want me to talk about Summoner, I do have one thing to say about that, the author somehow turned a retired rock legend into the most socially awkward, secretive, tea drinking man imaginable and I loved that. Instead of acting like an untouchable celebrity, he feels like someone desperately trying to disappear from the world. Every time he appeared, I wanted another chapter from his perspective because there was clearly so much hiding beneath the surface.
Music isn't just mentioned, but still it becomes part of the emotional language of the story. Whether they're talking about records, songs, or old performances, it all carries this nostalgic warmth that makes the romance feel something instead of following the usual celebrity love story formula. If you enjoy character driven romances where emotional tension matters more than constant plot twists, the payoff is worth it.
This book completely won me over. I laughed and even rolled my eyes, I wanted to confiscate Poppy's phone several times, and somehow I ended up completely invested in these two wonderfully awkward people. It's sweet, emotional, funny, and addictive. Once the relationship starts developing, it's incredibly hard to put down.
August 5, 2026
Poppy invites a stranger to sit at her table at a local coffee shop. He looks familiar, they converse and when the drinks are finished, she tells him her name but he refuses to do the same. It adds an air of mystery to their encounter.
When she visits her father, she sees a face on one of her father's albums and realizes it's her favorite musician—Summoner—who left the spotlight 20 or so years ago—the mystery man from the coffee shop. When they meet again, she wants to interview him to give a boost to her writing career. His answer is a firm no, so she decides to risk her life by stalking him in extreme weather conditions.
Pity and good heart make him invite her into his world and the each discover that are dealing with mental health issues—Summoner has performance and large crowd anxiety and Poppy is dealing with the loss of her mother as she gave her life for hers and the struggles of being seen and appreciated.
They are friends though Poppy gets hot and bothered around him despite their 32-year age gap. Yep, I rarely read age gap stories and this one is humongous. I never would've been a heroine in this romance. They bond over music, food and mental health issues and their romance is believable. I was rooting for them despite some naysayers in his family who refused to see the love between them. All they saw was her age and presumed to know her and what she wanted from Summoner.
There was moment where she considered a proposition that I thought was wrong to even think about, but surprisingly it didn't bite her in the ass that hard, more like a nip and then its glossed over. I found it refreshing that it wasn't this whole big thing. She has feelings of guilt about her mom and its set-up so the same fate is not a factor for her in their relationship.
Overall, an enjoyable read, I was rooting for this couple and proud that she didn't stalk him though I was surprised when Moore (his Man Friday) was radio silent. Highly Recommended: Read this Book!
ARC
When she visits her father, she sees a face on one of her father's albums and realizes it's her favorite musician—Summoner—who left the spotlight 20 or so years ago—the mystery man from the coffee shop. When they meet again, she wants to interview him to give a boost to her writing career. His answer is a firm no, so she decides to risk her life by stalking him in extreme weather conditions.
Pity and good heart make him invite her into his world and the each discover that are dealing with mental health issues—Summoner has performance and large crowd anxiety and Poppy is dealing with the loss of her mother as she gave her life for hers and the struggles of being seen and appreciated.
They are friends though Poppy gets hot and bothered around him despite their 32-year age gap. Yep, I rarely read age gap stories and this one is humongous. I never would've been a heroine in this romance. They bond over music, food and mental health issues and their romance is believable. I was rooting for them despite some naysayers in his family who refused to see the love between them. All they saw was her age and presumed to know her and what she wanted from Summoner.
There was moment where she considered a proposition that I thought was wrong to even think about, but surprisingly it didn't bite her in the ass that hard, more like a nip and then its glossed over. I found it refreshing that it wasn't this whole big thing. She has feelings of guilt about her mom and its set-up so the same fate is not a factor for her in their relationship.
Overall, an enjoyable read, I was rooting for this couple and proud that she didn't stalk him though I was surprised when Moore (his Man Friday) was radio silent. Highly Recommended: Read this Book!
ARC
August 24, 2026
This book is one of the best examples of “if you can’t find the book you want to read, write one.”
Reading this book felt like a rollercoaster ride of emotions. This book made me smile, laugh, pity, bawl my eyes out, and filled my heart with a sense of ease. I picked up this book thinking it was an age-gap romance between a rockstar and his fan, but obviously, it delivered much more than that.
This story follows Poppy, a journalist and fangirl of rockstar Summoner, who had vanished from the public eye for 30 years because of his anxiety. An unexpected meeting between the two leads to another, where she wants to interview him, believing her article could lead to a professional upgrade. One thing leads to another, and they become a safe place for each other.
What touched me the most was how authentically the author portrayed the characters’ feelings. The representation of a person suffering from mental health issues was immaculate throughout the book. I also liked how the author subtly and loudly brought out the Black community. There were realities I was already aware of, and there were a few things I learned about through this book.
Talking about the age gap, it’s quite huge. I had to avoid thinking about the MMC’s age and just see him as a guy, which became easy for me because he is actually old for my preference. But he is a lovely man who treats his lady right, which made me like him.
I loved the writing style of the book. It was simple, easy to indulge in, gripping in a comforting way, with punchlines here and there. I hope one day the author publishes an enemies-to-lovers romance about a girl who owns a coffee shop and her nerdy new neighbour who buys the neighbouring space to open a comic book store. Iykyk.
I’d also like to thank the author for introducing me to The Sting. I’ve been listening to it on loop.
Last but not least, I’d like to extend my gratitude towards LiteraryLoftPR for this wonderful opportunity to ARC read this book.
Reading this book felt like a rollercoaster ride of emotions. This book made me smile, laugh, pity, bawl my eyes out, and filled my heart with a sense of ease. I picked up this book thinking it was an age-gap romance between a rockstar and his fan, but obviously, it delivered much more than that.
This story follows Poppy, a journalist and fangirl of rockstar Summoner, who had vanished from the public eye for 30 years because of his anxiety. An unexpected meeting between the two leads to another, where she wants to interview him, believing her article could lead to a professional upgrade. One thing leads to another, and they become a safe place for each other.
What touched me the most was how authentically the author portrayed the characters’ feelings. The representation of a person suffering from mental health issues was immaculate throughout the book. I also liked how the author subtly and loudly brought out the Black community. There were realities I was already aware of, and there were a few things I learned about through this book.
Talking about the age gap, it’s quite huge. I had to avoid thinking about the MMC’s age and just see him as a guy, which became easy for me because he is actually old for my preference. But he is a lovely man who treats his lady right, which made me like him.
I loved the writing style of the book. It was simple, easy to indulge in, gripping in a comforting way, with punchlines here and there. I hope one day the author publishes an enemies-to-lovers romance about a girl who owns a coffee shop and her nerdy new neighbour who buys the neighbouring space to open a comic book store. Iykyk.
I’d also like to thank the author for introducing me to The Sting. I’ve been listening to it on loop.
Last but not least, I’d like to extend my gratitude towards LiteraryLoftPR for this wonderful opportunity to ARC read this book.
August 22, 2026
Thank you picture of romance for the ARC of this book.
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I liked the premise. The characters and the accurate portrayal of mental health with both Poppy’s depression and Summoners anxiety.
Poppy is 33 and Summoner is 66/67.
The age gap actually didn’t bother me this was my first one. What bothered me was Poppy might as well have been 23-26. Her outbursts, outside of the depression, were insane.
For example when he first came to her apartment and stayed a few nights he then left to go to the studio but when he came back a week later she was mad.because he left her. I was like am I missing something??? Why is she mad?
Then again when she’s trying to convince Shay that it’s the right thing to take the 100k but still saying she’s in love with him.
When Kay sends her a text to go to a speakeasy but she doesn’t kno who it actually is. Who in their right mind at 33. Goes to an unknown location, invited by an unknown number?? Who? And then it’s your boyfriends ex and you just let her talk to you crazy.
And then there’s his son! When he punches the wall next to her face when they are in Spain.
She doesn’t tell Summoner? He doesn’t see the hole in the wall?
It wasn’t a bad story I just am not a fan of blantant miscommunication. So many issues could have been resolved or even just addressed.
And summoner!! Him comforting Kay in Spain because she needed him more??? Come off it! He would never see me again.
3rd act break up was annoying and her getting back with him in Vegas. Aggravating.
I didn’t care for her male friend. He was mad she quit popbyte and stopped talking to her for weeks?? She’s your friend not your child. So you share muffins so what. He wasn’t very supportive.
I think if the story was aged down 22/35 I would be less mad about it
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I liked the premise. The characters and the accurate portrayal of mental health with both Poppy’s depression and Summoners anxiety.
Poppy is 33 and Summoner is 66/67.
The age gap actually didn’t bother me this was my first one. What bothered me was Poppy might as well have been 23-26. Her outbursts, outside of the depression, were insane.
For example when he first came to her apartment and stayed a few nights he then left to go to the studio but when he came back a week later she was mad.because he left her. I was like am I missing something??? Why is she mad?
Then again when she’s trying to convince Shay that it’s the right thing to take the 100k but still saying she’s in love with him.
When Kay sends her a text to go to a speakeasy but she doesn’t kno who it actually is. Who in their right mind at 33. Goes to an unknown location, invited by an unknown number?? Who? And then it’s your boyfriends ex and you just let her talk to you crazy.
And then there’s his son! When he punches the wall next to her face when they are in Spain.
She doesn’t tell Summoner? He doesn’t see the hole in the wall?
It wasn’t a bad story I just am not a fan of blantant miscommunication. So many issues could have been resolved or even just addressed.
And summoner!! Him comforting Kay in Spain because she needed him more??? Come off it! He would never see me again.
3rd act break up was annoying and her getting back with him in Vegas. Aggravating.
I didn’t care for her male friend. He was mad she quit popbyte and stopped talking to her for weeks?? She’s your friend not your child. So you share muffins so what. He wasn’t very supportive.
I think if the story was aged down 22/35 I would be less mad about it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Title: The Music Between You and I
Author: Quiana Glide-new to me author
Publication date: 8/4/26 | Read:8/2/26
Format: e-Book 316 pgs.
Genre:
*Contemporary Romance
*AA Interests
Tropes:
*interracial romance
*age gap
*music/rock star romance
*family drama
*3rd act breakup
POV: 1st person
TW: depression/anxiety, therapy, ageism, survivor's guilt
Setting: NY to Spain
Summary: Poppy works at an entertainment and news website (Popbyte) but wants to write about more serious topics. She meets an anxious older man at a coffee shop who turns out to be the rockstar -Summoner- she was in love with as a fan growing up. She won't give up asking him for an interview to write a profile. He refuses but they spend time together with Poppy helping him with anxiety through exposure therapy when he helps further her career.
Heroine: Poppy Thomas-33, content creator @ Popbyte
Hero: Summoner-65, reclusive rock star
Other Characters
* Poppy's Dad/Mom-Meghan (deceased)
* Kay Elliott-Summoner's ex-wife, 2 adult children Evan and Daisy Elliott
* Moore-bodyguard/assistant
* Jordan-Poppy's BFF, Shay-his gf
*Poppy and Summoner's HEA
My Thoughts/Likes:
-Poppy's depression-handled w/ care and realistically
-I just loved Summoner's coolness
-The relationship between Poppy and her dad
-Kay interfering in Summoner's relationship
-I loved Daisy and Poppy's meeting and hang outs
Rating: 3.5/5
Spice level:5/5 open door, explicit
Thanks to NetGalley, Xpresso Book Tours| LR Publishing, and Quiana Glide for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.
Author: Quiana Glide-new to me author
Publication date: 8/4/26 | Read:8/2/26
Format: e-Book 316 pgs.
Genre:
*Contemporary Romance
*AA Interests
Tropes:
*interracial romance
*age gap
*music/rock star romance
*family drama
*3rd act breakup
POV: 1st person
TW: depression/anxiety, therapy, ageism, survivor's guilt
Setting: NY to Spain
Summary: Poppy works at an entertainment and news website (Popbyte) but wants to write about more serious topics. She meets an anxious older man at a coffee shop who turns out to be the rockstar -Summoner- she was in love with as a fan growing up. She won't give up asking him for an interview to write a profile. He refuses but they spend time together with Poppy helping him with anxiety through exposure therapy when he helps further her career.
Heroine: Poppy Thomas-33, content creator @ Popbyte
Hero: Summoner-65, reclusive rock star
Other Characters
* Poppy's Dad/Mom-Meghan (deceased)
* Kay Elliott-Summoner's ex-wife, 2 adult children Evan and Daisy Elliott
* Moore-bodyguard/assistant
* Jordan-Poppy's BFF, Shay-his gf
*Poppy and Summoner's HEA
My Thoughts/Likes:
-Poppy's depression-handled w/ care and realistically
-I just loved Summoner's coolness
-The relationship between Poppy and her dad
-Kay interfering in Summoner's relationship
-I loved Daisy and Poppy's meeting and hang outs
Rating: 3.5/5
Spice level:5/5 open door, explicit
Thanks to NetGalley, Xpresso Book Tours| LR Publishing, and Quiana Glide for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Music Between You and I completely stole my heart. What starts as an unexpected meeting between a nerdy pop culture writer and her former rockstar crush turns into a beautifully layered story about love, healing, and finding the courage to be seen. I was hooked from the very first chapter.
Poppy was such a refreshing FMC. I loved her humor, her passion, and the way she never stopped chasing what mattered to her, even while navigating depression and trying to find her place as a writer. And Summoner... I absolutely adored him. Beneath the rockstar legend was a quiet, thoughtful man carrying so much anxiety and emotional weight. Watching him slowly open up to Poppy was incredibly rewarding.
Their relationship felt so genuine. The age gap, the fame, and the outside opinions could have easily overshadowed the romance, but instead they became part of a much deeper story about choosing each other despite the complications. Their conversations, quiet moments, and growing trust made me fall in love with them right alongside the characters.
What really made this a five-star read for me was how much heart it had. It thoughtfully explored mental health, identity, family, and the pressure of living up to other people's expectations while still delivering a romance that felt hopeful and deeply satisfying.
Overall, The Music Between You and I is a beautiful, emotional romance with unforgettable characters and a love story that feels both tender and earned. This one left me smiling, tearing up, and thinking about these characters long after I turned the last page. An easy five stars.
Poppy was such a refreshing FMC. I loved her humor, her passion, and the way she never stopped chasing what mattered to her, even while navigating depression and trying to find her place as a writer. And Summoner... I absolutely adored him. Beneath the rockstar legend was a quiet, thoughtful man carrying so much anxiety and emotional weight. Watching him slowly open up to Poppy was incredibly rewarding.
Their relationship felt so genuine. The age gap, the fame, and the outside opinions could have easily overshadowed the romance, but instead they became part of a much deeper story about choosing each other despite the complications. Their conversations, quiet moments, and growing trust made me fall in love with them right alongside the characters.
What really made this a five-star read for me was how much heart it had. It thoughtfully explored mental health, identity, family, and the pressure of living up to other people's expectations while still delivering a romance that felt hopeful and deeply satisfying.
Overall, The Music Between You and I is a beautiful, emotional romance with unforgettable characters and a love story that feels both tender and earned. This one left me smiling, tearing up, and thinking about these characters long after I turned the last page. An easy five stars.
August 13, 2026
I do like a good age-gap romance here and there, but did I know I'd love this soooo much!?? Absolutely Nottt!!!!
I was so emotionally invested in this couple that I can't even express!!!
Poppy ~ She was awkward, sarcastic, insecure, constantly overthinking and honestly, a complete mess sometimes. She carried so many insecurities about herself and about being worthy of love... and none of that changed suddenly and quickly just because Summoner fell for her.
Summoner ~ He was definitely not what I expected. Yes, he was a legendary rockstar, ridiculously wealthy and quite literally twice Poppy's age, but underneath all of that he was just as lonely and emotionally complicated as she was. His anxiety and his tendency to withdraw made their relationship more complicated, but also made it feel like they actually understood something in each other.
Their age gap was obviously impossible to ignore and I liked that the book didn't just circle around it. Poppy questioned it, other people questioned it, their families had opinions and there were moments where even I was like… ‘Gurlll, are we really doing this???’ 😭😭
I also really liked that the author chose to actually deal with the mental health aspect of the story. Poppy's struggles weren't magically fixed by falling in love and her friendships, therapy and writing each had their own space. Loved how Summoner supported her through all that.
Mind you, this was not the typical rockstar romance you read... but definitely a one that'll be stuck in your mind and won't let you leave. 🤭🤭
I was so emotionally invested in this couple that I can't even express!!!
Poppy ~ She was awkward, sarcastic, insecure, constantly overthinking and honestly, a complete mess sometimes. She carried so many insecurities about herself and about being worthy of love... and none of that changed suddenly and quickly just because Summoner fell for her.
Summoner ~ He was definitely not what I expected. Yes, he was a legendary rockstar, ridiculously wealthy and quite literally twice Poppy's age, but underneath all of that he was just as lonely and emotionally complicated as she was. His anxiety and his tendency to withdraw made their relationship more complicated, but also made it feel like they actually understood something in each other.
Their age gap was obviously impossible to ignore and I liked that the book didn't just circle around it. Poppy questioned it, other people questioned it, their families had opinions and there were moments where even I was like… ‘Gurlll, are we really doing this???’ 😭😭
I also really liked that the author chose to actually deal with the mental health aspect of the story. Poppy's struggles weren't magically fixed by falling in love and her friendships, therapy and writing each had their own space. Loved how Summoner supported her through all that.
Mind you, this was not the typical rockstar romance you read... but definitely a one that'll be stuck in your mind and won't let you leave. 🤭🤭
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Music Between You And I by Quiana Glide is a very deeply emotional story that is not just another romance but it touched themes like depression, insecurity , feelings of not being enough, and self discovery.
Poppy, our MMC, works in Popbyte and write listicles and articles. She has this huge crush and a huge fan of Summoner, a retired rock singer.
They suddenly met in a coffee shop one day, and that changed both of their lives for good! They both are struggling with their own problems, they both have mental struggle, but still they choose each other and tried to help on another in getting out of anxiety and depression.
It is a slow-burn connection built on shared music, awkward conversations, and mutual healing. This also has that big age gap trope, like seriously big, but you'll enjoy it!
What sets this book apart is these relatable characters. They are not flawless, not even a single one. Every character in this book has their flaws, even the side ones, either they are struggling with their relationship, or they are having problems accepting relationship of others.
Beyond the romance, the book handles heavy real-world issues like Black maternal health disparities, survivor's guilt, and emotional baggage with incredible care and depth. If you love a slow-burn story where emotional vulnerability matters more than constant plot twists, this unforgettable read is definitely worth adding to your shelf!
Poppy, our MMC, works in Popbyte and write listicles and articles. She has this huge crush and a huge fan of Summoner, a retired rock singer.
They suddenly met in a coffee shop one day, and that changed both of their lives for good! They both are struggling with their own problems, they both have mental struggle, but still they choose each other and tried to help on another in getting out of anxiety and depression.
It is a slow-burn connection built on shared music, awkward conversations, and mutual healing. This also has that big age gap trope, like seriously big, but you'll enjoy it!
What sets this book apart is these relatable characters. They are not flawless, not even a single one. Every character in this book has their flaws, even the side ones, either they are struggling with their relationship, or they are having problems accepting relationship of others.
Beyond the romance, the book handles heavy real-world issues like Black maternal health disparities, survivor's guilt, and emotional baggage with incredible care and depth. If you love a slow-burn story where emotional vulnerability matters more than constant plot twists, this unforgettable read is definitely worth adding to your shelf!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*** ARC Review ***
This was such a heartfelt romance about healing, second chances, and finding the courage to truly live again.
Poppy dreams of becoming a "real" writer, but for now she spends her Wednesdays working from her favourite coffee shop, fuelled by overly sweet coffee and the music of Summoner—the musician she's admired for years, who disappeared from the public eye at the height of his fame. Everything changes when an older man searching for a free seat walks into the café.
What follows is much more than a romance. It's a deeply emotional story that tackles severe depression and anxiety with compassion while showing how powerful genuine friendship, patience, and human connection can be. The age-gap and fan-meets-idol romance is beautifully woven into a story that is ultimately about healing rather than celebrity.
I also appreciated that the book doesn't shy away from complicated family dynamics. Jealousy, resentment, and the expectations placed on those we love all add another layer to the story and make the emotional moments hit even harder.
Above all, this novel carries a hopeful message: it's never too late to change your life, to ask for help, or to overcome even the biggest obstacles. It's an emotional, heartwarming read that left me with a smile—and a few tears—by the end.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This was such a heartfelt romance about healing, second chances, and finding the courage to truly live again.
Poppy dreams of becoming a "real" writer, but for now she spends her Wednesdays working from her favourite coffee shop, fuelled by overly sweet coffee and the music of Summoner—the musician she's admired for years, who disappeared from the public eye at the height of his fame. Everything changes when an older man searching for a free seat walks into the café.
What follows is much more than a romance. It's a deeply emotional story that tackles severe depression and anxiety with compassion while showing how powerful genuine friendship, patience, and human connection can be. The age-gap and fan-meets-idol romance is beautifully woven into a story that is ultimately about healing rather than celebrity.
I also appreciated that the book doesn't shy away from complicated family dynamics. Jealousy, resentment, and the expectations placed on those we love all add another layer to the story and make the emotional moments hit even harder.
Above all, this novel carries a hopeful message: it's never too late to change your life, to ask for help, or to overcome even the biggest obstacles. It's an emotional, heartwarming read that left me with a smile—and a few tears—by the end.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
August 17, 2026
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tropes:
🎤Music Industry
🩷Mental Health Rep,
🎤Age Gap
🩷Slow-burn
🎤Survivors Guilt
🩷Friends to Lovers
A huge thanks to The Picture of Romance for the opportunity to read The Music Between You and I by the incredibly talented Quiana Glide.
The Music Between You And I is the first of Quiana Glide’s books that I have read and what a beautiful place to start. This novel is guaranteed to make it’s way into your heart because it’s so much more than a romance.
Poppy the FMC is instantly relatable, I honestly wanted to give her a hug and tell her that it wasn’t her fault. She has a hard time opening up on a deeper level despite having some amazing friends around her, a reminder that allowing your own vulnerability doesn’t always come easy.
Summoner our MMC. A tea drinking, retired rock legend with some serious social awkwardness 😂 I mean on paper that character profile shouldn’t work but Quiana you worked your magic and made him so completely intriguing, I kinda wish I had more from his perspective because he’s still got some layers to unpack.
Poppy and Summoner’s union is one of slow burning and of healing. No quick fixes here and that felt real!.
My take aways are the important messages around it never being too late to ask for help if you need it and that it’s never EVER too late to make changes in/to your life, so go for it because you never know what could happen and there’s a lot of hope in that 💗
Tropes:
🎤Music Industry
🩷Mental Health Rep,
🎤Age Gap
🩷Slow-burn
🎤Survivors Guilt
🩷Friends to Lovers
A huge thanks to The Picture of Romance for the opportunity to read The Music Between You and I by the incredibly talented Quiana Glide.
The Music Between You And I is the first of Quiana Glide’s books that I have read and what a beautiful place to start. This novel is guaranteed to make it’s way into your heart because it’s so much more than a romance.
Poppy the FMC is instantly relatable, I honestly wanted to give her a hug and tell her that it wasn’t her fault. She has a hard time opening up on a deeper level despite having some amazing friends around her, a reminder that allowing your own vulnerability doesn’t always come easy.
Summoner our MMC. A tea drinking, retired rock legend with some serious social awkwardness 😂 I mean on paper that character profile shouldn’t work but Quiana you worked your magic and made him so completely intriguing, I kinda wish I had more from his perspective because he’s still got some layers to unpack.
Poppy and Summoner’s union is one of slow burning and of healing. No quick fixes here and that felt real!.
My take aways are the important messages around it never being too late to ask for help if you need it and that it’s never EVER too late to make changes in/to your life, so go for it because you never know what could happen and there’s a lot of hope in that 💗
August 25, 2026
This book turned out to be such an unexpected emotional journey. I went into it expecting a romance, but it gave me something much deeper—a story about two people finding comfort in each other while dealing with their own complicated realities.
The romance definitely has an unusual dynamic, especially because of the significant age difference, and I can understand why it might not work for every reader. Still, the relationship felt layered rather than simply romantic. There were moments of warmth and tenderness, but also plenty of pain, uncertainty, isolation, and emotional vulnerability.
What really stood out to me was how human the characters felt. Poppy’s emotional journey especially made the story hit harder. Some parts were genuinely heartbreaking, while others brought that quiet kind of happiness that makes you want to keep turning the pages.
I also enjoyed the author's storytelling style. The pacing allowed the emotional moments to breathe, and the story gradually pulled me further into the characters' lives. It wasn't a perfect romance for me, but it was memorable because it explored loneliness, healing, love, and the messy parts of being human.
Overall, this was a surprisingly touching read with a romance that definitely comes with its own set of complications. The age-gap element may be a little difficult for some readers to get past, but if you're open to emotional, unconventional romances with heavier themes, this one is worth giving a chance.
The romance definitely has an unusual dynamic, especially because of the significant age difference, and I can understand why it might not work for every reader. Still, the relationship felt layered rather than simply romantic. There were moments of warmth and tenderness, but also plenty of pain, uncertainty, isolation, and emotional vulnerability.
What really stood out to me was how human the characters felt. Poppy’s emotional journey especially made the story hit harder. Some parts were genuinely heartbreaking, while others brought that quiet kind of happiness that makes you want to keep turning the pages.
I also enjoyed the author's storytelling style. The pacing allowed the emotional moments to breathe, and the story gradually pulled me further into the characters' lives. It wasn't a perfect romance for me, but it was memorable because it explored loneliness, healing, love, and the messy parts of being human.
Overall, this was a surprisingly touching read with a romance that definitely comes with its own set of complications. The age-gap element may be a little difficult for some readers to get past, but if you're open to emotional, unconventional romances with heavier themes, this one is worth giving a chance.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The music between you and I had the potential to be a super cute (or super hot) romance. There is mental health rep, rock-star vibes, age-gaps, family issues.
Unfortunately, it also has some issues:
1. There are a number of things the reader is told (Poppy is not close to her father, people are bad at communicating) when we are shown the opposite - the book actually starts with Poppy hanging out with her dad.
2. Since this book has a grammar mistake in the title, seems churlish for me to complain about all the other grammar mistakes. It could have done with an editor.
3. Poppy and her friends are meant to be 33, but they act like immature 23-year-olds. It would have been easy to age everyone in the book down by ten years.
4. I'm not against swearing, but there is a lot of it here, including in Poppy's inner dialogue. She's meant to be a writer, but isn't articulate, even in her head. I found it jarring, some readers might find it authentic.
5. The pacing, which includes a third act breakup very late in the book, and an epilogue which is basically an interview to explain how all the wider relationship issues resolved.
It's not a bad book, but it reads like an early draft.
Thanks to NetGalley and LR Publishing for the DRC in exchange for this review.
Unfortunately, it also has some issues:
1. There are a number of things the reader is told (Poppy is not close to her father, people are bad at communicating) when we are shown the opposite - the book actually starts with Poppy hanging out with her dad.
2. Since this book has a grammar mistake in the title, seems churlish for me to complain about all the other grammar mistakes. It could have done with an editor.
3. Poppy and her friends are meant to be 33, but they act like immature 23-year-olds. It would have been easy to age everyone in the book down by ten years.
4. I'm not against swearing, but there is a lot of it here, including in Poppy's inner dialogue. She's meant to be a writer, but isn't articulate, even in her head. I found it jarring, some readers might find it authentic.
5. The pacing, which includes a third act breakup very late in the book, and an epilogue which is basically an interview to explain how all the wider relationship issues resolved.
It's not a bad book, but it reads like an early draft.
Thanks to NetGalley and LR Publishing for the DRC in exchange for this review.
August 11, 2026
I received an ebook copy in return for a voluntary honest review.
I can honestly say this book took me by surprise in the best way.
When the reclusive rock star meets nerdy writer in a coffee shop I did not expect to be taken along a journey of healing, acceptance, feeling seen, mending of relationships and such a well written representation of mental health.
As someone who personally struggles with depression reading about how Poppy deals with certain situations and how she views herself hit home for me.
Being brutally honest I was concerned with the large age gap between the characters to start off with but that concern soon disappeared as their story developed.
This is a story covering interracial relationships, other people’s prejudice, realising that how you see yourself is completely different to how your friends view you, being open in all your relationships whether that’s with family or partners.
Age is just a number and the colour of your skin doesn’t matter when two people are drawn to each other on a deeper level.
Favourite quote
“ Because to be human is to be imperfect. But there is so much beauty in those imperfections. A scraped knee. An out of place hair. A lopsided curl. Everything in the world can be beautiful.”
I can honestly say this book took me by surprise in the best way.
When the reclusive rock star meets nerdy writer in a coffee shop I did not expect to be taken along a journey of healing, acceptance, feeling seen, mending of relationships and such a well written representation of mental health.
As someone who personally struggles with depression reading about how Poppy deals with certain situations and how she views herself hit home for me.
Being brutally honest I was concerned with the large age gap between the characters to start off with but that concern soon disappeared as their story developed.
This is a story covering interracial relationships, other people’s prejudice, realising that how you see yourself is completely different to how your friends view you, being open in all your relationships whether that’s with family or partners.
Age is just a number and the colour of your skin doesn’t matter when two people are drawn to each other on a deeper level.
Favourite quote
“ Because to be human is to be imperfect. But there is so much beauty in those imperfections. A scraped knee. An out of place hair. A lopsided curl. Everything in the world can be beautiful.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2026
Okay I wasn't too sure to start with I was not ready to dive head first into this but I did 😂 this book literally devoured me
I received this as an arc and I am very grateful!
So you have beautiful poppy who would like to become a known writer instead of writing for a company in the column section. She is sat in a cafe trying to set the scene and the vibes when a guy walks in trying to find a table when she waves him over.
What she doesn't know until later is that he is her celebrity crush summoner an amazing music rockstar which her and her dad are completely obsessed with.
Summoner is pretty tight and closed on conversation but gradually opens more and more.
This is when the connection grows but there is concern as he is older than her dad!
Summoner has a dark past which you been to see. I must also comment I love summoner but the way he was with his ex and kids drove me up the wall I was so angry and I just wanted to shake him😂
I loved poppy she was a fun FMC and stood up to what she believed in and that was her connection with summoner it must of been so hard keeping them a secret for so long.
They just wanted a normal fun relationship like everyone else but it never is.
Tropes
Music/rockstar romance
Age gap
Friends to lovers
Family drama
I received this as an arc and I am very grateful!
So you have beautiful poppy who would like to become a known writer instead of writing for a company in the column section. She is sat in a cafe trying to set the scene and the vibes when a guy walks in trying to find a table when she waves him over.
What she doesn't know until later is that he is her celebrity crush summoner an amazing music rockstar which her and her dad are completely obsessed with.
Summoner is pretty tight and closed on conversation but gradually opens more and more.
This is when the connection grows but there is concern as he is older than her dad!
Summoner has a dark past which you been to see. I must also comment I love summoner but the way he was with his ex and kids drove me up the wall I was so angry and I just wanted to shake him😂
I loved poppy she was a fun FMC and stood up to what she believed in and that was her connection with summoner it must of been so hard keeping them a secret for so long.
They just wanted a normal fun relationship like everyone else but it never is.
Tropes
Music/rockstar romance
Age gap
Friends to lovers
Family drama
August 21, 2026
2.5⭐️
Firstly, let me start by saying I appreciate the premise of this book because depression and anxiety especially in young black women is not something spoken about so openly, especially in romance novels. So huge well done to Quiana for acknowledging the gap and delivering.
With that being said, I can appreciate this book but it didn’t hit the mark for me. It might be that the age gap trope just ain’t for me, and yes Poppy had her struggles with her mental health, her dad and the death of her mother however, there was never a point in the book where I would’ve loved to see her at least strong, you know.
Poppy was meant to be 33 but she just had soo many childlike tendencies which is calm because we’re all technically big kids at heart, but there are levels (and ngl I was lokey side eyeing her).
Summoner didn’t make things better though cause to me he gave grandpa instead of DILF. Don’t even get me started on the weird relationship he had with his ex, and their little breakup stunt. When I tell you I was sooo excited to get to the end of this book, only because to meeee it was boring.
Overall, good topics but I wasn’t feeling the execution, and the one sided POV (Nopee not a fan) and for all the smut lovers out there, Zis was spicyy.
Firstly, let me start by saying I appreciate the premise of this book because depression and anxiety especially in young black women is not something spoken about so openly, especially in romance novels. So huge well done to Quiana for acknowledging the gap and delivering.
With that being said, I can appreciate this book but it didn’t hit the mark for me. It might be that the age gap trope just ain’t for me, and yes Poppy had her struggles with her mental health, her dad and the death of her mother however, there was never a point in the book where I would’ve loved to see her at least strong, you know.
Poppy was meant to be 33 but she just had soo many childlike tendencies which is calm because we’re all technically big kids at heart, but there are levels (and ngl I was lokey side eyeing her).
Summoner didn’t make things better though cause to me he gave grandpa instead of DILF. Don’t even get me started on the weird relationship he had with his ex, and their little breakup stunt. When I tell you I was sooo excited to get to the end of this book, only because to meeee it was boring.
Overall, good topics but I wasn’t feeling the execution, and the one sided POV (Nopee not a fan) and for all the smut lovers out there, Zis was spicyy.
August 12, 2026
First off, let me say I’m usually not a big fan of huge age-gap romances. But just knowing that it was loosely based on the premise of maybe Sting… I understood because I sooooo would marry him myself lol.
This story follows FMC Poppy, who was a huge fan of our MMC, Summoner. Upon, I would say, stalking him, she finally gets a chance to enter his world. They first started as each other’s coping mechanisms, lol, but then surely they became more than that. Of course, they had their challenges due to their 30-year age gap, i.e., their families.
Both of them have anxiety and other disorders, and they lean on each other to become better individuals.
The only problem I did have is… Poppy needed to stand up to Summoner’s family. And I also didn’t like that he was not strong enough to defend her as well when his family almost attacked her physically. I really wanted her to have more of a backbone, and I really wanted him to protect her more.
This book made me visualize myself being with my older celebrity crush. Imagine me actually getting a chance at Tony Danza lol. So I was rooting for Poppy to get her man.
This story follows FMC Poppy, who was a huge fan of our MMC, Summoner. Upon, I would say, stalking him, she finally gets a chance to enter his world. They first started as each other’s coping mechanisms, lol, but then surely they became more than that. Of course, they had their challenges due to their 30-year age gap, i.e., their families.
Both of them have anxiety and other disorders, and they lean on each other to become better individuals.
The only problem I did have is… Poppy needed to stand up to Summoner’s family. And I also didn’t like that he was not strong enough to defend her as well when his family almost attacked her physically. I really wanted her to have more of a backbone, and I really wanted him to protect her more.
This book made me visualize myself being with my older celebrity crush. Imagine me actually getting a chance at Tony Danza lol. So I was rooting for Poppy to get her man.
August 21, 2026
The Music Between You and I is a slow burn, contemporary romance with lots of mental health representation, spice and sweet moments.
Told through first person POV (point of view), this book follows Poppy and Summoner as they unexpectedly meet in a coffee shop one day and things develop from there.
Poppy is a 33 year old writer and working for an entertainment site. While she wants more responsibility and to be given the opportunity to write more serious pieces she is finding it difficult because of perception around her battle with depression, and the depression itself. Summoner is a 65 year old rockstar who has become a recluse and has his own battles with anxiety. As they begin to spend time with each other, both Poppy and Summoner have their own individual journeys of healing and growth interwoven with their growing connection and relationship.
This is a meaningful story that handles hard subjects, such as mental health, grief, guilt and therapy, with care and sensitivity. Despite the fan x idol and age gap tropes present in this book, it is one that feels so realistic. Not only does it deal with real world problems but all the characters are also really relatable and feel like real people rather than characters. I rate The Music Between You and I 4⭐️ and recommend it to anyone who is wanting a deeper romance that also manages to feel quite light hearted in its portrayal.
Told through first person POV (point of view), this book follows Poppy and Summoner as they unexpectedly meet in a coffee shop one day and things develop from there.
Poppy is a 33 year old writer and working for an entertainment site. While she wants more responsibility and to be given the opportunity to write more serious pieces she is finding it difficult because of perception around her battle with depression, and the depression itself. Summoner is a 65 year old rockstar who has become a recluse and has his own battles with anxiety. As they begin to spend time with each other, both Poppy and Summoner have their own individual journeys of healing and growth interwoven with their growing connection and relationship.
This is a meaningful story that handles hard subjects, such as mental health, grief, guilt and therapy, with care and sensitivity. Despite the fan x idol and age gap tropes present in this book, it is one that feels so realistic. Not only does it deal with real world problems but all the characters are also really relatable and feel like real people rather than characters. I rate The Music Between You and I 4⭐️ and recommend it to anyone who is wanting a deeper romance that also manages to feel quite light hearted in its portrayal.
August 18, 2026
"I could write a million songs from now until the end of time and they would be all about you, Poppy."
This is the oldest MMC in my romance novels. I mean it! He's 60+!! My father is only 50+ over here. 😅
But did I read still read it? Yes.
Did I read the spices? Definitely.
Did I fall for him? Um... Shamelessly.
I loved this man okay? This is the exact moment when I say age doesn't matter in love. Poppy, I can feel you babe. He's extremely lovable person!! 🫠✨
I'm just a girl. Don't judge me! 🎀
The chemistry, the story, the plot, yearning — everything was there and I loved it!! Like hello? I was here for a age gap Rockstar romance! How did I end up falling for a man who's older than my father?
So far this was my first Rockstar romance and I loved it. Author nailed the show! And you know I thought I'd be cringed to read the spices, but... Our old man made them comfortable. (🌶️🌶️🌶️)
Then comes that part when I felt a Lil angry over Poppy's father. Bruh! That girl lost her mother too when you lost your wife! Don't traumatize the poor girl!! 😑 But the way Poppy dealt with the trauma, it was so beautiful! Proud of our girl!
This is the oldest MMC in my romance novels. I mean it! He's 60+!! My father is only 50+ over here. 😅
But did I read still read it? Yes.
Did I read the spices? Definitely.
Did I fall for him? Um... Shamelessly.
I loved this man okay? This is the exact moment when I say age doesn't matter in love. Poppy, I can feel you babe. He's extremely lovable person!! 🫠✨
I'm just a girl. Don't judge me! 🎀
The chemistry, the story, the plot, yearning — everything was there and I loved it!! Like hello? I was here for a age gap Rockstar romance! How did I end up falling for a man who's older than my father?
So far this was my first Rockstar romance and I loved it. Author nailed the show! And you know I thought I'd be cringed to read the spices, but... Our old man made them comfortable. (🌶️🌶️🌶️)
Then comes that part when I felt a Lil angry over Poppy's father. Bruh! That girl lost her mother too when you lost your wife! Don't traumatize the poor girl!! 😑 But the way Poppy dealt with the trauma, it was so beautiful! Proud of our girl!
Review of advance copy received from Author
'The Music between You and I' is an age gap romance story of a musician and an admirer. It shows the power of connection that music can bring into life.
Poppy doesn't have a mother, only a father who loves her and likes to listen to new music every now and then. She works at popbyte as a content writer - mostly listicles. Bored. Absent. A bit envious of her friend.
Summoner was once a music sensation who went MIA a long time ago. But, one day he just appears in Poppy's life and she couldn't believe it if she had dreamt or he was actually there. Stuck with an idea of interviewing him and getting a chance for that major break in her career she was determined to approach him.
But was he actually Summoner? Was he ready to be opened up like that again to the public? Is there a chance of something more?
I liked the story line though I am not a big fan otf age gap. I liked Poppy's determined streak and Summoner's decision of being private. The story simmered gradually as the love for music started humming.
A long but sweet read!
Poppy doesn't have a mother, only a father who loves her and likes to listen to new music every now and then. She works at popbyte as a content writer - mostly listicles. Bored. Absent. A bit envious of her friend.
Summoner was once a music sensation who went MIA a long time ago. But, one day he just appears in Poppy's life and she couldn't believe it if she had dreamt or he was actually there. Stuck with an idea of interviewing him and getting a chance for that major break in her career she was determined to approach him.
But was he actually Summoner? Was he ready to be opened up like that again to the public? Is there a chance of something more?
I liked the story line though I am not a big fan otf age gap. I liked Poppy's determined streak and Summoner's decision of being private. The story simmered gradually as the love for music started humming.
A long but sweet read!
August 8, 2026
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.
The Music in You and I by Quiana Glide is an emotional age gap romance filled with grief, loss, longing, first love, mental health struggles, and slow-burn healing.
This is not a light or fluffy romance. The age gap is significant, and the relationship is emotionally complicated from the start. He is a reclusive older man dealing with severe anxiety, while she is carrying deep depression and the lifelong grief of losing her mother. Their love story takes time, distance, and a lot of emotional weight before they can truly come together.
What stood out most to me was the way the book explored grief, self-worth, and the painful process of learning to believe you deserve love. At times, the story felt dramatic and heavy, but it was also moving to watch her slowly begin to see her own value.
Readers who enjoy emotional romance, age gap romance, grief-heavy love stories, mental health representation, first love, and long-term longing may connect with this book.
The Music in You and I by Quiana Glide is an emotional age gap romance filled with grief, loss, longing, first love, mental health struggles, and slow-burn healing.
This is not a light or fluffy romance. The age gap is significant, and the relationship is emotionally complicated from the start. He is a reclusive older man dealing with severe anxiety, while she is carrying deep depression and the lifelong grief of losing her mother. Their love story takes time, distance, and a lot of emotional weight before they can truly come together.
What stood out most to me was the way the book explored grief, self-worth, and the painful process of learning to believe you deserve love. At times, the story felt dramatic and heavy, but it was also moving to watch her slowly begin to see her own value.
Readers who enjoy emotional romance, age gap romance, grief-heavy love stories, mental health representation, first love, and long-term longing may connect with this book.
August 13, 2026
This is my honest review of an advanced copy. I really wanted to love this book. It has a lot of good things going for it. The world needs more books with diverse characters and mental health representation. Also, I was excited to read an age-gap romance with a celebrity twist.
Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy this book at all. The FMC was immature, and none of her relationships (with the MMC, her friends, or her father) had any ring of truth to them. Much of the dialogue was cringeworthy to read. The FMC’s relationship with her father was also really hard to read.
The main relationship was unbelievable. I couldn’t suspend my disbelief far enough to believe any aspect of the relationship. There was no chemistry, and it honestly felt abusive at times.
Most importantly, though, the mental health representation was problematic and likely would be triggering. For example, the main characters meet in a coffee shop and suddenly the young FMC is helping the MMC do “exposure therapy” despite having no training or experience.
Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy this book at all. The FMC was immature, and none of her relationships (with the MMC, her friends, or her father) had any ring of truth to them. Much of the dialogue was cringeworthy to read. The FMC’s relationship with her father was also really hard to read.
The main relationship was unbelievable. I couldn’t suspend my disbelief far enough to believe any aspect of the relationship. There was no chemistry, and it honestly felt abusive at times.
Most importantly, though, the mental health representation was problematic and likely would be triggering. For example, the main characters meet in a coffee shop and suddenly the young FMC is helping the MMC do “exposure therapy” despite having no training or experience.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2026
I went into this expecting a sweet romance, but I ended up enjoying the emotional depth much more than I expected. Poppy felt especially relatable to me with her ambition, curiosity and imperfections. Her connection with Summoner slowly becoming something deeper was definitely one of my favorite parts. 🎶❤️
“A shared love of music brought my parents together. The saxophonist and the violinist. Two Black nerds who wanted to get more kids of color playing music. They had dreams and goals as a unit.”
I loved how this connected music with family, identity and love. It made the story feel more personal to me. 🎻🎷✨
I also appreciated that the romance isn't portrayed as perfect. Fame, the age gap, insecurities, anxiety and family expectations all add layers to their relationship. ❤️🩹
Overall, this was a heartfelt romance about finding someone who sees the person behind the image. If you enjoy emotional romances with music, an age gap and complicated but memorable characters, definitely add this to your TBR. 📚💕
July 19, 2026
This story reminded me why I love books that are willing to explore the messy, complicated parts of being human.
The FMC Poppy, is a Black millennial writer in her thirties, and Summoner, the MMC is a former rockstar who disappeared from the spotlight years ago. When their worlds collide in a coffee shop, neither of them expects to find something they both desperately need: a little hope, understanding, and healing.
I really appreciated how this story balanced so many layers. The family dynamics, age gap, mental health representation, cultural nuances, and the very real struggles with depression, anxiety, and self blame were all woven throughout the story in a way that felt intentional. I truly loved the conversations around Black women’s maternal health. I learned something through the way Quiana Glide incorporated those discussions into the story, and I always appreciate when a book can open my eyes to experiences outside of my own.
The relationships in this book were flawed, messy, and complicated, which honestly made them feel more authentic. There were definitely moments where I found myself frustrated or uncomfortable, but isn’t that sometimes how real relationships are? People are imperfect, and healing is rarely a straight line.
I also loved that Poppy never needed Summoner to save her. Even though he was filthy rich and had the ability to make things easier, her journey was still hers. Her relationship with him was about finding someone who understood her, not someone who completed her.
This story is for readers who crave something deeper than the typical romance story. It's a tapestry of complicated characters, difficult conversations, growth, and all of those messy threads come together to create something meaningful.
Also, I definitely wanted to have a few words with Summoner’s ex wife 🙄
If you enjoy books that are thoughtful, layered, and explore love, healing, identity, and what it means to find someone who sees you, then definitely add this to your list.
The FMC Poppy, is a Black millennial writer in her thirties, and Summoner, the MMC is a former rockstar who disappeared from the spotlight years ago. When their worlds collide in a coffee shop, neither of them expects to find something they both desperately need: a little hope, understanding, and healing.
I really appreciated how this story balanced so many layers. The family dynamics, age gap, mental health representation, cultural nuances, and the very real struggles with depression, anxiety, and self blame were all woven throughout the story in a way that felt intentional. I truly loved the conversations around Black women’s maternal health. I learned something through the way Quiana Glide incorporated those discussions into the story, and I always appreciate when a book can open my eyes to experiences outside of my own.
The relationships in this book were flawed, messy, and complicated, which honestly made them feel more authentic. There were definitely moments where I found myself frustrated or uncomfortable, but isn’t that sometimes how real relationships are? People are imperfect, and healing is rarely a straight line.
I also loved that Poppy never needed Summoner to save her. Even though he was filthy rich and had the ability to make things easier, her journey was still hers. Her relationship with him was about finding someone who understood her, not someone who completed her.
This story is for readers who crave something deeper than the typical romance story. It's a tapestry of complicated characters, difficult conversations, growth, and all of those messy threads come together to create something meaningful.
Also, I definitely wanted to have a few words with Summoner’s ex wife 🙄
If you enjoy books that are thoughtful, layered, and explore love, healing, identity, and what it means to find someone who sees you, then definitely add this to your list.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It is a slow-burn connection built on shared music, awkward conversations, and mutual healing. This also has that big age gap!
The FMC Poppy, is a Black millennial writer in her thirties, and Summoner, the MMC is a former rockstar who disappeared from the spotlight years ago. When their worlds collide in a coffee shop, neither of them expects to find something they both desperately need: a little hope, understanding, and healing.
Every character in this book has their flaws, even the side ones, either they are struggling with their relationship, or they are having problems accepting relationship of others.
The book handles heavy real-world issues like survivor's guilt, and emotional baggage with incredible care and depth. If you love a slow-burn story where emotional vulnerability matters more than constant plot twists, is worth adding to your shelf!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The FMC Poppy, is a Black millennial writer in her thirties, and Summoner, the MMC is a former rockstar who disappeared from the spotlight years ago. When their worlds collide in a coffee shop, neither of them expects to find something they both desperately need: a little hope, understanding, and healing.
Every character in this book has their flaws, even the side ones, either they are struggling with their relationship, or they are having problems accepting relationship of others.
The book handles heavy real-world issues like survivor's guilt, and emotional baggage with incredible care and depth. If you love a slow-burn story where emotional vulnerability matters more than constant plot twists, is worth adding to your shelf!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 19, 2026
This was an emotional story that handles heavy real world issues like survivor's guilt and mental health with depth and care. I really like that FMC and MMC both struggling with their own mental health they became an anchor for one anothter, slowly learing to suppor each other and face their challanges together.
The slow burn connection felt geniune showing emotional vulnerability. The messy, realistic moments especially the protrayal of anxiety and depression brought awareness to experiences so many people face on daily basis.
That said, I did struggle a little with some of the FMC's choices because were questionable. Still, I could feel the connection between them: it was thoughtful, raw and emotionally impactaful.
If you love age gap, slow burn romances where healing, vulnerability and emotional connection take center stage, this one is for you.
Thank you to the author and the picture of romance for the ebook, this is my honest review.
The slow burn connection felt geniune showing emotional vulnerability. The messy, realistic moments especially the protrayal of anxiety and depression brought awareness to experiences so many people face on daily basis.
That said, I did struggle a little with some of the FMC's choices because were questionable. Still, I could feel the connection between them: it was thoughtful, raw and emotionally impactaful.
If you love age gap, slow burn romances where healing, vulnerability and emotional connection take center stage, this one is for you.
Thank you to the author and the picture of romance for the ebook, this is my honest review.
August 19, 2026
This was an emotional story that handles heavy real world issues like survivor's guilt and mental health with depth and care. I really like that FMC and MMC both struggling with their own mental health they became an anchor for one anothter, slowly learing to suppor each other and face their challanges together.
The slow burn connection felt geniune showing emotional vulnerability. The messy, realistic moments especially the protrayal of anxiety and depression brought awareness to experiences so many people face on daily basis.
That said, I did struggle a little with some of the FMC's choices because were questionable. Still, I could feel the connection between them: it was thoughtful, raw and emotionally impactaful.
If you love age gap, slow burn romances where healing, vulnerability and emotional connection take center stage, this one is for you.
Thank you to the author and the picture of romance for the ebook, this is my honest revi
The slow burn connection felt geniune showing emotional vulnerability. The messy, realistic moments especially the protrayal of anxiety and depression brought awareness to experiences so many people face on daily basis.
That said, I did struggle a little with some of the FMC's choices because were questionable. Still, I could feel the connection between them: it was thoughtful, raw and emotionally impactaful.
If you love age gap, slow burn romances where healing, vulnerability and emotional connection take center stage, this one is for you.
Thank you to the author and the picture of romance for the ebook, this is my honest revi
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