What do you think?
Rate this book
The Art of Falling Out of Tune
Not yet published
Expected 1 Dec 26Maize Wylde is no stranger to a wild bender where she doesn't remember anything, but after taking one night too far (again), her label gives her an clean up her act by opening for golden-boy Grayson West on his upcoming tour, or she's done. Maize hates Grayson because he's everything she's not-a smiling goody-two-shoes with a squeaky clean reputation and a perfect relationship with his parents.
She went from selling out her own stadiums to being Mr. Popular's charity case, but as the tour goes on, Maize sees what really happens behind the cameras and realizes she isn't the only one barely holding on. City after city, between chemistry-filled performances, late-night food runs, and one spontaneous ear-piercing, Maize and Grayson tell each other things they've never told anyone before and discover what it feels like when the right person shows up in the silence between songs. Sometimes even that's not enough, though, and just when everything finally seems to be looking up for Maize, the whole world comes crashing down.
The Art of Falling Out of Tune showcases the chaotic behind-the-scenes of what it's like to be famous while also trying to heal and survive. With unflinching honesty, it explores the weight of addiction, the quiet war of mental illness, and erases the idea that healing needs to be linear. Every high is followed by a crashing low, but Maize and Grayson are determined to look past what the world wants them to be and see each other for who they really are.
She went from selling out her own stadiums to being Mr. Popular's charity case, but as the tour goes on, Maize sees what really happens behind the cameras and realizes she isn't the only one barely holding on. City after city, between chemistry-filled performances, late-night food runs, and one spontaneous ear-piercing, Maize and Grayson tell each other things they've never told anyone before and discover what it feels like when the right person shows up in the silence between songs. Sometimes even that's not enough, though, and just when everything finally seems to be looking up for Maize, the whole world comes crashing down.
The Art of Falling Out of Tune showcases the chaotic behind-the-scenes of what it's like to be famous while also trying to heal and survive. With unflinching honesty, it explores the weight of addiction, the quiet war of mental illness, and erases the idea that healing needs to be linear. Every high is followed by a crashing low, but Maize and Grayson are determined to look past what the world wants them to be and see each other for who they really are.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication December 1, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was an ARC read and it did not disappoint. I loved it! It talked about subjects that can be hard for some and very relatable. Maize and Grayson’s journey through finding love, learning how to heal, and finding their “family” all while being able to perform/create music was a perfect story. Their struggles were very different but also very similar with mental health struggles and finding ways to cope. They learned that family isn’t always “family” and you can pick who your family really is.
Also, loved all the Cincinnati references and the skyline on vine street one.
Also, loved all the Cincinnati references and the skyline on vine street one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Got an Advanced Readers Copy and was not disappointed!!
This book had me kicking my feet, holding my breath, and becoming an emotional MESS! 😭💕 It’s raw, emotional, and so much more than a rom-com, talking about serious topics while still giving us romantic moments. I felt like a proud best friend watching these two find their way, and I would LOVE to see this adapted into a movie. The ending? PERFECT. NO NOTES!! ❤️🩹
This book had me kicking my feet, holding my breath, and becoming an emotional MESS! 😭💕 It’s raw, emotional, and so much more than a rom-com, talking about serious topics while still giving us romantic moments. I felt like a proud best friend watching these two find their way, and I would LOVE to see this adapted into a movie. The ending? PERFECT. NO NOTES!! ❤️🩹
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I genuinely don’t even know where to begin with this book because I don’t think I have the words to explain just how much it moved me. I laughed, I cried, I squealed like a teenage girl, I got frustrated. I fell in love with these characters, their flaws, their messy moments, and every little bit of growth along the way. Somewhere in the middle of all of that, I realized just how deeply this story was getting to me.
This book is so much more than a romance. It’s about being human. It’s about the parts of ourselves we try to hide, the battles people fight that nobody else sees, and how healing isn’t always a one-way street. Sometimes it’s messy. Sometimes it’s painful. Sometimes you take two steps forward and five steps back. Honestly, I think that’s what made this story feel so real to me.
There were moments when I wanted to reach through the pages and hug these characters, moments when I wanted to shake them, and moments when I felt so genuinely proud of how far they’d come that I had to remind myself they weren’t real people. That’s how invested I was.
What I loved most was how relatable this story felt on so many different levels. You don’t have to be a pop star or live a life in the spotlight to recognize pieces of yourself in these characters. Their struggles, their fears, their mistakes, the constant need for perfection, and their desire to be loved and accepted are things so many of us understand.
I cannot stop thinking about how incredible this story could be on screen. Not just because of the romance or the music, but because I genuinely believe the message behind it deserves to reach as many people as possible. I would LOVE to see this made into a movie someday!
More than anything, I hope this book finds the people who need it, the way it found me; the people who need a reminder that they aren’t alone in their struggles, that their past doesn’t have to define them, that growth doesn’t happen overnight, and that being a work in progress doesn’t make someone any less worthy of love. I hope other readers feel as seen, as moved, and as emotionally invested as I did.
Haley Renee, if this is what you can do with your debut novel, I cannot wait to see what comes next! Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC! This is one of those stories that will stay with me long after I’ve turned the last page with tears in my eyes. ❤️🥺❤️🩹
This book is so much more than a romance. It’s about being human. It’s about the parts of ourselves we try to hide, the battles people fight that nobody else sees, and how healing isn’t always a one-way street. Sometimes it’s messy. Sometimes it’s painful. Sometimes you take two steps forward and five steps back. Honestly, I think that’s what made this story feel so real to me.
There were moments when I wanted to reach through the pages and hug these characters, moments when I wanted to shake them, and moments when I felt so genuinely proud of how far they’d come that I had to remind myself they weren’t real people. That’s how invested I was.
What I loved most was how relatable this story felt on so many different levels. You don’t have to be a pop star or live a life in the spotlight to recognize pieces of yourself in these characters. Their struggles, their fears, their mistakes, the constant need for perfection, and their desire to be loved and accepted are things so many of us understand.
I cannot stop thinking about how incredible this story could be on screen. Not just because of the romance or the music, but because I genuinely believe the message behind it deserves to reach as many people as possible. I would LOVE to see this made into a movie someday!
More than anything, I hope this book finds the people who need it, the way it found me; the people who need a reminder that they aren’t alone in their struggles, that their past doesn’t have to define them, that growth doesn’t happen overnight, and that being a work in progress doesn’t make someone any less worthy of love. I hope other readers feel as seen, as moved, and as emotionally invested as I did.
Haley Renee, if this is what you can do with your debut novel, I cannot wait to see what comes next! Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC! This is one of those stories that will stay with me long after I’ve turned the last page with tears in my eyes. ❤️🥺❤️🩹
October 18, 2026
ARC Review
Sometimes when a book gives you content/trigger warnings I will think to myself "how much will this actually hurt my feelings" and apparently Haley Renee took that as a challenge. The Art of Falling Out of Tune was an emotionally damaging story as it followed Maize and Grayson through life as well-known artists and the process of healing. Throughout the book you see Maize struggle with her addiction and listening to her internal struggle was poignant. I loved watching how Grayson and Maize helped each other, not always obvious to the other, but great for the reader. I loved watching Maize help Grayson unwind and feel more in control of himself while Grayson provided Maize support and understanding as she struggled to stay clean. The romance felt like it developed as an undercurrent to their friendship as both were heavily guarded towards each other. I believe it helps support the relationship as it comes to a head in the third act, while setting up for the climax of the story. Overall, I believe this is an amazing debut for Haley Renee and I'm excited to see what she writes next.
Sometimes when a book gives you content/trigger warnings I will think to myself "how much will this actually hurt my feelings" and apparently Haley Renee took that as a challenge. The Art of Falling Out of Tune was an emotionally damaging story as it followed Maize and Grayson through life as well-known artists and the process of healing. Throughout the book you see Maize struggle with her addiction and listening to her internal struggle was poignant. I loved watching how Grayson and Maize helped each other, not always obvious to the other, but great for the reader. I loved watching Maize help Grayson unwind and feel more in control of himself while Grayson provided Maize support and understanding as she struggled to stay clean. The romance felt like it developed as an undercurrent to their friendship as both were heavily guarded towards each other. I believe it helps support the relationship as it comes to a head in the third act, while setting up for the climax of the story. Overall, I believe this is an amazing debut for Haley Renee and I'm excited to see what she writes next.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Art of Falling Out of Tune exceeded every expectation I had. Haley’s writing is absolutely beautiful. She weaves together difficult and deeply emotional topics with such grace, care, and honesty. The vulnerability of the characters touched my soul in a way that I know will stay with me, now and for years to come.
I felt so connected to the main characters that it was as if I truly knew them and was living their story right alongside them from beginning to end. This is the kind of book that makes you feel deeply, reminds you of the power of vulnerability, and leaves a lasting impression on your heart.
I can’t wait to see what Haley writes next. She’s an author I’ll definitely be looking forward to reading again!
I felt so connected to the main characters that it was as if I truly knew them and was living their story right alongside them from beginning to end. This is the kind of book that makes you feel deeply, reminds you of the power of vulnerability, and leaves a lasting impression on your heart.
I can’t wait to see what Haley writes next. She’s an author I’ll definitely be looking forward to reading again!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book! It had different trigger points and character development than what I usually read but it was done so well. I felt like I really could feel these characters. It was told from the POV of only one of the characters, which was different than what I've read in a lot of romance books, as well. Even with that, you still felt like you understood the other characters well. The ending was a little more abrupt than I was expecting, so that's the only reason I didn't give it a full five stars. Trigger warning: there's a lot of drug usage, which I wasn't expecting, as well as self-harm.
October 11, 2026
The Art of Falling Out of Tune was such a beautiful reading experience—and a bit of an emotional roller coaster, tbh! There’s something so special about a book that pulls you in, brings its characters to life, and leaves you thinking about the story long after you’ve finished reading. I loved experiencing this story and the way it shines a light on mental health and the music industry.
I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to read this one as an ARC!
If you’re looking for your next read, definitely add this one to your TBR!!
I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to read this one as an ARC!
If you’re looking for your next read, definitely add this one to your TBR!!
October 7, 2026
Highly recommend!
What sets this book apart from standard romance is that it is a lush and deeply emotional journey that lingers long after the final page is turned. Kind of like that lingering ring in your ears after the best late night concert you've ever been to 😉. If you are looking for a romance that is loud, messy, and has a sprinkle of spice, this is an absolute must-read. I am ready for book number two!
What sets this book apart from standard romance is that it is a lush and deeply emotional journey that lingers long after the final page is turned. Kind of like that lingering ring in your ears after the best late night concert you've ever been to 😉. If you are looking for a romance that is loud, messy, and has a sprinkle of spice, this is an absolute must-read. I am ready for book number two!
October 18, 2026
This book truly had me laughing out loud while also feeling so seen with mental health struggles. Truly a book that will make you feel everything in the best way. I loved these characters and seeing them fall in love.
Review of advance copy received from Author
thank you to wanderlust publishing for sending me this ARC!!
this book felt so much like the gritty parts of daisy jones & the six in the best way possible. maize wylde is a distinct, unique, raw & complex protagonist that jumps off the page with each retort she throws at those deserving! the pacing was measured + exactly what the content/plot called for, which i SO appreciated.
would recommend this to any and all avid romance readers, as well as those who enjoy stories about redemption, self-discovery and freeing yourself from the things/people that hold you back.
this book felt so much like the gritty parts of daisy jones & the six in the best way possible. maize wylde is a distinct, unique, raw & complex protagonist that jumps off the page with each retort she throws at those deserving! the pacing was measured + exactly what the content/plot called for, which i SO appreciated.
would recommend this to any and all avid romance readers, as well as those who enjoy stories about redemption, self-discovery and freeing yourself from the things/people that hold you back.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews