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Studio City Songs
They've come together before, but never like this.
Over the course of twenty years, Jack Flores and Munie Paley's worlds repeatedly collide as his musical star rises and her career as a music journalist takes off. The pull between them is magnetic, deep, a song with an irresistible hook that plays long after they part ways. But it's not until they sit down side by side for a 2019 interview that the reality of their soul connection becomes impossible to ignore any longer.
With a mix of traditional narrative and intimate, interview-style vignettes, Studio City Songs tells the tale of these two shooting stars as they stop orbiting each other’s axes and crash headlong into a love that commands center stage.
Drop the needle and let the music play.
"This book hit all the right notes! The dynamic between Rai and Gene pulled me in, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages. The mix of interviews and storytelling made it feel so raw and real, and the passion between them was impossible to ignore. It’s the kind of story that leaves you thinking about the characters long after you’re done."
"...the chemistry between them sizzles from the start, blending their individual passions for music and life in a way that's raw and intense. The interview-style narrative adds a unique layer, making their journey feel intimate and real. It's a love story that hits all the right notes—equal parts fiery, soulful, and deeply moving. This one will stay with me for a long time."
Over the course of twenty years, Jack Flores and Munie Paley's worlds repeatedly collide as his musical star rises and her career as a music journalist takes off. The pull between them is magnetic, deep, a song with an irresistible hook that plays long after they part ways. But it's not until they sit down side by side for a 2019 interview that the reality of their soul connection becomes impossible to ignore any longer.
With a mix of traditional narrative and intimate, interview-style vignettes, Studio City Songs tells the tale of these two shooting stars as they stop orbiting each other’s axes and crash headlong into a love that commands center stage.
Drop the needle and let the music play.
"This book hit all the right notes! The dynamic between Rai and Gene pulled me in, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages. The mix of interviews and storytelling made it feel so raw and real, and the passion between them was impossible to ignore. It’s the kind of story that leaves you thinking about the characters long after you’re done."
"...the chemistry between them sizzles from the start, blending their individual passions for music and life in a way that's raw and intense. The interview-style narrative adds a unique layer, making their journey feel intimate and real. It's a love story that hits all the right notes—equal parts fiery, soulful, and deeply moving. This one will stay with me for a long time."
204 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2024
1 person is currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Zaide Williams
3 books23 followersZaide Wlliams is a corporate executive with a background in the study of literature. For the past decade, she has been working through the ranks of operational management in the public and private sectors, but over the last few years has gradually begun to turn back to her first love--writing. In addition to her novel Overture, which is currently available on Goodreads and other major ebook sites under the pen name Issa Puppi, Zaide maintains a blog titled The Torrid Forties, contributes regularly to digital forums, and is currently at work on Allegro, the second book in the Overture series. Zaide resides in South Florida with her husband and son.
For more of Zaide's work, visit www.zaidewilliams.com
For more of Zaide's work, visit www.zaidewilliams.com
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 17, 2024
Music journalist Rai Paley conducts an exclusive interview with infamously troubled jazz musician Gene Coltrane… but this is not their first time meeting. This is a spicy romance love story that slowly reveals itself over decades of occasional run-ins between these two characters. The chapters alternate between flashbacks and present day. I love Rai but Jack is a questionable character and it definitely took some time for him to win me over. The dialogue is cheesy at times and the lack of communication frustrating, but the chemistry and sexual tension between the characters is excellent. I especially loved the musical soundtrack provided throughout, with names of songs mentioned during each chapter! Overall a solid read I would recommend, especially if you like romance and music. 4 stars! Thank you to NetGalley and Zaide Williams for the gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2026
'Studio City Songs' by Zaide Williams is a romantic fiction mixed with melody. Rai Paley is a journalist who is assigned the task of interviewing the jazz musician Gene Coltrane. But both Rai and Gene are not unknown to each other.
What stood out personally to me was the dynamic characterization of Rai and Gene. As the blurb said, it hit the right notes for me as I loved the chemistry between these two. I had not read a book that centered around music, and I am delighted to have gotten this opportunity. The book cover too sets the right vibe.
If you're looking for a contemporary fictional recommendation surrounding romance, then this is for you. Being a lover of music is an added bonus.
What stood out personally to me was the dynamic characterization of Rai and Gene. As the blurb said, it hit the right notes for me as I loved the chemistry between these two. I had not read a book that centered around music, and I am delighted to have gotten this opportunity. The book cover too sets the right vibe.
If you're looking for a contemporary fictional recommendation surrounding romance, then this is for you. Being a lover of music is an added bonus.
February 11, 2026
This story stays in your mind, just like a song you can’t stop replaying. I found myself riding a wave of emotions, revisiting scenes the way you replay your favorite lyrics.
Jack is far from perfect! He is reckless, absent-minded, and a flirt, but his passion makes him impossible to ignore. His chemistry with Muncie sizzles from the start. As a musical journalist she’s constantly crossing paths with the rising singer. Their encounters feel fated, intense, and heartbreakingly brief.
They drift in and out of each other’s lives over the years. Their timing never quite aligning, which only makes every reunion more powerful. It gave me major The Notebook vibes, where love is undeniable, but timing changes everything.
Jack is far from perfect! He is reckless, absent-minded, and a flirt, but his passion makes him impossible to ignore. His chemistry with Muncie sizzles from the start. As a musical journalist she’s constantly crossing paths with the rising singer. Their encounters feel fated, intense, and heartbreakingly brief.
They drift in and out of each other’s lives over the years. Their timing never quite aligning, which only makes every reunion more powerful. It gave me major The Notebook vibes, where love is undeniable, but timing changes everything.
February 10, 2026
Jack is a world famous musician and Munie is music journalist. Their paths frequently cross over the course of two decades. Their careers are growing, as does their connection. It builds to a 2019 interview that changes everything. They realize that the power of their feelings for each other never wavered.
I liked how the pacing of time jumps from chapter to chapter was established. We see there are about two years and different locations between each time jump and where Jack and Munie’s paths cross again. It builds anticipation as readers look to see what will happen next.
I enjoyed the combination of writing styles with prose and interviews. Having the interview as its own section of the novel was a powerful way to show the moment where Jack and Munie admit their feelings. The interviews showed even more detail and insight into what the characters were feeling, why they said what they said, and how they acted. The structure of the novel in this way also showed how powerful that interview was and the impact it had in both of their lives personally and professionally.
Music has a starring role in the novel, not just because of the professions of each of the protagonists, but also the role of music in their lives growing up. Specific songs connect to unique moments in Jack and Munie’s lives. For Jack, music is how he can process his feelings and communicate his feelings for Munie.
In some ways, I found Jack and Munie to be like two ships passing in the night. They briefly meet, and then their careers and lives take them on different paths. Music is the lighthouse guiding them to one another. Its light shines, staying steady as they both try to chart a way forward.
I highly recommend the playlist that accompanies this novel. They are songs that are part of Munie and Jack’s lives and connect to the themes of the chapters. Lots of great classics!
Thank you to Zadie Williams and Love Books Tours for the opportunity to be part of the tour! I was provided a copy of this book for free and am leaving an honest review.
I liked how the pacing of time jumps from chapter to chapter was established. We see there are about two years and different locations between each time jump and where Jack and Munie’s paths cross again. It builds anticipation as readers look to see what will happen next.
I enjoyed the combination of writing styles with prose and interviews. Having the interview as its own section of the novel was a powerful way to show the moment where Jack and Munie admit their feelings. The interviews showed even more detail and insight into what the characters were feeling, why they said what they said, and how they acted. The structure of the novel in this way also showed how powerful that interview was and the impact it had in both of their lives personally and professionally.
Music has a starring role in the novel, not just because of the professions of each of the protagonists, but also the role of music in their lives growing up. Specific songs connect to unique moments in Jack and Munie’s lives. For Jack, music is how he can process his feelings and communicate his feelings for Munie.
In some ways, I found Jack and Munie to be like two ships passing in the night. They briefly meet, and then their careers and lives take them on different paths. Music is the lighthouse guiding them to one another. Its light shines, staying steady as they both try to chart a way forward.
I highly recommend the playlist that accompanies this novel. They are songs that are part of Munie and Jack’s lives and connect to the themes of the chapters. Lots of great classics!
Thank you to Zadie Williams and Love Books Tours for the opportunity to be part of the tour! I was provided a copy of this book for free and am leaving an honest review.
February 16, 2026
Studio City Songs immediately drew me in, first with that gorgeous cover, and then with such an intriguing premise.
What really stood out to me was how creatively this story is told. The inclusion of a playlist and bonus end chapter was such a great touch, and I adored the mix of narrative prose alongside interview-style segments. It gave the romance an added layer of realism and depth, making it feel like we were watching two real careers and two real lives unfold over time.
This isn’t your typical fluffy rom-com. The vibe is far more bittersweet and emotionally layered. Jack (a musician) and Munie (a music journalist) keep circling back to each other in fleeting but intense moments across the years, always drawn together yet constantly pulled in different directions by ambition and timing. The question of whether their paths will ever truly align keeps the tension simmering throughout.
I really appreciated that this was a messy romance. It’s not neat, it’s not perfectly timed, and it’s definitely not simple, which made it feel authentic and true to life. There were moments I wanted to knock their heads together and beg them to just be honest about their feelings but as the story unfolds, you begin to understand why it hasn’t been that straightforward for either of them and that emotional complexity is what kept me hooked.
Raw, human, emotional and undeniably spicy at times, this is a romance that leans into vulnerability rather than fairy-tale perfection. A beautifully layered love story. Recommend!
What really stood out to me was how creatively this story is told. The inclusion of a playlist and bonus end chapter was such a great touch, and I adored the mix of narrative prose alongside interview-style segments. It gave the romance an added layer of realism and depth, making it feel like we were watching two real careers and two real lives unfold over time.
This isn’t your typical fluffy rom-com. The vibe is far more bittersweet and emotionally layered. Jack (a musician) and Munie (a music journalist) keep circling back to each other in fleeting but intense moments across the years, always drawn together yet constantly pulled in different directions by ambition and timing. The question of whether their paths will ever truly align keeps the tension simmering throughout.
I really appreciated that this was a messy romance. It’s not neat, it’s not perfectly timed, and it’s definitely not simple, which made it feel authentic and true to life. There were moments I wanted to knock their heads together and beg them to just be honest about their feelings but as the story unfolds, you begin to understand why it hasn’t been that straightforward for either of them and that emotional complexity is what kept me hooked.
Raw, human, emotional and undeniably spicy at times, this is a romance that leans into vulnerability rather than fairy-tale perfection. A beautifully layered love story. Recommend!
February 9, 2026
There’s something really nice about a story that grows with the characters over time. It’s not easy for a writer to be able to jump forward in time and still maintain the plot, with a big chunk of the character’s lives missing. But Studio City Songs manages to do this.
I was relieved that the timeline didn’t jump in the past as I often get confused if it’s back and forth, and the 2-year gaps were long enough to allow for a skip without too much of their lives being taken.
I also really enjoyed the music side of this book. As a musician, I do enjoy reading stories about this creative field when it’s not just about gigging and groupies. The Spotify playlist with the book and the recommended songs at the end of each chapter were a really sweet touch, but I found that I listened to the playlist separately rather than using it as an immersive tool.
This book did have me sobbing near the end. The story was sweet and there was a sense of predictability about it, but in a good way. I loved how their story developed and how they came together time and time again, but how their paths weren’t meant to be until they were.
The characters had a nice depth to them, and their core values didn’t change despite time moving on.
It was super sweet love story. How destiny will bring us together when the time is right. And that you need to trust in this to find your true path.
I was relieved that the timeline didn’t jump in the past as I often get confused if it’s back and forth, and the 2-year gaps were long enough to allow for a skip without too much of their lives being taken.
I also really enjoyed the music side of this book. As a musician, I do enjoy reading stories about this creative field when it’s not just about gigging and groupies. The Spotify playlist with the book and the recommended songs at the end of each chapter were a really sweet touch, but I found that I listened to the playlist separately rather than using it as an immersive tool.
This book did have me sobbing near the end. The story was sweet and there was a sense of predictability about it, but in a good way. I loved how their story developed and how they came together time and time again, but how their paths weren’t meant to be until they were.
The characters had a nice depth to them, and their core values didn’t change despite time moving on.
It was super sweet love story. How destiny will bring us together when the time is right. And that you need to trust in this to find your true path.
February 10, 2026
Thank you to LBT for having me on this review tour and for my gifted copy of this epub.
This was a really good read. I like that it wasn’t too long but it really just nailed it and just wow with the story.
I love a good book that involves music. I always feel like they are so different. This one was no exception.
We follow Munie (love this name it’s so different) and Jack and how there story unfolds through a lot of missed opportunities but also I felt like they were waiting for their time least to me that’s kinda what it felt like and I really enjoyed the flashbacks and how we went to present day. So so good. I also loved the playlist at the end of each chapter love this. Totally going to be downloading some of the music for sure !! Huge music fan that’s for sure. I grew up listening to all different types of music too.
I love the sexual tension and the chemistry between these characters. I was just taken aback how I was just so on edge with this book I was cause I was just so good. I really enjoyed the interview portion too really thought that was so well done.
Overall I enjoyed this book so much. Definitely can’t wait to read more by this author!!
This was a really good read. I like that it wasn’t too long but it really just nailed it and just wow with the story.
I love a good book that involves music. I always feel like they are so different. This one was no exception.
We follow Munie (love this name it’s so different) and Jack and how there story unfolds through a lot of missed opportunities but also I felt like they were waiting for their time least to me that’s kinda what it felt like and I really enjoyed the flashbacks and how we went to present day. So so good. I also loved the playlist at the end of each chapter love this. Totally going to be downloading some of the music for sure !! Huge music fan that’s for sure. I grew up listening to all different types of music too.
I love the sexual tension and the chemistry between these characters. I was just taken aback how I was just so on edge with this book I was cause I was just so good. I really enjoyed the interview portion too really thought that was so well done.
Overall I enjoyed this book so much. Definitely can’t wait to read more by this author!!
February 11, 2026
I really enjoyed how lighthearted and cosy this book is. It’s an addicting read, once you pick it up, you can’t put down. I love the unique visual twist of the text messages throughout the book. The level of passion and spiciness in this book is something else, it’s really adorable how much Munie and Jack yearn for each other. The missed opportunities got me frustrated as a reader because I just wanted them to hurry up and get together and really kept me on the edge of my seat. As a huge music fan myself and growing up listening to all kinds of music, I loved how heavily involved music is in the book, the Spotify playlist and the tracks at the end of each chapter. This isn’t your average romance book, it’s unique and the concept is well thought out and beautiful. The bonus interview at the end was a lovely finishing touch.
As a whole this book really reminded me of a book I read a long time time ago called 'Where Rainbows End' by Cecelia Ahern which is also a film called 'Love, Rosie'. One of my favourite books and films, I became very nostalgic reading Studio City Songs.
If you are a romance reader and you fancy a casual cozy read with spice then this is the book for you.
As a whole this book really reminded me of a book I read a long time time ago called 'Where Rainbows End' by Cecelia Ahern which is also a film called 'Love, Rosie'. One of my favourite books and films, I became very nostalgic reading Studio City Songs.
If you are a romance reader and you fancy a casual cozy read with spice then this is the book for you.
February 9, 2026
Title: Studio City Songs
Author: Zaide Williams
Genre: Romance | Contemporary
Pages: 204
Format I Read: Digital/ Ebook
💭 My Thoughts 💭
I don’t even know where to begin with this review. I loved so much about Studio City Songs. I’m still thinking about it days after reading it and it’s living rent free in my head. Zaide has written a fantastic book with wonderful characters, beautiful writing and just an amazing concept.
I loved how the book flowed through the different time periods of Jack and Munie’s life together. Im a big believer of everything happens for a reason and there’s a right time for things to fall into place. Maybe this is why I connected with this book so much. It just felt so real and the events in which the two main characters meet each time so beautiful.
I’m a huge music lover too and always have been so mixing each chapter and event with a track/tracks was a wonderful addition. They listen to some wonderful tracks along the way.
I flew through this book quicker than I wanted as I wanted to journey with these characters to last forever but I just couldn’t stop being immersed in this world.
Jessicasbookshelf rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✨✨Thankyou so much to @lovebookstours and @zaidewilliams for my digital copy of the book in exchange for my honest review ✨✨
Author: Zaide Williams
Genre: Romance | Contemporary
Pages: 204
Format I Read: Digital/ Ebook
💭 My Thoughts 💭
I don’t even know where to begin with this review. I loved so much about Studio City Songs. I’m still thinking about it days after reading it and it’s living rent free in my head. Zaide has written a fantastic book with wonderful characters, beautiful writing and just an amazing concept.
I loved how the book flowed through the different time periods of Jack and Munie’s life together. Im a big believer of everything happens for a reason and there’s a right time for things to fall into place. Maybe this is why I connected with this book so much. It just felt so real and the events in which the two main characters meet each time so beautiful.
I’m a huge music lover too and always have been so mixing each chapter and event with a track/tracks was a wonderful addition. They listen to some wonderful tracks along the way.
I flew through this book quicker than I wanted as I wanted to journey with these characters to last forever but I just couldn’t stop being immersed in this world.
Jessicasbookshelf rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✨✨Thankyou so much to @lovebookstours and @zaidewilliams for my digital copy of the book in exchange for my honest review ✨✨
February 10, 2026
🎶🎼🎵🎶🎼🎵🎶🎼🎵🎶🎼🎵
This book surprised me in the best way. I went in expecting a quick romance and ended up with a story that stuck with me after I finished.
It’s a shorter read, but it really packs a punch. I loved how songs were woven into each chapter. I felt that it added another layer to the story and made it feel intentional.
Jack and Munie’s relationship unfolds over years, with timing playing a huge role in how their story comes together. I liked watching their lives keep intersecting and seeing how the right moment finally mattered.
The interview-style chapters mixed with the narrative worked so well and made the story feel grounded and real.
This book surprised me in the best way. I went in expecting a quick romance and ended up with a story that stuck with me after I finished.
It’s a shorter read, but it really packs a punch. I loved how songs were woven into each chapter. I felt that it added another layer to the story and made it feel intentional.
Jack and Munie’s relationship unfolds over years, with timing playing a huge role in how their story comes together. I liked watching their lives keep intersecting and seeing how the right moment finally mattered.
The interview-style chapters mixed with the narrative worked so well and made the story feel grounded and real.
February 13, 2026
First of all, this book cover is the cutest ever!!!! Then even better each chapter has a famous song name. I am a huge music lover so I knew that I would enjoy this musical aligned love story. A love story so good that it takes place over 20 years. They meet and meet again and again. They have an irresistible connection like no other and always seem to orbit back to each other like the sun and the moon do. Emotional, gritty, real are words I use to describe it. Music lovers will lean toward the musical aspects of the book, while romance lovers will swoon over the long romance. The style of writing is part interview and part story blending into one phenomenal book!!! Read it !!!!
February 15, 2026
This was a such a lovely, lighthearted and quick easy read I throughouly enjoyed. This is the type of book that stays with you long after reading, much like a song....
I didn't really know what I was going to get heading into this read and I was pleasantly surprised, a beautiful romance? Yes, but so much more. I loved that we saw Jack & Munie's relationship play out & develop over the years, very much focusing on how timing plays such a big part in how things & life unfolds.
I absolutely loved the interview style chapters, it worked so well for this story with the style of writing great overall.
A book I wasn't sure what to expect going in but I loved in the end.
I didn't really know what I was going to get heading into this read and I was pleasantly surprised, a beautiful romance? Yes, but so much more. I loved that we saw Jack & Munie's relationship play out & develop over the years, very much focusing on how timing plays such a big part in how things & life unfolds.
I absolutely loved the interview style chapters, it worked so well for this story with the style of writing great overall.
A book I wasn't sure what to expect going in but I loved in the end.
April 8, 2025
DNF at 40%. This book was good in theory but I struggled with the execution. I felt we were swiftly introduced to so many different names, and it was just overwhelming without any reason to care about them. Maybe my brain fog is too strong right now, but I always didn't find anything to connect with other than the odd reference to rock music, which wasn't enough to sustain me any longer and it quickly felt like a chore to read. It's just not for me. The accompanying playlist is a cool idea though. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
February 14, 2026
I found this story is to be very inspirational and meaningful. It is amazing because I really admire the fact that the author managed to fit such great details in a short story. I am super glad that I took the opportunity to read this because I found a story to fall in love with. The plot and the characters were truly wonderful and this story found a very special place in my heart. I think more people should take the time to pick up and read this book because they could discover a story that will change their life.
February 13, 2026
Munie and Jacks story had me hooked. It provoked all the feelings. I wanted to strangled Jack and give Munie a big hug at times.
The style of writing eg text messages and as a radio interview were very clever.
The addition of songs mentioned at the end of every chapter is also a lovely addition
If you love music and a slow burn then this one is for you
The style of writing eg text messages and as a radio interview were very clever.
The addition of songs mentioned at the end of every chapter is also a lovely addition
If you love music and a slow burn then this one is for you
October 18, 2024
Good story
Mostly enjoyable though I found the info in the brackets distracting or not the way I am use to reading. The story itself was solid.
Mostly enjoyable though I found the info in the brackets distracting or not the way I am use to reading. The story itself was solid.
December 7, 2025
Wow this was different! First off, the chemistry between these two characters is smokin’ hot from the first page. Second, the author mixes together normal third-person prose with these really unique interview snippets that make things feel really intimate. I SO got into these characters and their story. It rocks, truly.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews