What do you think?
Rate this book
Like a Love Song
This debut paperback original romance follows a Latina teen pop star whose image takes a dive after a messy public breakup, until she’s set up with a swoon-worthy fake boyfriend.
Fake boyfriend. Real heartbreak?
Natalie is living her dream: topping the charts and setting records as a Brazilian pop star…until she’s dumped spectacularly on live television. Not only is it humiliating—it could end her career.
Her PR team’s desperate plan? A gorgeous yet oh-so-fake boyfriend. Nati reluctantly agrees, but William is not what she expected. She was hoping for a fierce bad boy—not a soft-hearted British indie film star. While she fights her way back to the top with a sweet and surprisingly swoon-worthy boy on her arm, she starts to fall for William—and realizes that maybe she’s the biggest fake of them all. Can she reclaim her voice and her heart?
Fake boyfriend. Real heartbreak?
Natalie is living her dream: topping the charts and setting records as a Brazilian pop star…until she’s dumped spectacularly on live television. Not only is it humiliating—it could end her career.
Her PR team’s desperate plan? A gorgeous yet oh-so-fake boyfriend. Nati reluctantly agrees, but William is not what she expected. She was hoping for a fierce bad boy—not a soft-hearted British indie film star. While she fights her way back to the top with a sweet and surprisingly swoon-worthy boy on her arm, she starts to fall for William—and realizes that maybe she’s the biggest fake of them all. Can she reclaim her voice and her heart?
304 pages, Paperback
First published August 3, 2021
61 people are currently reading
6378 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 420 reviews
July 4, 2021
rep: Brazilian mc, Jewish bisexual li, lesbian Pakistani American side character, bisexual Brazilian American side character, Black side character, Brazilian side character
the wholesomest of books!!!!
the wholesomest of books!!!!
January 17, 2022
I have no idea how to start this review, I just want to say I'm really happy about the Latin representation and yes, I know this is the second MF in a week, but I had my sights on this for a while, so I have reasons! 🤣🤣🤣
Anyways, my brain has no power for a proper review, so I'll just share my thoughts.
Aquí vamoszzzzz!
"Not Latin Artist of the Year. Female Artist of the Year, period".
This hasn't happened yet actually, me thinks. Anyway the main girl is called Anitta wich I thought was an homage to Anitta (a real singer from brasil), then I learned that the main girl is 17 years old and that idea died instantly, Anitta doesn't make music for teenagers. Nope!
Also I almost dnf when I learned she was 17, but then I learned the boy was 17 too, so I kept going.
And I kept my hopes of the horizontal tango far away too. 🥲🥲
Continuo!
"But sometimes I feel things so strongly, it’s difficult not to react. In elementary school, I got suspended because I grabbed a girl by her ponytail and swung her around".
As I said I've seen this happen, like at least once a year in high school. But not all girls do that though. 🤭🤭
"He’s just…very white. His cheeks are pink, like he’s flustered, and his eyes are a deep green, with long dark eyelashes".
Yep, we rarely get them like that around here, but our boys have their own charm. 🤣🤣🤣
"Don’t say third-world country. It’s extremely elitist, and honestly, you’re putting yourself, as an American, above folks that have been colonized.”
Preach it!!! We are just a little behind on some things that's all. And also, we don't care. 🤷🏻♀️💁🏻♀️
"Hold your horses, love.” Bobbi frowns. “Not a man. A boy. You’re seventeen.”
This is why I kept reading. 👏🏻👏🏻
"It’s Natalie,” I say, forcing the American accent. “That’s my name.”
Oh honey, nop! And don't force the accent, be yourself!
"(Hint: the whole world says football. Get with the program, Americans.)"
OMG 🤣👏🏻🤣👏🏻🤣👏🏻🤣👏🏻🤣👏🏻🤣👏🏻
"Nah. It’s always the same. Plus if the plane is going down, we’re probably dying anyway.”
Bitch! That's not what u say to someone who is afraid of flying!!!! *gets secondhand anxiousness if that's a thing*
"This other time, but this was early on, right when we’d moved to the States, Mom took me to an office barbecue and this woman dead-ass asked Mom if she could cook chimichangas. When Mom gave her a blank stare, she specified: Because you’re, like, Brazilian, right?”
Yep, Mexico is just a tiny part of Latin culture. The rest of us don't know how to cook their dishes, ok some may know, but what we do know is how to eat them. 🤷🏻♀️
"It felt like a Brazilian thing, to deal with pain and stress through jokes"
It's not Only a Brazilian thing, we do it too. 🥲🥲
"I want people to see my hair the way it is.”
This is actually a struggle that a lot of Latinas and African-American women go through. Personally, my sister has curly hair and she straightened it until she was in her 30, now she just let's it loose. 🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️ but it was a struggle.
"Brazilian moms are always right".
They are, Latin moms do budu shit and they know stuff and they tell u the stuff and when u don't do what they tell u to, hell breaks loose and they judge u, like: how can u be so stupid when you came out of me AND I JUST TOLD YOU SO! Scary...
I still don't do what she says sometimes. 🥲
"I want to return home for the holidays. I feel ashamed that I haven’t returned in years. My stomach sinks".
Gurll, If I could go back!! *gets dramatic*
"If I’ve learned to pronounce Gwyneth and Sean, and spell Kathryn, Katherine, Catherine, and so on in a thousand different ways, you can learn my name.”
Yaaaasss, preach it!!!....... Since Latin people can't pronounce my full name this doesn't apply to me. BUT PREACH IT GURL!!! 👏🏻👏🏻
"I have a song for that specific moment when you kiss someone one morning and it feels like you’ve waited for that kiss your whole life".
At 17years old? 😐🤨 okaaaay.
"So? You’ll be the first. Start a legacy. Other Latinx singers have been doing it with Spanish for ages. It’s time a Brazilian did it, too.”
True, and their language is so beautiful I love it. I watched Brazilian telenovelas growing up and the accent was so soothing. *swoons*
"I bite back a smile, and raise my eyebrows. “Are you saying you can’t live without me?”
He laughs, looking back at our hands like I’d been doing a moment before. “Something like that, yes.”
Again, at 17years old? 😐😐
So yeah, I enjoyed this and even more as a Latin woman and just as a woman period. I do think that it would have been better if the main characters were older, because the author made them say things and do things that were not for their age.
But I enjoyed it! It was a good first book. 🥰💜
Anyways, my brain has no power for a proper review, so I'll just share my thoughts.
Aquí vamoszzzzz!
"Not Latin Artist of the Year. Female Artist of the Year, period".
This hasn't happened yet actually, me thinks. Anyway the main girl is called Anitta wich I thought was an homage to Anitta (a real singer from brasil), then I learned that the main girl is 17 years old and that idea died instantly, Anitta doesn't make music for teenagers. Nope!
Also I almost dnf when I learned she was 17, but then I learned the boy was 17 too, so I kept going.
And I kept my hopes of the horizontal tango far away too. 🥲🥲
Continuo!
"But sometimes I feel things so strongly, it’s difficult not to react. In elementary school, I got suspended because I grabbed a girl by her ponytail and swung her around".
As I said I've seen this happen, like at least once a year in high school. But not all girls do that though. 🤭🤭
"He’s just…very white. His cheeks are pink, like he’s flustered, and his eyes are a deep green, with long dark eyelashes".
Yep, we rarely get them like that around here, but our boys have their own charm. 🤣🤣🤣
"Don’t say third-world country. It’s extremely elitist, and honestly, you’re putting yourself, as an American, above folks that have been colonized.”
Preach it!!! We are just a little behind on some things that's all. And also, we don't care. 🤷🏻♀️💁🏻♀️
"Hold your horses, love.” Bobbi frowns. “Not a man. A boy. You’re seventeen.”
This is why I kept reading. 👏🏻👏🏻
"It’s Natalie,” I say, forcing the American accent. “That’s my name.”
Oh honey, nop! And don't force the accent, be yourself!
"(Hint: the whole world says football. Get with the program, Americans.)"
OMG 🤣👏🏻🤣👏🏻🤣👏🏻🤣👏🏻🤣👏🏻🤣👏🏻
"Nah. It’s always the same. Plus if the plane is going down, we’re probably dying anyway.”
Bitch! That's not what u say to someone who is afraid of flying!!!! *gets secondhand anxiousness if that's a thing*
"This other time, but this was early on, right when we’d moved to the States, Mom took me to an office barbecue and this woman dead-ass asked Mom if she could cook chimichangas. When Mom gave her a blank stare, she specified: Because you’re, like, Brazilian, right?”
Yep, Mexico is just a tiny part of Latin culture. The rest of us don't know how to cook their dishes, ok some may know, but what we do know is how to eat them. 🤷🏻♀️
"It felt like a Brazilian thing, to deal with pain and stress through jokes"
It's not Only a Brazilian thing, we do it too. 🥲🥲
"I want people to see my hair the way it is.”
This is actually a struggle that a lot of Latinas and African-American women go through. Personally, my sister has curly hair and she straightened it until she was in her 30, now she just let's it loose. 🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️ but it was a struggle.
"Brazilian moms are always right".
They are, Latin moms do budu shit and they know stuff and they tell u the stuff and when u don't do what they tell u to, hell breaks loose and they judge u, like: how can u be so stupid when you came out of me AND I JUST TOLD YOU SO! Scary...
I still don't do what she says sometimes. 🥲
"I want to return home for the holidays. I feel ashamed that I haven’t returned in years. My stomach sinks".
Gurll, If I could go back!! *gets dramatic*
"If I’ve learned to pronounce Gwyneth and Sean, and spell Kathryn, Katherine, Catherine, and so on in a thousand different ways, you can learn my name.”
Yaaaasss, preach it!!!....... Since Latin people can't pronounce my full name this doesn't apply to me. BUT PREACH IT GURL!!! 👏🏻👏🏻
"I have a song for that specific moment when you kiss someone one morning and it feels like you’ve waited for that kiss your whole life".
At 17years old? 😐🤨 okaaaay.
"So? You’ll be the first. Start a legacy. Other Latinx singers have been doing it with Spanish for ages. It’s time a Brazilian did it, too.”
True, and their language is so beautiful I love it. I watched Brazilian telenovelas growing up and the accent was so soothing. *swoons*
"I bite back a smile, and raise my eyebrows. “Are you saying you can’t live without me?”
He laughs, looking back at our hands like I’d been doing a moment before. “Something like that, yes.”
Again, at 17years old? 😐😐
So yeah, I enjoyed this and even more as a Latin woman and just as a woman period. I do think that it would have been better if the main characters were older, because the author made them say things and do things that were not for their age.
But I enjoyed it! It was a good first book. 🥰💜
August 3, 2021
I rarely read YA Contemporary romance, but I'm glad that my ongoing love story with the fake dating trope made me go for this one, because it was so adorable????? A breath of fresh air I definitely recommend.
July 31, 2021
check out the full review on my blog!
I was sold by the fake dating trope, which I knew would not disappoint and my presumptions were right. I had so much fun flying through this, an adorable read about a Latin pop star fake dating a British indie actor to bring her public image back up.
One thing I absolutely loved about this book is Nati’s struggles as a Latina woman, a celebrity at that, and how she grew to realise she didn’t have to give up her heritage to be loved by her fans. It was a topic were woven lightly but effectively into her character arc—her reconnecting with her culture, her realising that she doesn’t have to Americanize herself by going by the name of Natalie instead of Natalia her real name, her not choosing to go by the nickname Nati as people would find it hard to pronounce, or even her modifying her Latina image for the public. Gabriela adds this to the story so well!
William was a pretty likeable character too. He’s bisexual, which made him all the more interesting. would’ve loved to know his struggles on a deeper level but he was charming nonetheless.
His and Nati’s fake-dating-to-oops-we-caught-real-feelings romance was so fun to read. I loved the tension and uncertainty of feelings, a fluffy happy romance that made me grin.
Nati’s friends, Padma and Brenda formed a great support system for her! Their friendship is delightful.
Like a Love Song also dealt with the downside and pressure of fame and spotlight. How it strains her relationships and her own self.
Overall, this is a short and sweet book, warm and uplifting with a cute romance and a heartfelt protagonist. If you’re in the mood for a story like that, get your hands on Like A Love Song!
I was sold by the fake dating trope, which I knew would not disappoint and my presumptions were right. I had so much fun flying through this, an adorable read about a Latin pop star fake dating a British indie actor to bring her public image back up.
One thing I absolutely loved about this book is Nati’s struggles as a Latina woman, a celebrity at that, and how she grew to realise she didn’t have to give up her heritage to be loved by her fans. It was a topic were woven lightly but effectively into her character arc—her reconnecting with her culture, her realising that she doesn’t have to Americanize herself by going by the name of Natalie instead of Natalia her real name, her not choosing to go by the nickname Nati as people would find it hard to pronounce, or even her modifying her Latina image for the public. Gabriela adds this to the story so well!
William was a pretty likeable character too. He’s bisexual, which made him all the more interesting. would’ve loved to know his struggles on a deeper level but he was charming nonetheless.
His and Nati’s fake-dating-to-oops-we-caught-real-feelings romance was so fun to read. I loved the tension and uncertainty of feelings, a fluffy happy romance that made me grin.
Nati’s friends, Padma and Brenda formed a great support system for her! Their friendship is delightful.
Like a Love Song also dealt with the downside and pressure of fame and spotlight. How it strains her relationships and her own self.
Overall, this is a short and sweet book, warm and uplifting with a cute romance and a heartfelt protagonist. If you’re in the mood for a story like that, get your hands on Like A Love Song!
October 2, 2021
I read this in two sittings and had a huge grin the whole time I was reading this. Like a Love Song was exactly what I needed: fluffy, light, and adorable.
- Follows Natalie, a Brazilian teen popstar whose public image takes a nosedive after a public and messy breakup. When her PR team suggests that she fake-dates William, a British indie film actor, she agrees - but when she starts to feel real feelings for him, she will have to decide what is real and what is fake.
- The romance in this was adorable and incredibly sweet. It's fake-dating, but also navigates the relationship in such an authentic and organic way.
- I loved this book's exploration of identity and how nuanced it was. The story explores how Nati's popstar image is tied to her presenting herself as 'American' as possible - to the extent that she feels distant from her Brazilian identity and even erases parts of herself; this really resonated with me.
- Honestly, this book is simple in the best way - feel-good, has a bit of social commentary and critique, and just so. darn. sweet. I had so much fun reading this!
Content warning: racism (challenged)
- Follows Natalie, a Brazilian teen popstar whose public image takes a nosedive after a public and messy breakup. When her PR team suggests that she fake-dates William, a British indie film actor, she agrees - but when she starts to feel real feelings for him, she will have to decide what is real and what is fake.
- The romance in this was adorable and incredibly sweet. It's fake-dating, but also navigates the relationship in such an authentic and organic way.
- I loved this book's exploration of identity and how nuanced it was. The story explores how Nati's popstar image is tied to her presenting herself as 'American' as possible - to the extent that she feels distant from her Brazilian identity and even erases parts of herself; this really resonated with me.
- Honestly, this book is simple in the best way - feel-good, has a bit of social commentary and critique, and just so. darn. sweet. I had so much fun reading this!
Content warning: racism (challenged)
August 3, 2021
five reasons to read this book
Rep: Brazilian mc, Jewish bi li, Pakistani American lesbian side character, Brazilian American bi side character, Black side character, Brazilian side character
Rep: Brazilian mc, Jewish bi li, Pakistani American lesbian side character, Brazilian American bi side character, Black side character, Brazilian side character
October 7, 2021
TW: death of a parent.
This was cute, if a bit cringey at times.
I'm particular when it comes to YA contemporaries anyway, but there were just some things that pulled me out of the story.
Such as lines like: "I'm her boyfriend," [Blank] says, towering over us."And I've got a bunch of Twitter threads to prove it."
Which was meant to be serious? And uh... yeah.
That aside, there were some really cute moments in this and I flew through it, so I can't really complain. Would definitely recommend if you're looking for a light, cute, YA romcom type book.
This was cute, if a bit cringey at times.
I'm particular when it comes to YA contemporaries anyway, but there were just some things that pulled me out of the story.
Such as lines like: "I'm her boyfriend," [Blank] says, towering over us."And I've got a bunch of Twitter threads to prove it."
Which was meant to be serious? And uh... yeah.
That aside, there were some really cute moments in this and I flew through it, so I can't really complain. Would definitely recommend if you're looking for a light, cute, YA romcom type book.
January 9, 2023
This was so freaking cute and that’s the best way I can describe it. I remember reading the synopsis for this book back before it came out and it gave me Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn vibes and I was so right. Natalie (Natalia) is a singer-songwriter and something goes horribly wrong at an award show just as she’s about to receive an award. Then, in order to bring back her image she starts fake dating a slightly obscure British actor. Not every part of this reminds me of Taylor and Joe, but a lot of the main aspects are there. I really enjoyed this book overall, however I will say that some of the more “social justice” aspects felt clunky and unnatural to me. It felt like every time something like racism or bigotry or homophobia came up the narrative would stop and it would be stilted Twitter discourse and it just didn’t feel realistic. I love when authors explore these topics, but I don’t love when I’m pulled out of the narrative and given the dictionary definition of “bigotry”. It might be an issue of showing versus telling. I want authors to present the morals and ideals of their characters through action and less through telling me outright. But still, I really did enjoy this book and can’t wait to read what else she comes up with.
March 19, 2021
I read it again and bro I love this book so much. Oh my god. Everything about it is perfect.
Broooooooo you cannot even IMAGINE how hype, excited, and PROUD I am of and for Gabhi!!!! I had the absolute pleasure of reading an early version of this book and YALL. So cute. So funny. So AUTHENTIC and my ass can’t wait to hold it in my hands. Def one of my fav feel good books of all time and I just wanna read it again and AGAIN.
Broooooooo you cannot even IMAGINE how hype, excited, and PROUD I am of and for Gabhi!!!! I had the absolute pleasure of reading an early version of this book and YALL. So cute. So funny. So AUTHENTIC and my ass can’t wait to hold it in my hands. Def one of my fav feel good books of all time and I just wanna read it again and AGAIN.
August 2, 2021
This was the summer YA contemporary rom com steeped in celebrity gossip culture I didn't know I needed but will not be yelling at everyone to read! It releases TOMORROW!
April 24, 2022
10/10 reading experience, exactly what I want out of a YA romance! This was such a sweet, comforting read, but also one with a lot of psychological depth and a lot of character growth. I loved that most of the drama happened outside of the romance, and I absolutely adored bisexual icon William with his goofy socks as a love interest.
May 9, 2022
this was so cuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuute!
February 3, 2022
Like a classic rom-com, this debut makes you grin and giddy. After a messy breakup, Nati, a Latina teen pop star, must rebuild her image and a fake boyfriend might be the way for her to reclaim her voice again. Predictable in the softest manner, this debut hosts a fluffy romance traversing the fake-dating trope and the scorching spotlight of fame.
As the love and the lovers charmingly grew, it was a delight to witness certain themes being effortlessly embedded within this fast-paced, sweet story. From an audience’s scrutiny to the pressures of a perfect social media depiction, and from the difficulty of navigating a Brazilian identity in an American industry to finding courage for honesty in a fan-based career, Like a Love Song beautifully incorporates socio-cultural facets into fame, friendships, and feelings.
As the love and the lovers charmingly grew, it was a delight to witness certain themes being effortlessly embedded within this fast-paced, sweet story. From an audience’s scrutiny to the pressures of a perfect social media depiction, and from the difficulty of navigating a Brazilian identity in an American industry to finding courage for honesty in a fan-based career, Like a Love Song beautifully incorporates socio-cultural facets into fame, friendships, and feelings.
↳ if you wish to support: blog | ko-fi | twitter
August 11, 2021
This was really cute and I did really like it but I feel like it should’ve been aged up. The mc and her love interest are only 17 and it was totally unrealistic considering the setting and plot.
October 12, 2021
I enjoyed it! Surprisingly!
July 11, 2021
I hosted a guest post by the author on my blog a few months ago and that had made me very excited to read Like a Love Song so I really wanted to love this book but I just couldn't fully enjoy it. There were some good things (which I will state below) but not enough for me to rate it higher or say that I actually liked it. It just fell really flat for me.
The story is about Natalie, a 17 year-old popular pop star that everyone loves until she gets dumped by her boyfriend in a very public way. Her PR team then plans for her to fake-date indie film star William. But of course it doesn't stay with just fake-dating.
Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes ever. So this is one of the possitive things that I liked about the story because the trope always brings some funny things. I wasn't a fan of Natalie's character to begin with and William was pretty likable. But romance wise I just couldn't feel a real connection between them. I was left feeling rather meh about the two of them.
I also felt the story would've been better if the characters had been older, maybe in their mid to late twenties. Maybe it's just that I've outgrown contemporary YA books. And I know this book isn't geared towards my age group (I'm 29) so that could possibly be why. I still wanted to give the book a shot but sadly enough I just couldn't really care about the story or characters.
Now on to the things I did like! Like I said before the fake dating brought quite some entertainment so that was a good point on its own. I did say I wasn't a fan of Natalie but I did like how she grew in the story. She's Brazilian and by the end she really ended up embracing her heritage and making sure she wasn't gonna fit in a box that everyone expected of her. The author is Brazilian too so I love that for her. Also, the book was a real page-turner and I read it pretty fast.
The story is about Natalie, a 17 year-old popular pop star that everyone loves until she gets dumped by her boyfriend in a very public way. Her PR team then plans for her to fake-date indie film star William. But of course it doesn't stay with just fake-dating.
Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes ever. So this is one of the possitive things that I liked about the story because the trope always brings some funny things. I wasn't a fan of Natalie's character to begin with and William was pretty likable. But romance wise I just couldn't feel a real connection between them. I was left feeling rather meh about the two of them.
I also felt the story would've been better if the characters had been older, maybe in their mid to late twenties. Maybe it's just that I've outgrown contemporary YA books. And I know this book isn't geared towards my age group (I'm 29) so that could possibly be why. I still wanted to give the book a shot but sadly enough I just couldn't really care about the story or characters.
Now on to the things I did like! Like I said before the fake dating brought quite some entertainment so that was a good point on its own. I did say I wasn't a fan of Natalie but I did like how she grew in the story. She's Brazilian and by the end she really ended up embracing her heritage and making sure she wasn't gonna fit in a box that everyone expected of her. The author is Brazilian too so I love that for her. Also, the book was a real page-turner and I read it pretty fast.
August 12, 2021
I’m always a sucker for a good fake dating plot! The use of social media, why a celebrity would want to fake a relationship for PR, and Natalie’s experiences as a Brazilian popstar in the US were all compelling parts of the story. Her strained working relationship with William that transforms from fake relationship into a friendship then eventually a real romance felt very natural. I do think it got a bit rushed at the end. I would’ve liked to see those scenes have more time to breathe so it didn’t feel like things happened and then the book was immediately over. But overall this was such a fun read. I’m definitely looking forward to more books from Gabriela Martins.
January 7, 2022
Thank you Penguin Random House International for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Like a Love Song is an adorable YA Contemporary Romance about a Brazilian teenage popstar, Natalie, who had been publicly dumped by her boyfriend during her awards. It made it to headlines that slightly damage her reputation. Such embarrassing moment drive her team to uplift her image by setting her up with a fake boyfriend, William Ainsley. A British Indie Actor who needs more exposure in the Hollywood scene.
Nat and William are polar opposites. I wasn't a fan of Nat first. She is pretentious and shallow. Trying to understand her personality, she was a crowd pleaser and a perfectionist. We see her character growth towards the end and embracing her true beauty. She becomes more confident with herself.
William is a breakout star. He is charming and a gentleman. He steps out of his comfort zone without outshining the heroine. The supporting characters, Brenda and Padma are commendable. These two gals are sassy! I love them.
Overall, this book is great. The romance definitely stands out.
Like a Love Song is an adorable YA Contemporary Romance about a Brazilian teenage popstar, Natalie, who had been publicly dumped by her boyfriend during her awards. It made it to headlines that slightly damage her reputation. Such embarrassing moment drive her team to uplift her image by setting her up with a fake boyfriend, William Ainsley. A British Indie Actor who needs more exposure in the Hollywood scene.
Nat and William are polar opposites. I wasn't a fan of Nat first. She is pretentious and shallow. Trying to understand her personality, she was a crowd pleaser and a perfectionist. We see her character growth towards the end and embracing her true beauty. She becomes more confident with herself.
William is a breakout star. He is charming and a gentleman. He steps out of his comfort zone without outshining the heroine. The supporting characters, Brenda and Padma are commendable. These two gals are sassy! I love them.
Overall, this book is great. The romance definitely stands out.
July 21, 2021
AH I loved this one so much! Loved the characters, the friendships, the romance. 200% recommending it to any contemporary fan. Full review coming soon!
Thank you to Penguin Random House INTL for the e-ARC of this book. This did not, in any way, influence my thoughts and rating.
My Blog - Drizzle & Hurricane Books - Twitter - Bookstagram - Bloglovin'
Thank you to Penguin Random House INTL for the e-ARC of this book. This did not, in any way, influence my thoughts and rating.
My Blog - Drizzle & Hurricane Books - Twitter - Bookstagram - Bloglovin'
December 21, 2021
3.5/5
Super cute fake-dating romance between a teen singer and an actor with some incredibly swoony moments. I enjoyed all the friendships and the themes of connection with one's cultural background.
January 9, 2022
This was such a great book to start off my new reading year. Watching Nati develop and grow into a more confident version of herself was so heart-warming, and I loved William and his ridiculous socks. I don't often reach for YA contemporary, but this one was such a fun surprise!
September 24, 2021
OH THAT WAS SO CUTE
May 21, 2021
First of all, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book!
Here is my honest review:
I first heard of this book a few months ago and I really liked the plot and also that it was about a Brazilian character, written by a Brazilian writer. It was on my TBR list ever since then. One information about it didn’t really get to me: it’s a YA book. It is mentioned briefly in the Goodreads page, but to me (a person who reads a lot of romance) the synopsis and the cover made it seem that it was a new adult book. And the whole reason I’m saying this it’s because I think it would’ve worked better to me if it was.
I liked the characters (William is such a sweetheart) but I think the conflicts should have been handled by more “mature” minds. I think their relationship would have a better development if they were 23? 24? and also Natalia’s relationship with fame, with the celebrity world and her Brazilian roots. I’m not saying the author handled these things badly but I feel like she could have explored more if we had an older main character. I was very intrigued to know how she was going deal with the main conflict (that isn’t the relationship! but the struggle of Natalia with her origins!) but it didn’t really deliver much.
Please: I’m not trying to diss the book or saying that YA books are silly and shallow!!!! I’m just not sure if the whole scenario fit with the age of the MC. The whole thing felt a little surreal to me the way it was handled.
Other than that, I felt that some dialogues were a little unnatural, specially the ones with here mother. It seemed to me that the author was trying to really show how Brazilian they were but it led to a lot of repetition of some words like “filha” and “merda”. I am Brazilian so this is not coming from xenophobia, but it really felt a bit too much and not really natural to have her mother saying “filha” in every sentence.
The relationship was sweet but I felt like they needed more time before the conflict hit them. I could see that they were really great friends, connected to each other and were developing feelings but it felt a little quick. I didn’t really understand why the author chose to have a little fight at their first meeting, it looked like she was going to write a haters-to-lovers romance but gave up and forgot to change their first interaction.
Anyway, I did enjoy reading it and I really hope we get to see more YA stories with Brazilian characters.
Here is my honest review:
I first heard of this book a few months ago and I really liked the plot and also that it was about a Brazilian character, written by a Brazilian writer. It was on my TBR list ever since then. One information about it didn’t really get to me: it’s a YA book. It is mentioned briefly in the Goodreads page, but to me (a person who reads a lot of romance) the synopsis and the cover made it seem that it was a new adult book. And the whole reason I’m saying this it’s because I think it would’ve worked better to me if it was.
I liked the characters (William is such a sweetheart) but I think the conflicts should have been handled by more “mature” minds. I think their relationship would have a better development if they were 23? 24? and also Natalia’s relationship with fame, with the celebrity world and her Brazilian roots. I’m not saying the author handled these things badly but I feel like she could have explored more if we had an older main character. I was very intrigued to know how she was going deal with the main conflict (that isn’t the relationship! but the struggle of Natalia with her origins!) but it didn’t really deliver much.
Please: I’m not trying to diss the book or saying that YA books are silly and shallow!!!! I’m just not sure if the whole scenario fit with the age of the MC. The whole thing felt a little surreal to me the way it was handled.
Other than that, I felt that some dialogues were a little unnatural, specially the ones with here mother. It seemed to me that the author was trying to really show how Brazilian they were but it led to a lot of repetition of some words like “filha” and “merda”. I am Brazilian so this is not coming from xenophobia, but it really felt a bit too much and not really natural to have her mother saying “filha” in every sentence.
The relationship was sweet but I felt like they needed more time before the conflict hit them. I could see that they were really great friends, connected to each other and were developing feelings but it felt a little quick. I didn’t really understand why the author chose to have a little fight at their first meeting, it looked like she was going to write a haters-to-lovers romance but gave up and forgot to change their first interaction.
Anyway, I did enjoy reading it and I really hope we get to see more YA stories with Brazilian characters.
August 10, 2021
3.85/5 💫
Like a Love Song was a really breezy, entertaining read. 💕 The book has Latinx representation, and reminded me a lot of You Had Me At Hola by Alexis Daria because of the rep, the celebrity romance plot and heart-warming friendships!
I needed a fluffy, uplifting book, and that's exactly what I got from Like a Love Song! I read the book in just two sittings, so yeah, I was pretty invested in the storyline 😂 It was nice to read a YA book that isn't set against a high-school background tbh. I have recently become obsessed with the fake-dating trope, so I was really happy with how the author made the whole fake-dating thing between two celebs work out in the book. :')
My favourite thing about LALS was the realistic portrayal of Nati's struggles as a Brazilian girl, while balancing fame and a teenage life together. Her character development throughout the story was incredible. Seeing someone so young like Nati accept her brazilian roots and culture whole-heartedly was just the best thing ever.
William was so charming. 😍 *plays London Boy by T.Swift* He did some unlikable stuff though, and that's how he lost some points from me. I wish the author included some chapters from William's side as well - that would have made the relationship complications between him and Nati more fleshed-out, in my opinion. A lot of things started happening in the last two chapters or so, and it was hard to keep up 😭 It might just be me though 🤷
Overall, I really enjoyed reading Like a Love Song, and I highly recommend it if you want a short & fast-paced read with loveable characters. 💕 Thanks to Penguin Random House Intl & Underlined for the free review copy.
Like a Love Song was a really breezy, entertaining read. 💕 The book has Latinx representation, and reminded me a lot of You Had Me At Hola by Alexis Daria because of the rep, the celebrity romance plot and heart-warming friendships!
I needed a fluffy, uplifting book, and that's exactly what I got from Like a Love Song! I read the book in just two sittings, so yeah, I was pretty invested in the storyline 😂 It was nice to read a YA book that isn't set against a high-school background tbh. I have recently become obsessed with the fake-dating trope, so I was really happy with how the author made the whole fake-dating thing between two celebs work out in the book. :')
My favourite thing about LALS was the realistic portrayal of Nati's struggles as a Brazilian girl, while balancing fame and a teenage life together. Her character development throughout the story was incredible. Seeing someone so young like Nati accept her brazilian roots and culture whole-heartedly was just the best thing ever.
William was so charming. 😍 *plays London Boy by T.Swift* He did some unlikable stuff though, and that's how he lost some points from me. I wish the author included some chapters from William's side as well - that would have made the relationship complications between him and Nati more fleshed-out, in my opinion. A lot of things started happening in the last two chapters or so, and it was hard to keep up 😭 It might just be me though 🤷
Overall, I really enjoyed reading Like a Love Song, and I highly recommend it if you want a short & fast-paced read with loveable characters. 💕 Thanks to Penguin Random House Intl & Underlined for the free review copy.
June 30, 2022
i loved this so much 🥺 aside from how cute the romance was, i loved nati's journey to fully embracing her brazilian identity. her relationship with her grandmother reminded me so much of mine and i genuinely started crying at the scene with her brazilian fans <3
4.5 stars rounded up!
4.5 stars rounded up!
May 12, 2022
3.5 stars
Very cute! Great diverse ya romance that’s fluffy with some serious stuff thrown in.
Very cute! Great diverse ya romance that’s fluffy with some serious stuff thrown in.
July 14, 2021
*4.5 Stars*
I was provided an ARC by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Natalie is finally getting everything she ever wanted. She's a popstar in Hollywood, getting the Female Artist of the Year Award, not the best Latina singer, but the Female Artist of the Year and that means so much to her. Her boyfriend, Trent, is Hollywood's heartthrob so everything is perfect.
Except, on her big night, Trent breaks up with her and she loses it a little… in front of cameras.
Turned into a meme and a joke, Natalie locks herself in her room for a while. But after hitting rock-bottom, she gets up and assembles her PR team and agent. Their solution? For her to do an up and going British actor. She knows of him though and he's everything she doesn't want… or is he?
This was so very very good. A perfect YA romance. My attention was grabbed on the very first page and I was all in from that point on.
I loved the MC and her journey, her growth, but I think I loved her best friends even more. The love interest was all kind of great too, it was just such a great cast of characters, all layered with their own flaws and problems.
The plot mostly took me by surprise and I flew through the book. It actually took me out of a little slump too.
My main problem is the words that weren't said. Kissing someone without their consent is assault, not "he kissed me, I didn't kiss him back" but very well "he assaulted me."
It's by putting the right words on this things that things are gonna change and I wish it were done here.
Anyway, all in all, I had an amazing time and just felt everything. I cannot wait for whatever Gabriela Martins comes up with next.
I was provided an ARC by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Natalie is finally getting everything she ever wanted. She's a popstar in Hollywood, getting the Female Artist of the Year Award, not the best Latina singer, but the Female Artist of the Year and that means so much to her. Her boyfriend, Trent, is Hollywood's heartthrob so everything is perfect.
Except, on her big night, Trent breaks up with her and she loses it a little… in front of cameras.
Turned into a meme and a joke, Natalie locks herself in her room for a while. But after hitting rock-bottom, she gets up and assembles her PR team and agent. Their solution? For her to do an up and going British actor. She knows of him though and he's everything she doesn't want… or is he?
This was so very very good. A perfect YA romance. My attention was grabbed on the very first page and I was all in from that point on.
I loved the MC and her journey, her growth, but I think I loved her best friends even more. The love interest was all kind of great too, it was just such a great cast of characters, all layered with their own flaws and problems.
The plot mostly took me by surprise and I flew through the book. It actually took me out of a little slump too.
My main problem is the words that weren't said. Kissing someone without their consent is assault, not "he kissed me, I didn't kiss him back" but very well "he assaulted me."
It's by putting the right words on this things that things are gonna change and I wish it were done here.
Anyway, all in all, I had an amazing time and just felt everything. I cannot wait for whatever Gabriela Martins comes up with next.
June 2, 2021
Aaaaah this book was light, fluffy, sweet and delightful in all of the best ways! Read my full review here! 💖
Here's a preview:
Delightful, fun, fast-paced, sweet, romantic, unexpected!
I’m so happy that I got this book as a surprise in my email the other day. I got so excited when I got the email I sent a screenshot to so many people! I thought this book was so cute from the moment I saw it, I knew it would be a winner and I was so right. This book was adorable, fun, light and easy — in the best way!
Quick Summary: Like a Love Song follows Natalie, a famous Latina music artist, who is about to get a music award, awarded to her from her music idol. Right before she goes on stage, her boyfriend breaks up with her by saying he has found love with someone else. In the midst of emotion, Natalie cries and yells at him, but the unfortunate thing about being famous is that the paparazzi is always looming. Within hours, she becomes a viral internet meme and in order to restore her image, her publicity team decides it would be best to find a new (fake) boyfriend for her. Continue reading...
Bookish Brews | Twitter | Pinterest | Tumblr
I received this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Here's a preview:
Delightful, fun, fast-paced, sweet, romantic, unexpected!
I’m so happy that I got this book as a surprise in my email the other day. I got so excited when I got the email I sent a screenshot to so many people! I thought this book was so cute from the moment I saw it, I knew it would be a winner and I was so right. This book was adorable, fun, light and easy — in the best way!
Quick Summary: Like a Love Song follows Natalie, a famous Latina music artist, who is about to get a music award, awarded to her from her music idol. Right before she goes on stage, her boyfriend breaks up with her by saying he has found love with someone else. In the midst of emotion, Natalie cries and yells at him, but the unfortunate thing about being famous is that the paparazzi is always looming. Within hours, she becomes a viral internet meme and in order to restore her image, her publicity team decides it would be best to find a new (fake) boyfriend for her. Continue reading...
Bookish Brews | Twitter | Pinterest | Tumblr
I received this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Want to read
March 18, 2021"swoon-worthy fake boyfriend"?? yes please!
September 10, 2021
this was just! so! fun! like omg I enjoyed myself so much and I loved the characters so much and I !! it's so fun and cute !!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 420 reviews