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The Sound That Found Me
At sixteen, Heather Brown meets a boy on vacation who changes the way the world sounds. One summer. One connection. And then it’s over—before either of them knows how to hold on.
Fifteen years later, Heather’s life looks exactly the way it’s supposed to. She’s engaged. Her career is thriving. Her future is mapped out in sensible, adult decisions. What she doesn’t have is the feeling she’s spent years convincing herself she outgrew.
Bradley Hart carried it with him.
He turned that summer into music—and the music into a career. Now a rising star, Bradley’s songs are built on memory, longing, and the girl who taught him what it meant to feel something that deep for the first time.
When Heather hears one of his songs, it doesn’t feel like nostalgia. It feels like a message.
Reaching out reconnects them in a way that’s immediate, complicated, and impossible to ignore—but timing has teeth now. Heather isn’t free. Bradley isn’t just a memory. And choosing him would mean unraveling a life she’s already promised to someone else.
This time, the question isn’t whether first love lasts.
It’s whether telling the truth—about who you were, who you became, and who you still want to be—is worth everything it might cost.
Fifteen years later, Heather’s life looks exactly the way it’s supposed to. She’s engaged. Her career is thriving. Her future is mapped out in sensible, adult decisions. What she doesn’t have is the feeling she’s spent years convincing herself she outgrew.
Bradley Hart carried it with him.
He turned that summer into music—and the music into a career. Now a rising star, Bradley’s songs are built on memory, longing, and the girl who taught him what it meant to feel something that deep for the first time.
When Heather hears one of his songs, it doesn’t feel like nostalgia. It feels like a message.
Reaching out reconnects them in a way that’s immediate, complicated, and impossible to ignore—but timing has teeth now. Heather isn’t free. Bradley isn’t just a memory. And choosing him would mean unraveling a life she’s already promised to someone else.
This time, the question isn’t whether first love lasts.
It’s whether telling the truth—about who you were, who you became, and who you still want to be—is worth everything it might cost.
- GenresRomance
368 pages, ebook
Published March 26, 2026
About the author
Jillian Marie
3 books25 followersJillian Marie writes slow-burn romance with emotional depth, flawed characters, and stories that linger. Her books explore love in all its messy, meaningful forms—especially the kind that doesn’t follow the rules.
She’s a mom of three girls and finds joy in baking, reading, Pilates, and winding down with a cup of tea and honey. She writes at home—or in her car while her daughters are at dance—and finds inspiration in the quiet in-between moments of everyday life.
She lives with her husband and daughters in Southern California.
She’s a mom of three girls and finds joy in baking, reading, Pilates, and winding down with a cup of tea and honey. She writes at home—or in her car while her daughters are at dance—and finds inspiration in the quiet in-between moments of everyday life.
She lives with her husband and daughters in Southern California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
April 1, 2026
Rating - 4.5
I loved this book so much!! Bradley and Heather seriously feel like they were meant to be. They’re the cutest, but they also go through a lot to get there. This isn’t some cheesy love story either, it’s real, emotional, and full of tough choices. You really feel everything they’re going through. Their story is all about stepping away from the life you think you’re supposed to live and having the courage to actually live the life you want. The growth for both of them is so good and feels really real. There are sweet, tender moments mixed in with the heavier stuff, and those little “kick your feet and giggle” moments make it even better. Such a heartfelt, swoon-worthy second chance romance.
I loved this book so much!! Bradley and Heather seriously feel like they were meant to be. They’re the cutest, but they also go through a lot to get there. This isn’t some cheesy love story either, it’s real, emotional, and full of tough choices. You really feel everything they’re going through. Their story is all about stepping away from the life you think you’re supposed to live and having the courage to actually live the life you want. The growth for both of them is so good and feels really real. There are sweet, tender moments mixed in with the heavier stuff, and those little “kick your feet and giggle” moments make it even better. Such a heartfelt, swoon-worthy second chance romance.
April 9, 2026
The Sound That Found Me
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jillian Marie
Thank you to booked with the Emily’s and Jillian Marie for the gifted ARC of this book! I love second chance romances and this one with Heather and Bradley did not disappoint.
What You’ll Find:
Slow burn
Second Chance
Musician x fashion designer
Mc's in their 30s
Then and now timeline
Right person, messy timing
Also, being from Chicago loved the references from so many areas, towns, etc. the story included which was just an added bonus for me.
If you love a swoony read and while it may sound a bit cliche’ this story really had me in all my feels. I was drawn in quickly and became invested in what led these characters down the paths they chose.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jillian Marie
Thank you to booked with the Emily’s and Jillian Marie for the gifted ARC of this book! I love second chance romances and this one with Heather and Bradley did not disappoint.
What You’ll Find:
Slow burn
Second Chance
Musician x fashion designer
Mc's in their 30s
Then and now timeline
Right person, messy timing
Also, being from Chicago loved the references from so many areas, towns, etc. the story included which was just an added bonus for me.
If you love a swoony read and while it may sound a bit cliche’ this story really had me in all my feels. I was drawn in quickly and became invested in what led these characters down the paths they chose.
April 7, 2026
I enjoyed the bones of this story, but in the end I was left wanting more.
When you have two people (and teenagers in this case) who fall in love in one week and this moment in time becomes the basis for the rest of the story…we need to see that. I needed that and the glimpses we got were just not enough to convince me that Bradley and Heather would make it in the long run. Especially with Bradley’s career as a new and up and coming musician.
For me there was just too much tell and not enough show. I wanted to see why these two fell in love so hard and couldn’t let go even fifteen years later. Heather was with Tripp way too long…like he should have been disposed of within the first couple chapters.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that overall this felt very surface level and I needed more depth and connection. There were also some word choices that made me cringe a few times.
I absolutely loved Nico and Tori. They were the voices of reason that Heather needed. I also liked “the questions”, but it just wasn’t enough.
Content: open door, some language
Closed door modifications: Ch. 8, 38, 40, 43, 44, 50 (all brief and not detailed)
Thanks to the author and Booked with the Emilys for a gifted copy. My thoughts are my own.
When you have two people (and teenagers in this case) who fall in love in one week and this moment in time becomes the basis for the rest of the story…we need to see that. I needed that and the glimpses we got were just not enough to convince me that Bradley and Heather would make it in the long run. Especially with Bradley’s career as a new and up and coming musician.
For me there was just too much tell and not enough show. I wanted to see why these two fell in love so hard and couldn’t let go even fifteen years later. Heather was with Tripp way too long…like he should have been disposed of within the first couple chapters.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that overall this felt very surface level and I needed more depth and connection. There were also some word choices that made me cringe a few times.
I absolutely loved Nico and Tori. They were the voices of reason that Heather needed. I also liked “the questions”, but it just wasn’t enough.
Content: open door, some language
Closed door modifications: Ch. 8, 38, 40, 43, 44, 50 (all brief and not detailed)
Thanks to the author and Booked with the Emilys for a gifted copy. My thoughts are my own.
April 13, 2026
The Sound That Found Me 🎶 Book Review 🌴thank you @bookedwiththeemilys for the gifted book!
The Sound That Found Me
by Jillian Marie
out now!
At sixteen, Heather Brown shares a life-changing summer romance with a boy she never forgets. Fifteen years later, her life looks perfect on the outside—she’s engaged and successful—but something is missing. Meanwhile, Bradley Hart turned that unforgettable summer into music, building a career on the memory of their connection.
When Heather hears one of his songs, it feels less like nostalgia and more like a message, pulling them back into each other’s lives. But with everything on the line—her future, his past, and the truth they’ve both avoided—they’re forced to decide if first love is worth risking everything they’ve built.
💭 My thoughts:
In this one you will find a summer love turned into songs, second chances, and a story that gets messy! The moment I saw this was a second chance, slow burn romance with such an enticing cover, I knew I had to pick it up! What I wasn’t prepared for was just how emotional and complicated things would get for Heather and Bradley. This story really leans into the messiness of real choices, timing, and the weight of the past. It’s wild to think how much can come from one summer fifteen years ago, but this book makes you feel every bit of it. The longing and the “what ifs” were done so well. And with all that chaos and heartache… the ending hit just right. If you love second chance romance, slow burns, and the right person but messy timing… this is one to give a read!
For fans of 👇🏽
❤️🔥Slow burn
✨Second Chance
🎶Musician x fashion designer
📖Mc's in their 30s
⬅️➡️Then and now timeline
💕Right person, messy timing
Happy reading 📖 🎶🌴💭✨
The Sound That Found Me
by Jillian Marie
out now!
At sixteen, Heather Brown shares a life-changing summer romance with a boy she never forgets. Fifteen years later, her life looks perfect on the outside—she’s engaged and successful—but something is missing. Meanwhile, Bradley Hart turned that unforgettable summer into music, building a career on the memory of their connection.
When Heather hears one of his songs, it feels less like nostalgia and more like a message, pulling them back into each other’s lives. But with everything on the line—her future, his past, and the truth they’ve both avoided—they’re forced to decide if first love is worth risking everything they’ve built.
💭 My thoughts:
In this one you will find a summer love turned into songs, second chances, and a story that gets messy! The moment I saw this was a second chance, slow burn romance with such an enticing cover, I knew I had to pick it up! What I wasn’t prepared for was just how emotional and complicated things would get for Heather and Bradley. This story really leans into the messiness of real choices, timing, and the weight of the past. It’s wild to think how much can come from one summer fifteen years ago, but this book makes you feel every bit of it. The longing and the “what ifs” were done so well. And with all that chaos and heartache… the ending hit just right. If you love second chance romance, slow burns, and the right person but messy timing… this is one to give a read!
For fans of 👇🏽
❤️🔥Slow burn
✨Second Chance
🎶Musician x fashion designer
📖Mc's in their 30s
⬅️➡️Then and now timeline
💕Right person, messy timing
Happy reading 📖 🎶🌴💭✨
April 6, 2026
I was drawn to this because the MMC is a musician. I’ve always loved a good rockstar romance. And I love older characters, now that I’m old 😆.
Second chance was my favorite part of this story. I liked that we got some of their past POV. Teenage love is always iffy, but I do love when they find each other again later in life and can find a way to make that childhood love blossom.
I really liked Heather and Bradley together. Heather deserved better than settling for her fiancé. They may not have gone about the beginning of their reunion the best way (check the TWs on this one, there’s some cheating) but it was easy to root for Bradley over Tripp.
I love that music is a big part of this story. That Bradley has spent all their years apart writing songs that tend to come back to the short time that him and Heather spent together and his feelings for her. I’m a sucker for a good song lyric.
Thank you Jillian and Booked with the Emilys for my copy of this book.
Second chance was my favorite part of this story. I liked that we got some of their past POV. Teenage love is always iffy, but I do love when they find each other again later in life and can find a way to make that childhood love blossom.
I really liked Heather and Bradley together. Heather deserved better than settling for her fiancé. They may not have gone about the beginning of their reunion the best way (check the TWs on this one, there’s some cheating) but it was easy to root for Bradley over Tripp.
I love that music is a big part of this story. That Bradley has spent all their years apart writing songs that tend to come back to the short time that him and Heather spent together and his feelings for her. I’m a sucker for a good song lyric.
Thank you Jillian and Booked with the Emilys for my copy of this book.
March 14, 2026
A good romance filled with wrong place wrong time moments. Bradley and Heather truly seemed destined together but can their all-consuming careers keep them apart?
March 28, 2026
Thank you so so much to the amazing kind author Jillian Marie for letting me have an opportunity to read an arc of this book!! Heather and Bradley are the CUTEST!!!! They literally belong together!!!! I’ll admit I don’t like the cheating trope but when Heather and Bradley got together i knew IMMEDIATELY they were perfect for each other. Also Tripp is a red flag anyway….
I can not wait to read Meredith’s story!!! Thank you again to Jillian Marie for letting me have an arc of this amazing story!!
I can not wait to read Meredith’s story!!! Thank you again to Jillian Marie for letting me have an arc of this amazing story!!
March 15, 2026
From the very first page I was invested. The story is about two people who fall in love as teens and get a second chance later in life. Do you remember your first love? You know, the one you thought you’d be with for the rest of your life? The one you probably still wonder, what if? This book takes you back to those feelings. I felt everything the main characters felt and I was rooting for them every step of the way.
The characters were all fun to get to know and I really liked all of them. Heather craves stability and once you learn more about her mom it makes sense. Bradley doesn’t want to become someone he can’t stand. The author wrote these characters in such a way that you could either identify with them or know someone who they remind you of. The writing flowed beautifully and you could easily get absorbed in the book. When I read, I like to completely lose myself in the story and this book totally did that for me.
I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a second chance romance with characters in their 30’s! People you could actually relate to because you know, we’re not all 20 anymore.
The characters were all fun to get to know and I really liked all of them. Heather craves stability and once you learn more about her mom it makes sense. Bradley doesn’t want to become someone he can’t stand. The author wrote these characters in such a way that you could either identify with them or know someone who they remind you of. The writing flowed beautifully and you could easily get absorbed in the book. When I read, I like to completely lose myself in the story and this book totally did that for me.
I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a second chance romance with characters in their 30’s! People you could actually relate to because you know, we’re not all 20 anymore.
March 29, 2026
What an adorably beautiful second-chance romance!
Heather and Bradley finding their way back to each other made for the sweetest story. Their chemistry had me hooked from the start, and I happily sat through the slow burn waiting for everything to finally ignite—and it absolutely didn’t disappoint.
I especially loved Heather’s growth. Watching her stand up for herself and realise she didn’t want to become someone who was controlled or reduced to being a decorative side piece for a man was so powerful. She knew her worth and refused to settle for anything less again.
Their relationship isn’t without its challenges. A lot of their struggles come from the past—growing up without the best examples of love, dealing with absent fathers, and navigating old wounds—but what made it so special was seeing them choose to work through it together.
The Sound That Found Me was a beautiful, emotional romance that I didn’t want to put down. I love a good second-chance story, and this one was definitely top tier. 💖
Tropes:
💞 Second Chance
🔥 Slow Burn
🎤👗 Musician x Fashion Designer
⏳ Then & Now Timeline
💔 Right Person, Messy Timing
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Heather and Bradley finding their way back to each other made for the sweetest story. Their chemistry had me hooked from the start, and I happily sat through the slow burn waiting for everything to finally ignite—and it absolutely didn’t disappoint.
I especially loved Heather’s growth. Watching her stand up for herself and realise she didn’t want to become someone who was controlled or reduced to being a decorative side piece for a man was so powerful. She knew her worth and refused to settle for anything less again.
Their relationship isn’t without its challenges. A lot of their struggles come from the past—growing up without the best examples of love, dealing with absent fathers, and navigating old wounds—but what made it so special was seeing them choose to work through it together.
The Sound That Found Me was a beautiful, emotional romance that I didn’t want to put down. I love a good second-chance story, and this one was definitely top tier. 💖
Tropes:
💞 Second Chance
🔥 Slow Burn
🎤👗 Musician x Fashion Designer
⏳ Then & Now Timeline
💔 Right Person, Messy Timing
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
March 30, 2026
Thank you Jillian Marie for letting me receive this Arc! The Sound That Found Me by is an emotional and beautifully layered story about love, timing, and rediscovering yourself when life takes unexpected turns.
this book is a second-chance romance that explores what happens when two people reconnect years after their lives have taken very different paths. The story balances past and present timelines, allowing readers to fully understand the depth of the characters’ history and the emotion behind their reunion.
Heathers journey of rediscovery is especially compelling—watching her step out of the background and reclaim her identity feels both relatable and empowering.
The romance itself is a slow burn, filled with tension, nostalgia, and heartfelt moments. Rather than feeling rushed, the relationship builds naturally, making the emotional payoff even more satisfying. The writing style is engaging and easy to get lost in, making it a hard book to put down.
Overall, The Sound That Found Me is a heartfelt, addictive read that will resonate with anyone who loves stories about second chances, personal growth, and the kind of love that finds you when you least expect it.
this book is a second-chance romance that explores what happens when two people reconnect years after their lives have taken very different paths. The story balances past and present timelines, allowing readers to fully understand the depth of the characters’ history and the emotion behind their reunion.
Heathers journey of rediscovery is especially compelling—watching her step out of the background and reclaim her identity feels both relatable and empowering.
The romance itself is a slow burn, filled with tension, nostalgia, and heartfelt moments. Rather than feeling rushed, the relationship builds naturally, making the emotional payoff even more satisfying. The writing style is engaging and easy to get lost in, making it a hard book to put down.
Overall, The Sound That Found Me is a heartfelt, addictive read that will resonate with anyone who loves stories about second chances, personal growth, and the kind of love that finds you when you least expect it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book felt like nostalgia wrapped in longing and set to music 🎸🥺
The Sound That Found Me is one of those second chance romances that just quietly seeps into your heart and refuses to leave.
The story follows Heather and Bradley...two people who fell hard as teenagers during one unforgettable summer… only to reconnect fifteen years later when life looks very different and feelings are anything but simple.
What really stood out to me was how emotional and real this story felt. Heather has built a safe, stable life for herself. Successful career, fiancé, carefully planned future.
But when she hears a song written by the boy who once made her feel everything, it cracks open parts of her she thought she buried long ago. Watching her wrestle with comfort vs. truth, obligation vs. desire, was honestly so compelling.
Bradley was such a swoony MMC. A musician who quite literally turned his first love into art? Say less.
His longing, patience, and emotional depth added so much heart to the story. He never felt like just a fantasy or “what if”...he felt like unfinished history finally getting its chance.
The then and now timeline worked beautifully here. Getting glimpses of their teenage connection made their reunion feel layered and meaningful instead of rushed. Their chemistry had that soft, aching intensity that second chance romances do so well. The kind that gives you butterflies and anxiety at the same time because timing really is messy.
I also loved the themes of rediscovering yourself in your 30s. This isn’t just about rekindling old love...it’s about questioning the life you built, realizing you may have settled for safety instead of passion, and deciding whether it’s ever too late to choose differently.
If you love:
🎸 Second chance romance
💌 Right person, wrong timing
🕰️ Dual timeline / first love nostalgia
✨ Musician MMC
🫶 Emotional growth + self-rediscovery
This one is tender, angsty, and beautifully absorbing. Perfect if you want a romance that makes you feel everything and stay up way too late turning pages 📚💔❤️
The Sound That Found Me is one of those second chance romances that just quietly seeps into your heart and refuses to leave.
The story follows Heather and Bradley...two people who fell hard as teenagers during one unforgettable summer… only to reconnect fifteen years later when life looks very different and feelings are anything but simple.
What really stood out to me was how emotional and real this story felt. Heather has built a safe, stable life for herself. Successful career, fiancé, carefully planned future.
But when she hears a song written by the boy who once made her feel everything, it cracks open parts of her she thought she buried long ago. Watching her wrestle with comfort vs. truth, obligation vs. desire, was honestly so compelling.
Bradley was such a swoony MMC. A musician who quite literally turned his first love into art? Say less.
His longing, patience, and emotional depth added so much heart to the story. He never felt like just a fantasy or “what if”...he felt like unfinished history finally getting its chance.
The then and now timeline worked beautifully here. Getting glimpses of their teenage connection made their reunion feel layered and meaningful instead of rushed. Their chemistry had that soft, aching intensity that second chance romances do so well. The kind that gives you butterflies and anxiety at the same time because timing really is messy.
I also loved the themes of rediscovering yourself in your 30s. This isn’t just about rekindling old love...it’s about questioning the life you built, realizing you may have settled for safety instead of passion, and deciding whether it’s ever too late to choose differently.
If you love:
🎸 Second chance romance
💌 Right person, wrong timing
🕰️ Dual timeline / first love nostalgia
✨ Musician MMC
🫶 Emotional growth + self-rediscovery
This one is tender, angsty, and beautifully absorbing. Perfect if you want a romance that makes you feel everything and stay up way too late turning pages 📚💔❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Did I love every single thing about this book?
Absolutely. ❤️
From the very first page, this story completely pulled me in and refused to let go.
Bradley and Heather were such an incredible pair to follow. Their dynamic was everything I could hope for in a romance - intense and emotionally engaging all at once. They made me giggle, squirm, and at times I swear I could have screamed my lungs out because of how invested I was in what was happening to them. The chemistry between them felt natural and electric, and watching their relationship unfold was honestly such a joy.
One thing I truly appreciated was the world-building. It was beautifully done without ever feeling overwhelming or complicated. The setting felt immersive yet easy to settle into, which made it effortless to get lost in the story. I found myself completely absorbed in the world and the characters, forgetting everything else around me while reading.
This book also came at the perfect time for me because it helped pull me out of a reading slump. You know that feeling when books just aren’t clicking for a while? This story broke that streak for me in the best way possible. It reminded me why I love reading romance so much the emotions, the connection, the excitement of rooting for two characters to find their way to each other.
It’s honestly been a while since I’ve read a romance novel that hooked me this strongly, and I’m so grateful I had the chance to experience it early. Huge thanks to the team for letting me be part of the ARC readers. Getting to read and review this story was such a wonderful opportunity, and I’m really glad I didn’t miss out on Bradley and Heather’s journey.
If you’re looking for a romance that will make you laugh, feel deeply, and completely lose yourself in its world, this one is definitely worth picking.
Absolutely. ❤️
From the very first page, this story completely pulled me in and refused to let go.
Bradley and Heather were such an incredible pair to follow. Their dynamic was everything I could hope for in a romance - intense and emotionally engaging all at once. They made me giggle, squirm, and at times I swear I could have screamed my lungs out because of how invested I was in what was happening to them. The chemistry between them felt natural and electric, and watching their relationship unfold was honestly such a joy.
One thing I truly appreciated was the world-building. It was beautifully done without ever feeling overwhelming or complicated. The setting felt immersive yet easy to settle into, which made it effortless to get lost in the story. I found myself completely absorbed in the world and the characters, forgetting everything else around me while reading.
This book also came at the perfect time for me because it helped pull me out of a reading slump. You know that feeling when books just aren’t clicking for a while? This story broke that streak for me in the best way possible. It reminded me why I love reading romance so much the emotions, the connection, the excitement of rooting for two characters to find their way to each other.
It’s honestly been a while since I’ve read a romance novel that hooked me this strongly, and I’m so grateful I had the chance to experience it early. Huge thanks to the team for letting me be part of the ARC readers. Getting to read and review this story was such a wonderful opportunity, and I’m really glad I didn’t miss out on Bradley and Heather’s journey.
If you’re looking for a romance that will make you laugh, feel deeply, and completely lose yourself in its world, this one is definitely worth picking.
March 26, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
This story pulled me in from the very first page and refused to let go. It felt like stepping back into that fragile, electric space of teenage love where everything is intense, fleeting, and unforgettable. Heather and Bradley’s past was written with such tenderness that I could feel every glance, every almost, every what if.
Heather’s life looks perfect on the surface. She is driven, successful, and building something meaningful. But underneath it all, there is this quiet ache she never really outgrew. And when Bradley reappears through his music, carrying their past like a melody he never stopped playing, it hits hard. Their reunion was everything. The tension, the anticipation, that moment when they finally meet again… I could not stop reading.
Bradley is the kind of book boyfriend that lingers. Passionate, gentle, understanding, and still holding space for a love that shaped him. You feel his longing in every choice he makes.
What stood out most to me was how raw and emotionally honest this story felt. It did not shy away from the messy parts. The timing, the sacrifices, the weight of real life decisions. I did struggle with how much Bradley had to give up compared to Heather. It felt a little unbalanced, especially when both of them had careers that demanded so much. But at the same time, that imbalance added to the emotional depth and vulnerability of their journey.
Watching them grow from who they were into who they have become was beautifully done. This was not just about first love. It was about truth. About choosing yourself. About deciding if a feeling this powerful is worth unraveling everything for.
And Nico and Tory? The kind of friends who stay, who support, who feel like home. If you know, you know.
This one left me soft, a little wrecked, and thinking about the kind of love that never really leaves you.
This story pulled me in from the very first page and refused to let go. It felt like stepping back into that fragile, electric space of teenage love where everything is intense, fleeting, and unforgettable. Heather and Bradley’s past was written with such tenderness that I could feel every glance, every almost, every what if.
Heather’s life looks perfect on the surface. She is driven, successful, and building something meaningful. But underneath it all, there is this quiet ache she never really outgrew. And when Bradley reappears through his music, carrying their past like a melody he never stopped playing, it hits hard. Their reunion was everything. The tension, the anticipation, that moment when they finally meet again… I could not stop reading.
Bradley is the kind of book boyfriend that lingers. Passionate, gentle, understanding, and still holding space for a love that shaped him. You feel his longing in every choice he makes.
What stood out most to me was how raw and emotionally honest this story felt. It did not shy away from the messy parts. The timing, the sacrifices, the weight of real life decisions. I did struggle with how much Bradley had to give up compared to Heather. It felt a little unbalanced, especially when both of them had careers that demanded so much. But at the same time, that imbalance added to the emotional depth and vulnerability of their journey.
Watching them grow from who they were into who they have become was beautifully done. This was not just about first love. It was about truth. About choosing yourself. About deciding if a feeling this powerful is worth unraveling everything for.
And Nico and Tory? The kind of friends who stay, who support, who feel like home. If you know, you know.
This one left me soft, a little wrecked, and thinking about the kind of love that never really leaves you.
April 9, 2026
15 years ago as teens, Heather and Bradley, spent a week together and it was everything. But they never stayed in touch and never knew each other's last names. Heather is now an up and coming fashion designer and recently engaged to Tripp and while she is happy, a part of her feels like something is missing in their relationship. He grounds her but what she really wants is to fly. Her sister and her mom like Tripp but feel like she is settling.
One day, she hears a song on the radio and it transports her back to that magical summer with Bradley and then she realizes the song is describing them! When she looks up the artist, she is shocked to see it's her Bradley and he is now an up and coming musician! On a whim, she slides in his DMS and he invites her out to a concert.
Bradley cannot believe this song brought Heather back to him. He has searched for her for years but with no last name he continued to strike out until she reached out to him. Now he's determined to show her that what they had was once in a lifetime but can he convince her to stick around or will she return to her fiance?
Quick easy chapters made this story fly by and I got immediately hooked. The palpable pulse that the MC had between them was electric. You could clearly see the chemistry bouncing off the pages.
Tory, Heather’s sister, was the perfect guidance. She let Heather make her decisions and supported her while also giving solid advice. They truly were a great match!
Heather likes the stability that Tripp provides but does she really love him? She is wild and carefree and he’s so rigid and has everything planned out not only for his life but for her as well. He wants to just go along with his plans with no regard for her wants and needs. There is no meeting halfway with him.
I feel like the final conversation with her fiance Tripp left a little to be desired. I don't feel like he needed to become a mini villain. He could still be a decent guy who was just not right for her. It kinda soured the situation and really made her decision seem like it was clearly the right one and easy. I would have been ok with a more tough conversation that was complicated. It would have made her decision seem even more monumental and held her accountable for her actions.
Also, the miscommunication and “other women” on the road with Bradley wasn't necessary. A new relationship on the road away from each other was tough enough. No need to try and make it more than it was. His viewpoint of letting her go, after everything he did to win her back, felt so off! Why didn't he fight harder for her?!
Overall a good second chance romance that was messy with lots of yearning.
Huge thanks to Booked With The Emily’s and Jillian Marie for sharing this book’s digital advanced review copy with me in exchange for an honest review.
One day, she hears a song on the radio and it transports her back to that magical summer with Bradley and then she realizes the song is describing them! When she looks up the artist, she is shocked to see it's her Bradley and he is now an up and coming musician! On a whim, she slides in his DMS and he invites her out to a concert.
Bradley cannot believe this song brought Heather back to him. He has searched for her for years but with no last name he continued to strike out until she reached out to him. Now he's determined to show her that what they had was once in a lifetime but can he convince her to stick around or will she return to her fiance?
Quick easy chapters made this story fly by and I got immediately hooked. The palpable pulse that the MC had between them was electric. You could clearly see the chemistry bouncing off the pages.
Tory, Heather’s sister, was the perfect guidance. She let Heather make her decisions and supported her while also giving solid advice. They truly were a great match!
Heather likes the stability that Tripp provides but does she really love him? She is wild and carefree and he’s so rigid and has everything planned out not only for his life but for her as well. He wants to just go along with his plans with no regard for her wants and needs. There is no meeting halfway with him.
I feel like the final conversation with her fiance Tripp left a little to be desired. I don't feel like he needed to become a mini villain. He could still be a decent guy who was just not right for her. It kinda soured the situation and really made her decision seem like it was clearly the right one and easy. I would have been ok with a more tough conversation that was complicated. It would have made her decision seem even more monumental and held her accountable for her actions.
Also, the miscommunication and “other women” on the road with Bradley wasn't necessary. A new relationship on the road away from each other was tough enough. No need to try and make it more than it was. His viewpoint of letting her go, after everything he did to win her back, felt so off! Why didn't he fight harder for her?!
Overall a good second chance romance that was messy with lots of yearning.
Huge thanks to Booked With The Emily’s and Jillian Marie for sharing this book’s digital advanced review copy with me in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2026
Our main character Heather seems to have a neatly put-together life on the surface. From the start, though, there’s a quiet sense that things aren’t as perfect as they appear. An early moment highlights this imbalance, with Heather surrounded almost entirely by people from her partner’s world rather than her own, setting the tone for the emotional journey ahead.
Woven into her present is a past connection that never fully faded. A teenage romance from the Dominican lingers in a way that feels both nostalgic and unresolved. When it unexpectedly resurfaces—through music—it sparks something powerful and complicated. The emotional tension that follows is one of the book’s strongest elements, handled with real restraint.
What stood out most was the contrast in relationships. Without spoilers, the story explores what it means to feel seen and valued versus controlled or diminished. It leans into emotional growth, self-discovery, and finding the courage to trust your own voice.
The chemistry is undeniable, with just enough spice to enhance the story without overpowering it. There’s also a recurring motif—elevators—that adds a subtle but memorable layer of intimacy and symbolism.
I appreciated how the narrative handles fame, distance, and miscommunication, giving the romance a realistic edge. The characters are flawed, make mistakes, and grow in believable ways.
One late moment genuinely shocked me—the kind that makes you pause and reread because you can’t quite believe it. It shows just how invested I became in these characters.
Ultimately, this isn’t just a love story—it’s about reclaiming yourself. Learning to speak up, choose what feels right, and walk away from what doesn’t. The emotional payoff feels earned, with a beautifully full-circle ending.
Woven into her present is a past connection that never fully faded. A teenage romance from the Dominican lingers in a way that feels both nostalgic and unresolved. When it unexpectedly resurfaces—through music—it sparks something powerful and complicated. The emotional tension that follows is one of the book’s strongest elements, handled with real restraint.
What stood out most was the contrast in relationships. Without spoilers, the story explores what it means to feel seen and valued versus controlled or diminished. It leans into emotional growth, self-discovery, and finding the courage to trust your own voice.
The chemistry is undeniable, with just enough spice to enhance the story without overpowering it. There’s also a recurring motif—elevators—that adds a subtle but memorable layer of intimacy and symbolism.
I appreciated how the narrative handles fame, distance, and miscommunication, giving the romance a realistic edge. The characters are flawed, make mistakes, and grow in believable ways.
One late moment genuinely shocked me—the kind that makes you pause and reread because you can’t quite believe it. It shows just how invested I became in these characters.
Ultimately, this isn’t just a love story—it’s about reclaiming yourself. Learning to speak up, choose what feels right, and walk away from what doesn’t. The emotional payoff feels earned, with a beautifully full-circle ending.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*Thank you to the author, Jillian Marie for providing me with E-ARC, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own*
4.5 ⭐️
I'm in love.
I shouldn't be surprised, since this isn't the first book I've read by the author. The Sound That Found Me had me going through so many different emotions, and I still cannot get the story out of my mind. Heather and Bradley’s story played in my mind like a favorite song. I loved how Jillian connected music to their love story in this book. I was rooting for the two of them from the moment that Heather heard Bradley’s song. Those two belonged together, and I hoped that they would find a way to be together.
The Sound That Found Me is the type of book that I love when it comes to second-chance romance. I love that they found each other through music. I adored the connection between Bradley and Heather, and as a reader, you wanted them to end up together. Even though Heather was with someone else at the time, they didn’t seem to have the connection that Bradley and Heather did. I loved the character development in this story, especially for Heather; she went a long way from who she was at the beginning. I was so absorbed in this story that I felt as if I were there with Heather and Bradley.
I loved the friendship from Tory and Nico; they reminded me of my best friends. I’m so glad that Heather had them. In general, I was on edge of my seat for most of the book, and there was part of them that didn’t want to end. I’m already eager for Jillian’s next book.
4.5 ⭐️
I'm in love.
I shouldn't be surprised, since this isn't the first book I've read by the author. The Sound That Found Me had me going through so many different emotions, and I still cannot get the story out of my mind. Heather and Bradley’s story played in my mind like a favorite song. I loved how Jillian connected music to their love story in this book. I was rooting for the two of them from the moment that Heather heard Bradley’s song. Those two belonged together, and I hoped that they would find a way to be together.
The Sound That Found Me is the type of book that I love when it comes to second-chance romance. I love that they found each other through music. I adored the connection between Bradley and Heather, and as a reader, you wanted them to end up together. Even though Heather was with someone else at the time, they didn’t seem to have the connection that Bradley and Heather did. I loved the character development in this story, especially for Heather; she went a long way from who she was at the beginning. I was so absorbed in this story that I felt as if I were there with Heather and Bradley.
I loved the friendship from Tory and Nico; they reminded me of my best friends. I’m so glad that Heather had them. In general, I was on edge of my seat for most of the book, and there was part of them that didn’t want to end. I’m already eager for Jillian’s next book.
April 9, 2026
The whole vibe of this book felt so gentle and personal in a way that made me slow down and really take everything in. I loved how the story unfolded and how the emotions felt real but never overwhelming. It had this quiet kind of magic to it that made me want to keep reading even when not a lot was happening on the surface. It felt very reflective and intimate, like you were growing alongside her instead of just watching from the outside. It reminded me of this one time I went on a vacation and fell in love with a boy lol.
The characters felt so easy to connect with. I kept finding little pieces of myself in Heathers thoughts and reactions.
That being said, I do wish there was a bit more depth when it came to her past, especially with her ex fiancé. I needed a tad bit more drama. He left as quick as he entered. I kept waiting for that part of the story to open up a little more or bring in some extra tension, and I think it could have added a really interesting layer of emotional complexity. A little more drama in general would have made some moments hit even harder, especially since the foundation for it was already there
Still, I really loved this. It felt comforting and sincere and full of heart, and sometimes that is exactly what you need. It is the kind of story that stays with you quietly, and I can definitely see myself thinking about it again later on.
Overall this was such a sweet and meaningful read for me and I am really glad I picked it up. It was a great buddy read.
The characters felt so easy to connect with. I kept finding little pieces of myself in Heathers thoughts and reactions.
That being said, I do wish there was a bit more depth when it came to her past, especially with her ex fiancé. I needed a tad bit more drama. He left as quick as he entered. I kept waiting for that part of the story to open up a little more or bring in some extra tension, and I think it could have added a really interesting layer of emotional complexity. A little more drama in general would have made some moments hit even harder, especially since the foundation for it was already there
Still, I really loved this. It felt comforting and sincere and full of heart, and sometimes that is exactly what you need. It is the kind of story that stays with you quietly, and I can definitely see myself thinking about it again later on.
Overall this was such a sweet and meaningful read for me and I am really glad I picked it up. It was a great buddy read.
April 18, 2026
One summer fifteen years ago brought Heather and Bradley together in Punta Cana. But then at the end of the summer, they part and haven’t spoken for over a decade.
Now Heather is living in Chicago focusing on a career in design and thinking she has the right relationship and a precisely planned future. But she realizes after hearing Bradley’s hit song on the radio that her feelings for Bradley never wavered.
Bradley is a now a world famous rock star. While on tour in New York, he gets a DM from Heather and he invites her to the show. As they reunite, they have to navigate the complexities of their past and current situations to see how they can have a future together.
I enjoyed reading their character journeys, both together and individually. We see how Heather realizes what she wants in a relationship and stands up for herself when she leaves her fiancé. Bradley also sets his own boundaries for his career so he can begin his life with Heather.
Their story is one of second chances. I enjoyed the pace of the slow build of their reunion and relationship. I thought it was complicated, raw, and emotional. It wasn’t an easy journey to find their way back to each other. We saw their honesty and vulnerability and how they take the leap in building the life together that they want - one they always wanted from many years ago.
Thank you to Jillian Marie and Booked with the Emilys for gifted copy and the opportunity to be part of the tour! I was provided a copy of this book and will be leaving an honest review.
Now Heather is living in Chicago focusing on a career in design and thinking she has the right relationship and a precisely planned future. But she realizes after hearing Bradley’s hit song on the radio that her feelings for Bradley never wavered.
Bradley is a now a world famous rock star. While on tour in New York, he gets a DM from Heather and he invites her to the show. As they reunite, they have to navigate the complexities of their past and current situations to see how they can have a future together.
I enjoyed reading their character journeys, both together and individually. We see how Heather realizes what she wants in a relationship and stands up for herself when she leaves her fiancé. Bradley also sets his own boundaries for his career so he can begin his life with Heather.
Their story is one of second chances. I enjoyed the pace of the slow build of their reunion and relationship. I thought it was complicated, raw, and emotional. It wasn’t an easy journey to find their way back to each other. We saw their honesty and vulnerability and how they take the leap in building the life together that they want - one they always wanted from many years ago.
Thank you to Jillian Marie and Booked with the Emilys for gifted copy and the opportunity to be part of the tour! I was provided a copy of this book and will be leaving an honest review.
April 16, 2026
"The Sound That Found Me" is a second-chance romance that had a lot of things I really enjoyed.
- Heather and Bradley's build-up to reconnecting was full of great anticipation and I couldn't wait for them to cross paths again and see if what they had as teens could work as adults.
- I was so happy to watch Heather step into her own person. As someone's who's been watching a lot of Project Runway, having her as a fashion designer was a really cool idea.
- As an older reader, I like characters who are in their 30s to 40s, because I feel I can identify with them, their struggles, their desires, and their life goals, so having Bradley and Heather in that age range worked well for me. HOWEVER, I sometimes forgot they were in their 30s because of how they behaved / responded to situations. They just came off a little immature at times. But that could also be because I'm edging closer to 40 than I am 30.
- I also wasn't a huge fan of how focused Bradley seemed to be on the intimate part of their relationship. There are a handful of sex scenes, which is fine, but I would have liked there to be more moments where readers get to spend time with them, not just in the bedroom. We get scenes of them of teens together that I thought were great and helped establish their feelings. I would have liked more of these as adults.
Overall, this was a really charming, semi-spicy novel about second chances and finding your own voice.
- Heather and Bradley's build-up to reconnecting was full of great anticipation and I couldn't wait for them to cross paths again and see if what they had as teens could work as adults.
- I was so happy to watch Heather step into her own person. As someone's who's been watching a lot of Project Runway, having her as a fashion designer was a really cool idea.
- As an older reader, I like characters who are in their 30s to 40s, because I feel I can identify with them, their struggles, their desires, and their life goals, so having Bradley and Heather in that age range worked well for me. HOWEVER, I sometimes forgot they were in their 30s because of how they behaved / responded to situations. They just came off a little immature at times. But that could also be because I'm edging closer to 40 than I am 30.
- I also wasn't a huge fan of how focused Bradley seemed to be on the intimate part of their relationship. There are a handful of sex scenes, which is fine, but I would have liked there to be more moments where readers get to spend time with them, not just in the bedroom. We get scenes of them of teens together that I thought were great and helped establish their feelings. I would have liked more of these as adults.
Overall, this was a really charming, semi-spicy novel about second chances and finding your own voice.
April 13, 2026
**I received a complimentary eARC and my review is voluntary. Thank you to the author.
Heather & Bradley meeting as teenagers and then pining for each other their entire lives is so sweet and bittersweet at the same time. So much time passed, with the different people they became, and the people they encountered in the years apart, it would've been easy to forget and move on. But the draw they first felt never went away and they were able to find each other again. I loved this story and the characters. Reading about them as teenagers on the beach had me reliving some of the same situations. It's an emotional read, a slow burn, and a beautiful second chance story. I appreciate the time the author gives to the characters to find themselves with each other.
What I love about Jillian Marie's writing is that she is presenting these beautiful magical romances and also showing you what's going on in the background - the real life things we all have to deal with and the issues that come up when deciding whether to change everything for whatever reason we have (whether that's a job, a dream, a love interest). There is an honesty to these stories and that's why sometimes the hurt and the anxiety I feel when I'm reading them has me on edge but also coming back for more everytime.
what to expect:
*second chance
*slow burn
*rockstar
*dual timeline
*yearning
Heather & Bradley meeting as teenagers and then pining for each other their entire lives is so sweet and bittersweet at the same time. So much time passed, with the different people they became, and the people they encountered in the years apart, it would've been easy to forget and move on. But the draw they first felt never went away and they were able to find each other again. I loved this story and the characters. Reading about them as teenagers on the beach had me reliving some of the same situations. It's an emotional read, a slow burn, and a beautiful second chance story. I appreciate the time the author gives to the characters to find themselves with each other.
What I love about Jillian Marie's writing is that she is presenting these beautiful magical romances and also showing you what's going on in the background - the real life things we all have to deal with and the issues that come up when deciding whether to change everything for whatever reason we have (whether that's a job, a dream, a love interest). There is an honesty to these stories and that's why sometimes the hurt and the anxiety I feel when I'm reading them has me on edge but also coming back for more everytime.
what to expect:
*second chance
*slow burn
*rockstar
*dual timeline
*yearning
Review of advance copy received from Author
Tropes:
Second Chance
Slow Burn
Musician X Fashion Designer
MC’s in their 30s
Then and Now Timeline
Right Person, Messy Timing
I really enjoyed this book. It has just the right amount of angst. Heather thinks she has it together but she is just living a comfortable safe existence. Not really living to experience life and all it has to offer. She has closed herself off.
Bradley is the boy that got away. He is still holding on to the memory of the summer where he meet the girl that inspires his music.
It’s a good read. It’s about finding the right person and navigating competing priorities. The friends and family that keep you going and have your back. That will tell you things you may not want to hear but need to hear. I really liked Heather’s mother and how she knew her vibrations were off.
Heathers sister Tory was also a fun character. She supported Heather and gives her the encouragement she needs to take a chance.
This book was one of those that are difficult to stop. It kept me up late. I had a hard time putting it down. I wanted to know what was next. Overall I enjoyed this book and totally recommend.
Thank you to Jillian Marie for an providing an eARC of to book to review
Second Chance
Slow Burn
Musician X Fashion Designer
MC’s in their 30s
Then and Now Timeline
Right Person, Messy Timing
I really enjoyed this book. It has just the right amount of angst. Heather thinks she has it together but she is just living a comfortable safe existence. Not really living to experience life and all it has to offer. She has closed herself off.
Bradley is the boy that got away. He is still holding on to the memory of the summer where he meet the girl that inspires his music.
It’s a good read. It’s about finding the right person and navigating competing priorities. The friends and family that keep you going and have your back. That will tell you things you may not want to hear but need to hear. I really liked Heather’s mother and how she knew her vibrations were off.
Heathers sister Tory was also a fun character. She supported Heather and gives her the encouragement she needs to take a chance.
This book was one of those that are difficult to stop. It kept me up late. I had a hard time putting it down. I wanted to know what was next. Overall I enjoyed this book and totally recommend.
Thank you to Jillian Marie for an providing an eARC of to book to review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2026
ARC Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 | 🌶️ 1/5
Such a heartwarming love story! This book hooked me right from the start.
The Sound That Found Me follows Heather, an up-and-coming fashion designer who unexpectedly reconnects with Bradley, a rising rock star she first met fifteen years earlier during a family vacation. What started as a fleeting teenage connection turns into something much deeper when their paths cross again as adults.
Watching their relationship unfold was one of the highlights of this story. The chemistry between Heather and Bradley felt genuine and easy to root for, and I found myself completely invested in their journey. Their reconnection brings back old memories while also forcing them to confront how much their lives—and feelings—have changed over the years.
The story balances emotional moments with nostalgia and romantic tension, and the multiple POVs help give insight into both characters as their relationship develops. The flashbacks to their first meeting add another layer to their story and make their second chance feel even more meaningful.
If you enjoy romance with emotional depth and a satisfying slow-burn connection, this one is definitely worth checking out.
Tropes / Elements:
• Second Chance Romance
• Slow Burn
• Multiple POVs
• Flashbacks
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 | 🌶️ 1/5
Such a heartwarming love story! This book hooked me right from the start.
The Sound That Found Me follows Heather, an up-and-coming fashion designer who unexpectedly reconnects with Bradley, a rising rock star she first met fifteen years earlier during a family vacation. What started as a fleeting teenage connection turns into something much deeper when their paths cross again as adults.
Watching their relationship unfold was one of the highlights of this story. The chemistry between Heather and Bradley felt genuine and easy to root for, and I found myself completely invested in their journey. Their reconnection brings back old memories while also forcing them to confront how much their lives—and feelings—have changed over the years.
The story balances emotional moments with nostalgia and romantic tension, and the multiple POVs help give insight into both characters as their relationship develops. The flashbacks to their first meeting add another layer to their story and make their second chance feel even more meaningful.
If you enjoy romance with emotional depth and a satisfying slow-burn connection, this one is definitely worth checking out.
Tropes / Elements:
• Second Chance Romance
• Slow Burn
• Multiple POVs
• Flashbacks
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is my first book of Jillian's and I am a fan! I really loved this story. I thought it was such a beautiful story and the character development was fantastic as well as the found family. 😍The thing I liked the most about it though was how relatable it was. I felt like things weren't overexaggerated as they often are in books. It felt very real and relatable. The story follows the FMC Heather and the MMC Bradley. They meet as teenagers on vacation in Punta Cana and fall in love. Heather gives Bradley her phone number and AOL username but he never contacts her... Fast forward 15 years later and she is an up and coming fashion designer engaged to a corporate richy rich lawyer. One day randomly she hears Bradley's song on the radio and it is a song he wrote about her. Instantly all of the memories and the way he made her feel come rushing back and before she knows it she is making plans to go see him play and reunite with him. Bradley yearned and pined after Heather for 15 years she was his big muse for all the songs he writes. We love a yearning man and boy did he yearn. But will Heather be able to let go of everything she thought she was supposed to have with her fiancé or will she follow her heart and be reckless for Bradley? 🥹🥹😍😍😍
March 31, 2026
( Actual rating 3.75)
Thank you so much to the author Jillian Marie for allowing me the chance to read this arc!
Heather & Bradley’s story is so sweet. Filled with first love, right person wrong time, longing for the one your heart knows you belong with. Like come on!
Finally reconnecting when there is someone (a fiancé at that) who could keep them apart forever. Knowing that it’s wrong but also not being able to help how they long for one another and just feel right.
(Note* I’m not a huge fan of cheating tropes, although I am glad this one didn’t take it super far or prolonged. Also Tripp is a major red flag so oh well)
Also, even after finding their way back to one another, having to try and figure out if their lives can work together: Heather who craves stability & routine - Bradley whose life is the definition of chaos and constant motion.
One of my only “critics” would be I wish this book was a little longer actually. The timeline/story felt a tad rushed at points, and I wish it could have been fleshed out a little more.
In all, this was a very easy story to lose yourself in. The writing flowed well in a calming way that made it that much easier to fall into the story. I would highly recommend giving this a read and I can’t wait to read more from Jillian.
Thank you so much to the author Jillian Marie for allowing me the chance to read this arc!
Heather & Bradley’s story is so sweet. Filled with first love, right person wrong time, longing for the one your heart knows you belong with. Like come on!
Finally reconnecting when there is someone (a fiancé at that) who could keep them apart forever. Knowing that it’s wrong but also not being able to help how they long for one another and just feel right.
(Note* I’m not a huge fan of cheating tropes, although I am glad this one didn’t take it super far or prolonged. Also Tripp is a major red flag so oh well)
Also, even after finding their way back to one another, having to try and figure out if their lives can work together: Heather who craves stability & routine - Bradley whose life is the definition of chaos and constant motion.
One of my only “critics” would be I wish this book was a little longer actually. The timeline/story felt a tad rushed at points, and I wish it could have been fleshed out a little more.
In all, this was a very easy story to lose yourself in. The writing flowed well in a calming way that made it that much easier to fall into the story. I would highly recommend giving this a read and I can’t wait to read more from Jillian.
April 7, 2026
This book feels like a song you forgot you loved… until it suddenly plays again and hits even harder.
The Sound That Found Me is soft, emotional, and deeply nostalgic—built around that kind of first love that never really leaves you, no matter how much time or distance tries to dull it. Heather and Bradley’s story isn’t just about romance, it’s about timing, choices, and the versions of ourselves we leave behind.
The dual timeline works beautifully here. You feel the innocence and intensity of their teenage connection, and then the weight of adulthood when they find their way back to each other. And Bradley turning his memories into music? That layer made everything feel more intimate—like every lyric was a piece of their past still reaching for her.
What really stands out is the emotional conflict. Heather’s life is stable, planned, safe… but it’s missing something real. And watching her wrestle with that—between who she’s supposed to be and who she actually is—feels incredibly raw and relatable.
This isn’t a dramatic, over-the-top romance. It’s quieter, more aching. The kind that lingers and makes you sit with your feelings long after you finish.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Bittersweet, heartfelt, and beautifully written. Perfect if you love second-chance romance with emotional depth
The Sound That Found Me is soft, emotional, and deeply nostalgic—built around that kind of first love that never really leaves you, no matter how much time or distance tries to dull it. Heather and Bradley’s story isn’t just about romance, it’s about timing, choices, and the versions of ourselves we leave behind.
The dual timeline works beautifully here. You feel the innocence and intensity of their teenage connection, and then the weight of adulthood when they find their way back to each other. And Bradley turning his memories into music? That layer made everything feel more intimate—like every lyric was a piece of their past still reaching for her.
What really stands out is the emotional conflict. Heather’s life is stable, planned, safe… but it’s missing something real. And watching her wrestle with that—between who she’s supposed to be and who she actually is—feels incredibly raw and relatable.
This isn’t a dramatic, over-the-top romance. It’s quieter, more aching. The kind that lingers and makes you sit with your feelings long after you finish.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Bittersweet, heartfelt, and beautifully written. Perfect if you love second-chance romance with emotional depth
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Sound That Found Me is the kind of story that sneaks up on you quietly, like a song you haven’t heard in years… and somehow you still remember every lyric, every feeling.
Heather and Bradley’s story is an emotional but empowering second chance romance. It doesn’t just dwell in nostalgia, but challenges what it really means to choose yourself. It’s about timing that never quite lines up, the weight of the life you’ve built, and the undeniable pull of the one person who made you feel everything before you even knew what that meant.
Heather’s journey hit hard… The struggle between staying in the safe, expected version of your life and risking it all for something deeper, something truer. It’s real, raw and ever so relatable. And Bradley? He’s proof that some loves don’t disappear… they evolve, they echo, they wait. And damn, does Bradley show up every book boyfriend when it comes to waiting for his girl!
If you love:
💚 second chance romance
🎸 music woven into love stories
💚 right person, wrong time (…or is it?)
🎸 quiet, aching chemistry that never really died
Then The Sound That Found Me is for you.
Heather and Bradley’s story is an emotional but empowering second chance romance. It doesn’t just dwell in nostalgia, but challenges what it really means to choose yourself. It’s about timing that never quite lines up, the weight of the life you’ve built, and the undeniable pull of the one person who made you feel everything before you even knew what that meant.
Heather’s journey hit hard… The struggle between staying in the safe, expected version of your life and risking it all for something deeper, something truer. It’s real, raw and ever so relatable. And Bradley? He’s proof that some loves don’t disappear… they evolve, they echo, they wait. And damn, does Bradley show up every book boyfriend when it comes to waiting for his girl!
If you love:
💚 second chance romance
🎸 music woven into love stories
💚 right person, wrong time (…or is it?)
🎸 quiet, aching chemistry that never really died
Then The Sound That Found Me is for you.
April 6, 2026
"But his eyes...those were exactly the same. The same green I used to memorize in the sun. And now they were on me, rooted, and stunned, like he couldn't decide if he should breathe or speak or walk toward me. I wasn't sure what to do either."
This book completely pulled me in from the very first page. "The Sound that Found ME" is emotional, beautifully written, and filled with the kind of chemistry that makes you hold your breathe while reading.
The connection between the characters felt so raw and real. The tension, the vulnerability, and those quiet moments between them made the story feel incredibly intimate. The banter? Absolutely perfect. I loved watching their relationship unfold while the music and setting added so much dreamy atmosphere to the story.
The teaser line alone had me hooked and trust me... the rest of the book delivers. It's the kind of story that makes your heart ache in the best way while reminding you how powerful connection can be.
If you love emotional romances with strong chemistry, beautiful writing, and moments that will make you melt, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.
This book completely pulled me in from the very first page. "The Sound that Found ME" is emotional, beautifully written, and filled with the kind of chemistry that makes you hold your breathe while reading.
The connection between the characters felt so raw and real. The tension, the vulnerability, and those quiet moments between them made the story feel incredibly intimate. The banter? Absolutely perfect. I loved watching their relationship unfold while the music and setting added so much dreamy atmosphere to the story.
The teaser line alone had me hooked and trust me... the rest of the book delivers. It's the kind of story that makes your heart ache in the best way while reminding you how powerful connection can be.
If you love emotional romances with strong chemistry, beautiful writing, and moments that will make you melt, this is definitely one to add to your TBR.
April 9, 2026
Thank you to @bookedwiththeemilys and Jillian Marie for this #gifted review copy.
Heather’s life is working out—she has a rich, thoughtful fiancé and a growing career in fashion design. But she’s never been able to stop thinking about her first love—a boy named Bradley that she met on a family vacation who ghosted her when the trip ended. She didn’t even know his last name, so she was never able to find him. Until she hears a song that sounds like their love story, googles the band, and realizes it’s him—and he’s on tour. Will she blow up her life to reconnect with her first love?
THE SOUND THAT FOUND ME had all the ingredients of a story I love—music, a second-chance romance, and a well-developed group of side characters. Unfortunately, it didn’t all com together as well as I’d hoped. I struggled to empathize with many of the characters’ decisions and miscommunications, which left me feeling frustrated. I think I expected more emotional maturity from each of them. They do grow and change, and the ending felt satisfying as they worked on themselves and on their relationship. There are some sweet moments, and the side characters were an enjoyable addition to the story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heather’s life is working out—she has a rich, thoughtful fiancé and a growing career in fashion design. But she’s never been able to stop thinking about her first love—a boy named Bradley that she met on a family vacation who ghosted her when the trip ended. She didn’t even know his last name, so she was never able to find him. Until she hears a song that sounds like their love story, googles the band, and realizes it’s him—and he’s on tour. Will she blow up her life to reconnect with her first love?
THE SOUND THAT FOUND ME had all the ingredients of a story I love—music, a second-chance romance, and a well-developed group of side characters. Unfortunately, it didn’t all com together as well as I’d hoped. I struggled to empathize with many of the characters’ decisions and miscommunications, which left me feeling frustrated. I think I expected more emotional maturity from each of them. They do grow and change, and the ending felt satisfying as they worked on themselves and on their relationship. There are some sweet moments, and the side characters were an enjoyable addition to the story.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 16, 2026
Thank you @bookedwiththeemilys and @booksbyjillianmarie for the #gifted book. All opinions are my own.
I was excited to receive this book because I love a second chance story and enjoyed the last book I read by Jillian Marie.
This is one of those “one summer, never really got over it” kind of stories, and I was locked in immediately. Heather has her whole life planned out, everything looks good on the outside, and then she hears Bradley’s song and suddenly all of those old feelings are right there again.
And Bradley… this man really turned his first love into music and just kept carrying it with him all these years. He’s not loud about it, he just shows up, and I loved that about him.
What I really liked is how much this leans into that feeling of knowing something in your life isn’t quite right, even if it looks perfect to everyone else. Watching Heather start to question everything and figure out what she actually wants kept me turning the pages. And the slow burn between Heather and Bradley kept me turning the pages long after I should have gone to bed.
I can’t wait to read whatever Jillian Marie writes next.
I was excited to receive this book because I love a second chance story and enjoyed the last book I read by Jillian Marie.
This is one of those “one summer, never really got over it” kind of stories, and I was locked in immediately. Heather has her whole life planned out, everything looks good on the outside, and then she hears Bradley’s song and suddenly all of those old feelings are right there again.
And Bradley… this man really turned his first love into music and just kept carrying it with him all these years. He’s not loud about it, he just shows up, and I loved that about him.
What I really liked is how much this leans into that feeling of knowing something in your life isn’t quite right, even if it looks perfect to everyone else. Watching Heather start to question everything and figure out what she actually wants kept me turning the pages. And the slow burn between Heather and Bradley kept me turning the pages long after I should have gone to bed.
I can’t wait to read whatever Jillian Marie writes next.
April 18, 2026
I was immediately draw into this story and I could tell it was definitely going to beak my heart!
This was a second chance romance at its finest. Bradly and Heather fall in love as teenagers on family holidays but they can’t find their way back to one another until Heather hears that voice she knows all too well, singing a song she is certain is written about her.
The spark between these two all these years later is still undeniable, the minute they lock eyes they know they are in trouble. I really felt for Heather, she has settled for what she thinks will be a good life rather than chancing her heart. Bradley is such a beautiful soul, so caring and gentle natured and is willing to have his own heart broken as long as Heather is happy.
The emotions were so raw, the chemistry electric and I felt the pain alongside both characters. Bradly was such a swoon worthy musician and I adored how lyrics were his love language.
You make me feel like I’ve finally come home
I flew through this one, a new author to me and now I’m racing to go find everything else she has written!! 4.5 stars
This was a second chance romance at its finest. Bradly and Heather fall in love as teenagers on family holidays but they can’t find their way back to one another until Heather hears that voice she knows all too well, singing a song she is certain is written about her.
The spark between these two all these years later is still undeniable, the minute they lock eyes they know they are in trouble. I really felt for Heather, she has settled for what she thinks will be a good life rather than chancing her heart. Bradley is such a beautiful soul, so caring and gentle natured and is willing to have his own heart broken as long as Heather is happy.
The emotions were so raw, the chemistry electric and I felt the pain alongside both characters. Bradly was such a swoon worthy musician and I adored how lyrics were his love language.
You make me feel like I’ve finally come home
I flew through this one, a new author to me and now I’m racing to go find everything else she has written!! 4.5 stars
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