Make Me a Mixtape by Jennifer Whiteford is a warm, nostalgic, and utterly charming contemporary romance. Following two characters as they rediscover themselves and learn to trust each other with their truths, the story delivers a perfect mix of laughter, tears, and heartfelt moments. The relatable FMC, delightful music references, and fun supporting characters bring extra layers of depth and joy to the book. Highly recommended for fans of heartfelt, music-infused love stories!

Overall, an enjoyable read with some fun Christmas theming for this time of year.

Both MC were mostly likable, although Ryan's quick shutdown was a bit surprising/abrupt.

I appreciate Allie finding her true calling and putting herself out there to pursue what she really loved.

Plus, the supporting characters all had fun personalities and intertwined through the story effortlessly.

Read it!

Thank you to Netgalley for the free ARC, this is my honest opinion.

This book has great vibes and nostalgia but missed the mark with the romance. I had a really hard time connecting with the romantic aspects of the novel and really didn’t care for the conflict.

Such wonderful writing. I loved the musical and family aspects of this book. It definitely felt like a new story.

A very fun read of a pair finding their true selves after years of just living, and finding and trusting each other with their whole truths. A few good laughs and tears.

This books back cover description pulled me in immediately. Who doesn’t love a good 80’s song?! If you are looking for a quick and simple read, this is a good place to go. I wish the story had given us more in the character development to pull the reader deeper into the story but overall it was cute.

So nostalgic and cute, I was kicking my legs with joy at this book. The FMC is relatable, and loved all the music references. I would love to read more by the author and many more with this exact vibe!!

I got this book as an E-ARC thanks to NetGalley and penguin random house, I found it a really charming book and super cozy, I love reading this books when im a little overwhelm with fantasy books I find them refreshing and makes me enjoy fantasy books again is a little like a palette cleanser loved it a quick read that you can enjoy in a cozy fall weekend! I would recommend this book.

I love a warm and cozy contemporary romance.. I loved the new twist on a routine romance story. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review.

As a product of the 80s and music lover, this book was a no thought needed read for me due to the title alone! I had high hopes of getting sucked into a cozy autumn romance with music as a main theme, and while the setting (Brooklyn coffee shop in the fall and into Christmas time) was definitely a cozy one, this one just fell flat. The diverse cast of characters were all likable enough, but I didn’t fall in love with any of them, and the story felt one dimensional. While the title does make sense, I didn’t get as much of the music vibes as I was hoping for.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House for an advanced copy of Make Me a Mixtape by Jennifer Whiteford.

I liked this until I didn’t, but I don’t hate it. There was some funny and cute moments that kept me involved and the premise of the story is good in theory, but the execution fell short. My main gripe is with the writing. I don’t feel like the story ever painted a picture or set a scene. The cafe is like a main setting in the story and I never felt like I was “there” or that I knew what I was “seeing.” So that sucked because NYC is a magical place and it would’ve been nice to feel that atmosphere and ambience of the city. Even the depth of emotion re: Allie and music was lacking for me. Further, I felt like Allie was exhausting, the romance with Ryan didn’t have enough tension and build up or follow through, the plot had some pretty big holes, and the wrap up was entirely unrealistic and /too much/. The side characters were more interesting than the main characters and it felt like they weren’t utilized properly. I would say if you want a quick read and to not think too much, this is a good book for you.

Cute, well plotted, and full of lovely moments. It made me smile and brought memories to my mind.
Loved the characters and the plot
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Allie, a former punk rocker who works as a barista, meets Ryan, a sound tech who loved Allie’s band back in the day. Despite her past, Allie is quiet, reserved, and keeps to herself. Seeing her come out of her shell with Ryan was super sweet and I loved seeing all the side characters getting along. Though this is more slow burn, I feel like the characters were given space to sort through their past and insecurities. This book might be for everyone but I found it cute, cozy, and charming (good for the fall too!)

This book was really beautiful to read and I found myself just wanting to take a nice autumn walk in some cool weather. I really used to enjoy making mixed tapes so this book really makes me feel good with all of the memories that it brought up. The nostalgia truly made this book feel like I was being given a nice warm comforting hug.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Jennifer Whiteford for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Loved the cover art and the coffee shop background a lot! I got the advanced reading copy but life got busy and didn’t get to it before it released so I actually ended up listening to the audio and I loved the little musical tunes it had a few times through the book! So a plus side for being behind on my reading I wouldn’t have known about if I had read instead of mostly listened. Really liked Ryan’s character. Allie’s avoidance and just running away from conflict was a little bother some for me personally but I liked their chemistry. Loved listening about the coffee shop environment and so happy that in the end when Allie didn’t end up taking it over it went to the best character possible to love in as a friendly family like environment for all. Great cozy Musial read that I will suggestion to all my rom com loving friends. Thank you to netgalley and publishers for the early read in turn for my honest opinion.

"Make Me a Mixtape" was a cute rom-com about life after teen stardom. for Allie Andrews. It was a heartfelt story about second chances and Plan Bs in life.

There was also the added fun of 80s music listed throughout that showed readers Allie rediscovering her passion for music. I was really rooting for the love story of Allie and Ryan and I know many other readers will too.

Thank you to NetGalley and Doubleday Canada for gifting me this ARC. I enjoyed it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed this delightful book, and I would best describe this book as nostalgic. I loved the chemistry in this book and if anything this book just made me feel good and put a smile on my face.

I’m not as knowledgeable about the music discussed in this book as many others of my age. This is a significant drawback when it comes to appreciating the book.

Allie was once part of a band that was on the rise. This part of her life was behind her until a man in a podcast company recognises her. He was a fan and the excitement he still carries is part of why Allie’s life is about to change. She has been hiding in a routine for a long time, but change is in the future.

There are some predictable issues that get resolved in the book but the highlight is the general friendship that ties everyone together. The balance between the various characters is different, but they come across as a vibrant and entertaining crowd. It does come with a happily-ever-after epilogue which works well with the entire plot.

I felt like the book could have been a little shorter, and as mentioned earlier, the number of songs mentioned would have had more of an impact if I knew them. I could still Google them as I read but that would have dragged the book too long

I would recommend this book to fans of the romance genre.

I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

A fun read. Allie is not usually recognised from her days in a former band, but then she meets Ryan. They become friends but will it lead to more? A great collection of side characters too.

This pulled at my heartstrings in all the best ways and I loved it so much! Such a great book if you’re into music and romance.