Full of nostalgia that seemed fitting for both 80's and 90's but the romance never built up tension wise and kinda one dimensional.

What I loved about this book were the details about music, and the way the friendships in the book were extremely important, almost as important as the romance. This book isn't just about a search for a partner; it's also about finding community.

Two mild/mod detail spice scenes
Lgbtq high representation
Found family

A little bland with the plot for me. The main characters were so lacking of confidence when it came to their personal lives and self worth, which lead to several miscommunication trope scenarios. If they asked once they asked with every single thing/touch/kiss/movement during their first spice scenes.
The secondary characters were more interesting and likeable than the main characters.
Overall fine read.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to arc read this. I absolutely loved this book so much. Music means everything to me so I really resonated with that. Ryan was the cutest mmc! I even loved Wren and all of the other side characters. I really felt like I was their friend following along with them. I loved the growth that Allie had as a character because I feel like she was so closed off in the beginning and Ryan really helped her get out of her shell. I am glad she decided to continue on her music journey. Great read!

I value the opportunity I was given to read this in advance, but I still haven't read this. With so many books ahead of me, I cannot return to this title.

This was a quick, easy read with some fun pop culture references. I liked it well enough, but found it to be a fairly average rom com overall. I ended up skimming a lot because it didn't totally click for me. It was sweet though and works well as a palate cleanser type of book.

I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.

Adored this story! I wish I had a chance to finish this story in the time I had it, but life and the holidays going the way. What I did read, though, I thoroughly enjoyed. In a world where reading fast is admired, I enjoyed the pacing of this story and being able yo take my time getting to know the characters. Can’t wait to buy this title when it’s released and recommend it when I’m at work!

I appreciate the opportunity to read this title and thank you to Penguin Random House for providing me with an eARC, however I am prioritizing other books on my list at this time. I will amend my review to reflect my thoughts, should I read this book in the future.

This was SO CUTE! My first book by this author but I really enjoyed it! The cover is also gorgeous, which makes this an almost perfect read!!!

Cozy, fun read about following your dreams and believing in love even after getting your heart broken emotionally and professionally. Ryan and Allie were fun to watch as they took a chance on love and life.

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Random House Canada | Doubleday Canada for the ARC!

This book was a bit slow to start, but I got into it very quickly. It follows Allie, former punk princess and Ryan, who meet on a serendipitous chance encounter. Their friendship quickly morphs for Allie, and the ensuing story follows her as she struggles with the crossroad she's at in life and love.

The suspense of wondering when Allie and Ryan were going to smarten up was MADDENING at times, and I felt like it could have happened much sooner and with a smidge less drama.

I loved that this book was closer to women's fiction with a bit of spice, and that Ryan was not a typical "body of a God" type MMC. He was sweet and damaged and not physically perfect, which made him so loveable. . I initially didn't like Allie, but quickly changed my opinion after she showed character growth.

This book was warm and cozy, heartfelt and gave me hope

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

Allie is a former punk rocker who’s not ready to give up on her music dreams. Ryan is a podcast tech who happens to be a fan, and wants to help her. I absolutely adored these characters, and the way they came together. I really don’t like a miscommunication trope, which there was a little bit of between Ryan and Allie. But the conversation when Ren sat down with Allie to discuss her feelings made up for a little miscommunication. I love the representation, the antics, and especially the music theme. As an emo girl, I really related to the “scene” and the mixtapes.

I was not attached, nor did I connect, with these characters. I feel like the premise was cute but the delivery was a little lackluster. I would consider giving this book another chance in a different time in my life. But for right now, it was readable but not my favorite.

Make Me a Mixed Tape is a cozy, nostalgic fall romance about second chances, music, and finding your voice. Perfect for fans of 90s vibes, mixtapes, and love stories with heart. A debut full of charm, though the romance may not hit every note.

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.