Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.

I really liked the premise of this story…a former girl-punk band member turned barista meets a friendly sound tech guy who wants to help her reconnect with her music and people from her past. The small cafe in Brooklyn felt cozy and I liked that there were regular customers like George. Allie has been living the same life for 10 years since the band broke up, and I was hopeful that as a character in her early 30s she would have a little more emotional maturity. Same goes for Ryan, I felt like he was intended to by the “golden retriever” boyfriend trope, but he just fell flat for me and didn’t come off as mature enough to be in his 30s either. These characters may have felt more believable if they were younger, although that wouldn’t have flowed with the plot. The side characters also felt one-dimensional. On the surface they seemed interesting, I liked Ren- the non-binary cafe employee/friend of Allie, and Anissa- the eclectic “platonic life partner” of Ryan, but neither of them had any real depth. The initial friend chemistry between Ryan and Allie was pretty good, but as they began to enter the romantic aspects of their relationship I found them to be awkward and a little cringey at times. I think this story may have actually been better suited to a “closed door” intimacy style (and I have no issue with open door, just my opinion with these particular characters in mind).

I predicted several things throughout the plot of this story, which isn’t unexpected for a contemporary romance style story, but I can’t deny that I enjoyed the little unexpected surprise that was revealed towards the end. Ultimately, the story was ok, but I think it’s missing the mark of its potential.

Make me a mixed tape
By: Jennifer Whiteford

This book made my 80’s heart so happy!
I absolutely loved every character in this book both the main characters and their friends and family. Each had their own story that made this book better.
This was a great friend’s to lovers romance. In this book you meet Allie and Ryan. Allie had a band when she was younger after a fight she walks away and loses all her friends. She retreats to her aunts coffee shop to work. Years later on a coffee delivery she meets Ryan, after awhile he convinces her that to move on musically she needs to confront her past. Along the way of finding her band mates she also has to decide to take a chance on taking the next step with Ryan or potentially losing another friend if it does not work out.
Every friend, band mate, person that you meet in this story adds to the story. There is nothing that is there that is just added for fluff. I love that. And the mixtapes just make this book more amazing.
I would 100% recommend this book to anybody. It is a great read that made me smile so many times.

This was a very mixed (get it?) bag for me. I loved the characters, I loved their friendships and the way they interacted with each other and the little life they all had built for themselves. I loved Ren and honestly could've done with the book being from their perspective because they seemed to be the only ones with their head on straight.
I loved our main characters and their friends to romance story! What I did not love is the middle school ass way they interacted with each other. I get not wanting to ruin a friendship, I absolutely do! But at the end of the day these two would. not. talk. to. each. other. By the end when they both grand gestured their way out of a conversation I was drained. (That last second mixtape plot twist brought me back though, no doubt).

Overall I really enjoyed this and the way it looked at guilt and love and loss and growing! Having a side character so rich they can solve everyone's problems in the blink of an eye doesn't hurt either.

This book was so cute! First of all the cover is absolutely beautiful! And the writing style in this book was just what I wanted.

<b><i>”Music wasn’t what had failed her.”</i></b>


⭑⭑’s

⤷ Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC! I really appreciate it. Everything below is my own, unbiased opinions.

⤷ I’m finally free omg… Though there were good aspects of this book, the bads heavily outweigh them. Once I hit the fiftyish percent mark, I was DYING to finish just so I could be done with it. This book follows Allie, a woman who was in a band in her high school years and now, ten years after the band broke up, is working in her Aunt’s cafe. While making a delivery, she meets Ryan, a guy who used to be a huge fan of her band, and instantly develops a crush on him (why? I still don’t know). After pestering her a little, Ryan convinces her to start a search for Jessi, her former bandmate and best friend, which takes them on many adventures which result in them getting closer… Though the overall vibes of this book were good, the characters and the romance were so purely awful it pained me to read.


⤷<u> The writing style: </u>
I swear, some people need to discover what editors are. First off, if I took a shot for every time a character “got tears in his/her eyes”, “giggled”, or “locked eyes” with another character, I’d be dead from alcohol poisoning. There’s this thing, it’s called a THESAURUS. Second, literally all the characters in this book were either conflicting, one-dimensional, or just straight up annoying. Is it really that difficult for people to write tolerable characters?

⤷<u> The atmosphere/worldbuilding: </u>
For better or worse, this was the best part of the book. The main setting of Make Me a Mixtape was a Brooklyn cafe in the fall and wintertime, which just set such a cute, cozy setting. I also loved the musical aspect of the book. Pretty much all of the songs mentioned in this book were songs my parents love, so I’ve listened to them plenty of times, and this enhanced my reading experience. However, unfortunately, by the middle part of the book, much of the musical aspect was swept under a rug, becoming more of a side plot to the (less than mediocre) romance.

⤷<u> The Characters: </u>
❥<i> Allie: </i> This woman. This FREAKING WOMAN. She was supposed to be in her early thirties in the book… SHE ACTED LIKE A TWELVE YEAR OLD??? I would have been able to look past it if it was just some of the time to progress the plot, but it was evident in every little thing that she did that she lacked maturity, and that made her absolutely intolerable. She also had a heavily conflicting personality. She was supposed to be this prickly introvert, but as soon as Ryan shows up, she’s all bubbly and social? What? On top of that, it mentioned MULTIPLE times in the beginning of the book that she hardly ever cried, and then throughout the story she proceeded to cry at least ten times. (Can you picture me banging my head against a wall right now?)
❥<i> Ryan: </i> I’d like to start out by saying that it took me about half of the book to actually remember this guy’s name, because not only was he immature too, he also just wasn’t memorable. He was a failure of a “golden retriever with a dark past” boyfriend. The author would try to make him all sweet and sad, but really it just made for a really cringy MMC. While I’m on the topic of Ryan, I’d also like to add that I believe his whole “family backstory” was a load of crap, and honestly offensive to me as a Christian. He was all sad because his “Christian” family cut him off because he doesn’t believe in God. I would say that maybe five percent of Christian families would actually do that to their kids, but the author makes it seem like it’s a common and normal thing for Christian families to do. This honestly just pisses me off that this false stereotyping exists.
❥<i> Anisha and Ren: </i> Hear me out. They both had the potential to be really good characters. But. BUT. The author gave them NO DEVELOPMENT. It seemed that they were just there to push a LGBTQ agenda, because all I can remember about Ren is that they’re a nonbinary heartbreaker with a shaved head, and Anisha is a queer lady who likes fashion. Oh, and they’re both horny and like to hook up in public places. Yay! :D I have no problem with LGBTQ characters, but when it feels like that’s all they’re there for and have no other personality, it drives me crazy.

⤷<u> The Romance: </u>
This was by far the cringiest insta-crush I’ve ever read. Allie got butterflies the first time she met Ryan, but the whole time was like “now is not the time for me to be getting a crush on someone”. LITERALLY WHY? THERE WAS NOTHING MAJOR GOING ON IN HER LIFE BUT YET IT’S “not the right time” LIKE GIRL PLEASE. Had she just matured and told the guy she liked him sooner, I wouldn’t have had to waste so much time reading this garbage book. Adding onto the romance criticism, again, both mc’s act like twelve year olds, so when the sex parts came, I skipped over them, because no one wants to read about twelve year olds having sex :)

⤷<u> Overall: </u>
Don’t waste your time on this. Please spare yourselves.



⤷<u> This book contains: </u>
✔️Friends to lovers
✔️Third person single POV
✔️Lots of music references
✔️Cozy cafe vibes

Allie is a scorned ex punk rocker searching for direction on where her future will take her. Enter an old fanboy in Ryan. His enthusiasm and charm show her that the future can be bright even if you're unsure of your direction. This story is packed full of musical moments, quirky and lovable found family and sweet romance. I can't wait to go make my own mixtape on my feelings about it!

I enjoyed the family and relationship themes throughout this book. I think Whiteford crafted interesting characters and I especially love stories that involve coffee shops and such. Give this one a shot. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

This was a very mixed (get it?) bag for me. I loved the characters, I loved their friendships and the way they interacted with each other and the little life they all had built for themselves. I loved Ren and honestly could've done with the book being from their perspective because they seemed to be the only ones with their head on straight.
I loved our main characters and their friends to romance story! What I did not love is the middle school ass way they interacted with each other. I get not wanting to ruin a friendship, I absolutely do! But at the end of the day these two would. not. talk. to. each. other. By the end when they both grand gestured their way out of a conversation I was drained. (That last second mixtape plot twist brought me back though, no doubt).

Overall I really enjoyed this and the way it looked at guilt and love and loss and growing! Having a side character so rich they can solve everyone's problems in the blink of an eye doesn't hurt either.

4.5🎵/5
Make Me a Mixtape by @jenniferwhitefordwrites
Pub day: October 4th, 2024
Thank you, @netgalley, for this ARC. I was first drawn to this book for the title, and it quickly got me from the blurb. Little did I realize I'd finish the sweet story in one day!
Our FMC Allie, a former punk band member, goes about her regular days until she meets our MMC Ryan, a Podcast technician, and it turns her whole life upside down and around.
With a small but strong cast of supporting characters in Ren and Anisha, Allie is able to find her path.
This book is complemented along the way with an array of 80s and 90s pop/punk musical references that will sure get you to create a Playlist of you own.

*Make Me a Mixtape* is a cozy, heartwarming read perfect for autumn, filled with *Gilmore Girls* vibes and a strong sense of community. Set in a Brooklyn café, the story follows Allie Andrews, an ex-punk rocker, as she navigates love, self-discovery, and her passion for music. The book's casual, inclusive approach to LGBTQ+ representation feels natural, and the rich dialogue makes the characters relatable.

The story is predictable but enjoyable, with emotional depth and plenty of pop culture references. Allie's connection with Ryan Abernathy is immediate and touching, making for a compelling romance. The use of music throughout the book ties the characters together and adds to the cozy, inviting atmosphere. Despite a few open-door romance scenes, this novel remains a delightful escape for fans of quirky, character-driven stories.

This was an overall lovely story, with a few hiccups along the way. Great plot.My favorite aspect of this book was its use of the “found family” trope. There were a few reunions that genuinely made me tear up, and I think that’s because the author did such a wonderful job conveying that sense of family and love. I absolutely LOVED the ending, especially the mixtape bomb at the end—very cute! The setting and the ambience were lovely. You can feel how cozy it’s supposed to be.

While I enjoyed this book and read it all in one go, there were some things that fell flat for me. I appreciated Ryan’s crush and the “Rockstar/Fan” aspect of their relationship, but the romance between the two characters felt almost non-existent. There were a few sweet moments between them, but no real mention of any serious feelings. The bedroom scene, in my opinion, was unnecessary and uninspiring. I honestly couldn’t read through most of it because of how cringe-worthy some of the writing was, something I’m noticing more and more as romance writers attempt to add full-on smut scenes to their books. I think if something else had replaced that scene as their way of “admitting” their feelings, then maybe I’d feel differently about their romance.

Regarding the characters, I enjoyed most of them, with the exception of Ryan. The way he behaved after the party was incredibly disappointing. For someone his age, who is aware of his issues and where they stem from, it seemed almost out of character that he wouldn’t see a specialist to tackle them head-on. The interactions between him and Allie from that point on felt awkward, even until the end.

Had this story been less about their romance and more about “platonic life partners” and their quest to find the JetSkis, it would’ve been perfect!

Lastly, I had a difficult time understanding who was talking throughout this entire book. There would be two sets of quotations even though the same person was talking. I think that that is something that should be rectifies before the book is available for purchase. Things like “she said”, “he laughed”, “she sighed”, are NEEDED!

Thank you to Net Galley, Jennifer Whiteford, and Penguin Random House Canada, for this advanced copy!

⭐⭐

Thank you to NetGally and Penguin Random House Canada for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"Make Me A Mixtape" by Jennifer Whiteford is a romance that follows former punk rock band member Allie Andrews and her secret fan Ryan Abernathy. When a last minute coffee run from Allie’s aunt’s cafe sends them into a meet cute, Allie and Ryan become unlikely friends, or maybe even something more.

I didn’t really like this book…and I feel like it’s more of a me problem and not the book’s. The writing and character development of the characters was done pretty well, I have no complaints there. BUT– I really just did not connect with the characters at all. Ryan is just not my type of boyfriend. I couldn’t understand what Allie saw in him. He was too golden retriever for me and because this was a romance book, that meant I really just couldn’t get into the book. I did slightly relate to Ryan’s fear of being abandoned, but other than that, I couldn’t see any sparkle that would draw Allie in.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes the golden retriever or secret simp trope. Unfortunately, this book just wasn’t for me.

There's nothing better than an autumnal romance, and this book was giving all the cozy vibes. It was so comforting to read, and I loved how the characters cared for one another and grew alongside each other as the book went on. I Highly recommend it!

*Make Me a Mixtape* by Jennifer Whiteford is a heartwarming and cozy romance that strikes all the right chords for fans of music, love, and second chances. With its blend of punk rock nostalgia, charming characters, and the vibrancy of Brooklyn, this novel is a delightful read that will appeal to anyone who’s ever been haunted by the "what ifs" of their past.

The story revolves around Allie Andrews, a former punk rocker who once fronted the band "Allie Jetski and the Jetskis." After walking away from the chaotic world of music a decade ago, Allie has settled into a quieter life, working at her aunt's café and indulging her love for music by recording '80s cover songs in the solitude of her apartment. But the arrival of Ryan Abernathy, a big-hearted sound tech and a die-hard Jetskis fan, disrupts her carefully crafted routine.

Ryan’s enthusiasm and genuine admiration for Allie’s past slowly chip away at her guarded exterior. His determination to reunite her with her old bandmates and help her confront the unresolved issues of her music career sets the stage for a journey filled with humor, self-discovery, and a rekindling of passion—both musical and romantic.

Whiteford’s writing shines in the way she captures the vibrant atmosphere of Brooklyn, the warmth of Allie’s relationships, and the electrifying pull of music. The chemistry between Allie and Ryan is palpable, built on shared interests and the slowly building trust between two people who have both experienced their share of disappointments. Allie’s struggle between the comfort of her current life and the lure of what once was is portrayed with a depth that makes her a relatable and endearing protagonist.

The subplot involving Aunt Mindy’s decision to sell the café adds a layer of complexity to Allie’s dilemma, forcing her to make a choice between the safe, predictable path and the unknown, potentially risky world of music and love. This decision becomes a metaphor for the larger theme of the novel: the courage to embrace change and the possibility of new beginnings.

What makes *Make Me a Mixtape* particularly special is its infusion of musical nostalgia. The references to punk rock, mixtapes, and the indie music scene give the novel a unique flavor that will resonate with readers who have ever found solace in a favorite song or a beloved band. Whiteford’s love for music is evident, and it adds an extra layer of authenticity to Allie’s journey back to the stage.

In conclusion, *Make Me a Mixtape* is a charming, feel-good romance that will leave readers with a smile on their face and a song in their heart. Jennifer Whiteford has crafted a story that celebrates the power of music, the importance of second chances, and the beauty of finding love when you least expect it. Whether you’re a fan of punk rock or simply love a good romance with well-drawn characters and a cozy, inviting setting, this book is sure to be a hit.

This book is such a quick and cozy read to get into the autumn spirit! I really liked the writing style - there was great dialogue, both inner dialogue and character banter, and it was surprisingly emotional. It dealt with heavy topics, which I liked, and I absolutely loved how it dealt with LGBTQ+ rep in such a matter of fact way that just made it so natural in the story. I loved the characters and the setting, and appreciated all the pop culture references. I felt like it was such a cool window into the character's heads and personalities and helped me really connect to the story. This book made me want to go to a café and listen to Cindi Lauper while watching leaves fall from the trees.

I'm going to post this review on my Instagram, @haleywillreadit, on August 29th. I've already posted on goodreads and story graph, and will also post to Amazon!

Allie esta estancada, por años a dejado a un lado sus sueños, pero cuando conoce a Ryan le ayudará a ver que su miedo le está saliendo muy caro y que se está reteniendo en todos los ámbitos de su vida.

Allie estuvo en un grupo de música, ella tomaba muy enserio lo que hacían lamentablemente las demás integrantes solo lo veían como algo para pasar el rato, entonces cuando su amiga le dice que ninguna de las chicas quieren seguir tocando se lo toma muy mal y se encerrará por años por miedo a sufrir.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is an utterly charming, cozy romance that strikes all the right notes for music lovers and anyone seeking a heartfelt story about second chances. Allie Andrews, once the lead singer of a punk rock band, has spent the last decade hiding from her past, tucked away in her aunt’s café in Brooklyn. Life for Allie is safe, quiet, and comfortable until a chance encounter with Ryan Abernathy—her biggest fan—brings the past rushing back into her life. Ryan is determined to help Allie rediscover her passion for music, leading them on a journey to track down her former bandmates, reawakening the dreams she buried long ago.

What makes this novel so delightful is Whiteford’s ability to infuse a bustling metropolis like Brooklyn with a small-town, intimate vibe. The café becomes a warm haven for a colorful cast of characters who feel like family. The romance between Allie and Ryan is a slow burn, beginning with witty banter and growing into a sweet, genuine connection as they both help each other navigate the complexities of life, love, and unfulfilled dreams. While Allie’s prickly, avoidant nature keeps Ryan at arm’s length for much of the story, his big-heartedness and unwavering support eventually break down her walls.

The novel is laced with musical references that act as a soundtrack to the characters' lives, making the story even more vibrant. Whiteford beautifully explores themes of self-discovery, accountability, and embracing the messiness of relationships. Allie’s journey is not just about finding her way back to music but also about confronting the pain and trauma she has carried for so long, finding peace in herself, and learning to let others in. The secondary characters add depth and charm, making the story feel like a cozy escape into a tight-knit community.

With autumnal vibes, holiday parties, and tender moments that will tug at your heartstrings, "Make Me a Mixtape" is a perfect read for fans of feel-good romances with depth. Whether you’re a music lover or just someone who enjoys a story about finding yourself and creating new beginnings, this book hits all the right chords.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada | Doubleday Canada for sharing this heartfelt novel's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange of my honest thoughts. I really appreciate it!

This was super cozy, with fall + Gilmore Girl vibes. I love the use of music as a language as so many of us share it! The story weaves finding yourself, accountability, and romance together in a way that makes a borough sound like a small town. I loved this!

This book was so good. I loved how it beautifully explores the themes of second chances and the courage to embrace one’s true passions, all while delivering a cozy, heartwarming read perfect for fans of feel-good romances.

sinopsis en español pañol:

Allie sintió que sus hombros se relajaban mientras deslizaba su micrófono favorito en el soporte y enchufaba su cable en su pequeña caja de resonancia... La música no era lo que le había fallado. Fue todo lo demás lo que vino con él... Allie Andrews se dio por vencido en el mundo de la música hace diez años. Sin giras salvajes, sin noches, sin explosiones entre bandas que ponen a su carrera. Justo un día después de un cómodo día de trabajar en el café de su tía en Brooklyn y grabar canciones de versiones de los 80 en su pequeño apartamento. Lo último que quiere, o espera, es ser reconocida como la ex rockera punk Allie Jetski. Pero una entrega de café de última hora la lleva cara a cara con el gran, encantador, guapo (y muy posiblemente fanático número uno de los Jetskis) Ryan Abernathy. Ryan no se olvida de conocer al cantante principal de una de sus bandas favoritas. Sin indesudir por su comportamiento espinoso, se propone ayudar a Allie a encontrar el camino de regreso a los Jetskis, para que pueda aceptar lo que sucedió hace todos esos años. Allie encuentra a Ryan difícil de resistir, y su tranquila vida se pone patas arriba mientras se ve arrastrada en una caza de torbellino de sus antiguos compañeros de banda. Pero cuando la tía Mindy anuncia que ha decidido vender el café, Allie se enfrenta a una opción que cambia su vida: ir a lo seguro y hacerse cargo del negocio, o arriesgarse a abrirse a un futuro en la música... y tal vez incluso a amar.



Reseña:
3.5 ⭐️
Me gustó.

Es un romance slow down de dos personas con muchos miedos.

Allie era parte de una banda, pero las demás integran lo hacían como hobby y no como algo para dedicarse como Allie, entonces cuando se separan, decide dejar a un lado la música y trabajar en una cafetería.

Años después conoce a Ryan, quien era fan de la banda, él le hace querer encontrar a sus ex compañeras para darle un cierre a esa parte de su vida