Powerful toxic love story, a will they won’t they carved out of an NME magazine. Mesmerising writing, believable characters. Loathed Joey. Percy too good for him!!

I was so excited when I got the email to say that I'd been approved for this ARC, as from the synopsis this sounded like a book I'd absolutely adore, so I dived straight in. However, it pains me to say this, but I did really struggle with this book, and had it not been an ARC, I probably wouldn't have finished.

Initially, it started off so strong and I was just warming up to the characters and the unique dynamic between them, and was excited to see where this went. I initially found Percy to be such a strong force and was excited to get to know her character. However, I wasn't prepared for how heavily prominent music and the talk of music would be in this novel. I did find this concept to be incredibly unique, however, I unfortunately tired of this very quickly with regards to all of the technical musical conversations and references, and unfortunately found myself growing bored and getting frustrated with the characters and therefore not connecting or liking any of them.

It devastates me to write this as I had such high hopes going in, but unfortunately I really struggled with the way it was written and therefore that really effected my overall enjoyment, meaning I didn't connect with the narrative of the characters at all.

If you are someone who is very musical and enjoys metaphorical conversations and references to musical language then I think this book would be excellent for you, but sadly I could not relate to any of this and did not realise how prominent this would be in the story, so unfortunately found this a struggle.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

A slow burning but moving story about love, friendship, and music. Spanning a decade from college life to the indie music scene, the book follows Percy, a music lover, and Joe, an aspiring musician.

This is a brilliant read for music lovers and anyone who loves character driven stories.

I adored this! Platonic creative partnerships are one of my favourite genres of love story, and Holly Brickley has written a beautiful one. The music references are so specific in a way which elevates this beyond a lot of music-focused books, and the friendship between Percy and Zoe, a love story in it's own right, was also a real highlight. Huge fan!

This books was great with shades of ‘One Day’ and ‘Daisy Jones and the Six’. I liked how although the book is centred around a romance, it felt like a subplot at times. The main story was how we think we know it all when we are young, we grow up a little and soon realise that we definitely don’t know it all, we get lost along the way but we can always find our way with perseverance and maturity. I also liked how the mcs weren’t romanticised and felt like they could be real people, it made their story ring more true to real life (albeit, outside of their professions). Also, the music references were so cleverly interwoven into the story to shape the mood of the scene and the characters, I really liked this aspect. Would definitely recommend this book!

Percy is a nerdy loner music lover and writer who is adopted by student and budding singer Joey and his girlfriend Zoe. Deep Cuts spans years of their relationship with music and with each other, an ode to love, friendship, and some really great songs.

I loved this book, it was clever, witty, well-written introduced me to some great new music, and felt like a familiar voice in my head!

Set to be released in February 2025, I recommend this debit novel to anyone who has obsessed over song lyrics, or played a song over and over because it hurt just right. You need to add this to your TBR.

Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | The Borough Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Absolutely adored Percy who was brimming with vulnerability and longing for Joe.

Such a gorgeous slow burn romance that melted my heart and kept me turning pages to see what would happen between them.

The thene of pop songs and music was wonderful and deeply immersive - I often had to Google YouTube to play each song.

Beautiful. Tender and romantic - its a perfect imperfect love story.

This was a slow burner for me. Percy’s character development was fantastic and I liked how she finally stood up for herself as the book went on. Joe comes across selfish and he is portrayed as your ‘typical famous musician.’ What I liked about this book was the clear passion about music and that Percy finds her creative power. It wasn’t my normal kind of book and although I started to enjoy it as it progressed, it took a while for me to get into.

From reading the synopsis, this is not the book that I was expecting to read. To me, this seemed like it was going to be a hallmark movie type novel of the popular music star gaining all the plaudits with his female sidekick always making him better but never getting the limelight, but eventually he sees what was there all along.

This was not that novel. For one, it was a lot grittier than that. This is not a straightforward love story but a complex look at what real relationships can be like - right person, wrong place, wrong time - and the nature of ambition , greed, selfishness, jealousy and a million different emotions.

It is also a love letter to music. Not for those who listen to the radio or a few albums on Spotify. But to those (like me) who dissect each song, looking for the deeper meaning in every word, and look at each note, bridge and chorus could be improved.

I adored this book and anyone interested in music will too.

Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | The Borough Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley is a compelling exploration of creativity, ambition, and the complexities of collaboration. Set in the fall of 2000, the novel opens with Percy Marks, a university student with an incessant need to analyze music. As Hall and Oates blare from the jukebox, Percy, with her sharp opinions and lack of musical talent, is drawn into a conversation with Joe Morrow, a fellow student and a talented songwriter. This casual meeting sparks a partnership that will shape both their lives in profound ways.

What starts as a discussion about music evolves into a deep and complicated creative collaboration. Percy, who has always viewed music through a critical, analytical lens, finds herself drawn to Joe’s raw talent and passion. As they begin working together, the pair develops a bond that oscillates between inspiration and tension. Joe’s songs inspire Percy, but her own creative output remains stifled, caught in the shadow of Joe’s success and their intense collaboration.

Brickley explores the impact of obsession on creativity, asking whether the desire to create and be heard can sometimes hinder personal growth. The relationship between Percy and Joe is fraught with competition, jealousy, and self-doubt as they struggle to navigate their evolving connection. Their partnership brings out the best and worst in them, as they push each other to new heights of artistic achievement while also confronting the toll their obsession with music takes on their personal lives.

As the book shifts from Brooklyn bars to the dance floors of San Francisco, Deep Cuts delves into themes of belonging, the search for identity, and the sacrifices made in the name of art. Brickley’s writing is sharp and introspective, capturing the heady mix of ambition and vulnerability that comes with trying to make a mark in the music world. Through Percy and Joe’s journey, readers are given an intimate look at the highs and lows of artistic pursuit, and the ways in which our relationships, both personal and professional, shape our creative processes.

The book’s strength lies in its authentic portrayal of the struggle between finding one’s voice and being subsumed by someone else’s success. Percy’s journey of self-discovery—her struggle to break free from the shadow of her partnership with Joe—provides a poignant reflection on the costs of artistic collaboration. Is their partnership worth its price, or is it holding her back from discovering her true potential? The tension between these questions drives the novel, making it a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant read.

Deep Cuts is an absorbing tale of music, creativity, and the quest for identity. It raises questions about what it means to truly be heard and whether we must sometimes lose ourselves in order to find our voice. With vivid character development and a gripping narrative, Holly Brickley crafts a novel that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to balance personal ambition with the complexities of collaboration.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

Firstly, thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book.
I’ll give credit where credit is due- I did want to keep reading this in spite of my many reasons for disliking this book, however I found it incredibly boring for the most part.

In all honesty I don’t understand why it’s being compared to Daisy Jones and the six or Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow because to me it felt miles away from either of those books.

In the aftermath of reading I cannot think of a single likeable character in this entire piece of writing. Every single one of them was incredibly narcissistic and lacked any sort of emotional complexity- Joe was a stereotypical self absorbed male musician which was to be expected but Percy was equally insufferable in her own way. It felt like the book kept trying to make random points of social/political commentary for the most part through Zoe, (I think that was her name, I’ve already forgotten), at the weirdest moments which didn’t make sense in the context of the scenes and conversations happening at the time, and began to get on my nerves as the book progressed.
Although some details were provided about Joe’s life and backstory, I felt like I knew nothing about our narrator and main character Percy which caused a big disconnect while reading. In spite of this, both of the main characters were incredibly dull and didn’t feel fleshed out in the slightest, I simply couldn’t connect to either, especially when their yearning for one another caused such constant conflict and wasn’t enjoyable to read.

After being so excited to read this book due to its really intriguing sounding description, in all honesty, I really regret this being my first read of 2025 as I was unfortunately bitterly disappointed. The single redeeming factor in this book for me was the references to Stevie Nicks and Joni Mitchell so I thank the author for that, but I just don’t think this delivered what it promised in my opinion.

I read Deep Cuts in a single day over the new year period and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a real love letter to indie music of the naughts. Beautifully written and superb characters. I already have at least two friends in mind who will be receiving it as birthday gifts next year.

It's better than normal people but not quite as good as tomorrow tomorrow tomorrow it failed down her win between am not a love story type of gal but I did the the realism of this tho I don't understand why people in books create drama and turmoil from nothings it becomes anything to read the fact this book had quite an unique setting and background saved it for me and I liked the music references not sure I'd be in a hurry to read anything from the wetter again despite it well written it wasn't really for me

This was truly an INCREDIBLE book!

If Lily King's Writers & Lovers, Daisy Jones & The Six and Normal People had a child, this would be it!

Deep Cuts follows Percy Marks and the ups and downs of her life as a music lover and writer, as well as her relationship (in its many different forms) with Joe, a musician she meets when they're both studying at Berkley, in 2000. Their connection felt like a mix between Marianne and Connel's and Daisy and Billy's, inevitable and at times toxic.

I adored the way the author talks about music. I didn't know most of the songs mentioned in the book, but I was still able to really connect with the commentary about them during the novel and felt like all of them meshed so well with Percy's journey. I would definitely recommend reading this book while listening to the novel's playlist, as every chapter is the name of a song and they sometimes seemed to match how long it took me to read each given chapter, which was just perfect.

I don't usually reread books, but I've been wanting to reread this one since I finished it. The fact that this is a debut is just astonishing; it means I'll have to read anything Holly Brickley writes moving forward.

Thank you so much to Borough Press and NetGalley for the e-ARC! I'll be raving about this book any chance I get

I recently received an ARC for an honest review of "Deep Cuts" by Holly Brickley, and I was truly captivated by the intricate love story portrayed in the book. The narrative follows two individuals who are not only connected by their shared passion for music but also torn apart by the very same force that unites them. Brickley's writing skillfully weaves together themes of love, loss, and the power of music, creating a story that is both heart-wrenching and beautiful. The characters are well-developed, and the emotional depth of their journey resonates with the reader long after the final page. Overall, "Deep Cuts" is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a powerful and poignant love story intertwined with the magic of music.

A beautiful “sort of love” story between main characters Percy and Joe, centered around their passion for music, as they navigate growing up, songwriting, fame, heartbreak and their need for each other.

Plenty of music references throughout which will create a fab playlist!

Deep Cuts is the shockingly powerful and raw debut from Holly Brickley. It’s the type of book that you don’t just read, but actively consume and deeply feel. It’s the type not easily forgotten, where you’re left hoping got the best for its characters after it’s open, and yet perfect ending.

In Deep Cuts we follow Percy through her life from her time as an undergrad at Berkeley through to her 20s, via New York and San Francisco. Whilst at Berkeley she meets two people who will both change and shape her life, Joe and Zoe. Joe is an aspiring musician, in whom music obsessed Percy can see something incredibly special. Through her blistering critiques she helps to transform Joe’s music into something extraordinary but in doing so inadvertently places herself off limits him. It’s clear that there’s an undercut to the music they’re making, that will lead them to either love or heartbreak. Whilst Zoe, Joe’s girlfriend, will grow to be Percy’s very own guiding light in a world we she often feels disjointed.

This book is as stunningly beautiful as it is utterly devastating, and I think that’s because it all feels so incredibly real. It’s grounded so deeply in its sense of time and place, be it through world events, politics, location and of course music, that it feels so very alive. This book hums, it will not be put down and it demands to be read; gosh I loved it.

It’s a book that is filled with so much love, first and foremost Percy’s obsessive love of music, the detail with which Brickley analysis music through Percy is astounding. There is of course Percy’s often unrequited love of Joe, of which I have so much I could say but don’t want to because of spoilers; but my goodness was this a case of finding your person but never the right time. There is the gentle and soft love of Raj, and then I think my favourite of all the beautiful, sisterly platonic love in the friendship of Percy and Zoe. You feel so acutely for these characters that their highs and lows feel as though they are your own, so beautifully crafted they each are. I was so sad to say goodbye but yet so hopeful for what might be in store for them next.

This book blew me away and that it’s a debut is even more incredible. I cannot see how this book won’t be everywhere upon its release and I can’t wait.

Thank you to the publishers for my ARC.

I wanted to read this because I saw that Coco Mellors had blurbed it, and she is one of my favourite authors. But unfortunately I just didn’t like this. It fell completely flat. I didn’t like the characters, I didn’t like the plot, and I couldn’t get into it no matter how hard I tried. The writing was fine, that wasn’t the issue, and I can see why others are raving about this book, but for me it just felt dull and lacklustre. I didn’t care about the characters at all nor did I find the main protagonist’s interesting or feel any chemistry or tension between them. Sorry.

This was a love letter to music and the early to mid 2000s. The companion playlist was a wonderful addition and I found myself playing it around the house when I was doing odd jobs, just to immerse myself in the world of the story. The book is tender, showing the complex and evolving relationships we develop with those we care for in our early to mid 20s. It is clear that the author has an incredible knowledge and understanding of the music I grew up with and id love to hear her talk about the music that inspired her in person. It is such a moving and relatable story that drags you into the world of Percy and Joe. It took me a long time to finish this one because it would remind me of a song, I’d go to listen to it and fall down a music rabbit hole.

Deep Cuts is a stunning debut full of love, heartbreak and music. Percy is an English major at Berkeley in the late 90s/early 2000s. She’s struggled a fair bit with romantic and platonic relationships until she meets Joe, an aspiring musician and political science major with a punk girlfriend Zoe. While Percy insists she has no musical talent of her own, she is great at giving productive criticism, and so Joe and Percy write music together. The three of them become a close trio. Over time, their relationships to one another evolve, Joe fully commits to the music while Percy finds herself in an MFA programme where she’s still struggles to find her voice. Zoe meanwhile is off being an activist. They encounter heartbreak, both platonic and romantic, betrayal and lots and lots of music.

I must admit that some of the music references passed me by, but even though I didn’t know each and every song, Deep Cuts stands out as Percy’s POV makes you feel the music. Music is a great tool within the novel, it extends beyond the fact that Joe becomes a musician. Percy explains her own feelings with music and it makes for a very moving book. This book is being compared to Daisy Jones & the Six, but I think they use music in very distinct ways. Nevertheless, if you liked Daisy Jones & the Six you’ll probably like this and I would recommend picking it up. I’d also prepare for some deep cutting (see what i did there) emotions, maybe a couple of tears. It’s also a slightly… unfinished book? It obviously finished, but it leaves a lot out in the open. We’re not entirely sure how their lives will continue and clearly our characters emotional baggage hasn’t been fixed. I like that, it feels realistic to some extent.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book.