Heard it in a love song was everything that I expected and more.
The story follows Josh and Layla finding companionship, friendship and love after a painful ending to their long term relationships.
Josh, a single father that finds himself starting over after the end of a 20 year marriage to his high school girlfriend. Layla, a newly divorced elementary school music teacher that is looking to find her inner passion after putting it aside during her turbulent marriage.
The story of how each evolve personally and professionally and come together as friends and more was equally entertaining and heartwarming. A great read!

This romance story was a tad underwhelming for me. I enjoyed all the parts that took place in the present time, but the flashbacks stopped the story in its tracks. I don't feel like they were woven into the story well and actually took me out of the story.

Harlequin Junkie Recommends!

Tracey Garvis-Graves' storytelling ability was proven once again with slow burn romance Heard It in a Love Song where raw and tender emotions met palpable chemistry.

A former rock goddess from a local band and a self-employed electrician might sound like an odd pair but the air sizzled with attraction between Layla and Josh. Not that they acted on it right away. But it was a fun dance, watching the way they slowly formed a friendship that grew into something bigger and much more serious than either of them expected.

Because it evolved over time, the story itself seemed to move at a slow pace and might not be as explosive or exciting as some readers expect from Garvis-Graves. But I felt like overall it suited our kind-hearted lovebirds, Josh and Layla. They were both still healing their wounds from previous broken relationships–she was newly divorced, he was in the middle of one–so I applauded them for taking the time needed to see if a new relationship was something they wanted in their lives. It was further complicated a bit where Layla was a music teacher at Josh's five-year-old daughter Sasha's school. They wanted to make sure what was truly between them before making things public, as well as before telling Sasha, which I thought was the right thing to do.

For readers who are music lovers, I think you'll have a great time with Layla's parts of the story where she channels her inner rock goddess. (Think: Ann Wilson of Heart) Music was her passion and her outlet for her emotions. It was interesting to see the difference between how her ex-husband Liam and later on how Josh treated that part of her life–whether they nurtured that creativity or tried to hinder it. And FYI: the book title is actually pulled from Marshall Tucker Band's hit song of the same name. Good luck getting the song unstuck from your head while reading this book. (You're welcome! *grins*)

I've been highly anticipating this read from Tracey since I'm a huge fan of hers. Ultimately this one came down to personal preferences when I read a book, and while some things didn't work for me, the ending had me quite fulfilled. And I couldn't have imagined a better ending.

One thing that I've always struggled with when reading is the back and forth between the past and the present. They tend to go really slow and it's a setback for me. I truly understand the why since it gave us the chance to know both characters during their marriages. And what lead to their divorces. But it felt like it went on much longer than I hoped. I was just really eager to finally get a bit more of the romance between Layla and Josh.

However, I loved the amount of growth they both went through and it was absolutely necessary if they wanted a relationship with nothing holding them back. I really liked seeing them take a stand for themselves and for once, just focus on themselves. Divorces are always a tough situation all around and it was a relief to not have any major underlying drama with the exes.

Even though I struggled with the pacing and the flashbacks, I still enjoyed this one and I think many will absolutely love this book!

3.5 / 5

This one was slow to get into, but ended up being really good! I kind of remember Tracey Garvis Graves other book being a little slow to get into, but then I loved it. I like how Graves really gives us background on these characters and we get a look into their past, as it adds up to what is happening in their future. This is definitely a slow burn romance between Layla and Josh, but I liked getting to know them as they got to know each other and I understand why they were cautious about falling in love again.
I think this is one a lot of people will love because Graves just creates good wholesome characters.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC!

I’m always looking for something different, and HEARD IT IN A LOVE SONG was refreshingly different.

The book is an enjoyable and easy read with a wonderful friends to lovers love story. And slow burn romance fans rejoice, this book is for you. Also, lately I’m really into romance books about musicians. Singing and songwriting is such a passionate talent and I loved how deeply Layla cared about her music. Moreover I really liked the idea of a music teacher getting back into the music business.

Both, Josh and Layla’s story is all about new beginnings in a very touching and honest way. We get to read about the past and the present. And the reasons why both are at the beginning of something new. None are ready to jump in heads first, they have their doubts but are also hopeful for the future. I thought the slow burn was very well done, in a believable way.

The backstories, about their former relationships and why they failed, sounded realistic and were incredibly fleshed out. Maybe a little bit too fleshed out. Most of the time, their past was told in flashbacks. In rather long, drawn out flashbacks. I would have actually enjoyed the book more if more pages would have focused on the couple in the present times, instead of the past. But it also gives the book a different feel, which is something good!!

As always books by Tracey Garvis Graves are well written and unique in an ocean of romance novels. And that’s exactly what I’m looking for. An enjoyable book, low on drama, that will provide an easy escape and great writing. Also, who doesn’t believe in second chances.

When it comes to writing romance, author Tracey Garvis Graves definitely has the Midas touch! Her latest novel, “Heard It in A Love Song” is a slow-burning romance between two love-wary individuals trying to navigate their way towards a new future in the aftermath of divorce.

At its very core, Layla and Josh’s friends-to-lovers story is simple, beautiful, and pure. But the characters, themselves, are anything but one-dimensional. They are complex individuals who are very relatable with back story’s that are as old as time.

Switching between past and present and alternating POV’s, this story is a realistic depiction of both love gone wrong and love going right. There is hope on the heels of failure, and light that emerges from the dark.

There's not much of a plot here, just two people dealing with divorce who fall for each other. Their love story comes across as realistic, though the backstories are drawn out.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: November 2, 2021
Fans of Emily Giffin and Nicholas Sparks will enjoy Tracey Garvis Graves ninth novel, “Heard it in a Love Song”.
Layla is trying to start over after an acrimonious divorce with her husband. Now she’s working as a music teacher in an elementary school, putting her lifelong ambition of being a musician behind her. Josh is now a single dad, after recently splitting from his wife of nearly twenty years, and is trying to come to terms with this new stage in his life. When he meets Layla at the school entrance gates, sparks fly, but neither of them are ready for a new relationship. Or are they?
I fell in love with Garvis Graves after reading “The Girl He Used to Know”, and I expected great things from this novel as well. I did not find the connection to Layla as I did to Annika (from “Girl”), but that did not make her less charming or likable. Layla finds her escape through music, and she also uses it to connect to people. With “Love Song”, Layla must decide if her dreams of ten years ago are still as important as building a strong relationship with a partner and there are parts of Layla that anyone can relate to. Both Josh and Layla have good chemistry together and when their Hallmark-movie, saccharine-sweet relationship develops, you know the ending is going to be a happy one.
“Love Song” is told in alternating viewpoints (both Layla and Josh) so the reader gets to know each character as their own person and both partners as a couple. The narrations also take place in present day, with snippets of their past relationships with their exes. I didn’t mind this format, as the narrators and the time periods were clearly identified.
Overall, Garvis Graves provided an entertaining romantic fiction novel about starting over, living your dreams, and what really matters. It’s a lighthearted, fun-to-read story with sweet characters that will definitely provide a relaxing escape from reality (which is what we all look for, is it not?) Garvis Graves delivers another lovable novel that will surely be an instant favourite.

3.5 stars
There was definitely a lot to enjoy in Heard It in a Love Song, the fact that I got to see both the past and the present through Layla and Josh's eyes in the aftermath of their respective divorce is one of those things. I enjoyed getting to know the characters both through their actions in the present, and their reflections on the past.

However, the story was a little slow at times, possibly because of the switch between the past and the present - and while the story unfolded over quite a bit of time, the pace was still fairly slow.

The dual points of views worked well for me, because the characters kept a lot of their thoughts to themselves, but the reader is still privy to it all. I also found it interesting to read about the reasons why Josh and Layla's marriages failed - because there was no one single thing that made things go wrong - and that appeared very realistic to me.

The novel is well written, and the characters compelling, so if you're looking for something a tad different, with lots of music and introspection, but still some hope for the future and a possible new romance, you should definitely pick this one up!

Layla has just gone through a divorce, leaving the husband she gave everything up for in the last 10 years. Now that she’s single again, she wants to return to her musical passion, and likely keep that as her ONLY passion. But then she meets Josh, a man going through his own breakup after many years. The question to answer is if either are ready for a new relationship. I wanted to read this book since I absolutely loved The Girl He Used To Know by the same author. Although the characters are really well written and I enjoyed the overall storyline, the backstory for each character was just way too drawn out for my liking, to the point where I was fairly bored in parts. Still a good book, but not her best.

Special Note: Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book. Layla was such an easy character to like. She was fierce and finally finding herself and what she wanted out of life. I though Josh as wonderful. He was a man that worked hard for what he had in life and was wiling to work to keep his family together. The idea of starting over and finding out who you really are was what made me love this book. Layla and Josh had very different ending to their marriages, but both need to take time to see what they really wanted and who they were.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this advance e-reader copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

I received this book "Heard It in a Love Song" from NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own. So "The Girl He Used to Know" was a big favorite of mine. This book is also a good one, a beautiful love story about second chances. The words flowed smoothly and I looked forward to reading this each day. And of course, one of my favorite songs is the title! Love Marshall Tucker!

I have read several of Tracy Garvis Graves books and I really enjoyed this one. The book is beautifully written and flowed well.
Layla is new divorced trying to find her identity after a 10-year marriage. Josh is a getting divorced after 20 years of marriage to his childhood sweetheart.
They are both hurting and trying to find a new life. This is different kind of love story. I read this in just a couple of settings and I highly recommend it.
Thank you, Net Galley, for an advanced copy for an honest review.

Another fanatics read written by Tracey Garvis Graves. She is one of my favorite authors, who writes amazing stories that touch your soul.

I absolutely loved Tracey Garvis Graves's "The Girl He Used to Know," so I had high expectations for this, and I am happy to report that it lived up to all of them. This was so beautifully written and just magical. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars. Layla was such as relatable and lovable character. I connected with her immediately. Her relationship with Josh felt so honest in its complexities. The whole book just felt really real and honey and resonated with me in a way most romance novels don't.

I would definitely recommend it to all romance readers!

Thank you Tracey Garvis Graves, NetGalley, and St. Martin's Press, for the ARC and the chance to review this lovely book!

I like how this book is laid out. As I’ve come to expect with Tracey Garvis Graves, the characters are wonderfully normal and real. As a former musician, I felt Layla to my very core. I miss my music! I loved that she got out there and played to her heart’s content . The descriptions are delicious and the dialog flows beautifully. There was lots of introspection, though not too much and it wasn’t as repetitive as some books have gotten lately. However, it was kind of predictable. You’ll love the characters and fall easily into this story.

I really loved this novel about a woman finally set free from a horrible marriage and her desire to seek the future in music that she lost. She also meets a man who appreciates who she is and what she wants.
Skillfully and wonderfully written.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really loved this one for the pure fact that it was one of the best friends to lovers / slow burn that I have ever read. The connection that these characters (and the secondary characters) shared was a breath of fresh air.

I didn't love how the story was told (in the e-arc version). There was a present time and then in italics there would be a brief past time. I would almost prefer to read this book in alternating time frames. I feel like the past could have brought a lot more to the future than it did.

Regardless-- I loved this book. I always love Tracey's writing and she always creates distinct and complex characters that we can all relate to. If slow burn / friends to lovers are yours type of stories that you enjoy to read, I would 100% recommend this one.

After loving this author’s previous books, I was thrilled by the chance t read and review her upcoming 2021 release. While this book definitely has a slower pace, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I enjoyed the unique timeline between the present day of two newly divorced individuals and the past of their failed relationships.

The characters were strong, unique, and as a reader, I could feel their struggle against the newness of being on their own again. Divorce isn’t often written about in this way, and I’m sure its story will be relatable and appreciated by many who have been through it themselves.

The history of one of the characters as a band member turned music teacher was a fun and unique sub-story. While I wouldn’t call this one a page-turner, I most definitely enjoyed it!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for my gifted copy. I plan on sharing my full review on my website genthebookworm.com closer to its November publication date.