As a fan of Sara Desai's works, I was super excited to read The Sound of Us, written under her other penname Sarah Castille! The Sound of Us is a New Adult college romance between a basketball player and a DJ. This book really celebrates music and radio, and the connections we form with people over our love of music. I really enjoyed seeing Skye and Dante bond over their favorite songs and artists. The way they express their emotions using music was very cool to see. Their romance was tender, steamy, and emotional. I was very pleasantly surprised to read a more serious romance from Sarah Castille. Under her rom-com penname, I usually find myself laughing out loud at how ridiculous her books can get. However, with The Sound of Us, the romance and drama is very grounded and consuming.

The characters in this book really stood out to me. Of course, Dante and Skye are the stars of the show, but I really loved the ensemble of characters surrounding them. Dante and Skye's classmates, friends, and mentors all help form a very well-rounded story. I can't wait to read the next standalone romance in this series next!

If you love an angsty romance this is definitely your next read. The characters have both gone through loss, but music makes them cope.

(3.5 Stars)
Skye Jordan had her life planned out until one tragedy changed everything. Now back a college and needing money she accidentally bumps into a gorgeous stranger leaving a bar. She doesn’t have time for anything but staying focused but DJ Dante Romano and her have a connection and not just around music. When his campus radio station needs an intern maybe not only can he help her with her career path but to heal as well. This is a college aged emotional journey bathed in a musical background. I did find it slow to begin but still a touching story about finding yourself. Told in first person and dual POV.

This book struck a deep chord with me. The chemistry between Skye and Dante is electric, and their journey from fiery attraction to something deeper is both intense and heart-wrenching. Skye’s struggle to rebuild her life and Dante’s battle with guilt create a powerful backdrop for their romance. Their connection, driven by shared pain and passion, is beautifully portrayed, making their story both moving and memorable. It’s a raw, emotional ride that captures the complexity of love and healing. And, I highly enjoyed reading it.