This was a solid 3-star read for me. I loved the premise and found the writing style refreshingly simple and easy to follow. The love interests were enjoyable, and the sweet ending wrapped things up nicely.

That said, the story and characters weren’t very memorable, and the insta-love felt a bit rushed. The characters also felt quite young and immature for being in their 30s.

Loly Sinclair clearly has talent, and with a bit more refinement, I think her work could really shine. I’ll definitely give another of her books a chance!

In this fun new romance novel, readers follow archivist Eleanor Hayes, whose temporary job at Austin’s music library brings a photograph of a mysterious young musician from 1993 into her life. As she tries to discover what happened to this woman, Eleanor dives into the Austin music scene with her camera, which brings her into contact with Luke Wyatt, a music promoter who knows 6th Street -- the heart of the music community -- like the back of his hand. As they chase down the woman from the photo and explore Austin together, the chemistry between Eleanor and Luke might just change both their lives in ways they hadn’t foreseen. The characters are the absolute star of this novel, and the alternating perspectives really give them each a chance to shine and tell their own stories. Their character development is absolutely fantastic, and the mysteries in this book are really great, bringing the music scene and local history to life in some exciting ways. Well-written, immersive, and charming, this is a great mix of romantic and spicy, and the unique setting really lets this book’s whimsy shine. Brilliant, fun, and charming, this new romance novel is a great summer romance that readers will love for its uniqueness.

An archivist is working a temporary job in Nashville and she meets a musician who seems to want to get to know her. Their friendship builds into romance but there seems to be miscommunications along the way.

Thank you NetGalley for this review copy.
This was a great book full of heartfelt interactions and a great twist I didn't see coming.

This was a nice book, but could’ve been better with a stronger plot point. The connection between them being a picture of a mysterious woman was okay, but I believe there needed to be something stronger keeping them working together.

The characters were likable at times and weird at others. For example, Eleanor was weirdly obsessed with the woman in the picture, a woman she never met. When something related to that caused a fight between them, I was perplexed. Luke was instantly in love with Eleanor, which okay, it works in some books, but I don’t know about this one.

All in all, I give this book a 3 / 5 stars.

*Thank you to NetGalley and ___ for the eARC of this book; the review is my own.*

Just shy of 4 stars.

Overall, I liked this book. It was cute with characters I mostly liked, though they were occasionally idiots (I guess that’s true for everyone, though, isn’t it?). There were, however, some plot points that felt forced for the sake of drama, especially the lie Luke held inside of himself for most of the book. Not only did that choice feel contrary to his character throughout the book, but being honest from the start actually would have given him a stronger case for helping her.

Not that this inferences my opinion of the book itself, but I’m convinced that the person who designed the cover actually read anything more than the book description. It’s nice, but the characters look like they’re in their late teens/very early 20s rather than their true ages (Luke is 35, and Eleanor is probably about 32). There are a few other nitpicky deviations (Eleanor wears glasses and has curly hair, Luke is pretty cowboyish when he’s not in a business suit, and I don’t recall any mention of either of them playing the guitar), but I think the biggest is that the cover makes it look like a YA novel. It isn’t.

With the exception of their (unnecessary) drama, the characters were written in a very believable way. Their dialogue flowed well, and their interactions felt natural—and I mean between all the characters, main and supporting. Despite their occasional stupidity and overreactions, I really did like Luke and Eleanor together. Though they weren’t on the page much, two of my favorite characters were Luke’s mom and Jolene. Good people. Really, this book is full of good people.

Note: Some language, but lots of f words. Innuendo and sensuality. A couple of open-door sex scenes (contained within two chapters).

Eleanor Hayes gets a temporary job at a music museum in Austin, where she stumbles upon a mysterious photograph. The photo is of an unknown woman, and since there is no record of her, the museum does not exhibit it. But Eleanor can't help thinking that she needs to find out who she is. As she begins her investigation, she meets Luke Wyatt, who knows all the secrets of 6th Street – or at least knows who to ask – and together they set out to find the mystery woman.

One of the most enjoyable parts of the story is watching Eleanor and Luke try to unravel the past together. They move forward with the reader, piecing together the pieces of the puzzle. Although the mystery thread of the story could have been explored further – even creating a real cozy mystery atmosphere – Lolu Sinclair has put the romance at the forefront.

Nevertheless, the atmosphere of the book is still captivating. Both main characters are easy to get attached to, but for me Luke Wyatt was particularly memorable. His first meeting with Eleanor felt natural and the attraction between them was immediately palpable. The alternating point of view worked brilliantly, helping us to get to know both of their feelings better. My only complaint is about the supporting cast – I would have liked to know them better.

My favourite part was Eleanor and Luke's scenes together, those small, sweet moments that make you root for them to finally get together. The writer's descriptions are so vivid that I could feel myself walking through the streets of Austin with them. Lolu Sinclair's brisk style and flowing writing keeps the reader's attention throughout – and before you know it, you've finished the book.

I recently finished Lost Love on 6th Street by Lolu Sinclair, and it was a delightful journey into Austin's vibrant music scene. The story follows Eleanor Hayes, an archivist who stumbles upon a captivating photo of a mysterious musician from 1993. Her quest to uncover the woman's identity leads her to Luke Wyatt, a charismatic music promoter familiar with every corner of 6th Street. Together, they navigate dive bars, taco trucks, and vintage record shops, unraveling not just the mystery but also their own budding romance.

The dual perspectives of Eleanor and Luke added depth to the narrative, allowing me to connect with both characters on a personal level. Their chemistry felt genuine, and the witty banter between them kept me engaged throughout. As someone who appreciates a well-crafted romance intertwined with a bit of mystery, this book hit all the right notes.

However, I did notice that some readers felt the portrayal of Austin was somewhat exaggerated, and Luke's character came across as overly assertive at times. Additionally, the pacing seemed off for some, with a lack of tension or buildup in both the mystery and the romance aspects.

Overall, Lost Love on 6th Street is a charming read that beautifully captures the essence of Austin's music culture while delivering a heartfelt romantic mystery. If you're looking for a story that combines love, music, and a touch of intrigue, this book is definitely worth picking up.

*Lost Love on 6th Street* offers a lighthearted and quirky adventure through Austin's music scene, with an endearing main character in Eleanor and an effortlessly charming love interest in Luke. The plot centers around Eleanor, an archivist who stumbles upon a mysterious photo of a musician from the past, and her journey to uncover the truth, which takes her deep into Austin’s vibrant music culture. The setting is rich with details, and the references to local spots add authenticity to the story.

While the premise is intriguing, the execution is a bit predictable at times. The chemistry between Eleanor and Luke is charming but feels a little formulaic, especially with their whirlwind romance, which seems to develop a bit too quickly. The mystery of the musician is interesting, but it often takes a backseat to the blossoming romance, leaving the mystery elements underdeveloped at times.

The humor and banter are a fun touch, though at moments, the pace slows down with a bit too much focus on the developing relationship rather than the core mystery. The character dynamics and the music-driven setting do add some fun flavor to the novel, but there’s a sense that the story could have benefited from a bit more depth in its plot and character development.

Overall, *Lost Love on 6th Street* is a sweet, enjoyable read for fans of light romance and music, but it doesn't quite hit the mark as a standout mystery. A solid, though somewhat predictable, 3-star read.

― ´⁠arc review`✧

2.5★

It was cute. I finished it in one sitting. This was my first time reading a book based on Austin iconic music premise, and happy to tell it was intriguing.

Tho, the writing was just off and didn't hit the mark right, for me. The chemistry was lacking, i think the romance was somehow a bit rushed with how easily the "miscommunication" was resolved but nonetheless, as a debut book, it was mysteriously fun with scavenger-hunt vibes.

Tropes:
☞ Library Archivist/Photographer x Music Promoter
☞ Strangers to Friends to Lovers
☞ He falls first,
☞ Insta-Lust
☞ Southern-charm without a Cowboy
☞ Third act break-up

Big thanks to NetGalley and Lost Lust for ARC.

Thanks to netgalley for the ARC! I’m kind of torn on this one. On the one hand, the little surprises in the story were nice and kept it interesting, and I did like the characters of Eleanor and Jolene and reading about the music scene in Austin. It’s always cute to see two people connect and fall in love and have a good ending to their story. On the other hand, the “complications” (bc of course something always stands in the way of love) between Eleanor and Luke were kind of annoying and didn’t really feel like they were that big of a deal at times. I can’t stand when I read something and think-you’re seriously not talking right now bc of that?! I think maybe a little more thought could’ve gone into making those bigger deals and tweaking their reactions better. I honestly didn’t know there would be any spice to this story, so I was kind of surprised to see that in here. It wasn’t a ton and wasn’t crazy graphic, which was good. I know some people like that, but I like it at a minimum and want more to the story. Overall, it was ok. I didn’t love it and kind of felt myself pushing through it at times, and I was glad when new surprises popped up to keep me interested. FYI profanity, sexual situations and content

Thanks to the publisher for this advanced reader copy. This one wasn't for me or the right fit for my mood right now. I would try another book by this author at a different time.

A upbeat story about Eleanor and Luke - Eleanor becomes fixated about a photo whilst working as an archivist in Texas, enter Luke who is charismatic and knows everything there is about the Texan music scene. There is great tension between the two leads and the will they, won't they is something that leaves you guessing until the very end. Thanks to Net Galley for the advanced copy.

Hey readers,

Today’s review is all thanks to Netgalley!

I binged Lost Love on 6th Street in one evening, fully immersed in Luke and Eleanor's whirlwind love story. It was a ride filled with swoon-worthy moments, forced proximity, and a bit of emotional whiplash, but I enjoyed every second of it, so I rate it 4 stars.

I was hooked from the moment Luke and Eleanor bumped into each other. Luke is instantly down bad for her (which I love), giving off strong good girl x bad boy vibes. And when he decides to help her track down a mysterious singer from an old photo she found at work, the forced proximity trope is in full swing—pure gold if you ask me.

Luke’s little “Does she have a boyfriend?” fishing moment when asking Eleanor to stay and take pictures for his event if she was available and had no dates planned was adorable. (I love this mini trope; it worked so well here.)

And let’s talk about the outfit switch—Luke in a suit? Yes. Luke in cowboy casual, with a hat? Immediate heart eyes. I couldn’t help but picture him as Glen Powell in Twisters and Eleanor as Keira Knightley in Begin Again — go figure, my mind works in crazy ways (and yes, I know she has curly hair and KK in BA has straight hair, but is my imagination and I am ok with it).

By chapter seven, Luke had me completely smitten when he said, “I’d love to see the world the way you see it.”

And then came the quote that made me sit with my thoughts for a while: “Have you ever thought that sometimes the only reason we love stories is because we lose some of them?”—such a gut punch in the best way.

I had my theories early on (like thinking the woman in the photo was Luke’s mom), and while I was close, the plot twist revealing it was actually his “aunt” in chapter 16 caught me off guard in the best way.

I also loved how flirty Luke was throughout their friendship—until Eleanor finally flirted back and flustered him. That moment was everything.

Eleanor’s constant push-and-pull dynamic with Luke was a little frustrating at times. It gave pick-me girl energy, especially when we’d get her POV, and she swooned over him despite acting distant (at least in the beginning — then by the end of the book, Luke started the push-and-pull, hahah).

And then there was Luke—who I loved most of the time—but some of his minor angry outbursts left me unsure. It felt a little jarring compared to the sweetheart he was for the rest of the book.

I wasn’t a massive fan of the dad-cheating plotline. I get why it was there, but it felt unnecessary to the bigger story. And while the central conflict revolved around Luke keeping his connection to Diane a secret, I honestly didn’t think it was that deep—he barely knew her. His involvement seemed more about figuring out his father’s past than deceiving Eleanor. Sure, he should have been honest, but his motivation felt more about wanting to spend time with her.

Despite my mixed feelings, the slow burn, the honkytonk first date, and the butterfly-inducing lead-up to their first kiss made up for it. And the epilogue? Eleanor getting married to Luke in blue cowboy boots? Perfection — Yes, I made this bold because I love it so much!

Overall, Lost Love on 6th Street was an addictive, trope-filled romance that kept me engaged from start to finish. While some elements didn’t entirely work for me, the chemistry, setting, and emotional beats made it worth the read. If you love forced proximity, charming characters, and a cowboy who falls first (and hard), this one’s for you!

A blog, Instagram and tiktok post will be made on Feb 17th. My handles are beawritesandreads and my blog is the same name on substack!

I am adding a shorter review on GoodReads as well. Heres the link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7319207340

This was a cute and easy read. I really liked the character development between the two main characters, plus the mystery element made it a bit more fun.

Lost Love on 6th Street by Lolu Sinclair is a delightful blend of mystery, romance, and Austin’s iconic music scene. Archivist Eleanor Hayes stumbles upon a photo that sparks a quest to uncover the story of a mysterious musician from the past. Along the way, she teams up with Luke Wyatt, a charming music promoter, and their chemistry quickly intensifies as they uncover secrets while navigating the city’s vibrant nightlife. With a quirky cast of characters, a fast-paced plot, and plenty of heart, this book is a fun, flirty adventure that shows sometimes the best discoveries are the ones you least expect.

I enjoyed this a lot! if I could give half stars id give 3.5 stars to be more specific. it was fun, you were rooting for them, and it was filled with tropes

I was really thrilled to get my hands on this ARC because the premise had me genuinely intrigued!

I gave it multiple tries, but unfortunately, I ended up having to DNF it. At first, I thought maybe I just wasn’t in the right headspace, so I decided to set it aside and come back later. However, despite my efforts, I just couldn’t fully immerse myself in the story. From what I read, it felt like it dragged on a bit, and the writing style didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Because of that, I struggled to connect with the story and the characters, and I found it tough to keep going. It’s a little disappointing, because I initially thought it was just me, but I faced the same challenge every time I picked it up.

To be honest, I didn't quite click with Luke; he gave me some red flag vibes that didn't sit right with me.

That said, I truly appreciate the opportunity to read this ARC!

Great little road which a sped through. It had all the right cozy feels to it. It was also packed with light adventure which was an added bonus for it.
The character had great chemistry,fun and banter. And I had many points to sit and smile for their little moments of adorability.
I was a little frustrated at some of their communication mishaps but nothing to downgrade it's loveliness.

I absolutely enjoyed this read. The characters are relatable and entertaining. I was rooting for them and can’t wait to see if there’s more to come in the future!