Guest post written by Still Into You author Erin Connor
Erin lives in the PNW with her spouse, two large dogs, two lazy cats, and more houseplants than she can count. When not exploring fictional worlds, she enjoys hiking, cooking, emo nostalgia, and slowly but surely actualizing her lifelong goal of becoming a forest witch.
About Still Into You: Two exes reunite for a make-or-break interview that will either bring them back together … or drive them apart forever. Released February 10th 2026.
One of my favorite parts of writing a book is the brainstorming phase, where I consume anything and everything I can get my hands on that might inspire me. I want to know what’s out there already, and what I could bring to the conversation that hasn’t already been said.
My latest novel—released February 10, 2026—is a love letter to elder emos. Still Into You follows Sloane Donavan, an aspiring music journalist struggling to break into the industry. When elusive metal frontman Dax Nakamura agrees to give her his first interview in eight years, she should be jumping at the opportunity. The catch? He’s her ex. Unable to pass up a shot at making her name—and helping Dax clear the reputation that’s plagued his—Sloane agrees. It’s only a conflict of interest if anyone finds out. But the article Dax wants and the salacious tell-all Sloane’s editor is expecting are two completely different stories. And as old feelings resurface, Sloane’s journalistic integrity hangs in the balance. This is the career-making piece she’s been waiting for, but it comes with a price: the chance to rewrite the ending with her first and only love.
As an emo kid in the early 2000s, I pulled heavily from my own experiences going to shows at skate parks and random parking lots. That said, I don’t possess a single crumb of musical ability. I would prefer not to be on a stage thankyouverymuch, and being a touring musician sounds really exhausting, actually. But I had so much fun researching Still Into You, diving into movies, tv shows, podcasts, and—of course—books that centered around musicians. Here is a selection of music-focused books that I loved, as well as a peek into my TBR:
No Ordinary Love by Myah Ariel
Pop superstar Ella Simone and MLB player Miles Westbrook team up to turn their tabloid scandal into an opportunity—a PR relationship that will shore up both their reputations. But as the lines between reality and PR begin to blur, will Ella stick to the choreographed life she knows so well, or surrender to a love that could set her free?
I fell in love with Ariel’s debut, and her transportive writing quickly made her an autobuy author for me. The way her MMCs go all in for the FMC will never fail to make me swoon.
Feels like: The opening notes of Mariah Carey’s Always Be My Baby.
Some Kind Of Famous by Ava Wilder
In this steamy and emotional small-town romance, a disgraced ex-musician and a local handyman try to resist their growing attraction for each other—until a house renovation forces them together.
I’m obsessed with Wilder’s writing. Her ability to craft such raw, real characters with believable flaws and hurts that have you wanting to hug and shake them as you’re rooting for them, their happily ever after so well-earned and fought for.
Feels like: Alanis Morissette girlies in their lovergirl era.
August Lane by Regina Black
Luke Randall didn’t write the love song that made him famous—August Lane did. A secret that August threatens to expose unless he writes a new song with her for her mother’s concert celebrating her induction to the Country Music Hall of Fame. As the concert nears and their passion bond rekindles, August will have to choose between an overdue public reckoning with the boy who betrayed her, or trusting the man he’s become to write a different love song.
Regina Black is every author’s favorite author. If you’re not already reading her books, 1) what are you doing? And 2) know that I’m jealous you get to experience them for the first time.
Feels like: Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter.
Never Been Shipped by Alicia Thompson
When two ex-bandmates and former best friends reunite to perform on a cruise ship, sparks fly. John has been in love with Micah since they were kids, but never said anything for the sake of the band. But when the two reunite, Micah can’t help but see John with brand new eyes. As the discordant band’s tension grows to a breaking point, they must decide if their relationship is more than a one-hit wonder.
I think about this book constantly. You can always tell when an author is writing about something they love, and Thompson’s love of music shines through in this novel. Childhood friends to lovers, second chance, angst, nostalgia, this book is everything I wanted it to be and more.
Feels like: The Twilight soundtrack.
The Girl With Stars In Her Eyes by Xio Axelrod
Antonia Bennette is not a rock star. Neither are the Lillys—not yet. But the difference between being famous and being almost famous can be a single wrong note…or the start of something that’ll change your life forever.
Axelrod is a musician herself and it really enriches so many aspects of this novel. It’s equal parts a slow burn, childhood friends-to-lovers romance and a love letter to female musicians. Bonus: The sequel, Girls With Bad Reputations, is already out, with two more books in the Lilly’s series teased on Axelrod’s website.
Feels like: An Ecca Vandal album.
For One Night Only by Jessica James
When two former bandmates—and bedmates—are thrust back into each other’s lives in a fake dating scheme for publicity, they’ll be forced to face the music.
Sometimes the blurb is so good that I don’t even know what to add. Exes forced to fake date for PR? Say less. Come for the angst and the longing and stay for the sweeping feelings, the found family, and the nuanced exploration of mental health. The second book in this series, For Our Next Song, just released January 13, and I cannot wait to dive in!
Feels like: Hayley Williams hitting the high note in All I Wanted.
Sing Anyway by Anita Kelly
Karaoke is the only time Lily Fischer can step outside of her quiet shell. When there’s a mic in her hand, she’s no longer merely a receptionist harboring big dreams. At Moonie’s, Lily can pretend to be someone else: someone bold, who takes what she wants. And tonight, what Lily wants is the way Sam looks at her across the room as she sings her signature opening song, like they see her exactly as she wants to be seen. Like Moonie’s Lily is real.
Confession: I have never done karaoke, nor do I intend to. However, I yearn to be the type of person who enjoys it. Thankfully, there are three novellas in the Moonlighters series where I can live vicariously through people who do. Check out the accompanying playlists on Kelly’s website for the optimal reading experience!
Feels like: Bringing the house down with the perfect karaoke song choice.
The Love Lyric by Kristina Forest
Iris, a career-focused single mom and young widow, travels for work with popular R&B singer Angel and finds herself falling for him along the way.
A man with a long-held crush? He wrote a song about her?!? We’re into each other but we’re working together and have to keep it professional?!?!? This premise is music to my ears!
Feels like: May I Have This Dance by Francis & the Lights ft. Chance The Rapper
Midnight Duet by Jen Comfort
A wildly electric romance about two musicians, Broadway star Erika Greene and German hair metal band frontman Christof Daae—who collide on the stage of a Nevada opera house.
If there were a Venn diagram of Phantom of the Opera and Jareth from Labyrinth, this book would be the overlap. You can always expect to laugh in a book by Comfort, but I especially appreciate her FMCs. They’re a little sharp, don’t always have it together, and top from the bottom (iykyk).
Feels like: The hilarity and hijinks you’d expect in a Twisted Sister music video.
Where Are Your Boys Tonight? by Chris Payne
An oral history of the rise and fall of emo from 1999 to 2008, featuring My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, Paramore, Panic! At the Disco, Taking Back Sunday, Jimmy Eat World, Dashboard Confessional.
I was a chapter into this audiobook when I ran out to grab a physical copy because I needed to highlight and underline every other line. Immediately after finishing the book, I began rereading. If you were an emo kid in the early 2000s, this is required reading.
Feels like: The G note at the start of My Chemical Romance’s Welcome To The Black Parade.
The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead
A powerful and transportive new novel about a music executive desperately trying to bring a rock band back from the brink. Their big break is here—if only they can survive it.
This just came out January 20, 2026, so this is a peek into my TBR. I cannot wait to dive into this one!
Encore by Annabel Paulsen & Lydia Wang
In this music-filled queer romcom, ex-bandmates and successful solo artists Amelia and Ramona are forced to reconcile when their indie trio embarks on a reunion tour, five years after their breakout album, tour, and the one night that ruined everything.
Another peek into my TBR. This book isn’t slated to release until 2027, but this is just how seated I am for it.
