Love Is a War Song by Danica Nava

A story about finding your way back to yourself—through community, culture, and an unexpected love that refuses to be rushed.

Love Is a War Song blends pop stardom, cultural identity, and small-town ranch life into a heartfelt, slow burn romance that surprised me in all the best ways.

Avery’s fall from grace is painfully believable. Cancel culture comes for her fast after a well-meaning but misguided moment turns into a PR nightmare. Watching her try to regroup on her estranged grandmother’s ranch in Oklahoma gave me classic fish-out-of-water vibes, but what grounded the story was how real her growth felt. She’s messy, flawed, and trying.

Lucas is the kind of gruff, grounded hero who makes you work for every soft moment. His reasons for keeping his distance are solid and mature, and I never felt shortchanged by the single POV. His character arc is just as clear, shown through his actions and words rather than internal monologues. Their connection simmers slowly (so slowly), but the payoff works.

That said, I did want more from the family dynamics, especially between Avery, her mother, and grandmother. The story hints at deeper wounds and histories that never fully resolve, and the final conflict felt a little too rushed to stick the landing emotionally. It’s a Happy For Now that I would gladly revisit if we ever return to this world. I’d love to see Avery and Lucas again, just a little further down the road as the side characters in another story.

If you like your romance with a dash of grumpy/sunshine, and a heroine on a redemption arc, this one’s worth adding to your list.

Pre-Order Love Is a War Song here or request it from your local library.

If you’re interested in more from Danica Nava, check out the Sip & Discuss Episode with Becky and Jenni of The Truth According to Ember.