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My Review: The Sound of Us by Sarah Castille

kj_320May 23, 2025

If you love reading about emotional romances with a musical heartbeat, The Sound of Us is one to add to your list—but fair warning: keep some tissues handy. Sarah Castille really knows how to tug at your heartstrings. By the time I finished Skye and Dante’s story, I felt like I’d been through it with them (in the best way).

The connection between the two leads is built around music, and I loved how Sarah included a different song at the start of each chapter. It wasn’t just a fun extra—it genuinely added to the story and helped show what the characters were going through. Music plays a huge role in both their lives, and it’s what really pulls them together.

Both Skye and Dante are carrying a lot of pain from the past. Skye’s world flipped upside down after a car accident that ended her basketball career and changed everything. Dante is still mourning the loss of family members while dealing with a toxic father who’s pressuring him into a life he doesn’t want. Honestly, I couldn’t blame Dante for wanting out—his dad was the worst.

Their first meeting? Loved it. There’s definitely some initial tension (and plenty of complications thanks to Dante’s baggage), but the chemistry between them is undeniable. Dante has that bad-boy vibe but is way more layered underneath, and even though he frustrated me sometimes—seriously, he could be so emotionally messy—I got why he held back. Their connection felt real, complicated, and very forbidden (which, let’s be honest, is always a fun trope when done well—and it is here).

Skye was a standout for me. She’s strong, independent, and honestly just trying to figure out who she is outside of other people’s expectations. I loved watching her come into her own. She’s someone you root for, especially when it comes to finally being loved the way she deserves.

Were there moments that had me shouting at the book? Yes. The miscommunication could be a little frustrating at times, but it never felt pointless—and the resolution was worth it.

Also, shoutout to the side characters—I really hope Sarah writes more books in this world because there’s definitely potential for spin-offs. And just a heads-up: the story does touch on some heavy themes, including a mention of sexual assault (not involving the main characters), so check for content warnings if needed.

Overall, this was a solid 4-star read for me. It’s emotional, heartfelt, and yes—spicy in a few very unexpected campus locations (you’ve been warned). If you love slow-burn, character-driven romance with depth and a killer playlist, this one’s for you.