If Not For My Baby by Kate Golden

“Cloaked in violet shadow he strolls toward me like some kind of mythical folk-rock Jesus.”

Kate Golden’s Dawn of Onyx series is one of my all-time favorites, so when I found out she was writing a rockstar romance inspired by Hozier—who I am a big fan of—I was beyond excited. Honestly, I may have let out an actual screech when I received an ARC of If Not For My Baby.

This book was everything I hoped it would be and more. Golden brings in her writing style to perfectly capture the tortured-artist energy we love in our tall sad boy. It’s angsty in all the right ways, deeply romantic, occasionally heartbreaking, and yes—deliciously spicy.

While it’s clear that the male lead draws some inspiration from Hozier (think: poetic, introverted, Irish musician), the characters totally stand on their own.

One of the best parts of the novel was the strong theme of found family. There’s something incredibly heartwarming about characters discovering new versions of themselves through connection, support, and shared experience—especially against the electric backdrop of music tours, late-night games, and lack of sleep.

This book also had me laughing out loud several times. Humor in romance novels is a must-have for me, and If Not For My Baby balances the heavy emotions with witty dialogue and sweet, sometimes chaotic moments that made me fall even harder for the story.

If you love moody forest-core music, romance with soul-searching heroines, emotionally charged relationships, and that raw, earthy vibe Hozier fans will instantly recognize, this book is for you. The vibe is horny but in a deeply literary way.

🌟🌟🌟🌟.5

🗸Rockstar Romance
🗸One Tour Bus
🗸6’6 Irishman
🗸Hozier Coded
🗸Hurt x Comfort
🗸Lyrical Heartbreak
🗸Found Family
🗸He Falls First, She Falls Just As Hard

If Not For My Baby by Kate Golden is out August, 5th 2025 🎸🔥❤️


                  
 



Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!