Pop singer Avery Fox becomes a national joke after posing scantily clad on the cover of Rolling Stone in a feather warbonnet. Angering fans and critics alike, Avery’s momager decides to send her back to the family ranch in Oklahoma until the scandal blows over. Problem is, Avery doesn’t know her Native roots or family history and has no idea what to expect. She definitely isn’t expecting a dirty cowboy to pick her up and turn her world inside out. Lucas Iron Eyes has worked on Lottie Fox’s ranch since he was a troubled teen, he’s handsome and hardworking, and he knows just how to get under Avery’s skin. When Avery learns her grandmother’s ranch is in danger of being sold, along with Lucas and a new found family, they will come together to save her legacy.

This is it – a new binge-worthy cowboy romcom! I completely ate up this whole book. The story really grabbed my attention, maybe because I was/am a fan of Hannah Montana and this borrowed the basic bones of the movie. Full with indigenous representation and a unique take on the standard genre. Avery was the typical annoying, aloof, and gullible starlet at the beginning and grew to be a quite likable singer and well rounded person.

Lucas was the grumpy cowboy, a caring tortured hero, to be honest very swoon worthy! I thought Avery and Lucas’ first meeting was a meet-cute, even as she was having a bad day after traveling to Oklahoma. Their connection and following friendship grows throughout the book with lots of sparks and was very fun to follow. I loved that he teaches her about the ranch, horses, and how to be Indian by introducing her to the community and their stickball game.

Despite being a lighthearted read, both characters come from tough backgrounds and I liked how the author handled the emotional interactions. This is a great follow up to her debut novel with themes of community and belonging woven in the plot that made it very enjoyable overall!

Thank you to Berkley for the review copy – out July 22, 2025

Title: Love is a War Song
Author: Danica Nava
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️