ARC Review: Love is a War Song by Danica Nava

Title: Love is a War Song

Author: Danica Nava

Pages: 336

Releases: July 22, 2025

4 stars out of five
4 stars – It was really good

Pop singer Avery Fox thinks she is finally hitting it big with her new single. But she quickly became the national joke after posing on the cover of Rolling Stones in a feather warbonnet. Her statement of success as Native American singer has quickly turned her into a social pariah. With death threats coming in, Avery escapes to estranged grandmother’s farm in Oklahoma. Now she has to learn how to work on a horse ranch, but she gets the chance to connect with her heritage and her grandmother. 

I was a bit apprehensive about reading this book because I don’t really love musician romances, but I thought I would give it a chance since Nava is a new author. I was hooked on Avery’s story from the beginning, which was surprising because I didn’t really like her at first. She just goes along with everything her mother and label plans and does fight for what she wants. But she finally starts finding her true self on her grandmother’s ranch and that is when I really started to love her character and her growth. 

I liked Lucas from the very beginning because he wasn’t afraid to tell Avery how he felt. He was honest and determined to live his life how he wanted. His backstory was very heartbreaking but it just made him into a stronger and more determined man. I also really liked Lucas’ dream for the ranch and kind of wish we got an epilogue that showed it. 

“I was surviving before I met you. Now I’m living.”

Avery and Luca’s romance was a slow building one as they got to know each other. At first Lucas kind of hates Avery because he thinks she is presenting a bad image for Native American women. That changes though as he spends time with her and gets to know the woman behind the songs, and hear the songs she wrote. Their relationship was a slow building one but was very emotional because they both know it won’t last since they have two different lives. I really enjoyed the relationship and how they had to work for a future together and learn to compromise. Also, this finally pushes Avery to fight for what she truly wants. 

Overall, this was a wonderful book about reconnecting with family, reconnecting with your heritage, and learning to fight for what you want. I really enjoyed Nava’s writing style and plan to read her other book now. 

TW: toxic and controlling parents; potential loss of home and job; mention of alcohol and drug addiction; 

*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*


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5 thoughts on “ARC Review: Love is a War Song by Danica Nava

  1. I’m so glad to have read this review! I read this author’s first novel, and didn’t actually like it all that much — although a lot of that was due to the workplace setting and the main character’s choices there. I’d thought I’d pass on this one, but now I’m feeling more interested, and may look for it at the library. Thanks for sharing!

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  2. Great review! I actually haven’t heard a lot of people talking about this one and neither did I see a lot about Nava’s debut from last year. This sounds really interesting though and I’m particularly intrigued by the character growth—I love when it’s done well! I still haven’t read Nava’s debut but I’m gonna go ahead and chuck this on my TBR wishlist too, lol.

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