Release date: January 20, 2026
Publisher: Atria
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Synopsis:
Perfect for fans of Daisy Jones and the Six and In Five Years—a beautiful, powerful, and transportive new novel about a music executive desperately trying to bring a rock band back from the brink, from bestselling author Ashley Winstead.
This is a love story, but not the one you’re expecting.
When record executive Theo meets the Future Saints, they’re bombing at a dive bar in their hometown. Since the tragic death of their manager, the band has been in a downward spiral and Theo has been dispatched to coax a new—and successful—album out of them, or else let them go.
Immediately, Theo is struck by Hannah, the group’s impetuous lead singer, who’s gone off script by debuting a whole new sound, replacing their California pop with gut-wrenching rock. When this new music goes viral, striking an unexpected chord with fans, Theo puts his career on the line to give the Saints one last shot at success with a new tour, new record, and new start.
But Hannah’s grief has larger consequences for the group, and her increasingly destructive antics become a distraction as she and her sister Ginny—her lifelong partner in crime—undermine Theo at every turn. Hannah isn’t ready to move on or prepared for the fame she’s been chasing, and the weight of her problems jeopardize the band, her growing closeness with Theo, and, worst of all, her relationship with her sister—all while the world watches closely. The Future Saints’s big break is here—if only they can survive it.
A novel about sisterhood, friendship, and the ghosts that haunt us, The Future Saints is “a mesmerizing look at grief, love, and the music industry that’s so raw and emotional, you’ll want to play it on repeat.” (Laura Hankin, author of One-Star Romance).
Review:
If you’re drawn to novels that explore the highs and lows of the music world, The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead should be at the top of your list. Think Daisy Jones & The Six vibes—music, fame, and the intricate web of relationships behind the scenes. The story follows messy, complex characters navigating grief, loss, and the emotional cost of chasing dreams. Winstead does a fantastic job capturing both the glamour and the grit, making the characters’ struggles feel authentic and deeply engaging.
At its heart, the novel is character driven, particularly the slow burn romance between Theo and Hannah. Their connection develops naturally amid the pressures of fame, past trauma, and the music industry’s demands. Friendships also receive careful attention, giving the story emotional depth beyond romance and ambition.
The audiobook adds another layer of immersion, with phenomenal production quality and a full cast of narrators including Brittany Pressley, Vikas Adam, and others. The use of music throughout enhances the listening experience, making performances, heartbreak, and intimate moments resonate even more. Future Saints is a moving, well crafted story of love, friendship, ambition, and the emotional highs and lows of chasing your dreams.
Overall rating: 4/5
Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.
Novelgossip 