A review by paperbackportals
Make Me a Mixtape by Jennifer Whiteford

lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Review: Make Me a Mixtape by Jennifer Whiteford

Make Me a Mixtape is an ode to music, dreams, and relationships and what it means to build your community. 

Allie Andrews is an ex-punk rocker whose foray into the world of music with her band was successful until their break-up. Since then, she works at her aunt’s cafe in Brooklyn grieving and believing she breaks relationships. In a chance meeting, Allie meets Ryan Abernathy, who surprisingly recognizes her. Their connection is immediate and Allie begins to learn the importance of communication, community, and chasing your dreams. 

Make Me a Mixtape is for music lovers as it’s filled with artist and song references and Allie’s palpable passion which jumps for the page. Despite being set in the metropolis of New York, Whiteford gives Brooklyn a small town feel through lovable characters and making the cafe a warm haven of community. I really enjoyed this story. My only caveat is a personal preference of closed door romance (there’s a couple spicy scenes). Otherwise, I still thoroughly enjoyed the story and characters. 

This story is perfect for lovers of cozy fall and winter reads looking for a Gilmore Girl vibe of quirky, lovable characters and close-knit community. 

Thank you to Penguin Canada and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All options are my own.