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cheye13's review
emotional
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed this little gem of a romance! I felt it was perfectly balanced in every direction. All characters felt very real and complex, and I liked the couple's push and pull together. This story excellently balanced the levity of a YA romance with the actual gravity of being queer and/or coming out in the US south (or US southern culture). The story also juggled a lot of messages, but they all worked together well; nothing got muddled or lost. While some were less important, the narrative reflected that and devoted just enough screen time as needed. I was also pleasantly surprised by the characters' physical relationship – yet again, I thought it struck a perfect balance of addressing the topic while remaining a YA story. Some of the concepts were a little cliche or twee but they were so well executed, I gobbled it up. Overall an excellent romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Classism, Homophobia, Lesbophobia, and Chronic illness
Minor: Sexual content
some minor homophobic jokes, a significant amount of internalized homophobia, and discussion of past internalized lesbophobiaroyalwaves's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
This made me smile, cringe in embarrassment, and it broke my heart at times. I related to both Luke and Emmett which was surprising to be honest. When I first heard about this book I was so excited and instantly thought I would love this. And I’m glad to say I was right.
The atmosphere was nostalgic and gave me a cozy feeling. I loved the characters, the Dolly references were great and this is a book I can see myself re-reading many times in the future. I highly recommend this.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness, Religious bigotry, and Homophobia
Minor: Sexual content
brookesmoon's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book is the embodiment of warmth and love. It’s definitely an mlm story that will tug on your heartstrings.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
cleot's review
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness
Minor: Homophobia and Religious bigotry
fanboyriot's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Read For:
😘 RomCom
☕️ Family Secrets
🎡 Dollywood Vibes
🤫 Secret Relationship
🏳️🌈 Gay Country Music
The backstory to this was so good, the family secrets, hidden songs, and some good old gay country music. As someone who grew up listening to country music it is so satisfying to see all the queer artists gaining recognition. So I loved this book and Emmett fully committed to his dream.
I am so happy with how this book ended. I was a little nervous there for a second. The internalized homophobia ran deep. Having said that the character development was amazing. All the characters were written nicely, they had depth and personality. I really enjoyed reading this.
Release Date: 07, June 2022
POV: Switching, First Person
Spice: 🌶️ (mentioned)
Rep: Gay (MCs), BIPOC (SCs), Multiple Sclerosis (MC’s Mom)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness and Homophobia
Moderate: Alcohol, Religious bigotry, Racism, Medical content, and Classism
Minor: Infidelity, Cursing, Sexual content, and Grief
nomatophobia's review against another edition
emotional
funny
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The only thing keeping this from being a five star is Emmett. He was whiny and selfish and generally just the less interesting character. Luke, however, oh my fucking god. His whole entire life was tipping and waiting to crumble like dominos the entire time. I wanted to cry at the plot twist. All the truths finally coming together fit so perfectly into place at the end it's as if it happened to me personally. I expected this to be a silly little story about teenage cowboys in love, and it was, but Luke's story made it a heartbreaking and yet hopeful tale about family trauma and how we can grow from it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
amandaplease50's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Is this was such a fun read. Super sweet and cute! Definitely had plenty of emotional parts that made my heart ache. But overall I think a great look at how challenging it can be to be non-straight and non-white in the Bible Belt and even in the “liberal” entertainment industry.
The little twist I kind of saw coming but still so good! Highly recommend
The little twist I kind of saw coming but still so good! Highly recommend
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
valenwhite's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
If you're looking for something lighthearted to pass the time, this one's good. And if you like country songs, even better.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Chronic illness
brenna_reads_books's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Growing up listening to country music, this book was absolutely adorable! I loved the homey feel of the writing and references to country music. I wish the two boys meshed a bit better together. I don't know if I could picture them in real life together, I feel like their personalities are a bit too different.
Content Warnings
Minor: Chronic illness, Sexual content, Cursing, and Homophobia
micaelacccc's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia and Chronic illness
Minor: Medical content