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betweentheshelves's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
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
Emmett's dream is to become country's biggest gay superstar. Which is difficult when you're a teenager living in Illinois. So when a summer opportunity came up to perform at Wanda World in Tennessee, Emmett jumps at the chance. After all, Wanda Jean Stubbs is one of country music's biggest stars and Emmett's idol. It's the perfect opportunity to get discovered.
Oppositely, Luke hates country music. Given his family's history with country music, Luke knows how much pain the fame can bring. But as his mom's medical bills continue to build up, he takes a job at Wanda World for the summer. It's there he meets Emmett, and there are sparks. And maybe something more?
Thanks to NetGalley and HaperCollins for an advanced copy of this to review! From the description, I thought this seemed like a great summer romance, and I was correct! If you're looking for a book to add to your Pride Month TBR, this one definitely fits the bill.
Luke and Emmett live very different lives, but I loved the dynamic together. Neither of them were really looking for a summer romance. However, it unfolds naturally between them. Right from their first meeting, you're rooting for them. Even if it wasn't necessarily the meet cute that you were expecting. It was awkward and teenager-like and I found it so endearing.
There's also a bit of mystery and intrigue with Luke's family history, and it added another element to the romance. Plus, Wanda was just a great character, and if you're a fan of Dolly Parton at all, you're sure to love her. Honestly, if you like country music in any capacity, you'll find a lot to love here. And if you don't like country music, the characters are sure to still pull you in.
All in all, if you're looking for a fun romance to add to your TBR this summer, definitely pick this one up!
Oppositely, Luke hates country music. Given his family's history with country music, Luke knows how much pain the fame can bring. But as his mom's medical bills continue to build up, he takes a job at Wanda World for the summer. It's there he meets Emmett, and there are sparks. And maybe something more?
Thanks to NetGalley and HaperCollins for an advanced copy of this to review! From the description, I thought this seemed like a great summer romance, and I was correct! If you're looking for a book to add to your Pride Month TBR, this one definitely fits the bill.
Luke and Emmett live very different lives, but I loved the dynamic together. Neither of them were really looking for a summer romance. However, it unfolds naturally between them. Right from their first meeting, you're rooting for them. Even if it wasn't necessarily the meet cute that you were expecting. It was awkward and teenager-like and I found it so endearing.
There's also a bit of mystery and intrigue with Luke's family history, and it added another element to the romance. Plus, Wanda was just a great character, and if you're a fan of Dolly Parton at all, you're sure to love her. Honestly, if you like country music in any capacity, you'll find a lot to love here. And if you don't like country music, the characters are sure to still pull you in.
All in all, if you're looking for a fun romance to add to your TBR this summer, definitely pick this one up!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Religious bigotry, Chronic illness, and Homophobia
Moderate: Terminal illness and Sexual content
Minor: Outing
aiyam's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book is just so cute. The setting is adorable, the characters are sweet, and the overall vibe of the book is love above all else.
Luke and Emmet are a match made in heaven. The rough, world on his shoulders country boy falling for the city boy with big dreams of being a music star is a story I didn't know I needed until now. The southern aesthetic, recipes, and culture truly make this book unique. I'm begging y'all, we need more queer southern stories, this book was just so good.
The story is centered around finding yourself, figuring out who you are with and without outside influence. It's a coming of age novel but it manages to avoid a lot of the tired clichés. I really loved Luke's development, and his relationship with his mother as it progressed across the book. His dreams of being a chef contrasted with the reality of needing to support his family is such a relatable storyline and I felt that it was very realistic and well done.
Kennedy wrote such a gorgeous love story, I will absolutely be on the lookout for more books from this author. I especially recommend this story to anyone who loves Dolly Parton, the parallels between her and Wanda Jean are so fun.
Luke and Emmet are a match made in heaven. The rough, world on his shoulders country boy falling for the city boy with big dreams of being a music star is a story I didn't know I needed until now. The southern aesthetic, recipes, and culture truly make this book unique. I'm begging y'all, we need more queer southern stories, this book was just so good.
The story is centered around finding yourself, figuring out who you are with and without outside influence. It's a coming of age novel but it manages to avoid a lot of the tired clichés. I really loved Luke's development, and his relationship with his mother as it progressed across the book. His dreams of being a chef contrasted with the reality of needing to support his family is such a relatable storyline and I felt that it was very realistic and well done.
Kennedy wrote such a gorgeous love story, I will absolutely be on the lookout for more books from this author. I especially recommend this story to anyone who loves Dolly Parton, the parallels between her and Wanda Jean are so fun.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Terminal illness, and Sexual content
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