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glorytowers05's review
- 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
3.75
Graphic: Cursing, Chronic illness, Homophobia, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Death of parent, Outing, Sexual content, and Racism
moodreadererin's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Graphic: Alcohol, Chronic illness, Homophobia, and Medical content
Moderate: Infidelity and Grief
Minor: Outing
imstephtacular's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Homophobia
Moderate: Medical content, Classism, Alcohol, Chronic illness, Cursing, Lesbophobia, and Grief
Minor: Outing, Infidelity, and Hate crime
betweentheshelves's review against another edition
- 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
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!
Graphic: Religious bigotry, Chronic illness, and Homophobia
Moderate: Terminal illness and Sexual content
Minor: Outing
melaniereadsbooks's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Emmett is looking to become country's biggest gay music star and moves to Jackson Hollow for a summer job at a country-singer-themed amusement park to try and make his dreams come true. There he meets Luke, working at a restaurant and hiding so many parts of himself from his mom to save her from hurt. They come up with a plan for Emmett to use Luke's nana's old lyrics to get ahead and get Luke money for his family.
This was very cute. I will be the first to say that I know so very little about country music that I actually wasn't sure if Wanda Jean Stubbs was a real person or not at first. But that didn't matter. Luke and Emmett were both very cute characters and I enjoyed the journey.
This dealt with some big themes about coming out and religious bigotry and being yourself in a small town. I definitely enjoyed the ride!
Graphic: Homophobia, Religious bigotry, and Chronic illness
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Outing