Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
What I loved: the taylor swift references, the road trip, where the teen couple ended the book
What I didn't love: Decklee Cassel POV, how the setting was so ripe for something interesting but it just left something to be desired
What I didn't love: Decklee Cassel POV, how the setting was so ripe for something interesting but it just left something to be desired
Content Warnings
Moderate: Biphobia, Cancer, Homophobia, Lesbophobia
Minor: Racism
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-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
emotional
reflective
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
If you listen to the audiobook: the narrator for Darren was pretty terrible with the "Southern" accent. It was just inconsistent and she would hit certain words hard, which proved jarring. The narrator for Decklee, on the other hand, was stellar.
While it's comparable to the Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (fame at any price while also being queer), I appreciated how much more perspective was in this book from the great love of the MC's life.
While it's comparable to the Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (fame at any price while also being queer), I appreciated how much more perspective was in this book from the great love of the MC's life.
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
the book itself is fine, i think the romances were rushed and a little half baked because there was too much to juggle with two timelines happening, but the darren audiobook narrator is one of the worst audiobook narrators i've ever listened to. margaret qualley in drive away dolls had a more convincing southern accent. this woman would forget to do the accent and then suddenly remember mid sentence and say "rat nao" (right now). sandy cheeks is rolling in her grave
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
I absolutely loved this one. I'm always a sucker for stories that revolve around country music, but throw in a sapphic romance, and I’m all in. Every Time You Hear That Song by Jenna Voris delivers on both fronts, weaving together a heartfelt mystery, a riveting love story, and a bittersweet reflection on the cost of fame.
At its heart, the novel follows seventeen-year-old Darren Purchase, a die-hard fan of country music icon Decklee Cassel. When Decklee tragically passes away, Darren is devastated. But the mystery truly begins when Decklee’s long-anticipated time capsule—meant to be revealed at her highly publicized funeral—turns up empty. Instead of a sentimental tribute, Decklee leaves behind a scavenger hunt of cryptic clues leading to the missing capsule and its staggering $3 million prize. As an aspiring journalist, Darren knows this is her shot at something big. She teams up with her sharp-witted coworker, Kendall, and together, they embark on a high-stakes journey to uncover the truth.
The novel’s structure masterfully alternates between the present-day hunt and Decklee’s rise to fame, and both timelines are utterly absorbing. However, it’s nearly impossible not to be completely captivated by Decklee herself—a brilliant but deeply flawed star who stops at nothing to cement her legacy. Her chapters trace her tumultuous journey through the country music scene of the 1970s and 1980s, focusing on her friendship-turned-relationship with songwriter Mickenlee Hooper. Their love story is electric yet heartbreaking, unfolding in an era where being openly queer in country music was nearly impossible. Voris does a phenomenal job exploring the sacrifices, betrayals, and painful choices Decklee makes in her pursuit of success, even when it comes at the cost of her happiness—and Mickenlee’s heart.
This book isn’t just a mystery or a romance; it’s an exploration of ambition, identity, and the stories we leave behind. It’s as much about chasing dreams as it is about the people who get caught in the crossfire. And with its blend of country music nostalgia, star-crossed love, and a gripping scavenger hunt, Every Time You Hear That Song is a must-read—especially for anyone who loves a good mix of heartache and hope, wrapped in the twang of a guitar.
At its heart, the novel follows seventeen-year-old Darren Purchase, a die-hard fan of country music icon Decklee Cassel. When Decklee tragically passes away, Darren is devastated. But the mystery truly begins when Decklee’s long-anticipated time capsule—meant to be revealed at her highly publicized funeral—turns up empty. Instead of a sentimental tribute, Decklee leaves behind a scavenger hunt of cryptic clues leading to the missing capsule and its staggering $3 million prize. As an aspiring journalist, Darren knows this is her shot at something big. She teams up with her sharp-witted coworker, Kendall, and together, they embark on a high-stakes journey to uncover the truth.
The novel’s structure masterfully alternates between the present-day hunt and Decklee’s rise to fame, and both timelines are utterly absorbing. However, it’s nearly impossible not to be completely captivated by Decklee herself—a brilliant but deeply flawed star who stops at nothing to cement her legacy. Her chapters trace her tumultuous journey through the country music scene of the 1970s and 1980s, focusing on her friendship-turned-relationship with songwriter Mickenlee Hooper. Their love story is electric yet heartbreaking, unfolding in an era where being openly queer in country music was nearly impossible. Voris does a phenomenal job exploring the sacrifices, betrayals, and painful choices Decklee makes in her pursuit of success, even when it comes at the cost of her happiness—and Mickenlee’s heart.
This book isn’t just a mystery or a romance; it’s an exploration of ambition, identity, and the stories we leave behind. It’s as much about chasing dreams as it is about the people who get caught in the crossfire. And with its blend of country music nostalgia, star-crossed love, and a gripping scavenger hunt, Every Time You Hear That Song is a must-read—especially for anyone who loves a good mix of heartache and hope, wrapped in the twang of a guitar.
*Thank you to the publishers via Netgalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review*
For the most part, I really enjoyed this book. Darren, the main character, really radiates heart and that fearsome desire to be more than what can be found in a small town. The story is split between the current POV (Darren's) and the POV of her favorite country music star, Decklee Cassel. Decklee is a complicated character and, honestly, difficult to fully like, even as you understand her and her motivations. The parallels between Decklee and Darren and where they diverge are really excellently explored, in my opinion. And, although I wished for a little more build-up, I did think the romance between Darren and Kendall was very sweet. The highlight for me was the banter the two of them had.
The one thing that I'm not sure I really liked (no spoilers) was the ending. Narratively, it made sense, but I'm not sure that it satisfied me as a reader. I wanted something a little different from it that I'm not sure I got. Again, it falls in line with the overall theme of the book, but it makes the entire book feel a bit bittersweet. That may work for some people. I'm just not sure it worked for me.
Overall, I'd really recommend this is you want more books about queer teens navigating queerness (especially in a small town in the south) and the feeling of being trapped by the expectations that come with a small town.
Merged review:
*Thank you to the publishers via Netgalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review*
For the most part, I really enjoyed this book. Darren, the main character, really radiates heart and that fearsome desire to be more than what can be found in a small town. The story is split between the current POV (Darren's) and the POV of her favorite country music star, Decklee Cassel. Decklee is a complicated character and, honestly, difficult to fully like, even as you understand her and her motivations. The parallels between Decklee and Darren and where they diverge are really excellently explored, in my opinion. And, although I wished for a little more build-up, I did think the romance between Darren and Kendall was very sweet. The highlight for me was the banter the two of them had.
The one thing that I'm not sure I really liked (no spoilers) was the ending. Narratively, it made sense, but I'm not sure that it satisfied me as a reader. I wanted something a little different from it that I'm not sure I got. Again, it falls in line with the overall theme of the book, but it makes the entire book feel a bit bittersweet. That may work for some people. I'm just not sure it worked for me.
Overall, I'd really recommend this is you want more books about queer teens navigating queerness (especially in a small town in the south) and the feeling of being trapped by the expectations that come with a small town.
For the most part, I really enjoyed this book. Darren, the main character, really radiates heart and that fearsome desire to be more than what can be found in a small town. The story is split between the current POV (Darren's) and the POV of her favorite country music star, Decklee Cassel. Decklee is a complicated character and, honestly, difficult to fully like, even as you understand her and her motivations. The parallels between Decklee and Darren and where they diverge are really excellently explored, in my opinion. And, although I wished for a little more build-up, I did think the romance between Darren and Kendall was very sweet. The highlight for me was the banter the two of them had.
The one thing that I'm not sure I really liked (no spoilers) was the ending. Narratively, it made sense, but I'm not sure that it satisfied me as a reader. I wanted something a little different from it that I'm not sure I got. Again, it falls in line with the overall theme of the book, but it makes the entire book feel a bit bittersweet. That may work for some people. I'm just not sure it worked for me.
Overall, I'd really recommend this is you want more books about queer teens navigating queerness (especially in a small town in the south) and the feeling of being trapped by the expectations that come with a small town.
Merged review:
*Thank you to the publishers via Netgalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review*
For the most part, I really enjoyed this book. Darren, the main character, really radiates heart and that fearsome desire to be more than what can be found in a small town. The story is split between the current POV (Darren's) and the POV of her favorite country music star, Decklee Cassel. Decklee is a complicated character and, honestly, difficult to fully like, even as you understand her and her motivations. The parallels between Decklee and Darren and where they diverge are really excellently explored, in my opinion. And, although I wished for a little more build-up, I did think the romance between Darren and Kendall was very sweet. The highlight for me was the banter the two of them had.
The one thing that I'm not sure I really liked (no spoilers) was the ending. Narratively, it made sense, but I'm not sure that it satisfied me as a reader. I wanted something a little different from it that I'm not sure I got. Again, it falls in line with the overall theme of the book, but it makes the entire book feel a bit bittersweet. That may work for some people. I'm just not sure it worked for me.
Overall, I'd really recommend this is you want more books about queer teens navigating queerness (especially in a small town in the south) and the feeling of being trapped by the expectations that come with a small town.
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
this was alright…i found Darren’s pov to be not very intriguing except for the mystery aspect, and the romance was not convincing for me. i did enjoy deckley’s complex personality and experiences though!
I enjoyed this author’s sophomore novel a lot. Also (side note) can we as a book community please stop comparing this to Evelyn Hugo? Not the same premise or idea at all. I actually was comparing this (in my mind) to Mrs. Nash’s Ashes but I thought Every Time You Hear That Song actually was written better in comparison.
I really wanted to know what the prize was in the midst of the scavenger hunt. I was aching to find out what happened to Decklee’s writer “lady friend.”
There was a lot of conversations about coming to terms with your identity, being honest with what you want in life and the constant hiding /pleasing the masses when you aren’t part of the status quo. I definitely recommend this for those that are fond of dual timeline stories, bisexual leads, small towners, & sapphic adult leads.
I really wanted to know what the prize was in the midst of the scavenger hunt. I was aching to find out what happened to Decklee’s writer “lady friend.”
There was a lot of conversations about coming to terms with your identity, being honest with what you want in life and the constant hiding /pleasing the masses when you aren’t part of the status quo. I definitely recommend this for those that are fond of dual timeline stories, bisexual leads, small towners, & sapphic adult leads.