A review by poorsapadvocate
A Little Bit Country by Brian D. Kennedy

emotional hopeful lighthearted slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

What a sweet story this was. This book absolutely feels like a summer trip to your favorite theme park or county fair. As someone who has had family work at theme parks, I have seen firsthand how having the magic revealed to you and having to put up with spoiled guests all day can ruin your enjoyment. But Emmett never falters on his dreams no matter how many obstacles are in his way. And Luke is the perfect counterpart to that, someone who has had his dreams dashed but learns to open himself up and pursue his dreams in earnest. He is cynical, but he's not without hope. The two's chemistry is also pitch-perfect. The problems that arise in their relationship are perfectly natural considering that Luke fears coming out in the middle of the deep south, and Kennedy does a perfect job balancing just how much understanding but also frustration Emmett has about having to hide his boyfriend from the world. And when the two are allowed to hide from the world, their romance is sweeter than a Dole Whip. Unfortunately, there is one thing that brings this book down quite a bit for me. Without giving too much away, I saw the twist coming a mile away. I saw the twist coming by chapter 2, before there was even a plot to twist. And maybe that was the point. I'm not a big romance person, so if I see a twist coming that means it is a Tennessee Tornado-sized spiro-loop. Admittedly, there is no way Emmett and Luke could have known that, but it does make the whole A-plot feel kind of forced, especially with the way Emmett's story unfurls. By the time the twist finally does comes, there is very little time to wrap up all remaining plot-lines, especially Luke's. If I could give this book a 4.5, I would. But I prefer to scale up my reviews if I find myself with a half rating, and I think this book should be read. This is the perfect book to read during you summer road trips or while waiting in line for your favorite attractions. 
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