Week 22 Review: A Little Bit Country

From Goodreads:

Emmett Maguire has big dreams. He wants to be country music's biggest gay superstar—a far reach when you're 17 and living in suburban Illinois. Thankfully, his parents are letting him do the next best thing for the summer: stay with his aunt in Jackson Hollow, Tennessee, and perform at Wanda World—the amusement park owned by his idol, country music legend Wanda Jean Stubbs.

Luke Barnes, a 17-year-old Jackson Hollow resident, has no interest in country music. As the grandson of Verna Rose, the disgraced country singer who had a famous falling out with Wanda Jean, the world of country music has only brought his family pain. But as medical bills pile up at home, he's forced to accept a job in the last place he'd ever want to work: a restaurant at Wanda World.

With Emmett focused on his career, and Luke blossoming in the kitchen, neither boy is expecting to find romance. But sparks fly when they meet and soon the two are inseparable. However, when a long-lost secret about Luke's grandma and superstar Wanda Jean comes to light, it threatens to unravel everything. Unless the boys can uncover the truth of what really happened, their dreams could be over before they start, leaving their new relationship to go down in history as just another Sad Country Love Song.

Perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli, Julie Murphy, and of course, the one and only Dolly Parton. 

My Review:
I had a really great time reading this book! This was the story of two very different boys, who are, for one reason or another, connected to the country music scene. I loved their story and how they came together, it was so good!

Emmett wants to be the first gay country music star. To have the opportunity to be a part of Wanda World (which seemed a bit like a fictionalized version of Dollyworld) yeah, Emmett jumped at the chance. And then he met Luke.

Luke, who's grandmother Verna was Wanda's best friend, but who ended up running away with the manager and retiring. Which put something of a black mark on the family because of it. Plus the former manager grandfather didn't sound like a nice guy.

When they find a bunch of unreleased music, they both have an opportunity, to make money, to gain success, and boy, it was great to watch them spend all this time together, falling in love! And I loved where the story went! 

This was a really great read and I can't wait to read more by Brian K. Kennedy!

Author: Brian D. Kennedy  
Read: June 2nd, 2023
Source: Edelweiss
Reason Why: Sounded really good, and it's a DAC Book and a SAC 2023 Book!
Publisher: Balzer + Bray/Harper Teen
Published: May 31st 2022

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars