A Little Bit Country follows Emmett Maguire, who wants to be country music’s biggest superstar and Luke Barnes, who detests country music. As the grandson of Verna Rose, the disgraced singer who had a famous falling out with Wanda Jean, Luke knows how much pain country music can bring. Yet when his mother’s hospital bills start piling up, Luke finds himself taking a job at the last place he wants: a restaurant at Wanda World, the amusement park owned by Emmett’s idol, country legend Wanda Jean Stubbs and where he just happens to perform for the summer. Neither one of them is looking for romance, but when sparks fly during their first meeting, both can’t help but be charmed by the other. Until a long-lost secret about Verna and Wanda comes to light and the boys will have to decide whether to get past the truths they discover or whether they’ll just end up fodder for a sad country love song.
You don’t have to like country music to fall head over heels for this book but fair warning: you will be blasting Dolly Parton after reading this story, whether you want to or not (you want to, you know you do).
A Little Bit Country is an incredibly sweet book thanks to its lovable protagonists.
Luke was so relatable. It was hard to read about him feeling guilty whenever he took a little bit of time for himself because he thought he was letting down his family in the process. Luke has to deal with so much responsibility at a very young age and I loved finally seeing that kind of representation in a book where someone is doing their hardest to keep their family afloat and what kind of baggage that comes with. It resonated a lot with me and I kind of wished I had this story when I was Luke’s age and in a similar situation— but all the more reason why this book will be great for younger readers to relate to!
Emmett, meanwhile, was also such a heartfelt character. He’s incredibly charming and I loved how he stood up for himself and wouldn’t let anyone tell him that he couldn’t be who he is. Getting to see Emmett trying to make his way as a gay country singer gave me life and his ambition and determination made me root for him from his first chapter.
Predictably, Luke and Emmett were a delightful couple to follow. Watching them butt heads on issues and finding ways to connect with each other neither of them saw coming was amazing. Their dynamic was so intriguing because—as different as they might seem at first glance—they have a lot in common. Though Emmett’s ambitions may be louder and bigger, Luke also has goals in his life that he feels are inaccessible but dreams nonetheless. Each of them wanted the other to be happy and get everything out of life that they wished and seeing them support each other (while also pushing each other to do better) was captivating. There are also moments of queer angst and having to hide their relationship which broke my heart in a million pieces especially since Luke is firmly in the closet whereas Emmett is all about living loud and proud. Though both sides are completely understandable, it was hard experiencing the anguish they both go through. But thankfully, there are moments of lightness, fun banter and sweet touches that balanced out the sadder sides of the story.
There’s also a mystery aspect to the story with a twist I didn’t see coming but which reaffirms everything that’s discussed in the novel about queerness and how it looks different for everyone. Being out and proud is a luxury not everyone gets and while Luke and Emmett of course have their debates about this, the mystery aspect and its reveal highlighted just how important it is to be supportive without pushing someone to do something they’re not ready to do. Add to that a cast of secondary characters with enviable bonds and blossoming friendships and you have a lovely book worthy of its own country song being dedicated to it.
With a little bit of everything—drama, romance, self-love, mystery and heartbreaking lyrics—A Little Bit Country is a sweet debut novel about following your heart and being true to yourself, no matter what—or who—life throws at you.
A Little Bit Country is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of May 31st 2022.
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Synopsis | Goodreads
Emmett Maguire wants to be country music’s biggest gay superstar – a far reach when you’re seventeen and living in Illinois. But for now, he’s happy to do the next best thing: Stay with his aunt in Jackson Hollow, Tennessee, for the summer and perform at the amusement park owned by his idol, country legend Wanda Jean Stubbs.
Luke Barnes hates country music. As the grandson of Verna Rose, the disgraced singer who had a famous falling out with Wanda Jean, Luke knows how much pain country music has brought his family. But when his mom’s medical bills start piling up, he takes a job at the last place he wants: a restaurant at Wanda World.
Neither boy is looking for romance, but sparks fly when they meet – and soon they’re inseparable. Until a long-lost secret about Verna and Wanda comes to light, threatening to unravel everything.
Will Emmett and Luke be able get past the truths they discover…or will their relationship go down in history as just another Sad Country Love Song?
