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Synopsis (From Goodreads):
Annie Mathers is America’s sweetheart and heir to a country music legacy full of all the things her Gran warned her about. Superstar Clay Coolidge is most definitely going to end up one of those things.
But unfortunately for Clay, if he can’t convince Annie to join his summer tour, his music label is going to drop him. That’s what happens when your bad boy image turns into bad boy reality. Annie has been avoiding the spotlight after her parents’ tragic death, except on her skyrocketing YouTube channel. Clay’s label wants to land Annie, and Clay has to make it happen.
Swayed by Clay’s undeniable charm and good looks, Annie and her band agree to join the tour. From the start fans want them to be more than just tour mates, and Annie and Clay can’t help but wonder if the fans are right. But if there’s one part of fame Annie wants nothing to do with, it’s a high-profile relationship. She had a front row seat to her parents’ volatile marriage and isn’t interested in repeating history. If only she could convince her heart that Clay, with his painful past and head over heels inducing tenor, isn’t worth the risk.
Review:
You'd Be Mine, by Erin Hahn, is set in the world of country music. This is a YA book full of romance, friendships, and finding one's own way in the world. This was a fun book to read, full of romance, friendships, and music.
What I Liked:
Setting:
I know absolutely nothing about the world of country music. But I now feel as though I do know a thing or two. The author clearly is a fan of the genre. And it shows in how lovingly she depicts not just the music scene now, but also how she gives the reader a sense of country music history.
I also liked her depiction of life on a summer music tour. Yes, there were the requisite groupies, booze, and drugs. But there were also times when the band got out of the tour bus to explore the places they were visiting. The author also did a great job of conveying how fun a summer concert is. It made me want to run out and buy tickets to a show!
Characters:
Annie is a very broken girl. Her parents were country music legends, but were all too human in real life. Most people in the music business can't see that. All they see is how much money they can make cashing in on Annie's pedigree and talent. She is understandable wary of the attention.
I liked that Annie was torn between her love of performing and getting caught up in the star-making machine that is the music business. I also liked that she was understanding of other people's views. She was very clear about not wanting to have sex before marriage. But she didn't feel the need to force her opinions on others.
I liked Annie's friends, Jason and Kacey. They were fully formed characters who were equal partners in their band, Under The Willows. I liked that the author referenced the problems Jason was facing, being mistaken for a roadie because he was a person of color. This was a nod to the fact that there isn't really much diversity in country music. Hopefully, this will change.
Behind The Scenes Look:
The most fun parts of the book were the behind the scenes look at the country music industry. Life on the road, writing songs, recording, doing photo shoots and interviews. There is so much asked of talented singers. Is it any wonder some get addicted to drugs and alcohol?
Besides showing all the work the singers do, the book also showcased the work of the tour managers, and record company representatives. I liked that the author did not make these people into caricatures, but presented them as actual people. They care about doing a good job, and about the performers. Many times, they sacrifice their personal time to fix problems that crop up. It takes more than just a talented signer to put on a show.
Descriptions Of Music:
I don't know how she achieves it, but the author does a wonderful job of describing the emotions behind a song. As Annie and Clay perform, we get a real sense of how they think about the music and how they convey that to a audience. I loved all the lyrics of the music, and wish that these song would be recorded. I would really want to listen to these songs!
Religion:
I found it refreshing that some characters really did go to church and prayed. I liked that this was just part of who they were. Annie is not a holier than thou kind of person, but she sticks to her beliefs about God, and sex before marriage. I also liked that the focus of the book was not how Annie would be tempted.
What I Was Mixed About:
Clay:
I wasn't overly fond of Clay. He was often a tremendous jerk to Annie and the other characters. Plus he seemed extremely jaded for an eighteen year-old. Maybe being in the music business will do that to a guy but I found his cynicism difficult to buy. I didn't see what the big deal was with him writing a few songs that were off brand. Considering the amount of money he was making for the record company, I think he shouldn't have been worried.
What I Didn't Like:
Set up:
The instigating incident of the book happens in the first chapter without much build up. Everything is very convenient. Clay needs to stay in the good graces of the record company, and he needs to get Annie to agree to tour with him over the summer. I wish there had been more background as to why Annie would be so reluctant for this opportunity that most people would kill for.
Rating:
Release Date: April 2nd, 2019
Genre: YA Contemporary Fiction
Author: Erin Hahn
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Page Length: 304 Pages
Source: NetGalley
Format: E-Book
Recommendation: A fun romance with a country music theme. I was charmed and made me wish summer would hurry up and get here!
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