Member Reviews

In “You'd Be Mine” by Erin Hahn, we meet Annie Mathers (daughter of a legendary country singing duo) and country’s current bad boy, Clay Coolidge. Clay needs Annie to join his summer tour or his label will drop him. But Annie has been avoiding the spotlight after what it did to her parents.

But Clay’s charm and good looks sway Annie and her band agree to join the tour. Their chemistry is hard to miss but what starts out as a good time quickly turns for both of them as their demons come to the surface. Can either leave their past behind or will it ruin their future?

Some great secondary characters are also introduced with Annie’s fiddler cousin and drummer best friend rounding out her group and Clay’s fiddler of his own.

I received a copy of this book through Net Galley and this is my honest review.

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I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Annie Mathers and Clay Coolidge, the rising stars of country music. It was a fun read.

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2.75/5

This is a perfect example of a " this book wasn't bad, just not for me" kind of book.
You know how there is two type of Hallmark movies? You have the cheesy over the top cliche Christmas ones, or the mellow ones with the sad undertone throughout the whole movie. I am more of a fan of the first one, and this book was like the later of the two. There where so many times where I just wanted characters to get angry, to yell, to have some kind of conflict that, even though it was conflict, still somehow seemed to feel calm. I think there are people who will definitely enjoy that, but I just don't. I want the over dramatic and stubborn characters, and I want the characters to bicker. I can definitely see myself recommending this book to some people I know, but it won't be on a list of books that I enjoyed this year.

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Great quick read! Reminiscent of A Star if Born, but without all the tears. :) I really enjoyed reading this book.

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3.5*

I enjoyed this book. Clay and Annie were like night and day on the surface but still waters ran deep for Clay. He had to reach rock bottom before he became the person he really wanted to be and Annie was there to help him along the way. Each had their demons but the ending was inevitable.

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Before I give it a go with my platinum review for this to-be-released gem by Erin Hahn, first, I would like to say thanks to NetGalley and to St. Martin’s Press of MacMillan Corporate for giving me a copy of unedited digital galley to read in exchange for an honest review. This means the world to international reviewers like me — without further ado, here’s my review for this debut novel by Erin Hahn.

If I will to go on my usual review process then I should be pointing out the flaws in this book first but honestly, You’d Be Mine is flawless (except for some unwanted punctuation here and there since I have an unedited copy so that’s okay!) Basically, this is for the readers who want to venture in a romantic adventure with extra scoops of country music and cleverly crafted plot that will surely bring you back to your teenage days of puppy love and self-discovery. I’ll say this again before I forgot but You’d Be Mine is flawlessly amazing.

This debut novel by Erin Hahn revolve on the story of Jefferson Clay Coolidge, a prominent superstar from Indiana, who, after being caught in an anomaly with his recording label’s company owner’s grandson, found himself in the brink of losing his contract with the studio, his country-wide tour series, and his reputation as the next face of country music with a ‘bad boy’ attitude. With this, the company made a last-minute deal with Clay stating that the only thing that can save everything he have is to convince Annie Mathers, a Michigan-raised teen who made names in the music’s scene after following the steps of her parents who are both legends in country music, and her band named Under the Willows to sign a contract with the SunCoast Agency to be Clay’s opening act during his tour series. Clay, being the confident bad boy that he is, sought Annie Mathers’ approval and eventually got her coveted signature after visiting Annie in Michigan. Little did Annie and Clay know that the universe has a lot to offer to them. As a matter of fact, country music fans started dubbing the two of them as the modern June and Johnny Cash.

However, things haven’t been easy for the two of them since they both own dark backstories with Annie being caught up within the realms of her parents’ tragic death while Clay still mourns for the passing of his soldier brother. This issues, nonetheless, made their tour stops a bit of a roller coaster ride revealing the good and bad sides of their characters. With the help of their friends and bandmates, Kacey and Jason of Under the Willows and his bestfriend Fitz, Annie and Clay brave the storm that hinders their trudge towards their own definition of success and, in the end, manage to give an astonishing duet performance that will surely leave the readers slack jawed and nothing to say.

Aside from the romantic stuff between Clay and Annie that is highlighted in the book, a lot of things that will surely make readers fall in love with this read are also included. Like country music playlist ranging from the good ‘ol days Johnny and June, Kenny Rogers, and Dolly Parton, up to the new releases from both Clay and Annie— You’d Be Mine is full of awesome tracks that are great accompaniment while reading. I love how Erin Hahn incorporated a lot of good songs (which are all Hahn’s original since she’s the one who wrote it for Clay and Annie) and my ears are begging for these tracks to be finally made into a complete song piece so I can actually hear the melody of Coattails and You’d Be Mine.

Another good thing that made me hooked on this read is the feel-good vibe it radiates off to its readers. Both Clay Coolidge and Annie Mathers’ presence when they hit it on the stage gave me that actual feels of being part of the crowd where they are performing during the tour. I like the overall atmosphere of this book and it’s a light, feel-good read with a clever take on teenage romance sprinkled with a whole lot of country music goodness.

Overall, I can say that Erin Hahn did an amazing job with this debut book of hers and if you are looking for a light contemporary romantic read with a dazzle of music and tween love, then You’d Be Mine will surely fit in your TBR pile. Take it from me, You’d Be Mine is a sure 5-star read for you. Happy reading!


BEST QUOTE/S:

“I’m not her. I’m not running after any cocky cowboys. I’m going into this with my head on straight. I know what fame can do to a girl, and I know what love can take away.”

“So, she sings like an angel, plays like the devil, pitches championships, and slays amusement park games. Is there anything you can’t do?”

“I do love it, more than anything. That’s what scares me. I know it’s hard to understand, and I don’t think I really get it myself, but it’s like music is tied to everything happy and awful in my life. All my highs and all my lows.”

“Some nights the whiskey ain’t enough—
Nights after days spent with you
Tonight the whiskey ain’t gonna be enough—
I only wanna send my days with you”

“This is just like the free space on a bingo card. Nothing counts as real today. I’m not me today.”

“That’s the glorious thing about music. It speaks to the very heart of things in the most absolute and obtrusive way.”

“Sometimes you write something you know is meant to be shared. It’s something I can’t possibly say, but something that must be said anyway.”

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This is an endearing love story about more than just love - it's also about grief, friendship, and identity. I thought the story was excellent, and the characters likeable and relatable. The writing was, admittedly, a little clunky at times, but overall I really enjoyed it - and read it in a single sitting. Lots of great music references and content, too.

I will also say as a potential trigger warning that there is some heavier subject matter involving addiction, overdose, and suicide, and it does get quite detailed, so know that up front.

I would highly recommend this to fans of Sarah Dessen and Emery Lord. Will definitely read this author again!

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This type of book is right up my alley - I always enjoy contemporary romances that involve musicians or Hollywood stars. This was about two young country music stars - both struggling with coping with the loss of loved ones. It was on the more serious side of a contemporary novel. I personally could have used a couple of light-hearted scenes in the novel. Overall it was a good story and I enjoyed getting to read it.

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Each and every book has value and I think it really depends on the reader and their mood at the point in their lives when they pick up each book that affects how the story is received. While this may not have been the best book for my frame of mind, I did find it appealing in a cutesy, teen angst kind of way.

I'm a huge fan of country music and Nashville so I found this to be the Christian-appropriate teenage version of the Nashville drama television show. Although it was an obvious plot line, it was still cute and the characters were each endearing in their own, damaged way.

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Fun, well-written romp about two slightly damaged but talented souls. Great secondary characters. Good pacing. I did notice some timeline inconsistencies that will hopefully be cleared up in the final (like Fitz's age?)

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Cute romance. Liked the music connection between the characters. I just felt the love fell short and lacked substance.

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Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first book by Erin Hahn I have read, and I can not wait to read more.
It made me remember why I love the Young Adult genre so much. And why music is so important, but sometimes is taken for granted. I mean, I can not count the times I was feeling so overwhelmed in my life that all I wanted to do was just put my headphones on and just dive in my playlist.

Country singer Clay Coolidge is in trouble. With his image, his label, a drinking problem that is only getting worse and a past he does not want to acknowledge. But he has music on his side. To be able to continuing doing that and fix his image in time for his upcoming summer tour, he has to convince the singer Annie Mathers to join him on the road.

Annie is the daughter of two country legends, who died tragically, leaving her only their talent for music.

How can she say no to Clay? It’s her dream to be on the road and to perform, to put her soul out there. Thus Annie, her cousin Kacey and her friend Jason become together the band “Under the Willows”, the opening act for Clay Coolidge’s summer tour.

What Annie and Clay did not expect was to have a connection that goes beyond music...

“Who knew s’mores could be so hot? Hell, a thousand songs written about dancing in taillights and drinking homemade wine, and not a one about marshmallows. It’s a damn disservice to the industry.”

I could not put this book down. I literally left work walking down the street, reading it on my phone, only paying attention to the story (and trying not to fall flat on the sidewalk lol).

It was heartfelt, emotional and really well-written. I wish the epilogue was the final chapter, so there would be another epilogue with at least fifty pages and I could still have a little more of their story to myself.
If you like country music, you’ll definitely like this book, and if you don’t, read it anyway and give country a chance ;)

“You make me feel things with your music. Don’t you dare take that for granted.”

If I recommend it? Yes ma’am I do.

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This book will be a great summer
read, full of country music, and summer fun. Story was fun, laugh out loud tale.

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Annie and Clay (aka Jefferson) are adorable! What an enjoyable, heartwarming read! You'd Be Mine has an "Anti-Star is Born" story line. Annie is gifted, strong, confident and, in the end, sure of her feelings for Jefferson. In an industry where image and showmanship is everything, Annie and Jefferson try to find a way back, after battling their own personal demons and stresses, to each other. It was fascinating to read about all the "behind the scenes" set up, rehearsals and arrangements that are involved in a musical tour. And I loved the reference to (and homage to) Dolly Parton - I have always admired her determination and grit, as well as her commitment to giving back to her community. A truly wonderful person and a gifted entertainer. You will not be disappointed if you put this book on your "Want to Read" shelf.
I highly recommend this downright entertaining story!!

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You’d Be Mine was an enjoyable read beginning to end. It had a slower build than I would expect but the characters held up the story throughout. I found myself only hoping for the best for the characters and wanting to see how their stories played out. I appreciated the authors writing greatly and could picture this novel as a movie, easily. It was a good, lighthearted YA novel that I will be recommending to others.

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This was a great little light hearted YA contemporary with a bit more substance. I enjoyed the two main characters, but I did feel like the romance was lacking a bit. I would have enjoyed a few more "cute" interactions between the male and female lead. Overall it was a fun read!

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Cute romance story. The back story of the 2 main characters is certainly sad ones. But how each of them handle what life handed them is so different. The ending is good but how they get to the ending is a fascinating story. I thought the book was well written and certainly held my interest. Well worth the time to read this one.

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I really enjoyed this read. With Reality TV having so many talent shows such as America's Got Talent or The Voice, this book fit for a glimpse into the lives that Musical Artists face in regards to making a name in the industry and the travails of life on the Concert Circuit.

Annie Mathers and Clay Coolidge are two young artists, both still in their teens, who have made the big time because of their awesome voices. Clay is the headliner and Annie is the cover band. But Annie's star is rising and might just push Clay off the pedestal.

The life on the road is difficult. Underage drinking is real. Clay is slowly becoming an alcoholic before he even gets out of his teens. Drugs are available, but Clay hasn't used them. Annie on the other hand does neither drinking or drugs. She is a church goer. She is conservative and down to earth.

But Annie's parents were famous Country Western Stars whose footsteps she is following in. But they crashed and burned (both dying young) because of the stress of the road and alcohol.

I thought this book was written so well and points out so many of the issues that young artists face. It does not try to cover up the ugliness of the lifestyle of being on the road. It also doesn't cover up how dysfunctional families cause children to grow up with issues.

I loved the book and I'm sure you will also.
Enjoy!

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I received this book "You'd Be Mine" from NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own. It took me a bit to get into this book, the beginning just wasn't holding my interest and making me want to read. This is a cute story about two country music singers. You don't have to be a country music fan to read this book. I do like some country and Johnny Cash. A fun story for YA but I don't think it has the appeal for an older reader. So for me it was just okay.

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Unfortunately, I did not finish this book. I wasn’t a fan of the characters or the pacing of this book. I wasn’t a fan of the relationships and the pacing made it so I couldn’t get to know the characters.

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