Jeff Zentner is one of my all-time favorite authors but I’ve been struggling more and more with YA literature lately so I was CRAZY excited that he was writing his adult debut novel! I really felt myself connecting with the story as I read it because I myself was going through a bit of reinvention of myself at the time. Everything in my life was changing and I had to figure out where my place was in my new world. It really allowed me to have a special connection with the main character, Colton, as he struggled to create a new place for himself after everything in his life hit the fan. It was very inspiring and heartfelt watching him take what life dealt him and flip it on its head. I did really enjoy reading this book but it didn’t quite live up to my love for Zentner’s debut novel, The Serpent King, although I admit that may not be possible as I adore that book with every fiber of my being. I am looking forward to what other adult novels Jeff Zentner will come up with next.

Love all of Jeff Zentner's YA works, but this one just wasn't for me. Still, a 3.75/5. Will recommend it to friends who are fans of the author.

I absolutely loved this book. The story and characters felt so real and I deeply empathized with the main character's journey of sticking up for himself to people who refuse to understand.

Oh yay! This is a great, realistic, roller coaster of a read! Enjoyed it immensely! Love the depth of characters and the dual timeline. Hard topics like alcoholism, divorce and gun violence are explored thoughtfully. Thanks to NetGalley for an early copy!

This might be my favorite 2024 release. The narrative was so gripping and contained dynamic characters. I could not put it down!

Colton Gentry's Third Act is an emotional story about redemption and second chances. I enjoyed it very much and look forward to reading more from the author.

*Colton Gentry's Third Act* by Jeff Zentner is a deeply emotional story about love, healing, and second chances. The novel follows country musician Colton Gentry, who, after a traumatic event, loses both his career and his marriage. Returning to his hometown in rural Kentucky, Colton reconnects with his high school sweetheart, Luann, and finds a job at a local restaurant. The story is told through three timelines: Colton's high school years, his early career in Nashville, and his present-day struggles.

Zentner masterfully explores themes of grief, redemption, and forgiveness, while also delving into Colton's personal growth and healing. The novel poignantly portrays the power of music, friendship, and love in overcoming trauma. Colton's journey to rebuild his life and rekindle his relationship with Luann offers a hopeful and uplifting message. This heartfelt story celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of a brighter future, leaving a lasting impact on readers.

I adored this book! Second chance romance with a second chance at a career felt really good to read, especially from a male perspective. Great imagery with the food as well, a very nice touch.

I absolutely loved everything about this book. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing company for providing me with this ARC.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishing Company for providing me this Digital Advanced Readers Copy of the book!

While I don't normally read adult romance, this book left me excited for future adult books by Jeff Zentner! The book read like some of my favorite contemporary fiction books as it was filled with both beautiful prose and well-developed characters (not to mention the alternating timelines that I just adore). Colton is a complex character, and he felt like he could easily be a close friend or family member. Zentner's ability to create a redemption story for Colton who struggles with addiction while avoiding an overly cheesy/quick happy ending allows the story to be representative of real-life for so many people while still offering hope. For me, this was a quick read that really made me feel for the characters. Since finishing this book, I find that I keep recommending it to friends, and I know I'll keep a copy on my shelf for years to come.

Jeff Zentner is well known already to many young adult readers as an author who poetically tells a story with all of the emotions exquisitely portrayed. I was so excited to hear that this is his entry into adult fiction. I'm glad to say his unique ability to bring characters to life with sensitivity and appreciation for human frailty remains intact here. The love story is well earned and delicately told. I recommend this book to anybody who appreciates the art of a slow burn romance.

Colton Gentry's music career is in the gutter after he drunkenly gave his opinion on guns during one of his concerts. Country music fans did not care that he had just lost his best friend to a shooting. On top of his career, his marriage is on the rocks too. He leaves for his hometown in Kentucky to move back in with his mom with his tail between his legs. While looking for a job, he runs into his high school sweetheart, Luann, who has opened up a farm-to-table restaurant. Will he get a second chance to change his life around?

I really wanted to enjoy this more. I loved Zenter got to the heart of Colton's struggles, both life and his mental health. I loved Luann, I thought she was a badass. However, I think it was a little too long. It dragged at times and when I would put it down, I didn't feel that pull to pick it back up.

Some may say I’m biased simply because the main character and I have the same name. But that isn’t all. Reading this was such a surreal experience of happenstance sentences revealing similarities to the life I lead. June 6 is my birthday. I have my masters degree from Tulane. Dolly Parton is my favorite singer of all time.

Colton Dean Gentry is such a good man. Colton Gentry’s Third Act was such a good novel. I laughed. I cried. I was rooting for him at every turn.

I won’t forget him for a long, long time.

I love Zentner. His dialogue is always realistic and fresh, unexpected.
The story wandered quietly to a very satisfying end.

I liked this! I at first wasn't sure where it was going, the story itself didn't seem to match up with what I was expecting from the blurb, but it ended up being enjoyable! I wasn't as connected to the characters as I had hoped, but it still was a good read with a great message and I don't think I'll be in the majority when it comes to connecting to the characters. Looking forward to recommending this!

Thank you for the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this arc and give an honest review.

A story of addiction, love, family and second chances. Colton Gentry's Third Act was a story with depth but I did find myself bored and wasn't in love with the writing or dialogue. I had to DNF at 50% but hope to give it another shot in a few months to see if it was just my mood that didn't allow me to continue or if it just isn't my cup of tea.

I have been a big fan of Zentner's YA books. His writing is beautiful and heartbreaking. Colton Gentry's Third Act has those qualities but it felt like something was missing. In the end, I was disappointed by the book.

I will read anything that Jeff Zentner writes, because he's so good at creating complex and feeling male characters. This novel is a crossover adult but still has a YA feel (not a bad thing). I'm not a fan of romances, and while this is essentially a romance, it's much more nuanced than that. I was most moved by Colton's relationship with Luanne's children and with his own adopted elderly dog, Petey. I also loved Colton's vulnerability. Just wanted to hug him.

This book hit the sweet spot for a fun and entertaining, yet serious. This small town romance had depth, witty banter, and some serious topics were handled well. An easy one for me to recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Station for the complimentary e-copy.