Colton Gentry’s Third Act is a good story with deep themes and perfect for fans of country music and fans of emotional stories about reconnecting with the past and growing from tragedy.

Another fantastic read by Jeff Zentner. I look forward to each of his new books. Highly recommended.

Zentner has done it again! Beautiful, real and full-bodied characters; strong setting; and a compelling story that moves it all along.

First of all, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of Colton Gentry's Third Act. I don't think there's anything that Jeff Zentner could write that I wouldn't devour, and this, his first adult title, is no exception. Though I most likely won't purchase it for our general high school collection, I do plan to personally purchase a copy and add it to our staff's little free library and to encourage those adults who sometimes do a staff book club to consider this as an option.

From Colton's first act as a high school football star to his second act as a country music singer to his eventual third act, I was on board. Everything Zentner writes feels like a love letter to the geographic area where it is set and to the people who live there, and in this title, it also feels like a love letter to the food produced there. I loved the supporting characters, and though some situations felt like wishful thinking for how things could or should be in our world, I don't think there's anything wrong with that. After all, doesn't fiction exist in some ways to show us not only how things are, but how things ought to be or how we wish they were?

Bottom line? I loved it.

I could not finish enough of this book to be able to leave a comprehensive review, but I hope it finds its audience and I am grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

Colton Gentry is a rising country music star until the day he drunkenly tells a country music crowd his views on gun control after his best friend is killed in a shooting. He loses his career and his marriage to a pop music star. He goes to rehab and then moves back to his rural Kentucky hometown. He gets a new chance at a different life when he is offered a job working at the local farm-to-table restaurant owned by his high school sweetheart.

I got this book from Netgalley. It is due out in April 2024. We get Colton’s story is three different times: high school, his start in country music, and the present day. As I was typing out the plot I realized it sounds like a Hallmark movie and I can see it working well as one. But, Zentner does a good job once again of making you care about the characters and invest in their lives. I also see a little bit of myself in all of his work. He excels at showing what it is like to be a small-town kid from Kentucky or Tennessee. I highly recommend all of his books.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book to review.

After reading and loving most of Jeff Zentner's YA novels (I am still saving The Serpent King for a treat - and also because once I read it I won't have any more!), I was really excited to read his adult debut, Colton Gentry's Third Act.

Colton is an alcoholic, on the cusp of divorce, and launches into an anti-gun tirade during his country music act when we first meet him. Deep in grief over losing his best friend in a mass shooting, Colton ends up in rehab and then back in his childhood bedroom.

The flashbacks to Colton's senior year of high school and his first love really shine and let Zentner's YA writing shine.

Back home, Colton finds employment in the last place he'd ever thought to look for it - a fancy restaurant, with a chef he never thought he'd meet again.

I would have read this book in one sitting if I had had the time! It's unputdownable, sweet, a little spicy, and full of delicious food. The only thing I didn't love was the long lists of dishes the restaurant was serving. One time of that seemed okay, but it happened multiple times and felt unnecessary, and I have to wonder if they'll be in the final version of the novel.

Altogether, 4.5 stars for me, highly recommend reading this and everything Jeff Zentner has written. <3

This is a lovely heartfelt novel on par with Nicholas Sparks' work. Admittedly, it was hard not to think of Bradley Cooper's performance in A Star Is Born throughout the whole time I was reading this book.

Story: Colton Gentry's life has fallen apart. His best friend was murdered in a mass shooting and in a despairing rage, the country music singer gave an honest opinion about guns during a concert. Naturally, it goes down poorly: his label drops him, his hit single tanks, the public hate him, and his pop singer wife decides to end their marriage. Broken and broke, he returns to his home town to live with his mother and try to figure out his future. A chance meeting with one-time girlfriend Luann presents him with an opportunity to find meaning in life again after their twenty years apart.

I really enjoyed this slow burn and thoughtful book. It takes us on Colton's journey of dealing with the loss of his close friend, recovering from alcoholism, reuniting with his mother, and facing his past through Luanne. The book is told solely in Colton's point of view but alternates between the past and present. We get to understand his relationship with both Luann as well as best friend Duane. We also get a nice perspective on Luann, what she was dealing with at the time they were teens, and what she has done with her life now.

This is a very nice second chance romance with gentle and good individuals trying to do their best in the world. It has a solid ending that isn't treacly sweet and instead puts the characters in a place where they can move on. The only criticism I have is that there is far too much of an obsession with food and food philosophy - I ended up skipping the zen of cooking/restauranting paragraphs since I just didn't find an obsession with food very interesting. Reviewed from advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

Zentner isn’t afraid to tackle the big issues. One scene (outside the restaurant) did a great job of giving some texture to both sides (which was cool), but at the end of the scene Colton stands firm in his belief and I loved him for that. I also like the fact he’s not perfect and doesn’t pretend to be.

It’s a love story but like all of his books, it’s about a myriad of other things as well. If you’ve read this author before you know he’s not afraid to rip your heart out and stomp it with football cleats. I still want to give Zentner a hug, handshake and drop kick for what happened in his book The Serpent King (if you haven’t read it, go get it). So the whole time I was reading this I was thinking “zentersgonnamakemecry, zentnersgonnamakemecry.” I didn’t shed any tears, but came close once or twice.

This felt like a romcom to me – in a good way. It was cozy. And funny. Which I appreciated. The banter was top notch.

I’m not a country music fan (though I’m sure the genre has changed since I last heard it) but I do play guitar (or used to, I’m pretty rusty now) and, as I told a friend here earlier this week, this book made me want to go buy a cowboy hat and start a strumming.

A Spotify playlist for this book would be great, if someone would go ahead and put it together, thank ya kindly (tips imaginary cowboy hat and winks in a way that’s supposed to look cool but instead probably makes me look like I’m part of the Adams Family).

A solid performance.

I feel completely inadequate to review SUCH a great book by one of my favorite authors so here are my brief thoughts rather than trying to compose something fittingly eloquent:
- I couldn't stop crying for like 30 minutes when I finished because I was so sad I would never be able to read this book for the first time again.
- The newest addition to my list of favorite books.
- It will be difficult to decide if this or Happy Place by Emily Henry is my favorite book of 2023.
- Typical Jeff Zentner pain & heartache but I also could not stop laughing out loud.
- I need Colton's Nashville hot chicken recipe.

Oh me oh my.

Jeff Zentner has been an auto-buy author for me since I received Serpent King in an early OwlCrate and sobbed my way through it in a single sitting. So to say I’ve been salivating over Colton Gentry’s Third Act since he started teasing it on instagram is an understatement.

I was very excited to jump into Zentner’s adult debut and I was not disappointed. This book has so much heart. The writing is absolutely delicious—I had to stop and reread some sentences out loud because they were so exquisite. Zentner is the most poetic writer I have ever read.

This book read to me like a Hallmark movie in the very best way: big city hunk, down on his luck, has to move home to his small town where he encounters his wildly successful high girlfriend (aka the One Who Got Away). Although some may say the plot is expected, I would not call it predictable. The characters absolutely leap off the page and it’s so easy to feel Zentner’s passion about the book through the passing of each chapter.

(I also appreciated the footnotes about Petey. Very necessary.)

Thank you for once again writing my new favorite book, Jeff Zentner!

Colton Gentry's Third Act is a beautiful story of redemption and a third chance at life.
Colton loses his career, his best friend, and his wife in a very short span of time. He goes home to figure out what he's going to do with his life. He adopts a dog and finds a job working with his high school sweetheart. The one who got away. The story shows his growth through alcoholism and discovering what is most important to him.

There is no way I can accurately describe just how amazing of a writer that Jeff Zentner is.
Writing style is rarely something that's important to me when reading. I have a few big things I don't like, but besides that, I'm usually more invested in the characters and the plot. Jeff is the exception. I drool over his food descriptions. I ache to see the sites he describes with my eyes, even though I can picture them so clearly. I also loved the different chunks of time we got to see. It was a great way to see the growth throughout their whole lives.

Beyond that, the characters are delightful. The story has good pacing. It's easy to get invested and to root for Luann and Colton. Possum and Scooter make me so happy! They're so cute! I also appreciated the footnote that was included. I won't spoil it, but it helped me not be triggered by something that I can struggle with in books.

I really struggle to like the south. As a woman right now, the south can be a scary place. Jeff Zentner makes me want to explore every corner of it. I can understand why he adores the south and he does a beautiful job of sharing that with the reader.

Overall, this is tied for my favorite Jeff Zentner book with Serpent King. An absolutely beautiful story that I will buy the day it comes out to read again and again.

Jeff Zenter wins in his first adult novel, as does his eponymous main character in Colton Gentry’s Third Act. This reader won, too! From the language that awakens the senses to the story that is shown–not told–to the heartwarming conclusion that proves once again that humanity is capable of failing only to try new and gloriously rewarding new creative adventures, this April 2024 is a must-read. From the onset, the reader becomes Colton’s cheerleader as he faces his demons and grief as he returns home as an adult “too old to live with momma.” Is there such a thing? Even while reconnecting with his mother in his childhood home, he is lonely. When he left Kentucky to give Nashville a shot, he did so at the cost of his relationships. His strong bond with his new best friend Duane is only surpassed by his devotion to alcohol. When Duane is killed, Colton begins mixing grief with ever more alcohol. Still, he openly criticizes the gun-loving culture that supports his musical career. So ends his country star days. He now has time to be with his celebrity wife, if only she wanted to spend time with him. Recently divorced and practically penniless, he makes his way back home. Once he adopts the “dog in worse shape” at the shelter, Colton finds new ways to create. Colton’s third act and third chance are his best. The cheerleader reader is excited as he forges new relationships with old friends and real love becomes a possibility. Yes, the novel is a romance. Other Zentner works were tear-jerkers. This masterpiece is a smile-inducer–just the kind of read the world needs. Love, possibility, success, and food (IYKYK), music, family, and a fur baby are just some of the delights in Jeff Zentner’s future tattoo. Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this advanced copy. I am supporting this 5 star read by purchasing a copy at my local bookstore. Might I suggest Colton Gentry’s Third Act for a book club?

A beautiful, lyrical read about hard topics that need to be addressed and a love story about renewal and second chances. The characters feel so real as you read the book, you are instantly drawn into this gorgeous book. A must read for anyone. I will read again when when book release date hits in April. Be prepared to have your heartstrings pulled in the best possible way and feeling inspired by thiis magical read. What makes it magical is the realness of the characters and the emotions drawn up inside of you by reading COLTAN'S THIRD ACT.
I would rate higher if I could.

Jeff Zentner is my absolute favorite YA author and I was thrilled to read his first adult novel! Colton Gentry's Third Act is an emotional and heartfelt story about love, second chances, and battling one's demons along the way. The writing is gorgeous and poetic like we've all come to expect from Zentner, and the alternating timelines/settings worked really well to build a robust story. 10/10, I loved it, but reader beware--it will make you hungry!

Oh my gosh my freaking HEART!!! I have been eagerly waiting for this book. Pre-ordered as soon as it was available. Waited on pins and needles to see if NetGalley would approve me.

I’m going to say that this book is told so beautifully. You can tell Jeff Zentner is a poet because the language in this book is exquisite. The words are beautiful. The journey you take on this book is heart wrenching, wonderful, sad, and hopeful,

As recently one year sober alcoholic, this book hit me hard. I didn’t do meetings, I actually quit cold turkey. But I had (and continue to have) the best support with friends. I posted I wanted a drink, a dear friend called me to talk to me until I fell asleep. And man when I tell you the grief!!!! This book. It gets it. Wears grief like a blanket. Lives in it. Survives with it.

There are parts of this book that had me streaming tears down my face. There are parts that had me laughing out loud. Parts that had me swooning.

I knew it would be good. I was wrong, it is great.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely devoured this book and knew that Zentner's debut into adult fiction wouldn't disappoint! His wry humor and sublime way with words are still present and accounted for. As are characters that feel authentic and loveable. I specifically must thank him for the way he protects the hearts of us dog lovers, something you will have to read to understand what I'm referencing.

Jeff Zenter's initial venture into writing for adults is truly impressive. In his debut adult fiction novel, Colton Gentry's Third Act, Zenter captivates readers with a poignant tale that does not disappoint. The story revolves around Colton Gentry, who is grappling with the devastating loss of his best friend, Duane, in a tragic mass shooting incident. Consumed by grief, anger, and alcohol, Gentry's life takes a drastic turn when he publicly advocates for gun control and consequently destroys his career. Following a stint in rehab, courtesy of his soon-to-be ex-wife, Gentry finds himself back in his hometown, desperately in need of a fresh start. It is here that he secures a job as a sous chef at a new restaurant, working alongside his first love, Luann. Recognizing the importance of new beginnings, Luann takes a significant risk by hiring Colton and allowing him back into her life. As the narrative unfolds, the chapters seamlessly transition between Colton's senior year of high school, his humble beginnings in Nashville, and the present, providing readers with a deeper understanding of Colton and Luann's complex relationship. Additionally, the story delves into Colton's early days in Nashville with Duane, as well as his arduous journey to find stability and sobriety upon returning home to Kentucky. Zenter's ability to evoke raw emotions is evident in his young adult novels, and he continues to do so in his first adult novel. Colton Gentry's Third Act is a heart-wrenching exploration of grief, forgiveness, and the courage to start anew. Zenter's eloquent prose and skillful storytelling are showcased throughout the book, offering readers a captivating reading experience. The characters in this slow-burn, second chance romance are refreshingly authentic, flawed, and relatable, as they navigate their own personal struggles, learn from their mistakes, and ultimately grow. Despite the weighty themes, moments of humor and levity are interspersed throughout the narrative, ensuring that the book never becomes overwhelmingly heavy.

Having been an Adult Services Librarian for many years, I haven't read any of Zentner's YA novels... The Nashville, TN / KY setting intrigued me, not to mention a romance written by a male author (former professional musician to boot!) It DID not disappoint. Zentner got everything right about Nashville, TN and KY that many authors get wrong. The high school romance felt like young love, while the 2nd chance romance reads authentic to the experiences thirty-something adults would have. This is the contemporary romance I will be recommending to all my romance reading patrons and friends this year!

This book was a good love story with characters you couldn't help but root for. Watching Cole and Luann navigate a relationship as adults was very refreshing. Highly recommend.