A Little Bit Country

Written by Brian D. Kennedy

Narrated by Mark Sanderlin and Andrew Gibson

Dumplin' meets Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda in this heartfelt and funny contemporary romance inspired by Dollywood, about two boys who fall in love against the backdrop of a country music-themed amusement park, from debut author Brian D. Kennedy. Perfect for fans of Erin Hahn, Phil Stamper, and David Levithan.

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? 

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Jun 7, 2022
• ISBN: 9780063085688

Brian D. Kennedy

Brian D. Kennedy was born and raised in Minnesota and now lives in New York City with his husband and their miniature Schnauzer. When not writing, he can be found working at an LGBTQ nonprofit. His slightly unhealthy obsessions include: seeing as many Broadway shows as possible, buying weird trinkets off eBay, and all things Dolly Parton. Brian is the author of the YA novels A Little Bit Country and My Fair Brady. You can visit Brian online at briandkennedybooks.com.

Reviews for A Little Bit Country

[Andrea Author · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Aspiring musician Emmett takes a summer job at a country-music theme park. There, he meets Luke, who's working to help his family make ends meet. The two fall for each other, but Luke isn't out, and Emmett is leaving once summer is over. Is their romance doomed to end when it's barely begun?

This emotional YA romance has a strong focus on family. Emmett and Luke are sweet together, and it's heart-wrenching to see them struggle. There's a nice twist near the end that I didn't see coming. This novel is a romantic and satisfying read.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Lyc · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It was so sweet and full of music, and made me cry so many times! I have felt every emotion right in my heart. Absolutely love it!

[Bill Branney · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book. Cried like a baby, and smiled the whole time.

[Keighley Patrick · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

3.5 honestly. I liked it and was good. I felt some bits were slow but thats to be expected. However, the emotional side was great!

[Dan · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I listened until chapter 24. I didn't care for the narration initially and never got to the point where I felt that one of the voices became endearing or matched the character description. There was an incredible lack of character depth and development...there was no excitement or protagonist journey, no spiritual awakening, literally nothing happens except a shallow love story that barely tracks or digs deep into your own unpacked feels. During the more intimate scene(s) (super PG) there was absolutely zero lean in, or build up, or tension. There was no chemistry and that pretty much summarizes the first half of the story. I can't speak to the other half; if it magically and dramatically gains depth, perspective, the characters grow into figments you find yourself caring for the well-being of...for example. But I can say it wasn't hard to put this story down and scroll on by-as they say. Especially following Boyfriend Material, Beating Heart Baby, and even The Charm Offensive...this book just doesn't hit. At all, sadly.

[Adam Hegg · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Amazing book, I loved even though I like rock music ?