ARC provided by NetGalley

This is a cute book, but it definitely had more angst than I expected.
I enjoyed getting to explore the country music industry from the POV of two young rising stars. I loved that the Clay was a real fan of Annie's music and it was cool seeing her come into her own despite her parents' legacy.

However, I could've done without Clay repeatedly lashing out at Annie when he couldn't deal with his feelings, and I feel like his mental health could've been handled better. The romance didn't have much of a build, so there were parts of it that felt disjointed for me. Overall, it wasn't bad for a debut novel. If you like angst and country music, this book is for you.

If you’re looking for hot rockstar tour bus sex, you won’t find it here. Instead, we have two lost young people with major hang ups who fight their attractions for each and end up falling in Love.

I enjoyed the fully detailed description of performances.

It wasn’t about 25 year olds acting 18 or vice versa, it was about 18 year olds feeling lost and out of control: 18 year olds who haven’t yet lived enough to know exactly what they want for the rest of their lives. It’s about watching those 18 year olds grow and shed their past while stepping out into their own light.

It is extremely tame in the romance department, but it faces some dark realties.

There is sadness as each of the MC’s must face their respective loss and grief. There is hope in love, not necessarily the romantic kind, but the love of family, and if not the one you are born into, then the one you choose and that chooses you.

The negative for me is the side characters. They start out with a great foundation, but I feel like the never really develop into fully rounded characters.

A a young adult contemporary romance novel that gives the readers a look into the world of country music.

You'd Be Mine by Erin Hahn (April 2)
Overview: Clay Coolidge is the new hotshot in country music, but his tour hinges on him signing his opening act, Annie Mathers. While they doubt Clay can keep his cool on the summer tour highlife, they know that Annie has a promising career ahead of her because she's the product of two of countries hottest, and most infamous, country superstars. Even though the door starts as a business deal, it winds up being a journey of self discovery and a love story of its own. Overall: 5

Characters: 5 Annie and Clay are more than just celebrities or musicians. They're real people, and, while you get a glimpse at their larger than life sides, Hahn never lets you get swept up in the glitz and the glamor. They are two brand new adults in a brand new world, still mourning losses from their old one.
Annie has been trying to outrun her parents, and their famous double suicide, since she found their bodies at thirteen. She's inherited her parent's talents, and she loves to perform, but she's paralyzed at the thought of show business destroying her like it did her parents. She also wants to make it clear that she's not Cora and Robbie. She never will be. But taking the opening gig on the hottest tour of the summer brings her almost too close for comfort. Because she's had her grandparents and her cousin to ground her and give her a stable life, she's much more rooted, sensible, and better prepared than Clay. Her biggest boundary is her fear of history.
Clay hasn't had a parental figure in his life for too long. His father left, his mother died of cancer, and his brother died at nineteen in the line of duty. Then Clay's career took off, and he drowned his pain in alcohol instead of confronting it. Though Fitz, his brother's best friend and Clay's bandmate, does his best to keep him grounded, at only twenty, it's hard for him to know what to do for Clay.
The characters really take centerstage in this story, and I absolutely loved that.

Plot: 5 The plot was more than I was ever expecting. It's sold as a cute romance between two young musicians on tour, but, more accurately, it's about two people trying to figure themselves out and then figure out if they're good for each other. Even though you root for Annie and Clay, Hahn does an amazing job grounding the book and reminding the reader how toxic Clay can be when he's at his worst, especially for someone like Annie who suffered from her parent's drug and alcohol. Annie wants to help Clay, but she doesn't stay with him, and she doesn't "save him." I love how Erin made Clay in charge of realizing that his sobriety is important, and she didn't have Annie drag herself through the mud over him. There's plenty of drama, but the story is told in a healthy, realistic way, which can't be said for some novels on the YA market.

Writing: 5 I love that Hahn chose to write the story with two eighteen/nineteen year old protagonists. While it's not set in college, they're out of high school and they're having to wonder about what the rest of their lives will be while they're setting their plans in motion. (As a side note, Wednesday Books seems to be putting out a ton of these Older YA books which is super cool, and I hope it continues.) Annie and Clay have very distinct voices, and they jump off the page as real, messy people. Even if you're not a country fan, this sweet story will steal your heart.

Make sure you swing by on Friday to catch my interview with Erin where we talk about the book, her writing journey, and what's next for her!

I really loved this one! What a sweet YA Contemporary Romance about two young country stars. I really love country music, so that made this book even more enjoyable for me. I really love books that have a slow burn and this one definitely fulfilled that. This book was just full of sweetness, charm, friendship, romance and a little bit of tragedy (it wouldn't be country music without it). At the end of the day, it was just a hopeful and feel good read. I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

You’d Be Mine follows Clay who is a famous teenage country star. He has been behaving badly and is set to recruit Annie Mathers, who is the daughter of two very famous, but deceased, artists. Together they set on a summer tour, where they get to know each other and themselves.

I have a hard time finding out what to write for my review of this book. It is not a bad book, but not something that really captured my attention for all its attempts. It is first and foremost a love story, and I guess here is the main problem for why I didn’t enjoy that much. I just didn’t care. I didn’t care that Annie liked Clay or Clay liked Annie, and their reason for being together or not being together. I already knew they were going to end up together, so all the battering just felt like a buzz in the background to get to a point.

There is also a lot of music in this book. It is not like a minded it, when they talked about how much music meant to them and how it was their life. It believed them and I wanted them to have music and be happy in it. I guess I cared more about Annie and Clay’s happiness apart from each other, then together. They both have pretty complex and interesting backgrounds.
They both need to face their past in this story and it was interesting to see how it played out. Clay’s character developed was okay, but not really surprising. The same goes for Annie, even though she didn’t really develop that much. She was really the same throughout the whole book.

I just felt that even though the story had all these bricks holding it up, it wasn’t delivered in a convincing way. The writing didn’t really capture me, and it felt flat and boring telling the story. I guess I was supposed to be touched and care for the things happening on the page, but I just didn’t. The words didn’t flow into me, but through me. If you get what I mean, hehe. It has interesting ideas and moments that could touch me, but it doesn’t quite get there. It was also quite predictable all the way through, but I think that could have been okay if it had just been more engaging?

I liked it okay enough. If someone asked me if I recommended it I would say, maybe, depending on their tastes. But it is not a book that would pop into my mind unless I’m being asked about it. 3/5 stars.

Thank you so much to Netgalley for providing me with this eArc.

I was given an ARC on NetGalley for and honest review. So, here goes...I LOVE THIS STORY! I don't typically read a lot of young adult contemporary romances. At this point, having young adult children of my own, it's not something I gravitate towards anymore. However, I'm so glad this one was sent to me. This one goes a little behind the scenes in the land of country music (and having resided in Nashville the last 10 years - this really resonated). Annie is hesitant about using her talents and stepping into this world. Her parents, being legends, among country music and she's seen it all. Especially the not so bright side that her parents both succumbed to. It is her talent, that is making her step into this world since her talent alone has labels fighting over her for her to be their next big star.

Clay, the bad boy that's not all that bad, has a music talent all his own. He's a jump first and think later kind of guy. The label is trying to talk him into befriending Annie and getting her join his next tour. It's a will he or won't he situation. That's about the time that the sparks fly, the words demand to be read, and the book was virtually over. I loved every minute that I was caught up in the whirlwind of country music and those meant to be. A definite recommend!

This was a fun read. Definitely one my students who love a little romance would like!
Although most of us wouldn’t know what it’s like to be a country music star, Hahn does a good job of making us feel right at home with these two country music legends.
Truth: I don’t even listen to country music and so I thought, at first, I wouldn’t really gel with the characters. I was wrong. The characters are easily relatable (we all know these type of people even if they aren’t famous or talented) and the story rolls along nicely. #youdbemine #netgalley

I recieved this ARC from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
You'd be Mine is a young adult musical contemporary romance book. The romance is swoon worthy and the character challenges and back story give it that chemistry that makes it a great read even with the stereotypical setup. Annie is a rising country star who is avoiding her destiny and Clay is a teenage music star who drinks too much and a complete opposite. The point of the story is that Clay Asks Annie to go on tour with her. The book pulls you in and makes you feel like you're in the concert and any book that can do something like that to me or pulls me in the setting is a winner.

So. I only ever really read contemporary novels when I’m in a slump and can’t get out of it, since the majority of books I read are fantasy. I believe I saw this one recommended in an e-mail via netgalley or maybe on twitter and was like “this sounds pretty dope why not”. Never in a million years would I think I’d get approved let alone like this novel, and yet, there I was, absolutely loving every moment of this book. Country Strong is one of my absolute favorite movies, and this novel felt like the younger version of it.

Now there are some definite trigger warnings for this series, so please be aware before going into this book that there are TW for: suicide, self harm, drug abuse, and alcohol abuse – most of the latter with one of the teens in the novel. I also feel like because of this, this book borders on the line of young adult and new adult, me feeling more so towards new adult. I wouldn’t recommend this for teens under the age of sixteen to read.

This book follows the lives (and dual POVs) of Annie and Clay, two young, teenage country stars. They go on tour together, and struggle with events from their past, fame, and their growing feelings for each other.

I found the writing of this novel to be very easy to read, and it all flowed very well. It felt lyrical, which in a way fits the premise of the book, about two music stars. Back to me liking the movie Country Strong – this book definitely has similar elements of the setting of being on tour, and being under stress as a teen star. I also really liked the way the author incorporated showing us the parts where the characters were on stage, singing, and interacting. I felt like I was there at the concert, feeling the music, feeling the summertime (OH HOW I MISS SUMMER *glares at the cold outside). The author really knows how to bring the setting to life.

I really enjoyed the relationship dynamics between the characters. Annie and her bandmates Jason and Kacey are best friends, and they absolutely are there and support and care for each other. It’s nice to see healthy friendships in books. It was the same between Clay and Fitz, best friends and bandmates. Their dynamic was fun to read, as well as Fitz and Kacey’s relationship. It was more behind the scenes and I kind of wish we saw more to it, but…this was Clay and Annie’s story.

I actually like the way the relationship between Clay and Annie was handled. At first it seemed like it was one of those plots where the girl magically fixes the guys issues with her love. But it wasn’t. Clay was still struggling with his mental health and substance abuse despite loving Annie. There is a part of the book where he gets to slow down, and heal, before resuming the relationship. It’s nice to have a relationship that’s realistic like that, because sometimes we are too in our heads dealing with our own problems, and need some time to back up before trying again. It was also nice to see someone dealing with substance abuse getting the help they need, and characters supporting them, making sure they put their mental health first over their careers. Annie & Clay’s relationship is also a slow burn, intense romance that I was sooo down for. I loved it so much.

My only really negative thoughts on this, and it ties into what I said before about this being a new adult, is that I often forgot these characters were teenagers. At least, Annie and Clay. The supporting characters definitely felt and acted like teens; but Annie and Clay, the way they read and were written, they definitely read older than eighteen to me. I don’t know if maybe it’s because the tone of this novel features more serious issues, or what, but I really feel like this book is more for the older end of the YA audience.

Overall I found this story very enjoyable. It gripped me from start to finish, I wanted to follow through Annie and Clay’s relationship, see if they both figured everything out at the end. I thought the ending was very well done, and very up-lifting. I recommend this to the older end of the YA spectrum 16+. If you like musical books, contemporary romance, and amazing storylines, you’re going to want to pick this one up in April.

This is the perfect summer romance, with just enough complexity and heartache to make the story stick with you for months. I fell in love with Annie and Clay, and felt absolutely immersed in their lives and the country music scene. The character development was really top notch: they both had so much depth, and I found myself laughing and crying and grinning triumphantly as I read. And Annie’s faith is something I desperately wished I’d seen in books when I was a teen—imperfect, but real—the type of thing I wish we saw more of. I absolutely tore through this one, and Hahn has proved herself an author to watch.

This was just okay. It was cute and sweet at times but I felt like the story just lacked.....something to pull me in. I didn't find their meeting, their interactions or their story to be entirely believable (count me shocked when finding out it's based on a real love story). I wanted to be pulled in and read their love story but, instead, I found myself annoyed with them and their lies and games.

Meh. It was cute but I wish I'd liked it more.

I was so super excited to receive this book via Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest opinion.
***
Wow, what a fun filled, tumultuous ride this book took me on. I’ve always loved Contemporary romance novels and this one was epic in its own right. I thought it would be really predictable but luckily it wasn’t as much as I thought it would be. I loved that it was musical centered and man, can the author write some catchy lyrics! I disliked how dramatic the protagonist was being at times but that was just a small dislike. Clay was such a great book boyfriend even with all his baggage. I liked that Erin Hahn tackled some deep topics and it wasn’t just fluff. Kudos to her for writing an awesome debut novel.

Highly recommended!

You'd be Mine is a mash-up of Country Strong and Walk the Line. It's full of hope for people to change and not become their parents. Clay and Annie are the perfect couple pairing. Erin Hahn's lyrics written to incorporate with the story lend some poetry to the characters and showcase not only their talents but their feelings for their lives and each other. This is a perfect summer read and will make you want to go on your own festival tour.

I must admit, I've come to love Clay, Annie & all the gang more than I realized I would! A group of young adults navigating grief that fits their young lives like an over-sized hoodie. Hiding all of their pain and stress underneath of it with the padding of booze and personas. Navigating the sadness and hurt, or completely ignoring it, while also trying to enjoy new adventures and budding romances. We often don't realize how quickly life becomes "real" until we're knee deep in and I think all of us can relate to this book in that way. Beautifully written and completely addicting once you pick it up. The perfect spring break and summer read. The only thing I'd say I wish this book had was more! I would've happily read 200 more pages of these characters!

It may just be my love for romance and country music that dragged me in but I loved the wild ride of You'd Be Mine. It reminded me of the show 'Nashville' and the movie 'A Star Is Born' which are both fantastic.

Annie and Clay are two young, rising country stars that have faced their own hardships and challenges in life. Annie is the daughter of country music royalty and is determined not to follow in her parent's footsteps. She is brought onto Clay's summer tour to help fix his image in the public eye. Unlike Annie, Clay jumped head first into the music business and has been "enjoying" every aspect of the high life.

This was a cute contemporary romance with likable characters that make you want to root them on. Erin Hahn did such a good job that there were times when I felt like I was right alongside them on the tour, even on stage at points. Kudos to Hahn on her debut novel! I cannot wait to read more from her.

As we grow older, we find ourselves emulating our parents in one way or another. Whether it’s their looks, their eyes or their mannerisms.. these things are passed down to us in some way but something that is not passed on are our parents mistakes. We may feel like we have to carry the mistakes with us but we aren’t doomed to repeat them. This book teaches us that grief is a terrible thing that can be all consuming, that those we love the most have the greatest capacity to hurt us and that we can either use all that pain to drive us forward or let it drown you.

Annie and Clay are two characters who were both dealt a harsh hand by fate. When they are set on the same course, their lives are forever altered by the love that helps them finally heal from their past hurts.

I plain and simple loved this book, it may have been one of the sweetest books I’ve ever read because even through the pain, we are taught that life can be beautifully wonderful at the end of the day.

I didn't think I would like this actually but I wanted to try it because something about the title it could go sooo soo many ways. It was a lovely read about a fake bad boy and a country girl thatt make sweet country music together.

I received this book from netgalley in exchange an honest review.
You'd Be Mine is full of swoon-worthy moments, country music, heart-wrenching scenes, great friendships, and some of the best, fun-loving characters a contemporary book can have!
You'd Be Mine has dual POVs. We go back and forth from Clay Coolidge and Annie Mathers perspective. I loved both of these characters from the get-go. They totally contrast each other and I love that. The character development of both these characters is done so perfectly.
One of my favorite things about this book is the friendships. Annie's band members add so much to this story. Kacey is her cousin/fiddler player and Jason is her best friend/drummer. They make the perfect trio. Clay has his best friend/fiddle player Fitz. He is always there when Clay needs him and seems to always know the right thing to say.
I love how country music is incorporated into this book. There are fictional country singers but sprinkled throughout the story are some of the greats in country music. It really made the story feel authentic.
Erin has an amazing talent of making you fully feel the atmosphere in this book. I always felt like I was actually with these characters where ever they were. And any emotion they felt, I felt right along with them.
I definitely recommend reading You'd Be Mine as soon as it hits shelves next spring. I also recommend listening to the playlist for this book. It's perfect. I loved listening to it while writing this up!

You'd Be Mine is such a sweet and charming YA novel!!

I finished this book in a little over one day!! Let's meet Annie and Clay. Two young and upcoming country stars that have their own inner demons and challenges to overcome in this journey called life.

What I really loved about this one? It wasn't all that cheesy romance scenes between teenagers... it went so much more deeper then the surface level. Yes don't get me wrong... there were a few scenes that I was thinking hmm that's a bit cheesy but overall I loved this book!!

I loved the entire cast of this book! They were all supportive, caring, compassionate, and in all likable! It was a very strong debut novel and am impressed by Erin Hahn's voice. She has a way to getting into the heart and soul of her readers <3 <3.

If you're a fan of YA novels that make you smile, swoon, laugh, and feel all the emotions than get this book on your TBR!

Huge thank you to Wednesday books for the arc generously provided via Netgalley.

4 strong stars!!!

Publication date: 4/2/19
Published to Goodreads: 1/16/19