I love a good celebrity romance and this one was very cute. The secondary characters were well fleshed out and I loved the chemistry between Hazel and Nick.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group for gifting me a digital ARC of this fun book by Katie Wicks (AKA Catherine McKenzie) - 4 stars!

Hazel Fine knows this is her last chance at stardom - an audition for The Sing Along, a popular musical talent show. She's basically living in her car or a seedy motel with a rabbit named Checkers that she inherited along the way. But of course, there are 15 other contestants just as desperate to win.

While Catherine McKenzie is known for her thrillers, this was a light-hearted detour into a rom-com, women's fiction genre. It was very interesting getting a behind-the-scenes look at these reality shows, complete with all the requisite contestant drama. There were some heavier themes though - the MeToo movement, family dysfunction, forgiveness and moving on. Good beach read!

Hazel Fine Sings Along was okay, but it felt like the story jumped around too quickly with no organization. Things wrapped up nicely at the end which did make it enjoyable!

I had my eye on Hazel Fine Sings Along ever since Catherine McKenzie announced she would be writing this one as Katie Wicks. Catherine writes thrillers, but she did start out with a couple rom-coms and it was nice to see that side of her again. Her debut as Katie Wicks hits it out of the park! It is such a fun and interesting story. I even got teary-eyed a couple of times. I really liked getting to know Hazel and seeing what it was like behind the scenes of a reality music competition. (I watched American Idol for a few years in the late 2000s.)

If you're looking for drama, you've come to the right place. There is a lot of stress in Hazel's life and it starts to affect her relationships with the others in the competition. She has a secret that could hurt her career if it surfaces, so she is doing a lot to guard that, along with fending off advances from the show's host and hiding contraband (in this case, a quirky pet) in her hotel room.

I just really liked this story overall. It kept me going from beginning to end, wanting to know what secret Hazel was keeping and wondering who would win the competition. The supporting characters were great (except the ones we weren't supposed to like) and the plot moved along smoothly. I also felt like I was right there because of the great use of detail. However, I felt like it was overkill to always describe everything each of the supporting characters was wearing. That part could have been simplified a bit.

The only concern I had was that I felt some characters didn't receive consequences that were due to them. And when one of them did, it felt minor in comparison to what they deserved.

Hazel Fine Sings Along is available now, so pick up a copy right away! I hope Katie will write more novels like this one, perhaps featuring some of the other characters (i.e. Bella, Zoey, etc.).

(Trigger warning at the bottom of this post.)

Movie casting suggestions:
Hazel: Kaitlyn Dever
Benji: Darren Barnet
Nick: Theo James
Bella: Sofia Carson
Zoey: Amandla Stenberg (It can be a Dear Evan Hansen movie reunion with Kaitlyn too!)
Georgia: Gwyneth Paltrow
Kate: Julianne Hough
Martin: Jack Davenport
Keshawn: Tituss Burgess

This book was okay. The story was solid enough, but I felt like there was much more potential to it than ended up in this book. Also, the characters weren't fully fleshed out, and they acted out of character quite frequently in my opinion. All in all it was a decent read, but I wouldn't recommend it.

"𝘏𝘢𝘻𝘦𝘭 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵. 𝘐𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘏𝘢𝘻𝘦𝘭, 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩. 𝘏𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘏𝘢𝘻𝘦𝘭 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘮."

I have mixed feelings about this book. The overall concept was good - but things were a little... scattered?

For example, the MC/narrator was a little unreliable... I understand WHY she wanted to keep her past in the past BUT I feel like things went way beyond that, and she was very back and forth.

As were the character relationships... friends, enemies, friends, enemies, rinse and repeat.

I did like the ending, and how things wrapped up, but the first, like 90% was a little touch and go...

But still, thank you to Katie, Wattpad and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for this review!
.
.
.
.
#bookstagram #booksta #books #booksbooksbooks #avidreader #ilovereading #thetwistedlibrarian #professionalbookworm #hazelfinesingsalong #katiewicks #whatsnikkireading #book28of2023 #grumpysunshine #secretpast #singingcompetition #forcedproximity #wattpadbooks #netgalley #arcreview #kindleebook #advancedreadercopy

I give this book 3.5 stars which for me is a good book. It’s a an easy to read rom com with some back story to it that tackles family issues and trying hard to leave everything behind , learning later that your version of the past may be a bit skewed. It focuses on a reality singing show , it’s filled with scandals, lies, crushes and all that you would expect from that concept. It has some humour in it with Checkers the rabbit. It’s a fun story that warps up with a happy ending. It’s a great beach read and a great book for after a heavy read.

I voluntarily received a free copy from NetGalley and all opinions are my own

I would recommend this book

Oh gosh! This was such a fun story! Who doesn't love watching singing competition shows? And then to have a story filled with such a delightful cast of characters. I totally devoured this book.

Hazel has so much talent but she also seems to bring a bit of drama along with her. And maybe a few secrets? But then, all of the other cast members bring their own drama and quirks to the table. That's what makes this story so great, the rivalry and conflict between them. They all want to be the winner!

Katie Wicks has created an entertaining and amusing tale for her debut novel. Catherine McKenzie, writing as Katie Wicks, has definitely penned a winner! I love this side of Catherine/Katie and look forward to more stories by Katie. I highly recommend Hazel Fine Sings Along!

2.5 stars

Hazel Fine enters an “American Idol” type singing competition. A longtime fan of the show, she thinks she's got the perfect strategy to win it all. Hazel is looking for a better life, but the ride is far more than she bargained for. Relationships are explored and exploited for the airwaves. Truths are concealed, but later revealed…revelations that have every person shocked at one point in the story or another. Hazel has studied the game, and knows how to play, but is SHE being played as well? Will she find love with fellow contestant Benji or music director Nick? Will she find love at all? Ultimately, will Hazel Fine walk away victorious, or will she just walk away?

This book was a serious page turner! If you enjoy reality television, especially singing competitions, I believe you’ll THOROUGHLY enjoy this book. Much of it was like a train wreck in the BEST possible way. (Again, picture your favorite reality show.) There is backstabbing. There is lying. There are moments where lies are revealed and then things blow up. Every day I just had to open my Kindle to read what was going to happen next. There were quite a few surprises, most of which I didn’t see coming.

I wound up giving this book 2.5 stars because it wasn’t quite what I was hoping for. This was more about Hazel’s journey, rather than a romantic comedy, so I’d categorize this as women’s fiction over a romance novel. (At one point Hazel even says something like, “This isn’t a romantic comedy.” Haha!) Personally, I was hoping to see the fun side of a singing competition and some light-hearted romance, but perhaps the author gave us something much more compelling by focusing on the dark, well, REALITY, of these types of shows. Despite the fact that it wasn’t the cute story I was hoping for, I still found myself riveted to the page and wanting to know what happened next.

I’d like to thank Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group, W, and Netgalley for the e-ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

A great romance debut from Canadian thriller writer Catherine McKenzie! I really enjoyed this reality singing competition love story that sees Hazel Fine trying to win while fake dating and falling in real love at the same time. Perfect for fans of books like All I want for Christmas by Maggie Knox. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group, W by Wattpad Books an Netgalley for this Arc. I really loved the last part. The first about competitiom maybe just not so much just it has to be there. I love music and readingvabout musicians

Hazel fine sings along is a sweet rom com about an aspiring singer songwriter and a very handsome music director. This is a brisk read that’s perfect for pallet cleansing in-between dark romances or fantasy reads. If you Haven’t all ready I suggest you read this as soon as you humanly can!

I love discovering new Canadian authors, and then finding out I’m reading their debut novel - especially when it doesn’t at all feel like a debut! Katie Wicks has just released her debut, Hazel Fine Sings Along, and it was brilliant! She writes like she’s been publishing for years. Until I got to the author bio at the end, I did not know this was her debut or that she’s from Montreal!

I really enjoyed the entirety of this one - it didn’t feel like a romance for most of it (hence the 4-star and not higher rating), but definitely at the end that part picked up. The first probably two thirds was about the friendships and the singing competition. Nothing wrong with that at all and it was all great, but there was not much romance until the very back end. When it did eventually come in, it was perfect.

I loved that the friendships were explored so much and I really hope we get future books about a few of the other characters (would love to get Bella’s side of the story, and her romance tale post-show, and maybe even a pre-show tale about Zoe and Brooke?), I loved the craziness with the side-story about one of the judges, the fake romance story that had to occur for the sake of the competition show and the cameras, and of course, I mostly loved the romance that eventually blossomed. When Hazel’s full backstory came to light and how everything went down, this was written so perfectly.

I definitely plan to re-read this book, it was that good! I absolutely recommend everyone give this newbie, Canadian author a try! She’s so good and you won’t be sorry you picked up her debut!

I received an advance review copy from NetGalley and the publisher, and this is my honest feedback.

Katie Wicks' first book is a gossipy and passionate look at the reality music competition world and the drama and lies that brings contestants together.

Hazel Fine is a down-on-her-luck singer songwriter with a lot of talent and a lot of secrets. When she finds herself moving through a televised singing competition similar to American Idol, she’s desperate to prove herself because this may be her last chance before she has to go home with her tail between her legs and admit defeat. Hazel is bright and talented. She’s also secretive, competitive and at times hard to like or root for. So, you know, she’s very human. This isn’t a clear cut romance either - in fact there’s a bit of a fake relationship and love triangle that happens here for Hazel. Hazel is conflicted and unsure of her feelings for either man. I was honestly rooting for both Benji and Nick at different times in the book.

Hazel is surrounded by a cast of characters - all who have their own agenda - which makes it hard to know who to trust and who to like. Everyone is in it to win it for themselves. Allegiances are made and lost throughout the book. However, Katie gives the characters a lot of depths - it would be easy for them to turn into two dimensional characters but they all have clearly thought out backstories and motivations. Zoe and Bella are two secondary characters that I’d love to see more from!

The cast of this book feels very young - I feel like this is almost a new adult or very old young adult book in how the characters act and react. As many of the characters are in their early twenties (or supposed to be that age) then this makes sense. While there’s some pretty mature themes of parental abuse, sexual assault and cohereson, the story itself reads like a teenage reality tv show romp. In fact, this would make a really fun tv series a la Gossip Girl, Laguna Beach or The OC. If you like those tv shows then you will love this book (did I just age myself here with my favourite teen shows?).

While this was a completely enjoyable romp for me filled with scandal and the highs and lows of fame in today’s world, there is one area that I feel needs to be mentioned. Hazel and her family don’t have a good relationship. I won’t give any spoilers as her history is a major part of the plot of the book and is one of the reasons she has so many secrets, but I have to say that I didn't love how their relationship was resolved in the end. I can’t wait to talk with other readers about it too because I think people will have strong feelings about this aspect of the plot!

Hazel Fine Sings Along is an a drama filled look into the reality tv singing competition world and the truths, secrets and risks we take to find fame, fortune and true love.

DNF at 13%. I found the dialogue to be lacking in emotion, and the banter felt stilted. I couldn't connect with Hazel and felt the other characters were trivial. Ultimately, I wasn't interested enough in completing it.

2.5 Stars. This was a cute read. Any book with singing competitions are normally very cringey to me. But this one wasn't too bad. I don't know what it is about books that have singing. It's just always a hit or miss for me. The beginning was kinda confusing and there are moments the timing feels off when it comes to changing scenes. The romance was kinda lacking in my opinion. I do think it was just a cute read, just a bit all over the place.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️

After being approached by a talent account, Hazel Fine auditions for The Sing Along, a reality tv competition. All she’s ever wanted to do with her life is sing, and she sees this as her last chance opportunity.
We meet a bunch of fun side characters - Zoey, her bestie & roommate in the competition; Bella, her biggest rival; Benji, the cute surfer TikTok star; Nick, the broody musical director - and of course, Checkers the bunny!

I wouldn’t fully classify this book as a romance - it was definitely part of it, but I felt this book was more about the signing competition, and Hazel’s journey to figure out her life.
It was cute, but kind of lost me along the way - it could have been shorter.
There was a lot of talk related to the #MeToo movement, some of which was uncomfortable and surprising (her chats with Zoey).

Read if you enjoy:
⭐️ Singing competition (reality tv)
⭐️ Troubled past
⭐️ Hidden identity
⭐️ Forced proximity
⭐️ Slow burn
⭐️ Canadian author
⭐️ Single POV/3rd person

Thank you to NetGalley and Wattled Books for an advanced copy to review. All opinions are my own.

2.5 ⭐️ Oof! This was a tough one. Right from page one, I was thinking “What’s the point of this?”

There was quite a lot I struggled with here — the plot lines around sexual assault/harassment felt insensitive, especially in the conversation Zoey and Hazel had about the situation at hand. And Checkers, as sweet as bunnies are, was a totally pointless addition to the book and seemed to hop in and totally random times. He didn’t really move the plot forward, and didn’t make me love any of the characters any more.

I also thought this was a romance, and the “romance” totally fell flat. At first I couldn’t tell if the romance was going to happen between Hazel/Benji or Hazel/Nick, and ultimately couldn’t really form an attachment to either of them. Nick especially felt distant, didn’t think I got much from him at all, and couldn’t really feel myself rooting for them.

Everyone in this book seemed to be a total train wreck and I couldn’t get behind any of them. Maybe my hopes were a little too high heading into it! Still, I got through it and was entertained enough to finish. Definitely not the best and not a fave though.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

Reviews Posted: April 23, 2023
Goodreads
Storygraph

Another book that I was originally looking forward to but was ultimately disappointed by. First off, this is marketed as a romance or rom-com, but it is not what I would classify it as. While there is a romance in the book, it is not the focus at all and is more like a background thing.

The characters were all incredibly shallow and one-dimensional. Hazel is not a likable main character, and it was hard to root for her at any point. Also, her lies and secret keeping made no sense. They were supposed to be in their 20s from early to late, but they all read and acted like there were in high school. And to make it worse, the author didn’t spend enough time developing any of the friendships or the dynamics in this book.

The romance was lackluster at best. There was no chemistry between the character, and it was underdeveloped.

The book as a whole just did not read well. For an adult book and the topics that were discussed, it read very young. In addition, the author did not address sexual assault well, in my opinion. Making light of men who use their power to manipulate women just did not sit right with me, and it either needed to be handled better or taken out of the book as a whole.

Overall this book was a disappointment at every turn, and I just think that all the potential was squandered

What I read: Hazel Fine Sings Along by Katie Wicks

Why I picked it up: I liked the cover and the description when searching for reads on NetGalley. I received this free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

How I read it: On eGalley

What it’s about: Hazel has had a rough go of it lately, but she’s been discovered – or at least invited to audition for The Sing Along. She gets through all of the rounds and even to the finals – but at what cost. Her past comes out, her future is uncertain, but maybe it’ll help her move out of her car.

What I liked: Nick – he was sweet even when he was annoyed or angry – he knew everything about her past and didn’t care. She helped him succeed while he helped her – together they’re more powerful than they ever could be apart.

What I disliked: Her parents were the worst – and although there ends up being reconciliation, they were not contrite.

Genre: Finding oneself, open door (1 scene), celebrity.

Rating & Recommendation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and definitely. It releases on May 2nd, 2023.