Before I give it a go with my platinum review for this to-be-released gem by Erin Hahn, first, I would like to say thanks to NetGalley and to St. Martin’s Press of MacMillan Corporate for giving me a copy of unedited digital galley to read in exchange for an honest review. This means the world to international reviewers like me — without further ado, here’s my review for this debut novel by Erin Hahn.

If I will to go on my usual review process then I should be pointing out the flaws in this book first but honestly, You’d Be Mine is flawless (except for some unwanted punctuation here and there since I have an unedited copy so that’s okay!) Basically, this is for the readers who want to venture in a romantic adventure with extra scoops of country music and cleverly crafted plot that will surely bring you back to your teenage days of puppy love and self-discovery. I’ll say this again before I forgot but You’d Be Mine is flawlessly amazing.

This debut novel by Erin Hahn revolve on the story of Jefferson Clay Coolidge, a prominent superstar from Indiana, who, after being caught in an anomaly with his recording label’s company owner’s grandson, found himself in the brink of losing his contract with the studio, his country-wide tour series, and his reputation as the next face of country music with a ‘bad boy’ attitude. With this, the company made a last-minute deal with Clay stating that the only thing that can save everything he have is to convince Annie Mathers, a Michigan-raised teen who made names in the music’s scene after following the steps of her parents who are both legends in country music, and her band named Under the Willows to sign a contract with the SunCoast Agency to be Clay’s opening act during his tour series. Clay, being the confident bad boy that he is, sought Annie Mathers’ approval and eventually got her coveted signature after visiting Annie in Michigan. Little did Annie and Clay know that the universe has a lot to offer to them. As a matter of fact, country music fans started dubbing the two of them as the modern June and Johnny Cash.

However, things haven’t been easy for the two of them since they both own dark backstories with Annie being caught up within the realms of her parents’ tragic death while Clay still mourns for the passing of his soldier brother. This issues, nonetheless, made their tour stops a bit of a roller coaster ride revealing the good and bad sides of their characters. With the help of their friends and bandmates, Kacey and Jason of Under the Willows and his bestfriend Fitz, Annie and Clay brave the storm that hinders their trudge towards their own definition of success and, in the end, manage to give an astonishing duet performance that will surely leave the readers slack jawed and nothing to say.

Aside from the romantic stuff between Clay and Annie that is highlighted in the book, a lot of things that will surely make readers fall in love with this read are also included. Like country music playlist ranging from the good ‘ol days Johnny and June, Kenny Rogers, and Dolly Parton, up to the new releases from both Clay and Annie— You’d Be Mine is full of awesome tracks that are great accompaniment while reading. I love how Erin Hahn incorporated a lot of good songs (which are all Hahn’s original since she’s the one who wrote it for Clay and Annie) and my ears are begging for these tracks to be finally made into a complete song piece so I can actually hear the melody of Coattails and You’d Be Mine.

Another good thing that made me hooked on this read is the feel-good vibe it radiates off to its readers. Both Clay Coolidge and Annie Mathers’ presence when they hit it on the stage gave me that actual feels of being part of the crowd where they are performing during the tour. I like the overall atmosphere of this book and it’s a light, feel-good read with a clever take on teenage romance sprinkled with a whole lot of country music goodness.

Overall, I can say that Erin Hahn did an amazing job with this debut book of hers and if you are looking for a light contemporary romantic read with a dazzle of music and tween love, then You’d Be Mine will surely fit in your TBR pile. Take it from me, You’d Be Mine is a sure 5-star read for you. Happy reading!


BEST QUOTE/S:

“I’m not her. I’m not running after any cocky cowboys. I’m going into this with my head on straight. I know what fame can do to a girl, and I know what love can take away.”

“So, she sings like an angel, plays like the devil, pitches championships, and slays amusement park games. Is there anything you can’t do?”

“I do love it, more than anything. That’s what scares me. I know it’s hard to understand, and I don’t think I really get it myself, but it’s like music is tied to everything happy and awful in my life. All my highs and all my lows.”

“Some nights the whiskey ain’t enough—
Nights after days spent with you
Tonight the whiskey ain’t gonna be enough—
I only wanna send my days with you”

“This is just like the free space on aa bingo card. Nothing counts as real today. I’m not me today.”

“That’s the glorious thing about music. It speaks to the very heart of things in the most absolute and obtrusive way.”

“Sometimes you write something you know is meant to be shared. It’s something I can’t possibly say, but something that must be said anyway.”