Book Smart Kate

Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Spice: 🌶️

by JoAnna Illingworth (July 16, 2024) Many thanks to JoAnna for the opportunity to read her book that is out this week!!

Music has always been part of Penny Lovejoy’s life. Her last name is a legacy in the music industry. Penny moved to Nashville to make it on her terms and talent, not trading on her family pedigree. She is making ends meet with her coffee shop job and some small gigs when she gets a big break…the band Sparrow is holding a contest for an unknown, unsigned artist to become their opening act on tour. There are, however, a few problems – (1) her dad was an original member of Sparrow and had a huge falling out with the band, (2) Kick (the mysterious guy she shared an epic kiss with a few weeks ago) is also one of the finalists. When the band picks them both to open for them, Penny is simultaneously living her dream while also using the name Mari Gold to hide her identity, going viral for a karaoke duet, sharing a tour bus with a vampire movie-obsessed band, falling hard for her musical rival, and rethinking her dreams for the future.

I had such a blast reading this book, following along as Mari and Kick realize they are in way over their heads on the tour and then lift themselves up together. Their slow-burn journey from rivals to friends to partners to lovers felt very organic as they slowly shared the truths about what drives them. Along the way, they both learn who they can trust and come into their own as artists, a journey that readers will find themselves deeply invested in. The found family (particularly best friend Cass) and camaraderie add extra tenderness to the book while whacky things like karaoke with a Chuck E Cheese-esque animatronic band, pinball competitions, and spontaneous tattoos add to its quirky charm. It balanced tenderness and wacky moments and is ultimately a fun, funny, feel-good read.

What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?