Review: Dirty Little Secret

Dirty Little Secret ARC
by Jennifer Echols
YA Contemporary Romance
July 16th 2013 by MTV Books


Goodreads summary:
From the author of the “real page-turner” (Seventeen) Such a Rush comes an unforgettable new drama that follows friends-turned-lovers as they navigate the passions, heartbreaks, and intrigue of country music fame.

Bailey wasn’t always a wild child and the black sheep of her family. She used to play fiddle and tour the music circuit with her sister, Julie, who sang and played guitar. That ended when country music execs swooped in and signed Julie to a solo deal. Never mind that Julie and Bailey were a duet, or that Bailey was their songwriter. The music scouts wanted only Julie, and their parents were content to sit by and let her fulfill her dreams while Bailey’s were hushed away.

Bailey has tried to numb the pain and disappointment over what could have been. And as Julie’s debut album is set to hit the charts, her parents get fed up with Bailey’s antics and ship her off to granddad’s house in Nashville. Playing fiddle in washed-up tribute groups at the mall, Bailey meets Sam, a handsome and oh-so-persuasive guitarist with his own band. He knows Bailey’s fiddle playing is just the thing his band needs to break into the industry. But this life has broken Bailey’s heart once before. She isn’t sure she’s ready to let Sam take her there again...


What I thought:
What to say? I love music. All my siblings play the piano, my mom sang in college, and my dad plays the guitar. I grew up wanting to sing, but never really did, and ended up majoring in music my freshman year of college. I haven't done a lot with it lately, but the love is definitely still there. I really loved the setting of this story. I loved how Bailey has a song journal, which I can actually relate to a little since I had one too when I was younger. Mine was definitely not even close to as good as hers. My biggest disappointment with the book would have to be the sexual content and that Sam is a little pushy with trying to make it in the industry, although I get it. Let me move on...

Characters. They were actually all great. I didn't love the drummer, but she felt real. I loved Ace. He was probably one of my favorite characters. I loved Bailey - even though I really wanted her to stand up for herself more with her family. What a crappy situation they put her in. I think it even upset me more because I'm a mom and that to me is just so wrong. The poor girl should have been doused with extra love not ostracized. The grandfather is fun, although you don't see him a ton, but he's supportive for the most part. Then there's Sam. He is so, so charming, fun, talented, complicated, and good looking. He made me pretty mad in a few spots, but I was still hoping things would work out.

The plot is a little bit of a roller-coaster. Not that I didn't expect that a little with the type of book it is and the setting. The author did a great job pulling me in and getting me invested in the characters and what would happen. The writing style was smooth, which made it easy to read. I wasn't sure what the ending would be. It was a little tough getting there, but I was happy that it wasn't just a nicely closed up ending. It made it feel realistic and had some grit.

Overall, if you like this genre, then I would definitely recommend picking this up if you don't mind the content.

Content: Some language, one instance of non-descriptive sex and descriptive making out.
Source: ARC from NetGalley
 
  
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I know I've seen quite a few reviews up for this lately since it did just get published. Have you read it or are you planning too?







Disclosure: This review is of a book I was given for free by an author, tour host, or publisher, or through NetGalley or Edelweiss. This in no way influences the opinions shared in my review. You may see my complete policy on the sidebar and on my policies page. This post also contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase of any type using these links, I receive a small kickback.

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