Jesse's Girl by Miranda Kenneally Series: Hundred Oaks, #6
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Release Date: July 7th, 2015
Genres: YA, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 304
Source: For tour
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Practice makes perfect.
Everyone at Hundred Oaks High knows that career mentoring day is a joke. So when Maya Henry said she wanted to be a rock star, she never imagined she’d get to shadow *the* Jesse Scott, Nashville’s teen idol.
But spending the day with Jesse is far from a dream come true. He’s as gorgeous as his music, but seeing all that he’s accomplished is just a reminder of everything Maya’s lost: her trust, her boyfriend, their band, and any chance to play the music she craves. Not to mention that Jesse’s pushy and opinionated. He made it on his own, and he thinks Maya’s playing back up to other people’s dreams. Does she have what it takes to follow her heart—and go solo?
Thanks Xpresso Book Tours for hosting this tour! Click here for the rest of the tour.
Miranda Kenneally’s Hundred Oaks is one of those super cute, swoon-worthy contemporaries that you can pick up at any point in the series, and love them just as much as the next person. For me, I started reading her books since Racing Savannah (book 4) and this book, Jesse’s Girl is undoubtedly my favourite one up to date. While the first 5 books have all been about sports, this one is different in the sense that the two leads are musicians.
Things that I loved about Jesse’s Girl:
1. A strong-willed female main character. In another world, Maya could have totally been my best friend. She’s a really quirky girl who dresses like in the eighties, and really values trust and loyalty in a relationship of any sort. I loved her passion for music, it was definitely one of the first things that struck me about her. She may be lacking in self-confidence, especially after finding out that her crush actually never liked her back and that the band she created no longer wanted her as lead guitar, but I loved her strong-will and clear vision of pursuing music as a career by herself, and not by using her new relationship with Jesse, big time musician, as a handicap to get her there. Saying that I admire her is one helluva understatement.
2. Greatest family dynamic ever! If I were to ever list my top ten favourite family relationships, Maya’s family would definitely be on that list. Family plays a huge role in this book and it seriously just had a lot of feels from it. I love how warm and supportive Maya’s family is, and how every one can argue with each other but you can still see how much love they have for each other. THINKING OF IT JUST MAKES ME SQUEEE AND HUG MY KINDLE. Also: Maya’s older brother is actually Sam, one of the main characters from Catching Jordan, so fans of the first book will surely be over the moon. I found it seriously amusing and adorable how protective Sam was over Maya. BROTHER OF THE YEAR, PEOPLE.
3. One cute as heck romance with witty banter. I’ve always had a love to hate relationship with celebrity/normal person romances because they can be melodramatic as fuck. Thank God that’s not the case here because I am so. done. with that kind of drama. That is not to say that there aren’t instances where for example, Jesse thinks that Maya is using him to get to her dream as a musician – but it’s never as full blown or ridiculous as some books can portray it. Their relationship is healthy, realistic and also sex-positive which is always another huuuge plus.
4. YAY LGBTQ characters! There are some LGBTQ+ supporting roles in this novel which are so cute. I totally ship, Maya’s best friend, Dave with Xander. THEY ARE SO CUUUUUTE. There are also nods towards other LGBTQ+ people as well, so THANK YOU Kenneally for all ze diversity!
My only gripe is that I felt like I predicted most things that were going to happen in this novel from the very beginning, but in the end, it’s not a huge deal for me because of how brilliant all the other components were.
Miranda Kenneally’s contemporaries are the ultimate reads for the summer, and Jesse’s Girl is no exception with it’s amazing cast of people.
~Thank you Sourcebooks Fire for the review copy!~
Giveaway
About Miranda Kenneally
Growing up in Tennessee, Miranda Kenneally dreamed of becoming an Atlanta Brave, a country singer (cliché!), or a UN interpreter. Instead she writes, and works for the State Department in Washington, D.C., where George W. Bush once used her shoulder as an armrest. Miranda loves Twitter, Star Trek and her husband.
Melanie
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I don’t know why I haven’t started this series yet. They sound like the perfect fluff books to read in between study and heavier fantasies. Racing Savannah sounds especially appealing to me because HORSES
Bec @ Readers in Wonderland recently posted…A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas
Yes I really liked Racing Savannah! You MUST pick up this series stat xD
I kind of start to feel ashamed for not having read any of her books yet. xD
Bieke @ Istyria book blog recently posted…{Mirror Mirror} Back From Summer Break
YOU SHOULD BE *gives you look of shame* 😛
This book and the rest of the series sound adorable! I totally need to get on it and start them! Great review!
Grace @ Rebel Mommy Book Blog recently posted…Blog Tour ~ Faking Perfect
Thanks, Grace! IT TRULY IS ONE OF THE FLUFFIEST SERIES OF EVER.
Lovely review, lady! Wasn’t this book just the cutest? I loved Maya and Jesse together – they had so much fun, and they had me smiling like crazy. And I enjoyed the family dynamics too.
Can’t wait for Miranda’s next!
Danielle @ Love at First Page recently posted…Summer of Series: Alyxandra Harvey Interview + Giveaway!
Thank you, dear <33 Yes this book honesty... SO MANY FEELS.
AHHHH I need to catch up with this series! I’ve only read Catching Jordan but I really enjoyed it so I’m looking forward to the characters’ cameo appearance xD Awesome review, Melanie!! ^^
Kezia recently posted…When romance clouds my judgment
Yes, you clearly have some catching up to do, woman! xD Thanks, Kezia <3
I feel that most contemporary romances are a bit predictable, but I usually don’t mind as long as they are well written. and this one sure sounds like it is. I have ehard of this series quite regulary and especially have seen reviews for the older books in this serie,s but that’s good to know you can read them out of order. The romance sounds so well done with the banter and not too much drama. Great review!
Lola recently posted…My To-Be Read List #11: chosen book
Yeah, that does seem to be the general case! But there was a twist in here that I saw coming, so yes. You definitely need to check this one out! Thanks so much, gal <33
Witty banter and everything else sounds pretty awesome
blodeuedd recently posted…#FitReaders: Weekly Check-in July 10 2015 and DNF time
Witty banter is my weakness, honestly <3
I’m so excited to pick this one up, Melanie! I can’t wait to catch up with Sam Henry and Jordan and the romance does sound adorable. Wonderful review, Melanie! 🙂
Rachel recently posted…Blog Tour Review & Giveaway: Chasing River by K.A. Tucker
Yeah, the cameos in this one are strong. Thanks, Rach <33
Ooh this looks like an excellent series that’s totally up my alley! I’m so glad that family played such a key role here and Maya sounds so awesome. Great review Mel 🙂
Thanks, girl! I hope you decide to pick this series up.
Although this one sounds a little typical and predictable, I love how cute the romance sounds and the awesome family dynamics! The diversity sounds great as well. Lovely review Mel! I’ve only heard good things about this series.
Jeann @ Happy Indulgence recently posted…Happy Indulgence Turns 3! Giveaway & my first vlog!
Yeah, I think it was just a really nice fun read. Thanks, Jeann! I def recommend you giving this series a go.
Ok, I would have NEVER guessed that there would be such a strong female protagonist considering that title. I would have deemed this a chick lit or something. Never judge a book by its cover OR title.
Hilary recently posted…How Do You Write?
Yeah, it does sing chick lit, not a huge fan of this title either. But yes, totally awesome MC who is a strong chick!!
I find that contemporaries are often waaaay to predictable for me, which is why I don’t read them often. BUT, this book sounds like it’s written well, and has a diverse range of characters that are realistic and relatable. This is such a huge plus. Lovely review Mel! xx
Joy @ Thoughts By J recently posted…Book Review: The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly by Stephanie Oaks
Yes, some of them are quite predicable! Thanks, Joy! I hope you decide to check this series out.
I’m so glad that you enjoyed this book too Melanie, I certainly enjoyed the move away from sports in this book. And Maya was one of my favourite characters too, I liked how strong she was. Can’t wait to read more by Kenneally soon! 🙂
Jasprit recently posted…Blog Tour Review & Giveaway: Chasing River by K.A. Tucker
Yeah, I wonder what Kenneally will write about next! More music?? I’m curious.
LOVED the witty banter! I loved it all. This was such a great book!! 🙂 I don’t usually go for celebrity stories, but Jesse was so adorable!
Lisa @ Lost in Literature recently posted…Let’s Chat: Something in the Heir by Jenny Gardiner
Right? WITTY BANTER SHOULD BE IN EVERY BOOK THAT EXISTS BECAUSE IT’S THAAAT AWESOME.
I’ve been meaning to check out this author’s books for a while now! You’ve made some great points in the book’s favour – sounds like the perfect feel-good read!
Hannah recently posted…Review: Dumplin’ – Julie Murphy
You certainly need to pick this book up!!
I think the big appeal of this series is probably it’s predictability, you know with the author you’ll end up with a fluff, feel good storyline that usually has that happily ever after we all need sometimes. The only one I’ve read so far has been Catching Jordan, but I’d really enjoyed that. Wonder why she’s made the change from sports based books, now to music *whispers* I’m thinking she ran out of sports.
Wonderful review Mel, might pick up a few of these on Kindle and enjoy them as pleasure reads <3
Kelly recently posted…Molly and Pim and the Millions of Stars
That is true, Kelly! But there was a twist that I saw coming and I don’t think I was meant to see, which was a bit of a bummer. Hahah, my thoughts exactly! I feel like they would’ve gotten repetitive, anyways, so good call on her part!
Thanks, lovely <33
After reading this review, I am absolutely bummed about not having started this series. But this sounds lovely and has pretty much everything I like, except maybe predictability which, like you, I’ll probably be able to forgive. ^_^ Great review, Mel!
Naban recently posted…The new co-bloggers!
You don’t need to start from the very beginning of the series as the story lines aren’t exactly connected! Do pick this series up, Naban! Thanks, hun <33
Sold me on the romance! 🙂
Joy // Joyousreads recently posted…Hoarder, Books Edition: Episode 151
WHOO! xD
I didn’t like this one as I thought I would though, I preferred he book Breathe, Annie, Breathe much better though – atleast one of us enjoyed it. Wonderful review Mel <3
benish recently posted…Mini Reviews #12 ♥ Sugar, Dark Triumph & more.
Aw, I’m sorry that you didn’t like this one as much as you hoped to! I really liked Breathe Annie Breathe as well! It comes a close second out of all her books for me. Thanks, Benish <33
Aw this sounds so cute, I love fluffy contemporaries, they can be so fun when they’re done well. I’ve not heard of this series before, but I’m definitely going to add it to my list! 🙂
Wattle recently posted…Book Review: Paperweight by Meg Haston
YAY, glad to hear that, Wattle! It is one of the cutest reads I’ve come across this year.
Wohoo, I haven’t read this one yet, but I have read Kenneally’s Catching Jordan, and I absolutely loved it! A great family dynamic and strong, real characters seems to be something she’s effortlessly good at. Thanks for the giveaway, and as always, lovely review!
Madiha @ Symphony of Words recently posted…Review: The Winner’s Curse (The Winner’s Trilogy #1) by Marie Rutkoski
If you liked Catching Jordan, surely you’ll like this one too! Thanks, Maddy <33
I am currently reading this and I am enjoying it a lot! I wasn’t so sure about it but Lisa from Lost In Literature hooked me and then gifted me the ebook so why not read it, right? And I’m glad I gave it a chance. And then your review? Amazing!
Genesis @ Latte Nights Reviews recently posted…Latte Nights Obsessions #8
So great to hear, Gen! I hope you love it till the very end. And thank you!
I liked this one too, but I agree, this one was predictable. I wish there had been more of the LBGT characters as well. Still, I am enjoying this series.
Heidi recently posted…Tour Stop: A Batter of Life and Death(Bakeshop Mystery #20 by Ellie Alexander
On the up side, at least there were a few LGBTQ characters!
Another glowing review of this book! I so need to read it! Yea, I’ve heard it was predictable but that the characters were great. Onto the wishlist!
Melissa (Books and Things) recently posted…How I Listen to Audiobooks
Yes, you do! I hope you love it as much as I did, Melissa.
I absolutely love Miranda Kinelley’s books so I have no doubt in my mind that this one is going to be a winner for me. Plus, great romance, great characters and a pretty spot on family dynamic? I’m sold.
Lily recently posted…Finding Audrey: Review
Yes, this book is the perfect summer read! I hope you love it as well, Lily 🙂
The only other Hundred Oaks book I have read was Breathe, Annie, Breathe. I LOVED that one so I really need to check out her other ones.
Cynthia @ Bingeing On Books recently posted…DISCUSSION: I had plans to procrastinate, but then I found something else to do . . .
This one is much more fluffier than Breathe Annie Breathe but just as much fun.
I haven’t read any books in this series yet but I really want to. I own the first book in the series and have an eARC of this and Breathe Annie Breathe, so maybe it’s time that I actually bother to start the series as they sound really good.
Charnell @ Reviews from a Bookworm recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday: Last 10 Books That Came Into My Possession
Ooh yes definitely a good time to start! They’re the perfect summer reads 🙂
Racing Savannah is also the first book I read of the author’s, and Jesse’s Girl will be my next! Witty banter is my absolute favorite, so I have a feeling I’ll really enjoy reading this one. Great review!
Preethi @ Time Turning Reads recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday (#7)
Thanks, Preethi! I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did.
I am all for realistic and well-developed family dynamics and characters – those are two things I absolutely adore in YA. And stubborn and headstrong heroines are some of my favorites. (Juli Baker from Flipped is my absolute favorite). Thanks for sharing this Mel and convincing me to give it a try! ♥
Zoe @ Stories on Stage recently posted…Crimson Bound
YES JULI IS AMAZING. She is incredibly headstrong and will always be one of my favourite characters. So glad to hear that, Zoe <3
AH. EVERYONE’S RAVING ABOUT JESSE’S GIRL. LITERALLY EVERYONE. This actually sounds perfect for me 😛 I’m all in for witty banter in a cute romance – those are my favourite! 😉 A strong-willed female protagonist and the greatest family dynamic ever? I’M SOLD I’M GETTING THIS I DON’T CARE.
And well sometimes contemporary novels can be really predictable, but it doesn’t change the fact that they’re entertaining, so I’m glad you enjoyed this one Mel! 😀
Lovely review! <3
Emily recently posted…Creative Hands – Inspired by Jessica Durrant
It is a book 100% worth raving about. I’m sure you’d love this one, gal!!
Thanks, hun <33
Oh this is so great to know that you can read them from any point in the series. I have one of the books and I’ve been putting off until I could read the others. Yay. Great review, Mel! 🙂
Emma @ Never Judge a Book recently posted…REVIEW – LYING OUT LOUD by Kody Keplinger
Yeah, I really like series like these! Of course, it’s better to read in order for enjoyment purposes but eh, doesn’t really matter. Thanks, Emma <3
Melanie, this sounds like a book I would love. I have a soft spot for celebrity romance and I like when the focus not only on the romance, but also on the family. Great review!
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