Review: Jesse's Girl by Miranda Kenneally

Jesse's Girl by Miranda Kenneally
Publication date: Jul. 7, 2015
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Category: Young Adult - Contemporary
Source: Received ARC via Netgalley (Thanks!)
Summary: 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? (greads.com)

The Good

Can I just say that we never had any career or mentoring days at my high school but if we did, I would definitely want a day like Maya’s. When she says she wants to be a rock star, the last thing she expected was to shadow one. Or in this case, a country star by the name of Jesse Scott, who happens to be Nashville’s biggest teen idol. When they meet, antagonistic sparks fly but she can’t deny that he’s talented nor can he deny that he’s intrigued by the way she treats him (like a normal person). Their day together turns into something neither of them expected and I absolutely enjoyed being along for the ride (and the swoons).

Maya is at a bit of crossroads musically. She can play the guitar and she can sing but she’s never felt good enough to do so on her own. She much rather prefer to be a part of something bigger, whether it’s a band or even choir. She’s even willing to play music she doesn’t love as long as she gets to play. I loved this determination to have music in her life. So when the band she’s a part of (which includes the guy she was dating and who abruptly broke up with her like a jerk) decide she’s not a good fit anymore, she doesn’t know how to move forward. This is where her day with Jesse makes a huge difference. Despite his reputation, he’s dealing with personal issues of his own and wondering where his place in the music business is, even though he is so, so passionate about what he does. From the get-go, he listens to way Maya plays and sings. He pushes her to be better and believes she can make it on her own. And vice-versa, she gives him the normalcy and honesty he’s been desperately craving in his life. I really felt they became friends despite the obvious romantic tension. And Maya even introduces him to her friends (who I loved!) which was new for him. From start to finish, the book was fun and heartwarming as these two struggle to find their place in the music world and in each other’s.

(Also I had to mention that two previous Hundred Oaks characters play a role in this book and their presence was a nice reminder of how far this series has come! Plus I just love the cameos!)

(No) reservations

I really didn’t have any although I wanted more. But in a good way! I seriously flew through the book so fast and I didn’t want my time with Maya and Jesse to be over.

Do I recommend?

Yes! When I pick up a Miranda Kenneally book, I pretty much have no doubts that I'll enjoy it. This series is one of my favorites and I can’t wait for the next one!