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Playing With My Heart Strings

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The Bachelor meets The Voice in this new romantic comedy, from the author of THE ROAD AND THE RODEO series, in which a country music superstar and a publicist for a TV production company are both forced to star on a reality dating show to save their careers.

Dusty Wilder is Nashville and country music’s latest heartthrob. But when his label realizes his music isn’t hitting the charts like they need it to, they hit him with an ultimatum: Star on the new reality TV show Heart Strings to find love and a new partner to tour with, or leave country music altogether. Dusty has never agreed with the label’s decisions, but now he’s got nothing to gain and everything to lose.

Baylor Sommerfeld always thought a degree in public relations would lead to bigger and better careers than reality TV. All she wants is to lay low and grind her way to Capitol Hill. But the night before filming is set to begin, a drunken mistake causes a video to go viral, and the only way for her to keep her job is to join Heart Strings as a contestant vying for Dusty Wilder’s heart.

Neither Dusty nor Baylor want this. After all, love is just a performance to them both. But when lines blur and real feelings can no longer be ignored, it becomes hard to separate reality from reality TV.

With their careers on the line, what are they willing to risk? Can they dig into the deepest parts of their hearts together, or will this game they’re playing cost them everything?

358 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 21, 2025

30 people are currently reading
606 people want to read

About the author

H.K. Green

4 books145 followers
H.K. Green is a contemporary romance author based out of Montana writing raw, emotional stories that will break your heart then put it back together.

Inspired by real-life, relatable challenges, her books feature found families, a healthy dose of sarcastic banter and emotional angst, strong female leads, and the men who'll do anything to give them the world.

When she's not writing, she can be found curling up with all kinds of books, hanging out with her rescue animals, going to rodeos or her family's farm and ranch, and spending time with her real-life book boyfriend.

You can connect with H.K. Green on social media @authorhkgreen.

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5 stars
104 (39%)
4 stars
122 (46%)
3 stars
30 (11%)
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4 (1%)
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4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
Profile Image for Lyn.
218 reviews16 followers
July 31, 2025
I absolutely LOVED this. This was so fun and exciting to read. The chaos of reality TV and country music. He FALLS FIRST and is so down bad on his knees 😮‍💨

The flow of this took me by surprise. I wanted to pace myself and ease into it but I refused to put it down. “One more chapter” turned into falling asleep at 3am because I couldn’t get enough 🤭 I look forward to reading more of H.K. Green’s books. I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style.

💌 Thank you H.K Green for the eARC! ♡
Profile Image for H.K. Green.
Author 4 books145 followers
Read
July 17, 2025
Hi! This is the one and only time I’ll be here to drop the tropes and content tags/triggers for PLAYING WITH MY HEART STRINGS. This book is so special to me, so if you choose to read I hope you love Dusty, Baylor, and the world of Heart Strings.

Tropes:

- Reality dating/competition show (The Bachelor x The Voice)
- Country singer MMC x Publicist turned contestant FMC
- Set in Nashville
- Country music references
- Hidden identity
- Secret dates
- Forced proximity
- He falls first
- Open door spice

Content/Triggers:

- The book takes place on a dating show similar to the Bachelor so the MMC is dating multiple women at once. Other than two occurrences of on-camera kissing, there is no explicit sexual content with anyone other than the FMC.
- Alcohol consumption
- Manipulation
- Sexual content and explicit language

Happy reading!
Profile Image for The Sewist's Bookshelf .
397 reviews71 followers
July 5, 2025
⭐4
🌶️3
🥵 Spicy chapters: 21, 24, 28, 31, 33, 40, epilogue
📚 Tropes/Themes: Dating show, country singer mmc, publicist FMC, he falls first and harder
👀 Dual POV 1st person
💬 This was such a good book! I was never a huge reality show watcher (I've only ever watched one season of More To Love and a few of Project Runway lol) but I really enjoyed this, it was so cute. It's a charming and sweet romcom with a refreshingly unique plot.

The confessional chapters were great and honestly I got so sucked in that I felt like I was really there watching the show. Baylor and Dusty had such great chemistry and when the spice hit oh man it was spicing 🥵 Dusty you have a very dirty mouth young man 🫦

I also genuinely went back and forth on who he would pick. Green's writing had me on the edge of my seat while reading trying to guess.

I wish the references to 90s country had included actual references as opposed to just a vague mention though. I grew up in the 80s/90s listening to country but stopped so I didn't get the 00's+ references lol.

I also wish there had been a little more to Aspen's character and that the third act drama had a little more oomph to it. I never totally latched onto the main dilemma in the book, namely how Baylor made it onto the show and the secrets she had to keep so when it all came to a head it was less... impactful I guess.
Profile Image for Tinkerbell  Nolan.
219 reviews2 followers
June 30, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🔥 1.5/3 spice

This was such a fun, light read. I loved the reality TV show vibe, especially the little confessional parts – they made it feel like I was actually watching it unfold. The writing style was good, and the smutty scenes were definitely enjoyable without being too over the top.

There was a plot twist, which was great, but I wish it had more impact. I feel like Aspen’s backstory could’ve been explored more to really make that moment hit harder. Overall though, I enjoyed it as an ARC read. It was easy to read, entertaining, and had a good mix of romance and spice.
Profile Image for maddie.
108 reviews18 followers
July 21, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

✨Huge thank you to H. K. Green and her team for sending me an ARC of Playing With My Heart Strings!✨

Okay. THIS. BOOK. I’ve been waiting for a story like this for what feels like forever and it absolutely delivered the vibes I hoped for. I’m talkin’ country music, reality TV chaos, a reluctant heartthrob, and one surprise wildcard girl who throws everything off balance in the best way. It was giving The Bachelor meets Daisy Jones energy with a side of tension and stage lights, and I was eating it up.

First off, the concept? So fun. So original. It felt like a refreshing spin on the usual romance format—I mean, a dating competition show with live performances and fan voting? Say less. The setup alone had me hooked, and it had that perfect "binge-able Netflix show" pacing where you keep saying “just one more chapter” until suddenly it’s 2am and you’re screaming into your pillow.

The story definitely moves fast (I mean, it kind of has to when there’s a whole TV show playing out), but I appreciated how the author shared the wealth. There were moments with the contestants that felt juicy and dramatic, but never so much that it distracted from the main romance. If anything, it gave it more tension, more stakes, and that feeling of “they shouldn't be falling for each other but omg they are.”

Was it a little cheesy sometimes? Yeah. But like, in the way rom-coms are cheesy—you kind of want it to be. It matched the glitzy drama of the dating show environment, and honestly, it made it feel more immersive. Like I was watching the show with the characters, yelling at the TV and rooting for them to kiss already.

And don’t even get me started on the spice. Let’s just say...this book understood the assignment. The chemistry was 🔥, and when things finally start heating up? I was kicking my feet like a fangirl. Flirty, intense, and exactly the kind of payoff I wanted.

If you’re a sucker for messy televised romance, country charm, secret pining, and heroines who accidentally steal the spotlight (and maybe the lead’s heart), then run—don’t walk—for this one. It’s fun. It’s different. And it’s one of those books you’ll want to gush about the second you finish.
Profile Image for Inês Mina.
3 reviews
June 25, 2025
ARC Review

This book was such a light read, i totally devoured it in one sitting and didn’t even notice time passing. I really wish it had been longer because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Dusty and Baylor. I wanted to know more about them....

The concept of The Country Bachelor? So fun and chaotic in the best way. And listen… there was one character I found myself absolutely hating (Aspen cof cof)

Honestly? If Heart Strings were a real show, I’d be watching it every single week
Profile Image for keona.
268 reviews18 followers
Read
May 8, 2025
will be reviewing this book closer to release, but let me just say...this book NEEDS to be on your radar!! seriously, i ate it up!
Profile Image for Amy Rushby.
12 reviews3 followers
July 15, 2025
Dusty Wilder’s a hot shot country singer with hopes of producing his own music and breaking free from the current stigma surrounding him. When dusty’s label decide he’s not pulling his weight enough he’s faced with a dilemma : To be the star of a brand new reality tv show or find another label to work with. Heart strings is a new dating/ talent show in which contestants must compete to capture Dusty’s heart on and off the stage. Each week contestants must compete in challenges and attend dates with Dusty in hopes of building a connection strong enough to avoid elimination. It just so happens that one contestant has a secret that could destroy everything! Will jealousy and rivalry lead to heartbreak?

I devoured this book well and truly from start to finish! It was such an easy yet captivating read. Having Dusty and the contestants under go confessionals really added to the story. This book also features a whole lot of spice which always helps to keep things interesting. I was selected to read this book as an ARC and I’m incredibly grateful! I shall look forward to reading more by H.K Green! For me this was a 5 star read and I would defiantly recommend this book if your vibe is reality tv.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Allison •  Alli’s Fairy Tales.
233 reviews16 followers
Currently reading
June 20, 2025
Yay!!!! I’m so excited for this!
Thanks for picking me to be an ARC Reader!
Absolutely adore your writing and plots 🫶🏽
Profile Image for Jasmine Petznick Wright.
27 reviews
June 26, 2025
I was locked in the second I saw the provided playlist.
Dancing with our hands tied, 15 minutes, slow dancing in a burning room, She knows, AND linger? Yes to all of it!

I read about 10% went to bed and then literally stayed up until 1:30am to finish the next day. Apologies in advance if typos because ya girl is tired but what a journey.
I always joke that you know your reading a good romance if your kicking your feet and all giddy like your falling in love and I was falling in love with Dusty from their first kiss! Obviously not as fast as Dusty was falling in love with our girl B!

Also, a shout out to the girls who favorite color is orange? and yes, it’s not common but it’s a beautiful color.

I feel complete after reading the story but also like I want more of them. When I finished I couldn’t believe it was over?
Guess I have to go read all the other works, but definitely going to be a reread.

Also I don’t think I have read a book where the author includes a spice skip guide and thought it was truly thoughtful and a great addition to someone who might want to go without, (I couldn’t because wow is it hot in here) but so thoughtful for me it earned 5 stars alone for that.
Profile Image for Nicole Quigley.
172 reviews1 follower
July 9, 2025
ARC review; publishing July 21st 🎉

As a huge fan of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, I knew I had to get my hands on this book and let me tell you, it was an absolute blast from start to finish!

Playing with My Heart Strings kicks off with Dusty Wilder, a rising country music star who’s under serious pressure from his label to deliver another Top 100 hit. But he’s dropped with a massive bomb; they’re convinced he can’t do it on his own. The solution? A full blown dating reality show, Heart Strings, where Dusty dates ten women and writes music with them. Yes, it’s Bachelor meets Nashville, and it’s just as steamy, dramatic and chaotic as it sounds.

YOU GUYS! I absolutely devoured this book!! I couldn’t put it down. Like, full on abandoned all responsibilities and read it in one sitting. The banter between the girls had me cry laughing, along with the confessionals😂 Those chapters had me laughing at loud the entire time. And Dusty’s inner thoughts? So hilarious and so relatable. I’m actually obsessed with how perfectly this mirrored The Bachelor, in the best, most chaotic way. If you’re a fan of drama and laugh out loud moments, this is your next must read!

Profile Image for Christine Heinen.
431 reviews3 followers
July 21, 2025
5/5 ⭐️

you’ll never convince me this book wasn’t written for me specifically. it was perfect. so so so much fun. think the bachelor: listen to your heart but 100x better. dusty and baylors chemistry was through the roof, so much fun banter and lots of spice!

some tropes include
•country artist
•dating show
•he falls first (and hard!)
•dual pov

the confessional chapters were a lot of fun. i truly felt like i was watching this book.

i was surprised there wasn’t more aspen drama, especially in the third act, but i’m also ok with that! didn’t need it dragged on

thank you SO MUCH HK Green for allowing me an early opportunity to read this book. you’re an immediate buy author based on this and i’m so excited to read what’s coming next 🩷
Profile Image for Nicola Frasier.
60 reviews
July 22, 2025
Got an ARC and voluntarily leaving a review. A fun, unique, easy read with concept that was 5/5! I loved the Bachelor x country rockstar concept which truly delivered. All the female contestants and the friendships between them was so sweet which really made this book for me. Especially Sage and Katherine who were so kind and caring. The only downfall was I felt like everything was very surface level. I feel like all the dates kept us from getting deep into the FMC and MMC and I just didn’t connect with them. The romance was great at times, but I wasn’t excited for it. Just “aw cute”. Im more of an all consuming romance kinda gal but that’s just me. If you’re looking for something unique and fun then this is for you!
Profile Image for Devon.
25 reviews
June 28, 2025
ARC Review

This was a pretty fun and easy read! I really liked and enjoyed the concept of the dating show in combination with the music, and the writing style was super easy to get into. I have to be honest; most of the plot I predicted beforehand, but that also made it for a pretty comfy read.

I did have some trouble really getting into the bond Baylor and Dusty share; it wasn't until the second half of the book until I could really tell how well they vibed, where as before that it was told rather than shown. But at the end I really liked them together.

I appreciate how the author has prepared a closed door guide for those who aren't into the spicy scenes and a setlist of all the songs to get into the country mood!

All in all, a solid 3 stars from me!
Profile Image for Giuly.
62 reviews4 followers
July 12, 2025
3.5⭐

Forever grateful to be part of the author's arc team because her books NEVER disappoint. I'm not gonna lie, it took me a while to finish it because -not counting how busy I am right now- at first I couldn't really see the connection between Baylor and Dusty but once I reached 50% of the book it all started making more sense. The concept of the reality show is very original in my opinion and it's one of the things I enjoyed the most along with the kind of "plot twist" that happens by the end of the novel. Overall it was a nice, enjoyable read perfect for the summertime!
Profile Image for Erika.
23 reviews2 followers
July 21, 2025
Playing With My Heart Strings by H.K. Green hits all the right notes.

I was fortunate enough to be selected for H.K.s Street Team and sent an e-ARC for review. I have really enjoyed her work- the Road and the Rodeo series was my go-to Yellowstone read-along! Playing With My Heart Strings is no exception. Join Baylor and Dusty on the set of the latest realty show- Heart Strings- it's the Bachelor meets The Voice with a twist (and a few turns)!

Dusty loves his solo career but his agency feels otherwise and gives him the ultimate ultimatum. Play the dreamy MMC in search of a partner (romantic and on stage) on the reality show...or get out.

Baylor is set on focusing on her career goals. Until her career is put on the line when a drunken karaoke set hits social media. Her viral vocals immediately make her America's "fan favorite" and she gets her own ultimatum- join the show vying for Dustys heart (without being exposed) ... or get out.

What will happen when the cameras start rolling... and better question: what happens when the cameras cut?

I am not a Bachelor TV girly but I really enjoyed the unique aspect with the added twist of the band. I thought she did a great job introducing us to the other contestants and seeing some of the behind the scenes on these shows. I also loved the inclusion of the b-roll interviews- such a good idea and way to move the story along without having a lot of dialogue.

I love the way these characters are written- the honesty, the rough edges, and soft centers. You will find yourself heavy sighing and blushing with every other chapter- it's the H.K. way!
Profile Image for s.elle.books.
427 reviews7 followers
July 21, 2025
I'd watch this!!

Okay, I haven't been into reality TV for years, but this book had me hooked. I can honestly say I would have eaten it all up as a TV show!!
The characters manage to share so much depth, and I absolutely loved their connection, their vulnerability, and their sneaking around!!

Do you love country music? Do you love a little drama? This book is absolutely for you. Highly recommend!! 4.5⭐ rounded up!!
Profile Image for Aelin Sage.
166 reviews1 follower
July 20, 2025
This was such a fun story! I normally don’t watch shows like The Bachelor so I am not sure on accuracy but the reality tv aspects felt spot on and entertaining. Dusty and Baylor complement each other really well. The story is a bit predictable but still enjoyable. I loved the ending. Couldn’t put it down once I started.
Profile Image for Cali  Galla.
144 reviews
July 1, 2025
That was such a fun read! I had no idea what the book was going to be about when I started reading, but I loved it! Baylor and Dusty’s story will be pulling on your heart strings throughout the whole story!
Profile Image for Nicole Holdaway.
177 reviews
August 3, 2025
As a SUCKER for all things reality dating… this book knocked it out of the park! I couldn’t put it down… the drama had me hooked, line & sinker! The sneaking around had me squealing like a school girl! I love this book!!! 🧡
Profile Image for Erika.
14 reviews3 followers
August 13, 2025
I was lucky enough to be chosen as an arc reader! This was my first book I’ve read from H.K. Green and it was a great one to start with.

This is a perfect book if you like reality shows, forbidden love, and even country music. It had the perfect blend of spice and romance. Dusty and Baylor have a sweet romance set within an interesting plot. I enjoyed the reality dating show/singing competition as a plot device.

Highly recommend this book as a new take on romance tropes!
Profile Image for C B.
224 reviews18 followers
July 20, 2025
Simple fun, light hearted read. I enjoyed it. The beginning was difficult to see the vibe with Dusty and Baylor but it all came together. I did like the bachelor dating show premise of it.
Profile Image for Booklover.
152 reviews
July 23, 2025
book was cute but plot was moving way too fast
it went from 0 to 100 way too fast
Profile Image for Rebecca.
99 reviews1 follower
August 3, 2025
This was such a fun book! It had me giggling and smiling throughout. The writing was engaging and the characters really stood out. The MMC reminded me of George Straight in Pure Country!
Profile Image for Sarah.
154 reviews4 followers
August 5, 2025
Thank you to the author for the eARC!

if you’re looking for a light, sweet, bachelor-esque romance, this is perfect. It is pretty surface level, with some sweet relationships, almost insta lust/love, fun reality show setting.

If you like country music and “dirty talk”, this is for you.
Profile Image for frombooktoaesthetic.
131 reviews38 followers
July 14, 2025
as soon as I read the blurb, I knew I IMMEDIATELY had to pick it up and I wasn't left dissapointed. this was honestly such a fun read. I could literally hear I can see you by taylor swift playing the entire time I was reading.

includes:
✿ he falls first
✿ hidden identity
✿ forced proximity
✿ reality tv show

baylor sommerfeld works for the studio that is putting on the show. when a viral video airs of her singing, she goes from helping in the pr department to being a contestant on the show. the fact she works for the studio needs to remain a secret if she wants to keep her job. what no one expects, is the connection baylor and dusty wilder make.

as baylor and dusty's relationship progresses, you are just on the edge to see if they're going to get caught. their secret redenevous? HOT HOT HOT.

the author did such a good job of writing this book to make it feel like you were truly watching a reality tv competition happening. the confessionals? I loved them. seeing his dates with other contestants and the music aspect was honestly really cool.

this was the first book I read of this author and I honestly will pick up more of their work!

thank you so much to the author for an arc of this book <3


Profile Image for Season Pizzey.
69 reviews2 followers
July 21, 2025
This book had the best of so many worlds! Reality TV, whether you like shows like The Voice, or The Bacherlor and then romance mixed in. And yes, I added that because I don’t believe the stuff I see on TV haha

I’m actually not one to normally watch reality tv but I ate this book up. The banter between FMC and MMC was phenomenal, the drama amongst the contestants was highly entertaining, and the bonds that were formed was wholesome. There were moments I found myself picking my jaw up off the floor between some twists but also some unexpected (but very welcomed) spicy scenes!
Profile Image for Samantha English.
201 reviews
August 22, 2025
DNF…. Just trying to hard, I don’t like MMC going back & forth between the girls. I have no idea what’s going on in FMC head half the time
Just couldn’t do it
Profile Image for Angelica Darby.
55 reviews1 follower
July 16, 2025
Fun, easy read!
PERFECT for fans of The Bachelor. Honestly if you’re a diehard fan you’ll love this, it reads just like the series!
I really liked Baylor, she knew what she wanted, and although she was thrown into “the show”, she still held her own well. I wasn’t sure initially how to feel about Dusty, but he came through, and was much softer as the chapters went on.
Thank you to H K Green for the ARC!!
Profile Image for Delaney.
208 reviews8 followers
April 16, 2025
omg, I’m in love. & everyone else is going to be in love.

HK Green did the damn thing with this one 🤠🤠
Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews

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