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Sing Out #1
Life in a Nowhere Town
An alternate cover edition can be found here.
First kiss, first heartbreak, first love, first time… but not necessarily in that order.
The hit reality show, Singing Sensation, promises to make its winners big stars - but all Conor Gillis wants is to get out of his small town. It's not the sort of place where a quiet, eighteen-year-old who loves the Beatles and playing guitar can expect to fit in.
Conor's also pretty sure he's the only gay person in town.
Well, except for one other person...
Derek Folsom is the kind of bad influence parents warn you about. He's tough, rough, and always looking for a fight. He's the last person anyone would suspect of being gay, in fact he's likely to punch anyone who does suspect it. So why is he suddenly so interested in Conor?
Conor's pinning all his hopes on auditioning for a TV show. It's his only chance to realize his dreams, and escape all of these confusing feelings. But will he be able to find his voice... and his true self?
First kiss, first heartbreak, first love, first time… but not necessarily in that order.
The hit reality show, Singing Sensation, promises to make its winners big stars - but all Conor Gillis wants is to get out of his small town. It's not the sort of place where a quiet, eighteen-year-old who loves the Beatles and playing guitar can expect to fit in.
Conor's also pretty sure he's the only gay person in town.
Well, except for one other person...
Derek Folsom is the kind of bad influence parents warn you about. He's tough, rough, and always looking for a fight. He's the last person anyone would suspect of being gay, in fact he's likely to punch anyone who does suspect it. So why is he suddenly so interested in Conor?
Conor's pinning all his hopes on auditioning for a TV show. It's his only chance to realize his dreams, and escape all of these confusing feelings. But will he be able to find his voice... and his true self?
124 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2016
28 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
About the author
Hanna Dare
22 books114 followersHanna Dare writes what she loves to read: well-written, character-driven stories of men exploring their identities and discovering their own unique kind of happily ever afters… usually through sexytimes. Find Hanna on the internet enjoying pretty pictures, procrastination and caffeinated beverages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 16, 2020
3.5 stars
This isn't a first book in a series so much as one book in (as far as I can tell) three parts. It follows Conor, an 18 year old high-school senior who auditions for a singing competition slash reality show and, while waiting for the results, starts (in)voluntarily hanging out with the local high-school bully and all-around jerk, Derek.
I wasn't sure I was going to like a bully romance (and there are some bullying scenes between the MCs), and I'm still not sure I like it - bullies usually have to do some serious work to become redeemable in my book, and that is yet to happen here.
But I do like Conor, and seeing how the story is from his POV, the focus is more on his coming of age, and the writing is good - I don't mind continuing the series or at least finishing the rest of the installments of this book and seeing where it goes.
This isn't a first book in a series so much as one book in (as far as I can tell) three parts. It follows Conor, an 18 year old high-school senior who auditions for a singing competition slash reality show and, while waiting for the results, starts (in)voluntarily hanging out with the local high-school bully and all-around jerk, Derek.
I wasn't sure I was going to like a bully romance (and there are some bullying scenes between the MCs), and I'm still not sure I like it - bullies usually have to do some serious work to become redeemable in my book, and that is yet to happen here.
But I do like Conor, and seeing how the story is from his POV, the focus is more on his coming of age, and the writing is good - I don't mind continuing the series or at least finishing the rest of the installments of this book and seeing where it goes.
March 10, 2019
Wow! When I read that the story was about a trying out for a reality singing show, I just expected something fun. This was more than fun. Conor and the beginning of this series had more real feels than expected. Can’t wait to start book 2.
January 27, 2020
4.5 stars
February 2, 2020
A touching novella to start a new series.
Conor lives a small life, after his mother's death he and his father and sister are barely getting by (can I just say I find it difficult to wrap my head around the fact that a family can be bankrupted by medical bills when in the UK medical treatment is free), he only has two friends at school and he has no idea what to do with his life when he leaves. Life in a small town can be inhibiting, especially if you are a young gay man.
Then Conor gets a chance to audition for the hit reality show Singing Sensation.
While Conor waits to see if he has made the cut he starts a very unusual relationship with the high school bully - what's that all about?
This short novella gave me all the feels, reminding me of how lonely you can feel as a teenager, how bleak your choices can feel and how people aren't always what they seem. Can't wait to read the next book.
Conor lives a small life, after his mother's death he and his father and sister are barely getting by (can I just say I find it difficult to wrap my head around the fact that a family can be bankrupted by medical bills when in the UK medical treatment is free), he only has two friends at school and he has no idea what to do with his life when he leaves. Life in a small town can be inhibiting, especially if you are a young gay man.
Then Conor gets a chance to audition for the hit reality show Singing Sensation.
While Conor waits to see if he has made the cut he starts a very unusual relationship with the high school bully - what's that all about?
This short novella gave me all the feels, reminding me of how lonely you can feel as a teenager, how bleak your choices can feel and how people aren't always what they seem. Can't wait to read the next book.
January 26, 2020
Reread January 20 - still a lot of fun!
Original review:
I really loved this story about Connor who lives in a small town and dreams about seeing the world or at least getting out of town for once.
When an American Idol like reality show holds auditions in the neighborhood this might just be his chance, even if he never watched "singing sensation" in the past and always made fun about his sister who is a big fan...
But not only the show could change Connors life, he also gets to know Derek who is the school bully and until now only talked to Connor to make fun of him or bully him.
Might be that Derek is not as straight as he insists after all...
There are so many things I loved about this book, it had me hooked from the beginning and as soon as I finished I started the second part.
It is a sweet story about coming out, finding your purpose in life, friendship and much more, funny with great loveable main and side characters.
Absolutely recommended and enthusiastic 4.5 stars from me!
Original review:
I really loved this story about Connor who lives in a small town and dreams about seeing the world or at least getting out of town for once.
When an American Idol like reality show holds auditions in the neighborhood this might just be his chance, even if he never watched "singing sensation" in the past and always made fun about his sister who is a big fan...
But not only the show could change Connors life, he also gets to know Derek who is the school bully and until now only talked to Connor to make fun of him or bully him.
Might be that Derek is not as straight as he insists after all...
There are so many things I loved about this book, it had me hooked from the beginning and as soon as I finished I started the second part.
It is a sweet story about coming out, finding your purpose in life, friendship and much more, funny with great loveable main and side characters.
Absolutely recommended and enthusiastic 4.5 stars from me!
May 19, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Life in a Nowhere Town is not the first book I have read in which the main character is involved in a national singing competition on TV. This is not surprising as the popularity of these shows is increasing, no matter which country you live in. The aspect I like about Hanna Dare’s story is that the Singing Sensation auditions are secondary to the development of her protagonists. Life in a Nowhere Town is about who Connor and Derek are and the reasons why they seek comfort in each other and, because Dare does her groundwork here, in any subsequent novels in the series it will be easy for the reader to re-connect with the characters.
Prior to the auditions, Connor seems lost and unsure of himself. Dare reveals another side of his personality as soon as he enters the competition and I enjoyed his sarcasm, wit, and confidence.
Read Kirsty’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Life in a Nowhere Town is not the first book I have read in which the main character is involved in a national singing competition on TV. This is not surprising as the popularity of these shows is increasing, no matter which country you live in. The aspect I like about Hanna Dare’s story is that the Singing Sensation auditions are secondary to the development of her protagonists. Life in a Nowhere Town is about who Connor and Derek are and the reasons why they seek comfort in each other and, because Dare does her groundwork here, in any subsequent novels in the series it will be easy for the reader to re-connect with the characters.
Prior to the auditions, Connor seems lost and unsure of himself. Dare reveals another side of his personality as soon as he enters the competition and I enjoyed his sarcasm, wit, and confidence.
Read Kirsty’s review in its entirety here.
May 8, 2016
I was given a copy of this book free by the author in exchange for an unbiased review.
Conor is a senior in a middle of nowhere town who thinks that his only way out is to audition and hopefully win a tv singing reality show.
Part of the school life is Derek, the school bully. However, although his relationship with Connor starts out that way, their relationship soon changes to that of a sexual nature.
I liked tis book. Conor and his 2 female misfit friends were typical teenagers.
If anything there was a long build up to Conor going to LA. I thought he would have already been on the show by the end of the first book.
I can't wait to see what happens to him when he arrives n California and whether he is able to keep his relationship with Derek.
Conor is a senior in a middle of nowhere town who thinks that his only way out is to audition and hopefully win a tv singing reality show.
Part of the school life is Derek, the school bully. However, although his relationship with Connor starts out that way, their relationship soon changes to that of a sexual nature.
I liked tis book. Conor and his 2 female misfit friends were typical teenagers.
If anything there was a long build up to Conor going to LA. I thought he would have already been on the show by the end of the first book.
I can't wait to see what happens to him when he arrives n California and whether he is able to keep his relationship with Derek.
May 19, 2016
I haven't given up on Derek yet. On to book 2!
July 1, 2019
I enjoyed the entire Sing Out series (which is really one story over three volumes). I confess that I strongly dislike some of the major tropes here, and it's indicative of the writer's skill that I kept enjoying spending time with the characters and wanting to see how things worked out. This was the first work I read by Hanna Dare, who is now going on my "read more by" list.
July 28, 2017
3.75 stars
October 6, 2019
This was cute!! I like Conor, Derek grew on me, and the story is engaging enough to keep me interested in reading. I really enjoy Hanna Dare's writing. Looking forward to reading more of this series!
January 31, 2016
This story is about Connor Gillis, a senior in a high school who dreams of leaving his bumfuck nowhere town and having a career in music. He isn’t a popular kid at school and his only friends are Megan and Ali. Of course, there’s the local bully, Derek, who has it out for everyone, really, but especially Connor.
The story flow is a little choppy. There are different parts that make up the puzzle but the transition isn’t very smooth. There’s Connor’s audition to the Singing Sensation competition, his relationship with his dad, his budding relationship with Derek, and his friendship with the girls. All of these things are explored, some more than others, but there’s a gap in between, as if the author didn’t fill in the blanks when one part of the story took off.
I wouldn’t particularly call it a romance. Derek asks Connor to tutor him and they begin a sexual relationship but there’s no mention of feelings until about 80%. Even then, it’s jealousy and anger that they express, but there’s no real intimacy between them. Derek even refuses to accept he’s gay or even bi for the majority of the book.
It ends in a cliff-hanger but there will be follow-up books about Connor and his new life in LA, with an author’s note implying Derek and Connor’s relationship will probably take off in the next instalment. I might pick that one up, just to see if where the story will go.
Something that bothered me stylistically: This is a relatively short book and the author chose to include so many parenthetical phrases that it was distracting. It soon became annoying. I made a note of at least 20 sentences of various lengths in parentheses while I was reading. Also, there were editing issues. This is a self-published book so it’s understandable that there would be some things that were missed without editorial input but still. I hope the author pursues that in the following books because the story overall wasn’t bad at all and I think it would be a lot better after a few rounds of editing.
Pet-peeves aside, I mostly enjoyed reading this. There were some heartfelt moments and a promise for more. It’s not a totally smooth ride and there are editing issues, but I’m optimistic the story will be a bit smoother in future instalments. If those pet-peeves don’t bother you, it’s a nice read to pass the time with.
ARC of Life in a Nowhere Town provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. See this review at Gay Book Reviews.
The story flow is a little choppy. There are different parts that make up the puzzle but the transition isn’t very smooth. There’s Connor’s audition to the Singing Sensation competition, his relationship with his dad, his budding relationship with Derek, and his friendship with the girls. All of these things are explored, some more than others, but there’s a gap in between, as if the author didn’t fill in the blanks when one part of the story took off.
I wouldn’t particularly call it a romance. Derek asks Connor to tutor him and they begin a sexual relationship but there’s no mention of feelings until about 80%. Even then, it’s jealousy and anger that they express, but there’s no real intimacy between them. Derek even refuses to accept he’s gay or even bi for the majority of the book.
It ends in a cliff-hanger but there will be follow-up books about Connor and his new life in LA, with an author’s note implying Derek and Connor’s relationship will probably take off in the next instalment. I might pick that one up, just to see if where the story will go.
Something that bothered me stylistically: This is a relatively short book and the author chose to include so many parenthetical phrases that it was distracting. It soon became annoying. I made a note of at least 20 sentences of various lengths in parentheses while I was reading. Also, there were editing issues. This is a self-published book so it’s understandable that there would be some things that were missed without editorial input but still. I hope the author pursues that in the following books because the story overall wasn’t bad at all and I think it would be a lot better after a few rounds of editing.
Pet-peeves aside, I mostly enjoyed reading this. There were some heartfelt moments and a promise for more. It’s not a totally smooth ride and there are editing issues, but I’m optimistic the story will be a bit smoother in future instalments. If those pet-peeves don’t bother you, it’s a nice read to pass the time with.
ARC of Life in a Nowhere Town provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. See this review at Gay Book Reviews.
May 10, 2016
I waited to read this book until California Schemin' was released and I'm so glad I did! Life in a Nowhere Town ends in a cliffhanger; this is a series based on the same main character Conor Gillis, an 18 year old boy who's in his senior year in high school.
Connor's life in nowhere town is lonely and miserable; after losing his mother when he was only 14 years old, Conor has been struggling to keep her memory alive while his father took the easy way and pretended like his mother never existed. Being in Conor's head was a treat and a torment at the same time. I can't tell you how many times I found my eyes brimming with tears, sometimes because of Conor's pain when it comes to losing his mother, other times because of his identity struggles, his love life misfortunes or his need to pursue his true self. And yet I loved everything about Conor, from the way he deals with daily chalanges, to his way of thinking and reasoning things... Conor is a fantastic character I'm nowhere ready to part ways with.
Derek is the school bully, the one who loves making others miserable, and yet seeing him through Conor's eyes allowed me to focus on Derek's triggers; what I found was a confused, abused, emotionally hurt boy who processes his pain the only way he can think of. While I wanted to kick Derek's ass a few times, I kind of also wanted to hug him; one of those very tight bear hugs that would make everything seem better.
When Derek and Conor start hanging out we see the start of a friendship and a sexual relationship; this isn't about mushy feelings or romantic feelings; Derek is quite crass, rude and especially aggressive when Conor tells it like it is. But I loved that Conor's courage to stand for what he believes, to not allow Derek to hide from the truth, made Derek realize that Conor is someone special who deserves the best. This book is so full of feels; gut wrenching, real, painful, but also full of determination and hope.
Conor's life is about to change; his mother's love for music transferred to Conor as well. After auditioning for Singing Sensation (kind of like an American Idol, complete with George the asshole judge to stand in for Simon) and being accepted, Conor prepares himself for a new life far away from his family and the few friends he has. This is how this book ends, so you need to have California Schemin' ready to go, because if you're like me, you won't be able to stop here.
Seriously, to me this book was amazing!
Connor's life in nowhere town is lonely and miserable; after losing his mother when he was only 14 years old, Conor has been struggling to keep her memory alive while his father took the easy way and pretended like his mother never existed. Being in Conor's head was a treat and a torment at the same time. I can't tell you how many times I found my eyes brimming with tears, sometimes because of Conor's pain when it comes to losing his mother, other times because of his identity struggles, his love life misfortunes or his need to pursue his true self. And yet I loved everything about Conor, from the way he deals with daily chalanges, to his way of thinking and reasoning things... Conor is a fantastic character I'm nowhere ready to part ways with.
Derek is the school bully, the one who loves making others miserable, and yet seeing him through Conor's eyes allowed me to focus on Derek's triggers; what I found was a confused, abused, emotionally hurt boy who processes his pain the only way he can think of. While I wanted to kick Derek's ass a few times, I kind of also wanted to hug him; one of those very tight bear hugs that would make everything seem better.
When Derek and Conor start hanging out we see the start of a friendship and a sexual relationship; this isn't about mushy feelings or romantic feelings; Derek is quite crass, rude and especially aggressive when Conor tells it like it is. But I loved that Conor's courage to stand for what he believes, to not allow Derek to hide from the truth, made Derek realize that Conor is someone special who deserves the best. This book is so full of feels; gut wrenching, real, painful, but also full of determination and hope.
Conor's life is about to change; his mother's love for music transferred to Conor as well. After auditioning for Singing Sensation (kind of like an American Idol, complete with George the asshole judge to stand in for Simon) and being accepted, Conor prepares himself for a new life far away from his family and the few friends he has. This is how this book ends, so you need to have California Schemin' ready to go, because if you're like me, you won't be able to stop here.
Seriously, to me this book was amazing!
February 9, 2023
So I decided to wait until I finished the "trilogy" before I reviewed this so my opinion is deeply colored by the work as whole. This is one book chopped into three parts. I don't know why exactly the decision was made but I suspect it was a workaround for the fact that many gay romance readers seem to dislike it when a main character has multiple sexual partners in the same volume. It works best as a whole and the individual parts, while good, suffer from overly familiar tropes and the lack of complete story arcs. None of them work well on their own. This first "novella" has one of the meaner bullies I've seen in a bully romance but the characters are warmly written and the awkwardness and uncomfortableness of the early sexual exploration is both refreshing and feels true in a way rarely seen in these books. It's a great start but it is unsatisfying on it's own.
Novella: 4 stars
Novella: 4 stars
June 14, 2019
4 stars
Conor is starting his senior year of high school, and really looking forward to getting out of his nowhere town, especially since he feels that he can't be himself. He doesn't sing or play guitar for anyone, and he definitely hasn't told anyone he is gay. When Conor sees an ad that mentions a popular singing reality show is auditioning in the city, he decides to try out, even though he has made fun of the show since his sister started watching it. But Conor has been picked on by a local bully again, and he just wants out.
His audition is good, but he still has to wait to see whether or not he gets to go to California in order to try and make the final cut. Meanwhile, the bully asks Conor to tutor him, which Conor agrees to do, as long as he pays him. When Derek starts coming on to him, Conor isn't sure what to make of it, but he mostly thinks that Derek is just trying to set him up for even more abuse.
I was surprised by how much I liked this story. It was well written, and Conor felt believable with all his reactions. His interactions with his family was stilted, and then a little rough, but there always was love there, too. Conor's friends were supportive of each other, even through the sarcasm, and the way his friendship developed with Derek felt organic.
This definitely doesn't have an ending, although it's not a cliffhanger per se. This just gets Conor on the road to the next step of the singing competition.
Conor is starting his senior year of high school, and really looking forward to getting out of his nowhere town, especially since he feels that he can't be himself. He doesn't sing or play guitar for anyone, and he definitely hasn't told anyone he is gay. When Conor sees an ad that mentions a popular singing reality show is auditioning in the city, he decides to try out, even though he has made fun of the show since his sister started watching it. But Conor has been picked on by a local bully again, and he just wants out.
His audition is good, but he still has to wait to see whether or not he gets to go to California in order to try and make the final cut. Meanwhile, the bully asks Conor to tutor him, which Conor agrees to do, as long as he pays him. When Derek starts coming on to him, Conor isn't sure what to make of it, but he mostly thinks that Derek is just trying to set him up for even more abuse.
I was surprised by how much I liked this story. It was well written, and Conor felt believable with all his reactions. His interactions with his family was stilted, and then a little rough, but there always was love there, too. Conor's friends were supportive of each other, even through the sarcasm, and the way his friendship developed with Derek felt organic.
This definitely doesn't have an ending, although it's not a cliffhanger per se. This just gets Conor on the road to the next step of the singing competition.
February 2, 2020
I've never been a big fan of American Idol, but have watched various parts of different series enough to know the general order of the plot menu. Dare, in creating "Singing Sensation, has followed Idol to a degree, at least in book one. The big difference is we live with the Conor's family and friends for a while. We get to meet his few friends in his senior year of high school. We also get to know his bully. Dad, sis, aunt and dead mom have issues that affect Conor as do friends. Life has not been easy for a young man from a small town--hence the story's title. Facing these problems and issues involved make for an interesting read. Enjoy.
August 10, 2019
I became emotionally invested in this story by this new-to-me author. There's a relationship of sorts between Conor who loves music and is closeted and Derek, the high school bully. I was worried about Derek as a romantic interest because he behaves true to stereotype. But as we get to know his backstory his behavior makes sense. Better yet the author sets him up for some great character growth in the sequels.
September 23, 2020
Enjoyed
I really loath cliffhangers but it looks like this book is part of trilogy that turns into a series but 4 books with the same couple. As much as I enjoyed this book, I'm not sure I want to invest in 5 books to see their HEA. It's a great story, well developed characters and all the feels of first sensual and confusing love. This is the first book I've read from this author and I really liked her writing style. I'll definitely be reading more of Hanna Dare's books.
I really loath cliffhangers but it looks like this book is part of trilogy that turns into a series but 4 books with the same couple. As much as I enjoyed this book, I'm not sure I want to invest in 5 books to see their HEA. It's a great story, well developed characters and all the feels of first sensual and confusing love. This is the first book I've read from this author and I really liked her writing style. I'll definitely be reading more of Hanna Dare's books.
March 29, 2022
This book absolutely surprised me, I was hooked right from the start. Mature themes, excellent writing and engaging characters. Definitely go straight for the box set as the books really read as one novel. And then book 5 for Derek’s point of view is a must! I highly recommend this series for all readers of m/m romance, not just readers of new adult.
July 18, 2022
Moving
A kinda sad, moving story of trying to figure out who you are, what your dreams are and what is the purpose of dreaming of better while trying to hold onto to something special, that is what Connor has to figure out as he for himself and his feelings towards Derek who comes out of nowhere to knock Connor for quite a loop.
A kinda sad, moving story of trying to figure out who you are, what your dreams are and what is the purpose of dreaming of better while trying to hold onto to something special, that is what Connor has to figure out as he for himself and his feelings towards Derek who comes out of nowhere to knock Connor for quite a loop.
February 25, 2019
So far so good.
It started off kind of slow and honesty I almost stopped reading it. But, after the first third of the book it really picked up and found a really good flow. Looking forward to the next book.
It started off kind of slow and honesty I almost stopped reading it. But, after the first third of the book it really picked up and found a really good flow. Looking forward to the next book.
July 31, 2017
I thought it was a purely written fan fiction with barely disguised parodies of the characters in the TV show 'Shameless'.
March 8, 2017
So well written! These people are real high school seniors, with all the awkwardness of that year in small-town Midwest America. Conor is a fantastic lead character, and all the rest are just as complex, even the bully's minions. Can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
April 30, 2016
*A copy of this book was provided for free by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
Oh I loved this book! Our main character is Conor, who I loved, I got such a great feel of who he is. He desperately wants out of his small town, where his life sucks. He's bullied, his father is distant, and he can already picture how the rest of his life will play out if he doesn't escape and at least TRY to have it be different. He gathers his courage to seize his one shot, by trying out for a singing competition show, in the hope it'll change his life. I really loved how cautiously optimistic Conor is, after all if you think your life already sucks, what's it hurt to try? While waiting to hear whether he makes it or not, he's just a normal kid trying to make it through high school. There we meet Derek, who is the aforementioned bully and who is harder to like. After Conor starts tutoring him, and hooking up with him, we learn about him and we start to understand why he is the way he is and while it doesn't excuse his behavior, it explains it. I kind of liked that he was a bit unrepentant, I think it's more realistic than the typical "poor misunderstood bad boy" trope, which isn't to say he's really horrible. He does some messed up cruel things. But still, I liked him. And I liked that Conor stood up to him. He was no shrinking violet. He had spine. I liked them together, but this isn't a HEA. This is a glimpse of the potential of the start of something. Conor's dad was just sad. I get his pain, but it was self indulgent. Unfortunately, when you have kids, you don't have the option to wallow in guilt. Conor's aunt was great. I loved how supportive she was, and how uncomfortable it made Conor. He was such a teenager in those moments. I really liked Conor's friends too, I liked how they each had distinct personalities. I loved how music was used, it's such a big part of who Conor is and it is treated as such, without being pompous or pretentious. I wish this wasn't so short, or that I had all three parts already. I really want to find out how it all plays out NOW!
Oh I loved this book! Our main character is Conor, who I loved, I got such a great feel of who he is. He desperately wants out of his small town, where his life sucks. He's bullied, his father is distant, and he can already picture how the rest of his life will play out if he doesn't escape and at least TRY to have it be different. He gathers his courage to seize his one shot, by trying out for a singing competition show, in the hope it'll change his life. I really loved how cautiously optimistic Conor is, after all if you think your life already sucks, what's it hurt to try? While waiting to hear whether he makes it or not, he's just a normal kid trying to make it through high school. There we meet Derek, who is the aforementioned bully and who is harder to like. After Conor starts tutoring him, and hooking up with him, we learn about him and we start to understand why he is the way he is and while it doesn't excuse his behavior, it explains it. I kind of liked that he was a bit unrepentant, I think it's more realistic than the typical "poor misunderstood bad boy" trope, which isn't to say he's really horrible. He does some messed up cruel things. But still, I liked him. And I liked that Conor stood up to him. He was no shrinking violet. He had spine. I liked them together, but this isn't a HEA. This is a glimpse of the potential of the start of something. Conor's dad was just sad. I get his pain, but it was self indulgent. Unfortunately, when you have kids, you don't have the option to wallow in guilt. Conor's aunt was great. I loved how supportive she was, and how uncomfortable it made Conor. He was such a teenager in those moments. I really liked Conor's friends too, I liked how they each had distinct personalities. I loved how music was used, it's such a big part of who Conor is and it is treated as such, without being pompous or pretentious. I wish this wasn't so short, or that I had all three parts already. I really want to find out how it all plays out NOW!
May 7, 2016
*** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ***
It is difficult for me to figure out how to review this book. I enjoyed it. BUT, and this is a huge BUT... it's a short book with a cliffhanger. This annoys me in principle. I was enjoying what was going on, wondering why I was almost finishing and he still was in his hometown. I like the story. I want to know what happens. But I can't figure why this isn't a complete novel, instead of these chapters. My cynical side says that you will get a lot more money from selling 5 novellas than from selling 1 novel... And this annoys me. But I can't be sure.
So I enjoyed the story itself. It plays to my taste, with the singing competition and the bully turned love interest. But the whole thing felt like a really long prologue, and that was really annoying. I don't know that I particularly liked the characters, but I did find them interesting. Perhaps I like Conor... I'm not sure. I certainly didn't love him. And Derek wasn't a lovable asshole, he was just an asshole... Again if I had gotten the whole story my opinion of him might have changed, but right now, I'm just left wondering, how a poor kid with dingy t-shirts, had $500 to buy some guy a guitar.
I will definitely read the following books, but I fell that I might have given this whole book 5 stars, but as it stands, I give it 3.5, rounded down... Hurry up with the other ones so I can reconsider it! Generally I don't read books like this until all the books are out, but I didn't know it was a serial when I requested it. Once all the books are out, this may turn out to be 5 stars, because you can just hurry up and buy the next one. But definitely not yet....
It is difficult for me to figure out how to review this book. I enjoyed it. BUT, and this is a huge BUT... it's a short book with a cliffhanger. This annoys me in principle. I was enjoying what was going on, wondering why I was almost finishing and he still was in his hometown. I like the story. I want to know what happens. But I can't figure why this isn't a complete novel, instead of these chapters. My cynical side says that you will get a lot more money from selling 5 novellas than from selling 1 novel... And this annoys me. But I can't be sure.
So I enjoyed the story itself. It plays to my taste, with the singing competition and the bully turned love interest. But the whole thing felt like a really long prologue, and that was really annoying. I don't know that I particularly liked the characters, but I did find them interesting. Perhaps I like Conor... I'm not sure. I certainly didn't love him. And Derek wasn't a lovable asshole, he was just an asshole... Again if I had gotten the whole story my opinion of him might have changed, but right now, I'm just left wondering, how a poor kid with dingy t-shirts, had $500 to buy some guy a guitar.
I will definitely read the following books, but I fell that I might have given this whole book 5 stars, but as it stands, I give it 3.5, rounded down... Hurry up with the other ones so I can reconsider it! Generally I don't read books like this until all the books are out, but I didn't know it was a serial when I requested it. Once all the books are out, this may turn out to be 5 stars, because you can just hurry up and buy the next one. But definitely not yet....
May 19, 2016
I received a copy of this book from the author via the DBML program in exchange for an honest review.
I don’t typically read YA books but this one sounded interesting and I am so glad that I read it! Conor is a teenager, living in a small town, dealing with more than the typical teenage angst. His mother died a few years earlier and his father is having difficulties dealing with her death, which leads to a strained & distant relationship with Conor & his sister. Music is important to him, it’s how he connected with his mother and he tries out for an American Idol type reality show and hopes this is his way out of the town. While he waits to hear a final word from the show he is still in high school and has to deal with the bully and his cronies. Derek is initially a total asshat, but as the story progresses you realize there is much more to him than what you see at first, although that doesn’t excuse his oftentimes rude and abusive behavior. Conor starts tutoring Derek and the two begin a sexual relationship, but Derek is firmly in the closet. Conor has to deal with his relationship with his father, life in high school as an unpopular student & his feelings for Derek, all while hoping for the call from Singing Sensation.
This book was so good, I loved Conor. He had so much that he was struggling to handle, but he was such a great character to read. The secondary characters were great also, his two best friends, his sister and especially his aunt, who was so supportive. And although Derek was a d-bag, by the end of the book I was rooting for them to stay together. I will definitely be reading the next in the series!
I don’t typically read YA books but this one sounded interesting and I am so glad that I read it! Conor is a teenager, living in a small town, dealing with more than the typical teenage angst. His mother died a few years earlier and his father is having difficulties dealing with her death, which leads to a strained & distant relationship with Conor & his sister. Music is important to him, it’s how he connected with his mother and he tries out for an American Idol type reality show and hopes this is his way out of the town. While he waits to hear a final word from the show he is still in high school and has to deal with the bully and his cronies. Derek is initially a total asshat, but as the story progresses you realize there is much more to him than what you see at first, although that doesn’t excuse his oftentimes rude and abusive behavior. Conor starts tutoring Derek and the two begin a sexual relationship, but Derek is firmly in the closet. Conor has to deal with his relationship with his father, life in high school as an unpopular student & his feelings for Derek, all while hoping for the call from Singing Sensation.
This book was so good, I loved Conor. He had so much that he was struggling to handle, but he was such a great character to read. The secondary characters were great also, his two best friends, his sister and especially his aunt, who was so supportive. And although Derek was a d-bag, by the end of the book I was rooting for them to stay together. I will definitely be reading the next in the series!
May 8, 2016
(A free copy of this book was provided by the author in return for an honest review via the Goodreads Don't Buy My Love program.)
Life in a Nowhere Town was a perfectly paced story told solely from the third person POV of Connor. He's the oldest child of his small family, just him, his sister and his father. Connor's mother has past away, and she was the one who instilled a love of music in Connor. When the reality show Singing Sensation comes to town, Connor suddenly sees an opportunity. He wrangles his favorite aunt into helping him, and all by lonesome, earns a place on the show.
Connor is a senior in high school, and he and his two girl friends are the outcasts of their class. All three teens held the market on bland humor that often hit the mark and had me laughing hard. Connor's brutal honesty at inappropriate times was spot on perfect.
Then there's Derek, the school bully, who's taken an interest in Connor both as a tutor and a fellow gay to get his rocks off. It becomes something of a double tutoring session, Connor teaches Derek history while Derek teaches Connnor Sex 101.
It doesn't end in cliffhanger, but I was definitely left wanting the story to continue, which it does in book 2 Sing Out 2: California Schemin'. I'm certainly looking forward to reading it.
Life in a Nowhere Town was a perfectly paced story told solely from the third person POV of Connor. He's the oldest child of his small family, just him, his sister and his father. Connor's mother has past away, and she was the one who instilled a love of music in Connor. When the reality show Singing Sensation comes to town, Connor suddenly sees an opportunity. He wrangles his favorite aunt into helping him, and all by lonesome, earns a place on the show.
Connor is a senior in high school, and he and his two girl friends are the outcasts of their class. All three teens held the market on bland humor that often hit the mark and had me laughing hard. Connor's brutal honesty at inappropriate times was spot on perfect.
Then there's Derek, the school bully, who's taken an interest in Connor both as a tutor and a fellow gay to get his rocks off. It becomes something of a double tutoring session, Connor teaches Derek history while Derek teaches Connnor Sex 101.
It doesn't end in cliffhanger, but I was definitely left wanting the story to continue, which it does in book 2 Sing Out 2: California Schemin'. I'm certainly looking forward to reading it.
May 13, 2016
I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Conor has had some tragedy in his past and all he wants to do is get out of the town he’s in and pursue his passion in music. With the help of his very supportive aunt, he tries out for the music talent search show, Singing Sensation. While he’s waiting to hear the results, he has to deal with the mundane and often trying times in high school. One of the most puzzling things is that Derek, the school bully, wants to pay him to tutor him in history. Conor is reluctant but he agrees because he needs money to buy a new guitar. It’s not long before they form a friendship that quickly turns into much more, but Derek isn’t willing to admit to his feelings, so they have a lot of turmoil. The tragedy in his life nearly causes him to lose his dream of music but thanks to his aunt and his determination, when he gets the news that he’s made it on the show, he’s finally able to follow his dreams. Now it’s a hard choice because he’s got to leave Derek behind, now that he seems to be coming around.
This is a fantastic story. It’s got the perfect amount of angst. It’s a good coming of age story, but one with quite a bit of sex for that genre. The characters are eighteen though, so no problems there. I liked it so much that I immediately bought the second book because I couldn’t stand not knowing what was going to happen next. A definitely must-read
Conor has had some tragedy in his past and all he wants to do is get out of the town he’s in and pursue his passion in music. With the help of his very supportive aunt, he tries out for the music talent search show, Singing Sensation. While he’s waiting to hear the results, he has to deal with the mundane and often trying times in high school. One of the most puzzling things is that Derek, the school bully, wants to pay him to tutor him in history. Conor is reluctant but he agrees because he needs money to buy a new guitar. It’s not long before they form a friendship that quickly turns into much more, but Derek isn’t willing to admit to his feelings, so they have a lot of turmoil. The tragedy in his life nearly causes him to lose his dream of music but thanks to his aunt and his determination, when he gets the news that he’s made it on the show, he’s finally able to follow his dreams. Now it’s a hard choice because he’s got to leave Derek behind, now that he seems to be coming around.
This is a fantastic story. It’s got the perfect amount of angst. It’s a good coming of age story, but one with quite a bit of sex for that genre. The characters are eighteen though, so no problems there. I liked it so much that I immediately bought the second book because I couldn’t stand not knowing what was going to happen next. A definitely must-read
April 18, 2016
Conor is a bright teenager who loves music; listening, playing, and writing. His mother was a music teacher and taught him everything she knew. After her death he continued to play, but didn’t have the support he once had, because his father gets upset when Conor plays.
Living in a small, nowhere town leaves Conor with few to no options for a job or college. His only hope of making something of himself is to audition for Singing Sensation. A singing competition that could make all of Conor’s dreams come true.
Derek is TROUBLE. Everyone knows to keep their guard whenever he’s around. His new favorite pass time is picking on Conor. He hasn’t had it easy, especially since his home life is in shambles. In order to pass his history class and finally graduate, he enlists Conor’s help.
An unexpected attraction blossoms between them, but too many things get in the way for them to really have a relationship.
Conor is bound to L.A. and Derek is stuck in their nowhere town. What will become of them? Who knows? Find out in the next installment.
This story was over too soon for my liking. I wasn’t prepared for it to just end, which is a good thing I suppose. I wanted to read more of the story, but I understand why the author left it like she did. Sigh, I guess I’ll just have to wait for the next to find out what happens.
Living in a small, nowhere town leaves Conor with few to no options for a job or college. His only hope of making something of himself is to audition for Singing Sensation. A singing competition that could make all of Conor’s dreams come true.
Derek is TROUBLE. Everyone knows to keep their guard whenever he’s around. His new favorite pass time is picking on Conor. He hasn’t had it easy, especially since his home life is in shambles. In order to pass his history class and finally graduate, he enlists Conor’s help.
An unexpected attraction blossoms between them, but too many things get in the way for them to really have a relationship.
Conor is bound to L.A. and Derek is stuck in their nowhere town. What will become of them? Who knows? Find out in the next installment.
This story was over too soon for my liking. I wasn’t prepared for it to just end, which is a good thing I suppose. I wanted to read more of the story, but I understand why the author left it like she did. Sigh, I guess I’ll just have to wait for the next to find out what happens.
May 16, 2016
*** I was given this book as an ARC for a fair and honest review***
This was a sort of sweet but disjointed book for me about Connor... a small town boy who dreams of getting out from where he is and living a life that is his own. There are things standing in his way though. A disinterested father who checked out after the loss of his wife, a bully and his cronies who make his everyday life pretty miserable and no real opportunities to escape except maybe Singing Sensation which might just give him the chance he needs.
This was an okay read for me. I liked the character of Connor but all the other characters felt one dimensional and lacked substance. The absent father.. with no real explanation on why he checked out, the bully that needs help with history and uses it as an excuse to get into Connor's pants. Two best friends who don't seem to have any real character. Also just when it was getting good.. you are ready to go on this adventure with Connor the book stops and it totally ruined it for me. This felt like a longer length book that got chopped up into smaller easier to read pieces but it made me feel cheated as there was no resolution, no nothing and no indication going in that it would just end.
This was a sort of sweet but disjointed book for me about Connor... a small town boy who dreams of getting out from where he is and living a life that is his own. There are things standing in his way though. A disinterested father who checked out after the loss of his wife, a bully and his cronies who make his everyday life pretty miserable and no real opportunities to escape except maybe Singing Sensation which might just give him the chance he needs.
This was an okay read for me. I liked the character of Connor but all the other characters felt one dimensional and lacked substance. The absent father.. with no real explanation on why he checked out, the bully that needs help with history and uses it as an excuse to get into Connor's pants. Two best friends who don't seem to have any real character. Also just when it was getting good.. you are ready to go on this adventure with Connor the book stops and it totally ruined it for me. This felt like a longer length book that got chopped up into smaller easier to read pieces but it made me feel cheated as there was no resolution, no nothing and no indication going in that it would just end.
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