Review of "You'd Be Mine" by Erin Hahn

This is going to be an interesting one for me to write. I typically review primarily "Christian Fiction" books; this does not fall into that category. However, in my continued efforts to find just plain GOOD material - interesting story, compelling dialogue, witty repartee, strong plot, etc. for my teenage daughter, it is a constant challenge to discover books that would be considered (even remotely) clean. I loved the summary of this book and initially thought it might be a good fit.

I was wrong that the book would work for my girl (seriously, there is a tremendous amount of language/drug use/alcoholism/teenage sex, etc.); but for myself, I truly did enjoy the story. It was actually compelling. It is a good story. There is witty repartee and a strong plot. I also found it incredibly hard to believe that this is the author's first book, because it does not read like a first book AT ALL.

Country music royalty baby Annie Mathers is just about ready to make her professional music debut. Current country music superstar/heartthrob Clay Coolidge may also only be 18, but he's already lived quite a bit (and really, done a lot he shouldn't). In an effort to repair some of the damage to his image, Clay is "enlisted" to convince Annie that they should tour together, as his label wants nothing more than to sign her.

Annie's parents had an explosive relationship that ended tragically, and she is determined to never repeat their mistakes. But, she loves music more than anything - and decides to give the tour - and maybe a friendship with Clay, a shot. Clay is fighting demons he doesn't even recognize and is drawn to Annie's heart and character. He is drawn to her, but will he ultimately figure out who he loves more - Annie, or himself?

Couple of things to note:

• This is a topic that (at first glance) has been done repeatedly, but there were numerous fresh takes to be found here.
• IwishIwishIwish that authors everywhere would find a way to be "real" and "honest" and "true" without all of the extra dirt. Truly. There absolutely is a way to do this without all the naughty. Go a little deeper and figure it out. Note: I did, however, appreciate that if sexual experiences had to occur, she wrote it without the full descriptors. Kudos to Erin Hahn for that one.
• I'll still recommend this book. I do not think it is for the YA market though - it reads like an adult novel, just with characters who are figuring out who they are, and are only 18. But this really shouldn't (please Jesus) be a book for teens.
• The cover is gorgeous.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Wednesday Books in exchange for my honest review.