Book of the Month: March to the Beat of Your Own Heart
- Noah Kennedy
- Feb 2, 2024
- 6 min read
Let's get one thing straight and two things gay. This month's Book of the Month pick features two swoon-worthy leading men, a Dollywood-inspired theme park, and a long-kept secret that is just bursting at the seams. Now, if that isn't a recipe for a good romance novel, we don't know what is. Our shortlist for February's pick was a host of enticing romance novels that could only make for a delicious read, but ultimately, it came down to that always-enticing country charm.
As we enter the second month of the year, like most others, we find ourselves with love on the brain (shoutout to Rihanna). February stands as the month synonymous with love and romance and is the proud holder of Valentine's Day, celebrated yearly on February 14th. It is a month known for grand gestures, surprise gifts, chocolate, flowers, and so much more. And it is why this year, we are taking a dive into one of the most popular literary genres during this month: Romance! And as an avid romance reader knows, there is nothing better than a book that puts a good twist on a beloved trope and draws you into the narrative. Love, as a general concept, is known for its ability to turn us into different people, whether for better or worse. And, while we all enjoy focusing on the positives, it is never easy to ignore that love can draw out feelings of possessiveness and jealousy and make us act outside of our normal selves when we feel that love is threatened. All this is to say, that there is something here for everyone, even the hardest to please. And sometimes that possessiveness and jealousy are just *a chef's kiss* when written with care.
Romance
The romance genre is one that readers will either tend to love or avoid altogether. And as always everyone is entitled to their opinions, likes, and dislikes. For a long time, the romance genre was very heavily dominated by heterosexual relationships, and very rarely offered representation and visibility to marginalized groups and other sexualities. But at its core, romance novels are about celebrating love and telling stories that resonate without the deepest emotions and desires. Similarly to last month's coming of age genre, the romance genre is also one that is able to slot nicely in line with books of other genres and round out the story. Whether set against historical landscapes, modern cities, or fantasy realms, these stories are all united by a common thread—the exploration of the profound connections that bind individuals together.
With the passage of time, the genre has also grown and evolved to become more inclusive and diverse, with authors of all backgrounds taking pen to paper to provide the much-needed representation and inclusivity the genre lacked. Nowadays, the vast diversity of stories is one of the most remarkable aspects of the genre. Regardless of your race, nationality, belief system, sexuality, gender, preferences, or age, there is a romance book for you. Now, more than ever, a quick online search is all it takes to generate a list of books that feature characters that any person can see themselves reflected in. Furthermore, there is a story that will draw in readers of all tastes and a laundry list of sub-genres that will appeal to any desire. From the classic tale of star-crossed lovers to modern college romances to space operas set in distant galaxies. Historical romances will whisk you away to times long past, while paranormal romance will introduce you to supernatural love and the well-attuned romantic suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat.
But more than being a genre where we can all see ourselves represented, it is one that heralds unforgettable characters and constantly breaks through barriers and stereotypes. Characters are the life force of every novel, and when readers are unable to connect with them, not only are they taken out of the narrative, but they will find it hard to continue. But romance novels tend to have a special magic to their characters that draw readers in and entwine them with the lives, dreams, and struggles of the characters as we follow them through journeys of self-discovery and, ultimately, to finding love. Having strong, independent heroines and charismatic, compassionate heroes creates characters that readers will connect with and carry with them long after they have closed the book. These characters also open the door for romance novels to break stereotypes and challenge societal norms. Authors have the liberty of using the genre and their characters to explore themes of empowerment, sexuality, equality, and the beauty of diversity through their love stories. This has led many romance novels to become a powerful platform for fostering conversations around consent, representation, and the importance of individuality and independence.
On top of all of that, romance novels offer the much sought and often elusive escape readers yearn for when picking up a book. Whether seeking to indulge in the world of a feel-good romance or lusting for the passionate love affair of a spicier story, readers of all kinds can find a novel to fulfill their deepest desires. Every good book will offer an escape from our frequently hectic and constantly overwhelming reality and immerse us in the realm of untold love and desire. It is important to keep in mind, however, that romance novels are not always about the destination, but also very much about the journey, often one of trials and hardships, that make the destination all he sweeter. Love, like all good things, is a reward best earned and not given. The anticipation of the first kiss, the flitter of excitement when the characters overcome a hurdle, and the satisfaction of the long-awaited happily-ever-after are what create a reading experience that is both emotionally fulfilling and deeply connective. All of this is why romance is a genre worthy of the acclaim and fervor with which romance readers indulge. From the gentle touch of a hand to the comforting warmth of an embrace to the fiery passion of sex, these stories resonate with readers on a deep emotional level and epitomize the best of the literary world.
It is the genre that celebrates the universal language of love. So, whether you're a seasoned romance enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre that welcomes you with open arms, we invite you to dive into the pages of our book of the month alongside us and let the magic of love and music sweep you off your feet.
Book of the Month
We are thrilled to present to you the Busy Bee Book Club's February Book of the Month: A Little Bit Country by Brian D. Kennedy.
Emmett Maguire wants to be country music’s biggest gay superstar – a far reach when you’re seventeen and living in Illinois. But for now, he’s happy to do the next best thing: Stay with his aunt in Jackson Hollow, Tennessee, for the summer and perform at the amusement park owned by his idol, country legend Wanda Jean Stubbs. Luke Barnes hates country music. As the grandson of Verna Rose, the disgraced singer who had a famous falling out with Wanda Jean, Luke knows how much pain country music has brought his family. But when his mom’s medical bills start piling up, he takes a job at the last place he wants: a restaurant at Wanda World. Neither boy is looking for romance, but sparks fly when they meet – and soon they’re inseparable. Until a long-lost secret about Verna and Wanda comes to light, threatening to unravel everything. Will Emmett and Luke be able get past the truths they discover…or will their relationship go down in history as just another Sad Country Love Song? |
From the first look at this cover, it is difficult not to be magnetically drawn to the novel. From the warm color pallete reminsicent of passin the day at your favorite theme park to to the pink hat at the top of one of the rides, to the outfits of the main characters on the cover. It is a masterpiece that does a perfect job of bringing the novel's characters and setting to life before you've even begun reading. If the book blurb above isn't enough to draw you in, allow us to paint a picture for you. It's giving strangers-to-lovers, dolly parton, country charm, knee-weakening accent (because you just know that Luke has one), found family, secrets, regrets, romance. Had enough? No, okay, let's keep going. Emmett and Luke are both facing their own challenges. Emmett dreams of making it big in an industry that is not known for its openness to queer individuals and willing to take any chancet to change that. Luke, is a staunch opposer of same said industry, hardenned by his scorned grandmother, who was disgraced by Emmett's idol and theme park owner, Wanda Jean Stubbs. How these two opposing souls will come together is a question best left to author, Brian D. Kennedy, but you can be assured that we are ready to flip every heart-rending page of their love story.
It is no sercet that we are looking forward to watching Emmett and Luke's story come to life, but it is also everything else the novel offers that draws us in as well. From its promise of an exciting drama between old freinds-turned-rivals, to the magic of the theme-park setting, the foundation built upon the cntry music world, and the dreams that lead us to chase after what we desire most. Whether you're a die hard fan of country music liike us, or simply looking for a lov story to strike the right chords (see what we did there), A Little Bit Country promises to be an unforettable romantic composition. So dust off your reading nook, brew a cup of your favorite tea, and let the enchantic melody of " A little Bit Country serenade you into a orld where love finds its perfect tune. Okay, I'm done with the puns now, soomeone take the keyboard away.
JOIN THE BUSY BEE BOOK CLUB TO BEE A PART OF OUR MONTHLY BOOK DISCUSSIONS AND COME BACK ON FEBRUARY 28TH FOR OUR OFFICIAL REVIEW OF
A LITTLE BIT COUNTRY.
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