This is the third in a series about the three King siblings, country music stars, finding their own love stories. I haven’t read the first two but I don’t think it mattered too much; Travis’ story stands pretty well on its own. However, if you’re looking for a cowboy romance, this isn’t it. The most cowboy it gets is the fact that he pretty much always wears cowboy boots and a Stetson.
There are some really heavy themes here for a romance, and it definitely needs trigger warnings for: drug and alcohol addiction, rehab, drug overdose, abusive parents, death of a friend and friend with cancer. If you liked A Star Is Born but were devastated that it didn’t have a happily ever after, you’re going to absolutely love this. Both Travis and Loretta are Messy, with a ton of baggage they have to deal with, both past and present, but theirs is one of those relationships where together, they are far stronger than they are apart, and I absolutely bought into that. Once they start trusting each other, everything clicks into place despite outside forces working against them.
Despite the heavy themes - or perhaps because of them - I absolutely loved this. Travis and Loretta are both easy to feel sympathy for; you want them to be happy and to work it out. The drama and tragedy, and especially the level of public and social media scrutiny they had to endure, actually felt very real for two people living their life in the public eye. I’m happy to give this five stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.