Title: Choosing America’s Next Superstar
Author: Jeff Erno
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Pages: 220
Characters: Corey Dunham and Jimmy Sawyer
POV: 3rd Person
Sub-Genre: Contemporary, Series
Kissses: 5
Blurb:
For years, eighteen-year-old Corey Dunham has been a die-hard fan of the reality show and nationwide talent competition Choosing America’s Next Superstar. Now he finally has his chance to show off his natural ability and perfect pitch—not to mention meet other talented young musicians like Jimmy Sawyer, a country crooner from Kentucky.
In the cutthroat audition round, Corey and Jimmy get off on the wrong foot. It doesn’t help that they seem to be complete opposites, both in terms of musical taste and personality. But when both make it through to the finals and become roommates, an unlikely romance blossoms.
Reality show dating is nearly impossible. Corey worries that the competition itself could spell the end for them. At any time, voting results could send one of them home and force a separation. And one of the judges wants Corey for himself and will do anything to get Jimmy off the show. Can Corey and Jimmy win each other’s heart, regardless of who wins the show?
Review:
Choosing America’s Next Superstar, the newest book by Mr. Erno, is a great story that kept me up reading until the last page. The author takes the reader through the whole reality show competition process, from first audition to big show finally, with characters that are well written. The main characters, Corey and Jimmy, come from two totally different lifestyles, yet there is a connection between the two from the beginning. When the men have the chance to come together they really heat up the page. These young men are also really easy to care about and you can’t help but hope there is some way that both men can win the competition. There are also a variety of secondary characters, some of whom it is very easy to dislike. These characters not only help move the story along, but add a richness that makes the story such a great read.
It is not only the wonderful characters however that brings this story alive. The author packs this story with a wealth of background detail, making the competition believable. It is easy for those who enjoy the guilty pleasure of watching these types of reality shows to recognize similarities to well know judges. There are of course some twists that I did not expect, and while it was easy for me to belief some of the behind the scene manipulation that the author portrays, there is one particular twist that I hope is protected against.
According to the author’s website Choosing America’s Next Superstar is the first story in a new series. I can’t wait to see where the author plans to take this series next, and hope the wait is not long before we can find out.
Reviewed By: Lydia
