Rhythm and Bluegrass by Molly Harper Narrator: Amanda Ronconi
Series: Bluegrass #2
Published by Brilliance Audio on October 7th 2013
Genres: Contemporary, Humor, Romance
Length: 5 hours 57 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Purchased
Goodreads
Bonnie Turkle, multimedia historian for the Kentucky Commission of Tourism, is dispatched to Mud Creek, a tiny eastern Kentucky town, with few prospects but many oddballs, to rescue important artifacts from McBride’s Music Hall. Now fallen beyond disrepair, McBride’s was once a jewel of the early American music scene, an intersection of the country-western and rhythm and blues circuits. The former owner’s grandson, Will McBride, who also happens to be Mud Creek’s esteemed mayor, would like nothing more than to see the place bull-dozed in favor of a factory that will provide much-needed jobs to his citizens. But Bonnie finds evidence of a legendary musical event at the music hall and her plans to turn it into a museum put Mud Creek’s economic future at risk – not to mention the growing flirtation between the two of them. If Will and Bonnie can’t find common ground, the town’s past and future will be lost.
I think I enjoyed the first book in this series a bit more than Rhythm and Bluegrass, but I still really enjoyed Molly Harper’s humor paired with Amanda Ronconi’s amazing ability to deliver those lines just right.
I pick up Molly Harper’s books when I’m looking for a light listen and a lot of laughs – which is why this was the perfect listen for the last few hours of Dewey’s Read-a-thon. Nothing keeps you awake like hilarious sarcasm, small town hi-jinks, and lovable characters.
As a historian, it was super easy for me to relate to Bonnie and how excited she was about unearthing treasures and her eagerness to share that joy. And the romance wouldn’t be complete without a stubborn, sexy male adversary that you JUST KNOW she’ll fall for – I was particularly found of Will McBride, he may be one of my favorite Molly Harper heroes.
I think my one disappointment was that there wasn’t more time with the characters from the first book – we see Sadie a bit and a few others, but I don’t think we ever saw Nick. I just enjoyed that first book so much I would have like a better idea of what’s going on with all those characters.
I’m having a lot of fun with this series and I expect the next one will be Kelsey’s story, which I think could be the best – I just love her. I definitely recommend this series for lots of laughs!
I consumed these three audiobooks back in the spring – binge listening. I agree that this one just wasn’t as good as the first and third. I didn’t like how it was so separate from the world (book three has the gang all back together). I also wonder if it was supposed to be actually a prequel? Anyhow, Molly Harper is always lots of fun! great review.
It was disconnected – like it was not exactly meant to be part of the series – maybe a prequel like you said. Still fun though!
I haven’t tried this series. I love Amanda Ronconi and Molly Harper together. I’m not a huge fan of contemporary romances (which is why I haven’t grabbed this one yet), but I think these two paired together again will be a win for me, no matter the genre. Great review.
I definitely prefer their PNR but they are such great duo that it’s still enjoyable. This particular one isn’t my favorite, but I still had lots of laughs!
I still need to read this series. I like her paranormal stuff more but her contemporary stuff is pretty funny too. 🙂
I agree – I really like the PNR better. But I enjoy everything she does – mainly for the humor!
I don’t know why exactly but when I first saw the cover I thought this might be a cozy mystery, LOL. I do love Molly Harper though so I’ll have to give this series a shot. Great review, Berls. I like books like this for audio 🙂
I could see the cover being a cozy. It’s a good one, even if this particular book wasn’t my favorite. Lots of laughs!