Publishers Weekly
03/20/2023
Wicks’s sweet but rocky debut romance (after the thriller Please Join Us, written as Catherine McKenzie) finds aspiring singer Hazel Fine living in a cheap motel and struggling to find herself after a tumultuous childhood. A scout hears her sing at an open mic night, and she’s invited to try out for the American Idol-esque reality show The Sing Along. If she doesn’t succeed, she may be forced to move back in with her overbearing parents, but she needs to keep her past a secret on national TV. Though she’s determined to keep her head down and stay out of any reality show drama, Hazel quickly finds it isn’t that easy, and instead digs herself deep in her own lies, enters a “showmance” with fellow contestant Benji Suzuki, and develops complicated feelings for the show’s music director, Nick Barnes. Readers will likely guess Hazel’s secret long before it’s revealed, and her snowballing deception leads to some eye-rolling moments. Still, Wicks makes the competition entertaining (it’s as easy to root for the other contestants as for Hazel) and brings some big romantic feels. It’s not perfect, but it does have heart. Agent: Stephanie Kip Rostan, Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary. (May)
From the Publisher
"[B]rings some big romantic feels . . ." —Publishers Weekly
“Hazel, Benji, Nick, Zoey and Checkers are a fun ensemble cast that I fell in love with. A backstage pass to a singing competition full of backstabbing, twists and all-out performances, I’m OBSESSED with Hazel and . . . Ha! You’ll have to read to find out!” —Elyssa Friedland bestselling author of THE LAST SUMMER AT THE GOLDEN HOTEL
“You can’t help but cheer for Hazel Fine on her bumpy road to love and stardom. A fun, fast-paced romp full of heart!" —Rachel Stuhler, author of ABSOLUTELY TRUE LIES
“HAZEL FINE SINGS ALONG is a delight! A reality singing competition. A talented singer with a secret. Some steamy romance. It's everything we want in a beach read—make sure to pack it in your bag!" —Liz Fenton & Lisa Steinke, bestselling authors of HOW TO SAVE A LIFE
“Funny, timely and delightful, Hazel Fine will have your heart singing.” —Julie Buxbaum, NYT bestselling author of TELL ME THREE THINGS
"Fans of romantic comedy, especially followers of American Idol and The Voice, will love this story set behind the scenes of a popular televised singing competition. Between the catfights, secret romances, and inappropriate judging practices, there is never a dull moment in this well-paced novel. Hazel Fine is a heroine to root for with a secret backstory that was skillfully and seamlessly revealed. I’m not sure which was more adorable: her sexy and brooding love interest or her rabbit, Checkers. A lighthearted romance that also tackles serious and relevant issues, HAZEL FINE SINGS ALONG is sure to entertain." —Meredith Schorr, author of AS SEEN ON TV
"HAZEL FINE SINGS ALONG is not only a fun yet poignant peek at the intersection of talent and celebrity that is competition-based reality television, but it’s also an ode to being true to yourself. Even when who you are could be a liability to who you want to become." —Julia Whelan, bestselling author of THANK YOU FOR LISTENING
"I love how this book pulled back the curtain of a singing competition show—all the drama, the back-stabbing, and the all-important journey of following your heart. Hazel was a fascinating protagonist with a past, and it was great to see her find her way in this addictive and swoony page-turner!" —Romi Moondi, author of 24 HOURS IN PARIS
"Fast-paced, warm, and surprisingly poignant, Hazel Fine Sings Along will have you cheering!" —Caroline Richardson, author of OUT OF HIS LEAGUE
