Had Me at Howdy

Hickville High #1

by Mary Karlik

PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED UNDER THE TITLE: WELCOME TO HICKVILLE HIGH

Platinum credit card? Deactivated. New car? Sold. Best life ever? Canceled.
Thanks to my dad losing his job, we've ditched Chicago for Fumbuck, Texas— redneck. Now I'm living on a rundown farm, scrubbing dishes, and driving a rusty pickup. Worst of all? I’m stuck working alongside a cowboy.
But this Cinderella isn't giving up. I’ll claw my way back to the luxe life I left behind—and no one, not even infuriatingly chill, stupidly handsome Austin McCoy is going to stop me. Even if he does make feeding the chickens weirdly... enjoyable.
She thinks she's just passing through. I'm hoping she stays.
I kind of feel for the Quinn sisters. City girls don’t belong in Spring Creek—but Kelsey? There’s more to her than designer labels and eye rolls. When she forgets to be angry, I see it—like the way her eyes light up when she feeds the chickens.
Now all I have to do is convince her the guy she really wants is me, not some rich dude taking her to a ball in Chicago.
Content This work contains a subplot involving death, grief, and an off-page instance of date rape. While these events are not depicted directly, they are referenced and may be distressing to some readers.

Genres: Young Adult, Romance

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 5, 2015

About the author

Mary Karlik (also writing as Mary J. Wilson) combines her Texas roots with her Scottish heritage to write happily-ever-afters from Texas to Scotland. When she is not writing or reading, Mary can usually be found hanging out with family and friends, or hill walking in Scotland.
Mary has five indie-published contemporary young adult romance novels and two indie-published fantasy novels.
Mary earned her MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University, has a B.S. degree from Texas A&M University, and is currently studying Scottish Gaelic at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in Skye, Scotland. She is also a certified, professional ski instructor and a Registered Nurse.
Mary is an active member of Contemporary Romance Writers, Romance Writers of America, and Dallas Area Romance Authors. Married to a Scott, Mary lives in both and Scotland and Texas.

Reviews

[Carlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Kelsey's a senior who has it all, the popularity, the guy, and all the money she could want. Except her dad and her sister have messed that all up and their moving into her dad's old family home in Texas. In a town of 5,000, stuck with her three sisters and having to work for the first time, Kelsey's just counting down the days to May and leaving for college. She's got only one thing to look forward to, going back to Chicago for the big gala, so she's doing whatever it takes. Her teacher in Texas lifestyle happens to come in the form of hard-bodied cowboy Austin. When Texas starts looking better than Chicago, Kelsey is torn.

Kelsey is a snotty brat, but I really enjoyed watching her mature and change. I connected with her immediately, as I remember throwing the same threat at my mom when she brought up moving my senior year, I would run away, absolutely. Kelsey life is turned upside down and it's easy to get behind her; She's experiencing things she's never had to before, from bullying to working full time and having a lot less money than she's used to. Lucky for her, and us readers, Austin is an ideal book boyfriend. With just the snippets we were given of Austin's life, he's a character I would want to get to know. The family dynamic is interesting, one I could easily see happening, I've had plenty of fights with my parents and siblings. The sisters are all different and face Texas and the loss of Chicago in different ways. Mary Karlik did an excellent job shaping the family, sharing their trials and griefs, and allowing them to come together as Texas becomes home. For an innocent book, I loved the romance in this. It's what I like to read in a high school aged book and one I can easily share with family friends. The minor characters are interesting and it sounds like the future novels of Hicksville High will be interesting reads.

Unfortunately, there is a love triangle type situation and while I understand its innocence, I felt like it was played down quite a bit. What should have been the big moment in this book was pretty anticlimactic for me. I felt like we were given two life changing moments right near the end that wrapped things up too quickly for me and just worked out far too easily.

I enjoyed Welcome to Hicksville High and absolutely recommend it to YA readers. I think the story is realistic, enjoyable, and a short, but memorable read. The sneak peak for Ryan's book absolutely caught my attention and I'll be sticking around for this series.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Mary Karlik for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
To see more of my reviews, visit my blog, Carlene Inspired

[Aileen Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read! Cute, fun, and funny! With a solid dose of romance! Loved this book! Karlik's characters were fantastic and I was drawn in from the beginning! Don't miss it! :)

[OneMadReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had Me At Howdy was a fun, fast-paced read and a sweet rom-com. I thought Kelsey's character development was done really well, and I loved Austin. I really enjoyed how while this book is a sweet rom-com, it dealt with some tougher topics (Kelsey's younger sister used to be into drugs and it is mentioned that she is a survivor of date-rape) in a really good way, and I loved how it brought the sisters closer together. Overall, Had Me At Howdy is a great romance read that I definitely recommend!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️ (mentions of past date-rape)
Language: !
Drug/Alcohol Content: 🍺

*I received an advanced review copy for free from Net Gallery and the publisher, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Erica Chilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads

4 stars.

Welcome to Hickville High is perfect for young adults and those young at heart.

Kelsey was in the in-crowd back in Chicago, going to a private school, dating the boy every girl wanted, was on the fast-track to Ivy League colleges, and then all of that changes. She finds herself locked in moving car, destination Hickville, Texas.

Young adults will surely identify and sympathize with Kelsey. The adults, probably not-so much (I can hear them getting frustrated with the girl). But since I'm 37 years old, I'll give you my take on it. I found Kelsey easy to empathize with. Imagine living a way of life for 17 years and having it all stripped away. How powerless you'd feel having every goal you thought to realize removed by the poor decisions of the adults in your life? She is living the consequences of her father, mother, and sister's choices, when up until then she had made all the right choices to have the future she planned. Now, ask yourself if Kelsey feeling resentful was justified or not?

Kelsey was written in a very human manner, befitting a teenager, and as someone who grew up as an affluent Chicagoan.

But the beauty of Welcome to Hickville High is how the grass is always greener on the opposite side of the fence. Through Austin's narration, we're able to see the beauty of a simple life in Texas. Depending on the point of view, some of Kelsey's inner monologue will rankle some readers. Like her thoughts on wanting to enter a house trailer because she wanted to know how people lived in them. Instead of feeling slighted, I thought it a unique perspective, as Kelsey would be completely ignorant to the things all of us in rural America experience on a daily basis. Moral of the story: everyone needs to experience both to have a balanced life.

Welcome to Hickville high was very detailed with beautiful descriptions, but it slowed the flow down considerably, making the story feel a bit drawn-out.

My favorite parts of the book were the tidbits and facts posted as the header of every chapter, and the out-loud laughter that rumbled from me every time coke versus Coke was brought up. (I'm a rural girl and grew up with it being pop or soda. So if someone offered me a coke, I'd expect me some Coke. I laughed so hard when she took tea instead, not knowing what 'flavor' of coke she would get. Loved it!)

[Mignon Mykel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't pick up very many high school aged books anymore, so when I do and I enjoy them? They definitely get put on the 'good' list.

When Chicago based Quinn family relocates to Texas, Kelsey's pretty sure her life is going to be over as she knows it. The last thing she expects is to make a friend out of Austin McCoy, let alone, nearly right away.

Their friendship, and growing romance, was lovely to watch -- in an innocent, naive way. Kelsey was still extremely fixated on her previous life, her friends, and the boyfriend she left back in Chicago. The author did a great job in keeping the characterizations, the thoughts, the dialogue of these characters true to their ages, because if there was one thing that continuously repeated in my head, it was that Kelsey acted very much like a teenager. She does do some growing in this story, though, and that was delightful to see.

I really loved Austin's character. He was more than just the school quarterback. He was a good guy, a great citizen of the small town he lived in, and a great friend.

My biggest point of disconnect in this story would be the end -- I felt that the last quarter or so of the book happened too quickly. The 'boom' of the book and it's resolution happened too quickly; there were a few jumps in time that didn't feel organic to the story, and there were occurences that happened that didn't get the full word-count I think they truly deserved. While it would have added quite the number of pages to the story, I would have liked to see more growth in the end.

Regardless, I did like the set up for Kelsey's sister, Ryan's, upcoming book. Can't wait to crack that one open!

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

Age recommendation: 13up

Kelsey's life changes dramatically when her father loses his well paying job and they go from the rich life in Chicago to a working life in rural Texas. She arrives a good girl but a spoiled rich girl. Not her fault - that is how she was raised. She behaves and gets good grades. These two things combined made her a challenging character for me. Sometimes I didn't like her and thought she was a bit of a twit and irritating. Other times I thought she was hard done by and just doing her best to get by.

Her friend and love interest Austin is a good, hard working Texan boy. The kind of boy every parent would like for their daughter. He helps Kelsey adjust to a life the includes work, a new high school and farm animals.

Welcome to Hickville High is a lovely story about growing up and includes a sweet romance. I will definitely be reading more of the Hickville series.

[T.H. Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kelsey Quinn is the epitome of a spoiled, rich teen from the upper midwest moving to smalltown Texas. She hates everything from the weather to the twang in their voices. Her initial observations on her new home, she nicknames Hickville, are judgmental and snobby. About the only thing she thinks might make running the family farm even mildly tolerable is Austin McCoy, local hottie and her new high school’s starting quarterback. But even Austin’s chiseled abs and sculpted biceps will only go so far when she has to get up at the crack of dawn to feed chickens, even before she’s allowed to enjoy a cup of coffee. All Kelsey wants is to survive her senior year in Hillside and return to Chicago and her perfect boyfriend, Drew. Her ideal life is gone, she knows that. No more designer clothes, her own car, or lavish lifestyle. Instead she shares the family pickup truck, wears second-hand store duds, and spends her time doing farm work. But she has her sights set on a big event in Chicago, an annual affair with ballgowns and a semblance of normalcy. Except that costs money her family no longer has. If she wants to go, she’ll need to earn the money herself between schoolwork, farm work, and time in the family’s feed store. Her only option is the diner, the same one where Austin’s mom works that she mocked when she first arrived in town.

The more time Kelsey spends with Austin, the more she begins to question whether she even wants her old life back. Being around him ignites feelings she never experienced with Drew. But Drew is her boyfriend and she doubles down on their long-distance relationship, until she doesn’t. As she’s torn between two worlds and two boys, she learns a lot about herself and does some much needed growing up.

Plot
The plot is relatively predictable, but that doesn’t mean it’s not fun. The personalities of the characters and playful banter shake things up. And even though I may have had a pretty good idea how the story would end, I didn’t know how we’d get there. While there weren’t any real plot twists or shocking revelations, the story moves at a good pace and the world building is well done, bringing me into the heart of rural Texas.

The Characters
The characters were all really well developed and fully fleshed out. I’m used to first person POV for young adult, but even though this is third-person, I still felt really connected to both Austin and Kelsey. The rest of the characters also felt real and unique. Kelsey’s sisters are very different from Kelsey and from each other, so I’m not surprised to find they each have their own books, and I’m looking forward to reading all of them. Kelsey’s parents came across as some of the most authentic in the genre. They’re more than props or impediments to Kelsey getting what she wants and I loved that they even have their own issues to deal with as well as a minor relationship arc.

Top Five Things I Enjoyed About WELCOME TO HICKVILLE HIGH
1. Forced Change. The complete upheaval of Kelsey’s life provides for so much conflict, the story was fun to read.

2. Humor. The author weaves a lot of humor through some pretty serious topics, bringing lighthearted moments in what might otherwise be a darker tale.

3. Homecoming. Hillside’s take on the homecoming tradition is something to behold.

4. Personal Growth. Kelsey has a lot of growing up to do and she does it with humility.

5. Austin. He’s one of the really good guys out there. Even though Kelsey is a handful, he realizes there’s more to her than just a spoiled rich girl lashing out after being dumped into the Middle of Nowhere, Texas.

Bottom Line
A sweet contemporary romance with great characters.

[Laurie Nguyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book and am leaving a voluntary review.

Had Me At Howdy, by Mary Karlik, is a young adult romantic comedy about the beauty of being humbled and opening yourself up to new experiences.

Kelsey Quinn is a pissed-off 17-year-old who feels like the world is against her. Due to the actions of her younger sister, Ryan, and her father subsequently losing his job, she and her family are forced to move from upper-class Chicago to a farm in Spring Creek, Texas, where they struggle to make ends meet. Not wanting to let go of her boyfriend, best friend, and overall luxurious lifestyle, she isn’t too pleased to meet Austin, who’s more than ready to introduce her to small-town living. Still, Kelsey isn’t giving up and will do whatever it takes to claw her way back to her old life, even if Austin, and fate, have other plans.

I enjoyed reading about Austin and Kelsey. I do appreciate Karlik’s decision to avoid whatever mess some group of girls tries to pull on Kelsey, as well as Austin’s decision to protect her. I appreciate how goal-driven Kelsey is. Of course, she’s a teenage girl who loves love, and she may have an overly optimistic view of her boyfriend. That being said, she isn’t afraid to work hard to get what she wants. True, it takes some getting used to, but for the most part, she makes everything work beautifully, even if she’s had a rough start.

Alongside her falling in love with Austin, I also enjoy how Spring Creek seemingly brings the Quinn family down to earth. Karlik emphasizes the community aspect; while rugged individualism gets all the credit in America, in actuality, it’s people looking out for their neighbors that end up saving folks. This is clearly shown in Kelsey’s bond with Mackenzie and Ryan. The fact that Austin corrects Kelsey on her texting behavior is also pretty realistic. Texas is known to have some of the worst drivers (if you don’t believe me, look at all the crashes on I-35), and the crosses and bouquets near small-town roads don’t make it any better.

I also like the obscure laws that Karlik introduces at the beginning of each chapter. Every time I read one, I say it to my husband, and he gets a good laugh out of it.

Although it’s not a book I would pick for myself, I enjoyed reading it nonetheless. It’s down-to-earth, homey, and something you’d read when you’re snowed in (hah). It also offers a comforting aspect of family that people are too quick to push aside these days. I’d like to read more about Kelsey’s parents and the drama behind their relationship, as well as Justin and Ryan’s budding relationship. It does lean heavily into Texas's stereotypes though, and sometimes Kelsey would be a bit more than unlikeable because of said stereotypes. So for now, I would give this book a 4 out of 5 stars, and would recommend it to readers who enjoy Western romances, small town romances, and cozy novels you can curl up to when life’s beating you up.

[Sabina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kelsey and her two sisters are about to start a brand new life in Texas since his dad lost his job, status and the whole comfortable life in Chicago. Now the whole Quinn family is starting all over again in Texas, in Kelsey's dad's hometown.
Kelsey, a city girl, is completely devastated by the recent events especially that she had to leave her boyfriend Drew behind. Instead of a private school, lush parties and shopping she has lots of responsibilities such as farm duties, work in the cafe and public school with lots of mean girls.
The only thing that's good about her new life is Austin McCoy, a cowboy who helps her on the farm. As it turns out Austin is also a quite popular QB playing for their school team.
The only thing that keeps Kelsey going is the fact that she is working her socks off in the local cafe to collect money so that she could go back to Chicago for a gala and unite with her friends and Drew.
The question is: will she still fit into her past life? Will she be still excited to see Drew? Or is the farm life a part of her already? Is Austin more than a friend? It's all for you to find out. It's a lovely book about coming of age in the rural Texas but also about things that matter the most: friendship, family, nature and real life on the farm. I read it at one go.

[Paula Ratcliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book follows the Quinn family whose had to uproot their life and move to Hickville Texas due to job issues with Kelsey's dad and a scandal with her sister Ryan. From the lap of luxury to the lap of hell is where Kelsey finds herself now. She ends up with one friend before school begins senior quarterback Austin McCoy who finds himself drawn to Kelsey regardless of her boyfriend in Chicago. Will Kelsey and her family survive Hickville or will they run as far from it as possible?

I love this series it's a cute ya that shows cute guys are everywhere and even in Hickville they have their share of drama and scandal. This book pulled you in and reminds you of your high school days. Or if you are still young enough reminds you of your friends.

I think Ms. Karlik did a fabulous job with the Hickville Series so far. It's strong and can be read as a stand alone or part of a series which it is. Can't wait to continue the adventure with Hickville Confessions.

[Jasmin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had Me At Howdy by Mary Karlik is a cute, quick read full of humor, heart, and just the right amount of small-town charm.

I’ll admit, I didn’t like Kelsey at first—she comes off a bit entitled and frustrated—but as the story progressed, I grew to understand her struggles and ended up rooting for her. And Austin? What a sweetheart. Loyal, hardworking, and genuinely kind, his interactions with Kelsey—especially during the quieter, slower moments—were incredibly endearing. Kelsey’s growth, along with the development of her relationship with Austin, makes this a satisfying and heartwarming story.

Overall, Had Me At Howdy is a sweet, funny, and heartfelt read that I’d happily recommend to anyone looking for a light, uplifting romance.

Content Warning: Contains a subplot involving death, grief, and an off-page instance of date rape. These events are not depicted directly but may be sensitive for some readers.

Thank you to Mary Karlik and NetGalley for the ARC!

[Jessica Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! I read is so fast when I wasn’t at work. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because I didn’t like how Kelsey kept in the beginning referring to her old life all the time. And I didn’t like all the we did this or that in Chicago stuff. But overall it was amazing.

I love watching Kelsey grow through the book from some snobby city girl who hated small towns to slowly enjoying the town they’ve moved too.

The only thing I will say is that there is an SA warning from me. So if you have been of aren’t comfortable with reading anything with that in it. Be careful. Even though it is in only one very small part. But if could trigger some

Edit to add: I wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue to read the other two books because I felt like Kelsey story was already told and there couldn’t be much more. But I did find out that the next two are about her sisters Ryan and McKenzie. So I’m excited to dive into their views on everything.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had Me at Howdy was a twisty roller coaster ride from start to finish. Kelsey's family relocates to Texas after Kelsey's middle sister is caught sleeping with their dad's boss's son. They leave behind a world of wealth and privilege to reside in a tiny farmhouse, tend to farm animals, and run a feed store. At first, Kelsey is horrified at her new life in Texas and clings to the glamourous remnants of her old life, friends, and boyfriend in Chicago. Her assumptions and prejudices slowly chip away as she gets to know Austin, the family's farmhand and football quarterback, and makes friends at school. Sparks quickly fly which leaves Kelsey at a crossroads on what her heart truly desires. Thank you NetGalley for an ARC.

[Mack Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this. It was such a cute story about a family who went from riches to rags. Often times in books its the opposite where you go from rags to riches so it was nice to see the opposite here.
Kelsey was the typical rich girl and her attitude was awful. She thought she was better than Hickville and all its residents, but as time wore on, she realized that maybe she had been looking at things all wrong.
Austin was so swoon worthy. He was such a gentleman and a true southern boy. Never a mean thing to say and always looking out for those he cared about.
I look forward to seeing what the next book holds.

[Carolyn Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to Hickville High echoes Kelsey Quinn’s feelings about Hillside High in a Texas town of 5,000. After leaving a private school and a comfortable life in Chicago, where she was “somebody,” Kelsey resents her sister’s “mistake.” Being caught with the boss’s son got their father fired, and now her sister and Kelsey have to live out in the country and start at a new high school, but Austin, her father’s assistant at the feed store her father now runs, is handsome, friendly, and seems to like Kelsey. Perhaps, things may not be so bad here in Hillside.

[Jean Baxter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kelsey Quinn's family relocates back to Texas after leading the posh life in Chicago. She hates it, and desperately misses her boyfriend and the friends she was forced to leave behind. Her character is very relatable, as are the trials she goes through as she reluctantly learns her way around the new homestead and town. The descriptions are vivid, each sister has an interesting back story. A very enjoyable read.

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved! Such a sweet, adorable story! I really enjoyed the dual POV and getting to see both sides of the story between Kelsey's POV and Austin's. The dual POV really amped up the tension and kept me wanting to read more and more with every chapter. The rural setting is so fun and the family dynamics were great between Kelsey and her parents & sisters. Sweet romance and I'm looking forward to reading more of Karlik's books!

[Mistie McAskill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series!

I love this series!!! It was a great read! Looking forward to the rest of the series! Starting book 2 tonight!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the story. I hope to continue on with the series at a future date. I have so many other books I need to get to first.

[Mary Karlik]

Thank you to everybody who has read or is reading this book. It is the first in the Hickville High series. I hope you enjoy it!

[Monica Hansel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Abigail Valdelievre · Rating 4 out of 5]

great book

I’m a Texan living in Indonesia and this made me think more of home chapter 27, said know one can really leave Texas and it is true

[JXR · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute romcom with good plotting and fantastic characters. the style is really effective in general. 4 stars. tysm for the arc.

[Stacey Kym · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC kindly provided by Mary Karlik via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Review

‘Welcome to Hickville High’ DREW ME RIGHT IN FROM THE VERY BEGINNING for some unexplainable reason. As soon as it started the story unfolded and took shape in my mind - I couldn't stop reading. It's words painted such a vivid picture that I began to feel what Kelsey was feeling; her doubts, sorrows and hopelessness – and that's a pretty interesting thing as not all novels can do that and hook you in. I LOVED IT FROM ITS VERY FIRST LETTER.
The main character – Kelsey – is a very, very stubborn ass; but I felt a kinship to her. She reminded me A LOT of myself: sarcastic, resilient and DEAD SET on crawling out of any hole she found herself in...NO MATTER WHAT. And when life tried to prevent her from getting where she wanted and achieving her goals? She would wait that time out – maybe not patiently and with A LOT of emotion such as anger, rage and hatred – but she'd wait all the same. I instantly bonded with her.
I felt that the main female character, Kelsey Quinn, was smart and intelligent from the start. She was already planning of a way out and determined to succeed, no matter how wrong her opinions may be; she planned what she thought was RIGHT for HER and it was something that I GREATLY admired. And Kelsey remained smart, but then life in Texas rubbed off on her, the simplicity of country life, and she started to fall in love with it. THAT'S what made me fall in love with the novel and Texas. Kelsey was an extremely dynamic character whom seemed as REAL as you and me.
Now the main MALE character, Austin McCoy, was as hot/attractive/good-looking as his name suggests. With a name like McCOY, this novel was bound to get interesting; plus I am a sucker for guys with blue-coloured eyes. He was also a generic, western cowboy who was EXTREMLY loveable. He was so patient and kind and PERSISTANT about his affections and feelings for Kelsey, who as I said, was very stubborn on disliking Texas. Often, I thought he would give in and abandon the ‘thing’ Kelsey and he had, but he didn’t. To find that kind of tenacity on the thing he wants is REALLY admirable. And so admire him I did! *winks* He is my new BOOK BOYFRIEND.
The novel alternates between Kelsey's and Austin’s point of view which is written in third person. Most of the book is in Kelsey's POV but some is in Austin’s. This made it fun and thrilling to read as romance bloomed between Austin and Kelsey and we got to peek into Austin’s mind.
The most important thing about these two is that they made an EXCELLENT couple together. Some book-character couples JUST DON’T FIT! There are sooooo many examples together and it often feels like they are trying to mash two INCOMPATIBLE people together. They were just so…dreamy…*sighs*
The novel was just so lovely and sweet! *squeels in glee*
I also loved the cover. Have you guys seen it? It perfectly captures the essence of what ‘Welcome to Hickville High’. I think I’m going to faint in glee from all this lovely shebang.
I loved the author’s simple yet beautiful writing style and prose. It was so REFRESHING and FLOWING that I would OFTEN get carried away reading the novel. When the author narrated the story, I felt as if I were a part of it. I could smell the clear, sharp air and the coffee the characters drank. I could feel the heat and the tensing of muscles as they worked around their field and farm.
When I was a quarter of the way through the novel I realised something: This novel was going to be a five star. And guess what? It was a five star. There was absolutely NOTHING that I would change about this novel or the way the author wrote it.
The ending was just PERFECT. It ended the way I hoped it would and a shiver of satisfaction and pleasure ran down my spine as I finished it. I still believe it is a five star.
Congratulations to Mary Karlik on her excellent new series and OUTSTANDING novel! I can’t wait for more!

Rating Plan
1 star : Strongly did not like the book, writing and plot was bad. Idea of the book was against my liking.
2 star : Didn't like it, didn't find it interesting or gripping. Seemed to drag on to me.
3 star : An average book. Wasn't bad or good. Everything else was well done. Original idea.
4 star : Like a 3 star but has potential to it as a series or the book grew on me as it progressed and certain scenes captured me. I Enjoyed it and read it in one sitting.
5 star : I LOVED IT! I stayed up late until 3 am. Author is a genius, characters, plot, idea, development, EVERYTHING was EXCELLENT. Nothing else can possibly be said except that its 5 STAR!

[Jeraca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this free eARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

When I first started reading this, I really disliked Kelsey. She was such a snob from the city who looked down on anyone who did any hard work because it was "beneath her". And that rubs me the wrong way like you wouldn't believe, but I feel like no one should have that mentality when it comes to life.

I'm extremely glad that the situation was changed for Kelsey's family, because there is no need for teenagers to feel like they can spend $300 on a pair of shoes. Sure, when they have their own money that they worked for and earned, then they can spend that much money on frivolous things, but when it is their parents money it just makes me angry because then teens start to expect that treatment in life.

At the 60% mark of the book, I started to like Kelsey as a person. She realized her errors in life when she started to see the citizens of Hillside, TX and how they treat life = with respect. And the night of Homecoming? I was so proud of Kelsey for what she did; she was so selfless.

The situation with Drew and Zoe in Chicago was rough for Kelsey, I know. That was her life and what she was used to, so it makes sense that she was angry and wanted to go back to that life. But I'm glad things got resolved the way they did because it was for the best for Kelsey.

I love Austin. He is amazing and kind and hard working and loyal. And he can make the hard decisions in life when he needs to, knowing that it will help others in the end. Austin is such an amazing guy - I want someone like him!

So I grew to like this novel after a very rough start. I wanted Kelsey to stop acting like a spoiled brat earlier, but I think Mary Karlik did well in expanding the time she was a snob because that's how people would react in real life. Kelsey's life was just starting to get straightened out when Ryan's life went up in flames in the very last paragraph of the novel, so I'll be intrigued to figure out how she is going to wrangle herself out of that situation!

I think a lot of readers will enjoy this novel and I'm glad I was able to get a free eARC file!

[Stacy Sabala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review- Welcome to Hickville High by Mary Karlik

Kelsey Quinn finds herself in a small town in Texas. She is suddenly ripped from her school, best friend and boyfriend her senior year when her younger sister, Ryan, couldn’t stay out of trouble and her father lost his job. She is thrown into farm life where she has to do chores taking care of the animals. Thankfully Austin McCoy is there to show her what to do. He works for her family at the feed store and helps out on the farm.
Kelsey is determined to hate every minute there and stay for the year then leave. However Austin and the people she meets slowly changes her mind. She gets used to doing her chores and the family pool makes those hot Texas days easier to handle. She also has met some good friends. The only problem is she is still dating Drew and she can’t be attracted to Austin. She is completely confused but knows Drew is her future.
Of course when she finally makes it to the Gala in Chicago, Kelsey realizes that she isn’t the same girl. She has learned to embrace her new life. However she gets caught up in the fun and says things she doesn’t mean. When her new friends and Austin find out, everything falls apart.
This book was interesting. Kelsey starts out as a major snob that gets knocked down a peg or two. It was fun to see her struggle at first, then grow as the story continued. The sisters grew closer together as did their family. The move was probably the best thing for them.
The characters were small town and larger than life. I can relate completely and I had fun reading the story, thinking back to my teen years. A lot of what Kelsey experienced after her move was a life I grew up with.
I loved how the author gave you a look at how an outsider had to come in and become an active part of her new life in small town Texas. The culture shocks were comical. I chuckled at how the girls reacted. I could picture it completely. It was an awesome story and I can’t wait to read the next one. I give it a 4 out of 5.

[Saskia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally engaging characters and a great story.

[Riki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute, easy read that I enjoyed in one sitting. The book really excels at depicting a small town setting, and with every scene I could just picture Kelsey dropped from big city life into small town hell. I particularly enjoyed the family dynamics in this novel, with Kelsey and her two sisters trying to find their own way, and I was happy to hear that the next book in the series delves into Kelsey's sister Ryan's past a little more. She was a great character who kind of stole the show when she showed up in a scene.

I do have to admit that I had a difficult time liking Kelsey as a character at the beginning of this book. She's really judgmental and kind of rude at the start, and I had a hard time connecting with her or feeling sympathy for the situation she was in. But- that being said, she does warm up to the town and its inhabitants, and she grew on me. By the end she had managed to make things right and I was able to identify with her better.

The romance element in this book is cute, with a slow burn romance between Kelsey and Austin thwarted by the fact that Kelsey is still pining over her boyfriend Drew back home. But- Drew ends up being kind of a jerk, and I love that Kelsey allowed herself to fall for the small town boy with a heart of gold. They really are quite sweet together.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and recommend it for its stellar small town setting and cute romance. It will appeal to teen readers who have felt like they have no control of their lives at one time or another, and to anyone who has had a difficult time adjusting to a new place.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kelsey's whole life has been turned upside down thanks to her sister's behavior and her father losing his job. Now the whole family must move from Chicago to Hillside, TX and live on the family's rundown farm. Kelsey's life had revolved around her prep school, her boyfriend Drew and what top university she could get into. Not to mention the prestigious Gala that she was to attend with Drew. Now she's stuck in the middle of nowhere, upset with her family and getting ready to start her senior year in a new school.

Austin, star qb of the Hillside Hornets, works on the farm and helps Kelsey with the animals. There is an attraction between them, but Kelsey won't go there because she's with Drew. Can they just be friends? Will Kelsey adapt to life in Texas and try to fit in?

I loved this book for the most part except for Kelsey. She was pretty horrible to her family and the way she made fun of the people in town drove me crazy. I know she was trying to separate herself from her new life, but she was just so hard to like at times. The thing I wasn't too fond of is the love triangle. I'm just not a huge fan of them and it got my anxiety going.

Positives include Austin as he was just a likeable guy. Hard not to root for him. Kelsey finally talking to and understanding her family. I loved the scenes with her sisters. I will definitely give the second book a chance in this series.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Rachel Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Kelsey feels like she has lost everything good in her life when her family picks up and moves from Chicago to small-town Texas thanks to the mistakes of her sister and father. Reading about her adjustment to life on a farm and helping out at the family feed store rang very true. As a Texan with a family that happens to own a chain of feed stores, the author did a great job of painting this story without relying heavily on stereotypes or playing up the hick/redneck angle too much. She created a small Texas town of people true to their roots but also very human and real. Austin, the guy who works for her family and who quickly becomes her best friend in her home, is super swoon-worthy and you spend lots of time hoping he will help her forget her Chicago boyfriend, Drew. I meant to only read a few chapters before bed, but I couldn't tear myself away and read until past 4am (!!) to finish this one. I highly recommend this one as a cute, fun contemporary YA. I can't wait to read the next book to learn more about her sister Ryan's story (the one who is part of why they had to move).