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American Love Song
Not yet published
Expected 9 Jun 26Together, they’ll save their reputations—if they can survive the scandal.
When her panic attack on the Grammys red carpet goes viral and obliterates her credibility, journalist Brinton Shaw must prove she’s not a “diversity hire” at her prestigious (but pretentious) New York City magazine. She agrees to reunite with charismatic Jamie Crawford Jr. (a.k.a. The Heartbreak Prince), the country music legacy heartthrob she unintentionally dragged into her meltdown, for a new interview in his idyllic Tennessee hometown.
Nobody at work thinks Brinton will come out with a prize story angle, and neither does she...until Jamie reveals his career is a well-coordinated sham. Jamie needs Brinton’s help to get his controlling, country-icon father off his back. Meanwhile, Brinton sees an opportunity to break the biggest music story of the decade.
Teaming up, they agree to help each other escape the complicated reputations they're desperate to shed. But as he shows her his world, Brinton is taken by Jamie’s sincerity. He’s compelled by her courage. Soon, their smoldering attraction threatens to two-step over their professional arrangement, jeopardizing Jamie’s fresh start and Brinton’s perfect cover story.
AMERICAN LOVE SONG by Britt Middleton is a country music and rom-com retelling of Taylor Swift's "Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince" for fans of Talia Hibbert, Abby Jimenez, Jasmine Guillory and Elisa Sussman.
When her panic attack on the Grammys red carpet goes viral and obliterates her credibility, journalist Brinton Shaw must prove she’s not a “diversity hire” at her prestigious (but pretentious) New York City magazine. She agrees to reunite with charismatic Jamie Crawford Jr. (a.k.a. The Heartbreak Prince), the country music legacy heartthrob she unintentionally dragged into her meltdown, for a new interview in his idyllic Tennessee hometown.
Nobody at work thinks Brinton will come out with a prize story angle, and neither does she...until Jamie reveals his career is a well-coordinated sham. Jamie needs Brinton’s help to get his controlling, country-icon father off his back. Meanwhile, Brinton sees an opportunity to break the biggest music story of the decade.
Teaming up, they agree to help each other escape the complicated reputations they're desperate to shed. But as he shows her his world, Brinton is taken by Jamie’s sincerity. He’s compelled by her courage. Soon, their smoldering attraction threatens to two-step over their professional arrangement, jeopardizing Jamie’s fresh start and Brinton’s perfect cover story.
AMERICAN LOVE SONG by Britt Middleton is a country music and rom-com retelling of Taylor Swift's "Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince" for fans of Talia Hibbert, Abby Jimenez, Jasmine Guillory and Elisa Sussman.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 9, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 17, 2026
This was so good!! This is really the perfect summer romance! And who doesn’t love something a little inspired by a Taylor Swift song - Miss American and the Heartbreak Prince!! This was in my radar to read this summer, but I got an arc and I HAD to read immediately! And THE COVER!! IS STUNNING!!!
And Brinton and Jamie together!!! were PERFECT!! They had just two weeks together but really it changed everything. It was tough at the start and Brinton was desperate to keep things professional, but the way they SAW each other!! The way they were instantly connected!! It was hard for either of them to stay away! I looooooved the way Jamie very easily accepted Brinton s anxiety and adjusted for her, without asking questions and making a big deal, while still making sure she knew it was important to him.
I thought both Jaime and Brinton had such good story arcs. They both had so much to work through in their personal lives and their professional lives. And with the help of each other, they were really able to do the things they always wanted to do! And it wasn’t easy by any means. Brinton’s mental health was written so well, the story never shied away from her struggling and the way her anxiety affected her daily life. Jamie had such a complicated relationship with his dad, and his job, and reality vs his image. And I thought it made him such a good complex character!!
Thanks to Britt Middleton for an arc in exchange for an honest review!
And Brinton and Jamie together!!! were PERFECT!! They had just two weeks together but really it changed everything. It was tough at the start and Brinton was desperate to keep things professional, but the way they SAW each other!! The way they were instantly connected!! It was hard for either of them to stay away! I looooooved the way Jamie very easily accepted Brinton s anxiety and adjusted for her, without asking questions and making a big deal, while still making sure she knew it was important to him.
I thought both Jaime and Brinton had such good story arcs. They both had so much to work through in their personal lives and their professional lives. And with the help of each other, they were really able to do the things they always wanted to do! And it wasn’t easy by any means. Brinton’s mental health was written so well, the story never shied away from her struggling and the way her anxiety affected her daily life. Jamie had such a complicated relationship with his dad, and his job, and reality vs his image. And I thought it made him such a good complex character!!
Thanks to Britt Middleton for an arc in exchange for an honest review!
May 13, 2026
I received this ARC from Britt Middleton and I’d like to thank her for it. I love my indie authors and books like this, remind me of that, repeatedly. This is Britt’s debut novel and what a way to start 😊
Jamie Crawford, Jr., can’t seem to get past his legendary father’s country music legacy, and being his namesake, does very little to help. Jamie is harboring a secret that could rock not only the country music industry, but also his blooming career.
Brinton Shaw is an amazing journalist, who is stuck in the rut at her job, that doesn’t deserve her. She’s been trying for years to get the infamous “byline” on the front page of Landmark, but her editor has continually thwarted her efforts. She is given another chance to nab the front page and byline with an exclusive interview with the charismatic Jamie Crawford, Jr. (aka The Heartbreak Prince), country music’s legacy heartthrob on the red carpet of the Grammys.
Brinton feels nervous about her interview with Jamie, but his characteristic charm not only helps her along with the interview, but there also seems to be a spark that goes beyond flirtation. Just when Brinton feels like she’s making not only headway with her red carpet exclusive, but nailing what she hopes will be a front-page story, the panic attack of all panic attacks happen – and not only loses her reputation as a credible journalist, but she also becomes a viral laughingstock.
Some time passes and Brinton is given another bite at the apple when Jamie needs her help to shed the confines of his father-led career and move in paths that he would like to take alone. And Brinton needs this reputation builder to try and move her career in the direction that she wants to take it… but will teaming up together get them what they both want or move them to paths that neither of them thought they should take.
There are so many facets and layers to both Jamie and Brinton. You will fall in love with these characters, and the side characters are equally funny and well written. Brinton’s sister Shay and her mother Athena are just who Brinton needs in her corner all the time. And Jamie’s Mamaw and Sammi are his backbone and give some clarity when he needs it.
The spice is a perfect combination of steamy and necessary. I love seeing Brinton loved like she should be, softly, fully and loudly. This is an amazingly well written book and you’d do yourself a disservice if you didn’t binge it like I did when it comes out on June 9th.
If you like the following, you’ll love this book:
🎸 Country music romance
🎸 Heartthrob MMC
🎸 Strong but unsure FMC
🎸 Mental health representation
🎸 Interracial love story
🎸 He falls first
🎸 Forced proximity
🎸 Small town romance
🎸 Forbidden romance
Rate: 4.5/5⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️.5
Spice: 2.5/5🌶️🌶️.5
You can watch my full review on:
TT – https://www.tiktok.com/@the.book.devo...
IG – https://www.instagram.com/p/DYSQH1DR5zh/
American Love Song
Britt Middleton
Jamie Crawford, Jr., can’t seem to get past his legendary father’s country music legacy, and being his namesake, does very little to help. Jamie is harboring a secret that could rock not only the country music industry, but also his blooming career.
Brinton Shaw is an amazing journalist, who is stuck in the rut at her job, that doesn’t deserve her. She’s been trying for years to get the infamous “byline” on the front page of Landmark, but her editor has continually thwarted her efforts. She is given another chance to nab the front page and byline with an exclusive interview with the charismatic Jamie Crawford, Jr. (aka The Heartbreak Prince), country music’s legacy heartthrob on the red carpet of the Grammys.
Brinton feels nervous about her interview with Jamie, but his characteristic charm not only helps her along with the interview, but there also seems to be a spark that goes beyond flirtation. Just when Brinton feels like she’s making not only headway with her red carpet exclusive, but nailing what she hopes will be a front-page story, the panic attack of all panic attacks happen – and not only loses her reputation as a credible journalist, but she also becomes a viral laughingstock.
Some time passes and Brinton is given another bite at the apple when Jamie needs her help to shed the confines of his father-led career and move in paths that he would like to take alone. And Brinton needs this reputation builder to try and move her career in the direction that she wants to take it… but will teaming up together get them what they both want or move them to paths that neither of them thought they should take.
There are so many facets and layers to both Jamie and Brinton. You will fall in love with these characters, and the side characters are equally funny and well written. Brinton’s sister Shay and her mother Athena are just who Brinton needs in her corner all the time. And Jamie’s Mamaw and Sammi are his backbone and give some clarity when he needs it.
The spice is a perfect combination of steamy and necessary. I love seeing Brinton loved like she should be, softly, fully and loudly. This is an amazingly well written book and you’d do yourself a disservice if you didn’t binge it like I did when it comes out on June 9th.
If you like the following, you’ll love this book:
🎸 Country music romance
🎸 Heartthrob MMC
🎸 Strong but unsure FMC
🎸 Mental health representation
🎸 Interracial love story
🎸 He falls first
🎸 Forced proximity
🎸 Small town romance
🎸 Forbidden romance
Rate: 4.5/5⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️.5
Spice: 2.5/5🌶️🌶️.5
You can watch my full review on:
TT – https://www.tiktok.com/@the.book.devo...
IG – https://www.instagram.com/p/DYSQH1DR5zh/
American Love Song
Britt Middleton
Review of advance copy
I was able to read an ARC of this book and let me tell you, it was incredible.
AMERICAN LOVE SONG is a debut novel by author Britt Middleton. Taking place over the span of a summer, this sweeping love story will have you rooting for our two leads, Brinton and Jamie, from the very first notes.
For fans of Get a Life Chloe Brown and Funny You Should Ask (and if you like Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince by Taylor Swift!)
In short, Brinton is a journalist and Jamie is a country singer, and when the two first meet they share a moment that makes them go viral. The two are thrust together when Brinton is tasked with doing a feature/expose on Jamie.
*not really spoilers but just me fangirling*
But let me get to the good stuff...guysguysguysguysguys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The prose is incredible, there are paragraphs in the books where the author is describing the sky or the powerful and intense feelings of love where I was just in awe of her writing.
Plus, Jamie and Brinton are ADORABLEA AND SO CUTE AND MAKE ME WANT TO SHUFHAOFHOFHDF like multiple moments where I was SQUEALING because JAMIE IS SO CUTE AND LOVES BRINTON SO MUCH. Like, I know we love a "he's down bad" type man and JAMIE CRAWFORD JR. FITS IT TO A T. And it's more than just physcial chemistry. Their romance is rooted in a deep understanding and love for one another. The romance is well crafted and it makes me as the reader see/agree/understand why this love is IT for each other. They complement one another so well.
And like, this book has influened so much of my thinking since reading. I have a stronger appreciation for country music because of this book, and I love that the book doesn't shy away from the fact that country music today is very different from how it has started, and addresses the African American roots in country music--especially since our FMC is Black. It was nice that it was addressed rather than glossed over. This especially stood out to me as I'm a music teacher and I typically am curious or have already studied the roots of many genres of music from my college days.
An incredible debut. I cannot wait for more from Britt Middleton.
AMERICAN LOVE SONG is a debut novel by author Britt Middleton. Taking place over the span of a summer, this sweeping love story will have you rooting for our two leads, Brinton and Jamie, from the very first notes.
For fans of Get a Life Chloe Brown and Funny You Should Ask (and if you like Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince by Taylor Swift!)
In short, Brinton is a journalist and Jamie is a country singer, and when the two first meet they share a moment that makes them go viral. The two are thrust together when Brinton is tasked with doing a feature/expose on Jamie.
*not really spoilers but just me fangirling*
But let me get to the good stuff...guysguysguysguysguys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The prose is incredible, there are paragraphs in the books where the author is describing the sky or the powerful and intense feelings of love where I was just in awe of her writing.
Plus, Jamie and Brinton are ADORABLEA AND SO CUTE AND MAKE ME WANT TO SHUFHAOFHOFHDF like multiple moments where I was SQUEALING because JAMIE IS SO CUTE AND LOVES BRINTON SO MUCH. Like, I know we love a "he's down bad" type man and JAMIE CRAWFORD JR. FITS IT TO A T. And it's more than just physcial chemistry. Their romance is rooted in a deep understanding and love for one another. The romance is well crafted and it makes me as the reader see/agree/understand why this love is IT for each other. They complement one another so well.
And like, this book has influened so much of my thinking since reading. I have a stronger appreciation for country music because of this book, and I love that the book doesn't shy away from the fact that country music today is very different from how it has started, and addresses the African American roots in country music--especially since our FMC is Black. It was nice that it was addressed rather than glossed over. This especially stood out to me as I'm a music teacher and I typically am curious or have already studied the roots of many genres of music from my college days.
An incredible debut. I cannot wait for more from Britt Middleton.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Updated review post book hangover:
Thank you the author for my copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
American Love Song surprised me in the best possible way.
I’m usually a fantasy/paranormal romance reader, so contemporary romance isn’t my default. However, two trusted friends told me I needed to read this, and they were absolutely right.
This book felt real in a way that’s hard to explain unless you’ve read it. Not because I'm a country music star or a music journalist, but because the emotions, fears, ambitions, and disappointments felt so honest and human. Jamie and Brinton both felt fully lived-in, and so did the world, and characters, around them.
What stayed with me most was how deeply this story understands anxiety, self-worth, and the obstacles these character face while fighting for the life they deserve. It also doesn’t shy away from Brinton’s experiences as a Black woman navigating spaces where she’s underestimated, dismissed, and mistreated. Those experiences were integral to the story, and the book handles those experiences with honesty and emotional depth, which made Brinton’s journey feel even more powerful.
At its core, this isn’t just a romance. It’s about choosing yourself, even after life keeps knocking you down.
I'll leave you with something we all need to hear, courtesy of Brinton's mom, Athena: “I’m worried that you’re letting life happen to you… And you deserve so much more.”
----
Original review:
It's absolutely incredible. I'll be back later with a full review. Dealing with book hangover.
Thank you the author for my copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
American Love Song surprised me in the best possible way.
I’m usually a fantasy/paranormal romance reader, so contemporary romance isn’t my default. However, two trusted friends told me I needed to read this, and they were absolutely right.
This book felt real in a way that’s hard to explain unless you’ve read it. Not because I'm a country music star or a music journalist, but because the emotions, fears, ambitions, and disappointments felt so honest and human. Jamie and Brinton both felt fully lived-in, and so did the world, and characters, around them.
What stayed with me most was how deeply this story understands anxiety, self-worth, and the obstacles these character face while fighting for the life they deserve. It also doesn’t shy away from Brinton’s experiences as a Black woman navigating spaces where she’s underestimated, dismissed, and mistreated. Those experiences were integral to the story, and the book handles those experiences with honesty and emotional depth, which made Brinton’s journey feel even more powerful.
At its core, this isn’t just a romance. It’s about choosing yourself, even after life keeps knocking you down.
I'll leave you with something we all need to hear, courtesy of Brinton's mom, Athena: “I’m worried that you’re letting life happen to you… And you deserve so much more.”
----
Original review:
It's absolutely incredible. I'll be back later with a full review. Dealing with book hangover.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Received this arc from the author herself!
Within the first few pages I became fully invested in Brinton's career and well-being (yes she is that precious), vehemently rooting for her in her battle against a toxic workplace and boss, mental health crises, and the onslaught of unwanted public attention. The book doesn't shy away from the reality of working in music journalism as a Black woman. The same, unflinchingly critical lens is also directed at the country music scene, which made I go, "Yep, we really can't hear this enough!"
Brinton and Jamie meet at the turning points of both their careers, and their encounter cements the roles they will play in each other's endeavor (and life). It is hard to describe their dynamic or define the nature of their romance, because it is a lot of things: the good, the bad, and the messy. They are both unexpected as they are complicated in their relationship with each other, with their friends and family/support system. There are some tear-jerking scenes that made me truly emotional; consider this a warning to my fellow readers, especially if you're a crybaby like me.
Within the first few pages I became fully invested in Brinton's career and well-being (yes she is that precious), vehemently rooting for her in her battle against a toxic workplace and boss, mental health crises, and the onslaught of unwanted public attention. The book doesn't shy away from the reality of working in music journalism as a Black woman. The same, unflinchingly critical lens is also directed at the country music scene, which made I go, "Yep, we really can't hear this enough!"
Brinton and Jamie meet at the turning points of both their careers, and their encounter cements the roles they will play in each other's endeavor (and life). It is hard to describe their dynamic or define the nature of their romance, because it is a lot of things: the good, the bad, and the messy. They are both unexpected as they are complicated in their relationship with each other, with their friends and family/support system. There are some tear-jerking scenes that made me truly emotional; consider this a warning to my fellow readers, especially if you're a crybaby like me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
this book has SUCH a strong, addictive setup and I was immediately pulled in.
Brinton and Jamie’s story is packed with everything I love—messy reputations, media pressure, and that “we’re just working together…right?” tension that you know is going to spiral into something more. the contrast between her trying to prove herself in a cutthroat industry and him hiding behind a perfectly crafted image was so compelling.
and Jamie??? the layers to his character—the pressure from his family, the image vs. reality conflict—made him way more than just a typical country music heartthrob. his dynamic with Brinton had that slow-burn, emotionally charged energy that keeps you turning pages.
also I’m obsessed with the Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince inspiration—it really shows in the themes of image, control, and finding your own voice beneath expectations.
definitely one to pick up if you love music industry romance, reputation drama, and chemistry that simmers under the surface 🫶
Brinton and Jamie’s story is packed with everything I love—messy reputations, media pressure, and that “we’re just working together…right?” tension that you know is going to spiral into something more. the contrast between her trying to prove herself in a cutthroat industry and him hiding behind a perfectly crafted image was so compelling.
and Jamie??? the layers to his character—the pressure from his family, the image vs. reality conflict—made him way more than just a typical country music heartthrob. his dynamic with Brinton had that slow-burn, emotionally charged energy that keeps you turning pages.
also I’m obsessed with the Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince inspiration—it really shows in the themes of image, control, and finding your own voice beneath expectations.
definitely one to pick up if you love music industry romance, reputation drama, and chemistry that simmers under the surface 🫶
May 11, 2026
This book hooked me from the very beginning. The chemistry between the main characters is instant, even if they’re not fully aware of it at the time.
This story is centered on Brinton and Jamie. She’s a journalist and he’s a country music star. Her writing career is hanging by a thread and is dependent on an in-depth interview with the hottest country star. She leaves her comfort in NYC and makes the trek to his place in Tennessee and slowly realizes, his playboy, star studded reputation isn’t everything it’s portrayed to be.
I was so impressed with the thoughtfulness and care given to Brinton’s difficult experiences in the workplace. It’s unfortunately the experience that many non-white people face in a corporate workplace.
Every character in this book is so well written but I’d have to say one of my favorite supporting characters is Brinton’s sister Shay. She is funny and caring and slightly unhinged at times, the very best way.
Also, as a music lover, I really appreciated the inclusion of song lyrics.
Tropes:
Country Music Star x Journalist
Mental Health Representation
Found Family
Mutual Yearning
Sweet Home Alabama vibes
Outdoor Lovin ;)
Thanks to Britt Middleton for the opportunity to read this ARC before its release on June 9, 2026.
This story is centered on Brinton and Jamie. She’s a journalist and he’s a country music star. Her writing career is hanging by a thread and is dependent on an in-depth interview with the hottest country star. She leaves her comfort in NYC and makes the trek to his place in Tennessee and slowly realizes, his playboy, star studded reputation isn’t everything it’s portrayed to be.
I was so impressed with the thoughtfulness and care given to Brinton’s difficult experiences in the workplace. It’s unfortunately the experience that many non-white people face in a corporate workplace.
Every character in this book is so well written but I’d have to say one of my favorite supporting characters is Brinton’s sister Shay. She is funny and caring and slightly unhinged at times, the very best way.
Also, as a music lover, I really appreciated the inclusion of song lyrics.
Tropes:
Country Music Star x Journalist
Mental Health Representation
Found Family
Mutual Yearning
Sweet Home Alabama vibes
Outdoor Lovin ;)
Thanks to Britt Middleton for the opportunity to read this ARC before its release on June 9, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, wow, WOW!!! I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this ARC when Britt first revealed the premise, and IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT.
Partially inspired by Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince, American Love Song checks all the boxes to be this summer’s breakout romance ☑️☑️☑️ With staple genre tropes like forbidden romance, he falls first, and an MMC with big golden retriever energy, Middleton also makes sure to hold space for hard-hitting topics such as racial stereotypes, bigotry, micro aggressions in the work place, mental health awareness, and the healing power of love. It’s truly a work of art that I had the utmost privilege in reading.
Oh, and the smut is off the charts, too! 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I cannot recommend taking your next book vacation to Iris, Tennessee. The sun is always shining, the sweet tea is always cold, and I promise you won’t want to miss Brinton and Jamie’s journey as they learn to love themselves and each other ❤️
Partially inspired by Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince, American Love Song checks all the boxes to be this summer’s breakout romance ☑️☑️☑️ With staple genre tropes like forbidden romance, he falls first, and an MMC with big golden retriever energy, Middleton also makes sure to hold space for hard-hitting topics such as racial stereotypes, bigotry, micro aggressions in the work place, mental health awareness, and the healing power of love. It’s truly a work of art that I had the utmost privilege in reading.
Oh, and the smut is off the charts, too! 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I cannot recommend taking your next book vacation to Iris, Tennessee. The sun is always shining, the sweet tea is always cold, and I promise you won’t want to miss Brinton and Jamie’s journey as they learn to love themselves and each other ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
AMERICAN LOVE SONG WAS PHENOMENAL! Brinton and Jamie’s love story was raw and authentic as well as their personal development within the romance. I am so so excited to see where Britt goes next because this book is what all romances should aspire to be.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a beautiful read, one that feels so true to life, making it a story that's tangible, relatable, honest, and full of heart. Loved it! Full review to come.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A MUST-READ FOR FELLOW SWIFTIES!
I absolutely ADORED this book! First off, it's based on "Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince" by Taylor Swift AND it has a bunch of fun easter eggs for Swifties, which I loved so much.
On page 1, I immediately connected and felt for the protagonist Brinton – and I quickly fell in love with her love interest Jamie, too. They are both deeply flawed (in the best ways) and within the few months that the book takes place, they both go on life-changing character arcs that are miraculous yet very realistic.
But my favorite thing about this story was Middleton's writing. It is GORGEOUS. Her choice of words, her metaphors, her descriptions of characters and settings, and her pacing all made the book feel like it was written by a veteran author, and I marveled at her writing numerous times as I devoured this book.
It was so fun to get to read an ARC of this book and I hope it'll be a hit among romance readers when it comes out next month.
I absolutely ADORED this book! First off, it's based on "Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince" by Taylor Swift AND it has a bunch of fun easter eggs for Swifties, which I loved so much.
On page 1, I immediately connected and felt for the protagonist Brinton – and I quickly fell in love with her love interest Jamie, too. They are both deeply flawed (in the best ways) and within the few months that the book takes place, they both go on life-changing character arcs that are miraculous yet very realistic.
But my favorite thing about this story was Middleton's writing. It is GORGEOUS. Her choice of words, her metaphors, her descriptions of characters and settings, and her pacing all made the book feel like it was written by a veteran author, and I marveled at her writing numerous times as I devoured this book.
It was so fun to get to read an ARC of this book and I hope it'll be a hit among romance readers when it comes out next month.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews