GOOD GIRLS DON'T DATE ROCK STARS is the story of Travis Bowers, the small-town boy who became a major country music star, and Gemma Carlson, the overweight girl with glasses.

In high school, she and Travis became fast friends, then lovers. She got pregnant at 17, went to Phoenix to tell Travis who was on tour, found him with another woman, and without saying anything about the baby, went back home. Now 28, she's lost the weight, ditched the glasses, and has made a decent life for herself and her 9 year-old son, Charlie.

Gemma treats herself with a trip to Las Vegas to attend a romance writers convention, where she comes face to face with Travis, with whom she's had no contact during those 10 years. He's being friendly and asks her out. Gemma is hesitant at first, but she accepts, thinking no one needs to know. They are still attracted to each other, and Travis is intent on trying to rekindle their past relationship. Gemma fears it could hurt Charlie if things don't work out, so she remains silent about their son.

One night, Travis and Gemma both get very drunk and end up married. The morning after, Gemma notices the ring on her finger, panics, and flees. Travis goes back to Rock Canyon to set things right, and that's when he learns he has a son; now it's his turn to be upset. If they are to make it work the second time around, both Gemma and Travis have to deal with their trust issues. He went from foster home to foster home. She had body issues, was bullied, and when she became pregnant, her father threw her out. They need to figure out how to be a family in spite of their seemingly opposite lifestyles: Gemma shuns attention and Travis lives in the spotlight.

GOOD GIRLS DON'T DATE ROCK STARS is a book about second chances at love. It's a simple story, but this is where the better writer shines. Codi Gary revisits a popular trope and makes it fresh and new. Everything is well-balanced. There are no loose ends. The story flows smoothly. The author's style is uncluttered but very effective, and the sex scenes are beautifully written and in context. Gemma and Travis behave according to their temperament and Codi Gary's portrayal of Charlie is exceptional. The secondary characters are fully developed but never overshadow the principals. New characters are introduced, but instead of simply expecting them in upcoming books, we want to hear more about them. I had the privilege of spending some time among friends with GOOD GIRLS DON'T DATE ROCK STARS in the little town of Rock Canyon, and I hope to see them again soon.