Step into the vibrant world of Nashville, where dreams of country music stardom collide with heartfelt romance and unbreakable friendships! Inglath Cooper’s Nashville series is a captivating blend of contemporary romance and new adult fiction, set against the soulful backdrop of Music City. Follow CeCe Mackenzie and her companions as they chase fame, navigate love, and discover what truly matters in this emotional, music-infused saga.
With its authentic portrayal of Nashville’s legendary music scene, Cooper’s series draws readers into a world of honky-tonks, heartfelt lyrics, and the pursuit of dreams. Whether you’re a romance enthusiast or a country music lover, this series offers a front-row seat to a story that’s as heartwarming as a summer night in Tennessee.
How Nashville Began
Inglath Cooper, a Virginia-based RITA® Award-winning author, crafted the Nashville series from her lifelong love of storytelling and character-driven narratives. Inspired by the emotional depth of romance fiction and the allure of Nashville’s music culture, Cooper set out to create a series that feels like a mini-vacation for readers. Her goal? To weave tales of love, ambition, and personal growth that linger long after the final page. Launched in 2012 with Ready to Reach, the series quickly gained traction for its relatable characters and vivid setting.
The Heart of Nashville
The Nashville series spans ten books, each building on the journey of CeCe Mackenzie, Holden Ashford, and Thomas Franklin—three aspiring musicians bound by fate. In Ready to Reach, nineteen-year-old CeCe leaves Virginia with her guitar, her dog Hank Junior, and a dream of singing in Nashville. When her car bursts into flames on I-40, Holden and Thomas, two Georgia football players with music ambitions, offer her a ride, sparking a serendipitous bond. Hammer and a Song deepens their story as romantic tensions and career opportunities test their relationships.
Pleasure in the Rain, the fourth book, delivers a gut-punch when tragedy strikes the band Barefoot Outlook, forcing the characters to confront loss and guilt. By Not Without You, the tenth book, Cooper ties up the saga with themes of redemption and love, leaving readers both satisfied and wistful. The series shines through its exploration of themes like perseverance, the cost of ambition, and the healing power of music. Cooper’s first-person, multi-perspective style and vivid Nashville setting—think bustling bars and starlit stages—make every page feel alive.
Why Nashville Resonates
The Nashville series has carved a niche in contemporary romance for its emotional authenticity and immersive storytelling. Fans praise Cooper’s ability to craft characters who feel like friends, with struggles and triumphs that mirror real life. The series’ focus on music as a universal language resonates with readers, offering a love letter to Nashville’s creative spirit. Its lasting appeal lies in its balance of heart-wrenching drama and hopeful romance, making it a standout for fans of character-driven stories.
Cooper’s inclusion of original songs within the books adds a unique layer, drawing readers deeper into the characters’ artistic world. While not as widely known as some blockbuster series, Nashville’s dedicated fanbase cherishes its intimate, heartfelt narrative—a testament to Cooper’s skill as a storyteller.
- Publication Years: 2012–2015
- Number of Books: 10
- Awards: Inglath Cooper is a RITA® Award winner for long contemporary romance
- Setting: Nashville, Tennessee
Dive into Ready to Reach and let Nashville’s music and romance sweep you away! Whether you’re chasing dreams or falling in love, this series is your ticket to Music City’s heart.