If you’re anything like me, you probably grew up reading love stories that made you believe in the magic of first love and the complexity of family dynamics. And let me tell you, Brianna MacMahon’s The Great Dempseys is one of those books that checks all those boxes. It's got romance, drama, deep family secrets, and a backdrop of the bustling, glitzy 1980s NYC. I couldn’t put it down!
Brianna MacMahon is no stranger to storytelling. Her award-winning work has always been about capturing the raw emotions that shape our lives, and The Great Dempseys is no exception. This is her debut novel in a series, and I can already tell it’s going to be one that pulls you in and keeps you hooked. If you love romance laced with rich social commentary, MacMahon’s your go-to author.
Set in the prestigious world of the Upper East Side of 1981, the story follows Audrey Nielsen, a scholarship student at Great Gray, a private school for the elite. Then there’s Bobby Dempsey, heir to the Dempsey fortune. You can already tell their worlds are like oil and water, right? And yet, the chemistry between them is undeniable.
Audrey and Bobby’s love story unfolds amidst the societal pressures, family expectations, and unspoken rules of high society. But things take a wild turn near the end of their senior year when dark family secrets surface, putting everything they’ve worked through at risk. It’s the kind of book that pulls you into the ups and downs of first love, but with a twist: the characters aren’t just navigating their feelings—they’re navigating legacies, family drama, and the weight of their social standing.
What I really loved about MacMahon's writing was how she struck the perfect balance between heartfelt moments and sharp social commentary. The prose was smooth, almost like a gentle wave pulling you into the characters' world. But there’s also a depth to it—she doesn’t shy away from exploring the uncomfortable truths about privilege, identity, and the choices we make under pressure. I was honestly impressed by how seamlessly she wove these heavy themes into the story without ever making it feel too much.
Let’s talk about Audrey and Bobby—these two are impossible not to get invested in. Audrey, with her scholarship background, is a breath of fresh air in the world of the ultra-rich. Bobby, on the other hand, is this conflicted heir to a fortune, burdened with expectations. Watching them grow as individuals and as a couple, dealing with their own personal struggles while falling in love, is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
What makes them so engaging is their authenticity. Neither of them feels like a typical romantic lead. They’re flawed, relatable, and real. The emotional growth that happens throughout the book is so well done—it feels earned, not forced.
The pacing of the book was spot on. It was steady enough to keep you hooked, but the final reveal—wow, it came out of nowhere in the best possible way. MacMahon takes her time to develop the characters and relationships, but when the family secrets finally come to light, you’ll feel that emotional punch. Trust me, it’s one of those moments that’ll leave you thinking, Wow, I didn’t see that coming!
At its core, The Great Dempseys isn’t just a love story. It’s about identity, societal pressure, and what happens when you realize the world isn’t as simple as you once thought. MacMahon takes on big topics like legacy, ambition, and privilege, and tackles them with such care and insight. It’s not just about Audrey and Bobby’s relationship—it’s about how their backgrounds, families, and identities shape their futures.
If you’re looking for a book that tugs at your heartstrings, this one’s for you. The tension between Audrey and Bobby, the weight of their decisions, and the heartbreaking moments that come with navigating their differences—it's all so real. There were moments when I felt pure joy for them, and other times I was on the edge of my seat, hoping they’d make it through. It’s that emotional rollercoaster that makes the story unforgettable.
The character development, the emotional depth, and the way MacMahon handles the social commentary are hands down the best parts of the book. I also loved how well-developed the setting was. You really feel like you’re in 1980s New York, and that adds a whole other layer of richness to the story.
If I’m being picky, a few parts were a bit predictable, especially when it comes to the typical drama around class differences and first love. But honestly, the emotional payoff and well-done character arcs made up for any predictable moments.
The Great Dempseys is a beautiful, engaging, and thought-provoking read. It’s got everything—love, family drama, personal growth, and plenty of twists to keep you hooked. If you’re a fan of stories that make you think, feel, and root for the characters, you need to add this to your reading list. I can’t wait to see what MacMahon has in store for us next!
Have you read The Great Dempseys yet? What did you think of Audrey and Bobby’s journey? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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