Critics have been raving about The Great Dempseys, praising its polished writing style, realistic dialogue, solid pacing, and thoughtful social commentary. People have really been connecting with Audrey and Bobby, and they can’t help but root for their relationship.
In February 2025, The Great Dempseys officially became an award-winning book! Literary Titan awarded The Great Dempseys the 2025 Gold Book Award in Fiction! This award “honors books that exhibit exceptional storytelling and creativity. This award celebrates novelists who craft compelling narratives, create memorable characters, and weave stories that captivate readers. The recipients are writers who excel in their ability to blend imagination with literary skill, creating worlds that enchant and narratives that linger long after the final page is turned.” (Be sure to check out the other Gold Book Award winners!)
Check out some excerpts from reviews below!
Readers’ Favorite
“The Great Dempseys by Brianna MacMahon explores the complex dynamics of family, love, and self-discovery. [. . .] While emotionally intense, the story features touches of humor and warmth that offset the serious themes. Its engaging pacing is captivating, and the world-building is vivid. It’s a compelling read for those who enjoy stories about family, identity, and navigating life’s complexities. MacMahon’s writing is heartfelt and thought-provoking, making this book a worthy addition to any reading list.” -Carol Thompson 
“Brianna MacMahon’s The Great Dempseys is a nuanced tale of ambition, privilege, and identity through the eyes of Audrey Nielsen, a teen thrust right into the middle of Manhattan’s elite. [. . .] The characters are meticulously developed, with Audrey’s internal struggles and Bobby’s search for self-determination driving an immersive plot. The pacing alternates between tender, self-reflective moments and sharp, dramatic turns, creating a balance that keeps readers connected and invested. Fans of new adult fiction will find much to admire in The Great Dempseys. Its blend of romance, social commentary, and suspense offers a multi-layered narrative with broad appeal. Brianna MacMahon does a skillful and creative job capturing the intensity of teenage relationships while probing deeper issues of privilege, legacy, and personal freedom, making this a poignant and unforgettable read.” -Demetria Head
“If coming-of-age romance novels are your flavor, you will love The Great Dempseys. Sprinkled with a healthy dose of romance, family drama, and shocking reveals, this is a tale of first love between two teenagers from very different backgrounds. [. . .] The author ensures the two protagonists have well-developed personalities and traits that endear them to the reader. It makes them likable and easy to root for.” -Pikasho Deka
“The Great Dempseys is a gentle, easy read that will appeal greatly to true lovers of romance. Being a sucker for a good romance myself, I found the maturity and poise of these two young people endeared them to me as characters. Author Brianna MacMahon has taken a common literary trope of rich boy/poor girl and put her own decidedly unique spin on it. I found the underlying messages of family, love, attention, and abuse to be beautifully handled. It is first and foremost a teen romance and in that role, it is superbly written.” -Grant Leishman
“The Great Dempseys is suitably complex for this difficult time in any high schooler’s life. I found myself completely absorbed by the depth of the character development, which allows readers to empathize deeply with the protagonists’ struggles and triumphs. The narration is up close and personal to keep readers locked in with Audrey and Bobby, and the prose strikes an elegant balance between heartfelt emotion and sharp social commentary, exploring themes of privilege and personal identity with remarkable sensitivity and insight.” -K.C. Finn
Online Book Club
“In many ways, this book is an excellent coming-of-age novel as Audrey and Bobby grow throughout their high school years. I also appreciated that MacMahon did not limit the novel to a short time span. The book starts in Audrey’s second year of high school and goes beyond graduation. This allowed the characters to be well-developed as the reader can watch them grow up.” -Laney K.
Literary Titan
“Brianna MacMahon’s The Great Dempseys offers an engaging and heartfelt love story that’s as accessible as it is thought-provoking. [. . .] The characters in this book are one of its greatest strengths. Each one is distinct, well-rounded, and brings a unique perspective to the story. MacMahon explores the dynamics of economic disparity among the students at Great Gray, giving readers a glimpse into how different backgrounds shape worldviews. What makes The Great Dempseys stand out is its underlying message of resilience. It beautifully illustrates that love, while not without its challenges, has the power to overcome obstacles.” -Literary Titan
Reader Views
“The Great Dempseys tells a poignant love story about two teenagers grappling with the complexities of their lives, which feel at odds with one another. [. . .] Brianna MacMahon has crafted a powerful novel for teens, young adults, and anyone who values a heartfelt story. She bravely addresses serious issues like suicide, domestic violence, and teen pregnancy, illuminating crucial topics for our youth.” -Shawna Thompson
Independent Book Review
“The Great Dempseys is a swoon-worthy coming of age romance set in the late 1970s that you should definitely check out. [. . .] [The book] can be heart-wrenching, yes, but it can be heartwarming too, especially the lovely young couple and the times they connect with their chosen family. Audrey finds her way into a fantastic friend group. Together they balance out the ups and downs of the other relationships. MacMahon does an excellent job of keeping her characters grounded and not letting them get too swept up in each other. [. . .] Reading this book is a whirlwind. It softens you with true love and great friends but adds the weight of parental expectations to it. The possibility of Mr. Dempsey’s disapproval is always looming but so is the possibility of a brighter future. This is the kind of book that will give young people hope that true love really exists.” -Jaylynn Korrell
