4*
A gender-swapping nod to the movie Life As We Know It, The Godparent Trap is all about seeing and seizing the opportunity for love that’s right in front of you if you’re willing to let go of your fears and the need to control everything around you. Like the movie, two frenemies and polar opposites, Rip and Colby, are forced to co-parent after their best friends (and, in this case, Rip’s younger sister) are killed in a car accident.
Initially, Rip, a Type A accountant, is a real misogynistic jerk, being unintentionally cruel to Colby, a travel blogger, by pointing out her insecurities and threatening her with full custody if she doesn’t start acting responsibly. He demands that she be realistic (e.g., by not telling the kids that their parents are angels looking over them) and keep the house and herself neat and clean. In his mind, following rules keeps people safe. Conversely, Colby wears her heart on her sleeve, openly grieving and caring less about keeping everything in order and more about being present and tuned into the emotional needs of the children. It’s only with the help of an interfering friend/co-worker and some divine intervention that Rip finally begins to acknowledge that his anger is masking his fear, that life and love are inherently messy, and that, by ceding control, he’ll find comfort and joy.
Although the story is endearing (especially the interactions with 3-year-old Viera and 5-year-old Ben), the character development is lacking and the pacing is a bit scattered. The book begins with a prologue (or glimpse of the future) that is repeated word-for-word where it fits chronologically in the narrative and the transitions between scenes are choppy. Despite this, it’s a worthwhile read for those who like enemies-to-lovers romance and some emotional heaviness as well.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Forever Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
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