The title would seem to indicate that this is Georgie’s story, but, in my opinion, it’s Levi’s. After losing her job and housing when her celebrity boss decides to retire, Georgie heads home to try and figure out what she wants to do with her life. However, replacing this “blankness” she feels with a man or by completing a bucket list she wrote in 8th grade seems lame. Conversely, Levi’s story is complex, heartbreaking, and ultimately much more redemptive than Georgie’s. Yes, they need each other to find fulfilment, but Georgie’s journey pales in comparison.
I’ve marked this lower because I just can’t get past the fact that Levi is clearly autistic and Clayborn should have acknowledged that. What’s worse is that his autism is used to villainize him, and it takes ten years of his continued suffering and self-recrimination before those who should love him unconditionally make amends. If it weren’t for Georgie’s presence, he might have lived the rest of his life in a small metaphorical cage he created to keep himself and those around him safe.
Despite these flaws, this grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, small town romance ranks higher than most in the genre. Clayborn has a gift for storytelling, with the talent for imbuing her characters with richness and depth and painting a physical landscape that takes on a character of its own. She doesn’t rely on tired, manufactured conflicts due to poor communication to drive the plot, but also doesn’t shy away from acknowledging that human frailty and insecurities can throw up roadblocks that make the path of love anything but smooth. The romance between Georgie and Levi is a beautiful demonstration of how two mature, empathetic, fallible people can successfully navigate a relationship.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Kensington Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
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