4*
Strangers on a train! In one of the best meet-cutes ever, Hayes Montgomery literally offers Franny Doyle the coat off his back when her dress is ripped apart after getting caught in a subway train door. Thanks to a series of Instagram posts that go viral and serendipitous run-ins, they slowly get to know each other and like what they see. This is a case of opposites attract, but, like all good romances, the protagonists bring out the best in each other. Franny has just been laid off from her job at a design firm and is thinking of starting her own company. Hayes and his business partner Eleanor are moving offices and are in need of an interior designer. Working together is a win-win situation, but will the budding relationship last once the job is done?
Franny’s character is well-developed, including her relationship with her family and friends and life circumstances that help explain her personality , but Hayes is a bit of a mystery. It would help if Spencer had given us some sense of his background beyond his short-lived marriage, why he’s so awkward, and whether he has any friends beyond Eleanor and his cousin Perrine. This is relatively low angst, communication between the two is easy and honest, and sex scenes are mild. There are both queer and BIPOC characters, and the New York City locales are used to good advantage. Overall, this is a very fun, sweet romance that would appeal to fans of Kate Clayborn, Katherine Center, Christina Lauren, and Lauren Layne.
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.
4*
Spoilers ahead.
This debut novel is a good effort in need of better editing. The premise is solid and the slow burn romance between Jack and Sadie isn’t bothersome because they were clearly into each other, the sexual tension was off the charts, and their reasons for taking it slow were thoughtful and mature. Unfortunately, from the time that they finally shared their 1st kiss to the end of the book, the story dragged and Sadie’s near-constant self-flagellation became tiresome.
Jack definitely had secrets, but he shared painful memories and feelings with Sadie, making it crystal clear that her presence in his life brought him out of seven years of emptiness and grief. Sadie was also selective in what she shared about her abusive upbringing, but it was pretty obvious from the beginning that her low self-esteem was going to be the vehicle that drives their relationship. When someone has been hurt as deeply as she has, they’ll look for any excuse to avoid pain and loss, even if it means walking away before someone else can reject them.
The highlights of this book are the friendships Sadie cultivated during college and the way this loving group embraced Jack and helped him become whole again. I also really admired the way Jack and Sadie were able to grow their own emotional connection without sex muddying the waters. However, it was obvious from the outset that their relationship was going to hit a snag once it was tested. Despite Sadie’s talent as a florist, her business acumen, and the people who love her and try to convince her that she’s not the selfish failure she was raised to believe, she can’t get past it. So, as readers, we spend a good part of the book waiting for her to destroy the best thing she’s ever had.
Ultimately, this story is about friendship, love, grief, and forgiveness. Despite the uneven pacing and the frustration of listening to Sadie constantly criticize herself, it’s still a beautiful love story and Jack is a wonderful book boyfriend.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from G.P. Putnam’s Sons through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
