4*
Although there’s quite a bit of humor (especially with Dude, the Great Dane), this frenemies to lovers romance delves into some deeper themes: facing the fear of abandonment after experiencing it with both parents and ex-lovers, being honest with a near stranger who quickly becomes so much more, dealing with grief over the death of grandparents and the inability to conceive a child, and being surprised by a timeless love story that they never saw coming.
McKinlay does a wonderful job depicting the Outer Banks and painting the scenes in and around the dilapidated cottage that Hannah and Simon inherit together. I love how the romance between them organically unfolds as they open up to each other while sifting through the mementoes from their grandfathers’ lives. In the process of clearing out the house, Simon comes to realize that he no longer has to sacrifice the passion he has for his art after spending years in a boring insurance job he took to support his siblings, and Hannah, who has been living and sharing her van life on social media, finds that she no longer wants the solitude and loneliness that come with it, especially when she can spend her days with Simon and the unique set of neighbors who quickly become friends.
If you’re looking for a delightful summer read, check out The Summer Share. Recommended.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Berkley Romance through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
4*
Contrary to what the publisher’s blurb and cartoonish cover lead you to believe, this is not a light-hearted piece of chick lit. Yes, there are many humorous moments and the wonderful banter between the main couple, but there’s also heartbreak and baggage galore. Kristen and Josh meet when he rear-ends her car. She’s snarky from the start and he loves it. He has 6 older sisters, so he’s well-trained in how to deal with women’s moods. When they meet up at the fire station where Josh has just begun working (after a break-up and subsequent move from S. Dakota to LA), they realize that they’re best man and maid of honor at their best friends’ upcoming wedding. Although there’s an immediate attraction, Kristen is awaiting the arrival of her long-distance Marine boyfriend Tyler who is leaving the military and moving in with her. When she hires Josh to build doggy steps for her (working out of her garage), the close proximity makes her begin to wonder why she’s settling for Tyler. However, she’s aware that Josh wants a baseball team worth of kids and, due to uterine fibroid tumors, she’s scheduled a hysterectomy for just after the wedding. So, she friend zones him (with benefits) but refuses to tell him why, even as their feelings for each other intensify. Is there any chance for a happily-ever-after if she’s not willing to share her secret believing that he’ll resent her for giving up his dreams?
There’s so much more to this story than just a run-of-the-mill romance with conflict and misunderstandings. Yes, there are LOL moments, but there are tear-inducing plot twists as well. The issue of infertility is handled well, although the ending is a bit of a cop-out, and the anguish the couple feels is visceral. Jimenez’s writing is compelling, and she does a wonderful job of balancing all of the emotional elements, even if Kristen’s stubbornness gets frustrating at times. If you’re a fan of Christina Lauren, pick this one up. You won’t be disappointed.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
