thereadinghammock's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
As such a big fan of paranormal romance and monster romance, I was worried that a contemporary romance story wouldn't hold my interest as much, but I was so happy to be disappointed!! I blew through this book in about 3 days!
Jed and Lola's chemistry was off the charts steamy! I would describe their trajectory as friends to adversaries (not quite enemies) to lovers. And the slow-burn on these two was so worth it!! I knew the pay-off once these two hooked up would be worth the reader blue-balls we were being teased with along the way. Who doesn't love the idea of coming home to a hot fireman? Especially one that is a genuinely good human, sibling, and friend! Like could Jed be any more classic-Americana perfect?? (in a good way, I promise!)
I loved dual perspective books, because I like knowing the motivation behind both characters. I like having the perspective. It was so nice to see just how earnest Jed was for Lola, since their high school crushes! He genuinely loved everything about her, even the parts that hurt. Seeing the hero think about the "big wedding, family with kids in the yard, summer BBQs" and not just the heroine making their big "forever" plans felt refreshing to me.
It was steamy, sexy, funny, and Lola's struggle with trying to reconcile her feeling of "what is success?" when her life plan suddenly didn't feel right anymore was so relatable. The millennial struggle of being forced to move home and feeling like a burden on your family when life hands you a "Do not pass go. Go directly home." card was a mood in itself.
Disclaimer! I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Jed and Lola's chemistry was off the charts steamy! I would describe their trajectory as friends to adversaries (not quite enemies) to lovers. And the slow-burn on these two was so worth it!! I knew the pay-off once these two hooked up would be worth the reader blue-balls we were being teased with along the way. Who doesn't love the idea of coming home to a hot fireman? Especially one that is a genuinely good human, sibling, and friend! Like could Jed be any more classic-Americana perfect?? (in a good way, I promise!)
I loved dual perspective books, because I like knowing the motivation behind both characters. I like having the perspective. It was so nice to see just how earnest Jed was for Lola, since their high school crushes! He genuinely loved everything about her, even the parts that hurt. Seeing the hero think about the "big wedding, family with kids in the yard, summer BBQs" and not just the heroine making their big "forever" plans felt refreshing to me.
It was steamy, sexy, funny, and Lola's struggle with trying to reconcile her feeling of "what is success?" when her life plan suddenly didn't feel right anymore was so relatable. The millennial struggle of being forced to move home and feeling like a burden on your family when life hands you a "Do not pass go. Go directly home." card was a mood in itself.
Disclaimer! I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Bullying and Death of parent
Minor: Alcohol and Grief
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