⭐⭐
This book has it all: drama, angst, romance, sex, attraction
build-up, a likeable main character, okay supporting characters, big gesture
ending and separation by circumstances. This is clearly the work of a
first-time author, so we want it to work.
Dana Lawson is a romance author, whose personal love life
has smashed to the smithereens and she wants a break. Her friend has a place in
Emerald Bay and offers it to Dana. Straight off the bat, Dana meets Mac and
there is attraction. There are a bunch of other characters, but the main one is
Ellie, Mac’s niece.
This book could have done with the touch of a professional
editor. The problem is that all the big scenes peter away. There are also some
completely unnecessary scenes and characters (like the famous author CJ and
Dana’s interaction). A good editor would certainly have helped in showcasing /
highlighting the drama, character arcs and build-ups.
Also, we have a problem with one-half of the romantic couple
acting like an asshole without having adequate reason / justification /
motivation for being a jerkface. Mac ends up being just that and it killed the
book for us. We are also not completely sure about the behaviour of 14-year-old
Ellie, but that isn’t a biggie. Dana is likeable and consistent, so that is on
the pro side.
One of the things that attracted our attention is the acknowledgement
to Melissa Brayden (one of our most favourite lesfic authors of all time). It
warmed us to know that she is someone willing to support and help others
starting out. Besides the prominent acknowledgement, Barnes also nicely wove in
her fangirl feeling for Brayden with a tiny nod at one of Brayden’s series.
Nice.
⭐⭐
