If there was a book that perfectly captured what it feels like to fall in love, then it would be this one.
With echoes of The Parent Trap, it follows TV meteorologist Ari Abrams and sports reporter Russell Barringer, co-workers who hatch a plan to bring their divorced bosses back together after their constant bickering starts to interfere with their work. Yet the more they play matchmaker, the more sparks begin to fly between Ari and Russell, just as much as it does between their bosses.
This set-up creates the perfect opportunity for comedic hijinks, but also for romantic feelings to develop. This slow build-up of romantic chemistry will keep readers hooked. I loved how every step, feeling and emotion that’s associated with developing a crush on someone is evoked with every interaction Ari and Russell have with one another – emotions guaranteed to make you smile while reading.
The author pulls you into the story with strong characterisation. Ari and Russell are vivid, striking and well defined. They have intriguing backstories that provide the perfect opportunity to connect with these characters. This also comes down to Solomon’s inclusion of depression in Ari’s character arc. However, Ari isn’t used as a glorified depiction of mental illness, but rather a realistic portrayal of what it’s like to live with depression on a day-to-day basis. This created a sense of vulnerability, authenticity and depth to the story.
It all results in a sweet and swoon-worthy contemporary romance that will delight, and left a positive impression on me.
Reviewed by Joshua Hortinela
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rachel Lynn Solomon writes about imperfect people falling in love. She is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Ex Talk, Business or Pleasure, Today Tonight Tomorrow, and other romantic comedies for teens and adults. Her books have been optioned for film and translated into more than 15 languages.
In high school, Rachel sang and played keyboard in an all-girl band, and she was once part of a group of people who broke a Guinness World Record for the most natural redheads in one place. After graduating from the University of Washington with a degree in journalism, she worked for Northwest media outlets such as The Seattle Times and KUOW Public Radio.
Originally from Seattle, she currently lives in Amsterdam with her husband.
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