[I received a free review copy of this book from Netgalley and Berkley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]
Summary
Samantha says she is on Martha’s Vineyard for the summer to watch her teenaged half-brother, Tyler, while his parents are on an extended vacation. But in reality, she quit her job as a chef in Boston when she was passed over for a job. She needs a soft place to land and re-group.
Sam did not count on meeting a handsome stranger on the ferry. She knew Ben was bookish because she accidentally knocked his book into the ocean. But he’s also a librarian. She’s not sure what to make of all of that bookishness. Sam’s dyslexia means that reading is a tremendous challenge. There are just too many other things she’d rather do instead. Things that don’t fill her with shame.
But the chemistry between them is undeniable. And Ben doesn’t seem to think Sam has anything to be ashamed of. But Sam has lost boyfriends and jobs over her dyslexia in the past, so she’s not sure she can trust him long term. But a summer fling might be all right, if she can keep herself from falling head over heels for him.
Review
That summary really doesn’t do this book justice, but if I try to explain all of the magic of this story, I will end up spoiling it. And this is too perfect to risk spoiling it.
I. Loved. Everything.
All of the characters are fantastic. And the set up – the family things, the reading things, the romance, the setting – is all perfect. There are funny moments and swooning moments and heart-tugging moments and angsty moments. And I adored them all. This was definitely a book I wanted to hug when I was done.
The author’s note about dyslexia and the choices she and the publisher made in the production of this novel were icing on the cake. I loved how that aspect of the story was handled. I can’t wait to see this book in person to see the dyslexia-friendly font they chose and other accommodations.
Finally, there’s a teaser for a companion novel focusing on another character – and I need it in my hands immediately!
Jenn McKinlay has never failed me before, and she certainly hasn’t here. Fans of her other romances – and fans of her mysteries if you also like books with some spice – should absolutely pick this up. She really hits this one out of the park. Highly recommend! (Language, sex)
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*
*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!