I've seen the buzz surrounding the Vancouver Series, but instead of jumping directly into the sports romance books, I opted to delve into Archer's earlier works just to see how it will turn out for me (not sure why, sometimes you idiot like that).
Undoubtedly, this book effortlessly draws me in with its enticing blend of marriage of convenience, fake dating, and enemies-to-lovers tropes—I'm sold! However, I can't help but be frank that it feels akin to a delectable dish without the added flair of MSG; it boasts all the right ingredients but yearns for that extra touch of seasoning to truly elevate the experience.
The story follows Emmett Rhodes, a wealthy and somewhat cocky construction company owner aiming to become the mayor of his small town. Facing challenges due to his playboy reputation, he strikes a deal with Avery Adams, a sarcastic and disillusioned restaurant manager who despises him. In exchange for financing her dream restaurant, Avery reluctantly agrees to pose as Emmet's devoted fiancée during his mayoral campaign. As they navigate a series of planned dates, secret beach trips, and unforgettable nights together, the boundary between their staged relationship and genuine feelings becomes increasingly blurred, adding layers of complexity to the connection they now feel.
A major plus point of this book is its setting in the small town of Queen Cove. You can write a book about anything and will always win me with a small-town story. From the endearing (some not) characters to the charming ambiance, all aspect resonates with me. The depiction of the town and its inhabitants feels authentic; the Arbutus Restaurant, the hidden beach, Miri's turtle rehabilitation center, the useless mayor, and Hannah's local library — the narrative all brilliantly captures the essence of their lives which contributes to the book's irresistible charm.
I could feel myself loving the book at first, captivated by the passion radiating from both Avery and Emmett. Their fervor for life transforms mundane moments into something truly enjoyable. Avery's enthusiasm for managing a restaurant and bringing joy to customers, coupled with Emmett's genuine love for people and commitment to the betterment of his town, paints them as characters perfectly suited for their roles in the narrative. Passionate characters truly breathe life into a book.
Nonetheless, what threw me off was the sudden shift from apparent animosity to instant affection between the characters. Avery's initial dislike for Emmett, which stemmed from her resentment towards her father, seemed lackluster and forced. While the inevitable shift from hate to love is expected, Archer misses a chance to offer a convincing explanation for Avery's sudden change of heart. This gap in rationale leaves the overall narrative feeling somewhat incomplete making me wish for a more gradual transformation in their relationship. The book is already short, but at least made it believable (even down to their conflict!)
The writing style of this book also adds to what is left to be desired as the author's reliance on overly simplified narratives robs the story of depth. It reaches a point where the book, feels notably empty, and successfully lulls me to sleep... EXCEPT the accessible writing style is the saving grace that keeps me committed till the end.
Engaging with the familiar tropes in this story isn't venturing into uncharted territory. While it serves as an easy, quick read, Archer doesn't quite succeed in showcasing what sets her work apart within familiar romantic tropes. It lacks the appeal that would prompt me to explore more of Archer’s works, leaving me skeptical about whether the hype in her other book is genuine or merely a fleeting enthusiasm that might disappoint me in the long run //sigh//