This was a quick and easy read for me, and I had fun reading it. I read the whole thing in one sitting because once I started, I just did not want to put it down, I think i finished it in about 7 hours 🫢🤣👀
This is my first H. R. Lloyd book and I was definitely not disappointed. The plot flowed really nicely, the romance was adorable, and it was exactly the kind of low-stress read I needed. No huge trauma, no unnecessary angst, just pure cosy small-town romance vibes. The perfect book for rotting on the sofa and binge-reading for several hours straight.
Grumpy x sunshine? Yes. Slow burn? Yes. And once the spice started spicing… 🌶️👀
I absolutely LOVE a romance set in a tiny village where everybody knows everybody’s business, especially when there’s a hilariously nosy older woman with absolutely no filter. Ruth, I’m looking directly at you 👀🤣
I loved the other side characters too. Cas, Joanie, Eli, Connor… I’m already far too invested in all of them. I always love those found family vibes and you definitely get some of that in this book. I also really appreciated the different representation throughout the book.
I enoyed the way the author poked fun at the miscommunication trope too. Instead of dragging out unnecessary drama for half the book, the characters actually acknowledge what’s happening and choose to communicate like adults. It made me laugh because it felt like the author was sharing an inside joke with romance readers and I doubly appreciated it cos I am massively against the miscommunication trope personally.
I do have one small complaint. While I was glad the Meghan situation didn’t turn into a huge, drawn-out angst fest, I felt like we waited quite a long time to properly understand August’s backstory, and then when we finally got there, it was wrapped up pretty quickly. I would have loved a little more depth and conversation around some of it. I also would of liked some resolution on who actually trashed the cafe and books.
I’m also really hoping we get to see August achieve more of his own dreams as the series continues. I loved watching Bea work towards what she wanted, but I want that same energy for him too. Give that man his dreams!!
Overall, this was cosy, funny, romantic, spicy in all the right places, and just ridiculously cute.
Excuse me while I go searching for an emotional support peen (IYKYK)
Now give me the rest of the series immediately, please and thank you.