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Well... That Was Awkward
John and Em meet on the boardwalk as the moonlight dances off the Chesapeake Bay.
She thinks he’s gorgeous and comes down with a case of instalove.
He thinks she’s a panhandler and gives her five dollars.
The embarrassment is enough to send Em running for a life makeover. The only problem is, she’s spent the last decade looking after everyone else in her little town and now she’s totally forgotten how to self-care.
Adding to that garbage heap of a situation is tonight’s blind date.
Of course it turns out to be the man who mistook her for homeless. And, of course, he’s a Navy test pilot stationed a stone’s throw away from her antiques shop. All the whiskey and chocolate in the café can’t help the awkwardness between Em and this cold and stoic modern-Mr. Darcy.
Fortunately, their tiny, tight-knit community won’t let one (or two) bad nights come between what everyone knows might just be an uncannily perfect couple.
When they both let down their guard, Em and John’s chemistry creates more sparks than a welder’s torch, but there’s a lot to loose if she tries—and fails—at this relationship.
Unless she decides to trust John to help her navigate, Em might be stuck circling the runway in a loveless holding pattern.
She thinks he’s gorgeous and comes down with a case of instalove.
He thinks she’s a panhandler and gives her five dollars.
The embarrassment is enough to send Em running for a life makeover. The only problem is, she’s spent the last decade looking after everyone else in her little town and now she’s totally forgotten how to self-care.
Adding to that garbage heap of a situation is tonight’s blind date.
Of course it turns out to be the man who mistook her for homeless. And, of course, he’s a Navy test pilot stationed a stone’s throw away from her antiques shop. All the whiskey and chocolate in the café can’t help the awkwardness between Em and this cold and stoic modern-Mr. Darcy.
Fortunately, their tiny, tight-knit community won’t let one (or two) bad nights come between what everyone knows might just be an uncannily perfect couple.
When they both let down their guard, Em and John’s chemistry creates more sparks than a welder’s torch, but there’s a lot to loose if she tries—and fails—at this relationship.
Unless she decides to trust John to help her navigate, Em might be stuck circling the runway in a loveless holding pattern.
345 pages, ebook
First published October 27, 2020
609 people are currently reading
2433 people want to read
About the author
Megan Montgomery
5 books149 followersMegan Montgomery is a multi-award winning author of steamy, smart, character-driven romance.
Her debut novel, WELL...THAT WAS AWKWARD, described as "a big, juicy bite of Chesapeake Bay culture," was inspired by her homesickness for southern Maryland. She now lives among the cornfields of Illinois with her family--but don't ever mistake her for a Midwesterner. A goth at heart since age 12, she loves the color black, Mozart's Requiem, and the history of death and burial rites.
When she’s not writing or reading, you’ll find her volunteering at the library or the medicinal herb garden, or cackling over a cauldron during a full moon.
Her books have received the B.R.A.G. Medallion, Best Indie Book Award for romance, the Indie Reader Discovery Award for chick lit, the Rudy Award for contemporary romance, and were finalists in the Page Turner Book and Screenplay Awards, but she's most thrilled when she makes personal connections with readers.
Her debut novel, WELL...THAT WAS AWKWARD, described as "a big, juicy bite of Chesapeake Bay culture," was inspired by her homesickness for southern Maryland. She now lives among the cornfields of Illinois with her family--but don't ever mistake her for a Midwesterner. A goth at heart since age 12, she loves the color black, Mozart's Requiem, and the history of death and burial rites.
When she’s not writing or reading, you’ll find her volunteering at the library or the medicinal herb garden, or cackling over a cauldron during a full moon.
Her books have received the B.R.A.G. Medallion, Best Indie Book Award for romance, the Indie Reader Discovery Award for chick lit, the Rudy Award for contemporary romance, and were finalists in the Page Turner Book and Screenplay Awards, but she's most thrilled when she makes personal connections with readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
January 28, 2021
I wanted to like this book. I thought it would be funny and romantic.
I like the author’s style of writing but I hated the main character so much.
She’s rude, inconsiderate, judgmental , insecure, selfish... I could go on. The author continually states how badass the main character is.....? Umm no. She never does anything badass. She puts the people around her down. She’s obsessed with herself, how she looks, how life has treated her! Even her supposed friends she is jealous of their happiness.
Stop telling us she is a badass and show us how she is a badass. She has a tattoo. Not bad ass. did she tattoo her self??? That would be badass. Drives an old car. Not badass. Did she build the old car??? That would be badass. She lifts weights. Interesting hobby. But not badass. Did she push herself and win competitions, did she overcome a physical disability? That would be badass.
I think the only thing she does that’s nice is help at the church but she makes it oh so clear she is above everyone at the church, that’s SHE aid not a member.
Bleh couldn’t finish it. And I always finish books!
I like the author’s style of writing but I hated the main character so much.
She’s rude, inconsiderate, judgmental , insecure, selfish... I could go on. The author continually states how badass the main character is.....? Umm no. She never does anything badass. She puts the people around her down. She’s obsessed with herself, how she looks, how life has treated her! Even her supposed friends she is jealous of their happiness.
Stop telling us she is a badass and show us how she is a badass. She has a tattoo. Not bad ass. did she tattoo her self??? That would be badass. Drives an old car. Not badass. Did she build the old car??? That would be badass. She lifts weights. Interesting hobby. But not badass. Did she push herself and win competitions, did she overcome a physical disability? That would be badass.
I think the only thing she does that’s nice is help at the church but she makes it oh so clear she is above everyone at the church, that’s SHE aid not a member.
Bleh couldn’t finish it. And I always finish books!
August 2, 2021
Cute! It was fun to read a book with my home as the setting! Sweet romance, but I felt the hero's frustration with Em, she certainly did a good job of creating her own obstacles.
January 10, 2023
“My current view is better than all the clouds in the atmosphere.”
Megan’s debut novel is a noteworthy contemporary piece that was full of laughs, moments of relatable contemplation, and a slow burning romance that left me completely satisfied.
Told from Emerson’s POV, we follow her journey of self-discovery through means of her antique shop and restoring pieces of furniture. Megan draws on the parallel, and we, as readers, are taken along for the often humorous ride. The most poignant, is how Em’s narrative never wavers; strong, true to her self and a woman who can’t resist the draw and attraction to John, a local Navy test pilot.
Over the course of the book, their flirtations develop into something that rivals the best opposites-attract-tropes. Set in a small town and peppered with colorful secondary characters, Well…That Was Awkward soars as high as a test pilot can fly.
Megan’s debut novel is a noteworthy contemporary piece that was full of laughs, moments of relatable contemplation, and a slow burning romance that left me completely satisfied.
Told from Emerson’s POV, we follow her journey of self-discovery through means of her antique shop and restoring pieces of furniture. Megan draws on the parallel, and we, as readers, are taken along for the often humorous ride. The most poignant, is how Em’s narrative never wavers; strong, true to her self and a woman who can’t resist the draw and attraction to John, a local Navy test pilot.
Over the course of the book, their flirtations develop into something that rivals the best opposites-attract-tropes. Set in a small town and peppered with colorful secondary characters, Well…That Was Awkward soars as high as a test pilot can fly.
August 11, 2023
The title says it all. This book, was indeed, awkward.
It needs a good edit. It reminded me of a college essay where you start out slow, and really take your time, but then you start really feeling the pressure of the time crunch, so you stay up all night trying to get something finished so you can turn it in and cross your fingers you pass. The further into the book, the more and more grammatical errors. A consistent use of the wrong word. “I just needed to get ‘for’ away. He couldn’t ‘what’ any longer.” A good proof-read could have taken care of 99% of these issues.
The things I know about the MMC. He’s hot. He’s a pilot instructor for the navy. He’s hot. He needs glasses or contacts. He’s hot. He works out, and apparently he’s doomed to be a hopeless romantic because it “runs in his blood.” Oh, and did I mention he’s hot? The dude’s whole personality is based on the fact he’s strong and sexy. Don’t get me wrong, I love a strong and sexy MMC; BUT that is something that attracts you to someone. Then as you get to know them, their thoughts, their personality, their little quirks and imperfections; then attraction morphs into love. We never really get to know John. All Emerson can think about is how hot he is and how badly she wants him…and how he could never want her.
I hated this FMC. I mean she hated herself, so I just followed her lead. She’s shallow (see above paragraph about how all she seems to care about is John’s looks). She’s judgmental. She talks about how people judge her based on her tattoos and torn up clothing, yet she’s the only one who constantly drones on and on about how other people look and dress. Oh, and how she wants to change, but never actually does anything to try. Except maybe that one shopping spree, which she took after her business burned to the ground. Because going out and spending a crap ton of money at the mall is something we can all relate to after we’ve just lost our livelihood. Where John’s personality is “I’m hot,” Emerson’s is “I’m a metal head and covered in tattoos…and like old stuff.” There is just no depth to these characters.
There are so many inconsistencies in this book. Like Emerson saying she “owns” her apartment at the beginning of the book; then toward the end she talks about her car being her only asset because she “rents” her apartment. I never could figure out if the antique store was a success or failure. She would talk about it struggling, yet she always had expensive food in the fridge and would buy her and her friend coffee every day. It made my head hurt trying to keep everything straight.
It needs a good edit. It reminded me of a college essay where you start out slow, and really take your time, but then you start really feeling the pressure of the time crunch, so you stay up all night trying to get something finished so you can turn it in and cross your fingers you pass. The further into the book, the more and more grammatical errors. A consistent use of the wrong word. “I just needed to get ‘for’ away. He couldn’t ‘what’ any longer.” A good proof-read could have taken care of 99% of these issues.
The things I know about the MMC. He’s hot. He’s a pilot instructor for the navy. He’s hot. He needs glasses or contacts. He’s hot. He works out, and apparently he’s doomed to be a hopeless romantic because it “runs in his blood.” Oh, and did I mention he’s hot? The dude’s whole personality is based on the fact he’s strong and sexy. Don’t get me wrong, I love a strong and sexy MMC; BUT that is something that attracts you to someone. Then as you get to know them, their thoughts, their personality, their little quirks and imperfections; then attraction morphs into love. We never really get to know John. All Emerson can think about is how hot he is and how badly she wants him…and how he could never want her.
I hated this FMC. I mean she hated herself, so I just followed her lead. She’s shallow (see above paragraph about how all she seems to care about is John’s looks). She’s judgmental. She talks about how people judge her based on her tattoos and torn up clothing, yet she’s the only one who constantly drones on and on about how other people look and dress. Oh, and how she wants to change, but never actually does anything to try. Except maybe that one shopping spree, which she took after her business burned to the ground. Because going out and spending a crap ton of money at the mall is something we can all relate to after we’ve just lost our livelihood. Where John’s personality is “I’m hot,” Emerson’s is “I’m a metal head and covered in tattoos…and like old stuff.” There is just no depth to these characters.
There are so many inconsistencies in this book. Like Emerson saying she “owns” her apartment at the beginning of the book; then toward the end she talks about her car being her only asset because she “rents” her apartment. I never could figure out if the antique store was a success or failure. She would talk about it struggling, yet she always had expensive food in the fridge and would buy her and her friend coffee every day. It made my head hurt trying to keep everything straight.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2021
Romance is not my favorite genre, but I wanted to read Well..That Was Awkward by Megan Montgomery because I follow @meganmontgomerywrites and find her to be funny and down-to-earth, so I figured her writing would reflect those qualities.
This book was gifted by the author—thank you.
(I took this photo of the book on a family heirloom antique secretary desk because Emerson, the main character, owns an antique shop and I loved reading about her refinishing projects.)
Pick up Well...That Was Awkward if:
-You like a slow burn romance.
-You like a little humor in your romance.
-You like an enemies-to-lovers trope. (I usually do not, but the enemies portion was brief enough.)
-You like an independent, down-to-earth, strong female business-owner MC.
-You like a generous, tall, muscular, smart military leading man.
My favorite aspects:
-The setting--briny sea air, nautical vibes, Southern Maryland, everyone knows everyone
-The humor--I laughed multiple times.
-The food--I love a leading lady who loves her carbs. You will also crave BLTs the entire time you read this, so stock the ingredients before reading.
-The main character’s passion for/knowledge of antiques and powerlifting.
-The refreshing female lead in a romance who isn’t annoying and shallow!
I can’t review without warning that the typos in the novel are, unfortunately, distracting. However, the content of the book is entertaining enough that I am glad that I read it.
I will definitely read more books from Megan Montgomery in the future. I’m impressed with this #indieauthor and #debutauthor and especially enjoy the quick wit of her writing.
Trigger Warning: addiction in a close family member
This book was gifted by the author—thank you.
(I took this photo of the book on a family heirloom antique secretary desk because Emerson, the main character, owns an antique shop and I loved reading about her refinishing projects.)
Pick up Well...That Was Awkward if:
-You like a slow burn romance.
-You like a little humor in your romance.
-You like an enemies-to-lovers trope. (I usually do not, but the enemies portion was brief enough.)
-You like an independent, down-to-earth, strong female business-owner MC.
-You like a generous, tall, muscular, smart military leading man.
My favorite aspects:
-The setting--briny sea air, nautical vibes, Southern Maryland, everyone knows everyone
-The humor--I laughed multiple times.
-The food--I love a leading lady who loves her carbs. You will also crave BLTs the entire time you read this, so stock the ingredients before reading.
-The main character’s passion for/knowledge of antiques and powerlifting.
-The refreshing female lead in a romance who isn’t annoying and shallow!
I can’t review without warning that the typos in the novel are, unfortunately, distracting. However, the content of the book is entertaining enough that I am glad that I read it.
I will definitely read more books from Megan Montgomery in the future. I’m impressed with this #indieauthor and #debutauthor and especially enjoy the quick wit of her writing.
Trigger Warning: addiction in a close family member
August 5, 2023
The potential was there but it missed the mark. The storyline was all over the place and the main character was borderline unbearable. The insecure-woe-is-me attitude got old quickly.
To top it off, whoever was supposed to act as proofreader/editor did the book no favors. There were so many blatant grammar and spelling errors that could have been caught by anyone. It was so frustrating.
To top it off, whoever was supposed to act as proofreader/editor did the book no favors. There were so many blatant grammar and spelling errors that could have been caught by anyone. It was so frustrating.
September 24, 2023
It had potential, but didn’t carry through with anything meaningful.
This needed a good second read from the author/ an editor to clear up the simple to fix grammar mistakes and the inconsistencies.
The plot was ehhh. Em was annoying.
This needed a good second read from the author/ an editor to clear up the simple to fix grammar mistakes and the inconsistencies.
The plot was ehhh. Em was annoying.
July 13, 2023
DNF at 38%
I find a lot about this book contradictory. One minute the FMC describes herself as a tattooed badass, then next minute, disagrees with the MMC's description of her as a strong as hell??? It's like she doesn't know what she thinks or wants. Does she want a boyfriend, or does she not. Does she like the MMC, or not. I honestly don't know. I’m not a big fan of the writing style either, I don’t know how to describe it.. scattered? Jumpy?? I dunno. I’m sure as the author finds her feet, her writing will get better, but then again, whom am I to judge
I find a lot about this book contradictory. One minute the FMC describes herself as a tattooed badass, then next minute, disagrees with the MMC's description of her as a strong as hell??? It's like she doesn't know what she thinks or wants. Does she want a boyfriend, or does she not. Does she like the MMC, or not. I honestly don't know. I’m not a big fan of the writing style either, I don’t know how to describe it.. scattered? Jumpy?? I dunno. I’m sure as the author finds her feet, her writing will get better, but then again, whom am I to judge
July 30, 2023
Okay I actually really enjoyed this book. Through the banter, characters and small town romance, I was hooked. The slow burn between the characters, the stubborn mindset I can relate too. But I just couldn’t get over the few spelling errors/missed words and random hashtags that were in it between paragraphs sometimes. I don’t know if it was just my version.
January 18, 2024
I loved this book! I know 2024 just started but this is my favorite book so far this year. Quirky, different, familiar in setting (southern Maryland is my home), sexy, and fun! Great story!
August 18, 2023
John & Emerson ❤️
| Steam 🔥🔥🔥 Rated R, 2-3 scenes
| Feels 😮😬🙃🙂😢😢🥹⛵️✈️👨✈️
*Didn’t like that Kelly McGillis was considered “an old casting choice” in Top Gun or that “Val Kilmer got fat”. Totally not necessary to hate on people like that.
| Steam 🔥🔥🔥 Rated R, 2-3 scenes
| Feels 😮😬🙃🙂😢😢🥹⛵️✈️👨✈️
*Didn’t like that Kelly McGillis was considered “an old casting choice” in Top Gun or that “Val Kilmer got fat”. Totally not necessary to hate on people like that.
October 27, 2020
Set in the Northeast in Chesapeake Bay, in a small town, Em has always been the odd, distinct, quirky but lovable girl. She hasn't had much luck in the dating world and she is a little critical of herself but starting to also love every part of her. But an awkward, surprising meet cute with fighter pilot, John throws her for a loop and the inner self doubt comes. Opposites attract, constantly being matched up together by the people in their small town, in her mind, she definitely thinks she don't have a chance with John. She's placed him into the "he's too good for me zone". But they begin a friendship but her feelings are becoming stronger by the day.
I liked this story, the bump meet was cute and him mistaking her for a panhandler and her inner thoughts had me giggling. A debut book for the author, I enjoyed it, I thought some parts were a little too detailed, but overall it was a cute, light, fun read. Written in Emerson's POV. Our hero is pretty swoony when it came to her. John and Emerson are pretty darn sweet together. Overall it was a 3.9 read for me.
I liked this story, the bump meet was cute and him mistaking her for a panhandler and her inner thoughts had me giggling. A debut book for the author, I enjoyed it, I thought some parts were a little too detailed, but overall it was a cute, light, fun read. Written in Emerson's POV. Our hero is pretty swoony when it came to her. John and Emerson are pretty darn sweet together. Overall it was a 3.9 read for me.
January 7, 2024
Rating:3/5
Spice:1/5 (practically non existent)
Platform: kindle
Keywords: small town, pilot, comedy
I got this book on stuff your kindle day.
It was a fast small nice little romantic comedy. But... I got frustrated with Emerson because girl... stop seeing problems everywhere. Why this girl is giving relationship advice to her friend but can't take her own advice or listen to everyone, even when her boyfriend TELL her that he wants her she don't listen and says that he needs someone thats more fitting. ... I got frustrated with her at 70 ish % of the book. At 90% I was like thats it there's no happy ending here. He leave because he have enough of shit. But tadam like 5 pages before the end of the book magically everything is good
Spice:1/5 (practically non existent)
Platform: kindle
Keywords: small town, pilot, comedy
I got this book on stuff your kindle day.
It was a fast small nice little romantic comedy. But... I got frustrated with Emerson because girl... stop seeing problems everywhere. Why this girl is giving relationship advice to her friend but can't take her own advice or listen to everyone, even when her boyfriend TELL her that he wants her she don't listen and says that he needs someone thats more fitting. ... I got frustrated with her at 70 ish % of the book. At 90% I was like thats it there's no happy ending here. He leave because he have enough of shit. But tadam like 5 pages before the end of the book magically everything is good
February 28, 2022
Not exactly steamy…but cute
This book definitely took a different approach. And the premise was great. I even appreciated that the character knew her flaws and was sick of herself and the rut she was in.
I think my issue was the hero. He was the strong silent type, but then he was beta. And I was confused. It ended up seeming wishy washy and I don’t really blame her distrust of his intentions throughout the book.
For me, 3 stars is a solid read. Nothing really dragged, but it’s not reread territory.
This book definitely took a different approach. And the premise was great. I even appreciated that the character knew her flaws and was sick of herself and the rut she was in.
I think my issue was the hero. He was the strong silent type, but then he was beta. And I was confused. It ended up seeming wishy washy and I don’t really blame her distrust of his intentions throughout the book.
For me, 3 stars is a solid read. Nothing really dragged, but it’s not reread territory.
July 6, 2023
This was not really my cup of tea. I didn't like the characters and found the protagonist a bit weird sometimes. I couldn't figure out if she was confident or insecure and I believe she must have a bit of jealousy to people around her... And to the male protagonist well... I didn't swoon nor anything so it felt not as if I was reading a typical romance book but rather I was just an expectator to 2 random people I saw one day on the street fall in love.
did-not-finish
July 19, 2023DNF at 5%. I don't want to read about a woman who "needs" a makeover to find love.
August 1, 2023
The book was cute. Em just got on my nerves too many times. We get it, you’re “different.” We don’t need to hear it described every chapter.
October 27, 2020
This is the debut book by author Megan Montgomery and I have to say I love love loved it.. I read a lot of dark romance so when a romcom or a lighter romance comes across my kindle I dive in...
Emerson is the quirky girl.. and I love her and her inner thoughts, she was cracking me up at times.l she reminds me a lot of myself with self doubt ...she sees things the way someone who has never been the “it” girl before sees them.. I can relate to her so much ..
When her friends set her up on a blind date and that date turns out to be the Runner that thought she was homeless and gave her five bucks I about died from laughter ..
John and Emerson could really work out,but she’s stubborn and gets in her own way a lot.. she doesn’t believe he could be into her which is ridiculous but there you go.l as much as she tries to avoid him.. he seems to be everywhere.,
This is a beautiful story of finding love, learning to love yourself and of trusting the people who love you.. I loved all the characters so much .. makes me want to go to the bay .. I loved the ending.. I really didn’t think they would get it together but it was perfect.. BRAVO!!
Emerson is the quirky girl.. and I love her and her inner thoughts, she was cracking me up at times.l she reminds me a lot of myself with self doubt ...she sees things the way someone who has never been the “it” girl before sees them.. I can relate to her so much ..
When her friends set her up on a blind date and that date turns out to be the Runner that thought she was homeless and gave her five bucks I about died from laughter ..
John and Emerson could really work out,but she’s stubborn and gets in her own way a lot.. she doesn’t believe he could be into her which is ridiculous but there you go.l as much as she tries to avoid him.. he seems to be everywhere.,
This is a beautiful story of finding love, learning to love yourself and of trusting the people who love you.. I loved all the characters so much .. makes me want to go to the bay .. I loved the ending.. I really didn’t think they would get it together but it was perfect.. BRAVO!!
October 13, 2023
2 ✨
I mean it wasn’t the worst thing I’ve read in the last few weeks but it wasn’t anywhere near the top.
The female mc had a terrible personality and the male mc seemed like he was written by a man…. But this author is female. But you know normally you can tell the difference between males written by females, this one was very deceiving.
The female mc in this acted like a child but I think I was supposed to think she was like a quirky bad ass? It just wasn’t written well.
The story also was not great in general, topped off with characters with bad personalities. Best thing about this book is the cover on kindle tbh, it’s not even the same on good reads, but the kindle one was cute 😂
I mean it wasn’t the worst thing I’ve read in the last few weeks but it wasn’t anywhere near the top.
The female mc had a terrible personality and the male mc seemed like he was written by a man…. But this author is female. But you know normally you can tell the difference between males written by females, this one was very deceiving.
The female mc in this acted like a child but I think I was supposed to think she was like a quirky bad ass? It just wasn’t written well.
The story also was not great in general, topped off with characters with bad personalities. Best thing about this book is the cover on kindle tbh, it’s not even the same on good reads, but the kindle one was cute 😂
November 13, 2020
I loved the characters. Emerson is not your typical romantic heroine. She listens to metal, dresses in grungy clothes to work, and power lifts. She’s a badass who falls for the perfect guy - a fighter pilot. The characters, scene descriptions, and events in this book make you smile, sigh, and groan out loud. Great book!
December 28, 2020
This book was an enjoyable read! I liked the setting and the characters, much different from my "norm." Recommended!
Thank you for the signed copy (Goodreads giveaway).
Thank you for the signed copy (Goodreads giveaway).
January 1, 2021
🏆 2020 BIBA® Romance Winner!
January 13, 2021
I love this book and the author.
July 12, 2023
Same as every silly little romance I read. No literary masterpiece but plenty entertaining
March 25, 2024
It was fun to read a book that is set in my small hometown. There were a lot of typos. I didn’t love how often the main character got in her own way, but that’s something people struggle with, so maybe my distaste for it is a me problem.
February 15, 2021
We are proud to announce that WELL..THAT WAS AWKWARD by Megan Montgomery is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!
August 13, 2023
A fun grumpy-sunshine romantic comedy with a goth twist!
From that tagline, you're probably wondering why I gave it 3 stars, and it's because this romcom contains two of my least favorite tropes: miscommunication and the deadly third-act breakup. If it didn't have those, 4 stars. For sure.
Overall, it was cute. It was fun. It was quaint. It was quirky. It's a great small-town/military-esque romance read with a little spice (like 1.75 to 2 🌶️ ).
From that tagline, you're probably wondering why I gave it 3 stars, and it's because this romcom contains two of my least favorite tropes: miscommunication and the deadly third-act breakup. If it didn't have those, 4 stars. For sure.
Overall, it was cute. It was fun. It was quaint. It was quirky. It's a great small-town/military-esque romance read with a little spice (like 1.75 to 2 🌶️ ).
May 30, 2024
I was after a light hearted and easy read but this took me so long to finish as I had no motivation to pick it up. The romance was long winded, the main characters edginess soon lost it's touch and the plot was messy and extremely boring. Should have been in my dnf pile.
August 15, 2023
Would have been 3 stars if the main girl wasn't so completely f'ing annoying
July 29, 2023
Em is a small business owner out for a walk with her dog picking up trash to help her community. After her dog runs off and catches him by the smelly water, a man gives her money thinking she’s homeless. She was mortified, but realized she hadn’t been taking care of herself. Em decided then she was going to change for the better, and also try going on the blind date her friend had begged her to go on. When she shows up, it’s no other but the man that thought she was homeless. John is a pilot in the Navy, newly stationed close to his uncle in Chesapeake Bay. Does Em stay on the date or tell John to shove it?
WHEW. I think I might be in a book slump. I’m giving this one 3.5 stars because I really loved John’s character. He was strong, but soft, and wore his feelings on his sleeve. Em’s character drove me a little crazy. She was loved by so the entire town, but I found her unlikeable. She was portrayed as this powerlifting badass who didn’t need anybody, but she was judgy, rude, insecure, and her helping at the church she went to didn’t make up for it. The story itself wasn’t bad, but some parts felt a little too wordy. I’m a bit curious about Mack and her wife since they were brought up so often, but didn’t really have much of a story. Maybe there was a book about them before this one?
WHEW. I think I might be in a book slump. I’m giving this one 3.5 stars because I really loved John’s character. He was strong, but soft, and wore his feelings on his sleeve. Em’s character drove me a little crazy. She was loved by so the entire town, but I found her unlikeable. She was portrayed as this powerlifting badass who didn’t need anybody, but she was judgy, rude, insecure, and her helping at the church she went to didn’t make up for it. The story itself wasn’t bad, but some parts felt a little too wordy. I’m a bit curious about Mack and her wife since they were brought up so often, but didn’t really have much of a story. Maybe there was a book about them before this one?
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