What struck me the most about this very funny tale of small town hijinks is how utterly feminist it is. It has several side stories that make it a well rounded tale, but its the growth of Carlotta Watson at the heart of it all. Not only is she extremely likable, but her story is relatable on several levels.
She arrives home with her tail between her legs after her stint as a social media influencer got derailed. She is visiting her eccentric mother, and before she knows it, she's mired in the feud of a lifetime.
"“Sorry?” His father snapped. “I’m not sorry. And if that dog doesn’t get off my property, I’ll…” He broke off as Xul lifted his leg and sprayed another stream of liquid onto his steps. Mom hooted. I could hear boards creaking as though she were doing some kind of victory dance, but I didn’t want to turn around and look. I was suddenly finding it hard enough to keep a straight face. “Sorry about Xul, Mr. Lennox,” I said. “He’s old, and you know how the elderly have to pee every five minutes.” The old man made a choking sound. “Get that mutt under control, or I’ll go inside and fetch my gun.” A muscle twitched in Mason’s jaw. “You don’t own a gun.”“Then I’m going inside to order one!” The door slammed behind Edward so violently, I winced."
This feud brings her face to face with her teenage crush, Mason Lennox. Mason is also visiting his father. While the chemistry is still viable between Mason and Carlotta, she is standoffish. Mason took off when they were young and won't tell her why. Mason has secrets that slowly come out through the story. It wouldn't be a small town without many secrets! And Mason isn't the only one.
But Carlotta? She's the star of the show. Im trying not to say too much here, but she's into body positivity, and seems to wear her emotions on her sleeve. She's also independent and strong willed. She has a breakthrough in this story that will make you cheer, and it only cements her as an amazing feminist icon of the book.
"Instead of arguing, he folded his arms and tightened his square jaw. Standing like that made his biceps bulge, and he radiated solid determination, like the living embodiment of all things right and good. All he needed was a cape. Suddenly, I couldn’t decide whether to laugh or cry. “And in breaking news from Gotham,” I muttered. “Super Muscle Man is forced to rescue his bumbling arch-nemesis, Raw Omelet Girl.”"
I really liked the way Author Hunter linked all the characters and their storylines, while making some truly clever and inspired dialogue. There is no cliffhanger, but it sets up the next book about another Lennox brother. These characters are irresistible, and there are always more secrets to reveal in a small town. I can't wait to find them out and suspect even Xul the dog would approve.