Things can’t get much worse for Dylan Powell. She just lost her sure-bet promotion to her boyfriend, and then lost her boyfriend when she found out he’d been hiding an engagement the whole time they were together. Now her ex is her boss, and she needs to get away ASAP to clear her head.
Enter her little brother Zach with the perfect escape: he and his business partner need her help promoting their new resort. When Dylan arrives at the resort, it’s clear the place needs a lot of help, and it’s equally clear that Zach’s partner and best friend, Mal, isn’t interested in anything Dylan tries to suggest. As the pair butt heads and fix up the resort, they find themselves learning not only to respect each other, but that there are clear sparks flying between them.
Can the pair build something beautiful together, or will their carefully constructed walls come crumbling down?
Sierra Dean is a reformed historian. She was born and raised in the Canadian prairies and is allowed annual exit visas in order to continue her quest of steadily conquering the world one city at a time. Making the best of the cold Canadian winters, Sierra indulges in her less global interests: drinking too much tea and writing urban fantasy.
Ever since she was a young girl she has loved the idea of the supernatural coexisting with the mundane. As an adult, however, the idea evolved from the notion of fairies in flower beds, to imagining that the rugged-looking guy at the garage might secretly be a werewolf. She has used her overactive imagination to create her own version of the world, where vampire, werewolves, fairies, gods and monsters all walk among us, and she’ll continue to travel as much as possible until she finds it for real.
She’s also a book lover (of course!), obsessive collector of OPI nailpolish and the owner of way too many pairs of shoes.
DNF - the only thing worse than the narrators voice was the supposed love interest inviting a magazine out to his farm to give a review and then complaining and insulting the person who was trying to help him promote his business that HE asked to be there and saying “woman shut up”. Ok sir who asked you to speak because it wasn’t me
I probably would have rated this one higher had it ended better. Another new author for me, and I went in super blindly since there were so few reviews on this one. I wish there had been more lol moments; the ones "there" could have been a little more intense. If that makes sense...
I liked the premise of this story a lot. Enemies to lovers who meet up after her brother asks for help on his business venture of buying a "summer camp for adults" type thing, (which actually sounds VERY cool). I liked that aspect of the story a lot. This one had a lot of potential for cuteness and originality.
I liked the main players, even though they both had their "flaws". But I always do appreciate more of a normal FMC. (Sadly we call them "plus size").
Dylan and Mal knew each other as kids, with her as the chubby neighbor to her brother Zach's friend. Now Zach and Mal are going into business together and Zach asks for his sister's help.
I'll give it a solid 3.5, just not quite ready to round it up to a 4. But I'd like to read some spinoffs of the side characters, and if those show up I'm definitely down for it.
A random short audiobook that I chosen to listen to while out for my walk. I loved how conflicted the MC’s were and how it felt like actual issues a normal person would feel in their circumstances. I like awkwardness of of Mal who was scared of having feelings for Dylan, and how he didn’t actually man up at the end to fix things with her but the other way around even though you’d expect he would because of the HEA mentality of these romances. I don’t mind it. Though I wish there was an epilogue, more interactions with her brother Zach throughout her stay there. It felt like he wasn’t even around. Perhaps knowing there might be another story about Zach and Cara? (That could’ve been added with a short blurb if they did end up dating) I do agree with another reviewer that having an adult camp would be awesome!! (I’ve never went to summer camp or even school camp for a week back in my day but I’ve always been intrigued about it, i.e. “Parent Trap”). Sounds like something to do a goog search for! Lovely story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Mal really did nothing to redeem the fact that he literally is a misogynist, yeah his ex wife was a bitch but come on be an adult, also literally how did they “fall in love” when they barely conversed for like 85% of the book. Wanted to dnf on multiple occasions but was waiting for it to get better which it didn’t
I really hate that. I know what is going to happen and then it happens and then I’m like yeah this makes me not like the book because it’s so obvious but I do this every time with almost every romance that I decide to finish it. It’s a good story. It’s very cute, but also very predictable. Dylan is a very well written main character though, and I liked her a lot.
I recently had the pleasure of listening to an audio that left a lasting impression on me. From the moment I hit play, I was drawn into a world of captivating storytelling that skillfully blended elements of romance, humor, and intrigue.
The enemies-to-friends-to-lovers narrative was expertly crafted, bringing a delightful twist to a classic trope. What stood out to me was the seamless transition between these phases, each one adding a layer of depth and authenticity to the characters' journey. Their chemistry was palpable, and it was heartwarming to witness the evolution of their relationship.
One of the aspects that truly set this audio apart was its ability to balance lighthearted moments with more intense and emotionally charged scenes. The humor was genuinely funny and well-timed, even in the midst of serious situations. This contrast added a rich layer of complexity to the story, making it all the more engaging.
The phrase 'there is a time for everything' couldn't be more apt for this audio. It effortlessly navigated through various emotions, scenarios, and tones, making each moment feel purposeful and impactful. The pacing was impeccable, keeping me invested from start to finish.
In a world where storytelling is a true art form, this audio stands out as a masterpiece. It's a testament to the creators' dedication to their craft and their ability to create a multi-faceted experience that resonates deeply with the audience. If you're looking for an audio that combines steamy romance, clever humor, and a rollercoaster of emotions, this is an absolute must-listen.
Kudos to the talented individuals behind this production for delivering a memorable and enchanting experience. I can't recommend it enough, and I eagerly await more from their creative endeavors
Firstly, the narrator was literally trash. How do you make an FMC sound like a man? I know her name is Dylan, but jeez, it's obvious she isn't a man. Also, how do you give the whole thing a monotone sound, and wtf is the ex's fiancée's voice? She's not the bad guy. Is the MMC's name Mel or Mal, because the narrator says both multiple times.
But also, the writing was juvenile. How does the FMC not realize her ex wasn't just using her (once we find out he frequently called her for 3 am booty calls)? Why is she lying about her ex and being frustrated that her new guy has trauma from the same kind of people her ex was? Also, you both "knew" that your time together was "measured"? She already hates her old job because she slept with the boss and became the other woman. Why tf would she go back? You're telling me he heard enough of her and her ex's convo to know she was angry but not enough to know she was the other woman and hadn't known? They're adults, have they ever heard of communication? (I usually advocate for the miscommunication trope as it's the most realistic, but this was just childish.) Also, why did the FMC basically shame her brother for living with his parents at 25? It happens especially when the economy is trash. And why is the MMC feeling guilty for "ruining" someone's relationship when he didn’t?
Honestly, this was a waste of 2+ hours of my time, and the cover art could've been way better.
A romance?? Featuring a plus-size gal?? Where the plot doesn't RELY on her size as a device?????? WOW, it CAN be done!
I always love seeing myself represented in books, and while Dylan's a size 18/20 (so like, a normal size), and her curves are in the "right" places (read: conventional shapeliness), I love that her size is talked about as a description for her, and not used as like her major hurdle or a device to drive the plot forward. She still loves to wear high heels and short shorts and normal things, and just happens to also be plus size.
Now, I have to say, I probably wouldn't have rated this as highly if I had read instead of listened to this book. The audiobook helped to keep me engaged, because I listen to things near 2x speed, and I don't hone in on the language directly. There is virtually no development of character--they are the same people as when the book begins, with a slight exception on Mal's part--but I'm okay with it. The romance development, same. The relationship itself moved way too fast to be any kind of realistic, BUT, I liked the sexual tension enough that it didn't bother me.
This was an enjoyable listen. I loved the summer camp aesthetic, and I'd listen to the spinoffs for sure. Spice was there, and Medium salsa, nothing too graphic.
The blurb for this book peaked my interest, and I ended up quite enjoying it.
While I didn't start off appreciating Mal's attitude, I grew to understand why he was the way he was. And Dylan came in having had a rough time as well. Based on their history, I would have anticipated their love taking a bit longer to actually develop, but for all we know, they ended up dating for a long time before actually taking their relationship further.
I thoroughly enjoyed the spiders in the shower scene, even though it gave me chills up my spine while reading as I am NOT a fan of spiders. But this was a prime example of the good blend of humour brought into the plot.
An enjoyable, quick read (listen) from a new to me author, that has me currently reading another of Sierra Dean's books.
*I listened to this book via the Everand app (Clearly, I've spent too much time in my car lately)
Easy Breezy summertime romance story. FMC is incredibly disillusioned when the coworker she's been sleeping with (who she thinks is *the one*) not only announces his promotion (which should have been hers) but also his engagement! What?! She was the other woman. He is now her boss and suggests that she use some of the vacation time she's accumulated.
Meanwhile, her brother comes to visit and tells her all about the retreat he's working on with their childhood neighbor. Asks if her magazine would be interested in doing a feature on the retreat.
You know what happens from here. Also, I would love to vacation at a place like this Cabins, firepit, games - but for adults. Sounds fun!
The outline of this story was really cute. The whole forced proximity trope alway gets me and don’t get me wrong it was CUTESY.
I think what ruined if did me was reading this via audio. The narrator was not the right one. Because this is written in 3rd person the voices she was doing for the FMC was deeper than the voice she would do for the MMC. Like pick a boi s and stick with it because I was getting whiplash.
The end was super rushed and ended abruptly that I was like 👀👀 exscuse me haha where is the rest of the story??
You know cute city gal goes to an old retreat that’s being revamped and started by her brother and her brothers best friend. Then MMC Mal was not vibing on the FMC Dylan and vice versa. Cute but audio ruined it for me and it may be someone else’s cup of tea ☕️ but unfortunately it wasn’t mine.
Entirely forgettable. This had the right ingredients: brothers best friend, enemies(ish) to lovers, not quite forced proximity. Good stuff, but not super well executed. Perhaps it’s because this isn’t a long read, these elements couldn’t get fleshed out. There were teasing moments of charm (give us more Zach!) but the main relationship between Mal and Dylan was all antagonistic enemy until suddenly, sex and love. Love? It isn’t a timeline issue as much of a missing scenes problem. We’re missing the softer moments between the two, with fun banter and charming friendliness that you get when people start to fall. Mal opens up to Dylan, sure, but these moments felt sort of random and there wasn’t time to reconcile Mal’s shifting attitude.
I actually enjoyed maybe 75% of this book however, I hate the romance trend of 30 something’s falling out because they’re acting like middle schoolers and can’t communicate or I don’t want to hurt their feelings so I just won’t tell them ideology. What? Why is this so common? Also, maybe it’s just me but, this is the second book I’ve read recently where it ends with them saying I love you after like a week. Barf. Again, probably just me and I guess when you know you know but, they couldn’t even talk to one another so I’m going to say they don’t know. I mainly listen to romance books for background noise during daily tasks so I want something light and maybe even a little funny, not something I have to try not to roll my eyes through.
I always like a curvy girl romance, but there was something about this that made it harder to finish. The way the MFC was introduced to you is at a party for her "boyfriends" promotion (that should have been hers) AND surprise, surprise, and also his engagement party. Then, the first meeting of the FMC and MMC they're complete douches to each other, a week later they're spouting love to each other. I have read several romances, but the timeline was just wrong to me.
This book has such mixed reviews that I was honestly torn about reading it. I buckled down & decided to listen to it. I really like it. It was cute. My only gripe is they make it out like the h is this huge person. Then states she was wearing a Kate Spade Tank top. Honey. She ain't that big if she's rocking KS.
It was a decent story line, but honestly I didn't get a ton of character development. I'd read from her again tho
Idk, I just couldn't get into this one! A little dry for me. A pretty typical contemporary romance about a girl who ends a bad relationship so goes out to help her brother start a resort in the woods. She reconnects with her brothers friend from their childhood and the rest is pretty predictable! Someone else might totally love this book! I was just so caught up in another series while reading it I don't know that I was fully ablw to get into it!
Idk, I just couldn't get into this one! A little dry for me. A pretty typical contemporary romance about a girl who ends a bad relationship so goes out to help her brother start a resort in the woods. She reconnects with her brothers friend from their childhood and the rest is pretty predictable! Someone else might totally love this book! I was just so caught up in another series while reading it I don't know that I was fully ablw to get into it!
Aside from the occasional spelling error that was pretty easy to ignore, this is such a fantastic read! It's cute, it's fun, it's raw and real. I started it intending to read a couple chapters before bed and finished the book the next morning. You will love it and you will get sucked in.
this was such a pleasant surprise I stumbled upon while browsing Scribd i never read this author before but I liked her writing so I will be on the lookout for her future work
the audiobook was great too.. bonus point for plus-size heroine and genuine animosity between our lead couple i would recommend it...
Dylan and Mal were cute but ultimately lacked something more. It felt like it simultaneously dragged while their relationship didn't burn enough to simmer...
The narrator did an okay job. I liked Mal's cousin and hated Eric (Dylan's ex) Story had potential but alas didn't quite hit the mark.
This is such a cute rom-com book!! Easy to listen to and easy to love the characters. You want to cheer the characters on! A little spice but that never hurt anyone. The narrator’s voice was great to listen to and clear/concise. If you need a book to listen to while traveling for the holidays this is a go-to!!! Go grab and take a listen!!
Let me start this by saying... I finished this in one day!! It was such a sweet, warm, quick read that is perfect for anyone wanting to be hooked from the first page. The history of the characters, banter, and chemistry were on point. And I love when the FMC knows her worth!!! Only downside for me was that it only had one narrator for the Audio.
Her weight was brought up so much. It is so annoying to me that bigger girls are put off as unattractive. I almost stopped reading halfway through because of that. The ending was very rushed but the plot was cute.
I would’ve liked this a lot more if it ended better. It kinda just ended abruptly and it needed a lot more. It was more so a half story than a full one. Maybe the author meant it as a cliffhanger? Idk it didn’t even feel like a cliffhanger. Just odd.
The book was cute and had a lot of good parts but the ending was very abrupt. I think there was more to be said in possibly an epilogue 6 months to a year later. (Unless the author is planning on making this a series)
I don't even know where to start. This was so bad... So sexist. Not to mention the disgusting sex scenes. And I do love sex scenes if they are written well. I could go on but don't think this book deserves any more of my time 😂
Dylan is going through it at her publishing job. She loses the promotion she was supposed to be guaranteed, dumps her boyfriend, takes a sojourn to regroup, and ends up helping her brother and his business partner with their venture. It starts as enemies to lovers with her brother’s business partner, Mal, but they are destined to find a common ground and grow in their relationship. It was a cute little read.