Format: ebook
Release Date: June 13th, 2023
Age: Adult
Genre: Romance – Contemporary
Goodreads
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Ensley James may be practicing positivity, but that doesn’t stop her feeling rage when her best friend’s wedding looks like it’ll be derailed by said bestie’s stepmother. When Ensley steps up, she ends up kicked out of the posh country club, but on the plus side she’s followed out by Drew Daniels, groomsman, Ensley’s brother’s former best friend, and Ensley’s long-time crush. When the pair get trapped in a small shed during a storm, it becomes apparent Drew is a one-nighter kind of guy. And following the wedding, the pair don’t expect to see each other again, until Ensley turns up in Drew’s vet clinic, and they really can’t seem to keep away from each other.
I love that the first time we meet Ensley she’s standing up for her bestie, though I admit it was a little frustrating when the bride didn’t have Ensley’s back in return, but of course this is just the inciting incident for the novel and we soon meet Drew – got to love a meet cute that involves one of the characters being escorted out by security! Ensley has not had the easiest life, but it’s clear Drew was a bright spot in a difficult childhood, and clear why she looks upon him as a hero who could save her. When the pair get trapped in the shed, the chemistry is practically sizzling off the page, and it was really sweet to see Ensley slowly draw Drew out.
Then we find out Drew is a grumpy, hates-people-loves-animals vet, who doesn’t (currently) have pets of his own because of how little he’s actually at home. As a boss, he’s a jerk, and his clinic struggles to hold onto any receptionists because of his attitude. But when he takes a kitten home for ‘just one night’ (the cat distribution system works), he starts to soften, even more when Ensley, visiting her sister, appears in the clinic.
I can’t really say more than that for the plot, except that Ensley challenges Drew’s one night rule and suggests they go on three dates, finishing what was started in the shed and to help him realise the world won’t end if he sees a woman more than once. I really love the way some writers can introduce an innocent sounding element to a story that plays a larger role when it’s considered – through the kitten, Drew shows a compassionate side, there are parallels between her and Ensley with their fierceness, and Ensley notices early on how Drew was adamant he would not adopt, but finds room in his life for the cat. Plus, it results in some really adorable scenes.
Yes, there are misunderstandings, yes both characters withhold information, which I tend to find a little frustrating, but with the way Ensley and Drew are set up, it makes sense with them and really allows them both to grow. Overall, if you enjoy fun, contemporary romances with loveable sunshine(ish)/grumpy characters, with some cute-as-hell animals thrown into the mix, I definitely think you’ll enjoy this one.
Reading Challenge
The Disney Reading Challenge
Prompt: Cinderella – Glass slipper – a book with a shoe on the cover
Progress: 19/40 Completed
Unwrapping Words 