Sometimes you run into a book where really enjoy the theme but sometimes the plot and the characters leave you with mixed feelings. It doesn’t happen often to me, but this story is one of those where I had some of those feelings.

To begin with, I had a tough time connecting with the characters. I think that the female lead, Loni, did not show good judgment in defense of herself at her job. That started the downfall for me.

The story incorporates three sisters and it seemed much of the story was them talking. There are many areas where the author lost my attention. Their jokes against the male lead character were not funny and actually quite rude. I really had a hard time with him finding what was attractive about Loni.

I think that’s where a lot of my conflict comes into play. I did not connect with the characters. I liked the male lead for the most part, although he never really worked that much to show his “predator“ status. Honestly, I felt they all could be better developed.

However, I love the concept of the story and there were several supporting characters that were enjoyable. The locale was amazing and really drew you into the fabric of the town.

While the author did a great job in certain aspects of the story, I was really looking for more in terms of the connection and the fire between a romantic couple. This is a clean romance, but I never really felt that passion that convinced me they needed to be together.

For a light-hearted women’s fiction, Resorting to Romance is a great choice. It may be the perfect getaway for you.

I received an ARC copy of this book. I like the idea of the story and it was cute but I didn’t enjoy the language. I couldn’t figure out how or why it was in the story. I would have rated it with more stars if it was totally cleaned up. It did not need it.

What a lovely rom-com. I loved the Wingate sisters. They were each spunky, funny, independent and lovable. Their sisterhood bond was so sweet. Now Loni and Ian, the enemy to lovers quarreling was so funny and charming. The author just made you fall in love with all the characters from the town people and the employees. The author described everything with such detail that I was craving a buttermilk pie with peach tea! I absolutely loved it, I believe this story was a true rom-com and devoured it in less than 24 hours. Couldn’t put it down. Recommend to anyone wanting a lighthearted funny love story.

I recently read Jennifer Shirk's Resorting to Romance and found it to be a heartfelt journey to Sunny Banks, a charming family resort. This contemporary love story dives into life, love, and second chances, making it a cozy read for romance fans like me.

The story follows Loni, an LA attorney engaged to Blaze. Just as her job and relationship start to unravel, she learns that her father plans to sell the family resort. Heading back to Sunny Banks to save it, Loni unexpectedly develops feelings for Ian, the developer interested in buying the property. As she battles to save the resort, Loni finds herself torn between her past and an uncertain future.

I enjoyed how Shirk developed the characters, especially Loni and Ian, whose chemistry grew steadily. The themes of family strength, second chances, and forgiveness really resonated with me, and the vivid descriptions of Sunny Banks made it easy to picture.

However, the pacing felt uneven at times, and the romance between Loni and Ian could have been more dynamic. Some secondary characters lacked depth, which I think could have enriched the story.

Overall, Resorting to Romance is a pleasant read with a heartwarming tale of love, family, and second chances. While it may not be groundbreaking, it provides a comforting escape to a nostalgic resort. If you’re looking for a light romance with meaningful themes, I'd recommend giving Resorting to Romance a try. Despite its flaws, it captures the essence of finding love and purpose in unexpected places.

I absolutely loved this enemies to lovers trope! This was an incredibly engaging read and one that I just could not put down. It was a story that truly pulled out all the emotions -- love, sadness, frustration, inspiring, humor and family. There was fun, witty banter, but also, times when memories were shared that brought sadness and sympathy. There were several twists as the plot and story progressed and it kept me very engaged and eager to see how it would all come together. The setting and location sounded divine and the author does a great job allowing you to visualize the location and surroundings.

Loni is a driven, independent woman as well as loyal. In trying to achieve a dream that would make her mom proud, Loni discovers she had lost little bit of herself in that journey. It took her widowed father's decision to sell the family hotel resort to bring her back and realize what she was missing and what she truly wants. Ian, known as the "Predator" when it comes to business dealings, had developed a friendship/father figure in Loni's dad, and enters the picture when Loni's father approaches Ian about buying his beachfront, Sandy Bottom located in North Carolina, resort. There were so many moments that were a joy to be a part of and witness in the growth and journey of Ian's and Loni's developing relationship. Loved all the family loyalty and camaraderie between Loni and her sisters - Kalinda and Marise. I truly hope to see those sisters find their happily ever afters!

Overall this book was an enjoyable and easy read. I actually can totally picture this book turned into a movie. Overall, fairly clean storyline...there is sex that was implied but all closed door and there is some profanity used but not out of control. I always love when authors include epilogues to further bring closure to the story. Jennifer Shirk is a new author to me and I look forward to reading many more books of hers!

Thank you to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book. All my thoughts and opinions are all my own.

Thank you @entangled_publishing and @netgalley for the eARC of Resorting to Romance by @jennifershirkauthor in exchange for an honest review!

📖📖 Book Review 📖📖 Loni’s got big dreams and believes a little bit of lipstick can go a long way…except when it doesn’t and all of your hopes and dreams comes crashing down around you. Mercury must be in retrograde because even the comfort of returning home for solace goes awry when she learns that her father is engaged and wants to see the beloved hotel that he owns against the wishes of Loni and her sisters. When their father sends “the son he never had”, Ian, down to scope out possibilities for the sale, the sisters do everything they can to sabatoge his stay. All if fair in love and war, and it’s an all out declaration to try and save Sandy Bottom. Resorting to Romance is a hilariously beautiful book about tackling life’s curveballs with wit, grace, and some good old Southern charm.

Review is posted on Goodreads and the final review will be on instagram ahead of the publication date.

The book is about family, loyalty, and romance.

Three sisters come together to save their family resort from being sold by their father to pay for his second marriage.

The book is full of banter, emotion, and romance.

It is a perfect vacation, beach, or weekend read!

I enjoyed it. It was a fast read.

Recommend.

Thank you so much NetGalley and Entangled: Amara for this book.

Expected Publication July 2, 2024.

"Resorting to Romance" was a really cozy and engaging read! If you enjoy bingeable small town romances filled with community, family and witty banter I think you're going to want to add this one to your TBR.

The author did a fantastic job crafting a plot filled with memorable and loveable characters. I really enjoyed the interactions and banter between Loni the FMC and Ian the MMC. The enemies (friendly adversaries) to lovers trope is my favorite and I was eagerly flipping pages to make sure this couple got their HEA.

I also really appreciated the strong family bonds and sense of community that are incorporated in this story, it made the reading experience more immersive.

I would love to read future books from both of Loni's sisters, especially with some of the revelations that came out; maybe an interconnected series?

Overall this was definitely a great reading experience and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!

Thank you Jennifer Shirk, Net Galley and Entangled Publishing LLC for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.