3.5 stars ⭐️ I thought the plot was a little slow but I still enjoyed reading it!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I appreciate the opportunity to read this title and thank you to SMP Romance for providing me with an eARC, however, after hearing how amazing the audiobook is I want to experience the book in that format. I will amend my review with my thoughts once I finish!

Tarah DeWitt does it again! She's turning into an auto-buy author for me. The chemistry between our two MCs is electric and I loved the time jumps throughout the book. While it took me a while to get into it at first, the story quickly kept me coming back for more. I appreciate DeWitt's ability to add gravity and seriousness to a story. Romance books come in many shapes and sizes, with varying degrees of depth. So far I've enjoyed DeWitt's stories and I look forward to reading more!

5 ⭐️ I love this book with my entire heart!

*Reviewed on 11/12/24 Updated on 01/06/05*

"Be my wife. Stay my wife. Forever, LaRynn. I don't care where we end up or what we do as long as I have you."

WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ second chance romance
✨ first love to strangers to spouse to lover
✨ dislike to love
✨ marriage of convenience
✨ roommates
✨ forced proximity
✨ pranks
✨ pushing each other's buttons⁠
✨ insane tension & chemistry⁠
✨ "that’s my wife"
✨ 2.5/5 spice
✨ it’s always been you
✨ soulmates
✨ HEA
✨ the sweetest epilogue I’ve ever read
✨ Dual POV
✨ TW: grief, loss of family member


My Thoughts:

I first read the indie version of this book last year, and now, after reading the updated traditionally published edition, I can honestly say that while there are some differences between the two, my feelings remain exactly the same. This book is absolutely incredible. In both versions, I fell in love with Deacon and LaRynn, and their beautiful story will stay with me forever.

Both Deacon and LaRynn are wonderful main characters. While they are fictional characters, I found them to be incredibly relatable, realistic, and authentic. Honestly, I wish these two existed in the world.

LyRynn is an interesting and complex character. She comes from a tumultuous home where her only escape and sense of safety and security was with her grandmother in Santa Cruz.

"I always thought if I could do everything expected of me, if I was good, if I caused as little inconvenience as possible and needed as little as possible, then maybe I'd fit somewhere between them [her parents]. Instead, anger became my quiet companion, something I'd wear like a shroud. I'd take their love where I could get it, which usually came in the form of pride whenever I did manage to do something impressive."

When I first read this passage, I sobbed. You could have taken this right out of my diary. I've never related so much to a character or felt more seen in a book. LaRynn can come off prickly and stuck-up at first, but it's only because she's been hurt so much that she's grown used to having a hardened exterior in order to protect herself. After years of neglect and never feeling like she was enough from the people that were supposed to love her unconditionally, she started closing herself off from others. LaRynn needed someone to see her, flaws and all, and love her for exactly who she is. And that is exactly how Deacon loves her in the end.

"The trying was what it was really about. I'd begun to believe that trying was its own love language. Trying to understand a person, trying to make them happy, trying to make yourself happy, too. My relationship with him is what made me believe that."

Being with Deacon was healing for LaRynn, and vice versa. Deacon and LaRynn both have major insecurities that were unfortunately heightened when they dated years ago. But throughout this story, they both put away their anger and resentment from the past and start to learn about the adult versions of themselves and see each other in a new light. Yes, the insecurities and flaws are still there, but now they have the emotional intelligence to offer compassion and understanding to one another. And this understanding and acceptance for the ugliest parts of themselves only makes LaRynn and Deacon truly fall in love with each other. Their journey together really was so beautiful and realistic.

"I don't mind your mess." 💕

For all the women out there who have been told you're too much, too needy, or have too much baggage, this line is for you. Find someone like Deacon who loves you, mess and all.


On a lighter note, the banter and spice were incredible! It's clear from the beginning that Deacon and LaRynn are insanely attracted to each other. Pair that with hatred and sharp tongues and you get hilarious quips and delicious tension.

"You don't throw away towels, LaRynn. You keep them for things. Like car-washing rags or - I don't know, but you keep them."

"Where?! Where was I supposed to store your beloved towels? I had no idea that they were so cherished. Was it the holes or the frayed edges that made them the ideal jerk off-off rags?"


Deacon and LaRynn kept doing these things to intentionally and unintentionally piss each other off, and omg it worked. 😂 This cat-and-mouse dynamic was entertaining as hell.


The actual spice was so hot it made me horny. While these scenes are explicit and written incredibly well, I think it's the pent up tension from the banter and playful mind games as well as their deep emotional connection that really made the smut so satisfying.


The epilogue is the sweetest thing ever! It takes place 10 years later and gives us a glimpse into the wonderful Deacon and LaRynn have created. My heart soared while reading this chapter, and ended up finishing this book with the biggest smile on my face.


I'll leave you with this . . .

Tarah Dewitt is a phenomenal writer. Full stop. Her stories are filled with deeply authentic, wonderfully flawed characters that feel so real, you can't help but connect with them on a personal level. Every book is created with such careful attention and love, it’s as if she’s sharing a piece of her heart with her readers. That kind of authenticity is rare, and it's something I truly treasure. So, first and foremost, thank you, Tarah, for gifting us with these beautiful, soul-stirring stories. Your work is a gift I will never take for granted.

This book was cute, but it didn't totally rope me in. Honestly not sure why. I think it just felt like not a ton was happening.

I just cried my way through the end of this book. As in, had to set it aside I was crying so hard and needed a minute to breathe. I connect a lot with these bitchy women who spend their lives listening to the people who should love them the most, tell them they should feel less and be less. Love to see them get a happy story.

This was a book I chose simply because of the title, didn’t even read the description and boy did it pay off! This was an emotional but also fun book to read! I spent my summers at a beach resort community and it brought me back. There is great character development and growth throughout this book. Add this book to your 2025 summer reads, you won’t regret it!

I enjoyed the story, but the plot was a little slow for my taste. I didn’t feel very invested in the characters, which was disappointing because I have loved other Tarah DeWitt books.

I wanted to love this book. I really did. But I couldn’t stand the FMC and the inability of these characters to communicate. And I expected more from them as grown adults. The conflict in the book could have been resolved with a 5 min conversation.

Having said that, I did like the writing style and would pick up other books by the author.

I did not finish this one. I was disappointed in this read. I loved Funny Feelings but this one just missed the mark. Maybe I’ll give it another try down the road

What a sassy and steamy romance. I loved the main characters and their banter. Arranged inheritance marriage is one of my favorite tropes, and this was well done. The ending was perfection as well.

This story was really layered and that was my favorite part. Each of the main characters' struggles and challenges felt realistic and made them each interesting individually. I wanted to see them do well and heal even if they didn't end together... but together of course they did end up and it felt right and natural and beautiful.
The use of timing also was well done. Although they had history (second chance romance) the author still gave it the right room and time to reconnect and fall back in love. That was refreshing. I could see this becoming a movie.

This book frustrated me. There was a lot of adults who didn’t know how to express their feelings or communicate. I didn’t care for their characters.

This was a cute romance! I enjoyed the romance between the characters and the story was enjoyable with a fun premise. The miscommunication did annoy me at times but overall a fun romance that I recommend checking out!

"The Co-op" by Tarah DeWitt is a heartwarming contemporary romance that skillfully intertwines themes of love, renovation, and personal growth. The narrative centers on LaRynn Lavigne and Deacon Leeds, former summer flings who inherit joint ownership of a dilapidated building in Santa Cruz. To restore the property and access their respective resources—LaRynn's trust fund requiring marriage and Deacon's construction expertise—they agree to a marriage of convenience. This arrangement forces them to confront past misunderstandings and navigate their evolving relationship.

DeWitt's portrayal of LaRynn is particularly compelling; she emerges as a fierce and loyal protector of her loved ones, embodying strength and resilience. The dynamic between LaRynn and Deacon is enriched by witty banter and palpable chemistry, making their journey from reluctant partners to a cohesive team both believable and engaging.

The novel's setting in Santa Cruz adds a vibrant backdrop, almost becoming a character in its own right, enhancing the story's charm. The renovation project serves as a clever metaphor for the reconstruction of their relationship, with each repaired wall mirroring the mending of emotional barriers.

While the plot follows some familiar romance tropes, DeWitt's fresh approach and authentic character development keep the narrative engaging. The pacing is well-executed, with the progression from a staged relationship to genuine affection unfolding naturally. The inclusion of steamy scenes is handled with care, adding depth to the characters' connection without overshadowing the plot.

In conclusion, "The Co-op" is a delightful read that balances humor, romance, and emotional depth. Tarah DeWitt has crafted a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, making it a standout in contemporary romance. I would rate it four out of five stars.

This was a cute second chance romance. I loved these characters so much and loved their story. Highly recommend.

“I don’t mind your mess”

I loved this book with all of my heart. It had all the tropes I absolutely love: Marriage of convenience + forced proximity + second chance 🤩

The Co-Op follows Deacon and LaRynn who had a brief fling in their late teens that ended in heartbreak as they work to renovate a house they inherited from their grandmothers. In order to get the renovation done, LaRynn needs access to her trust fund which she can only access after marriage. In an attempt to get the house fixed and sold so they can go their separate ways they decided to get married even though they can’t stand each other.

This book honestly just hit all the right notes for me. LaRynn and Deacon feel so real as they reconnect while fixing up their grandmother’s house—it’s like they’re rebuilding themselves and their relationship at the same time. I loved that they had this past fling that adds tension but doesn’t overdo the drama. It’s emotional but funny, with plenty of heart and moments that feel genuinely relatable. LaRynn’s insecurities and Deacon’s steady, sweet love made them both characters I cared about so much. Overall, it’s just one of those stories that leaves you feeling happy 😍

Tarah Dewitt NEVER and i mean NEVER disappoints 🤍

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Tarah DeWitt for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

*The Co-op* is a steamy, witty, and heartfelt second-chance romance that perfectly blends tension with tenderness. LaRynn and Deacon's rekindled relationship, built on the ruins of their past fling and a shared inheritance, keeps the pages turning. Their deal to marry in order to renovate a building quickly becomes an emotional rollercoaster as they navigate their undeniable chemistry while trying to remain focused on the task at hand.

What I loved most was the banter and dynamic between LaRynn and Deacon. Their witty exchanges and simmering attraction make for a fun and irresistible read. The slow-burn romance is well done, and their growth—individually and as a couple—felt natural and earned.

The plot was engaging, though I would’ve liked a bit more character depth for the secondary characters. The pacing can feel a little slow in parts, but the charming setting and relationship tension more than make up for it. Overall, *The Co-op* is an enjoyable read with the perfect mix of romance and humor! Highly recommend for fans of steamy second-chance romances.

Second chance romance. Enemies to lovers. What could go wrong?! Unfortunately, unlikable characters can. I just could not deal with the constant negativity (and then feelings flip-flopping) from LaRynn. If you have patience, it gets better, But honestly, the beginning is hard to slog through.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. Honestly, there hasn't been one by Tarah DeWitt that I haven't enjoyed! An interesting plot, wonderful character development, and romance, what more could I ask for?