✨ARC Book Review✨

🏠 The Co-Op - Tarah Dewitt 🏠
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️.5

“I don’t mind your mess”

I was so thrilled to receive the ARC for The Co-Op! This book actually underwent a renovation of its own by the author and I’m so excited to share my thoughts with you!

First of all, I totally vibed with LaRynn’s character. She has a “zero F’s given” attitude with a bit of a hard exterior. Deacon on the other hand really gives off a genuinely good guy vibe and you can’t help but love him from the start. The banter between them both was SO ON POINT, I’m talking laugh out loud moments. This was definitely a bit of a slow burn, but the tension and angst was GOOD. And the spice was done perfectly in my opinion.

Aside from all of the chemistry and tension between them both, I also really enjoyed the story behind why they were renovating this house. The flashbacks to the time with their Grands (Grandmas) was really special to read as well as all the shenanigans they got into as young adults. I really got a small town feel from the story as they’re surrounded by their favorite local hangouts and the kids they grew up with on their summer breaks.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one and would definitely recommend if you like:

🔨 Marriage of Convenience
🔨 Dual POV
🔨 Second Chance Romance
🔨 Dual Timeline

Then Co-Op comes out 11.12.24 so be sure to mark your calendars.

A big Thank You to @net and @publish and of course @ta for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review

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Tarah DeWitt’s *The Co-op* is a delightful blend of romance, humor, and emotional depth, wrapped in the framework of a second-chance love story. With its unique premise of renovation and partnership, DeWitt skillfully explores not only the rebuilding of a dilapidated Santa Cruz property but also the complex reconstruction of a once-abandoned relationship. This steamy, tension-filled romance is about much more than just fixing walls—it's about emotional growth, cooperation, and the slow, often painful process of mending what’s broken, both within a home and between two hearts.

The story kicks off with LaRynn Lavigne and Deacon Leeds, two former lovers whose short-lived summer fling in their teens ended in frustration and resentment. Their paths cross again a decade later when they find themselves joint inheritors of a run-down building in Santa Cruz, left to them by their grandmothers. The setup is ripe with tension, as LaRynn and Deacon's personalities clash from the get-go. LaRynn, a savvy businesswoman with the financial means to fix the property, can only access her trust if she's married. Deacon, a skilled contractor, has the expertise to restore the building but lacks the funds. A convenient marriage of necessity is proposed—just long enough to fix up the building, sell it for a profit, and then walk away.

DeWitt builds a palpable sense of tension between the two from the moment they’re forced to cooperate. LaRynn and Deacon’s chemistry is undeniable, but so is their tendency to clash. Their banter is sharp, full of sparks that make you both laugh and feel the frustration bubbling beneath the surface. Yet it’s clear early on that the underlying issues between them go deeper than their failed teenage fling. Both characters have emotional walls they’ve built over the years—walls that prove to be much harder to tear down than the literal ones in their shared property.

The physical setting of a run-down building in desperate need of restoration serves as a perfect metaphor for LaRynn and Deacon’s relationship. As they strip away the layers of old plaster and decaying wood, they’re also peeling back the emotional layers they’ve kept hidden for years. The renovation project is not just about the property, but about learning to work together, trust each other, and uncover the vulnerabilities they’ve buried deep inside.

One of the strengths of *The Co-op* is how DeWitt navigates the fine balance between the humor and the heart of the story. There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, particularly as LaRynn and Deacon grapple with the realities of living together in a house that’s quite literally falling apart. Their growing mutual frustration, as they attempt to navigate the pitfalls of living with someone without the traditional "perks" of a relationship, adds levity to the otherwise intense emotional dynamics. The book is filled with steamy moments too, with the slow-burning tension between LaRynn and Deacon crackling off the page as they try (and fail) to keep their marriage strictly business.

But underneath the lighthearted and sensual elements, DeWitt also digs into deeper themes. *The Co-op* is as much about personal growth as it is about romance. Both LaRynn and Deacon are dealing with the baggage of their past, and their journey isn’t just about falling in love again, but about learning to be vulnerable and open in ways they haven’t allowed themselves to be before. The story emphasizes that true partnership—whether in life, love, or a business deal—requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to do the hard work of emotional renovation.

DeWitt also beautifully portrays the idea that relationships, like the house LaRynn and Deacon are renovating, are never truly "finished." Just as the characters discover that even once the major repairs are done, there are always little tweaks and improvements to be made, their relationship is revealed to be a continual work in progress. The journey itself—the messy, chaotic process of learning to trust and love again—is what makes their story so satisfying.

Overall, *The Co-op* is a captivating second-chance romance filled with sizzling chemistry, witty dialogue, and heartfelt moments. Tarah DeWitt expertly weaves together themes of restoration, vulnerability, and emotional growth, all while delivering a love story that feels both fresh and familiar. For fans of romances that blend humor with emotional depth, and for anyone who loves the idea of relationships as lifelong renovation projects, *The Co-op* is a must-read.

An enjoyable and satisfying read! I loved to read about our heroine and hero together. These characters’ love story was truly special.

This is a shout about it from the rooftops, book. I am in LOVE. I couldn't read it fast enough and my heart felt like it was going to slam out of my chest. I love these two and their love so much. It's so gripping and raw and intense in all the best ways. If I thought about it hard enough, I'm sure there's something that makes this book imperfect, but honestly who cares. We're all imperfect and that's sometimes the best part. This book reminds me to love the imperfect and all the tiny things that make us who we are.

This was a cute story. It’s a small town second chance romance. It started extremely slow but was still a cute read.

After their brief teenage romance ends on a sour note, LaRynn and Deacon sever all ties. Years later, when their married grandmothers pass away and leave their run-down home to both of them, they’re forced back together. The big problem though? They lack the funds to restore the house. They eventually come up with a plan to get married so LaRynn can access her trust fund to finance the renovations. As they live together to fix up the house, they must grapple with their unresolved feelings from the past and their evolving relationship in the present.

What’s not to enjoy about an endearing second chance love story that takes place in an adorable small town!? The Co-Op is such a cute rom-com! I loved LaRynn’s feisty personality, and the fact that both MC’s grew so much throughout the story. The character development was literally top notch! Being self-aware enough to admit your faults and move on from past hurt is not as easy task, but watching these two find their way back to each was so enjoyable! Their tumultuous relationship led to hilarious banter which helped keep me engaged throughout the slow burn pacing storyline.

You’ll love this book if you enjoy:
• second chance love
• forced proximity
• lovers to enemies to lovers
• marriage of convenience
• open door romance

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

Although I enjoyed Savor It by this author The Co-op fell a little short for me. The FMC felt too weak to me. Like she just wasn’t self-respecting enough. The other characters were okay. The smalltown aspect also did not shine through. It wasn’t the worst book ever but nothing memorable either.

I will continue to read other books from this author.

This book would be 5 stars if the couple knew how to communicate, I saw potential in them from the beginning but I felt that the development of their relationship was not done in the right way. Despite this, it was a book that entertained me and I enjoyed it but definitely should have fewer pages and more communication.

Thank you, St Martin’s Press, for the gifted copy of The Co-Op {partner}

Genre: Romance
Trope: Second Chance
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date: 10.20.2022
Pages: 352
Star Rating: ☆☆☆

“Because when I’m not what works for people at that time in their lives, when I’m not a convenient version of me, I always manage to lose them.”

While this slow-burn romance was not for me, I will instead focus on what did👇🏼

I love LaRynn’s character and related to all of her internal battles on so many levels. She desperately wants to be loved and accepted for who she is but has been left disappointed by so many people in her past when she finally lets the walls down on who she is. It’s always nice to find characters in books that you relate to on a personal level and I’ve found that in Dewitt’s last two novels.

Also, as someone who has experienced the grief that comes with losing a grandmother and then losing her grandmother’s home - I was brought to tears as LaRynn recalled hearing her grandmothers voice or seeing her standing at the garden gate when she came to visit. Those are memories that you hope to hold onto for forever.

Read if you enjoy:
💍 Marriage of convenience
🏠 Forced proximity
🫶🏼 Navigating grief
🌊 Small, costal town
😄 Fun banter

While The Co-Op was not the romance I had hoped to experience (like in Savor it). There were still some really good takeaways from the story and, without a doubt, I will continue to read whatever Tarah DeWitt writes.

If you are looking for a fun, sexy, love story, this is it! Wow! I can not get over how wonderful this read was. I devoured it. It was just fantastic! I loved it! It was such a good story.

I loved this story!! I am a sucker for a good second chance romance and this one was SO good!! Deacon and LaRynn are such good people who want to do right by everyone. I loved their dynamic and rediscovering their love and passion for each other.

I loved Tarah DeWitt's storytelling in Savor It and this one was no different!

If you enjoy second chance romance, enemies to lovers to enemies, marriage of conveniece, this is your book!

Thank you NeGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Tarah DeWitt has such an amazing way of combining sweet and spicy in her romance novels. This one is no exception. I loved the second chance aspect and the way that the characters bantered with each other. The story is more on the character driven side, and I loved watching the two of them grow throughout their work alongside each other. She’s an auto buy for me, and this is another hit!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC of “The Co-op” by Tera Dewitt.

This story is a sweet second-chance love story between two former lovers-turned enemies- turned lovers. When they were 19, they shared a passionate summer romance that ended in a spectacular fashion. 7 years later, they find themselves co-owners of a house that is in dire need of renovation and find their way back to one another throughout the process as well.

One of the things I like most about Dewitt’s style is the fact that she creates realistic everyday characters. Her stories seem believable. Rynn and Declan didn’t work out because they were young, naive and didn’t know how to communicate properly. And let’s be honest; what 19 year old does?! But when they reunite, they start to slowly unravel their communication issues and work together to figure out that they actually never stopped loving one another and, even though they grieve the lost time they had together, they find a way to move forward together as well.

I thought this story was a sweet read. Their banter was witty and the dialogue fit well with the characters. She peppered in spice that just seemed to make sense and built the sexual tension between the characters well.

This is worth a read, especially if you enjoy a second chance romance story (with a bit of marriage of convenience peppered in).

This was fine but not great. The biggest issue for me was how much of a slog it was to get through. I'm generally a fast reader, but this book took me nearly three weeks to read. I just couldn't be motivated to pick it up, even if there wasn't anything wrong with it. This was difficult because I loved Tarah DeWitt's other book Savor It, which I thought was one of the best romances I read all year. Meanwhile this was just a little flat by comparison.

I wanted to like it. And I felt the characters were decent enough. But I didn’t love them. And I didn’t care to know more about them.

So much felt dull and not moving anywhere. It was almost 80% through and the characters were still being such dicks and hating each other. And then all of a sudden… they were not hating. It didn’t feel natural.

Spice was super minimal.

I LOVED this book! As soon as I read the first few chapters I knew it would be a 5 star read for me. Tarah's writing style kept me flipping pages fast and laughing at the banter between the main characters. They had so much chemistry and I couldn't wait to see what they would say to each other next. There were also a lot of emotions and character growth, which added depth to the story. This was a dual timeline and dual point of view book with some of my favorite tropes: enemies/rivals to lovers, second chance romance, and forced proximity. Marriage of convenience isn't usually one of my favorites but it worked perfectly for this book. I highly recommend this one!

The Co-Op will be published on November 12th, 2024. Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martins Griffin and Tarah DeWitt for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

Oh, I loved this book so much! No drama, no third act break up, just a perfect steamy romance to read in one weekend.
It’s got all my favorite tropes and writing elements-: marriage of convenience, forced proximity, dual POV/ timeline.
I was thoroughly entertained from start to finish. The pacing was spot on, packed with humor, and their relationship developed so aching slow in the best way. It kept me on my toes waiting for THAT scene. I kept thinking, ok, this is it, this is where they just rip the band aid of sexual tension” The wait was oh so worth it.
LaRynn and Deacon’s journey, both individually and as a couple, hit me hard. They start off not being able to stand each other but slowly build trust, and their connection really worked for me. The way their story unfolded? Perfection.
And that ending... that epilogue... feet kicking in the air. It left me feeling so content and swooning for then all over again.

DNF’d at 30%

The main characters just weren’t doing it for me and the romance didn’t feel realistic at all. All interactions felt way too convenient and not like authentic, real situations or conversations.

I wasn’t even rooting for the main character and her journey with her grief that felt nonexistent.

This just wasn’t it for me!

Thank you to Net Galley for this ARC!

The fighting between these two characters in the beginning of the book really cracked me up because it's so accurate when it comes to real marriage. I love the idea of a shared project, and the forced marriage was a great touch.
Personally, there was too much sex for me in the book and for some reason I got hung up on the fact that they're together because it's their grandma's house that they're working on. I know that they weren't blood family, but they were family by marriage and that kept throwing me off.
The end of the book does feel like it drags on and I had to really push to finish it. There are a lot of really sweet moments in this book and some exceptional writing throughout!

Deacon and LaRynn have my heart. I was in a book slump and this sucked me right back into my love for reading. This is a book that I will read again. It's a story of two people with pasts that built them into iron, but realizing that in order to not be engulfed by their past, they have to melt and mold themselves through that hurt. LaRynn's character was whom I connected with so much in the sense of how high her walls were built and also giving guys what she thought they wanted in order to keep everyone else in her life happy. Such a deep journey that happens for both of these characters. In summary, an amazing plot with some really good spice!