Probably a 3.5. An enjoyable second chance romance! I loved how the story centered around the two main characters relationships with their grandmothers. For someone who had a special relationship with hers, it really hit home. This was a little too much of a slow burn for me. For a book that comes with a note about sex positivity, there wasn't much of it. I loved the well written banter and that there wasn't a third act break up which I had anticipated.

Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martins Press for the ARC!

Tarah DeWitt’s renovated and remodeled (pun-intended) edition of The Co-op is a second chance romance that explores what happens when physical and metaphorical walls are coming up and being torn down, all while grappling with the inherent messiness of life, love, and construction, as two people who had a contentious summer fling in their teens are forced to work together on a house renovation after their grandmothers pass away and leave the two of them their dilapidated building.

LaRynn Lavigne doesn’t want to be back in Santa Cruz. She also doesn’t want her life to be falling apart at the seams, but you can’t always get what you want — if you even know what you want, which, if she’s being honest, she doesn’t. Still reeling over the loss of her grandmother, and barely speaking to her parents, she reluctantly shows up at Santa Cruz to help deal with the house that her grandmother (Cecelia), and her grandmother’s late-in-life partner (Helena), bequeathed her and one of Helena’s grandsons. The house, and the memories it contains, mean everything to her, but going back to Santa Cruz also means reliving moments of her life that she wishes she could forget, and needing to interact with the person who she opened herself up to a decade ago, only to have her heart smashed to pieces.

Deacon Leeds is in a bind. He’s been single-handedly dealing with the deteriorating home that his grandmother, Helena, and her partner, Cecelia, left to him and LaRynn. Deacon is a construction guy and knows how to work with his hands and fix almost anything, but he doesn’t have enough hands, enough hours in a day, or enough money to deal with their grandmothers’ house on top of his job and other obligations. He can’t do it all by himself — trust him, he would if he could — but the person who is supposed to help him is the person who he doesn’t want to see. LaRynn is haughty, mean, and a closed book — a total brat, in Deacon’s opinion. But he wants to do right by their grandmothers, which means doing right by their house, which means he’ll have to work with LaRynn, the woman he hasn’t been able to get out of his head for years, despite the disastrous way their summer fling ended.

Trouble is, in order to access her trust fund, LaRynn needs to be married. LaRynn and Deacon agree to get married to access the money for the renovations. They’ll work together to fix up and sell the house, collect the money from the sale, then split up.

Easier said than done. As the house’s walls are coming down, LaRynn and Deacon are hiding behind walls of their own, trying not to prod at the still sore wound of how their previous relationship ended. But the renovation project necessitates that they set aside their gripes and grudges and learn how to work as a team. As they navigate the difficulties of construction, living in close quarters, their grief at the loss of their grandmothers, and the memories they both have of Santa Cruz, their grandmothers and their house, and each other, their own walls begin to come down. In the mess of renovations, they’re forced to confront their own complicated past and the ways they hurt each other, their personal vulnerabilities, and truths left unsaid. Perhaps you have to tear everything down until all that’s left is the frame and the foundation in order to build up something more sturdy, solid, and true.

I read The Co-op in less than a week, a fact which I think speaks for itself. DeWitt wastes no time getting the story rolling, dropping us in the middle of the messy situation the characters find themselves in. The dual timeline of the book — present day with the construction project, and “before” during LaRynn and Deacon’s summer fling — helps provide context to their messy history while keeping the pace of the plot moving. Messiness is a core theme of the book, and I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about the big messes that are the main characters of The Co-op. LaRynn and Deacon are flawed and messy, and this not only makes them realistic but also makes them characters that readers will sympathize with and root for. They have tempers — which flare (often) and clash (also often) — they’re unafraid to be petty, they contain multitudes and layers, they make plenty of mistakes, and they have their own personal shit that they have to reconcile and learn to live with, in healthy ways. They are well-rounded, well-developed, unique, and have strong and complicated inner lives. They have to learn to accept, love, and appreciate their own messes, as well as each other’s messes. Life, like construction, is messy; instead of wishing the mess away, we really start living and appreciating life when we’re able to embrace and lean into the messiness and the often perpetual work it takes to better ourselves, our relationships, and our homes.

“Just like the house that once felt like it would never be done, like there was more to fix or address around every corner… even in the mess, I think this is still livable, too. There’s something to love here, in this place where our relationship exists. And maybe if we keep working at it, eventually it will be somewhere comfortable — maybe even lovely – too.”

The underlying message of The Co-op is that life and relationships are projects — like construction renovations — that we’re perpetually working on, building, and making better. This metaphor runs the risk of being overdone and feeling forced, but DeWitt strikes a great balance between subtlety and obviousness, and the risk undoubtedly pays off. The frustrations and setbacks of LaRynn and Deacon’s home renovation intertwine well with the ups and downs of their rocky relationship and project partnership. There are moments where it feels like for every step forward, they wind up taking three steps back. Sometimes the renovation is going well, construction is moving quickly and they’re able to stay on budget, but they’re fighting left and right, their relationship at a low point. Other times, they seem to be making strides in getting along and understanding each other, but the construction project is grinding to a standstill, parts unavailable or backordered, the work taking longer than expected. Renovation projects and relationships both take work, they both require patience, they both can be frustrating and emotional and tiresome. And with both, you have to try: try your best, try to be patient, try to understand. Not every moment will see harmonious agreement and unobstructed progress, and there will always be something else to work on, something else to improve, but caring and trying make all the difference. Despite what they might say to the contrary, Deacon and LaRynn both care deeply, and they are learning to try: for their grandmothers, for each other, and for themselves.

“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.”

I highly recommend this book — it will make you smile, it will make you laugh, it will pull at your heartstrings (and maybe make you cry). The Co-op celebrates and honors the messiness of life and the vulnerability it takes to pick yourself up off the ground and continue to try, try, and try again.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an e-ARC of this book before its (re)publication.

LaRynn and Deacon's story is a complicated one filled with lust, heartbreak, and anger. Through the hardships and the looking back on the past they find a solace together. Being stuck in a house together they must find out how to work together to fix up the place that was left in a trust to them. Find out how they come together and the hurdles they jump though to finish the renovation and find love along the way. Read the Co-Op today!

I had the opportunity to get an arc for The Co-Op and I am forever grateful because I loved it! It’s the second book I’ve read from Tarah Dewitt and it did not disappoint. I feel like Tarah does a really great job at creating complex characters that you can’t help but root for. LaRynn and Deacon: where do I even start!! The spice! The dancing! The bickering! Their love!! I’m obsessed with them. Both LaRynn and Deacon grow so much throughout this book, but LaRynn’s character growth specifically was so impactful to me. By the end, she understood that being honest & vulnerable isn’t a weakness; I felt so proud, I just loved her so much! The Co-Op tackles heavy topics like grief and abandonment, but there is so much resiliency and love and laughs. I actually laughed out loud a few times while reading this, especially when LaRynn makes a joke referencing The Office lol. Discovering Tarah Dewitt has been, in a way, life changing. Mainly because her books suck you in and her characters are so relatable that you can’t help be feel ✨seen✨. The Co-Op will be available on 11/12/24 so be sure to pick up a copy!!!

Another beautiful love story from Tarah! Following these characters as they overcome their fears and open their hearts was a giggly, teary-eyed journey. The writing as always draws you; bringing the characters to life. Could not recommend more!

1.5 stars
what a disappointment.

Three hundred something pages about 2 people who don’t know how to communicate and express their feelings with each other :/

This a rerelease book and author mentioned that she changed almost everything I think, so I don’t know if the previous publication was better or not…. but this one was bad.

The fmc was SOOO selfish, I understand that she had her reasons but omggg she was so infuriating and childish, the switch in how she acted every other scene was making me go insane, I’m not even going to talk about the toothbrush scene, she would snap at anyone who tried to get closer to her, I don’t really know how the mmc could stand her. I disliked Deacon too.

The story had so much potential but it just fell flat it was bland, boring, it was like a roller coaster.. I would like one chapter and then I would hate the next 6 chapters. The whole reason behind everything was stupid.
(spoiler)and don’t get me started on the name on their daughter name. DOT? SERIOUSLY? the worst name ever, even Nara Smith chooses better name for her kids😶

I can’t believe that this is the same author that wrote funny feelings. I wasted my time reading this.

i think the low rating is a me thing. i wanted so deeply to enjoy this, but something didn’t click. i liked the characters enough and the setting, just something wasn’t there. one of the biggest things i appreciate though is how far the epilogue went out.

thank you to NetGalley and publishers for this arc.

Tarah Dewitt is the queen of tension! This book had me wrapped up so tight! And I. Was. Here. For. It.

The Co-Op is about two people finding themselves and fighting for the love that they really want in each other, when they’ve never been given great examples of how to love and to gain emotional maturity. LaRynn and Deacon, both grandchildren by marriage of their “grands” would spend summers and holidays together at their grands. The summer before college they have a fling. It’s not supposed to go anywhere, but at the end of the summer one says I love and the other doesn’t. Years later, the hurt and bitterness is still there, but now the grands are gone and they’ve left their run down apartment to both Deacon and LaRynn. Now they must come together, work through their emotions and renovate the apartment so they can sell it. Old hurts, feelings of rejection from parents and each other, love and new feelings all develop. Their histories made them, but they are choosing to change what could be to something better. What you get is petty behavior (that will make you laugh out loud), snarky banter, teasing and phew it is hot!

“Oscar, you remember LaRynn from the other night?” I blurt. “My wife.” Jensen snorts before he starts laughing silently. LaRynn slow-swivels my way with a look that is no doubt meant to eviscerate me on the spot.

“I mean,” Jensen laughs, “Peeing on her would’ve been more subtle, man.”

And, a fake marriage, “my wife” scenes and feelings feeling just do it for me!

This is a must add to your TBR. And while you’re at it, add Savor It, another of my faves of Tarah’s.

Tropes:
Marriage of convenience
Second chance romance
Forced proximity
Slow Burn

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Tarah Dewitt for allowing me to read an advanced complimentary copy of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Second chance romance and a marriage of convenience? Sign me up. I had high hopes for this book but ended up not liking it. The marriage of convenience didn't feel like it was truly necessary here. They could have lived in the house working on it after their jobs, like they do anyway? Home girl just needed her trust. Speaking of trust fund babies, LaRynn is one of my least favorite FMC’s that I've read about this year. She was so entitled and just an overall brat to Deacon at all times. If i was Deacon, i would've hoped out so fast. Especially after having discussions related to finances and home girl going on her shopping spree. But im not.

I have friends that I'll recommend this for because it seems up their alley, but this is a 2.5/3 star for me.

This book did not disappoint. I have read all of Tarah’s books and they just get better and better. Will definitely be reading again.

This was a super fun read! Great execution of a second chance enemies to lovers. There was just the right amount of spice to balance out the emotional turmoil the characters experience. Also a marriage of convenience… umm yes please!

LaRynn and Deacon were both really well developed characters. Both are highly independent and stubborn, but somehow still selfless. The banter is top tier and I loved the dual timelines! Also the duo POV always makes a romcom better. The amount of soul searching both characters do is insane and simply amazing.

The plot was super cute as well, a marriage of convenience and home renovations. The supporting characters are well fleshed out too.

The only thing I didn’t really enjoy was just the sheer amount of miscommunication. Like their whole failed relationship as teens was due to miscommunication, so why are we still having the same problem as adults almost a decade later. It just kinda irked me.
I also received an arc of Savor It and enjoyed that ones as well. Overall a really entertaining book and I will definitely be recommending this one for everyone!

LaRynn and Deacon were hook up buddies for a summer in their late teens and neither of them forgot the other despite the heartbreaking way it ended. When they become joint owners of a home shared by their late grandmothers, they haven’t seen or talked to each other in almost a decade and have to rebuild their relationship along with this house. She’s kinda mean, and he plasters on this faux charm, and they are at each other’s throats until they wanna be down each other’s throats, naahmean?

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🫑

Liked (🚨some sorta-spoilers here🚨)
* I love how ass backwards this couple did everything. This was not-really-friends to hookup buddies to enemies to married to friends to lovers. A freakin rollercoaster but it was an interesting premise. “What if we hook up first and then become enemies and then get married and renovate a home?” I just imagine Tarah Dewitt and the Elmo fire gif.
* I loved the love and dedication to the grands. It was clear they were very special and I love the fact that LaRynn had Cece in her life, the only real stability she had.
* I appreciate a book that addresses abandonment and the effects of it. Bravo to this book for having the FMC deal with it head-on.
* I think I liked how messy and complicated it all was.
* I loved the letter they wrote to the buyers of the house.
* I appreciate that - while they did bang a lot while they were in their late teens - she didn’t write that on-page. I appreciated her author’s notes about that too. Not that I have a problem with 19 and 20 year olds boning - I just feel like a creep when I read that shit cause I’m old.

Disliked
* Okay I was immensely distracted while reading this book so it took me a hot ass minute to get into. I didn't really start getting sucked in until over 50% thru, mostly because I was watching the Olympics in between. THEREFORE, I owe Tarah a reread of this because I love her and her writing, and I need to give it the attention it deserves.
* I think I still have an inner cringe about them being family by marriage even though not by blood. I had this problem with Benny and Jane in Yours Truly and Just for the Summer as well. I can fully rationalize it in my head but my initial reaction to those types of relationships is to always be a bit put off by it.
* This is one of those books where “if they both just went to therapy…” It grated on me a little.

🫡 Tropes deployed: marriage of convenience, forced proximity, friends-with-bennies to enemies to married to friends to lovers 🎢, grief, complex family dynamics

I’ve quickly become a Tarah Dewitt fan over the last year. This was is clever and cute. We have every single trope crammed into one on this one… fake dating, second chance lovers, friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, it’s got em all.

this story has been one of my top faves since it originally self-published almost two years ago, and this new & improved story has made a strong favorite an absolute masterpiece.

I have loved Deacon & Larynn’s characters from the very beginning, I love that they’re both so strong and prickly on the outside but secretly so soft on the inside. Deacon is easier to show his softer side, but Larynn shows her love through sheer protection and dedication. mixing a fun enemies to lovers with marriage of convenience, forced proximity, and renovation would be an absolute mess in any other circumstance but works exactly as it should in this story, it’s absolutely perfect!!! the overwhelming love, protectiveness, strength, acceptance, and dedication in this story is unmatched.

I am once again blown away at how Tarah DeWitt can tear me apart and put me back together so sweetly in every book she writes. DeWitt knows just how to make me feel all my feelings on the most intense level and leaves me feeling like i’ve been washed, fluffed, and folded. i thank her for it every time.

thank you so much for the arc :)))

I love a marriage of convenience trope but this one did not hit for me. There was no risk of them getting found out cause it seemed like everyone knew and they didn’t have to fake it. I felt like the chemistry was forced. 2.5 stars

I really struggled to get through this book. I loved the setting, the premise, the characters, but the story itself felt long and drawn out, and I had a hard time getting really into it. The flashbacks specifically were to a point when I characters were in high school, and while having some of the context was helpful, overall I felt like it just made the book drag on. I wish there were only a couple of flashbacks rather than one every couple of chapters.

I had previously read this book last year when it was still under its indie publication and absolutely loved it, but this new version completely changed not only my book ranking, but my entire perception of this book. I love second chance with silly banter and emotional confessions, and this new version of LaRynn and Deacon did not disappoint. I had the absolute best time reading this book, but that goes without saying when you’re reading Tarah Dewitt’s writing. I know anyone who picks up this book will be impressed and absolutely swooned by this couple.

✅ This is a re-write and re-publish. So if you read it the first time round, this is different from that.
✅ LaRynn Lavigne, 26 & Deacon Leeds, 27, (a Leo) working on a home renovation project
✅ dual POV
✅ marriage of convenience to access a trust fund
✅ second chance romance, dual timeline
✅ set in a coastal town
🌶️: in both timelines!

I really enjoyed this book, and I think it’s because the coastal setting adds a dreamy filtered quality to the book. I loved both LaRynn and Deacon and stayed awake entirely too late to finish.

I tried really hard to like this book, because I usually adore a well-written second chance romance. I’m also fascinated by marriage of convenience as a concept, but can’t think of when it’s useful? However, this one was just not it. At all. The FMCwas straight up the kind of FMCs that I really cannot stand. She was super annoying and bratty. Now, it might be the monk you hate effect, but what’s with the names? All the names of the characters are just so out there, it took me out of the narration. I’m very sorry to say, but I was so excited for this book, but I’m left disappointed. I did Iike the other characters, though!

Tarah DeWitt has very quickly become a must read author for me- I read Savor it a while ago and was absolutely addicted.
The Co-op follows Deacon and LaRynn as they are forced to embark on a renovation journey together, despite being exes who haven't spoken I seven years. This makes things TENSE and the tension is delicious. As a child who grew up in a renovation home- I am fully aware of the maddening tension that living in a construction zone brings and this book emulates it perfectly.
If you are a lover of:
-forced proximity
-second chance romance
-marriage of convenience?
Then you will love this.
I also will always have a soft spot for a prickly female main character and LaRynn fits the bill perfectly.