Dragged me through hell and back and I was thankful for it by the time I finished. Never been prouder of fictional people.

The Co-Op

4.25 ⭐️

Tarah Dewitt might be one of my new fav indie authors! She writes such great adult romances that are full of good characters, growth and unique takes on tropes.

The Co-Op is dual perspective from Deacon and LaRynn, both who knew each other years ago but haven’t kept up. I loved watching them improve their home while stuck in a fake relationship. There isn’t a third act breakup, and I loved that. The epilogue was perfect!

RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5/5)

The Co-op by Tarah Dewitt is about LaRynn and Deacon who reunite a decade after their summer fling to fix up the house their grandmothers lived in so they could sell it for profit…. But first, they have to get married.

I thought this book was a good, quick, and easy read! Deacon and LaRynn are both flawed, but good characters who you want to root for. Both are struggling to work past their family traumas, which I thought made each of them deeper as characters.

However, with that being said, I didn’t love how everything went down with LaRynn’s family. While her family traumas made her a deeper character, I just didn’t love the way that plot developed through the book.

The reason for my 3.5/5 is because tension through the first like, 70% of this book was great, but once the characters started to get together it went from 0-100 and I just didn’t love that. They just immediately went from not working out.. to working out? And I don’t know, something about it felt a little off to me.

But like I said, the tension was great and I loved the banter between the two characters. I liked this book and would suggest it!!

I read my first Tarah DeWitt novel this year and loved it! I’m still working through the backlist, but was so happy for NetGalley and St Martins to grant me this early access to The Co-Op. I loved it.

Whatever Tarah DeWitt writes is an automatic 5-star read for me. I loved this book so much. It was funny, heartbreaking, swoony, and just overall perfect. I really enjoyed a lot of the pop cultural references, there weren't too many that it gave me the ick. They were very subtle. The only complaint I have is that it was too short! After Deacon proposed to LaRynn, I was shocked to see that that was the last chapter and we're already 10 years forward into the epilogue. I was waiting for the last shoe to drop...everything felt so easy and lovely during the last 30% of the book. That's why I was so shocked that it was the final chapter. But that's not necessarily a bad thing! I was just so used when reading a romance novel, there's always a last minute conflict and there wasn't any in 'The Co-op.' Sometimes all we need is a good, easy, romance story. And this was it. I loved every minute of reading this. I cried too much in the epilogue.

Book Review:
5 ⭐️’s

Below is my review for the original book, and after reading the new version I am even more smitten by this universe and these characters. The sheer amount of heart in this story just left my heart fully wrung out.

Tarah DeWitt hits it out of the park again with this incredible story that is so much more than enemies to lovers and a cute cover.

Apparently second chance romance is my thing now cos I can’t get enough of it. But I’m learning that it takes an incredible author to do this type of plot well, and The Co-Op delivers spectacularly. I’m floored by how much we get in so little and how flawlessly that is executed in Tarah’s writing. It takes zero effort for you to understand the character of LaRynn and Deacon and to be a part of their motivations and personalities. Getting to watch these two earn one another’s love and learn to love themselves was a fluid and enjoyable journey - and I have to make sure I mention the sheer amount of humor we get through the whole process!

This book is emotional and moody but hilarious and fun. It’s seamless in its storytelling and flawless in everything it delivers.

What you can expect:
• marriage of convenience
• enemies to lovers
• second chance romance
• forced proximity
• slow burn
• no third act breakup
• rooting for their romance
• hi-jinx and pranks
• binge-able reading
• a few tears at the end

Did I fall in love with Tarah’s writing after reading Funny Feelings? Yes. Was it worth staying around for The Co-Op? Without a doubt. Will I ever leave her side again? No. She’s stuck with me as a reader forever.

[5/5 ★★★★★] “But look at us, LaRynn. We’ve had to do so much shit backwards. We had to fall back in love while tackling a renovation and some demons. If we can do that, we can do anything.”

A fake marriage, forced proximity, second chances—this book had everything for me to love it, and it exceeded all my expectations. I fell in love with this story back in 2022 when I first read it, and now, marking my third consecutive year reading it, it still makes me feel like that very first night 🧡

I loved it so much, and it resonated with me in so many more ways than I thought it would 🧡 The author beautifully developed the relationship between these characters. After nearly a decade since their chaotic summer together, LaRynn and Deacon have many pent-up feelings and conflicts to resolve in order to move forward and re-learn to trust each other. The way it all unfolds is wonderful—it doesn't happen overnight; the protagonists struggle to reach that point, but they fight for it, and it feels so real it hurts.

I connected deeply with both characters. They both grew up in homes where much was expected of them, yet the rewards were minimal. They have insecurities about not feeling good enough or seeing their dreams as distant. Tarah DeWitt did something incredible in explaining these intrusive feelings and thoughts.

And the epilogue??? TARAH DEWITT I LOVE YOU 🙏🏼🧡 It was beautiful and perfect for them. This book definitely goes on my list of favorites and best reads of the year.

The Co-op centers on Deacon and LaRynn, whose grandmas were married and owned a home in Santa Cruz. The two had an intense fling when they were 19 and 20 but did not part on good terms. Now years later, they jointly inherited the place owned by their grands and they need to fix it up so that they can rent it out or sell it. To do that, they need to get married so LaRynn can access the funds in her trust. I love the premise of this book - I think it’s such a fun and creative concept and I can truly imagine Tarah cackling to herself as she put them through this.

If you want a TLDR review then I’ll just say this - if you like to laugh, to feel pesky emotions, and romance, then go preorder/put your Libby hold in now because this checks all the boxes for a perfect romcom. I cackled, I cried, and I kicked my feet. I can’t stop thinking about it and even though I have so many books I want to read, I keep thinking, okay so should I just re-read this though?

First and foremost, this book is FUN with signature Tarah humor that will have you doing the lizard chuckle meme again and again. Deacon and LaRynn are such little brats to each other but never in a toxic way that makes you not like them or root for them to be together. They just like driving each other crazy. They are also very clearly cosmically intended for one another and watching them figure that out and show each other that they value the other is such a treat. This is a second chance romance, my favorite trope, because something about reigniting old flames just hits different. And it’s second chance at its best. It is angsty yet tender. The banter, tension, and chemistry between these two is chef’s kiss. Now this is super funny but if you think you’re getting out of there without shedding a couple of tears, I regret to inform you that, no, you likely will cry a little bit because both characters are dealing with their own grief, trauma, and insecurities and have to work through that as they fix up this house together. Because such is life! (Iykyk)

If you enjoyed the og of this book, you’re going to love the renovated. And honestly, if for whatever reason you didn’t enjoy the og, there’s a very good chance that you’ll love the renovated. I personally wasn’t really sure how Tarah could improve upon the og but she said “girl, hold my beer” and here we are.

The (renovated) Co-op fills in holes in the foundation of the story that you weren’t aware were there because they were under the house and didn’t impact your day to day. We get more backstory of how Deacon and LaRynn fell in love the first time and what went wrong. Also there are some tweaks with side characters that further ground the story in ways that click into place better. Everything I loved about the og is still in there (looking at you in particular good vibrations, “it meant something,” camp laundry room, “show me where it hurts,” etc.) but there’s so much more now. The tension! The mutual pining! The angst! Ugh, I just cannot say enough good things.

One of my favorite books of all time.

Thank you to TD, SMP, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

didn't enjoy this as much as i've enjoyed some of her other books. i had such high hopes after reading 'savor it' a couple months ago, but this one was a bit disappointing.

3.75⭐, 2🌶️

I tried. I really tried to love this book as much as alllll of the positive reviews and accolades I've seen about it on social media, but it just wasn't the book for me. The second chance romance felt unfinished for me (like I can't remember if I glossed over why they broke up originally?) but it just didn't stick for me in any meaningful way. The premise of the book had me so excited, but the second chance, enemies to lovers, & marriage of convenience were too much and didn't fit well together.

I'm not usually a big fan of second chance romances, but I actually feel like these characters had both a reason to split years prior as well as a good reason to reunite now.

The spice level is good, the character's relationship is cute, and there are funny moments throughout.

Overall, I prefer Funny Feelings or Savor It by Tarah DeWitt more, BUT if you enjoyed those books you will definitely enjoy The Co-op!

the co-op was my favorite tarah dewitt book. the co-op (renovated) is my new favorite tarah dewitt book.

i didn't realize i was missing the flashbacks until i had them right in front of me. which, i think, is a testament to the original story - that you felt their love and pain even without first seeing how they got to where they are in the present. but my god did those flashbacks pack a damn punch.

from the small things, to their first meeting of literally running into each other, to deacon's unfortunate timing with a volleyball (and the poor consequences HE suffered for it 🤭), to that final heartbreaking moment on his birthday. the way we see how they each viewed their summer together and how it shaped and hurt them individually. how it took a full house reno and some real talking to understand just how impacted the other was. how they were able to build their relationship back up, piece by piece, with humor and hard work.

deacon and larynn are an dream couple. they're dream characters. everything about this book is exactly what i look for in rom-coms: humor, meaningful spice, hurt, and healing.

i cannot wait for fans of the original to read this. i cannot wait for anyone new to this book/tarah's work to read it. it cannot be overstated how lucky we are as romance fans that we get to read tarah's stories.

thank you, SMP and NetGalley, for sending me the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

Basically the review is this: if Tarah DeWitt writes it, I’m reading it.

I am an absolute sucker for a second chance romance. Throw in the fact that they have the most angsty, butterfly giving chemistry, oh and they have to get married in order to complete a joint renovation project.

Deacon and LaRynn both grow so much in this story and the sparks are off the charts. I love how attracted they are to one another but are hiding from their deeper feelings due to past hurts.

Forced proximity, marriage of convenience, spice…I could go on but this was just delightful and I can’t stress enough how amazing Tarah is at making characters that you can instantly fall in love with.

The Co-op by T. DeWitt, published by St. Martin's Press is a beautiful second chances story. A romance with a marriage of convenience, Deacon who makes a tremendous hero, and LaRynn who is über-annoying and impossible to connect with or even to like.
All in all an ok read.

This is in fact Tarah’s best work. Just like the first time I read this story when it was indie published I was blown away by the magic that is this story. Deacon and LaRynn are so tender and sweet and so perfectly imperfect people who are just meant to be. This renovated version is exactly what I needed. The dual timeline is absolutely delicious. Deacon and LaRynn are HOT!! I know this is Tarah’s favorite book and don’t get me wrong she puts her ALL into all her books, but there is just something so special about this one.

Thanks to SMP for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Charming.
Second chance romance.
I adore this book. The writing is so smooth and effortless. You feel like you are a part of a movie.
The story of LaRynn and Deacon.
Two people who had trouble childhood. Parents that lead to some troubling aspects for them growing up. LaRynn always moved, pressure with perfection. She never felt that she was good enough. So it felt so good to see her blossom in this book. To find someone on her side that loves her sharp attitude and smooth edges the same. Someone that accepted her. And likewise Deacon found someone that accepted him.

Miscommunication could have definitely been a major trope but they communicated very openly so it was refreshing. Thru team work of re-innovating their home they fell in love with each other again.

I feel like the building was symbolic. Broken and in shamble it reflected the couples’ relationship and struggles, but as they fixed up the home - they eventually repaired their own relationship and wellbeing. A huge growth for both of them.

A beautiful story!

Entertaining and relatable - the miscommunications of youth, self-doubt, dysfunctional families, and found family all intertwine as lives are rebuilt along with the house. Great for beach or weekend, because you will want to see what comes next to the very end - you know, in case you didn't guess anyway.

review for the arc of the renovated version (releasing in nov!):
i don’t know how but tarah has made this book even better 😭 like the co-op is one of my favorite books & this truly is an enhanced version of it. the extra flashbacks & banter & interactions between larynn & deacon were perfection!!! it was like seeing another side of someone you already love deeply. like peeling back that one extra layer & falling even more in love!!

trust me you’re going to want to read this one! if you’ve read the og version or if this is your first step into deacon & larynn’s story, you’re going to be deeply touched, you’re going to laugh out loud, you’re going to swoon, your heart may just burst with how much you fall in love with them!!!

tarah, thank you so so so much for the arc!!! this is my honest review.

original review (which i STAND BY, everything is still true no matter which version you're reading):
i LOVE this book !!! i forgot how much until this reread & now it's got me GIDDY for the renovated version coming out later this year !!!!!

straight up this book has so much good stuff. it's sweet. it's funny. there's banter. there's tension. there's pining. the marriage of convenience trope mixed in with a second chance romance??? *chef's kiss*

deacon is THE MAN omg i forgot how much i loved him. he's got the biggest heart but is also extremely smart and funny & HOT! larynn grows so much throughout the book, and honestly it's so great to watch. there's a lot that she went through in her childhood that i can relate to, which made it that much more touching to read. plus she's so sassy and capable and i love all of her ideas. & them together? UGH I LOVE !!!! please please please read this book !!

This was just such an enjoyable, immersive reading experience. I loved the marriage of convenience and second chance and now they have to live together while renovating a house. It hit all the right notes. Sweet, swoony, tender and hilarious.

A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Publishing Group for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Tarah is a brilliant writer and I cannot sing her praises enough. Between this and Funny Feelings, it’s clear to me that she is a master of writing realistic love stories and can write any kind of character. Like, Deacon and LaRynn couldn’t be more different from Meyer and Farley and that just goes to show the genius of her writing!!

If you ever wanted to read a book that was like Nesta Archeron but in a contemporary setting, you MUST pick up The Co-op.

LaRynn is flawed, creative, angry, loyal and sharp. And, she’s working on herself while she’s working on the renovations for this house (love the dualism there). We see her grow and we see her learn to communicate and that’s another thing I love about Tarah’s writing!! How her characters communicate.

The communication with Deacan and LaRynn grows in such a beautiful way and throughout the book we see them slowly but surely find appropriate ways to talk to each other. I can’t overstate how lovely it was to see them become a safe space to one another.

Deacon was a hottie who was so perceptive to LaRynn’s feelings I simply adored.

Another major success in this book to me were the west coast vibes. I so easily pictured myself at the beach, in their renovated house, at the boardwalk. I swear I smelled the beach air in my landlocked one bedroom apartment!!!

Tarah is an auto buy author for me and can’t wait to see what the future holds for her!