Member Review
Review by
Beth B, Reviewer
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC of this story, this is my objective review. Another fun one from Lucy Chalice! Our fmc is Hannah, a veterinarian who is serious and sensible, with a fierce personality that hides a core of vulnerability. Teddy (twin brother to Henry from "The Hot Henry Effect") is our mmc: he's charming and gregarious. After sharing a pretty fantastic kiss (and its awkward aftermath) in their teens, Hannah and Teddy go their separate ways until 15 years later when Hannah returns to their hometown after dumping her creep of a boyfriend. When she comes under fire at her new job for not being polite enough to the owners of the pets she treats, Teddy offers to help her with her boss. And as Teddy gives Hannah a crash course in more effective socializing, attraction builds and Hannah starts to wonder if she has underestimated Teddy all along.
This was very much grumpy-sunshine, which is a favorite trope of mine. I really enjoy a heroine who's not afraid to embrace the grump, and I loved Hannah so much. This is a first-person single POV from Hannah's perspective; I usually prefer to have the mmc's POV as well but it worked fine here. The author has a solid sense of humor, which is evident in the dialogue as well as in Hannah's inner voice and observations. Teddy was ridiculously likable, and the dynamic between Hannah and Teddy was fun to watch as they learned that they could truly be themselves with each other. Closed-off Hannah and insecure Teddy poked at that soft place in my heart that's reserved for the emotionally damaged. I wanted to give them both hugs then tell them to hug each other. I also love that although Hannah has ready support in Teddy, she is perfectly capable of rescuing herself and she *does*. This book ticked my entire checklist for a good rom-com and I really enjoyed the read. Readers who love slow burn friends-to-lovers stories with a strong fmc who learns to nurture her inner honey badger, a supportive and sweet mmc, witty banter between two emotionally vulnerable adults, and a menagerie of animal supporting characters will love this book. I gave it 4 stars but it's closer to 4.25. Oh, and since this is a series so far, if I had to guess I'd say that Clara's co-worker Oscar may be next to get a story.
This was very much grumpy-sunshine, which is a favorite trope of mine. I really enjoy a heroine who's not afraid to embrace the grump, and I loved Hannah so much. This is a first-person single POV from Hannah's perspective; I usually prefer to have the mmc's POV as well but it worked fine here. The author has a solid sense of humor, which is evident in the dialogue as well as in Hannah's inner voice and observations. Teddy was ridiculously likable, and the dynamic between Hannah and Teddy was fun to watch as they learned that they could truly be themselves with each other. Closed-off Hannah and insecure Teddy poked at that soft place in my heart that's reserved for the emotionally damaged. I wanted to give them both hugs then tell them to hug each other. I also love that although Hannah has ready support in Teddy, she is perfectly capable of rescuing herself and she *does*. This book ticked my entire checklist for a good rom-com and I really enjoyed the read. Readers who love slow burn friends-to-lovers stories with a strong fmc who learns to nurture her inner honey badger, a supportive and sweet mmc, witty banter between two emotionally vulnerable adults, and a menagerie of animal supporting characters will love this book. I gave it 4 stars but it's closer to 4.25. Oh, and since this is a series so far, if I had to guess I'd say that Clara's co-worker Oscar may be next to get a story.
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