Oh boy did I love this feel-good romance! Jay normally writes more spicy romances and thus I was very curious what this one would be like. I can tell you that she did not disappoint, reading this book was like relaxing in a hot tub with your best friend: warm, comfortable, pure and good conversations about things that matter. It’s a lovely slow burn and I almost read it in one sitting (but I had to sleep in between because I’m still recovering and need a lot of sleep).
I liked both MC’s but also the supporting cast. Not all characters were likeable for me. But in a good book, you don’t have to like everything that happens. Life isn’t a utopia and I don’t mind reading about characters flaws. Both Sadie and Victoria are charming and witty in their own way. Sadie maybe comes across as a little wanton and Victoria more distant (on the outside). And when you laugh out loud several times, I think I can say it also is a funny book. The tennis joke has been retold already (it was such a lame and silly joked I did a very ugly bark-laugh!).
The setting really spoke to me. I tend to like rich-poor and age gap romances. In this case, the rich-poor was somewhat extreme because Sadie starts out living in her car, so I really rooted for her. There is some power imbalance between Sadie and Victoria in the book, logically because one is the employer and the other the employee. The former also providing a roof makes that naturally there are feelings of imbalance. Charming as Victoria is, she made sure Sadie came out stronger.
After reading all of Jay’s books, I’d like to think I’m learning more and more about New Zealand and the people who live there. In this book it’s painfully clear how tough it is in the real estate market, I couldn’t imagine needing to board because paying rent or buying a house is so difficult. So, when you’d like an authentic and great read that’s set in New Zealand, surely pick up this book!
You can buy this book on Smashwords or your favorite bookstore. When you buy on Smashwords, know that the author will get a bigger cut from the sales price.
The author provided me with a copy and I’m gladly leaving a review.
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