Sometimes you start reading a book and get a great feeling about it almost immediately – there’s something that pulls you in and lets you know that it’s going to be a good one. That’s how I felt about this. It was clear from the first few pages that the dynamic was WORKING for me, with a complex, layered storyline and a unique feel. I loved that we got both perspectives, because it showcased how entirely disconnected this married couple is – they have been unintentionally hurting each other in the worst ways, and inflicting damage to their relationship one piece at a time. That added a complexity that I loved, and it was so interesting to pinpoint the little snippets of hurt, the wrong moves and the right ones. It’s a quieter romance that’s probably best enjoyed by readers who have been in a long-term relationship. You can feel the LOVE between these two, and I SO appreciated how dedicated they were to making it work.
The story follows Eliza and Graham, a couple that married while they were in their early twenties. They love each other dearly, but both acknowledge (at least to themselves) that something has been off about their relationship. So when Eliza’s mother-in-law gifts them a getaway for their fifth anniversary, she’s almost dreading the experience. Spending a week alone with her husband – in an extremely romantic setting, no less – does not sound like Eliza’s idea of a good time at the moment. When the hotel accidentally books them two rooms, well… it doesn’t sound like a terrible idea to Eliza. And when Graham and Eliza find themselves pretending to be strangers in the hotel bar, it sparks a whole other idea. They’ll try to find their way back together by learning about each other all over again.
When I initially heard the concept, I was very excited to read this. I love a good marriage in trouble romance, and I also love books that surprise me. I have never read a romance with a storyline quite like this one, and that kept me on my toes throughout the whole thing. Seeing the subtle shifts in their relationship, analyzing each interaction – it made the experience that much more immersive. And I LOVED that Graham and Eliza were both steadfast in their love for each other; there was no doubting that the desire to make things work was there, with no OW/OM drama. That made it easier to empathize with both of them, and cranked up the angst in certain moments. They’re both likable characters, though Graham was particularly adorable. Hearing about his insecurities was so endearing, and watching him slowly find his confidence was really great. There’s such a mix of angst, banter, playfulness, and heartache – that made it such a dynamic read. If I have one complaint, it’s that I wouldn’t have minded if everything was turned up another notch. But I had a great time reading this, and it easily held my interest the whole way through.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Y2EKLz
Audio Note:
The audio was excellent! It’s dual narration, and both narrators did a fantastic job. I wasn’t familiar with either of them going in (Dan Bittner and Brittany Pressley), but their voices were both easy to listen to and expressive enough to make it feel like a true performance. Their voices also worked perfectly for the characters, and made the experience even more engaging. It’s a slow burn with a low heat level, so this also made for a great workday listen. The runtime was also ideal for that, clocking in at under 10 hours. I definitely recommend the audio for the full experience.
Audiobook: https://amzn.to/3XFGRF5
Blurb:
When a couple starts to feel like they’re married to a stranger, a flirtatious game of pretend becomes the spark they need to reignite their relationship.
Eliza and Graham are anticipating an anything-but-sexy, weeklong getaway to celebrate their five-year anniversary. Nestled on the Northern California coastline, the resort prides itself on being a destination for those in love and those looking to find it. For Eliza and Graham, it might as well be a vacation with a roommate.
When a well-meaning guest mistakes Eliza and Graham for being single and introduces them at the hotel bar, they don’t correct him. Suddenly, they’re pretending to be perfect strangers and it’s unexpectedly…fun? Eliza and Graham find themselves flirting like it’s their first date, and waiting with butterflies in their stomach for the other to text back.
Everyone at the retreat can sense the electric chemistry between Eliza and Graham’s alter egos. But when their scintillating game of roleplaying ends, will they still feel the heat?
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Y2EKLz
About the Authors:
Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka met and fell in love in high school. Austin went on to graduate from Harvard, while Emily graduated from Princeton. Together, they are the authors of several novels about romance for teens and adults. Now married, they live in Los Angeles, where they continue to take daily inspiration from their own love story.
Visit their website at www.emilyandaustinwrite.com.
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Jeeves Reads Romance 