Book Summary: 

I take one look at the grumpy Brit and know I’m in trouble. Not because he’s in Nova Scotia to tear down our beloved amusement park. Or because he wants to build an elite school on the lush property.

No, I’m in trouble because Colin Parker is superlicious – despite the stick up his British bum.

You see, I’m a free-spirited girl who knows her way around a lobster boat. He’s a rule follower who knows his way around a boardroom. Can you say polar opposites?

Oh, did I mention his mother is back in England planning his marriage? The sexy Brit with a debutante makes sense, right?

You know what doesn’t make sense? The two of us between the sheets and a montage of fun activities that finally put a smile on his face. But when the montage ends, and life turns messy and complicated—yet we still manage to find common ground—it leads me to believe we’re not so different after all.

Until he does the one thing that proves me wrong and I’m forced to make a decision I thought I’d never have to make.

My Review:

I love reading a book where the female lead (in this case – Violet) is someone I would hang out with in real life! This book was just fun and being inside Violet’s head kept me in stitches. As I haven’t read anything by Cathryn Fox before, I wasn’t sure what to expect – especially when this book kept comparing itself to Crazy Rich Asians. I am so excited to say it did not disappoint!

Who punishes someone by sending them to Nova Scotia?! Colin’s grandfather, who else. As Colin disembarks the plane to endure his punishment for not being wed as family and tradition dictates, he is overcome with dread. While attempting to clear his mind and gather himself (as well as his luggage), a woman runs smack into him, nearly knocking him over! More frustrated than he thought was even possible at this point, Colin takes a deep breath and refocuses his thoughts on doing what is expected: get the paperwork signed so the foundation can build its precious school. Entering the airport bar, Colin awaits his ride from Bryant, the gentleman who also owns the bed and breakfast he reserved. When Bryant enters the bar to meet him, he quickly discovers he is a she. In fact, she is the woman that nearly knocked him off his feet (literally and physically) only a few moments prior. Physical attraction aside, he is here for one reason only and the sooner this deal is done, the better. 

Violet is an open book, what you see is what you get. As the owner of the bed and breakfast and a plethora of other hats that she wears – she isn’t looking forward to the sell of the town’s beloved amusement park anymore than the residents; but, having sank everything she owns into it (and opening the bed and breakfast to help supplement expense) she knows it needs to be done and it is out her hands anyway. While she can’t stop the sell of the park, she can show Annapolis hospitality to the Brit coming over to sign the paperwork. What she didn’t imagine is the gorgeous gentleman with a stick up his bum and her B&B guest being one in the same. Despite the fact that he nearly made her heart stop, he is only here to do business and that’s it – leaving like everyone else has in her life. Doesn’t matter either way, they are from two different words so as long as she keeps the town people from grabbing the pitch forks and running him out of town, and keeps her distance – despite what her body is saying, her job is done.

What I like about it: I am still not 100% convinced Lucky is from this world but I loved that cat! I always enjoy a dual POV story but throw in a pet with an attitude and I am sold. While this story is your stereotypical romantic comedy, it was still a ton of fun! I was laughing hysterically before I finished the first two chapters of this book. Violet’s inner monologue is comedic gold. What is even better is when her best friend Emily verbalizes some of those internal thoughts and the reactions around them. I loved how Fox shifted the tone of each character as the story progressed. At the beginning, Violet’s chapters were hilarious, light, and fun. Colin’s were judgmental, arrogant, and prime and proper. As he started to loosen up a bit, his POV chapters started to flow easier with more humor and ease. Mimicking his evolution and growth with his POV is not something I have seen by a writer so it makes his transformation more evident.

What I love about it: I loved how two people who both speak English still had the hardest time understanding each other because of their backgrounds. I about fell over with some of the word confusion. I did appreciate that the third act breakup didn’t linger on. They both understood their miscommunication fairly quickly and resolved the issue. I was surprised by the Epilogue! Normally it is just an expected wrap up to the HEA but Fox wasn’t done with the laughs just yet and left you with one more smile before ending the story. She hinted very heavily about Nate so I am curious if she will write his story as well. I would LOVE to read it, especially since we got a glimpse of his humor in this book (and we get a continuation peek at Colin and Violet).

This book did a great job of delivering the scorching connections but also alluding to others so the steamy parts were not repetitive. As their connection moved beyond the hook up and to something more, Fox transitioned from hot and heavy pages to sensual and intimate recaps – giving some sense of privacy to these two people that unknown to themselves, were falling for one another.

A point that Fox approached from two different directions was expectations. Colin’s family had expectations for him – how he should live his life, who he should marry, what his future would be – whether he liked it or not. Violet had the same expectations as well – to be the protector, the caretaker, everything to everyone – giving but never receiving to ensure all of those around her were happy and supported. It was easy for Colin to look at Violet’s life and see that she gave far too much of herself and needed someone to take care of her, even if she didn’t believe it or take issue with it. Violet was able to do the same with Colin, poking holes in honor, tradition, and following the rules – letting the possibility of controlling his happiness and life seep in versus only ever doing what he was told.

All in all this book lived up to the hype. Sweet, funny, thoughtful, and insightful – I would read it all over again for the animals alone! I plan on seeing what else Fox has to offer and will be keeping my fingers crossed on Nick’s story.