While I have read every single adult contemporary romance by Lynn Painter, I will say this one takes me back to where it all began for me – Accidentally Amy. The back-and-forth banter, the wit, the humor, the envy of wishing you could be as quick on your feet as the characters in the book – every single thing I love about Lynn’s writing was there for the taking. When you finally caught your breath from laughing at one thing, you found yourself chuckling at another. You couldn’t help but love Duffy and Connor. Connor being the spokesman for green flag golden retriever male protagonists everywhere, and Duffy being the woman we can all relate to in some way, shape, or form.

How did a single reaction lead to being a social pariah? This is the question Duffy finds herself asking over and over again as she awaits her opportunity to tell her side of the story. Appeasing her father and attempting to prove that she isn’t a crazy woman who assaults team mascots, especially the handsy one that started this mess, Duffy agrees to an interview on a morning talk show to clear the air. Unbeknownst to her, the one person who spoke in her defense would also be joining the stage – tight end Connor Cunningham of the Coyotes. Unaware of the surprise and already nervous about the live audience, Duffy did what any other red-blooded American would do: pass out – right after insulting the tight end on the ball he dropped. The moment quickly turns into an exchange that the world perceives as flirty, creating an unexpected moment – Duffy being asked out by the city’s most beloved player.

Connor Cunningham has one mission only: to stay in Minneapolis. With the Coyotes’ losing streak and a rumor of a fire sale, he is willing to do whatever it takes to stay in the good graces of management. What he didn’t think it would include was fake dating a certain mouthy, yet attractive accountant he briefly met on Kel and Kell. He didn’t mean to ask her out. It was a joke to lighten the moment, but thanks to the PR team needing good publicity after more women came out against Carl the mascot, his joke is now his reality. Deciding to take one for the team, Connor agrees to take Duffy out for a one and done. Little did he know things were just getting started with the quick-witted firecracker that kept him on his toes. The only problem is that the PR team and his agent think he is still pursuing Duffy in order to help the Coyotes. She can never find out their connection was all based on a secret that could destroy the best thing that ever happened to him. But when has life ever worked out that way?

Painter has a gift for writing characters that you wish were in your friend circle. You couldn’t help but love Duffy and Cunningham, and together, they gave you all the feels! Even with the traditional third-act breakup, this book was low angst and a lot of fun. Their chemistry, the secondary characters – especially Tony, her dad – you are laughing from the first page to the last (even the epilogue will have you throwing your head back)!

The undercurrent of the book, while incredibly subtle, was Duff’s struggle with never feeling like she was enough – based on past experiences and how she simply viewed herself. The story also touched on grief, which, for some, may be a little triggering in terms of empathizing with what she is going through. It also explores how family copes with the health issues of loved ones – whether it’s Duffy’s dad’s lungs or Connor’s grandfather’s dementia. While I wouldn’t consider it a plot hole, we never learn what Duffy’s mom passed from. It wasn’t relevant to the story, but because she hints at the moments before and the lead-up to the loss through recollection, its absence is noticeable. So while Lynn did touch on a few sensitive topics in the book, she kept it light, loving, and didn’t linger too long on moments that may have brought the energy down.

There isn’t a book by Lynn I don’t love, but I will definitely say this is my absolute favorite. I can see myself reading this again just for the hard time Duffy gives Cunningham, but what I loved most of all is that despite all the advice Duffy had read, at the end of the day – she was herself in the best way. It is a reminder to anyone looking for that special someone that the right person will meet you where you are – no tips, no tricks, no Psychology Today articles necessary!