Isn't It Romantic?

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For Twice in My Life by Annette Christie
Published by Little Brown and Company on February 7, 2023
Age/Genres: Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads

A second try at love becomes more than one woman bargained for in this delightfully funny and romantic new novel from the author of The Rehearsals.Can one little lie lead to a big second chance? Layla's chaotic life transformed when she met Ian Barnett. Ambitious, committed, and thoughtful, Ian has been everything she'd dreamed of, and she knows he'd say the same of her. So when he breaks up with her out of the blue, Layla is stunned. What went wrong? But then, Layla gets a call from the local hospital. Ian's had a biking accident. He's okay, but he needs someone--his someone--to get him home safely. As it becomes clear Ian doesn't remember he ended things, it also becomes clear that the accident has given him a new outlook on life . . . and Layla a second chance to get things right. That is, until Ian's younger brother comes to town. Matt is restless, unpredictable, and threatens to upset the careful balance Layla and Ian have rebuilt. As things get more complicated both at home and at work, Layla realizes she might lose her chance at real love--and real happiness--if she doesn't come clean about the stories she's been telling: to Ian, to Matt, to her family, and most importantly, to herself.

While wallowing in the aftermath of a surprise breakup, Layla received a call from the hospital regarding her ex. Apparently, she was still listed as his emergency contact, but more shocking, was that he didn’t seem to remember their breakup.

When I first started this book, While You Were Sleeping immediately popped into my head. An accident, amnesia, two brothers – lots of parallels. But I would also say that there were many plot points that were wholly its own. There were plenty of romantic bits in this story (with an inevitable love triangle as well), but I felt like the more interesting plot belonged to Layla.

In her recent past, Layla had made some life decisions that she was not particularly proud of. In an effort to redeem herself in the eyes of her family and rebuild her life, she attempted to leave behind all the pieces of herself while trying to fit into some “acceptable” mold. This was very much her journey to finding peace with her past while being true to herself, and I am always here for that type of story.

This may have been a second chance at love with Ian, but it was also a second chance for Layla to restart her life and find her path to happiness. It was a rather fun and satisfying journey.

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End of Story by Kylie Scott 
Published by Graydon House on February 14, 2023
Age/Genres: Contemporary, Romance

Goodreads

New York Times bestselling sensation Kylie Scott’s sexy, smart and unconventional opposites-attract love story looks at what happens when fate refuses to give up on what’s meant to be…

When Susie Bowen inherits a charming fixer-upper from her aunt, she’s excited to start living her best HGTV life. But when she opens the door to find that her contractor is none other than her ex’s best friend, Lars—the same man who witnessed their humiliating public breakup six months ago—she isn’t exactly eager to have anyone around whose alliance is with the enemy. But beggars can’t be choosers, and the sooner the repairs are done, the sooner she can get back to embracing singledom.

Things go from awkward to unbelievable when Lars discovers a divorce certificate hidden in a wall and dated ten years in the future—with both their names on it. It couldn’t possibly be real…could it? As Susie and Lars work to unravel the document’s origins, the impossibility of a spark between them suddenly doesn’t seem so far-fetched. But would a relationship between them be doomed before it’s even begun?

Though I have read several books by Scott, I picked this one up because I am on a fabulism kick, though I did think there would be more of a magical touch. It was just really the one element – the divorce certificate. With that said, it may have been a small bit, but it was important and did serve the purpose of pushing this couple (and this story) in the right direction.

End of Story was lower on the drama scale than previous books I have read by Scott. Weightier topics were incorporated, but the overall feel was on the lighter side. All those decisions seemed right for this story and let the burgeoning relationship between Susie and Lars shine.

That said, I had a great time watching Susie and Lars try to resist their attraction. It was a bit a sticky situation with Lars being Susie’s ex’s best friend, but that all worked itself out, and I was able to smile my face off as Lars and Susie grew closer and closer to one another. They had great chemistry, fantastic banter, and seriously, I wish someone would partake in that dual menu item sharing deal they had going. But more importantly, they were just so good for each other. Their support and belief in one another was a thing of beauty which lead to special things for them both.

Overall: Cute and sweet with a smile-worthy ending.

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