Romance readers who know exactly what they like — cozy romances with beachy kisses and people learning to trust offers of happiness — will enjoy this execution of a classic formula. Logan and Sloane are likable leads; Johnson depicts them as well-suited to one another, and gives each of their concerns equal weight in the text. Their connection may be a slow burn, though the arc of their emotional progression doesn’t change much: both are interested from the start, as most of the tension comes from skittishness. The aspects of the story that center on becoming comfortable in honest feelings hit solidly. Though beach lovers will sympathize with Sloane’s swimwear decision woes, lovers of travel romances may find details on Belize lacking as the setting remains largely a generic resort.
The dramatic climax follows classic tropes but strains credulity, with the accidental revelation of a surprise from Logan that would have taken serious effort for him to have kept concealed for so long, and then Logan fighting to win her back by engaging in behavior that’s presented as sweet but in real life would set alarm bells ringing. But the sparkling final pages, complete with loop-around closure to the next year’s vacation, is exactly what the story requires.
Takeaway: Lovers of cozy, slow-burn clean romances will enjoy this beach story.
Comparable Titles: Emma St. Claire's Sandover Island series, Francesca Lane’s Grace’s Fake Groom.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: B
