e-ARC provided by NetGalley
Author: Kelly Ohlert
Trixie is going about her day when she rescues you am injured chicken (you read correctly) from becoming road kill on a busy Chicago street. A stranger helps her. He’s really yummy to look at, but the slew of drivers honking make them part ways. They both figure they missed a chance, but the universe decides to help a little. Trixie’s landlord is adamant about no pets and when she finds an ad in the paper for a room rental that is perfect, she jumps at the opportunity. The ad has been placed by Bear’s meddling sisters, hoping that he’ll socialize more with a roommate. Bear is no one other than the handsome stranger! Trixie is sunshine impersonated and Bear is a cinnamon roll disguised as a grump. Soon, they’ll find out they’re perfect for each other.
Hmm, the chicken meet cute was quirky and fun, but Trixie’s obsession with the animal is way over the top. We get a little insight on how Trixie behaves the way she does, but it soon got overshadowed by the chicken shenanigans and should’ve have been explored more.
I liked how Bear’s insecurities were portrayed. It shows how toxic masculinity can really do a number on a person and I liked how he came to terms with his own passions, though some stuff gets really stereotypical, like the beer drinking (Sweet Lord, men drink wine, people!).
I think the author has great potential. This is clearly a debut and we can see she has great ideas, but it needed some heavy editing. It is a rom com but the emphasis on the “com” brought too many silly and unnecessary plot points. I wish we got more character development rather than that.
All, in all, a sweet (yes, closed door, my friends) romance. I hope I see more of this author in the future.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you, NetGalley and the author for the copy.
Possible triggers: toxic masculinity and toxic relationship with parents
