I just found out today that Camilla Evergreen is just the side gig for Anne Stryker. Heck of a side gig, because these little romance books she’s putting out on the side are worlds better than most romances I’ve read, and I’ve read a lot. A lot. Just in the 14 years I’ve been on Goodreads, I’ve logged over 1,275 romances – so I’ve got quite a few to compare to, and Ms. Evergreen wins almost every time.
This time around, the main character, Harper, is a thwarted author turned cover artist who is deeply in love with her best friend, Tanner, but he’s recently gotten a girlfriend. She desperately wants the editor job at work, but that goes to the owner’s son, Cyprian. She wants her book published, but that new boss tromps all over it and leaves her feeling shattered. Harper is not having a good week.
The romance is a lovely enemies to lovers story with humor and heart and the perfect amount of snark. As is typical for Ms. Evergreen, the characters feel too real to be fictional and you might, like I did, wonder where she meets such interesting people.
May I point out, yet again, that Harper is a fat chick, and it’s just a fact, not a banner she waves around? She just is. She’s a little self-conscious of it, but she isn’t singled out or made to feel less than about it, and Cyprian never worries about it at all. He’s more concerned about her temper and sharp tongue, and rightly so. They do get off on the wrong foot and she earns his nickname for her, Poison.
As they go on, though, sparks fly, and you definitely can see the chemistry between them. The romance never feels forced or rushed, and for the most part, the conflict flows naturally from the characters. The main conflict in the book did feel forced and a little clichéd, but even this is handled so well that it’s forgivable.
It’s probably not her best romance, but this author’s mediocre still outshines 90% of the romances on the shelves. Besides, it has a Chihuahua, and that alone earns it at least a quarter of a star.
4.5 relatable stars
I must, I must read this author. If only I didn’t have all those Betty Neels books to read. Soon though.