Brynn and Sebastian may “hate” each other, but I LOVED them both in Bethany Turner’s new novel.

We are introduced to Brynn first as a big time morning television star – finally! After a while of trying to get higher up the food chain, she makes it one week before accidentally putting her foot in it! So, to get back in the good graces of America, and her home town, she heads back down there to try and make things right.

Right off the bat, Brynn is snarky and full of “boss babe” energy, with enough wounds to hint to a softer side that she can’t show anyone. A little brash, and more bite than bark, but somehow there’s still something interesting about her that you want to keep scratching at the surface to uncover. 

We then get to meet Sebastian, who has settled into said small town after a big life chasing very important people, in a high stress journalism type job. Now, he serves on the town council, helps out in the mechanic shop, and basically tries to ignore the desire to be glued to his phone for any and all news updates. 

While not thrilled to see Brynn come back and use the town to her advantage, he realises that the town he now calls home needs a boost for tourism. So, reluctantly points out that while her comments were hurtful to the people, they could spin it for their own purposes. He has a mysterious past and is determined to move forward from whatever happened. 

“Would Americas freakin sweetheart please move her freakin feet and get in the freakin vehicle.” 

Enemies to lovers, a mountain small town, broadcast journalists and some amazing banter… yeah this one had it all and more.

The laugh out loud one liners that always accompany Bethany’s books were on point, with two characters that were like oil and water… sort of. Biting back and forth in a hilarious exchange (particularly Sebastian’s side) we followed their relationship from first first exchange to last. From Brynn’s attempt to gain back the trust of a whole nation from a live television slip up, to Seb’s mysterious past and current responsibilities, these two and the people around them were a great combination.

“It was just too fun watching her eyes grow bigger and bigger until he couldn’t help but wonder if they were going to pop right out of her head.” 

While Sebastian was my favourite of the two characters – having just a bit more likability than Bryn – I enjoyed the development of all. The plot moves smoothly and we got a lovely ending to boot!

“He’d never known anyone to stick their foot in their mouth quite as often as she did.”

4.75 stars for this one, and I had a blast listening to the audiobook this time around! I’m hoping the paperback gets released to Australia soon, and will absolutely add it to my collection!

See You in the Adventures!
Christy Grace