This was the book that made me fall in love with romance. I read this book countless times in high school. Honestly, I was scared to re-read it. But I still really liked it. And there’s so much here that I still love in my romance. It’s interesting how some things don’t change.
Shawn and Brenna have a bickering relationship, but it’s never very harsh. I would say their story is also friends-to-lovers. Only recently have I discovered this is a trope I like. I guess 14-year-old me was smarter than 31-year-old me.
Nora Roberts has built such a lush world in Ardmore. I’ve never been to Ireland but I love this town and can easily picture it. I want to visit this town and spend an evening at Gallaghers.
I liked the pacing, but it is on the slower side. It also isn’t very steamy or graphic. That’s really interesting because I definitely thought it was as a teenager. 14-year-old Holly would probably blush like crazy at the stuff I’ve read recently.
Brenna and Shawn do get a little physical with each other. So do some of the other characters. Some may see this as problematic, but I don’t. It’s just a part of their personalities-especially Brenna. And it doesn’t happen constantly. I wouldn't say it’s violent or dangerous.
If I read this for the first time now, this would probably get 4 stars, but I’m letting the 5 star rating stand.
Thanks for reading!
Holly