Vanessa.Issa 14/11/2018I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Hachette Australia!
Darcy and Jamie are twins. Like any other siblings, they fight a lot. They have many issues, but deep down they love each other and just want to protect one another.
They grew up with Tom Valeska, a very special friend who lived across the street. As they got older, Darcy and Tom realized they were attracted to each other, but never gave that feeling a chance. She never thought a guy like him could have feelings for her. He didn’t want to mess with their friendship, especially because it would affect her brother too. She spends every Christmas waiting for the goodbye hug, just so she can hold him on her arms for a while without giving too much away. But sadly, that was as far as it could go. Besides, he had a girlfriend…
Then, on present time, he’s single for the first time in a decade, and his company is restoring her grandmother’s cottage. Loretta’s Last Will and Testament required them to bring it back to its former glory and sell the property.
Darcy is known for running away and never finishing her projects, but this time she decides to stick around to see how everything goes. First, because her passport is nowhere to be found. Second, because she wants to make sure the cottage will look perfect, honoring Loretta’s memory, not only following what her brother thinks it’s best. And well, third, because spending some time with Tom wouldn’t be so bad, right?
That’s when they finally have the chance to know each other as single adults.
One of my favorite things is the fact that Tom believes in Darcy's dreams and always encourages her to pursue her career in photography. She’s working as a bartender, but he knows she has potential to do so much more in life. The only thing missing is a bit of faith in herself.
I also think it’s interesting how nobody – nobody! – is perfect in this book. They all make mistakes at some point. They all say things they shouldn’t. For me, this brings reality to the story.
Darcy sounded a bit childish sometimes, but I liked her. Tom is complex. Sometimes I love him, sometimes I hate him. (mini spoiler: the fireplace “surprise” got me soooooo mad!)
Patty is the cutest character! I loved all her scenes.
Overall, it was a really great, fun read. I love Sally Thorne’s writing style! I just couldn’t stop reading it! I got so sad when I realized there were just a few more pages left.
My advance copy didn’t contain the special PS section with two Happily Ever Afters (Darcy and Tom / Lucy and Josh). That was a little disappointing, since I was looking forward to it. But it’s okay, cause I’ll definitely buy this book properly later and then I might edit this review to include my thoughts on that part too.