Starred review from December 5, 2022
For this fun and raucous rom-com, Scott (Fake) places accessible characters in realistic situations then gilds the whole with just a hint of the fantastic. Fiercely independent, fashion-minded social media manager Susie is still recovering from both a bad breakup and the sudden death of her beloved aunt Susan. While dodging her brother’s money-grabbing attempts, Susie gets started on remodeling the house she inherited from Aunt Susan. Unfortunately, the best contractor in Seattle just so happens to be her evil ex’s best friend, Lars. While working together on the project, the pair discover a divorce certificate in the walls—with their names on it, dated 10 years in the future. In the process of unraveling the mystery, the pair grow steadily closer, opening up even deeper questions: can new friends sleep together without their hearts getting involved? Then, after feelings inevitably develop, can someone who’s sworn off marriage (Susie) make it work with someone who’s dreamed of marriage his whole life (Lars)? And is any of it worth it when they already know how things will end? Scott nails the pacing and delivers some delightful comedic moments, but it’s her masterfully crafted characters that really set this apart. Both Susie and Lars feel like mature, fully realized people who bring their entire selves and past experiences to their relationship, and the book’s focus on how they sort through their differences elevates it to the next level. This strikingly fresh romance is sure to win fans. Agent: Amy Tannenbaum, Jane Rotrosen Agency.
January 1, 2023
Having inherited a badly-in-need-of-renovation house from her aunt, Susie begins to fix it up but is surprised that the new contractor working on the house is her latest ex-boyfriend's best friend, Lars. As he begins working on the fixer-upper, Susie and Lars discover a divorce certificate with their names on it, dated 10 years in the future. Lars suspects that Susie planted the document to mess with him, but she is just as confused as he is. While they both try to wrap their minds around how this document exists and seek out experts to prove it's fake, they decide to give friendship a chance. They are complete opposites, but the chemistry between them grows into something more. However, they have different expectations in relationships and marriage, and each must learn to love themselves before they can make a relationship work. Tessa and Lars's loyalty to each other will be tested when someone from the past threatens their newly formed connection, but they still seek to find out if destiny is avoidable or if some things are just inevitable. VERDICT Scott's (Famous in a Small Town) unique voice and engrossing story are perfect for fans of Sarah Hogle and Tessa Bailey.--Ashli Wells
Copyright 2023 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
February 1, 2023
A truly novel and unforgettable premise takes two antagonistic acquaintances down the path to love. When Susie inherits an old, decades out-of-date home from her aunt, the handyman who shows up is not who she expected. It is Lars, the best friend of her ex, who had publicly dumped her in front of all his friends. Removing a water-damaged portion of a wall, Susie and Lars discover an aged paper document that turns out to be a divorce decree from 20 years in the future with both their names on it! Even though they are suspicious of each other, they keep working together on the house and investigating the puzzling decree. Consulting with a lawyer and a psychic doesn't solve the mystery. Lars' family is close knit, while Susie's family has never been close; her recently deceased aunt is the only family member she could count on. Scott's two very different protagonists become real and compelling as the renovated house and their changing lives gradually come together amidst both good and terrible relationships with friends and family.
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