May 29, 2017
McKinlay, best known for cozy mysteries (Better Late than Never), skillfully handles the transition to romantic comedy in a series opener set in present-day small-town New England. Mackenzie Harris hasn’t been back to Bluff Point, Maine, since she was dramatically left at the altar by her fiancé, and she’s only returning now to fulfill maid of honor duties for her best friend Emma. The only secret Mac keeps from her best friend is that after being dumped she slept with Emma’s younger brother, Gavin—and seven years later, attentive, handsome Gavin is her escort for the wedding. When sparks begin to fly, Mac tries to remember she is a no-nonsense accountant who’s only home for two weeks, but the sexy veterinarian and an irresistible dog have other ideas. McKinlay’s novel is a refreshing change from predictable return-to-hometown-and-reconcile-with-ex stories. Despite the lack of real conflict, the story has charm and appeal, due to well-drawn characters with enjoyable personalities. Fans of Jill Shalvis, Kristan Higgins, and Kate Angell will enjoy this romance and look forward to future installments. Agent: Christina Hogrebe, Jane Rotrosen Agency.
Starred review from April 1, 2017
Mackenzie Mac Harris has not been a big fan of nuptial ceremonies ever since her own wedding imploded at the altar seven years ago, when her husband-to-be ran off with her lifelong nemesis. Mac has been best friends with Emma Tolliver since grade school, however, and if Emma wants her to be a part of her upcoming wedding, then Mac will just have to suck it up and return to Bluff Point for the two weeks it takes to get Emma hitched. There is, however, just one teensy, weensy problem about returning home: the very likely possibility of seeing Gavin Tolliver, Emma's younger brother and the man with whom Mac spent one totally unplanned, totally unforgettable night. Readers who love the sassy humor McKinlay (A Likely Story, 2015) deploys in her cozy mysteries will discover she is equally adept at injecting deliciously dry wit into her romance debut. With a perfect sense of comic timing and a gift for creating endearingly eccentric charactersincluding an adorable dog who threatens to steal every scene she is inMcKinlay delivers a sweetly satisfying contemporary romance that will have readers sitting up and begging for more.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)