My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Highly anticipated, I dived right into this latest novel by Sally Thorne.
Darcy Barrett is a fighter. . . for attention. As the younger twin, she's lived in the shadow of her alpha brother Jamie, a fact amplified by her health issue. Growing up the two fought until their parents 'adopted' a neighbour's son, who became the peace-keeper between the squabbling siblings. During this time, her brother dominated the attention of Tom Valenska, but now Darcy wants him for herself.
Tom Valenska will always be grateful to the Barrett family for helping him and his mum when he grew up. Now, he's been asked to renovate the house his childhood friends inherited. It's the first job he's undertaking after setting up his own company and Darcy will be there too, but for how long?
First off, I really, really liked Tom. He's tall, good looking with a compassionate and caring nature. Very different from his childhood friend Jamie, who dominated his attention. However, his friendship with Darcy meant as much to him too…yet it's something which has gone unsaid.
Darcy wasn't a heroine I instantly warmed to as her personality and actions made her come across as aggressive and reckless. So, it's satisfying to get to know her once she tones down her bravado, there's a young woman who wants what many others want . . . a happy ever after with the 'one'.
I like how Ms Thorne wrote this romance because of the reversal in dominance. Despite Darcy been the weaker twin, she has a very alpha attitude and presence for a woman, which contrasts with Tom's beta male personality.
With fast and furious banter, the pace of the narrative speeds along and the pages turning, creating an entertaining novel which lives up to my expectations.
***arc generously received courtesy of William Morrow via Edelweiss+***
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