Busy flower shop manager Evita Machado can’t wait to get to Nantucket. With a bad breakup behind her, relaxing at the shore with her folks and her brothers and their families sounds like the sure cure for heartache, and their vacation destination looks like an amazing place! But when they arrive at the quaint rose-covered cottage, another group has already put down stakes: the Hatfields.
Ryan Hatfield was Evita’s former crush from high school, but their business rival moms refused to let them date. Now history professor Ryan is here for a week with his parents, who won them this oceanfront rental in a society silent auction. Once it’s clear there’s been a double-booking due to a bidding mistake, Ryan’s mom digs in her heels, meaning to stay. When Evita’s mom won’t back down either, both sides tepidly agree to share the luxury accommodations by dividing the cozy space.
With the boisterous Machados livening things up and the strait-laced Hatfields tamping them down, can Evita and Ryan keep the peace between the warring factions while fostering a growing chemistry between the two of them?
Published Date : 28 March 2023
My Review
Evita and Ryan’s mom had both participated in the auction for the holiday house in Nantucket and somehow, both thought they’d won. This brought their respective families together at the same location. Ryan and Evita, who have had a soft spot for each other since their high school lab partnership days, found themselves in close quarters again. Their chance to attend prom together had been foiled by their intervening parents. While Ryan’s family is characterized by a restrained, poised demeanor with minimal displays of affection, Evita’s large Puerto Rican family is the polar opposite—loud, warm, lively, and passionate.
The highlight of this book, in my opinion, is its focus on family dynamics. Although the main plot revolves around Ryan and Evita, a wonderful ensemble of secondary characters, each with unique traits and personal challenges, enriches the narrative. The sharp contrast between the reserved Hatfields and the exuberant Machados adds an element of humor and engaging conflict. All things considered, I found the book to be a delightful read.
My Rating
My Sanctuary 