Assessment:
Plot/Idea: This straightforward plot, following two unlikely protagonists who discover that the best matches aren't always the most obvious, allows for few twists and turns, though Mars uses a playful tone and humor to keep the story moving forward.
Prose: Written in alternating first-person perspectives between Jason and Summer, the book's lighthearted mood shines through as the couple's relationship matures. Readers will cheer for their success, and Mars delivers plenty of heat from the start.
Originality: This book lives up to its title. Mars's use of creative wordplay—particularly with the names of Summer's bakery products—along with characters who work hard to break down each others' walls, is a winning combination.
Character/Execution: Both Summer and Jason are charming and witty, willing to take risks and be vulnerable—characteristics that make them appealing as they grow together.
Date Submitted: June 21, 2023
Mars’s cast is brimming with witty banter and personality, and she crafts well-rounded characters with rich development, tackling deeper issues like childhood traumas without overwhelming the plot. Readers don’t have to wait long before the heat blossoms between Summer and Jason, as the pair try to focus on their budding careers while balancing a new relationship at the same time. Though sparks fly in the beginning, reality eventually sets in, causing them to question whether they’re both ready for the inevitable work that goes into a long-term relationship, as Jason struggles to let Summer in to every area of his life and she feels disappointed that he’s holding back.
Mars dedicates plenty of space to secondary characters too, including Summer’s roommate, Jessica, and her lively business partner, Kevin—cast members who will be eagerly anticipated by readers in future installments of The Frisky Bean series. Mars’s attention to entertaining dialogue never disappoints—in describing Jason to her family, Summer references Thor, sketching him as “no tights and cape, just tall, blonde, and lots of muscles”—and there’s just the right amount of steam for readers who want spice with their romance. Between the likable characters and realistic ending, this fun study on meeting the right person at the right time is sure to please.
Takeaway: A witty romantic comedy with plenty of heat.
Great for fans of: Mimi Grace's Make A Scene , Tessa Bailey's It Happened One Summer.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: NA
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A-
