Almost Definitely Never by Lucy Day: Book Review

 *Book received for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

In one week, two former college rivals will challenge everything they believe to be true about each other—and discover that being wrong might just be their greatest win.

It’s official: Sadie Harper’s life is a dumpster fire. Last week she was living her best life as a beloved park ranger in a cozy woodland cabin. This week? She’s lost both—and is stuck playing hostess at her parents’ inn and feeling like a failure. She knows the pattern: whenever something good happens to her, something terrible follows. Things can’t possibly get any worse… until they do, and the one person she never wanted to see again checks into the Jasmine Falls Inn.

James Fielding: famous travel writer, charming TV host, internet darling. Mr. Annoyingly Perfect was once Sadie’s biggest college rival and turned everything—from GPAs to charity bake sales—into a competition. Now he’s shooting a new travel show that could mean a boon for Jasmine Falls’ small business owners. Trouble is, they’re all counting on Sadie to make sure he enjoys every minute of his time there—because nothing brings revenue like a glowing celebrity endorsement.

Spending her days with James Fielding’s big fat ego and sexy half-smile is agony for Sadie. Because beneath his witty banter and smoldering gaze, he’s the perfect reminder of all her shortcomings. Worse, she can’t ignore the way he makes her tongue-tied and weak-kneed—and something about his lingering stare tells her this isn’t just part of his charming persona.

When James asks for Sadie’s help with filming, it gives her a new way to do the work she loves—if she’s brave enough to take a leap. But Sadie can’t help wondering why, of all the towns, did James choose this one? And why is he so interested in helping her get back on her feet?

But most of all, why does all their pretend chemistry on set feel so much like the real thing?

Born and raised in South Carolina, Lucy Day loves sweet tea, summer nights, and big-hearted love stories. She started writing in college and wrote her first novel after leaving her job at a web comic in St. Louis. Lucy is a bird nerd who can’t live without strong coffee and wide open spaces. She’s married to her best friend and when she isn’t writing, she’s out walking in the woods, thinking of her next love story.

Almost Definitely Never is the second book in the Jasmine Falls Love Stories series. I had personally not yet read the first book and found this read just fine as a standalone. 

Simply put, I absolutely adored this book! Sadie and James were both wonderfully written characters who I couldn't help but fall in love with. They drew me right into their story and had me rooting for their HEA. They're both a bit of perfectionists and struggle with all the things that come with that, so I think I definitely related to them on that level too. Don't get me wrong, there were many times throughout when I wanted to shake the both of them and tell just to talk to each other... isn't that usually how it is when we're dealing with miscommunication!? I know this is a trope that some people really don't care for and honestly, it's not always my favorite either... and honestly, the miscommunication is strong between these two. Still, it was done so well that I really couldn't help but enjoy it anyway! And when they finally DO work it all out it makes it all that much sweeter. 

Almost Definitely Never is a closed-door romantic comedy. The chemistry is sizzling, as are the kisses, but it does not go beyond that. There was a small amount of language in this-- I believe right around 5 words, and nothing too major, but definitely something to be aware of if that bothers you! While I definitely prefer no language at all, this didn't take away from the story for me. 

If you're looking for your next RomCom, this is definitely one to check out!