Book Smart Kate

Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

by Sarah Estep (August 29, 2024) – A big thank you to @remarkablysarah for the ARC of her latest book! While this is the third installment in the series, it was my first introduction to Crane Cove—and what a delightful surprise it turned out to be. Though it stands firmly on its own as a captivating read, I found myself eager to dive into the earlier stories to learn more about the couples from the previous books.

In Fret Me Not, we meet Lacey Finch, a struggling dance instructor looking to rebuild her life, and Sam Shoop, a world-famous musician searching for privacy. Both have retreated to Crane Cove for different reasons—Lacey to regain her financial footing and Sam to escape the glare of his celebrity. When Sam, in an attempt to fend off the well-meaning matchmaking efforts of the town’s knitting circle, invents a fake girlfriend named “Lacey,” he inadvertently sets off a whirlwind of small-town gossip. Soon, the two realize that this pretend relationship could benefit them. What begins as a charade to reshape public perception soon turns into intimate nights in, shared meals, heartfelt caregiving, and co-parenting an adorable abandoned dog named Daisy—all of which start feeling anything but fake. The chemistry between Lacey and Sam grows undeniable, electrifying their every interaction.

If you’re a fan of found families, charming small towns, heartfelt moments, and spicy romance, you’ll fall head over heels for this book! Sarah Estep has created a disarming world brimming with warmth and character. Lacey and Sam are beautifully complex, each bringing out qualities in the other that they didn’t even realize they needed—Sam’s protective side and Lacey’s willingness to embrace vulnerability. Every character is multifaceted, adding depth to the story in surprising ways. The friendship dynamics, especially among the men, are a refreshing departure from the usual fare, showcasing humor, affection, and camaraderie without a hint of toxic masculinity.

Food plays a key role in the narrative, serving as Sam’s love language, while Daisy, the lovable dog with a soft spot for Murder, She Wrote, steals the show. Fret Me Not is the perfect blend of humor, heart, and heat, making it a fantastic read for romance lovers.

If you need me, I’ll be reading the first two books in the series…

What are you reading?