Shine Not Burn

This was going to be MUCH higher if it wasn't for the terrible knock-down fights and brawling at a family BBQ. Ugh.

Also our shiny spined lawyer turned into a HUGE damsel in distress throughout the novel and it is always a pet peeve of mine when authors create this strong badass intelligent woman and then turn her into a spineless character by the time the hero saunters in.

I really liked this book for the most part. There were some ableist and body-shaming jokes that really rubbed me the wrong way, but they didn't overpower the story or voice for me. Adored the open-hearted and romantic Mack, and Andie was flawed and hilarious (except for those ableist and body-shamey jokes). Eastern Oregon was an interesting choice for a setting, mostly because I grew up going through through eastern Oregon at least 6 times a year, but I'm glad it's set there. It's unexpected and truly is gorgeous once you get to know it.

Anyway. One and a half thumbs up.

4.5