Island Affair is a summery, tropey romp set in atmospheric Key West. The fake dating contrivance held with Sara's desperation to save face with her family and Luis' good guy "saint" reputation. I enjoyed their dynamic; they were playful but capable of challenging each other to come to terms with their past traumas in order to embark on a life together. (Content warnings for ED and car crash). 

I didn't love the black moment, though I think that comes down to my discomfort with fake dating as a central trope. Fake dating works best when the narrative time frame is short, but then it can be harder to pull off a very short term relationship or situationship with a stranger inspiring huge life changes? I think in general I just enjoy fake dating more when it is between people who already knew each other in some capacity before the book begins. 

Though the end felt maybe a little rushed, it wasn't enough to negate my enjoyment of the atmospheric worldbuilding and the fun vibe between the hero and heroine. 

I bought this audiobook in anticipation of the second book of the series, Anchored Hearts, which is a second chance romance (my #1 favourite romance trope, when it's done well!) I will definitely be picking up Anchored Hearts and other titles from Priscilla Oliveras' blacklist soon! 

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