Samantha Casey is a school librarian who loves her jobs, the students, and her work family. When the beloved principal, Max, passes away, Duncan Carpenter takes the job. Years ago, he worked with Sam, but is not the same person he was back then after a tragic accident. Now, he wants to change everything that Max set up to make the school a comfortable and educational experience for the kids. Sam had feelings for Duncan when they worked together before, and she thought Duncan would be perfect for the job. Now she’s not so sure because she sees how much he has changed. He used to be carefree and fun, but now he’s a suit wearing, straight-laced guy. Will Sam and Duncan continue to butt heads? Or, will Sam get what she wished for all those years ago?

I have read two other books by Katherine Center and loved them. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel the same about this one. There wasn’t as much character development as we’ve seen in previous books. Sam is very immature for a 28-year-old and was extremely needy. I found her character hard to like. There wasn’t much plot, and it felt like the first 60% of the book focused mostly on Sam and her insecurities. Duncan definitely had a better backstory, but I felt Sam overshadowed it. It was also odd to me how one minute Duncan and Sam were fighting, and the next they were kissing. It didn’t seem realistic to me how quickly their opinions changed. I did really like some of the secondary characters and wish they were an integral part of the story.

I do plan to read more books by Center. Although this book wasn’t for me, I have seen some reviews where the readers loved it. Please don’t let my opinion stop you from reading it.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced copy in exchange for my late, but honest opinion!