I've passed on reading Tessa Bailey books because they just didn't seem like they'd be for me, but the "inspired by Schitt's Creek" finally got me to pick one up. And discover that it wasn't really for me. But it's definitely inspired by Alexis from Schitt's Creek — no false advertising there — so if you're looking for that, you won't be disappointed (unless, like me, you realllllly miss the quirky goodness of Schitt's Creek, which isn't really represented here).

Also as advertised — it's definitely a grumpy-sunshine pairing, in which the bearded, grumpy, set-in-his-ways fishing boat captain demonstrates a mix of alpha-caretaker tropes and respect for autonomy and independence. Alexis... sorry... Piper also has an okay growth arc. The crisis/drama points in the plot are kind of over the top, which I don't always mind, and required some choices that I didn't think were consistent with the characters making them, which I always find disappointing. There's plenty of steamy-to-sizzling sexy times (that occasionally venture beyond vanilla). The supporting cast is a little bland with a couple of exceptions: Piper's sister is actually pretty great, and is set up for an interesting relationship with a local sailor for the next book. Which is why I went ahead and picked up that ARC when it was offered (Hook, Line, and Sinker), only to find that I liked it better than this one but it still wasn't for me. *shrugs*