Bellefleur’s debut romance trilogy (Written in the Stars, Hang the Moon, and Count Your Lucky Stars) was one of the most bubbly, uplifting set of romances I have ever read. Plus, the most all-encompassing bi rep I’ve ever read, which I honestly cannot love more. And so, she’s cemented herself as an auto-read romance author for me. 

 

Tansy Adams has dedicated her whole life to her beloved bookstore, which has been in her family for generations and is the only piece of her parents that she has left now. Over the years, she has retreated further into herself, even making up fake girlfriends to keep her step-family off her case. Gemma West is the proverbial red-headed stepchild of the affluent van Dalen family, who is being pulled back into the family orbit when an unexpected stipulation in her grandfather’s will leaves the family company to her, but only if she gets married. When Tansy and Gemma “run into” each other at a (now-intermingled-family) event, a spur-of-the-moment choice catapults them into a fake engagement that, while it would be beneficial for both of them objectively, may also be the best that’s ever happened to either of them for real. As long as they can survive the van Dalen family’s backhandedness and scheming. 

 

This most recent novel is a standalone, though still set in Seattle – Bellefleur’s home base and sweet spot for settings – and while it’s basically completely new/separate characters, there is still a tiny name-drop cameo or two that were very satisfying for readers familiar with her earlier books. And past that, it has all the same hallmarks sweet, fun, lightheartedness (and spectacular dialogue…goodness Bellefleur does banter so well) of the rest of her books, while still staying big on the feels and addressing some real-life insecurities and issues (content warning for cyber-bullying/sexual harassment and general rich-family douchebaggery). I know I mentioned in the intro, but I just love that all of Bellefleur’s books highly feature bisexual characters, with the variety of romantic interests and entanglements that being bi brings…fighting erasure like a queen. And in general, I always appreciate that the drama in her romances are “regular” drama, the kind you may find no matter who the couple is, and not specifically tied to the sexuality of the characters. It’s well done, as far as casual queerness on page goes.  

 

Let’s see…. I do want to say that there are a *lot* of characters in this book. And many of their names are dropped quickly in the first chapter or two. It was kind of a lot to be dropped into. The important ones come up enough afterwards that they sort themselves out, but seriously, there was a moment there where I felt a little overwhelmed. That’s really the only criticism. Otherwise, once I settled in to all the names, I enjoyed them all. There was definitely some “extra side character” thinness to some of them, but they all filled their roles alright. I especially enjoyed Gemma’s friends (obvs, and also because that glitter prank was *everything*) and the relationships between Gemma and her Uncle Brooks. And while if I were Tansy, I would have dropped her step-mother long ago, I did like the arc of the relationship, considering the “heart-filling” vibes this book leaned into. Speaking of, while the ending was maybe too good to be true, I also couldn’t help but love the poetic justice of it. Plus, it was deeply sweet and very entertaining full-dramatics as a finale. A moment of hope where love conquers all, even capitalism. 

 

Finally, and I’m ending with this, even though maybe it’s not a highlight for everyone, but: I LOVE the communication. All throughout, Gemma and Tansy are completely open and honest with each other. And even though they have their “third act break-up moment,” its about real insecurity and not necessarily knowing it, as opposed to miscommunication or an unwillingness to say what they’re feeling. And that’s just f*cking refreshing. 

 

So overall, Bellefleur delivers, yet again and as always. I loved very second reading this. It was a page-turning, butterflies-in-your-belly, fully emotional love story, with a few very gratifying sex scenes. Yes, please. And when do we get more?!