Three years ago, Katrina Freeling and Nathan Van Huysen finished a book that rocketed them to literary fame.  That was the last time they saw each other.  These days, Katrina can't seem to write anything, and Nathan can't seem to sell whatever he <i>does</i> write.  They're going to have to write the second book their publisher contracted them for, whether they like it or not.  Back in the humid Florida house where they found success - both professionally and interpersonally - the first time, can they recapture the magic in their writing, and in their relationship?

I think this was a 3.5 or 3.75 star read because overall I did find it pretty enjoyable.  Still, it wasn't a book I really felt I could lose myself in.  I found the premise to be kind of self-insert (an author couple writing an author couple, regardless of how loudly the characters are shouting that they don't like each other), and the prose was pretty self-indulgent at points.  Nathan in particular was a fairly unlikeable character for me: as much as he was respectful of his relationship with his (ex-)wife, he seemed like someone who would describe himself as a Nice Guy.  He drives a Porsche, for God's sake.  We get much more character development from Katrina.

The central conflict, the thing that broke them apart, is so hyped up and can only be one thing, and it falls kind of flat on delivery.  I also think that Katrina's experiences with depression and anxiety, as well as her fear of failure, are backgrounded until they're useful tools.  They don't come out of nowhere, but it's clear that they're plot devices rather than something the character experiences.  

This makes it sound like I didn't enjoy the book.  I did!  I like books about writing, there were moments of truly gorgeous prose, the tension was well-paced, and I really enjoyed seeing Katrina come into her own.  I just wanted more nuance.

Thank you Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC!

CW:

non-narrative character experiencing financial instability, narrative character with depression and anxiety, no infidelity but a non-narrative character condones it.