Berls
Written on Oct 17, 2022
Last year I read a lesbian romance by Sienna Waters that was probably my favorite to-date, so I was excited to pick up The Best Time. While I did enjoy it, I didn't sweep me away as I had hoped.
This is a second-chance romance which is not my favorite trope and that may have something to do with it. But perhaps more than that, it was that the characters frustrated me. The way for the feel for each other is obvious and the only thing in their way is themselves. Riley is convinced she's dying (simply because her mother died of stomach cancer and thus surely that's her stomach problem... not any myriads of gastrointestinal problems you have to see a doctor to diagnose). And Lil has her perfect plan for her life and she can't budge from that, not one iota. And Riley's life and dreams -- supposing she's not dying from stomach cancer -- doesn't fit perfectly into that plan.
Frustrations aside, I did like both the characters as individuals. They are smart and independent women, very successful in their chosen paths. I enjoyed their relationship with Riley's brother, who happens to be Lil's best friend. I enjoyed the small town setting and the book shop. All together an enjoyable sweet second chance romance with a fairly predictable HEA. I just wanted a bit more so I could be truly swept away.
I listened to The Best Time narrated by Felicity Munroe and enjoyed her performance. She delivered distinct voices for male and female characters and I was able to easily listen at my normal 2x speed. I'd not hesitate to listen to her again.