Kim Deister
This book is just as much a cozy fall romance as it is a book about overcoming the aftereffects of bullying, and I appreciated that depth so much.
In high school, Josie wrote what was supposed to be a private story, a pirate romance with the real-life, eyepatch-wearing Reese. Thanks to her brother, it became less than private when he shared it with the world, until it even ended up on the internet. The fallout was immediate and complete, the entire town knowing about it until it became the stuff of urban legends. Worse, her very conservative mother found out, immediately assuming the more steamy content of the story was based on fact. The entire situation followed poor Josie, even into her adulthood.
I read other reviews about this, the fact that the conflict surrounding the story lasted so long and so completely, that it seemed juvenile. I would agree but for the fact that it happens all the time. It’s happened to me. Rumors started in high school have continued to follow me to this day, some 30+ years later. So I fully understand this plot premise; I feel it to my core.
I loved how the conflict brought an almost coming-of-age moment for Josie, as Reese helps her to appreciate the story and its legacy, to reframe it for herself. That was beautiful to see, making the romance between them that much more wonderful. It was fun to watch them become friends, to watch them fall in love. Reese was everything a great Book Boyfriend should be… kind, loving, patient, and supportive.
Great characters, great story, great fall vibes!