Well Met - Book Review

"Like the stars, you love should be a constant source of light, and like the earth, a firm foundation from which to grow."

-Jen DeLuca

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In the time of pandemic, what's better than the light and the fluffy?? It's a crazy time we are living in but the best we can do right now is NOT PANIC and stay home with a nice light-hearted story OK?!

On Saturday last week I stocked up on books and boy am I glad I did. After some particularly content heavy reads, I needed something fun and short. So, for maybe the first time in decades, I ventured out of Fiction towards.... the romance section! And I. Was. Shocked! There were a lot of great options there (when I think romance, those old Harlequins that took up a majority of the fiction section of the old smalltown library I worked at is all that comes to mind). Well Met sounded like the perfect escape.

Quick summary: A girl moves to a small town, immediately clashes with the grouchy English teacher, and gets roped into playing a wench at the Renaissance Faire where the aformentioned teacher (turned pirate) flirts with her incessantly. Does he actually like her or is this just part of the act? (It's the perfect recipe for CHEESE!! I love it.)

First things first, the writing isn't the most amazing I've ever read. The plot was great but a lot of the dialogue seemed like it was lacking (also a lot of cheesy lines I don't think people would ever say IRL) but the plot was really cute so I tried not to let some of the minor stuff bother me too much. Other than a few small beefs, it was a fun read and a great distraction.

What I liked

• Renaissance Faire themed! Always a bonus.
• Lots of fun Shakespeare references. You can never have enough of those.
• The theme of community and belonging. Willow Creek reminded me a little of my hometown and the feeling of nostalgia was STRONG while reading this. 
• Did I say Reniassance Faire? (There's pirates ok?! Everyone knows that's my weakness).

 What I Didn't Like

• Emily, the main POV, had zero background which made a major dent in her depth of character. She had a garbage ex and she quite school.... that's all we ever learn about her and it's in the first few pages of the book. What were her hopes and dreams? Why'd she drop everything just for a guy that didn't even treat her well? Why are her parents never mentioned or introduced? Where are all her old friends? What does she enjoy? (Hobbies, movies, music etc). It's like she just popped into existence. 
• The dramatic "wooing" moments were a littled forced and very awkward (especially if you imagine ANY of that happening in real life. Why does there need to be crowds at every inimate moment or declaration of love? WHY?!)

Again like I said, not my typical read so I tried to just go with the flow and enjoy my break from my regular taste in books.

In summary: It was an easy read and I had a lot of fun but I probably won't read it again. If you need the book equivalent of "mindless but enjoyable TV" this is a good choice! It will definitely take your mind off all that's going on outside.

2.5 Stars for this one