If It Makes You Happy is out today! Thank you to @berkleyromance for the free book! #BerkleyPartner #Berkley #BerkleyBookstagram

I loved this! It felt like a classic Romance, and not just because it takes place in the 90s. It feels like the blueprint for small town single dad romance and what it should be, without feeling like every other small town single dad romance. It somehow felt very unique despite these well used (and loved!) tropes. 

It gave me warm and cozy vibes, in part due to the autumnal setting, but also the writing just felt very warm and inviting to me. I just wanted to keep reading and reading. I actually read my paperback arc and read it two days which is fast for me for a 500 page physical book!

I loved the slow burn romance between our FMC Michelle & MMC Cliff, they’re both somewhat recently divorced and both felt very cautious about trying something so they become friends first and I just really enjoyed their journey. 

The FMC is a bit reserved, definitely a type A perfectionist and I really loved that because not everyone is a bubbly extrovert (despite what a lot of romances portray) and I saw a lot of myself in her. Our MMC Cliff is the opposite, outgoing and playful and I love how he made her smile and feel comfortable, and maybe even bring down some of her walls.

I also really loved both of their respective relationships with Cliff’s daughters, they were a huge part of the story as well and I really enjoyed them both. 

There are also themes of grief and moving on – parental death, divorce, life not turning out like you planned, but never felt like it was bogged down with sadness. 

Overall I just really really enjoyed this! Definitely recommend. A top favorite of the year for sure.