BOOKWORM REVIEW: In a Jam by Kate Canterbary

September 20, 2022

BOOKWORM REVIEW: In a Jam by Kate Canterbary

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
STEAM: 🔥🔥🔥.5

This is easily one of the best feel-good reads this year. I stopped counting how many times I giggled -- and no, I am not a giggler -- during this read.

Shay Zucconi's unexpected inheritance could not have come at a better time. Her step-grandmother just left her tulip farm -- the one where she spent a couple of her teenage years -- to her with a couple of conditions. One of them is that she had to be married within a year. Normally, that would not have been a problem if Shay was not left at the altar recently. She runs off to Friendship to continue her grief over being a jilted bride. What she did not count on was reuniting with Noah Barden, someone she knew from high school.

Shay was more than just a high school friend to Noah. He was in love with her despite being from different circles. Now she's back in town, clearly carrying some emotional baggage, but can Noah handle that on top of his own?

I have loved this book from the moment Shay's friends came to her aid after being left at the altar. If I were in that situation, I would definitely want friends who would ply me with drinks and do the painful parts so I don't have to.

From there, Shay and Noah just stole my heart. For two adults who had to deal with a lot of other people's messes, they were incredibly mature, sweet, and romantic. Noah especially is book boyfriend perfection. He works hard at maintaining his family farm's legacy, tries to be the best uncle/guardian to his adorable niece, and rocks super-alpha (but consensual) mode with Shay.

Speaking of, the spice definitely registers high on the Scoville scale, and much of that is due to Noah's mouth -- in more ways than one.

This book is a standalone. If you like small town or second chances or romantic comedy or just looking for a good (reading) time, I highly recommend picking up a copy.

** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Kate Canterbary and Grey's Promotions for providing an ARC. **

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Shay Zucconi’s step-grandmother died, she left Shay a tulip farm—under two conditions.

First, Shay has to move home to the small town of Friendship, Rhode Island. Second—and most problematic since her fiancé just called off the wedding—Shay must be married within one year.

Marriage is the last thing in the world Shay wants but she’ll do anything to save the only real home she’s ever known.

Noah Barden loved Shay Zucconi back in high school. Not that he ever told her. He was too shy, too awkward, too painfully uncool to ask out the beautiful, popular girl.

A lifetime later, Noah is a single dad to his niece and has his hands full running the family business. That old crush is the farthest thing from his mind.

Until Shay returns to their hometown and turns his life upside down.

CW/TW: absentee parent(s), brief mention of parent death, brief mention of parent chronic illness, mention of incarceration, mention of temporary foster care placement, reference to teenage teasing/bullying (not detailed, not explicit), brief incidence of fat-shaming, living with a neurodivergent child.

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