Book Review: The Island House (Getaway Bay Romance #1) by Elena Johnson

Rating: ★★☆
Audience: Contemporary Romance
Length: 256 pages
Author: Elena Johnson
Publisher: AEJ Creative Works
Release Date: July 20th, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Charlotte Madsen’s whole world came crashing down six months ago with the words, “I met someone else.”

Thirty-seven, recently divorced, and childless. That’s Charlotte when she disembarks from the plane in Getaway Bay. She wants to get away, that’s for sure. She thought the best way to do that was to buy a run-down house overlooking the bay, knowing she’ll need all her fixer-upper skills to get it in shape. Which is just fine. She’s hoping as she overhauls the house, she’ll get a life makeover too.

She was not expecting a tall, handsome man to be under the kitchen sink when she arrives at the supposedly abandoned house. She wasn’t expecting to get drenched when the non-plumber twists something the wrong way. And she certainly wasn’t expecting her heart to be well enough to feel anything for anyone.

But former Air Force pilot, Dawson Dane, has a charming devil-may-care personality, and Charlotte could use some carefree laughter in her life. But everything with Dawson isn’t sunshine and unicorns. He’s estranged from his family, though he does speak to one of his brothers. And he’s never committed to anything except his career, even choosing flying over an engagement years ago.

Can Charlotte navigate the healing process as she renovates the island house? Can Dawson finally make a commitment to a woman? Or will he and Charlotte decide a relationship is just too hard?

DID NOT WORK FOR ME.

Well y’all. This wasn’t it. It’s a short read so luckily it only took up about an hour and a half of my day (I listen to audiobooks fast, don’t judge me).

This started out as the typical beach read book. Which I didn’t mind!! I love that vibe and was hopeful about where it was going to go. The plot set-up worked for me. Plenty of forced proximity, a woman moving on from divorce and the hot guy who happens to be at her house. It works!

BUT. The insta-love does not. For someone who can’t stop mentioning not being ready for a relationship, Charlotte sure does jump in fast. Dawson, right along with her. I really would have loved more build-up. There’s some sweet moments of connection and communication between them but it all felt a little tainted by time. Not to mention, the third act made me cranky so it just fell apart.

Any who. Not sure I’ll read anymore books by this author.

Overall audience notes: