Pages & Pressings

(4.5 stars rounded up)

NO SPOILERS

This isn’t my first Brynne Weaver book and it definitely won’t be the last. Tourist Season was a delightful dark romance comedy that is simultaneously entertaining, satisfying, and heartfelt.

Harper Starling has found her new home in Cape Carnage, a seaside town known for its dark past in connection to the Lancaster family to which Harper is employed as a gardener and part-time caregiver for her elderly neighbor, Arthur Lancaster. Nolan Rhodes is hell-bent on revenge after a hit-and-run incident killed his younger brother and left him in physical rehab. Nolan tracks down Harper and vows to murder her, as he has everyone involved in the incident. After a true-crime investigator comes to town, Harper and Nolan enter in an unlikely partnership to save themselves and the town.

This book was more than I expected it to be. It’s genuinely hilarious and reads a lot like a rom-com. In fact, this is a book that I highly wish would be adapted because it would translate perfectly. The biggest thing that throws me off of books that claim to have “great banter” is that it’s usually very cringey in a try-hard sort of way. This book had banter that was not only quippy, but very genuine and natural-sounding. It’s like when actors have very good chemistry.

Beyond the murder and serial killer-ness of it all, this story has a touching subplot of caregiving for a loved one with dementia. I personally don’t relate to this, but I empathize so much for the lovely souls that are in that position because caregiving can be hard both mentally and physically. I think Tourist Season incorporated this aspect in a way that was both respectful and relevant to the plot.

Of course, we can’t forget about the spice- and this book was properly spicy. I was listening to the audiobook at work and I couldn’t help giggling the whole time. The audiobook was done so well, and I can’t stress that enough! One of the best audiobooks that I have listened to this year, by far! While there were quite a few spicy scenes, I didn’t think it retracted from the plot at all and was done tastefully. Before reading dark romance, check trigger warnings just to be safe.

Overall, I’m very impressed by this book and it took me completely by surprise. I will be following this trilogy, and I can’t wait for the next one!