I'm honored to be an ARC reader for this novella!
What I loved
M. Wolf's strengths as a writer continue to shine brighter and brighter with each installment. This story in particular glimmers with captivating settings, where I can clearly imagine where the characters are and the unique charm it adds to their activities together. But as always I am more than satisfied with M. Wolf's flirting dialogue, rising romantic tension, and emotional engagement. This book is like a warm, leisurely bath of building chemistry between our two leads.
But my absolute favorite thing about this book is Brodie. I adore Brodie. I will protect Brodie at all costs. Brodie is the sweetest good sweetheart and I will do anything for them. I loved being in Brodie's perspective so much! The emotional honesty, the blushing, being confident in their career but melting at Taylor's praise... This is the first main character of M. Wolf's where I have finished the novella and wanted sequels just for this character.
(Taylor is a fantastic love interest, I adore her and would totally love to hang out, I'm just low-key crushing on Brodie.)
What I Would Have Liked
I'm still getting used to reading novellas, so this might just be me, but there were multiple scenes that I wished were expanded on. For example, multiple conversations between the two leads that were summarized for the reader rather than us reading them in real time. I worry that M. Wolf thinks we won't find these conversations interesting, and would love to see their confidence in fleshing out these interactions more. It would really turbo-boost the slow chemistry and tension building that I love in their writing (in my humble opinion).
And (mild spoiler?) I was so disappointed I didn't get to read the lyrics to Brodie's new song!! I thought that would have been a beautiful way to demonstrate all the growth they are describing through the songwriting process, or a powerful climax. Again, I know not every storyteller is a songwriter, but I wish I could give M. Wolf a cheerleader to encourage them to explore this more.
In Summary
Like each novella before, this story is a "sweet treat," perfect for the reader whose favorite part of love stories is when you kick your feet and squeal and giggle. If you're looking for cute, satisfying, fluffy, lovey, all the sweet stuff, pure dessert - Rochelle Wolf is your author and this is totally worth adding to your collection. I'm officially putting myself in charge of the Rochelle Wolf lit fan club.