Author: Kathryn Freeman
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tropes: Grumpy + Sunshine
Publication date: February 27, 2023
Edition I read: eBook (provided by HarperCollins UK on NetGalley)
Pages: 384
My rating: 4/5
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/65935181-bring-me-your-midnight
In the book cafe owner Sally becomes landlady to Harry the builder, when his ex refuses to move out of his own house. Sally's passionate about watching romcoms, while sceptical Harry refuses to belive in love. One night they jokingly recreate the infamous lifting scene from Dirty Dancing, and their TikTok of it goes viral. They decided to keep the videos going to earn some money, inevitably falling for each other in the process.
It's not that easy though, as Harry comes from a cold and loveless family and is unwilling to acknowledge the fact that he could ever love anyone. Sally, the hopeless romantic then gets hung up on this statement, which makes everything complicated. Even though they're undoubtedly head over heels for each other.
While telling this love story, the book also deals with complicated family relationships, and how hard it is to do and say something, even if you really want to, when you have certain mental blocks that prevent you. Having a hint of reality and humaneness is always refreshing in a romance book, making it all the more relatable. And I gotta say, all these parts were wonderfully written in this book.
I found it a really fun and easy read that made me both happy and sad as we went through the ups and downs with the characters. I got a little frustrated towards the end when Sally just couldn't let go of these very... specific and literal labels and expectations, but overall still enjoyed the romance.