A review by lezreadalot
Missed Connection by Stephanie Shea

4.0

If the never-ending hammering in her chest was anything to go by, the way she looked at Avery was the kind of lost, free falling hopeless that said, ‘All I want is to be stuck with you.’

3.5 stars. Stephanie Shea writes a romantic scene like no other. Even though parts of the setup of this weren't my jam, and a few things about the progression and conflict really didn't work for me... I still liked this romance so much! Avery and Ky meet at an airport and spend a flight together, getting to know one another and forming a surprisingly strong bond. At the end of it, they share a kiss, even though Avery has always thought of herself as straight, and Ky isn't looking for a relationship. Six months later, they meet again.

There were a lot of things about the setup that didn't go the way I expected it to. Most crucially, we never see the entirety of their first day together; just the very beginning. Not even the kiss that sparks everything. I was very much ready to count this as a flaw, because I wanted to actually have that foundation on the page. Somehow, though, it works? We get glimpses at the moments from that first meeting, little flashbacks that don't last too long. There was just enough build-up about what happened in the past that it felt completely natural, the place and pace we started in the present day. I didn't remember much of Avery from the first book in this series, which I liked a whole lot, but totally fell for her here. Ky was a complete dream, with foibles and insecurities that seemed natural and believable. I liked that both their families played such an important part in their lives, and that we saw those relationships being worked at. Maybe not as much as I'd have liked (I wanted more between Ky and her mother, and Avery and her father) but enough to make it feel well-rounded. Their chemistry was soooo good. There's something about the way Shea writes romantic scenes and lines that just makes me melt. It didn't take me long to fall in love with these two, and with their relationship.

The third act conflict almost completely lost me, it grew out of such an absurd place, but the author managed to bring it around for me.

Spoiler

It's one of those situations where a character overreacts completely, but then acknowledges that their reaction was overblown.

At first it really didn't work for me, and did sour the last bit a little, but the characters and their chemistry and a particularly A+ confession scene won me over again. I ended this book with legit butterflies.

There was a bit of setup for what might be a third book, and I can't wait for it. I continue to really enjoy this series.

“Yes, to all of it, Ky. As long as it’s with you.”