A review by gablerks
Christmas in Coconut Creek by Karissa Kinword

funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0


This book has to have the funniest meet cute I have read in a while. Like laugh out loud, no poker face funny! I reread it this week in anticipation of the release of the next book in the series: For Pleasure or Worse. 

Ophelia travels to Florida for the holidays to visit her best friend Natalia. She meets Frankie, an older army veteran, who she matched with on a dating app and happened to sit next to her on the flight. They spend the flight basically on a date and later reconnect when he turns out to be the Natalia’s boyfriend’s roommate. I know, lots of crazy coincidences for this to work!!

Over the holidays, Frankie and Ophelia find a lot of common ground. But after spending so much time together with no strings attached, they quickly develop feelings they’re both unprepared for. They both have a lot of work to do when it comes to what they each feel is their role and responsibility to their families. And in that pursuit, there’s an exploration of these different family and friendship dynamics that add more layers to who they are as people.

Absolutely loved Frankie and Ophelia! It was fun, fast paced, and a great time! It’s a lot of spice imo but there’s also a lot of story and tension. They do have an age gap (25-36), but it’s only relevant in the way that it’s funny. Definitely recommend for a fun time! I originally read this over the holidays while baking and it was the correct choice. 

On the other hand, there were a few details that I didn’t love. Sometimes I felt like words were misused within the context of the story. I also cannot tell if Frankie is Italian or Latino. I mean he speaks Spanish, but everything else hints at Italian imo

As an aside, please note the audiobook is dual narratio. I know some of you don’t love that but the book is on KU. 


—————— original review————————
Listened to the audiobook while baking over christmas and it was so good!
Frankie and Ophelia are perfect for each other and I just loved their relationship and the way they communicate. 
it's pretty spicy, I was clutching my pearls fr