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A review by alookinsideri
The Co-op by Tarah DeWitt
4.0
In The Co-op, Tarah DeWitt delivers a charming, humorous take on forced proximity and second chances as she introduces LaRynn Lavigne and Deacon Leeds, two former flings with unfinished business. When they were teenagers, LaRynn and Deacon shared a short, turbulent summer fling that ended in mutual annoyance — and it's hardly the kind of history that builds trust. But now, ten years later, they find themselves co-owners of a crumbling property in Santa Cruz, left to them by their late grandmothers. Both want to make something out of the inherited building, and it just so happens that each has what the other lacks: LaRynn has the money, while Deacon has the construction skills. There’s a catch, though — LaRynn’s trust fund requires her to be married to access the funds, so they strike a deal to marry temporarily and renovate together.
DeWitt explores the ups and downs of their unconventional partnership as LaRynn and Deacon move in and navigate the daily pitfalls of cohabiting with someone you’re supposed to be “pretending” to love. From the quirks of sharing a space to rebuilding a long-abandoned house, the story captures the laughter and frustrations that come from working side by side and, surprisingly, learning to cooperate. DeWitt develops each character with humor and warmth, especially as they struggle with letting down emotional walls in a home without physical ones. Deacon’s steady nature and LaRynn’s independence make for an electric contrast, and readers will enjoy watching them grow from skeptical partners to something more.
Fans of romance with a twist will appreciate how DeWitt uses the house renovation as a backdrop for LaRynn and Deacon to address their past misunderstandings and lay the groundwork for a real relationship. The Co-op is a heartfelt, enjoyable story that captures how hard work, second chances, and vulnerability can turn even the most unlikely “business” partnership into something lasting.
DeWitt explores the ups and downs of their unconventional partnership as LaRynn and Deacon move in and navigate the daily pitfalls of cohabiting with someone you’re supposed to be “pretending” to love. From the quirks of sharing a space to rebuilding a long-abandoned house, the story captures the laughter and frustrations that come from working side by side and, surprisingly, learning to cooperate. DeWitt develops each character with humor and warmth, especially as they struggle with letting down emotional walls in a home without physical ones. Deacon’s steady nature and LaRynn’s independence make for an electric contrast, and readers will enjoy watching them grow from skeptical partners to something more.
Fans of romance with a twist will appreciate how DeWitt uses the house renovation as a backdrop for LaRynn and Deacon to address their past misunderstandings and lay the groundwork for a real relationship. The Co-op is a heartfelt, enjoyable story that captures how hard work, second chances, and vulnerability can turn even the most unlikely “business” partnership into something lasting.