A review by romcombookbabe
Beyond the Stroke by Erin Hawkins

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

4.5

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 (rounded to 5)
🌶🌶/5

The Good: I don't think I've ever laughed out loud so much reading a romance novel. This was ridiculously funny and wildly entertaining. It has incredible tension, a delicious slow burn, multiple "my wife" moments, and an ensemble cast à la Off Campus. From the crazy meet cute right up until the end Rory and Summer showed they were meant to be and I loved every second. 

The Meh: I wish the plot was a little stronger. The marriage of convenience aspect was missing some of the push from outsiders to make their bond stronger. I wish Daphne and his parents played a bigger role. However, I did like that her relationship with her parents was left the way it was. I think there's a common theme amongst romance books to repair the relationship at the end but I'm glad we just never heard about them.

The Spicy: 7/49 chapters contain spice (14%). Because of the slow burn it takes a minute for the spice to hit but the tension leading up to it is so worth it. 

Thank you to @penpalpr for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.