Dalton “Tripp” Sutherland fully realizes just how badly he screwed up ten years ago, resulting in the loss of the best friend he ever had – the incomparable Zara Wellington. From the outside looking in, it may appear that he’s living his best life, spending his days sailing and being the resort playboy, but deep down he’s still haunted by the unforgivable words he uttered that night in high school. If only he had a chance to prove to her that he didn’t mean what he’d said.
Life for Zara Wellington is pretty amazing. As creator and lady-boss behind the top beauty blog on the internet, she gets to travel the world trying out new spas and is even on the verge of having her journalistic dreams come true. Even though she still carries around her life-long insecurities about her weight, it’s rare that she ever thinks about that night she overheard the unimaginable come from the only person she thought ever really cared for her – her best friend Tripp.
But when Zara shows up at the Indigo Royal Resort to review the brand new Cherish Spa, the two come face to face for the first time in ten years. Can they manage to get past everything from that night all those years ago and the painful feelings that still linger, or is the damage done forever?
Claire Hastings’ What I Like About You is a novel of second chances. The chemistry, emotional dialogue and the romance between Dalton and Zara drew me into the novel instantly.
I have been waiting for the swoony Dalton to meet his match and the author did not disappoint! Sexy, charming and handsome best describe Dalton. He left behind a lucrative job in Atlanta for the carefree island life. Sparks ignite when he ran into Zara Wellington, his childhood friend, at the resort. Their meeting is awkward at best because Dalton and Zara have not spoken to each other in ten years.
Zara is a successful lifestyle blogger with a huge following She’s been invited to Indigo Royale to review her experience at the resorts new spa. Zara has worked hard to create her beauty blog and her efforts are being recognized-she has a chance at her own tv show. Her review could make or break the spa.
Claire Hastings writes a fantastic story for this couple. In order to understand the emotional depth of Zara and Dalton’s breakup, she uses flashback scenes. These scenes show how much the couple cared for each other and the event that shattered their friendship. The author takes a bold step by portraying Dalton-everyone’s best friend- in a bad light. As the novel unfolds, Dalton is given a chance to redeem himself. Forgiveness and honesty are huge themes in this story of second chances. Loved all of the secondary characters-especially Zara’s best friend Antwan! Loved the laugh out loud conversations between Zara and Antwan. The well-paced engaging storyline blended romance, secrets and drama perfectly.
Kudos to Claire Hastings for writing an emotional second chance story for Dalton Sutherland and Zara Wellington!
Reviewed by Susan Gorman
ARC provided by the Author
Claire Hastings is a walking, talking awkward moment. She loves Diet Coke, gummi bears, the beach, and books (obvs). When not reading she can usually be found hanging with friends at a soccer match or grabbing food (although she probably still has a book in her purse). She and her husband Drew live in Atlanta with their fur-child Denali.
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