Susan F. (scoutmomskf) - , reviewed on 1/2/2023 + 2617 more book reviews

Fun trip back to San Francisco and the magical fountain of love. I've been looking forward to Spence's story and loved that he found someone so perfect for him. Spence has a big heart that he hides behind a loner façade. He is a brilliant inventor who gets lost in his work, which has been the death of several relationships. Having decided that love and work don't mix, he has written romance out of his life. His friends are his family, and that's enough for him until he collides with Colbie.

Colbie is the famous author of a young adult fantasy series and the glue that holds her family together. When the stress of writing a new book and wrangling her helpless family members gets too much, she runs away from home. Thanks to an unforeseen series of events, she ends up in San Francisco instead of a tropical island. The next thing she knows, an out-of-control dog knocks her into a fountain, and she's pulled out by the best-looking man she's ever seen.

I loved seeing the relationship develop between Colbie and Spence. The sparks flew between them from the moment Spence pulled Colbie out of the fountain. She so enchanted him that he acted entirely out of character, from rescuing her from the fountain to renting her an apartment in his building. Colbie was just as attracted to Spence but wary. She's only in town for three weeks for rest and relaxation and to get her writing mojo back. Spence suddenly finds himself willing to put his work aside to help Colbie fulfill her bucket list of things to do while in San Francisco.

Neither Colbie nor Spence is interested in a relationship. Colbie has too much on her plate, and she won't be around for long. Spence's aversion to relationships is well known. But nothing says they can't indulge in a fling while she's there and enjoy each other's company. I loved watching Spence come out of hiding and take pleasure in surprising Colbie with various activities. The serious and introverted workaholic becomes a bit more social, and his friends are stunned by the changes they see in him. Colbie has been so immersed in her writing and caring for her family that doing fun things for herself had never been possible until she met Spence. I loved the friendship that grew between them and how easily they understood each other. Neither gets bent out of shape if one gets lost in a project or a moment of inspiration.

I loved their time together and seeing them learn to balance their lives. It doesn't take too long to realize they want more togetherness. But neither is ready to risk rejection by saying anything, as each assumes that the other is still in "fling" mode. Then a misunderstanding makes things awkward between them, and Colbie plans to leave early. The scene before she leaves is heartbreakingly emotional as Colbie allows her fears to keep her from admitting what she wants. Just a few days apart, and some kick-in-the-pants conversations with those who love them make Spence and Colbie realize what they've given up.

I loved the ending and seeing Spence and Colbie let go of their fears and find joy together. The scene at the pub was fantastic, with not just an emotional reunion but a funny reminder of just how well Spence understands her. The epilogue was terrific, with a surprise from a sweetly awkward Spence.

One of the things I love about this series is the close group of friends that it is centered around. Each has their unique quirks and personalities that make them real and relatable. In this book, Elle was one of my favorites. She is very protective of Spence, which makes her suspicious of Colbie, especially considering Colbie's secretiveness about some things. Colbie eventually wins her over just by being herself, and in the end, she and Elle are friends. I liked how accepting of Colbie the whole gang was, especially when they saw what she meant to Spence. I also loved Eddie, the homeless man who hangs out in the courtyard. His advice to the residents is always spot-on. There was a revelation about Eddie and his past that I never saw coming but made his advice to Spence especially poignant.

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