I loved my first Tarah DeWitt book so was super excited to read this one. Unfortunately it didn't quite hit for me like the other one did.

You have two people who hurt each other as teens, forced to live through a home reno together in a home they inherited from their grandmothers (who were married to each other,) marrying for convenience to access her trust to finance the reno. Lovers to enemies to lovers again would normally be my jam, but the maturity level here was sorely lacking for me. Both of these people are in their 30's but they act like they are stuck at 19 and 20. Both characters are dealing with family dynamics that have left them feeling less than or not belonging and this trauma just bleeds all over everything for half the book.

It was rather slow until about 50% in when they finally started trying to work through their issues and work together. Strangely there was no 3rd act conflict, like with most romances, to test our characters. There was much mention of the heroine's dad and how he caught them when they were younger and how he was the one to put stipulations on her trust and I kept waiting for him to enter, because why wouldn't he? No one questioned their marriage at all, which was kind of bizarre. The dad is obviously one of the biggest villains from her past but it was like a build up that never happened. Just a really strange formula for a romance. The scenes between past and present didn't always flow well, so that was confusing at times.

I don't know, it just didn't work great for me and likely won't be very memorable. I will give this author another chance as I did really enjoy the other book I read by her (Savor It, I think it was.)

I’d round this book up to 3.5 stars. It was an easy read and I love the tropes and that there was the hones for what was needed to have a fun read. The character fees were fine. What bumped the rating down for me was that I feel the beginning was so slow it took me a long while to actually get into the story.

What a glow up this book received! If you read the indie version like myself, don’t think this is the same story. This story has so much more LaRynn and Deacon and their history told in “before” chapters that gives deeper insight and emotional connection to their second chance marriage of convenience story. I really enjoyed everything about this book and thought it was well rounded and beautiful.

Things you can find:
• Forced proximity while renovating a house
• Oldies music that fits the scene
• Second chance with flashbacks
• Beach town funsies
• Emotional conversations

Thank you NetGalley and St. Marins Press for an eARC of this book in exchange for my review!

I had the OCD compulsion to actually read this book before it’s published, since I’ve sat on it from NetGalley for so long.

Fake marriage and home renovations between two exes. Dual-timeline with them as teens and now 7 years later. Boring AF. Sorry, just dull. Didn’t care about them back then, didn’t care about them now. So much bullshit to skim through. Surface-level crap. Keep it.

I suppose it’s harmless, some might think it’s fine… you deserve better than fine.

Feeling so fortunate that I was given the opportunity to review Tarah DeWitt’s The Co-Op in advance because it truly was utterly delightful. The banter between LaRynn and Deacon? Top tier - had me cackling. The smut? Not as detailed as other romance books but still full of toe-curling tension. The reconciliation? Honestly, I was waiting for their “omg I’m in love with you” moment since the first few pages and it did NOT disappoint.

The only tricky thing about this book is the time jumping because sometimes it’s not ultra clear 🤷🏻‍♀️ but I’m so glad we were given dual POV because I’m not sure I could’ve lived without knowing what was going through Deacon’s mind.

This is a classic contemporary romance, balancing moments of stress with heartwarming sweetness, and mixing steam with adorable charm. It started slow for me, and LaRynn, the main character, wasn’t initially likable. She felt too messy, impulsive, and over-the-top in a way that didn’t seem real. As the story progressed, she grew on me. The alternating perspectives between her and the male lead helped me appreciate her more, especially as a character who doesn’t fit the mold of someone who has it all together except for the perfect man. Instead, she’s got baggage, and the story takes the time to unpack it, making their relationship feel more believable. I loved that it wasn’t a whirlwind romance. They don’t fall in love in a weekend, it’s a gradual build of trust. Overall, it’s a relaxing read, with just the right amount of drama.

Thanks to Net Galley and St. Martin's Griffin for early access to the paperback version.

I haven't read a book by Tarah DeWitt before this one, but I regret waiting this long! I loved this version of rivals-to-lovers, second chance, and marriage of convenience. LaRynn and Deacon have a tumultuous history, and the baster banter because of it. Reading them slowly came to love and trust each other gave way to some of the sweetest moments.

The Co-Op by Tarrah DeWitt
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
352 pages
Releasing November 12th, 2024

LaRynn & Deacon had a summer fling when they were teenagers. A decade later, their grandmothers leave them shared ownership in a building which forces them back together. A deal is needed: Larynn & Deacon must get married to her the funds to finish the home. Fully of steam, banter, and a beautiful plot line!

What a fun ride this was! I am obsessed with any book that includes marriage of convenience, forced proximity, and second chance romance! All 3 in 1 book??? WHAT A BANGER! This is my first full @authortarahdewitt book, I’ve read her holiday novella previously! I’m so excited to meet her next year at @loveyallbookfest 🤩

Read if you like:
✨Forced Proximity
✨Marriage of Convenience
✨Second Chance Romance
✨”That’s My Wife”

Thank you @authortarahdewitt @netgalley @stmartinspress for an eARC for my honest review!

#tarrahdewitt #thecoop #stmartins

Gosh, this book challenged me in so many ways. I struggled a bit to love LaRynn throughout the story, she was so guarded and so independent. The chaos and AGNST WAS KILLING ME (in the best way). All I wanted was to shake her and tell her to let someone in, then I slowly fell in love with her as the story progressed and I didn’t even feel it happening. All she wanted was to be loved, wholly, and isn’t that what we all want?

Enter sweet and sexy Deacon, he gives so much of himself to people, he loves so genuinely. He could see right through LaRynn’s walls and he is the perfect sparring partner for her. He’s also so perfectly filthy, I want him for myself.😂

This second chance romance, marriage of convenience, is also an AGONIZING SLOW BURN. They have the most insane sexual chemistry. Gosh this book is so satisfying and it’s such a pleasure to read it. I recommend it!

Thank you St Martins for the review copy!
TLDR: I loved this read, all kinds of favorite romance themes, emotional (in a good way), banter and second chance...., and no miscommunication!!!

Tarah DeWitt’s The Co-Op is an absolute delight for lovers of second-chance romance. The story of LaRynn and Deacon is one of growth, love, and finding beauty in imperfection. Both characters, shaped by troubled childhoods and feelings of inadequacy, face their pasts head-on as they work together to renovate a shared property. The symbolism of the dilapidated house, mirroring their broken relationship and individual struggles, is powerful and touching. Watching them repair the home as they rebuild trust and rediscover each other’s strengths is both heartwarming and profound. DeWitt’s writing is effortless, blending humor, heartfelt moments, and character depth seamlessly.

The story’s standout elements include its rich banter, emotional storytelling, and the protagonists' layered complexity. LaRynn’s sharp exterior and hidden vulnerability make her incredibly relatable, while Deacon’s unexpected depth adds to the chemistry between them. Their dynamic is full of tension, humor, and genuine affection, avoiding clichéd miscommunication tropes and instead showcasing open dialogue that brings authenticity to their connection. The dual timelines enrich the narrative, making the journey back to each other feel earned. With DeWitt’s signature blend of romance, comedy, and exploration of grief and resilience, this book is a testament to love’s healing power. Expect laughter, heartfelt sighs, and the occasional tear—The Co-Op is a must-read that leaves you wishing for more.

I just wanted to give Deacon and LaRynn the biggest hug and tell them everything would be ok the whole time reading this book.

These character had me in my feels! Their chemistry and tension together was phenomenal and I couldn’t stop grinning and kicking my feet.

The forced proximity and banter between these two was written so perfectly and I was HOOKED from the beginning.

Never in my life did I think I needed to try peach pretzel jello pie but here we are…

arc provided for review via NetGalley.
All opinions are my own.

After a summer of love, two teens must reconcile their hearts eight years later. This second-chance has Larynn (Larry) and Deacon forced into a marriage of convenience and proximity to show them what the heart desires. It's messy, funny and heartfelt. They gradually, throughout the story, open-up about their lives struggles and realize the love is still wanting for each other.

Together, they must rip apart their past to mend their future.

Thank you, St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin

This book was pretty cute, and the spice was spicing. However, I had an issue with it in two places: 1) LaRynne was quite insufferable at times and felt like she had a lot of maturing to do, and 2) pretty much the entire book was one big miscommunication trope that could've been solved, with a single conversation. I get that they hurt each other in the past, but they were teenagers, and teenagers feel big feelings and feel like the world is ending over simple things. As adults, I think it would've benefited them to sit down and talk about those big feelings and what happened. The tension from one or both of them denying that those feelings are still there would've been more fun to watch unfold. Another thing to note is that the flashbacks just kinda stop when they get to the point where the big thing happens.

Overall, I enjoyed it, and I read it in two days. I'd recommend it!

This is such a fun story, and I'm a sucker for a second-chance romance. Deacon and LaRynn have a long history, connected by their grandmothers, who married each other in a beautiful touristy seaside town where LaRynn used to spend her summers. Now, they've inherited their house together, and need a marriage of convenience to be able to access LaRynn's trust to fund much-needed renovations. But ooooh that history - can they rebuild a house and their relationship at the same time?

This was spicy and fun and heartfelt all at the same time, with multiple tropes to keep you kicking your feet. If it sounds familiar, you may have read it previously - this is a "renovation" of sorts of a previous title. I'm not sure how much has changed as I didn't read the original publication, but it's pretty great as-is.

Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review!

The story of LaRynn and Deacon.
Think of it as an HGTV show with a second chance romance with added elements of pinning and humor.

Rynn and Deacon have a bond that neither time nor distance can change. When they agree to marry each for the sake of the renovation project, past feelings come out.

The two go down memory lane (dual timeline) and realize they’re more similar than they think. With the added shenanigans and stress that comes with renovating, the two start a new type of bond.

Tropes:
-Second chance
-Marriage of convenience
-Slow burn
-Forced proximity
-Small town


Thank You To NetGalley, Tarah DeWitt, and St. Martin's Press/Griffin for the eArc of this book. All opinions are my own.

This is my first book by Tarah DeWitt. I loved the note in the beginning regarding her struggles to write it. I am glad she persisted! It is phenomenal! It is a second chance romance with a slight dual timeline. It also has dual POV, which is my favorite. The chemistry is off the charts. You can really feel the longing between them. There's also a lot of character growth as they come together to understand themselves, family, each other, and grief. I loved it so much!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this eARC!

4.5 stars! Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this fun book.

The Co-Op strikes a perfect balance between lighthearted fun and genuine emotional depth. The characters are complex and layered, crafted with care so that I felt a real connection to their emotions and could understand why they behaved the way they did. The portrayal of their trauma and the environments that shaped them adds a compelling realism to their journeys, with a nuanced approach to healing. I appreciated how the book acknowledges that closure sometimes comes only from within, a message that felt both realistic and uplifting.

The chemistry between the main characters is fantastic, with fun banter that keeps the story lively. And while the book tugs at the heartstrings, it never loses its charm. As for the ending—don’t even get me started! The epilogue was perfect, wrapping things up in the best way possible.

Overall, The Co-Op is a heartwarming read that I’d absolutely recommend to anyone looking for a story that’s both touching and entertaining.

LaRynn and Deacon have had a tumultuous relationship since they were teens. Their married grandmothers, and favorite people in the world, were always bringing them together. One summer the two made a go at romance, but it ended in utter heartbreak. In the present, the grands have died leaving LaRynn and Deacon their beloved home. The house needs more work than imaginable and LaRynn and Deacon will need to work together to get this house ready to sell, hopefully they won't kill each other first.

I liked Deacon more than I liked LaRynn. The contentious relationship between the two made it hard to like them. However, seeing them in the context of other characters alleviated that. Unfortunately, Deacon was shown with other characters more than LaRynn which made it easier to like him.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Tarah DeWitt for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Co-op is about LaRynn and Deacon, exes who inherit property together, and explores their first interactions together after several years apart. The characters are so fun to follow - a black cat FMC and a golden retriever MMC - and their banter and barbed interactions at times fade into a beautiful romance throughout the book.

This book is gorgeous. It beautifully weaves past and present, first love and enduring love, through home construction in a quiet beachside town. This book truly captures and describes the feelings and emotions of the first love and enduring obsession within a first relationship and made me remember exactly how that felt when I experienced it. The book was nostalgic, longing, heartbreaking, and wistful. I applaud Tarah DeWitt's writing and creating such an engaging community for these two characters that keep you rooting for them from the start. Through to the end though, the book is a stark reminder at how much we ourselves mirror continuous building and improvement as we grow, develop, and age.

I really loved this story. The depth of the characters, their history and their emotional connections to their “grands” and their home. There was angst, tension and so much banter.
It’s also made me long for a prequel, telling the grands’ story.