I didn’t read the first version of this novel by Tarah Dewitt. The renovated version of this book about a former couple who has to reunite to renovate their grandparents Santa Cruz house that was left to them did not disappoint.
It was all of my favorites, fake marriage, it’s always been you, dual POV, two timelines. The main characters had great banter and Deacon gets to say the infamous “that’s my wife” at Larynn’s work😮‍💨
This is spicy and cute and gets a little emotional. I read this book vacationing on the beach and loved the summer vibes it was giving. I feel like a release date of November might miss this books ideal read season.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first read by Tarah DeWitt--and it certainly won't be my last. I love discovering new authors!

The Co-Op is a deep but witty second-chance romance with lots of real, down-to-earth vibes, force proximity eagerness, and plenty of banter. I found myself constantly laughing, crying, and earning more from our MC's ( Deacon and LaRynn ). It's a perfect end-of-summer read.

Thank you so much to Tarah & St Martins Press for providing me with this ARC. 🤍

I absolutely devoured this book. When he calls her his nickname for her, it sent me swooning and that will live rent free in my mind for a long time.
I felt their pain, I love their journey and when it got spicy... It was just right!
I've already told my bookish friends to put this on thier TBRs

I really enjoyed reading this book. Childhood enemies to lovers are my favorite reads because it gives such a homey/comfy vibe in the ending. There were a couple errors with punctuation and saying the wrong name for who’s talking. Other than I really loved this story line, especially with them renovating a house together! I loved that the whole reason they misunderstood each other was because of huge miscommunication when they were younger. I think I loved the part where Deacon put sex off the table until could get their shit together and talk about what went wrong in the past. This book definitely teaches some lessons in communicating better with people instead of assuming things right off the bat. The ending was the perfect!! I loved that they ended up having kids together and that they were all surprises since they never talked about it before!🤣I do with we got more scenes with June; Jensen’s twin. I hoped LaRynne and June could experience that close friendship but ohh well. I especially loved the saying “sure is life” because that’s so relatable. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book through NetGalley! It was worth the read.

DeWitt’s writing is both witty and tender, capturing the essence of community and connection with authenticity. The book’s engaging characters and their evolving relationships make it a delightful read for fans of contemporary romance and feel-good stories.

While the beginning was a little bit slow, the rest of the novel more than made up for it. A charming and fun read including many romance tropes including marriage of convenience, second change romance, enemies to lovers, and small town vibes.

The two main characters were well developed and interesting. They had obvious flaws but were working on learning from their prior mistakes. Plus, they had excellent banter. Highly entertaining.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for this honest review.

As teenagers, LaRynn and Deacon shared a summer fling...fast forward ten years later and they now find themselves sharing ownership of their grandmothers' home that is as run down as their relationship (or lack thereof). In order to update the house to make a profit, LaRynn and Deacon get married in order to access LaRynn's trust so repairs can get started while they are living under the same outdated roof.

The messy state of the house forces LaRynn and Deacon to confront the messiness of their past, which they both have their own take on. As they sort through budgets and repairs on the house, they develop a partnership while making time for 'team-building' hangouts and prioritizing being good friends after understanding one another's perspective from their past. There was so much misunderstanding between the characters and it was beautiful and satisfying to see them sort things out and be proactive in their relationship to ensure they were each clearly communicating how they felt.

This book includes dual pov and flashbacks from the past. The pacing of the story felt a bit off and was a slow start for me - meaning it took some time for me to get invested in the story and characters, but once I did, I really did! I expected there to be more to the story from their past (what shifted them apart and caused tensions to be so high in the present day), but it was much less climactic than anticipated. Overall, this was such a fun, tender-hearted read with precious main characters that remind us the importance of love languages - to really show our love for those we care for in a way they can see/feel it, not just the ways most convenient or natural to us.

Loves:
- The MESS: the house being a never-ending repair journey and how the same is true for the relationship LaRynn and Deacon share. All good things require maintenance and throw the unexpected our way - this was portrayed in a funny and relatable way by the author!
- The role of music: there were so many song references that gave a further feel for the setting; music also served as something LaRynn and Deacon could share, even when tensions were high
- HILARIOUS moments: I laughed out LOUD reading the book. I'll give a few no context references: using a maxi dress as a towel; Good Vibrations (the song); "Artichoke me."
- FMC w/ dyslexia; FMC who views herself as being 'prickly' when she is really loving and protective of those she loves
- MMC known as being the golden retriever type (+ the WHY beyond this archetype: really delightful as it's never unpacked in romance books and often discredited as an 'easy' way of being!!)

Quotes:
- "'Obnoxious slut' felt too affectionate. Some of my favorite people are obnoxious sluts."
- "Reasonable is not what you and I typically inspire in one another."
- "You're brilliant and you're secretly kind, and you try to make everyone's life better for whatever capacity you're in it. Even with all our bullshit you've done that in mine."
- "The gratitude on his face right now decimates me. What a fucking treasure he is, to want all the pieces of the people he cares for, the inconvenient and painful parts, too."
- "I want you to get everything you want, but I want it to be with me, too, and I don't care if that sounds selfish anymore."

🛠️𝔸ℝℂ ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨🛠️

📖: Co-Op {the renovated version} by @authortarahdewitt
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫{4.5}
🌶️🌶️🌶️{3}

So I listened to the OG version of The Co-Op before diving into the new, renovated if you will, version of it! I wanted to be able to appreciate all of the changes and additions made! That being said, I really feel that the new version was emotionally impactful because the scenes from the past helped to give the characters more depth! I also loved getting a little bit more of the Grands and trulyyy appreciated the additional spice 😮‍💨 I am also obsesseddd with Sally!! She’s my hero haha. Let’s talk about Deacon and LaRynn though, our golden retriever and black cat. 𝐈 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐌 𝐒𝐎 𝐌𝐔𝐂𝐇. There was just so much glorious angsty banter and sooo much amazing self-healing that happened! They truly complimented each other so well and their relationship just felt so REAL and I loved that so much!

This one follows their story after they inherit their grandmothers home. They have a history of “dating” in the past that did not end well but are forced to work together to renovate the place to get it ready to sell. And in order to do this, they get married to get access to LaRynn’s trust fund. Both have complicated family dynamics that have affected their lives both past and present that they need to work through.

𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭 𝓲𝓯 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮:
🛠️marriage of convenience
🛠️forced proximity
🛠️dual timeline//dual pov
🛠️hgtv//fixer-upper shows
🛠️complex family & interpersonal dynamics
🛠️black cat x golden retriever

𝓕𝓪𝓿𝓸𝓻𝓲𝓽𝓮 𝓺𝓾𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓼:

𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚘 𝙽𝚎𝚝𝚐𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚢, 𝚃𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚑 𝙳𝚎𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚝, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚂𝚝. 𝙼𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚒𝚗’𝚜 𝙿𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚎𝙰𝚁𝙲. 𝙰𝚕𝚕 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚘𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚖𝚢 𝚘𝚠𝚗.

If Tarah Dewitt writes it, I am going to read it and there is an excellent chance I am going to love it! I initially read (and thoroughly enjoyed) The Co-op when it was independently published and while there have been changes (or renovations), as the author has warned, I felt they they worked well. The Co-op, is a marriage of convenience, second chance, dual POV romance with tons of excellent banter between the two main characters, LaRynn and Deacon. LaRynn and Deacon had met as teens following a marriage between their grandmothers. Years later, following the deaths of each of the Grands, Deacon and LaRynn are brought back together after inheriting their Grandmothers rundown beach house. Through renovating the beach house, LaRynn and Deacon are able to reconnect as adults and mend the cracks in their relationship that had occurred years prior. For anyone who has read some of the author’s earlier books, look out for an excellent nod to Funny Feelings.

Thank you to the publisher, St. Martin’s Press, St. Martin’s Griffin, NetGalley and the author for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Why are people not screaming from the rooftops about how good The Co-op by Tarah DeWitt is!?

Like, are you kidding me? Marriage of convenience, second chance romance and forced proximity all mixed together? Really? I mean, come on! Oh ya, no third act break-up either!!!

Say it with me now: the chemistry!!! And oh, so very sex positive!!! Bonus for all the memories associated with songs; and yes, I'll take the bad to get to the good!

Stubble. Five o'clock shadow. All of the body hair. I was a goner from the get-go!

Audiobook narrators Stephanie Rose and Nelson Hobbs were spot on! Their voices worked so well together, and somehow exuded the chemistry their characters had! Did I walk longer, further and faster because this book was playing through the headphones on my head? Yes, yes, I did! Was I also out there giggling, blushing and rubbing the back of my neck from all the humour, steam and lust? Yes, yes, I was!

So, ya, this is me screaming from the rooftops, so that everyone knows just how incredible DeWitt's writing is!!! I’ve already got Rootbound, Funny Feelings, Christmas Presents and Savor It lined up, ready to read because I just can’t get The Co-Op out of my head!

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and St. Martin's Griffin for the complimentary copy to read and review.

Slow burn > forced proximity > marriage of convenience > it’s always been you > SECOND CHANCE?!?! Ahhhhh. The burn burnt sooooo good. Lovedddd the pining and when they finally gave into each other. Ugh. This was so delicious. Loved the glimpses into the past. And the character growth with Larynn’s mum. Loved the nicknames too hehe. This was so well written, it had me staying up waaay past bedtime to keep reading. I love a good slow burn.

My only complaint and it might not be specific to this book, just pretty much any mainstream romance novel, is that in every epilogue there’s without a doubt some future glimpse of a family. The happily ever after is always FMC & MMC had multiple babies yayyy. And I just feel like that’s not always everyone’s goal for a HEA.

Deacon Leeds has been calling LaRynne Lavigne for a while, but she absolutely refuses to give him the time of day. Deacon, on the other hand, won't continue the upkeep and renovations of the home their grandmothers fell in love in by himself. Because while he has the skills, he no longer has the money. LaRynne can provide the money.. but the trust can only be accessed when she's married. So the pair make a pact to finish the house, amicably divorce, and share the money after the house is rented out. Unfortunately, having a past fling as teenagers could possibly complicate their seemingly mess free plan.

I don't think I've ever found a book couple more realistic than LaRynne and Deacon. Coming from someone who is an occasional mean-flirter, LaRynne's excitement from getting under Deacon's skin is SO real. Their chemistry and communication skills are unmatched, and I am extremely pleased at the lack of the third act miscommunication trope that is so frequently found in this genre.
I fully believe that Jensen and Elyse deserve a story of their own; they didn't get enough attention. The spice was decent, but I genuinely was eager for more banter!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC! Projected publishing date: November 12th, 2024

In The Coop by Tara Dewitt, the story revolves around LaRynne, who inherits half an apartment and must confront her past while teaming up with her ex, Deacon, to renovate it. This contemporary romcom is a delightful medium-paced read, filled with charming characters and relatable themes of love and personal growth. Dewitt's writing captures the tension and humor of their situation, making it an enjoyable experience. While the plot occasionally feels contrived, the emotional journey and engaging interactions keep the reader invested. Overall, I would rate it 4 out of 5 for its warmth and humor, making it a perfect escape for anyone seeking a light-hearted romance.

First and foremost, thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

Okay, this book!!!! I love anything Tarah Dewitt writes, honestly I’ll even read her grocery list. Her writing is exuberant and captivating so I couldn’t wait to read The Co-Op! And it did not disappoint one bit. The book has some of my favorite tropes: arranged marriage, enemies-to-lovers dynamics and second-chance romance; it was basically a recipe for success. I loved it! LaRynn and Deacon had the chemistry, the backstory and the charisma to make The Co-Op one of my favorite romance novels of the year. The dual-POV aspect of the book made everything better and their bantering at the beginning was *chef’s kiss*! The flashback chapters were really necessary to get to the essence of the couple and I adored how we got to have glimpses of LaRynn and Deacon’s relationship. Can’t wait to read more of Tarah’s work!

LaRynn and Deacon shared a brief summer romance a decade ago. Now, as adults, they’ve inherited a rundown beach house from their grandmothers that’s in desperate need of repair.

This house holds sentimental value for both of them. It was where their grandmothers first met and came to believe in its magical qualities. Determined to honor their grandmothers' memory, LaRynn and Deacon embark on a mission to restore it.

Featuring a marriage of convenience, enemies-to-lovers dynamics, multiple POVs, and engaging flashbacks, this book delivers a mix of hilarious mishaps and heartwarming moments.

With a perfect blend of spice and sweetness, it’s a delightful and easy read that earns a solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½. I’m looking forward to exploring more works by this author!

Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to review this book and share my honest opinion.

Out On: November 12, 2024

I have now read a few of Tarah DeWitt's books and really enjoy her writing! I thought that this book was extremely real in the way she portrayed the pain of our two main characters LaRynn and Deacon. I will say that I never read the original version of this book before her books were bought by a traditional publisher, but this was a good read despite whatever differences there may be between this version and the original version.

I think that the concept of two people who hurt each other in their teen years being made to work together on renovating a whole house (and their friendship) was such a breath of fresh air. While I love the stereotypical fluffy 'rom-com' vibes that books have been giving me lately, I really needed something with a touch more depth - which this book provided perfectly.

I thought that the marriage of convenience trope wasn't overdone here and viscerally swooned everytime the phrase "my wife/my husband" was said in a conversation. The growth we get to see between our characters did take the majority of the book to be fully fleshed out, but I think that made the story move along at a genuinely 'real life pace' if you will. A small nod to all of the volleyball references in the story, it made me want to throw myself on a court and just enjoy sports again!

Overall, if you're looking for a new romance read where you aren't ever sure of what is going to come out of either characters mouth, then this is definitely one you should pick up!

If you don't like to read spicy scenes in books (like myself) then I recommend you skip/skim the following chapters:

🌶️ Closed Door Modifications: Chapters 11, 19, 27, 31, 39, 41 & 42

Thank you so much to St. Martin's Griffin for this advanced copy on NetGalley! 🤍

This book had everything for a fun, summer read 🤩 Marriage of convienence, second chance, enemies to lovers!!! The characters had so much depth, the story was so cute and written well! I will say that the miscommunication in the beginning was kinda annoying… but the main characters made up for it when they were finally on the same page lol

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Tarah Dewitt for the gifted copy for an honest review! ◡̈

Thanks NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a review. Overall, I liked this book, but parts felt slow. The pacing was a little off because it was slow-burn and then a lot all at once in my opinion. I wish the romantic tension was more spread out throughout the book as a whole. I also know they are technically not related by blood, but I wish Deacon was like an adopted grandchild versus Helena's actual grandchild. It was weird to me they were technically related through the grandparents' marriage.

Unfortunately, The Co-op by Tarah DeWitt wasn’t quite what I was expecting. The spice level was a bit too intense for my taste, though I appreciated that the author provided thorough trigger and content warnings upfront. I didn’t realize how much that would affect my reading experience when I requested the book from NetGalley.

I also struggled to connect with the female main character (FMC); her personality and decisions didn’t quite align with what I usually enjoy in a story. While this particular book wasn’t my favorite, I wouldn’t rule out trying another book by Tarah DeWitt in the future. This one just didn’t resonate with me.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Can my review just be, no notes - this is perfection?

No? I ... look. I love Tarah DeWitt. Every book of hers I read pulls me deeper and deeper into her web of exceptional writing and I will sink in this black hole of beauty for as long as she continues to publish, well, anything.

You see, Tarah has this way about her. Where I get hooked on the first page, often within the first paragraph, and somehow can't seem to function properly until I've finished the entirety of the book. I simply have to know what is going to happen, and I want to fully experience every gut-wrenching emotion on the way to the final page.

The Co-op is a second chance romance between LaRynn and Deacon. Who am I kidding? LARRY and Deacon. More delicious tropes included? Frenemies to lovers, marriage of convenience, forced proximity... They each have deep trauma associated with their upbringings but their saviors are (obviously each other) and their grandmothers. Tarah, can you please ALSO write a book about their own love story? I feel like I did not get enough of them in The Co-op and I have a deep need to know everything about how it happened. Circling back. Obviously the renovation of the house is tied to the renovation of the relationship between Larry and Deacon, but there are so many nuances of the dual POV here - getting access to their inner thoughts and why they are the way they are - it was refreshing and so freaking raw. The tension, the banter, the jokes - it's all woven together so well. I can't say how many times I legit cackled my way through some of the chapters, and of course, in true Tarah DeWitt fashion, there were many tears shed while everything was wrapping up. Do yourself a favor and read this book; it is not only a heavy hitter, but it is special to boot. You won't be disappointed.

Thank you to NetGalley, Tarah DeWitt, and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read The Co-op and review with my {always} honest opinions.