Day 12 — Love in Tandem by Becca Kinzer

Daily Recommendation · No. 012

★★★☆☆ 3/5 stars

Closed door / No spice

forced proximityfake datingsecond chance

Sometimes a book premise is so delightfully absurd that you just have to pick it up, and a 500-mile tandem bike ride to save a school music program absolutely qualifies.

Charlotte is a music teacher fighting to keep her program alive, and the solution that lands in her lap involves teaming up with Zach, the brother of her ex-fiance, for a cross-country cycling adventure. What follows is a road trip romance with plenty of banter, physical comedy, and a setup that keeps things moving at a good clip.

I had a genuinely fun time with the lighthearted moments here, and the premise really is one of a kind. Where it didn't quite click for me was in the character dynamic. I found myself wanting more from Zach and Charlotte as a pair, and a few of their choices along the way felt a little inconsistent with who I thought they were. It kept me at arm's length from the relationship just when I wanted to lean in.

That said, I think this is very much a "it's me, not the book" situation. The reviews from readers who adore this one are enthusiastic and plentiful, and I can absolutely see why. If you love a quirky, good-natured road trip rom-com with fake dating and a lot of heart, there is a real chance this one will work much better for you than it did for me. A solid three stars from me, but worth trying if the concept makes you smile.

Not a 5-star read for me, but a rating is just one reader's experience. If the tropes above are your thing, this could be exactly what you're looking for. I'd rather share it than gatekeep it.

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