SYNOPSIS

Rowan and his brothers, Declan and Cal, receive a letter from their late grandfather giving them a task to complete in order to earn their inheritance and shares in the company. Rowan returns to Dreamland as the Director to figure out what’s missing at the park.

Zahra works in the hair studio but has always dreamed of being a Creator. After submitting an unedited proposal, while drinking, on ways to enhance the park Rowan hires her for the job.

What could possibly happen?

RECAP AND REVIEW

This is the first in the standalone interconnected series. It is told in the dual perspective of Rowan and Zahra. The book has grumpy sunshine, enemies to lovers, opposites attract, age gap, boss and employee tropes. It’s also a slow burn.

The best way to sum up this workplace romance is a billionaire meets a woman who helps him see the financial realities of everyday people. A woman sees past the billionaire’s status and tough exterior and sees him for who he really is or wants to be. There’s a little bit of insta love at play in my opinion.

This book is a hit or miss. I have mixed feelings about it because I’m not really sure if they should be together, but if they’re happy who am I to judge. They love it, so I like it.

I will say that Rowan is selfish and it’s kinda sad that Zahra is the one who opens his eyes to inequities in the world. Like sir, why did you need the employee you are sleeping with to realize offering shitty healthcare and low wages has a negative effect of people’s lives. Rowan also doesn’t take no for an answer and makes impulsive decisions because he’s territorial. His thought process gets to be annoying. I get it. You only care about money and power to prove you’re not weak.

Zahra is positive to counteract Rowan’s cynicism. She genuinely cares about people and their experiences. Rowan thinks it’s an act and is concerned with her sincerity and positivity. He has major trust issues because of what’s happened in his life and projects those onto Zahra.

I really enjoyed the disability rep and discussions around accessibility in this book. Ani’s, Zahra’s sister, and Rowan’s relationship was the best. Ani has Down Syndrome, but isn’t written to be othered. She has a loving boyfriend and family and has personality.

I also even like moments in Zahra and Rowan’s relationship. She brought out his creative side. Even though Rowan comes across strong in his attraction to Zahra, it is evident he would move mountains for her and only wants the best for her. The big thing he does for her near the climax was so cute.

There’s a third act breakup, but as I have said before, I think they’re kind of necessary because they’re part of the formula. It also made sense to me because it was fitting for who Rowan is.

OVERALL

Overall, I give this 3 out of 5 stars. If you don’t like territorial men or have an issue with boss and employee relationships, this book isn’t for you. If you don’t like reading about men who are assholes, skip this.

This was a little slow building up, but once they stop fighting their attraction, I got more into it. I have issues with Rowan, but not big enough that I didn’t like this book. It’s not what I expected, but I don’t regret finishing it. Everyone keeps saying the second one is the best, so I’m looking forward to reading it.