What happens when the cute mountain man you made out with in an ice fishing shack turns out to be your brother’s best friend?
A whole lot of awkward, that’s what.
Maggie’s mind is reeling when she discovers the guy she became tangled up with at Marv’s Bait & Tackle isn’t a stranger like she thought.
The big snag: Sam and Maggie’s chemistry is hot enough to melt ice, which makes keeping their secret far more difficult than either expected.
Especially when one of them decides they want this arrangement to be more than just a catch and release.
Source: advance e-galley provided in exchange for an honest review
Rom coms are the best because you know there'll be hilarity, high jinx and awkwardness involved. And folks, I needed a good laugh after the month that I'd had. Next In Line is the second to Amy Daws' wildly hyped and successful Wait With Me. Tire Depot once again serves as one of the backdrops to an unexpected romance between the incoming new owner of the store and a young adventure-seeker who just so happens to be his employee's sister. Oh and said employee is also his bestest friend in the whole wide world. Yep. Awkward!
Sam first meets Maggie at the bait shop where all the romance lovers these days go, don't you know? Actually, he's there to go ice fishing, his favourite pastime and she happens to be there because she thought it would be a good idea try something new. Her bubble is burst when she realizes how out of her depth she is, and after a ridiculous altercation Sam offers to teach her all about the fine art of ice fishing. Truth is, Maggie's on a quest to become less "basic" and add more excitement to her life in hopes of winning her ex back. She has this firm image in her head that their love-at-first-sight story is meant to have a happily ever after. Sam is the perfect guide to take her through outdoor sports and who knows, maybe some other adventure?
In the past I've typically been harsh on female protagonists. I've been critical about their lack of foresight, their motives or the ability to be themselves. I've noticed a shift in my thinking and it was apparent as I read Next In Line. Maggie is much younger than Sam and her worldview is still limited. Nowhere is that more glaring than when she continues to do things specifically to impress her ex.These moments are reminders of how much more she has to experience of the world and relationships. Sam sees all this unfolding before him but hand it to him, he keeps his opinions to himself, mostly. I liked the contrast of Sam's maturity against Maggie's lack thereof at certain times. Even if he won't come right out and say something, he does give her cause to think about her actions. But then comes back with an answer which seems to be her truth at that moment. She considers things and it's okay that she's still muddled about her ex and struggling with the changing image of her future. Being around Sam is helping her think things through.
I had laugh out loud moments while reading the book and all in all I just simply enjoyed it from beginning to end. Amy Daws adds funny incidents but never at the expense of her characters. You're laughing with them not at them. Sam and Maggie make a fantastic couple and I loved their chemistry instantly. Any fan of rom-coms should definitely read Next In Line and brighten up their holidays!
~ Bel
Amy Daws is hosting a giveaway to celebrate the book's release!
You can enter here!
