June 3, 2024
This cute contemporary from Williams (Our Stop) revels in the ever-popular trope from which it takes its name. Flo Greenberg has had a monster crush on her brother’s best friend, Jamie Kramer, forever—but after some heavy-duty flirting last Christmas, she found a note from Jamie saying they shouldn’t pursue a relationship. Humiliated, Flo has tried to keep an icy distance between them ever since. This proves difficult, however, as after the death of Jamie’s parents a few years before the start of the book, he’s become a de facto member of the Greenberg family. Indeed, when her parents arrange for a two-week family vacation in Greece, Jamie tags along. Much awkwardness—and sexually charged hostility—follows, with both Flo and Jamie believing they weren’t wanted by the other. The situation is exacerbated by Flo’s protective family members who worry for her mental health after a nervous breakdown years before. When the truth comes out about what exactly happened at Christmas, it may shatter the familial peace for good. Williams creates appealing protagonists and a colorful supporting cast, painting the Greenbergs as competitive and quick to tease—and perhaps a bit too eager to stage-manage one another’s lives. Add in a scenic Greek setting, and this charming tale will please any rom-com fan looking for an armchair getaway.
