After a wild bet, gourmet grilled-cheese sandwich, and cuddle with a baby goat, Alexis Montgomery has had her world turned upside down. The cause: Daniel Grant, a ridiculously hot carpenter who’s ten years younger than her and as casual as they come—the complete opposite of sophisticated city-girl Alexis. And yet their chemistry is undeniable.
While her ultra-wealthy parents want her to carry on the family legacy of world-renowned surgeons, Alexis doesn’t need glory or fame. She’s fine with being a “mere” ER doctor. And every minute she spends with Daniel and the tight-knit town where he lives, she’s discovering just what’s really important. Yet letting their relationship become anything more than a short-term fling would mean turning her back on her family and giving up the opportunity to help thousands of people.
Bringing Daniel into her world is impossible, and yet she can’t just give up the joy she’s found with him either. With so many differences between them, how can Alexis possibly choose between her world and his?
My Review
I have to say, this book was a really fun read. At first, I wasn't too invested and didn't love the narrative of two lovers with completely different lives who seemed destined never to be together. But in the end, I have to admit, I was obsessed.
The plot kicks off with Alexis crashing her car into a ditch, and Daniel coming to her rescue. She then finds herself at the local dive bar, where Daniel's friends make a bet that she won't go home with any of the guys in the group. Daniel and Alexis scheme to win the bet—and the money—and eventually end up at Daniel's place, sharing a grilled cheese and a one-night stand.
Alexis comes from a long line of wealthy, famous doctors and is under immense pressure to follow in her family's footsteps. Her brother, once the favorite, was a reputable doctor until he ran off with his new girlfriend and was disowned by their father. This left all the pressure on Alexis to uphold the family legacy and fulfill her father's dream of her becoming a doctor.
Daniel, on the other hand, is a hometown boy who loves woodworking and caring for his goat. He is a carpenter who enjoys cooking and gardening. Like Alexis, he is also a legacy child, but on a much smaller scale. His legacy lies in his small rural town in Minnesota, where he serves as mayor and runs a Bed and Breakfast. His family never left this town, and he never planned to either.
The main conflict in their relationship stems from Alexis' parents and their inability to let her live her own life. She was expected to marry the ideal man in her father's eyes, who turned out to be her abusive ex-boyfriend. Alexis had to uphold the family legacy and engage in what was deemed socially acceptable for her elitist family, including various snobbish activities with obnoxious people.
However, Alexis did not share their views. She longed to be with Daniel in his small town, surrounded by genuine people who didn't try to control one another, unlike everyone else in her life. This town made her feel magical, and not just because Daniel was there.
I have to say, I loved the relationship between Alexis and Daniel. Their personalities complemented each other so well, and the relationship felt perfect. The characters truly develop throughout the plot.
Alexis started off as a bit of a brat, but as she grew in her relationship with Daniel, she realized what was truly important to her and that her lavish lifestyle wasn't fulfilling. Daniel also grew, finally asserting what he wanted and claiming the life he deserved—a life with Alexis.
All in all, this was a great read and a book I would recommend if you don't mind the cliché "we can't be together" trope. The rich girl in love with the poor boy dynamic is pretty overdone, but there is something special about this book. Maybe something as special as the small town Alexis and Daniel live in. :)
P.S. Here is my favorite line from the book: "Grace cost you nothing." (Jimenez)
Xoxo,
Everything I Want
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