By the Book
By Josie Watts
I always have time in my life for a hilarious and upbeat romcom, and By the Book by Josie Watts was time beautifully well-spent. Not only does By the Book have heart and humor, it’s also got terrific smexy steamy moments, and is steeped in life lessons about the perils of first impressions.
Noah is a book boyfriend worthy of geek-girl fantasies. He’s adorable and hot and smart and kind and so incredibly swoonworthy. And once again, Watts creates a female lead character who is strong and independent and bff material, with wonderfully relatable vulnerabilities. Both characters have self defense mechanisms for days, and watching them confront and move past them is fun and engaging and so freaking authentic.
By the Book wouldn’t be a Sweet Side story without quirky octogenarians and an unusual animal instigator. In this case, Watts creates moments for both main characters to shine through the eyes of Ruth and Mr. Rigellio, both memorable in their own rights. Plus, Watts hits the nail on the head with the boisterous Barnaby the cockatoo. I love how the author takes such outlandish circumstances and makes you snortlaugh, giggle, and spit-take while also thinking, “huh, yep, I can see how that would happen.”
If you’re looking for a fantastic feel-good novel that will lift your spirits and make you say, “aaawww,” while also reaching for a cold glass of water and a fan, By the Book is the book. It is part of the Sweet Side series world, but is a complete standalone novel.
