The Co-Op by Tarah DeWitt

Genre: Contemporary, Romance | Publication Date: November 12, 2024

Thank you St. Martin’s Press Early Readers and NetGalley for the free book!

☕ Quick Take:

They say love and construction don’t mix, but this steamy second-chance romance proves otherwise.

📖 Plot Overview:

LaRynn Lavigne and Deacon Leeds shared a heated fling as teens, but a decade later, they’re reunited with an unexpected inheritance: joint ownership of a dilapidated building in Santa Cruz. To access her trust fund, LaRynn needs to be married. Deacon, a skilled builder, needs the funds. The solution? A temporary marriage of convenience to restore the property and split the profit. As they tackle the physical and emotional walls between them, they must learn what it means to truly cooperate and build something lasting.

💭 My Thoughts:

The Co-op is my favorite second-chance romance to date. It leans into heavier themes like depression, abandonment, and grief, making it a deeper, darker romcom. Watching LaRynn and Deacon’s journey from guarded individuals to vulnerable partners was incredibly moving. The story beautifully explores healing, both in restoring a beloved family home and in mending broken hearts. I adored seeing their friendship grow, and the slow-burn romance was the perfect cherry on top.

🌙 Standout Moments:

One of my favorite aspects was how LaRynn and Deacon slowly learned to let down their walls, allowing genuine moments of vulnerability that felt raw and real.

🌱 Who Should Read This?

If you love steamy second-chance romances filled with emotional depth, crackling tension, and a touch of home renovation, this book is for you. Fans of The Hating Game and The Ex Talk will especially enjoy this heartfelt story.

📚 Final Thoughts:

The Co-op is more than just a romance—it’s a story about healing, growth, and finding love in unexpected places. It’s an emotional and steamy journey that will linger long after the final page.