Nikki and Alex became fast friends when they were 14 but grew apart as they got older and went off to college. They had a misunderstanding that led to years of tension between them. Nikki wants nothing to do with Alex because he is always one upping her in every activity she tries. When they are forced together on a trip to South Africa, will they find that the attraction they felt as teenagers is still there?
Nikki and Alex get to have a little rivalry, a touch of slapstick comedy, a bit of childhood crush, a bit of soul crushing truth, and a bunch of adult getting to know you time. Honestly, don't expect a dirty story because the characters find themselves in a position to have to spend time together and not in an adult way. They have to get to know each other all over again as adults which was nice to read. Once the characters sit down and talk to each other about how they went from friends to rivals, everything just clicks into place. I was so glad that the author chose to have them act like adults and deal with the situation head on. The author even chose to give them an unorthodox happily ever after which suited their story very well. The author does a good job of describing the characters without laboring over nitpicky details. I really like how the fact that Alex was from Malaysia was just worked into the story along with the fact that he has dark hair and eyes. Nikki has a meddling mother that gets worked into the story without becoming a main character and that was a nice addition. Overall, it's just a nice book.
I was a bit concerned for how Alex didn't figure out what Nikki was doing in South Africa. Or the fact that he didn't realize his always competing with her was hurting her. He is epically unaware! His reason for his actions makes perfect sense but wow that he didn't see how upset he made her at every single turn leading up to this story. I get that Nikki has now supposedly found her "thing" that she wants to do forever but I wonder if it will stick since she seems to have spent her adult life flitting from one thing to another. Alex even comments on the fact that nothing ever sticks with Nikki. (Yes, I read the bonus epilogue and I know that they make it at least one year past the events of the book but I still wonder if it's sustainable.)
This is a contemporary second chance romance that takes place primarily in South Africa but there are a couple of other locations. Both of the main characters are 24. I enjoyed the story and will read more from this author in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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From the Publisher
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| The Fling in Panama (1) | The Slow Burn in Polynesia (2) | The Second Chance in the Mediterranean (3) | The Rival in South Africa (3.5) | The Player in New Zealand (4) | |
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| Price | $4.99 | $4.99 | $4.99 | $2.99 | $4.99 |
| Wanderlust with a Happily-Ever-After | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Exotic Location | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Spicy Romance | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Forced Proximity | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tropes | Flirty cinnamon roll, jane-and-tarzan vibes, new adult, fish out of water, opposites attract | Sweet and patient hero, divorced hero & heroine, heroine in her 30s | Second chances, workplace romance, enemies to lovers, small age gap, chef heroine | Only one bed, childhood crushes, first kisses, former best friends. | Retired rugby player, road trip, camping, fake dating, secret relationship, meddling family. |
| Low-angst | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
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Reviews with images
Enemies?
Nikki and Alex has been competing all their lives. Or this is how Nikki feel about their relationship. But when spending a fantastic week in an African safari they start to build a new relationship. Will this time their kiss last till forever? Sweet, funny.
