Katie is good at making documentaries and business video that invokes emotion…that is, she can make people cry. Her production company is doing lay-offs, and her only hope of saving her job is doing a profile of a “hero” coast guard rescuer named Hutch. He is the only brother of her boss, Cole. Cole can’t do the assignment himself, so he sends Katie to Key West to do an in-ocean shoot via helicopter. The only problem is, she can’t swim! Cole lets her stay with his aunt Rue, a feisty fun lady in her 80’s with many friends in villas that is part retirement home, part resort. “The Gals” are a fun comic relief from Katie and Hutch’s tragic back stories. Hutch is the subject of the documentary, and also Katie’s swim instructor.
With witty banter and interesting facts thrown in, we get to know Katie and how she interacts with the world. She has significant body image issues, but isn’t afraid to work on them and take responsibility. Katie is mature and agreeable yet likable. Hutch as a main male character is a bit too perfect. For me, what makes Katherine Center books great is that they have such a strong story beyond the romance. The dialogue is funny and engaging. The backdrop usually has some sort of life saving/accident EMT type and a tie to the entertainment industry. The balance of dialogue to description to narrative is pretty perfect.
If you like a sweet romance with life saving themes, read any Katherine Center book, but this is one of her best.
Thanks to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the complimentary ARC in exchange for an honest review. Book to be published May 20, 2025.
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