In End of Story by Kylie Scott, Having back-to-back life altering experiences definitely put things into 
perspective for Susie about six months ago. One was the end of her long-term relationship with her jerk of an ex-boyfriend. Something that turned out to be a good thing in the end. The other was the loss of her beloved Aunt Susan. The woman who basically raised Susie and who always took time for her even when her own family ignored her. Inheriting Susan’s house feels like a way to stay close to her aunt. But boy is it going to take a whole lot of work to get it in a livable, non-hoarderish state. And that’s the point where Susie’s ex-boyfriend’s broody best friend, Lars, who works in construction, enters the picture.
‘It was easy to mistake Lars as a bad-tempered beast. He frowned like it was his life calling. But there was so much more to the man.’
When Lars starts checking over the interior of Susie’s house, the problem becomes not the disrepair of the home but the divorce certificate he and Susie find hidden in one of the walls–which has their names on it, dated ten years in the future. Both of them think the other is pulling a prank of some sort. I mean, what else could it be, right? But as Lars and Susie realize neither of them is the culprit, they try to sort out if it could be a friend or family member. While on the hunt for the truth, Susie and Lars can’t help noticing the sparks between them. Which is unfortunate considering her Ex and the fact that he’s still friends with Lars. But what might happen if they just try to keep it casual? Worse yet, will the certificate put a dark cloud over them before they even get started?
‘It had been safe to see him half-naked at his BBQ–with other people present. But here alone in my kitchen…how dare he not manhandle me. This was outrageous.’
End of Story was another smash success by one of my go-to authors, Kylie Scott. A romantic comedy that pulled fate into the mix–as well as a bit of woo woo and an ex’s-best-friend trope–I easily gave my heart to this couple who started off with one (or two) strike(s) already against them.
‘The idea that someone might be your everything was a lot. Same went for finding out in advance that a relationship would fail. Messages from the future weren’t as helpful as you’d think.’
Not many authors can make me smile right out of the gate like Kylie Scott can every time I pick up one of her books. And her heroine in End of Story, Susie, was an absolute joy. She admittedly got into trouble quite often because of her mouth, but it came across in a funny, decidedly *not* harmful way. Susie wasn’t rude. She just lacked a verbal filter most of the time. So, between never knowing exactly what she was going to say and the snappy, flirty banter she had with the hero, Lars, oh my word. I hated to put my kindle down for even a moment and wanted to devour this story until the final page, all at one go.
I thought the premise behind End of Story was a cool one: Susie and Lars find a divorce certificate with their names on it dated ten years in the future hidden in the walls of the house she inherits from her beloved aunt. That lent a mystical touch to the book. The rest was pure rom-com gold. And it was while Lars and Susie, who were Grumpy vs Sunshine, formed a deeper friendship after starting as just acquaintances (he was best friends with her ex) and then finally giving in to their attraction that I think readers will see what brought Susie to that point in her life. As well as how the horrible way men had treated her over the years–including her own family!–truly did a number on her head and her trust in others.
There was also a subplot with Susie’s best friend Cleo falling in love, all the while being there for her BFF in any capacity needed. I adored the secondary cast. There were points where I was afraid it would take away from Susie and Lars’ romance, but it ended up adding more to the story in my humble opinion. And as for the mystery surrounding the divorce certificate? Readers will just have to make up their minds at the very end on how they think it got inside that wall…
QOTD: Have you read any books that had a touch of woo woo or magic, but the overall story was a straight up romance?
Book Info:
Publication: Expected Publication: February 14, 2023 | by Graydon House |
New York Times bestselling sensation Kylie Scott’s sexy, smart and unconventional opposites-attract love story looks at what happens when fate refuses to give up on what’s meant to be…
When Susie Bowen inherits a charming fixer-upper from her aunt, she’s excited to start living her best HGTV life. But when she opens the door to find that her contractor is none other than her ex’s best friend, Lars—the same man who witnessed their humiliating public breakup six months ago—she isn’t exactly eager to have anyone around whose alliance is with the enemy. But, beggars can’t be choosers and the sooner the repairs are done, the sooner she can get back to embracing singledom.
Things go from awkward to unbelievable when Lars discovers a divorce certificate hidden in a wall and dated ten years in the future—with both their names on it. It couldn’t possibly be real…could it? As Susie and Lars work to unravel the document’s origins, the impossibility of a spark between them suddenly doesn’t seem so far-fetched. But would a relationship between them be doomed before it’s even begun?
Glenda M
This sounds like a great book! I’ve read a few books with that hint of magic and really enjoy them!
Michele H
Nice! They can be a lot of fun with that mix of magic and romance, right? I think you’ll have fun if you pick up this book. Enjoy, Glenda! 🙂
Amy R
Looking forward to reading this book.
Michele H
Yay!! You can’t go wrong with a book by Kylie Scott anyway, but this one had so many great elements–all in one story. Happy reading, Amy!!
Dianne Casey
Love the cover! New author to me, adding to my TBR list.
Michele H
I agree: It’s a super cute cover and fits Susie’s story to a T! Have fun getting to know Kylie Scott’s writing style and with this romance, too. It’s a good one, Dianne!!
Banana cake
Magic isn’t really my thing so I would probably pass on this book.
Michele H
Understandable. That magic/woo woo element doesn’t work for every reader. Although Kylie’s other work is straight up contemporary romance or romantic comedy, if you haven’t checked her books out yet. Happy reading to you!! 🙂
Latesha B.
I like the sound of this book. I’ve read about woo woo/magic in mysteries, but not romances.
Michele H
Right? It’s definitely something you typically see in mysteries or cozy mysteries so this was a cool twist for a romance. The other ones I’ve read recently with a bit of a mystical touch are Part of Your World and Yours Truly, both by Abby Jimenez. Really good reads as well! Have fun reading, Latesha!
bn100
sounds odd
Michele H
It threw me a bit until I started reading the book and then it (mostly) made sense. It ended up being a fun kind of abstract thing woven into their relationship that caused some friction between them so it worked in the long run. LOL Happy reading!
Ellen C.
I have read some romances that have hints of magic in them. Good review.
Michele H
Thanks, Ellen! As long as the magic doesn’t take over the story and there’s still a solid romance and character development, it usually adds some whimsy to it all. Kylie Scott did just that in this book. Enjoy!! 🙂
Amy Donahue
I don’t know if they are considered romance, but I’ve read several Sarah Addison Allen books that were romantic and magical.
Michele H
I definitely think that would count as there are romance elements in her books as well from what I understand from my bookish friends. 😉 (I still need to read some of her work!!) Magical realism is the technical term but, in this book, woo woo is how it’s described…and it really fits. LOL
Silver
Thanks for the review. Interesting premise!
Michele H
That’s for checking it out! This was definitely a unique premise. One that Kylie Scott thankfully delivered! 🙂