Review of Seven Year Itch (Mountain Men Matchmaker #2) by Amy Daws 🌺
Sometimes a book finds you at just the right moment, and for me, Seven Year Itch was that chaotic ray of sunshine I didn’t know I needed. After my first Amy Daws experience left me a bit shaken (seriously, traditional surrogacy is no joke), I was hesitant but intrigued by the promised mix of tattooed mountain men, fiery heroines, and all the forced proximity chaos. Diving back into Daws’ world felt like a gamble, but oh, the payoff!
At the heart of this romcom is Dakota, a recently divorced woman rediscovering herself in the midst of post-divorce empowerment, and Calder, the tattooed mountain man who’s more than just a gruff exterior. The book is praised for its humor, and I couldn’t agree more. Calder’s unhinged Tinder bio made me chuckle aloud—10/10 must read! Admittedly, for a story that dances so joyfully between chaos and romance, there were undeniably moments where things tipped a bit into the absurd. I sometimes felt like a rubber band under tension, pulled too far before snapping back into the humor of it all.
One of my favorite aspects was Dakota’s glow-up; she embodied a journey of self-discovery that resonated deeply. Her reawakening felt authentically messy, and blending that with Calder’s own vulnerability made for a sweet juxtaposition. Who doesn’t love a cat dad with a soft heart? Their banter was sharp and fun—those flirty fights had me giggling, especially as they grappled with years of tension and unresolved feelings.
Now, let’s get real—the pacing was a bit uneven. One moment I was knee-deep in heartfelt vulnerability, and the next, a chaotic wedding shenanigan would pull me away from that emotional depth. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic sometimes felt forced, almost bordering on immature, especially during the classic third-act miscommunication that had me rolling my eyes. Come on, adults! Just talk it out!
However, there’s heart beneath the chaos. If you can ride the waves of absurdity and revisit moments of genuine emotion, you’re going to find something special. Daws delivered on the small-town romcom energy that many readers adore, and while you may occasionally roll your eyes, it reminds you that love can indeed be gloriously messy.
For those who delight in a chaotic fun ride filled with vacation antics, wedding chaos, and meddling families that overstep their bounds (we all know those relatives), this book is a joyous escape. If you’re a fan of vibrant characters learning to love again—especially with strong themes of confidence and self-worth—Seven Year Itch is likely to charm your socks off.
In the end, this book not only provided me with some light-hearted entertainment but also a reminder that sometimes, life is about showing up and trying again. The messy moments, filled with humor and spice, are part of the rich tapestry that makes romance worth exploring. So, if you’re ready for a rollercoaster of laughter, heat, and delightful chaos, jump into this adventure with Dakota and Calder. You might just come away wishing for your own mountain man. 🏔️✨
Discover more about Seven Year Itch (Mountain Men Matchmaker, #2) on GoodReads >>