Well Met by Jen DeLuca
I still remember my first time at a Renaissance Faire. The atmosphere, the costumes, the actors (which I didn’t even know were actors) and the food. But especially the location, tugged away in a wooded area, slow meandering paths leading through it all, connecting areas and stages. It was EXACTLY as the author described in this book. The heat, the dust and grime, the feeling of getting transported into a different time. It was FABULOUS!!!
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All’s faire in love and war for two sworn enemies who indulge in a harmless flirtation in a laugh-out-loud rom-com from debut author, Jen DeLuca.
Emily knew there would be strings attached when she relocated to the small town of Willow Creek, Maryland, for the summer to help her sister recover from an accident, but who could anticipate getting roped into volunteering for the local Renaissance Faire alongside her teenaged niece? Or that the irritating and inscrutable schoolteacher in charge of the volunteers would be so annoying that she finds it impossible to stop thinking about him?
The faire is Simon’s family legacy and from the start he makes clear he doesn’t have time for Emily’s lighthearted approach to life, her oddball Shakespeare conspiracy theories, or her endless suggestions for new acts to shake things up. Yet on the faire grounds he becomes a different person, flirting freely with Emily when she’s in her revealing wench’s costume. But is this attraction real, or just part of the characters they’re portraying?
This summer was only ever supposed to be a pit stop on the way to somewhere else for Emily, but soon she can’t seem to shake the fantasy of establishing something more with Simon, or a permanent home of her own in Willow Creek.
Well Met by Jen DeLuca
MY THOUGHTS
Overall, the novel was right up my alley, the setting was unique, and the writing on par with other romances I’ve read.
The love story between Emily and Simon was a bit of a slow burn. But I didn’t mind much, I love a good slow burn romance.
Surprisingly the novel focused a good amount on Emily. Her transition to being single again and living in a small town with her sister and her niece, a place where she literally didn’t know anyone. Interestingly enough, Emily really liked the small town feel, compared to her sister. And she welcomed the friendships and opportunities that opened up for her. Loved that distinction between the sisters a lot.
When it came to the couple Simon and Emily, although Simon was interesting when he was personating his Ren Faire character, when he was himself he felt a bit bland, and stodgy. Even Emily once said “he had a stick up his butt”. Which did go hand in hand with his more serious and quiet demeanor.
I loved and adore when Emily and Simon were bar wench and pirate. They were so much fun watching interact and personalize these characters, and by doing so they were able to just let go and be someone else. Now, because I loved their Ren Faire personas, I wished that there was more page time about them doing their reenactment. I would have loved more interaction between wench and pirate.
What I loved about the novel:
The book was a great debut novel, with a wonderfully refreshing plot. The writing flowed and the characters were very well developed. It was easy to experience the Faire with Emily, since the author apparently wrote about her own experiences working at a Renaissance Faire. This experience came across in clear and vibrant pictures, and wonderfully detailed. And since I’ve been to a Renaissance Faire twice so far, I can only detest to its accuracy. And the Ren Faire vibe was definitely my favorite part of the novel. The book is one that many romance readers will enjoy, one of those perfect summer reads – light-hearted, uplifting and easy.
ADD IT TO YOUR GOODREADS TBR || GET THE BOOK
I received a copy of this book from Berkley for free.
My opinions have not been influenced by the publisher or the author.
Well Met by Jen DeLuca
I’ve read this! It’s soooo good!
I never get bored of reading this! Who’s your favourite character????? ? ? ?
I don’t think I have a favorite character, but if the Ren Faire was its own character, I would pick it:D
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I loved setting of this book and I agree I wish there was more interaction between them than sex. Great review!
Thank you ? I thought the Ren Faire made it such a unique location. And I just saw that the author’s next book will be set at the Ren Faire again. YAY!!
I didn’t know that. I’ll keep my eye on that next book. It will be fun to read another story in this setting.
I really enjoyed this one too! Though I think I liked the romance more than you did ?. Are you planning to read the next book in the series? ?
Absolutely:D I just found out that the second book will be set at the Ren Faire too. YAY
I’m looking forward to it too! ? Let me know if you want to buddy read it with me ?
I would love to!! ?
Yay! Let’s discuss further once it releases ??
I’ve never been to a Ren faire. Philippines lack of such interesting stuff. LOL. And that’s why I was so excited to read this. Thankfully, I enjoyed it.
It’s such an interesting festival – very unique. I’m glad you enjoyed it too, I just found out that her second novel will be set at the Ren Faire as well 😀
Oh yes. I think the next book is about the other girl who also played wench in the faire. ?
We need more of these type of unique settings in books….I love the idea of a renaissance faire in a set up. Sounds pretty disappointing that this book didn’t have more interaction between these two though.
Great review
I might be in the minority with my feelings about this novel. And it’s not a bad one at all, far from it, I just wanted more. And I’m excited about her next one, again set at the Ren Faire 😀
I just finished Well Met today! Love your review, already counting down until the next book!
How did you like it? Wasn’t the Ren Faire set up fantastic? I can’t wait to get back. 😀
I LOVED it! The setting was so unique and I loved Emily’s story. I agree Simon wasn’t totally perfect, but he gave me major Ben Wyatt from Parks & Rec vibes!
So happy you loved ti 😀 – and I’m very embarrassed to admit, but I still need to watch Parks & Rec, but I’m a BIG Chris Pratt fan ♥︎ so I’ll better get to it….
Totally agree with your review! I thought it was a great debut.
Are you excited about the next one? 😀
Yes!