Goodreads says, "When a couple starts to feel like they're married to a stranger, a flirtatious game of pretend becomes the spark they need to reignite their relationship. Eliza and Graham are anticipating an anything-but-sexy, weeklong getaway to celebrate their five-year anniversary. Nestled on the Northern California coastline, the resort prides itself on being a destination for those in love and those looking to find it. For Eliza and Graham, it might as well be a vacation with a roommate. When a well-meaning guest mistakes Eliza and Graham for being single and introduces them at the hotel bar, they don't correct him. Suddenly, they're pretending to be perfect strangers and it's unexpectedly...fun? Eliza and Graham find themselves flirting like it's their first date, and waiting with butterflies in their stomach for the other to text back. Everyone at the retreat can sense the electric chemistry between Eliza and Graham's alter egos. But when their scintillating game of roleplaying ends, will they still feel the heat?"
Graham and Eliza have been married for five years and recently, their marriage has become boring and a bit rocky. They have lost some of the spark and they hope a week-long vacation to a California resort will do them some good. When they get there, there's been an error. The hotel booked them two separate rooms. What if they use this as an opportunity to get some space from one another as that might do them some good. The car ride over was less than stellar. So, they go their separate ways and when they meet up at the hotel's bar, a vacation acquaintance introduces them them to each other as this person thought they were both single. Instead of clarifying things, Eliza and Graham go with it and pretend that they don't know one another. As the days go by, they continue this role playing and in turn get to know each other again and it reignites some of the missing excitement lost in their marriage. However, the big question is will this translate to their everyday lives? Married writing team, Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka's Do I Know You? is a fun romance that fans of rom-coms will thoroughly enjoy.
Eliza is a voice actress and Graham is an attorney; they are pretty much opposites and do to this, they find their marriage in a rut. I enjoyed how Wibberley and Siegemund-Broka jumped from Eliza's perspective to Graham's with each chapter as it gave us insight into the characters and what their true feelings are. I was curious how Graham felt about a few things that occurred at the hotel and I was glad that readers are privy to his point of view, vice versa. The varying points of view were done so well and I think this is due to the fact that they are a married couple writing team. It felt plausible. I was worried it wouldn't, but they definitely pull it off. The week long role playing provides a slow burn romance and some major rom-com vibes in Do I Know You?
This winter weather has me longing for spring break and the setting of Do I Know You? filled that void for me. In fact, this would be an excellent book to bring along with you to spring break. Who couldn't use a week-long vacation at a fancy hotel right about now? Wibberley and Siegemund-Broka's descriptions of the resort, the restaurants, the bar, and the pools made me feel like I was there soaking up some rays along with them.
My only issue with Do I Know You? was the amount of role-playing. After about two days, I wanted Eliza and Graham to reconnect and let their guards down, because they obviously have major issues that need to be addressed. I wanted them to have a "real" discussion and don't get me wrong, they do, but I wanted it to happen sooner. I mean if you are having big issues at just five years into your marriage, things aren't looking good, right?
The husband and wife writing team was a lot of fun and I will definitely have my eye on their future novels. So, if you love a good rom-com, give Do I Know You? a try this winter. Let me know in the comments what you think and if you are a fan of this writing duo.
I absolutely loved their last book and am so excited for this one. Marriage in trouble is not a trope you see that often but I really enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteCompletely agree! I think it's definitely a fresh take on the trope. I hope you enjoy it. You'll have to let me know your thoughts!
DeleteMy sister is a huge fan of this duo - I'm a little more iffy, but I do like that this focuses on a marriage.
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