Review by Gabrielle
Here For a Good Time is, in fact, a great time.
Favourite Quote:
I roll my eyes and go to take a step when he murmurs a soft “Hey” and his other hand comes to rest on the small of my back, causing my body to lock up. It’s not that I feel a spark or a warmth or any of those traditional descriptions, but something more intangible and far more potent that I still can’t pinpoint, like the millisecond before a candle wick catches on fire.
Book Synopsis:
Poe Myat Sabei has the publishing career that any writer would kill for: her first novel sold at auction, became an international number one bestseller, and is being turned into a Netflix film. But now on deadline for her second book, Poe is facing a catastrophic case of writer’s block. The solution? Book a two-week getaway to an exclusive island resort for her and her best friend Zwe where she’ll undoubtedly be inspired to write her next bestseller.
But the vacation of their dreams disintegrates in a flash when the resort is taken over by a group of masked women who are very armed and very angry. As they try to leave the island before the group can track them down, Poe and Zwe suddenly find themselves facing the kinds of conflicts that only come up when, well, you’re trapped in a life or death situation on a remote island with your (hot) best friend.
Review:
Where do I even start with this one? I enjoyed this book so much. I know not everyone enjoys a friends-to-lovers trope, but it’s one I really enjoy, and this one delivers something that feels fresh and honest.
I just loved the relationship between Poe and Zwe. They are funny and tender with each other while still being able to call each other out. I genuinely laughed out loud at various points. There is also a genuine caring there that builds and transforms over the course of the book.
Poe on her own is a bit of a mess. We, of course, have all the typical feels that come from reaching success early in her writing career and the fear that she won’t be able to produce another great book. She is authentic, funny, and relatable without falling into the trap of making her neuroses her entire personality. For his part, Zwe is just…steady. He is such a great balance to Poe’s more chaotic self.
The overall premise might sound familiar – a successful writer faces a creative crisis, books a tropical vacation for inspiration, but then the story takes a swift right turn into thriller territory when the hotel they are staying at gets taken over by a group of masked strangers. It’s such a fun twist, and I loved watching Poe and Zwe navigate it together as they escape into the rainforest and try to evade danger. It’s suspenseful, while not losing that emotional core of Poe and Zwe’s evolving relationship. I found the ending a bit predictable, but I still enjoyed it.
For fans of friends-to-lovers and suspense, Here For a Good Time is a delightful read.
Thank you, St. Martin’s for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
