Review of Seven Year Itch (Mountain Men Matchmaker, 2) by Amy Daws
When I first picked up Seven Year Itch, I had a feeling I was in for a delightful ride. Amy Daws is a master at blending humor with romance, and as I flipped through the pages, I was reminded of why her characters always leave such a lasting impression on me. This time, we dive into the hilarious and chaotic world of Calder, an endearingly grumpy mountain man, and Dakota, a woman on the quest to reclaim her confidence post-divorce. If the thought of a "loudmouthed mountain man seeking a fiery woman to grow old with" doesn’t intrigue you, I don’t know what will!
The plot kicks off with Calder seeking what he thinks will be a casual buddy for a wedding. But fate (and his meddlesome family) has other plans, placing him in a shared room with Dakota—the very woman he loves to spar with, and who despises him in equal measure. The forced proximity trope is executed brilliantly, fueling the enemies-to-lovers tension that kept me eagerly turning pages. Their banter is sharp and delightful, with moments that made me laugh out loud, especially when Calder expresses his exasperation about Dakota’s intrusive thoughts—“Why can’t she just ponder them in her own mind like the rest of us?” Truly, the perfect blend of humor and relatability!
Daws’s writing is both fluid and funny, with a pacing that strikes a wonderful balance between tension and tenderness. You can practically feel the heat radiating from their chemistry, especially in those playful, charged moments. One of my favorite realizations was how both characters evolved. Dakota, reconnecting with her self-worth after a difficult divorce, and Calder, who progressively sheds his grumpy exterior to reveal a surprisingly sweet side—like when he channels his cat dad energy to caring for Milkshake. It’s these layers that make their relationship feel genuinely heartfelt.
The emotional depth is well-balanced by Daws’s trademark wit. Near the end of the book, as Calder starts to realize his feelings run deeper than he expected, it struck a chord with me. The emotional payoff after all that witty bickering creates a feeling of satisfaction—an accomplishment of love found in the most unexpected places.
With Seven Year Itch, I found myself chuckling for most of the read yet also melting over the poignant moments. This book is a perfect fit for those who adore small-town romances, quirky characters, and spicy banter that treads the fine line between love and resentment. If you’re a fan of Meghan Quinn or Tessa Bailey, you will undoubtedly revel in Daws’s engaging style.
In conclusion, Seven Year Itch offers not just a laugh-out-loud romantic escapade but also a reflective journey of self-discovery and forgiveness. Whether you’re basking in the sun at the beach or cozied up at home, this read promises to deliver warmth and cheer. Perfect for anyone who appreciates a good enemies-to-lovers tale, it left me with a heart full of warmth and a smile that lingered long after I turned the last page. Grab your copy and dive into the mountains; you won’t regret it!
You can find Seven Year Itch (Mountain Men Matchmaker, 2) here >>