Book Review: Seven Year Itch by Amy Daws 🌺
When I stumbled upon Seven Year Itch, the chaotic energy of its premise instantly captured my curiosity. After a somewhat overwhelming experience with my first Amy Daws book—which involved traditional surrogacy trauma that left me reeling—I was both eager and a bit wary to dive back into her world. A tattooed mountain man and a fiery divorcée stuck in forced proximity? Sign me up! The blend of humor, heart, and the always-entertaining enemies-to-lovers trope had me intrigued.
From the get-go, Seven Year Itch delivers an abundant dose of chaos—a wild but delightful ride through the lives of Calder, our brooding mountain man, and Dakota, the recently divorced heroine rediscovering herself in the aftermath of her marriage. Daws does a fantastic job weaving humor into their banter, with Calder’s unhinged Tinder bio being an absolute highlight. It’s these moments that remind you love can be messy, and sometimes the best connections arise from conflict.
Dakota’s journey is particularly compelling. As she navigates her post-divorce glow-up, the themes of self-worth and empowerment resonate deeply. I appreciated how her character develops—not just in her relationship with Calder but also within herself. It feels like watching a friend step into their power, and that kind of positive energy is contagious.
The writing style is engaging, infused with witty dialogue that brings a playful charm. The chemistry between Calder and Dakota is palpable, even if it sometimes veers into absurd territory alongside their emotional moments. The pacing, however, could feel uneven at times; the transition from absurd humor to emotional depth was jarring and left me needing a moment to recalibrate.
One aspect that both intrigued and frustrated me was the enemies-to-lovers dynamic. At times, it leaned dangerously close to immaturity, making me wish the characters would just communicate openly—especially during the unnecessary third-act miscommunication. We all crave authentic interactions, and I felt these two had enough spark that simple conversations could have resolved their misunderstandings!
But amidst the chaos, the vulnerability shines brightly, especially when Calder begins to peel back his layers and reveal his softer side. Cat dads with emotional depth? Yes, please! This added dimension made the journey worthwhile, showcasing that love isn’t always straightforward—it’s tangled up in history, hurt, and, in this case, seven years of unresolved tension.
For readers who enjoy a little light-hearted chaos mixed with themes of self-exploration and fun romance, Seven Year Itch is a great pick. If you loved the quirks of Daws’ writing in her previous novels or are a fan of immersive narratives full of hilarious banter and spicy moments, this one will likely bring you joy (even if you roll your eyes along the way). Whether it’s the tropical vacation vibes, meddling families, or the uplifting glow-up, there’s something for everyone.
In conclusion, while Seven Year Itch may have its moments of chaos, it also reminds us that love is about showing up and trying again. And sometimes, that messy journey is exactly what makes the heart grow. 🌟
Discover more about Seven Year Itch (Mountain Men Matchmaker, #2) on GoodReads >>