Title: On the Rocks
Author: Sawyer Bennett
First published January 28, 2014
260 pages, ebook
ISBN: 9781940883113
Rating: 3.97
Overview
After breaking Gabby Ward’s heart and leaving to chase fame, Hunter Markham returns to the North Carolina Outer Banks to open Last Call, a beach bar. Gabby is not thrilled to see him back, still bitter over his rejection.
But when Hunter offers her an irresistible opportunity, they team up to achieve their goals. As they work together, Gabby realizes her feelings for him are still alive, but Hunter has his own struggles as he adjusts to a new career away from professional surfing.
Despite their mutual passion, they face tough choices when Hunter is offered a chance to return to the pro tour. Will they risk everything they’ve built for a shot at their dreams?
About the Author
Sawyer Bennett, a bestselling author recognized by the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal, draws inspiration from her personal experiences to craft relatable stories that cater to a diverse audience. Her writing spans across various genres including contemporary romance, fantasy romance, women’s fiction, and general fiction, ensuring that there is something for every reader to enjoy.
Prior to her writing career, Sawyer was a trial lawyer based in North Carolina. When she is not weaving stories, she takes on the roles of chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her adorable daughter, as well as being a full-time servant to her naughty dogs.
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Editoral Review
On the Rocks by Sawyer Bennett is a contemporary romance novel that explores the complexities of relationships, love, and redemption. Bennett is a New York Times bestselling author of over 30 books in various genres such as romance, mystery, and suspense.
In On the Rocks, she takes readers on a journey of self-discovery and healing, as two broken souls find solace in each other. The book tells the story of Brynne Armstrong, a successful attorney, and her enduring love for her high school sweetheart, Andrew.
However, when Andrew becomes addicted to drugs and alcohol, their relationship begins to crumble, leading Brynne to end things and focus on her career. Years later, Brynne finds herself back in her hometown and runs into Andrew, now a recovering addict, and she must decide whether to give him a second chance or move on.
The novel highlights the struggles of addiction, as well as the difficulty of forgiving someone who has hurt you deeply. Bennett’s writing style is descriptive and emotive, allowing readers to truly immerse themselves in the characters’ emotions and experiences.
The pacing of the book is well-balanced, with enough tension and conflict to keep the reader engaged but also enough moments of tenderness and vulnerability to allow for character growth. One of the strengths of On the Rocks is the character development.
Both Brynne and Andrew are flawed and relatable, making it easy for readers to root for them and invest in their journey. Bennett does an excellent job of portraying the realistic challenges faced by recovering addicts, and the impact addiction can have on relationships.
However, one of the weaknesses of the book is its clichéd plotline. While the writing is well-crafted, the story itself feels tired and familiar.
It follows a predictable pattern of “will they or won’t they” and there are few surprises or plot twists. That being said, fans of the romance genre will appreciate Bennett’s signature style and enjoy the emotional depth of the characters.
On the Rocks is a heartwarming and engaging read that will appeal to a broad range of readers. Overall, I recommend On the Rocks to anyone looking for a romantic and emotionally satisfying read.
While it may not be the most original story, Bennett delivers a well-crafted novel that will leave readers feeling satisfied. I give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
