Discovering “This Could Be Love (Hawaii Love #1)” by L. M. Bennett: An Uneven Romantic Journey
When I first stumbled upon This Could Be Love, the promise of a summer romance set against the backdrop of Hawaii was too enticing to pass up. L. M. Bennett’s debut in the Hawaii Love series seemed to offer the perfect cocktail of dreamy settings and romantic escapades. However, as I dove into the pages, I found myself grappling with mixed feelings that ultimately led to a less-than-stellar experience.
From the outset, I was drawn to the vibrant Hawaiian setting. Bennett masterfully captures the sun-soaked beaches and laid-back island vibes, making it an ideal escape, especially as the summer months rolled in. The atmosphere was a much-loved aspect of the book, perfectly woven into the narrative, and it made me wish I could be lounging on the beach myself.
However, while the setting was a highlight, the characters left a lot to be desired. Laurie emerged as a shining star—her warmth and liveliness brought joy to the narrative. I genuinely looked forward to her scenes. Conversely, Louisa, while she had moments of charm, at times felt inconsistent and puzzling in her choices.
Then we reach the stormy end of our character spectrum: Kay and Vince, two individuals I found hard to empathize with. Kay, the wealthy newcomer, grates on the nerves with her entitlement. Her arrival seemed less about enjoying paradise and more about laying claim to it, reflecting a troubling disregard for the local community. I couldn’t shake the uncomfortable feeling that her character, while meant to convey complexity, bordered too closely on caricature. The resolution—or lack thereof—surrounding her actions felt rushed and unsatisfying, as if the author was reluctant to confront Kay’s problematic nature.
Vince, initially a somewhat charming figure, soon stumbled into irritating territory. His reactions to Louisa’s hesitations were jarring, radiating that all-too-familiar “I didn’t really want you anyway” vibe. For a character who was portrayed as a potential love interest, I expected much more maturity and honesty. His growth felt forced, as if added in at the last minute to give him depth, but it only left me feeling frustrated.
The relationship’s progression also felt terribly rushed. How does one go from “this is just a summer fling” to dreams of a future together in a matter of chapters? This abrupt shift left me bewildered, as I hardly felt the development of any real emotional connection.
Despite the narrative’s pitfalls, it did have its charming moments. The bond between Laurie and Louisa was a high point—friendship goals if ever there were! And while the romantic tension fizzled out for me, the promises of warm sunsets and Hawaiian getaways tugged at my heartstrings.
In conclusion, while This Could Be Love could resonate with readers who appreciate light, escapist romance, those seeking depth in character development and narrative follow-through might find themselves wishing for more. For a lighter beach read, it’s perfectly serviceable, but for anyone who craves a rich, fulfilling love story, you may want to keep searching. For me, though the stunning setting warmed my spirit, the characters ultimately left me longing for something deeper.
Discover more about This could be love (Hawaii Love #1) on GoodReads >>