Shucked by Kate Canterbary
The Loew Brothers #1
Shucked
Kate Canterbary
His best friend’s little sister is not an option.
No one ever accused Beckett Loew of being the nice Loew brother, especially not Sunny duJardin. Stuck back home in the quirky town of Friendship, Rhode Island, Beckett is scrambling to save his family’s oyster bar and take care of his teenage brother. He doesn’t have time to deal with the beautiful, sunshine-y owner of the new vegan cafe next door too. His best friend’s little sister may be all grown up, but Sunny’s still a distracting pain in his side.
No one expects much from Sunny duJardin, especially not Beckett Loew. She’s not worried about her older brother’s tall, dark, and broody best friend or battles he insists on waging with her everyday. She’s not the same kid he teased years ago. Now, she composts his type for breakfast.
They’re all wrong for each other.
Bitter rivals.
Complete opposites.
Off limits.
Except they can’t keep their hands off each other.
They tell themselves it’s nothing more than a steamy summer fling until secrets spill and real trouble comes their way.
CW: chronic illness (epilepsy), mention of childhood bullying, putting the fun in dysfunctional families, parents who turn into accidental criminals, incarceration, open door spice, suspense and moments of peril, happily ever after, no cliffhanger.
Review
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
“Shucked” by Kate Canterbary is an absolute gem of a romance novel that had me hooked from the very beginning. The story opens with Sunny DuJardin’s unexpected return to her hometown, a place she once yearned to escape. Her mission to open a vegan cafe alongside her friends brings her right next to her brother’s grumpy best friend’s oyster bar – setting the stage for a deliciously tangled web of emotions.
The sparks fly when Beckett Loew, the said grumpy best friend, crosses paths with Sunny during the cafe’s soft opening. His bad week and “stress coma” draw him into a series of events he never saw coming. The chemistry between Beckett and Sunny is undeniable, and even though he initially doesn’t remember her, their instant attraction adds an electrifying tension to the narrative.
Beckett’s complex life is skillfully portrayed, from his struggles with family legal issues to becoming the guardian of his teenage brother, Parker. As the layers of his character unfold, his connection with Sunny deepens, making their off-limits romance all the more enticing. The push-and-pull dynamic between the two is a true highlight – their banter and button-pushing are equal parts frustrating and heartwarming.
Set in Friendship, Rhode Island, the book’s backdrop adds to the charm of the story. The author expertly weaves in themes of family, forgiveness, and second chances, creating a vivid tapestry of emotions that readers will undoubtedly resonate with. The slow burn and explosive courtship between Beckett and Sunny keeps you on the edge of your seat, rooting for them every step of the way.
Canterbary’s writing is captivating and evocative, bringing each scene to life with a vividness that pulls you deep into the characters’ world. The way she intertwines the growth of the romance with the personal development of both protagonists is truly masterful. The supporting characters, including the friends and the community, add layers of depth and a sense of belonging that completes the overall experience.
“Shucked” is a heartwarming, engaging, and emotionally charged novel that seamlessly combines romance, drama, and personal growth. Kate Canterbary’s storytelling prowess shines through, making this book an absolute must-read for anyone who craves a story that will leave their heart full and their emotions tangled in the best possible way.
Note: Epilepsy representation
Thank you to Kate Canterbary for an early copy. This is my honest review.
To read my review of In A Jam by Kate Canterbary, click here.