This is a disclaimer that although I categorize this book as being under Christian fiction (for the purposes of organizing my reviews), this book is not being marketed as Christian fiction, so expectations should be set accordingly. This is more of a crossover title that fits the genre of what the author terms "pop culture-infused rom coms." That being said, while this book does not reference faith either explicitly or implicitly (faith is on the whole absent in this book), it does fit the bill for those looking for a fun and clean read. As such, I will be reviewing it strictly as a rom com.
Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other (aka BASHEO) by Bethany Turner for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Book Synopsis
She’s a sunny morning-show host. He’s a cynical ex-reporter. They're destined to hate each other . . . Aren’t they?
Brynn Cornell has to be stuck in a nightmare. Just last week, she was riding high as cohost of the popular morning show Sunup. She's America's Ray of Sunshine—the girl-next-door beauty who drives up TV ratings while never exuding anything but her trademark positivity and poise. All it took was one huge on-air mistake to expose her snarky side to the world and make it all come crumbling down. Now she’s back in her hometown of Adelaide Springs, Colorado, in a last-ditch attempt to convince viewers she’s not the mean girl they think she is. All she has to do is apologize and capture some feel-good footage reminding everyone she’s just a girl from humble beginnings who’s grateful for her big break, and she might manage to preserve both her career and her image. But this town holds painful memories that she’s not ready to face.
Sebastian Sudworth was on the fast track to the journalist hall of fame. A superstar reporter with a reputation for being in the center of the action, his fearless, relentless coverage of major events around the globe was winning him awards and accolades—until something snapped inside him and he vanished from the scene under mysterious circumstances. Sebastian sought refuge in tiny Adelaide Springs, working odd jobs and trying to blend in as a scruffy mountain town citizen.
When Sebastian is assigned to chauffeur Brynn around town, Brynn is sure he can see right through her carefully cultivated, sunny persona. But she’s determined to do what it takes to maintain her image and save her career—so she’ll just have to charm the socks off Sebastian the same way she charmed her viewers. Easier said than done. It's no picnic to play nice around someone you hate . . . especially when you might be crazy about them.
Source: Amazon
Book Thoughts
In terms of character development, Brynn and Sebastian's transformation over time is captured in a way that is believable, drawing you into their world and making you root for them to become the people they were always meant to be. It's a fine line between self-improvement for the sake of wanting to appear as a better person versus confronting painful truths to discover the lies that have kept you from simply being a better person. Bethany Turner delves into this topic in a sensitive way for both characters, highlighting their brokenness and how they cannot and should not go about life on their own. As a result, it is the supporting cast of characters in Adelaide Springs, Colorado who shine the most in Brynn and Sebastian's story, supporting them and loving them unconditionally. This very attribute reflects the love that God has for us, along with what it looks like to be part of a loving community. Though it is not implied, the parable of the Prodigal Son comes to mind for Brynn's return home, exemplifying to readers what it feels like to still be counted as part of the family even after hurting them.
If you're looking for a book that provides the charm of mountain life, BASHEO delivers it to you on a platter amid the Rocky Mountains. Although Brynn mentions that Sebastian's name does not roll off the tongue easily, readers will find that Sebastian Sudworth is a name that is quite memorable, and for good reason. It is gratifying to see him overcome his regrets and relational failures, and even more so to see him in his element. The way that Brynn and Sebastian both have to work through their past allows them to slowly peel back the layers of the other person, revealing their commonalities. If readers like a large dash of pop culture, clever dialogue, and endearing characters that are worth the wait, Brynn and Sebastian will have you wanting to see them on-camera and off-camera.
Book Summary
- Format of book: 📱
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Recommendation: 👍
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