End of Story by Kylie Scott

End of Story by Kylie Scott

Published by Graydon House ISBN 9781525804793

Trade paperback, $17.99, 320 pages

With so many books out there, it can be difficult to find one with a unique concept. Kylie Scott manages to come up with a fun and new storyline in her romantic novel End of Story.

When Susie inherits her Aunt Susan's Seattle home, she realizes that it needs a lot of work, beginning with repairing some water damage. The contractor who arrives to take a look ends up being Lars, her ex-boyfriend's best friend. Susie and her ex had a bad breakup, and she hasn't seen Lars since then.

Lars is "your basic urban Viking marauder, as his name suggested, with longish blond hair, white skin, blue eyes, short beard, tall and built". He had a succession of girlfriends as Susie recalled; apparently commitment wasn't something Lars and his friends were into.

Digging into the drywall, Lars finds a piece of paper hidden in the wall. He pulls it out only to find that it is a divorce decree dated ten years in the future, and the names on the paper are Lars and Susie. Both Susie and Lars are incensed, each believing the other person placed the paper inside the wall, as what, a joke? And why would either one of them do that?

Susie decides that she needs the work done and Lars is the best contractor for the job. (And he isn't bad to look at.) They put aside the "divorce decree" and begin spending time together. Susie attempts to find out how the paper got there, consulting with a psychic, a tarot card reader, and a forensic document examiner. No one could come up with any answers as to how authentic the decree was, what it means, or how it got there.

Lars and Susie are a reluctant cute couple. Lars has always liked Susie, but he hid it well. I loved that they had a habit of ordering food at a restaurant and switching entrees halfway the meal; it's a sweet touch. But if they get together, will they divorce in ten years?

Susie also has to deal with her brother who insists that he is owed half of the house and wants Susie to sell it. Add in the return of Susie's odious ex, and complications ensue.

The premise of End of Story is intriguing and Kylie Scott keeps the reader invested in Lars and Susie's story, wondering what will happen in ten years. To find out, you'll have to read the book, which I recommend. It's a sweet, fun, sexy read. And if you are a HGTV fan, you'll enjoy the renovation storyline.

Thanks to Harlequin Books for putting me on their 2023 Winter Rom-Com Blog Tour.