And Now, Back to You (Heartstrings #2) by B.K. Borison

 

Summary (from the publisher): Two competing meteorologists are forced to find common ground in this opposites attract, When Harry Met Sally inspired romance, from New York Times bestselling author B.K. Borison.

Jackson Clark and Delilah Stewart have had their fair share of run-ins over the years, often ending in disaster. While Jackson thrives on routine and organization from the comfort of his radio booth, Delilah loves the spontaneity and adventure out in the field. When they’re partnered against their will to cover the snowstorm of the century, they find themselves scrambling to figure out how to work together.

Eager to be taken seriously as a journalist, Delilah offers Jackson a deal. If he can help her ace this assignment, she’ll help him rediscover his long-lost fun side. With an undiscovered chemistry burning beneath their clashes, the unlikely partnership quickly tumbles into an easy and surprising friendship.

But when other feelings start to enter the equation, can Jackson and Delilah withstand the storm? Or does what happens in the mountains, stay in the mountains?

Review: A huge thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for an ARC of this book!

Jackson Clark is a no nonsense, organized guy who was drawn to meteorology because he likes the predictability of weather. After a childhood full of unpredictability due to his mom, he is raising his teenage sisters and resorts to routine and predictability to thrive. Enter Delilah Stewart, a competing meteorologist who is unapologetically whimsical, loves pink and glitter, and love spontaneity. When the pair are assigned to travel to a lodge to cover a historic snowstorm, they must figure out a way to work together. 

I'll be honest with you, B.K. Borison's books have been sort of hit or miss for me in the past, but I did really enjoy First-Time Caller so was excited to see where this second book went with the series. She blew it out of the water! I feel rich in life that I was able to read this early, while a snowstorm raged outside my own window here in Virginia. 

I'm trying to think of a way to succinctly say why this one worked so well for me and I think it was a mixture of the setting - snowed in together and sharing a room at a lodge - but also the lovely story of two people who haven't always been well loved tentatively making themselves vulnerable for the other. They bond over moms that didn't show up for them and their work in meteorology. I also liked how they care for and show up for one another. I just loved watching their crush and attraction to one another build and loved that it was Delilah who ultimately makes the first move in an impulsive moment. I also really appreciated that it was Jackson who is more Type A and how he joyfully embraces Delilah as she is, mismatched socks, overflowing suitcases, donut sleds and all. 

Honestly struggling to think of any cons for this one. I suppose the only real tension was a touch of miscommunication about their relationship and difficulty believing the other would be interested in a serious arrangement. I also felt like there were a few gaps in characterization. For instance, there are zero references to Delilah or Jackson having any sort of dating history. I also felt like we didn't get to know his sisters in any sort of meaningful way. But I did really enjoy glimpses of characters from the first book, as well as characters who seem to be setting the scene for another book in the series. I also loved the When Harry Met Sally inspiration and Easter eggs, like Jackson's complicated restaurant order that echoes Sally in the movie.

This did have several open-door scenes, but I loved the emotional based intimacy and tender care they have for each other, which is displayed in these scenes as well. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this from beginning to end. 

Favorite quotes: 

"I'm acting like a Regency era viscount. Two inches of collarbone, and I'm gripping the edge of the table so hard it's biting into my palms."

"She kissed me and every voice in my head went silent. Like someone yanked a cord from the wall."

"Why do important things have to be things that hurt us? Why can something only be valued and held in high regard if it's...dark and damaging? Why can't we keep the bright things? The lovely things? Why can't those things be special too?"

"I'd rather be messy with you than have perfect with anyone else."

Stars: 4.5

Related Titles: 

• First-Time Caller (Heartstrings #1) by B.K. Borison
  
• Good Spirits by B.K. Borison
  
• Lovelight Farms (Lovelight #1) by B.K. Borison