The Dane of My Existence by Jessica Martin (Review by Dana Lenseth)

Score: 4/5

If you were ever a theater nerd or are a thespian at heart, your next read should be “The Dane of My Existence” by Jessica Martin.

Ms. Martin’s second novel in a series that follows three sisters is set in the very Stars Hollow-esque, Bard’s Rest. You know, like the Bard of Avon, William Shakespeare. You don’t have to be a fan of Shakespeare to enjoy the book, but the author sure is a big one. Bonus points to Ms. Martin for working in so many Shakespeare puns into a 326 page novel.

Of the much-loved romance novel tropes, this is what I’d call frenemies to lovers. It opens with Portia, a workaholic attorney who is about to embark upon a mandatory three-month sabbatical from her New York City-based law firm. She decides to head home to Bard’s Rest, where she’ll not only be able to help with the town’s annual Shakespeare festival, but also look after her mom who’s undergoing chemotherapy. Enter Benjamin Dane, a developer with a rough past and a heart of gold who’s eying property in town. But where Ben sees opportunity, Portia thinks he’ll destroy the town’s spirit. Portia and Ben ultimately become conflicted when they realize their relationship is getting in the way of their career ambitions.

So, why four stars out of five? Ms. Martin is “a lawyer by trade” and I felt a little bogged down at points when reading some of the legalese or when reading about the minutiae of law firm life. I also found some of the dialogue between Portia and Ben read more like people brokering a business deal than a couple just talking. That might have been the point, but I felt like it was overdone and a bit stilted at times. Portia is also icy and (I thought) rather difficult to like, but man, does Ms. Martin deliver a “you go, girl!” ending for her.

It’s a perfect beach read, just don’t mind the leftover grains of sand if you borrow mine!