Wild Goose Chase, Sarah Adler (Review by Kristie Reyes)
Rating: 4.0/5 Stars
This was such a fun read! This book is quirky, funny, charming, and completely unlike anything I’ve read before! The whole premise may sound a little ridiculous, but that’s honestly part of what made it so entertaining! Cal (MMC) is the co-owner of an antique store who’s trying to keep his life together after a breakup and the loss of someone who meant a lot to him. He’s definitely the more serious, rule-following type and spends most of the book trying to stay in control of situations that are quickly getting out of hand. Then there’s Annie (FMC), who is creative, energetic, a little chaotic, and not afraid to be herself! I loved how different they were and how well they balanced each other out. Their grumpy-sunshine dynamic was adorable, and the banter between them was so good!
One of my favorite things about this book was watching Cal slowly let his walls down. Underneath all of his anxiety and stubbornness, he’s such a sweet guy. Annie is also dealing with her own struggles and trying to figure out what she wants from life while learning to stop making herself smaller for other people. Their relationship develops through a series of increasingly ridiculous situations involving a missing illegal goose, and somehow it all feels believable and heartfelt. The chemistry isn’t super spicy, but the tension and connection between them definitely kept me invested.
I also loved the antique store setting. It gave the story such a cozy feel, and all the antique and historical details made it stand out from other rom-coms. The dual timeline added another layer of mystery as we learn the story behind the goose and the people connected to it over a hundred years earlier. I found myself just as curious about how everything would connect as I was about where this goose kept disappearing to. Overall I had such a good time with this book. It was funny, heartwarming, unique, and full of lovable characters! If you’re looking for a rom-com that feels fresh and different, with great banter, opposites-attract vibes, and a cozy antique shop, I recommend checking this one out!