The Makeover. Nia Forrester. 2018. 223 pages. [Source: Kindle Unlimited.]
This book is delightfully messy. Not crudely so, but just enough of a mess to keep my butt glued to a chair to finish. The Makeover follows best friends Colton and Samantha, who’ve been thick as thieves since they were toddlers. They know each other inside and out, so when they finally decide to explore their mutual attraction, it seems like the next natural step. Surely it should be smooth sailing. Unfortunately, “making over” their relationship brings more challenges than either of them expected or are prepared for.
Colton’s career in the NBA presents its own challenges, since he’s been able to live his life without having to answer for a lot of his actions. Women fall at his feet and he indulges himself. Sam, a budding lobbyist, is a “good girl” who relishes in her place in Colt’s life – he’s always got her back … as a friend. Their attempt to move from friends to lovers abruptly makes one thing clear – they don’t know each other as well as they think.
I really enjoyed that Sam was her own person with her own “secrets.” Too often, women in romances sit still and pine away for men who sow their oats. Sam has lived a life — albeit discreetly — and she doesn’t apologize for it. For his part, Colt is has obviously lived a life but isn’t always as transparent about this. His inconsistency with honesty – while expecting full transparency from others — makes him human and a bit frustrating.
Colt’s career and its ripple effects were definitely interesting points to drive the plot. Questions about how Sam’s career would be affected if they stayed together were especially relevant. This brought in some great reflection and perspectives through Colts’ teammates’ wives. It certainly wasn’t something a book like this could ignore, and Forrester approached it realistically.
The other characters in this book actually scaffold the story well. Sam’s ex and Colt’s rival, Drew, is a foil for both and I would love to see him get his own story. Sam’s sister Leah, while well-meaning, adds a dramatic flair that is humorous and infuriating at once. The bottom line is that the people in this book enhance the story in myriad ways, and I largely found them endearing and humorous.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Makeover, and hope to read more from this cast of characters. It’s not too quick of a read, but it is one that’s hard to put down.
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