Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other

Brynn Cornell is becoming America's Ray of Sunshine on the news network she works for, Sunup. When she thinks she's off air, she rips her hometown, Adelaide Springs, a new asshole - saying that they're poor, uneducated, and nothing special. She realizes her mistake when all the cameramen, prompters, and higher-ups come rushing around the stage and stopping her broadcast. Her career is ruined. To save her skin she recommends that she be sent back to Adeline Springs and film her homecoming and apologies to the townspeople.

Sebastian Sudworth was a Pulitzer-winning journalist before he snapped and, after a lot of NDAs, moves to Adelaide Springs to live a quieter life. While in a city council meeting, he is voted as Brynn's chaperone during her time back in town.

They have a horrible meet cute and things just get worse for Brynn as the days follow. Nobody wants her around, and Sebastian is not making anything easier. Things change when she gets stuck in a tree she climbed as a kid and called Sebastian for help. They started talking and getting to know each other. Sebastian started to see the real Brynn and not the Sunup TV version.

I found it incredibly challenging to connect with Brynn as a character. While we all encounter individuals who present themselves as something they're not, Brynn's portrayal lacked believability. I just didn't believe her apology filmed journey, and the town needed to remain upset with her.

What I did enjoy with this book were the side characters. All the townspeople in Adelaide Springs were lovely and reminded me of the small towns that I live in and by in Iowa. I also really liked the narrator's voice. It was soothing and easy to listen to.