Single Sundays: You or Someone Like You by Winter Renshaw

Single Sundays: While this blog may be focused on reviewing book series as a whole, we can’t forget about the good ole’ standalone novel! On Sundays, I will review a novel that is considered to be a standalone novel. Here is this week’s offering:

Synopsis for You or Someone Like You (from Goodreads):
Being an identical twin has its perks, but when my sister asked me to sub in for a date with Roman Bellisario, I wasn’t exactly thrilled. Sure, he’s sinfully handsome and successful, but he also got me fired from my dream job three years ago.

This time, my sister’s promotion is riding on this date, so I have to say yes. And as it turns out, we’re strangely perfect for each other. I sell art. He collects it. We’re both obsessed with the same obscure, mysterious artist that most people don’t even know exists.

Roman is guarded, though, and I can understand why. He’s a widowed single dad. But as one date leads to another, he starts to let me in, and I can’t help but fall for him.

The problem is Roman still thinks I’m my sister. Is our twin swap going to be the best thing that ever happened to me and Roman—or the lie that tears us apart?

SERIESous’ Top Picks: Must Read Author
Author: Winter Renshaw
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Heat Rating: Warm
Point of View: First Person, Alternating
Publication Date: July 2023
Source & Format: Author–eARC

Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:

I was super intrigued by this synopsis. I was curious what drama would unfold thanks to the twin swapping and how Winter Renshaw would undoubtedly spin the story in a way I wasn’t expected.

The Plot:

This was just one of those books that slowly sucked you in and wouldn’t let go. It became addicting the more I watched this slow burn romance unfold. Plus there is a dash of suspense as the stakes get higher as Sloane and Roman’s relationship gets deeper and their secrets bubble up to the surface.

The Characters:

At the same time, I got some Something Borrowed vibes with this one, but these characters are much more likeable! While the relationship that is developing between Sloane and Roman isn’t an affair, the heightened consequences of the relationship ending badly for all 3 people involved reminded me of that novel a lot.

The Romance:

I really enjoy stories where someone learns to love again. I think Winter’s inspiration and message in her acknowledgement section at the end rings so true: you can have more than one love in your life and finding someone else to love after a loss doesn’t diminish what you had with the first. I think that is a beautiful message and its executed perfectly and respectfully here.