ARC Review: She’s My Kind of Rain by Ella Embers

She's My Kind of Rain by Ella Embers

She’s My Kind of Rain by Ella Embers is a forbidden romance set in a small town in the early 2000s. The story revolves around two people bound by their shared passion for music who are faced with an impossible choice: Will they prioritize pursuing their dreams in the music industry, or will their deep love for one another take the lead? 

The story starts with how both of the protagonists' lives change differently on the same day. For one it’s a good change while the other wishes that incident never happened. However, that change in a way brings them together. Swayer’s parents decide to send him to stay with his pops in Nashville after learning about him being bullied at school, he then decides to stay there and doesn’t plan on leaving the town ever. On the other hand, Daisy’s father’s passing was something she never saw coming but when it did and when her job in her town was no longer there for her, she decided to take a leap of faith to fulfill her father’s dream and move to Nashville. The one thing that’s common between Swayer and Daisy is their passion for music.

While the book is centered upon how they find a way to have both, a career in the music industry, and the undeniable pull between each other, it also talks about a few other things like the grief of losing a parent, and of finding one’s path. Throughout the book, it’s evident how Daisy is grieving the death of her father and how she tries to find a piece of him everywhere she goes. Swayer, who has been taking care of his horse and the ranch that his grandfather left him with, is suddenly pursued by his friend to take singing as a career. From being nervous to being the center of attention to owning the stage, he discovers his path as a singer rather than a mere ranch owner.

Initially, when I signed up for the ARC, the book cover and the title were what caught my attention to go ahead and sign up. Although I thoroughly enjoyed the book, there were a few instances where it fell short. First things first, let me talk about what I loved in this book before moving to the sour part.

One thing that immediately comes to my mind when I think about what I love the most about this book is Rhett. I’m a sucker for the goofy side character. Every. Single. Time. I love how he just swept in Swayer’s life and made it so much better for him. A friend like Rhett is what everyone needs. I also loved how Swayer and Daisy handled the situation when it came down to choosing between their career and their love, I’m not going to say what their decision was, you’ll have to read the book and find it yourself. I also loved the dynamics of the sunshine Daisy, the reserved Swayer, the golden retriever Rhett, and the black cat Kaylee (Daisy’s friend).

Now, coming the sour part, where all it fell short. I’m a hopeless romantic, but even to me, the way Swayer and Daisy’s relationship developed seemed too rushed. I understand the concept of love at first sight but this book takes it to the next level. One minute Swayer finishes his first-ever stage performance and is struck by the way Daisy admires his signing and the next minute they both meet at a bar and sparks fly and they kiss each other and open up about everything that’s happened in their lives. I also get the “when you know, you know” concept but coming to the “they raised him well” phase in an evening where all he did was kiss her and take her walk at a park seemed a little off. It felt like, “Woah slow down” which ultimately slowed my reading pace. For a forbidden romance trope, the sexual tension, the angst, the "we shouldn't be doing this", in short, the OG factors of forbidden romance were missing.

Rating 3.5/5

Note: This is entirely my personal take. If you love fast-paced romances with instant chemistry, you’ll likely enjoy this one more than I did! I’m all in for a slow burn and maybe that’s why I couldn’t connect to this book.

Overall, if you’re someone who loves love and passion with a found-family vibe and a dash of small-town charm, She’s My Kind of Rain might be your kind of story. While the romance felt a bit rushed for my taste, the book’s heart-warming moments and relatable characters make it a light and enjoyable read.

Thank you, Love Notes PR and the author, Ella Embers for the opportunity!❤️