The Backup Plan' by
Jill Shalvis is this delightful
romantic comedy that feels like a warm hug on a rainy day. It follows three strangers—Alice, Lauren, and Knox—who inherit a quirky old Sierra Nevada inn together after their mutual benefactor passes away. None of them expected this, and they couldn't be more different: Alice’s a planner, Lauren’s a free spirit, and Knox’s this gruff, guarded guy who’d rather be
Anywhere else. But the will’s got a catch—they have to renovate the place together before they can sell it. Cue the
forced proximity, slow-burn chemistry, and hilarious misadventures.
What I love is how Shalvis balances humor with real emotional depth. The inn becomes this metaphor for their messy lives, and as they fix it up, they end up fixing themselves too. There’s a scene where they’re all trapped in a closet during a storm, arguing about paint colors, and it’s just chef’s kiss for character dynamics. If you’re into found family tropes or enemies-to-lovers vibes (Knox and Alice? Sparks everywhere), this one’s a gem. Plus, the small-town setting with its gossipy locals and mountain views adds so much charm. I finished it with this goofy grin, like I’d just binge-watched my favorite rom-com.