I LOVE Brynne Weaver. I really enjoyed her Ruinous Love Trilogy which made me a bit hesitant about Tourist Season! I didn't think it could get any better, and as Tourist Season is also about serial un-alivers, I was a little concerned. Some writers hit on a formula and stick with it, and their novels become a wee bit predictable. My concerns were unfounded!
And well, I do think perhaps Ms. Weaver may just really like serial un-alivers a bit more than your average person, but that of course is just speculation, and this is fiction- where anything can happen!
I'm going to say that I think, possibly, that Tourist Season is even better than the Ruinous Love trilogy.
No Spoiler Summary- as spoilers are awful ridiculous things. Our protagonist, Harper, has a bit of a shady past, but she's started anew in Cape Carnage. She takes care of Arthur, an elderly man suffering from dementia. Arthur's got a secret, however, as he's been guardian of the peace in Cape Carnage for decades. His idea of guarding, does seem to involve some disappearances of troublesome folks from time to time, but who's to say that an elderly gentleman has anything to do with that? Especially one with a questionable hold on his faculties.
Nolan's just a tourist on Cape Carnage come to enjoy the festivities. At least, that's what he wants people to believe. He's got his own agenda which definitely does include a woman who wronged him in the worst way so many years ago. (or did she?) He can't help but find himself attracted to this kind, beautiful woman who is an enigma- wrapped in a juxtaposition, folded into an origami bird. (Probably a Crow- just saying). The last thing he wants is to develop feelings for this woman, because he's pretty sure she's pure evil.
As the two orbit each other, some unspeakable acts do occur- which are oddly hilarious when written by Weaver. (this is not a realistic novel at all and I'm here for the escape!) With a bit of forced proximity, and a shared midnight task, Nolan and Harper come together in an odd macabre dance of discovery. Neither is quite ready to give up the past and commit to the future. Will they be able to before it's too late?
Beyond the romance (which really is in the forefront), we also have the story of Arthur who is clearly struggling with dementia - while there are some entertaining moments involving Arthur, it's never at his expense and Weaver treats the challenges of dementia and caregiving with a deep respect that was appreciated.
The conclusion- it's a romance so it's going to have a certain ending, but as to how they get to the ending --- you'll have to read to find out! I enjoyed this via Audiobook from my local library. Narrators Samantha Brentmoor and Robert Hatchet really did a perfect job imparting Weaver's Dark, but hysterical story an extra spark!
Highly Recommend!
First Published : 9/2025
Pages: 368
Available as an Audio Book :YES
Trigger Warnings: kidnapping, murder, unorthodox use of wood chipper, more murder, medical situations, death, accidental drug use, sex, and more.
Not a full TW list, please read responsibly.
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