I tore through Seven Year Itch by Amy Daws in one sitting. If you crave spicy enemies-to-lovers romance, sharp banter, and small-town charm, this book hits the mark. I love that it stands alone, even as the second in the Mountain Men Matchmaker series. The emotional moments surprised me.
Key Takeaways
Seven Year Itch is a fun enemies-to-lovers romance. It has lots of funny arguments and jokes. There are also real feelings that keep readers interested.
The story has characters who feel real and make mistakes. They learn and change as the story goes on. The small town setting makes the story feel warm and special.
This book is not part of a series. It mixes jokes, romance, and real feelings well. It is great for people who like happy, honest, and sometimes messy love stories.
Worth Reading?
First Impressions
I started Seven Year Itch by Amy Daws late at night, thinking I’d read just a chapter or two. That plan failed fast. I found myself glued to the pages, laughing at the banter and feeling every awkward, spicy moment between Calder and Dakota. The small-town setting felt cozy, and the enemies-to-lovers tension kept my heart racing.
I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect the emotional gut-punches. Some scenes left me gasping, and I had to pause to catch my breath.
Tip: If you love books that make you laugh and blush, this one delivers both.
I checked the ratings before I started. Goodreads shows a score above 4.2, which usually means readers are loving it. I know star ratings can be a bit misleading since people rarely give low scores, but anything above 4.2 is a good sign.
I also peeked at reader comments. Most praised the chemistry and the witty dialogue. A few mentioned the pacing felt a bit slow in the middle, but almost everyone agreed the romance was worth it.
Who Will Love It
If you’re a fan of romance novels that don’t take themselves too seriously, you’ll probably enjoy this book. Here’s who I think will love Seven Year Itch by Amy Daws:
You crave spicy, enemies-to-lovers stories with real emotional stakes.
You want a romance that balances heat with humor.
You enjoy small-town settings where everyone knows everyone’s business.
You like characters who feel flawed and real, not perfect or boring.
You appreciate a book that stands alone but still fits into a series.
Romance novels sometimes get a bad rap, but I have to give props to this genre. Studies show that readers value emotional growth and honest intimacy in these stories. The genre keeps evolving, and books like this prove why romance stays popular. Reader communities rally around these stories, sharing recommendations and celebrating the feels together.
If you’re looking for a book that’s fun, a little bit messy, and full of heart, this one checks all the boxes. I couldn’t put it down, and I think you might feel the same.
Summary
Main Plot
I jumped into Seven Year Itch by Amy Daws expecting a fun romance, but the story surprised me with its structure and pacing. The book opens with Dakota, a recently divorced woman, moving back to her small hometown.
She wants a fresh start, but her plans get messy fast. Calder, the grumpy woodworker next door, becomes her biggest headache—and her biggest temptation.
The plot follows a classic three-act structure that works so well for romance:
Setup: Dakota returns home, licking her wounds and trying to rebuild her life. Calder is already there, gruff and guarded, with his own baggage.
Confrontation: Sparks fly. Their arguments get heated, and the tension builds. Forced proximity (thanks to a matchmaking grandma and some nosy neighbors) keeps throwing them together. I felt the suspense and tension rise with every chapter.
Resolution: The story doesn’t just toss in a happy ending. Both characters have to face their fears and grow. The emotional payoff feels earned, not rushed.
The pacing kept me hooked. Some chapters zipped by with laugh-out-loud banter, while others slowed down for real emotional moments. I noticed the story used clear markers—like shifting scenes and dialogue—to keep everything moving and easy to follow. This matches what I’ve seen in other great romances: a strong start, rising tension, and a satisfying finish.
The book’s structure made it easy to track the main events and connect with the characters. I could see how the story set the stage, built up the drama, and then delivered those pulse-pounding, heart-melting moments. The small-town setting added a cozy backdrop, but the real action came from the push and pull between Dakota and Calder.
Calder and Dakota
The heart of Seven Year Itch by Amy Daws is the relationship between Calder and Dakota. Their dynamic stands out from other romance novels I’ve read. They start as enemies, but their connection feels real and messy, not just a string of misunderstandings.
Dakota: She’s not just a woman looking for love. She’s rebuilding her confidence after a tough divorce. I loved watching her reclaim her independence and sense of self. She doesn’t wait for Calder to fix her—she does the work herself, which made her journey feel honest.
Calder: He’s not your typical romance hero. Sure, he’s gruff and a bit closed off, but he has a soft side. His bond with his cat and his passion for woodworking show a different kind of strength. Calder’s growth comes from learning to open up, not just being the tough guy.
Their chemistry is off the charts, but it’s not just about physical attraction. The story gives them space to argue, laugh, and support each other. Their “enemies-with-benefits” arrangement creates plenty of drama, but it also lets them build trust and intimacy. I found myself rooting for them, even when they made mistakes.
If you like romance stories where both characters grow and change, this book delivers. The emotional depth reminded me of books by Christina Lauren and Tessa Bailey, but with its own unique voice.
The way the author explores their careers and personal growth adds layers to their relationship. It’s not just about falling in love—it’s about finding yourself, too. That’s what made this story stick with me long after I finished the last page.
Characters
Calder Fletcher
Calder grabbed my attention right away. He’s not just the grumpy neighbor—he’s got layers. I loved how his wire sculptures brought hope into the story. Critics noticed this, too:
Calder’s art gives off a sense of hope, not sadness.
Another artist, Pascin, doubted Calder at first but soon believed in his talent and future.
Calder’s not perfect, and that’s what makes him interesting. He’s stubborn, sometimes prickly, but he cares deeply about his work and the people close to him. His soft spot for his cat made me smile. I found myself rooting for him, even when he messed up.
Dakota
Dakota felt real to me. She’s not just a love interest—she’s got her own story. Reviews pointed out how easy it is to connect with her. Dakota’s journey reminded me of how hard it can be to start over. She’s like a war dog, scarred but strong, trying to fit in with her new life.
The way she bonds with Calder and the people around her made me care about her happiness. Kids and adults both find her story comforting and relatable. I wanted her to win, not just in love, but in life.
Chemistry
The chemistry between Calder and Dakota? Off the charts. I felt every spark and every argument. Their connection reminded me of couples who respect each other’s strengths.
The author describes real chemistry as mutual respect and equality. Calder embraces Dakota’s strengths, and their relationship feels deep and challenging. This complexity kept me hooked and made their romance believable.
Their banter and tension made me laugh, blush, and sometimes want to yell at them to just kiss already!
Romance
Enemies to Lovers
I have a soft spot for enemies-to-lovers stories, and this one hit all the right notes for me. Calder and Dakota start off on the wrong foot. Their arguments feel real, not forced. I could almost hear the tension crackle between them. Every time they clashed, I found myself grinning, waiting for the next round.
The push and pull between them kept me turning pages.
Their stubbornness made their eventual connection feel earned.
I loved how their fights slowly turned into flirting.
Reviewers agree with me. One called the enemies-to-lovers vibe “believable” and “satisfying.” Another said the conflict felt strong and the narration brought the characters to life. I didn’t just read about their rivalry—I felt it.
Banter and Heat
The banter in this book is next-level. I laughed out loud more than once. Calder and Dakota throw witty insults and clever comebacks like pros. Their conversations never felt stale. Instead, every exchange added to the chemistry.
The heat between Calder and Dakota? Off the charts. Their slow-burn tension made my heart race. I couldn’t put it down. If you love romance that mixes laughs with blush-worthy moments, this book delivers.
Writing Style
Humor
I have to give props to Amy Daws for her humor. I found myself laughing out loud at the quick comebacks and awkward situations. The jokes never felt forced. Instead, they made the characters feel like real people you’d want to hang out with.
I noticed the humor worked best in the banter between Calder and Dakota. Their teasing made the story lighter, even when things got tense.
Tip: If you need a pick-me-up, this book’s humor might do the trick.
Reader rating statistics back this up. Studies comparing humor styles show that readers rate humor like this higher than what you find in most books. For example, HumorSkills captions scored 2.19 out of 5, beating out other styles. That tells me readers really connect with this kind of writing. I felt it, too. The laughs felt genuine, not just filler.
Emotional Moments
The emotional moments in Seven Year Itch hit me hard. I didn’t expect to feel so much for these characters. I could sense every shift in their moods—anger, sadness, hope. Sometimes, I had to pause and breathe after a tough scene.
Readers notice and share the emotional shifts in the story.
People feel the same emotions as the characters, like sadness or relief.
Stories that move from tough times to happier ones stick with readers longer.
I love how the book balances laughs with real feelings. The emotional flow made the story feel honest. I finished the book feeling like I’d been on a real journey with Calder and Dakota.
Series Info
Standalone or Series
I picked up Seven Year Itch by Amy Daws without reading the first book in the Mountain Men Matchmaker series. I worried I might feel lost, but I didn’t. The story stands strong on its own. I got to know Calder and Dakota without needing any background.
Their journey felt complete, and I never felt like I missed out on inside jokes or past drama.
Note: The book connects to the series through familiar faces and the small-town setting, but you don’t need to read the first book to enjoy this one. The author gives enough context for new readers. I noticed the depth in Calder’s character and his family ties. These details made the story richer, not confusing. The emotional moments and vivid writing style made this book feel like a unique experience, even as part of a series.
Other Books
If you want more after finishing Seven Year Itch by Amy Daws, you can check out the other books in the Mountain Men Matchmaker series. The first book introduces the matchmaking grandma and sets up the small-town vibe. Each book follows a new couple, so you get fresh stories every time.
Book 1: Focuses on a different couple but shares the same cozy setting.
Book 2: Seven Year Itch by Amy Daws (my favorite so far).
Later books: I haven’t read them yet, but I hear they keep the same mix of humor, heat, and heart.
I like that you can jump in anywhere. If you want to read them in order, you’ll spot some returning characters and ongoing jokes. If not, you still get a full story every time.
Strengths
What Works
I have to give props to Amy Daws for nailing the things I love most in a romance. This book made me laugh, blush, and root for the characters. Here’s what stood out for me:
Banter that snaps: Calder and Dakota’s back-and-forth had me grinning. Their arguments felt real, not forced. I could almost hear them in my head.
Forced proximity: The matchmaking grandma and nosy neighbors kept these two together. Every awkward moment made the tension even better.
Spicy romance: The heat between Calder and Dakota? Off the charts. I felt my cheeks burn more than once.
Small-town charm: The setting felt cozy. I loved the way everyone seemed to know everyone’s business. It made the story feel alive.
Emotional depth: Some scenes left me gasping. I didn’t expect to feel so much, but the emotional moments hit hard.
If you want a book that mixes laughs, heat, and heart, this one checks all the boxes.
Room for Improvement
No book is perfect, and I noticed a few things that could be better:
Some chapters dragged a bit. I found myself skimming during slower scenes.
The pacing sometimes felt uneven. Action scenes sped things up, but introspective moments slowed the story down.
A few side characters felt flat. I wanted more depth, especially from Dakota’s friends.
Reviewers and tools like Marlowe often point out these issues. They help authors spot slow spots, rushed moments, or places where characters need more growth.
Beta readers also help by sharing where the story drags or feels confusing.
To be fair, these are small things. The book still kept me hooked, but a little tightening would make it even better.
Weaknesses
I have to admit, I didn’t love every single page. Sometimes, I found myself skimming, hoping for the story to pick up speed. The pacing felt uneven. Some chapters zipped by, but others dragged. I wanted more action and less waiting around.
Narrative gaps: The story sometimes jumped from one scene to another without clear connections. I felt a bit lost, like I missed something important.
Character depth: A few side characters felt flat. I wanted to know more about Dakota’s friends, but they faded into the background.
Interpretation issues: The story leaned on personal feelings and opinions. I noticed the plot sometimes relied on the author’s view, not always on clear facts. This made some parts feel less reliable.
Lack of structure: The book didn’t always follow a clear path. I saw moments where the story wandered, making it hard to stay focused.
Repetition: Some arguments and jokes repeated. I caught myself thinking, “Didn’t they already say this?”
I’ve seen this in other romance books, too. Stories that use a flexible style can feel open and fun, but they risk losing focus. Sometimes, the author’s own opinions shape the story more than the characters do. That can make the plot feel shaky.
To be fair, these weaknesses didn’t ruin my experience. I still enjoyed the ride, but I wanted a bit more polish and depth in the story.
Seven Year Itch by Amy Daws: Comparison
Similar Books
I always look for books that give me the same rush as Seven Year Itch. If you love spicy banter, small-town settings, and that enemies-to-lovers spark, you might want to check out these:
The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker: This one has a grumpy hero, a strong heroine, and a wild setting. The slow-burn romance had me hooked.
It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey: I laughed out loud at the banter. The chemistry sizzles, and the small-town vibe feels just right.
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne: This book set the bar for enemies-to-lovers. The witty back-and-forth and office tension made my heart race.
Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey: Another great pick if you want heat, humor, and a cast of quirky side characters.
I noticed that romance bestsellers often follow a pattern. They shoot up in sales right after release, peak fast, and then slow down. Series like this one keep readers coming back for more, just like the big names in romance. Female authors lead the pack in this genre, and Amy Daws fits right in.
Reader Recommendations
I asked friends and checked reader groups for their top picks if you loved Seven Year Itch. Here’s what came up most:
Enemies-to-lovers fans: Try “The Unhoneymooners” by Christina Lauren. The forced proximity and snarky dialogue are gold.
Want more small-town charm? “Archer’s Voice” by Mia Sheridan gets a lot of love for its emotional punch.
Series readers: People say the rest of the Mountain Men Matchmaker books keep the same humor and heat.
If you want a book that makes you laugh, blush, and root for messy, real characters, these picks should hit the spot. I have to give props to readers who keep sharing these gems. They know what works.
Author
About Amy Daws
I always get curious about the person behind a book that makes me laugh and blush at the same time. With Amy Daws, I wanted to know more, but I hit a wall—there’s not much personal info out there. Still, what I do know gives me confidence in her work.
Seven Year Itch came out on June 17, 2025, from Harlequin, a publisher I trust for romance. That alone tells me Amy Daws knows her stuff.
The book sits firmly in the Romantic Comedy category. I felt that in every page—sharp banter, awkward moments, and real heart.
I spotted an endorsement from Elsie Silver, a New York Times bestselling author. That’s a big deal in the romance world. It’s like getting a thumbs-up from someone who really gets it.
The story shows Amy Daws’s skill with classic romance themes and character growth. I saw it in the way she built Calder and Dakota’s journey.
I wish I could share more about Amy Daws’s life or writing habits, but I just don’t have those details. What I do have is a book that made me laugh, swoon, and root for messy, lovable characters. That’s enough for me to keep her on my radar for future reads.
If you want a romance author who delivers humor, heat, and heart, Amy Daws checks all the boxes.
I tore through Seven Year Itch by Amy Daws because I needed laughs, heat, and a small-town escape. If you love enemies-to-lovers stories with sharp banter and real heart, this one delivers.
Final verdict: 7/10.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is “Seven Year Itch” safe to read as a standalone?
Yes! I read it without the first book. I never felt lost. The story stands strong on its own.
How spicy does the romance get?
I’d call it pretty spicy! The chemistry sizzles, and the banter heats up. If you like steam, you’ll find plenty here.
Will I laugh or cry more?
Both! I laughed at the banter and felt real emotion during the tough scenes. The book balances humor and heart perfectly.
