I had the honor of getting an advanced copy of this delightful novel. Mixed Connection is a sweet, charming reunion story with dual POVs between the two main characters. I was delighted to see some plus-sized representation with the FMC Cassidy Heart. She is kind, caring, and a bit of a sunshine character as she tries to power through her intrusive thoughts and have ]more excitement in her life. She has her "found family" in her girl squad since her parents were workaholics and passed away when she was a teen leaving her with some understandable abandonment issues. She and her bestie Paloma co-own a book lovers dream bar "Shaken Tropes" where they name the drinks after romance novel tropes and hand out book/ drink pairings to their patrons. A bar where the music isn't overpowering and you're actually encouraged to relax and read? Boy howdy do I wish this place existed IRL! lol!
The incredibly handsome MMC Jameson Bennette is in town for the 10-year high school reunion while he works on a project for the company he co-owns with his best friend Anderson. Jameson had a crush on Cassidy all through high school but never dared to speak to her. And of course, they run into each other at the reunion and hit it off. Jameson is a genuinely sweet guy who wants to learn everything he can about Cassidy. Cassidy wants so much to dive into her feelings and be swept up like a character in the romance novels she loves so much. But struggles to accept his genuine affection as she tackles her abandonment issues and sets up healthy boundaries for herself.
It was really refreshing to see her mental health journey not as this huge struggle to overcome. Because yes even when you've been going to therapy regularly and have "dealt" with your issues, there can still be moments or situations that trigger those thoughts or feelings. It's so important to show what it looks like to come up against something you've worked hard to get past and be able to work through it without blaming yourself or using negative self-talk.
I really enjoyed this book. It's very sweet without being saccharine and cleverly handles heavier topics in ways that do not trivialize or blow things out of proportion. Reading these characters' journey together was heartwarming and cozy (with just the right amount of spice). Knowing this is the first of a series I look forward to seeing who the next pairing will be (I have a hunch but we'll see). ;-)
