Amy Daws delivers a tour de force in contemporary romance with Seven Year Itch, the second installment in her Mountain Men Matchmaker series. Following the success of Nine Month Contract, Daws proves she’s not just riding the coattails of her debut but actively elevating her craft. This isn’t merely another enemies-to-lovers story; it’s a profound exploration of how past wounds can either define us or refine us.
The Heart of the Matter: Plot Analysis
The premise reads like romantic comedy gold: Calder Fletcher, the tattooed mountain man with surprising depth, finds himself sharing accommodations with Dakota Schaefer, a woman who’s harbored seven years of resentment toward him. Their forced proximity during a destination wedding in Puerto Vallarta becomes the crucible where long-simmering tensions transform into something far more combustible.
Daws doesn’t rely on tired tropes to fuel their animosity. The seven-year backstory involving a disastrous home renovation gone wrong feels authentic and weighty. Dakota’s dream house—a Victorian she envisioned as her perfect marital sanctuary—was damaged during Calder’s careless work, symbolically foreshadowing the collapse of her marriage to the insufferable Randal. This isn’t just property damage; it’s the destruction of carefully constructed dreams.
The transition from enemies to lovers unfolds with remarkable authenticity. Their initial sexual arrangement—Dakota seeking confidence after her divorce, Calder offering his expertise as a wingman—evolves organically into something neither anticipated. Daws masterfully balances the physical chemistry with emotional vulnerability, never letting one overshadow the other.
Character Development: Beyond the Surface
Dakota Schaefer: More Than a Scorned Woman
Dakota emerges as one of romance fiction’s most relatable heroines. Her journey from a confidence-shattered divorcée to a woman reclaiming her sexuality and self-worth resonates deeply. Daws avoids the pitfall of making Dakota’s transformation solely dependent on Calder’s validation. Instead, she crafts a character whose growth feels internal and authentic.
Dakota’s ownership of “The T-shirt Shop” serves as more than just a career detail—it represents her creative independence and entrepreneurial spirit. Her friendship with romance author Kate provides delightful meta-commentary on the genre itself, with Kate analyzing Dakota’s situation through various romance tropes. These moments add layers of self-awareness without breaking the fourth wall.
Calder Fletcher: The Cat Daddy with Hidden Depths
Calder defies the typical alpha male archetype while maintaining his masculine appeal. His relationship with his cat Milkshake becomes a brilliant character-defining element. In a genre where pet ownership often feels like superficial character decoration, Daws uses Calder’s devotion to his feline companion to reveal his capacity for tenderness and commitment.
His woodworking skills and eventual furniture design success provide tangible evidence of his growth from the careless contractor of seven years past. The progression from destructive force in Dakota’s life to someone who literally crafts beautiful, lasting pieces for her business creates poetic symmetry.
Series Integration: Building a World Worth Revisiting
The Mountain Men Matchmaker series benefits from Daws’s skilled world-building. Seven Year Itch seamlessly integrates characters from Nine Month Contract, particularly Wyatt and Trista, without overwhelming new readers. The Fletcher family dynamics feel lived-in and authentic, creating a sense of community that extends beyond romantic pairings.
The upcoming Honeymoon Phase is cleverly teased through Luke’s mysterious subplot, maintaining reader investment in the series arc. Daws demonstrates sophisticated series planning, ensuring each book functions as a complete story while contributing to a larger narrative tapestry.
Sensuality and Steam: Finding the Right Temperature
Daws strikes an excellent balance between emotional intimacy and physical passion. The sexual tension builds methodically, beginning with their shared sex club experience (handled with surprising sensitivity) and evolving through various scenarios that test their boundaries. The author doesn’t shy away from explicit content but grounds it in character development and relationship progression.
The enemies-with-benefits arrangement provides natural opportunities for both conflict and connection. Their physical relationship becomes a language they both understand before their emotions catch up, creating authentic romantic tension.
Writing Style: Authenticity in Voice
Daws’s prose captures the distinct voices of both protagonists without resorting to caricature. Dakota’s internal monologue balances vulnerability with sharp wit, while Calder’s perspective reveals unexpected depth beneath his mountain man exterior. The dialogue crackles with authentic chemistry, particularly during their verbal sparring matches.
The author’s background shines through in her detailed descriptions of Dakota’s business and Calder’s woodworking. These aren’t throwaway career details but integral aspects of their identities that inform their relationship dynamic.
Critical Assessment: Areas for Growth
While Seven Year Itch largely succeeds, it occasionally suffers from pacing issues in the middle section. The transition from Puerto Vallarta to Colorado feels slightly rushed, and some secondary character storylines could benefit from deeper development.
The resolution of Dakota’s house trauma, while emotionally satisfying, perhaps comes too easily given the seven years of resentment it generated. A more gradual healing process might have felt more authentic to the weight of the backstory.
Additionally, while the supporting cast adds richness to the story, certain family members blur together, particularly among the Fletcher brothers. More distinct characterization would strengthen the series foundation.
Thematic Depth: Second Chances and Self-Discovery
Beyond the romantic elements, Seven Year Itch explores themes of personal growth, forgiveness, and the courage required to rebuild after failure. Dakota’s journey mirrors that of many readers navigating divorce and self-rediscovery in their thirties. The novel suggests that sometimes our greatest obstacles become our most transformative opportunities.
The mountain setting becomes metaphorical as well as literal—a place where characters can shed their old selves and embrace new possibilities. Dakota’s eventual decision to move to Fletcher Mountain represents more than geographical relocation; it’s a leap of faith into an uncertain but promising future.
Comparative Analysis: Standing Among Peers
Seven Year Itch holds its own against contemporary romance heavyweights. Fans of Christina Lauren’s complex relationship dynamics and Tessa Bailey’s steamy small-town romances will find much to appreciate. The book shares DNA with Helena Hunting’s emotional depth while maintaining its own distinct voice.
Within Daws’s own catalog, this novel demonstrates significant evolution from her earlier works. The emotional complexity surpasses her Harris Brothers series while maintaining the humor and heat that attracted her initial fanbase.
Final Verdict: A Romance Worth the Wait
Seven Year Itch succeeds as both a standalone romance and a series installment. Amy Daws has crafted characters worth caring about and a love story that feels both aspirational and achievable. While not perfect, the novel delivers on its promises: satisfying character growth, steamy romance, and emotional payoff.
The book works because it doesn’t rely solely on physical attraction or manufactured conflict. Instead, it presents two flawed individuals who must confront their past mistakes to build a shared future. In a genre often criticized for unrealistic expectations, Seven Year Itch offers hope grounded in genuine character work.
Recommended Reading for Romance Fans
If you enjoyed Seven Year Itch, consider these similar titles:
- The Hating Game by Sally Thorne – Office enemies-to-lovers with sharp dialogue
- Beach Read by Emily Henry – Writers confronting past relationships
- The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang – Confidence-building through fake relationships
- The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune – Found family and personal growth
- The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker – City woman, mountain man dynamics
Seven Year Itch earns its place among contemporary romance’s better offerings, proving that sometimes the best things are worth waiting seven years for.
