Meghan Quinn delivers another laugh-out-loud romantic comedy with Till Summer Do Us Part, a story that transforms the familiar fake relationship trope into something unexpectedly profound. What begins as a simple workplace lie spirals into an eight-day marriage camp adventure that explores themes of healing, vulnerability, and discovering what we truly deserve in love.
Plot That Hooks You From Page One
Scottie Price finds herself in an impossible situation when she fabricates a husband to impress her new boss at a male-dominated workplace. When eagle-eyed coworker Chad calls out her missing wedding ring, Scottie’s panic leads to an elaborate story about marital troubles. Enter Wilder Wells, a retired millionaire with time on his hands and an improv obsession, who agrees to play her fake husband for what should be a simple marriage counseling session.
But Quinn masterfully escalates the stakes when their therapist Sanders enrolls them in an eight-day marriage camp in the Catskills. What follows is a beautifully crafted journey where two strangers navigate fake arguments, genuine vulnerability, and unexpected attraction while sharing a cabin with colleagues who believe their charade.
The plot’s strength lies in its organic progression. Quinn doesn’t rush the romance or rely on convenient misunderstandings. Instead, she allows Scottie and Wilder to genuinely get to know each other through structured camp activities, honest conversations, and moments of raw emotional truth.
Character Development That Resonates
Scottie Price: A Relatable Heroine
Scottie emerges as Quinn’s most well-developed heroine yet. Her journey from a woman scarred by her ex-husband Matt’s emotional neglect to someone who recognizes her own worth feels authentic and earned. Quinn skillfully weaves Scottie’s past trauma throughout the narrative without making it her defining characteristic.
The author captures the realistic aftermath of emotional abuse with nuanced detail. Scottie’s surprise at Wilder’s basic kindness—his excitement to see her, his willingness to participate in activities, his genuine interest in her thoughts—highlights how low her expectations had become. This makes her gradual awakening to what she deserves both heartbreaking and empowering.
Wilder Wells: More Than a Charming Millionaire
Wilder could have easily been a one-dimensional love interest, but Quinn gives him layers that unfold throughout the story. His willingness to help a stranger stems from genuine boredom and kindness, but his growing investment in their fake relationship reveals deeper needs for connection and purpose.
His backstory involving his father’s accident, his mother’s infidelity, and his role as Mika’s protector adds complexity without overwhelming the romance. Quinn particularly excels at showing how Wilder’s privileged position allows him to be generous with both money and emotional labor, while still making him vulnerable and relatable.
The Marriage Camp Setting: A Stroke of Genius
The Camp Haven setting elevates this beyond typical contemporary romance. Sanders, the unconventional therapist with his sports equipment obsession and casual demeanor, provides both comic relief and genuine wisdom. His activities force Scottie and Wilder to engage in increasingly intimate conversations while maintaining their charade.
Quinn uses the camp structure brilliantly to create natural story beats. The couple’s activities—from coloring golf balls to represent their relationship to navigating obstacle courses while arguing—provide both humor and meaningful character development. The confined setting with Scottie’s coworkers adds tension and stakes that keep readers invested.
Writing Style and Humor
Quinn’s signature humor shines throughout Till Summer Do Us Part. Her dialogue crackles with wit, particularly in the early chapters when Scottie and Wilder are fumbling through their first therapy session. The author has a gift for finding humor in awkward situations without undermining the emotional weight of the story.
The dual perspective narrative works exceptionally well, allowing readers to experience both Scottie’s anxiety and Wilder’s bemused confidence. Quinn’s writing style feels natural and conversational, making it easy to become absorbed in the story.
However, some readers might find the extensive inner monologue occasionally repetitive, particularly regarding Scottie’s fears about her worthiness. While this reflects realistic anxiety patterns, it sometimes slows the pacing in the middle sections.
Emotional Depth Beyond the Laughs
Where Till Summer Do Us Part truly succeeds is in its emotional authenticity. Quinn doesn’t shy away from the lasting effects of emotional abuse or the complexity of family dynamics. Wilder’s relationship with his brother Mika, his complicated feelings about his mother’s infidelity, and his struggle with purpose after early retirement add genuine depth.
The book’s exploration of what we accept in relationships versus what we deserve feels particularly relevant. Scottie’s journey from accepting crumbs of affection to recognizing she deserves enthusiasm and genuine care provides a powerful emotional arc that extends beyond romance into self-worth.
Areas for Improvement
While Till Summer Do Us Part largely succeeds, some elements feel underdeveloped:
- Chad’s character arc feels rushed. His transformation from workplace antagonist to sympathetic figure happens too quickly to feel fully earned.
- The resolution with Scottie’s work situation gets minimal attention after being a major driving force. Readers might want more closure on her professional growth.
- Some camp activities feel more functional than organic, existing purely to advance the plot rather than feeling like natural relationship exercises.
Supporting Characters and Subplots
Mika, Wilder’s brother and Scottie’s best friend, serves as more than just a plot device. His own struggles with their family’s past and his protective nature toward both siblings add richness to the story. Denise, Scottie’s friend, provides solid support and realistic friendship dynamics.
The inclusion of other couples at the camp, particularly Chad and his wife, creates a believable environment while highlighting different relationship challenges. Quinn uses these secondary characters effectively to reflect Scottie and Wilder’s growth.
Romance Development
The romantic progression feels earned and realistic. Quinn builds attraction through shared experiences, genuine conversation, and small moments of kindness rather than instant chemistry. The physical relationship develops naturally, with both characters having realistic concerns about intimacy given their situation.
The book’s treatment of consent and communication during intimate scenes deserves particular praise. Quinn models healthy relationship dynamics even within their unusual circumstances.
Themes and Messages
Beyond the entertainment value, Till Summer Do Us Part explores several meaningful themes:
- Self-worth after emotional abuse: Scottie’s journey to recognizing her value
- Family loyalty versus personal growth: Wilder’s struggle with protecting others while pursuing his own happiness
- The difference between settling and thriving: Both characters learn to expect more from relationships
- Honest communication as a foundation: The camp activities reinforce this repeatedly
Comparison to Quinn’s Previous Work
Readers familiar with Quinn’s extensive catalog will recognize her signature style while noting some evolution. Till Summer Do Us Part feels more emotionally mature than some of her earlier works like The Brentwood Boys series, while maintaining the humor that made The Modern Gentleman and Vacation Wars so popular.
The book shares DNA with Quinn’s Cane Brothers series in its blend of wealthy heroes and authentic emotion, but feels more grounded in realistic relationship dynamics.
Perfect For Fans Of
Readers who enjoyed these authors and books will likely love Till Summer Do Us Part:
- Christina Lauren’s The Unhoneymooners (fake relationships in confined settings)
- Emily Henry’s Beach Read (enemies-to-lovers with emotional depth)
- Helena Hunting’s contemporary romances like Chase Lovett Wants Me (humor with heart)
- Tessa Bailey’s It Happened One Summer (character growth through new environments)
- Sarah Adams’s The Cheat Sheet (friends-to-lovers with small-town vibes)
Final Verdict
Till Summer Do Us Part succeeds as both an entertaining romantic comedy and a meaningful exploration of healing and self-worth. Quinn has crafted a story that will make readers laugh, swoon, and perhaps reflect on their own relationship standards.
While not perfect, the book delivers exactly what readers expect from Meghan Quinn while pushing her storytelling in slightly more mature directions. The marriage camp setting provides a fresh backdrop for familiar tropes, and the character development feels genuine throughout.
This is quintessential summer reading—light enough for vacation but substantial enough to satisfy readers looking for more than pure fluff. Quinn continues to prove why she’s a reliable name in contemporary romance, delivering stories that entertain while touching the heart.
Recommended Similar Reads
For readers who enjoyed Till Summer Do Us Part, consider these similar books:
Contemporary Romance with Fake Relationships
- By The Book by Jasmine Guillory
- The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
- The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas
Marriage/Relationship Boot Camp Stories
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid (different tone but explores relationship dynamics)
- Attachments by Rainbow Rowell (workplace romance with deeper themes)
Meghan Quinn’s Other Standouts
- How My Neighbor Stole Christmas
- So Not Meant to Be (Cane Brothers series)
- Bridesmaid for Hire (Series)
- The Modern Gentleman
- Vacation Wars
Rating Recommendation: This book earns its place among Quinn’s strongest work, offering the perfect blend of humor, heart, and heat that romance readers crave.
