Amy Daws delivers another knockout punch to the contemporary romance scene with Seven Year Itch, the second installment in her Mountain Men Matchmaker series. This enemies-to-lovers romp takes everything we thought we knew about the Fletcher brothers and flips it on its head, proving that sometimes the most explosive chemistry comes from the people we claim to despise most.
Plot Overview: From Bitter Enemies to Burning Desire
Seven years of mutual hatred sets the stage for what becomes an unexpectedly tender love story wrapped in scorching steam. Dakota Schaefer, a fiery business owner nursing wounds from a fresh divorce, finds herself sharing more than just heated words with Calder Fletcher, the tattooed mountain man who’s been the bane of her existence since their first meeting. When a family wedding in Mexico forces them into close quarters, their animosity transforms into something far more dangerous—and infinitely more satisfying.
The story kicks into high gear when Calder’s brothers sabotage his dating profile, replacing his typical hookup-focused approach with emotional vulnerability that would make even the most commitment-phobic woman swoon. This clever plot device immediately establishes Calder as more than the stereotypical alpha male, revealing layers of insecurity and genuine desire for connection that elevate him above typical romance hero archetypes.
What begins as a desperate need for a wedding plus-one evolves into a sexual awakening for Dakota and an emotional reckoning for Calder. Their arrangement—helping Dakota regain her post-divorce confidence through a series of increasingly intimate encounters—provides the perfect framework for character development while maintaining the sexual tension that drives the narrative forward.
Character Development: Peeling Back the Onion Layers
Calder Fletcher: The Cat Daddy with a Heart of Gold
Daws has crafted something special in Calder Fletcher. Far from the typical growling mountain man, Calder is refreshingly self-aware about his flaws while remaining authentically masculine. His devotion to his cat Milkshake (yes, he literally wears a baby carrier for his feline companion) immediately endears him to readers and signals that this isn’t your typical alpha hero.
The author skillfully reveals Calder’s vulnerabilities through his interactions with Dakota. His admission that he “catches feelings after direct eye contact” isn’t just humor—it’s a genuine character trait that explains his defensive mechanisms. His past trauma with Robyn, a woman who manipulated all three Fletcher brothers, provides context for his emotional walls without excusing his behavior toward Dakota.
Dakota Schaefer: Finding Strength in Vulnerability
Dakota’s journey from bitter divorcee to confident woman reclaiming her sexuality feels authentic and empowering. Daws avoids the trap of making her a victim by having Dakota actively pursue her own healing. Her exploration at the Lexon Club isn’t portrayed as desperate or pathetic but as a woman taking control of her own narrative.
The chemistry between Dakota and Calder crackles from their first scene together. Their banter feels natural and lived-in, the kind of verbal sparring that can only come from years of knowing exactly which buttons to push. Daws excels at showing rather than telling us about their connection through small moments—the way Calder notices every outfit Dakota wears, how she unconsciously seeks his comfort when hungover.
Writing Style: Daws’ Signature Blend of Heart and Heat
Daws writes with the confidence of an author who knows her craft. Her dialogue sparkles with wit and authenticity, particularly in the banter between Calder and Dakota. The sexual tension builds gradually and realistically, allowing readers to invest emotionally before the steam takes center stage.
The author’s handling of explicit content deserves particular praise. Rather than gratuitous scenes, each intimate moment serves character development and plot advancement. The PowerPoint presentation Dakota creates for their sexual exploration is both hilarious and touching, representing her analytical approach to reclaiming her confidence.
The pacing occasionally stumbles in the middle sections, where some plot threads feel rushed while others drag. The resolution of Dakota’s divorce settlement comes too easily, and her ex-husband Randal remains frustratingly one-dimensional. However, these minor issues don’t significantly detract from the overall reading experience.
Series Context: Building the Fletcher Legacy
Seven Year Itch benefits enormously from its place in the Mountain Men Matchmaker series. Readers of Nine Month Contract will appreciate seeing Wyatt and Trista’s established relationship, while the setup for Honeymoon Phase creates anticipation for Luke and Addison’s story. The interconnected nature of the Fletcher family adds depth to the world-building without overwhelming new readers.
The mountain setting itself becomes almost a character, representing both isolation and sanctuary. Daws does excellent work showing how Fletcher Mountain serves as a refuge for damaged hearts while challenging its inhabitants to grow beyond their comfort zones.
Strengths That Elevate the Story
The book’s greatest strength lies in its emotional authenticity. Despite the heightened romantic situations, the characters’ emotional responses feel genuine. Calder’s fear of commitment and Dakota’s struggle with self-worth after her divorce resonate with real-world experiences.
The supporting cast adds richness without overwhelming the central romance. Kate, the romance author who helps Dakota understand her own story through literary tropes, provides both comic relief and insight. The Fletcher family dynamics feel lived-in and genuine, particularly the brotherly relationships that foundation the series.
Areas for Improvement
While Seven Year Itch succeeds on many levels, it’s not without flaws. The resolution feels somewhat rushed, with major relationship obstacles overcome perhaps too easily. Dakota’s decision to move to Fletcher Mountain happens quickly after spending the entire book emphasizing her independence and business ties to Boulder.
The subplot involving Dakota’s divorce settlement creates tension but resolves anticlimactically. Randal’s motivations remain murky, and his sudden withdrawal from pursuing additional alimony feels convenient rather than organic to the story.
Some readers may find the extensive sexual content overwhelming, though fans of Daws’ previous work will know what to expect. The kink exploration, while handled tastefully, may not appeal to all romance readers.
Comparative Analysis: Standing Among Romance Giants
Seven Year Itch holds its own against contemporary romance heavyweights. It shares DNA with books like Christina Lauren’s enemies-to-lovers works but brings its own unique voice through Daws’ signature humor and the mountain setting. The sexual frankness recalls authors like Meghan March while maintaining more emotional depth than purely erotic romance.
Similar Book Recommendations
Readers who enjoyed Seven Year Itch should consider:
- The Broken Places by Mia Sheridan – For similar small-town romance with wounded heroes
- Angelika Frankenstein Makes Her Match by Sally Thorne – For enemies-to-lovers workplace tension
- Beard Science by Penny Reid – For quirky, brainy heroines and unconventional heroes
- Kulti by Mariana Zapata – For slow-burn tension and character development
- The Things We Water by Mariana Zapata – For patient relationship building and family dynamics
Final Verdict: A Worthy Addition to the Romance Canon
Seven Year Itch succeeds in delivering everything readers want from contemporary romance: compelling characters, emotional growth, steamy chemistry, and satisfying resolution. While not groundbreaking, it represents solid craftsmanship from an author who understands her genre and audience.
Daws has created characters worth caring about and placed them in situations that feel both fantastical and grounded. The book earns its emotional moments through careful character development and genuine chemistry between the leads.
For fans of the Mountain Men Matchmaker series, this installment provides satisfying progression while setting up future books. New readers can jump in here, though they’ll benefit from starting with Nine Month Contract for full context.
Seven Year Itch confirms Amy Daws’ position as a reliable voice in contemporary romance, delivering exactly what her cover promises while sneaking in unexpected emotional depth. It’s comfort reading at its finest—familiar enough to feel like coming home, fresh enough to keep pages turning.
About Amy Daws
#1 Amazon bestselling author Amy Daws continues to prove her versatility across contemporary romance subgenres. Known for her Harris Brothers football series and the Wait With Me series (adapted for Passionflix), Daws has established herself as an author who understands both the emotional and physical aspects of romantic relationships. Her background writing in a tire shop waiting room has clearly served her well in creating authentic, relatable characters who speak like real people rather than romance novel archetypes.
With Seven Year Itch, Daws demonstrates growth as a storyteller while maintaining the voice that has earned her devoted readership. As the series progresses toward Honeymoon Phase, readers have every reason to trust her to deliver satisfying conclusions to the Fletcher family saga.