Meet Disaster by D.E. Haggerty is a feel-good small-town romance that skilfully uses its setting, humour, and heartfelt character interactions to create an engaging and memorable story.
By D.E. Haggerty
Book cover
| Title | Meet Disaster |
| Writer | D.E. Haggerty |
| Fictional Universe | Winter Falls |
| Series | Dempsey Sisters |
| Publisher | Kindle |
| Publication date | 25th October 2022 |
| MBR star rating /5 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Genre | Romance Contemporary |
fact sheet
Tags
Pinterest pin
Synopsis: Meet Disaster
Can Fake Feelings Become Real Love?
In this heart warming small-town romantic comedy, she finds herself navigating not only her growing feelings for Phoenix but also the over-the-top antics of Winter Falls residents.
A meddling crew of matchmaking sisters, a goat named Pan with a diva streak, and a town full of nosy hippies provide humour and warmth as she and Phoenix inch closer to a love neither of them expected. This cozy romance has all the feel-good elements of second chances, playful misunderstandings, and the magic of finding love right where you least expect it.
For Gabrielle moving to the new quirky small town of Winter Falls was supposed to be simple.
But when she finds out her ex-boyfriend is trying to track her down after she left without a word, the locals step in with a plan.
The solution to fake-date the irresistible yet commitment-shy Phoenix, the town’s ruggedly handsome goat farmer.
At first this seems like a win-win, since she’s already crushing hard on Phoenix
Although Phoenix insists she’s too “nice” and “soft” to be his type, she’s willing to play along—after all, it’s the perfect excuse to spend more time with him.
Soon, their “pretend” relationship blurs the line between fantasy and reality. With light touches, stolen glances, and shared laughs, Begins to make her wonder if Phoenix feels same.
Leading her to now begin in the hope this fake relationship can become so much more.
Review: Meet Disaster
Setup
Meet Disaster by D.E. Haggerty is a delightful small-town romance featuring classic romcom elements, the fake dating trope, and a touch of suspense. Set in Winter Falls, a quirky small town, the story follows Gabrielle, a shy young woman escaping her past, and Phoenix, a goat farmer who’s been hurt by love before. Their fake dating arrangement leads to unexpected warmth, laughter, and plenty of heartfelt moments.
Small Town Setting
Winter Falls itself feels like a character, brimming with charm and eccentric townsfolk, including the amusing “Pink Ladies” who meddle in everything and bring an extra layer of small-town cosiness’. This setting, far from being merely a backdrop, plays an integral role in shaping the story’s warmth and humour. The goats, in particular, add comic relief, and Haggerty’s sharp dialogue brings to life both Gabrielle and Phoenix’s interactions with the town and each other.
Writing Style
Haggerty balances romance with humour, delivering genuine laugh-out-loud moments, especially in scenes with the town’s quirky residents and Phoenix’s goats. This light hearted approach elevates the romcom vibe, making Meet Disaster more than just a “cute” romance; it’s charmingly funny in a way that feels authentic and fresh.
Suspense?
The suspense element, however, is understated. Although it serves as a catalyst for the fake dating plot, it doesn’t escalate much beyond the initial setup.
A few additional suspenseful scenes would have added more tension without detracting from the novel’s light hearted tone. However as a reader it is possible to see why D.E. Haggerty made this choice this is and to much suspense would have changed the novels style.
This is a minor issue and maybe a reader who reads has more of a pure romance genre history rather than the thrillers would not have noticed. This is because otherwise Meet Disaster is a well-crafted romance story.
Romance
The fake dating trope works particularly well here because the setup feels believable (compared to the tope normally) : Phoenix has valid concerns about dating after his last partner abandoned small-town life, and Gabrielle’s shyness and past troubles add depth to her need for a fresh start. Spending so much time together allows these two guarded souls to connect on a deeper level, with their fears and hopes gradually revealed in an organic, satisfying way.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Meet Disaster by D.E. Haggerty is a feel-good small-town romance that skilfully uses its setting, humour, and heartfelt character interactions to create an engaging and memorable story. It’s a lovely read for anyone looking for a romcom with a touch of charm and a lot of laughs.
Further reading
on Mark Reads Books
External Links
add to TBR
Pinterest pin
Like follow or share if you would want similar content.
Above all Keep Safe and treat people fairly.
Mark.