THE DANE OF MY EXISTENCE is the second book in Jessica Martin’s Bard's Rest contemporary romance series. I was eager to read this book because I adored the previous book in the series – FOR THE LOVE OF THE BARD. The only thing that had me a little hesitant to start it, was that it seemed to be an enemies-to-lovers story, and those aren’t my favorite. I should have known better. Yes, Portia Barnes and Benjamin Dane, do find themselves on opposite sides in a pretty major way at some point or another, but the storytelling and the amazing characters make trekking through any romance-fueled angst worth it.

Portia Barnes is reluctantly on a sabbatical from her high-pressure cutthroat law firm. She goes back to her Shakespeare infused hometown to hang out with friends and family. Rather than lazing around doing nothing all day, she moves through her community like a legal aiding Snow White.  She proves that she is more than the shark persona she presents at work. At the same time Portia is supposed to be chilling out, she encounters an incredibly attractive interloper – commercial developer Ben. From the moment their eyes meet, you know there will be fireworks – both good and bad. I love the way Jessica Martin structures this story. The cliché would be to have the cold businesswoman who has to be thawed out by the hero. Jessica Martin avoids such cliches. I like both main characters immensely and I can understand each’s perspective, but in the evolving relationship, Portia is a little more self-aware at times and quicker to see the bigger picture. Ben is a great guy with a good heart, but he’s often blinded by his emotions. The chemistry between Portia and Ben is on point and the flirting and sexual tension is delicious. The author does a superb job of drawing in the reader and breathing life into her characters and her town.

THE DANE OF MY EXISTENCE is a marvelous story with two characters who work hard to hold onto their happiness they’ve found together. The friends and family in this story added to the richness of the storytelling without cluttering the story and were helpful without being obnoxious. I look forward to reading Jessica Martin’s next book.