In Want of a Wife pairs two rival antique buyers in a slow-burn romance where business, family legacy, and unexpected emotional baggage complicate what should havebeen a straightforward competition.

25 year old Liz Berkley is determined to save her family’s struggling antique business. Meanwhile, 29 year old Vince Darcy, recently returned home after the death of his father, is equally determined to honor his own family’s legacy by stepping up for their antique shop. Their shared passion for the trade ignites sparks of both rivalry and attraction—and when a steamy fling starts to feel like something more, neither is quite prepared for what follows.

Liz is the type of character who is sharp, observant, and quietly anxious, always carrying the weight of responsibility for her family’s store. I think we can all relate to how that can be. She thrives in the world of estate sales and flea market deals, driven by both passion and necessity.

Vince, on the other hand, is the more stoic of the two. With a finance background and an analytical mind, he left a promising corporate job to help his mother and take care of the store in the wake of his father’s death. Beneath the surface, he grapples with grief—which also harbors a deeper pain, a shadow that lingers over much of his emotional journey.

While Liz and Vince begin with mutual attraction and business tension (as do most protagonists), their attempt to keep things physical and casual quickly falls apart as real feelings surface. Vince’s reticence—rooted in past trauma and a naturally reserved personality—clashes with Liz’s expectations and emotional needs, creating a rift that requires honesty and courage. Their professional rivalry and tangled family connections (including a complicated link through Liz’s sister) makes things messier.

I really enjoyed the setting—antique sales and estate auctions added a fresh flavor to the usual small-town romance backdrop. Liz was easy to root for, and Vince’s brooding, wounded energy made him a compelling, if not always easy, hero. Their chemistry was believable, especially once they dropped the pretense of it being “just sex.”

That said, I didn’t enjoy this as much as I had hoped to. The dual POV, while offering insights into both characters, seemed to drain some of the emotional punch. I found myself less invested than I usually am with heroes as crafted by Ms. Adams. Vince’s introspection was necessary for his arc, but it made the pacing feel uneven at times. Also, I remember picking this up before and abandoning it partway, which tells me it did not hook me as strongly as her best work does.

That said, Ward and Em’s story teased in the background seems like one I would really enjoy!

Recommended for: Readers who enjoy rivals-to-lovers, quiet heroes with emotional depth, family business dynamics, and stories where casual flings turn into something deeply meaningful.

Final Verdict: From antiques to affection, this is a warm, slow-burn romance between two guarded hearts who weren’t looking for love; but then again, isn’t that the best kind?

Purchase Links: Amazon | B&N | Apple