Fret Me Not is the 3rd installment in Sarah Estep’s Brunch Bros series. 

 

Set mostly in a small town in the PNW, the series focuses on a group of guy friends who (through various means) end up in Crane Cove and find love there. 

 

Each book, including Fret Me Not, can be read as a stand alone, but Estep has done such excellent world building I think you should start with book 1. 

 

Fret Me Not is the story of Sam and Lacey, a world famous musician and a talented dancer trying to get back on her feet. Neither are from Crane Cove but find themselves drawn to its comfort. As it happens, they’ve met before. Through a series of men-are-idiots events, Sam manages to get himself into a fake relationship with Lacey that quickly becomes much more. They adopt a dog, basically move in together, reignite their physical relationship, and make a monumental joint life decision, all while simultaneously falling in love and failing to express feelings. Needless to say, the relief I felt when they finally spoke honestly was real. 

 

I’ve talked about this when reviewing the rest of this series, but really it feels like Estep wrote these books with HistRom fans in mind. There are so many beautifully executed tropes in this book, most of which I have a hard time finding believable in a contemporary romance. 

 

Also, this book is super hot (kink with very clear consent), Lacey is deeply relatable, Daisy (the dog) is a perfect 3rd wheel, Sam is a “my wife” guy, and there is an outstanding grand gesture! 

 

Hiiiiiighly recommend!!