I’m totally enjoying the Love in Charlotte Oaks series by Jess Mastorakos. As the Crow Flies is, at this point, my favorite novel in this series and that is 100% because of Riley. I have loved Riley since book 1 and have been dying to get to his story. Riley’s a total sweetheart — this is the first thing all readers realize from the very first second we meet him in book 1. In this book, his sweetness is unparalleled! There is so much to love about Riley, but my two favorite characteristics are his attention to detail and his patience. I love how he pays very close attention to Aubree. He reads her like book. He anticipates her every thought and need. I love that Riley sees when he should prod Aubree to talk and when he should back off and give her some space. I really appreciated how he uses his guitar, which he is never, ever without, as a divider between him and Aubree when he realizes she needs a little bit of space. Riley is incredibly patient with Aubree’s introverted proclivities. It’s not that Aubree is high maintenance or anything like that. It’s just that she is seriously introverted and she has been really hurt in the past. Aubree is a true wallflower, she is often invisible, and she always has her head in a good book. She’s introverted both because that is who she is, but also because she has put her vulnerable heart out there, and it’s mostly been stomped all over. So, she is hesitant to accept that a world-renowned, uber popular, exceptionally handsome country music singer would be in to her. It honestly does not compute. I really enjoyed how over the course of this story, Aubree lets her guard down and learns to trust Riley’s words and actions. It was fun to see her thaw out a bit. And it was so much fun watching Riley get his much-deserved happily ever after.

As the Crow Flies is a really excellent Contemporary Romance that I just cannot recommend enough. If you’re a fan of super engaging plotlines, relatable and endearing characters, and sweet romances that will leave you smiling, then you definitely need to check this book out!