I absolutely LOVED Sticks and Stones by S. Massery and S.J. Sylvis, so when book 2 of the Shadow Valley U series released, I was so excited. I couldn't put this book down! Even when I had to, it was basically living rent free in my brain, making me impatient to get home and dive back in.

Thorne and Briar's character developments were amazing to watch unfold, and their relationship developed in a real and honest way. I loved how they slowly started to trust each other and let their guards down. It was super heartwarming. Thorne is going on the book boyfriend list.

The story itself was emotional and honestly kinda heartbreaking at times. The way PTSD and panic attacks was addressed felt really real and authentic.

I loved every single bit of it: the main characters, the side characters, the whole storyline. I'm already dying for the next book in the series and the spicy holiday romance book coming out in 2025.