I think I’m Leon right now. I don’t have the words to describe how I feel about this book. I went into this story with a good feeling. You know what I mean. The bubbly, excited-nervous feeling, when you know you’re going to enjoy something, but a small part of you is pessimistic as always, and thinks it’s a trap. Usually I end up disappointed, but in this case, I fell in love harder than I was expecting.

Here’s my little Twitter thread that I made about 70% of the way into this book:

As I mentioned in that thread, I’m super picky with contemporary books, especially books with romance. I like to think that if I enjoyed a contemporary romance, then everyone else is bound to be 100% obsessed with it. So…all of you need to read this, whether you like romance or not. You have my guarantee that you’ll fall in love. If you don’t, feel free to yell at me.

I was mostly expecting this to be a cute, fun read, with some drama and classic misunderstanding between our two love interests. But this book is so much more. We have Leon’s brother, Richie, who was wrongfully charged with armed robbery. We get an insight into how screwed up the justice system is, and everything Leon and his brother have had to go through. We get to see a bit of Leon’s background with his mother and her many abusive relationships. And then we have Tiffy’s story, which is such a huge part of this book, and deals with toxic relationships and emotional abuse, and her journey discovering what was done to her, and her constant internal battles with herself as she struggles to break away from her past.

This last part was done so well. We really get to see into Tiffy’s mind as she struggles with coming to terms with the emotional abuse and manipulation. And as the reader, we see the signs so clearly. They literally scream at us from the page. But we come to understand that while all of these signs may seem rather obvious to us, for someone who has been abused in such a way, it’s not so clear or simple.

I really loved Mo’s character. Honestly, we all need a Mo. He’s so patient and has a presence about him that comes alive through his actions. He is exactly what Tiffy needed. I loved how he would stay silent and let Tiffy talk through her emotions. He always knew what to say, and yes, being a counsellor helps, but it was nice to see Tiffy coming to terms on her own, without her being pushed into it, or told this is what is happening to her.

Gerty I also really liked. She’s so strong and fierce and scary. I loved everything she did for Leon and Richie. I do think she’s a bit too harsh and judgemental, and I don’t know if I could necessarily enjoy being around someone like that, but she is there for Tiffy in the end, and I do love a strong, independent woman who can frighten any man with just one look.

Going back to Justin. I don’t want to be too spoilery, but the signs were there from the beginning. We gradually start to see the overall picture. And I guessed how Justin was doing what he was doing by the halfway mark. That being said, I still didn’t realize to what extent he went to get Tiffy back. It’s actually really freaky and I had goosebumps just reading the last bit of this book. Justin made me angry. Just as angry as Leon was at him. Men like him are the reason women fear for their lives. And honestly, I hope Gerty takes him to court and absolutely destroys him. He deserves worse than that honestly.

Okay, now for the romance. I know we’re all about romance and how amazing it is, which I’m sure it is, but here me out…

I have never aspired for a romantic relationship. But you know what I do aspire for? Tiffy and Leon’s relationship pre-shower incident (and if you’re asking me Sakina, what shower incident? I’m just going to say hehe cause if that makes you want to read this book, wait till I tell you that we have a “there’s only one bed in this hotel room” scene that will make you all scream in frustration cause Leon here is a pure English gentleman...most of the time).

Anyway, as I was saying. What sold me on this book was Tiffy and Leon’s early friendship. Seeing them get to know each other through the little notes they leave around the apartment was so cute and wholesome. I was squealing and laughing and smiling widely like a crazy person on public transportation. It just made me so happy. Those early stages of a couple getting to know each other are just great. And honestly, I would much rather get to know someone via notes/texts than in person, cause I’m antisocial. I didn’t realize that this is the kind of friendship/relationship I would want?? It never occurred to me this could be an option. No physical contact, no seeing the other person, just little notes and baking/cooking for each other. That is what I call an ideal situation.

Leon is wonderful. My fancast for Leon––cause this book definitely needs to be turned into a movie––is Alfred Enoch, aka our boy Dean Thomas from the Harry Potter movies. He was the first person that came to mind and it works perfectly, I won’t take anyone else for this role.



I still can’t settle on a fancast for Tiffy. But someone tall, curvy, with red-hair. And if anyone even suggests Scarlet Johansson they’re cancelled.

Leon is perfect. I haven’t read a character like him before. He’s so quiet and soft-spoken. He cares so much, and he hates change. He’s a hard worker and awkward. His relationship with Kay was kind of toxic in some ways. Kay seemed like a waaay milder version of Justin. At one point, Leon forgets to tell her where he is, and they have an argument. She’s also constantly blaming him for everything and making him feel guilty for something that isn’t even a bad thing. Plus she doesn’t believe Richie is innocent either.

Tiffy is bubbly and eccentric and I loved it so much. I also love how she’s an assistant editor for DIY books. That’s so unique and quirky and funny. The whole plot line with Katherin was so amusing and fun to read about. I found it hilarious how Katherin became famous because one of her Tweets caught the eye of a famous DIY youtuber. I love Tiffy’s sense of style and how open and spontaneous she is. She and Leon fit so well together, it was a match made in heaven, and I know Richie would agree, cause he was literally shipping them from his prison cell. Also, shoutout to the hospice staff at Leon’s work for rooting for Leon’s relationship without him even knowing he was in a relationship in the first place. Leon is surrounded by great people, and he deserves all the love and happiness. Tiffy also deserves to be loved and cherished and treated like the princess she is. This book had the perfect happily ever after ending. PLEASE, PLEASE SOMEONE MAKE IT INTO A MOVIE.

4.5/5 stars