This was a fun read that I really enjoyed. I'm always down for the brother's best friend trope. The book was cute, sweet, witty, spicy, funny, touching, and overall just leaves you feeling happy and content.

Layla is in desperate need of a vacation and is all set to kickstart her trip to Lake Como, Italy, with her best friend, Charolette. But when Charolette has to cancel her trip at the last minute due to an unexpected situation, she doesn't want to ruin this vacation for Layla, so she tries to find someone who could travel with her last minute, which ultimately leads to Josh going on this trip in her stead.

Josh and Layla don't get along, not since the way things went down between them almost a decade ago. But when his best friend and Layla's older brother, Asher, asks him for a favor to accompany his sister on a vacation that is much needed for her, Josh gives in and agrees.

At first, neither of them are thrilled about this turn of events and can't help but bicker or ignore one another. But once they reach Italy, the beauty of the place immediately puts them at ease, and they can't help but share their awe and admiration for the place with each other. As they spend time together, in only one room, with only one bed and no escape from all the proximity, they can't deny the chemistry and growing tension between them.

Josh was a very lovable character. He knew how to push her buttons to get her to react and loved it when she reacted to him. He was proud of Layla for getting to where she had and supported her every step of the way, knowing that she was her own person, but at the same time he also took care of her and showered her with attention and love, making sure Layla knew how special she was to him. Everything he did to bring a smile to her face was incredibly sweet. He also took the steps to make up for his mistakes, even though it was a struggle for him.

Josh has insecurities that hold him back from starting something with Layla, and he's spent a long time fighting to keep his feelings for her suppressed. I truly felt bad for the things he felt about himself and how he seemed convinced by the voices in his head. But with this trip and all the time he's spending getting to truly know Layla, he starts wondering if he could be the right person for her after all. And once he makes up his mind, he gives it his all.

Layla was a really amazing character. She worked really hard to get her business to where it was and valued her independence a lot. She wanted someone who would support her dreams and wouldn't be intimidated by them. She has closed herself off from relationships for a while now and has put all her time and focus on her work. This trip is about finding herself and trying to have a balance between her career and having new experiences in life.

Layla had her heart broken once by Josh a decade ago and has resorted to keeping him at a distance. But spending all that time in close proximity and having these new experiences alongside Josh makes it difficult to keep up the pretense. All the feelings she's had for him for years start to bubble up, but at the same time she doesn't want to risk getting hurt by him again.

At first they had a rocky start when the trip began due to all the animosity that's grown between them in the past decade. However, as they explore Italy, they also start exploring more about each other, seeing how easy it is to be together when they aren't trying so hard to keep their distance. I loved how Josh slowly works on proving himself to her and patiently waits for her to give him a chance. Their relationship really felt effortless, and they helped put each other's doubts and worries to rest with time.

The spice was freaking amazing. Josh's dirty talking was SO HOT, and I loved every second of it. The way he loved taking control in the bedroom had me fanning myself. I especially loved this because Layla wasn't shy about asking for what she likes, or experimenting with Josh, and taking control too.

I love how supportive the side characters were. They were a fun mix, and I'm definitely interested in reading all their books.

I do wish there was at least one chapter or a flashback showing us what happened in the past or how they were with each other before things got messed up, but that's just my opinion because that's something I personally like in books.

Thank you to Nicole Baker and Love Notes PR for providing me with the ARC in exchange for an honest review.