Full post at ihavetosay.blog


Thank you to the author @laynajameswrites and @lunaliterary.management for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Out now and available through Kindle Unlimited!

This is the second book in a standalone interconnected romance series. It’s told from the third person from both Ashlie and Hunter’s perspective.

Ashlie has anxiety and a habit of being with inconsiderate men. Hunter is a playboy who learns his estranged mother is coming for the holidays.

Early on, we learn that one of them is aware of their own feelings. We see them both reminisce and act on their mutual attraction absentmindedly. I loved the pacing of their relationship and watching it grow and develop as they recognize what’s been there.

This is a love triangle and I have no notes on how it was used in this story. I loved it.

I enjoyed the side characters too. All the advice they gave was relevant and full of wisdom. I want to go back to the first one so I can stay in this universe a little longer. I hope Willa gets her own book.

There’s a third act breakup, but I think it makes sense for the story. At times Ashlie was doing the most, but in the end she recognizes it, which leveled out my annoyance and made me feel the story came full circle. Both characters displayed different levels of growth in the end. They’re loved by each other as they continue to work through their issues.

Tropes include
🍯 Friends to Lovers
🍯 Mutual Pining
🍯 Best Friend’s Brother
🍯 Love Triangle
🍯 Just for tonight/ fuck it / it’s always been you
🍯 Reformed Player
🍯 Anxiety Rep
🍯 Dating Bet

OVERALL

Overall, I give this a 5 out of 5 stars. There’s so many moments in the book where I was cheesing and laughing. At the same time, the inside jokes and teasing are balanced with real deep-seated issues and real advice. It’s definitely a favorite!