SYNOPSIS

Ashlie and Hunter are best friends. They have lunch together every Wednesday and are intertwined in each other’s lives, since another of Ashlie’s best friend is Hunter’s sister, Kayla. One night after clubbing, a drunken kiss is shared between them.

What could happen?

RECAP AND REVIEW

Thank you to the author, Layna James and Luna Literary for an advanced copy 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. She’s a former teacher who decided it wasn’t worth the panic attacks she’d get, and is now working at a retail store until she finds her next steps. Ashlie also has a habit of being with inconsiderate men.

Hunter is vying for a promotion. He learns his estranged mother is coming for the holidays and wants to avoid being around her while she’s in town. He is playboy.

Ashlie and Hunter’s banter and playfulness was it for me. They made me smile and laugh out loud with their teasing and stubbornness towards each other.

Early on, we learn that one of them is already aware of their feelings. We see them both think about that one time they don’t talk about and act on their attraction for each other absentmindedly. I loved the pacing of their relationship and watching it grow and develop as they recognize what might’ve been there all along.

This story is a love triangle, which is lowkey a trope I love when it’s done a certain way. I had a great time with how it was used in this book, Still it was clear, as a reader and even to other characters within the book, who was supposed to be with who. I enjoyed the other characters in this books. All the advice they gave was relevant and full of wisdom and 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 and 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!