This book holds a very special place in my heart because it’s written by a friend who was sweet enough to offer me an early read last year. Needless to say, this review is a long-time coming, and I was so excited to get this physical copy in my hands to tab all my favorite moments and lines, and reread the final version of this beautiful story.

This book has so much heart; I can tell Elodie put every ounce of herself into these two characters—their struggles, their triumphs, their independent, ambitious nature—to lay the foundation for this story.

Josh and Avery each had their own past traumas to overcome and seeing them find their way back to each other was emotional and heart-warming. I loved how right out of the gate during their reconnection the air was cleared, apologies made and accepted, and their relationship started anew. I found that to be rare so early on in a romance read. While this wasn’t a textbook second-chance romance, it was a second chance at a friendship, and a chance to make the long-awaited leap into something more. Also, another unique angle.

I loved that this is a mature, adult romance. It covers heavy themes, career and life decisions, and there is communication, tenderness, and patience between Josh and Avery throughout. It has all the things I love in a romance.