This is my first book from Penelope Douglas and I loved it. Can't wait to read her other books. I especially want to go back and read the original Falls series. 

High octane read that hits the ground running. The plot was intriguing and engaging. The pacing kept me hanging on, waiting for the next tidbit of info to drop, so I could try to piece together the mystery.   

The MCs were both super lovable -- not in the sweet and cuddly way (Aro is quite prickly), but in their own uniquely special ways. Aro's tenacity and grit in the face of overwhelming odds was inspiring. She was always thinking about ways to take care of her family. Now Hawke... Hawke!!! I think Hawke is my new favorite book boyfriend. The way he’s is so intent on taking care of Aro (despite her independent streak) was impressive. 

It was also super refreshing that the virgin trope focused on the MMC as the virgin, instead of the FMC ***and*** it didn't make the Aro over s3xed to "make up" for Hawke's lack of experiences. I appreciated the fact that they made Hawke struggle to get out of his head about sex and that it was important to him to have an emotional connection with the person he had sex with. 

I adored so much of the plot. I highly recommend this book. It will be a top 10 for me in 2024.

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

POV: Dual

HEA: Yes

Cliffhanger: No

Tropes: Virgin, opposites attract, rivalry, wrong side of the track

INSTAGRAM: @Book.Lover.IRL 

STORYGRAPH: Book.Lover.IRL
GOODREADS: Book Lover IRL

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved this book

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really liked this book

⭐️⭐️⭐️ I liked this book

⭐️⭐️ Meh…  bored or annoyed

⭐️ Seriously? Not worth it

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ INFERNO. P@nty melting

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Blazing hot

🌶️🌶️🌶️ Now we’re talking

🌶️🌶️ Meh… uninspired missionary

🌶️ Does weak foreplay count?