June Hanson meets Calix Moore in a bar and has an unforgettable one night stand. Two months later, even after a fake name and an agreement to never seeing each other again, he's back in her life, at her distillery, with the same look in his eyes. But this time, he won't be so easy to get rid of.

Calix and June were as beautiful a love story as I've ever read. It was so soft, and so warm. It wrapped around you, it held you. It was amazing. The writing was smooth, almost velvety, but still intense when it needed to be. I love the way Asia explores tough topics in an intentional and careful way. You feel the emotion you're supposed to feel, but you're not overwhelmed by it. June is a warrior, a fierce protector of others, who doesn't want to be seen as a burden and I think it's a personality Black women can relate to and connect with. Calix was made to be her soft place to land. He was faithful to what he felt for her, even when he thought he wouldn't have her again. The two of them were honest with each other always, and I love how the author added the moments when even though they were honest, they felt like lying would be easier--it helped to humanize them and give them nuance. June's past and Calix's willingness to be her shield captured my heart. He was romance personified, because romance is about paying attention and he always saw the things June found it hard to admit. And she was the affection and reassurance that he could do the things he was so unsure of. The way they protected one another was my favorite part. He was safety, and she was love.

The families were written so well, and I was eager for them to mix and give each other more. I loved the glimpses of August and his life with Couri, but this story was firmly about June and I was happy about that. 

Added to this romance, June and Calix were sexy and very passionate in the best of ways. They brought out the best in each other, and I love that he was a good enough lover that June could let go. It makes for the best heat. June and Calix drifted into my heart, and it'll be a while before I let them go.