*somewhere between 3,5 and 4 stars*

I struggled with the beginning of this book. The two main characters wake up together in Vegas and have zero connection between them. But they were strangers so it was okay. However, they see each other again and there still wasn't any chemistry between them. For the first 35% of this book, their conversations were minimal, stillted and awkward. Because I wasn't invested in the romance, I started noticing all the little unrealistic aspects about the plot and I was not having a good time.

But then, around the 35% mark, the story took a complete 180. The characters finally have their first honest conversation, and everything starts to shift. This is truly a slow burn romance, Eva has a hard time letting herself be vulnerable and Max doesn't rush her. Their relationship evolves gradually—first becoming friendly, then transitioning into a tentative friendship before they finally acknowledge and act on their feelings. And once they do, the steamy scenes do not disappoint!

Max is swoon-worthy, a golden retriever who just wants to spoil Eva. Eva loves Max exactly as he is, never thinking he’s too much or asking him to change. Their dynamic is heartwarming and sweet, and by the end, I found myself fully rooting for their romance.