I came in expecting a comfort read. And even though more serious topics were explored, that remained the case. In fact, I would say this is among the closest you can get to being fluff without actually being fluff. The climax wasn't overly dramatic, was eased into, and had the foundations for a quick but believable resolution. 

As a character-driven reader, I loved the focus that the characters and their relationships got. I really feel like I got to know them. In fact, getting to know Sage felt like looking in a mirror at times - so much so that I wondered if I'd be able to finish the book during this read through. And I'm so glad I did. Because this is what a good relationship (of any type) does: support you, and give you the strength to support yourself as well. Seeing these women grow into more healthy versions of themselves - learning where to put boundaries, learning how to incorporate self-care, and more - made me so soft and happy. 

Sage and Noah at first seem like opposites, something their rivalry also paints a picture of. But they're actually very similar. Their fire to pursue their dreams and find success may have different fuel, but they both blaze just as intense. And when put together, that fire ebbs and flares in a fun cycle of steamy, challenging, affectionate, and vulnerable - much as the two of them describe certain moments themselves.

This is an adult romance in way more than just spice. The maturity of these MCs and their relationship is truly goal-worthy. I would gladly recommend this book to anyone seeking a contemporary romance, and I cannot wait to have this standing proudly on my physical bookshelf.

Rep: Black FMCs, Lesbian FMC, Bisexual FMC, Black supporting characters, subtle gay romance in the background


Memorable Quotes:

“I am. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” She gave me a knowing smile. This woman could be fun. Noah was still a bit stiff and had a lot of work to do in terms of her artistic confidence, but she could be fun. 

“Once in a lifetime,” I agreed as I stared at her. 

Noah tilted her head to the side. “Are you okay?” 

“I’m fine. Just…realizing something.” 

“That it’s going to be a long six months?” 

I nodded. “Something like that.” 

 

“Stop reading into it." 

"I'm not reading into anything," I said, even though I was already on the tenth chapter, deep into the footnotes. 

“Some of us have to claw our way through the real world, survive any way we can. Sometimes, that survival looks like quitting to the outside."

"I burned myself out. Every dollar I earned I saved because every day was a rainy day. Once you guys saw that, you didn't feel the need to pitch in. You felt safe, T. I was terrified, and you felt safe."

I dragged out her name in a playful tone. The syllables felt good on my tongue. Had her name always felt like this? Like something I could repeat and never get bored of? 

 

“But I’ve always seen you as a human. No matter how good you are at what you do. You know why?” I shook my head, mesmerized by how her lips moved when she insulted me with, “You’re an asshole. Assholes are the most human of us all.” 

 

“But not all those lines I draw are the right ones.” 

“How can you tell the right ones from the wrong ones?” 

“When you put them down and don’t feel anything,” I said without hesitation. 

 

“I love your laugh.” I cupped her chin, pulling her close so our lips nearly touched. “And your growth. You don’t take shit from anyone. You never should have, especially from me.” 

Noah nodded, eyes hooded with warmth and desire. “I know.” 

“You’re so beautiful—your body and your determination. Thank you for telling me to fuck off,” I whispered.