This series somehow surprises each time. For some reason I get nervous they won’t be as good as I hope, but they are always somehow better. These two are such a perfect pair, the amount of comfort and joy they receive from each other’s company as friends are more than most of us can expect from platonic relationships let alone romantic ones. I love how their routines and rituals involve each other so thoroughly yet they both pretend the other has no feelings. The pining and adoration are so heart-wrenching and sum up the friend zone so well.
*SPOILERS AHEAD*


The apartment that Will gets with Aubrey in mind is so perfect. It has a whole room for her because he never expects her to want him romantically but wants her around and to take care of her nonetheless. That kind of love is beautiful it’s selfless, he wants nothing from her but the privilege to be in her life. Poor Aubrey trying to maintain boundaries with the apartment in play, it’s no wonder she starts having nightmares. I love how she leans into her desires for physical touch, and he is so confused and shocked at the same time. The rush and panic of the first kiss from both sides are so hilariously perfect for two people who have spent ages in the friend zone. The moment they come back together is so perfect for them and I loved the epilogue and how Will views her job and respects it and her. Books featuring jobs like burlesque dancers tend to have the character leave them once finding love as though they can’t co-exist, and I love how this is countered here. Cassie Mint writes burly heroes better than anyone I know and with the way BBW are surging in prominence in romance, I hope they follow her lead and let BBM find their happily ever afters too.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. ( )