Serena

This book was the beautiful romantic version of self-helping myself the last decade of my life. But in seriousness, I loved how we have this FMC who is very real, raw, and relatable during this time period where being relatable to 2024 woman is that last thing you want to be. Was she always a peach? No. But who is when they are at rock bottom? Watching that character grow and process through all the stages for her growth, even the not so pretty stages, was so beautiful to watch and endeared me to Sera even more. In other words, I loved how real it was. No fluffy bows.

Adam is a cinnamon roll who bless him for loving her. He's a character we have read before but he is her puzzle piece.

How did I not know about Veronica Speedwell sooner?! I was already mourning Lady Sherlock series (last book just didn’t vibe) and here I am perusing audible plus and this new-to-me author/narrator pops up! My god this audiobook, the entire package has me hooked now to get into the series. The BANTER IS OFF THE CHARTS. And even though I guessed the final twist reveal before it happened, I still gasped! I know this is non-spicy but I can’t wait until they allude when her and Stoker finally get it on. Starting audiobook 2!

I only read one other book by this author, The Naked Baron, and its brand of silly did not work for me.

But I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was less sloppy circus like first book and more traditional sweet fluffy so I had a chance to get to know this author's style.

And I'm glad I gave this book a chance because what's not to love? A meet-cute turned compromised situation turned damsel in distress turned fake engagement. There were some memorable laugh out loud moments with a hero that fawns, protects and moons over the heroine with a great cast of side characters.

CW: past mention of SA

3.5

DNF at 50%. I do appreciate the wonderful character development and rich prose. Maybe it's just me but I was bored. Nothing was happening and I kept putting this down.