Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
So all in all, if you are looking for a best friend's little sister trope then this book will probably do it. The writing is good romance writing, the banter is lively, the side characters are interesting without taking up too much of the book (aside from a couple which I will get to) but I had a few problems with this book.
1. Holden constantly wearing a beaning and it being "sexy". Meh.
2. The length of Lala's indecision about her fiance. I actually liked her being engaged as it gave a realistic reason why she and Holden didn't just get together (dead brother wasn't super believable to me). But she wavered over staying for far too long. It could have been pulled off if I believed she genuinely loved Warren or if her desire for a husband and kids was obviously super strong. However, neither of those things were really there.
3. Holden's character wasn't really clear. At first it seemed like he wanted a serious relationship with Lala, but when given the opportunity he went all f-boy, do we really need a label on it. He was meant to be all about music and love it, but his band seemed to be filled with a-holes that he didn't particularly like and the only thing I got from his scenes performing was that he liked Lala watching him. I never got a strong sense of who he was.
4. Lala definitely cheated. If my partner agreed to stand half naked with someone while they checked each other out I wouldn't care they didn't touch. It was cheating.
But it was enjoyable to read, just not one I'll go back to. If you like the tropes involved (best friends brother, surprise baby, only one bed) then you will probably enjoy reading this one.
1. Holden constantly wearing a beaning and it being "sexy". Meh.
2. The length of Lala's indecision about her fiance. I actually liked her being engaged as it gave a realistic reason why she and Holden didn't just get together (dead brother wasn't super believable to me). But she wavered over staying for far too long. It could have been pulled off if I believed she genuinely loved Warren or if her desire for a husband and kids was obviously super strong. However, neither of those things were really there.
3. Holden's character wasn't really clear. At first it seemed like he wanted a serious relationship with Lala, but when given the opportunity he went all f-boy, do we really need a label on it. He was meant to be all about music and love it, but his band seemed to be filled with a-holes that he didn't particularly like and the only thing I got from his scenes performing was that he liked Lala watching him. I never got a strong sense of who he was.
4. Lala definitely cheated. If my partner agreed to stand half naked with someone while they checked each other out I wouldn't care they didn't touch. It was cheating.
But it was enjoyable to read, just not one I'll go back to. If you like the tropes involved (best friends brother, surprise baby, only one bed) then you will probably enjoy reading this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
I loved Holden and Lala's story so much! Such great banter, scorching heat, and swoon! Authors Ward and Keeland are just fantastic together- I always know a co-write from them is going to be a new favorite.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death, Infidelity, Grief
Minor: Cancer, Terminal illness, Pregnancy
Ahh Holden and lala just made this story what it was, I devoured this read in a day and feel like I want more. Very well written, highly recommended
I am currently loved sibling best friends books so this fell perfectly into my wheelhouse. Laney is the little sister of Holden’s best friend that tragically passed away years prior. The friend group all promised to protect Laney, only Holden can’t protect her from himself. They have always had a special relationship that even Holden and Ryan didn’t have while he was still alive. An assignment in New York forces their close proximity, lines begin to blur, and boundaries are crossed. We get to see the guys from the previous book and will continue to because we are getting more books from this series!!!
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Okay - Didn't like or dislike. I was bored with large parts of the story and didn't care whether Lala and Holden got there happy ever after.
Most memorable lines
Most memorable lines
Because when your heart belongs to someone else, it’s not available to give to anyone, even when you want to.
True love doesn’t extinguish when people are separated. True love is when people are separated and your feelings never extinguish.
Chapters don’t last forever. But sometimes they lead to other chapters that lead to happily ever afters.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes