A review by bekahreadsbooks2019
& Then They Loved: Ampersand Love 3 by Riya Iyer

emotional funny hopeful tense medium-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

5.0

You know how they say there is a thin line between love and loathing? With Vihaan and Vera that line is razor thin and they trample ALL OVER IT. As soon as these two see each other again for the first time in 14 years, it is like their hatred knows no bounds. That is until they figure out they can use their words to make up funny insults (Vera) or just try to get Vera to quit by being mean (Vihaan). But as they are forced to work together time and again, they are also realizing that their memories of their perceived personalities of one another from the last time they saw each other might not be what it seems. 

This second chance, forced proximity, workplace, enemies to lovers romance is something that I was ready to read as soon as I saw the blurb and tropes. Vera and Vihaan are not perfect by any means but that is what makes them so much better as characters. They both have flaws and learn to love each other IN SPITE of them. Dual timelines can be difficult to execute well but Riya utilized this one superbly. I cannot believe this friend group's time has come to an end, but it did so in the best way. I am so excited to see what comes next from this author.