By Lauren Asher
Book is rated 5 / 5 stars.
I was sooooo excited to read this book after finishing The Fine Print and Lauren Asher came in with this plot line and said "I know I'm good". Everything about this book had me on edge. I literally couldn't wait to keep reading it, and I never wanted to stop. This was definitely a book I stayed up way too late reading because it was that good. Decland and Iris? I love them forever. There's nothing about them that I hate. Go figure. There are spoilers ahead, so if you haven't read the book, be prepared.
Book Tropes
Age Gap. Marriage of Convenience. Grumpy x Sunshine.
Dual POV.
This had a lot of "I KNEW IT" scattered through, but oh my gosh am I in love with the two of them? Declan might be my favorite brother, too. And, the spice and everything nice. Hot damn. I love him. I love her. I need more.
Spice Level: 4 / 5
The Characters
I absolutely LOVE how this storyline and the characters intertwine with the previous book and I'm sure they will do the same in the next book. It is very important, if only to go with the flow of the book series, to read them in order. It makes so much more sense, and the reasons set forth in Book 1 (The Fine Print) really sets the tone within this book.
Declan, being the oldest, was everything that a big brother who stood to protect his brothers is. Given his past with his father, it only stands to reason that he is the epitome of grumpy - all three brothers seem to carry that trait, and it's one I love. But, he also has a softness that unfolds a lot quicker - especially with Iris, who perhaps knows him better than he knows himself.
Iris is a whirlwind. She's younger than me, but I want to be her when I grow up. She's the power behind every move Declan makes and it's evident in how strong she is at her job and with him. Like with many power-hungry bosses and their assistants, she can calm him down and push him up if needed.
Seeing Cal within this book makes me excited for his own book; I love that he is Iris's best friend, and how strong their friendship really is. Declan seemed irritated with it, but I imagine it's for a reason (wink wink). I hate their father with every fiber of my being. Seeing more insight into their childhood through Declan's eyes, and knowing that he put himself between his father and brothers to protect him had my heart breaking. He really deserves the best, and so does Iris. They work so well together. I love it!
The Storyline
Okay, so admittedly, I had picked this book up first without really realizing that it was part of a series. After asking around, I realized that I needed to read The Fine Print first so I did. But, I would be a fool if I didn't admit to how excited I was to start this one. The marriage of necessity storyline is one of my absolute favorites, especially when it's with two unexpected people. You know how it's going to end, but you also know that you're on the edge of your seat until it happens and squealing when it does. Of course, Declan's task is to get married and have a kid - and of course, he's scaring away all the potential women until he's left with none other than the only person who can stand him long enough --
Iris.
She rarely calls me husband, but when she does, it sends a rush of warmth through my body.
I love that this book just begins with the task without really diving into the background because it's assumed it's known with the first book. I pictured a very strong Tony Stark / Pepper Potts and Harvey / Donna vibe while reading this book and it only made me root harder for them. The transition they had to endure from going to just co-workers (boss/employee) relationship to now a married one all but made the storyline that much more delicious. Tossing in the dirty works of his father, trying to out them on their obvious fake relationship, was surpassed with Iris's quick wit which I found incredible.
Their honeymoon was wonderful - I loved that whole idea of it. Going through a honeymoon while trying not to fall in love with your husband, while doing romantic things - I can't even imagine. I also have to remind myself that Iris is young. She's having to deal with a lot at such a young age, all the while still continuing to do her stressful job. I don't know how she did it. When Declan finally realizes this and steps in to help, to guide her, to be there for her and then to go on a plan to woo her was just beautiful. One of my favorite things is reading/watching the man fall in love. The dual POV of their growth was so wonderful and I was fighting for the both of them.
I found my newest addiction, and it happens to be my fake husband.
In the end, they realize they're in love and thank God. I did have issues with Declan's anger issues; though I understand his own stress of juggling a client and his father. He still needed to work on that and I wanted him to resolve that better. I love that Cal was trying to help him, especially because it was Iris. I wanted so many good things for the two of them that I need more, at this same time. The house he buys her? SQUEALING. Just for the greenhouse. God, I need to know how that is all resolved and I need to know if they have the kid! The fun way, of course (wink wink). They both grow individually so much that they were prefect together. Ugh, I love that shit!
The cute 'word play' they had was just a precious nugget of added pleasure in this storyline; though I have no idea how to pronounce any of the words, I'm glad I know them!
I'm in love with Dreamland
This series has my heart. Rowan was cool, but Declan? OOF, Gimmie more. I love the uniqueness of the will mixed with the three brothers. I haven't seen it done to this degree. Lauren Asher is taking the tropes that I love and hold dear, and just spinning them in the best way till I'm reading her books at three in the morning desperate to get to the end.
I'm ready for book three, but I also don't want this series to end. What's a girl to do?
What did you all think? What was your favorite part? Let me know in the comments!
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