By Lucy Score
Book is rated 5 / 5 stars.
I literally cannot stop thinking about this book and the power that went into it. I made the mistake of reading this before Things We Never Got Over, but it still works well on its own (for the most part). Everything about this book resonated with me in ways I wasn't expecting and I know I will be revisiting it over and over again. Romance, spice and mystery...what more could you want? There are spoilers ahead, so if you haven't read the book, be prepared.
Book Tropes
Opposites Attract. Forced Proximity. Romantic Suspense. Found Family. Depression.
God, this book was the perfect blend of romance, spice, addicting storyline and mystery and suspense. I couldn't believe how incredible this journey was. While I couldn't binge read it in one day (though I did try), it didn't take me long to get through this easy-to-read story of Nash and Lina.
I'm already anticipating the re-read and getting excited.
The Characters
Nothing makes me happier than watching character growth. Seeing the progression of Nash Morgan from the beginning of the book to the end just turned this into a delicious and honest tale of a man overcoming depression and the darkness. The inner battles he had to endure, time and time again, coupled with his desire to constantly do good in the World all but had me falling in love with him over and over again.
The emotions she raised in me were dangerous.
Angelina was a fierce firecracker who I wanted to embody some day. Her own growth in accepting the people around her and finding her family in the group of friends she made just elated me. Nothing makes me happier than when women rise together and protect each other. The togetherness the girls had touched my heart and made me want to believe that some day, I would find my own wolf pack. Lina had such a great story arc throughout, combating her own internal demons while helping and standing by Nash's side made her the perfect pair for the broody cop. I wanted so much for her - to protect her, to yell at her, to push her into the arms of a man who loved her far too quickly but would treat her well.
Who wouldn't want that, right?
I liked my walls. I liked being safe behind them. But Nash was breaking through, and it scared the bejeezus out of me.
Their romance was -- beautiful. Weird and different (at least, for me) in the beginning, but I honestly grew to love and appreciate their humor, their banter, their rage-and-emotional feelings. The fierceness they had to protect their loved ones all but made it so much sweeter when they started protecting each other.
Also, was anyone else just picturing Chris Evans while reading this? Just me? Oop.
The Storyline
Nothing makes me happier than a good mystery encased in a beautiful love story. It helped that this. book was dripping in spice in a way that had me wanting the same. There were times when I was a little perplexed by the storyline and how quick Nash seemed to dive in deep with Lina, begging her to stay when it seemed still so fresh. Then again, this might have been the exact reason I should have read this second. (Go figure.)
This book is so spicy, and that definitely seems to help things. Especially when it's done so well and when necessary for the storyline.
I'll admit, I picked this book up for its stunning cover and the rave reviews on Bookstagram. Yet, here I was absolutely astounded and in love with the entire storyline despite having read this second. The vulnerability that the two of them shared together, little moments of weakness, had my heart screaming. I loved watching how much Nash opened up and felt better about his circumstance when he was around Lina - as if her mere presence was his healing crystal. And, he pushed her to accept someone else into her life - to stay for a while longer for something other than the job. Even when they fought, they still cared for each other.
I was absolutely crushed when he broke up with her. In the way that he did just destroyed me. But, it also made sense. The way he was processing things, the way he wanted to be able to be the protector that he felt like he had lost. Ugh, my entire heart!
True North. The way home. And I loved her for it. I didn't have a choice.
The mystery during this entire story had me on edge. I had suspected Dilton to have been in on the crime, but finding it out in the way we did was still entertaining. Having a slightly predictable storyline didn't deter me from absolutely enjoying the entire mystery channeling through. I realize that my interpretation of it would have been different had I read it in the proper order, but I still had such a fun time exploring and examining the thriller. It was a little shocking to find after reading a series of pure Rom-Com books. I was so happy, and I suspect that this is just a theme I will come to love with Lucy Score.
Back to the Beginning. Waiting for the End.
While Epilogues aren't my favorite, especially when dealing with huge time jump with pregnancies, I couldn't wait to find out about Lucian. I need - demand - more. I suppose that is what the next book will be about.
Needless to say, the first thing I did when I finished this book was to pick up the previous one and another one of Lucy Score's reads because I'm a huge fan. I can't believe I spent so long not reading it, only slightly intimidated by the length of it. A beautiful and wonderful read. I highly recommend it.
What did you all think? What was your favorite part? Let me know in the comments!
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