By Ana Huang
Book is rated 4.75 / 5 stars.
Everything about this book had me convinced this is type of romance I aspire to have - that passion, that drive, that level of love. But, we all know that these characters are better served on paper than in real life. This book was absolutely wonderful from start to finish - I didn't want to stop reading, and I was so in love with the characters. There are spoilers ahead, so if you haven't read the book, be prepared.
Book Tropes
Billionaire. Best friend's Brother. Forced Proximity. Grumpy x Sunshine. Interracial. Opposites Attract.
I love that we got insight from both perspectives throughout the book. It made me so much more invested in the story than seeing it all from one person's point of view. The spice level in this book was high and I was not mad at all. If you're into the spice, I would say this is a solid choice.
I also know that Alex has a dirty mind. And, I'm not mad at it.
The Characters
What is it about a grumpy, broody, ridiculously-sculpted-from-the-Gods older man that just has me already imagining my future with them? Alex Volkov is literally the stuff of dreams and nightmares put together, giving me no other option but to fall hopelessly in love with those few moments he chooses a smile instead of a grunt.
Then comes in Ava Chen who is just literally sunshine - not my words - and I can't help but love that innocent, full-of-hope, delightful woman who just wants to see the good in everyone. Ava is who I hope to be. She's soft, but strong, determined but needs a little push sometimes, and her brother is the epitome of what I would picture an over-protective big brother who maybe had a hand in hindering her until she was forced to stand her ground.
"You are the light to my dark, Sunshine. Without you, I'm lost."
Their character growth throughout the story was so beautiful and they really did learn from each other. I love how she brought out the softness in him, and he pushed her to be stronger - to defend herself and learn how to stand her ground. They both had it in them all the time and just needed someone to bring it out in them.
The Storyline
To begin, this beautiful story starts with a playlist. I highly recommend listening to it while you read. It is such a game changer (maybe listen to it while reading this?)
Everyone knows how this storyline is going to play out - with the "brother's best friend" and "best friend's younger sister" notion that has become a dream romance for so many. And, then you throw in the "he's moving in next door" trope that had me squealing. So, yes, I was already rooting for these two by page twenty-seven. I guess that's a good thing, right?
While the romance was deeply important to the storyline, it wasn't the main storyline which I loved. The mental image of some of those scenes (you know the ones I'm talking about) was great, but I liked that the focus was on Ava and her grappling with a missing past and Alex's vengeance that propelled him into very dark directions. He helped her overcome her fear of water, I mean, come on! And, got her to take self-defense lessons!
I had suspected both major reveals in their progress but the point at which they were to the forefront was still shocking and full of that delicious drama we love. Ava's father -- was awful. To be able to just outright admit to hating his (not his) daughter to that level he wanted to kill her? Come on. She's a kid. Murdering the mother, too? Alex's uncle becoming that man who hired to have his brother and his family killed over a woman who turned him down? Siiiiiigh. I think it goes to show just how important pride really. I loved both angles because this book wasn't just about one of them, but rather their own individual stories and how they intertwined together.
That romance, though. Was everything. I loved how it became a challenge (though, she did hit some of them even though she thought she failed - and was a little out of order). The delicious progression of Ava breaking through those tough layers Alex used as a defense mechanism only made it that much sweeter. All those times he called her Sunshine was just the absolutely icing on the (red velvet) cake.
He called me Sunshine one moment and his whore the next. And I loved it.
Alex's heartbreaking turn-of-events after Ava and Bridget are rescued had me near tears. I think we've all seen that scene in movies - the one where we hug pillows and cry into our ice cream, feeling every bit of angst, even though we knew in thirty minutes, it's all going to work out. That was me reading that scene.
"I'll always need you, Sunshine."
Of course, once all the chaos settles, Alex pulls the classic move of the BIG GESTURE. I think we all understand that level and know that is exactly what it was. I'm so thankful that they got back together, and I would love to read some sort of novella or one-shot of them trying to make amends with her brother. I really wanted full closure on the lovely Bromance, too. Even if it started off on a lie.
Continuing the Series
Would I read this book again? 100%, it's definitely being added to my frequently read stack. Would I recommend it? 100%, I'm so sorry to all those people I've bugged to read this already. I know that there are three other books in the series - each book focuses on one of the other girls and their interactions with their love interests. I love that this series allows you to read the books out of order in a sense, but also hints at moments we've already read about, just from a different perspective.
...but I caught the heat in Bridget's eyes when she looked at Rhys and the way his hand brushed hers for a second longer than it should have...
Will there be a fifth book of all the girls together? God, I kind of hope so1
What did you all think? What was your favorite part? Let me know in the comments!
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