When reading this there is a clear message to the reader that this is a friends-to-lovers trope. So there is no mistaking it based on the previous books and the character story you see briefly in and out of the others in the series. I am a huge fan of this trope, and Kate did not disappoint. The characters were hard not to love and root for. Everything is pointing for them to be together. Between Rafe’s guilt and twisted past, and Ellie’s fragile but stubborn pride, it is clear they will both have to come together. When they do…whew lots of sexy-smexy time and dirty talk! Throw in the other characters and a brief glimpse of their story and a never-ending ride of up and down with these two and you can’t help but love this book.

Kate tells the tale of Rafe and Ellie who fall in love despite their circumstances. Ellie is fragile and sweet, she can hold her own and definitely stubborn and independent. She has fallen so deeply in love with Rafe, but he is older and her older brother’s friend. Very taboo, but she still cannot manage to stay away. Her parents dying has given her a reality check on many things, but rebuilding the friendship with Rafe has made her realize things about herself and the love she feels for Rafe.

Rafe, broken and “cursed” according to him, has no intention of being anything other than friends with Ellie, despite being friends with her brother. He knows he is bad for her, and yet is drawn to her flirtatious nature and independent stubborn will. Through flirty banter and sweet gentleness and Rafe’s ever-present strength and protectiveness over Ellie, I quickly got carried away with this story. This is my first time reading any of this Author’s books. I will tell you it won’t be the last. definitely recommend it to others.