This was a wild ride. Based off what I knew from The Good Liar, I did not expect this to be as intense as it was. Leland and Franklin's story was surprising in the best way. There's spice, drama, angst, pining, it's got it all. I'm going to try not to spoil too much of the story, so it'll be a little vague. But if you haven't read The Good Liar I suggest reading that first! 

Leland and Franky have a chance encounter at a work event and are quickly drawn to each other - first as friends, but then more. On the surface they are complete opposites - there's a 20 year age gap, they have completely different upbringings and lifestyles. But deep down they are so similar and it's what makes them work so well together. Leland is a precious broken boy trying to figure out who he is and how to live his life, and he finds a kindred spirit in Franky. Even though he's older, Franky is struggling with an identity crisis himself. Together they make each other braver, stronger, and truly understand the other. 

Their relationship is deep and intense and we get every detail from the beginning to their happy ending. Their differences and realities create a lot of difficulties for them that they have to work through independently in order for them to succeed together. It's heartbreaking at times, but ultimately there is nothing that can keep them apart. 

•spoilery comments below• 

I really wanted Franky to get it together faster. He hurt Leland, and even Cole and Jasper, so much and I just wish wish he pulled his his head out of his ass sooner and got the help he obviously needed. The wasted time just hurts my heart. While we get a lot of his character development, we don't see as much of Leland's until the end. I would've loved to see more of his journey. 

•end of spoilery stuff• 

I will say I'm not the biggest fan of age gaps this big. It's 20 years, and at some point that just gets too stuck in my head. Franky really didn't act like it so that helped, but I think it would've been perfect if he was even 5 or so years younger - but that's just a personal preference. 

I think I've heard there's one more in the series with a certain character - and I'm so excited for that. Leland and Franky's story was spicy and dramatic - a lot like Jasper and Cole's - and I really enjoyed it! 

Read if you like: 
• age gap 
• hurt/comfort
• forbidden romance