Maggie Gates does it again with What Hurts Us, delivering another unforgettable romance that had me hooked from start to finish! Layla Mousavi and Callum Fletcher have officially taken the top spot as my favorite couple in Falls Creek, North Carolina. This story had it all—laugh out loud moments, heart pounding tension, and tropes so perfectly executed that I wanted to dive right into the pages and live among these chaotic, lovable characters.

Layla is the kind of heroine you can’t help but root for—smart, resilient, and brimming with sharp wit. Watching her navigate the antics of Falls Creek’s eccentric residents while trying to keep her guard up around Callum was pure gold. And Callum? Oh, don’t even get me started. The broody, protective police officer who pretends not to believe in love but falls so hard anyway? Yes, please.

The fake fiancée trope was absolute perfection, but what really made it shine was the electric chemistry between Layla and Callum. From every lingering glance to their heated banter, the tension between them was everything. I couldn’t stop flipping pages, desperate to see how they’d finally let down their walls and admit what we all knew from the start—they were made for each other.

And let’s talk about the side characters. Falls Creek is hilarious, with its quirky and eccentric residents that keep everyone on their toes and there is not shortage of mischief and magic. The small town shenanigans added so much charm and humor to the story without ever detracting from the deeper, emotional beats.

What Hurts Us is the perfect balance of heartfelt romance, hilarious comedy, and swoony moments. Layla and Callum’s story will stick with me for a long time, and I can’t wait to see what Maggie Gates gives us next. If you love fake relationship tropes, small town romance, and couples with undeniable chemistry, do yourself a favor and read this book ASAP.