Oh my god I loved this book so much. This is the first Anna Noel book I've read but I will definitely be reading more. I look forward to going back and reading book 1 in this series. As I haven't read the first book yet this was my first time meeting Leo so I missed him being an asshole. I definitely fell in love with him in this book though. Anna warns that this is an extremely slow burn and it was delicious. The tension and anticipation are next level. The fake dating was also perfect. Briar telling herself its fake and Leo knowing it isn't *chefs kiss*

I'm not sure who I loved more, Leo or Briar. They are both fantastic characters and they work so well together. They have so much chemistry and their banter is entertaining. Briar is sassy and badass and deserves the world. I love that she calls Leo out on his shit and he works on himself. We get to see both of them grow and learn to trust each other and their feelings. The fact that it happens over a longer time span makes it more believable. 

Elara is the star of the show though. She's adorable and hilarious and seeing Leo love her melted my heart. There are so many amazing side characters and the friendships were beautiful. I need Emmett and Heidis story please and thank you. 

I received an ARC