This book has been released in eBook and paperback. It will be available on audio on March 18, 2025. Thank you to Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks, Emily McIntire, and Netgalley for this ALC. It did not affect my review.

This book is not your typical romance book. It's not all fluff and love. It's a deep dive into past trauma, vulnerability, and healing. Jackson Rhoades is a 28-year-old mechanic with a wounded heart. He never thought he'd be responsible for a 19-year-old influencer, but since Blakely Donahue's dad is his boss, he can't say no. Blakely is far more complex than the carefully curated online persona she's created. She’s fighting battles no one sees, and Jackson—whether he likes it or not—becomes part of her journey.

What stood out to me most was the balance of emotional depth with romance. This isn’t a lighthearted love story—it’s raw, sometimes heavy, and deeply human. Blakely’s struggles felt heartbreakingly real, and Jackson’s quiet strength made him the kind of book boyfriend you can't help but root for. Their connection is slow-burning, complicated, and beautifully messy.

The narrators did an amazing job. I've loved Brooke Bloomington's work, but I was new to Liam DiCosimo. I can't wait to listen to more.

📖 Tropes you'll find in this book:
🔥 Age gap (9 years)
🏠 Forced proximity
💔 Damaged hero/protagonists with past trauma
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Found family elements
❤️‍🩹 Emotional healing through love
⏳ Slow-burn romance
🌸 Virgin heroine

⚠️ Trigger Warnings:
🔞 Explicit sexual scenes
😰 Panic attacks
💭 Anxiety disorder
🥀 Eating disorder
⚡ Past trauma

That said, if you’re looking for a romance that’s all about butterflies and grand gestures, this might not be the book for you. The love story explores broader themes like mental health, identity, and discovering self-worth beyond societal expectations. And for me, that made it all the more powerful. Don't get me wrong, though; there is a love story too.

If you love emotionally charged stories with complex characters and a romance that feels earned, this one’s for you. But be warned—it will hit you right in the feels.

🔥🥵 Spicy chapters are 32, 37, 38, 39, 48. 🥵🔥