A solid debut romance that takes on a marriage in trouble plot with great secondary characters and earnest feelings. Gavin and Thea are both frustrating and endearing, their fears and miscommunications making their marriage woes relatable and their path to a HEA hard-won and worthwhile.

I cared not for the catty "WAG" subplot and didn't really need the inclusion of the historical novel story that Gavin was reading. That's my personal preference. I also found the quick resolution to Thea's orgasm "problem" frustrating. I encourage everyone to read [b:Come as You Are: The Surprising New Science that Will Transform Your Sex Life|22609341|Come as You Are The Surprising New Science that Will Transform Your Sex Life|Emily Nagoski|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1421037685l/22609341._SY75_.jpg|42099345].

On the flip side, Gavin's stammer was lovingly portrayed as something he lives with and has fears about, and Thea's support of him was beautifully done.

All in all, this was highly readable and I look forward to more books in this series. If only men were able to find emotional connections with each other and talk about their relationships openly and without fear of being belittled or "unmanned." I'll definitely be pressing this book in to the hands of my spouse!

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC!