✨Tattooed ex con x sunshine bakery queen = my new obsession✨

I’m officially IN LOVE with Deacon Slater and not accepting criticism at this time. He was everything; haunted, broody, a total grump with a heart of gold and a soft spot for one woman only: Phoebe. 🥹

Phoebe is this curvy, pink apron wearing ray of sunshine who owns a bakery and tries to melt Deacon’s walls with lemon bars and sass and eventually? It works. And let me tell you, watching Deacon go from closed off and silent to protective and devoted? I was kicking my feet and smiling so hard.

🛠️ Deacon didn’t let prison break him. He came out stronger, quieter, but still full of heart, and once he lets Phoebe in? It’s over for all of us.
🍰 Phoebe is the literal definition of sunshine. She bakes like a dream, has the biggest heart, and sees past all the darkness Deacon tries to hide behind.

Their chemistry was off the charts, and it was more than just attraction; you could tell how much they cared about each other, and how much they both wanted to show each other love and heal together. Their banter was adorable, and hot at times. They had a deep connection to one another and I felt their tension. I really think they are soulmates! 

This is more than just a sweet romance. There’s real emotion here. Deacon has seen some things, but he never lets it turn him cold. And the way he adores Phoebe? He treats her like she’s precious. Like she’s light. Like she’s his. Ugh, my heart. 😭

Tropes & themes:
🌸 ex con redemption arc
🌸 grumpy/sunshine
🌸 neighbors to lovers
🌸 plus size FMC
🌸 small town vibes
🌸 she feeds him (and eventually he feeds her)
🌸 protective MMC who would burn the world down for his girl

Julia Wolf nailed this one. It’s swoony, steamy, a little angsty, and totally addicting. I couldn’t put it down. I want to wrap Deacon in a hug, eat all of Phoebe’s muffins, and reread this forever.

Deacon Slater, you have my heart. 

Thank you to Julia Wolf and Valentine PR for the eARC of this book.