I actually liked this a lot more than I thought I would, although there were some problems. But overall, I enjoyed it and can't wait to continue the series.

Let's get into it... Alex is Ava's brother's best friend, so props for that trope because I'm a sucker for it and I think it's in my top five tropes. There's just something about it that HITS. And since we also get chapters from Alex's POV, that means the best friend's little sister trope is present and the forbidden want? Yes, please.

Other tropes present: grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, hates everyone but her, touch her and I'll kill you, groveling, rich guy, murder mystery, possessive alpha, etc.

Props to the author for the Asian representation (Ava is Chinese). She sort of annoyed me, but grew on me as the book went on. Alex though? Holy crap. I would let him do unspeakable things to me, just as he did to Ava in this book. Yes, he's extremely intense and brooding, borderline scary but I believe this has to do with how he was raised, and Ava certainly softened him up. Sometimes it takes the right woman (and love) to do that. Their chemistry was palpable and I was rooting for them, despite them being opposites. I loved seeing them get their happy ending.

The supporting characters were a big win. I know we see them because they're all going to have their own books and this thrills me because I can't wait to see their relationships develop.

Yes, the plot and the dialogue left somewhat to be desired, and could seem cringey and cliche at times, but for what it's worth, I enjoyed it. It was such a nice escape and a good read.