3.5 Stars

Jacob had been in love with Skye since they were teens. However, she chose his best friend, and he supported them as much as he could. But when Skye finally breaks free from her toxic relationship, Jacob helps her find her footing. Yet, he cannot break the bro-code and date his best friend’s ex. 

As their feelings for each other intensify, they realize that what they have is something more than surface level. Can Skye and Jacob do what’s best for them or will they stick to the rules? 

The story comes in Skye and Jacob’s first-person POVs. 

Though this is the second in the series, it works as a standalone. Lincoln from book one has a side role here, and so does Owen from book three. I haven’t read the first and haven’t decided about the third. Still, I had no issues following this book. 

This is a rerelease by a publisher (I think the first edition was self-published) with a brand-new cover, which I really like. I prefer covers where the guy has some clothes on and exudes confidence. No idea if the contents inside have been updated or changed. 

The POVs switched are clearly marked, which is useful since both are in the first person. The voices were distinct enough, so it was easy to follow. Moreover, the POV switch is not for alternative chapters, but changes based on the plot development and setting. That’s a good way to go. 

The narration is pretty fast. TBH, the plot is rather thin, so it’s nice that the story moves along without stretching beyond its limit. Since bro code from childhood sounds a bit silly, the author addressed it by making the character too say the same. It has been used for character development as well. 

However, there’s a subplot that didn’t exactly sit with the rest. I can see how it became a trigger for a vital development. There’s some talk of trauma and stuff. However, it pays on the safer side despite the fear, so the whole thing ends up more as a plot device. 

There is a lot of steam, like from the second page (be warned that this scene can be uncomfortable given the relationship dynamics, though I think it was handled as well as it could have been). The short author’s note at the beginning makes this clear. I’d say it goes 4.5 (on the scale of 5, so yeah, steamy hot). Some dirty talk too. 

A bit of drama and a happy-ever-after followed by an epilogue or two. I like extended epilogues, so I enjoyed them. 

What sustains the book is the MMC’s love for the FMC. It’s so intense, deep, and overwhelming that it manages to strengthen the weak areas to an extent and makes the book a worthy read. It’s a thin line between love and obsession, but the author writes it well. 

To summarize, Jacob is a quick read with some drama and loads of spice if you want brain candy. Don’t think too much about it. Enjoy it for what it is. 

Thank you, Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

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