A generous 3* at that.. and I'm sad about not caring about this story because I ADORED the snippets pf Kai and Isabella's interactions in KOW.

This is the second book of the 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝘿𝙖𝙞𝙨𝙮 𝙍𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙝 series featuring the grumpy oldest brother of the Noughton family, and his best friend since childhood. 

Jude and Sadie have been the best of friends since they were kids & have only gotten closer over the years. When tragedy strikes, Sadie’s family farm is put in jeopardy leaving Jude to help in the most noble way he knows— by proposing to enter into a fake marriage in order to save the farm. Will forced proximity & secret feelings for each other allow their friendship to blossom into more? 

Jude is very stoic by nature, yet only opens up for his best friend Sadie. She is the sunshine to his grumpy, and will not let anyone’s unwarranted opinions thwart her dreams of having a chicken farm coming true. The thing I loved about this dynamic is how Jude was so supportive of Sadie’s future dreams and (without giving spoilers), even helped get the journey started for her. I also really adored the snippet of their childhood and seeing Jude take comfort with Sadie after experiencing tragedy. Fast forward 27 years and we get to see the roles reversed. Tug on my heart strings, why don’t you! 

If you’re looking for your next emotional yet heartwarming read with lots of humor, self discovery, and second chances- LOOK NO FURTHER and pick up this series immediately! I absolutely cannot wait for Emmett's book because I already know he’s going to steal my heart.

🐣𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽—
grumpy x sunshine 
fake marriage of convenience
childhood friends to lovers 
mutual pining
forced proximity 
band of brothers 
small town
 
“𝓎ℴ𝓊 𝓁ℴ𝓋ℯ 𝓂ℯ?"
"𝒾𝓈𝓃'𝓉 𝒾𝓉 ℴ𝒷𝓋𝒾ℴ𝓊𝓈?" 🥹🫶🏼

Thank you to Valentine PR & Piper Rayne for an advanced copy to review 🩵

This was such a quick fantasy romance read! I wish there was more development in world building and the magic system but very much an enjoyable time.

The slow burn, touch her & die, “I will burn the world for you” vibes gave what it needed to give 🔥

I look forward to seeing the plot progress in book 2!