๐ ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐ ๐ฒ
๐๐ ๐ง๐ฒ๐๐๐ฎ ๐๐ฎ๐ถ๐น๐ฒ๐
๐ฃ๐๐ฏ๐น๐ถ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ: ๐๐๐ผ๐ป
๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฏ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ: ๐๐๐
๐ฃ๐๐ฏ๐น๐ถ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ฑ: ๐๐๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐๐ด๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐
๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ฟ๐ฒ: ๐๐ผ๐ป๐๐ฒ๐บ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฅ๐ผ๐บ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ
๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ถ๐ด๐ป ๐ช๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด
๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฌ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ: ๐๐๐๐
Russell has been quietly in love with Abby since he met her. As a friend of Louis and Ben, and with Abby being a roommate to Roxy and Honey, their paths have naturally intertwined. However, Abby remains blissfully unaware of Russellโs feelings, treating him as her closest friend and confidant. She finds his gruff demeanor endearing and adores his constant concern for her safety and well-being. Despite her cheerful exterior, Abby is responsible for keeping her family's hedge fund. Which is something she keeps secret from her friends.
Abby's perspective changes as Russell continues to look after her. Eventually, she starts seeing him as more than just her best friend. Their friendship turns romantic, but challenges loom on the horizon, threatening to keep them apart.
Russellโs character is particularly compelling. Heโs a grounded, hardworking man, running a construction business with his brother. Despite his loyalty and selflessness, Russell is plagued by insecurities about his worth, comparing his modest means to Abbyโs opulent lifestyle. His experiences with his parentsโ failed marriageโwhere differing social classes drove a wedge between themโfuel his belief that he isnโt good enough for Abby. He undoubtedly deserves her love because of his unwavering care and sweetness. His humility and self-doubt tug at your heart, and you canโt help but root for him to realize his true worth.
Not to be overshadowed, Russellโs swoon-worthy nature shines through, when the dynamic between him and Abby transforms. Their chemistry is electric, and when their long-simmering feelings finally collide, the result is nothing short of explosive. The steamy scenes are intense and filled with passion reflecting the months of yearning and unspoken tension that preceded their romantic breakthrough. Abby, too, is an admirable character. While a bit naive, sheโs kind-hearted, diligent, and overly responsible, often taking on far more than she should. At 24, sheโs a virgin, but this detail is presented thoughtfully, without any forced urgency to change it. As she gradually realizes Russell's feelings, she can reciprocate them beautifully. While she stumbles along the way, her character growth is evident, especially during the story's climax when she attempts to repair their relationship.
One of the things that makes this book so enjoyable is the balance of romance, conflict, and character development. The best-friends-to-lovers trope is handled carefully to make the relationship feel natural and deeply rooted. The conflicts are believable, with both characters making mistakes and working to overcome them, which adds depth and realism to their dynamic.
The book's tone is heartfelt and layered, seamlessly blending moments of light humor, emotional introspection, and sizzling romance. The plot is engaging, and the writing style is accessible yet nuanced, capturing the tenderness and tension of Russell and Abbyโs journey. Compared to Chase Me and Need Me, this story stands out with its stronger character arcs and more compelling emotional stakes. Overall, itโs a delightful read that offers a satisfying blend of love, passion, and growth.
My Rating:
3.5/5
NOTE: In this blog, the CONTENT and PICTURES are owned by Samayra Singh, and cannot be used or distributed without permission. Strict legal action will be taken against any infringement.