Let’s talk about what the synopsis doesn’t tell you (you find out shortly into the book): Our two main characters are Mikka and Jay. Mikka has a boyfriend that treats her like crap. Jay has a drug addiction. When the kiss happens, Mikka has said boyfriend, and Jay is deep into his addiction. Because of Jay’s addiction and recovery, Mikka has to stay with Jay in his hometown to make sure he doesn’t relapse as well as to give herself space from her abusive boyfriend.

I feel like all of that information is pretty important as the addiction and abusive relationship are the two main plot points aside from the romance. Since they are big points, there are some descriptive scenes as well as thoughts about both topics which could be triggering to some readers so I think it’s important to know that going in.

I read this book without reading the first two books in the Stonewood Brothers series and I don’t think it took away from anything. Actually, it kind of made me want to read the other stories because they seem more alpha and protective.

Overall I thought it was a pretty good book, I liked the journey the characters took separately as well as together. I do feel like we get more in-depth details about Mikkas problem and not to say the journey wasn’t difficult for Jay but it didn’t seem like a ton of importance was put on how difficult recovery is for addicts. While they both pushed each other, they both had to take independent journeys and work through their own thoughts.

I really liked the small-town vibes of this book, it honestly reminded me of my own town especially when they go to the fair. Mikka, the poor girl, was definitely out of her Cali element.

While the story was heavy with different elements, I think what brought down the rating for me was Mikkas indecisiveness. While she is strong for Jay, she doesn’t feel the same way about herself. She goes back and forth with her feelings almost the entire book and it kinda drives me nuts.

One little pet peeve of mine is when a man calls a women, women. It almost feels condescending. Jay did this a ton. I didn’t count but it was enough to start to agitate me.

Anyways, I thought the book was good besides those couple points I mentioned. I’d definitely be willing to read from this author again!

Content Warning

Content warnings may give spoilers to some major plot points. If this is a problem for you do not read the content warning

Domestic Abuse, Emotional Abuse, Drug Use, Drug Addiction, Addiction, Violence, Mature Sexual Content, Infidelity