I loved the maturity and confidence of this love story. While both learned more about themselves and grew together, they were such well-developed and competent adults before. And simply happier, even better versions of themselves together.

This is a gorgeous fantasy of having your home, your space, your peaceful and enriching routine, and then finding a love that sweetens your life even more. I often read my kids a gorgeous picture book series that begins with Julia’s House for Lost Creatures, this is Julia’s fantasy home all grown up.

I enjoy a meandering Zapata, but this one didn’t unfold particularly well in the first few chapters. Layering world building on top of “A Big Secret” with a thick layer of “so down-to-earth I talk about farts” character development was a lot… but once Nina gets to her destination it was an easier read. The found family of it all definitely drew tears.

Everything turned up to 11. The sadness, the attraction. Two characters so present in their own heads, trapped inside expectations and personas. Blisteringly hot chemistry between them, every time they voice a desire it feels so vulnerable and raw. The flex of Mr. Darcy’s hand.

Interesting to read a heroine so aggressively flawed and flawless. Talented and beautiful, scarred by money but has lots of it. I wanted a HEA for her and Parker, but I wasn’t sure I liked Elle for quite a bit of the book. That really made sense with her journey, however, as she didn’t like herself much either.