Let me start by saying this book wrecked me in the best possible way. From the moment Naomi Witt crashes into Knockemout with her runaway bride drama and unexpected niece, I was hooked. The way Lucy Score builds this world makes you feel like you're actually living in this quirky small town.

The slow-burn romance between Naomi and Knox had me screaming into my pillow. Their chemistry is electric, but what really got me was how real their struggles felt. Watching two middle-aged adults with baggage learn to trust again? That's the kind of romance that sticks with you.

Special shoutout to Waylay - normally kid characters annoy me, but this precocious 11-year-old stole every scene she was in. The parenting moments between her and Naomi gave me all the feels without being overly saccharine.

Pro tip: Don't start this before bed unless you're prepared to lose sleep. I made that mistake and found myself at 3AM still flipping pages, completely invested in whether these two emotionally constipated adults would figure their stuff out.

The steam level is perfect - hot enough to make you fan yourself but never overshadowing the emotional core of the story. And can we talk about Knox Morgan? This grumpy barber/biker might just be my new book boyfriend.

If you're tired of insta-love and want a romance that actually earns its happy ending, this is your next read. Just be warned - you'll finish it and immediately need to buy the next book in the series (I've already downloaded book two).