Okay, first things first - this book WRECKED me in the best possible way! I laughed, I cried, I threw my Kindle across the couch (gently!) when Joey and Prue were being idiots. The emotional whiplash is REAL with this one.
The dual timeline had me hooked from page one. Seeing their high school sweetheart days vs. the messy adult reunion? Chef's kiss! Though fair warning - keep tissues handy for those past chapters. I was SOBBING into my coffee at 2am.
Joey might just be my new book boyfriend standard. The way this man fights for Prue? SWOON. And that scene where he learns Taylor Swift songs for her? DEAD. But also - why are the hottest fictional men always football players turned teachers??
Shann handles some heavy topics (check TWs!) with so much care. The infertility/miscarriage rep actually made me feel seen in a way most romances don't. Major props for that sensitivity while still keeping the story romantic AF.
Only complaint? The miscommunication trope had me yelling at my book like a crazy person. Like BABES JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER! But hey, what's a second chance romance without some delicious angst?
Final verdict: 4.5/5 stars for making me feel ALL the feels while giving me serious small town envy. Already planning my reread!