Okay, so I finally read 'Separate Beds' after seeing it recommended everywhere in romance circles. And wow—LaVyrle Spencer really knows how to twist your heart into knots!

First off, the premise: a one-night stand turns into a pregnancy, leading to a marriage of convenience between Catherine (a girl from a broken home) and Clay (the wealthy golden boy). Classic trope, but Spencer makes it feel fresh with raw emotions.

The good stuff? The ANGST. Catherine’s struggles with trust and self-worth hit hard. Clay’s privilege-blindness made me want to scream at him through the pages. Their fights? Messy, realistic, and so frustrating you’ll flip pages faster.

But here’s my gripe: that third-act breakup where Clay moves in with his ex? NO. JUST NO. Even with the HEA (happy ending), I couldn’t fully buy their reconciliation. It felt rushed—like they skipped therapy and went straight to ‘let’s play happy family.’

Still, Spencer’s writing is magic. The way she paints Catherine’s trauma (‘I never learned how to love’) versus Clay’s sunshiny upbringing? Chef’s kiss. Plus, the 80s vibes (drinking while pregnant! No car seats!) are unintentionally hilarious time capsules.

Final verdict: 4/5 stars for making me ugly-cry at 2 AM. Not her absolute best (‘Morning Glory’ owns my soul), but if you love messy characters clawing toward love? Worth every penny.