Such a steamy, sweet, friends to lovers romance! I really, really liked the hero – his determination and caring nature kept me reading when the commitment-phobic heroine had me frustrated. It’s a sexy (kinda dirty) slow burn, with a focus on the emotional connection, which worked well for the story. Though there were little things that bugged me along the way and it was probably too long, I enjoyed it from start to finish.
The story follows Piper and Harley, two friends who have been close for the last few years but have never crossed the line into anything more. Though Harley would love to pursue something with Piper, he knows that her brief relationship with his brother in high school (no, they didn’t sleep together) changed her outlook on marriage and family. Piper was never a girlie girl, but being cheated on hardened her and created an emotional disconnect from the men she dates. It’s not until Harley is injured that things begin to change between them. As Piper takes on the role of caretaker, they see new sides to each other and lines are crossed.
It’s an interesting blend of sweet and dirty, with plenty of steamy scenes but also a focus on building intimacy. I loved that it was a slow burn, with Harley realizing he needs to have Piper see him in a different light from other men she’s been with. Piper’s not the kind of heroine I connect to easily, but my love for Harley overcame that – he is such a great guy. Initially, I thought the fact that Piper dated Harley’s brother would be an issue for me, but it was not a huge part of the story and was handled well. Really, the main thing that drops this from 5 to 4 stars for me is the length. While it’s technically a standalone, there are appearances from a LOT of characters from Foster’s previous books, which made the story drag in spots and also makes it more difficult for new readers to connect. Fans of friends to lovers romances will like this one, with its blend of heart and steam. I received an ARC via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review of this sexy romance.
Kindle Edition: https://amzn.to/2Vv1qp6
Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/3a6wLDH
Audiobook: https://amzn.to/2Vx7n4T
BLURB:
What are two besties willing to risk for something more? The New York Times bestselling author of This Is Love has the answer in this fun, sexy, and emotional romance about friendship, family, and giving love a chance.
Something is off in Piper Dalton’s life, and she has a feeling it might just be her. All her siblings are blissfully settled with their forever loves. But while her sisters were dreaming of white weddings, Piper was left heartbroken and commitment phobic by her first love, her best friend’s younger brother. As a woman dominating the male-driven construction industry, Piper has no interest in turning in her hammer for an apron—even if hot and hilarious Harley thinks otherwise.
Burly bar owner Harley Dutch has a bum ankle and two preteen nieces to take care of, and having his best friend, tough-as-nails and sexy-as-sin Piper Dalton, come to his rescue is just the remedy he needs. Piper is her snarky self, and she kind of sucks at caregiving, but she’s owned his heart for years, she’s got a way with the girls, and Harley would sure like to have his way with her…
As things heat up between Piper and Harley, she warns him not to fall in love with her because she’ll only break his heart. Harley is the right man for that challenge—until he makes the biggest mistake of his life, and they begin to wonder if true love really can conquer all.
Jeeves Reads Romance 
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