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This book tugged at my heartstrings! The main character's relationship had all the warm fuzzies of a Hallmark movie, but without the over-the-top cheesiness (in my opinion). It started with them working together then they were part of a fake dating scheme, and it was the guy who first confessed his love. The characters felt so realistic and well-developed, each dealing with relatable issues. I found myself connecting deeply with Anna's struggles with anxiety and her need to be seen in a certain light. Their chemistry was undeniable—seriously, these two could barely keep their hands off each other, which I absolutely loved. The spicy scenes were detailed enough to be engaging without overshadowing the rest of the story; I’d rate the spice a 2 out of 5. One particularly touching moment was Anna’s manager—despite his harshness towards Ben, his heartfelt words about Anna at the end of the book made me tear up. It was clear he cared about her and was one of her true friends. Overall, this fake-dating romance with just the right amount of spice was a solid 4-star read for me. It made me swoon at the romance, gasp at the steamy moments, and smile at the sweet parts.

This book took me on a rollercoaster ride; I couldn’t escape the drama and trauma of the characters—except for Shep, the family dog. He was the only one who didn’t stress me out. Before diving into the review, I want to express my gratitude to the author and Kensington for providing me with an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) in exchange for an honest and opinionated review. I rates this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (3.5 stars). From the very beginning, I was hooked on the story. The characters, though annoying at times, were strangely enjoyable. They made me cringe, laugh, and even hate their personalities. Leah, in particular, struck me as the perpetual victim, and she became my least favorite character. Yet, their flaws and complexities mirrored real-world people, a testament to the author’s skill in creating authentic characters. The writing style and plot were engaging. The balance between dialogue and description was just right—I appreciated glimpses into the characters’ thoughts and text messages. However, my rating falls short of a full 4 stars because I could predict certain events. The ending, especially concerning one of the missing girls, felt rushed. Predictability can dampen the reading experience. If you’ve seen movies where someone becomes obsessed and will stop at nothing to possess another person, you might anticipate some twists. Still, if you enjoy such themes, this book is worth your time. Overall, Lisa Jackson’s writing style and suspenseful plot kept me guessing. Despite my reservations, I won’t hesitate to explore more of her books in the future.