Wow Kate Clayborn! 

After reading (and enjoying) the first in the series, this book was more than I thought it would be. Zoe and Aiden's story love story was beautiful, but honestly, the depictions of grief, growth, and loss were more important and done so perfectly. When I first started reading, I was excited about enemies to lovers and fake dating, and that aspect was wonderful, but Clayborn's writing on Aiden's loss of his brother, Zoe's loss of her father and subsequent breakdown, and the complications of their history made the book a page turner I barely wanted to put down and actually started tearing up at the end. 

Both Aiden and Zoe were well-written characters who experienced very different types of guilt and grieving in their lives, which made them work together so well. Zoe's dedication to atonement, and I loved that we see her doing this with people other than Aiden, was beautiful, as was Aiden processing his trauma, grief, and loss. The side characters were fun, especially Kit and Greer, since we already know them, especially Kit, and I liked the little looks into their lives. I'm definitely looking forward to Greer's book!

Plotwise, it was well-written, although some of it felt a little fast, I felt like maybe we were missing weekends at times. But I loved the camp plot, and its resolution was fantastic without feeling kitschy or too happy-ever-after. 

Kate Clayborn is an amazing author and I think this is my favorite of her so far!

This book was so emotional! It was heavier than the first book, but just as good. I loved it just as much, but in a different way. Zoe and Aiden's fake relationship is so complicated and messy. I loved how Zoe wanted to make amends and Aiden had to learn to forgive her and himself. Their romance was sweet. Some moments of this story brought tears to my eyes. The camp setting was fun and added so much to what happened. I was also glad the same narrators were back because I love them working together. 

I didn't expect as much as I felt from this book. My little heartstrings were tugging all over the place, and I had to stop reading on my break at work because I started to tear up at my desk. Man grieving the loss of his brother, woman working through the guilt of her role in the family's settlement, insert fake fiancée storyline, but surprisingly a lot of FEELINGS. I quite enjoyed this story!

Also, I haven't read the first book in this series, but I didn't feel like I was missing anything for this story.

 

Clayborn gives her characters really strong emotional stakes, which makes the payoff much more satisfying. This was no exception, as it deals with some very heavy themes but the characters are relatable and lovable - I really enjoy the community she's built in this series.