4.5/5. This is top tier Cora Rose for me. I love Beau and Max! I mean look, most Unexpected and Unexpected adjacent books are very similar with very similar characters, but if it works, why change it? And it works. Especially with this one. Beau is so fun and charming. Max is so endearing and sweet. I love that he's trying so hard to change and that it leads straight to Beau. I also love how he just kind of goes with the flow and accepts it. I love Beau trying so hard not to get attached, but falling anyway. They're really fun together. And the Maggie and Sem content is perfection! Yes! Also Matt and Coop are wonderful side characters. Really looking forward to the next book. I was nervous about Max's redemption, but man did it work out. 4/5 spice levels.

Notes: villain redemption, sexual awakening, friends to lovers, semi-slow burn, Maggie & Sem content, homophobic family, internalized homophobia