1st person/multi pov but mostly dual (I’ll explain below)

Spice: 4/5

*So the pov is mostly from the two main characters however, there are a couple of chapters that are from another character’s pov. I don’t want to spoil the surprise so I’ll just leave it at that. 😉

Now - if you want a book that is so down to earth, relatable, and will have you smiling so big your whole face hurts the entire time you read it then you must start this book ASAP! For at least 90-95% of the story I just couldn’t make myself stop grinning. Granted I wasn’t really trying to stop since I was enjoying it so much but still. The story follows Jules who is grieving the death of his husband. After letting that grief drown him  Jules’ best friend Nora is there giving him the push that he needs to not waste away in his room and get back to living his life. To realize there is more life to live after loss. I enjoyed how the story explored just how life-altering death can be and gave an insight into some of the thoughts and feelings that accompany that grief. Having my own personal experience with this it really connected me to Jules as a lot of his thoughts, actions, and emotions were similar to my own. I felt seen and understood by a character who doesn’t exist and a person I’ve never met that wrote him. 🥹

When Jules takes Nora’s suggestion to talk to his late husband a tad to literal he unknowingly texts all of the things he would say to James to the new owner of his old phone number. Thinking it is a simple case of texting the wrong number the new owner, Liam, decides to respond in an attempt to clear up the mistake only to find out he’s speaking to the previous owners grieving spouse, Jules. 

Liam is tired of the life he’s living and has started to notice just how lonely and unfulfilled it is. Realizing how much he has in common with Jules he decides to keep the conversation flowing. It is through the connection they have with each other that Liam finally discovers who he is and what he truly wants in life. He learns to embrace the parts of himself he was once unaware of and to accept his feelings despite any fear they bring with them.  

Through all of the sorrow, there is humor and happiness. Through all of the guilt, there is support, love, and acceptance. And on top of that, there is some really good spice. The eagerness with which Liam dives into exploring this side of himself is contagious! I felt like such a cheerleader mentally giving him high fives and chanting encouragement as he gave it his best with little hesitation. 😂😂

And I can’t leave a review without mentioning the sassy feline that is Fishsticks. When I say this cat is a whole mood! 😆 You’ll see what I mean and love his wild self just as much as I did I can pretty much guarantee it. 

This really was such an uplifting book about overcoming tragedy, the importance of finding our true selves, embracing any happiness that life brings our way, and how love can be the vehicle that takes us on that journey to our happy endings. 

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an inspiring read or in need of a reminder that love and belonging can be found in the most unexpected of places. It truly touched my heart, and I believe it will do the same for others.