bookswithdes's reviews
408 reviews

I feel like the majority of us bookish girls can relate to Gabbi. We’re just girls that want to read all day and not work, have booktok/bookstagram be our jobs, have our book boyfriends become reality, travel the world, have our significant others read our books (and enact them 😉), and live next door to our besties 😘.

I loved the tropes in this book. We got best friends brother-in-law, vacation romance, one bed, best man x maid of honor, friends to lovers,cooking lessons, bi fmc, and no third act breakup, and of course, found family !!! I loved the friends to lovers. I'm a sucker for those, and the cooking lessons where she would bring her books and she would read as well as plan their travels together. I loved the little detail that she always wanted the nickname Elle but it never stuck so he started calling her that 🥹, and this is what she said “He’d called me Elle. Never, in all the years, had I imagined how much I’d like it spilling from his lips. I knew now that there was a reason no one else had ever called me it. I’d simply been saving it for him.” Plus, I loved seeing all of the other couples as well as our future couple, charlotte & daniel. I cannot wait to complete this series, and I will have read all of Jennifer Chipmans released books!! And I will be happily waiting for her next release 😘.


Favorite quotes/scenes:

“I liked to think that Gabbi was like the night sky—so fucking beautiful to look at. Even when you didn’t see her, she still somehow affected you, just like the moon and the tides.”

“She belonged among the stars, because she shined so bright, but I was glad to have her down here, anyway, where I could see her light.”

“How had this beautiful specimen of a human decided she wanted me? I was a fool for her, and I didn’t deserve her. I didn’t, but I couldn’t survive without her.”

“Stop being so fucking cute. I don’t think my heart can take it.”
“Yeah, well. You’re going to have to be careful before I steal it from you.”
“Maybe you already have.”

“You’re essential. You light up my life like a thousand stars in the Milky Way. A billion. You bring all of that joy and warmth and it’s fucking contagious, sweetheart, how much you make me want to smile just by being around you. When you have a camera in your hands and you focus on getting that perfect shot? You stick your tongue out to the side when you focus… And I can’t take my eyes off of you for one moment. All I know is I can’t let go of you.”

“From that very first moment when I listened to your heartbeat, and you accused me of not being an actual doctor. Even then, I knew.”
“What are you saying?”
“I love you, Gabrielle.”
“I knew it.”
“Will you shut up and let me kiss you?”

“Did you know otters hold hands while they sleep so they don’t drift apart?”
“What?”
“I think it’s cute. They don’t want to be separated from the one they love, even when they sleep. Very romantic, those otters.”
“Are you asking me to hold your hand while we sleep, sweetheart?”
“Mhm.”
“I’ll never let you go.”
“Good.”

“I can’t wait to build our dream home together. And marry you. Fuck, Gabrielle. I can’t wait to call you my wife.”
“I can’t wait for everything with you, Hunter Tobias Sullivan.” “Told you I’d make you Mrs. Sullivan.”

 

I will appreciate any book that has hackers or any person who has crazy computer skills so I loved that aspect of this book. Plus, I loved the secret vigilante group, it kinda reminds me of a softer version of what Zade Meadows does. I loved that they had been working together and falling for each other for years and they didn’t even know. I loved Graysons possessiveness, but also how he made her feel at home. I loved that she always stayed by his side. I LOVED the grand gesture at the airport 🥹. Y’all, when Grayson went to the cemetery to ask for Aria's parents blessing and a lady who owned a flower shop gave him white tulips that she was about to throw out and Noah said they were his moms favorite and his father always bought them for her 😭😭. Like it was THE best sign that her parents could’ve given him to say they accepted him 😭. What the hell Catharina Maura, why must you always make me cry?? I can’t wait to read Noah and Alana’s book and their crazy meet cute 🤭🫣. 

 

 

 

Ash: All I’m reading is that the illustrious Nyx is single. So I’ve got a shot, huh? I’d better bring my A-game. I’ll win you over. Nyx: Shot? The only shots involved are me shooting you down. 

Ash: Nyx, do you happen to have a Band-Aid? ‘Cause I scraped my knees falling for you. 

Ash: Hey, Nyx? I’d like to take you to the movies, but they don’t let you bring in your own snacks. 

 

Ash: Hmm, what can I do to make you feel better? If I were with you, I’d take you in my arms and kiss you until I’m all you can think about… but since I can’t be with you, I’ll have to settle for more puns. 

Nyx: Oh no, not the puns 

Ash: We make a great pear. 

Nyx: Oh wow, that one is kind of cute. So your mind isn’t all filthy, huh? 

Ash: Tricked you! What do a cock and a Rubik’s cube have in common? I’ll tell you… The more you play with them, the harder they get :) 

 

“In the last couple of months you’ve been my solace, Gray. Now let me be yours.” 

“You are, babe. You are.” 

 

“Aria. My lips were assaulted today. My innocence is forever gone. You must take responsibility for me.” 

“Your innocence is gone, huh? You’re in for a surprise, Gray. You’ll be forever tarnished by the time I’m done with you.” 

 

“Over the years you’ve stolen more of my heart, until eventually, I had none of it left because it was entirely in your hands. Do with it what you will. It is yours to keep.” 

 

“You’re it for me, baby. I want a whole life with you. I want your clothes next to mine, your makeup in my bathroom. I want you to have your own side of the bed, and I want to wake up to you completely disregarding that and lying on top of me instead, driving me insane.” 

 

“If a God does exist, then he must have been the one to send her to me. She is all that is good in this world.” 

 

“I love you. I love your smile, your wicked intellect, your heart. I know I don’t deserve you, Aria… but I’ll spend every waking moment for the rest of my life working on being a better man. That still might not be enough, but Aria, I swear, if you give me a chance, I’ll never stop trying. I’ll never stop doing whatever I can to make you happy, to make you smile.” 

 

“I can’t wait to find out what life has in store for us. I know that whatever it is, we’ll face it together, and we’ll always come out on top. Always.” 

 

“Yeah… I’m without a doubt counting my blessings. The life I’m living right now is a dream come true, and I’ll never take it for granted. I can’t wait to see what the next couple of years might bring. I have a feeling life will only get better… and I’m ready. I’m ready for all life has to offer.” 

I don’t  feel like organizing my chaotic thoughts about the book, so if you want to read about my journey of reading this book and my theories, go right ahead but beware of spoilers!! 

 

We know that the queen of the below is trying to take over the Enchanted Vale, realm by realm and is doing so by Caspian and the Nightingale. And supposedly the nightingale has already started with the spring realm and is about to start on the summer realm. So basically they have control over Prince Kairyn, presumably and possibly the acolytes as well. Especially since in the prologue the nightingale was mentioned to isadora. And we’ve met wrenly, who is an acolyte and presumably Daytons mate. It’s absolutely crazy that Rosalina is somehow accidentally traveling to be with Keldarion. Like first it was through a dream and then it happened again but while she was showering. I’m so happy that Farron fixed the notebook that Rosalina gave Caspian. But the thing that absolutely shocked me in that chapter was Caspian saying he wants to be human 😳. Also, Caspian insinuated that he and Rosalina are not mates and the only way he can communicate in her mind is because of his bargain with Keldarion. But he could easily be lying to farron. But ew, I can’t believe Dayton admitted there was something there between him and wrenly. I swear this better be the nightingales manipulation taking place somehow to try and take over the summer realm as she’s done with the spring realm. Could the nightingale and Westly be the same person? They both have piercing blue eyes. Plus, wrenly said her favorite color was black and I may be reaching but the nightingales thorns are black. And in the new fan art, it’s Kairyn and wrenley, who could be kairyn and the nightingale as they are always together. Also, the authors paired a feather emoji with wrenleys name. And then her nickname by Caspian is birdy and wrenly—Wren is a bird. We finally learned the truth of Caspian and Keldarions bargain. And sheesh, that fight everyone had after?? Wow. Every single person was PISSED. And y’all, they’re all CENTURIES old?? Wrenleys stories keep changing. First she said her father was a flower merchant, then a vendor and a cartographer. Rosalina, Eldy, Marigold, and Astrid all started acting strange about going up the mountain after wrenley came in and replaced the flowers 😑. It was definitely a trap to kill Rosalina because she’s the NIGHTINGALE !! What if Rosalina and Wrenley are related because she started acting strange once she heard Rosalina’s father was coming to the spring realm and she claimed you have him and I don’t?? 

 

How is that we went from finding out Rosalina and ezryn are mates to the absolute shit show that went down. Like hello??? He stopped his curse from breaking because he was terrified of the power he was feeling. Ezryn was seen without his helm. He killed guards and inconsequently was killing Rosalina. He was arrested. The blessing of spring was passed to kairyn. AND THEN kairyns bitch ass banished Ezryn from the spring realm and cut off the pointed tips of his ears!!!!! And made him do a walk of shame out of the spring realm!!!! AND THEN, the fucking nightingale ambushes them once they all step out. And everyone learns that the nightingale and kairyn have been working together. And her bitch ass takes Rosalina away. It’s finally confirmed!!! The queen, the enchantress is ROSALINA'S MOTHER!!! And Caspian knew all along, but how?? Another reason I think they’re related is because once the nightingale realized Rosalina could hold the bow without a token, she was like give me the bow!! Because she knew she didn’t need it either because they’re sisters !! I already know damn well that the mate bond between wrenley and Dayton is fake. So no need to worry about that. But damn, Ezryn is finally done with Keldarion especially or because of Caspian. But hello?? The queen of the below has queen Aurelia imprisoned????? And Caspian visits her?? And she have him the power of thorns!!! And my theory is confirmed, the nightingale and Rosalina are sisters!!!! AND Caspian and Rosaline are mates 👏👏👏👏!! Knew it from day one. And Rosalina’s fathers life is connected to castletree?? 

 

 

“What do I say? That I never feel fear around the goblins or during the long, lonely nights, but she frightens me beyond measure? That each smile or touch she offers me is like a lightning strike, rending me to my core? And more than all of these things, I know it is only a matter of time before my determination breaks, and I will be hopelessly lost to her?” (Ezryn) 

 

“The mountains told me your name. The forest sang your song. My heart has been searching for you since the first dawn. My heart searches for you, too, Ez. Let me find you.” 

 

“I could pass a thousand seasons staring at you and never have my fill of your beauty. I want you when the cherry blossoms fall in spring, and during the balmy nights of summer. I want you on a forest floor filled with autumn leaves and shivering in winter’s snow.” (Ezryn) 

 

“How am I to know what you dark princes like?” (Farron) 

“What I like is you, Autumn Prince. On your knees and begging for me.” (Caspian 🥵) 

 

“All the centuries of my life have passed with little meaning because I was waiting. Waiting to find her.” (Ezryn) 

 

“What about when you said being mated to me was—what did you say again? Utter torment.” 

“Because it is utter torment. To have the most beautiful and kind and strange woman as my mate and not be allowed to do more than look upon her.” (Keldarion) 

“Strange?” 

“I would not have you any other way.” (Keldarion) 

 

“When we make love, when we made love with Rosie, when Rosie speaks of being with you—it’s different than anything I’ve experienced before. It’s magic. It’s enchanted. It’s golden. You’ve always been mine. Mine to chase. Mine to love. Mine to lose. And I’m not going to let that happen. I’m never going to lose you.” 

“Fare, we can’t control the fate of the stars.” 

“Who says we can’t? I know in my heart, in everything I am, that you belong with Rosie and me. And damn, I hope the stars are watching because I’m going to show them how much.” 

 

“Ez, you are so fucking hot.” 

“Would you have been upset to be mates with me if I were hideous?” 

“I fell in love with you when I could only ever dream of the color of your eyes. I would have stayed in love with you even if you were clad in metal for the rest of my life. And I love you now because of who you are. You being a total hottie is just a plus.” 

 

“There is nothing—nothing—that could keep me from you. No blood nor blade nor judgment cast upon me. I would tear my bones from the grips of death and offer a thousand more in my stead if it means you await me at the end of it all.” (Ezryn) 

This book had so much potential and it was wasted. It was inspired by Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift's romance, but make it brothers ex best friend, neighbors, fake dating, and NFL player x aspiring singer. To me, the book was too short, there wasn’t much development, and it was rushed. I truly believe it could have been 10x better if there were 20+ more chapters to allow that development. Because it started off really well, the plot line was set up nicely, and then somehow after one fake date they were in love which also didn’t make sense because their interactions beforehand felt awkward and uncomfortable. Like there needed to be more tension and angst. But if you’re unlike me and don’t mind it, then I recommend this for you. It was a quick and easy read, definitely can finish it in one sitting. Also, for those who don’t like spice, then this would be good for you too. Of course, don’t let my opinion sway you away from reading this book, everyone has different experiences and opinions, this is just my own. 

 

*I received this as an e-arc and as always my opinions are 100% honest* 

 

Thank you The Nerd Fam for the gifted ARC. 

I missed this world so much, so it made me so happy to know we were getting a Bilson book 👏👏f you don’t remember Bilson, he was Aleks’ teammate from Foolish Puckboy who had failed marriage after failed marriage and became an honorary member of the Collective. Now in Bromantic Puckboy, Bilson is eager to have a fresh start and transfers to Nashville, where he meets his new best friend, Miles, former frat bro who has pet rocks, names and talks to his goal post, and gave everyone on the team a friendship bracelet 🥹. Also, if you’ve read The Frat Wars series, then you’ll recognize Robbie aka Robdog and Chad aka Dooms who appear in this book 👏👏. It made me so happy to see them because I LOVE Robbie 🤣🫶. These two immediately hit it off and become quick friends and join each other in their crazy shenanigans. Like one of my favorite scenes was when they play against Seattle and Bilson's ex wife—who stole Bilson's dog in the divorce—is in the same bar as them, Miles makes it his mission to get Bilson's dog back. I absolutely loved their friendship and their transition to lovers which happens when they discover they want to try a threesome. After many failed attempts at finding their third person for their threesome, they both decide to help get each other off and so their journey begins 🤭. Plus, I can’t wait for more Collective content 👏🫶Especially since we got to see Tripp, Dex, Oskar, Aleks, Gabe, Ezra, Anton, Wesley (CU hockey), Asher (Cu hockey), and a tiny bit of Foster (also CU hockey). 

 

tropes: bi awakening, friends to friends with benefits to lovers, teammates 

 

 

 

 

“And I’m not that drunk.” (Bilson) 

“When we found you, you were hitting on one of the decorative ficuses.” (Aleks) 

“Gallagher said I should get all my flirting out on an inanimate object so I don’t accidentally fall into a vagina.” (Bilson) 

 

Robdog: Manifest, baby! You’re gonna be the goaliest goalie to ever goal. Get in there with your brothers, hand out those bracelets, go in for some brohugs, and show them what a love bug you are. (Absolutely love and miss Robdog 👏🫶) 

 

“Sorry, Netty, I didn’t mean it. I was mad, you know?” 

Nothing. 

“Aww, come on. Don’t be like that.” 

I can feel her cold shoulder even over the chill of the ice. She’s such a brat sometimes. 

“Fine. Fine, it was all my fault. Better?” 

She grudgingly accepts my apology, and I let out a breath of relief. The last thing I need is to be on bad terms with my posts. 🤦‍♀️🤣

 

“If it makes you feel any better, you haven’t disappointed me yet. Only surprised me.” (Miles) 

“Surprised how?” (Bilson) 

“By how you allow me to be myself. Accept the real me. The way you encourage my weirdness and even the way you make puns.” (Miles) 

“Are you saying … I was a shock to your system? Get it? Shock? Like electric shock?” (Bilson) 

“I take it all back. You’re terrible.” (Miles) 

“Terribly electrifying? Do I light your fire? Send sparks down your spine? Burn you up?” (Bilson) 

“Are you done yet?” (Miles) 

“When it comes to you, I’m nowhere near done.” (Bilson) 

 

“Have you met his rocks yet?” 

“Seddy and Stone? Of course. I love them as much as he loves Killer.” 
“Oh no. There’s two of them. Help!” 

“He’s had them since he was, like, ten? There was Rocky too, but we lost him. Remember how Mom and Dad made us search for that stupid thing for a week?” 

“It was your brother’s pet. No different than when we gave your goldfish a funeral.” 

“It was a rock.” (Elmo and Rocco vibes) 

 

“Dex said all that stuff about having your person, and I think that’s what you are for me. We might not be forever like they are, I have no idea, but I do know that for this one moment, you’ll be there, and you’ll make sure I get through it. No matter what.” (Miles) 

 

“I love you too, and I’m not going anywhere.” (Miles) 

“Lots of people have said that to me before. But I think that’s the first time I’ve ever believed it. I’ve had four different people promise their lives to me, and none of them made me feel as secure as you do.” 

“Good. And I should probably let you know that no one else will ever promise themselves to you again. Just so we’re clear. You’re mine.” (Miles) 

 

“Because Dex was right, the little genius. All the other stuff doesn’t matter. I have Bilson, and he’s my everything.” 

 

 

This book lived up to every one of my expectations, it made my heart happy but it also broke it into pieces. I loved Young Claire and Gibsie just seeing their friendship and love was already so freaking perfect when they were just 5 and 7 years old. And I’m not kidding when I say I cried at least 3 times in just the prologue 😭. If I thought the prologue hurt, my poor heart did not expect chapter 59 to absolutely obliterate it into pieces. But it made me so happy to finally get Claire and Gibsie’s story. To see how deeply in love they were. To see their perfect friendship. Not only that, but I loved seeing another side of Gibsie. Like did it absolutely break my heart? Yes, but it just made him 10x more human and made me fall in love with him even more. I also loved how intent he was on protecting Claire’s heart in every aspect. He was similar to Johnny where he never ever pressured her or moved too fast, he was the exact opposite, it was perfect. The only downside was I wish we got more time with them. Like more of them just hanging out or whatever. Also there’s one plotline I wish she continued, and it was when Claire was helping him get over his fear of water. Like it was just one scene and then it was forgotten. Plus, I immediately started tearing up when Gibsie went to visit his father and sister's grave 😢. And he told his little sister to cover her ears because he’s going to be having a boy talk with his dad 😭. 

 

Also, if you didn’t like Lizzie in any of the previous books, then you will definitely HATE her here. 

At first, I was like there’s no way she’s as bad as everyone is insinuating. But then she said one absolutely atrocious thing to Gibsie and I wanted her to die. Like I understand she was upset over what happened with her sister, but it was in so way Gibsie’s fault. Like her hate and anger towards him was unnecessary. Then after she found out the truth about everything, she’s just in complete denial. I just hope she feels absolute guilt over everything she’s done. And I know Joey said he would always protect her no matter what because of what she did for him. He NEEDS to do something, even though he’s the absolute best at minding his own business, I hope he tells her to rethink everything she’s ever known. Aside from the absolute shit show of a person we learn Lizzie to be, we also get tons of insight into her and Hughie. Not only that, but we see more of Feely, and I NEED more of him. Like I think he is an absolute sweetie pie. 

 

And of course, we get the absolute best tidbits of my favorite BOT couple, Johnny and Shannon 🥹. Every time they were on the page together, it made my heart so happy. And Johnny Kavanagh just kept proving why he’s the best BOT MMC ever.  And then I love it anytime Ollie and Sean are on the page 🥹, they’re so adorable. Especially on Halloween and Ollie was dressed as a barrister and he was like just like my dad 😭😭. And then seeing Johnny’s reaction to finding out what happened to gibsie absolutely shredded me to pieces. Then he just kept showing how he was the absolute best friend anyone could ask for. Like their friendship is absolutely top tier, and we got to see just how much Gibsie appreciates him as a friend. Like I LOVE the goofy parts of their friendship, but knowing how vulnerable they can be with each other makes me so happy. 

 

 

 

“I like your face when you do that.” (Claire) 

“Do what?” 

“Smile. It makes my tummy wobble.” (Claire) 

“Wobble?” 

“Uh-huh. Like jiggly jelly.” (Claire) 

 

“You’re still holding my hand.” (Claire) 

“Sorry. It’s just…holding your hand makes me feel better.” 

“It does?” (Claire) 

“Yeah. Is that okay?” 

“Yep. You can hold my hand forever.” (Claire) 

“You promise?” 

Uh-huh. I promise.” (Claire) 

 

“If I could sew this girl to my skin without causing her an ounce of harm, then I would do it in a heartbeat. That’s how vital she was to my life. How essential she was to my existence. If drugs were to Joey Lynch what Claire Biggs was to me, then there was no amount of rehab that could sway me to kick the habit. Because she was the habit of my lifetime.” 

 

“Claire meant it when she told me that she loved me. That was the first of two things in life I was sure of, and I  meant it right back. That was the second thing I was sure of. If I knew nothing else in this world, then I knew that I loved Claire Biggs. More than she could ever know. More than one lousy four-letter word could ever depict.” 

 

“Snuggling my Claire-Bear equals a happy Gibsie. Running laps on the treadmill until I puke equals a very unhappy Gibsie. It’s all about priorities, babe.” 

“And I’m yours?” 

“Always.” 

 

“I swear to Christ, lad, if you put so much as a finger on her, I will legit kill you dead this time.” 

“On her or in her?” 

 

“Gibs, I’d let my ma adopt the whole bleeding school if it meant that I got to keep that girl.” 

“Little Shannon, huh? What a number she did on your heart, lad.” 

“Tell me about it.” 

 

“I just…love him so much. Oh god, but my heart loves you most of all.” 

“Right back at you, Shannon like the river.” 

“You’re really for keeps, aren’t you?” 

“Just try to get rid of me. I’ve got you, my little darling.” 

“And I’ve got you, Binding 13.” 

 

“Truth be told, it almost felt like a part of me was programmed to love him. It had come to me as easily. As easy as breathing. There wasn’t a point in time that I could safely identify where he didn’t live in my memory.” 

 

“This boy had always been my favorite boy. My favorite friend, person, human, everything.” 

 

“Hi, Gibs.” 

“Little Shannon. How’s my second favorite girl in the world? All set for fifth year?” 

“Sufficiently terrified. And I guess we’ll soon see if I’m ready or not, huh?” 

“You’ve got this, little fighter. You’re going to make this school year your bitch.” 

 

“Shannon Lynch was his endgame, and Johnny Kavanagh was hers.” 

 

"Why do you do it?" 

"Hmm? Do what?" 

"Waste your time on me?" 

"For two reasons. First, because I happen to believe that no time is ever wasted when I'm with you. And second, you're my favorite person in the whole world. There's no one I would rather spend my time with." 

 

“She was so fucking beautiful that it made my chest ache. Honest to God, looking at this girl for too long caused a physical ache to develop in my rib cage. Even the back of her head. That was all I could see from my current viewpoint, and still, my heart bucked wildly in response.” 

 

"I don't have good dreams when I sleep. But whenever I daydream, you're the star of the show." 

"I am?" 

"Of course." 

"Keep going?" 

"I have a hard time concentrating. But when I'm with you, I feel like I have my thinking cap on. You're the only person who can hold my attention. It shifts and wanders off on just about everyone else. But not you. Never you." 

 

"How many kids?" 

"I don't know, maybe two or three. Definitely not one on his own. Wouldn't want them to be lonely?" 

"Girls or boys?" 

"What are you doing? Stop encouraging this behavior!" 

"Whatever Shan can give me. I'll take whatever she's willing to give me. You know, I think I'd love a daughter. I'd be delighted with sons, too, of course, but I'd love to raise a little girl with Shan. You know, show her how different it should've been for her." 😭😭

 

“My life consisted of this girl. Of the perfume she wore. Of the smiles she offered. The clothes she chose on a particular day. The colors she painted her nails. She was tattooed inside of me, and I was hooked. Claire was my safe place.” 

 

"Gibs, for the last time, stop bleeding spooning me!" was the first thing I heard my best friend say on Wednesday morning, swiftly followed by the heel of his foot digging into my shin. 

"Okay, ow. That fucking hurt, Cap. You know I bruise like a peach." 

"It was supposed to. Since when have I ever given you the impression that I'm the little spoon in this relationship?" 

"And I am?" 

"Well, it isn't bleeding me!" 

 

"You're in my seat." 

"I didn't see your name on it, lad" 

"It’s right there" Hugh offered, using his fork to point out the word Gibsie engraved on the chair. "Move." 

"Don't families usually eat dinner together?" 

"They do. He is family.” 

 

"The only thing you're going to have wrong with you is my toe up your hole if you don't pack it in." 

"Jonathan! Apologize to Gerard right this instant." (Edel) 

"For what? He's the one faking a chronic lung disease!" 

"We don't threaten anyone's backsides with our toes in this house. You know better." (Edel) 

"I apologize, Gerard." 

"Thank you, Jonathan. All is forgiven." 

"What a relief.” 

 

"When I'm not with you, it feels like I've misplaced a limb. It feels bad, Claire" 

"I know, Gerard. It's the same for me." 

"Please don't let me break this. I can't lose you, Claire." 

"You won't. You couldn't lose me if you tried, Gerard Gibson." 

 

"Wow, Ols. Fancy." 

"I'm a barrister," he explained, dressed in a designer suit, with sunglasses perched on his nose. He even had his hair slicked back like one of those corporate lawyers in the movies. "Like my dad." 😭😭

 

"Because I might be tempted to do more than just dance with her? I might be lured into performing the physical act of love." 

"You do realize it's me you're talking to, don't you, Gibs? As in Claire's mother." 

"Oh yes. I'd know your tits anywhere. Thank you, by the way. 

For making Claire. You did a top-notch job on that one. The older one could do with a bit of work, but the younger one is perfect." 

"Oh dear. I think it's time someone's mother comes to collect him." 

"I think you might be right. Meanwhile, until she arrives, I must resume my dancing a safe distance from your daughter's perfect tits. Thanks for those, too, by the way." 

 

"I've never felt safe around boys or men. For obvious reasons." (Shannon) 

"Yeah." 

"But I feel safe around Gibs. Aside from Johnny, he's the only other boy whose hands I would willingly put my life in." (Shannon 🥹) 

 

“Being with him felt effortless because it felt so natural. Like this is what I was supposed to do. These lips were the ones my lips had been waiting for and no other lips would do. These hands were the ones my body accepted without question or doubt. This boy was the boy. The boy my heart had been created to beat for. The boy I was made to love. It was effortless.” 

 

"Do you want to be my best friend? Looks like I'm not getting out of this town anytime soon, so I might as well put down some roots." 

"Me?" 

"Yeah, you." 

"You want me to be your best friend?" 

He nodded again, and I could tell from just one interaction with him that he wa sharp. This lad was nobody's fool. He had clearly taken everyone's measure and, for som strange reason, had decided that I was the best of a bad bunch. 

"So, what's it going to be, Gibs?" 

"Yeah. I'm in." 

 

"You're the best friend I've ever had, and I love the fucking bones of you, ya mad eejit. And if you think this is going to chase me off, then you've another thing coming, fucker, because I'm never leaving you. Do ya hear me? Because you're my Gibs." 

"And you're my Kav." 

"That's right." 

 

"I won't apologize for what I did because I love you. Do you hear me? I love you, Gerard Gibson. I love the boy you were, and I love the man you've become. And I will stand up for all of your forms, baby, boy, or man! I will fight for you even when you can't do it for yourself because that's what best friends do. And I will never apologize for it." 

 

“I might not know who I was or where I fit in the world, but I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I didn't want any of it without Claire Biggs. Or Cap.” 

 

"You make me feel like it's possible.” 

"Hmm? Like what's possible?" 

"Like everything is going to be okay again. Like I'm going to be okay." 

"Because it is. Because you are." 

"Yeah. But you make me believe it." 

 

“And I'm not afraid anymore to stand up for 

myself, or for what I believe in, and especially who I believe in. And it's you, Gerard. All paths lead to you. So, if I have to step on a few toes along the way, then so be it. Because from here on out, we're a team. And if the whole world tries to take you on, then they have to take me on, too. You come first, Gerard." 

 

“I would forever stand with this boy. After all, taming 7 had been the adventure of my lifetime.” 

I really liked this book, the accidental marriage trope was so unexpected, but I LOVED IT. Especially since they were already going to start dating before this accidental marriage and it wasn’t just two drunk strangers. I also love that this is more of an organic meeting rather than elaborate tropes, and don’t get me wrong I LOOOVE elaborate tropes like an arranged marriage with a billionaire, or a stalker becoming obsessed with you, but a good ‘ol organic meet cute will always be a favorite. I do wish there was more development between the MC’s because it felt like it went from them making the best of their accidental marriage to being in love so I just wish we spent more time with them. But despite that, I really liked this book, especially the extremely short chapters. It made it 10x easier to read and I loved the instant switch in POV’s. Not only that, but it was nice to get POV’s from the MC’s in the previous books!!! And I love the fact that they aren’t dragged out chapters just a nice little sneak peek from their POV’s. Plus, I loved any text thread that we saw, whether it was from the MC’s of this book or a group chat with everyone in it. 

 

 

Me: Hey Princess. Looking for pictures of my muscles? 

Natalie: Were there muscles in that picture? I was just liking the cat. 

Me: Mr. Peter is pretty awesome. So I’ll let the slight slide. 

Natalie: Your cat’s name is Mr. Peter? 

Me: Technically, he’s my mom’s cat. But I named him. 

Natalie: How old were you when you named him? 

Me: Twenty-five. His full name is Mr. Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater. 

Natalie: I… don’t know how to react to that. 

 

Me: Need company? 

Me: I’m a great roommate. 

Me: Promise I don’t make a sound. I can even sleep on the floor if you want. 

Natalie: My dad doesn’t allow sleepovers. I snort. 

Me: I can be your daddy tonight. And I’m fine with sleepovers. 

Luke: Sorry. 

Luke: Was that too far? 

Luke: I can tell that was too far. 

Luke: Please forgive me. 

Luke: My cousin wrote that. 

Luke: My phone was stolen. 

Luke: I think it was aliens. 

 

“I don’t really have that many friends at all. I work too much. I travel too much. I have work acquaintances who are friendly. I have specific people I tend to gravitate toward during happy hours or work dinners, but none of them are my friends. We wouldn’t meet up for brunch on the weekend.” “I’m your friend, Little Royal. And I’m great at gossiping.” 

“Thanks, Player.” 

“And if you want to complain about me, I’m okay listening to that too.” 

 

“If you keep staring at other men, I’m going to start to get jealous.” 

“What other men?” 

“Good answer.” 

 

“He’s the reason the world doesn’t seem so scary anymore. Because he’s the reason I won’t have to face it alone. I know I’ll always have him at my side.” 

 

“I’m so fucking proud of you.” 

“Because of the flavor?” 

But she knows. She knows that the world is better with her in it. 

“Because of everything.” 

 

“And even after all these years, I fall asleep every night knowing that the softness inside my chest is only going to keep growing. Because Luke is mine. And because no matter how much time goes by, I’ll always be his Princess.” 

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 stars. Y’all, I did not want this book to end, no joke I prolonged my reading time because I did not want to say goodbye to them. Wow, I was not prepared for the past and present chapters, nor was I prepared for the angst and tension. The one thing I was prepared for was another Windsor man falling head over heels in love with their woman and Zane Windsor did NOT disappoint. This man was OBSESSED with Celeste. He calls her CELESTIAL and had literally counted the days of how long she was gone, which was 5 years, two months and twelve days 😳. But not only that, he’s been in love with her since they were kids, teenagers, and they even gave each other their firsts 😭😭. This man practiced every day for a week perfecting a dish simply because he knew it was her favorite. Then as an apology for his driveway accidentally ruining her shoes, he got her custom made pumps adorned with DIAMONDS to look like a GALAXY. Then he got her flowers that represented a goddess which he thought was perfect for HIS GODDESS *swooning* 😩. And then one of the best parts in this story, in my opinion, is how close they got to each other's families. Like it only took them being together for nearly two years for Celeste’s parents and brother to accept Zane, but when they do it’s amazing. Celeste’s brother became Zane’s best friend and accompanied him to the Windsor poker night 🥲. They always went to her parents house on saturdays so they could spend the whole day with her family and that’s when he got really close to her parents. And then the Windsors have always treated her like family 🥹, and were willing to go above and beyond for her. BUT THEN, the past chapters had to come to and end 😑. I swear both Grandma Anne and Lily were on my hitlist, but later I forgave Lily because it truly wasn’t her fault.

And then like I said, I wasn’t really for the present chapters, especially because it hurts so much to know how in love Zane and Celeste were and how close their families were just to see them estranged now 😩. Not only that, but to learn what past Celeste did to Zane 😳😳. Like hello?? That was a FULL ON betrayal. And then of course Zane retaliated over the years. The only good thing about this was the fact that Celeste’s parents never faulted Zane for retaliating and only wanted their daughter to be happy and for their future son-in-law to be back in their lives. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED the scene where Zane and Celeste are at her parents house on a Saturday and Archer is on a video chat and he yells at Zane in disgust because he whispers in Celeste’s ear and Zane just muted him 🤣🤣. And then the father was like you could’ve muted him this whole time 🤣. And then unfortunately, the Windsor family wasn’t so forgiving other than Grandma Anne, sometimes Val, and Faye but she had never known Celeste before. And so it hurt to see Sierra, Raven, and Lex ignore Celeste’s existence and it took a long while for them to slowly mend their relationship with her. And then it’s just so sad it took Celeste in finding out the truth about Lily to believe Zane, but now wanted to rebuild their relationship whereas Zane just wanted to be amicable throughout the rest of their marriage. BUT it made me so happy to see that Sierra and the sister in laws are going to help Celeste win Zane over because they truly saw her trying to win Zane over. Plus, I like that it’s the FMC trying to redeem themselves rather than the MMC. AND THEN, she got him flowers just like his mother did to his father to convey various messages like sincerity, a fresh start, hopes for renewed love, etc. And the fact that they both kept memorabilia of each other over the years despite everything just shows they truly never stopped loving each other 😢. And y’all, the final chapters were perfection. Like when he proposes, he crafted her own bottles of nail polish and they’re named like “Celestial”, “Zane’s wife”, etc.Not only that, but each of their families were a part of the proposal somehow, and it made me so happy 😭😭.And then we find out they’ve gotten their vows renewed every year for the last ten years 😭.

Favorite quotes/scenes:

Past

“Celeste Harrison.” (Val)
“Haven’t seen her in a while. She went to college in London, didn’t she? How long was she away? Three years?” (Luca)
<i>5 years, two months, and twelve days, actually.</i>

“You’re wrong, you know? I might not own you, per se, but you belong with me.”

“She’s like a drug to me. I know I’m better off without her, but I can’t resist her either. I crave Celeste Harrison with every breath, every heartbeat. It’s no longer a matter of choice—she’s in my fucking veins, infecting my heart.”

“Celestial, I’m grateful to have a chance with you at all, even if it is because it makes you feel empowered. No one needs to know, my sweet goddess. This thing… it can just be ours, if that’s what you want. I’ll be whatever you want me to be, Celestial, so long as you let me be yours.”

“You took my first kiss and my first time, and now you’re my first girlfriend. How many more firsts will you take? I’ll give them all to you if you want them.”

“You’ve got the love bug, don’t you?” (Celeste’s mom)
“Yes, ma’am. I’m afraid it’s incurable.”

“Is this a dream?”
“No, boyfriend dearest. This is all very real, but I’ll admit you’re a dream come true.”
“I love you, Celeste.” He grabs my hand and places my palm on his chest. “I love you so much that it hurts here.”
“I’ll kiss it better.”
“You have to. My heart is yours now, so you have to take good care of it.”
“I will, my love.”
“Is that a vow?”
“I vow to take great care of your heart, Zane. It’s mine now, isn’t it? I’ll keep it always.”

“I can’t tell what’s real anymore, because when I’m with you, it feels like all my dreams have come true.”

Present

“It’ll be a cold day in hell if I ever sleep with you again, Zane Windsor.”
“It does seem rather chilly today, doesn’t it?”

“Hey! Step the fuck away from my sister, asshole. Don’t do that shit in my house.” (Archer)
Zane pulls away and reaches over to press the mute button, making Mom laugh.
“Zane. Unmute your brother-in-law, will you?” (Celeste’s mom)
“I could’ve just muted him all this time?” (Celeste’s dad)

“You are it for me, Celeste. I fell in love with you when I was fifteen, and I’ve been in love with you ever since. I vow to love you, and only you, forever and always. Through the ups and downs, I’ll be faithful, compassionate, and patient. I’ve loved you through all the seasons in life, Celeste, and I’ll continue to do so. Day after day, I will choose you, no matter what. That, my beautiful Celestial, is a vow.”

“See? Moments like these make everything worth it. We could argue like crazy, and just one single smile from you would still make it the best day of my life.”

“I love you. The good, the bad, and everything in between. I love all of it, Celeste, every single part of you.”
“Zane. I love you more.”
“Impossible.”

“I never seduced you!”
“No? Then what do you call this thing you’re doing that’s making your chest rise and fall against me so seductively?” “It’s called breathing, Zane.”
“Seduction, that’s what it is.”
“Okay, In-Zane. Just wait till you catch a glimpse of my ankles. That’ll really blow your mind.”
“Yeah? You’ll have to show me.”

“You’re so beautiful, Celeste. Do you have any idea how crazy it is that I get to call you my wife? Fuck, I might well be the luckiest man alive.”
“I don’t know about that. But I definitely am the luckiest woman in the world, because I still get to call you mine.”
“I’ll always be yours.”

“Celeste. My entire world has revolved around you ever since we were three years old, and you walked into class with those adorable braids of yours. I thought you were an actual princess, but as it turns out, you were an enchantress, because I’ve been under your spell ever since.”

“I love you. I’m going to make you so happy, Celeste. I can’t wait to show you what our engagement and marriage should’ve been like.”
“I love you more, Zane. You already make me so incredibly happy, you know? I don’t need any of this. You’re all I need, all I’ll ever need.”

“We made it. Despite the odds. Despite the heartache and pain, we made it.”

Honestly, I was a little disappointed in the ending. Everything was wrapped up too easily and quickly. But I’m glad Lev got justice. I wish there was more tension, action, and just more development between Riley and the guys. Like I wish there were more scenes with Lev and Ridge. We barely saw Lev in this book and he somehow was in love with Riley. And then we barely saw Ridge with Riley because the little fucker Maddox took Riley away when Ridge went to go get supplies and basically hid her away. Hiding her from the elders, Ridge, and Lev because he thinks he’s keeping her safe 😐. I still don’t like Maddox if you couldn’t tell. To me, Ridge is the main guy, I wish it wasn’t an RH because he could have her all to himself. Or even just Ridge and Lev, honestly. Like Ridge wanted to make Riley’s life easier in any way he can and he started shaving her legs 🥹. And then Riley started telling them about the guys that tried to attack her and he immediately brought out his notepad and asked for names 🤣🤣. Despite all the things I didn’t like, I liked the twists and finding out the truth behind Lev's family’s murder and Ridges mom. Plus, it made me happy that Ridge found a family member 👏👏 who’s equally as insane as he is. 

“How’d we get so fucking lucky?” (Maddox)

“Luck has nothing to do with it. We create our own destiny.” (Ridge)

And in my case, I created a future with Riley in it because when I want something, I take it. I’ve never wanted anyone or anything, the way I want her, and even as I have her, I want more and more of her. I will never stop wanting her. 

“Thank you for hiding away with me’” (Riley)

“You never have to thank me, babe. I’d hide away with you forever if it meant spending forever by your side.” (Maddox)

“You know the reaction you get when you mix gasoline with fire? An explosion, right? Well, that’s pretty much what driving in a car with Ridge for two hours is like. At least, that’s how my fucking head feels right now.  Two hours of nonstop talking, and the most ridiculous shit at that.  An hour ago, he shifted the subject to vampires and how he wishes he was one so he could turn Riley and live eternally with her. The guy is in love, but he’s also grossly obsessed.”

“I fucking love you, Angel.” (Ridge)

“I love you, too.” 

Those words alone triple the size of my heart. I’ve always known it to be true, but this girl is my sole reason for existing. She is the air I breathe. Every beat of my heart. I will, quite literally, die without her. 

“You’re not human, Ridge Foster.”

“Why’s that?

 “Men like you just don’t exist. Why are you so good to me?”

“Because, Riley Cross. I am truly, madly, deeply in love with you.”

“I love you, too. Truly. Madly. Deeply.”

“For life?”

“And longer.”

“This girl could ask for the world and I would find a way to shrink it just so she could carry it in her pocket.” (Maddox)

“Well. I’m not going anywhere and neither are Ridge and Maddox, so you’ve got us for life.”

“You mean that?” (Lev)

“Hell yes, I do. We’re all in this together. For the long run.”

“We deserve to feel love and happiness despite the hell around us. Isn’t that who we are to each other? The calm in the storm, the breath of fresh air after a wave sweeps you under. And there’s nothing I want more than to breathe him in until he’s as much a piece of me as my heart is.”

“Ridge has a way of making me feel like the most important person in the world. I know, without a doubt, he’d lay his life on the line for me. But as my feelings grow stronger and stronger, I’m beginning to think I wouldn’t want him to. I’d want to be the one to lay my life on the line for him. I’d do anything for him, for all of them.”

*the guys beat up a guy who talked shit about Riley*

“Angel?” (Ridge)

“Babe?” (Maddox)

“Trouble, what’s wrong?” (Lev)

“I can’t take you guys anywhere.”

“Sure you can We’re good boys.” (Ridge)

“You’re all hellions. We’re all hellions.” 

“You’re fucking crazy, Ridge Foster.”

“Crazy about you.”

“And I’m crazy about all of you. No matter what happens in this lifetime, we’re in this together. I love you, guys.”

“I love you, too,” I tell her, while Ridge and Lev say the same.

“I love you.” (Lev)

“I love you, too. I don’t know what I’d do without you guys.”

“You’ve got my heart, Angel. Always and forever. You’ll never have to find out.” (Ridge)

“You all complete me.”

“You complete us.” (Maddox)

“This night was more than anything I could have ever dreamed up. And the reality is, this is the first night of the rest of my life with these guys. Each one of them is a puzzle piece that connects with my heart, and with them, I am complete. With them, I feel like I can take on the world. I can’t wait to see what the future brings for all of us, because we’re in this together. For life or longer. My boys and me.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 stars

Wow. Their love for each other was undeniable. I think they may be my favorite couple in the Windsor series yet. I love how they’re both possessive of each other and get jealous when they’re with other people. They helped each other heal from their past and fears and insecurities. They loved each other no matter the odds. They found a home in each other. Yeah they’re definitely my favorites. 

Of course, it’s not a Windsor book if there’s no possessiveness and extravagance, and Dion surpassed every other Windsor brother. He bought an entire concert hall for her to prevent her father from entering the building and harming her. He DEMANDED her father to deposit all of her hard earned money from concerts to his bank because her father was stealing money from her. He fucked her face after a performance and her ex walked in and THEY KEPT GOING!!!! He had her father nearly beaten to death once he found out he had been abusing her for years. But not only that for years, he’s been doing the dirty work for his family and close friends and exacting revenge on anyone who’s wronged them which includes torture and death 😳😳. And I am HERE for it, lol which is a crazy thing to say 🤭. But I love that not all the Windsor men are perfect, I LOVE that Dion is darker than the other men. He helped make Faye’s dreams come true. First he took her to Italy for Gelato, then once it started raining, they danced 🥹. Then despite how much it hurt him, he let her go to experience independence and freedom that she’s never got to before. But even then, he’s still helping her dreams come true. One of her dreams was to play on an abandoned piano in a train station, so he has brother put a piano in a train station just so she can fulfill her dream 😭. Where can I find this kind of love 🥲? FUCK YES!!! Then for the beautiful proposal, he got down on one knee, proposed to her, and she got down on her knees too 😭😭. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT when the woman does it too. To me, it just shows how equal their love is and I WENT FERAAALL for it. 

Y’all, I swear the FMC’s family in each book needs to stop treating them like shit. I think the only exceptions were Val’s family excluding her father and Raya’s parents. But everyone else’s was a piece of shit to the FMC’s. Like Raven was emotionally manipulated by her mother and sister and had her happiness taken away all because her sister was cruel. Val’s father abandoned her because he considered her less than. And then Faye was emotionally and physically abused for YEARS ever since she was eight years old 😢. And this entire time she thought that she was protecting her step sisters and mother by enduring her fathers abuse, and they were stealing money from her ALL THAT TIME!!! Goodness. 

It was really interesting to see a sneak peek about Zane and Celeste’s story in the past two books, I cannot wait to read theirs especially since their book is longer 👏👏. The dreams he had of his mom always hurt me, but in the last chapter it healed ME too 😭😭, it was so beautiful. And the fact that he SMELLED her perfume when he woke up, i just KNOW that she was there with him 😭. 

“I thought today would be the perfect day to test out this prototype of my new smart board. I’m thinking of calling it the Lexperience.”

“No.” (Zane)

“Fuck that.” (Dion)

“The Lex-board.”

“Absolutely not.” (Luca)

“Did you forget?”

“Forget? What did I forget?”

“That I’m yours. If you don’t hold my hand, I might get lost in the crowd. Then what?”

“Dion, you’re a giant. You’re at least six-foot-three. I’m relatively certain you can look over everyone’s head. I think you’ll be fine.”

“No, I don’t think I’ll be fine without you.”

“Jealousy looks so beautiful on you, Faye. Keep being good for me, baby, and I’ll be good to you too. So good.”

“I’m a mere mortal, incapable of resisting her divinity, and she must know that.”

“I threw her phone in the ocean.”

“What the fuck happened to the plan? Weren’t you supposed to be nice and win her over? This environment is literally perfect for seduction, and you go and throw her phone into the fucking ocean?” (Lex)

“I had a diver retrieve it. I didn’t litter.”

“I think you’re missing the point here.” (Zane)

“I wish I had the Lex-Board.” (Lex 🤣)

“We’re not calling it that.” (Zane)

“Today is the day I stop counting down. Instead, I’ll start counting my blessings, because that’s what I hope each day with you will be. I know this isn’t what either of us wanted, but from now on, we’re in this together. From now on, I’m truly yours. For better or worse.”

“You make the whole world fade away, you know that? When I’m inside you, I feel complete. You were never supposed to make me feel this way, Faye. What the fuck have you done to me, hmm?”

“I just want you, Faye. You don’t have to pretend in my presence—the only version of you I want is the real you.”

“Dion. What if I don’t know which version of me is real?”

“Then give me all of you, every last jagged fractured piece. Give me all of it, Faye, because those pieces you think are broken? They complete me.”

“This. This thing between us, it keeps me hooked, keeps me coming back for more. I’m enchanted, you know?”

“You aren’t enchanted, you’re drunk.”

“Wow. Wow. That’s my wife.”

“I think I’m in love with you, Faye Windsor. If ever there was a chance I’d let you go, it’s gone now. You are mine, and you will be for the rest of your life. There’s no hiding from me. There’s no place you could go where I wouldn’t hunt you down.”

“I can live with that. Because I think I’m in love with you, too.”

“Home. It’s more than just four walls. It’s safety, comfort, and acceptance. It’s him.”

“That’s what you do to me. You take each broken piece, and without even realizing it, you put me back together. I don’t deserve you, but fuck, am I grateful I’ve got you.”

“You are both my torment and my salvation, my muse and my damnation. For you, I’ll willingly go to the depths of hell. Did you know that?”

“I know, but I hope you realize I’ll be there every step of the way. You don’t want to lead me to hell, do you? If you burn, I’ll burn with you. No matter where you go, I’ll be right by your side, Dion. You once told me that my broken pieces complete you, yet you find it hard to believe I feel the same way. I wish you could see yourself through my eyes.”

“I need to find a moment to thank your mother. I’ve only ever begged for her forgiveness, but I realize now that I should be thanking her, too. For giving me you. I swear I won’t let her down, Faye. Every single day, I’ll do everything in my power to become worthy of you. I’ll never stop fighting for you, for us.”

“You don’t have to try. You’re already beyond worthy of me, Dion. You always have been.”

“Would it truly be okay if I make your dreams my own? Can I insert myself into the future you envisioned for yourself, Faye?”

“Yes. Yes, Dion. I want it all with you.”

“Tell me you’re sure, Faye. Tell me you want to spend the rest of your life with me until we’re old and gray. I’ll make every single one of your dreams come true, so long as you stay with me.”

“I’m sure. I want you for the rest of our lives, Dion. I want it all with you.”

“I will never let you go, Faye. Not even if you beg me to.”

“Good. Because I don’t want you to.”

“Dion, every second of every day, I choose you. Even when you don’t want me to. Even on days that feel impossibly hard. I’ll always choose you.”

“You’re driving me insane. I’ll never get enough of you, you know that? For the rest of our lives, I’ll want you the way I do tonight. You’re the one for me, Faye Windsor.”

“She’s the wife I never wanted, yet now I can’t imagine my life without her. Her broken pieces perfectly fit against mine, creating the foundation we’re building the rest of our lives on. With each brick we lay down, we build each other up. I can’t wait to see where life takes us, but I suspect countless shitty flights and beautiful melodies are in my future. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”