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Elizabeth O'Roark
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The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea: A Grumpy-Sunshine Billionaire Romance Kindle Edition

by Elizabeth O'Roark (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 11,882 ratings
You don’t really know a guy until you’ve vacationed with him…

When Drew Wilson’s ex-boyfriend Joel “Six” Bailey asks her to go on his family trip to Hawaii with him just as her life is falling apart, she decides it's the perfect time to give him another chance.

The hitch? The Bailey family includes Six’s rude older brother, Joshua—a hot-nerd doctor who has hated Drew since the moment they met and once suggested she’d steal the family silver.

Drew is determined to win the Baileys over and give this thing with Six a fair shot…but Joshua is making that difficult. Not simply because he is in her way at every turn, but because—as one tropical adventure leads to the next—she’s beginning to wonder if obnoxious, odious Joshua might be the brother she actually belongs with.
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  1. Book 2 of 4
    The Grumpy Devils
  2. Print length
    320 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    January 20, 2022
  6. File size
    700 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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  1. “Sometimes,” he says, pulling the sheets over us both, “it’s easier to hate something than admit you’re just pissed off you’ll never have it.”
    Highlighted by 1,172 Kindle readers
  2. “Hey, Drew?” I say. She looks over at me. “Just so you know, you’re not the fifth wheel, right now. You’re the glue.”
    Highlighted by 1,128 Kindle readers
  3. “Is he your boyfriend?” one of them asks, sweeping her appreciative gaze over him. “Him? No. Satan isn’t allowed to take a companion on the Earth’s surface, as far as I know.”
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From the Publisher

Man
Sometimes it takes a vacation to realize you chose the wrong brother.
angst, enemies-to-lovers, ex's brother
collage

Sometimes it takes a vacation to realize you chose the wrong brother.

“We should go,” Josh says, glaring across the room. “Someone better hold Drew’s hand so she doesn’t get trampled by all the normal size humans.”

“Extreme height is correlated with early mortality,” I reply, craning my neck back to maintain eye contact.

He raises a brow. “That’s Marfan’s syndrome. And you sound hopeful.”

“Only if it could take place without ruining the trip.”

I see the smallest twitch of his mouth, but it doesn’t leave me feeling victorious. I think he just gets excited when people bring up death.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Easiest 5 star I've given in a while...an unpredictable, bingeable ride that had me turning the pages all day long."
Jeeves Reads Romance

"The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea was everything I love about romance books wrapped up in a charming, witty, smart, sexy, feel-good story of finding love just when least expected."
Jen's Dreamy Little Reads

"I loved A Deal with the Devil but this one was so much MORE for me. The banter, the slow-burn, the chemistry...I could go on and on and on!"
Shh Moms Reading

"The banter and chemistry between Drew and Josh had me devouring the pages...compelling, heartfelt, unputdownable."
Elizabeth's Pretty Little Reads

"Y'all this book was incredible!! The emotion, the humor, the heart - this book captivated me from cover to cover!"
Books and Bubbs

"A fantastic read, with the same witty banter I loved so much in the first book."
Bookworm Angel

"This writer always gives us a riveting story full of humor and heart, but this one is next level...make sure you don't miss this extraordinary, sensational read!"
BookAddict

"This story was perfect in every way...an instant favourite I'll definitely read again."
Tales of Love, Murder and Mystery

"Never have I been so sucked into a story...I LOVED IT!"
Beyond the Covers Blog

"The chemistry is AMAZING and the slow burn pays off, these two are blazing hot together!"
Book Obsession Confessions

"Shes's done it again. It's another first rate romance from Elizabeth O'Roark and I suspect an another early entrant for my 'best of 2022'.
Book Eater Reviews

"I am telling you now that when you start this book you are not going to be able to put it down until it says The End."
Stephanie's Book Reports

"What a slow burn, angst filled delight "The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" was...Their chemistry was undeniable and when they finally were together, it was red hot. "
Late Knight Luna Reads

"I couldn't get enough of their bickering and banter back and forth...Five Flipping Fantastic Stars!!"
Crazy Sock Book Block

"This incredible journey to self-worth and the kind of love everyone deserves is one I can't recommend highly enough. The banter will have you smiling while the raw emotion and secrets laid bare will have gasping out loud."
MJLovestoRead

"I have decided that I must, straight away, go and read any and every book that Elizabeth O'Roark has written...This was an enemies to lovers forbidden romance that literally checks all the boxes."
Kera's Always Reading

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09BM751LH
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Amazon Digital Services
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 20, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 700 KB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 2 of 4 ‏ : ‎ The Grumpy Devils
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 11,882 ratings

About the author

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Elizabeth O'Roark

Elizabeth O'Roark

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Elizabeth O'Roark has a bunch of degrees she does not use and gave up working as a medical writer to craft grumpy, alpha heroes and the flawed women who love them. When not writing, she likes to spend time with her three kids, who are now teenagers and wish she'd find a different way to spend time. She can be found on Facebook feverishly debating whether or not "Die Hard" is a Christmas movie and telling people to read "The Hating Game", which she did not write but wishes she had.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
11,882 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this romance novel to be an excellent beach read with a good love story and multi-layered drama. The book features multiple characters with differing viewpoints, and customers enjoy the funniest banter and great mix of angst and humor. They appreciate the emotional depth, with customers describing it as heart-wrenching and making them cry, while the Hawaiian backdrop adds to its charm. The writing style receives positive feedback for being well-written and easy to read in one sitting, though opinions about the burn rate are mixed, with some appreciating the slow build while others note it starts a bit slow.

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110 customers mention "Story quality"102 positive8 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, describing it as a good love story with a multi-layered drama, and one customer mentions it as a beautiful tale of self-discovery.

"...had it all, enemies to lovers, smart witty banter, angst, drama, slow burn, family, emotions, laughter, action, rockstar romance, cute charming,..." Read more

"...I loved the tension and the Hawaiian setting, and I love how the book didn’t JUST center on vacation, but the pull of the real world after...." Read more

"...It wasn't rushed at that point, it was realistic. They were overall such wonderful characters and the writing, pacing, and storyline was incredible...." Read more

"...I have yet to find a book of hers that I didn't love. Her storytelling skills, combined with the perfect blend of humor and angst, never fail to..." Read more

109 customers mention "Readability"109 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, with several mentioning it's part of their favorite series, and one describing it as a perfect beach read.

"...💗Romantic, witty, steamy, and emotional, this was a memorable and surprise-filled love story between two lost, broken, lonely, and hurt people..." Read more

"...That, to me, was so real and wonderful. I loved that when they popped that champagne cork on finally getting together, they didn't hold back...." Read more

"...crave a forbidden romance infused with great banter, this book is an absolute must-read!..." Read more

"...Very good read. Loved Josh from the start. Very entertaining from beginning to end." Read more

60 customers mention "Character development"56 positive4 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with its multiple characters and differing viewpoints, and one customer notes the great chemistry between the main characters.

"...😚Beautiful Written, Characters equally interesting, who compliment each other perfectly, which leads to an entertaining and addictive page-..." Read more

"...They were overall such wonderful characters and the writing, pacing, and storyline was incredible...." Read more

"...Very good read. Loved Josh from the start. Very entertaining from beginning to end." Read more

"...I just loved her character growth throughout the entire story, and was thrilled there was a bonus epilogue that was equally thrilling and angsty,..." Read more

48 customers mention "Humor"48 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, particularly its perfect blend of humor and angst, with one customer noting it makes them laugh out loud.

"...This book had it all, enemies to lovers, smart witty banter, angst, drama, slow burn, family, emotions, laughter, action, rockstar romance, cute..." Read more

"...Her storytelling skills, combined with the perfect blend of humor and angst, never fail to leave a lasting impression...." Read more

"...The foundation has already been laid. Overall a great and enjoyable story thanks to the first half. 3.5 Stars" Read more

"...There's humor, heat, drama, angst and the culmination of two people who didn't know they wanted more in their life outside of work until they met..." Read more

46 customers mention "Emotional depth"43 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the emotional depth of the book, describing it as heart-wrenching and filled with angst that made them cry.

"...to lovers, smart witty banter, angst, drama, slow burn, family, emotions, laughter, action, rockstar romance, cute charming, suspense, fear, humor,..." Read more

"...There's humor, heat, drama, angst and the culmination of two people who didn't know they wanted more in their life outside of work until they met..." Read more

"...does a phenomenal job in building simmering chemistry and creating heart-wrenching angst...." Read more

"...listener, selfless, a family man, responsible and caring, and builds her up rather than break her down...." Read more

44 customers mention "Charm"44 positive0 negative

Customers find the book charming, particularly appreciating its sexy banter and Hawaiian backdrop.

"...💗Romance Perfection - I love this couple- MUST READ 💗Romantic, witty, steamy, and emotional, this was a memorable and surprise-filled..." Read more

"...I loved the tension and the Hawaiian setting, and I love how the book didn’t JUST center on vacation, but the pull of the real world after...." Read more

"...Joshua, on the other hand, was a handsome grump who I couldn't help but fall head over heels for...." Read more

"...The banter and chemistry between Josh and Drew was making me smile and giddy. Him being a grump and at the same time protective was so good...." Read more

35 customers mention "Writing style"29 positive6 negative

Customers praise the writing style of the book, finding it well-crafted and easy to read, with several mentioning they finished it in one sitting.

"...😚Beautiful Written, Characters equally interesting, who compliment each other perfectly, which leads to an entertaining and addictive page-..." Read more

"...They were overall such wonderful characters and the writing, pacing, and storyline was incredible...." Read more

"...Joshua and Drew’s story is beautifully written and well- paced...." Read more

"...A phenomenal artist crafting perfection after perfection on paper. Put down your go to cozy mystery or murder story and DIVE INTO ELIZABETH O'ROARK!" Read more

13 customers mention "Burn rate"6 positive7 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the burn rate of the book, with some loving the slow build while others mention it starts a bit slow.

"...One, these books (so far) are the world’s slowest burn. I could deal with a little less of that...." Read more

"...This is fantastic slow burn as they start with hostility and then become friends as they get to know each other better before becoming more...." Read more

"...This book didn’t disappoint. It was definitely a slow burn. The MCs do not even kiss until we’ll after the 50% mark but that’s ok...." Read more

"...No question about it! This book has the funniest banter, slooowest burn and the swooniest MMC!..." Read more

𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔻𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕝 𝔸𝕟𝕕 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔻𝕖𝕖𝕡 𝔹𝕝𝕦𝕖 𝕊𝕖𝕒 - 𝔼𝕝𝕚𝕫𝕒𝕓𝕖𝕥𝕙 𝕆'ℝ𝕠𝕒𝕣𝕜
5 out of 5 stars
𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔻𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕝 𝔸𝕟𝕕 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔻𝕖𝕖𝕡 𝔹𝕝𝕦𝕖 𝕊𝕖𝕒 - 𝔼𝕝𝕚𝕫𝕒𝕓𝕖𝕥𝕙 𝕆'ℝ𝕠𝕒𝕣𝕜
So it turns out that I read in reverse order and started in the third book but I didn't feel any holes in the plot so I'm going with my mistake and read the second book, after that I'll read the first one🤣 Imagine that your ex calls you and asks for a second chance. You both will fly to Hawaii for a dream vacation and there you work on your relationship. So far sounds lovely right? So did Drew though, she packed a suitcase and got on a plane to Hawaii. Then she finds out that it's not just a vacation with the ex - his parents, his (devilishly handsome) brother which doesn't like you and also his stuck up girlfriend and welcoming her at the airport. So where is the ex you ask? IN JAIL!!! Don't panic it's a mistake! He'll be free to go within three days to will join Drew. The vacation is for a week!!!! What will Drew do now for three whole days with the parents she only met once, with his brother who doesn't exactly tolerate her and his girlfriend who stares at her like she kicked a puppy? One of the most beautiful books I've read❤️ Such a unique and immersive plot! I felt like I was right there, traveling to every island in Hawaii, I was excited every time a layer dropped from Josh and Drew. There is so much here beyond what meets the eye - very deep characters, I enjoyed reading each of their points of view, I was repeatedly exposed to layers that cannot be seen from the outside. I really liked the characters of Josh and his mother - their relationship is one of the most beautiful I've come across. And Drew ,she's amazing I fell in love with her from the first page 😍 I adored the process she went through in the book it made me really admire her! This author is on the list of my favorite writers now😍 This book is highly recommended to anyone looking for a book that will make you laugh and leave a huge smile on your face, that will make you excited and fall in love with a sweet and special love story, and in general that will make you believe in fairy tales❤️ (I own the edit, not the pictures)
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Milena Bookish 💜
    5.0 out of 5 stars We meet in Hawaii
    Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Broken characters/ Winter Day Perfect Read
    💗Romance Perfection - I love this couple- MUST READ

    💗Romantic, witty, steamy, and emotional, this was a memorable and surprise-filled love story between two lost, broken, lonely, and hurt people

    😘Drew and Josh’s story was anything but simple. Drew is a music superstar. She decides to give her Ex-boyfriend one more chance on a trip to Hawaii with his family. Josh is a Doctor, He is loyal and caring. Their chemistry showed through from the star, even when they were insulting and giving hate to each other. Their development was good. I am completely swoony over Drew and Josh’s story. The chemistry and the banter just put me completely over the top.

    This book had it all, enemies to lovers, smart witty banter, angst, drama, slow burn, family, emotions, laughter, action, rockstar romance, cute charming, suspense, fear, humor, turmoil.

    😚Beautiful Written, Characters equally interesting, who compliment each other perfectly, which leads to an entertaining and addictive page-turner.

    My first 5⭐of the year. This is my first book by Elizabeth O’Roark, she knows how to write romance, and looking forward to more of her stories.
    There is nothing wrong I can't say about this book, maybe a different cover-😜
    One person found this helpful
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  • Cori / RomancingtheReader
    4.0 out of 5 stars This series is so good…
    Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I’m seriously so pissed I left this series on my TBR for so long.

    📔 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼: The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, the second book in The Grumpy Devils series by Elizabeth O’Roark.

    📚𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲: Opposites attract, forbidden romance, vacation vibes, all of the feels.

    📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Drew’s on-again, off-again boyfriend invites her on a family vacation to mend their relationship. But when he doesn’t show up, she’s forced to hang out with his parents and brother Josh. Josh hasn’t liked Drew from the get go, and surviving two weeks in Hawaii seems impossible.

    🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: I’m officially off the rails and devouring these books. I totally didn’t mean to dive into a four book series, but here I am.

    Josh and Drew’s story was really good. It was interesting how different these characters were, yet how they still came together. I loved the tension and the Hawaiian setting, and I love how the book didn’t JUST center on vacation, but the pull of the real world after.

    The reason for the four-star rating is two fold. One, these books (so far) are the world’s slowest burn. I could deal with a little less of that. And two, I wanted a little better of an understanding of their future. Sure, I have the extended novella to binge but I think for this book as a standalone, I would have loved more insight.

    𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

    𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 2.5/5 🌶🌶

    🆓️ on KU
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Tarah
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful
    Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I'm going to take the time to write about a couple things in this that incensed me, and why, but highlight the fact that even in the face of those things it was worth rating this book 5 stars.
    - The beginning of this story, Drew is catty and nasty about Sloane. Even after Sloane leaves, she continues to say nasty stuff about her. The plot of this book would not change in the slightest even if these women were respectful to each other. I personally love and think we need more bawdy main characters, so I adored Drew. But her shaming an otherwise intelligent and respectful character over her "robotic" ness was just so disappointing to me. We literally do not need this in books, guys. Women vs women is so old and lame.
    - There is a part in this where she jokes with her friend about her bits (not sure if even the anatomical word is allowed on Amazon) getting ruined by childbirth. The friend then says her husband is already asking about scheduling a C section so it can all stay nice and the same. (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) I wanted to throw my Kindle. I've worked with L&D nurses my entire adult life and I will tell you, that if a father ever said some abusive sh*t like that, he'd deserve to get lit the hell up and he'd be spoken about later. That was so triggering and off putting and just plain gross - not to mention, false. Again, unnecessary. For anyone who read that and wondered if that would happen to you if and when you have children. No, it most likely will not and that was just stupid to say.

    That being said, I'm pointing out again that this is a 5 star read even with all that, even with how strongly I feel about the above. I loved and adored the representation of messy people working on their business, who use humor as a deflection. That, to me, was so real and wonderful. I loved that when they popped that champagne cork on finally getting together, they didn't hold back. It wasn't rushed at that point, it was realistic. They were overall such wonderful characters and the writing, pacing, and storyline was incredible. I cannot wait to read more from this author and I just pray that we don't have more petty jealousy over other women (we're better than this ladies, even those of us who are insecure or working through our crap, we do not need representation when it comes to cattiness to each other)... I'm so happy I stayed up reading this, even with those very strong feelings that surged. Happy to have seen a review that lead me in this author's direction.
    3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Clara Teixeira
    5.0 out of 5 stars Oh my freaking god
    Reviewed in Brazil on March 18, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    If you have any doubt about reading this, I’m telling you right now to go for it.
    I love how the relationship developed and how he helped her believe in herself and go for what she wanted. God, and their banter was just * chefs kiss *.
    Drew is definitely a fighter and endured so much pain in her life, I felt so much for her.
    Josh is just the Dream man. Really, who wouldn’t want a Josh Bailey with how caring and selfless he is.

    Thank you Elizabeth for the perfect book. I’m excited to read more books from you.
    Report
  • Helena Marijic
    5.0 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
    Reviewed in Australia on January 21, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    5 stars for me ! A yummy read with lots of emotion stirring in my chest from Josh to Drew! Clear writing from the author with no confusing characters.
    Report
  • Anna P.
    5.0 out of 5 stars This book had everything I love about the romance genre
    Reviewed in India on January 20, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I read and loved A Deal with the Devil last year and fell in love with Elizabeth O’Roark’s writing. I also fell in love with Drew Wilson through the bits we saw of her and Tali together. But when she announced this book, I didn’t know I would fall so deeply in love with Drew and Josh, that I would be thinking about them for days after finishing the book. I’m not joking when I say that I had already known this book was going to be rated five stars before I was even halfway through the story. The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is a slow burn, ex’s brother, enemies to lovers, grump x sunshine romance that is angsty and beautiful and set against the backdrop of Hawaii. How can you go wrong with all of that?

    Drew Wilson accepts an invite from her ex boyfriend to join him and his family on a Hawaiian holiday. Their relationship is messy and complicated and after being on and off for a while, Drew hopes that this is the final chance to really make things better. Plus, this is an escape for Drew, thanks to all the noise and scandal around her career, she needs an escape. Except, when she gets to Hawaii, she finds out that her rockstar ex has been detained in a Japanese prison and she has to spend the holiday with his family, which includes his brother Josh. Josh is a doctor, much like his father, and he’s clean cut and grumpy. He has no feelings for his brother and doesn’t really want to be on that holiday, but he’s doing this because it’s all his mother wants. He’s even sucking it up when his mother invites his ex to join them on the holiday in hopes of some rekindling. Josh is not interested and he’s definitely not hiding his disdain for Drew being there either. The last thing either of them wants is to like each other, but the more time they spend together, well…things start to change.

    Unlike the first book, this one has dual POV, which I loved so much. Because I’m so glad we got to see things through Josh’s eyes. Drew and Josh don’t care much for each other and they’ve never hidden their dislike before. Their banter and constantly poking at each other is so entertaining. I loved that the more intense and rude Josh got, the more Drew fought back. She’s a tough woman and I loved that about her so much. But under all of this banter and frustration, you can sense the sexual tension and the chemistry that’s brewing, which only made their constant battling so much fun. Even though it’s a ‘family’ holiday, Drew and Josh spend most of the time together on morning runs and hikes, going on walks and just constantly bumping into each other everywhere they go. Their scenes together are so great, because you can see the two of them slowly warming up to each other, while trying not to cross any lines at the same time.

    There are secondary storylines that are so important to the big story, and I’m not going to give too much away because it’s crucial to enjoy it at your own pace. Drew is a musician who sold her soul to her a**hole manager and has no way to get out of her contracts. She’s been through so much and she’s struggling on most days, but when she’s with Josh, everything seems to fade away. Their relationship is the most delicious slow burn, because they don’t even realise just how much they feel for each other till everything comes to head. I enjoyed watching their walls come down, the truths and secrets spill out of each other, the ease with which they fell in love and held on so tight. I loved how deeply and passionate Josh gave in to Drew, while she held onto him like her life depended on it.

    Every time I thought I knew what was coming, I was surprised with something else. The angst in this book is so beautifully written and the relationship, the build up and the setting so wonderfully crafted that once you start reading, you won’t be able to put the book down. I’m still thinking about Drew and Josh, their Hawaiian romance and just…everything about this book, because it left me feeling so content, but at the same time, I wanted more!
    Report
  • MJ
    5.0 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐❤️
    Reviewed in France on August 4, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    And once again.... I'm blown away by an amazing book in this serie.
    Usually, I have trouble heading in the next books of a series featuring sides characters of the first book. Because often, the first main characters of book 1 of a serie are the one with the more depth.
    And how pleasantly wrong I was this time! Drew and Josh shared a story and journey that is inspiring on so many levels. Tears are threatened to escape me once or twice. I use the words journey whenever I talk about books' plot a lot, but it really is so accurate now. This is about self-positivity, healthy choices vs the omnipresent life's struggles thrown in your way.
    Truly, brava. 👏
    Report
  • Dini
    5.0 out of 5 stars Angsty, emotional, sweet and absolutely swoony!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 18, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    4.5 stars rounded up. Excuse me if this review is just nonsensical gushing but I just can’t help it?! 😂

    HELLO?! Josh and Drew have me all caught in my feelings!!! UGGGGH. I liked the first book in this series well enough but I loved this one so much more! THE ANGST got me so good I think I’m gonna have to change my stance about not enjoying angst in romance because my gosh, even though they put my heart through the wringer thinking about how they’ll make things work, I loved every minute of it! The angst really only served to make their love that much stronger and made me fall even harder for their love!

    Drew is an international pop superstar who’s surrounded by despicable spineless POSs who control her every waking move. I hated how everyone treated her and talked so horribly about her. Not to get too personal but Drew was relatable to me in many ways and it hurt to see her make herself so small to please others and to see her accept the way people treat her because she believes she deserves nothing better. 😢 I loved how she grows and even though it takes a while and she gets treated even more horrifically along the way, she learns to fight for herself and that moment made me cheer for her so much harder! Then we have Josh—sexy, hard-shelled yet soft-hearted Dr Bailey. We stan a simp hero and my gosh, the way this man protected, stood up for and encouraged Drew to love herself made me love him so much more! 😭 He doesn't get growly about it but I loved the way he was ready to fight those who mistreated her and it didn't even come off in a macho alpha way. Mate really had me cheering for him so hard!

    They start off not being able to stand each other thanks to some overheard mutterings, misunderstandings and misconceptions. There's definitely an attraction there but they both assume that they aren't enough for the other. I absolutely loved the way their relationship evolves and how they allow themselves to be vulnerable and develop a strong friendship before their romance takes off. Even when they’re not on friendly terms, their energy was off the charts. When they were antagonistic toward each other, the connection and sexual chemistry were so palpable that you didn’t know whether they’d fight or have hate sex. Needless to say, it was hot! 🥵

    Overall, there’s very little that I didn’t enjoy about this. There were some cringe and inappropriate and extremely privileged comments about Hawaiian locals, and Somalian refugees, particularly of children that felt incredibly inappropriate? Even though these moments were 'minor' overall and they were acknowledged to be in poor taste by the characters, they felt awkwardly unnecessary. However, the chemistry, the friendship, and the soft, sweet and swoony moments made this book amazing for me. It was also great seeing Talia and Hayes again and seeing how far their relationship came from their book, and now I’m super excited to read Ben’s story next!
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