Friends to Lovers romances are probably my favorite subtropes, and Kelsey KILLED it with this gem. I’m a huge fan of everything Kelsey Kingsley writes; her novels always leave me in a warm, thoughtful, happy place. She definitely outdid herself with this masterpiece and I can't wait to see what this creative genius whips up next! In her author’s note before the start of the novel, she explains why she chose to write about such a sensitive topic, Ulcerative Colitis. She writes with brutally honest truth and integrity, something you don’t find often in written work. Her keen awareness of this delicate topic as it pertains to the human condition in general, but more specifically, masculinity, is brilliance at its finest. She writes with a certain understanding that only the most emotionally intelligent authors are capable of. HOLY HELL MOLLY DRYER COMING IN FOR THE WIN!!! I am alllllll about empowered female leads and Molly is just that. What a perfectly written character. She’s flawed in her own, individual way, but she also has a confidence about her that comes from her past experiences. She is strong and beautiful and Chad, our leading man, sees it from the moment he sets eyes on her again. Kingsley created Chad, a handsome, charismatic professional guitarist who is diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. He reconnects with his childhood best friend, Molly, and our romance begins. During the entirety of his emotional journey, he has to come to terms, not only with his illness, but with what he really wants out of life. Molly, being the incredible human that she is, puts aside all the past hurt and abandonment she felt towards Chad, and helps him rediscover himself again. Of course they fall in love but, I kind of wonder if they had always been in love but didn’t know how to put it into words? Chad and Molly’s mothers are best friends, so when I say the grew up together, I mean they literally have known each other since infancy. That’s pretty rare. As they navigate these new waters together (i.e. Chad's health, their sexual exploration, etc.), we get to witness what fame can do to a romantic relationship. Some bonds are strong enough to withstand that spotlight, others aren’t. Chad and Molly might be my new favorite fictional couple, if I’m being honest. Their love comes with a lifetime of memories made before their first kiss; such magic. Side note: Kelsey mentioned HEB in this novel and I just about had a cow. Texas pride at its finest. If you’re not from Texas, you have no idea what you’re missing out on. HEB is the greatest grocery store ever created and it filled my heart to see it written into this story. :) Anyway, Kelsey, congratulations - you’ve stolen my heart yet again. Bravo! An exquisite 5 star read.