Stars: 5 Stars Format: Digital Series: Stand Alone Steam Level: Steamy I read this for the 2025 Sapphic Book Bingo reading challenge for the prompt Strong Initial Dislike. Rachael Sommers is a fantastic author and one of my absolutely favorites. I’m so bummed that I only have one more book of hers to read left. Quick Thoughts: – I love an Age Gap romances – Something I appreciated in this book is that Carolina is in therapy and has been going for five years by the time this story starts. It’s also something that she sees working and is committed to sticking with – At first, I really wasn’t a fan of Mariana and had no expectations that would change. Imagine my surprise when I ended up liking her a bunch – I was also surprised how much Alice pissed me off. The first time it happened I understood why it happened and, grudgingly, forgave her but the second time at the end was the nail in that coffin for me. Alice seemed so spiteful and I felt like a whole bunch more groveling needed to happen. Johnathon pissed me off at the end with how reckless he was and passive during everything – Carolina’s whole storyline was heartbreaking and really showed how much work she put into therapy to not only go on this trip but to keep working through things when it would been much easier to run – WOW. Kenzie is wicked smart – Loved how the main thrust of the story (fake dating) didn’t end quickly and stayed a big part of this story – The epilogue was super short but oh so adorable Overall I adored this book. I’m not surprised though, Rachael Sommers writes wonderful Age Gap romances. I highly recommend anything she’s written including this.
