Let me start by saying, I liked the books included in this series. The writing style, story flow, characters, romance, spice, and suspense when combined, it's just perfect.
Matteo and Angela started on the wrong foot. Her apartment was on fire and he was one the firefighters who responded on the scene. But the dog of Angela's neighbor was left in the building and she was asked to rescue it, which she heroically did. But that stunt was reckless and made Matteo so mad because she could've hurt herself along the way. This first meetup didn't really go so well and made a bad impression on both of them. But not bad enough for them to notice how they were physically attracted to one another.
Since she doesn't have anywhere to go, Angela called her bff to ask if she could stay for a while in her apartment (her bff was out of the country). Which she more than happily agreed to and also told Angela that she'll be having a roommate. And surprise, surprise that the angry firefighter was the said roommate.
It turns out that the Matteo was actually goofy, sweet, protective, and funny. He was a grown man with a golden retriever personality. He tried to befriend Angela and make their living situation not so tense. For a week they were civil with one another, he even invited her to join him and the other firefighters to celebrate his birthday.
But Angela was so caught up with her own investigation, and didn't want to impose so she never went to the party. Her non-appearance made Matteo irrationally mad and he doesn't even know why he felt that way. He thinks it was because of his budding attraction to her. So instead of focusing on that, he decided to find someone else to help him release some tension. But when he opened his dating app, he saw Angela's profile and that she was currently active. He got even madder because of the jealousy thinking Angela was currently looking for a hook-up. So he left his own party, stormed into their apartment and propositioned Angela with a "roommate with benefits" setup since both of them were attracted to each other. And this is where everything begins.
Angela was smart, dedicated, feisty, and a no nonsense heroine. She doesn't take crap from anyone, works really hard to prove herself, and to achieve her dreams. However, she was also very guarded and won't accept help from anyone. She was so used to being alone and keeping everything to herself. There were times I got annoyed with her most especially when she kept pushing away Matteo, when all he ever did was stay and support her with everything that's going on with her life. But I also understood that she was scared and all of her feelings were new, something she never felt before. But when she finally realized that everything is better when Matteo's on her side and that she actually wanted to be with him everything just falls perfectly into place.
Matteo was persistent and never gave up on Angela. Even though she was being prickly or wouldn't let him in, he never wavered from trying to know her even better. He stood by her side and became her support while she was finding out who was behind all of her attacks. He was so open with his affection towards her and didn't shy away from telling her how he really felt. He never made her feel alone despite the fact that she continually put some barriers between them. He got this never ending patience and understanding for Angela that made me love his character so much. Perfect book boyfriend through and through.
The two of them were so good together even their sort of partnership with the investigation worked out so well. Their chemistry was off the charts and don't even get me started with their spicy scenes, they were chef's kiss and definitely sooooo hot and good. And maaan, Matteo's mouth should be illegal, Angela didn't stand a chance whenever he opens that sinfully beautiful mouth.
I loved that there was no separation in this book. That they act maturely and don't let their insecurities and emotions drive a wedge between them. I appreciate how they talk things out instead and decide to be open with one another. This type of resolution is more satisfying than reading characters being miserable apart.
I liked the suspense too. I never guessed who was the main culprit and I'm satisfied yet also sad that it was him. I didn't want him to be the bad guy because in the previous books, he was a supportive guy, not actively but his support was always there. So his character arc was so unexpected that it caught me off guard. Why does it have to be him? But then I also realized he was a grown man who goes after women at least 2 decades younger than him. Not that I had a problem with the age gap but I felt like he was preying on younger women. Anyway, I'm just sad for his character.
Overall, I loved this book. I just removed the 1 start because I didn't like who turned out to be the villain. Aside from that, I had fun while reading this, and I loved Matteo and Angela together. This may not be one of the popular tropes, but the surprise pregnancy made me so happy. I know that they'll be good and loving parents, most especially Matteo. He was just a natural care giver and protector. Readers can definitely see that with the way he treats his niece and all the people who are special to him. I loved the bonus epilogue too and it was just so endearing reading how their love seems to only deepen as months go by. Also to see how they dote on their baby and their family. ❤️
P.S This is my second favorite in this series so far. Six Night Truce is still on my #1 spot.