Okay, I honestly couldn't put this book down once I started, and I finished it in the same day because it was SO good.
Chloe Adams was strong, sassy, and fiercely loyal, but also the sweetest, gentlest soul. She's the kind of friend we all want in our lives who will hold a grudge for her friends and commit to it. Chloe was someone who gave and gave to everyone without ever asking for anything in return, whether it was her family, friends, or work. Her loyalty to James was what left her with conflicting feelings for Steven, and I loved how her feelings slowly shifted despite her best efforts to not let them. I also liked that there was attention brought to therapy with her career as a clinical social work therapist, which also hit harder the more we find out about Chloe's past and her reasons for pursuing it.
Steven's character had me hooked from the very first chapter when he saved Stevie because how could anyone not be? I do love a good redemption arc, which is what had intrigued me about this book. There were so many layers to his character, so many emotions, which we get into the more we know him. I haven't read "A Cowboy in the Streets," so I'm not sure about Steven's entire role in what happened to James, so I can't truly comment on that, but with that being said, I feel like the author has done justice to his character. It took Chloe calling him out on it for him to see just how much he'd turned into the one person he never wanted to be like. There was a lot of self-reflection and growth on his part, and he always owned up to his mistakes even if he was shit at apologizing for it at first. It wasn't an easy journey with him wanting to do better, be better, but not knowing how to go about it or if it's even worth trying after being an asshole for so long. I also adored his relationship with his younger sister, Amy, and that also helped win me over.
There were a lot of bumps (pun intended) on the way to romance between Chloe and Steven, especially with Chloe hating Steven initially and Steven almost always putting his foot in his mouth. Which made their entire relationship feel that much more genuine. The banter between them right from chapter one was top tier. There were so many funny moments between them and also many deep, vulnerable, 3 a.m. moments too. I just loved how their relationship changed over the course of this book. It just felt right. Things didn't shift overnight, and Chloe took her time to let him in. Steven was absolutely gone for Chloe and just wanted the best for her, so he never stopped trying. The way this man took care of Chloe was everything—even when she despised him, when they called a truce, when she found out about her pregnancy, and every step forward after.
Sometimes I don't know how I feel about the pregnancy trope, especially when the MMC isn't the father. However, I didn't feel put off by that in this book, which itself says a lot. It really worked for me, and I truly feel like the baby not being Steven's was also what made him redeemable in many ways. The way he was present for Chloe and "Radish" from day one just melts your heart. I just loved this book so damn much.
The spice hit just right with this one. It was a slow burn and a really good one at that. When they finally got together I went "FUCK YES!!!" The way Steven was so careful, considerate, and constantly making sure Chloe was sure about what she wanted just made it that much hotter.
I love books that have a strong girl gang, and this was one such book. Despite having strong opinions about Steven, the gang always made sure Chloe was okay and was sure about her decisions and supported her throughout.
Also, I have to mention Stevie/Steve Junior, who was just sooo dang adorable. Can I please adopt her already? Steven being a pig dad was hilarious, and his interactions and thoughts on Stevie were just so cute.
Thank you to Elizabeth Bright and Luna Literary for providing me with the ARC in exchange for an honest review.