Say Yule Stay

by Alexandra Hale

Ready for Walker to get his HEA?

Childhood Best Friend's Little Sister
He saves her when her car goes off the road
Snowed In
Forced Proximity
Small Town Romance
Holiday Fun

FULL BLURB COMING SOON

Return to Starlight Bay, the first Man of the Month Club small town. Revisit old friends and fall in love with all new book boyfriends in this romantic seaside town full of Happily Ever Afters.

Genres: Novella, Small Town Romance, Holiday Romance, Holiday, Christmas

Kindle Edition

Published November 19, 2025

About the author

Alexandra Hale is a small town girl living with her family in Upstate New York. She routinely runs on caffeine, dry shampoo and thrives on procrastination.

A romance lover and reading enthusiast, Alexandra finally began putting pen to paper shortly after graduating college. An unobtainable dream has slowly become a reality with the love and support of her friends and family and the romance community.

She currently writes steamy, small town romance with a dash of lighthearted fun and happily ever afters that will make you swoon.

Reviews

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exploring their Undeniable Connection -
This is a festive brother’s best friend romance story with a twist, that begins with Mother Nature bringing two people who have been dancing around each other for a while, but never had the confidence to do anything about it. However, being forced to spend time together and getting the blessings to be with each other gives them the push needed. The longing looks turn into stolen kisses and then finally enjoying unbridled pleasures, that make it clear they can’t keep their hands off each other.

Unfortunately, real life intervened in their budding relationship, which forces them to make a decision that will determine their future. Luckily, common sense prevails and they finally confess their love for each other and get the chance for the future they deserve. I was hooked on this heartwarming story from the first page and didn’t stop reading until I reached the end. The characters were relatable and the storyline made me think about a lot about the importance family, love and work. You will definitely enjoy reading this feel-good romance story just as much as I did.

I received an advanced review copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Claudia, Cmarie927 · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much fun to be back in Starlight Bay with characters I love!!

This quick and addictive read focuses on Murphy's sister Lacey and his best friend Walker (#1 or 2, depending on if Sawyer annoys him or not - hahaha).
Lacey has an easy to relate to reason for being back in her hometown, and as fate designs, she ends up needing help in a snowstorm from her longtime crush, Walker.

The dynamics and banter between these two are just so fun and I really enjoyed the sizzling and undeniable chemistry between them. It is your best interest to have consumed "Beehive Yourself" (Sawyer and Hallie's story) before this one, to avoid spoilers and to have the best storyline experience. I am very excited for the next one in this world from this talented author! :)

Once finished in Starlight Bay, I recommend reading the Wintervale MT series, beginning with Frosty the Farmhand, and fall in love with another of this creative author's worlds. Totally worth your time, IMO.

I received an ARC (thank you) and my thoughts are my own.

[mkm_bookloverarchivistreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read Alexandra Hale and yet Say Yule Stay surprised me in a good way. Lacey grew up with her brother Murphy and his Best friend Walker. But Lacey and Walker don’t see what been between them for a long time to the point that her brother Murphy begins over text from a distance encouraging them to see what’s right in front of them. As readers we learn that Murphy is a meddle specifically where walker and Lacey are considered. Murphy at a point drops blatant hint about one of walker favor thing which ties to a trope of Say Yule Say by Alexandra Hale. The are cutie scenes of building a snowman which slowly turns spicy. Walker and Lacey have fun with Christmas lights. Some of the tropes help build up the plot of the story which is exceptional. The character narrative it brilliant and the over all writing by Alexandra hale is wonderful. Lacey and Walker are a pair as a reader you can route for them given them major helping hand the receive. I highly recommend Say Yule Stay by Alexandra Hale it’s a fun flirty romance which has spicy scenes. Pick up Say Yule Stay upon its release.

[Dani (dtieds_allbookedup) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Alexandra Hale for the #gifted copy of this book.

"Lacey Brock is all grown up, and for the first time she doesn't look like my best friend's little sister. No, right now she looks like this snowstorm just got a lot more fun."

My Thoughts: As always, Alexandra Hale is the queen of the spicy and swoony novella. Lacey and Walker were so fun from the very first page when she first lands in his front yard. Their chemistry was sizzling off the page, so I couldn't wait to see what finally made them give in. My favorite moment was Lacey's brother, Murphy, begging them to explore what might be between them, and have the bonus of making him an uncle...LOL.

If you need a quick read packed with holiday cheer and a hint of spice, Say Yule Stay is exactly what you’re looking for.

What You'll Find:
❤️‍🔥Best Friend's Little Sister
🏘️Small Town Romance
🔥Forced Proximity
🛏️Only One Bed
🥰That Swoony HEA
🎄Spicy Holiday Novella
❄️Snowed in Together

[Lou Li Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s almost Christmas back in Starlight Bay and Lacey is headed home from Chicago for the holidays. Driving through the snow she has an unfortunate accident that lands her car right in front of Walker’s house. Walker is Lacey’s brothers best friend and Lacey’s crush has returned with a vengeance given that they are now snowed in together. They get hot and steamy pretty fast and who knew Walker was going to be a sap over Lacey! Loved how honest he was and knew exactly what he wanted. Great to be back in the Bay with the steamy holiday novella.

I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own

[Amanda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great book in the Return to Starlight Bay series. It’s about Walker and Lacey.
Walker is so sweet and funny. He really does set the tone for book boyfriends.
Lacey is so sassy and loves giving Walker a hard time.
Seeing each other again after years of being apart, Walker and Lacey spend time together and both start falling for each other but Lacey’s life is in Chicago and Walker’s life is in Starlight Bay. Will they just be a Christmas fling? Will Lacey be able to choose between her brother and Walker? Will she have to?
I absolutely loved how Murphy (Lacey’s brother) gave both of them a hard time. He was funny at times.
5 ⭐️
2.5 🌶️

[Rose DeVault · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good holiday novella and this story was no different!! It was a quick, fun and spicy novella between Walker & Lacey.

Walker and Lacey are an amazing match. Their friendship and playful banter was the start of something so perfect blossoming between the two of them.

The way Lacey "crashes" back into Walker's life was a fun start to their love story. While they both have a secret crush on each other, they don't want to step on Lacey's brothers toe...but one things leads to another and they can no longer deny the chemistry they have.

I truly enjoyed watching them go to friends to lovers and watch them discover what they want for the future and if their paths will stay intertwined.

As always, I love the found family element Alexandra throws into each story. I love seeing old and new side characters and how they are special to the couple we are reading about. Starlight Bay is forever one of my favorite small towns to venture into.

[Kylie Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

The queen of Novellas has done it again!


Say Yule Stay was perfectly written, Back in Starlight Bay (fist pump) where Lacey is returning for Xmas, albeit a little earlier than planned. Finding herself in a little pickle, like running off the road into a snowbank and getting stuck, right in her longtime crushes',Walker, her brothers best friends' driveway, with and impending snowstorm headed their way, oh no, there's only one bed......

Fast passed, but I adored it. Strangers to each other they are not, having known each other forever and secretly harboring feelings, flirty banter has their love moving fast, and I loved it! Hot and spicy, sweet and swoony, just perfect!

Thank you, Alexandra. Much appreciated on receiving the ARC ♥️

[Taylor Parry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! This is the brothers best friend with the overly invested brother that I never knew I needed! Murphy is adorable with how much he wants Lacey and Walker to get together. Lacy is just trying to peice her life back together, Walker is trying to figure out how to keep the peace he has found in Starlight Bay and get the girl at the same time. As someone who does not generally love christmas books i absolutely adored these two. Alexandra found the perfect balance between christmas, romance, and spice. Plus seeing loved characters from other books.

[Ivy Blacke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lacey knows how to make an entrance. Skidding into or onto her brother's best friend's front lawn in a snow storm.

Walker has been given the green light from his best friend when his sister ends up his house guest during the storm.

Now that she's there, he doesn't want her to go. Can he make her stay and be his future like he imagines?

[Torey · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a fast paced book with great spice and great banter. I love the characters, both main and side. well done novella.

[Adrianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet holiday read! Lacey and Walker’s story was full of charm, warmth, and just the right amount of festive spirit.

I loved their chemistry from the start — the banter, the little moments, and how their connection felt so natural. It’s the kind of story that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and a cup of cocoa.

A quick, cozy read that left me smiling. The perfect pick for anyone who loves a little romance mixed with holiday magic. 🎄✨

[Shae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lacey and Walker are everything! Their connection and banter is so natural at the beginning and all the way through the book. I love how Lacey’s brother is all for her being with his best friend and doing some major meddling. I could use so much more of them

[Kaitie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The problem with a novella is that it’s never long enough! I loved Lacey and Walked and loved visiting Starlight Bay again! Plus a book great for this time of year and you have the whole package!

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was downright amazing! They have been friends for years and he is also best friends with her brother.

She literally skids to a stop in his yard just before a massive snowstorm traps them together for a few days.

That’s all it takes for the feeling they’ve had underlying for each other to come to the surface.

This book was light, fluffy, fun, funny and sensual!

I loved the text chats between Sawyer & Walker, Murphy & Walker as well as the three guys. Has me giggling so hard 🤣

Highly recommend!

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh boy Alexandra Hale hasn’t paled in her storytelling with this compelling book….as she …. look! As ever ,very clever . Ha you thought I was gonna say ..something else but you’d be wrong ,might as well burst out in song else . Walker and Lacey is flirty and racy . This man o the month is something else and boy I’m all hot with the chemistry these two have got ..The banter is a gift from Santa and the red hose when he’s on heat has Rudolph the red nose reindeer beat . The love flows and so does his ropes and a Pearl or two for his girl to wear too 😉. When her car goes off the road in the snow and Walker saves her from the cold and more ,who’d know the heat they’d share in front of the fire with pent up desire . He’s a childhood friend’s little sister but now he’s seeing himself as her mister . He sure is going to miss her if she goes away . Can he ask her please to stay? This book has me shouting like I’m crazy and their love is hazy and all heat but what it takes for them both to be complete is right here he believes that most sincere . Can she too see how this could be ,once the snow boundless clears after their endless rounds of ecstasy….Wonderful prose and ooh so hot ,there ain’t nothing this book hasn’t got . It’s got an awesome plot and the forbidden fruit that’s looking all cute and helpless in the snow ,that’s when he doesn’t know how it’s going to go down but he has to try cos hands down he’s in love not lust and in their everlasting love he has to trust. Forbidden though it may be he’s not giving in to misery without this lady ,that would surely be a malady he cannot handle so instead he gives her love handles a hug and her his love handle a tug . Snug as a bug in a rug by the fire of desire . Alexandra Hale , love this book of yours so much and amongst the heat and desire by the fire a human touch .Thanks chuck .

[Courtney Tani · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Say Yule Stay
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Alexandra Hale
𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: Return to Starlight Bay
𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: Walker Hull & Lacey Brock

𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀:
- Holiday Novella
- Small Town
- Best Friend’s Little Sister
- Only One Bed
- Forced Proximity
- Spice + Swoon

𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄:
I loved Say Yule Stay by Alexandra Hale - it's another amazing novella from this queen of romance! Lacey and Walker's story is a perfect holiday treat, with just the right amount of spice, banter, and heart. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and I loved watching their relationship unfold.

We first meet Walker in Alexander’s book Beehive Yourself. He is friends with the MMC. This book starts off with Lacey driving home to Starlight Bay in a snowstorm to surprise her parents for the Holidays. She ends up losing control of her car and ends up in a snow bank outside of Walker’s house, who happens to be her brother’s best friend…. The snowstorm sets the scene for a cozy, romantic escape, and I adored the intimate moments they shared.

What I loved most was Murphy's meddling - it's a refreshing twist on the usual best friend trope. He's supportive and encouraging, and it's clear he wants the best for his sister and best friend.

Alexandra Hale's writing is effortless, and her novellas are always a joy to read. The Starlight Bay world is so charming, and I can't wait to explore more of it. If you haven't checked out her books, you're missing out! Highly recommend Say Yule Stay and Alexandra Hale’s entire backlog of books!!

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘈𝘭𝘦𝘹𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘢 𝘏𝘢𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.

[Pat Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎄🎁BOOK REVIEW🎄🎁

Say Yule Stay is a cute, sexy, holiday novella by Alexandra Hale. This cute novella is the story of Lacey (MFC) who is the sister of Walker’s (MMC) best friend Murphy. They are from this small town called Starlight Bay.

Lacey came home early to Starlight Bay during a snowstorm. Her car veers off the road in front of Walker’s home (who is Murphy’s best friend). Lacey and Walker have had a crush on each other for years. Everyone is aware of it but Lacey and Walker. Walker moved back to Starlight Bay to get a better life balance. Walker comes out to see the car that has crashed into the snowbank and realizes the person in the car is Lacey.

Once Walker invites Lacey into his house that has only one bedroom, the weather leaves them stranded in the home together and helps move their relationship into action. With the help of their friends Sawyer and Murphy, they encourage both to act on their feelings. They begin to communicate with each other and engage in fun banter. The close proximity adds heat to these encounters. Lacey and Walker recognize their attraction and feelings for each other. Then they act on them. Getting there was not easy and once they got there what do they do with these feelings.

Lacey needs to make major decisions in her life plus Walker does not want to be apart from her. This was a fun read with just enough spice.

Story - ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice - 🌶️🌶️

[Allison Hannah | allisonisalwaysreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

You need to read this if you want Santa to bring you that crush you had right to your doorstep this Christmas.

Lacey is about to hide out in her hometown. Sometimes you just need to say, "peace out" and move on, and that is exactly what Lacey has done. Lacey wanted out of Starlight Bay and now she's headed back unemployed with a lot of life experience and no real plan. Not exactly how she wanted to head into the holiday season.

Walker left the hustle of corporate life for his hometown, and he's never been happier. A little Lonely but otherwise it was the best decision he made. He's been able to wholly prioritize his work-life balance (meaning he actually has a life outside of work).

Fate gets an assist from Mother Nature and Lacey ends up in Walker's front yard. Snowed in. I think you know where this is going. That ember of flirtation and teasing banter sparks a whole fire. A fire that these two are fully committed to not putting out. And put out they do. A nudge from Murphy (Lacy's brother and Walker's best friend) pushes them to really evaluate the longevity of their relationship. Is this a Christmas fling or is it a finally now I see kind of thing? Walker is settled but Lacey is anything but, and what an opportunity that turns out to be.

Fate allowed it and now they can have themselves a Merry little forever.

[Cindy thismomreadsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great holiday read! Short, fast-paced, fun and steamy!

Walker and Lacey are perfect together. There has always been an easy friendship, playful flirty banter between them-and even a secret crush. But Lacey is Walker’s best friend little sister, so nothing has ever happened between them.

When Lacey returns to their small town and accidentally ends up in Walkers front yard, stuck this house until the storm passes-it’s like no time had passed! These two have a great connection, high chemistry and such sweet moments together. Their attraction can no longer be denied, so things begin to spice up and get creative too!

I enjoyed as they get closer, seeing Lacey figure out what she was going to do next with her life and career and Walker realize the depth of his feelings.

I loved being back in Starlight Bay, as always we get to catch up with some side characters and meet new ones! I love the strong family and friendship bonds this author always gives us. They are just so fun and the best added bonus for our main characters.

4⭐️

**thank you to the author for the copy of this book. This review and its opinions are my own

[Lindsey Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Say Yule stay has it all - fun and flirty banter, hilarious text chats, snowman building that gets steamy, and chemistry that could melt the snowbank Lacey plowed into.

From the moment Walker finds Lacey in his front yard the relationship between these two is perfect. They have not only smexy chemistry but a fun dynamic from having known each other for most of their lives. It's part of what makes their fast paced story work so well.

"There’s no shame in missing where you started, Lace. Going back home doesn’t mean you failed, just that you’re ready for a new adventure.”
I loved seeing Lacey realise that she wanted a new adventure with Walker in Starlight Bay.

Often a brother's best friend trope has all the angst and fear that the brother will find out. Say Yule Stay is the complete opposite. Lacey's brother is so invested in this it makes for some snort-laughing banter!

I absolutely adore Alexandra Hale's novellas and this was a perfect one to curl up with this Christmas.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you need a little holiday spicy read and this novella fits that beautifully. Brothers’ best friend add some forced proximity and a dash of holiday spirit, and you get Lacey and Walker’s story. These two have been fighting a crush for years, Walker because he didn’t want to cross the line with his best friend’s sister and Lacey, because she didn’t think he would ever see her as anything more. They are both in different places in their life, but Lacey is at a crossroads now and when Mother Nature steps in and adds a little snow they find that there are so many sparks that fly it is a miracle the snow didn’t melt with the chemistry. I truly enjoyed their push and pull and how everyone is hoping for them to figure this out. These two give each other a safe place to fall and I feel like that is something that they both needed. Neither wanted the other to give up what they had, but it was finding love that the answers become clear. Another fantastic novella by Ms. Hale.

[Confessions of a Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

"She's the only present I want to unwrap this year, and dammit all to hell, I don't care if I shouldn't. I just want her."

Walker and Lacey are a couple that will get you in the holiday spirit for sure. From the meet cute that had me giggling to the natural way they are with each other. I loved how everything just flows with them since they know each other so well. Both are cautious and yet at the same time want to make that leap into exploring what is/has been going on between them. It was such a fun read.

I will admit that Lacey's brother, Murphey, aka Walker's best friend, stole the show a couple times. He isn't the typical brother when it comes to his best friend and his sister. And those text threads....Ms. Hale always excels at text threads in her books.

Wrap yourself up in a blanket and curl up with some hot cocoa and start (or continue) your holiday reading with this forced proximity, brother's best friend, small town novella.

[Books N Coffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing puts you in the holiday spirit like a quick read beaming with Christmas cheer and one of my absolute favorite troupes: Brother’s Best Friend. Walker and Lacey have been hiding mutual crushes with witty banter for years, now they’re forced together due to slick roads and a snowstorm. Lacey ends up in an unexpected place with an unexpected familiar face.

Their chemistry is undeniable from the start and only gets spicier when these two find themselves trapped for the time being. With everyone rooting for them, Walker and Lacey give in and enjoy their time together. It’s only temporary though, Lacey has Chicago to get back to and Walker gave all that up for the life he has now in Starlight Bay. Some things are inevitable and life with the one you love will throw all plans to the wayside. I did not want this book to end. I’m looking forward to Murphy’s story and how things unfold with Collins.

[Melanie Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review: 4.5⭐️
Say Yule Stay is a Man of The Month Club: Return to Starlight Bay Novella featuring Walker Hull & Lacey Brock.

While on her way home to surprise her family for the holidays, Lacey gets caught up in a storm and winds up stuck in a snow bank. The snow bank just happens to be in her brother’s best friend Walker’s front yard.

Lacey ends up being stuck at Walker’s house for a few days in the storm and at that point they both realize that they have real feelings for one another. Lacey’s brother is in favour of them being together and he’s glad they’ve finally caught up to everyone else.

With Lacey set to return to Chicago after the holidays, can Walker convince her to stay ?

This was a fun & spicy holiday novella that kept me invested from page 1! These two seemed perfect for one another and I was so happy with the ending! I really enjoy this world and this series and I wonder who’s next !!

Thank you Alexandra for the ARC!

[Victoria Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is my new favorite best friends little sister romance and with Christmas added to it. OMG! Obsession is real. Lacey decides to come home from Chicago earlier than expected and she gets stuck in the snow at the place she least expected. Enter her brother’s best friend Walker, the hotness she has had a crush on from a far for a long time. After realizing she will be stuck for a few days, she gets the call she didn’t expect from her big brother questioning why she was at Walkers and not in Chicago. Murphy’s suprise attitude towards his little sister and best friend was my favorite part of the story line. The twist the author gives you in this is new and fresh to the little sister/ brothers best friend trope. Yes, it’s a fast paced holiday read but the banter between the characters is on point the entire story. The main characters are meant to be together and the side characters will just make you laugh.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be still, my heart!!

I'm a sucker for a Christmas story!

Lacey ends up at Walker's house by accident. The weather is bad, and she won't be able to get anywhere because her car is stuck in a snowbank! Luckily, Walker is a family friend, her brother's BFF. Things heat up quickly between them. Then she is offered a job in Chicago. Does she want to go back? Or stay here with Walker? How would her brother react if she decided to stay with Walker?

Oh, no. Murphy's little sister, Lacey, is in his house. Oh, Jesus, this can't be good, right? Walker can't ignore her, and he's more than happy to share his bed with her. He's enjoying his time with her before the snow melts and she is on her way. Can he convince her to stay? With him?

This is such an amazing Christmas story! I adore Walker and Lacey! I can't wait to meet Murphy.

[Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan) · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐒𝐚𝐲 𝐘𝐮𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 by Alexandra Hale returns readers to Starlight Bay for an ultra short, but extra spicy and fun holiday novella with a rom-com vibe. I loved every second of Walker and Lacey’s best friend’s little sister romance aided by a snowstorm and workplace drama that threw them together in the perfect scenario for a passionate interlude. It was full of the banter and text threads I love with some familiar characters, as well as some eye-popping creative spicy moments. 😍🔥🫠 I’m always amazed that Alexandra Hale can fit a full story into such a short format, and this time she even added a festive flare. I was so engaged in the story, I wasn’t ready for this one to end, even with the epilogue, though. Bring on the next one!!😂

I received an advanced review copy, and my opinions are my own and freely expressed.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶🌶

[Just.agirl.and.herbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Say Yule Stay (ARC REVIEW)
Alexandra Hale
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Thank you for the ARC!

Let the holiday vibes and spirit commence! This was a fantastic holiday, Novella, that had me feeling all the best things. I absolutely loved Walker and Lacey. These two had such great chemistry, and the tension between them was perfection. I really liked that since they have known each other for long time (Walker being Laceys brothers best friend) that they already had a connection and they both realize that they have had more than friendly feeling for each other for a while and decided to go for it. What starts as just a fun time over the holidays turns into a forever love that they both have been searching for and a beautiful HEA!

I also really enjoyed how supportive Laceys brother was of the relationship and just how much he encouraged and pushed them to admit they had feelings for one another.

This is a fun and fast holiday novella with a sweet, spicy, and oh so fun romance. Alexandra Hale has written another fantastic romance. Don't miss out on this spirited holiday romance.

[Joy Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers an absolutely captivating story that is not only exceptionally well-written but also showcases truly wonderful character development and consistently engaging interactions throughout. The plot is incredibly immersive, drawing the reader in from the very first page and keeping them hooked until the very last sentence. Furthermore, the characters feel remarkably real and believable, as if they could step right off the page and into your life. I was particularly impressed by how the author so skillfully crafted the intricate and nuanced relationships between the characters, making their connections feel not only authentic but also incredibly memorable, leaving a lasting impression long after finishing the book.

I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.