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You and Me #2
How You See Me
A week-long test of my willpower is not what I agreed to.
The last thing I want on my cross-country road trip is my best friend's sister hitching a ride. Josie's like a rainbow, and I’m a brooding storm. As the only woman to peek behind my clouds, she tempts me like no other, adding distractions I can’t afford. My ailing sister is counting on me to live out the trip we dreamed about and give her a reason to smile. I will not let her down or betray my friend’s trust.
I just need to get through this week with her and complete my Ensure Josie gets to Las Vegas with my friendship with her brother still intact, complete my sister’s wish list, and return to my Marine base on time.
Failure isn’t an option. Yet, every day, something adds pressure to my life’s already fragile foundation. I want no part of Josie and her colorful view of the world just as badly as I want it to consume me. I’m unraveling, reckless, and uncertain of the direction my life is heading ... all because I can’t say no to my beautiful passenger.
***
How You See Me, book 2 in the You & Me Duology, is a standalone, slow burn, fade-to-black, contemporary romance. Brother's best friend, grumpy+sunshine, forced proximity, road trip, opposites attract, military rep.
Content child battling cancer, some coarse language, casual drinking, steamy kisses, talk of intimacy, mild violence (not graphic), mentions of past car/plane accidents, and loss/grief.
The last thing I want on my cross-country road trip is my best friend's sister hitching a ride. Josie's like a rainbow, and I’m a brooding storm. As the only woman to peek behind my clouds, she tempts me like no other, adding distractions I can’t afford. My ailing sister is counting on me to live out the trip we dreamed about and give her a reason to smile. I will not let her down or betray my friend’s trust.
I just need to get through this week with her and complete my Ensure Josie gets to Las Vegas with my friendship with her brother still intact, complete my sister’s wish list, and return to my Marine base on time.
Failure isn’t an option. Yet, every day, something adds pressure to my life’s already fragile foundation. I want no part of Josie and her colorful view of the world just as badly as I want it to consume me. I’m unraveling, reckless, and uncertain of the direction my life is heading ... all because I can’t say no to my beautiful passenger.
***
How You See Me, book 2 in the You & Me Duology, is a standalone, slow burn, fade-to-black, contemporary romance. Brother's best friend, grumpy+sunshine, forced proximity, road trip, opposites attract, military rep.
Content child battling cancer, some coarse language, casual drinking, steamy kisses, talk of intimacy, mild violence (not graphic), mentions of past car/plane accidents, and loss/grief.
- GenresRomance
498 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2025
9 people are currently reading
366 people want to read
About the author
Alexandra Grace
10 books191 followersAlexandra Grace started writing emotional poetry as a teenager but publishing a novel that made readers feel was her ultimate dream. It wasn't until her 40s that Alexandra fulfilled that dream, and she had so much fun, her debut novel evolved into a series. She likes to combine her respect for military service men and women with her heartfelt approach to storytelling. All her novels are heartwarming, sweet and steamy stories that give healing veteran heroes the happy ever after they deserve.
Alexandra lives in Virginia with her family and is a proud full-time public servant for a local government. She enjoys reading, binge watching action TV series with her husband, and being her kids' biggest cheerleader.
"Alexandra Grace captures her readers' attention along with their heart through her unique approach to storytelling. Jackson is a true her worth rooting for, an instant book boyfriend...I haven't read a story like this in a long time." ~ Ellison Lane, Author
Alexandra lives in Virginia with her family and is a proud full-time public servant for a local government. She enjoys reading, binge watching action TV series with her husband, and being her kids' biggest cheerleader.
"Alexandra Grace captures her readers' attention along with their heart through her unique approach to storytelling. Jackson is a true her worth rooting for, an instant book boyfriend...I haven't read a story like this in a long time." ~ Ellison Lane, Author
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
July 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5/5)
Hayes is a Marine facing an uphill battle—not on the battlefield, but at home. His younger sister, Ava, is fighting childhood leukemia, and her one wish is for him to take a cross-country trip from Virginia to California, completing a heartfelt list of experiences on her behalf. Josie, an artist with a past marked by tragedy, is struggling with deep-rooted fears after losing her parents in a car crash and nearly losing her brother the same way. When she needs a ride to Vegas for an art show, Hayes reluctantly agrees to bring her along. What neither of them expects is how much they’ll come to mean to each other.
I had the honor of receiving an ARC of this book, and I’ll be honest—it was a bit of a slow start for me. As a mood reader, I found myself putting it down a few times, unsure if it was the right book for me at the moment. But around the halfway point, the story started to truly shine.
What stood out most was the emotional core of Hayes’ relationship with his sister, Ava. That subplot was easily my favorite part of the book—it was tender, raw, and deeply human. The journey he takes for her (and ultimately for himself) is filled with moments that pull at the heartstrings.
This is a book for readers who appreciate heavier emotional themes, stories of self-discovery, and characters finding healing through unexpected connections. If you enjoy character-driven road trip romances with heart, depth, and emotional weight, this might just be the story for you.
Hayes is a Marine facing an uphill battle—not on the battlefield, but at home. His younger sister, Ava, is fighting childhood leukemia, and her one wish is for him to take a cross-country trip from Virginia to California, completing a heartfelt list of experiences on her behalf. Josie, an artist with a past marked by tragedy, is struggling with deep-rooted fears after losing her parents in a car crash and nearly losing her brother the same way. When she needs a ride to Vegas for an art show, Hayes reluctantly agrees to bring her along. What neither of them expects is how much they’ll come to mean to each other.
I had the honor of receiving an ARC of this book, and I’ll be honest—it was a bit of a slow start for me. As a mood reader, I found myself putting it down a few times, unsure if it was the right book for me at the moment. But around the halfway point, the story started to truly shine.
What stood out most was the emotional core of Hayes’ relationship with his sister, Ava. That subplot was easily my favorite part of the book—it was tender, raw, and deeply human. The journey he takes for her (and ultimately for himself) is filled with moments that pull at the heartstrings.
This is a book for readers who appreciate heavier emotional themes, stories of self-discovery, and characters finding healing through unexpected connections. If you enjoy character-driven road trip romances with heart, depth, and emotional weight, this might just be the story for you.
July 12, 2025
The title of this book just fits. Two people wanting to be seen for who they are. Wanting to be worth it. Finding themselves not just each other.
Josie and Hayes romance is ice cream sundaes and red velvet cake. The sprinkles on cupcakes.
But the story is heavy and has some unexpected surprises. I wasn't able to tell how it was going to end.
The internalized thoughts and banter these two had. Makes you laugh out loud then want to cry.
A bucket list that needs to be checked off within a time frame.
This story is going to stay with me and I wasn't expecting that when I first started reading it. and I don't mean that in a bad way. There is so much depth to it.
This is a standalone book in a series. I've read book 1 last year but you don't need to read it to following in book 2.
Josie and Hayes romance is ice cream sundaes and red velvet cake. The sprinkles on cupcakes.
But the story is heavy and has some unexpected surprises. I wasn't able to tell how it was going to end.
The internalized thoughts and banter these two had. Makes you laugh out loud then want to cry.
A bucket list that needs to be checked off within a time frame.
This story is going to stay with me and I wasn't expecting that when I first started reading it. and I don't mean that in a bad way. There is so much depth to it.
This is a standalone book in a series. I've read book 1 last year but you don't need to read it to following in book 2.
November 9, 2025
HOW YOU SEE ME by Alexandra Grace is an outstanding military romance with a unique construction and topics that unfold in very well-researched details! This poignant novel fails to move quickly around your brain, it is absorbed into your bones patiently, like pain and longing do! The pacing felt very strategic and some chapters were weighty, but around the halfway point, Alexandra Grace hit all nerves I didn’t expect!!! Hayes' mission to achieve his sister Ava's wish list no longer feels like a lifeline, for him, Josie, and everyone attempting to remember what it's like to be alive! Every mile they travel, there's a soft anticipation, a sensation that one wrong remark or one too-long glance may bring down all the walls Hayes had built to survive. It's compulsive in an understated, hurting way, with each page pulling a little more on the back of your throat!
.
Hayes is a Marine, and this is a man's reckoning with what remains when the fight shifts inside his head. His armor is formed by quiet, guilt, and obligation, with regard to Ava's condition, every mile of that road trip becomes borrowed time, and here is where the book hits the hardest, the moments where Hayes strive to maintain his pledge to her while fighting his attraction to Josie is almost painful, his restraint is self-imposed punishment! The Author Alexandra Grace writes him with proprioceptive sensitivity, you can feel the stress in your shoulders and the tiredness in your chest. It's fragmented romance novel honest and original!
.
Josie our FMC evokes color in human form, she's all brightness and edges, attempting to cover up her fear of loss with light. Her tragic past contrasts sharply with Hayes' interior grayness. In tandem, they develop an addicting reading atmosphere, a slow-burning tension that feels like the air before a storm their relationship is in the subtle looks, the shared stillness, and the laughter that breaks through the seriousness at exact the perfect time!
.
The anguish of unfulfilled tasks, the belief that love, in all of its frail forms, is an act of defiance against everything that attempts to shatter us. I merely longed for more completion with Ava, more of the thread that connected the story's emotional heart. Still, How You See Me is a confrontation with loss, survival, and the daunting challenge of learning how to move forward. Stunning in its bare bones, disturbing in its honesty, this is one of the most riveting and tender book I've read in a long time!!!
.
Hayes is a Marine, and this is a man's reckoning with what remains when the fight shifts inside his head. His armor is formed by quiet, guilt, and obligation, with regard to Ava's condition, every mile of that road trip becomes borrowed time, and here is where the book hits the hardest, the moments where Hayes strive to maintain his pledge to her while fighting his attraction to Josie is almost painful, his restraint is self-imposed punishment! The Author Alexandra Grace writes him with proprioceptive sensitivity, you can feel the stress in your shoulders and the tiredness in your chest. It's fragmented romance novel honest and original!
.
Josie our FMC evokes color in human form, she's all brightness and edges, attempting to cover up her fear of loss with light. Her tragic past contrasts sharply with Hayes' interior grayness. In tandem, they develop an addicting reading atmosphere, a slow-burning tension that feels like the air before a storm their relationship is in the subtle looks, the shared stillness, and the laughter that breaks through the seriousness at exact the perfect time!
.
The anguish of unfulfilled tasks, the belief that love, in all of its frail forms, is an act of defiance against everything that attempts to shatter us. I merely longed for more completion with Ava, more of the thread that connected the story's emotional heart. Still, How You See Me is a confrontation with loss, survival, and the daunting challenge of learning how to move forward. Stunning in its bare bones, disturbing in its honesty, this is one of the most riveting and tender book I've read in a long time!!!
July 30, 2025
ARC Book Review
How You See Me
A Novel Written By Alexandra Grace
Fiction - Romance
Published July 2025
385 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is Book 2 in the author’s You and Me Duology.
Alexandra Grace writes stories about military personnel and veterans. The main character in this book is Hayes Montgomery who has 15 years of service in the Marine Corps. He is devoted to his job and to his family - his mother and three younger sisters.
Josie Jones is the sister of Hayes’s best friend, Jordan. Josie is a person who does not curse. She is an artist who needs to get to Las Vegas for an art show.
Hayes and Josie find themselves traveling together cross country in a VW camper van. Can Mr.Grumpy and Miss Sunshine make it to Vegas without driving each other crazy?
I love the descriptive writing in this book. I felt I was with Hayes and Josie seeing and experiencing all the great sights with them along the way. The writing tapped into so many different emotions as Hayes and Josie got to know each other better as they traveled together. I loved the way Hayes helped Josie overcome her fears, and Josie comforted Hayes. Although Hayes appears to be grumpy, he is truly a sweetheart.
“Don’t ever dim yourself for someone else.”
How You See Me
A Novel Written By Alexandra Grace
Fiction - Romance
Published July 2025
385 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is Book 2 in the author’s You and Me Duology.
Alexandra Grace writes stories about military personnel and veterans. The main character in this book is Hayes Montgomery who has 15 years of service in the Marine Corps. He is devoted to his job and to his family - his mother and three younger sisters.
Josie Jones is the sister of Hayes’s best friend, Jordan. Josie is a person who does not curse. She is an artist who needs to get to Las Vegas for an art show.
Hayes and Josie find themselves traveling together cross country in a VW camper van. Can Mr.Grumpy and Miss Sunshine make it to Vegas without driving each other crazy?
I love the descriptive writing in this book. I felt I was with Hayes and Josie seeing and experiencing all the great sights with them along the way. The writing tapped into so many different emotions as Hayes and Josie got to know each other better as they traveled together. I loved the way Hayes helped Josie overcome her fears, and Josie comforted Hayes. Although Hayes appears to be grumpy, he is truly a sweetheart.
“Don’t ever dim yourself for someone else.”
July 27, 2025
"Because love like ours doesn’t just happen. You meet it halfway. Through waterfalls and neon lights, hospital rooms and late-night drives. Through fear and forgiveness and choosing the stay. Through every mile and every heartbeat. I finally found home— not in a place, but in this man. Our forever awaits on the horizon, and I’ve never been more ready for the adventure."
Ok people, get your Kleenex ready, because this is a story that will tug at your heart strings from one extreme to the other. Nash and Josie hide their feelings from each other, but for very different reasons. Nash doesn't want to upset his best friend who happens to be Josie's brother and Josie just doesn't think he's interested. Once they start their cross country drip all bets are off and it becomes clear that they can't deny their feelings. It is a beautifully written story about hardships and love and facing your fears.
Ok people, get your Kleenex ready, because this is a story that will tug at your heart strings from one extreme to the other. Nash and Josie hide their feelings from each other, but for very different reasons. Nash doesn't want to upset his best friend who happens to be Josie's brother and Josie just doesn't think he's interested. Once they start their cross country drip all bets are off and it becomes clear that they can't deny their feelings. It is a beautifully written story about hardships and love and facing your fears.
July 30, 2025
Thank you, Alexandra Grace, for the ARC of How You See Me!
Genre: Contemporary Romance
FMC: Josie "Fudgesicle" Jones
MMC: Hayes Montgomery
Setting: Road trip from Virginia to California!
"I may never fully understand this girl. And frankly, I don’t want to. Every day with her is like opening your favorite gift and realizing it’s even better than your wish." - Hayes
Review:
This book made me feel genuine joy. It was very emotional, but also very adventurous and a lot of fun.
Hayes' and Josie's characters were so flawlessly written. They were both very strong people, but they had a lot of things to overcome.
The love that Hayes had for his family (especially Ava) and his slow burn relationship with Josie was perfect.
I was so proud of Josie's character and all of the fears that she faced. Her fears were so relatable (flying, driving, public restrooms), and one of the funniest parts in the book is when she has to call her brother from the gas station restroom. 😂
There's also a certain charm bracelet that I loved!
How You See Me will be released on July 30th! It's the 2nd book in the "You and Me Duology" but it can be read as a standalone.
Genre: Contemporary Romance
FMC: Josie "Fudgesicle" Jones
MMC: Hayes Montgomery
Setting: Road trip from Virginia to California!
"I may never fully understand this girl. And frankly, I don’t want to. Every day with her is like opening your favorite gift and realizing it’s even better than your wish." - Hayes
Review:
This book made me feel genuine joy. It was very emotional, but also very adventurous and a lot of fun.
Hayes' and Josie's characters were so flawlessly written. They were both very strong people, but they had a lot of things to overcome.
The love that Hayes had for his family (especially Ava) and his slow burn relationship with Josie was perfect.
I was so proud of Josie's character and all of the fears that she faced. Her fears were so relatable (flying, driving, public restrooms), and one of the funniest parts in the book is when she has to call her brother from the gas station restroom. 😂
There's also a certain charm bracelet that I loved!
How You See Me will be released on July 30th! It's the 2nd book in the "You and Me Duology" but it can be read as a standalone.
July 31, 2025
What a whirlwind of emotions that are held in the pages of this book! Road tripping cross country with your best friend’s beautiful sister to check off items from your ailing sister’s bucket list… nothing can go wrong, right? You can’t fall in love, right? Hayes thinks his trained stoicism and restraint learned from being a Marine can curb his feelings for Josie, but her whimsical nature brings out the soft, nurturing and sexy side in him. Likewise, he helps her conquer past fears and believe in herself. This closed-door romance has a great plot, well-developed, realistic and complex characters, so many underlying messages about love of all kinds, and is overall such a heartfelt and heartwarming story. I keep saying this about the author’s books, but each one I picture as a movie in my head…this one belongs on the big screen too. 4.5 stars
Thanks to the author for the eARC.
Thanks to the author for the eARC.
Read
August 24, 2025How you see me by Alexandra Grace
Rating; ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice; 🌶️🌶️/5
Josie is an aspiring artist, in need of a lift to Vegas. Hayes, is her brothers best friend about to ensue on an across country road trip for his sister.
Both of them coming to terms of past lost, and pending heartbreak upon their paths. However along the way finding strength and love with one another.
I loved the depth of pain and trauma Alexandra written these characters with! It was brilliant and honest in a way that’s sometimes hard to find in romance reads. It creates a realistic layer to the main characters.
This tale is fast paced, and will have any romance lover squealing with delight as they read along!
.
Thank you so much to sunny babe PR for allowing me to read and review.
Rating; ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice; 🌶️🌶️/5
Josie is an aspiring artist, in need of a lift to Vegas. Hayes, is her brothers best friend about to ensue on an across country road trip for his sister.
Both of them coming to terms of past lost, and pending heartbreak upon their paths. However along the way finding strength and love with one another.
I loved the depth of pain and trauma Alexandra written these characters with! It was brilliant and honest in a way that’s sometimes hard to find in romance reads. It creates a realistic layer to the main characters.
This tale is fast paced, and will have any romance lover squealing with delight as they read along!
.
Thank you so much to sunny babe PR for allowing me to read and review.
July 22, 2025
This is my Honest voluntary review for the arc book “How You See Me By Alexandra Grace”
This book was beautifully written, and captivating with the best slow burn, and grumpy/sunshine trope, it had me crying in places and laughing in others. Even though it had some traumatic moments like a child with cancer and hints of sexual abuse and crash related trauma, it really was a beautiful heart warming story. I just wish there was that little bit more in the epilogue (being mindful of spoilers all I’ll say is this) I wish that there was more talked about Ava in the end. But overall this was an amazing military based romance book with well written in depth characters that felt real and I really enjoyed it.
This book was beautifully written, and captivating with the best slow burn, and grumpy/sunshine trope, it had me crying in places and laughing in others. Even though it had some traumatic moments like a child with cancer and hints of sexual abuse and crash related trauma, it really was a beautiful heart warming story. I just wish there was that little bit more in the epilogue (being mindful of spoilers all I’ll say is this) I wish that there was more talked about Ava in the end. But overall this was an amazing military based romance book with well written in depth characters that felt real and I really enjoyed it.
July 20, 2025
A real gem . It has it all funny , cozy and heartfully moments . Josie and Hayes know each other because he is her younger brothers best friend and they were together in the Marines . Now that she needs to travel to Las Vegas for her art show he is the one who will get her there . Hayes has taken a two weeks leave so he can a road trip cross country to complete his little sister Ava to do list while she is fighting with Leukemia . At first they both try to keep their distance but after awhile they confess their love . They both had their struggles but together they where healing .
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 20, 2025
review to come.
July 20, 2025
Well if we love the first story, I love this one too. What a beautiful story. Two humans who were not meant to be together but a road trip got them together and what a beautiful ride it was. They were there for each other, not only as friends who took a road trip together but as a support for one another. Hayes is trying to be the best SSG and a good son and brother (to one of his sisters who is sick). Josie was trying to be the best artist but also be there for her brother (the only family she had left). Brother's best friend, opposites, forced proximity, and much more. I love it so much ♥︎
July 30, 2025
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
How You See Me is a heartfelt and engaging slow-burn romance that perfectly blends the grumpy/sunshine dynamic with real emotional depth. Josie’s vibrant personality and the brooding Marine’s guarded heart make for a compelling opposites-attract road trip that pulls you in from the start. The author handles sensitive themes with care, adding weight to the story without overwhelming the romance. Their chemistry builds naturally, and the touches of humor balance out the more serious moments.
A lovely, emotional read that leaves you rooting for both characters to find their light—together.
How You See Me is a heartfelt and engaging slow-burn romance that perfectly blends the grumpy/sunshine dynamic with real emotional depth. Josie’s vibrant personality and the brooding Marine’s guarded heart make for a compelling opposites-attract road trip that pulls you in from the start. The author handles sensitive themes with care, adding weight to the story without overwhelming the romance. Their chemistry builds naturally, and the touches of humor balance out the more serious moments.
A lovely, emotional read that leaves you rooting for both characters to find their light—together.
August 21, 2025
ARC review
How you see me is such a beautiful and heartwarming story. I loved the cross-country road trip dynamic with Josie bringing her sunshine personality to Hayes’s stormy world. It creates the perfect contrast.
It was so enjoyable to see them tackle Hayes’s sister (Ava) wish list together. That shared mission felt genuine and meaningful, and it really drove their connection forward.
Watching Hayes and Josie grow, not just as individuals, but as companions supporting each other through grief and healing, was deeply moving. I also have so much admiration for Ava: her resilience, her warmth, and the way she lights up every scene truly stood out to me.
How you see me is such a beautiful and heartwarming story. I loved the cross-country road trip dynamic with Josie bringing her sunshine personality to Hayes’s stormy world. It creates the perfect contrast.
It was so enjoyable to see them tackle Hayes’s sister (Ava) wish list together. That shared mission felt genuine and meaningful, and it really drove their connection forward.
Watching Hayes and Josie grow, not just as individuals, but as companions supporting each other through grief and healing, was deeply moving. I also have so much admiration for Ava: her resilience, her warmth, and the way she lights up every scene truly stood out to me.
Read
July 19, 20253.75 ⭐️
thank you sunny bape pr for the arc!
this book was so great! i really enjoyed the characters and the setting. the roadtrip aspect was so enjoyable and watching josie and hayes work through their respective traumas was wonderful to see! at times, the tropes and story felt a bit too on the nose making it a bit difficult to look past, but other than that this book was so fun!
thank you sunny bape pr for the arc!
this book was so great! i really enjoyed the characters and the setting. the roadtrip aspect was so enjoyable and watching josie and hayes work through their respective traumas was wonderful to see! at times, the tropes and story felt a bit too on the nose making it a bit difficult to look past, but other than that this book was so fun!
August 23, 2025
Josie and Haye’s story is the best. A Marine. An Artist. A roadtrip. A search for self discovery. Overcoming fears. Finding love where you least expect it. Ahhhh this book has it all.
July 29, 2025
Oh my gosh, I loved the first in this duet (Make You Love Me), and this one was sooooo good too! I love Alexandra’s writing, and I loved Hayes and Josie so dang much! Hayes… oh Hayes. He’s so GOOD. And I loved his relationship with his family too, especially how he was with Ava. These two (Hayes & Josie) will have you falling head over heels for their story.
August 4, 2025
I loved, loved, loved this book! It was amazing!
The way two broken people learned to trust each other and themselves. Their discovery into self love and acceptance? Their healing with each others help?
Hayes is a marine, and is away from home for long periods of time. And since his little sisters's (Ava) diagnosis, it's killing him inside. He want to be there for her and for all his family. Since then he became a shell of a man he used to be, from duty to worry and grief he forgot how to live.
When Ava gives him a bucket list that he must complete on a road trip without her, he kind of crumbles but he goes anyway because how could he deny anything for her?
Jordan is an artist, and has to get to vegas to one exibition of her work. The big problem are her fears... of flight, of driving, among other things. So her brother asks his best friend to take her while he goes on his own road trip.
It should be no problem right? Two aquaintances helping each other? Well.. if only was that easy.
They have a crush on eash other and Jordan is the one Hayes can't let himself have. But all that time together makes them take some things into perspective. Hayes is a gentleman, a softie hidden in a tough shell, and so sweet it almost sounds impossible. Jordan is a ray of sunshine and day by day her sense of life begins to get to him and he starts enjoying life. He helps her feel cared, safe and appreciated and helps her ease her fears. They see each other for who they are and accept and love each other even more for it.
This story shows us how sometimes stepping out of our confort zones turns out just being what we need the most. Just that push, just that nudge to makes us complete. And that's what Josie and Hayes were to each other... the other piece of the puzzle making them complete in a unique way.
The story was exquisitly written, the dialogs were always smoth and flowed, the sense of humor made perfect sense and all the feelings the characters were feeling leaped from the pages and made me laugh and cry. This is the type of book that wreaks you and mends you all together at the same time! Loved it!
The way two broken people learned to trust each other and themselves. Their discovery into self love and acceptance? Their healing with each others help?
Hayes is a marine, and is away from home for long periods of time. And since his little sisters's (Ava) diagnosis, it's killing him inside. He want to be there for her and for all his family. Since then he became a shell of a man he used to be, from duty to worry and grief he forgot how to live.
When Ava gives him a bucket list that he must complete on a road trip without her, he kind of crumbles but he goes anyway because how could he deny anything for her?
Jordan is an artist, and has to get to vegas to one exibition of her work. The big problem are her fears... of flight, of driving, among other things. So her brother asks his best friend to take her while he goes on his own road trip.
It should be no problem right? Two aquaintances helping each other? Well.. if only was that easy.
They have a crush on eash other and Jordan is the one Hayes can't let himself have. But all that time together makes them take some things into perspective. Hayes is a gentleman, a softie hidden in a tough shell, and so sweet it almost sounds impossible. Jordan is a ray of sunshine and day by day her sense of life begins to get to him and he starts enjoying life. He helps her feel cared, safe and appreciated and helps her ease her fears. They see each other for who they are and accept and love each other even more for it.
This story shows us how sometimes stepping out of our confort zones turns out just being what we need the most. Just that push, just that nudge to makes us complete. And that's what Josie and Hayes were to each other... the other piece of the puzzle making them complete in a unique way.
The story was exquisitly written, the dialogs were always smoth and flowed, the sense of humor made perfect sense and all the feelings the characters were feeling leaped from the pages and made me laugh and cry. This is the type of book that wreaks you and mends you all together at the same time! Loved it!
August 4, 2025
Rating: 3.5 ⭐️ / 5
Okay, let me be real with you... this book took me a little while to settle into. As someone who reads based on mood, I had to put it down a couple of times in the beginning. It didn’t immediately pull me in, and I kept wondering if maybe it just wasn’t the right book for right now. But I'm glad I stuck with it, because once it hit that halfway point, it started to bloom in a quiet, emotional way.
~The story follows Hayes, a Marine, but the battle he’s facing isn’t one with guns or war it’s much closer to home. His younger sister, Ava, is dealing with childhood leukemia, and her one heartfelt wish is for him to take a cross-country trip filled with memorable experiences. Josie, an artist who’s also dealing with deep grief and anxiety after losing her parents in a car crash and almost losing her brother the same way. She needs a ride to an art show in Vegas, and Hayes agrees to bring her along. And from there, everything begins to unfold; not in loud, dramatic waves, but in a soft, emotional unraveling of connection and healing.
What truly stood out to me wasn’t the romance (although it’s there but sooo subtle), but the emotional depth of Hayes and Ava’s relationship. That sibling bond? It was so tender and so human. I found myself getting more invested in their dynamic than anything else. The way Hayes shows up for his sister even when he’s clearly still battling his own internal wars was genuinely moving.
🎀 What I didn't like.
• Some statements were so repetitive and I was like arghhh 🥲
• The ending felt rushed
If you’re into emotional, character-driven stories with healing, grief, family bonds,self discovery and a sprinkle of unexpected romance this one might hit the spot. Just know it’s more of a slow burn than insta-connection.
Okay, let me be real with you... this book took me a little while to settle into. As someone who reads based on mood, I had to put it down a couple of times in the beginning. It didn’t immediately pull me in, and I kept wondering if maybe it just wasn’t the right book for right now. But I'm glad I stuck with it, because once it hit that halfway point, it started to bloom in a quiet, emotional way.
~The story follows Hayes, a Marine, but the battle he’s facing isn’t one with guns or war it’s much closer to home. His younger sister, Ava, is dealing with childhood leukemia, and her one heartfelt wish is for him to take a cross-country trip filled with memorable experiences. Josie, an artist who’s also dealing with deep grief and anxiety after losing her parents in a car crash and almost losing her brother the same way. She needs a ride to an art show in Vegas, and Hayes agrees to bring her along. And from there, everything begins to unfold; not in loud, dramatic waves, but in a soft, emotional unraveling of connection and healing.
What truly stood out to me wasn’t the romance (although it’s there but sooo subtle), but the emotional depth of Hayes and Ava’s relationship. That sibling bond? It was so tender and so human. I found myself getting more invested in their dynamic than anything else. The way Hayes shows up for his sister even when he’s clearly still battling his own internal wars was genuinely moving.
🎀 What I didn't like.
• Some statements were so repetitive and I was like arghhh 🥲
• The ending felt rushed
If you’re into emotional, character-driven stories with healing, grief, family bonds,self discovery and a sprinkle of unexpected romance this one might hit the spot. Just know it’s more of a slow burn than insta-connection.
July 31, 2025
How You See Me by Alexandra Grace
Book 2: You & Me Duology
🧁 Brother's best friend
🧁 Contemporary romance
🧁 Grumpy+sunshine
🧁 One bed
🧁 Forced proximity
🧁 Opposites attract
🧁 Military rep
How You See Me is an interlocking standalone contemporary romance. This is an emotional read with slow burn romance that fades to black.
We follow Hayes and Josie as they take an unexpected road trip. Hayes is a active Staff Sergeant in the Marine Corps. Hayes is forced to take medical leave and his 9 year old sister, Ava, convinces him to take a road trip. Josie has a list of fears, one of them is driving and another one is flying. She needs to go to Las Vegas for an art exhibition and has no ideas how she is going to get there. Jordan Josie's brother and Hayes's best friend suggests they go together. What will happen when two people who has feelings for each other is forced to take a road trip with one bed....
This book was amazing, it was emotional, funny, heart warm and heart breaking. Josie and Hayes is the perfect couple. They are opposites attract, grumpy vs sunshine and they bring out the best in each other. Josie makes Hayes want to life and Hayes tells Josie to never dim herself for others, swoon!!!
This was the perfect road trip romance. One of favourite part of the story is the military aspect in the story. It’s always my favourite part in Alexandra Grace’s stories.
Now I can go back and read Make you love me. This is book one in the duology. We get to follow Nora & Jordan's story
Thank you Alexandra Grace and Sunny Babe PR for sending me this book in exchange for my honest review.
Book 2: You & Me Duology
🧁 Brother's best friend
🧁 Contemporary romance
🧁 Grumpy+sunshine
🧁 One bed
🧁 Forced proximity
🧁 Opposites attract
🧁 Military rep
How You See Me is an interlocking standalone contemporary romance. This is an emotional read with slow burn romance that fades to black.
We follow Hayes and Josie as they take an unexpected road trip. Hayes is a active Staff Sergeant in the Marine Corps. Hayes is forced to take medical leave and his 9 year old sister, Ava, convinces him to take a road trip. Josie has a list of fears, one of them is driving and another one is flying. She needs to go to Las Vegas for an art exhibition and has no ideas how she is going to get there. Jordan Josie's brother and Hayes's best friend suggests they go together. What will happen when two people who has feelings for each other is forced to take a road trip with one bed....
This book was amazing, it was emotional, funny, heart warm and heart breaking. Josie and Hayes is the perfect couple. They are opposites attract, grumpy vs sunshine and they bring out the best in each other. Josie makes Hayes want to life and Hayes tells Josie to never dim herself for others, swoon!!!
This was the perfect road trip romance. One of favourite part of the story is the military aspect in the story. It’s always my favourite part in Alexandra Grace’s stories.
Now I can go back and read Make you love me. This is book one in the duology. We get to follow Nora & Jordan's story
Thank you Alexandra Grace and Sunny Babe PR for sending me this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 14, 2025
First of all, a big thank you to @sunnybabepr and @authoralexandragrace for allowing me the pleasure of reading this book! 💛
I honestly absolutely ADORED this book so so much 🥹 I was so excited to dive into the second book in the You & Me duology, and it did not disappoint!
This book focuses on Josie, Jordan’s sister, and Hayes, his close friend and former Sergant. We first met these two in the first book, Make Me Love You, when their paths briefly crossed while Jordan was recovering in the hospital after his accident.
Fate seems to bring Josie and Hayes back together in the most convenient way- Hayes is setting off on a cross-country road trip, a bucket-list journey planned by his little sister, Ava, who’s cancer has her in and out of the hospital. Meanwhile, Josie needs to get to Las Vegas for a big art show, but can’t bring herself to drive after her parents’ fatal accident, and flying is out of the question after surviving a traumatic experience. So, Jordan links them up…totally unaware of their blossoming chemistry since the hospital 👀
Their road trip turns into something much more meaningful than either of them ever expected. Both carrying their own demons and baggage, Josie and Hayes slowly open up to each other, resisting (and failing miserably hehe) their need to cross the line between a brother’s best friend and a best friends sister 💘 between cowboy hats, red velvet cakes and Josie’s chatter, they start to take down each others walls so gently and lovingly, and I honestly sat reading this kicking my feet 🥹
This book is tender, raw, and so so beautifully written- I absolutely LOVED Jordan & Nora’s story, but Hayes and Josie’s has taken my entire heart 🥹 if you’re a fan of a romance that is slow-burn, yearning, grumpy x sunshine and full of SUCH JOY, then I could not recommend this more 🥹
I honestly absolutely ADORED this book so so much 🥹 I was so excited to dive into the second book in the You & Me duology, and it did not disappoint!
This book focuses on Josie, Jordan’s sister, and Hayes, his close friend and former Sergant. We first met these two in the first book, Make Me Love You, when their paths briefly crossed while Jordan was recovering in the hospital after his accident.
Fate seems to bring Josie and Hayes back together in the most convenient way- Hayes is setting off on a cross-country road trip, a bucket-list journey planned by his little sister, Ava, who’s cancer has her in and out of the hospital. Meanwhile, Josie needs to get to Las Vegas for a big art show, but can’t bring herself to drive after her parents’ fatal accident, and flying is out of the question after surviving a traumatic experience. So, Jordan links them up…totally unaware of their blossoming chemistry since the hospital 👀
Their road trip turns into something much more meaningful than either of them ever expected. Both carrying their own demons and baggage, Josie and Hayes slowly open up to each other, resisting (and failing miserably hehe) their need to cross the line between a brother’s best friend and a best friends sister 💘 between cowboy hats, red velvet cakes and Josie’s chatter, they start to take down each others walls so gently and lovingly, and I honestly sat reading this kicking my feet 🥹
This book is tender, raw, and so so beautifully written- I absolutely LOVED Jordan & Nora’s story, but Hayes and Josie’s has taken my entire heart 🥹 if you’re a fan of a romance that is slow-burn, yearning, grumpy x sunshine and full of SUCH JOY, then I could not recommend this more 🥹
August 4, 2025
How You See Me by Alexandra Grace
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
This book wrecked me in the most beautiful way. It’s tender, heart-aching, and full of quiet moments that feel loud, which is something my emotional heart loves.
Hayes is a grumpy Marine with a fragile heart, trying to hold it together for his sister Ava, who’s battling leukemia. Josie is his best friend’s vibrant, artsy sister - the light to his dark, the chaos to his order. When a road trip to Vegas forces them into close quarters (and yep, there’s one bed… eeeekkkkk), everything they thought they were keeping buried starts to rise to the surface. 🔥
And can I just say I absolutely loved Hayes’ love for his sister. It had me in tears. As someone who has 2 brothers who don’t exactly know how to express their love/emotions.. I’m about to hand them this book as a guide. Cause that was the biggest soft spot for me.
Anywho… Hayes’ and Josie’s slow burn was chef kiss. Although this book is fade-to-black, the tension was 🔥
Tropes you’ll love:
❤️ Brother’s Best Friend
💫 Opposites Attract
❤️ Forced Proximity
💫 One Bed
❤️ Military Rep
💫 Emotional Healing
❤️ Road Trip Romance
💫 Soft, Closed-Door Intimacy
This is not just a romance, but it’s also a story about grief, growth, family, and being seen. If you love books that balance humor with heartache and leave you better than when you started, this one’s for you. Run and add it to your TBR!!!
#HowYouSeeMe #AlexandraGrace #GrumpySunshine #RoadTripRomance #BrothersBestFriend #MilitaryRomance #BookReview #SlowBurnRomance #FadeToBlack #BookstagramReady
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
This book wrecked me in the most beautiful way. It’s tender, heart-aching, and full of quiet moments that feel loud, which is something my emotional heart loves.
Hayes is a grumpy Marine with a fragile heart, trying to hold it together for his sister Ava, who’s battling leukemia. Josie is his best friend’s vibrant, artsy sister - the light to his dark, the chaos to his order. When a road trip to Vegas forces them into close quarters (and yep, there’s one bed… eeeekkkkk), everything they thought they were keeping buried starts to rise to the surface. 🔥
And can I just say I absolutely loved Hayes’ love for his sister. It had me in tears. As someone who has 2 brothers who don’t exactly know how to express their love/emotions.. I’m about to hand them this book as a guide. Cause that was the biggest soft spot for me.
Anywho… Hayes’ and Josie’s slow burn was chef kiss. Although this book is fade-to-black, the tension was 🔥
Tropes you’ll love:
❤️ Brother’s Best Friend
💫 Opposites Attract
❤️ Forced Proximity
💫 One Bed
❤️ Military Rep
💫 Emotional Healing
❤️ Road Trip Romance
💫 Soft, Closed-Door Intimacy
This is not just a romance, but it’s also a story about grief, growth, family, and being seen. If you love books that balance humor with heartache and leave you better than when you started, this one’s for you. Run and add it to your TBR!!!
#HowYouSeeMe #AlexandraGrace #GrumpySunshine #RoadTripRomance #BrothersBestFriend #MilitaryRomance #BookReview #SlowBurnRomance #FadeToBlack #BookstagramReady
August 25, 2025
I loved this book so so much. It’s not only a road trip with specific destinations but a journey of self-discovery, falling in love, and found family. This is part of a duology, so reading book one would help for additional context around the main characters, but it is not required. This book has made me want to explore more of the US, from taking in some country music in Nashville or admire the great expanse of the desert. (I’ll probably skip Las Vegas though. 😅)
After tragedy and one dare-inspired dance brought them together, Hayes Montgomery and Josie Jones could not get each other out of their minds. After that dance, they didn’t go any further, didn’t act on their feelings because they thought too many factors worked against them. Enter fate- Hayes has a trip he MUST take and document and Josie has an art show she can’t miss. You spend a lot of time with Hayes and Josie in this book, and you will fall in love with their grumpy/sunshine dynamic, with Hayes being a mission-driven regimented Marine Staff Sergeant and Josie being a scattered empathetic and somewhat neurotic artist. You will see, in a few different ways, how much strength and hope you can give a person by just showing up.
How You See Me is now available on Kindle Unlimited. Thank you to Alexandra Grace and Sunny Babe PR for an advance reader copy of this book!
After tragedy and one dare-inspired dance brought them together, Hayes Montgomery and Josie Jones could not get each other out of their minds. After that dance, they didn’t go any further, didn’t act on their feelings because they thought too many factors worked against them. Enter fate- Hayes has a trip he MUST take and document and Josie has an art show she can’t miss. You spend a lot of time with Hayes and Josie in this book, and you will fall in love with their grumpy/sunshine dynamic, with Hayes being a mission-driven regimented Marine Staff Sergeant and Josie being a scattered empathetic and somewhat neurotic artist. You will see, in a few different ways, how much strength and hope you can give a person by just showing up.
How You See Me is now available on Kindle Unlimited. Thank you to Alexandra Grace and Sunny Babe PR for an advance reader copy of this book!
August 26, 2025
Thank you, @sunnybabepr and @authoralexandragrace for this ARC!
How You See Me by Alexandra Grace is a beautifully written exploration of identity, love, and self-acceptance. From the very first chapter, I felt pulled into the emotional journey of the characters—Grace writes with such authenticity that their struggles and triumphs felt deeply personal.
Josie and Hayes are MCs you can’t help but root for instantly from page one. They have amazing chemistry and banter! I loved how much we get to learn about them as they’re on this road trip across the country together — they both have such layered pasts with grief, loss, and pain fueling their decisions and emotions. What I loved most is how the story balances vulnerability with hope. It doesn’t shy away from the hard, messy parts of life, but it also shines a light on growth and the strength found in relationships. The characters are layered and real, the kind you find yourself thinking about long after you’ve put the book down.
If you enjoy contemporary fiction that’s heartfelt, empowering, and leaves you reflecting on your own journey, How You See Me is one you don’t want to miss.
If you like:
🚌 Closed Door Romance
🎨 Road Trip
🪖 One Bed
🪨 Forced Proximity
📸 Grumpy x Sunshine
💛 Brother’s Best Friend
🎗️ Grief/Loss/PTSD
…Then this is a book for you!!
How You See Me by Alexandra Grace is a beautifully written exploration of identity, love, and self-acceptance. From the very first chapter, I felt pulled into the emotional journey of the characters—Grace writes with such authenticity that their struggles and triumphs felt deeply personal.
Josie and Hayes are MCs you can’t help but root for instantly from page one. They have amazing chemistry and banter! I loved how much we get to learn about them as they’re on this road trip across the country together — they both have such layered pasts with grief, loss, and pain fueling their decisions and emotions. What I loved most is how the story balances vulnerability with hope. It doesn’t shy away from the hard, messy parts of life, but it also shines a light on growth and the strength found in relationships. The characters are layered and real, the kind you find yourself thinking about long after you’ve put the book down.
If you enjoy contemporary fiction that’s heartfelt, empowering, and leaves you reflecting on your own journey, How You See Me is one you don’t want to miss.
If you like:
🚌 Closed Door Romance
🎨 Road Trip
🪖 One Bed
🪨 Forced Proximity
📸 Grumpy x Sunshine
💛 Brother’s Best Friend
🎗️ Grief/Loss/PTSD
…Then this is a book for you!!
July 21, 2025
✦ 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 4.2✨
✦ 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - 30 July 2025
✦ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
• veteran hero
• grumpy x sunshine vibes
• hidden pain
• emotional healing
• small town romance
• closed-door intimacy
• mutual brokenness
• soft slow burn
✦ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
Hayes & Josie’s story was soft, raw, and so emotionally deep. I fell for them from the very first chapter. Hayes is that quiet, broody man with walls built so high, but once Josie starts showing up in his world with her light and warmth—it’s just magic. She’s sweet and smiley but hurting too, and watching them find pieces of themselves in each other was just beautiful.
Their connection wasn’t loud, but it felt real. Every glance, every small touch, every moment carried so much emotion. It’s one of those stories that just wraps around your heart and doesn’t let go. Alexandra Grace wrote their pain in the gentlest way and made healing feel so intimate and special. I teared up more than once because their feelings felt that real. The way they saw each other when the world didn’t it gave me chills.
This story isn’t just about love, it’s about being seen, fully and truly. It’s about finding comfort in someone else’s scars and knowing you’re not alone. Hayes & Josie were everything.
Thank you so much sunnybabePr and author for the free ARC!
✦ 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - 30 July 2025
✦ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
• veteran hero
• grumpy x sunshine vibes
• hidden pain
• emotional healing
• small town romance
• closed-door intimacy
• mutual brokenness
• soft slow burn
✦ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
Hayes & Josie’s story was soft, raw, and so emotionally deep. I fell for them from the very first chapter. Hayes is that quiet, broody man with walls built so high, but once Josie starts showing up in his world with her light and warmth—it’s just magic. She’s sweet and smiley but hurting too, and watching them find pieces of themselves in each other was just beautiful.
Their connection wasn’t loud, but it felt real. Every glance, every small touch, every moment carried so much emotion. It’s one of those stories that just wraps around your heart and doesn’t let go. Alexandra Grace wrote their pain in the gentlest way and made healing feel so intimate and special. I teared up more than once because their feelings felt that real. The way they saw each other when the world didn’t it gave me chills.
This story isn’t just about love, it’s about being seen, fully and truly. It’s about finding comfort in someone else’s scars and knowing you’re not alone. Hayes & Josie were everything.
Thank you so much sunnybabePr and author for the free ARC!
August 17, 2025
Y’all… if I could read this for the first time again, I would!
At first, I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy it—like, how are you stuck on a cross-country road trip with someone? But I was pleasantly proven wrong, and it ended up being such a unique and fun close-proximity setup! The tension and banter between Josie and Hayes will leave you absolutely breathless. Alexandra Grace knew exactly what she was doing with those closed-door scenes, and they were such a delight.
Josie and Hayes were fantastic characters—so well-developed, so unique, and honestly ones I’ll never get over. I appreciated the military aspect as well: the glimpses into Hayes’ PTSD and the challenges of starting a relationship with an active duty member. And Josie—good gravy—I adored her “colorful” language! As someone who doesn’t curse for the same reasons, I can say I use about 95% of the same phrases she does, so it was super relatable.
This story made my heart so happy. It was refreshing, heartfelt, and had me laughing, tearing up, and fully invested in their journey. I felt like Ava, riding along with them on the road trip. I highlighted *so many* quotes, I just couldn’t get enough.
I HIGHLY recommend this one!
At first, I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy it—like, how are you stuck on a cross-country road trip with someone? But I was pleasantly proven wrong, and it ended up being such a unique and fun close-proximity setup! The tension and banter between Josie and Hayes will leave you absolutely breathless. Alexandra Grace knew exactly what she was doing with those closed-door scenes, and they were such a delight.
Josie and Hayes were fantastic characters—so well-developed, so unique, and honestly ones I’ll never get over. I appreciated the military aspect as well: the glimpses into Hayes’ PTSD and the challenges of starting a relationship with an active duty member. And Josie—good gravy—I adored her “colorful” language! As someone who doesn’t curse for the same reasons, I can say I use about 95% of the same phrases she does, so it was super relatable.
This story made my heart so happy. It was refreshing, heartfelt, and had me laughing, tearing up, and fully invested in their journey. I felt like Ava, riding along with them on the road trip. I highlighted *so many* quotes, I just couldn’t get enough.
I HIGHLY recommend this one!
August 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Book 2 in the You&Me Duology delivers exactly as promised with all the heart, tears and laughs I love from Alexandra Grace’s writing.
I was looking forward to hearing more about Jordan’s older sister Josie and I love her as the main character. She’s a quirky artist and such a unique and endearing character. I NEED her as my best friend! I love grumpy but loyal Hayes and watching their romance unfurl was so sweet. My favourite part of this book was how bittersweet their journey to love was. The story is grounded in real life heart ache and trauma but expertly and memorably woven together with moments of joy, silliness and romance👌. This is the kind of story telling which brings me back time and time again to Grace’s work. I highly recommend adding it to your TBR however do check out the trigger warnings first and look after your own mental health 💗
Tropes:
Grumpy x sunshine
Forced proximity
Road trip
Brother’s best friend
Mutual pining
Military MMC
Trigger warnings:
Childhood cancer (relative of main character)
Mentions of medical trauma
Mild PTSD
Mentions of past vehicle/plane crashes
Attempted sexual assault
Book 2 in the You&Me Duology delivers exactly as promised with all the heart, tears and laughs I love from Alexandra Grace’s writing.
I was looking forward to hearing more about Jordan’s older sister Josie and I love her as the main character. She’s a quirky artist and such a unique and endearing character. I NEED her as my best friend! I love grumpy but loyal Hayes and watching their romance unfurl was so sweet. My favourite part of this book was how bittersweet their journey to love was. The story is grounded in real life heart ache and trauma but expertly and memorably woven together with moments of joy, silliness and romance👌. This is the kind of story telling which brings me back time and time again to Grace’s work. I highly recommend adding it to your TBR however do check out the trigger warnings first and look after your own mental health 💗
Tropes:
Grumpy x sunshine
Forced proximity
Road trip
Brother’s best friend
Mutual pining
Military MMC
Trigger warnings:
Childhood cancer (relative of main character)
Mentions of medical trauma
Mild PTSD
Mentions of past vehicle/plane crashes
Attempted sexual assault
August 25, 2025
Thank you to @sunnybabepr and the author for the copy of this book.
I really enjoyed this book. It is the second in a connected duology so I worried about that but it really wasn’t an issue.
There were so many sweet moments but also a lot of dark moments. There were definitely moments where the book felt very intense, but it made the sweetness even better and realistic.
Josie and Hayes are the perfect grumpy-sunshine couple. Definitely check trigger warnings, but I for sure recommend checking this out!
🚐 You’re a fan of closed-door romance
🚐 You love protective MMCs
🚐 You’re looking for a read that will balance dark and light moments
TW, tropes, and things to know:
Death of parents (off page), foster care (off page), job struggles, burnout, abandonment by parent, car accident (fatal), food poisoning, alcohol use, strong language, injury (off page), robbery/assault, childhood cancer, Marine MMC, artist FMC, closed-door, road trip, they take care of each other, bucket list, brother’s best friend, they take care of each other, grumpy/sunshine, PTSD/flashbacks, anxiety/phobias/panic attacks
I really enjoyed this book. It is the second in a connected duology so I worried about that but it really wasn’t an issue.
There were so many sweet moments but also a lot of dark moments. There were definitely moments where the book felt very intense, but it made the sweetness even better and realistic.
Josie and Hayes are the perfect grumpy-sunshine couple. Definitely check trigger warnings, but I for sure recommend checking this out!
🚐 You’re a fan of closed-door romance
🚐 You love protective MMCs
🚐 You’re looking for a read that will balance dark and light moments
TW, tropes, and things to know:
Death of parents (off page), foster care (off page), job struggles, burnout, abandonment by parent, car accident (fatal), food poisoning, alcohol use, strong language, injury (off page), robbery/assault, childhood cancer, Marine MMC, artist FMC, closed-door, road trip, they take care of each other, bucket list, brother’s best friend, they take care of each other, grumpy/sunshine, PTSD/flashbacks, anxiety/phobias/panic attacks
July 29, 2025
Hayes and Josie are the type of characters you want to give a hug too, over and over again. They both carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. Josie is sunshine who tries not to let her fears get the best of her. Hayes is grumpy on the outside but his sweetness underneath makes you swoon. They have an immediate connection, but their circumstances make them deal with that connection in a very honest, real way. There’s no rush, they communicate and it’s just wonderful to see. They get each other but allow the space to have their feelings develop. I loved the sass Josie gives him and how she pushes his buttons, and how he secretly loves it.
So many great moments and nicknames in this book too! The fade to black scenes were perfect for them, and still felt very sensual. I also love that Josie doesn’t swear, and the words she uses in replace of swear words crack me up!
This is the second book in the You and Me Duology but can be read as a standalone. Thank you to Alexandra Grace for eARC!
So many great moments and nicknames in this book too! The fade to black scenes were perfect for them, and still felt very sensual. I also love that Josie doesn’t swear, and the words she uses in replace of swear words crack me up!
This is the second book in the You and Me Duology but can be read as a standalone. Thank you to Alexandra Grace for eARC!
July 30, 2025
This book really touched my heart. The insight into their inner thoughts and feelings really made me fall in love with the two main characters, Josie and Hayes. Both have their emotional struggles and neither is looking for love or a relationship. Josie is a last minute addition to his road trip to Vegas, a trip Hayes is taking to fulfill his seriously ill sister’s wish list. The close proximity, the shared experiences and conversations, (some of which are very emotional and revealing), serve to build a connection between the two and spark feelings that go deeper than friendship.
Their story has moments that made me laugh out, moments that made sigh and moments that brought tears to my eyes. Their fears, their doubts and their struggles (especially his struggle to remain strong in the face of his sister’s illness) make them so relatable and rather endearing. Despite their fears and the perceived obstacles in their way, Josie and Hayes are willing to fight for their love and to be together.
This exceptional book is one I am happy to recommend.
Their story has moments that made me laugh out, moments that made sigh and moments that brought tears to my eyes. Their fears, their doubts and their struggles (especially his struggle to remain strong in the face of his sister’s illness) make them so relatable and rather endearing. Despite their fears and the perceived obstacles in their way, Josie and Hayes are willing to fight for their love and to be together.
This exceptional book is one I am happy to recommend.
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