4.5 ⭐
This one surprised me by being much better than I had anticipated. Nothing shocks me more, I think, than how much I've grown to love this book.
The chemistry, tension, and buildup were palpable and off the charts. This was actually sweet, and Alec and Isabel definitely complement each other. I would've rated this a 5 ⭐ had it not been for the will-i-wont-i attitude of Alec. He has many factors to weigh and his own baggage, so there's the push and pull from his end. But he was so adorable, kind, considerate, loving, and sweet that I can't find it in me to be annoyed with him. Even though he tends to overthink things and gets stuck in his head a lot, he always always chooses Isabel. He may pull away for a day but will come begging and apologizing the next, because he can't stop thinking about her and how much he needs her in his life.
I love Isabel too; she's a strong-willed heroine who lets Alec process things in his own time. Whenever Alec felt the urge to pull away or overthinking got the best of him, Isabel would always stand her ground; she never begged for attention and would just wait patiently. But she always says what's on her mind and lets Alec know she's not okay with the situation or the things he did. She's no doormat; she's fierce but kind, patient but didn't let Alec get away with things easily, and I just really admire her personality.
As for the kids, Willa was unwelcoming in the beginning, but Sam was the opposite. I love their relationship with Alec, and I definitely see how much he loves them and vice versa. I loved it too when they finally warmed up to Isabel, and their moments together were just so cute.
Probably one of the reasons I loved this too was the fact that the late wife didn't leave any lasting impression. With the way Alec explained things, I get the impression that he married her because she came from the same circle and had the same pedigree, so it was quite expected for them to eventually get married. I'm sure he loved her in his own way because being together for almost a decade wasn't really just nothing, but the love he had for Isabel was more consuming and something he never felt before, not even for his late wife. I also appreciate that said wife wasn't mentioned too often.
I loved that there was no breakup as well. I mean, they did spend a few days apart because it's a holiday, but it wasn't really a breakup. When she got back, they talked things out, and he told her how he really felt, and she did too.
Anyway, this was freaking sweet, light, and not angsty at all. I'm so in love with Alec and Isabel. I'm so happy I got to read this; it's definitely worth it and worth recommending. ❤️
Book info:
- Age gap (25/40)
- Forced proximity
- Single dad - nanny
- Widower (5 yrs)
- Sister's best friend
- No cheating, breakup
- OPD (Guys and gals flirted with the MCs, not encouraged, so there's some jealousy on both sides)
- Non-virgin MCs (h - celibate 1 yr, H- had ONS with only 2 women after his wife, so not a hoe ❤️)
- HFN (with bonus epilogue)