What It Takes Special Edition

Windy Harbor #2

by Willow Aster

Coming soon!

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Found Family, Contemporary Romance, Small Town Romance, Audiobook, Forced Proximity

368 pages, Paperback

Expected publication January 15, 2026

About the author

Willow Aster is a USA Today Bestselling Author of emotional, angsty love stories with a side of quirk. She is co-writer of The End of Men series with Tarryn Fisher and co-writer of the G.D. Taylors series with Laura Pavlov.


Website: http://www.willowaster.com/

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Reviews

[Willow Aster]

Releasing January 15th!

Pre-order your copy today!
Amazon: http://bit.ly/4qtvnDK

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/48COhl0

[Chelsea Mansell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What it Takes by Willow Aster eARC Review

Book 2 in the Windy Harbor Series 💛

4.5 ⭐️

This book was truly like a warm hug. Such a beautiful story about childhood friends to sort of enemies to lovers. I adored both Juju and Camden.

Juju is truly a ray of sunshine and her characters is so lovable from the get go. Camden is definitely a cinnamon roll but he hides behind his feelings for Juju and I just wanted to shake him and get him to tell her how he felt for the longest time!!

When they both realize they have been pining for one another and the tension and banter changes to something else entirely, the beauty of their relationship unfolds and it is so fun to read. A little bit of sneaking around to hide it from her brother makes it a little bit forbidden.🤭

The flashbacks to their childhood added so much to their story and coming from someone who doesn’t usually love that, it really worked in this book!

What to expect:
Small town
Boy obsessed
Brothers best friend
Cinnamon roll hero

Thank you so much Willow and VPR for the arc!

[Tabitha · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
4.5 ⭐️
3🌶
*Releases 01/15/26

🌳Enemies to Lovers
🪾Brothers Best Friend
🌳Small Town
🪾Close Families

Words I would use to describe this book would be: Sweet, captivating, classic.
The connection between the main character was instant from such a young age! The enemies to lovers trope is a very loved quote for a reason, it build the tension and heat between the MCs. I feel like there was no reason for a E to L trope tho! I felt it was missing the big "um yeah, that was a douche move, you go girl" moment. That's why it doesn't get 5 stars. Other than that it was an awesome book! Sexy, funny, family of a life time! Would very much recommend reading this series, starting with the first book!

[Jen | The Jenny Edit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easiest 5 stars! Camden and Juju — and their childhood friends to enemies to lovers story is just wonderful in every way. It is funny, it has amazing banter and at the same time, it’s incredibly emotional and heartbreaking at times.

A bit of a slow burn, and rightly so, once things heat up, hold on because these two pop off like a rocket ship. Years and years of angst comes to fruition and what we get is a gorgeously written story that I DEVOURED in a single day.

Willow never misses for me and that fact is truer than ever with What It Takes!

Thanks to Willow for having me on her team and to she & VPR for this arc!

[Aysha · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

What It Takes is the second book in the Windy Harbor series and can be read as a standalone.

What It Takes is a light, fun and delightful story that is easy to read with wonderful characters, great family dynamics and a feel good and flirty feel.
I fell hard and fast for Camden and I adored Juliana but what took this book to another level was the love and camaraderie this family (and town!) share. The Whitman group chat was so entertaining to read and Everett, Camden’s dad, really stole the show for me. But honestly all the characters were fantastic and had a distinctive presence to them.

Camden and Juju are both such kind (to everyone except each other), sweet, and talented people. Their tension and chemistry was heady, intense and undeniable - and Camden’s dirty talk just upped it to another level. Also, I have to mention their first date, it was absolutely perfect for them 🤭.

The flashbacks were structured really well, adding depth and history to their relationship and I felt a tender ache through the years of miscommunication and multiple scenarios of “right person, wrong time”. I felt emotional thinking of Stella’s (Camden’s mum) reaction to them finally getting together.

Food was also a really important feature in Camden and Juju’s story, from their first meeting as children to their successful careers - it really felt like their own secret love language.

I’m really looking forward to the next book! This one was a wonderful addition to the series that had me smiling, giggling and cheering this couple on.

This book contains sensitive content such as cancer diagnosis and treatment, and loss of parent in the past.

🏘️ Small town romance
🤫 Brother’s best friend (and best friend’s brother!)
🍪 Childhood friends to enemies to lovers
👨‍🍳 Chef MMC x Cafe owner FMC
😍 Boy obsessed
🥵 Cinnamon roll hero
💋 Forced proximity
❤️‍🔥 Slow burn
🏞️ Lakeside vibes
👀 Family series

Plot: 📚📚📚📚
Character rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Feels: 🖤🖤🖤🖤
Writing style: 🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊

[Anca A · Rating 5 out of 5]

#Review: *What It Takes* - Willow Aster - ARC [18+]
4.9/5✨
3/5🌶️

Juliana and Camden's story started with a cute friendship, which transformed into something else over the years. They were just kids when that started, but something has shifted in that period of time and one specific moment made everything fell apart for them. That's how the loathing started and how they became known for their constant bickering, which also continued over the years. But what if there was still a small chance for them in the end?

This one was one of the best books I read by Willow so far, from my point of view. I just adoored Juliana and Camden and their pretty complicated story, which was deeply affected by those external things. I really liked that constant banter between them and how you could just feel that it was just something more hidden behind all that. They didn't know how to handle what they felt in the past, but maybe now they could do it a little better than before. I loved that explosion between them because of all those pent-up feelings and how they just fit together so, so well. And I loved their common passion for cooking, which was pretty cute and it made me crave for those delicious foods.

I simply adored this book, having the best time reading it. I liked all those fun interactions and the complicated story of our main characters. Their common passion was a nice part for me and which played a huge role into this story. One of my favorite books by Willow, for sure!

✨Tropes
▫️Frenemies To Lovers
▫️Brother's Best Friend
▫️Banter
▫️Cinnamon Roll Hero
▫️Boy Obsessed
▫️Small Town
▫️Cooking Passion
▫️Forced Proximity

[Jennifer Wycech · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small town
Brothers best friends
Enemies to lovers
Cinnamon roll hero
Dual POV - 1st person

Duet narration - Sebastian York & Rose Dioro
*hmmm these two were great together. They preformed the characters and their story beautifully. Chefs kiss 💋

Juju and Camden meet when they are just kids. Becoming fast friends until Jackson Jujus brother and Camdens best friend makes comments about their friendship being weird and Camden agrees, everything changes. Years later Camden is back in town opening a new restaurant and they end up seeing a lot of each other.

These two are so cute. It starts off with banter and dislike and over the course of the story you get emotional moments, true feelings come out, you get tension and sweetness. This book was absolutely wonderful. I felt the characters were well developed and the story was captivating.

Overall, a great contemporary romance set in a small town. Looking forward to more in this series! Loving Willie Aster’s writing style. If it can make me smile and swoon it’s a win for me!

[Aimee Crant-oksa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What it Takes is book 2 in the Windy Harbor Series. Camden and JuJu were always meant to be to everyone around them except JuJu’s brother Jackson and each other. They needed to admit their true feelings but they instead had a love-hate relationship while secretly feeling things. Childhood soulmates driven apart by a young boy’s promise.
Camden made a promise to his best friend Jackson to never date his sister. No relationship ever felt right. He accepted this until they were both back in Windy Harbor. Camden had a successful restaurant. Juju ran a successful coffee shop and bakery. Their families are always together. Being thrown together is inevitable and their feelings resurface.
Stolen glances led to a boy finally going after what he wants. JuJu can’t help but see the change and starts softening. Everyone around them can see how they feel, but how will Jackson take it when he finds out?
What It Takes is a small town, boy obsessed, brother’s best friend romance.
I just love the settings/towns that Willow Aster creates. I fall in love with her towns, characters and stories. It warms my heart and gives me an escape to a sweet romantic story.

[Amity Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Narration by Sebastian York & Rose Diorio. These two really made this audio and story so come to life!

I just loved Camden & JuJu’s story. So warm and feel good, but & at times heartbreaking. This was just absolutely beautiful!! Childhood friends, to enemies, to lovers and years of yearning in the making. This one had tension, banter, and all the emotions. This was definitely a slow burn, but so worth it when the tension finally breaks! These two were just perfection!

I loved the depth and history the flashbacks added to their story & was here for the moments we got to see of their past!

Willow Aster never lets me down & this book just proves again why I love her work!! Highly recommend!!!

Thank you Willow Aster & Valentine PR for this alc!

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This had two of my favorite tropes, enemies to lovers and best friend's sibling. Made even better because Camden is Juliana's brother's best friend while she is his sister's best friend. Growing up they were close but when her brother and Cam swear to not fate each other's sisters, he starts to stay away. Eventually ignoring her to ignore his feelings. Now as adults they are back in Windy Harbor at the same time and their snippy banter starts becoming more flirty. They give into their attraction but Juju thinks it's just for fun, especially since Cam wants to keep it a secret. Can they navigate their feelings for each other and how will their families react?

[Monika · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars ⭐️ What It Takes is about Camden and Juju. They've known each other since childhood, and bonded over their love for good food by the time he was 13. However, his best friend and Juju's brother, didn't like their friendship. Their relationship turned from childhood friends to hate each other to love when. Willow Aster told this story with dual POV and chapters that explained certain events in the past, which helped with context to why they didn't like each other in present day when both are back in their small town with their families. There was really good tension in the beginning. Camden longed for Juju, and knew he did wrong. Juju was very sunshine except when she snarled at Camden. Once they were back together away from prying eyes (aka her brother), they were able to finally communicate what truly mattered to them. There were a lot of cute moments, but emotional moments as well. The small town vibes were great, and I loved their found family! The writing was well done, and I was came away satisfied with the romance, the plot, and the character growth. Sebastian York and Rose Dioro were phenomenal with the duet narration. Also, some of the baked goods that Juju and Camden talked about made me want to go and do some baking!

🍪Brothers Best Friend
🍪Mutual Hatred / Pining
🍪Forced Proximity
🍪Boy Obsessed
🍪Small Town Romance
🍪Childhood Friends to I Hate You to Lovers
🍪Sneaking Around

Thank you to Valentine PR and Willow Aster for an ALC copy of What It Takes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes:
Small Town
Brother's Best Friend
Chef/Bakery Owner
Childhood Friends to Enemies to Lovers

We are back in Windy Harbor and coastal Minnesota never felt so warm and cozy! This time around, it's Juju (Julianna) and Camden's turn to have their love story. Once childhood friends since their families were neighbors, their friendship turns sour and their bickering becomes the mask to hid their feelings towards each other. But now Camden is back home from Colorado and their feelings are that much harder to hide.

I loved the flashbacks so we could see glimpses of Juju and Camden's relationship evolve over time. From their first meeting to the present, they had a simmering burn that once they ignited became all consuming. Their dates and stolen moments were sweet and swoony and I loved seeing them grow once they checked the pride at the door.

I will be honest, I struggled with the reason why they became enemies, and felt that Jackson (Juju's brother) definitely made some selfish decisions that impacted Juju and Camden. That being said, as the story played out, I could understand why they acted the way they did and that they needed to go through their separate journeys to become the best versions of themselves.

Side note, I could not get enough of the side characters in Windy Harbor. The grandpas and the grandmas had me cackling in every scene they showed up in and I cannot wait to see what shenanigans they get into next!

Thank you so much to Willow and Valentine PR for the early copy of What It Takes!

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALC Review : What It Takes by Willow Aster // Book 2 in the Windy Harbor series

Narrated by: Rose Dioro and Sebastian York

What to expect:
🧁Brothers Best Friend
💜Boy Obsessed
🧁Cinnamon Roll MMC
💜Small Town Romance
🧁Baker FMC x Chef MMC
💜Enemies to Lovers

Another hit in The Windy Harbor series. With every new release, Willow solidifies her spot in my auto-buy Author list.

Camden Whitman and Juliana Fair have known each other since they were small kids. Their relationship started out friendly; cooking and baking at each other’s houses. However, Juju’s brother steals Camden as his best friend and they slowly start to drift apart. As the years go on, their friendship sours due to miscommunication, promises made, and stubbornness. In adulthood, when Camden moves back to town, they are forced to face each other and old feelings resurface.

When Camden and Juju finally let their feelings known, it is perfect and beautiful. Their love was meant to last a lifetime.

I adored both Camden and Juju as MC’s. Camden was so damn swoony and Juju was such a breath of fresh air.

I loved being able to see the progression of their relationship through the flashbacks. They provided a lot of context as to how their relationship became so broken.

Sebastian York and Rose Dioro narrated Camden and Juju PERFECTLY. Their chemistry as the MC’s was palpable and brought so much life to the story.

Thank you Willow and VPR for the early listen of What It Takes.

[Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What it Takes is the 2nd book in the Windy Harbor series. Let me tell you this book had me hooked I mean it had me hooked, I could not stop reading it and stayed up until 2AM to finish.

Juju is a ray of sunshine with a whole lot of sass especially for Camden. Camden who never has a problem talking always seems to put his foot in his mouth around Juju, he is the cinnamon roll of all cinnamon rolls and everything you would want in a MMC.

This book goes between present day Juju and Camden and their childhood years. When things finally come to a head between Camden and Juju after years and years of miscommunication, angst, mixed signals and things left unsaid and when these two get it together hold on because fireworks fly.

This story had everything the slow burn, the anticipation, the banter, the crazy tension and the sweet tender wholesome moments. What made this story even better was all the returning characters and even some new ones.

This was the easiest 5 star review ever! A huge thank you goes out to Willow Aster & VPR team for this ARC

What it takes comes out on January 15th


* enemies to lovers
* Brothers best friend
* Small town
* Cinnamon roll MMC

[Aly · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

🎧 Sebastian York & Rose Diorio

Another Willow book reminding me WHY I love Willows writing so damn much.

First off I have to start by talking about seeing the guys we know and love from the Singe Dad Playbook series, I similed so hard.

Now I’ll move on to them, because OH MY GOODNESS.

Juju and Camden have always kind of been at the edge of each others frustrations from a young age. This book Camden had YERNED for it for years and seeing it all unfold was perfect. I loved how they came together in a way while remaining true and authentic to what seems to be how they were from the start.

I loved the little blips of their past while they worked to unravel their present and work together to literally make them work.

There has been so much heart ache and both Cam and Jujus life and I literally got teary eyed multiple times during their story.

The found family, the laugh out loud metaling ladies and guys for that matter. Willow writes small town so well and I can’t wait see what’s next in this series.

[Rachael Carbone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Camden & Juliana

Since the first book I’ve been wondering what had these two fighting and bickering but with enough tension to set the place on fire and I love how much history these two have!

Camden & Juju were childhood best friends who were turned enemies and we finally find out what happens. This book weaves between the present and past, giving us such a depth into their love / hate relationship.

I loved the back and forth between these two, I was emotional, and my heart swooned when they finally re connected

This is such a heart warming beautiful small town story!

🩵Brothers Best Friend
🩵Mutual hatred / Pining
🩵Forced Proximity
🩵Boy obsessed
🩵Small Town Romance

4.5⭐️ 2🌶️

Bonus points for the side characters in this, the Uncles and the Grandmas had me cackling with their antics and were such a fun addition to the story!

Bring on Dylan’s story next!

Thankyou to Willow and Valentine PR for the arc opportunity 🫶🏻

[crystal c · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️ and so thankful I was able to be part of this ARC team. What it takes is what I decided to start 2026 reading and it did not disappoint. If you love forbidden love | best friend’s sister | angst throughout many stages of life | bickering | family that is in each other business | true love | real life drama | secrets then this is for you!! This is the 2nd of the series that displays Camden and Juliana “Juju”’s relationship with heartbreak and heart warming flashbacks in between present story of how these two, who once were best friends, fell apart and were brought back together in hopes that they have what it takes to make it work. Beautiful story, beautiful family and I can’t wait for more.

[Sweet treats and Smutty reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Camden may be a Michelin star chef but Willow Aster just gave us a 5 star read with What It Takes.
——
Camden Whitman and Julianna “JuJu” Fair have a story that spans over two decades. What started as friendship and shared passions over the culinary arts quickly turned to animosity and exchanged barbs as they entered their teens and early 20s. But as they say there is a fine line between love and hate.

They might believe they express animosity but anyone in their orbit can see the attraction and hidden glances.
When they finally have their f*ck it moment it is chemistry on fire! However, as they navigate this newfound relationship they are forced to be vulnerable with one another. And these vulnerabilities might just make or break them.

I truly loved this book and the complexities of each character. With flashbacks from the past you see just how long and intense their feelings have been for one another.
This book will give you enemies to lovers with soulmate vibes.

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

What It Takes is the second novel in the Windy Harbor series by Willow Aster. This novel follows our favorite enemies from the first novel in the series - Camden and Juju.

I adored following Camden and Juju's journey to their happy ending. The flashbacks between current and past offering depth to the story along with the dual POVs between both characters.

Juju is a stubborn, but hard working woman who knows her worth and won't settle for less. Camden, suppressing his feelings for years over misplaced loyalty to his best friend.

I am absolutely loving Windy Harbor and the group of people in this world! I cannot wait for more from the Whitmans! I can tell there is a lot simmering in that small Minnesota town!

[Tiffani Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow...just wow. I am in love with Juju and Camden! This childhood best friends turned enemies into lovers story is everything I could've hoped for. It made you fall in love with their friendship as children, gave you the tension and heated glances, hilarious animal encounters and banter, and the longing/yearning was palpable.

The flashback chapters were a great addition in this story. Sometimes flashbacks can feel confusing or unnecessary, but not here. They really deepened the emotions you felt giving you a better appreciation and/or understanding of Juju and Camden's present relationship and I loved it.

So far the Windy Harbor series has been an absolute hit and I look forward to Dylan's intriguing story that's been alluded to throughout this book.

[Rina's Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are after feisty banter, family shenanigans, and 'it was always you' energy, then you do not want to miss this - it was exquisite.

Sebastian and Rose did a fabulous job of bringing Camden and Juju's story to life.
The range of emotions I experienced while listening to them narrate this story was vast and unrelenting.
Whether I was giggling from family shenanigans, gasping at Camden’s filthy mouth, or smiling because I love this entire town and its sense of community, there was never a dull moment

From throwing barbs to shedding their clothes, these two had a bumpy road to reach their current destination.
I loved how their back story was interspersed between their current goings-on. It was the perfect way to get the full picture of their connection and highlighted the longing that they both felt.

The chemistry between them was explosive, and once they let their guard down, it was as if they were as natural as breathing.
I am very much looking forward to seeing them again later in the series.

I can't wait to find out why Dylan has been sneaking around!

[Romance_book_obsessed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you MLA for this ARC 🫶🏻

Juju and Camden were childhood friends. However, Camden promised her brother he’d never date her. He pushed her away and created their enemy relationship.

Now, as they both navigate their businesses in their small town, it’s hard to keep bickering. Camden has to figure out if he wants to watch Juju date other men, or put his hat in the ring. Juju’s childhood crush never left and Camden decides to date her in secret. When the truth comes out, will these former enemies stay lovers?

I love this small town and all the found family! I can’t wait for all the rest to come!

[Krystal - nerdy_book_lover_1987 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this one. Childhood friends to enemies to lovers, one bed and snowed in (at one point). I loved the group chats throughout the book. I also liked the flash backs into the past and seeing where things made a turn. The tension between Camden and Juliana was so THICK! Couldn't cut through that if you tried. Definitely a forbidden romance as well due to what Jackson (her brother) said to Camden when they were younger. I do wish things could have come out sooner but I get why it didn't. I really love how close the families are. The grandparents were a hoot. And of course the honorable mention of Ralph! Iykyk! All in all i really enjoyed this one and definitely recommend it.

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

4,5/5⭐️

I really liked Camden and Juju's story ❤️ ! The characters were funny, loveable and relatable. I Loved the found-family vibes, the other characters and the relationship of the MCs 🥰. The trope of the best-friend's brother and, at the same time, Brother's best friend was perfect ! The setting, the pacing and the writing made story even more interesting 🤩. The story was funny, heartwarming, cute and a little bit spicy 🫣🥵. I really liked the double POVs and the flashbacks of the MCs, that helped us understand them. I really liked the book and I'm really excited for Dylan's story next 😍. So, if you like smal-town romance with the trope brother's best friend, I 100% recommend it ❤️.

[Rebecca Sherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the Windy Harbor Series.
Love all of the Whitmans
It was nice to have the flashbacks of Camden and Juju’s relationship good and bad also the introduction of the Juju’s family.
Felt like this was a really easy read for me which is great I didn’t have to struggle to get into the plot.

[Shana · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC

[FireSerene Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

From banters to whispered sweet nothings. What It Takes hit me right in the feels. Watching them stumble, grow, and find their way through heartbreak and healing was incredibly moving. A beautiful reminder that love, even when messy, is always worth it.

[Cigi cini · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔥 Enemies to Lovers
🏘️ Small Town Romance
👫 Brother’s Best Friend
🍽️ Chef Hero
☕ Cafe Owner Heroine
⚡ Forced Proximity
❤️‍🔥 Slow Burn
😤 Grumpy Hero
✨ Interconnected Standalone
💞 Happily Ever After

Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25

What It Takes by Willow Aster is a sexy, emotionally rich small town romance that delivers a satisfying blend of enemies to lovers tension and brother’s best friend angst. As the second book in the Windy Harbor series, it stands confidently on its own while deepening the heart and soul of this lakeside community.

Camden Whitman and Juliana share a long, complicated history that fuels the emotional weight of the story. From childhood encounters to years of feeling dismissed and misunderstood, their dynamic is shaped by hurt pride, lingering attraction, and unresolved feelings. The shift from annoyance to attraction is gradual and believable, with every sharp exchange and stolen glance adding another layer to their connection. The banter is sharp and entertaining, but it is the quiet moments where defenses slip that truly bring their relationship to life.

The small town setting of Windy Harbor is more than just a backdrop. It enhances the story with its cozy charm, tight knit community, and the sense of belonging Juliana has built through her cafe. The rivalry between her cafe and Camden’s new restaurant adds delicious tension and keeps them constantly colliding, both professionally and emotionally. Their shared passion for food becomes an unexpected bridge between them, highlighting respect beneath the resentment.

Camden’s character arc is especially compelling. Beneath his confident, sometimes abrasive exterior is a man driven by ambition, regret, and a deep desire to prove himself. Once he commits, his determination is unwavering, and his pursuit is both intense and heartfelt. Juliana’s journey is equally rewarding as she finds her voice, protects what she has built, and allows herself to want more than the safe life she has carefully constructed.

The romance unfolds as a slow burn filled with emotional vulnerability, sizzling chemistry, and meaningful growth. When boundaries are crossed, the payoff feels earned, making the intimate moments powerful rather than rushed. The story balances heat and heart beautifully, delivering a romance that feels grounded and sincere.

What It Takes is a captivating read for anyone who loves small town romances with depth, strong character development, and a love story built on years of tension and undeniable chemistry. It is a standout addition to the Windy Harbor series and a deeply satisfying journey from irritation to love.

[Bari (justbookedup) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willow Aster does it again in this second book, delivering a feel-good, cozy, childhood friends to enemies to lovers who have been secretly pining for each other since they were kids. I ate this one up - especially on audio with a duet performance by Sebastian York & Rose Dioro. This has the perfect balance of banter, yearning, and small-town charm with such great supporting characters that had me transported right into Windy Harbor.

Juju & Camden have this great banter - they fight like it's foreplay and I just love it. It's clear there are feelings behind their sharp tongues, especially Camden, who just can't help himself. Juju is fun & so warm to everyone but Camden - and Camden comes off as a bit of a grump when it comes to Juju, though he definitely emanates golden retriever vibes.

This one has flashbacks to their shared past, and I have to say, it's one of the best I've read. The structure and pacing add so many layers to Juju & Camden's relationship, and the way it is done is just perfect. My heart just broke for both of them at times, and I love how they put it back together.

Their shared passion for food and creating delicious meals (she's a baker, he's a chef) adds to their chemistry. There's incredible tension and finally, once their walls come down, absolute sweetness and a lot of swoon.

The found family aspect from the Whitman clan is once again so wonderful, and I always love a great text chain. This one has the brother's best friend trope that's done very well and plays an integral part to the tension in this story.

Willow's books are like a warm hug, comforting and always leave me smiling. I can't wait until the next chapter in this small town series.

🏡 Small Town Romance
💕 Childhood friends to Enemies to lovers
❣️ Brother's Best Friend
🍳 Chef MMC x Cafe Owner FMC
💋 He Falls First
🔥 Slow Burn
🫶 Found Family
⏰ Flashbacks
✌🏻 Dual POV in Duet Narration

[_.Beckyslibrary._ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,75⭐️
•
“Do I need to kiss the sass off your mouth?”
•
What it takes is the second in the second book in the “Windy Harbor” series, here you’ll find:

🧑🏻‍🍳Small town romance
🧁Brother’s best friend
✨Cinnamon roll hero
💜Boy obsessed (in a good way)

This was the first book I’ve read by this author, and I absolutely loved it. I’m always a sucker for a small-town romance, and this one delivered everything I was hoping for.

Juju is such a sweet and caring character, but she’s also feisty when she needs to be—especially when it comes to Camden, who somehow manages to make her angry and frustrated within seconds. Their constant bickering clearly stems from a past misunderstanding, and I loved how the dual timeline was used to explore that. Seeing how inseparable they were as children and then watching how things fell apart added so much emotional depth to their story.

Camden is a total cinnamon roll. He’s genuinely such a good guy—loyal to the core. His loyalty to Juju’s brother and their friendship is what shapes the way he acts around her, but underneath that tough exterior, he’s completely gone for Juju. That attitude is just a mask he wears, and it was so satisfying to see it slowly crumble.

I really loved their relationship and the found family aspect of the story. The slow burn was slow burning in the best way, and the bickering—both before and after they got together—was incredibly entertaining and never got old.

Overall, this was such a good and enjoyable read. It was heartfelt, comforting, and exactly what I want from a small-town romance. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author.

Thank you so much to @willowaster & @valentine_pr_ for the ARC!