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What It Takes: Windy Harbor Series, Book 2
A Sexy, Small town, Enemies to Lovers, Brother’s Best Friend romance from USA Today Bestselling Author Willow Aster
Camden Whitman has always been in my life. I met him when I was five and he was seven, but when he and my brother became best friends, I became nothing more than the pesky little sister he didn’t want around.
There was a period of time when I thought I felt a connection between us, but he shut that down faster than I could blink. Fast forward to adulthood years later, and here I am, still the annoying little sister he can’t stand.
Now there’s one I want nothing to do with him.
I’m happy running The Kitty-Corner Cafe in my small town of Windy Harbor, Minnesota, and love living in my little slice of paradise on Lake Superior…until Camden decides to move here and open up a new restaurant.
Who cares if he’s a well-known chef who can prepare the most delectable food? He will never hear that from me. He’s wrecked my small-town, stress-free bubble and filled it with his abrasive comments and intrusive looks.
But then the unexpected happens. One night, when both of our walls are down, I see a glimpse of something other than distaste in his eyes. And it has me wondering if I’ve misjudged the man that has always gotten under my skin.
When those boundaries are crossed, there’s no turning back. Camden is on a mission and will do whatever it takes to make me his…
What it Takes is book two in the interconnected, standalone Windy Harbor series.
Camden Whitman has always been in my life. I met him when I was five and he was seven, but when he and my brother became best friends, I became nothing more than the pesky little sister he didn’t want around.
There was a period of time when I thought I felt a connection between us, but he shut that down faster than I could blink. Fast forward to adulthood years later, and here I am, still the annoying little sister he can’t stand.
Now there’s one I want nothing to do with him.
I’m happy running The Kitty-Corner Cafe in my small town of Windy Harbor, Minnesota, and love living in my little slice of paradise on Lake Superior…until Camden decides to move here and open up a new restaurant.
Who cares if he’s a well-known chef who can prepare the most delectable food? He will never hear that from me. He’s wrecked my small-town, stress-free bubble and filled it with his abrasive comments and intrusive looks.
But then the unexpected happens. One night, when both of our walls are down, I see a glimpse of something other than distaste in his eyes. And it has me wondering if I’ve misjudged the man that has always gotten under my skin.
When those boundaries are crossed, there’s no turning back. Camden is on a mission and will do whatever it takes to make me his…
What it Takes is book two in the interconnected, standalone Windy Harbor series.
Audible Audio
Published January 15, 2026
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48 people want to read
About the author
Willow Aster
48 books4,611 followersWillow 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
January 15, 2026
ALC
Duet narration by Sebastian York & Rose Dioro
4 Stars
2.5 on the spice scale
RTC
Duet narration by Sebastian York & Rose Dioro
4 Stars
2.5 on the spice scale
RTC
January 15, 2026
What it Takes by Willow Aster is book 2 in the Windy Harbor Series and I absolutely adored this book! This one follows Camden, a renowned chef returning home to Windy Harbor, and Juliana ("Juju"), his childhood friend turned "enemy" for lack of a better word, who owns and operates a local cafe/bakery. Camden and Juju met when they were little kids and they immediately hit it off and bonded over their love of food. Camden became best friends with Juju's brother, but Camden and Juju had a very close relationship as kids. They shared a love of cooking and were often together working on recipes and tasting each other's creations. Camden was a couple years older than Juju and once he became a teenager, he started seeing Juju in a different light. She was beautiful and they had a lot in common. But he was afraid to ruin his friendship with her brother. So he began distancing himself from Juju. As they grew older, his feelings for Juju seemed to grow despite them hardly ever seeing each other as they pursued their individual schooling and careers. Yet Camden never stopped thinking about Juju. I loved how throughout the story, we got to go back in time on occasion to see their interactions as they grew up, to really see how the rift between them occurred and how it worsened over the years before they finally came together. As a young man, Camden and Juju's brother made a pact that they would never date each other's sister. Camden, being an incredibly sensitive and loyal person, believed he had to abide by this childhood oath no matter what. So for him, Juju became in his eyes, the one girl he would always want but could never have. Each time they would be back in the same town and would run into each other, his feelings for her seemed to grow. But, feeling he could never act on his feelings, he pushed Juju away instead. Sometimes to the point of cruelty. Camden made so many mistakes due to his misplaced loyalty to a childhood oath with his best friend. When he finally begins to think maybe he could act on his feelings after all and to heck with the oath, he fears he's pushed Juju away too strongly and that she hates him. Juju, of course, doesn't hate him. But she's been hurt by him a great deal. Watching Camden come to his senses and fix things with Juju and ultimately watching them fall in love was beautiful. It wasn't perfect and Camden still made some mistakes, but in the end, he makes it right and their love story became one of my favorites to read.
I absolutely loved Camden and Juju's love story. It was hard fought and they each had to overcome a lot of heartache, but in the end, their love won. One thing I love about all of Willow Aster's books is how she writes the town the characters reside in, and how she writes her supporting characters. She's a master at this and it really pulls you into the story. I can see all the crazy townsfolk in my mind. I can see their interfering and hilarious grandparents, their friends, and family. It's just absolute perfection in my mind and adds so much to the central love story. I laughed out loud several times throughout the story and also was brought to tears a few times at the emotional connection between our two leads. I loved seeing glimpses into the past and especially scenes with Camden and his late mother. This was just a beautiful love story and a beautiful book and I highly recommend it as well as the first book in series. I can't wait to read Dylan's story next, the teaser at the end was intriguing. Thank you so much Willow Aster for inviting us to Windy Harbor. I definitely didn't want to leave and I can't wait for the next book in the series!
I absolutely loved Camden and Juju's love story. It was hard fought and they each had to overcome a lot of heartache, but in the end, their love won. One thing I love about all of Willow Aster's books is how she writes the town the characters reside in, and how she writes her supporting characters. She's a master at this and it really pulls you into the story. I can see all the crazy townsfolk in my mind. I can see their interfering and hilarious grandparents, their friends, and family. It's just absolute perfection in my mind and adds so much to the central love story. I laughed out loud several times throughout the story and also was brought to tears a few times at the emotional connection between our two leads. I loved seeing glimpses into the past and especially scenes with Camden and his late mother. This was just a beautiful love story and a beautiful book and I highly recommend it as well as the first book in series. I can't wait to read Dylan's story next, the teaser at the end was intriguing. Thank you so much Willow Aster for inviting us to Windy Harbor. I definitely didn't want to leave and I can't wait for the next book in the series!
January 16, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
What It Takes is Book 2 in the Windy Harbor Series. Camden Whitman has returned home from Colorado to be closer to his father and siblings as they open a new resort. With the success of his restaurant in Colorado, he’s opening a new restaurant with the support of his family.
But his return isn’t a welcome surprise to everyone. Juliana Fair isn’t happy to see her brother’s best friend return to their small home town. Juliana first met Camden when she was 5 years old and he was 7, but as they grew despite at times there feeling like there may be a connection between them, she was only seen as Jackson’s annoying little sister.
Now that he’s returned, he’s wrecked Juliana’s small town, stress free bubble with his abrasive comments and intrusive looks.
In a moment of weakness when their walls both come down, boundaries are crossed and there is no turning back. Camden will do what it takes to make her his.
I absolutely love Willow Aster’s books. She always writes such charming and cozy, tight knit, small town romances that give me all the feels. What It Takes was no different.
I loved getting to experience more of the Whitman family and their charming small town. I absolutely love a brother’s best friend romance and this one did not disappoint.
I loved the flashbacks within the book. I felt like they really helped to give background and solidify the connection as well as the complexity of their relationship. Even when they were no longer friends, Camden would always be there anytime Juliana called and needed someone.
I enjoyed Camden and Juliana as a couple. It was so cute to see their moments of connection as kids and how the feelings continued to grow as they did. It was sweet that their families spent so much time together and that even though Camden’s mom died years prior, she had a part in their story. It was such a nice way to honor the love of a mother and the things only they can see.
The banter between Juliana and Camden had me giggling to myself. Their relationship wasn't easy. Despite their connection, they had a lot of history and heartache they needed to overcome but it was so beautiful to see them get their happily ever after.
I absolutely adore the Whitman family. Their text threads to check in on each other with status updates and getting into each other's business is always touching and at times hilariously entertaining.
I love how Willow creates such charming and cozy small towns stories full of a wide mixture of secondary characters and townspeople. They don’t overshadow the main couple or story but really add to the cozy small town vibe and makes the story feel that much more real. You can picture every person, the town landmarks, and look forward to seeing some of your favorite townsfolk appearing in scenes within the story.
The narration by Sebastian York and Rose Dioro was so well done. They really captured the characters' personalities and made the story come to life. They did an incredible job not only voicing Camden and Juliana but also the various secondary characters within the book. They also were able to capture the overall heartwarming and cozy nature of this romance.
Thank you Willow Aster and Valentine PR for the opportunity to return to Windy Harbor Minnesota. It’s been an absolute pleasure returning to this small town and I can’t wait to see what comes next for the Whitman family.
If you are looking for a heartwarming, cozy, small town romance check out What It Takes and book one in the series Take This Heart.
What It Takes is Book 2 in the Windy Harbor Series. Camden Whitman has returned home from Colorado to be closer to his father and siblings as they open a new resort. With the success of his restaurant in Colorado, he’s opening a new restaurant with the support of his family.
But his return isn’t a welcome surprise to everyone. Juliana Fair isn’t happy to see her brother’s best friend return to their small home town. Juliana first met Camden when she was 5 years old and he was 7, but as they grew despite at times there feeling like there may be a connection between them, she was only seen as Jackson’s annoying little sister.
Now that he’s returned, he’s wrecked Juliana’s small town, stress free bubble with his abrasive comments and intrusive looks.
In a moment of weakness when their walls both come down, boundaries are crossed and there is no turning back. Camden will do what it takes to make her his.
I absolutely love Willow Aster’s books. She always writes such charming and cozy, tight knit, small town romances that give me all the feels. What It Takes was no different.
I loved getting to experience more of the Whitman family and their charming small town. I absolutely love a brother’s best friend romance and this one did not disappoint.
I loved the flashbacks within the book. I felt like they really helped to give background and solidify the connection as well as the complexity of their relationship. Even when they were no longer friends, Camden would always be there anytime Juliana called and needed someone.
I enjoyed Camden and Juliana as a couple. It was so cute to see their moments of connection as kids and how the feelings continued to grow as they did. It was sweet that their families spent so much time together and that even though Camden’s mom died years prior, she had a part in their story. It was such a nice way to honor the love of a mother and the things only they can see.
The banter between Juliana and Camden had me giggling to myself. Their relationship wasn't easy. Despite their connection, they had a lot of history and heartache they needed to overcome but it was so beautiful to see them get their happily ever after.
I absolutely adore the Whitman family. Their text threads to check in on each other with status updates and getting into each other's business is always touching and at times hilariously entertaining.
I love how Willow creates such charming and cozy small towns stories full of a wide mixture of secondary characters and townspeople. They don’t overshadow the main couple or story but really add to the cozy small town vibe and makes the story feel that much more real. You can picture every person, the town landmarks, and look forward to seeing some of your favorite townsfolk appearing in scenes within the story.
The narration by Sebastian York and Rose Dioro was so well done. They really captured the characters' personalities and made the story come to life. They did an incredible job not only voicing Camden and Juliana but also the various secondary characters within the book. They also were able to capture the overall heartwarming and cozy nature of this romance.
Thank you Willow Aster and Valentine PR for the opportunity to return to Windy Harbor Minnesota. It’s been an absolute pleasure returning to this small town and I can’t wait to see what comes next for the Whitman family.
If you are looking for a heartwarming, cozy, small town romance check out What It Takes and book one in the series Take This Heart.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Book 2 in the Windy Harbor Series
This was an emotionally endearing journey as past memories intermingled with the present. Raw, heartfelt and oh, so sweet as two former best friends find their way back to one another. One full of Hope. Healing. Forgiveness and love beyond measure. An absolute emotional rollercoaster that'll have you falling so in love with these two. You'll laugh until you cry. You'll scream in frustration and your heart will ache as these two reconnect.
From the moment they met, there was a connection between Camden and Juju like no other, until there wasn't... as they grew older and feelings began to grow, so did the confusion and eventually the pain as Camden chose to hide behind his true feelings, pushing her away until there was nothing left between them at all.
Camden Whitman is the Head Chef & Owner of Elm & Echo, a restaurant born out of love and family loyalty. Drawn back to the small lake town that his family has loved for as long as he can remember, this hardworking, fiercely protective, undeniably sweet and charming man finds himself back in close proximity to the only woman he's ever loved and lost... His best friend's little sister.
Juliana (Juju) Fair is the Head Baker and Owner of the Kitty-Corner Cafe, a quaint little bakery set in the heart of downtown Windy Harbor. Endearingly sweet with a side of sass, she finds herself increasingly angry that Camden is once again everywhere she turns as she struggles to fight an attraction that's burned red hot for years. After all, Camden has made it very clear how he feels about her... Or has he?
After all these years, hidden behind his true feelings, Cam has grown tired & weary of the animosity and anger that's grown between the two of them. He just wants to make it right. To fix and mend all the hurt he's caused them both. To prove that he's worth every misstep along the way. To make it known how he truly feels, but isn't quite sure how to take the first tentative steps. He can feel the undeniable pull and undercurrents of heat anytime she's near, but does Juju actually feel the same way too? Will she even admit it if she did? After all, any time that spark reignites, they somehow walk away even more angry and hurting. And if he finally makes his move, will he destroy his best friend in the process as loyalty to Jackson is what kept his feelings at bay for all these years?
Regardless of the potential fallout, Camden is willing to do whatever it takes to finally make Juju his one and only. With a few bumps and bruises along the way, what a sweet adventure for these two as they are undoubtedly absolute end game perfection! Two halves of a whole, finally mended together.
Return to Windy Harbor, Minnesota, a beautiful lake town that's the epitome of small towns with just a hint of big city. We get a little drama, mystery, community, fireworks ... Oh, the fireworks! Everything you could absolutely want in a small town. You'll fall in love with this quirky town, the Whitman Family and all of the silly antics that only a small town can bring ... You won't regret it.
This was an emotionally endearing journey as past memories intermingled with the present. Raw, heartfelt and oh, so sweet as two former best friends find their way back to one another. One full of Hope. Healing. Forgiveness and love beyond measure. An absolute emotional rollercoaster that'll have you falling so in love with these two. You'll laugh until you cry. You'll scream in frustration and your heart will ache as these two reconnect.
From the moment they met, there was a connection between Camden and Juju like no other, until there wasn't... as they grew older and feelings began to grow, so did the confusion and eventually the pain as Camden chose to hide behind his true feelings, pushing her away until there was nothing left between them at all.
Camden Whitman is the Head Chef & Owner of Elm & Echo, a restaurant born out of love and family loyalty. Drawn back to the small lake town that his family has loved for as long as he can remember, this hardworking, fiercely protective, undeniably sweet and charming man finds himself back in close proximity to the only woman he's ever loved and lost... His best friend's little sister.
Juliana (Juju) Fair is the Head Baker and Owner of the Kitty-Corner Cafe, a quaint little bakery set in the heart of downtown Windy Harbor. Endearingly sweet with a side of sass, she finds herself increasingly angry that Camden is once again everywhere she turns as she struggles to fight an attraction that's burned red hot for years. After all, Camden has made it very clear how he feels about her... Or has he?
After all these years, hidden behind his true feelings, Cam has grown tired & weary of the animosity and anger that's grown between the two of them. He just wants to make it right. To fix and mend all the hurt he's caused them both. To prove that he's worth every misstep along the way. To make it known how he truly feels, but isn't quite sure how to take the first tentative steps. He can feel the undeniable pull and undercurrents of heat anytime she's near, but does Juju actually feel the same way too? Will she even admit it if she did? After all, any time that spark reignites, they somehow walk away even more angry and hurting. And if he finally makes his move, will he destroy his best friend in the process as loyalty to Jackson is what kept his feelings at bay for all these years?
Regardless of the potential fallout, Camden is willing to do whatever it takes to finally make Juju his one and only. With a few bumps and bruises along the way, what a sweet adventure for these two as they are undoubtedly absolute end game perfection! Two halves of a whole, finally mended together.
Return to Windy Harbor, Minnesota, a beautiful lake town that's the epitome of small towns with just a hint of big city. We get a little drama, mystery, community, fireworks ... Oh, the fireworks! Everything you could absolutely want in a small town. You'll fall in love with this quirky town, the Whitman Family and all of the silly antics that only a small town can bring ... You won't regret it.
January 16, 2026
Oh My Goodness I just LOVED this book and I am definately in LOVE with Windy Harbor,it is a place I would want to live.
Willow Aster is becoming one of my favourite small town romance authors,because this story is EVERYTHING that Romance is all about...The Yearning,wanting,needing the little bit of angst,the spice and banter..it is perfect.
I adore the Whitman family and this is Camden Whitmans story which involves Julianna/Juju who was his friend.They met very young and had so much in common but Camden was also friends with Juju's brother and he didn't like his friendship with Juju so their connection was broken.
It broke both their hearts but they became enemies instead..and bicker all the time.
Now they are adults Camden has moved back to Windy Harbor to be near his dad who is sick,he is a chef and is opening his own restaurant.
Juju runs the Kitty Korner cafe and is the best baker in town,she always bonded with Camden over food and now he is back she would see him all the time.
How will they handle being in one anothers lives again.?
Even though they are bickering all the time they want eachother and have always wanted eachother but the friendship pact Camden made with Juju's brother was in the way.
The chemistry and attraction soon breaks and they start to sneak around to be together the intimacy between them is steamy and hot.
This book goes into the past as well to tell the story of how their friendship broke down and how they really felt about not being friends.
My heart broke a little with young Camdens yearning for Juju but not letting himself have her.
I have to give a huge shout out to the other romance in this book it is the cutest...I LOVED Grandma Nancy,Uncle Hal and Grandma Donna and Papa Hector..OMG it is so funny and adorable their flirting is shameless.It was such a lovely lighthearted touch to this book and I enjoyed the foursomes exchanges.
The Narration by Sebastian York and Rose Dioro is TOP NOTCH Meaning blinkin EXCELLENT..they are both simply Wonderful telling this story...and Rose's accent for the Grandma's was so endearing it was a great accent.Both Sebastian and Rose did go above and beyond to make this story feel so intimate and real...Superb.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book,it made me feel all warm and cosy inside as I listened,I was totally lost to every word and every scene.
Camden and Juju stole my heart completely their romance was so sweet,swoony,romantic,spicy and beautiful.
I CANNOT WAIT for more from Windy Harbor.
Magnificent story.
5 stars !!.
Willow Aster is becoming one of my favourite small town romance authors,because this story is EVERYTHING that Romance is all about...The Yearning,wanting,needing the little bit of angst,the spice and banter..it is perfect.
I adore the Whitman family and this is Camden Whitmans story which involves Julianna/Juju who was his friend.They met very young and had so much in common but Camden was also friends with Juju's brother and he didn't like his friendship with Juju so their connection was broken.
It broke both their hearts but they became enemies instead..and bicker all the time.
Now they are adults Camden has moved back to Windy Harbor to be near his dad who is sick,he is a chef and is opening his own restaurant.
Juju runs the Kitty Korner cafe and is the best baker in town,she always bonded with Camden over food and now he is back she would see him all the time.
How will they handle being in one anothers lives again.?
Even though they are bickering all the time they want eachother and have always wanted eachother but the friendship pact Camden made with Juju's brother was in the way.
The chemistry and attraction soon breaks and they start to sneak around to be together the intimacy between them is steamy and hot.
This book goes into the past as well to tell the story of how their friendship broke down and how they really felt about not being friends.
My heart broke a little with young Camdens yearning for Juju but not letting himself have her.
I have to give a huge shout out to the other romance in this book it is the cutest...I LOVED Grandma Nancy,Uncle Hal and Grandma Donna and Papa Hector..OMG it is so funny and adorable their flirting is shameless.It was such a lovely lighthearted touch to this book and I enjoyed the foursomes exchanges.
The Narration by Sebastian York and Rose Dioro is TOP NOTCH Meaning blinkin EXCELLENT..they are both simply Wonderful telling this story...and Rose's accent for the Grandma's was so endearing it was a great accent.Both Sebastian and Rose did go above and beyond to make this story feel so intimate and real...Superb.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book,it made me feel all warm and cosy inside as I listened,I was totally lost to every word and every scene.
Camden and Juju stole my heart completely their romance was so sweet,swoony,romantic,spicy and beautiful.
I CANNOT WAIT for more from Windy Harbor.
Magnificent story.
5 stars !!.
January 17, 2026
Oh My Goodness I just LOVED this book and I am definately in LOVE with Windy Harbor,it is a place I would want to live.
Willow Aster is becoming one of my favourite small town romance authors,because this story is EVERYTHING that Romance is all about...The Yearning,wanting,needing the little bit of angst,the spice and banter..it is perfect.
I adore the Whitman family and this is Camden Whitmans story which involves Julianna/Juju who was his friend.They met very young and had so much in common but Camden was also friends with Juju's brother and he didn't like his friendship with Juju so their connection was broken.
It broke both their hearts but they became enemies instead..and bicker all the time.
Now they are adults Camden has moved back to Windy Harbor to be near his dad who is sick,he is a chef and is opening his own restaurant.
Juju runs the Kitty Korner cafe and is the best baker in town,she always bonded with Camden over food and now he is back she would see him all the time.
How will they handle being in one anothers lives again.?
Even though they are bickering all the time they want eachother and have always wanted eachother but the friendship pact Camden made with Juju's brother was in the way.
The chemistry and attraction soon breaks and they start to sneak around to be together the intimacy between them is steamy and hot.
This book goes into the past as well to tell the story of how their friendship broke down and how they really felt about not being friends.
My heart broke a little with young Camdens yearning for Juju but not letting himself have her.
I have to give a huge shout out to the other romance in this book it is the cutest...I LOVED Grandma Nancy,Uncle Hal and Grandma Donna and Papa Hector..OMG it is so funny and adorable their flirting is shameless.It was such a lovely lighthearted touch to this book and I enjoyed the foursomes exchanges.
The Narration by Sebastian York and Rose Dioro is TOP NOTCH Meaning blinkin EXCELLENT..they are both simply Wonderful telling this story...and Rose's accent for the Grandma's was so endearing it was a great accent.Both Sebastian and Rose did go above and beyond to make this story feel so intimate and real...Superb.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book,it made me feel all warm and cosy inside as I listened,I was totally lost to every word and every scene.
Camden and Juju stole my heart completely their romance was so sweet,swoony,romantic,spicy and beautiful.
I CANNOT WAIT for more from Windy Harbor.
Magnificent story.
5 stars !!- Cat W.
Willow Aster is becoming one of my favourite small town romance authors,because this story is EVERYTHING that Romance is all about...The Yearning,wanting,needing the little bit of angst,the spice and banter..it is perfect.
I adore the Whitman family and this is Camden Whitmans story which involves Julianna/Juju who was his friend.They met very young and had so much in common but Camden was also friends with Juju's brother and he didn't like his friendship with Juju so their connection was broken.
It broke both their hearts but they became enemies instead..and bicker all the time.
Now they are adults Camden has moved back to Windy Harbor to be near his dad who is sick,he is a chef and is opening his own restaurant.
Juju runs the Kitty Korner cafe and is the best baker in town,she always bonded with Camden over food and now he is back she would see him all the time.
How will they handle being in one anothers lives again.?
Even though they are bickering all the time they want eachother and have always wanted eachother but the friendship pact Camden made with Juju's brother was in the way.
The chemistry and attraction soon breaks and they start to sneak around to be together the intimacy between them is steamy and hot.
This book goes into the past as well to tell the story of how their friendship broke down and how they really felt about not being friends.
My heart broke a little with young Camdens yearning for Juju but not letting himself have her.
I have to give a huge shout out to the other romance in this book it is the cutest...I LOVED Grandma Nancy,Uncle Hal and Grandma Donna and Papa Hector..OMG it is so funny and adorable their flirting is shameless.It was such a lovely lighthearted touch to this book and I enjoyed the foursomes exchanges.
The Narration by Sebastian York and Rose Dioro is TOP NOTCH Meaning blinkin EXCELLENT..they are both simply Wonderful telling this story...and Rose's accent for the Grandma's was so endearing it was a great accent.Both Sebastian and Rose did go above and beyond to make this story feel so intimate and real...Superb.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book,it made me feel all warm and cosy inside as I listened,I was totally lost to every word and every scene.
Camden and Juju stole my heart completely their romance was so sweet,swoony,romantic,spicy and beautiful.
I CANNOT WAIT for more from Windy Harbor.
Magnificent story.
5 stars !!- Cat W.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
One stubborn baker, one chef who never forgot her, and a small town that was never ready for their tension ☕🔥
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Spice-meter: 🌶️🌶️☆☆☆☆ (2/5)
Audiobook: 🎧 Duet-style
Series: Windy Harbor Series, Book 2
HEA: Yes
What It Takes is everything a small-town romance should be: warm, witty, emotionally satisfying, and quietly swoony in that “it’s always been you” kind of way. As book two in Willow Aster’s Windy Harbor series, it expands the world beautifully while delivering a romance that feels cozy, playful, and deeply heartfelt. It keeps the charm that made book one shine, but adds an extra layer of emotional history and unresolved tension that makes this one hit even harder.
This is the kind of story that makes you want to move to a lakeside town, open a café, and fall in love with someone who’s been orbiting your life forever.
The Story
Juliana “Juju” runs the Kitty-Corner Café, her happy place and safe haven in Windy Harbor. Camden Whitman is her brother’s best friend, the boy who’s always been there… and the man who has always pushed her away. Now he’s back in town, opening his own restaurant, and somehow managing to irritate her, challenge her, and unravel her all at once.
Their past is layered with misunderstandings, unresolved feelings, and the kind of emotional static that only builds when two people care too much and say too little. As forced proximity, sharp banter, and late-night vulnerability chip away at their walls, Juju and Camden are forced to confront what they’ve always avoided: that what’s between them was never annoyance… it was fear of wanting too much.
What I Loved
✔️ Brother’s best friend tension done right
✔️ Warm, charming small-town atmosphere
✔️ Banter that feels natural, flirty, and funny
✔️ Hilarious grandparents who steal scenes
✔️ Emotional vulnerability without heavy angst
✔️ A romance that feels earned and deeply satisfying
🎧 Narration
Performed in duet by Rose Dioro and Sebastian York, and this pairing is perfection. Sebastian York absolutely owns Camden with a confident, devoted, quietly intense delivery that makes every line swoon-worthy. Rose Dioro brings Juju’s warmth, frustration, and emotional depth to life beautifully, and her Minnesotan accents for the grandparents are an unexpected gift. Together, they create a natural, immersive listening experience that makes the romance feel incredibly real.
Tropes & Vibes
✔️ Brother’s Best Friend
✔️ Small-Town Romance
✔️ Enemies to Lovers Energy
✔️ Slow-Burn
✔️ Cozy Lake-Town Setting
✔️ Found Family
✔️ “It’s Always Been You”
Final Thoughts
What It Takes is cozy, charming, emotionally satisfying, and quietly addictive. It delivers banter, heart, humor, and a romance that unfolds in a way that feels natural, tender, and deeply rewarding. Willow Aster continues to prove that Windy Harbor is a place worth visiting and staying in. If you love warm small-town romances with history, heart, and swoon, this one absolutely delivers.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Spice-meter: 🌶️🌶️☆☆☆☆ (2/5)
Audiobook: 🎧 Duet-style
Series: Windy Harbor Series, Book 2
HEA: Yes
What It Takes is everything a small-town romance should be: warm, witty, emotionally satisfying, and quietly swoony in that “it’s always been you” kind of way. As book two in Willow Aster’s Windy Harbor series, it expands the world beautifully while delivering a romance that feels cozy, playful, and deeply heartfelt. It keeps the charm that made book one shine, but adds an extra layer of emotional history and unresolved tension that makes this one hit even harder.
This is the kind of story that makes you want to move to a lakeside town, open a café, and fall in love with someone who’s been orbiting your life forever.
The Story
Juliana “Juju” runs the Kitty-Corner Café, her happy place and safe haven in Windy Harbor. Camden Whitman is her brother’s best friend, the boy who’s always been there… and the man who has always pushed her away. Now he’s back in town, opening his own restaurant, and somehow managing to irritate her, challenge her, and unravel her all at once.
Their past is layered with misunderstandings, unresolved feelings, and the kind of emotional static that only builds when two people care too much and say too little. As forced proximity, sharp banter, and late-night vulnerability chip away at their walls, Juju and Camden are forced to confront what they’ve always avoided: that what’s between them was never annoyance… it was fear of wanting too much.
What I Loved
✔️ Brother’s best friend tension done right
✔️ Warm, charming small-town atmosphere
✔️ Banter that feels natural, flirty, and funny
✔️ Hilarious grandparents who steal scenes
✔️ Emotional vulnerability without heavy angst
✔️ A romance that feels earned and deeply satisfying
🎧 Narration
Performed in duet by Rose Dioro and Sebastian York, and this pairing is perfection. Sebastian York absolutely owns Camden with a confident, devoted, quietly intense delivery that makes every line swoon-worthy. Rose Dioro brings Juju’s warmth, frustration, and emotional depth to life beautifully, and her Minnesotan accents for the grandparents are an unexpected gift. Together, they create a natural, immersive listening experience that makes the romance feel incredibly real.
Tropes & Vibes
✔️ Brother’s Best Friend
✔️ Small-Town Romance
✔️ Enemies to Lovers Energy
✔️ Slow-Burn
✔️ Cozy Lake-Town Setting
✔️ Found Family
✔️ “It’s Always Been You”
Final Thoughts
What It Takes is cozy, charming, emotionally satisfying, and quietly addictive. It delivers banter, heart, humor, and a romance that unfolds in a way that feels natural, tender, and deeply rewarding. Willow Aster continues to prove that Windy Harbor is a place worth visiting and staying in. If you love warm small-town romances with history, heart, and swoon, this one absolutely delivers.
January 15, 2026
Camden and Juju (Juliana) have gone from friends to enemies over the years, due in part to a promise he made her brother, his best friend. With a romance between them off-limits due to his promise, Camden has resorted to keeping his distance from Juju or pushing her away, often with cruel words or dismissive behaviour. As a result, Juju has become hostile and dismissive of him too. Their abrasiveness pains both of their families who have become very close over the years. Now that Camden is once again in Windy Harbor, both have to confront their true feelings for the other. They each have secretly loved the other for years, but now need to decide whether to reveal those feelings or move forward to hopefully find someone else.
With their families so close, Camden and Juju can’t avoid each other and the sparks between them combust. First there are stolen passionate kisses, then come the secret encounters, dates and getaways. Though she agreed to keep their relationship secret at first, Juju is soon feeling uneasy and unsure. She wants Camden to be open and proud about dating her, and believes he is once again choosing his friendship with her brother over her. As much as she loves him, she can’t be his only in secret.
I love the fiery chemistry between Camden and JuJu, as well as their connection. Even when they are snarking at each other, there are plenty of sparks. Both use their culinary skills to show others how much they care. As kids, they became close when they encouraged and fed off of each other’s creativity, and after they let go of their hostilities, it is happening again. As a teenager, Camden made a choice to honor his friendship with Juju’s brother. Even though he now regrets that choice, it gave him and JuJu a chance to grow and to find their footing in terms of their careers. Finally revealing their feelings and being together is all the sweeter because of all the time they haven’t had together. The close relationship between the two families was special and enlightening. I enjoyed all the funny and rather revealing texts between the sets of siblings and among the friends. The elders of their families certainly add a lot of humor to this book as well. Enjoy!
This wonderful book packs an emotional punch and found its place in my heart. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
With their families so close, Camden and Juju can’t avoid each other and the sparks between them combust. First there are stolen passionate kisses, then come the secret encounters, dates and getaways. Though she agreed to keep their relationship secret at first, Juju is soon feeling uneasy and unsure. She wants Camden to be open and proud about dating her, and believes he is once again choosing his friendship with her brother over her. As much as she loves him, she can’t be his only in secret.
I love the fiery chemistry between Camden and JuJu, as well as their connection. Even when they are snarking at each other, there are plenty of sparks. Both use their culinary skills to show others how much they care. As kids, they became close when they encouraged and fed off of each other’s creativity, and after they let go of their hostilities, it is happening again. As a teenager, Camden made a choice to honor his friendship with Juju’s brother. Even though he now regrets that choice, it gave him and JuJu a chance to grow and to find their footing in terms of their careers. Finally revealing their feelings and being together is all the sweeter because of all the time they haven’t had together. The close relationship between the two families was special and enlightening. I enjoyed all the funny and rather revealing texts between the sets of siblings and among the friends. The elders of their families certainly add a lot of humor to this book as well. Enjoy!
This wonderful book packs an emotional punch and found its place in my heart. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️ARC REVIEW⭐️
What It Takes by @willowaster
4.5 ⭐ / 3🔥🌶
I am a huge fan of Willow Aster and her work. But this. This series is becoming my absolute favorite. The banter, the chemistry, the pinning. It. Is. Everything. Camden and Julianna (JuJu) are a second chance, best friend’s sister, always been you hate to love a dream come true. Though the sexual tension is disguised as hatred it really is an explosive chemistry waiting to ignite. The book starts with a slow burn that has you waiting and shouting JUST F*** Already like most of their relatives, and once that wall is broken… once the vulnerability and the hate that was never truly their fade all that's left is an explosive energy. Camden and Juju finally gave in and once the flame ignited it was a full fledged kitchen fire!!!
I am not normally a fan of flashbacks within stories but the way Willow integrates them into this story works perfectly and really helped understand what Camden and the entire Whitmore family went through, along with understanding exactly why JuJu feels the way she does. I had to laugh at some of these because, goodness gracious was young Camden an idiot. LOL Willow brings these flashbacks to the page in a way that fits perfectly either leading to a reference in the next chapter or bringing light to something our characters already discussed in the previous chapter. It was seamless and played with emotions in the best way.
As with several of Willow’s books, Be warned. This is a Not Safe For Work book. One minute you’ll be laughing your bum off, the next crying your eyes out (for the best reasons) and then next you’ll be fanning yourself and wishing you were somewhere private because you are squirming in your seat.
Add this to your TBR today, I promise you will not be disappointed.
Thank you @willowaster and @valentine_pr_ for my ARC.
#arc #arcreader #arcreviewer #angrycatreads #angrycatreviews #willowaster #thewindyharborseries #windyharborbook2 #enemiestolovers #brothersbestfriend #explosivechemistry #allthebanterplease
What It Takes by @willowaster
4.5 ⭐ / 3🔥🌶
I am a huge fan of Willow Aster and her work. But this. This series is becoming my absolute favorite. The banter, the chemistry, the pinning. It. Is. Everything. Camden and Julianna (JuJu) are a second chance, best friend’s sister, always been you hate to love a dream come true. Though the sexual tension is disguised as hatred it really is an explosive chemistry waiting to ignite. The book starts with a slow burn that has you waiting and shouting JUST F*** Already like most of their relatives, and once that wall is broken… once the vulnerability and the hate that was never truly their fade all that's left is an explosive energy. Camden and Juju finally gave in and once the flame ignited it was a full fledged kitchen fire!!!
I am not normally a fan of flashbacks within stories but the way Willow integrates them into this story works perfectly and really helped understand what Camden and the entire Whitmore family went through, along with understanding exactly why JuJu feels the way she does. I had to laugh at some of these because, goodness gracious was young Camden an idiot. LOL Willow brings these flashbacks to the page in a way that fits perfectly either leading to a reference in the next chapter or bringing light to something our characters already discussed in the previous chapter. It was seamless and played with emotions in the best way.
As with several of Willow’s books, Be warned. This is a Not Safe For Work book. One minute you’ll be laughing your bum off, the next crying your eyes out (for the best reasons) and then next you’ll be fanning yourself and wishing you were somewhere private because you are squirming in your seat.
Add this to your TBR today, I promise you will not be disappointed.
Thank you @willowaster and @valentine_pr_ for my ARC.
#arc #arcreader #arcreviewer #angrycatreads #angrycatreviews #willowaster #thewindyharborseries #windyharborbook2 #enemiestolovers #brothersbestfriend #explosivechemistry #allthebanterplease
January 15, 2026
What It Takes by @willowaster
Windy Harbor Series Book Two
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
What To Expect:
🌸 Small Town
🌸 Brother's Best Friend
🌸 Cinnamon Roll Hero
🌸 Boy Obsessed
🌸 Found Family
🌸 Childhood Friends to Enemies to Lovers
🌸 Hilarious Grandparents
🌸 Midwest Humor & Charm
🌸 It's Always Been You
This series is like a warm hug y'all! I absolutely loved Camden and Juju's story. These two were best friends since the age of 5 and 7 but things got complicated in their teen years and they end up despising each other and can't be in the same room without arguing. I love all the little flashbacks through their life to really understand their relationship and the struggles they faced.
Camden is a Michelin star chef and has moved back to Windy Harbor to be with his family. His dad was diagnosed with cancer and his wish was for all his kids to move back to town and help him bring to life his dream resort on the lake they grew up on.
Juju owns the cafe in town and is struggling to be around her brother's best friend again. She thought they were best friends growing up until one day he completely changed and left her behind. She holds so much hurt and resentment towards him and never understood what really happened.
It was beautiful seeing these two find their way back to each other after so many years! They both made mistakes and both hurt each other but they were able to heal and realize they were always meant to be together 🥹💕
My favorite part of this series is the family dynamics and Midwestern charm! It reminded me so much of my own family! They are such a tight knit group and love each other fiercely. The sibling group chats are hilarious and the grandparents will have you gigging! I caught myself laughing out loud throughout the book 🤣
This was just a complete joy to read and I can't wait for the rest of the siblings to find their happily ever after!
If you haven't started this series yet, I highly recommend adding it to the top of your TBR!
Windy Harbor Series Book Two
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
What To Expect:
🌸 Small Town
🌸 Brother's Best Friend
🌸 Cinnamon Roll Hero
🌸 Boy Obsessed
🌸 Found Family
🌸 Childhood Friends to Enemies to Lovers
🌸 Hilarious Grandparents
🌸 Midwest Humor & Charm
🌸 It's Always Been You
This series is like a warm hug y'all! I absolutely loved Camden and Juju's story. These two were best friends since the age of 5 and 7 but things got complicated in their teen years and they end up despising each other and can't be in the same room without arguing. I love all the little flashbacks through their life to really understand their relationship and the struggles they faced.
Camden is a Michelin star chef and has moved back to Windy Harbor to be with his family. His dad was diagnosed with cancer and his wish was for all his kids to move back to town and help him bring to life his dream resort on the lake they grew up on.
Juju owns the cafe in town and is struggling to be around her brother's best friend again. She thought they were best friends growing up until one day he completely changed and left her behind. She holds so much hurt and resentment towards him and never understood what really happened.
It was beautiful seeing these two find their way back to each other after so many years! They both made mistakes and both hurt each other but they were able to heal and realize they were always meant to be together 🥹💕
My favorite part of this series is the family dynamics and Midwestern charm! It reminded me so much of my own family! They are such a tight knit group and love each other fiercely. The sibling group chats are hilarious and the grandparents will have you gigging! I caught myself laughing out loud throughout the book 🤣
This was just a complete joy to read and I can't wait for the rest of the siblings to find their happily ever after!
If you haven't started this series yet, I highly recommend adding it to the top of your TBR!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Some love stories don’t start with fireworks.
They start with scraped knees, shared secrets, and a rule that says off limits.
Camden and Juliana—aka JuJu—meet when he’s seven and she’s five. He becomes her brother’s best friend, which automatically places her in the category of absolutely not. But what no one planned for was the kind of friendship that would grow with them… the kind that lasts through childhood, heartbreak, bad decisions, inside jokes, and everything in between.
Their bond is the backbone of this story, and watching it slowly crack is what makes this book so emotionally raw.
Now JuJu is running a successful bakery in their hometown—steady, warm, full of heart.
Camden is a successful chef running his restaurant in another town—ambitious, driven, and still carrying everything he never said. When he comes home to open a restaurant and be closer to his family, all the feelings they buried come rushing back. The banter? Immediate. The tension? Unbearable. The emotional damage? Very real.
What I loved most is how the story is told in the present while weaving in memories from every stage of their lives. You don’t just hear about their past—you feel it. You understand how they became the people they are, how their friendship shifted, how the banter turned sharp, and how two people who never stopped loving each other somehow lost their way.
This book doesn’t rush the healing. It lets the hurt exist.
It lets the love fight back.
And when they finally realize that what they have is bigger than fear, bigger than history, bigger than every obstacle standing in their way… it’s deeply, beautifully earned.
If you love:
✨ childhood friends to lovers
✨ brother’s best friend
✨ small town emotional romance
✨ slow-burn tension with serious payoff
✨ stories that feel like real life with a hard-won HEA
This one will live in your heart for a long time.
They start with scraped knees, shared secrets, and a rule that says off limits.
Camden and Juliana—aka JuJu—meet when he’s seven and she’s five. He becomes her brother’s best friend, which automatically places her in the category of absolutely not. But what no one planned for was the kind of friendship that would grow with them… the kind that lasts through childhood, heartbreak, bad decisions, inside jokes, and everything in between.
Their bond is the backbone of this story, and watching it slowly crack is what makes this book so emotionally raw.
Now JuJu is running a successful bakery in their hometown—steady, warm, full of heart.
Camden is a successful chef running his restaurant in another town—ambitious, driven, and still carrying everything he never said. When he comes home to open a restaurant and be closer to his family, all the feelings they buried come rushing back. The banter? Immediate. The tension? Unbearable. The emotional damage? Very real.
What I loved most is how the story is told in the present while weaving in memories from every stage of their lives. You don’t just hear about their past—you feel it. You understand how they became the people they are, how their friendship shifted, how the banter turned sharp, and how two people who never stopped loving each other somehow lost their way.
This book doesn’t rush the healing. It lets the hurt exist.
It lets the love fight back.
And when they finally realize that what they have is bigger than fear, bigger than history, bigger than every obstacle standing in their way… it’s deeply, beautifully earned.
If you love:
✨ childhood friends to lovers
✨ brother’s best friend
✨ small town emotional romance
✨ slow-burn tension with serious payoff
✨ stories that feel like real life with a hard-won HEA
This one will live in your heart for a long time.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What It Takes by Willow Aster
Narrated by Rose Dioro & Sebastian York
What It Takes is such a sweet, heart‑warming small‑town romance with major “it’s always been you” vibes. Camden and Juliana have that lifelong connection that never really went away, and watching it shift from childhood tension to adult chemistry was incredibly satisfying. Their dynamic feels real — a mix of stubbornness, longing, and all the messy emotions that come with finally facing what’s been there all along.
The small‑town charm is one of the best parts of this book. Windy Harbor feels lived‑in and cozy, and the side characters absolutely shine. The grandmas, the uncles, the found‑family moments — all of it adds warmth and humor without ever overshadowing the main romance. It makes the town feel like a place you’d want to visit, grab a coffee at the Kitty‑Corner Café, and get wrapped up in everyone’s business.
The writing style is super easy to follow, and the pacing stays engaging from start to finish. I never felt bored — if anything, I kept wanting to know what would finally push Camden and Juliana past their walls. It’s a smooth, enjoyable read that balances sweetness with just enough emotional depth.
🎧 Audiobook narration
Rose Dioro brings Juliana’s heart, vulnerability, and quiet strength to life beautifully. Sebastian York is the perfect match for Camden — steady, broody, and full of that simmering tension. Their voices complement each other so well, making the emotional beats hit even harder. The dual narration adds richness to the story and makes the “finally!” moments feel extra rewarding.
Perfect for readers who love:
• Brother’s best friend
• Small‑town charm
• Found family
• Slow‑burn tension
• Dual POV audiobooks with great chemistry
I want to thank Valentine PR and the author for the opportunity to listen to the ALC of this book prior to its release.
Narrated by Rose Dioro & Sebastian York
What It Takes is such a sweet, heart‑warming small‑town romance with major “it’s always been you” vibes. Camden and Juliana have that lifelong connection that never really went away, and watching it shift from childhood tension to adult chemistry was incredibly satisfying. Their dynamic feels real — a mix of stubbornness, longing, and all the messy emotions that come with finally facing what’s been there all along.
The small‑town charm is one of the best parts of this book. Windy Harbor feels lived‑in and cozy, and the side characters absolutely shine. The grandmas, the uncles, the found‑family moments — all of it adds warmth and humor without ever overshadowing the main romance. It makes the town feel like a place you’d want to visit, grab a coffee at the Kitty‑Corner Café, and get wrapped up in everyone’s business.
The writing style is super easy to follow, and the pacing stays engaging from start to finish. I never felt bored — if anything, I kept wanting to know what would finally push Camden and Juliana past their walls. It’s a smooth, enjoyable read that balances sweetness with just enough emotional depth.
🎧 Audiobook narration
Rose Dioro brings Juliana’s heart, vulnerability, and quiet strength to life beautifully. Sebastian York is the perfect match for Camden — steady, broody, and full of that simmering tension. Their voices complement each other so well, making the emotional beats hit even harder. The dual narration adds richness to the story and makes the “finally!” moments feel extra rewarding.
Perfect for readers who love:
• Brother’s best friend
• Small‑town charm
• Found family
• Slow‑burn tension
• Dual POV audiobooks with great chemistry
I want to thank Valentine PR and the author for the opportunity to listen to the ALC of this book prior to its release.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Willow Aster delivers another heart-stopping, can’t-put-it-down small-town romance with What It Takes.
The second book in the Windy Harbor series sweeps you straight back into a town — and a cast of characters — that weave themselves effortlessly into your heart. From the prologue alone, when Juliana is five and Camden is seven, you know you’re in for something special.
This brother’s best friend romance comes with a delicious twist. Juliana and Camden weren’t just connected through family — they were once friends in their own right, bonded by a shared love of cooking. But as the teenage years rolled in, friendship soured into enemies, leaving unresolved tension simmering beneath the surface.
Juliana stayed in Windy Harbor, building her dream café and her life in the town she loves. Camden left, carving out an impressive career as a Michelin-starred chef. Now, with his father ill and his siblings returning home to fulfil their dad’s dream of reopening a run-down resort, Camden is back — and the sparks between him and Juliana ignite instantly.
The banter is spot on, sharp and emotionally loaded, and the chapters that flip back in time to reveal pivotal moments in their shared history are absolutely priceless. When their chemistry finally catches fire, it’s pure romance perfection. But standing between them and their happily ever after is one very big complication: Juliana’s brother — Camden’s best friend. The tension of will this finally be their time keeps the pages turning at speed.
A special shoutout must go to the golden oldies: Juliana’s Papa Hector and Uncle Hal, who are an absolute delight. Their scenes — especially when they square off against Camden’s grandmothers — are laugh-out-loud brilliant and add so much warmth and heart to the story.
Packed with heart, sharp banter, and simmering heat, What It Takes is a romance that grabs hold and doesn’t let go.
Book 2 of 4 in the Windy Harbor Series 💛🔥
The second book in the Windy Harbor series sweeps you straight back into a town — and a cast of characters — that weave themselves effortlessly into your heart. From the prologue alone, when Juliana is five and Camden is seven, you know you’re in for something special.
This brother’s best friend romance comes with a delicious twist. Juliana and Camden weren’t just connected through family — they were once friends in their own right, bonded by a shared love of cooking. But as the teenage years rolled in, friendship soured into enemies, leaving unresolved tension simmering beneath the surface.
Juliana stayed in Windy Harbor, building her dream café and her life in the town she loves. Camden left, carving out an impressive career as a Michelin-starred chef. Now, with his father ill and his siblings returning home to fulfil their dad’s dream of reopening a run-down resort, Camden is back — and the sparks between him and Juliana ignite instantly.
The banter is spot on, sharp and emotionally loaded, and the chapters that flip back in time to reveal pivotal moments in their shared history are absolutely priceless. When their chemistry finally catches fire, it’s pure romance perfection. But standing between them and their happily ever after is one very big complication: Juliana’s brother — Camden’s best friend. The tension of will this finally be their time keeps the pages turning at speed.
A special shoutout must go to the golden oldies: Juliana’s Papa Hector and Uncle Hal, who are an absolute delight. Their scenes — especially when they square off against Camden’s grandmothers — are laugh-out-loud brilliant and add so much warmth and heart to the story.
Packed with heart, sharp banter, and simmering heat, What It Takes is a romance that grabs hold and doesn’t let go.
Book 2 of 4 in the Windy Harbor Series 💛🔥
January 16, 2026
This story follows Juliana and Camden, who grew up together. Years ago, Camden made a pact with Juliana’s brother, Jackson, promising he would never date or fall for his sister. That promise has weighed on him ever since. Now back in his hometown, Camden comes face to face with Juliana once again. Tensions run high, questions are asked, and they’re forced to discuss their underlying feelings.
There’s just something about stories where characters have known each other since childhood, secretly hiding feelings, and only confront them later in life that really does it for me. The connection is already there, and the chemistry feels natural. Even with an enemies-to-lovers edge, the tension between them is ignited. I loved that they both share a passion for food, and the subtle looks and sneaking around were delicious. I highly recommend the audiobook it’s done in duet narration, and Sebastian and Rose were brilliant.
That said, I did feel for Juliana. She didn’t deserve to be kept a secret for so long, and I didn’t find that attractive it dragged on, and I just wanted Camden to man up sooner. Lastly, there are quite a few side characters and siblings, and at times it was hard to keep track of who was who.
I do love Willow’s books and look forward to reading more in the future.
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook ALC
Audiobook Length:
Narrators: Sebastian York and Rose Dioro - Duet
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️.5
POV: First Person
Series or Standalone: Book Two In The Windy Harbor Series
Tropes or Themes: Small Town, Brothers Best Friend, Enemies To Lovers, One Bed , Forced Proximity, Slow Burn, Chemistry, Past and Present, Sexual Content, Dirty Talk, Praise and Oral Play.
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Fable | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
There’s just something about stories where characters have known each other since childhood, secretly hiding feelings, and only confront them later in life that really does it for me. The connection is already there, and the chemistry feels natural. Even with an enemies-to-lovers edge, the tension between them is ignited. I loved that they both share a passion for food, and the subtle looks and sneaking around were delicious. I highly recommend the audiobook it’s done in duet narration, and Sebastian and Rose were brilliant.
That said, I did feel for Juliana. She didn’t deserve to be kept a secret for so long, and I didn’t find that attractive it dragged on, and I just wanted Camden to man up sooner. Lastly, there are quite a few side characters and siblings, and at times it was hard to keep track of who was who.
I do love Willow’s books and look forward to reading more in the future.
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook ALC
Audiobook Length:
Narrators: Sebastian York and Rose Dioro - Duet
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️.5
POV: First Person
Series or Standalone: Book Two In The Windy Harbor Series
Tropes or Themes: Small Town, Brothers Best Friend, Enemies To Lovers, One Bed , Forced Proximity, Slow Burn, Chemistry, Past and Present, Sexual Content, Dirty Talk, Praise and Oral Play.
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Fable | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
Review of advance copy received from Author
Your honor, I love Camden & Juliana! These two were seriously meant for each other & when they both finally let down their walls & stopped bickering, it was amazing!
"As much as she can annoy me, I still think she's the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, which probably only serves to annoy me further."
✨️ Brother’s Best Friend
☕️ Enemies-to-Lovers
✨️ Slow Burn Tension
☕️ It's Always Been You
✨️ Small Town Romance
Camden and Juliana (Juju) have known each other since childhood. He was seven and she was five, so basically forever. I love in the beginning how we were introduced to how they met but then don't necessarily know why they don't get along present day just that they don't. Like, what happened!?
So, Camden has recently moved back home to be closer to family, mainly his dad. He has a successful restaurant, Elm & Echo in Colorado and is now opening another one in Minnesota (home). Meanwhile, Juju owns the Kitty-Corner cafe. Camden has asked Juju to make the desserts for opening night, and there's already tension when she shows up a little late.
I was immediately sucked into their dynamic from the beginning because I wanted to know how these two went from childhood friends to this whole bantering & bickering they had going on! And I loved Camden's internal monologue when it came to how he felt about Juju. "I wish I didn't always say the wrong thing when it came to her."
The flashback chapters and slow-burn tension between them completely got me. We learn why feelings weren't acted on even though they both have always felt the connection. This one is definitely an 'it's always been you' vibe & is so good!
"As much as she can annoy me, I still think she's the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, which probably only serves to annoy me further."
✨️ Brother’s Best Friend
☕️ Enemies-to-Lovers
✨️ Slow Burn Tension
☕️ It's Always Been You
✨️ Small Town Romance
Camden and Juliana (Juju) have known each other since childhood. He was seven and she was five, so basically forever. I love in the beginning how we were introduced to how they met but then don't necessarily know why they don't get along present day just that they don't. Like, what happened!?
So, Camden has recently moved back home to be closer to family, mainly his dad. He has a successful restaurant, Elm & Echo in Colorado and is now opening another one in Minnesota (home). Meanwhile, Juju owns the Kitty-Corner cafe. Camden has asked Juju to make the desserts for opening night, and there's already tension when she shows up a little late.
I was immediately sucked into their dynamic from the beginning because I wanted to know how these two went from childhood friends to this whole bantering & bickering they had going on! And I loved Camden's internal monologue when it came to how he felt about Juju. "I wish I didn't always say the wrong thing when it came to her."
The flashback chapters and slow-burn tension between them completely got me. We learn why feelings weren't acted on even though they both have always felt the connection. This one is definitely an 'it's always been you' vibe & is so good!
January 15, 2026
Oh my, Camden Whitman is one man I’d definitely say is book boyfriend material. Willow Aster’s newest Windy Harbor series installment is What It Takes. This author never disappoints me with all aspects of her books. Her writing style, beautiful and heartfelt characters are well developed, they’re sexy, and the men in her books fall hard for the women their hearts decide to love even when they fight their hearts. Camden Whitman has become a very famous chef who recently moved home to help his dad through a tough issue and help design the signature restaurant for the resort the entire family is helping to renovate. Julianna (Juju) moved to Windy Harbor when she decided to open her own cafe. These two have had a strained relationship because Camden is best friends with Julianna’s older brother. As usual, young boys and girls can say ugly things to each other and not get over it! That is the situation for Camden and Jualianna. I am totally in love with this series. Now ladies if you think Camden is one HOT man by just reading What It Takes then you will be needing a fan after hearing Sebastian York bring Camden to life in your ears! Rose Dioro brings Julianna to your ears for the utmost in aural pleasure as well. The between-the-sheets scenes you wonder about? Well, whether you read or listen to What It Takes you will definitely need that fan! These two narrators are two of my favorites! No matter whether you’ve read &/or listened to a Willow Aster book before or are new to this author I’m quite confident you will completely and utterly fall in love with Camden and Julianna. I know I sure did.
January 16, 2026
4.25⭐️
This was one of my most anticipated reads of January and I’m happy to say it lived up to my personal hype 😂
This is book 2 in the Windy Harbor Series and it follows Camden and Juliana. These two were childhood friends who grew up across the street from each other. They bonded over their shared love of food, but something happens and their friendship ends. Now years later they are living in the same small town, Juju owns the local bakery and Camden is opening a restaurant in his family’s new resort.
Read this if you like:
🧑🏻🍳 Small town romance
👨🍳 Childhood friends to enemies to lovers
🧑🏻🍳 Brother’s best friend
👨🍳 Sister’s best friend
🧑🏻🍳 Secret romance
👨🍳 It’s always been you
This story is told in alternate timelines, so we get to see the friendship when they were kids and how it changes in their teen years. And it really helped to understand how they ended up as kind of enemies. These two really cared about each other, but didn’t know how to break the pattern they were in. They had to navigate this new relationship, with working opposite schedules, and keeping it a secret from their best friends and a nosy small town. I loved how they worked through their past and that it was kind of rocky at times, it made the story feel more real.
I love Camden’s family and the interactions between the siblings have been some of my favorite parts in this series so far. Juju’s girl friends are amazing and I love their support for each other. The small town of Windy Harbor is delightful and I would love to spend my summer there.
I am absolutely loving this series so far, and if you love small town romances you need to add this to your TBR.
This was one of my most anticipated reads of January and I’m happy to say it lived up to my personal hype 😂
This is book 2 in the Windy Harbor Series and it follows Camden and Juliana. These two were childhood friends who grew up across the street from each other. They bonded over their shared love of food, but something happens and their friendship ends. Now years later they are living in the same small town, Juju owns the local bakery and Camden is opening a restaurant in his family’s new resort.
Read this if you like:
🧑🏻🍳 Small town romance
👨🍳 Childhood friends to enemies to lovers
🧑🏻🍳 Brother’s best friend
👨🍳 Sister’s best friend
🧑🏻🍳 Secret romance
👨🍳 It’s always been you
This story is told in alternate timelines, so we get to see the friendship when they were kids and how it changes in their teen years. And it really helped to understand how they ended up as kind of enemies. These two really cared about each other, but didn’t know how to break the pattern they were in. They had to navigate this new relationship, with working opposite schedules, and keeping it a secret from their best friends and a nosy small town. I loved how they worked through their past and that it was kind of rocky at times, it made the story feel more real.
I love Camden’s family and the interactions between the siblings have been some of my favorite parts in this series so far. Juju’s girl friends are amazing and I love their support for each other. The small town of Windy Harbor is delightful and I would love to spend my summer there.
I am absolutely loving this series so far, and if you love small town romances you need to add this to your TBR.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5⭐
What It Takes is book 2 in the Windy Harbor series and it can read entirely fine as a standalone. I loved returning to this small town and this installment definitely delivered on all the small town feels. The author developed the town so much more, bringing it to life and making everything so vivid. Everyone in this town is charming, every little store, cafe and bakery just brings such a warmth to it. This book had the perfect balance of heat, heart and charm. This one sealed the deal for me !
Camden& Juju are destined to be together. They have both loved each other since they were young but never acted upon it. Their romance was nothing short of emotional, rocky, confusing, heartbreaking and beautiful. I loved how they finally got brought back together. I loved how supportive the parents were and others around them. The grandmas were absolutely hilarious. The only thing I hate is when the brother of the FMC is never supportive of his best friend dating his sister and causes them to not be together earlier !!!!
Overall, this was such a fantastic installment to the series. It just enhanced my love for this town and characters even more. I can't wait to see where book 3 takes us!
🎧 The narration by Sebastian York and Rose Diorio was so good. They brought the story and characters to life flawlessly. They made the romance and tension feel so real. The emotions were on point and easily felt through their performance. A great experience. Absolutely recommend!
✨️ Thank you to @valentinepr & @willowaster for my gifted ALC in exchange for an honest review.
What It Takes is book 2 in the Windy Harbor series and it can read entirely fine as a standalone. I loved returning to this small town and this installment definitely delivered on all the small town feels. The author developed the town so much more, bringing it to life and making everything so vivid. Everyone in this town is charming, every little store, cafe and bakery just brings such a warmth to it. This book had the perfect balance of heat, heart and charm. This one sealed the deal for me !
Camden& Juju are destined to be together. They have both loved each other since they were young but never acted upon it. Their romance was nothing short of emotional, rocky, confusing, heartbreaking and beautiful. I loved how they finally got brought back together. I loved how supportive the parents were and others around them. The grandmas were absolutely hilarious. The only thing I hate is when the brother of the FMC is never supportive of his best friend dating his sister and causes them to not be together earlier !!!!
Overall, this was such a fantastic installment to the series. It just enhanced my love for this town and characters even more. I can't wait to see where book 3 takes us!
🎧 The narration by Sebastian York and Rose Diorio was so good. They brought the story and characters to life flawlessly. They made the romance and tension feel so real. The emotions were on point and easily felt through their performance. A great experience. Absolutely recommend!
✨️ Thank you to @valentinepr & @willowaster for my gifted ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Willow Aster writes with so much heart yours might burst. I love a good friends to lovers story because they are packed with so many memories and history. Juliana & Camden pack that history with enmity and a lifetime of missed opportunity. The connection has been there since they were little kids but like so many young boys, he let his brotherhood win out. His best friend clearly didn’t want him liking his sister, so he didn’t, or he tried to pretend he didn’t. He got so good at pretending even she believed it and thus began a lifetime of pining and angst. The journey to HEA is littered with hurt words, tension and a bubbling chemistry. Naturally that bubbling has to spill over and once it does, he can’t hide what he feels for her. I loved the buildup, the conflict and the family. Willow Aster doesn’t write a story about two people, it is always a village. The family dynamic between the Fair’s and the Whitman’s is what will cement this story in your heart. You are completely drawn into this small town universe. But it’s the love and excitement of new romance with Camden and Juju that will keep coming back for more.
Rose Dioro and Sebastian York tell a story that plays out like a small town serial. YOU just keep tuning in for each new episode. Rose’s voice has such endearingly tender qualities that feel like listening to any of your best girlfriends. While Sebastian York’s gentle tones will have you swooning. They create an entire experience for your ears.
Rose Dioro and Sebastian York tell a story that plays out like a small town serial. YOU just keep tuning in for each new episode. Rose’s voice has such endearingly tender qualities that feel like listening to any of your best girlfriends. While Sebastian York’s gentle tones will have you swooning. They create an entire experience for your ears.
January 17, 2026
Everything I want in small town romance.
Willow Aster writes small town romance so well. I loved Camden and Juliana’s story. It’s filled with humor, heart, and plenty of spice when these two give in and acknowledge their feelings for what they are.
Camden is back in town to open his restaurant and help with the opening of the family resort. Juju now runs her café and is not happy to see Camden back. These two have a complicated and rocky history that’s told through a series of flashbacks. Their beginning is so sweet and later you get to see the reason for the ongoing animosity, and it makes it so much more impactful when they finally give into their attraction. Their courtship is not easy. Between their demanding schedules, well-meaning ‘helpful’ family members getting in the way, an angry rooster, and a childhood pact made with her brother, they struggle but the end results are so worth it.
Duet narration by Sebastian York and Rose Dioro. They are fantastic. Sebastian delivers all the swoon, swagger, determination, and dirty talk that is Camden. Rose was a delight! She portrayed Juju’s strength, sass, and fierceness perfectly. However, add in the grandmas and their Minnesota accent? Pure entertainment! These two brought this book to another level with these stellar performances.
This book simply made my heart happy. I can’t wait for more from this town and characters.
Willow Aster writes small town romance so well. I loved Camden and Juliana’s story. It’s filled with humor, heart, and plenty of spice when these two give in and acknowledge their feelings for what they are.
Camden is back in town to open his restaurant and help with the opening of the family resort. Juju now runs her café and is not happy to see Camden back. These two have a complicated and rocky history that’s told through a series of flashbacks. Their beginning is so sweet and later you get to see the reason for the ongoing animosity, and it makes it so much more impactful when they finally give into their attraction. Their courtship is not easy. Between their demanding schedules, well-meaning ‘helpful’ family members getting in the way, an angry rooster, and a childhood pact made with her brother, they struggle but the end results are so worth it.
Duet narration by Sebastian York and Rose Dioro. They are fantastic. Sebastian delivers all the swoon, swagger, determination, and dirty talk that is Camden. Rose was a delight! She portrayed Juju’s strength, sass, and fierceness perfectly. However, add in the grandmas and their Minnesota accent? Pure entertainment! These two brought this book to another level with these stellar performances.
This book simply made my heart happy. I can’t wait for more from this town and characters.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This second book in the Windy Harbor has two of my favorite tropes: Enemies to Lovers and Siblings best friend/best friend's little sister. When Camden Whitman first met Julianna Fair when he was seven and she was five, it was best friends at first sight. Until, they weren't! Sometime during their adolescent years, Camden and Julianna became enemies, barely being able to be in the same room as each other. Now they are adults, living back in Windy Harbor and existing in each other's orbits and the attraction they have felt for each other for all those years is still there. Eventually, Camden decides that he can no longer stand to see the hurt on Julianna's face every time he says something unkind and slowly as they spend more time together, their friendship rekindles and blossoms into something more. How do they navigate this new relationship, this chance at happiness and going against the promise Camden made to Julianna's brother, that he would never date his sister.
This book is warm and witty, with humorous text chains, relatable characters that make you want to be their friends and move to Windy Harbor. The story moves quickly and all the love and feelings come flowing off the page showcasing Ms. Aster's wonderful writing and creating a romance that overcomes lies, miscommunications and barrels towards an HEA.
This book is warm and witty, with humorous text chains, relatable characters that make you want to be their friends and move to Windy Harbor. The story moves quickly and all the love and feelings come flowing off the page showcasing Ms. Aster's wonderful writing and creating a romance that overcomes lies, miscommunications and barrels towards an HEA.
Review of advance copy
This was a great audiobook. Rose Dioro and Sebastian York did a fantastic job bringing Juju and Camden’s characters to life. They brought the banter and emotion that made this audiobook so enjoyable. I was hooked from the very beginning.
Camden and Juju (Juliana) were childhood friends. However, Juju’s brother, Jackson, was Camden’s best friend and they always said they’d never go out with each other’s sisters. So, growing up there were mean words and comments exchanged between the two that really made Juju feel like Camden hated her.
I loved Juju. She was a strong FMC who was independent and had her own business. I loved how she held her own when it came to her fights and arguments with Camden. While these two fought a lot, I loved the parts where they put their feelings aside and just enjoyed each other’s company. Her family had me cracking up, but I love how much they loved her.
I really like Camden. I love how he went back to Windy Harbor to help his family and be around more for his father. After he realized how much he wanted to be with Juju, he tried to do all he could to show her how much she truly meant to him. However, he struggled with wanting to stay loyal to Jackson, while being with her.
I loved these two together and I really enjoyed their banter. I loved that they were both had similar careers. You could definitely feel the tension between them and there were so many times I just wanted them to get together already. While I did love them both, some of their decisions and actions were a bit frustrating. I felt like Juju gave in a bit too easily and Camden was a bit too afraid of Jackson.
Overall, this was a great audiobook. I love Willow’s writing and this book was no exception. The dual timeline in this book was great and it really helped me understand why they didn’t get a long. So, I would recommend this book, especially if you love a small town, brother’s best friend, enemies to lovers, found family, chef x baker romance.
Thank you to Willow Aster and Valentine PR for the ALC for an honest review.
Camden and Juju (Juliana) were childhood friends. However, Juju’s brother, Jackson, was Camden’s best friend and they always said they’d never go out with each other’s sisters. So, growing up there were mean words and comments exchanged between the two that really made Juju feel like Camden hated her.
I loved Juju. She was a strong FMC who was independent and had her own business. I loved how she held her own when it came to her fights and arguments with Camden. While these two fought a lot, I loved the parts where they put their feelings aside and just enjoyed each other’s company. Her family had me cracking up, but I love how much they loved her.
I really like Camden. I love how he went back to Windy Harbor to help his family and be around more for his father. After he realized how much he wanted to be with Juju, he tried to do all he could to show her how much she truly meant to him. However, he struggled with wanting to stay loyal to Jackson, while being with her.
I loved these two together and I really enjoyed their banter. I loved that they were both had similar careers. You could definitely feel the tension between them and there were so many times I just wanted them to get together already. While I did love them both, some of their decisions and actions were a bit frustrating. I felt like Juju gave in a bit too easily and Camden was a bit too afraid of Jackson.
Overall, this was a great audiobook. I love Willow’s writing and this book was no exception. The dual timeline in this book was great and it really helped me understand why they didn’t get a long. So, I would recommend this book, especially if you love a small town, brother’s best friend, enemies to lovers, found family, chef x baker romance.
Thank you to Willow Aster and Valentine PR for the ALC for an honest review.
January 15, 2026
What It Takes is such an emotional trip back to Windy Harbor. It follows Camden, a successful chef who finds himself back home, and Juliana (Juju), the baker who never left and built a life full of heart and community. They were once inseparable as kids, but somewhere along the way, things fell apart. What unfolds is a second-chance romance packed with longing, old wounds, and a chemistry that never really faded. No matter how hard they tried to ignore it.
One of the things that really worked for me was how the story weaves the past into the present. Seeing little snapshots of their childhood and teenage years makes everything hit harder and helps you understand exactly how they ended up where they are now.
And Windy Harbor? Still completely lovable. The tight-knit families, meddling elders, and hilarious grandparents add so much charm and humor, perfectly balancing the heavier emotional moments.
The audiobook narration was fantastic. Rose Diorio captured Juju’s guarded heart, quiet vulnerability, and underlying fire with so much authenticity, while Sebastian York nailed Camden’s emotional depth and inner conflict. Their performances complement each other beautifully. If you love small-town romances, second chances, and “it’s always been you” vibes, this one is absolutely worth the listen.
One of the things that really worked for me was how the story weaves the past into the present. Seeing little snapshots of their childhood and teenage years makes everything hit harder and helps you understand exactly how they ended up where they are now.
And Windy Harbor? Still completely lovable. The tight-knit families, meddling elders, and hilarious grandparents add so much charm and humor, perfectly balancing the heavier emotional moments.
The audiobook narration was fantastic. Rose Diorio captured Juju’s guarded heart, quiet vulnerability, and underlying fire with so much authenticity, while Sebastian York nailed Camden’s emotional depth and inner conflict. Their performances complement each other beautifully. If you love small-town romances, second chances, and “it’s always been you” vibes, this one is absolutely worth the listen.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I’m officially obsessed ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What It Takes by Willow Aster was one of those audiobooks I didn’t want to pause, even for real life. From the moment I hit play, I was completely pulled back into Windy Harbor, and honestly? It felt like coming home.
First, thank you so much to Willow Aster and Valentine PR for gifting me the ALC and the opportunity to listen and review this audiobook early. I loved book one in this series, and this second installment just sealed the deal for me. Now I’m sitting here impatiently waiting for book three because I’m not ready to let this world, or these characters, go yet.
Camden and the FMC’s history had me hooked right away. The brother’s best friend dynamic, the childhood connection, the years of misunderstandings, and that simmering enemies-to-lovers tension? So good. I loved watching their walls slowly come down and realizing that maybe what they thought they knew about each other wasn’t the full story. The emotional moments felt earned, the chemistry was undeniable, and Camden’s determination absolutely melted me.
The audiobook experience itself was incredible. Rose Dioro and Sebastian York brought these characters to life in such a natural, emotional way. Sebastian York as Camden was perfection! Confident, intense, and swoony in all the right moments, while Rose Dioro captured the FMC’s strength, frustration, and vulnerability beautifully. Their performances added so much depth to the story and made the romance feel even more real.
Between the cozy small-town vibes, the café and restaurant tension, and the Lake Superior setting, this story had the perfect balance of heart, heat, and charm. I laughed, I sighed, and I definitely found myself smiling way too much while listening.
What It Takes is book two in the interconnected standalone Windy Harbor series and is now available for pre-order in audio, releasing January 15, 2026. If you love small-town romances, brother’s best friend tropes, and audiobooks that completely pull you in, this one is an absolute must-listen.
I loved every minute and I can’t wait for what’s next in this series. 💙🎧
What It Takes by Willow Aster was one of those audiobooks I didn’t want to pause, even for real life. From the moment I hit play, I was completely pulled back into Windy Harbor, and honestly? It felt like coming home.
First, thank you so much to Willow Aster and Valentine PR for gifting me the ALC and the opportunity to listen and review this audiobook early. I loved book one in this series, and this second installment just sealed the deal for me. Now I’m sitting here impatiently waiting for book three because I’m not ready to let this world, or these characters, go yet.
Camden and the FMC’s history had me hooked right away. The brother’s best friend dynamic, the childhood connection, the years of misunderstandings, and that simmering enemies-to-lovers tension? So good. I loved watching their walls slowly come down and realizing that maybe what they thought they knew about each other wasn’t the full story. The emotional moments felt earned, the chemistry was undeniable, and Camden’s determination absolutely melted me.
The audiobook experience itself was incredible. Rose Dioro and Sebastian York brought these characters to life in such a natural, emotional way. Sebastian York as Camden was perfection! Confident, intense, and swoony in all the right moments, while Rose Dioro captured the FMC’s strength, frustration, and vulnerability beautifully. Their performances added so much depth to the story and made the romance feel even more real.
Between the cozy small-town vibes, the café and restaurant tension, and the Lake Superior setting, this story had the perfect balance of heart, heat, and charm. I laughed, I sighed, and I definitely found myself smiling way too much while listening.
What It Takes is book two in the interconnected standalone Windy Harbor series and is now available for pre-order in audio, releasing January 15, 2026. If you love small-town romances, brother’s best friend tropes, and audiobooks that completely pull you in, this one is an absolute must-listen.
I loved every minute and I can’t wait for what’s next in this series. 💙🎧
January 14, 2026
Thanks, Willow and @mustloveaudiofor the ALC.
Juju and Camden have an adorable meet-cute at the ages of 5 and 7 respectively. They share a love for cooking , they're neighbors... But soon Camden becomes best friends with her brother and, you know, the 'bro code' kicks in: why are you hanging out with my sister?!
The connection between them, however, remains and as, they get older and unable to handle these feelings, it turns into animosity.
Years pass and Camden is now a Michelin-starred chef in Colorado and Juju runs The Kitty Corner Cafe in Windy Harbor. A family situation brings Camden home. Immediately the sparks are flying and pretty soon it's a raging fire that gets worse when they, ironically, get snowed in together alone. Time to face what they have known all along.
Oh, the swoon! I was in love with this small town, childhood friends to enemies to lovers full of banter, family shenanigans that screams 'it's always been you'. I loved how we go back and forth in time because we slowly get how these two got where they are.
The audiobook is narrated in duet by Rose Dioro and Sebastian York. I will let you all do all the deserved screaming for Sebastian while I fangirl and gush about Rose: sweet mother of pearl! She's brilliant! Every single character has a unique voice and she ROCKS the Minnesota accent for the grandmothers! I am always in awe of her performances!
This one is top tier small town enemies to lovers with the 'boy obsessed' chef and the sassy baker. I loved the meddling grandparents, the secret dates, the girl squad and ... OMG, the tree house!
I can't wait to to go back to Windy Harbor!
Content notes: mentions of cancer treatment, loss of a parent due to car accident
Juju and Camden have an adorable meet-cute at the ages of 5 and 7 respectively. They share a love for cooking , they're neighbors... But soon Camden becomes best friends with her brother and, you know, the 'bro code' kicks in: why are you hanging out with my sister?!
The connection between them, however, remains and as, they get older and unable to handle these feelings, it turns into animosity.
Years pass and Camden is now a Michelin-starred chef in Colorado and Juju runs The Kitty Corner Cafe in Windy Harbor. A family situation brings Camden home. Immediately the sparks are flying and pretty soon it's a raging fire that gets worse when they, ironically, get snowed in together alone. Time to face what they have known all along.
Oh, the swoon! I was in love with this small town, childhood friends to enemies to lovers full of banter, family shenanigans that screams 'it's always been you'. I loved how we go back and forth in time because we slowly get how these two got where they are.
The audiobook is narrated in duet by Rose Dioro and Sebastian York. I will let you all do all the deserved screaming for Sebastian while I fangirl and gush about Rose: sweet mother of pearl! She's brilliant! Every single character has a unique voice and she ROCKS the Minnesota accent for the grandmothers! I am always in awe of her performances!
This one is top tier small town enemies to lovers with the 'boy obsessed' chef and the sassy baker. I loved the meddling grandparents, the secret dates, the girl squad and ... OMG, the tree house!
I can't wait to to go back to Windy Harbor!
Content notes: mentions of cancer treatment, loss of a parent due to car accident
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a top favorite book by this author. I loved Camden and Juliana so much that I became so sad when their story ended.
These two basically grew up together. He’s her brother’s best friend. Throughout the years, circumstances kept pushing them away from each other. This whole time, Juju has been under the impression that Camden sees her as a pesky little sister which is why they are always fighting. However, nothing could be further from the truth.
Let me tell you something….Camden is a top notch MMC. He’s fiercely loyal to his family and friends. That loyalty has kept him from truly exploring more with Juju. He has no interest in pursuing anything with anyone but her. He’s very protective of her and it’s quite hilarious watching his reaction to seeing her on dates. When things start to grow between them, you finally get to see how incredibly sweet he is.
Juju is very independent and I love how she consistently stands up for herself. While Camden drives her crazy, she keeps being reminded why they were best friends years ago. He’s always been there when she’s needed him. Their chemistry is off the charts. I laughed so many times and I cannot wait for what’s next!
These two basically grew up together. He’s her brother’s best friend. Throughout the years, circumstances kept pushing them away from each other. This whole time, Juju has been under the impression that Camden sees her as a pesky little sister which is why they are always fighting. However, nothing could be further from the truth.
Let me tell you something….Camden is a top notch MMC. He’s fiercely loyal to his family and friends. That loyalty has kept him from truly exploring more with Juju. He has no interest in pursuing anything with anyone but her. He’s very protective of her and it’s quite hilarious watching his reaction to seeing her on dates. When things start to grow between them, you finally get to see how incredibly sweet he is.
Juju is very independent and I love how she consistently stands up for herself. While Camden drives her crazy, she keeps being reminded why they were best friends years ago. He’s always been there when she’s needed him. Their chemistry is off the charts. I laughed so many times and I cannot wait for what’s next!
Review of advance copy
4.5 stars ⭐️ Juju and Camden grew up together but grew apart when Juju’s brother (and Camden’s best friend) made him promise never to date his sister. After that their relationship became very strained. They both ended up in a career involving cooking and it was one of the things they always had in common. Now that they are both back in their small town, she with her cafe and him with his restaurant, they can’t resist running into each other. The hate and banter is strong between them until the tides turn and they are able to work thru the past and find they’ve both been wanting each other for a long time. I love how supportive they are of each others careers and how they appreciate the skills the other has with cooking. Once dating, Camden does many special things for Juju to win her over and show his love. Plenty of steamy times and a lot of lovely romance. Can their romance survive their opposite schedules and will Juju’s brother be ok with them dating? The integration of friends and family is such fun and the grandparents flirting is priceless! Love the story line, love the characters and a wonderful read. Can’t wait for the next one!
January 15, 2026
I finished What It Takes and I just sat there thinking about love, timing, and all the things that matter.
Willow Aster wrote a romance that’s gentle but deep, emotional without being overdone, and completely unforgettable.
The story centers on Camden and Juju whose relationship is shaped by missed opportunities, personal struggles.
We go through their journey as they reconnect after time and experience have changed them. The story unfolds through emotional tension, honest conversations, and internal conflict. Much of the conflict comes from the Camden and Juju past decisions and fears, making the story feel realistic and grounded. They are forced to confront their own insecurities and learn what it means to show up not just for love, but for themselves. Their development throughout the story highlight’s themes of maturity, accountability, and second chances. The pacing is steady, allowing the reader to fully understand the motivation behind each choice they make.
Willow always knows how to deliver.
Favorite part: I want to be around for whatever comes, but no one lives forever, so when I go, you kids stick together.”
Willow Aster wrote a romance that’s gentle but deep, emotional without being overdone, and completely unforgettable.
The story centers on Camden and Juju whose relationship is shaped by missed opportunities, personal struggles.
We go through their journey as they reconnect after time and experience have changed them. The story unfolds through emotional tension, honest conversations, and internal conflict. Much of the conflict comes from the Camden and Juju past decisions and fears, making the story feel realistic and grounded. They are forced to confront their own insecurities and learn what it means to show up not just for love, but for themselves. Their development throughout the story highlight’s themes of maturity, accountability, and second chances. The pacing is steady, allowing the reader to fully understand the motivation behind each choice they make.
Willow always knows how to deliver.
Favorite part: I want to be around for whatever comes, but no one lives forever, so when I go, you kids stick together.”
January 16, 2026
4.25*s
I adore Cameron and Juju together but oh my goodness the angst that these two bring us. I know that part of it was that they were young and Cameron didn’t really know how to handle his feelings & the situation but he sure did make things worse. And they kept at it for years!
I don’t blame Juju for her reactions, especially as the flashbacks give us glimpses into exactly how bad things got. And once they started down that path it was probably hard to come back from it but *whew*
When things are good though, they are delightful. There’s a deep understanding between the two of them and a playfulness that makes me smile. They’ve known each other for years and share so many experiences & interests. They make a great team … as long as they get out of their own way :)
Aster may bring us years of pining, sniping, and hurt, but she also gives us a good mix of spice and connection. I love the small town charm & close family ties of her stories and I’m looking forward to seeing what we get next with Dylan’s story.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
(Part of a series but can stand on its own)
I adore Cameron and Juju together but oh my goodness the angst that these two bring us. I know that part of it was that they were young and Cameron didn’t really know how to handle his feelings & the situation but he sure did make things worse. And they kept at it for years!
I don’t blame Juju for her reactions, especially as the flashbacks give us glimpses into exactly how bad things got. And once they started down that path it was probably hard to come back from it but *whew*
When things are good though, they are delightful. There’s a deep understanding between the two of them and a playfulness that makes me smile. They’ve known each other for years and share so many experiences & interests. They make a great team … as long as they get out of their own way :)
Aster may bring us years of pining, sniping, and hurt, but she also gives us a good mix of spice and connection. I love the small town charm & close family ties of her stories and I’m looking forward to seeing what we get next with Dylan’s story.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
(Part of a series but can stand on its own)
Review of advance copy
I think I’m hooked on Small Town Romances. Just makes you feel so cozy, when you start getting to know the characters in town.
Juliana and Camden grew up together. They were best friends when they young, but then something happened and from then they had this love-hate relationship going on. Even through their families are close, one minute they are getting along and then one of them says something and they just explode.
But underneath all of that, they are so in love with each other. They have so much they have to talk through; it just takes one of them to open up. Lots of hurt, misunderstandings, sexual tension and lots of chemistry and an overprotective brother.
I couldn’t get enough of Camden and Juliana. Whenever they were together you could just feel their attraction towards each other. The whole time reading this story I couldn’t wait to get to the end to see how this was going to unfold. I am totally excited for the next story in this series 😊
Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner
Juliana and Camden grew up together. They were best friends when they young, but then something happened and from then they had this love-hate relationship going on. Even through their families are close, one minute they are getting along and then one of them says something and they just explode.
But underneath all of that, they are so in love with each other. They have so much they have to talk through; it just takes one of them to open up. Lots of hurt, misunderstandings, sexual tension and lots of chemistry and an overprotective brother.
I couldn’t get enough of Camden and Juliana. Whenever they were together you could just feel their attraction towards each other. The whole time reading this story I couldn’t wait to get to the end to see how this was going to unfold. I am totally excited for the next story in this series 😊
Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner
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