I really enjoyed this book. The character dynamics and chemistry stood out to me the most—everything between them felt natural and effortless, like they clicked immediately. It honestly made me pause a few times and wonder… does one of them remember something the other doesn’t? 🤔 That part really pulled me in.
I also loved how this story makes you think. Some details might seem small at first, but as you keep reading, you realize they could mean something bigger. It definitely had me paying closer attention as I went.
The Southern representation was such a nice touch too. As someone who’s Southern, I really appreciated those moments—especially the cooking scenes. It added warmth and made the characters feel even more real.
My favorite part was the fashion show scene. It was so vivid and well done—I could picture everything.
And I loved when the male lead checked those girls who were trying to bully her. That moment? Yeah. He handled that exactly how he should’ve.
The storyline the main character is investigating is also really interesting. It has me questioning everything—especially Elizabeth and her past. There’s clearly more going on there, and I feel like she’s connected to something much bigger.
Also, I didn’t notice any repeated sections or errors in my version, so it looks like any updates were handled.
Overall, I’m hooked. I can’t wait for the next book and honestly the rest of the series because I need answers. I read a lot of thrillers, mystery, and fantasy, so I really appreciate when a story makes me pay attention—and this one definitely did. Now let me go read book 2 since it drop today! ♥️
I finished Book 1 in 2 days because I needed answers. Then found out book 2 is out!!!!
From the very beginning, the characters clicked for me—especially Alaina. I love that she’s confident and actually thinks for herself. She doesn’t just believe what people tell her—she goes and digs on her own, and that’s something I really appreciate because a lot of main characters don’t do that.
This is a true slow burn, and if you love tension that builds naturally, this book does it right.
Now Miguel… at first, I thought he was a little suspicious, not going to lie. But I also understood him. He’s British, so the way he talks—the wit, the tone, even the slight flirting—that’s just how they are. If you understand that, then the way he and Alaina connect makes sense. Their dynamic clicked for me early because of that.
The more I read, the more I started to feel like he’s not shady in a bad way—he’s watching her in a protective way. Like he knows more than he’s saying but is looking out for her. Especially certain moments—his home office, the phone calls, and that dinner scene when she cooked for him… those little interactions made me feel like there’s more to him, but it leans toward him protecting her more than anything.
And honestly, we don’t even know that much about him yet, but there are definitely clues there.
The detail in this book is heavy—but in a good way. I didn’t mind it because it actually feels intentional. I started noticing little things—like the environment (that wood smell in her apartment??), certain outfit details, and moments that felt like they meant more than what was on the surface. I even went back to reread parts because I felt like I caught something.
Some people might skim over those details, but I didn’t—and now I see why they’re there.
Also… Elizabeth Kane? Yeah, she’s shady. I’m standing on that.
I love that this is the kind of story where you don’t fully trust anyone. I have my own theories, I’ve highlighted a lot, and I’m still trying to piece things together. I can’t figure out who the heir is yet, and I still don’t fully understand the big mystery—but I feel like it ties back to Alaina herself and something connected to that last story she was investigating.
That’s what’s keeping me hooked.
And I’ll say this—I’m not someone who nitpicks every little mistake in a book. Small things happen. What matters to me is the plot, and this plot feels different. It’s layered, it makes you think, and it keeps you guessing. It’s kind rare you find good books with good plots that have you trying to piece it together and I love that.
My friend recommended this to me, and she did NOT miss.
It is definitely a slow burn romance, which I'm a fan of. I am invested in the main characters and this will they won't they dance? Their chemistry is pretty good and I found myself rooting for them. The thriller mystery part of it is also pretty good. I, admittedly, don't feel like I have solved the mystery and I still have so many questions, which is great for a thriller. This has a lot of moving parts and seems to be a couple of big mysteries baked into one book that we still haven't solved yet.
I love the New York setting, and that the main character is this southern transplant, who seems to have embraced New York city life.
What I didn't care for.
The book, overall, could use a really good proofread. There were lots of repeated sentences or sometimes even repeated paragraphs. There were other places where the author changed her thought or wording mid-sentence, but didn't go back and delete the other part that she changed. So where I wanted to really be immersed in this book, I found myself being pulled out of the story because of the errors.
At times it felt like it was too descriptive of the scenery. Especially the different outfits. That's definitely a preference thing. I like a little detail so that I can form a picture in my mind. But this book was overly descriptive. On the other hand, a very fashion forward person would probably enjoy that aspect.
The relationship between the 2 main characters was confusing at times. The book is written as if they are meeting for the first time at the beginning of the book. But their interactions make it seem like they've known each other for longer. Maybe this is part of the mystery that I'll get answers to in book 2. But at no point, in the beginning of the book, did it feel like they had just met a couple of days ago, which is how bear story begins.
Overall, I would consider this a good book and yes, I am buying the second book because I absolutely need to know the answers to all these questions.
Miguel is so mysterious it’s almost annoying (in a good way). You never fully know what he’s thinking, and that tension between him and Alaina? So good. Alaina doesn’t fold for anyone and I loved her confidence and style. The friend group Sade & Austin I love them both. Their personalities are everything, and Sade and her comebacks… GIRLLLL.
Also… I was suspicious of certain people the entire time 👀 Not saying names, but yeah. Definitely a page-turner.
I already need Book 2 because I need answers. I can’t wait to see how everything unfolds and what’s really going on behind the scenes.
This book had me side-eyeing everyone. I didn’t trust certain people, certain situations, or certain motives—and I loved that feeling. Nothing felt accidental, and the tension kept building without giving too much away. I was constantly questioning who to trust and what was really going on beneath the surface.
The slow-burn romance is done so well, and Miguel? He does not play about Alaina. His protectiveness without being overbearing completely won me over and left me wanting more of their story.i need book 2.