What do you think?
Rate this book


310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 24, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Comfort: 💖💖💖💖💖💖/5 (surpasses expectations)
This book was definitely more action packed than the first one, but without having to sacrifice any of the comfort, character development, relationship development, or strong plot that made me love the first book so much.
Let me tell you, I absolutely devoured this book. It was so good that I completely lost track of time while reading. I was fully immersed from beginning to end.
In this book, we learn even more about the guys’ pasts, Cadence’s past, and their individual personalities. I especially loved seeing Cadence continue to stand her ground while slowly lowering her walls around the guys, and vice versa.
One thing I personally dislike in romance is when the MMCs try too hard to act like something they are not, or when pride and ego create unnecessary distance between characters. Thankfully, this book handled conflict in such a refreshing way.
We get the first major conflict between Cadence and the guys, and let me tell you, the groveling and apologies were so well done. It felt genuine, heartfelt, and honestly very original.
Throughout the book, the group faces several challenges they are forced to confront, but what made everything even more special is that they faced it together. As a unit.
That sense of unity made every emotional and intense moment hit even harder.
I say this book is more action packed because we get a bit of a mafia situation unfolding. Even so, the book never feels overly dark. The balance between suspense, emotional depth, comfort, and healing remains excellent.
The trauma, emotional reactions, and tension were written so well that it genuinely felt immersive, like you were right there experiencing everything with them.
Aside from the heavier plot points, I also loved the high school setting. The rumors, drama, and social dynamics added another layer to the story, and I really enjoyed seeing Cadence and the guys prove that their bond is not so easily broken.
I would not say we fully get romantic feelings awakening in this book just yet, but we definitely get meaningful romantic development. There is slow burn tension, subtle emotional intimacy, sweet moments, and an important conversation that starts unraveling deeper feelings.
Despite the tension this could have caused, I was so happy to see that it never damaged the found family dynamic. That was one of my favorite things about this book.
It was also wonderful seeing the guys become more comfortable with each other.
Even though we did not get as much Calvin in this book, I actually appreciated that because it served the pacing and overall plot well, especially when we begin uncovering the truth about Cadence’s trauma surrounding her mother.
Needless to say, I loved this book just as much as the first one, and I am desperate to read the next installment.
⚠️ TW: abuse, child abuse, trauma, death, addiction, miscarriage, kidnapping, stalking, harassment, near death experience, and other related topics.
♫ ── Tropes ── ♫
♪ Why choose/Reverse harem
♪ Found family
♪ Slow burn romance
♪ Protective MMCs
♪ Touch her and die vibes
♪ Group loyalty
♪ Us against the world
♪ Mafia subplot
♪ High school drama
♪ Emotional intimacy before romance
♫ ── Vibes ── ♫
More intense, more emotional, and higher stakes while still maintaining the warmth and comfort of the first book. This installment beautifully balances suspense, emotional vulnerability, and found family dynamics. It feels immersive, heartfelt, and deeply comforting even during the heaviest moments. If you love protective MMCs, slow burn emotional intimacy, and found family stories where the bond only grows stronger through adversity, this sequel delivers wonderfully.
Pdt: there’s a scene where they mention a chibi image and I tried to recreate it. It’s so cuteeee!! I totally recommend the experience ;)