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by Zoe Allison (October 8, 2024)

A big thank you to @berkleyromance and @prhaudio for the #gifted print and audiobook of this delightful brother’s best friend-to-lovers romance. #prhaudioinfluencer #berkleypartner

Liv has been harboring a secret crush on Arran Adebayo, her brother’s best friend, for fifteen years. But she’s always been stuck in the friend zone, especially after Arran got engaged and became a father. Now, he’s a single parent and life keeps throwing Liv and Arran together—Liv is not only his son’s kindergarten teacher but also helping out with childcare on weekends. On top of that, they’re the best man and maid of honor at her brother’s wedding. And just when things couldn’t get more complicated, a blind dating app pairs them up! It’s as if the universe is screaming at them to finally acknowledge what Liv has felt for years. However, with Liv’s complicated past and Arran’s recent struggles, they both need to confront some deep-seated issues before considering a future together—oh, and there’s also a wedding to plan!

This was a fun twist on the best friend’s brother trope, without the typical “touch her and die” overprotective brother. In fact, Liv’s black belt makes her more than capable of defending herself! I especially appreciated how Arran’s son and the realities of single parenthood were integral to the story, adding depth and warmth. The balance between Liv’s long-standing crush and Arran’s sudden realization of his feelings played out in a fun slow-burn, with both of them tiptoeing around their attraction to preserve their friendship. I hadn’t realized this book is part of a series until after I finished—it works perfectly as a standalone—but after seeing how fun Liv’s brother and his fiancée are, I’ll definitely be adding their 2023 holiday-themed book to my winter reading list!

The audiobook, narrated by Mia Hutchinson-Shaw, was fantastic! With a large cast of friends and family, she brought each character to life and added personality to the story, making it an absolute joy to listen to.