L. J. Shen Follow

“He was the closest thing to corporate porn I’d ever seen in my life.”

Super enjoyed spending my day with Chase and Maddie. Second chance, slow-burn, rom-com told in dual POV full of fun, witty, and sarcastic pop culture riddled banter. Chase Black is a bit of a chauvinistic, arrogant jerk at the beginning but quickly gets brought to his knees by the quirky, and full of heart Madison Goldbloom. Kindness does not equate weakness or being a doormat, I thought Maddie was delightful and appropriately stuck up for herself with Chase from the get go. Chase’s relationship with his family, especially his ill father was also a bright spot in this novel for me

So glad I decided to read this one! It had me laughing and grinning, at times wanting to smack the hero, it made me cry from sadness and finally with happiness.

Chase was a hero I wasn’t sure how to feel about. He was hateful and rude with his remarks and inner thoughts (even as they had a touch of humor to them) and I was afraid if the author didn’t show me something to redeem him soon, nothing was going to be able to do the job. About the fifty percent mark it slowly started to happen. And let me say, once it started to turn, I was completely hooked.

Maddie was the type of heroine I could totally relate to. She’s pretty much the girl that feels a bit insecure, a people pleaser, and does what’s needed to make those around her happy. Even at the cost of herself. I loved that as she began to let the true her shine, it was not because she had the support of a man or to make anyone happy. She was simply being herself. And I loved who she truly was.

This had a lot of emotion and depth to it even as I consider it a rom-com. There was no outward action or drama. Everything is based upon Maddie and Chase’s relationship with each other and those around them. Chase was an alpha hero that possessed some jealous/possessive streaks although they were generally thoughts that he kept hidden. He also was one dirty talker and never hesitated to let Maddie know exactly what he wanted and how he wanted it.

I especially loved the letters throughout and how in the end it all ties together leaving us with an awesome ending and an incredible epilogue.

Cillian Fitzpatrick and Persephone's story was spectacular! I love a good anti-hero and I know LJ Shen delivers one of the best ones, this book was nothing I expected in the best way possible. It grabs you from the first chapter and keeps you rooted to your seat until you are done. The turmoil of emotions you get to experience through the entire story is fantastic. "Kill" is a character I loved because of his complexity, the mystery behind the way he is, while Persy is a strong woman trying to peel his layers. You will be dragged through the book in total submission to the plotline. You will find yourself forgetting about real life and be warned you won't regret it at all. Another brilliant 5-star review for one of the top favorite reads in 2020.