Annie struggles with being herself on dates, leading to her soon-to-be sister in law Amelia, a world famous pop star, lending her bodyguard Will to Annie to teach her how to come out of her shell and showcase her personality when out on dates. The two try to remain casual given that Will’s childhood has made him swear off romance forever; ultimately, as the friendship between the two progresses, the lines become blurred. 

This work is great for fans of fake dating, because even though they don’t necessarily enact an elaborate plan to fool those around them into thinking they’re together, the same kind of energy is put into the lessons. This isn’t my first book by Adams, but it is my favorite. The chemistry between Will and Annie is so palpable it just about jumps off the pages, and there’s so much more to learn about each character the farther into the book readers get. 

By far my favorite part of this book is the easy banter that takes place between Annie and Will. It seems as though the best parts of each of their personalities shine when they are together, and the more comfortable they get with each other, the easier it becomes to root for them as a couple. 

Not to be forgotten is the dynamic between Annie and her siblings. They all treat her as if she is innocent, even going so far as to compare her to an angel, because of something that happened when they were children, and she has taken on the role of being a supporter for her siblings without complaint. Her time with Will shows her that she doesn’t always have to be the person that her siblings think she is, and that it is perfectly acceptable for her to change how she operates in her family dynamic. There’s a lot to be said about the complicated and fragile process of navigating family relationships, but Adams portrays it in a way that gives hope to those who may be experiencing the same thing in their own lives. Part of living is growth, and readers are shown through any that there is no one way to continue living your life, especially if you find yourself unhappy with its trajectory.

Overall, the book is an easy five star read for me. There is a perfect balance between romance and family, with quite a few life lessons along the way. The work maintains a fun and fluffy vibe while navigating issues that most people have faced at one point in their lives, whether it be with accepting when they are or changing the way they present themselves in their family dynamic. Adams is a master of balance, and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.