The premise was really interesting for this one but ultimately it didn't work for me. I felt like it was trying to do too much The FMC was much too "quirky silly girl" for me.

This book is not only sweet, lighthearted, feelgood romance, it’s so emotional, poignant, a little angsty and powerful. Deeply layered characterization made me fall in love with both MCs. There are so many trigging subjects like verbal and psychological parental abuse, cheating that the author approach with care. You are not getting overwhelmed after you’re reading about both main characters’ dysfunctional family stories, on the contrary, you are respecting and feeling for them a lot.

Hallie Goodman: people pleaser, negotiator, sweetest woman who doesn’t like to deal with conflicts. You may get pissed off when you witness how her relatives take advantage of her good heart selfishly including the last douchebag she’s dating.

She’s a successful event planner and her new client Darcy, environmental lawyer, coming from a powerful, wealthy family is about to marry with a French artist. She sends some files to Hallie including her opinions about her wedding ceremony but accidentally she sends Hallie her ex boyfriend Captain Christopher Ortiz’s video letters specifically filmed for Darcy.

Hallie can’t resist to watch them all even though she feels so bad to intrude his privacy. She realizes she slowly develops a crush on him and for being fair she films her own video letters about her daily life, her struggles with her family, her demanding job, her humiliating experiences and sends him.

Chris already returns back from his last mission at space, planning to resign, hiding at Hamptons house of his painter aunt, rejecting to communicate with his father about his retirement plans. He feels lost and the video letters he gets from Hallie turns into the highlights of his dark days.

When Darcy invites him to her wedding, he decides to attend to meet this mysterious, pink haired, kind woman he secretly lusts for.

What will happen when they meet? Are they going to be friends? Could they become more than that as real life keeps throwing curveballs?

Overall: I love this beautifully written, smart, heartfelt romance story a lot! I enjoyed to see how both Chris and Hallie’s characterizations evolved. How they learn to deal with their family problems and life choices by putting themselves first!

Highly absolutely recommend! One of my best romance readings of the year!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.

I became a fan of Samantha Young after Much Ado About You. This romance was so different, but brilliant just the same. I connected to Hallie and her people pleasing ways and Chris being at a point in his life where he wasn’t sure of his next step. Family dynamics and mental health were also highlighted and appreciated. I have to say I’m tempted to start a video diary of my own after reading this! I absolutely loved this book and it is definitely a highlight in my reading this year. Thank you so much Berkley for this opportunity!