3.5⭐️

I was interested to read Emma Lord's debut adult romance novel. I love (most of) her YA romances and this book had a lot of the same characteristics - found family, character growth, heart, etc.

This book follows former best friends June and Levi, who reunite after barely speaking for 10 years, after both go through viral breakups. They make a deal to fake date - her to help her struggling tea shop and him to get his ex back. This is billed as a fun and emotional book, which I agree with, but a lot of June and Levi's actions relate back to grief and the loss of someone they love.

For what I didn't like: I struggled with why they hadn't talked in 10 years (as I usually do when characters who were best friends stop speaking for that long). And while I know Levi wanting his ex back was a premise of the book, he pulled a Gus in the last 3rd of the book, which really soured me on him. I wish this had been dual POV as I think that would've helped me understand him a lot better than I did.

For what I liked: Again, this was an adult version of her YA romances. Not very spicy, but I did like the characters, even if the main ones could annoy me. June and Levi were sweet together. I loved that the person they lost was not painted as perfect. It could be emotional and fun and did have some angst. It was an adult version of her YA romances. I probably do prefer her YA ones and I flip flop between 3 and 4 stars, but still enjoyable.

Trigger warnings: grief, cheating (not the main couple)

I knew this was a romance book, and because of the cute cover in my mind this was a rom-com but there is a lot of pain here! Don’t get me wrong there are sweet, cute and funny moments but a lot of the story is surrounded by their grief, their misunderstanding when they were teens and their exes.

I honestly wish there was a POV from Levi, I would have like to see more of his feelings and just understanding him better!

I love how June comes to herself little by little, her love story with Levi comes together beautifully and it will give you all the feelings!

Fun story with heartfelt growth. I liked the supporting characters as much as the main characters, and they made the heavier parts lighter. I will definitely read books from this author again!