Second book by this author and i am hooked. Great story line as well as amazing romance!

Lincoln was amazing but Jacob was another level! I always end up reading these books too fast but i just cant seem to out them down.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC!

Jacob has loved Skye since first glance in high school but his best friend Owen took his chance first and he was relegated to friend-only status with Skye for over a decade. Now that she has broken up with her less than stellar ex, Jacob still can’t make his move thanks to an oath the friends swore as teens. When Skye becomes aware of Jacob’s feelings for her, all bets are off. She knows who she really belongs with and wants her happily ever after with the man of her dreams.

I really liked this one but struggle to find words to describe or define it. It jumps into the spice quickly with a brief scene, then switches to a slow burn. There’s pining and longing, loads of sexual tension, a touch of forbidden romance, all with a dose of danger/suspense.

I thought the author did a great job of making us believe in the longtime friendship between Jacob and Skye, and the dilemma Jacob felt at loving his best friend’s (ex)girlfriend. Once Skye’s eyes were opened to Jacob’s feelings it seemed like there was no stopping her. She knew who she should be with and never stopped trying to convince him they could be together. There was a lot of love and trust between the main characters and that really added to their relationship as it progressed. This does take a dark and twisty turn that was unexpected but entertaining.

Jacob has been in love with Skye since they met, so middle school. He stood by while she dated his best friend, Owen, for all those years, knowing her better than she did, filling in the spaces of her relationship with Owen, which she had no idea was happening.
Skype finely broke up with Owen (for good this time) and is like her eyes were opened, the curtains drawn, and there was Jacob in all his perfection.
My like:
Their banter, attraction, and crazy hot spicy scenes. Wow. Almost too much, but didn't quite get there. Love the multiple epilogues as well. It's fun to see where these characters go over the years.
My issues:
I have a little trouble with Jacob's all consuming love that lasted and strengthened over the years. I also did not think the huge conflict/danger situation was needed to move the story. I understand how it supplemented their story line, but I feel that it could have been done differently. I just feel like it came a little out of left field.
Overall, a quick and spicy read. Thank you Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and VH Nicolson for the ARC.

3.5 Stars
One Liner: A fast and steamy read

Jacob had been in love with Skye since they were teens. However, she chose his best friend, and he supported them as much as he could. But when Skye finally breaks free from her toxic relationship, Jacob helps her find her footing. Yet, he cannot break the bro-code and date his best friend’s ex.
As their feelings for each other intensify, they realize that what they have is something more than surface level. Can Skye and Jacob do what’s best for them or will they stick to the rules?
The story comes in Skye and Jacob’s first-person POVs.

My Thoughts:
Though this is the second in the series, it works as a standalone. Lincoln from book one has a side role here, and so does Owen from book three. I haven’t read the first and won’t be reading the third (any time soon) since I don’t vibe with the Owen guy’s character. Still, I had no issues following this book.
This is a rerelease by a publisher (I think the first edition was self-published) with a brand-new cover, which I really like. I prefer covers where the guy has some clothes on and exudes confidence. No idea if the contents inside have been updated or changed.
The POVs switched are clearly marked, which is useful since both are in the first person. The voices were distinct enough, so it was easy to follow. Moreover, the POV switch is not for alternative chapters. It changes based on the plot development and setting.
The narration is pretty fast. TBH, the plot is rather thin, so it’s nice that the story moves along without stretching beyond its limit. Since bro code from childhood sounds a bit silly, the author addressed it by making the character too say the same.
However, there’s a subplot that didn’t exactly sit with the rest. I can see how it became a trigger for a vital development. There’s some talk of trauma and stuff. However, it’s surface level despite the fear, so the whole thing doesn’t hit the mark and ends up as a plot device.
There is a lot of steam, like from the second page (be warned that this scene can be uncomfortable given the relationship dynamics, though I think it was handled as well as it could have been). The short author’s note at the beginning makes this clear. I’d say it goes 4.5 (on the scale of 5, so yeah, steamy hot). Some dirty talk too.
A bit of drama and a happy-ever-after followed by an epilogue or two. I like extended epilogues, so I enjoyed them well.
What sustains the book is the MMC’s love for the FMC. It’s so intense, deep, and overwhelming that it manages to strengthen the weak areas to an extent and makes the book a worthy read. It’s a thin line between love and obsession, but the author writes it well.

To summarize, Jacob is a quick read with some drama and loads of spice if you want brain candy. Don’t think too much about it. Enjoy it for what it is. Rounded up as I finished the book in one and a half sitting.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

JACOB By V.H. Nicolson


My story started with an ambivalent prince whose parents reminded me constantly that I simply wasn’t good enough for him.
When I broke free, a new hero stepped forward.
My boss, and my ex's best friend. Jacob.
Broad, toned, and dripping in ink that he tried to hide from me.
Turns out, I’ve been looking for my happy ever after in all the wrong places and he’s been here, waiting for me since I was sixteen.
Except, he made a teenage pact. An unbreakable bro-code with my ex. Never touch each other’s past girlfriends. Ever.
So we resist.
Although it’s amazing how much naughtiness you can get up to without touching.
But this is more than just lust, this is love and real love always gets a happy ending, right? If we explain, my ex has to understand… especially since he’s already engaged to someone else.
But, even I have to admit, this doesn’t look good. I can’t see how I will get out of this mess.
I wanted my fairy tale, but right now I'd settle for a chance to at least kiss my prince.

😊What i liked -

✔ Friends To Lovers/Ex's Best Friend/Billionaire/Workplace/Forced Proximity.
✔ Oh I loved Jacob. Caring and Attentive.
✔ The book started off with a bang, so I was quite intrigued to see where it heads.
✔ This was one Slow burn angsty book.
✔ I liked that Lincoln was quite supportive.
✔ All in all a good read.

🤔What could have been better-

✔ I did not understand the stalking bit in the book.
✔ As characters I did not like Skye too much.
✔ And I definitely did not like Owen. He was so self absorbed.


📚Who Should read :
👶Beginners
💝Romance Lover
💏Friends To Lovers Romance
💰Billionaire Romance

📈My Rating : 3/5

Thank you, V.H. Nicolson and Boldwood Books, for a copy.

Thank you to NetGalley and VH Nicolson for the opportunity to read this ARC.

The first chapter had me hooked, but then I just felt a little bit disappointed by this book. I thought we were going to get spice and angst all the way through with the will they/won't they romance. Clearly the MMC has been I love with Skye (or in love with the idea of her) for years.

But, Skye comes around really fast to the idea and suddenly wants to date within about 2 chapters. He then tries to uphold some promise to his friends from his time as a teenager that just doesn't really make sense. I understand the best friends ex trope, but this one is quite poorly executed. If he was closer to Owen then it makes sense, but Owen's made to seem like a douche so I didn't really find myself rooting for his friendship over the romance.

The character arcs and progress were fine, but the third act break up just added to the slightly lacklustre storyline for me. I didn't find myself rooting for Jacob and Skye in the end and it didn't live up to my expectations after the first couple of chapters.

I'm glad I finished it, but definitely fell short for me

Jacob has been in love with Skye since they were sixteen years old, but he missed his chance when she went out with his best friend.
But now Owen and Skye aren't together and Jacob is still waiting for his chance. But there was a pact he made with his best friend, no exes, no sisters.

Jacob wants Skye and Skye feels the same but will Jacob break the pact he made as a boy and lose his best friend,

Nicholson writes this novel with all the emotions, I found myself not expecting the storyline and crying knowing how much Jacob felt for Skye.

I loved these two characters and the back story they had together, growing up together.

A friendship to lover trope full of cleverly laid out spicy scenes I couldn't get enough of.
This novel can be read as a stand-alone, but I also loved how previous characters from the first book, Violet and Lincoln were interwoven in this narrative,

I only started reading romance (not the fluffy kind) when I got KU and found out I’m a sucker for a billionaire romance. This is ex boyfriend’s best friend, friends to lovers with a happy ever after. It’s part of a series involving the three best friends (book 2). I read it in one sitting.

So Jacob. He is Skye’s boss and has loved her from afar since they were 16. He never thought he stood a chance but she becomes single. Without even touching they had sparks! I loved that chemistry and how Skye’s eyes were opened in the office that night. Jacob realising he may have a chance but his bro code…

I HATE a third act miscommunication break up but this one went for something different and I enjoyed it. It seems unusual for the book but the times we live in it is relevant and a warning. The spice was spicy but didn’t overpower the book.

The ending. The happy ever after. The epilogue. Love it. I love an epilogue that shows well in to the future. I will definitely read more by this author.

This book was absolutely incredible. I loved Jacob and Skyes journey. This was so very well written. It's a very beautiful love story. There was some darkness but it ended up so beyond beautiful.

Pick up this gorgeous hug of a book and get transported to your happy place… wraps itself round you like a cosy blanket. It has warmth, charm, laugh-out-loud moments and a wistful nostalgia. I absolutely loved it.

Loved this book and the characters throughout! Didn't quite live up to the Elite Eagles series she wrote in my opinion, and could have been a little shorter, but a very enjoyable read. Loved the spice throughout and such a well written book

Jacob and Skye’s story has some of my favorite tropes of all time - friends to lovers, best friend’s ex, boss/employee and a secret tattoo. Jacob has been in love with Skye since the moment they met but his best friend asked her out first. After their break up, Jacob is still holding back his feelings for his friend but all the time spent together on work makes them both realize that maybe their person really has been in front of them all along.

Jacob by VH Nicolson was a sweet and spicy read. I literally finished it in one sitting. I previously read Lincoln, and thought Lincoln and violet were my new favorite book couple but Jacob and Sky might have them beat! Jay..sigh... I don't have enough words for how sweet he was and I hope everyone finds a person who loves them as much as he loves Sky. This book has everything you could want in a romance book, a great couple, humorous moments, a little suspence and spice. Hopefully the next book will redeem Owen because this book made me not like him too much. If you're thinking about reading this book, stop thinking and one click it! Definitely a new favorite author of mine! Thanks, #netgalley, for allowing me to give an honest review.

"Whatever, however, forever." ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
OMG, what a book! I LOVED IT😍 .
Jacob and Skye story is so sweet, so perfect. They are utterly perfection together.
If you like your mmc to be a 6.2" millionaire tattooed boss.. who looks like a menace but is all mushy inside ding ding ding. this is it✨️

A Friends to Lovers story done just right. Inlove since High-school, a 16year old love that burns brighter than ever.

You get spice, ofc you do! and let me tell you: the spice is spicing! 🌶🌶🌶
But it is done beautifully and doesn't feel like just smut. It adds to the story and compliments it.
There's also a nice unexpected plot twist, and angst and so so so much love.

For those of you triggered by this, you should know there's
•No 3er act break up!
•No cheating-
•You also get to see their Happy Ever after in the future.


What a man, Jacob, what a man!.

I definitely recommend this!

Did I read this book in just under 3 hours? You bet I did 🥺

Honestly.. Jacob had my heart. 🤍

I was a few chapters in when I was thinking this is the standard boss trope but I was soo happy to be proven wrong! I’m obsessed with this story. The plot twist in the middle had my mind blown!! I seriously thought it was her ex on a drunken binge staying at hers and then leaving it messed up!!

Jacob being the one to buy all the gifts, knowing everything about her and just willing to stay a friend for her happiness with Owen.. (do not get me start on him. 😠!)

This book was so good! Really recommend this.

Jacob is the 2nd book in The Boys of Castleview Cove series. He’s head over heels in love with Skye since they were kids, but she has no idea. Skye has recently ended a long term relationship with Owen but Jacob still knows she’s off-limits, not just because he’s her boss but she’s his best friends ex and since they were teenagers they made a pact to Never Touch an ex, Ever. Although its torture for him, at least he gets to be in her presence everyday, until one late night in the office Skye sees much more than she bargained for, but when she plays along rather than shying away he starts to think that she might feel the same way.
Skye can’t believe that her boss and friend has been under her nose the entire time but after that night she can’t stop thinking about him. The only trouble is his stupid Bro Code means he won’t betray his best friend and her ex. Can she ever get her Happily Ever After just like the Fairytales she grown up loving.

Jacob is god tier boyfriend material, he has and continues to do anything to make Skye happen, especially given that for years it was without her knowing, all so she could have some semblance of happiness.
You could feel how difficult it was to stay loyal to Owen, he has only ever dreamed of being with Skye and the possibility of a future together seemed almost impossible. He’s not willing to loose her so knows he needs to speak to Owen, to reason with him and hope he can understand. The chemistry building between them is off the charts, what they can get up to without touching is impressive 🌶️
I don’t want to spoil it for anyone but the part that I could describe as “thriller” had me reaching for the tissues and I don’t think I put them down until the end!, their was so much that was risking their future together before they even had a chance to start, hence I devoured this book in less than a day.
Owen doesn’t come across well at all in this book but it’s clear their is so much more to his story so it will be interesting how his book plays out in the 3rd and final of the series.
Now Lincoln for me was a 5 star read, I would go as far to say I loved Jacob more. Vicki is a fantastic writer, her stories really pack a punch, with fantastic depth yet delivering a delicious amount of spice that gets you hot around the collar 🌶️🌶️
Thank you NetGalley, VH Nicolson and Boldwood Books for the ARC, all opinions expressed are my own.

📚 BOOK REVIEW 📚

Jacob - @vhnicolsonauthor

"She's beautifully predictable"

"It was a silent dance we'd somehow already memorised the steps to"

"You're all I've wanted, but everything I've never been allowed to have"

"Butterfly, you are killing me with your cuteness"

I adore VH Nicolson. Her books always have me gripped and I'm always invested in the characters and the journey she's going to take us on. This book was no exception.

Jacob has been in love with Skye for 14 years but he's never acted on his feelings because she's been in a relationship with one of his best friends. He's always looked out for her though and they work together. After Skye's relationship with Owen ends and a night in the office changes the dynamics of her relationship with Jacob. She suddenly starts seeing him in a different light and questions all the things she thought she knew.

There was an aspect of thriller in this book also and some heartbreaking scenes. But Jacob really is the star of this book. I loved him and when he finally gets his girl, you can't help feeling ecstatic for him.

There is definitely a special place in my heart for Jacob and Skye. They are definitely couple goals. Jacob is just a dream, he's so in love with her and knows every single detail about Skye but the way he cares and looks after is just utterly beautiful. Skye is so quirky and I loved her character. She was so strong in that even though she had been through a horrific ordeal she didn't let it stop achieving the things she wanted in life. Nothing was going to hold her back and she was inspiring. She also didn't take too long to catch up to Jacob's feelings.

It's another great read from this author that keeps on delivering stories that I can get lost in. She's also just the nicest lady and so it's a joy to see all her success. Can't wait to read the next book.

Jamie x

This was a cute forbidden romance with both fast and slow paced burn. The characters were so cute and perfectly written out for each other. I love the storybook vibe towards the end. Quick read also

Jacob by VH Nicolson
What a way to start a book that I couldn't put down! Seriously the spice starts jn chapter 1.
These two have some spicy chemistry in this forbidden love between a woman and her boss who is her ex's best friend that she has known for 14 years.
LOVED THIS BOOK

This was good! A nice easy read and wasn't too much of a commitment. The plot was easily understandable in terms of timelines, characters and setting. Loved the dual POV and it was very spicy!! Overall, good read!