I enjoyed this one! I've been slogging through a bunch of books recently--not because they're bad or not enjoyable, I'm just in a little bit of a reading slump. And the best cure I know for my reading slumps is a good romance.

Overall I thought this was solid! I liked the characters a lot and their relationship was believable, with realistic conflict. I also appreciated that this had some "darker" spicy elements while still centering consent and a positive relationship. It was refreshing after bouncing off several "dark" or kinkier romances because the MMC gave me massive ick because he's just a terrible person (and not even in a fun way!).

I also appreciated that these characters felt whole and complete on their own even outside their romance. They have friends and families who play important roles in their stories and development, which is nice to see in a genre that by nature is very focused on a single relationship. Our FMC has cool hobbies and interests (which should not be rare but wow, it really is!) that flesh her out and matter to the plot. The MMC's hobbies are less integral, but still give him flavor (he knits! he bakes! so cute!).

The downsides to this book for me: -There are a few moments where the writing feels a little awkward, particularly toward the end, and moments where the spice wasn't hitting the way I wanted it to. -The FMC has ~body image issues~ which are kind of to be expected in any romance with a fat FMC, but I find the whole "no one will ever love me because I'm fat :(" plot really tedious. It's been done a bunch, and this book didn't have anything new to say about it. Fat characters deserve more complex motivations.

Criticisms aside, this was fun, and I'll be looking out for other books by this author.