Once upon a time…I fell for my brother’s best friend.

I’m not proud of myself, okay? But these things happen when you’re young and impressionable. The point is, I got over it. I moved on.

Except now Felix Caine is back—back with his easy smile and sparkling eyes, and he’s making me an offer I (literally) can’t refuse. He needs help with a romantic article he’s writing, and he won’t take no for an answer.

The more time I spend with him, the more I remember all the reasons I fell for him before. But he’s not just my brother’s flirtatious friend this time. He’s my friend, too. And though he says he’ll never fall in love, I sometimes see his gaze linger with more than just friendship.

There’s a spark between us that wasn’t there before. And I don’t want to have any regrets in this relationship. But what’s a girl to do when the only way to follow her heart…is to give it away?

One of my favorite romcoms of the year! I truly love this author’s books. Her stories are always free of language and spice, yet they still carry so much depth and emotion. These are not just light and fluffy romances. They are heartfelt, meaningful, and genuinely joyful to read, the kind of stories that make you smile while also tugging at your heart.

Felix finds himself temporarily planted in the small town of Lucky, Colorado, taking on an assignment for the local paper that focuses on the town’s most swoon-worthy spots. To do the story justice, he needs more than a list. He needs someone who actually knows Lucky and its hidden romantic charm. That role falls to India, his best friend’s younger sister, who agrees to help for reasons of her own and a favor she plans to collect later. Their deal seems simple enough, with one clearly stated boundary from Felix: Romance is off the table. India is more than happy to agree, certain she has already learned her lesson when it comes to falling for him.

I absolutely loved these characters. India is one of four siblings (three sisters and a brother), and the sister dynamic added so much warmth and personality to the story. Each sister feels distinct, and by the end, I was already excited to see what might be next for them. I am always a fan of a challenge or bucket list-style storyline, and following Felix and India through Lucky’s most romantic spots, along with India’s personal goals, made for such a fun and engaging journey.

If you love a slow-burn romance that makes you savor every moment, this book is for you. The relationship between Felix and India unfolds naturally and beautifully. What begins as a childhood crush, with India once viewing Felix as her brother’s unattainable best friend, grows into something far deeper. As adults, they meet on equal ground, learning who the other truly is beyond old assumptions. Watching them get to know each other as adults was incredibly satisfying.

The romance is wonderfully paced, filled with sweet moments that never feel rushed or forced. The dates are charming and memorable, and the bookstore date was easily my favorite. Beyond the romance, the Marigold sibling relationships brought so much heart to the story. Poppy, a family friend, in particular, was a standout, offering insight and nudging the characters forward exactly when they needed it.

And the home invasion scene. I was crying from laughter. It was unexpected, chaotic, and perfectly executed. The fallout from that moment alone has me eager for the next book. What truly sealed this story for me, though, was Felix’s grand gesture at the end. It was selfless, emotional, and completely melted my heart.

Overall, this is feel good romance at its very best. Sweet, funny, and full of heart, it is the kind of book that leaves you smiling long after you turn the final page.

If you enjoy clean, closed-door romance with brother’s best friend and opposites attract tropes, cozy small town vibes, and heartwarming family dynamics, this is a must-read. I cannot wait to continue this series and highly recommend picking this one up.