I don't really read much romance and this was enjoyable.

The first half was funny and well-paced, setting up the characters, and the fake dating premise and the motivations behind that well.

It started to falter a little when the leads became too self-aware too soon. They both knew their own hangups in too much detail. This caused a slightly baggy middle section where, because they knew their own issues, it dragged a bit.

Then, the resolution was a little messy, the change of heart too sudden and then after that too long.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review. I would read the author again.

Yay, she’s back, impressive chest and all! Dani Brown, fabulous and knows it, studying for her PhD and teaching some literature classes, workaholic, ambitious, been badly let down in love and doesn’t do commitment. That is until Zafir Ansari .... ex-rugby player, security guard, runs classes to help kids overcome anxiety, anxiety sufferers himself since a family tragedy, lover of romance novels and one red hot gorgeous man. They share ‘good mornings’ , tea and coffee, smart comments until they hatch a plan and things shall we say, develop.

First of all, Talia Hibbert creates fantastic characters that are colourful, extremely likeable and their personalities jump of the pages! Dani, her sisters and grandmother are fabulous as is Zaf and his extended family. The dynamics are just great and very heartwarming. The dialogue is clever, funny, smart, sassy and sexy at times. I really like the focus on anxiety which I think is an important topic and Zaf works hard to help others to overcome it, which in turn helps him. Dani herself has anxiety especially over commitment and will run away from it if she can. This book is a lot more steamy than the first book, in fact, it is very steamy in places, so be warned!! The ending is lovely and really sweet.

Overall, a really good, fun, well written read and I enjoyed the escapism with lovely characters for a few hours. I am really looking forward to the next Brown sisters instalment.

With thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group, Piatkus for the Arc.