I was lucky enough to Beta read this book

CW: chronic illness, ableism, family tensions, anxiety

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-m/f friends to lovers
-marriage of convenience
-only one bed/tent
-close-proximity
-grump/sunshine
-best friend's brother in law
-major piiiining
-slooooow burn
-some very very cute pets

As a huge fan of the Bergman series, I've been getting so hyped for Axel and Rooney's story. And in true Chloe fashion, she surprised me from what I was expecting yet gave Axel and Rooney exactly the story they deserved. This book was so soft and tender. Two people who are going through something, and learn something about themselves, and find something in the other. The way their relationship slowly develops takes a few steps back, and then moves forward, it was so realistic, frustrating because you want to bang these two idiots together and make them bang, but was so beautiful in the way they did get together.

Axel, sweet, sweet grumpy Axel. Who denies he actually has a dog who he takes care of and adores. Rebuilds his family's vacation home as his way of showing them how much he cares. Axel is just such, I can't even put into words how much my heart squeezed for Axel as he figured out how he felt about Rooney, how to express himself, and ask for what he wanted. The point he and Chloe made that neurodiversity looks different for everyone, this gruff gruff sweet man I just want to hug even though he doesn't eat any sweets. Honestly, my love language continues to be feeding people with food sensitivities their food and he does that so much in this book. Axel is swoony.

And Rooney. As someone with IBS, the representation in this book of food difficulties, talking about chronic health issues, dealing with stress, life decisions. I related too much. Chloe deals with these sensitive topics in such an honest and beautiful way. The intimacy, the conversations between Axel and Rooney. Another beautiful love story.

I am dying for the next installment and also never want this series to end.

Steam: 3