"It Just Had to Be You" by Jacqueline Francis is a tale of unexpected connections that left me captivated and hanging on every word!

Cat finds herself locked in a battle of wills with Scott Carter, a man whose actions have tormented her for years. But when life throws them together in unexpected ways, Cat is forced to confront her prejudices and preconceptions, leading to a journey of self-discovery and second chances.

Jacqueline Francis expertly weaves together themes of forgiveness and redemption, creating a story that is as heartwarming as it is thought-provoking. Through Cat's eyes, readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, from frustration and anger to acceptance and, ultimately, love.

I loved it. It gave me all the feels, love, angst, drama, romance, swoon, and emotions. Beautifully written. The positives of the story are the characters. Love Scott, his friends, Catalina, and her family. I was hooked in their stories and completely understood the doubts and insecurities. Scott and Catalina have sexy chemistry and a beautiful relationship with highs and lows. The author did a great job in connecting with the readers. Recommended. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC..

It Just Had to be You is a rollercoaster of emotions that kept me hooked from start to finish. The dynamic between the main characters is electrifying and full of tension. Despite his flaws, Scott's character is multifaceted and intriguing, and watching him evolve throughout the story was very satisfying. The author doesn't shy away from tackling tough themes like racism and bullying, adding depth and realism to the narrative. What I enjoyed most about this book is how it explores the complexities of relationships and personal growth, reminding us that forgiveness and redemption are possible even in the face of adversity.

Hold onto your hats, romance junkies, because It Just Had to be You is about to take you on a wild ride! This book isn't your typical mushy-gushy love story—it's a fiery tale of passion, redemption, and second chances that'll have you flipping pages faster than you can say "hot tamale"! Scott Carter might be a total jerk at first glance, but trust me, there's more to him than meets the eye, and watching him fall head over heels for the feisty Latina is a ride you won't want to miss. So grab a bucket of ice-cream and buckle up, because this book will make your heart melt quicker than the ice-cream and leave you swooning for more!

A bully and his victim are forced to spend time together and it turns out both were in the wrong and the other is different than they thought.

Class conflicts, prejudices and obligations are in the foreground here.

I liked the story itself, but I probably won't read the other parts because I'm just happy with the current ending.

Have fun reading for yourself!

Edgy enemies to lovers romance set within class differences and intolerance, bullying, and racism. Some hard topics handled well, the messaging even bigger than the romance. In the end, what is really of value reigns. A great read.

The relationships in this one were different than what I usually read. The whole bully to relationship thing is new for me. It reads well, but I wish the characters had to work harder to build trust after the bullying.