I really enjoyed reading Jacob, I always find itso odd that I love a billionaire romance, but can’t stand the ones in reality, although I guess this often true for a lot of the genres in romance I read, this is why I read to escape reality !

What I really loved on this was the slow burn, I’m a huge fan of a slow burn love story and I thought at first this wasn’t going to be one, but I love how VH Nicolson switched it up , fooling me and then it was a slow burn after all.

The relationship is so lovely, you really do feel the friendship between Jacob and Skye, the trust between them is evident before they realise their feelings and I loved this twists and turns this story had.

Looking for a great forbidden romance with sexual tension and drama, Jacob is more than the book for you.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Jacob is the perfect man. Do they just exist in books?
I couldn’t get enough of Jacob. He had loved Skye from afar since the first day he met her and because he didn’t move fast enough she belonged to his best friend.
I loved all the references to Princess Bride and adored how Jacob showed his eternal love for Skye.
The code was kaput and although I admire Jacob for honoring it, with Owen’s confession I wasn’t surprised.
My second favorite guy was Walter. I would love to read his story!
I was dazed with enchantment for Jacob and loved this book!

Oh, where to start with Jacob. The book is intense and steamy, romantic and filled with regret, and a wonderful friends-to-lovers romance. Off-limits due to a pact made in his teens, Jacob never went after Skye. Her off-again-on-again relationship with one of his besties, Owen, made a relationship between Jacob and Skye impossible. Jay just loves her from afar, and has for years, even though it makes him miserable.

Skye knew Owen wasn't for her and finally put an end to their lukewarm relationship. His inconsiderate nature finally did her in. After an incident at the office with Jacob, her friend and boss, Skye is seeing Jacob in a new light,. A light she now wants to be part of and one she can't believe she never saw shining right in her face. There's a ridiculous bro code from when there were all teenagers standing in her way. One, that if Skye has her way, will cease to exist.

I loved Jacob and Skye's story. It's one filled with regrets but one each character is mature enough now to see. Jacob knows he needs to stay away from Skye due to the agreement between himself and his best friends, Owen and Lincoln. Working along next to Skye and seeing her five days a week at work will have to satisfy him. The author delivers a compelling romance that is filled with ups and downs. The conflict in the story is heart-wrenching and every person's nightmare, especially for women. The author was delicate and considerate in writing everything in this book.

I was drawn into this story 100%. The characters are dynamic and three dimensional. They have feelings, emotions, imperfections, and realistic qualities. I felt for Jay as he watched the love of his life live her life with him in the friendzone. I felt for Skye after her feelings for Jay became apparent and he became standoffish. Full disclosure - I did not like Owen's character. He definitely doesn't know how to take no for an answer and is all about himself. He plays his part well and I can't wait to read his story because you know it's going to be good.

This is my first book by VH Nicolson. I could kick myself for not finding VH sooner and grabbing up Lincoln's book. He is also in this book and now I need to know his story. A mistake that I just remedied by purchasing a copy of Lincoln.

I loved Jacob and Skye's story and can't wait to read more by VH Nicolson.

Friends to lovers • longtime love •
I enjoyed meeting Jacob and Skye. There was some cuteness to the story, some humor. The “suspense” storyline was kind of out of the blue so a little weird. The spicy scenes were okay (though sometimes not very realistic) but the overall banter/storyline and writing just didn’t knock it out of the park for me.

I loved this book so very much. It was perfect in everyway.

I never read a book where two people had deserved to be together. I adored Skye and Jay's story. It had everything this book, there is plenty of spice, mystery and suspense.

I couldn't recommend this book enough and i will look out for more books from this author.
Thank you for my ARC copy.

Jacob by Nicolson delivers a fun, spicy, and emotionally engaging romance that blends humor, heart, and heat in equal measure. At its core, this is a slow-burn love story—one that takes its time unraveling, making the payoff all the more satisfying.

The titular character, Jacob, is the kind of romantic lead many readers will swoon over: grounded, desirable, and quietly magnetic. He’s the type of person we all hope to meet someday, though for the characters in this story, that journey is anything but easy. Both protagonists face personal and relational obstacles that delay their connection, but what makes this book shine is how those challenges lead to growth. By the time their paths truly align, they’ve both evolved in meaningful ways.

Nicolson balances the emotional beats with plenty of lightness. The witty banter and sweet moments add warmth, while the spicy scenes are written with confidence and flair, offering a sensual edge that fans of steamy romance will definitely appreciate.

Overall, Jacob is a thoroughly enjoyable read—sweet, sexy, and full of heart. If you’re looking for a romance with depth, laughs, and a whole lot of chemistry, this one’s worth picking up.

The book is somekind of forbidden love, as the boys made a pact when they were 14. Jacob falls first and he falls hard... for his best friends (ex) girlfriend.
He keeps his feelings hidden... for years. Just for her happiness with his friend. Until they broke up....

I love his gentleness and how much he cares for her. Jacob is a keeper and he knows everything about Skye.

This book is now re-written and I still love it, but I have to admit that I love the former version more. ;)

I really enjoy the writing style and the humor of the author.

I thought Lincoln was VH Nicolson’s best, but Jacob might just have claimed the crown. The angst, the slow-burn chemistry, and the emotional weight of this story absolutely captivated me—I devoured it in less than 24 hours! Jacob is every bit the swoon-worthy book boyfriend: fiercely loyal, tattooed, and full of quiet intensity. Nicolson has crafted something truly special here—raw, romantic, and so emotionally fulfilling that I didn’t want it to end.

Intriguing Relationships Romance!!

Complicated relationships here. Jacob, Skye and Owen went to school together. Jacob and Owen are best friends, Owen was dating Skye., making Skye off-limits. Skye now works for Jacob. Skye realizes Jacob is interested, but due to a pact will not pursue her.

Details come out as we go along, all the things Jacob has done for Skye through Owen. Quite enjoyable, I found sticking to an agreement made when 14 a bit of a stretch, and the resulting drama a bit much. Overall, I enjoyed my first read from this author.

After a breathtaking, spicy start, this story's emotion kicks in and reveals a heartbreaking friends-to-lovers romance with many conflicts and obstacles to Jacob and Skye's happy ending. A teenage pact keeps Jacob from following his heart, but this doesn't stop their intense attraction. There's a suspenseful twist that concentrates Jacob's mind and makes the reader believe this likeable couple will end up together. It's an engaging story with passion, suspense, and fairytale romance.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

I really enjoyed this spicy contemporary romance which is set in a Scottish smalltown and has the following main tropes:

- Ex‘s best friend/best friend‘s ex girlfriend
- Friends to lovers
- Off-limits
- Boss-employee

The plot is very well written and is full of emotion, humor, suspense, some twists and sizzling hot love scenes. I adored Jacob! Despite his tough exterior, he will do anything for the woman he loves, even if there’s no hope of a HEA. Skye is likable too, I still wonder why it took her so long to realise Jacob's feelings for wand hers for him. The chemistry between them crackles and the feelings and tension are palpable. Skye's ex Owen doesn't come off well in the book until near the end and I'm curious to see how he will change in his own story.
Although part of a series and despite the reunion with the protagonists from the previous book, the story can be read as a standalone.

Since high school days Jacob Baxter has been in love with Skye McNairn, her friend and later her boss as well, but she got together with his best friend Owen and Jacob hid his feelings for her. But now, fourteen years later, Owen and Skye are separated and Skye catches him in the office during a hookup with one of his loose relationships and suddenly she's attracted to him too. Gradually she discovers Jacob's true ongoing feelings for her, but they can't be together because Jacob and Owen made a pact as teenagers never to hook up with each other's ex-girlfriends and Jacob is too honorable and loyal to break the Bro Code...

If you like swoon-worthy cinnamon roll heroes and good girls gone bad, you are sure to enjoy this moving and steamy romance!

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

I expected to enjoy this book, but I was blown away by how much I loved it! From the very first page, it was incredibly steamy, and I couldn't tear myself away—I finished it in just four hours. The chemistry, the witty banter, and the captivating storyline all came together perfectly. I couldn't help but smile at how ideal Jacob was for Skye. This book is a must-read for anyone looking for a great romance!


**Thank you VH Nicholson and Netgalley for a copy of this book

Despite his attempts to resist Skye, Jacob finally reveals his crush on her as they spend more and more time together thanks to work. Skye has always been off-limits to him, as she was dating his best friend, Owen.

I loved how Jacob truly pays attention to Skye, to the extent that he knows her favorite items and gets her the best gifts or experiences ever. The friendship between them is also sweet and it helps form a strong foundation for them even as they explore the chance of becoming more.

If you love a high spice book with a pinch of suspense, you will love this. Unfortunately, there was a little too much other woman trope here and that lowered my ratings for this book. I also felt that the pact was not a good enough reason for Jacob to deny their relationship a chance for so long.

🤍Book review 🤍

Jacob
A SUPER HOT friends to lovers, forbidden, billionaire romance from VH Nicolson for 2025
by VH Nicolson

Jacob is a steamy friends-to-lovers, forbidden romance that kept me turning the pages. The chemistry between Jacob and Skye is undeniable, and their struggle to resist each other made for a tense, emotional ride. I liked the idea of a long-time crush and the inner conflict Jacob felt due to his loyalty to his best friend. The code between friends drama added some depth, even if it got frustrating at times. Skye had her moments, but I didn’t always feel like her feelings for Jacob were fully genuine at first. That said, there was plenty of spice, heartfelt moments, and a few twists to keep things interesting. If you're into forbidden, slow-burn love stories with drama, steam, and a bit of angst, this one's worth a read.
Very grateful to the publisher for my copy, opinions are my own

Looking for a hot and spicy romance?
This one (and this series) are well worth a chance!
Jacob has been in love since they were teens
But she's his friend's ex, so that "No go!" it means.

However, she is Skye - and he's her boss!
Ignoring their attraction, torture and loss.
He can't break the brotherly code still
Even if she agreed, he never will.

Watch out, though, as mutual attraction grows
Just how they resist touching, neither knows!
But there are surprises in store for them all
With danger, mystery and a close call.

An engaging read with more than romance
Where fairy tales really deserve being given a chance.
Can they move on from what happened in the past
And find a future together at long last?

For my copy of this hot book, I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.

Jacob is not my type so take this one with a grain of salt...

Bonus points in this read for the yearning. If you want to feel frustrated by loyalty in an MMC or like a look but don't touch read, this will be for you.

While the space buns were a yes from me, realistically, I just can't relate. Perhaps, this particular forbidden trope just isn't for me?

Our MMC is his own undoing so this is my definition of misplaced male rage. Miscommunication aside, we saved it with some attentive relationship green flags. I didn't love the mental health rep in our villan, however I'm willing to forgive this point as I still enjoyed nearly every moment (though I was certainly raging).

In general men fighting over women in this way is an ick for me, but I can appreciate it isn't an ick for everyone. Overall, absolutely no shock Owen is a prick so I'm curious to see how his book goes and honestly can't wait to find out.

Wow, it’s a beautiful book! I finished it in one sitting—and it’s easily over 300 pages. It’s fast-paced, has dual POVs, plenty of drama, and some trigger warnings. But I devoured it. I’m now looking forward to reading more from this author.
Jacob and Skye are childhood friends. Skye is Jacob’s best friend’s ex-girlfriend, and he’s had feelings for her since he was 16. To him, she’s his soul mate. He’s cared for her from the shadows—buying her gifts under the guise of his best friend’s planned outings and always being there for her—but he never claimed her, all because of a pact he made with Owen when they were just 14.
Now, everything is different. When Skye walks in on Jacob with another woman in his office, emotions she’s buried for years come rushing back. In the tension-filled moment that follows, a spark ignites between them—unexpected, intense, and impossible to ignore—leaving Skye more confused than ever about what Jacob truly means to her.
Skye starts questioning her feelings for Jacob. The story has its ups and downs, but there’s never a dull moment.
Check the book out and let me know your thoughts—I’m sure you’ll love it too!

I consumed this in one day and if you like very steamy reads that have a serious thread running through them then The Boys of Castleview Cove is the series for you. Jacob loves Skye and has done since the first day he met her at school aged 14. However Skye is the ex of Owen one of his best friends. Along with other friend Lincoln they made a pact to never have a relationship with any of their ex partners. When Skye, who works for Jacob, finds out his feelings she decides to do something about it as it turns out she feels the same. Will Skye convince Jacob to give into temptation and give them a chance or will he stick by the pact? The way the story developed was unexpected and the interactions between the characters flowed well in my opinion. Skye as a character grew on me and by the end I really liked her. Jacob I loved from the off!! Owen I really disliked and thought he was arrogant but I’m sure there is a reason for the arrogance. Looking forward to his story in the next book. An excellent series and a new favourite author for me. Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC

Jacob by VH Nicolson is the second installment in the Boys of Castleview Cove series—a contemporary, spicy romance built on the classic “friends to lovers” trope. The story follows Jacob, who made a pact in high school with his bff, Owen, never to date each other’s exes. The catch? Jacob has been secretly in love with Owen’s ex, Skye, for years. The book explores emotional boundaries, rekindled connections, and the messy business of falling for someone you’re not supposed to.

One of the things I appreciated most was how vividly the author captures both Skye’s and Jacob’s internal struggles. Nicolson’s writing is incredibly descriptive—she has a talent for painting emotions in a way that feels authentic and raw. However, I had mixed feelings about the characters themselves.

Skye wasn’t my favorite. It felt like her interest in Jacob only sparked after realizing he had feelings for her, which made her connection to him feel reactive rather than genuine. As for Jacob, while I liked him, his behavior came across as immature at times. Pretending he wasn’t interested, avoiding honest conversations, and especially not confiding in Owen earlier all created unnecessary heartache. The tattoo moment—done while Skye was still dating Owen—was especially cringe and felt more creepy than romantic.

I also wasn’t a fan of the stalker storyline. It felt out of place and didn’t quite mesh with the tone or direction of the rest of the story. That said, I enjoyed Nicolson’s writing style, but I’m not sure I’m interested in reading the series and learning more about Owen and Lincoln.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Thankyou net galley and boldwood books for the ARC!!!!

It wasn’t amazing but it wasn’t terrible.
It was a super fast paced book WITH a lot of drama.
The spice wasn’t spicin but that’s okay because THE CUTENESS of these characters were amazing!!!
both characters were adorable and i can not get over it!!!