great addition to the series and one that has smiles and also sweetness to it in great balance.
it had a great character in Bailey and i was rooting for her all the way. her journey was an emotional one and im sure will connect with many in what she was feeling. i loved her bravery in trying to overcome those feeling put into her by a shi**y society. its also not easy to see, and highlights such a problem with the culture as it is.
Silas and his place in this was all the more lovely. it didn't feel forced and it didn't feel over bearing either.
the family vibes in both family and friendship is so standout here too and i love reading about those kind of gangs. its so wholesome and makes you just want to be involved in this group and have them all huddle around you, there for you too.
the fact that this also meant Silas thought Bailey was off limits felt like he genuinely cared about this line crossed. but this man loves her people and always has! but when Baileys journey in herself means she steps in front of Silas and his camera, well thats when it might feel a little more tricky. because there is something so clearly there, every shot is like a spark. every look into the camera is a look into each other. they know its there but is it something that will just be lust and nothing? after so many years of wanting more can it be something more?
this was such a great read. i liked how it explored something really important in Bailey in how she sees herself but also how much that can be effected by those closest to you, those who should never be making you feel the way they do. so many times i wanted to be right there by Baileys side when she had to handle her mother. grrr.
the more emotional and deeper meanings in this book helped you feel more and want to root for them more.

Explicit. I really, really loved this book! When it popped up I thought the name was so on the nose and funny that I just had to read the blurb - and did not regret it. Bailey, who struggles with body image issues, hires her brother's photographer best friend for a boudoir shoot to see herself in a different light. The problem just ends up being that they've both liked each other for years. Mayhem ensues! This was both hilarious and managed to handle some tricky topics beautifully. I loved that Bailey got to see her old hometown, and herself, in a different light through Silas' eyes. Silas' cat, Echo (who loves to meow at everyone and is adorably loving) steals the show just by appearing! This was lightly spicy, but realistic and the characters were really easy to connect to. Definitely worth the read!

Liz Alden’s books are among my favorites to read between heavier, topic-themed stories. This latest title was no exception. It was fun and flirty. I was entertained while reading. The title alone screams fun to me. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I adored this one. Absolutely adorable small town romance about with brother's best friend. I was able to relate so much with Bailey and it made me enjoy the book that much more. She was realistic, relatable, and thoroughly enjoyable to read about. I loved Silas as well. He was such a charming, golden retriever that made the romance even better. It was a fast read with great writing and an easy plot. Great little story that I'd recommend for fans of small town, friends to lovers, and Forbidden romance!