4.2 stars

I have been bad and do something that I normally don't do, I read a book out of order. I had read the first book of this series but forgot to go back to it when it had ended on a cliffhanger. However, that all changed when I read the blurb for this book. I needed to know Royce's story immediately. I am glad I didn't wait because there was something special about this guy and it showed in this book.

It felt different than what I remember in the first book. There was a level of angst that I found myself wanting to dive into because there was just something about Brielle and Royce. I loved their banter and their connection. Watching their relationship and connection grow was worth the moments that my heart for these characters. Reading it out of order is probably not recommended but it still worked in this case because even though I know how the other stories end up from this book, I don't know the path that they took to get their happily ever after and I intend to go back and find out. This is an amazing group of friends and I love their connection and devotion to each one another.

I did wish that there was a further explanation on a few areas or that things had been spelled out for me of what exactly had happened (the climax of the story for one) however, the epilogue made up for the areas that I struggled with. I didn't even mind that these were high school kids this go around because they seem so mature for their age that my mind just associated it more as college-aged than anything else.

Definitely a great ending. Now, I am off to read the other stories. ( )