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Review
3.5 stars
The latest standalone from Penelope Ward, this is a fun, sexy, fabulously functional love story between high school enemies that reunite as adults.
Aspyn and Troy met in high school. Troy was dating Aspyn’s best friend, and when he cheated on her, Aspyn took revenge on her behalf. It was ugly. Now, over ten years have passed, and Aspyn is horrified to learn that Troy is the grandson of one of the old folks she looks after at a retirement home. Troy has travelled to town to be there for his beloved grandad, and when he starts taking him on outings, Aspyn is tasked by the home to accompany them. She is horrified.
The initial interactions between Aspyn and Troy are so much fun. She’s still angry about the past, he’s thoroughly entertained by that, and the fact that they both find each other ridiculously attractive is the cherry on top. They banter and bicker, and there is some flirtation there, and the more Aspyn gets to know grown-up Troy, the more she sees just how much he’s changed, and that he’s actually a really good guy who has regrets over the way he behaved as a teenager. They become friends, though Troy makes it clear that he wants more, and though Aspyn tries her best to keep her distance, Troy is just too irresistible, and in one night everything changes.
It’s super hot, and the two of them clearly have a strong emotional connection, but they maintain the playfulness between them that is so much fun. I loved their witty banter, their text conversations, and the way they continue to learn about each other. And though Troy is only in town temporarily and they’ve promised to keep feelings out of it, they end up falling hard for each other.
I totally fell for Troy. He’s smart, funny, and wickedly flirtatious, he’s got a huge heart, and is such a sweetheart! And I really enjoyed how functional Troy and Aspyn are together. They talk about everything, they don’t hold back, and it was so gorgeous watching them openly, honestly, and oh-so-naturally fall into a relationship. They’re so gorgeous together, but there are still some things standing in their way. Troy has never really been one for relationships, and he’s got a lot to figure out before he truly commits to Aspyn, and their past continues to complicate things.
There is a little bit of drama, but nothing like what you usually find in a Ward book, and I found this to be a really sweet and easy read. It didn’t really pack much of an emotional punch, but definitely enjoyable.
3.5 stars.
Check out more great reads at our Penelope Ward Author Spotlight