Kia and Jrue meet and immediately rub each other the wrong way. But part of it is this physical attraction they can't shake. So they decide to work out their annoyance with a FWB arrangement, only it's not so easy keeping their emotions out of it.

I liked this story. Kia was a successful woman, who was simply trying to find someone to be vulnerable with and shielded herself when it proved to be too hurtful. Jrue was a man surrounded by love, but also the pain that humans inflict in the name of love and so he wanted no parts. Guarded meets nonchalant and the result is two people who couldn't stop being affected if they wanted to. It was a pretty well written fall from denial into love and I was interested almost the entire time. The book had a good supporting cast and the MCs really developed in a way that seemed realistic and grounded. I appreciated their arcs and the way they opened up from when the book started. Their rhythm was so easy and it felt good to be a part of it. I like the strides Jrue was able to make with his family and Kia's commitment to getting back to herself.

I will say that though the banter was nice, I wasn't sold on their chemistry the whole time. In some places, Jrue was a little too rude for me and Kia's animosity seemed misplaced and very jarring. The third act dragged a bit and by the time Kia was running scared I was expecting it. Also, the side plot with her ex went on entirely too long. I just didn't understand the author's need to have that hang on. But it rounded out okay. Good read.