So…I’m honestly still trying to figure out how I feel about this one. 🤔 Knowing this is a three-book series made the ending a little frustrating because I have questions.
This story follows Camryn and Zaire from high school into early adulthood. Cam is shy, insecure about her appearance, hides behind oversized clothes, loves reading, and keeps her circle small. Zaire is the popular basketball star that everyone knows. Opposites definitely attract because once they get together, they’re inseparable.
After high school, they both leave California for New York. Even though they attend different colleges, they stay close…until life starts life-ing. Zaire begins pulling away and decides he wants to see other people. Since they share the same friend group, they keep running into each other over the years, and the timing is never on their side.
Every time I thought, “Okay, this is their moment,” something got in the way. When Zaire was finally ready to go all in, Cam had reached a place where she refused to lose herself for a relationship—and I couldn’t even be mad at her.
Now let’s talk about the spice. 🌶️ As the characters got older, the book leaned heavily into the smut. It honestly felt like there was a spicy scene every few pages, and I found myself wanting a little more emotional depth between those moments.
Overall, I enjoyed it enough to keep reading because I need to know where this series is headed. I’m giving Book 1 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5. Here’s hoping Book 2 gives me the answers—and the growth—I’m looking for.
Reading this first book really reminded me of how complicated young love can be, especially when two people grow and change in different directions. The story beautifully captures the tension between wanting to be with someone and needing to find your own identity. Camryn’s struggle with self-esteem and her protective shrinking into oversized clothes really highlights how personal growth plays a crucial role in relationships. I appreciated seeing their journey span several years and locations—from California to New York—because it felt so realistic how physical distance and life changes test a relationship. The fact that Zaire and Camryn share the same friend group added a layer of complexity that many readers can relate to, where running into an ex or on-again, off-again partner can be awkward and emotionally challenging. While the frequent intimate scenes added heat and chemistry, I personally also longed for deeper emotional moments between Cam and Zaire to balance those spicy chapters. It’s common in contemporary romance for books to lean into sensual scenes, especially as characters mature and explore their sexuality more openly. Still, a mix of emotional depth alongside those moments tends to create a richer reading experience. The frustrating timing and obstacles in their relationship made me root for both characters. Camryn’s decision to not lose herself for love is especially empowering—it shows a realistic approach to self-worth in relationships that often goes underexplored in romance novels. Overall, this book left me curious and eager for the next installments, hoping they’ll dive deeper into character growth and answer lingering questions. If you enjoy stories that explore personal development alongside passionate romance, this series is definitely worth a read. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a mix of heartfelt emotions and steamy encounters as characters navigate the ups and downs of life and love. Also, the phrase “Nene P the struggle” from the OCR caught my attention—it sounds like an encouraging shoutout to persevere despite challenges, which fits Cam and Zaire’s story perfectly. It’s a reminder that navigating relationships and self-discovery is a journey of both struggle and celebration.
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