I loved this so much! I'm always here for a brother's best friend small-town-romance and Kate delivered.

I read this while in hospital for my chronic illness (rip) so I could especially appreciate the real and raw way Sunny's epilepsy and her relationship to it was treated — such great representation <3 And her parents treatment of her because of it! Just straight up putting my therapy sessions on the page.

Beck is so territorial and an alpha-hero that I'd definitely get the ick irl but this book is already so quirky that I just decided to run with it and wish for my own possessive boyfriend because god, do I love Beck Loew.

Sunny and him have very healthy discussions about their relationship and its future and I have to tell you, I was so shocked while reading it because I kept waiting for that big fight but no! Healthy adult communication, can you imagine.

There's so much casual queer rep in this book, it's not made out to be a big thing, there's no homophobia at all (!!) and I'm so excited to see how that hopefully continues in the next books.

I already mentioned the quirkiness and I can definitely understand why some people wouldn't be able to suspend their belief long enough for this book but I just found the sit-com vibe so delightful and refreshing.

I could've done without the drama at the end and the random ow drama we also got but other than that, a great read!

4.75 ⭐

All We Have is Now!
Shucked by Kate Canterbary is so much more than a small town, grumpy-sunshine, enemies-to-lovers, brother's best friend romance. Don't get me wrong, because Kate Canterbary makes all those tropes shine. Yet, as always, the characters, the banter, and the found family are what make this story stand out. The quirky townspeople and touch of mystery make the town of Friendship feel like a character itself.  There is a rhythm to the community and their interactions that is not to be missed! And of course, the chemistry between Sunny and Beck smolders. This book also showcases chronic illness representation in an easily digestible and delicate manner. Beck's emotional vulnerability was so tangible and raw. Sunny's resilience and self-awareness were inspiring. Shucked was steamy, salty, growly goodness at its finest! I can't wait to spend more time in Friendship.