I read this several months after the first book of the series, 9 rules. At the time I wasn’t compelled enough by nick to launch right in to his story, and honestly the corny title didn’t do it any favors either. But by the second chapter in, I was beside myself for all the characters in this book, especially once I realized that I was seeing events that were described as past events in SMs Rules of Scoundrels series - which I absolutely adore. So I was hooked early on In this book. The hero, heroine, supporting characters - all superb. The conflict was believable. Often times the “I can’t tell someone I love them because then that makes it true and I dont want it to be true for *reasons*” is overdone and overwrought, but it hit just right here. I can’t wait to move on to the next in the series now - despite the corny title.

What kept if from a 5 for me, in my twisted way of judging things, is that even though it was a great story, it didn’t grab me enough to want to finish it within 24h. I was looking forward to picking it up, don’t get me wrong, but it wasn’t a stay up all hours to finish it. Which is what would have made it a 5 for me.