There was no point of this book, it could've easily been an epilogue in the first one. It honestly felt like the author didn't have any heart in writing this. It's so mediocre. You have no idea how much I was looking forward to reading this book. I felt like it was always at the forefront in my mind and the excitement level that I had for this, was indescribable. I wanted it, craved it, thought about it and practically screamed when I was given a chance to read it early. But after finishing this, the only thing that I feel right now is pure disappointment. There are so many more things (even worse ones) that I could mention, but I really don’t have the energy. Just spare yourself this. Anyways, one aspect that continues to both amaze and bother me is how every character in this duet consistently praises Salem, emphasizing her goodness, selflessness, and the need for her to be less hard on herself. They highlight how she always prioritizes others over herself and shouldn't judge herself so harshly. However, the moment Caleb acts slightly out of character, which isn't even a selfish act, he is immediately labeled as selfish, and the DNA card is played. Take a look at the following not-so-subtle dialogue:

There might be nothing sweeter or more emotional than this little girl talking to her brother’s grave. I am sorry If my review seems a bit odd,but I am just still under the book's influence, even so that I have read it 3 days ago. Honestly, some of my words are failing right now. I will probably add some more to the review, but It will be at a later date.The story revolves around Salem, an eighteen-year-old navigating the uncertain waters of young adulthood. Her life takes an unexpected turn when Thayer Holmes, a grumpy landscaper, moves in next door and offers her a job as a nanny for his adorable son. What follows is a passionate and unconventional love story that defies societal norms due to a significant age gap. The last 10% of the book… Um… I don’t know what to say! That was heartbreaking but leaving you with a huge bomb at the end… the f? Like it felt like too much maybe save the other stuff in the other book. That last thing felt rush like it could have easily left with the most heartbreaking ever and then start with something like that… but man that is not fair. I get why people don’t like it, I think that’s fine. It’s definitely not for everyone. Some of the scenes were catastrophically, bury-my-head-in-the-sad, genuinely unbearably, cringe. I wish I could say they were the good kind. *They were not*.

Thayer and Salem spend most of this book fixing what was broken and reconnecting. They never fell out of love. To me her marrying Caleb and spending years away from Thayer was in a way needed? She needed to grow up and have experiences that he so desperately wanted her to have and why he pushed her away. They both met each other again with a bigger understanding that their love was the ultimate one and they needed to never let go.

Series Reading Order

Fast forward six years later, Salem's mother's cancer resurfaces, prompting Salem to return to her hometown. There, she reconnects with Thayer, who asks her out on a date. Salem agrees, and a few weeks later, they decide to move in together. As time goes by, Salem and Thayer contemplate having more children and eventually get married. To ensure that Caleb remains involved in Seda's life, he moves in next door, occupying Salem's deceased mother's home. This arrangement was Caleb's idea, as Salem isn't particularly concerned about potentially separating Caleb and Seda in the pursuit of her own happiness.

There was sadness through some part of the book, but in the end everything was alright. Their love was just epic. I am glad that somehow Thayer was the instigator of the love this time and that he decided to be happy once one for all. After all Salem was his one and true love.It ends on a cliffhanger and the whole event is very traumatic. I still haven't been able to start the sequel. It broke my heart. Nothing happens in this book. It's ALL repetitive. No drama. Same dialogues, same inner monologues being repeated. (I skimmed through the last 20% and I have no regrets). Salem feels an instant connection to Thayer even though she knows it is wrong. There is something calming about Thayer, and it is with him that she finally finds peace from her nightmares and a partner she can confide in. I loved how much Thayer cared for Salem and all the little things he did without her knowing because he just wanted her to know that she mattered and that someone cared for her. Like, this man was the softest grump ever!