Series:
Once Upon a Wedding (Book 7)
A fake romance will solve all their problems
…And stir up a bunch of new ones!
Veterinary student Saira Rawal definitely believes in
love. It's just…not for her. Not when getting through her days without panic
attacks is struggle enough. But at least she has Tyler Hart -- her brother's
best friend, who has always been her safe space. He even takes her in when she
and her disaster of a therapy puppy need somewhere to stay! So when she can
return the favor, helping him save face with his brother by pretending they're
together, she steps right up. With a pretend relationship, it's not like
there's any chance of someone really getting hurt…right?
A good story about a brother's best friend falling for the
off-limits little sister. Saira is a veterinary student currently under a lot
of stress, juggling her upcoming graduation, the vet board exam, and a part-time job at a vet clinic. Her panic attacks have gone from occasional to frequent,
which she treats by getting a "therapy" puppy. Unfortunately, her
apartment doesn't allow pets, and when her landlord finds out, she is immediately
evicted. Not wanting to be a third wheel in her newly married brother's house,
she shows up at Tyler's apartment.
Tyler is Aneel's best friend and has always been part of Saira's
life. She goes to him when she's in trouble or needs help. Tyler is a lawyer
who mostly works from home. He has a twin brother, Colton. When their parents
divorced, Colton went with their dad while Tyler stayed with their mom. His
relationship with Colton is strained as he frequently feels looked down on.
The story opens as Saira's landlord confronts her about
the puppy. She knows she can count on Tyler to take her in, so she lets herself
into his apartment after texting him. Tyler, who hadn't seen her text, is not
happy when he and his date find her there, bringing an abrupt end to his
evening plans. I was with Tyler in his reaction. I felt that Saira takes advantage
of Tyler, assuming he'll always be there for her. He gives in, as usual, so she
is there when Colton shows up.
Things get complicated when Colton introduces his
fiancée, who happens to be Tyler's ex-girlfriend. Saira, who is as protective of
Tyler as he is of her, announces that she and Tyler are also engaged to keep
things level. But faking an engagement opens up a bunch of new issues. Once the
families find out they are "engaged," it's like a runaway train.
Tyler and Colton's mom wants to throw a huge party. Saira's brother is furious
- one, that he didn't know about it, and two, he thinks they aren't right for
each other because of Tyler's reputation.
I enjoyed watching the development of Saira and Tyler's
relationship. Saira has no idea that Tyler has been in love with her for years.
He hides it well, not wanting to risk their friendship, but it becomes extremely difficult when they live together. I loved how he stands up to
her brother about Aneel's overprotectiveness. His care and understanding during
her panic attacks warmed my heart, as did his care for her "beast"
puppy. Saira is much slower to realize her feelings for him. Surprised when she
starts noticing him as a man, not just her friend, she's not quite sure how to
deal with it. I enjoyed watching the changes in her as she accepted them and
then shared them. But it isn't until after she handles several personal issues
that she can trust herself with those feelings. I liked the ending and seeing
how things turned out.
There are deeper issues and family drama that add further
depth to the story. Saira and Aneel face the prospect of reuniting with their
previously absent father. Revealed secrets create tension and questions that
take time to resolve. Tyler and Colton's relationship undergoes big changes as
they communicate honestly for the first time in years. I liked seeing their
bond restored. The biggest issue was Saira's panic attacks. I liked the
sensitivity and understanding that the author displayed in their portrayal. The
puppy's antics were a sweet counterpoint to some of the harder scenes.
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