4 stars

I liked this one A LOT better than the first book in this duet. I thought Ana’s writing improved like crazy, from the first book. I really liked how she wrote the MMC in this one… he was so funny and his groveling was top tier (no one does a groveling scene like Queen Ana). I only had one major issue with this book, and it was the third act breakup… it was def annoying LOL!

📖If the Sun Never Sets
✍️ Ana Huang
🗓️ Jun 25 2024
📝SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books | Bloom Books

Genre: new adult, romance
Summary:
This takes place five years after the first novel. Farrah finds herself in New York, working as an interior designer, Blake extended his bar to New York as well.

Diverse cast of characters?:
Not really. Same as the ones from the last book and there was nobody I particularly liked.

Hero: Blake Ryan (22/27)
Heroine: Farrah Lin (19/24)
character development </b>
Can I say that they kind of went backwards? This was literally one of the worst set of characters I’ve ever read about. Blake is a moron, if I may say. Nothing the guy does really makes sense. I hate the miscommunication trope. Ugh. So much trouble for nothing if he would have been honest (right from the start).
Setting:
New York City, I think
Fluency/Writing:
I was actually dreading reading this because I disliked the first part. But I requested this on NetGalley and kind of felt like I had to give it a go. So I simultaneously listened and read. I had the audiobook on x 3,5, so it was over in a bit more than two hours. I really disliked this book.


What I’ve learned while reading:
Ugh…. I should listen to my gut and dnf if I feel like it?

Cover:
like the previous one, it’s nice. I like the colours and the background. It’s fitting to the series.
Series or standalone:
Second part of four in the If Love series
Tropes: second chance
🌶️: 2/5
🎧: Aiden Snow kind of saved this for me. Otherwise I would have just quit it. The guy can read me a shopping list and I’d gladly listen to it. A shopping list would have been more exciting than this book though.
😱: 5/5 on the “I’m shocked on how stupid this was scale”
❤️: 1/5
⭐️: 1/5
Do I recommend:
Simply no

⭐️Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my advanced copy. All opinions are my own, I was under no obligation to review.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the arc of this book. This book is the second of the If Love series. This book takes place around five years after the first book in the series. Both our Farrah, the female and Blake, the male main characters are now in their careers and cross paths again. This book takes place over many months, which gives time to follow their journey. This book is very fast paced. It was a fun read. I am curious what happens with the main characters friend group and look forward to reading book three.

This book is just so . . . meh. Boring stock characters who do predictable things and are ruled by their genitals. Blake and Farrah were in love until it went badly and five years later they meet again when she has to do design work for him. Why does the man always become a bajillionaire during the break up and the woman is barely scraping by by the time they meet again? Blake is tortured and tormented and even after Farrah has given him a second chance, he ends up hurting her again. But we know they will end up together because the sex is so good. Anyway, this is my last Ana Huang, because her writing hasn't improved in the four years since this was published.

The sequel picks up five years after the events of the first book, with Blake and Farrah's paths intersecting once again. While the narrative largely echoes familiar themes of desire, conflict, and passionate intimacy, it doesn't necessarily break new ground. Nonetheless, it offers an enjoyable reading experience.

The dynamic between Blake and Farrah remains engaging as they navigate their lingering emotions. Despite their profound connection, Farrah struggles to move past past heartache, a storyline that necessitates reading the series in order to fully grasp. The eventual outcome may seem predictable, but witnessing Farrah wrestle with her emotions and attempt to deny her feelings for Blake adds depth to their relationship.

Blake, despite his professional success, continues to stumble in matters of the heart. The author's decision to delve into Blake's familial background adds continuity to the narrative, providing insight into his character development. However, Blake's behavior, particularly regarding Farrah, can be frustrating at times, suggesting a certain naivety in matters of love.

If you're seeking a novel rich in introspection and depth, this may not be the right fit. The explicit sexual content, while integral to the plot, may overshadow the author's finer storytelling details, detracting from the overall impact.

Nevertheless, the book delivers a satisfying, happily-ever-after conclusion. The reappearance of characters from the previous installment adds to the sense of closure. Set against the glamorous backdrop of New York City, the fast-paced narrative mirrors the pressures faced by both protagonists in their personal and professional lives, distinguishing it from its predecessor.

Overall, it's an entertaining read that offers a welcome escape from reality. While not typically drawn to books with explicit sexual content, I found this departure from my usual reading preferences refreshing. With likable characters and a sense of fulfillment upon completion, it proved to be a satisfying experience.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.