This book was just okay for me. Very short I spent most of it trying to understand what had hurt Lucy so badly in high school. It seemed like most of the conflict could have been taken care of with one conversation. It was fine I guess but I'm not sure I'll remember it long term.

Fourteen years ago, Lucy Spencer cut off all contact with Callum Hawthorne, with only their mutual friend Madison knowing her whereabouts. Since then, Cal has tried all that he can to find Lucy. In an attempt to save his deceased father’s beloved Gold Coast property, The Calypso, Cal, contacts Insight Marketing, the best advertising firm in Melbourne, and discovers his Lucy among the team.
Now a successful marketing executive, Lucy Spencer is fearful of trusting and loving him and having her heart broken all over again. She does her best to keep some distance between them but discovers that there is a fine line between love and hate.
I found this second chance romance an enjoyable read, but at times I struggled to understand fully Lucy’s determination to cut Cal off completely. There were times that the behaviour of both characters was so endearing, and other times, I found them quite frustrating.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book. I think Tammy Mannersly did an excellent job with writing such a beautiful story about how friends can feel more than they want even though they have serious insecurities. The characters were well written, and the story was planned out well. I was caught up in this one from the first page. I recommend this book to others who love romance. I can't wait for more from this author.

Thank you Net Galley ARC, Inkspell Publishing, and Tammy Mannersly

tammy beautifully tells the story of what happens when two great friends find they feel more for eachother. and more than they want to admit or are scared to? i think it really represented the feelings many insecure people have. i particulaly felt dearly what Lucy felt. that it was more to do with what she felt about herself that she needed to work on. and how could she beleive that Cal would stay, want or belong to her destiny?
the pacing was perfect. it was push me pull me to just the right level. but the moments that had you flocking back to the pages to read again were my favorite. i would pick up this book far too often a few pages back just so i could recap and re-read(so i basicually read the book twice!) would i buy this book and be tempted to turn down pages yes i would.
there are certain authors and certain books that you think will hold a special place, at least for a while and this one will stick with me for a good long while yet.

Tammy Mannersly delivers a delightful and heartwarming romance in Persuading Lucy, a story that captures the charm and complexity of best friends navigating the transition to something more. This sweet, slow-burn romance keeps readers fully engaged with its blend of humor, emotional depth, and expertly crafted dialogue.

The story centers on Lucy and her best friend, who suddenly find themselves grappling with long-hidden feelings for one another. Mannersly masterfully explores their dynamic, blending moments of tenderness with playful banter that will leave readers both laughing and swooning. The pacing is perfectly measured, allowing the characters’ emotional journeys to unfold organically.

What sets Persuading Lucy apart is the authenticity of the relationship. The chemistry between the protagonists feels genuine, and their struggles to reconcile friendship with budding romance are both relatable and compelling. Mannersly’s writing style is crisp and engaging, with a strong sense of humor that adds levity to the narrative.

For fans of slow-burn romance with a best-friends-to-lovers trope, Persuading Lucy is a must-read. Tammy Mannersly has crafted a story that is as sweet as it is satisfying, making it a book you won’t want to put down.

Amazing story on second chances romance, broken friendship and love/hate relationship.

I recommend to put this on your TBR as soon as possible.