Jacob is not my type so take this one with a grain of salt...

Bonus points in this read for the yearning. If you want to feel frustrated by loyalty in an MMC or like a look but don't touch read, this will be for you.

While the space buns were a yes from me, realistically, I just can't relate. Perhaps, this particular forbidden trope just isn't for me?

Our MMC is his own undoing so this is my definition of misplaced male rage. Miscommunication aside, we saved it with some attentive relationship green flags. I didn't love the mental health rep in our villan, however I'm willing to forgive this point as I still enjoyed nearly every moment (though I was certainly raging).

In general men fighting over women in this way is an ick for me, but I can appreciate it isn't an ick for everyone. Overall, absolutely no shock Owen is a prick so I'm curious to see how his book goes and honestly can't wait to find out.

Wow, it’s a beautiful book! I finished it in one sitting—and it’s easily over 300 pages. It’s fast-paced, has dual POVs, plenty of drama, and some trigger warnings. But I devoured it. I’m now looking forward to reading more from this author.
Jacob and Skye are childhood friends. Skye is Jacob’s best friend’s ex-girlfriend, and he’s had feelings for her since he was 16. To him, she’s his soul mate. He’s cared for her from the shadows—buying her gifts under the guise of his best friend’s planned outings and always being there for her—but he never claimed her, all because of a pact he made with Owen when they were just 14.
Now, everything is different. When Skye walks in on Jacob with another woman in his office, emotions she’s buried for years come rushing back. In the tension-filled moment that follows, a spark ignites between them—unexpected, intense, and impossible to ignore—leaving Skye more confused than ever about what Jacob truly means to her.
Skye starts questioning her feelings for Jacob. The story has its ups and downs, but there’s never a dull moment.
Check the book out and let me know your thoughts—I’m sure you’ll love it too!

I consumed this in one day and if you like very steamy reads that have a serious thread running through them then The Boys of Castleview Cove is the series for you. Jacob loves Skye and has done since the first day he met her at school aged 14. However Skye is the ex of Owen one of his best friends. Along with other friend Lincoln they made a pact to never have a relationship with any of their ex partners. When Skye, who works for Jacob, finds out his feelings she decides to do something about it as it turns out she feels the same. Will Skye convince Jacob to give into temptation and give them a chance or will he stick by the pact? The way the story developed was unexpected and the interactions between the characters flowed well in my opinion. Skye as a character grew on me and by the end I really liked her. Jacob I loved from the off!! Owen I really disliked and thought he was arrogant but I’m sure there is a reason for the arrogance. Looking forward to his story in the next book. An excellent series and a new favourite author for me. Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC

Jacob by VH Nicolson is the second installment in the Boys of Castleview Cove series—a contemporary, spicy romance built on the classic “friends to lovers” trope. The story follows Jacob, who made a pact in high school with his bff, Owen, never to date each other’s exes. The catch? Jacob has been secretly in love with Owen’s ex, Skye, for years. The book explores emotional boundaries, rekindled connections, and the messy business of falling for someone you’re not supposed to.

One of the things I appreciated most was how vividly the author captures both Skye’s and Jacob’s internal struggles. Nicolson’s writing is incredibly descriptive—she has a talent for painting emotions in a way that feels authentic and raw. However, I had mixed feelings about the characters themselves.

Skye wasn’t my favorite. It felt like her interest in Jacob only sparked after realizing he had feelings for her, which made her connection to him feel reactive rather than genuine. As for Jacob, while I liked him, his behavior came across as immature at times. Pretending he wasn’t interested, avoiding honest conversations, and especially not confiding in Owen earlier all created unnecessary heartache. The tattoo moment—done while Skye was still dating Owen—was especially cringe and felt more creepy than romantic.

I also wasn’t a fan of the stalker storyline. It felt out of place and didn’t quite mesh with the tone or direction of the rest of the story. That said, I enjoyed Nicolson’s writing style, but I’m not sure I’m interested in reading the series and learning more about Owen and Lincoln.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Thankyou net galley and boldwood books for the ARC!!!!

It wasn’t amazing but it wasn’t terrible.
It was a super fast paced book WITH a lot of drama.
The spice wasn’t spicin but that’s okay because THE CUTENESS of these characters were amazing!!!
both characters were adorable and i can not get over it!!!

This book was not great in my opinion. It was part romance, but mainly very vulgar. I wasn’t a fan of all the sex scenes. Honestly, it’s not realistic either and sets unrealistic expectations for women in the real world. I felt like the storyline was hard to follow at times and didn’t have much depth to it. Overall, I was not a fan.

"Jacob" by VH Nicolson is a hot and compelling new adult romance novel, the second in the series, It is about Jacob, who has had feelings for Skye, his best friend's ex, since they were in high school. Even with an agreement between him and his best friend never to date each other's exes, their undeniable attraction and forced proximity give way to a steamy forbidden romance.

Jacob is characterized as the "best book boyfriend," dark and intense on the surface but kind and loving inside, particularly to Skye. Skye is characterized as a strong and fierce female. The romance tension between Jacob and Skye is sustained and enjoyable to read. The "friends to lovers," "best friend's ex," and "forbidden romance" tropes are well-executed, complete with surprising twists that will captivate readers. The relationship between Jacob and Skye is both sultry and passionate. The novel contains an epic romance with a happy ending that is a strong component for the romance reader.

"Jacob" by VH Nicolson is an incandescent read for anyone who enjoys romance novels, especially forbidden romance fans, friends-to-lovers enthusiasts with plenty of chemistry and emotional exploration. Fans of the committed and swoon-worthy male hero will fall head over heels in love with Jacob.

Absolutely one of my favorite VH Nicolson books.
There’s a reason that Jacob is a favorite MC for me,
he’s been desperately in love with Skye for so long and the intense desire and passion he feels when he finally gets to love her is so powerful!
The friendship is so strong between these characters and the loyalty is admirable (even when undeserved in some cases).
Jacob and Skye’s friendship to lovers was inevitable. They had such an ease, knowledge and understanding of each other.
Skye’s realization of Jacob’s feelings, and truths revealed, open her eyes and rekindle the high school feelings she had for Jacob.
They are the sweetest, so steamy and IMO… goals.

Goodness, I don’t know how she does it - but Vicki’s magical formula for book boyfriends just ticks all of my boxes!!

I felt this way about Knox in Unexpected Eva, and that book is one of my go-to rereads. But Jacob? Oh, I LOOOOOVVVEEEDDD Jacob. My lord. That kind of slow-burn obsession - feeling that way about someone for 14 years? Okay, it’s probably highly unlikely in real life, but this is exactly why we read, right?

And Jacob LOVES Skye. Like, fully, completely, soul-deep love. The kind that makes you go “aww” and then scream into a pillow. He’s been doing things for her for years, and the slow reveal of all those little details? Yummy. The build-up of Skye finding out the depth of his feelings was perfectly paced, and her own emotional journey? Just as satisfying. I loved how none of it was sudden or rushed—it unfolded beautifully.

And Skye! What a standout FMC. She’s quirky, totally confident in her fashion choices, and I just adored her uniqueness. It felt like such a refreshing shift from the typical FMC tropes. She was strong, different, and memorable.

The drama that hit later in the book? Genuinely a good twist. I was almost bracing for the usual angsty third-act breakup (because we know it’s coming nine times out of ten), but this was better. It didn’t necessarily add to the plot; she could have left it out, but I actually preferred it. Even though we saw it coming, I think it was a better twist than we usually get.

Now, let’s talk SPICE. Vicki does it so well. The scenes were filthy in the best possible way, but they felt real - natural, like they belonged. That balance is hard to nail, but she’s got it down. It’s never overdone or random. Just right. It doesn’t read like a bad porn script :-)

But my favourite thing of all? Say it with me: E P I L O G U E S. I will die on this hill. There is nothing better than seeing our characters 10+ years into their HEA, thriving and still in love. It genuinely takes a book up a full star for me when it’s done right, and this one hits the mark.

It wasn’t perfect, but it was pretty damn close. It was what I wanted it to be, which was an easy read, great spice, EXCELLENT book boyfriend material and I’ll be coming back to this one for a re-read when I need that comfort-read feeling. Another gem from V.H. Nicolson.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC, and of course V.H. Nicolson for Jacob and all his glory. All views and opinions are completely my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Jacob has loved Skye since he was 14… while she was with his best friend…. After she catches him with another woman who looks like her… everything changes 🤭

This was such an easy read, I did it in a day 🤭

I feel the stalker story was a little thrown in there when it didn’t need to be but it didn’t stop me from eating this book up…. Jacob is something else 🫠🫠 I’m a sucker for a tattooed MMC and he is written BEAUTIFULLY!

14 years of tension - that’s all I’m saying, insanely steamy, full of heart and emotion.

I’m looking forward to Owen’s book 👀

Second book by this author and i am hooked. Great story line as well as amazing romance!

Lincoln was amazing but Jacob was another level! I always end up reading these books too fast but i just cant seem to out them down.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC!

Jacob has loved Skye since first glance in high school but his best friend Owen took his chance first and he was relegated to friend-only status with Skye for over a decade. Now that she has broken up with her less than stellar ex, Jacob still can’t make his move thanks to an oath the friends swore as teens. When Skye becomes aware of Jacob’s feelings for her, all bets are off. She knows who she really belongs with and wants her happily ever after with the man of her dreams.

I really liked this one but struggle to find words to describe or define it. It jumps into the spice quickly with a brief scene, then switches to a slow burn. There’s pining and longing, loads of sexual tension, a touch of forbidden romance, all with a dose of danger/suspense.

I thought the author did a great job of making us believe in the longtime friendship between Jacob and Skye, and the dilemma Jacob felt at loving his best friend’s (ex)girlfriend. Once Skye’s eyes were opened to Jacob’s feelings it seemed like there was no stopping her. She knew who she should be with and never stopped trying to convince him they could be together. There was a lot of love and trust between the main characters and that really added to their relationship as it progressed. This does take a dark and twisty turn that was unexpected but entertaining.

Jacob has been in love with Skye since they met, so middle school. He stood by while she dated his best friend, Owen, for all those years, knowing her better than she did, filling in the spaces of her relationship with Owen, which she had no idea was happening.
Skype finely broke up with Owen (for good this time) and is like her eyes were opened, the curtains drawn, and there was Jacob in all his perfection.
My like:
Their banter, attraction, and crazy hot spicy scenes. Wow. Almost too much, but didn't quite get there. Love the multiple epilogues as well. It's fun to see where these characters go over the years.
My issues:
I have a little trouble with Jacob's all consuming love that lasted and strengthened over the years. I also did not think the huge conflict/danger situation was needed to move the story. I understand how it supplemented their story line, but I feel that it could have been done differently. I just feel like it came a little out of left field.
Overall, a quick and spicy read. Thank you Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and VH Nicolson for the ARC.

3.5 Stars
One Liner: A fast and steamy read

Jacob had been in love with Skye since they were teens. However, she chose his best friend, and he supported them as much as he could. But when Skye finally breaks free from her toxic relationship, Jacob helps her find her footing. Yet, he cannot break the bro-code and date his best friend’s ex.
As their feelings for each other intensify, they realize that what they have is something more than surface level. Can Skye and Jacob do what’s best for them or will they stick to the rules?
The story comes in Skye and Jacob’s first-person POVs.

My Thoughts:
Though this is the second in the series, it works as a standalone. Lincoln from book one has a side role here, and so does Owen from book three. I haven’t read the first and won’t be reading the third (any time soon) since I don’t vibe with the Owen guy’s character. Still, I had no issues following this book.
This is a rerelease by a publisher (I think the first edition was self-published) with a brand-new cover, which I really like. I prefer covers where the guy has some clothes on and exudes confidence. No idea if the contents inside have been updated or changed.
The POVs switched are clearly marked, which is useful since both are in the first person. The voices were distinct enough, so it was easy to follow. Moreover, the POV switch is not for alternative chapters. It changes based on the plot development and setting.
The narration is pretty fast. TBH, the plot is rather thin, so it’s nice that the story moves along without stretching beyond its limit. Since bro code from childhood sounds a bit silly, the author addressed it by making the character too say the same.
However, there’s a subplot that didn’t exactly sit with the rest. I can see how it became a trigger for a vital development. There’s some talk of trauma and stuff. However, it’s surface level despite the fear, so the whole thing doesn’t hit the mark and ends up as a plot device.
There is a lot of steam, like from the second page (be warned that this scene can be uncomfortable given the relationship dynamics, though I think it was handled as well as it could have been). The short author’s note at the beginning makes this clear. I’d say it goes 4.5 (on the scale of 5, so yeah, steamy hot). Some dirty talk too.
A bit of drama and a happy-ever-after followed by an epilogue or two. I like extended epilogues, so I enjoyed them well.
What sustains the book is the MMC’s love for the FMC. It’s so intense, deep, and overwhelming that it manages to strengthen the weak areas to an extent and makes the book a worthy read. It’s a thin line between love and obsession, but the author writes it well.

To summarize, Jacob is a quick read with some drama and loads of spice if you want brain candy. Don’t think too much about it. Enjoy it for what it is. Rounded up as I finished the book in one and a half sitting.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

JACOB By V.H. Nicolson


My story started with an ambivalent prince whose parents reminded me constantly that I simply wasn’t good enough for him.
When I broke free, a new hero stepped forward.
My boss, and my ex's best friend. Jacob.
Broad, toned, and dripping in ink that he tried to hide from me.
Turns out, I’ve been looking for my happy ever after in all the wrong places and he’s been here, waiting for me since I was sixteen.
Except, he made a teenage pact. An unbreakable bro-code with my ex. Never touch each other’s past girlfriends. Ever.
So we resist.
Although it’s amazing how much naughtiness you can get up to without touching.
But this is more than just lust, this is love and real love always gets a happy ending, right? If we explain, my ex has to understand… especially since he’s already engaged to someone else.
But, even I have to admit, this doesn’t look good. I can’t see how I will get out of this mess.
I wanted my fairy tale, but right now I'd settle for a chance to at least kiss my prince.

😊What i liked -

✔ Friends To Lovers/Ex's Best Friend/Billionaire/Workplace/Forced Proximity.
✔ Oh I loved Jacob. Caring and Attentive.
✔ The book started off with a bang, so I was quite intrigued to see where it heads.
✔ This was one Slow burn angsty book.
✔ I liked that Lincoln was quite supportive.
✔ All in all a good read.

🤔What could have been better-

✔ I did not understand the stalking bit in the book.
✔ As characters I did not like Skye too much.
✔ And I definitely did not like Owen. He was so self absorbed.


📚Who Should read :
👶Beginners
💝Romance Lover
💏Friends To Lovers Romance
💰Billionaire Romance

📈My Rating : 3/5

Thank you, V.H. Nicolson and Boldwood Books, for a copy.

Thank you to NetGalley and VH Nicolson for the opportunity to read this ARC.

The first chapter had me hooked, but then I just felt a little bit disappointed by this book. I thought we were going to get spice and angst all the way through with the will they/won't they romance. Clearly the MMC has been I love with Skye (or in love with the idea of her) for years.

But, Skye comes around really fast to the idea and suddenly wants to date within about 2 chapters. He then tries to uphold some promise to his friends from his time as a teenager that just doesn't really make sense. I understand the best friends ex trope, but this one is quite poorly executed. If he was closer to Owen then it makes sense, but Owen's made to seem like a douche so I didn't really find myself rooting for his friendship over the romance.

The character arcs and progress were fine, but the third act break up just added to the slightly lacklustre storyline for me. I didn't find myself rooting for Jacob and Skye in the end and it didn't live up to my expectations after the first couple of chapters.

I'm glad I finished it, but definitely fell short for me

Jacob has been in love with Skye since they were sixteen years old, but he missed his chance when she went out with his best friend.
But now Owen and Skye aren't together and Jacob is still waiting for his chance. But there was a pact he made with his best friend, no exes, no sisters.

Jacob wants Skye and Skye feels the same but will Jacob break the pact he made as a boy and lose his best friend,

Nicholson writes this novel with all the emotions, I found myself not expecting the storyline and crying knowing how much Jacob felt for Skye.

I loved these two characters and the back story they had together, growing up together.

A friendship to lover trope full of cleverly laid out spicy scenes I couldn't get enough of.
This novel can be read as a stand-alone, but I also loved how previous characters from the first book, Violet and Lincoln were interwoven in this narrative,

I only started reading romance (not the fluffy kind) when I got KU and found out I’m a sucker for a billionaire romance. This is ex boyfriend’s best friend, friends to lovers with a happy ever after. It’s part of a series involving the three best friends (book 2). I read it in one sitting.

So Jacob. He is Skye’s boss and has loved her from afar since they were 16. He never thought he stood a chance but she becomes single. Without even touching they had sparks! I loved that chemistry and how Skye’s eyes were opened in the office that night. Jacob realising he may have a chance but his bro code…

I HATE a third act miscommunication break up but this one went for something different and I enjoyed it. It seems unusual for the book but the times we live in it is relevant and a warning. The spice was spicy but didn’t overpower the book.

The ending. The happy ever after. The epilogue. Love it. I love an epilogue that shows well in to the future. I will definitely read more by this author.

This book was absolutely incredible. I loved Jacob and Skyes journey. This was so very well written. It's a very beautiful love story. There was some darkness but it ended up so beyond beautiful.

Pick up this gorgeous hug of a book and get transported to your happy place… wraps itself round you like a cosy blanket. It has warmth, charm, laugh-out-loud moments and a wistful nostalgia. I absolutely loved it.