Woah! What an intense love story!

Eve and Kenan have been best friends since childhood, but each believes the other would never entertain a romantic interest. This keeps them at arms length for far too long, and the story of how they finally move past all that is deliciously divine in every sense. Their chemistry is absolutely incendiary, their friendship is rock solid, and their insight into each other is unparalleled, except when ferreting out the other's romantic inclinations.

This author never fails to entertain with her writing, but this one is by far the best of hers I've yet to read. Eve's inner dialogue is stellar, with so many inventive, unique phrases that perfectly conveyed her frustration and heart's confusion. Kenan's growly, dominating manner with her will melt even a nun's resolve, and their intimate scenes together were as hot as I've ever read.

Both Eve and Kenan have issues to resolve with their parents, which are handled with heartbreaking honesty and life-changing secrets coming to light. I'm not sure I'd have forgiven his mother as quickly as he did, though. Still, watching Kenan progress through all the secrets and family ties helped to explain his insecurities and eventually helped him work through them all.

I loved the HEA and the sheer beauty of their no-holds-barred honesty. These two have had a legendary love story decades in the making, and it was a joy to watch it all come together. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

I've had it up to here with billionaire heroes, but I'll always make an exception for Naima Simone and her spectacular heroines! There's a lot going on here -- both protagonists are dealing with significant family issues while also trying to sort out their feelings for each other -- but Simone balances it deftly, with the vivid, emotional prose I've come to expect from her books. Eve is a fabulous character, and I wanted to stand up and cheer for her on multiple occasions. Highly recommended -- this series would be the perfect place to start with Harlequin Desire.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!