The first 75% of this book was good, trending toward 4 stars. But then it all fell apart. 2.5 stars probably? But 3 seems fair to round up.

In short:
Why can adult characters not behave like adults in their relationships?

In long:
- Ari was the most annoying lead female, like I appreciated the queer representation but her constant “quirky, not-like-other-girls” attitude got old after chapter 1 and it unfortunately continued through the entire book.
- Ari refused to ever blame anyone but herself for all the problems in her life. Like no, you are the problem.
- Josh was infinitely better than Ari but also super annoying at times
- I was so excited for friends to lovers but the friendship fizzling out for the absolute worst and practically non-existent reasons leading to a third act breakup… yeah that ruined it for me.
- Why tf would she leave the city and think that it wouldn’t cause infinite more problems. Chasing her dreams/leaving for her career wouldn’t have been a bad thing if she hadn’t dropped everyone in her life to do it and then be confused when everyone is mad at her?
- I did not enjoy the “epilogue”. These two need to have a fully functioning relationship for longer than a few months please.

You’re probably saying “this sounds like a really negative review” since I did give it 3 stars… and to that I say:
- The banter was bantering and I loved their friendship.
- The spice was really good. Not too much, not too forced (it felt like it fit the timeline/narrative when it happened).
- Ari’s and Josh’s friends/family circle was great. Supportive but not taking their shit.
- The airport sprint across nyc was dramatic af and just loved it. The result was a little anticlimactic but oh well.