"Our pasts will always threaten to come between us. But nothing can come between us unless we let it.

This begins right after Fixed on You ends with the continuation of Alayna and Hudson's story. Their relationship has been anything but normal, but they are trying to make healthy choices and move on together. Hudson is letting her into his lair and his life. But sometimes their pasts and inherent behaviors are hard to shake. And perceptions of others are hard to change. 

There are various outside influences fighting against them and insecurities, secrets and omissions that affect them. I enjoyed seeing Laynie mature in her own self esteem personally and professionally. And to see Hudson become more vulnerable and human. Their relationship became more emotional, intense, and steamier. But it also became more challenging as they had to develop trust and deal with various dramas. 

"How about instead of arguing over who deserves whom, we agree that we fit pretty damn well together and leave it at that."

"I've never been your boss, Alayna. If anything, you're the one that owns me."

I wanted to smack Laynie several times  for choices she made. She is trying to be stronger but her attempts at preserving their relationship sometimes just cause more trust issues and indecision. Learning to believe in someone and truly trust is hard for her. And Hudson definitely makes his share of mistakes as well. He is still trying to deal with the fact that he needs her and she interferes with his control. It is a new experience for him. Hudson is a totally hot and domineering alpha, but he has a hidden vulnerability when it comes to Alayna too. They had  growing pains, fights, and lots of make up sex. But that is where they really open up and show their emotion and connection on a deeper level. But I really like them and love seeing them feel their way. 

I’d never be a normal girl and Hudson would never be a normal guy, but perhaps we’d found the closest thing to normal that we’d ever be capable of achieving. And it was pretty damn good.

They are both somewhat lost and somewhat found. They are kind of a beautiful mess. their connection is there. Their sexual chemistry is off the charts. Their past issues make them both more understanding of the other's flaws but also more vulnerable and affected by them. They walk a think line to try to balance everything. There are underlying psychological and emotional issues add to their challenges. 

"I'm attracted to everything about you--your body, your mind, your sass. Even your 'crazy' as you call it."

"You're crazy, too, if you're serious about that last one."

"I've never been more serious, Alayna. You're the first person I've ever met who make me believe I might not be crazy. It's the best thing that's ever happened to me. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me."

"You need to rethink that whole I'm-not-good-with-words angle, because those words were perfect."

I liked that the author gently reminded us about the events that happened in the first book so I did not have to wrack my brain to remember or go look it back up. But it was not so overdone so that it felt like rehashing. And the thing I really liked about her style is that just like in the first one, even though there will be another book about this couple, she does not leave us with a horrible ugly cliffhanger. She gives us just enough to wet our appetite for more and see more coming. 

These characters are so damaged, unique, intense, and interesting that I am immediately sucked back into their complicated story. There was tension, suspense, romance, steam, and humor. This installment was just as enjoyable as the first one. I really love this couple and I cannot wait to see how it all ends up in Forever With You.