Jos is trying to get her life back together but is stuck. She is hampered by loss, guilt, and has not shared with anyone. She is closed off, avoiding relationships, and confrontation. But her new friends and Dusty keep trying to find a way to reach her. 

Dusty is suffering from his own issues and life changes. He has a checkered past, but is trying to make positive improvements. He has his own reasons for avoiding a relationship with Jos, but he finds it hard to resist her. They are clearly attracted to each other, but take turns pushing the other one away. I liked Dusty and he was an interesting character with his beat boxing skills and dynamic personality. But I have to admit that I got tired of the visual of Dusty's saggy pants that defy gravity (something that is just a personal pet peeve for me in real life so it did not make him more appealing to me.)

They both have secrets. All along the mystery slowly unravels of what happened to both of them in the past to make them change. And the mystery kept driving me crazy trying to figure it out. There were surprising plot twists and connections. I have to admit that the pacing was a little slow for me at times especially at the beginning. Their resisting without obvious reasons and incredible sexual tension was a bit frustrating, and I was ready to find out what all of the underlying issues were causing them to retreat. It did get more emotional and hopeful as it went on, but then it almost became rushed. The characters were both broken, but were able to understand enough to encourage the other to heal. But trust and opening up took a long time. 

And all of the supporting characters also had a hand in helping these two become attached and live life again. I enjoyed spending more time with Hunter, Taylor, Darah, Mase, Renee, and Paul. They are such a tight group of friends and all of them living under one roof was kind of a madhouse at times, but their witty banter and humor was entertaining. I still adore Hunter and Mase. They are such funny, sweet, and devoted guys. It was enjoyable to see the relationships of the couples from the first book continue to be fun, supportive, loving, and progress. Renee was an overbearing big sister, but her heart was in the right place. But sometimes I really wanted to tell her to just chill out. I really loved Jos' new, unique friend Hannah. She was feisty and strong despite some challenges she faced. Her attitude was inspiring and just what Jos needed. I would like to see her as a main character in her own story.

This story was about facing demons, forgiveness, opening up, and moving forward. It was full of sexual tension, some angst, secrets, and drama. The mystery of their pasts was intriguing and kept me reading. I can't say that I liked it quite as much as My Favorite Mistake, but it was nice revisiting with the gang.