When Paige reluctantly offers to take in her best friend's younger brother for a couple of months while he finishes his residency, her lack of privacy in her small apartment becomes the least of her problems. Cannon Roth is no longer the young nerd who used to follow them around. He has grown into a big, strapping, hot, charming man.

She is a cautious, reserved, mature home body who could use some fun and sexual satisfaction. He is magnetic and irresistable, and his skills in the bedroom have left him responsible for a string of broken hearts and some woman that have a hard time letting go. So he has set some rules for himself involving one night only and no more contact. But when you put two people into the close confines of a small apartment who have strong chemistry, history, and a need of orgasms, it is bound to get messy.

They know they should be off limits. They have a lot to lose. He needs to focus on work, picking his specialty, and where he might want to relocate. She does not want to hurt or anger her best friend/his sister. But the sexual tension between them just keeps taunting them. They think they can handle a mutually beneficial romp with no strings. She is sure she can prove him wrong in his theory that every woman who he sleeps with is destined to fall in love with him.

But the real danger could be in losing their hearts, though neither wants to admit that is even a possibility. I really liked them together but they had some challenges stacked against them and were not the best at admitting their true feelings or putting themselves out there.

Cannon was so adorable, sexy, and fun. He just oozed charisma, and could be sweet, thoughtful, and protective. He might be younger, but his intelligence, drive, and confidence made him seem more mature. And Paige might be more subdued and less adventurous, but he brings out her more assertive side and she can keep up with him. Their history and close ties both add to their connection, and make it more of a risk.

This is a fast-paced, light-hearted, forbidden, best friend's brother, and friends-to-lovers story. It has likable characters, smoking chemistry, fun banter, and a strong connection. But there are plenty of opportunities for miscommunication, misunderstandings, drama, and angst. I liked getting both of their points of view especially since they tended not to communicate well. I enjoyed each of their relationships with his sister, Allie, even though she both tied them together and was also a source of tension. 

Based on the blurbs for upcoming books, it seems this series of stand-alones will be more tied together by the theme of forbidden love than it is through related characters. But they sound fun, sexy, and sweet...just like this one.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review. 

This was a fun, flirty, forbidden romance. If Paige’s best friend, Allie, caught wind that Paige was sleeping with Allie’s brother, there would be consequences.

Cannon needs a place to stay, and Paige has a spare room. As a favor to her best friend, she agrees to let Cannon crash for the 2 months until his residency begins. Paige hasn’t seen Cannon since he was a nerdy high schooler, and with as busy as they both are, how hard will it be?

Cannon isn’t the nerd he once was, but hasn’t had the best luck with the ladies, hence his current homeless state. Bunking with his sister’s best friend is a perfect solution, except for the crush he once had on her.

Cannon is confident and smooth. He has been a rock and provider for his family for so long, the responsibility is ingrained in him. He looks out for his sister and mom, and their happiness and security is his only thought.

Paige is quiet, preferring to stay in and watch Netflix than to go out and find a date. Allie pulls her along on escapades, but she is definitely more comfortable in her routine.

These two have chemistry from the moment they stand face to face for the first time in years. Living in a small house together only fans those flames, especially with the first few accidental encounters they have.

The plot was pretty smooth, as expected in a novella, but had enough drama and anticipation to keep the pages flowing. This was a fast read, and an engaging one as Cannon and Paige hide their relationship from Allie. Besides, Paige promised she would be the first woman to sleep with him and not fall in love. The next books in the series appear to be stand alones with a similar fun feeling. If they are the same fast, flirty set-up they should make for more entertaining reads.

I was gifted with a copy in exchange for an honest review.