"Your smile from a perfect cup of coffee makes me almost as happy as the coffee makes you."
Best friends since six years of age, Rae and Aaron have had each other’s backs through everything they have faced up to high school. Their group of mutual friends keeps things exciting and helps them remember the real world, but they accept the connection that Rae and Aaron have. No one understands how Rae and Aaron can be so close and share “friendly kisses” and remain ‘just friends, but they do until the time comes when they realize that their feelings may be more than ‘just friends.
"He furrows his brow. "Don't you know I'd do anything for you?"
This book takes place in high school, but the first few chapters travel from the beginning of their friendship at six years old up to high school. I loved reading about the characters in high school and how they dealt with the drama of that age. Rae and Aaron and their crew of friends were precisely the types of people I would have wanted to be friends with in school. The support they give each other is impressive. They both think they feel something, but the dynamic changes when they both start seeing other people. It's hard for their respective significant others to see how close they are to each other, and it's something that Rae and Aaron don't understand. Reading how they worked through the issues was enjoyable, even if it was a little saddening or frustrating at times. After all, they are just high schoolers!
"It's gentle and sweet, but I feel that underlying spark we always have. It's a kiss that continues to blur the lines between friendship and something more."
Bethany wrote such strong characters that I was invested from the very beginning. The connection between the friends wasn’t without issues, but they were able to work through them. They showed growth and maturity that I could follow and appreciate, especially high school students. This book was so emotional. I’m not sure if it’s because I felt nostalgic for the high school drama and loved and wished I would have had a similar experience, or it was also because the moments were so well written that I felt like I was in the moment with Rae and Aaron.
"This is the truth of our friendship. Two people who are always there for each other, no matter what."
The slow burn between Aaron and Rae was perfectly constructed. They shared innocent moments, staring at the stars and supporting each other. The spice level was on a young adult level, with some steamy kisses and intimate moments between characters. They were leading up to the second book. Overall, I really enjoyed the story and I can't wait for the second book and I can't wait to read it again.