Rating: 4 out of 5.

This is book 5 in the Foxbrooke book series and it’s time for Leo to fall in love. It’s a fun and sexy friends-to-lovers contemporary romance. Leo and Ella have been best friends since they were teenagers – but they are both secretly in love with the other. When Ella’s long-term boyfriend suddenly breaks up with her – by phone, no less – and kicks her out of their shared home, Leo comes to her rescue and takes her to his home at Foxbrooke Manor.

Leo’s family embrace Ella and Leo’s father, who is begging to become a grandfather, puts her in the room right next to Leo. The family is in the midst of preparing the yearly Christmas pantomime (Christmas Pageant/Play for those not in the UK) put on by the Manor. Normally Leo and Ella take on rolls behind the scenes, but when a series of unfortunate events occurs knocking out both the male and female lead, the duo are volun-told to take on the lead parts of Cinderella and Prince Charming. Nervous about playing romantic leads, they decide to practice kissing – which, of course, leads them down the road to sexytown. Deciding to be friends with benefits, they begin a hot and steamy affair while they try to sort out their feelings.

It took me awhile to warm to Ella because she was so meek and had so little self-esteem at the beginning of the book, it was hard to read about her. She definitely had a rough life and was treated badly by her family and ex-boyfriend, but it was still hard to understand how she couldn’t stand up for herself in even the simplest ways. But, that’s my problem, not a problem with how the story was written. I loved it when Ella started to feel better about herself and started to have a voice. With Leo, she was able to come into her own in the safe place he made for her. For his part, Leo played the “playboy” role well, but had deeper feelings and more talent than he’d let anyone, even his family, know. But again, with Ella, he could be himself.

I loved reading short scenarios about the entire Foxbrooke family, especially Leo’s father. The father cracked me up, especially when he and another character played the ugly step-sisters in the Christmas pantomime. I actually laughed out loud several times.

If you’re looking for a funny, sexy romcom with wonderful, quirky characters this book (and entire series) are for you. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up right away.

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Evie Alexander is a multi-award-winning author and narrator of sexy romantic comedies with a very British sense of humour.

Imaginative, passionate and frequently called ‘bonkers’ by her friends, Evie’s interests include reading, eating, swearing, saving the world, and dreaming about people who only exist between the pages of her books.

Evie lives in the West Country of the UK with her family, where she pens her steamy stories from the Smut Hut.