Win You Over

"He's the golden child-- everyone's best friend, yet he surrounds himself with bullies. He's conceited, charming in that way serial killers can be, and sometimes he's a huge ass." "There is no absolute definition of what 'normal' is, Holden. You're perfect just the way you are." "You can't win everything, my love. No matter how hard you try." "I know. But I have won the most important thing." "And that is?" "You" "Remington is not just looking at me, he's reading me, assessing me, and I think he sees all my broken, scarred pieces." CS Autumn does it again with another perfect story. She is the queen when it comes to hurt/comfort and emotional reads. The flow and words of this story were perfect. Her characters are always so fleshed out flawlessly. The spice in this was a slow burn, but when it happened, it hit fast as was 🔥🔥🔥🔥. This book had my emotions all over the place. I was sad, angry, happy, pissed off, then swooney lol. This story follows Remington and Holden. They go to school together and Holden doesn't like Remington. He thinks he's conceited, so full of himself, and a rich prick. Which most of that is true, lol. Remi will agree that he's the best of the best at all things. Remi is a golden retriever and wants everyone to love him. Holden is a black cat, has select mutism, and trusts no one. Remi tries so hard to be his friend, but Holden won't let him slip past his walls, for now. They make a bet and Holden loses which leads to them going on a vacation…

The sex scenes were spicy. The beginning of the story started out great but afterwards the relationship between Holden and his mom got lost in the story. The relationship between Holden and Remi moved considerably fast. I loved the relationship between Remi and his sister. And I almost feel like there was some strong feelings there between Remi and his best friend Finn. I almost feel like there could be a book on Finn and Theo. Maybe there’s something there 🤷🏽‍♀️. It was good but a one and done for me on this book.

This was a great read. I loved Remi and Holden they were adorable together. Holden’s backstory was insane and it book my heart. Remi was the perfect golden retriever lol loved it

This book broke my heart over and over. First, I thought I died inside with what Holden endured as a child at the beginning. The trauma from this and other events has a lasting effect on Holden and his relationships with others. He has one great friend and roommate, Theo, who he’s really only close with because Theo was persistent. Remi is the popular guy from a wealthy family. The two only interact because Holden fights in an underground fight ring to try to get extra cash so he and Theo, aka the scholarship kids, can survive, while Remi fights for the excitement and thrill of it all. The time these two spend together deepens their bond into friendship and then something more. The found family vibes in this are strong. Theo is amazing, and Remi’s family is equally wonderful. I was so happy to see them get a HEA.

The way I fell for both characters was amazing. These two and the way they build a relationship by getting to slowly know each other are perfect. Holden's journey to open up and trust Remi is something that was done perfectly since his past was really eating him up. Remi was able to open his eyes about certain ‘friendships’ and cut them out of his life for good. Both of them had such amazing growth, and for their relationship, it was very much needed. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed these two, and the shortest of the fake dating had me giggling.