Author: Amelia Cord
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Amelia Cord has officially ruined me with Cole Klein. After meeting him as the 'charming younger brother' in Book 1, I was dying for his story, and Assets & Alibis exceeded every expectation. This book leans heavily into the Fake Dating and Best Friend’s Brother tropes, which are my absolute favorites, but with a dangerous twist that kept me turning pages late into the night.
Cassie Thorne is the heart of Cedar Creek, and her pining for Cole felt so raw and relatable. The dynamic here is 'Grumpy Girl x Sunshine Boy' in the best way possible. Cole is a thrill-seeker who uses humor to mask his insecurities, and Cassie is the only one who sees through the mask. Watching them navigate a situation where they are forced to lie to the entire town creates a pressure-cooker of emotional and physical tension.
The chemistry during their 'public displays of deception' was unbearable. Every accidental hand-touch and lingering look felt like a physical spark. The heat level in this book is definitely satisfying, it's messy, emotional, and incredibly satisfying. I also loved how this book expanded the world-building, introducing a shadowy mystery that lingers in the background of their romance. If you like your romance with a side of mystery and a lot of heart, this is the book for you.