Diary of a bookworm

Did I Mention I Need You? – Estelle Maskame

Content Notes:

Published/Pages: 2016/385

POV: Single – Heroine

Trope: Forbidden Romance, Friends to Lovers

Goodreads Bookshelves: Contemporary Romance, Friends to lovers, favorites, forbidden romance, forced proximity, second chance, Series, summer romance

HEA: No

Steam Level: Sensual/Steamy

Swearing: Moderate

Trigger Warnings: Addiction, Alcohol, Anxiety, Cheating, Child Abuse, Drugs (Marijuana)

My Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Book Description: Love has no rules. It’s been a year since Eden Munro last saw Tyler Bruce: her stepbrother…and secret love. Although they swore to ignore their feelings and put their family first, Eden can’t help but feel excited when Tyler invites her to join him in New York City for the summer. But it’s not like anything is going to happen. Eden is happy with her boyfriend Dean, and she knows gorgeous, green-eyed Tyler must have moved on as well. But as they spend the long, hot summer in the city that never sleeps, it becomes obvious that those old feelings and perfect chemistry are still there…simmering beneath the surface. Will Tyler and Eden be able to resist temptation?

My Goodreads Review (No Spoilers)

My Review (w/spoilers):

Eden & Tyler 

Eden and Tyler’s story is continued in the second book of the DIMILY series. At the end of the first book, Tyler leaves for New York, where he tours and talks about the abuse he endured, along with other people who experienced trauma. 

They spend an entire year apart, with Eden finishing up her senior year and Tyler doing the tour. During this time, she’s with Dean-Tyler’s best friend. When Eden arrives in New York, she is still in a relationship with Dean. He’s a sweet guy, a great boyfriend and a great friend. The second Tyler and Eden see each other it’s ‘Dean who?’. “It’s been two years since our first summer together. By this point I’m supposed to be over him, but now it seems like I never will be.” Poor guy, he never really had a chance. Eden should’ve broken things off with him sooner, but instead, he eventually finds out in a terrible way. Again, poor Dean, he definitely deserved better. 

“When it comes to you, it’s simple: As long as you don’t give up, I won’t either.” -tyler

I liked the whole premise-them spending the summer together. They found their way back together, even though they were cheating. Not something I’m okay with. But I understand their situation, it’s a tricky one. 

I really liked Emily. At first, I was like Eden, ‘who is this girl and what is her relationship with Tyler?’. But you can clearly tell they’re friends. She’s a sweet girl that’s been through some stuff. Plus, I know she’s in the next book too. 

“I love Dean, but I’m in love with Tyler. And to think I used to believe that nothing could ever be more confusing than AP Biology.” -Eden

Tiffani is still…. a GIANT bitch. Seriously, what a terrible human being. I wish I could throat punch her. Haha What she makes Eden do is terrible. Watching Tyler break down was truly heartbreaking. “His voice isn’t coarse though, nor is it firm and deep. It’s because he’s not angry. He’s not furious. He’s just…hurt. That’s all he is.” Poor guy. He finally thinks Eden chose him, and it all gets ripped away from him again.  

“You’ve got nothing to be worried about,” he whispers slowly, his breath hot against my cheek, “because, baby, I’m all yours.” -Tyler

When Tyler left at the end, I was initially angry. But I understand where he’s coming from. He’s 100% right; “I need you, And that’s the problem, Eden. The only reason I didn’t kick my dad’s ass earlier was because of you. Not because I knew the right thing to do was to walk away. It’s like I need you in order to be okay, and I can’t live my life depending on you like that. I need to be able to want to do the right thing, to do it for myself and not for you, so I need some space without you for a while. I need to know that I won’t be like my dad, and as soon as I know that, I’ll come back… I promise.” Ugh, gut wrenching. Needless to say, I quickly purchased the second book and got started. 

Altogether, a great continuation of the story. It was full of just as many heart wrenching scenes, if not more heart wrenching. As much as you want them to be together at the end, I get why they aren’t. Tyler needs time to become a better version of himself, for himself, not for Eden. 

This is book 2 out of 4 in the DIMILY series. It is NOT a standalone.