When Fiona Fisher’s husband Matt left her, it was to go to his other secret family. She’s been picking up the pieces of her life ever since. She thought she would do it alone, but her brothers Elias and Jonah surprised her. Elias by helping in the immediate aftermath and Jonah by moving nearby. Satoshi owns her favorite wine bar and bookstore Tsundoku. He’s been in love with Fiona for a long time.

The good news about this book is you get to see some of the characters from An Academic Affair. Specifically, Jonah, Sadie, and Chess. It was nice to see that they are all still thriving and after Jonah and Sadie’s happy ever after it’s still happy.

Another bright spot for me is the way Jodi McAlister writes Satoshi. He may be super-hot, but he also struggles. He’s had issues with anxiety and he overworks himself. His relationship with his brother, Isamu felt realistic. I also am hoping for a future story with him finding his own love. I saw a review claiming insta-love for Satoshi and I feel like reading the first book you know it’s not. However, if you didn’t read the first book it is just the prologue where he tells you how he falls in love with Fiona.

And Fiona, I wish she hadn’t wanted to keep Satoshi a secret for so long. Growing up with a father that essentially told her she wasn’t good enough and then having a husband with a whole secret family really did a number on her. I liked that she grew a lot through this story. She found her backbone and found joy in writing. Her character arc has been a really good one and I just love the dynamic with her brothers. I’m hoping we get to see Elias in a future story too.

As a couple, I really hated how long Fiona wanted to keep them a secret. The way Satoshi is written, he takes what she’s willing to give, and I enjoyed watching their relationship grow through the story. It says a lot that I think everyone, characters included, was frustrated with Fiona in how long she takes to get there.

But he’s so supportive of who she is and her dreams. He’s also a very caring friend to her children. And even though the secrecy frustrated me, I understood it. Fiona was embarrassed and decimated by her ex-husband. He claimed to love her, and it turns out he had a whole family nobody knew about. That would make anyone skittish when it comes to love or really any big decision. I think Jodi McAlister did a good job of making Fiona relatable and just anxious enough that you still love her.

Overall, this is a good, connected story with An Academic Affair. I will say I liked the first one better, but I’m here for the whole Love Notes journey and can’t wait for more.