Yup this is considered a New Adult romance. And I liked it (runs away screaming in fear). Seriously though. I really one hundred percent loved this book.

This is book #2 in Rachel Hollis's The Girls series. Book #1 focused on Landon and book #2 now focuses on Landon's roommate, Max. Please note that this book will spoil events in Party Girl and Party Girl's First Date.

What I thought was cleverly done is that this book picks up with Landon and Brody's first date. We get to hear about the events taking place from Max's point of view.

Max appeared rude and very uninterested in what was going on with Landon at certain times in book #1.

We quickly find out through reading this book that Max's outward demeanor is a defense mechanism and that she really does love her family and her unexpected friends Landon and Miko.

Max is working as a bartender but a job working for a world famous baker presents itself Max jumps at the chance to work with this woman. There are great descriptions of baked goods in this book, but sadly no recipes. Some of the things that were being described sounded heavenly and I actually baked a lot this past weekend while reading this book.

After a while I have to confess I was getting a bit fed up with why Max was being so standoffish and at times a jerk to her family. For no reason in my eyes Max keeps it a secret that she is working two jobs. She also though she should know better because of her health condition (Max is Hypoglycemic) and I liked how Ms. Hollis worked that into the story. It wasn't one of those health conditions that disappears and only reappears to move along the plot.

There is a love interest introduced to Max in this book, Taylor who appeared in book #1. However, what I really did enjoy was that these two became friends, ultimately best friends with each other and it was beautiful to watch/read. Shocking though it is sometimes I love my romance reads to be a nice slow burn and this book was definitely that.

Eventually things come together in a heartbreaking fashion and I honestly found myself tearing up. Rachel Hollis managed to turn this book from a breezy chick lit type of book to a serious book with an uplifting message. I am really looking forward to reading Miko's book which I assume will be the last book in this series. ( )

I think Max is one of my favorite characters in this group of likely, yet unlikely, friends.

Another great story of friendship and love. I love the uniqueness these characters bring to the table in these books. They are so light and refreshing. They are so real. Their stories are real. There isn't a person who can't relate to them.

When you are looking for a light and refreshing read, this series is definitely one you should pick up. You won't be disappointed. ( )

While this is the second book in a series you can easily read stand alone. I haven't read the first and had no problem. This book focuses on Max (Mackenzie). Brilliantly talented, fiesty, independent, and haunted by a past she has kept secret from everyone. Her whole life she has dreamed of being a pastry chef and when an opportunity arises for her to learn from the best she seizes it.

I really enjoyed how the author incorporated the fact that Max is a diabetic into the story. Letting it be part of her character but not the only thing she was. The relationship that develops between Max and Taylor (her official taste tester)is sweet and ultimately what gives Max the strength to unburdened herself from the secrets she's been keeping.

I would definitely recommend this one. ( )