Mobility Mom Book Shelf: What It Takes by: Willow Aster(Audio Review)

Disclaimer: I received an advanced review copy at no cost, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Grab your copy HERE!!

Book Description

A Sexy, Small-town, Enemies-to-Lovers, Brother’s Best Friend romance from USA Today Bestselling Author Willow Aster

Camden Whitman has always been in my life. I met him when I was five and he was seven, but when he and my brother became best friends, I became nothing more than the pesky little sister he didn’t want around.

There was a period of time when I thought I felt a connection between us, but he shut that down faster than I could blink. Fast forward to adulthood years later, and here I am, still the annoying little sister he can’t stand.

Now there’s one difference: I want nothing to do with him.

I’m happy running The Kitty-Corner Cafe in my small town of Windy Harbor, Minnesota, and love living in my little slice of paradise on Lake Superior…until Camden decides to move here and open up a new restaurant.

Who cares if he’s a well-known chef who can prepare the most delectable food? He will never hear that from me. He’s wrecked my small-town, stress-free bubble and filled it with his abrasive comments and intrusive looks.

But then the unexpected happens. One night, when both of our walls are down, I see a glimpse of something other than distaste in his eyes. And it has me wondering if I’ve misjudged the man that has always gotten under my skin.

When those boundaries are crossed, there’s no turning back. Camden is on a mission and will do whatever it takes to make me his…

What it Takes is book two in the interconnected, standalone Windy Harbor series.

About Willow Aster

Willow Aster is a USA Today bestselling author and lover of everything book-related.

Although an introvert, this lifelong writer and artist is convinced that the best part of this career is meeting and connecting with readers, authors, and all of those in this community of book lovers.

For signed books and Willow's website, go to: www.willowaster.com

You can also follow Willow on Instagram (willowaster) and her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/willowasterauthor.

My Thoughts

What It Takes by Willow Aster is a beautifully crafted story that feels like a warm hug, perfectly blending the nostalgia of childhood friends with the electric tension of an enemies-to-lovers romance. Narrated with incredible depth by Rose Dioro and Sebastian York, the audiobook breathes life into Juju and Camden, two characters whose journey from childhood playmates to adult rivals—and finally to lovers—is both heart-healing and addictive.

Juju is a literal ray of sunshine whose lovable nature makes her an instant favorite, while Camden is the ultimate "cinnamon roll" hero hiding behind a gruff exterior. For years, he kept Juju at a distance as his best friend’s "pesky little sister," but beneath his abrasive comments and intrusive looks lies a deep, lifelong pining that finally reaches a breaking point when he moves to their small town of Windy Harbor to open a restaurant.

The narrative masterfully uses flashbacks to weave a tapestry of their shared history, illustrating how years of friendship, heartache, and family loss built a bond that neither could truly escape. While the story begins as a slow burn fueled by sharp banter and mutual resentment, the chemistry becomes explosive once their walls finally come down.

Watching them navigate the forbidden territory of a brother’s best friend romance—complete with a bit of secret sneaking around—is incredibly satisfying. The tension between them pops off like a rocket ship, turning years of angst into a gorgeously written connection that feels as natural as breathing.

Rose Dioro and Sebastian York elevate every moment, capturing a vast range of emotions that keep the listener hooked, from the humor of family shenanigans and the antics of show-stealing grandparents to the more vulnerable, heartbreaking realities of their past. Willow Aster has created a vibrant sense of community in Windy Harbor that makes you want to revisit these friends again and again.

By the time the final page turns, the resolution of Juju and Camden’s bumpy road leaves you completely enamored with their world and eagerly anticipating the next secret romance brewing in the series.

Other books in this series HERE!!