I received this book for free from the Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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My high school sweetheart, the boy who shattered my heart, is back in our small town, and there will be no avoiding him for the next two weeks…

Only there is nothing boyish about Miguel Fernandez. The NFL’s best rookie defensive end is even more wickedly handsome than he was four years ago—tall, with abs for days, all that unruly hair, and eyes so dark they swallow you whole.

And that’s exactly what he’s doing every time our paths cross.

I shouldn’t let it affect me. After all, there was a good reason why we broke up in the first place. But no matter how much I try to put some distance between us, it’s impossible to stay away when our childhood friends are getting married.

Not only is he attending the wedding. He is in the wedding—the best man to my maid of honor. There will be no escaping the boy who destroyed me completely with his betrayal or stopping the secrets I kept from coming out…

One of favorite settings in romance novels, is the small-town setting. There’s just something about small towns that makes everything seem a little more romantic, in my opinion. So when I received an email with the question if I was interested in reading ‘It Should Have Been Us’ set in a small town, I couldn’t resist.

In ‘It Should Have Been Us’ we read the story of Miguel and Rebecca. Miguel and Rebecca grew up together and they had been best friends for many years. When they where in their last years of High School things changed between them, and they started dating. Their relationship seemed unbreakable and their connection undeniable. But when High School ended, and college was waiting for them things changed. And they ended up breaking up.

Both heartbroken, Miguel and Rebecca go there own way, and never see other again. Until two of there best friends are getting married almost 4 years later. Things are now totally different. Miguel is a professional NFL star, and Rebecca owns her own establishment and takes care of her family. But even four years later, the connection between them is hard to deny.

‘It Should Have Been Us’ was a lovely story that pulled me in right away. The story is told through both Miguel and Rebecca’s point of view, and we read through past and present time. Although this easily can be confusing, the author managed to do this in a way that wasn’t confusing at all. And reading through both their point of views worked so well for this book.

The romance was great and a lot of fun, but there was a lot more going on throughout this book. Both characters went through a lot of hard moments, and it was heartbreaking to read. I was honestly surprised both characters where supposedly just in there early twenties. They felt a lot more mature then I was in my early twenties.

At times I felt like things moved a little bit to slow, but it didn’t bother me too much.

If there’s one thing this book ended up doing, was making me curious about the other books by this author. Some of the side characters supposedly have there own book, and I definitely hope to read those books as well.

‘It Should Have Been Us’ was a beautiful, heartbreaking story I really enjoyed. If you’re into romance novels, and love small town settings.. this one is definitely for you.

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About Anna B. Doe

Anna B. Doe is a USA Today and international bestselling author of young adult and new adult sports romance. She writes real-life romance that is equal parts sweet and sexy. She’s a coffee and chocolate addict. Like her characters, she loves those two things dark, sweet and with little extra spice.
When she’s not working for a living or writing her newest book you can find her reading books or binge-watching TV shows. Originally from Croatia, she is always planning her next trip because wanderlust is in her blood.

She is currently working on various projects. Some more secret than others.

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Maureen Bakker

Maureen is a mom, wife, nurse, and Ravenclaw living in the Netherlands. She spends her days juggling mom-life, reading, blogging, planning date nights with her husband and working as a nurse. Maureen also is a big Anglophile, loves cooking, Gilmore Girls, Bridgerton and Harry Potter.. Always!  Facebook | Instagram