Patrick Sadler spent most of his life quietly loving his childhood best friend, Johanna. Six years later, the one night they spent together before she walked away with his heart is a memory he revisits often. Or as often as he can between raising his daughter and running the family restaurant. That was until she moved back to their small town in coastal New England. Not only do they have to work together in the hopes of saving the restaurant, but he’s now left wondering why her once bright smile has been dimmed. And will he ever know the reason she left?

Johanna Thomas always knew she would return home when she was ready, because that’s where she left her heart. Walking away from Patrick wasn’t easy, but she knew it was for the best. Now back in town, she wants to prove to herself and Patrick that she deserves to be here. He isn’t the same man he was before, but it’s hard not to fall for this version when she sees the love he has for his little girl.

They try to put the past behind them and work together as friends. But how can they, when old feelings have never disappeared, and they still look at each other like that?

Is this their second chance, or has too much time and heartbreak happened for them to make it work?

This book was TOO. GOOD. Now, I’m sure you’re wondering, ‘Hilarye, is that even possible?’ Oh yes, my friend, it is. This book is meeting your soulmate and feeling seen for the first time good. It’s slipping into a pair of jeans that makes your ass look fantastic and taking a sip of a perfectly made iced coffee good. It’s drinking wine, eating cheese, and laughing until you cry with your best friend good. And it’s even (wait for it) snuggling a pile of kittens good. Yup, kittens—this book is THAT good. 

The story begins with Patrick and Johanna, childhood best friends who grew up together, sharing a love of jigsaw puzzles, grilled cheese sandwiches, and, secretly, each other. They spend years dancing around their feelings, always joined at the hip and caring deeply for one another, but never getting together. After college, Patrick and Johanna finally admit their feelings and share one incredible night together. Shortly after, several tragic events put their lives on diverging paths. Johanna silently and suddenly moves away from Sutton Bay, leaving Patrick reeling, heartbroken, and confused.

Patrick quietly mourns the loss of his best friend and the love of his life. One night, he drowns his sorrows at a bar and ends up having a one-night stand. Several weeks later, Patrick learns he’s going to be a dad. Fast forward six years, and Patrick’s heart has never healed, but his daughter, Lottie, has given him something to live for. He’s embraced the challenges of being a single parent, and his relationship with Lottie is swoon-worthy. Patrick is the ultimate girl-dad. He glues tiny tiaras on toy dinosaurs, organizes princess birthday parties, and even learns how to braid Lottie’s hair perfectly. He’s also taken over managing Our Place, the restaurant his and Johanna’s parents opened when they were kids. Unfortunately, the restaurant is struggling, and Our Place is on the verge of going out of business or, worse, being sold. Patrick is desperate to turn things around and keep the one piece of his childhood he has left close to his heart.

Johanna returns to Sutton Bay after six years to reconnect with her roots and help Patrick save the restaurant. Patrick doesn’t know Johanna is coming home, and when she walks through the restaurant’s front door, they are both overwhelmed with trepidation and, at the same time, fond memories of the love they never lost. Throughout the story, we learn that Johanna battles with anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. Her return to Sutton Bay is difficult, opening and healing old wounds, mending broken friendships, and desperately longing to reunite with Patrick. Johanna deals with her mental health in ways that add depth to her character and make her relatable to anyone who’s faced similar challenges. 

Patrick and Johanna’s love story is beautifully complicated and a masterclass in the power of second chances. As Johanna navigates her return to Sutton Bay and the things that forced her to leave, the way Patrick forgives and supports her is nothing short of incredible. He’s not just a love interest; he’s a partner who understands her struggles and stands by her side. Johanna and Patrick’s banter is delightful, filled with playful teasing that showcase their chemistry, and the spicy scenes are perfectly balanced with tender, heartfelt moments filled with nostalgia. Their shared history and mutual pining come together perfectly and make each one of their interactions feel significant. Johanna and Patrick’s relationship is a testament to the fact that love can be both a refuge and a catalyst for healing.

My thoughts about Those Two Words are best summed up by cobbling together some of the messages I sent Ronnie at 4AM (after reading all night and sobbing uncontrollably). 

Holy shit. The angst. The guilt. The things left unsaid. Jo’s struggles with anxiety, panic, and depression. THE BANTER. Chef’s kiss.

And just…Patrick.

He’s adorable and caring and sexy and broody and the perfect girl dad—I’M IN LOVE.

5⭐ — ‘All Time Favorite’ list status unlocked. Steal my sleep and my tears. I’ll take it for a fantastic story.

Bravo, my friend, you done good. SO GOOD. 💕

Would I recommend it? Do I even have to answer that? HELL YES! Those Two Words is a beautifully crafted debut that captures the intricacies of love, the challenges of mental health, and the power of community. Ronnie Mathews has created a story that invites readers to reflect on their own journey with love, loss, and mental health. The narrative is both poignant and uplifting. Those two things, combined with a love story of epic proportions, have earned this book a prized spot on my bookshelf—forever. So yeah, don’t think about it, just go buy this book. It comes out on August 22, 2024. Your heart will never be the same.