Dear Letter Girl, I need to see you. When can we meet?Her response never came. My secret pen pal with a dirty mind has ghosted me. I’ve roped Jules, my sweet as pie next door neighbor, to help me track her down.There’s only one problem–I’m falling for her. The tortoise shell glasses, out of this world curves and delicious treats are making the search for The Letter Girl even harder. My notes … The Letter Girl even harder.
My notes were supposed to be a one time thing. A little too much wine and naughty thoughts on a winter’s night. I never thought Berk would write back. I wanted to tell him it was me, but the fear of rejection kept my lips sealed.
Now he’s enlisted my help to track down The Letter Girl and our search has him hot on my, ahem, her trail.
She’s the girl next door.
He’s my secret pen pal.
Truth is on a collision course with their hearts and it’s only a matter of time before one of them gets wrecked…
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Berk, Berk, Berk…
I would like you not to be not so stupid ass wonderful.
You know how book boyfriends are blamed for ruining real-life chances with a potential mate. Let me give you exhibit A: Berkley Vaughn.
Seriously, he made me melt.
I mean he wasn’t without faults. But even in his faults, you see through his vulnerability and just…
He deserves a HEA.
Jules, Jules, Jules…
You are every girl. You are the heroine we can connect with on any level. Through her faults – either real or perceived, the reader can connect with her feelings and thoughts.
MY GOD MAYA HUGHES… This is one of my favorite books EVER!
If you follow my reviews, you know. I yammer on about ‘connecting with characters’, ‘understanding motivations’, yada yada. It’s important to me as a reader. Besides the fact I want to fall headfirst into a story that keeps me engaged and entertained, I want to connect in some way. Jules and Berk do just that.
Although it’s been a while since my college days, you can relate to the cusp of leaving this world you feel comfortable in. But there are things set aside you need to deal with to grow up. Berk and Jules both have their hurdles to fly over. And what better way than in the arms of someone who gets you.
Maya Hughes’ story weaves you in and sets you as an observer to a couple of friends you just want to push together. Because they are just the right amount of perfect for one another. Readers are hopeful and earnest that they find their HEA with each other. The pages magically turned and before you know it you reached the end.
Hopeful, happy and satisfied.
I have loved all the stories in the Fulton University series. You love seeing the connection and friendships bloom along with the love stories. You want to read them in order and read them you should.
Recommendation: Buy them all. But you’ll fall the hardest for Berk and Jules.
Five Plus Stars from me!
Absolutely
Phenomenal
Nothing could have prepared me for just how much I LOVE this book,I am at a loss for words.
So I am guessing that you have all read the blurb right?
So you think you know what it is about….but you are wrong…This story is so much more than you could even imagine.
Jules and Berk got me right in the heart with their Romance,I mean I loved them when I first met them as side characters in the other books…But Wow having their story printed right in front of me and the emotions that they stirred inside me was just beyond words could describe…Both of them had their issues,Berk especially surprised me I just didn’t expect him to be so imperfectly Perfect and have such a tragic background…I bloody Love him.
The Third Best Thing was an absolute privilege to read,I adored EVERYTHING about it..The Secret Letters which started it all,
The attraction between them,
The explosive Chemistry,the angst, the tears, the Joy and laughter and believe me there were some Classic LOL moments..Just as much as the heartwrenching ones.
Jules and Berk had me completely smitten I invested myself heart and soul into their opposites attract,friends to Lovers romance.
I resonated with Jules so much and her struggle, always feeling self conscious within her own body,feeling inadequate and using food to ease her anxieties with not feeling good enough.She had low self esteem and baking gave her an outlet ,it was something she excelled at and was praised for..Praise she never got from her Mother.
Berk is my dream guy,I want my very own Berkley Vaughn he Fell in Love with Jules unconditionally he didn’t care what she looked like .It was her heart and goodness that drew him in,(and her baking lol )he made her feel like she was the most beautiful woman in the world…I loved him for that.
I have so much deep affection for this story and for ALL of the characters in this series I am already excited for LJ and Marissa’s story.
This funny,quirky,emotional sexy book is worth its weight in 10 gold stars,you need to read this book for yourself and take away its beautiful hopeful message.
The Third Best Thing by Maya Hughes is as delicious and as moresish as one of Jules’s baking treats,once you start to devour its goodness you won’t be able to stop and just want more and more.
Maya Hughes you are just Brilliant ,flawless writing,quintessential characters and superb story a must read and it has my highest recommendation
OMG I just finished this book, and let me tell you, Berk is everything!!
I was really waiting for their story to come out, and Maya did her best. And it was freakin beautiful and amazing and awesome and I could go on!
Berk and Jules both have their insecurities, they don’t like to talk about. And I loved the dual POV, so you could ‘see’ in their head, what they were thinking about. Loved it!!!
Absolutely worth 5 plus a on top!!!
I kindly received an arc from the author and voluntarily left a review!
My first Maya Hughes book (ashamed to say) and now I wonder what I was waiting for. Well crafted and tender, but with the sizzle I need to get through life! This will be the first of many I read by Maya.
Maya Hughes has done it again! College sports romances are my go-to, but this book is so much more. Deep characters, heartfelt moments, and writing that pulled me in from the very first page, The Third Best Thing is fantastic. Berk and Jules are my new favorite couple–at least until she writes the next book!
Maya Hughes is a master of getting you right in the heart, whether that be with swoon-worthy romance or heartbreak, and then she tempers it with some fabulously well-timed wit. I had a feeling that Berk and Jules’ story was going to be an emotional one, and boy, was I right. Emotional is just the tip of the iceberg here, and in more ways than one. At any given point in TTBT, I was just as likely to be crying as I was to be furious, or giddy, or swooning… And it’s quite possible that all of those happened within a couple of pages only to start all over again. I don’t know if I’ve ever wanted to punch a character right in the mouth as badly as I wanted to while reading this book. And in the same turn, I completely loved both Berk and Jules. These two are just so perfect for each other. Berk is a great combination of broken little boy and sexy guy with a heart of gold, and Jules – well, Jules sums up what a lot of us go through at some point in our lives. The struggle with self-image is an ongoing issue for a lot of us, and she’s such a strong character as she faces those demons. So, yes, the story is emotional on so many levels. It’s also loaded with fantastic characters, some steamy goodness, and a romance that you can’t help but root for. I laughed, I cried, I got mad, I think I even yelled at the characters a couple of times, and in the end, I absolutely loved this one. I can’t wait to see what’s next for the Fulton U crew!
“She was sweet as hell and now I wanted a taste.”
I have been looking forward to Berk and Jules’ story ever since I witnessed their interaction in the previous book The Second We Met. The whole secret pen pal trope really appealed to me and I was anxious to see how the story would develop. Jules loves to bake, and she is pretty amazing at it. However, she doesn’t have a lot of self confidence mainly because of how her mother always put her down and put emphasis on her weight. She has been crushing hard on her neighbor Berk, and one day while she has liquid courage she decides to write and leave him a sexy note, telling him all the things she wants him to do to her. Berk doesn’t know who this mystery letter girl is, but writes back. They go back and forth and Berk finally wants to know who she is. So he asks Jules (who is the letter girl) to help him find out. I loved the bond they already had before they started falling each other. Berk is a nice guy and has trauma from his past that he hasn’t dealt with, and my heart broke for him. Jules is trying to build her self-confidence up and doesn’t really think Berk would ever see her as desirable, but she couldn’t be further from the truth.
“Beside him, I did feel like he was ready to take on the world on my behalf.”
The Third Best Thing is a great addition to the Fulton U series. I really enjoyed this book and it kept me entertained until the end. It had its fun, sexy, and emotional moments. And everything just fit perfectly together. However, I was anticipating the discovery of the Letter Girl to play a much bigger part in the story. I wanted to see Berk and Jules try to figure out who this person was. But I felt like that fell a bit in to the background. That was the only thing I would’ve loved done differently. I wanted a bit more focus on that particular aspect of the story. But overall I was still really happy with how the story developed. Seeing Berk and Jules go from friends to lovers was amazing and super hot. These two couldn’t keep their hands to themselves, which I loved. They were a great match and I loved seeing them make very sensible decisions. Maya Hughes characters are very likable and original, and her stories feel very refreshing. I am a big fan and I am already looking forward to the next book in this series. If the blurb sounds good then definitely give this book a try!
“The electric fire of desire coursed through my veins and the only antidote was her touch.”
Another, yet again, friends-to-lovers that I absolutely loved!
Berk and Jules story is just absolutely good! Berk and Jules were both dealing with their own doubts and insecurities, and both their journeys packed a punch at times. Berk totally surprised me, he’s so imperfectly perfect. Jules and Berk had me completely smitten into their romance!
Maya just keeps getting better and better with her fabulous, heartwarming and just addictive stories. I have been a huge fan since the first book I ever read of her. You can’t help but keep coming back for more!
5 Stars
Review by Lisa
Late Night Support Group
Up All Night With Books Blog
The best in the series yet!!! I love the Fulton U series and this is by far my favorite one. Third Best Thing is Maya Hughes’s third installment of Fulton U and you won’t be disappointed. As each story can be read as a standalone I highly recommend reading them in order because Berk and Jules’s story really starts in book 1 and continues to book 2 and explodes into book 3.
But what got me is the actual storyline, the depth of these characters and the situations of life that they lived through and struggle with every day. (don’t want to give anything away). The chemistry is off the charts between all the characters but Berk and Jules are on fire.
Some stories you just read, this one consumed me. I felt their pain, their laughter, friendships, disappointment, miscommunications and wanted to yell at them like I would watching a movie.
Perfect synapses of this story:
Truth is on a collision course with their hearts and it’s only a matter of time before one of them gets wrecked
Berk is on a mission to find out who letter girl is and enlisted Jules to help. But the more time Jules and Berk spend together lines begin to blurry, but outside their bubble, things start falling apart and when they collide together can they be strong enough to hold on?
An absolute must-read series. I can’t wait for more to come.
“Girl next door, 4 stars”
Okay, I’m just going to start off with saying that my four stars has nothing to do with the book and all to do with me. I was off when I started reading but pushed through trying to pray the word funk away. And even in that funk I thought The Third Best Thing was worth 4 stars, so I’m sure that if I was in a normal reading mood, I would have given this sucker a big ol’ five. Hughes gives us a play on the classic girl next door but hers is a little different.
Jules and Berk are friends. Or really they have mutual friends and she’s his supplier….of baked goods. So that means their friends, right? When he asks her for help finding his mystery letter girl she can’t say no, it would look too suspicious. For the record she’s the letter girl but her insecurities won’t allow her to admit it. But sometimes the truth comes out when you least expect it. Will these two manage to stay friends or turn into lovers? Or even worse…what if Berk walks away… only one way to find out.
Plot-5/5
Characters-4/5
Heat-4/5
Writing style-5/5
Overall-4/5
Nothing could have prepared me for just how much I LOVE this book,I am at a loss for words.
So I am guessing that you have all read the blurb right?
So you think you know what it is about….but you are wrong…This story is so much more than you could even imagine.
I have so much deep affection for this story and for ALL of the characters in this series I am already excited for LJ and Marissa’s story.
This funny,quirky,emotional sexy book is worth its weight in 10 gold stars,you need to read this book for yourself and take away its beautiful hopeful message.
The Third Best Thing by Maya Hughes is as delicious and as moresish as one of Jules’s baking treats,once you start to devour its goodness you won’t be able to stop and just want more and more.
Maya Hughes you are just Brilliant ,flawless writing,quintessential characters and superb story a must read and it has my highest recommendation.
By Cat
Maya Hughes has done it again. I’ve been anticipating Berk and Jules’ book since I read Nix and Elle’s book. This book will have you laughing out loud, mad, sad and oh so happy. The feels were unreal. This friends to lovers romance hits the spot if you are looking for a sweet and fun read. The peeps of Fulton U are definitely entertaining. Read these standalone books now!
4.5 Cupcake Stars
Jules and Berk have an amazing journey and finally reach the destination they both want. Unfortunately, some journeys have more curvy roads and obstacles than others…and that is definitely the case for Jules and Berk
Jules in a stroke of drunken stupidity, puts pen to paper and drops a letter off for Berk in his mailbox outside the Brothel. This starts a hot and steamy letter exchange between the two until Jules gets a wake up call in the form of Berk, asking her to make a cake for Alexis…..confused she stops writing to him and now he wants her help to find TLG….the letter girl
This was a really good story and had a few really angsty moments and a few emotional ones too
I’m looking forward to what’s next with LJ and Marisa as the tension for this has been building for a while now Thank you to Maya for my advanced copy for which I voluntarily leave my honest review
This was SO. GOOD.
After reading books one and two, I could not wait for this story. Berk is one of those characters you fall in love with immediately. And once you fall, he steals your heart, But that’s okay, he can have mine. I don’t want it back.
Jules is also a very lovable character. So very relatable. She’s smart and caring and kind and wants to make people happy. She has some personal issues to resolve, and to watch her overcome and grow throughout this book, and experience the journey with her was emotional and powerful.
My heart hurt for Jules, my heart broke for Berk. My goodness! They both need so much love and so many hugs and I just want to be the one to give them those things!
The author did a fabulous job of making me FEEL everything – all the love and struggles and pain both Berk and Jules went through.
I couldn’t love this book more if I tried. It was fun and sexy and touching and emotional and gave me everything I love in a good book. Definitely a top read of 2020.
It was funny when it needed to be, deliciously steamy and passionate at the perfect times, and heartwarming when I needed it most.
I will recommend this series to anyone who will listen. I will shout it from the rooftops. READ IT!!!
The Third Best Thing is a great addition to the FU series! Berk and Jules are the perfect combination of sweet and sexy with a little angst mixed in. I loved getting to know Berk and Jules as individuals, but I loved them together more! They each had a difficult past and insecurities that almost came between them, but they fought to be together. I loved getting caught up with the rest of the FU gang and another favorite baker and hockey player! I’m a huge fan of Maya Hughes and with each new book I love her words and characters more and more. Can’t wait for whats to come!!
Five Donuts Stars for The Third Best Thing by the wonderful Maya Hughes
OMG! This book was perfect, Jules is perfect, Berk is perfect, the whole damned this is downright perfection!
There aren’t enough words to describe how much I loved this beautiful romance novel. Mrs. Hughes DELIVERED, ladies and gentlemen!
The Third Best Thing has become my favorite book of this series. It was so heartfelt, so inspiring and touching that I can’t even express how much I truly enjoyed it.
Julia Kelland is such a wonderful, sweet, yet vulnerable, woman. I loved her inner and outer beauty, she felt so human to me and for that, I will love her forever. She definitely had her own issues and weaknesses but when she had to put her feet on the ground, she did and I was so proud of her.
Berkley Vaughn is my forever, all-time book babe!!! He stole my heart and I am ok with that. He made my heart beat, my eyes cry, and, my soul hope.
In a nutshell, TTBT was amazing, funny, whimsy, romantic, steamy, and much, much more.
Gahhh!! I can’t tell you how desperately I was waiting for Berk and Jules’ story!
The letters, the feelings of unrequited love! Oh how I swooned hard for this story!
Jules is a character I could fully empathize with. We all have our insecurities and our vulnerabilities and unfortunately, Jules’ self-esteem had been so beaten down by her own family it was amazing to see the strides she made throughout the story to become the brave, strong woman she could be. She fell in love with herself as hard as she fell in love with Berk. And to me, that is the most powerful and fragile love of all, the love of self.
Berk his back story was absolutely heartbreaking. His naiveté of how he saw people made me want to shake him a bit. But when the blinders came off and he saw the world how he should have, he came through brilliantly. His love for Jules was amazing, I loved how he wasn’t afraid to tell her, as many times as she needed to hear it, what she meant to him.
This series has been absolutely amazing and I cannot wait to see what Ms. Hughes comes out with next!
I don’t even know where to start.
This book was exactly what I wanted from these characters and so much more. Maya Hughes has written an amazingly touching, honest story. About finding self love and discovering you can still love to take care of others and love yourself. That family isn’t just about what we are born into but the family we choose along our journey in life and those who choose us.
Along with the serious part there was fun, flirting, and undeniable chemistry I couldn’t help but wish they’d stop holding back already.
All of our Fulton U friends were back to. Reese and Seph, Nix and Elle, and of course LJ and Marisa. The new friends were amazing, I’m wondering if there won’t be a book in the future for a certain cake baker?
I truly can’t say how much I loved and connected with this book, not just with Jules character but with Berks as well.
I read this book in less then a day I couldn’t and didn’t want to put it down.
I’m certain that within this series of books there is at least one character everyone can relate to and fall in love with, especially by the time LJ & Marisa make an appearance.
I absolutely loved this book.
The Third book in the series but definitely not Third Place !!!
I really liked both Berk and Jules even from the previous books, and already felt like i knew them so well. I just wanted them to have that HEA that they both deserved. Both of these characters had such heart, despite their beginnings and upbringing they were two of the most caring people you would come across.
Jules having a past that always put her down, made her feel inadequate, never good enough, struggled with self confidence, yet she was always determined to get through it.
Berk with a life of feeling abandoned and not worthy of being loved yet he had a heart so giving and full of hope and dreams he strived to achieve.
Their love began with secret letters, and became so much more over sweet delicious baked goods!!
This book had a fun side and an emotional side both of which melded together perfectly. Although because of knowing such an amount of their beginning and a little of their past within the previous books, i found that there weren’t many huge surprises within this one, yet i still loved their journey.
Their growth in character, confidence and trust was both painful and hope inspiring. I love that this author always makes the characters and friendships feel like a family, one you would want to belong to!!
Third book but i think possibly Berk and Jules could definitely steal first place in your heart !!
This couple. I adored them. Berk and Jules are such a sweet, sexy couple. Jules had body issues from years of mental abuse from her mother. And Berk had an extremely hard life growing up in foster care. With secret letters and tasty treats, Berk and Jules develop a friendship that slowly grows into more. They give each other the unconditional love they both yearn for. This is a very tender love story that touched my heart in all the right ways. And it’s great having all the secondary characters make an appearance. Can’t wait for book four!