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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This book was so fun to read and get lost in! I enjoyed getting glimpses of Jules and Berk in The Second We Met so I was ready to see how the letter girl would work things out (or not). Since she started sending Berk notes on the recommendation of her therapist, she never fully intended to let him know who she was. But as their neighborly interactions increased, they became friends. Soon, Jules got caught up by her sister’s needs and Berk ends up being in the wrong (or is it right?) place at the right time! Things quickly escalate and he sees how Jules is treated and where she comes from, which isn’t what he expected. I enjoyed the dance these two did around each other and seeing them really get to know each other. I was lost in their story and thought it was so sweet!
4.5/5 Stars
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
After reading Nix and Elle’s story I was so over the moon with Berk and Jules. I knew that their story was going to be delightful and I wasn’t disappointed.
There is some really excellent character development in this book. Both Berk and Jules are complex characters with a lot that they keep hidden beneath the surface. They both have hang-ups and insecurities that they are struggling with and their personal journeys were really impactful. Another thing that I love about Maya’s books is that the side characters really make her stories something special. The reader falls so in love with all of the characters and not just the main couple. I love seeing these secondary characters in other books and getting to know them from book to book is so fulfilling.
While I wholeheartedly loved the romance between Berk and Jules, their tumble into the sheets felt a little abrupt to me. There was some build-up to the romance between them which I appreciated and enjoyed but all of a sudden things progressed a little too quickly when it felt like it should have been eased into a bit more. Once their relationship was established it really was perfect though. They are simply the cutest couple and I was rooting for them the whole time.
When it comes to storytelling, Maya Hughes is just so talented. She sucks you right into her stories and makes you fall completely in love with both the story and characters. The writing is always so effortless and flawless. I know that when I pick up one of her books that I am going to have a great experience.
I liked the plot of this story. It was always interesting and fun. There were a few things about the plot that I felt could have been more thoroughly explained or presented differently but overall I enjoyed the story. There were a few pieces of the plot that I anticipated but some things were a complete surprise.
Overall, this is a story with so much heart that will put a permanent smile on your face. These characters are ones that you will be crazy about. You’ll feel so connected to them that you will feel like you are a part of their little group of friends. Maya Hughes crafts such compelling stories and I can’t wait for the next one! I am so hooked!
The Third Best Thing is the third book in this contemporary, secret admirer trope with a bit of sports romance. This book has, as of this moment, I’m declaring my favorite in the series, so far.
What started as a dirty note to her crush, turns into a more getting-to-know-you letters. Without giving away too much, I could absolutely say that Berk and Jules were a perfect fit to each other. They both have this “need” that the other fill. I feel and relate to the characters insecurities. At one point in my life, I may have suffered the same insecurities and it was really hard when there’s this “standard” that you have to measure up to. I love and admire their strengths and will power to surpass their own fears. Not only that, I loved the chemistry between Berk and Jules! The witty banter, flirtations, and crazy antics are to downright swoony and dreamy! I loved it! Definitely recommend it to all romance lovers out there!
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book and I absolutely loved it, Maya Hughes has done another fabulous job with this book.
It’s well-written with a fast paced storyline, it’s sweet and filled with plenty of drama and emotion. Definitely my favorite in the series so far.
This is the third book in the Fulton U series, and the story of Berk, and Jules. This book hit it out of the park for me, I LOVED reading Berk, and Jules story. I loved them so much, they made me laugh, and cry, and their journey had me glued to my reader the whole way through. I have read the other 2 books in this series, and they are all really amazing, but this one just warms your heart, and connects with your soul. This book was really, so well written, these character captivated me, and the chemistry they had was off the charts. This is was emotional, fun, entertaining, steamy, and an absolute must read!!!!
You know when you love and connect with a book so much it feels like you’re a completely different person after you finish it? That’s what TTBT made me feel.
To say this was an emotional book for me would be an understatement. Everything just moved me in a way not many books can do. Berk and Jules story is really beautiful, magical and captivating and even after a week, I can’t stop thinking about them. u2063
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Jules is still the cute and shy baker we met in TSWM, but she’s also so much more than that. Discovering all her layers and her past was a raw and wonderful experience. She is funny, selfless, caring, sweet, talented, beautiful and so strong. The way she dealt with her problems and slowly started to trust herself and her feelings was amazing. Her growth happened naturally and her struggles weren’t solved with a few motivational and fake speeches. That’s definitely one of my favorite things about this book.u2063u2063
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In TSWM we saw Berk always telling jokes to hide his feelings and now we finally get to understand why he acts like that. What he went through really breaks my heart, but I think how he faced his past and his problems is nothing short of spectacular. He showed a maturity and responsibility I honestly didn’t expect. He’s the sweetest and softest boy I know and I just want to protect him from everything.u2063u2063
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Now onto Berk and Jules… It’s hard to explain how much they mean to me and how their relationship is simply OUT OF THIS WORLD. I cried so much while reading TTBT because their love felt so real I almost could feel it myself. I also loved the way Berk and Jules just connected. They were so comfortable and carefree with each other that there wasn’t anything else they could do besides falling in love. u2063 Friends to lovers remains one of the superior tropes. Yep.
The side characters were also amazing. No surprises there. The Brothel, Seph, Elle, Jules and Marisa work so well together. I love their interactions and how they are always there for each other. Avery, Emmett and Max appearances made the book even better and funnier. Ohh and Marisa&LJ’s breadcrumbs were just *chef’s kiss*u2063u2063u2063
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In conclusion, if you’re looking for an emotional, funny and sweet secret admirer/friends to lovers romance, then this is the perfect book for you.
*ARC provided by the author in exchange of an honest review*
This book is phenomenal. I am getting emotional just writing this because I loved it so much. Jules and Berk are so real and honest. This story was so fun and sweet while also being angsty and emotional. It is the perfect romance full of sweet treats and steamy sexy times. Berk always says that he gets a “warm glowing feeling” in his chest whenever he is around Jules and I got that feeling reading this book. Once I started I was flying through it. I had to make myself slow down because I didn’t want finish so soon. I don’t want to ever leave these two. Their story is gripping and beautiful. Jules is incredible. I relate to her so much. She’s a badass baker with a dirty mind and an even bigger heart. I love her. Berk is so wonderful. He had a hard past, but he has come so far and tries so hard to make a better life for himself and the people he loves. He is so talented and so in touch with his emotions. I love him so much! I love they way Jules and Berk love each other. I could literally go on forever about this book. I can not stop smiling just thinking about them! I don’t think I could forget about these two if I tried. Berk and Jules are the kind of characters that will stick with you. I am so in love with them and their phenomenal story! This is definitely one of my Favorite reads of 2020! You all need this book in your life.
P.S. We get a cross over with Maya’s “Kings of Rittenhouse” Characters and it was AMAZING!!! It made me so happy to see some of my favorite characters again.
Admittedly, I’m not a big fan of NA/YA romance, but I am when this talented lady writes it. Her characters are rich, complex, flawed and endearing, and refreshingly mature for their age. They’re written in such a way that you can’t help but love them.
Berk is a college senior with hopes of an NFL career. He seems carefree and fun loving, but he has a past he’s worked hard to put behind him, and a part of him will always be that scared little boy who had an unstable childhood. His story is so down to earth and relatable, and parts of it are exquisitely heartbreaking. Jules, his neighbor and classmate, has her own struggles with self-esteem, but she covers it with a dazzling smile, sunny disposition and all the baked goods you could want. She’s one of my favorite kinds of heroine because her innate goodness shines in everything she does.
Jules and Berk had me captivated from the very beginning. Their banter is sweet and funny, with things edging into some hilarious “don’t try this at home” territory when they progress to the bedroom. They both make mistakes and have some growing to do, but it reads as authentic and stirs the reader’s emotions without being contrived or overly angsty. They also each have a mean girl type sister which certainly keeps things interesting.
This book is exactly what a young adult romance should be, and if you’re already a fan of the genre, prepare to have your socks knocked off because you’ll fall nose over toes for Berk and Jules. Funny and steamy, but poignant and sweet, this one will work your emotions over in the very best way. It will leave you with a full heart, a happy sigh and a great big smile, so prepare to be owned by these authentic, charismatic, endlessly endearing characters.
It might be the THIRD
But
It’s the BEST of the Three
Swoon. Sweet.Sinfully Delightful.
Wow
Jules and Berk were adorable. Each of them had deep insecurities from their past and family and it was interesting seeing the two completely different issues handled so similarly. Their story shows how much we can get in our own heads and not see the other person’s insecurities as the same as ours when they are so similar. I have been waiting for the letter girl story for so long, I was so excited when it showed them coming up at the end of Elle and Nix’s story and it did not disappoint. I loved Berk and Jules together and cannot wait to see them in the next book!
The Third Best Thing is book three in the Fulton U. It can be read as as standalone. I haven’t read the previous one and I just jumped in and read this one. This one is a cute read. I loved the storyline and Berk and Jules are loveable characters. I loved Jules. She’s a normal girl and she struggles with things I think everyone does. I wasn’t a big fan of your family. Berk is a great guy. He has his own struggles. I loved the whole letter girl storyline and Berk and Jules friendship. I liked how the story progressed. This one was a good read.
4 1/2 Stars!
I don’t usually rate books here (I mainly use my Goodreads) but TTBT was sooooo good I just felt like I should share here too!! I’m gonna leave the link to my Goodreads review here if you’re looking for something more complete.
Overall, TTBT was amazing. Both of the characters were so well written and so, so deep. They were funny, smart, and very relatable. Jules is one of my favorite NA main girls! She’s smart, beautiful, funny, talented and kind. The way she faces bad things in her life are an inspiration to me. Berk was equally perfect. In the previous books he’s portrayed as the funny friend and I was hoping I would get a deeper Berk in TTBT and I was not disappointed. Maya wrote an incredible NA main guy! He’s so lovely, funny, smart and comfortable with his feelings. So many times I wanted to take both Berk and Jules and just hug the shit out of them because that’s what they deserved!!
The plot itself was so good to read. It was the perfect amount and combination of sexy and funny! The side characters once more were such a great addition to the story, and I was happy to see the other Fulton U characters, as well as Averyemmett (the way I screamed when they appeared…..)
TTBT isn’t the third best thing, it’s straight up the very first best thing!! The book is completely worth the read and I can’t thank Maya enough for her amazing ability to write these books and for being kind enough to provide me an ARC.
Goodreads:: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3121259204
I have been dying for the story of Jules and Berk since the very beginning. Their backstory was so perfect and sweet, I just knew I was going to love their story. They were both such beautiful characters and I loved them individually but I knew they would be amazing together. The whole series has been one of those that I am holding my breath waiting for the next one but this one in particular feels like I have been waiting for it forever.
First I need to express how beautiful Jules is. Inside and out she is just sugar and spice and all things nice. And having to live through her shrew mother’s judgment and bullshit I could understand her being so self conscious and afraid of judgement. But she put so much effort into getting passed all of that and making herself happy with herself. And she came out of this so strong and knew what she deserved and went after it. But she did it in such a sweet way because she was such a genuinely sweet and caring person who wanted everyone around her to have nothing but the best.
Berk was perfect for her. He had come through so much and still had his own demons he was fighting. But he knew how awesome Jules was, his only hesitation was that he was so caught up on The Letter Girl.
Their story was all that I had hoped for and I loved every part of it. The only problem I have now is that there are so many more stories I need Maya Hughes to write. I mean there’s Marissa and LJ obviously. But I also need Max and the mystery man and Johanssen and Willa. I just can’t wait for the next book regardless of who we get I just need it now.
I wanted to love this story of Jules and Berk. There are tender moments throughout this book, yet I was frustrated as well. Two souls that dealt with lost that no child should ever deal with. Yet they grew from it and became stronger individuals. We were teased with Jules’s liquid courage to leave Berk her note/letter in the middle of the night on Berk’s mailbox. I kinda wanted to read throughout the book their sneaky exchange, yet we got one chapter of it. Also, Berk only mentioned finding this mystery woman once (I think). Anyways, I do like this book but not in love with it. I think I need to read the first book of this series to get a better understanding of these characters. I am assuming they all show an appearance sometime within the books?
Jules and Berk are friends and Jules is going to help Berk find Letter girl. Berk and Jules have secret feelings for each other. Plus each have there own secrets. Can they get passed all the secrets and insecurities and be together. Great characters and storyline. I love this book so much highly recommended. Awesome
Berk was seriously the cutest and I want him all for myself now. I’m calling dibs! He and Jule’s had me ready to beg for their story by the time I finished The Second We Met and it ended up being an even better book than I was imagining. Jules and Berk both had issues that were keeping them away from each other and relationships in general, and there were times that I wanted to slap both of them and make them get their shit together and see that they were amazing together. But getting to see them work through it slowly was so good and brought so much sweetness to the book so I can’t even be mad at them.
Seeing Berk bring Jules out of her shell some had me smiling so much and I loved that it wasn’t even on purpose. He was just himself and honest with her about how amazing she was, which was exactly what Jules needed. And himself actually. He needed someone like Jules who wouldn’t abandon him and would put him first sometimes. They both had some strong emotional moments that I loved and they brought me a lot closer to each of them and truly had me connect with them.
Overall, this is a brilliant NA romance and I highly recommend reading it. I think it can be read as a standalone with no problem but I would suggest at least reading the previous book first so that you can get the true connection between Berk and Jules
Rate: +5/ 5 stars
I have so many feels after reading this one! I knew it was gonna be good and I was not so patiently waiting for it but gosh it exceeded all and any of my expectations. Berk and Jules were so perfect, I just can’t! I have so much love for them.
A friends to lovers, secret admirer romance with all the heart, fun and sexy times and so many emotions! Berk and Jules were both dealing with their own doubts and insecurities, and both their journeys packed a punch at times. My heart hurt alongside them.
These two had been a long time coming and I could not have loved them, as individuals, as friends and as a couple. These two were so damn perfect for each other, I loved their friendship and how obsessed Berk was with Jules’ baked goods and good in general 😉 They were both such a surprise, in the best way because they were both hiding such deep struggles that were so relatable and just really made them endearing and precious characters. I just wanted to hug them and not let anyone or anything happen to them. They deserved to be happy. It might have took a couple of arguments and tears but in the end everything was worked out in the best way. These two were always there for each other and even when things weren’t okay they always looked out for each other and cared about what was best for one another. My heart belongs to them. They are handsdown my favorite Fulton U couple. And The Third Best Thing is also my favorite book in the series.
Again, what I always love about a Maya Hughes book is that she gives us so much of the other characters in the series and about the situation of the next book. You’ll die when you see the cliffy that ties into Marisa and LJ’s book. I also just really adore Maya for creating the best crossovers. In TTBT she gives us a little more of Emmett and Avery from Ruthless King (Kings of Rittenhouse #3) and gosh I loved hanging out with them again and seeing how they are. My heart was so happy for that bonus. And Max, I am even more intrigued about her now but at least I know she won’t be Colm’s love interest; she’s getting her own trilogy which I’m kind of super excited about. I hope we’ll get more of Jules and Avery in it.
The Third Best Thing was literally the best thing ever. It’s a sugar sweet book with two precious people that you’ll love and care for so hard. 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 and I don’t see that changing any time soon or ever. I read anything she writes like the flash; it’s so good I don’t ever (nor want to) stop. Berkjules are #life and you’ll love them to death.
There was a tightness in my chest. One that wasn’t from pain or hurt, but from how hard it was to contain all the feelings she brought out in me.
Oh my precious heart!!! Maya Hughes has done it again and I’m here just so overwhelmed with emotions and all the feels. I absolutely love Jules and Berk and they are just too adorable and perfect together. And this book… it’s so utterly amazing and addictive and simply one of the best!
I may not have read every single book Maya has written, but I’m wholeheartedly in love with the ones I did. The Third Best Thing is no exception and I savored everything about this deliciously sweet, charming and delightful novel. The writing is captivating and the characters are beautifully flawed, totally loveable, and just so real to me. I always find myself deeply engrossed with Maya’s romances and I don’t think that’s ever going to change. She’s just brilliant at creating stories that will keep you glued to the pages and surprise you in the best ways.
I have nothing but love and admiration for Berk. I liked him in the other books, but knowing what I know now definitely made me fall for him even more. Berk’s past is heartbreaking and I felt so much for him. But, seeing all his accomplishments, watching him overcome his struggles, and just knowing the kind of person he is despite what he’s been through left me in awe. He cares and loves with all his heart. He’s selfless and loyal. He’s sweet, funny, encouraging, and just an all-around great guy.
I adore Jules and related with her shy personality. I don’t think I can ever be as brave as Jules with her pole dancing and some others I don’t want to reveal. But, let me just say that Jules is fierce and so much stronger than she knows. She acknowledges her fears and insecurities and tries to overcome them. Jules is also hard-working, determined, kind, caring, and just a really lovely person to be around with. I don’t want to say too much about her mother and sister, Laura, but I sympathized with what she’s been through and just wanted to reach out and give her a hug cause I know exactly how she feels. To watch her slowly learn to love herself and finally shine the way she does made my heart so darn happy. And, even though Jules did that all by herself (cause of course she can), Berk was there cheering her on and supporting her and I loved him even more for that. He’s good for her and vice versa and they’re just so right for each other.
So, it goes without saying that I loved how everything about Jules and Berk’s relationship played out. Their chemistry is amazing and swoony and I enjoyed watching them grow closer together. They’re sweet, adorable, and very supportive of each other. They obviously go through a few setbacks and some drama which broke my heart, but in the end they both realize that their love’s real. Watching them find what they’re looking for in each other was so beautiful and heartwarming. I also really enjoyed their flirting and sexy moments. It’s steamy and swoony for sure, but I really loved that Berk and Jules are comfortable together, playfully tease each other, and have a few good laughs while experimenting. I don’t think I can ever look at a donut the same way again.
As always, I love catching up with the other characters. They’re always so fun, entertaining, and just makes me feel so happy seeing them all be there for each other. Jules, Avery, and Max are too cute and adorable together and it was so sweet to see their friendship grow. The bromance between my favorite boys totally gave me the swoons and I just love seeing them together. Seriously, how does Maya create amazingly genuine and loveable characters that they all feel so real? Their grief, their happiness, their struggles, their relationships, and everything else in between… they seem so real to me that I can’t help but feel connected to them in one way or another.
The Third Best Thing is an absolute fun and engrossing romance story filled with all the spine-tingling, heart-bursting, and breathtakingly wonderful feels I love. Maya Hughes is truly talented and an exceptional storyteller. I can never get enough of all the drama, the playful bantering, the bromance, the friendships, the characters, and the sweet tender moments in her books. She just knows how to make my heart ache in the best ways and the swoons are always so irresistibly good and yummy that I want more. And after that ending scene, let’s just say that Marissa and LJ’s story needs to happen ASAP!!!
I received an advance reader copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thought, opinions, and swoons are my own.
And you were never the third best thing in my life, Jules. Never. I’d never play a game again, if it meant I could be here with you.
I have been patiently waiting for Jules and Berk’s story since I finished reading The Second We Met and it was so worth the wait!!!! This book is sweet, laugh out loud funny and oh so swoon worthy. I couldn’t get enough of these two. Never have I rooted so hard for characters to be together. These two deserved happiness in their life and the way that Maya told their story was perfect.
Jules started writing love letters to Berk in The Second We Met and Berk would write back to her. He was dying to meet her and she was shy as hell and didn’t want to put herself out there to be rejected later. Jules is quirky sweet, but lacks confidence in herself especially with her horrible mother. Berk is my favorite Fulton U football player. He’s funny and sweet and doesn’t take anything for granted.
These two, ahhhh what can I say but I want more of them!!
These two may have come from different backgrounds but they are more alike then they. They both feared rejection and never being good enough. I felt Jules’s pain when her mother was so ugly towards her. I wanted to hug her and tell her she was going to be alright and everything will work out for her. A pep talk I wish I would’ve given to my younger self. Berk grew up in foster care and always carried his stuff with him and always had to look over his shoulder. Reading his story brought me to tears. I love how through all the tears they laughed and came out on top.
Everyone needs to read the story of Jules and Berk. By far my favorite of this series. I can’t to see what else Maya has in the works with the rest of the crew!! Fulton U is a MUST READ Series!!
Jules was a student at Fulton University and had a crush on Berk who was on school’s football team. Berk was always around but he saw Jules as a cool girl who loved to bake. Will Jules ever tell him? Will Berk ever see her as more than a friend?