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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5 STARS
Sweet, sexy and funny!!!
Maya Hughes novel delivers an entertaining friends to lovers story that will give you all the feels a new adult romance should. I’ve been looking forward to reading how Jules and Berk’s story would pan out when we caught glimpses of them in The Second We Met. I was more than pleased with what the author brought to the table. After reading this book, it made me want to have a donut… lol… you’ll know why!
I loved every single thing about this book! This is the third book in the Fulton U series, but all can be read as standalone books. The Third Best Thing by Maya Hughes is an hilariously EPIC read that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!
The Third Best Thing is the third title in the Fulton U series, but only my second read by Maya Hughes, but I was captivated by Berk and Jules story of love and acceptance.
This pair of characters are endearing, yet realistic with relatable flaws, insecurities and vulnerabilities.
Berk is an enigmatic hero. On the outside he appears to be fun, carefree and successful. But his outward confidence hides deep seated insecurities and vulnerabilities tied to his early childhood.
Jules is incredibly sweet, kind and caring. She always puts other’s needs before her own and despite the fact that she is battling her own demons she’s incredibly strong and resilient.
The chemistry between this pair is undeniable. Their story is full of heat, heart and humor. Their banter is fun, flirty and at times quite humorous.
Jules and Berk’s story is packed full of emotional and their character development and growth over the course of this title feels realistic and natural, but also lacks any unnecessary angst.
I love the strong theme of friendship that flows throughout this title, and I can’t wait for the next title in the Fulton U series.
Berk and Jules are in college and live next door to each other. They start out as friends until Berk gets a letter from an unknown girl. He enlists Jules help to track down letter girl. Jules has a secret crush on Berk. These two had heartbreaking pasts but were able to overcome it and move on to a relationship. A really good read that I recommend along with the entire series.
This is my FAVORITE Maya Hughes book to date. For me it was a total hit! I went into The Third Best Thing excited beyond belief. I had been sitting on pins and needles, anxiously waiting to get my hands on it. From what we’d seen of Jules and Berk in the prior two books, I just knew their story would be nothing short of AMAZING! And let me tell you… It was absolutely everything I was expecting and MORE. I loved every single word of it.
The story begins with the quest to find The Letter Girl (Jules). Berk is on a mission to find her and enlists Jules help in order to do so. But Jules is determined to keep her secret. She has insecurities about her body because she is curvy and not as thin as other girls. From an early age, her parents instilled in her the idea of how she should look. So naturally she is worried that if Berk finds out the truth, she will be rejected. So it’s better that he be kept in the dark. But what happens when the secret gets out?
Jules and Berk absolutely captured my heart. They were the perfectly imperfect pair. I loved how real and authentic they were. It’s incredible how I could relate to them on almost every single level. I loved how well the book flowed, the way the characters interacted with each other and the depth of the feels. It just brings the book to life. It was absolute perfection! It had everything I needed in a book and so much more. Five stars for Jules, Berk and The Third Best Thing.
4 Sweet and Cute Stars!
Yay, I loved Berk and Jules! They were like the ultimate cutesy couple. Especially how they both loved some sweetness in all aspects of their relationship *hint*hint*. This was such a fun and lighthearted read. I love how there isn’t any unnecessary angst which is just one of the many reasons why I love this series. No OW drama, no excessive amount of drama either.
I liked Jules, and am happy we finally get to see her get her happy ending with her crush. It was sad to see what she went through with her family and the effect it had on her social life, and on her thoughts towards herself. I’m sure many of us can empathise with some of the problems she faced, and it made her a more realistic character. I also like how she had an overly sweet and sexy side which contrasted each other, but also worked well for her and being with Berk.
Now onto Berk, I loved him! He always saw the best in Jules, and never understood why Jules would wouldn’t see herself as amazing as he saw her, which he always thought she was, and that can do wonders for a women’s self-confidence. I also always felt for him, especially coming from a large family with many adopted relatives, some that started out as foster kids in our family, so I have seen how big of an impact of feeling not wanted by your family could be, and it always makes me sad when i see people feeling that way. He did have problems with Alexis, which on one side I can understand him seeing as they only had each other, but I’m also glad he took his blinders off to see the negative impact she had on him, but I love how he never gave up.
I do have some critiques that I had to take a star down though. One being this was a pretty Insta love story, which although they had known each other the past couple books, I felt like they started loving each other a bit too fast in my opinion. Another was although I liked Jules, I felt like she had forgiven Berk a bit too fast? Even her sister, especially after all the years she was nasty to Jules, maybe it’s just my cynic side coming out, but I would have liked to see a bit more groveling.
One other thing would be how many times Jules’ name was said. There are pronouns for a reason, and I wish there were more in this book instead of repeating her name every time. I had counted Jules’ name in it and got approx. 400 times, which is excessive to me. Maybe it is just me, because repeated words are one things I do not like in a books, (I’ve gotten annoyed over a word being said 11 times, so really, maybe it IS just me), but either way this book definitely could have done with some more pronouns.
One last thing would be that I felt like a lot of things were missing, or that I was left out on them. Some things I’m sure it is just because i don’t remember everything since reading The Second We Met, which I know we were introduced to some characters in that book, but i wish we would have gotten a reminder of who they were exactly in this one. Another reason for feeling left out was because it is an interconnected series with Maya Hughes’ other series which I have not yet read and some of the characters from that series are in this one a bit, and everytime they would talk about something, I was a little confused like I should know what they mean.
Overall, this was a super sweet and cutesy story. Each and every book in this series I anticipate till I can get my hands on it. So far, Seph and Reese are still my favorites, (legit loved everything about the Perfect First), so I’m glad we finally saw a couple of snippets of them (I felt a little deprived of them in the last book). I think Marissa and LJ’s book will be the last one, and I cant wait for it, but I’m also hoping Johansson gets his own, whether it be in this series or the next one, I will for sure read it. Either way, I’m exited for what is to come!
*ARC provided in exchange for honest review*
Absolutely amazing!!! Jules and Berk made made my heart happy! Third time was the charm…loved the first two books, but The Third Best Thing was my favorite!! The slow burn of their relationship built up beautifully to the out of control chemistry they had once they were together! Pure perfection!
Berk was on the hunt for The Letter Girl; she had recently ghosted him. He did not understand what he did to make her go radio silent. Who was she? Where did she go? How was he going to find her?
Jules started writing the letters thinking Berk would never respond. She never dreamed they would end up having such a connection. How could she ever tell him it was her? Especially now since he asked her to help him find The Letter Girl!!
Would their hearts survive when the truth came out?
A wonderful balance of humor, angst and swoon! Berk was the full package; how could anyone not fall in love with him! I am very happy I got to see a little bit of several favorites of mine…especially Emmett & Avery!! I hope Jules and Berk get an extended epilogue so we can see if Berk’s visions came true
I was absolutely blown away by Jules and Berk’s journey. I didn’t expect it, and I was not prepared to connect with Jules the way I did. Her story was one many of us have been through and continue to fight through. Maya was able to write, so you feel who these characters are. My connection and understanding of Jules’ self-doubts and fears brought me to tears. And, holy moly, goodness gracious the way Berk supported and loved her though was simply perfection. He is the hero everyone needs at their side. He helped, uplifted, and loved all while facing his own monsters. This is a story of two people working on accepting themselves by overcoming the enemy living inside them. I love that they do t make the other person magically better but help the other person see them without the fogged mirror of self-doubt and like the strong, smart, capable people everyone else sees. The chemistry, banter, tension, and yummy hot along the way are the whipped cream and cherry that top one of Jules yummy brownies.
I highly recommend this book and all of Maya’s work.
Jules and Beck are here! The little bits from book two with them weren’t enough and I was glad they were up next. The book can be read as a standalone but I would advise reading the previous books as there are recurring characters and it’s a fantastic series.
We start with Jules on a mission to deliver her secret love letter to Berk, where they have been writing each other, Beck not knowing it was Jules but finding himself craving her words. He wants Jules to help him find her, Jules not really liking that idea much.
I loved Jules and Berk together from the start and enjoyed their friends-to-lovers romance. They are such a great couple you can’t help but get swept away with them and their love.
Jules – I loved her and I only wished I had her baking skills! She’s had to live in her sister’s shadow and is constantly put down by her and her mum which gives her no confidence. I just wanted to give her big hugs, but she was a strong character and tried her best to not let them affect her.
Berk – he still holds a lot of fear from his past which only holds him back. I loved his character though, so strong and sincere and would do anything for those he loved.
I love this group of friends, they are such great characters with so much realness in them, and was great to get caught up with the ones we’ve read about and to get excited for what’s next – LJ & Marisa!
This is my favourite book in the series so far, it flows well with a good amount of angst that had me turning the pages so fast. What I loved most about it though was how real Berk and Jules were and I ended the book with all the fuzzy feels for them.
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ARC received for an honest review – thank you
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Overall Ratings;u2063
First Sex Scene – 48%
POV – Duel
Hero’s –
Heroine –
Story –
Angst –
Steam –
Chemistry –
I loved Jules & Berk! There was so much going sweetness and chemistry between these two. Berk surprised me with how big his heart was and how great he was for Jules. Jules was someone who hid behind her baking while trying to learn to love herself after growing up with overly critical family members. Berk had his own issues trying to hold onto what family he had left with both hands as he tried to overcome the abandonment he felt growing up. But he made a connection to Jules, first through her letters and then with the real her. Berk saw her. Really saw her, past all the insecurities she had about herself. They were so good for each other with how they tried to lift each other up despite the obstacles that kept popping up to break them apart.
I love, love, love this book! I have been waiting for Berk and Jules’s story for what feels like forever (not because it took too long, but because I was so excited), and this did not disappoint one bit. This is one of those books you can’t put down, but you also never want to end! Then, when it did end, I was 1000% ready for the next book!
I have become a huge fan of Maya Hughes through her two most recent series. Her writing is captivating, and she creates characters I can’t get enough of. She also has a knack for writing groups of friends you want to be part of. Each time I read one of her books, I fall a little more for the group as a whole. But I felt an ever stronger emotional connection with this book.
Jules is a character that drew me in completely. She is a bit self-conscious, but she’s trying to learn to love herself. I think this is a quality we can all identify with in one part of our lives or another. And Berk has so much baggage from his childhood that completely broke my heart. He may be the star football player, but he has so many layers. And they are both such good people with kind hearts. They want to love and be loved. I was cheering them on from beginning to end.
I can’t recommend this book enough. I loved it from beginning to end!
4.5 Stars
This is the third book in the series and the one I’ve been waiting for. The wait was so worth it. Jules and Berk blew my expectations away. I loved them so much. I could relate to Jules a lot and I knew her what she was feeling. Not her family situation, but her body image in her mind. That made it all the more special for how Berk is with her. I loved the way he made her feel about herself. I laughed, happy sighed, and shed some tears while reading this one. Berk’s back story really hit me in the heart and I shed a few tears for him. I loved Jules is a baker because I love to bake myself. I would so be friends with her in heartbeat. For what life has thrown at her she has one of the kindest hearts. I was awesome to catch up with previous characters and visit with Berk’s current teammates. Be prepared to be sucked in and not want to put this one down. I had book hangover because of this book. It’s my favorite in the series so far. I can’t wait for more!
What a fabulous read!!
“The Letter Girl had careened into my life like a damn smash and grab pro and wormed her way into my heart before I knew what happened.”
Jules Kelland is The Letter Girl (TLG) who had been exchanging secret dirty letters with Berk Vaughn – unbeknownst to him. Until she suddenly stopped. Now Beck wants her help in trying to find out TLG’s identity. There’s no way that Jules will ever admit her identity to him for fear of rejection and losing the precious friendship they share.
“In a matter of days, Jules had gone from someone I looked forward to seeing every day, to someone I needed to see.”
Berk friend-zoned sweet, beautiful Jules on first meeting because he’d been warned off her. No matter – as long as she kept baking her awesome cookies for him. However, as time goes on, his blinkers fall away and he starts seeing her in a new light. Once seen, there’s no turning back.
“”I’m starving for another cupcake.” His mouth said cupcake, but his eyes said me.”
This story was fun, soooo sexy, and also pretty emotional. Both Jules and Berk have their demons and insecurities to overcome, and it’s a tough road for them, especially when there are forces that conspire to ruin what they have. They are so right together, their chemistry and connection is sizzling and heartwarming. For a big tough guy, Berk had such a vulnerable core. He was loyal and protective, and I adored how beautiful and desired he made Jules feel. I loved him hard! Jules is much braver that she realises, and hugely sweet, loving and thoughtful. Oh, but what a vixen in the bedroom! This was a fabulous addition to a brilliant series!
I received this free eARC novel from the author. This is my honest review.
Ever since I’ve met Jules I knew I had to have her story. She seems so confident and sure of herself, but she’s actually very self-conscious about everything. But the way she acts with Berk is amazing.
Both Berk and Jules are amazing. They have a lot of issues to work out but they are so good for each other and they help each other through the difficult times.
I have to say, though Jules is the most patient, loving, caring person. She is always wanting everyone around her to be happy and her baked goods can usually help someone become happy in an instant.
Berk also has that ability, so for the two of them to find each other is a happily ever.
But not everything is rainbows and sunshine… Lauren and Alexis redeemed themselves, but Jules’ mom? She is downright nasty and I hope bad things happen to her.
I am so, so, so, so glad i got a chance to read this eARC of this book and I’m already looking for many more novels from this author already!
*** I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. ***
5 stars
Be still my heart! I think I have a girl crush on Jules. She is so me, insecurities and all (except she got all of the boobs, lol). I want to be a bad ass too. Jules may not completely embrace all of the things she doesn’t like about herself, but knows that she wants to like herself and learns to pole dance to help get herself there.
There is so much to love about this book. While the other books had me twitterpated, this one has me hands down in love. I mean Jules simply kicks butt. Then you throw in Berk, the hottie next door with insecurities of his own and . . . wow. Maya has a way to make characters so real and relatable that you simply can’t put the book down. I think this one has become my favorite in the series so far.
BOYS AND GIRLS WATCH YOUR BACK – Berk and Jules willlllllllll melt Your hearts !!!!!
I’m.in. LOVE.
I’m deeply in love with Berk, with Jules…. and with Maya as an author !!!!!! This book is PERFECT !!!!
If You know me , You KNOW too – I’m always saying that every another book from mrs. Hughes is more amazing than the previous one. Maybe someone can tell me – Girl Change Your wording please, stop being so uneventufll… say us something new…. BUT GUYS, this book is really THE BEST !!!!!!
My heart still shaking after reading last paige, last sentence – last word !!!! Gahhhhhh The Third Best Thing is EVERYTHING what I could only dream about Berk and Jules relationship. I was literally swooning for almost the whole book.
Berk HAS MY HEART. Jules becames my best friend soo easly.
They both are really mentaly broken but in the same time they have lot of strenght to share with everyone nothing else but only LOVE. They were similiar but also very different from each other… Ahhh I really want to say so much but I also want everyone to read this beautifull story.
STORY not only about love between boy and girl, but also about love in the family…..about loving ourselfs because who will love us more ???? Be brave. Fight for Yourself. Love hard, the right people and never ever give up.
Oh GOD I want to cry, like for real – THE Third Best Thing just means ALL THE FEELS .
HIGHLY RECOMENDED TITLE !!!
I received an ARC of this for an honest review.
Oh My Goodness. I love the Fulton U series. I was hooked instantly and I’ve been very patiently waiting for this one to come. The Third Best Thing is the 3rd book in the Fulton U series, and can all be read as a standalone, however, I highly suggest you read them in order because it just flows better in my opinion.
The Third Best Thing is the story of Jules and Berk and it is EVERYTHING! Like I said above, I’ve been waiting for this one because I knew what was coming, well sort of. I didn’t realize the depth of it, but Jules and Berk have been on my mind since the last book and I just NEEDED to know their story and how it panned out.
Jules is everything you can want in a heroine. She’s funny, sassy, quirky, and she doesn’t even realize how gorgeous she is. She doesn’t think she could ever be with someone like Berk. Then there is Berk. Hotshot football player, good looking, has the attention of a lot of girls, but comes with a past. He believes that past would stop Jules from even looking at a guy like him.
Their sweet banter, the way Berk treats Jules, the beauty in their story, it was just heart melting. I loved it so much. Through all the twists and turns, I was rooting for them so hard! I seriously couldn’t get enough of them and now that I’ve read it all the way through, I want to go back and do it all over again. They are so much fun.
Maya delivers another sinfully hot Fulton U book and I seriously can’t wait to get my hands on the next one, especially if it’s about who I think it’s about. Sorry, no spoilers here!
Five gorgeous stars for this fun, steamy, make your heart melt read!
The Third Best Thing is THE best thing I have read recently. Maya Hughes packed so much raw emotions in this inspiring and heartaching sports romance called. This romance has all the swoony, happy, warm and gooey feelings. And it also has heartbreak, motivation and raw emotions in abundance. A perfect combination of bitter, sweet and spicy.
I have been following the 9with vivid sexual fantasies in his mailbox. And he is determined to find The Letter Girl. And he has enlisted the help of his cute, sweet, friendly and adorable baking magician neighbour Jules. Little did he know Jules IS the letter girl. As he starts spending more time with her and falls in love with her gradually, things get complicated. Jules has lots of issues about her self esteem and body image. And her insecuritieso will collide with Berke ‘s own troubles.
Berke is everything. He may be a celebrity football player but he is very down to earth. He has been abandoned by people he loves way too many times and that has put a scar in his heart. But he still loves unconditionally. He went out of his ways to help Alexis, his sister and also Jules. He has a golden heart that is more attractive than his golden body. And what can I say about Jules? I wanted to go right inside the pages and hug her and hold her hands and dry her tears. I am incredibly proud of her. She fought the negativity demons like a true warrior. She had obstacles and set backs and stumbling blocks. But she fought for her peace, happiness and self worth. The author addressed a very pertinent issue that many women will identify with and get courage from. She stood up for Berke and she cared for her and gave him the love he needed. Their chemistry was beautiful and brought tears to my eyes too often just like crazy smilles. Their easy witty moments were interconnected with soul deep intense moments. It was a funny, sexy, incredibly touching and soulful story.
50
I wish the story never ended and to stay in the amazing world of Fulton U in The Third Best Thing by Maya Hughes. This story holds my heart and soul captive. The characters. The emotions. The story line. A completely breathtaking experience!
Received ARC for Honest review
This was a story of friendship and love. A love that can heal and forgiveness because you can’t have true love without it. Jules and Berk are the ultimate sweethearts. It was hard to read what she went through with her family and the effect it had on her social life. He always saw the best in Jules and did not understand why Jules wouldn’t see how amazing she is and thought she was.
The Third Best Thing was one of my most anticipated reads of 2020 and Maya Hughes delivered!
Berk and Jules were introduced earlier in the series and the set up for their story was intriguing. They start writing letters to each other, but Berk doesn’t know who The Letter Girl is. Jules is hesitant to tell him it’s her because she fears being rejected, but she’s put in a tough spot when Berk recruits her to help him find The Letter Girl.
If the story had stuck to just that I probably still would have enjoyed it. However, we get to know these characters on a deeper level and in different situations. The letters play a huge part in the story, but by this point Jules has stopped writing Berk back. So we get to see them connecting as they spend time together vs on paper.
I absolutely loved stepping back into this world and am already planning to reread The Third Best Thing and the other two books in the series.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
The Third Best Thing is the third book in Maya Hughes “Fulton U” series. This book more than exceeded my expectations. It is an emotional friends-to-lovers, love story that deals with real life struggles. Jules and Berk have amazing chemistry and a connection that’s unavoidable. I loved this book. It included everything I expect in a Maya Hughes book, some steam, some drama, and a HEA at the end of bumpy road. This is a fast paced and easy to read book with a solid storyline.
*ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange of an honest review*