What It Takes

Windy Harbor Series, Book 2

De: Willow Aster

Narrado por: Rose Dioro, Sebastian York

A Sexy, Small town, Enemies to Lovers, Brother’s Best Friend romance from USA Today Bestselling Author Willow Aster

Camden Whitman has always been in my life. I met him when I was five and he was seven, but when he and my brother became best friends, I became nothing more than the pesky little sister he didn’t want around.

There was a period of time when I thought I felt a connection between us, but he shut that down faster than I could blink. Fast forward to adulthood years later, and here I am, still the annoying little sister he can’t stand.

Now there’s one difference: I want nothing to do with him.

I’m happy running The Kitty-Corner Cafe in my small town of Windy Harbor, Minnesota, and love living in my little slice of paradise on Lake Superior…until Camden decides to move here and open up a new restaurant.

Who cares if he’s a well-known chef who can prepare the most delectable food? He will never hear that from me. He’s wrecked my small-town, stress-free bubble and filled it with his abrasive comments and intrusive looks.

But then the unexpected happens. One night, when both of our walls are down, I see a glimpse of something other than distaste in his eyes. And it has me wondering if I’ve misjudged the man that has always gotten under my skin.

When those boundaries are crossed, there’s no turning back. Camden is on a mission and will do whatever it takes to make me his…

What it Takes is book two in the interconnected, standalone Windy Harbor series.

©2025 Willow Aster (P)2025 Willow Aster

Destined

Love it! The narrators did an amazing performance. I love the accents and all the emotion. Really kept my attention from beginning to end and still want more. Camden and Juliana have been in each other's orbit through lots of highs and lows for 21 years. Once friends, now enemies both are always hiding their true feelings for the sake of Camden and her brother Jackson's friendship. Once the walls start tumbling these two are explosive. I love all the small town vibes and meddling family. Those Grandmas had me laughing so hard. Definitely a 5 star must devour.

I was sent an advanced copy audiobook from VPR and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

Banter, chemistry and second chances

The duet narration by Rose Dioro and Sebastian York elevates the story even further. Sebastian York brings Camden to life with a confident, quietly intense delivery that perfectly matches his devoted, determined personality. Rose Dioro shines as Juju, capturing her warmth, frustration, and emotional depth with ease—and her accents for the grandparents are a delightful bonus. Together, they create an immersive, natural listening experience that makes every emotion land and every scene feel vivid. This audiobook is a true standout and a joy to listen to from start to finish.

What It Takes is a warm, engaging small-town romance that blends enemies-to-lovers tension, brother’s best friend angst, and heartfelt second chances. Camden and Juliana’s history is layered with misunderstandings and unresolved feelings, making their reunion feel emotionally grounded and believable. From the start, their banter sparkles, and the push-pull between them is both entertaining and endearing. This story pulls you in quickly and keeps you invested in watching two people who’ve always mattered to each other finally get it right.

One of the highlights of this book is how Willow Aster uses flashbacks to deepen Camden and Juju’s connection. These glimpses into their shared past add context and emotional weight, showing how a love rooted in childhood slowly evolved—and fractured—over time. Their mutual passion for cooking creates a natural bond that carries through the story, while forced proximity and quiet, late-night moments chip away at the walls they’ve both built. Though the misunderstanding trope may feel slightly frustrating at times, it ultimately pays off in a satisfying way.

The supporting cast adds so much charm to the story. The grandparents and uncles are absolute scene-stealers, bringing humor, warmth, and that unmistakable small-town feel. Camden’s quirky interactions with Ralph the chicken are unexpectedly delightful and add a unique, memorable touch. The Whitman family dynamics feel rich and authentic, giving just enough insight into the siblings to leave you wanting more from this world.

At its core, What It Takes is comforting, swoony, and emotionally rewarding. The proposal scene alone—set in a rebuilt childhood treehouse—is pure romance perfection. Funny, heartfelt, and easy to sink into, this book delivers chemistry, nostalgia, and that cozy feeling that makes you want to linger in Windy Harbor just a little longer.

Juju and Camden

•Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Brother's best friend, Families are friends, Small town. It's Always Been you.

• Thoughts:
Awww Juju and Camden were adorable! I liked how this story bounced from past to present, It gave us more depth between the hate relationship that happened between Camden and Julianna. I also love the realization that hits Camden right in the face about who he is as a person. The families dynamics and group chats are epic!! I really enjoyed the simplicity of the story, it grabs your attention instantly and keeps you engaged through our the entire story! I recommend

Narrator Thoughts:
Narrators: Rose Dioro and Sebastian York
•Duet Narration. 1.7x
I feel like it's been forever and a day since I have listened to sebYo and Rose paired together and let me tell you they absolutely never disappoint! Both did such a great job with not only Camden and Julianna but with all the characters that made this book!!

Everything I want in a small town romance.

Willow Aster writes small town romance so well. I loved Camden and Juliana’s story. It’s filled with humor, heart, and plenty of spice when these two give in and acknowledge their feelings for what they are.

Camden is back in town to open his restaurant and help with the opening of the family resort. Juju now runs her café and is not happy to see Camden back. These two have a complicated and rocky history that’s told through a series of flashbacks. Their beginning is so sweet and later you get to see the reason for the ongoing animosity, and it makes it so much more impactful when they finally give into their attraction. Their courtship is not easy. Between their demanding schedules, well-meaning ‘helpful’ family members getting in the way, an angry rooster, and a childhood pact made with her brother, they struggle but the end results are so worth it.

Duet narration by Sebastian York and Rose Dioro. They are fantastic. Sebastian delivers all the swoon, swagger, determination, and dirty talk that is Camden. Rose was a delight! She portrayed Juju’s strength, sass, and fierceness perfectly. However, add in the grandmas and their Minnesota accent? Pure entertainment! These two brought this book to another level with these stellar performances.

This book simply made my heart happy. I can’t wait for more from this town and characters.

an emotional trip back to Windy Harbor

What It Takes is such an emotional trip back to Windy Harbor. It follows Camden, a successful chef who finds himself back home, and Juliana (Juju), the baker who never left and built a life full of heart and community. They were once inseparable as kids, but somewhere along the way, things fell apart. What unfolds is a second-chance romance packed with longing, old wounds, and a chemistry that never really faded. No matter how hard they tried to ignore it.

One of the things that really worked for me was how the story weaves the past into the present. Seeing little snapshots of their childhood and teenage years makes everything hit harder and helps you understand exactly how they ended up where they are now.

And Windy Harbor? Still completely lovable. The tight-knit families, meddling elders, and hilarious grandparents add so much charm and humor, perfectly balancing the heavier emotional moments.

The audiobook narration was fantastic. Rose Diorio captured Juju’s guarded heart, quiet vulnerability, and underlying fire with so much authenticity, while Sebastian York nailed Camden’s emotional depth and inner conflict. Their performances complement each other beautifully. If you love small-town romances, second chances, and “it’s always been you” vibes, this one is absolutely worth the listen.