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

Childhood Friends to Enemies to Lovers

Camden and Juliana are the definition of complicated. They’ve been circling each other for years, quietly carrying feelings neither dared to act on mostly because Camden is best friends with Juliana’s brother. So instead of crossing that line, they buried everything… until they both end up back in Windy Harbor and all that unresolved tension comes roaring back.

Camden is opening a second restaurant, Juliana (aka Juju) is thriving with her successful bakery, and suddenly they’re spending way too much time together. Once the truth finally spills, they slip into a secret relationship; hidden not just from Juju’s brother, but from the entire town. What follows is a delicious mix of stolen moments, longing looks, and that constant question hanging over them: is this real enough to risk blowing up their lives, or is it just something they need to get out of their system?

Sebastian York and Rose Diaro absolutely nailed Camden and Juliana. They brought the yearning, the tension, and that quiet, aching pull between the characters to life in such a believable way. Every loaded pause and emotional beat hit exactly right.

Tropes:
Small Town
Secret Relationship
Childhood friends to enemies to lovers
It’s always been you
Brother’s best friend
Angst

Loved it!!

A great addition to the Windy Harbor series! I loved it so much! If you love great banter and chemistry between the main characters you are in for a treat!!

I found myself laughing and smiling throughout this book! All the characters in this one are great! This is definitely one of those reads that you won’t want to end!! I know I sure didn’t!

This was a one sit read/listen for me! I did both with this one! If you are an audio lover mark this one down as a must listen! The narrators were perfect! This was a duet narration, which I love! The book truly played out like a movie in my mind! A movie that I didn’t want to end! I can’t wait for the next book!

So if you’re in the mood for a small town, brothers best friend, enemies to lovers romance look no further!!

The Pining, The Push & Pull, The Destiny

ALC Review:
Duet Narration by Rose Dioro and Sebastian York

Tropes:
Brother’s Best Friend
Enemies to Lovers
Small Town
Long-Term Pining
Emotional Slow Burn

What It Takes was such a strong, emotional return to Windy Harbor. This story is all about tension built over time, unresolved feelings, and two people who never really stopped wanting each other.

Rose Dioro delivered a strong and emotionally grounded portrayal of Juju, capturing her guarded nature, quiet strength, and underlying vulnerability. Sebastian York was a perfect fit for Camden, conveying his restraint, confidence, and the long-standing tension beneath the surface. Together, their performances highlighted the push and pull between the characters, making the pining, misunderstandings, and emotional tension feel authentic and engaging.

The narration worked beautifully, enhancing the connection between the characters and adding an extra layer of realism to their dynamic. It was a pleasure to return to Windy Harbor through such compelling narration, and this performance left me eager to hear more from this world—especially what’s next.

And the tease of Dylan? I’m ready. Huge thanks to Valentine PR and Willow Aster for this ALC.

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.

beautifully crafted story

What It Takes by Willow Aster is a beautifully crafted story that feels like a warm hug, perfectly blending the nostalgia of childhood friends with the electric tension of an enemies-to-lovers romance. Narrated with incredible depth by Rose Dioro and Sebastian York, the audiobook breathes life into Juju and Camden, two characters whose journey from childhood playmates to adult rivals—and finally to lovers—is both heart-healing and addictive.

Juju is a literal ray of sunshine whose lovable nature makes her an instant favorite, while Camden is the ultimate "cinnamon roll" hero hiding behind a gruff exterior. For years, he kept Juju at a distance as his best friend’s "pesky little sister," but beneath his abrasive comments and intrusive looks lies a deep, lifelong pining that finally reaches a breaking point when he moves to their small town of Windy Harbor to open a restaurant.

The narrative masterfully uses flashbacks to weave a tapestry of their shared history, illustrating how years of friendship, heartache, and family loss built a bond that neither could truly escape. While the story begins as a slow burn fueled by sharp banter and mutual resentment, the chemistry becomes explosive once their walls finally come down.

Watching them navigate the forbidden territory of a brother’s best friend romance—complete with a bit of secret sneaking around—is incredibly satisfying. The tension between them pops off like a rocket ship, turning years of angst into a gorgeously written connection that feels as natural as breathing.

Rose Dioro and Sebastian York elevate every moment, capturing a vast range of emotions that keep the listener hooked, from the humor of family shenanigans and the antics of show-stealing grandparents to the more vulnerable, heartbreaking realities of their past. Willow Aster has created a vibrant sense of community in Windy Harbor that makes you want to revisit these friends again and again.

By the time the final page turns, the resolution of Juju and Camden’s bumpy road leaves you completely enamored with their world and eagerly anticipating the next secret romance brewing in the series.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced review copy at no cost, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.