Sometimes, when I finish a book I need to take the time to process it. It can take me days to get my thoughts straight and write a review. Not this book though... No, I finished For the Love of Raindrops about 15 minutes ago, and I'm good. I know what I think and what I want to say. It's pretty simple really.

I loved this book.

Dylan and Evie are best friends, and have been since they were kids. But Dylan doesn't just love Evie as a friend; he loves her and wants to give back what she's given to him. Everything.

I could give you more about this book, but I don't want to and I don't need to. I don't want to spoil it for you, because this book, which artfully gives glimpses of Evie and Dylan then and now, is simply wonderful. I couldn't help but fall for these characters -- Dylan, who is kind, loving and sweet, and perhaps a little broken; and Evie, who is stubborn, brave and strong, and also maybe a little bit broken. Beth Michele made them more than likable, she made them lovable and that is the gift of this book.

Dylan isn't a typical demanding, commanding, domineering male, just as Evie isn't a simpering, whimpering, submissive female. They complement each other and they feel real. They have their strengths and their weaknesses, but they read like actual human beings, not fictional fantasies. I wanted to take them under my wing, hug them, hang with them, take care of them. But most of all, I wanted them to find their everything in each other.

Ms. Michele brought me to tears with For the Love of Raindrops. The story flowed beautifully. It was raw and poetic, and had me swallowing back the lump in my throat that accompanied the gentle tears that leaked from my eyes. There really wasn't a single thing about this book that I didn't adore. The secondary characters were excellent, adding to the story of Dylan and Evie, but never stealing their focus. The best friends-to-lovers storyline was crafted beautifully, paced perfectly and smokin' hot. And, for those that judge on these things (like me), the cover and title were on point too.

For the Love of Raindrops is a standalone book with no cliffhanger, but damn it, I think these two have more story to tell, as do some of their wonderful friends and family. And I want to read those books, and as well as anything else Ms. Michele cares to write. It's that simple.

Do you hear that? That’s my heart still beating over this story. DAYS later. It made my heart beat. It made my heart flutter. I had ALL THE FEELS. ALL OF THEM.

“He wanted her in a way he’d never wanted anyone before, his heart only knowing how to beat when she was beside him.”

For The Love Of Raindrops is not your average friends to lover story. Most stories tell you how friends became lovers. However, in this story you live their journey from best friends to lovers and beyond. You see the good, the bad. The ups and downs within their lives. How much they rely on each other. Through everything. They are deeply connected through friendship, but their love is always constant. You do not read their story. You are simply placed within it.

“I’ll follow the stars, Dylan...as long as they lead me to you.”

Dylan has always loved Evie. And he never tells you his love, he allows you as the reader to feel it. Feel his desire and want for the girl who is supposed to be his best friend. The girl he loves more than life itself. His love for her is consuming, raw, and never falters. Evie loved Dylan beyond reason. But with a deep rooted friendship, these two are absolutely terrified to destroy what they have. For they both know what they have is special and something they can never possibly share with another person. But the heart doesn’t listen. The heart knows what it wants.

“I’m not sure I have ever touched anyone, then. Because touching someone has never made me feel this way before.”

When Dylan and Evie admit their true feelings, it’s magical, overwhelming, and breathtaking. Dylan? He absolutely stole my heart. He bares his heart and soul. He loves with conviction. With heart. Dylan’s love for Evie is powerful and his words will claim you . You feel his heartbeat when he’s around Evie. His love for her has no end and his soul is forever bound to hers. And when tragedy strikes? They love even harder. They realize that despite what life throws at them, their love can get them through anything. For their love overcomes. Their love conquers.

“I saw your soul that rainy Saturday...I was drawn to it as if by some invisible thread. And the heart that I thought was dying...came alive.”

I know I have mentioned that this goes beyond the average friends to lovers story. And I stand by that. This story is TRUE romance. The kind where you just FEEL. The words, the emotions. Everything. This story is brilliantly written. The author seamlessly crafts a story where you the reader are immersed in the lives of the characters and you will find that you may never want to leave.

“Close your eyes, because I’m about to kiss you, and I want to know what you feel when I do.”

The writing in this story is beautiful, moving. We are given the story in dual POV. The words in this story gave me life. My emotions were completely invested in the characters and their story. The declaration of love between Dylan and Evie encompasses everything a love story should and more. Your heart. It is always the first to know. And Dylan’s heart immediately recognized Evie’s the moment he was in her presence. His heart felt hers.

“You stretch my soul, Evie. You make me want to do better, reach higher. You’re the bravest person I know and I’m in awe of you.”

For The Love Of Raindrops is a story that will stay with me for a long time to come. The love felt in this story is unlike anything you will ever read about. Ever. Their love surpasses everything. Every obstacle. Every boundary that you could think of. Their love always wins. If you are a fan of friends to lovers story, there’s no question that you have to read this book. And if you aren’t? I guaranteed you will be as soon as you read this one. And then you will wonder why haven’t you ever read this kind of story. For it makes you believe in the power of love and all it is capable of. This story is beautiful and full of hope. This story absolutely moved me.