I liked this one! I haven't read the other book in this series and I think I will now. This one definitely can be read as a stand alone, though one thing happens in the first book between the two main characters that is talked about in this one. You don't neeeeed to read it to know what is happening, but it probably would have helped in understanding the dynamic between Nick and Raina. :) All in all this was a good, short, light read. It's not full of angst or frustration really. Just more of watching how the two characters develop with each other. I feel like it could have been more. There are a few sub plots that could have been delved into more than they were to make the book more exciting or more tense. If you are looking for a lighter read then I would recommend this one.