Is "Caught on Camera" by Chelsea Curto the Perfect Example of Friends-to-Lovers Done Right?

Caught on Camera by Chelsea Curto

OMG, this book had me screaming from the very first page! The friends-to-lovers trope was done so perfectly, and Lacey and Shawn are officially the ultimate couple. Their banter? On point. Their flirting game? Immaculate. The balance between roasting each other and flirting is just spot-on! I couldn't help but love how Shawn swooped in to kiss Lacey after her date didn’t—what a hero move!

And let’s talk about that jealousy scene when Lacey wore Dallas’s jersey, and Shawn got so jealous. I was giggling, throwing up, and screaming! Their chemistry was palpable right from the first chapter, and it just kept building from there.

Shawn’s bond with Aiden is the sweetest thing too. Aiden guiding Shawn to confess his feelings for Lacey? Pure gold. There were so many quotes that had me cracking up!

The gifts they exchanged were so meaningful, and it just showed how much they truly cared for each other. I adored how Shawn respected Lacey and apologized for something he said in bed—it was such a mature moment and showed how healthy their relationship is.

Shawn’s realization that he loves Lacey was EVERYTHING. You know that moment when someone is just being themselves, and it hits you? It reminded me of Brooklyn Nine-Nine when Jake realizes he loves Amy as she completes a crossword puzzle—so heartwarming!

I nearly lost it when Lacey realized she loved him too. The way she just knew what Shawn had realized when he looked at her from the roof of his parent’s house—it was so beautifully done. They didn’t even need to say it out loud until the perfect moment.

And can we talk about that custom jersey Shawn gave Lacey? It was the cutest thing ever! Plus, when his team won the Super Bowl, and he invited her to celebrate with him—total One Tree Hill Lucas-and-Peyton vibes. Even the way he proposed was perfect for them. Not cheesy, not over-the-top, just right.

Their Christmas at his parent’s house felt so natural. But my favorite moment? When Shawn missed his flight just to come back and confess his love. His confession was so sweet; it melted my heart!

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟✨/5

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Reading Time: 2 days

Quotes that stood out for me:

1) "You're having fun," Aiden says. He drapes his arms over the side of the rink and grins, staying on solid ground. "Is there a reason you're pretending to not know how to skate when I distinctly remember you winning the junior hockey league MVP when we were eight?"

My ears turn red, and I dip my chin. "Because I like watching Lacey pretend to know what she's talking

about."

"Right. Because otherwise she wouldn't hold your hand. Got it.”

I throw up my middle fingers. "Because it's fun."

"And if she started to fall?"

"I'd catch her," I answer automatically. I look up to meet his gaze, and I see he’s smirking. “What?”

2) “I didn't think that was possible until I met you. You don't give a shit about how much money I make or if my team wins or loses. Yeah, you support me and want me to team wins or loses. Yeah, you support me and want me to do well in my career, but it's different with you. You're one of the only people who sees me as a person, which has always been my dream. And that... that makes me feel like I'm the luckiest guy in the world," I whisper.

"You are a person, Shawn, and I do see you," Lacey says. She crawls into my lap and holds me in her arms.

"You're not more than me because you have a Super Bowl ring and millions of dollars in your bank account, and you're not less than me because you didn't go to medical school and dropped out of college after your junior year. You have hopes and dreams and fears. And, sure, you're a popular guy with a famous last name people talk about on the news sometimes. But do you know how I know you? You're not the guy under the stadium lights or running back a touchdown. To me, you're Maven's godfather. You're the guy who bought her tampons when she was on her period and lets her paint your nails. You're the guy who treats my best friend like she's your sister and welcomed her with open arms when you realized how head over heels she is for your best friend. You're a loving son who cares about his family, and you're a man with a good

heart and a good soul who desperately wants to do good in this world." She touches my cheeks, and her hands are

ice cold. "Anyone who doesn't see what's beneath the jersey and headset is missing out. You are the most perfect person I've ever met, and I'm so lucky to have you in my corner."

3) "I do. I could give you a key to my apartment and let you have free rein. I could stop by when I got back in town from games and not have to go home alone. Bring you with me on the team plane and sneak you into the bathroom so I could kiss you senseless without anyone teasing us. And I would tell you I love you. Very much and very often, because I do. I do love you, Lacey. I don't want to let you go just yet. Can I keep you a little while longer?"

My bottom lip wobbles. My hands tremble, and I sniff.

"How much longer?" I ask.

"How does forever sound?" Shawn asks.

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