187 reviews for:

Barn Burner

Anastasija White

3.61 AVERAGE

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
fast-paced
emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

First of all, thank you again Ana for giving the opportunity to ARC read this beautiful book!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3.75/5 stars)

"BARN BURNER" is the perfect light-hearted and fun read for anyone seeking a delightful escape into the world of hockey romance. This book beautifully blends the fake-dating trope with a generous dose of character development, making it an irresistible page-turner.

The story centers around a strong-willed FMC and a swoon-worthy male lead who also happens to be a talented hockey player. What sets this book apart is how the Drake doesn't deny or resist his growing feelings for Evangelina, which adds a refreshing twist to the typical romance narrative. Their chemistry is electric and heartwarming, making it easy to get lost in their budding romance.

One of the book's standout qualities is the inclusion of beloved characters from the previous book in the series. These cameo appearances are pure joy for readers who have followed the series, and they add an extra layer of nostalgia and depth to the story. It's like catching up with old friends.

Overall, this is a feel-good romance that combines the excitement of hockey with a heartwarming love story. If you're in the mood for something light, entertaining, and full of character development, this book is an absolute winner. It's a delightful addition to the hockey romance genre and will leave you with a smile on your face long after you've finished reading.
emotional lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Ending knocked it down to a 2 star. It was a cute story overall. For once the MMC wasn’t “bad boy in the NHL who never dates” so that was refreshing. But she did do one of the things that irks me so much.. casual conversation during a hockey game through the glass. Ughhhh. And enough about comparing each other with exes. We get it, exes suck and this new person is better and the exes are part of the story, but don’t keep comparing them. Otherwise, it was a very simple cute story.

Spoilers in the tropes.

It was packed with tropes, fake dating, single bed, start off hating each other, who did this to you (literally word for word). Worst ones that I can’t stand - miscommunication and pregnancy trope ending.
emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

"The sense of security he gives me makes me believe that the world outside can't harm me."

ARC review. I completely devoured this book and didn't want it to end.

Drake is traded to a new city and moves next door to Eva. When Drake is nearly attacked by Eva's dog he loses control and is not so gracious about the encounter. They later bump into each other while out for a run and apologized to each other. Angie's ex-boyfriend gets out of rehab and will not leave her alone. She realizes that she needs to show him she has moved on for him to back off. She knows she isn't ready for another relationship so she asks Drake if he would be her fake boyfriend. Drake is very lonely and agrees to help Eva. They come up with rules for their arrangement and the number 1 rule is to not fall in love with each other. (Like that has ever worked for anyone!)

They start spending a lot of time together and fall into a comfortable routine. They have undeniable chemistry and the lines become blurred very quickly. The relationship between Drake and Eva grows so naturally that you forget they were supposed to be "fake" dating. Drake is an amazing MMC who is very respectful with a very dirty mouth
hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes