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4.21 AVERAGE
4.21 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I love how Helena Hunting gives us HEAs for so many of the characters that we meet in her stories, in their own books like this one! While this is more of a standalone – not in any of the other series exactly – we do know about our characters from the other series, like the Toronto Terrors, Pucked, All In, and Lies, Hearts & Truths. While our couple in this story aren’t actually a part of the hockey world, they are adjacent. Nate is the brother of Tristan who we met in If You Hate Me, and Essie was also introduced in that story as Rix’s best friend.
This story takes place around the events of Tristan and Rix’s wedding. Nate and Essie are best man and maid of honor. They did all go to school together, and so there was one kiss, back in high school, that led Essie to have a dislike of Nate. And Nate is just altogether a grump like Tristan was in his book. Nate of course is also dealing with their mother leaving them, and shortly after he dealt with his girlfriend cheating on him and then leaving him. So he doesn’t think that love is real, and thinks everyone will leave in the end. Essie is into all things princess, she’s always been the girl that was bubbly and all the guys wanted to date, but she would fall quick, and of course they never stayed with her either.
The two have to work together to make the wedding and all the events leading up to it as wonderful as possible for the best friend/brother. Of course working together it is hard for Nate to not fall under the charm of the bubbly Essie. And it’s hard for her to not to see more of him and realize all the things that are behind his grumpy exterior. Both of them have some science type of background with their jobs, and so have that connection. And it doesn’t hurt that we start off with Nate helping Essie get out of a dress she’s stuck in and when it falls to the floor, he sees that she has two piercings. So of course the physical attraction is all there.
So many disasters that the two of them help the other out of and save things for the wedding. And of course both of them are gun-shy at letting it go any further than just a fun fling for during the wedding events. I was of course annoyed that both knew how the other had been hurt in the past, yet both were quick enough to believe the other one if they didn’t immediately cave or agree that it could be more. But I do like how things got solved. It wasn’t one grand gesture to get them back together. Nate finally started talking to someone. Essie waited until she thought he was actually ready and wouldn’t hurt her again, but she didn’t drag it way out.
So many fun moments in this, lots of steamy moments as well, and a lot of emotion. Another great story from Helena Hunting!
The possibility of 'a thing' with Nate and Essie has been hanging about in the background of the Toronto Terror series since the first novel. However, I Could Be Yours can absolutely be read and enjoyed as a complete standalone.
This grumpy/sunshine enemies to lovers novel is a masterpiece in cameo appearances especially as Essie, as the MOH and Nate as BM are planning the final activities leading up to the wedding of Rix and Tristan.
A bit of previously unknown history is the foundation of the bad blood between this 'meant to be' couple, which is eventually addressed.
I fell in love with the Essie I came to know, even though I thought I already knew her, and I adored the way Nate saw beyond the image, embracing and nurturing her hidden side.
We all believe in HEA so knew their 'arrangement' would prove meaningless, but the journey there was humorous, devastating, spicy, and beautiful, almost in equal measure.
I applauded Essie's final stand whilst also wondering just how this bend in the road would be straightened.
I should never have worried, I Could Be Yours is a Helena Hunting novel, case closed!
Once again, we're shown the skill and imagination of this author and are truly thankful for it.
An extra special shout out to the voice actors Teddy Hamilton and Savannah Peachwood for their work on the audiobook. Their portrayal of Nate and Essie is stellar, which helped to create amazing pictures in my head as I listened.
This grumpy/sunshine enemies to lovers novel is a masterpiece in cameo appearances especially as Essie, as the MOH and Nate as BM are planning the final activities leading up to the wedding of Rix and Tristan.
A bit of previously unknown history is the foundation of the bad blood between this 'meant to be' couple, which is eventually addressed.
I fell in love with the Essie I came to know, even though I thought I already knew her, and I adored the way Nate saw beyond the image, embracing and nurturing her hidden side.
We all believe in HEA so knew their 'arrangement' would prove meaningless, but the journey there was humorous, devastating, spicy, and beautiful, almost in equal measure.
I applauded Essie's final stand whilst also wondering just how this bend in the road would be straightened.
I should never have worried, I Could Be Yours is a Helena Hunting novel, case closed!
Once again, we're shown the skill and imagination of this author and are truly thankful for it.
An extra special shout out to the voice actors Teddy Hamilton and Savannah Peachwood for their work on the audiobook. Their portrayal of Nate and Essie is stellar, which helped to create amazing pictures in my head as I listened.
this is Essie and Nates' story, I devoured this book, nates grumpy nature and essies bubbly personality is what drew me in. this is a fabulous story. highly recommended
Nate and Essie’s story blew me away. I just adored their dynamics. From the hilarious banter, to the sass, spice, and found family, this story is full of all the things I love to read in a rom-com. I was blessed to get an advance copy of the audiobook, and it is so good. Teddy Hamilton voices Nate Stiles, and Savannah Peachwood is our Essie Lovelock in this duet style narration. I am a huge fan of both of them, and together they make this audio immensely bingeable. They’re great at bringing the heat and the heart to life, and maintaining the vulnerability and growth of these characters with their performances.
I Could Be Yours is a fantastic summer read. It’s fun, sexy, emotional, laugh out loud funny, and a great entry point to the world and work of Helena Hunting. As a long time fan of her work, I’ve read through the “Helenaverse” from the Pucked series to the Terror and Tilton U, and this book brings together so many threads from all over. Love the vibes from Kodiak and Lavender? Meet their parents in the Pucked Series, and read their story in the Lies, Hearts & Truth Series. Can’t get enough of Flip’s constant heckling of Nate and find yourself dying to know why everyone is constantly joking about cucumbers? Dive into the Toronto Terror Series. It’s always fun to catch the easter eggs in a book, but the beauty here is that Helena wrote this story so that you could read it and love it as a complete standalone.
Thank you to Helena Hunting and her team for the ARC/ALC opportunity to review!
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Nate and Essie had such great character arcs! Nate we’ve met previously and is Tristan’s middle brother. Essie is Rix’s BFF and they have all known each other for years! Nate and Essie had a little thing back in HS, but it didn’t work out. Essie is a true romantic while Nate is a cynic. But they are the Best Man and Maid of Honor for Tris and Rix. They have to learn how to work together for the sake of the wedding. But have either of them really ever gotten over what happened between them years ago?! Nate’s character arc is so wonderful. His character has so much range and develops so naturally, I loved them. Essie has always been the pretty girl that men fall over their feet for, but only to say they’ve dated her. No one ever took her seriously, even though she is truly so much more than looks. I love her confidence and how true to herself she is. I also really enjoyed how Nate saw her and made her feel about herself. Truly adored this couple!
Read: ALC 🎧
MMC: Nate Stiles
FMC: Essie Lovelock
Spice: 2🌶️
Tropes: Second Chance, Found Family, Sports, Grumpy + Sunshine, Opposites Attract, Hurt/Comfort, Best Man + MOH
Read: ALC 🎧
MMC: Nate Stiles
FMC: Essie Lovelock
Spice: 2🌶️
Tropes: Second Chance, Found Family, Sports, Grumpy + Sunshine, Opposites Attract, Hurt/Comfort, Best Man + MOH
I love Helena Hunting. She never misses.
I loved the Pucked series and to just see the world continuously expand makes my heart full.
I want to start by saying that I read and listened to this book at the same time and the ALC is FANTASTIC. How the duet is done is one of the best I have heard. 10/10.
I Could Be Yours is just fun. Essie and Nate are adorable together and at first I thought that this story would be a short novella but no it's a full blown novel. I loved that Nate is grumpy with everyone but is a horny sap for Essie.
The role-play scene literally shook me because I wasn't expecting it and because Nate was fully into it. Give me a man like Nate. A nerd with a hot body.
This book reminded me of [book:Forever Pucked|228516874] just because of the wedding aspect. I adore Tristan and Rix and seeing them all cute, nervous and lowkey stressed again made me smile.
Also, seeing Chase's appearances in these books is my highlight. I hope he continues to make appearances cause seeing him freak out and fanboy is hilarious. I need more Chase.
What I will say is that I am starting to miss Lavender and the others. Even though she makes a minor appearance in this book I want the stories of the kids. Don't get me wrong, I'm locked into the Terror but I would also love to get back to the kids at some point.
All in all, ICBY is another hit from Helena and I can't wait for all the others.
I loved the Pucked series and to just see the world continuously expand makes my heart full.
I want to start by saying that I read and listened to this book at the same time and the ALC is FANTASTIC. How the duet is done is one of the best I have heard. 10/10.
I Could Be Yours is just fun. Essie and Nate are adorable together and at first I thought that this story would be a short novella but no it's a full blown novel. I loved that Nate is grumpy with everyone but is a horny sap for Essie.
The role-play scene literally shook me because I wasn't expecting it and because Nate was fully into it. Give me a man like Nate. A nerd with a hot body.
This book reminded me of [book:Forever Pucked|228516874] just because of the wedding aspect. I adore Tristan and Rix and seeing them all cute, nervous and lowkey stressed again made me smile.
Also, seeing Chase's appearances in these books is my highlight. I hope he continues to make appearances cause seeing him freak out and fanboy is hilarious. I need more Chase.
What I will say is that I am starting to miss Lavender and the others. Even though she makes a minor appearance in this book I want the stories of the kids. Don't get me wrong, I'm locked into the Terror but I would also love to get back to the kids at some point.
All in all, ICBY is another hit from Helena and I can't wait for all the others.
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
First off, THE AUDIO IS TOP TIER! Teddy Hamilton & Savannah Peachwood were perfect as Nate & Essie! They perform in duet style, & the banter, the emotions, the chemistry, they were just the best duo & made the reading experience even better! Highly recommend listening while reading!
I love me the grumpy sunshine trope, & if Nate & Essie aren't the epitome of that, I don't know what is! Nate after a bad breakup is so anti-love, he doesn't believe in it anymore & he has a very cynical outlook on love. Essie is the complete opposite! She loves love, & this has brought her heartbreak after heartbreak, but she still believes in it and wants that fairytale type love!
Now these two shared a moment 6 years prior to this present day, & neither have been able to forget it, but both have thoughts on what happened & why Nate ghosted. The animosity that is between them makes for some delish tension, & when it boils over, HOLD ONTO YOUR PANTIES! They have insane chemistry, & their FWB situation is sooo gooood!
Not going to give too much away, but their journey to their HEA is such a fun, but heartwrenching, ride. Their feelings become so much more than FWB, but it scares them both. Plus, Nate has some hang ups to work through for sure.
PS: Getting to see how all the Terror characters intertwine & all the extended connections always makes me so happy! Plus the wedding?! I bawled, okay?!
PSS: Nate's mother. EFFFFF HER! That is all.
I love me the grumpy sunshine trope, & if Nate & Essie aren't the epitome of that, I don't know what is! Nate after a bad breakup is so anti-love, he doesn't believe in it anymore & he has a very cynical outlook on love. Essie is the complete opposite! She loves love, & this has brought her heartbreak after heartbreak, but she still believes in it and wants that fairytale type love!
Now these two shared a moment 6 years prior to this present day, & neither have been able to forget it, but both have thoughts on what happened & why Nate ghosted. The animosity that is between them makes for some delish tension, & when it boils over, HOLD ONTO YOUR PANTIES! They have insane chemistry, & their FWB situation is sooo gooood!
Not going to give too much away, but their journey to their HEA is such a fun, but heartwrenching, ride. Their feelings become so much more than FWB, but it scares them both. Plus, Nate has some hang ups to work through for sure.
PS: Getting to see how all the Terror characters intertwine & all the extended connections always makes me so happy! Plus the wedding?! I bawled, okay?!
PSS: Nate's mother. EFFFFF HER! That is all.
Thank you to the author for my #gifted copies of this book. All opinions are my own.
Essie. Oh how much I loved Essie. I think Essie is such a relatable character, who wants to be seen as more than a pretty face. I think we can all relate to being seen past 1 thing that somehow has defined us.
Nate🥹 I loved his character growth throughout this book. I loved the dual POV to really know his thoughts.
As always, I LOVED this found family and all the crossovers. While this isn’t technically apart of The Toronto Terrors series, it has so many of the same characters. Flip calling Nate honey bear…hilarious. I loved Flip here and can’t wait to read his story soon.
🎧 Teddy Hamilton and Savannah Peachwood in duet? SIGN ME UP! I loved these two as Nate and Essie. No notes.
Connor and Dred are up next in this friend group and I can’t wait! This one is out Thursday and should ABSOLUTELY be on your radar!
funny
medium-paced
Audio Review:
There are a few things that I know for sure are going to happen when I start a Helena book. I’m going to completely devour it in no time, there’s going to be plenty of spice, I’m going to laugh my ass off, and I’m going to love every single second of it. And this book absolutely hit all of those things.
Essie’s spreadsheets and organizing everything and Nate’s need to have everything in their place, speaks to me in my soul. I love each of these characters separately and even more together. The story is great and I loved seeing characters from so many different series.
I was already excited when I found out that this was going to be duet narration. Then when I found out that Teddy Hamilton and Savanah Peachwood were the narrators I flipped out because I love both of them so much. They did such a fantastic job of bringing Nate and Essie to life I just wish the book was longer so I could have listened to more!
Devoured Nate & Essie’s story in a day! I love me a grumpy MMC and Nate certainly delivered! This man thinks love is a sham, but when he can’t stop thinking about a kiss 6 years ago that he shared with a woman who’s obsessed with love….time will only tell if his thoughts will shift. The banter between these two will have you ready for that tension to snap….and when it does, it is so delicious!
Audiobook🎧: Narrated in duet by Savannah Peachwood and Teddy Hamilton and it was so amazing to listen to! They perfectly embodied the characters of Essie & Nate and I loved every minute of this audio!
What to expect:
🌸Grumpy x sunshine
🌸Forced proximity
🌸Opposites attract
🌸Best man x Maid of honor
🌸Found family
🌸She’s pierced
Thank you to much to Helena Hunting and her team for letting me read/listen to an ARC & ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review!