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4.21 AVERAGE
4.21 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I just can't get enough of the cast of characters that Ms. Hunting creates!
This latest story, set in the world of the Toronto Terror and Tilton U, with a touch of the Pucked series, is going to grab you in the feels!
This is the story of Essie and Nate, a brief encounter at the end of high school that left a lasting impression.
Essie is just beautiful, both inside and out. I love her love of all things pink and princessy. I love how she loves hard and sometimes too quickly, but her loyalty is fierce, and she is learning to value her self-worth as more than just a pretty face.
Nate is the broody hero with a marshmallow center; he just doesn't know how to access that center too often. He has been hurt and scarred by "love" and wants no part of it. Until he realizes how much Essie really means to him.
The chemistry between Nate and Essie is off the charts hot, and I love that Essie embraces her inner bad girl. She is full of surprises!
I floved seeing past characters make their appearances known! It was like a lovely family reunion!
It doesn't matter if you are a long-time fan girl or a new Ms. Hunting reader; you are going to love this latest story!
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
tense
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
This was such a cute story, but it also had such a deep underlying message that I adored! Helena always manages to make the banter in her stories amazing, too, so look forward to that in this one.
Essie Lovelock has always had a bit of a thing for Nate Stiles, but after being ghosted by him six years prior, she tried to tamp it down as much as she could. That got a lot more difficult in this story when she was the maid of honor for her best friend Rix, who married Nate’s brother Tristan. One thing I loved about Essie is how much she kept her spirits high, even when she was uncomfortable with Nate and how he acted toward her. She was always making sure everyone else was happy, and she was the best friend to Rix. Watching her banter with Nate was top tier though because she was the happy sunshine to his grumpy black cloud, so she could always get him bantering back with her because of that. I love that Essie knew what she wanted in life and in a relationship, and as much as she wanted Nate, she wouldn’t settle for less than she deserved in a relationship. It took some time, but eventually she got her happily ever after, but she wasn’t afraid to put in the work with Nate to get it.
Nathan Stiles has been stewing in guilt for six years after ghosting Essie. It’s one of the things in his life that haunts him, and unfortunately for Essie, that means that he wasn’t always nice to her when they had to interact. He hid behind his guilt and used his frustration to push Essie away because he thought that she was too in love with love and that he didn’t deserve to have a life or relationship with her when he didn’t believe in love. One thing I loved about this book was that when Nate was having trouble in life because of past trauma, his brother Tristan and friend Flip were the ones there convincing him to go to therapy and get help to be the man Essie deserved in life. It took him some time to accept that help, but once he did, he put in the work to be the man he knew Essie deserved so that he could be with her and protect her heart. I love that he took some time on his own away from Essie to get his head on straight, even though it hurt them both for a little while. Nate really grew a lot during this story and it was great to watch.
I loved the underlying message in this story that no one should be afraid to get help when they need it! It was great to see so much acceptance of Nate in this story and to see how much everyone in his life encouraged him to go to therapy because they wanted the best for him and wanted to see him improve his life for himself, but for Essie, too. I also love that Helena was able to interweave her classic character banter in the story, as well, and it didn’t ever take focus off Nate making his life better to be the man he wanted to be. I loved Essie and Nate’s story so much, and I can’t wait to see what Helena gives us next!
Thank you, Helena, for providing me with an ARC!
Essie Lovelock has always had a bit of a thing for Nate Stiles, but after being ghosted by him six years prior, she tried to tamp it down as much as she could. That got a lot more difficult in this story when she was the maid of honor for her best friend Rix, who married Nate’s brother Tristan. One thing I loved about Essie is how much she kept her spirits high, even when she was uncomfortable with Nate and how he acted toward her. She was always making sure everyone else was happy, and she was the best friend to Rix. Watching her banter with Nate was top tier though because she was the happy sunshine to his grumpy black cloud, so she could always get him bantering back with her because of that. I love that Essie knew what she wanted in life and in a relationship, and as much as she wanted Nate, she wouldn’t settle for less than she deserved in a relationship. It took some time, but eventually she got her happily ever after, but she wasn’t afraid to put in the work with Nate to get it.
Nathan Stiles has been stewing in guilt for six years after ghosting Essie. It’s one of the things in his life that haunts him, and unfortunately for Essie, that means that he wasn’t always nice to her when they had to interact. He hid behind his guilt and used his frustration to push Essie away because he thought that she was too in love with love and that he didn’t deserve to have a life or relationship with her when he didn’t believe in love. One thing I loved about this book was that when Nate was having trouble in life because of past trauma, his brother Tristan and friend Flip were the ones there convincing him to go to therapy and get help to be the man Essie deserved in life. It took him some time to accept that help, but once he did, he put in the work to be the man he knew Essie deserved so that he could be with her and protect her heart. I love that he took some time on his own away from Essie to get his head on straight, even though it hurt them both for a little while. Nate really grew a lot during this story and it was great to watch.
I loved the underlying message in this story that no one should be afraid to get help when they need it! It was great to see so much acceptance of Nate in this story and to see how much everyone in his life encouraged him to go to therapy because they wanted the best for him and wanted to see him improve his life for himself, but for Essie, too. I also love that Helena was able to interweave her classic character banter in the story, as well, and it didn’t ever take focus off Nate making his life better to be the man he wanted to be. I loved Essie and Nate’s story so much, and I can’t wait to see what Helena gives us next!
Thank you, Helena, for providing me with an ARC!
💋 Second Chance
💃 Forced Proximity
🔥 Enemies to Lovers
💍 Wedding Shenanigans
🕺 Surprise Talent Reveal
🫣 Unresolved Tension
🧨 Opposites Attract
📅 Reunion After Years
💔 Past Ghosting
🌞 Summer Romance
💃 Forced Proximity
🔥 Enemies to Lovers
💍 Wedding Shenanigans
🕺 Surprise Talent Reveal
🫣 Unresolved Tension
🧨 Opposites Attract
📅 Reunion After Years
💔 Past Ghosting
🌞 Summer Romance
Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I Could Be Yours by Helena Hunting is a witty, feel-good romantic comedy that delivers charm, tension, and plenty of heart. It’s the kind of book that takes a well-loved trope—enemies to lovers with a second-chance twist—and gives it a fresh, summery spin through sharp banter, dance-floor mishaps, and just the right amount of slow-burning chemistry.
Essie Lovelock is a recovering hopeless romantic who’s buried her fairytale ideals under layers of practicality. As maid of honour, she’s focused on giving her best friend the perfect wedding experience. The only hitch? The best man is Nate Stiles, the guy who kissed her six years ago and then vanished without a trace. He’s brooding, buttoned-up, and allergic to romance, which makes him exactly the sort of man Essie swears she won’t fall for again.
What follows is a sparkling tug-of-war of emotions as Essie and Nate are constantly thrown together in pre-wedding festivities—from awkward bachelorette party planning to salsa dancing and more. Their forced proximity brings up unresolved feelings and unspoken truths, slowly revealing layers beneath Nate’s stern exterior and reminding Essie that maybe her heart isn’t as protected as she thought.
Helena Hunting’s trademark humour shines through, making the dialogue crisp and the chemistry sizzle. Both characters have depth, with Essie’s inner conflict between logic and longing balancing well against Nate’s slow, believable emotional growth. Their eventual connection feels earned and sincere, not just convenient.
This standalone romance doesn’t shy away from emotional moments, but it’s ultimately light-hearted, with a strong focus on self-discovery, forgiveness, and the unpredictable ways love can sneak back into your life. I Could Be Yours is the kind of beachy, heartfelt escape that leaves you smiling—exactly what a summer holiday romance should be.
funny
Loveable characters:
Yes
Helena you are seriously the BEST! ❤️
Essie is EVERYTHING and her planning skills? GOALS I swear!! I loved watching her try to keep her cool around Nate especially with that histroy and their epic past kiss hanging between them.
That grumpy x sunshine energy? FERAL AF 🔥 You could literally feel the sparks flying every time they bickered. And the banter? ABSOLUTELY. EVERYTHING. 😂
I also loved how Helena connects this story with her other books, making the world feel so rich and full of friendship and family vibes. It’s really all about love in the end ❤️
This was a fantastic summer read packed with laughter and good vibes. ☀️
☀️ Grumpy X Sunshine
☀️ Found Family
☀️ Hockey Romance
☀️ Summer Holiday Romance
☀️ Second Chance
Essie is EVERYTHING and her planning skills? GOALS I swear!! I loved watching her try to keep her cool around Nate especially with that histroy and their epic past kiss hanging between them.
That grumpy x sunshine energy? FERAL AF 🔥 You could literally feel the sparks flying every time they bickered. And the banter? ABSOLUTELY. EVERYTHING. 😂
I also loved how Helena connects this story with her other books, making the world feel so rich and full of friendship and family vibes. It’s really all about love in the end ❤️
This was a fantastic summer read packed with laughter and good vibes. ☀️
☀️ Grumpy X Sunshine
☀️ Found Family
☀️ Hockey Romance
☀️ Summer Holiday Romance
☀️ Second Chance
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
I read this book in one sitting, and I'm so glad Helena gifted us with Nate and Essie's love story. I feel like fans of her Toronto Terror series (myself included) have been waiting for certain people to get their happy ever afters, and she delivered. I love the emotions and vulnerabilities that the characters displayed. Nate's issues with his mom were handled really well, and I loved seeing his development at the end of the story. I also enjoyed that this took place during the celebration of Tristan and Beatrix's wedding. It was so nice to see all the other happy couples from the series, and I loved that they were here for the special occasion. The spice and humor were great as usual because Helena always does that combination fabulously. I'm excited to finally see Flip and Connor get their books because I know they're going to be amazing. Thank you to Helena for the ARC to read and review.
If you've read any of my reviews you know how much I adore Helena Hunting. Her books are my go-to for a happy and relaxing read!
I've been looking forward to this book for so long, the tension and hints at a relationship between Essie and Nate have been growing and growing through the series and if I knew these two in real life we'd be at the point where I'd scream "Get it together you two!!" so... perfect story placement and timing that's for sure.
This was a great read and I loved the second chance story for the two of them, but I have to say it didn't catch my attention as quickly as the other stories in the series. This took more time to pick up speed and grab my focus, but I still couldn't put it down because I love this series and the world Helena Hunting created. For me, this book felt a bit more like a bridge to other relationships and a closure for Rix and Tristan at times, but I don't consider it a bad thing! I think it fits well with their relationship and the idea that neither of them wants to be the center of attention, their goal is to be there for the ones they love most.
I'll always recommend this series and I can't wait to see what happens next. I've got my guesses 😉
Thank you to Helena Hunting and the Badass Babe Brigade team for a copy of the eARC in exchange for my honest review!
I've been looking forward to this book for so long, the tension and hints at a relationship between Essie and Nate have been growing and growing through the series and if I knew these two in real life we'd be at the point where I'd scream "Get it together you two!!" so... perfect story placement and timing that's for sure.
This was a great read and I loved the second chance story for the two of them, but I have to say it didn't catch my attention as quickly as the other stories in the series. This took more time to pick up speed and grab my focus, but I still couldn't put it down because I love this series and the world Helena Hunting created. For me, this book felt a bit more like a bridge to other relationships and a closure for Rix and Tristan at times, but I don't consider it a bad thing! I think it fits well with their relationship and the idea that neither of them wants to be the center of attention, their goal is to be there for the ones they love most.
I'll always recommend this series and I can't wait to see what happens next. I've got my guesses 😉
Thank you to Helena Hunting and the Badass Babe Brigade team for a copy of the eARC in exchange for my honest review!
✨ARC Review✨
4.5⭐ for I Could Be Yours by Helena Hunting
Helena Hunting never misses, and this Toronto Terror world has been one of my favorites she's written, I just love these books so much! This one is related to that world, and can be read as a standalone, though I feel I enjoyed it more having read the rest of the series because of all the cameos from previous characters.
I loved Nate and Essie's connection, and learning more about them both together and apart; there were hints about them in the previous books and getting their story was so fun! Their chemistry was off-the-charts, and I loved how their nerdiness complimented the other's, and especially how Nate appreciated Essie for her personnality instead of only focusing on her looks like her previous relationships. He actually saw her for who she was, and it made their connection so much deeper; he loves her little quirks, and even encourages them.
Nate is the hot nerd we all need, smart and funny and kind, thoughtful and a bit ~dirty~ and I adored him! I wanted to hug him so bad for the things he went through with his mother, and I loved that he stepped up to work on his issues because he wanted to be a better man for Essie.
The strongest part of these books for me is the found family aspect, I find it so well done, and I love the way these characters always have each other's backs, no questions asked. Also loved the way this book sets up Connor and Dred's story, I know I'll be feral for them when it's their turn!
Thank you to Helena Hunting for a copy in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
emotional
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
Thank you to the author and Dreamscape Media for the advance reader and listener copies. These opinions are my own.
Nate and Essie!
This is such a fabulous summer romance. Officially, it's a stand alone. But it has crossover ties with both the Toronto Terrors series and the Tilton University series.
If You Hate Me features Rix and Tristan. Essie is Rix's best friend, and Nate is Tristan's brother. So they are both in the wedding party for Rix and Tristan, the setting for this book. And Chase Lovett Wants Me features Cammie, Essie's younger sister. There are lots of connections among the series, and lots of foreshadowing for future couples. So this is a great entry point if you are just joining Helena Hunting's world of romance, but I love them all and recommend reading these interconnected series in publication order.
In this book, we get a lovely summer beach vibe. It's a bit of a second chance, except Nate ghosted Essie after just one kiss in high school. They can't escape each other, and the forced proximity gets even more intense in this paradise getaway for the wedding.
This book is filled with a mix of amazing friendships (the badass babe brigade is back!), beautiful summer times, deeply emotional bonding, and such family drama and angst. Essie is the fairytale princess who loves love, and Nate is... Not. Reading about them together is so swoony.
It felt like a reunion getting to see everyone from so many of Helena's books. Even Kodiak and Lavender (Little Lies) show up for the wedding!
Plus the audiobook features Teddy Hamilton and Savannah Peachwood with duet narration. So incredible in every way!
Nate and Essie!
This is such a fabulous summer romance. Officially, it's a stand alone. But it has crossover ties with both the Toronto Terrors series and the Tilton University series.
If You Hate Me features Rix and Tristan. Essie is Rix's best friend, and Nate is Tristan's brother. So they are both in the wedding party for Rix and Tristan, the setting for this book. And Chase Lovett Wants Me features Cammie, Essie's younger sister. There are lots of connections among the series, and lots of foreshadowing for future couples. So this is a great entry point if you are just joining Helena Hunting's world of romance, but I love them all and recommend reading these interconnected series in publication order.
In this book, we get a lovely summer beach vibe. It's a bit of a second chance, except Nate ghosted Essie after just one kiss in high school. They can't escape each other, and the forced proximity gets even more intense in this paradise getaway for the wedding.
This book is filled with a mix of amazing friendships (the badass babe brigade is back!), beautiful summer times, deeply emotional bonding, and such family drama and angst. Essie is the fairytale princess who loves love, and Nate is... Not. Reading about them together is so swoony.
It felt like a reunion getting to see everyone from so many of Helena's books. Even Kodiak and Lavender (Little Lies) show up for the wedding!
Plus the audiobook features Teddy Hamilton and Savannah Peachwood with duet narration. So incredible in every way!
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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:
Complicated
ARC Review 📖
I Could Be Yours
Written by Helena Hunting
@helenahunting
Love me a storm cloud man and Nate is the perfect storm cloud. Can't have a storm cloud without some sunshine and rainbows and Essie fits the bill perfectly. Nate has his work cut out for him with her. Because not only is he a dirty talker but she is as well. The banter and chemistry is addictive to read.
“Why are you always such a grumpy old man?” “Why are you always trying to be a fairy tale princess?” “Why are you such a storm cloud?”
“Because I enjoy raining on your parade, obviously.” “Obviously.”
I love how competitive they are with each other ! And that they're there for each other when it is needed. I love all the ways they support each other 😉.
My goodness it's been a hot minute since I've read a book with a “fuck it” moment and got damn I've missed them. This book reminded me how powerful that moment is and it's addictive. I love the friendship between Nate and Flip.Their friendship is hilarious and Flip’s nickname for Nate cracks me up every time he says it to him. I love the strong bond Essie has with Rix; it's what true friendships are made of. I loved getting more of Rix and Tristan. I wouldn't be reading this book if I didn't stumble upon Rix and Tristan book back in 2024.
I honestly think Helena out did herself with this book. They keep getting better and better. This book gave me all the summer vibes I didn't know I needed. This book also gave a huge variety of emotions from beginning to end.
I'm stoked for her next two books! Love the hints on what we can expect from her in the future.
#bestman
#maidofhonor
#hurtcomfort
#sportsromance
#oppositesattract
#disliketolove
#grumpysunshine
#seconechance
#HelenaHunting
#grumpyhero
#grumpyheroromance
#summervibes
#torontoterror
#icouldbeyours
#standaloneboo
#SummerHolidayRomance
#Ess
#Sweetheart
#Sweetness
#HoneyBear
#baby
#stromcloud
I Could Be Yours
Written by Helena Hunting
@helenahunting
Love me a storm cloud man and Nate is the perfect storm cloud. Can't have a storm cloud without some sunshine and rainbows and Essie fits the bill perfectly. Nate has his work cut out for him with her. Because not only is he a dirty talker but she is as well. The banter and chemistry is addictive to read.
“Why are you always such a grumpy old man?” “Why are you always trying to be a fairy tale princess?” “Why are you such a storm cloud?”
“Because I enjoy raining on your parade, obviously.” “Obviously.”
I love how competitive they are with each other ! And that they're there for each other when it is needed. I love all the ways they support each other 😉.
My goodness it's been a hot minute since I've read a book with a “fuck it” moment and got damn I've missed them. This book reminded me how powerful that moment is and it's addictive. I love the friendship between Nate and Flip.Their friendship is hilarious and Flip’s nickname for Nate cracks me up every time he says it to him. I love the strong bond Essie has with Rix; it's what true friendships are made of. I loved getting more of Rix and Tristan. I wouldn't be reading this book if I didn't stumble upon Rix and Tristan book back in 2024.
I honestly think Helena out did herself with this book. They keep getting better and better. This book gave me all the summer vibes I didn't know I needed. This book also gave a huge variety of emotions from beginning to end.
I'm stoked for her next two books! Love the hints on what we can expect from her in the future.
#bestman
#maidofhonor
#hurtcomfort
#sportsromance
#oppositesattract
#disliketolove
#grumpysunshine
#seconechance
#HelenaHunting
#grumpyhero
#grumpyheroromance
#summervibes
#torontoterror
#icouldbeyours
#standaloneboo
#SummerHolidayRomance
#Ess
#Sweetheart
#Sweetness
#HoneyBear
#baby
#stromcloud
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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