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Lessons Learned #3
Can't Fight It
Mousy bookworm. Psychology nerd. The kind of girl who constantly sticks her foot in her mouth.
The last thing I am is the type to attract the intimidating, motorcycle-riding guy in the apartment next door. Especially when that mouth of mine gets me in trouble and he overhears me talk smack about him…
So no one’s more surprised than me when he shows up as a participant in the psych study I’m running on campus. Or when he generously offers me some much-needed self-defense lessons. Or when we grow closer than I thought possible. It turns out some people aren’t at all what they seem at first glance. They can actually be everything you never knew you wanted in a man.
The thing is, Austin Langford is so far out of my league, it’s laughable. Muscled boxers don’t go for nobodies like me. I need to forget about this one-sided attraction.
Even when it feels like I can’t fight it.
‘Can't Fight It’ is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #3 in the Lessons Learned series, Educated Romance World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
The last thing I am is the type to attract the intimidating, motorcycle-riding guy in the apartment next door. Especially when that mouth of mine gets me in trouble and he overhears me talk smack about him…
So no one’s more surprised than me when he shows up as a participant in the psych study I’m running on campus. Or when he generously offers me some much-needed self-defense lessons. Or when we grow closer than I thought possible. It turns out some people aren’t at all what they seem at first glance. They can actually be everything you never knew you wanted in a man.
The thing is, Austin Langford is so far out of my league, it’s laughable. Muscled boxers don’t go for nobodies like me. I need to forget about this one-sided attraction.
Even when it feels like I can’t fight it.
‘Can't Fight It’ is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #3 in the Lessons Learned series, Educated Romance World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
Unknown Binding
First published May 4, 2023
67 people are currently reading
305 people want to read
About the author
Allie Winters
19 books187 followersAllie lives in sunny Florida with her husband, daughter, and two cats. A librarian by day, she spends her nights writing happily ever afters. She enjoys reading, playing video games, and all things Disney.
Find out more at alliewinters.com
Find out more at alliewinters.com
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May 9, 2023
WooHOO! It's release day for the Smartypants Romance Spring Launch, and you're going to want to get your eyeballs on this one. 'Can't Fight It' by Allie Winters is the next installment in the Lessons Learned series. These are new adult, college romances that take place in the same world as Dear Professor and Hypothesis. SO FUN! And Allie's friends-to-lovers, forced proximity romance makes a might fine addition. Happy Release Day, Allie!
★★Grab your copy TODAY in KU★★
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/41knDYa
Amazon UK: https://bit.ly/3XLC3xr
Amazon CA: https://bit.ly/41agDNn
Amazon AU: https://bit.ly/3xKHdiG
Audible: https://bit.ly/3NzVPKR
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3mcKSTV
★ ★ BLURB ★ ★
Mousy bookworm. Psychology nerd. The kind of girl who constantly sticks her foot in her mouth.
The last thing I am is the type to attract the intimidating, motorcycle-riding guy in the apartment next door. Especially when that mouth of mine gets me in trouble and he overhears me talk smack about him…
So no one’s more surprised than me when he shows up as a participant in the psych study I’m running on campus. Or when he generously offers me some much-needed self-defense lessons. Or when we grow closer than I thought possible. It turns out some people aren’t at all what they seem at first glance. They can actually be everything you never knew you wanted in a man.
The thing is, Austin Langford is so far out of my league, it’s laughable. Muscled boxers don’t go for nobodies like me. I need to forget about this one-sided attraction.
Even when it feels like I can’t fight it.
‘Can’t Fight It’ is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #3 in the Lessons Learned series, Educated Romance World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
Want to read
May 4, 2023
★★Live in KU★★
Happy Release Day to Allie Winters! 'Can't Fight It' is LIVE in Kindle Unlimited! This one has spice, feels, and a side of suspense. Get excited for the next story in the Lessons Learned series!
★★Grab your copy TODAY!★★
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/41knDYa
Amazon UK: https://bit.ly/3XLC3xr
Amazon CA: https://bit.ly/41agDNn
Amazon AU: https://bit.ly/3xKHdiG
★ ★ BLURB ★ ★
Mousy bookworm. Psychology nerd. The kind of girl who constantly sticks her foot in her mouth.
The last thing I am is the type to attract the intimidating, motorcycle-riding guy in the apartment next door. Especially when that mouth of mine gets me in trouble and he overhears me talk smack about him…
So no one’s more surprised than me when he shows up as a participant in the psych study I’m running on campus. Or when he generously offers me some much-needed self-defense lessons. Or when we grow closer than I thought possible. It turns out some people aren’t at all what they seem at first glance. They can actually be everything you never knew you wanted in a man.
The thing is, Austin Langford is so far out of my league, it’s laughable. Muscled boxers don’t go for nobodies like me. I need to forget about this one-sided attraction.
Even when it feels like I can’t fight it.
‘Can’t Fight It’ is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone. Book #3 in the Lessons Learned series, Educated Romance World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
May 19, 2023
I’ve enjoyed what I’ve read by this author both in and outside of the SmartyPants Romance Universe, so I was excited for this one! Once again I really liked the characters, and was happy to get to spend some time with the characters from the other stories in this series by this author, Under Pressure and Not Fooling Anyone. Austin was a tough looking guy, and Tessa had a background that made just his outward appearance a bit unnerving to her at first. But once she got to know him, he was more of a big old teddy bear, at least with her.
But then she had this friend named Joel that she was doing her psych project with, and wow, he was just a creep from moment one in the story. Between bringing her drinks that weren’t ones she liked, and kind of bossing her around or being critical of things he had no right to be, he was unlikable from the start. If there was one thing I might change, it was how nice Tessa kept being to him, and the chances she kept giving him. I had a feeling he did what we found out towards the end, so that wasn’t a surprise to me, he totally was giving off the vibes. And it was obvious he did what caused the huge darkest night moment for Austin and Tessa as well.
I do like how the author made even the family issues that Austin had with his dad more of a misunderstanding, or maybe just missed communication between the two, so that in the end, there was no reason to be upset with his dad, and to understand why things happened the way they did. Oh, one other thing that bothered me a bit was the cat that seemed to be a kind of big part at the beginning of the story, then when Tessa had to stay at Austin’s for a few nights, it was almost like the cat wasn’t there? I think maybe there should have been more with the cat based on the beginning.
But that is just a little thing that bugged me, because I loved the story and the characters overall and look forward to reading more by this author, especially as she alluded to possibly getting into the Green Valley world in the future!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
But then she had this friend named Joel that she was doing her psych project with, and wow, he was just a creep from moment one in the story. Between bringing her drinks that weren’t ones she liked, and kind of bossing her around or being critical of things he had no right to be, he was unlikable from the start. If there was one thing I might change, it was how nice Tessa kept being to him, and the chances she kept giving him. I had a feeling he did what we found out towards the end, so that wasn’t a surprise to me, he totally was giving off the vibes. And it was obvious he did what caused the huge darkest night moment for Austin and Tessa as well.
I do like how the author made even the family issues that Austin had with his dad more of a misunderstanding, or maybe just missed communication between the two, so that in the end, there was no reason to be upset with his dad, and to understand why things happened the way they did. Oh, one other thing that bothered me a bit was the cat that seemed to be a kind of big part at the beginning of the story, then when Tessa had to stay at Austin’s for a few nights, it was almost like the cat wasn’t there? I think maybe there should have been more with the cat based on the beginning.
But that is just a little thing that bugged me, because I loved the story and the characters overall and look forward to reading more by this author, especially as she alluded to possibly getting into the Green Valley world in the future!
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
April 30, 2023
CAN’T FIGHT IT (LESSONS LEARNED BOOK THREE)
Release Date: 05/04/23
Kindle Unlimited: [X]YES [ ]NO
Stand-alone: [X]YES [ ]NO
Author: Allie Winters
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spiciness rating: 🌶🌶/5
POV: Dual, first person
Main Characters: Tessa & Austin
Genre: College Romance
Tropes: neighbors to friends to lovers; slow burn; opposites attract
Review:
Tessa and Austin are neighbors, but she keeps avoiding crossing paths with him because of his bad boy vibe. However, after a misunderstanding, Austin ends up being a participant in a study Tessa is running and they are forced to work together they end up getting to know each other and become friends.
Tessa and Austin are nice supporting people. They are always there for each other and one helps the other to overcome their fears/insecurities. That was my favorite part in this book. The least favorite part was the amount of time the wasted thinking the other didn’t want a romantic relationship.
I also had the opportunity of listening to the audiobook and one thing that unfortunately didn’t sound well to me was how Tessa’s narrator read her lines with this constant quiver in the voice. I felt like Tessa was about to cry 80% of the time. The problem is, the male narrator didn’t read her lines like this. So half of the time Tessa was this whimpering woman, and the other she spoke normally. Apart from that, I felt the emotion the narrators brought to the story and their voices match the characters.
Overall, I liked both the book and the audiobook.
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ***
Release Date: 05/04/23
Kindle Unlimited: [X]YES [ ]NO
Stand-alone: [X]YES [ ]NO
Author: Allie Winters
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spiciness rating: 🌶🌶/5
POV: Dual, first person
Main Characters: Tessa & Austin
Genre: College Romance
Tropes: neighbors to friends to lovers; slow burn; opposites attract
Review:
Tessa and Austin are neighbors, but she keeps avoiding crossing paths with him because of his bad boy vibe. However, after a misunderstanding, Austin ends up being a participant in a study Tessa is running and they are forced to work together they end up getting to know each other and become friends.
Tessa and Austin are nice supporting people. They are always there for each other and one helps the other to overcome their fears/insecurities. That was my favorite part in this book. The least favorite part was the amount of time the wasted thinking the other didn’t want a romantic relationship.
I also had the opportunity of listening to the audiobook and one thing that unfortunately didn’t sound well to me was how Tessa’s narrator read her lines with this constant quiver in the voice. I felt like Tessa was about to cry 80% of the time. The problem is, the male narrator didn’t read her lines like this. So half of the time Tessa was this whimpering woman, and the other she spoke normally. Apart from that, I felt the emotion the narrators brought to the story and their voices match the characters.
Overall, I liked both the book and the audiobook.
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ***
May 17, 2023
No lie, Tessa and Austin don't get off to a great start. I mean, with Tessa talking about the big guy without knowing he could overhear her? Yeah. The thing is that Tessa wasn't saying what she said to be mean. She has triggers and Austin's size and intimidating demeanor triggered them. Once she got to know him, however, she saw that he was an utter marshmallow inside. A marshmallow who didn't talk much and was the calm she needed when things went sour for her.
To back up for a moment, Tessa's triggers were nothing to scoff about. The lady had some very real, very terrifying reasons for being afraid of what she was afraid of. She did what she needed to do to keep herself safe, but she also had knee-jerk reactions she had to live with. Fortunately for her, Austin didn't take what he overheard too personally and he was kind and gentlemanly when they met again.
That said, they both had ideas about each other AND themselves that the other didn't see. Tessa thinks she's nothing special, Austin thinks he's not smart. Tessa's intelligence awes him, his ability to make her feel safe (once she gets to know him) in bad situations gives her strength she didn't know she had.
It might be hard to tell, but I REALLY liked these two. They're both a little bruised around the edges, but they worked so well together. Even if they got off on the wrong foot. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
To back up for a moment, Tessa's triggers were nothing to scoff about. The lady had some very real, very terrifying reasons for being afraid of what she was afraid of. She did what she needed to do to keep herself safe, but she also had knee-jerk reactions she had to live with. Fortunately for her, Austin didn't take what he overheard too personally and he was kind and gentlemanly when they met again.
That said, they both had ideas about each other AND themselves that the other didn't see. Tessa thinks she's nothing special, Austin thinks he's not smart. Tessa's intelligence awes him, his ability to make her feel safe (once she gets to know him) in bad situations gives her strength she didn't know she had.
It might be hard to tell, but I REALLY liked these two. They're both a little bruised around the edges, but they worked so well together. Even if they got off on the wrong foot. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
April 25, 2023
note : 2.5/5
Avant de commencer, je me dois de préciser que les romances avec des étudiants c'est pas vraiment ma tasse de thé. Encore moins quand on a une thématique sportive, ni quand un stalker fait partie de l'intrigue...
M'étant engagée à faire une review honnête, j'ai essayé de mettre mes préférences de côtes afin de laisser toutes ses chances a ce livre.
Cela dit, j'ai apprécié les 2/3 du livre, mais a un moment donné j'ai décroché car toute était tellement prévisible sur la fin que ça m'a ôté l'intérêt pour les personnages.
On est sur du slow burn avec cette romance. D'abord nos héros doivent s'apprivoiser, ce sont tous les deux des solitaires pas trop habitués aux relations sociales. Petit à petit chacun apprend à connaître, ça se dévoile... Tout deux sont connectés à l'autre, ils comprennent leur difficultés et se portent l'un l'autre pour les surmonter.
Tessa, en cours d'études de psychologie, va aider Austin a prendre conscience de ses compétences (en dehors de la boxe) et à se remettre dans une démarche de formation pour enfin faire un métier qui l'intéresse. En retour, Austin va apprendre à Tessa des mouvements de self-defense, toujours traumatisée par un drame pendant son enfance, elle aussi du mal à faire confiance.
Là où le bouquin m'a perdu c'est lorsque qu'un personnage secondaire devient malintentionné et se comporte en stalker. A partir de là, tout devient super cliché : on voit venir comme un montagne les embrouilles qu'il va générer, comment nos héros vont se faire avoir et comment tout se résout, il n'a plus de surprise. Tout ce à quoi on peut s'attendre se passe, l'intérêt diminue, j'ai commencé à sauter des pages pour aller le plus vite possible à la fin. Un peu dommage...
************
Before we begin, I must point out that romances with students are not really my cup of tea. Even less when you have a sports theme, or when a stalker is part of the plot...
Having committed to doing an honest review, I tried to put my preferences aside in order to give this book every chance.
That said, I enjoyed 2/3 of the book, but at some point I gave up because everything was so predictable and at the end that I lost interest in the characters.
This is a slow burn romance. First our heroes have to get used to each other, they are both loners not too used to be social. Little by little they learn to know each other, they talked about themselves... Both are connected to each other, they understand their difficulties and support each other to overcome them.
Tessa, currently studying psychology, will help Austin become aware of his skills (apart from boxing) and get back into a college degree process to finally do a job that interests him. In return, Austin will teach Tessa self-defense movements, she's still traumatized by a tragedy during her childhood and she finds it difficult to trust.
Where the book lost me is when a secondary character becomes malicious and behaves like a stalker. From there, everything becomes super cliché : we see his troubles coming, how our heroes will be fooled and how everything is resolved, there are no more surprises. Everything you would expect is happening, interest wanes, I started skipping pages to get to the end as fast as possible. Too bad...
-Read as an ARC-
Avant de commencer, je me dois de préciser que les romances avec des étudiants c'est pas vraiment ma tasse de thé. Encore moins quand on a une thématique sportive, ni quand un stalker fait partie de l'intrigue...
M'étant engagée à faire une review honnête, j'ai essayé de mettre mes préférences de côtes afin de laisser toutes ses chances a ce livre.
Cela dit, j'ai apprécié les 2/3 du livre, mais a un moment donné j'ai décroché car toute était tellement prévisible sur la fin que ça m'a ôté l'intérêt pour les personnages.
On est sur du slow burn avec cette romance. D'abord nos héros doivent s'apprivoiser, ce sont tous les deux des solitaires pas trop habitués aux relations sociales. Petit à petit chacun apprend à connaître, ça se dévoile... Tout deux sont connectés à l'autre, ils comprennent leur difficultés et se portent l'un l'autre pour les surmonter.
Tessa, en cours d'études de psychologie, va aider Austin a prendre conscience de ses compétences (en dehors de la boxe) et à se remettre dans une démarche de formation pour enfin faire un métier qui l'intéresse. En retour, Austin va apprendre à Tessa des mouvements de self-defense, toujours traumatisée par un drame pendant son enfance, elle aussi du mal à faire confiance.
Là où le bouquin m'a perdu c'est lorsque qu'un personnage secondaire devient malintentionné et se comporte en stalker. A partir de là, tout devient super cliché : on voit venir comme un montagne les embrouilles qu'il va générer, comment nos héros vont se faire avoir et comment tout se résout, il n'a plus de surprise. Tout ce à quoi on peut s'attendre se passe, l'intérêt diminue, j'ai commencé à sauter des pages pour aller le plus vite possible à la fin. Un peu dommage...
************
Before we begin, I must point out that romances with students are not really my cup of tea. Even less when you have a sports theme, or when a stalker is part of the plot...
Having committed to doing an honest review, I tried to put my preferences aside in order to give this book every chance.
That said, I enjoyed 2/3 of the book, but at some point I gave up because everything was so predictable and at the end that I lost interest in the characters.
This is a slow burn romance. First our heroes have to get used to each other, they are both loners not too used to be social. Little by little they learn to know each other, they talked about themselves... Both are connected to each other, they understand their difficulties and support each other to overcome them.
Tessa, currently studying psychology, will help Austin become aware of his skills (apart from boxing) and get back into a college degree process to finally do a job that interests him. In return, Austin will teach Tessa self-defense movements, she's still traumatized by a tragedy during her childhood and she finds it difficult to trust.
Where the book lost me is when a secondary character becomes malicious and behaves like a stalker. From there, everything becomes super cliché : we see his troubles coming, how our heroes will be fooled and how everything is resolved, there are no more surprises. Everything you would expect is happening, interest wanes, I started skipping pages to get to the end as fast as possible. Too bad...
-Read as an ARC-
May 2, 2023
[ I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Can't Fight It is the third standalone romance in the Lesson Learned series, Educated World that take place in the Penny Reid Book Universe. Yeah that's a mouth full but trust me when I say you don't have to be familiar with either of those to fully enjoy this story because I hadn't even heard of them before I went to write this review. lol
How long can I keep being friends with her when the wanting only continues to grow?
Smart, school focused, Tessa is running a psych study at her college and the last person she expects to see walk through the door as a participant is Austin. Austin her new neighbor who overheard talking bad about him without even knowing him. Now they keep bumping into each other and when he offers to teach her self difference in exchange for helping him research college for himself, they quickly become friends. Thanks to a whole lot of assumptions by them both and a meddling third party, they take forever to cross to more but Tessa isn't about to let him give up on her.
"I don't know what I did to deserve you"
Allie Winters is a new to me author that I'm glad I took a chance on because I quite enjoyed this book. I adored our hero Austin. He's a large, intimating , muscled boxer who rides a motorcycle on the outside but he's actually a sensitive, insecure homebody who loves his cat. I liked Tessa too. She is kind-hearted, sees the best in people, and was quick to support Austin. While they both suffer from insecurities, hers were a little annoying to me. She couldn't let go of the "he's so hot, there's no way he finds me attractive" inner monologue that made me roll my eyes. His insecurities felt more natural. He didn't feel as intellectual as her and not good enough for her, which wasn't helped with her hot and cold reactions to him. After a little too much dancing around each other when they do venture into physical intimacy the open door scenes are nice and steamy. I liked the aspect that both our main characters were virgins, I haven't read that in a romance in quite some time, it was refreshing.
I can't imagine I'll ever see anything sexier than this mountain of a man pleasuring me.
Overall, Can't Fight It by Allie Winters was an entertaining contemporary romance between a boxer and a psych major who make each other flustered, dancing, chemistry, dirty talk, steam, a lovable cat, miscommunication, and satisfying ending.
Can't Fight It is the third standalone romance in the Lesson Learned series, Educated World that take place in the Penny Reid Book Universe. Yeah that's a mouth full but trust me when I say you don't have to be familiar with either of those to fully enjoy this story because I hadn't even heard of them before I went to write this review. lol
How long can I keep being friends with her when the wanting only continues to grow?
Smart, school focused, Tessa is running a psych study at her college and the last person she expects to see walk through the door as a participant is Austin. Austin her new neighbor who overheard talking bad about him without even knowing him. Now they keep bumping into each other and when he offers to teach her self difference in exchange for helping him research college for himself, they quickly become friends. Thanks to a whole lot of assumptions by them both and a meddling third party, they take forever to cross to more but Tessa isn't about to let him give up on her.
"I don't know what I did to deserve you"
Allie Winters is a new to me author that I'm glad I took a chance on because I quite enjoyed this book. I adored our hero Austin. He's a large, intimating , muscled boxer who rides a motorcycle on the outside but he's actually a sensitive, insecure homebody who loves his cat. I liked Tessa too. She is kind-hearted, sees the best in people, and was quick to support Austin. While they both suffer from insecurities, hers were a little annoying to me. She couldn't let go of the "he's so hot, there's no way he finds me attractive" inner monologue that made me roll my eyes. His insecurities felt more natural. He didn't feel as intellectual as her and not good enough for her, which wasn't helped with her hot and cold reactions to him. After a little too much dancing around each other when they do venture into physical intimacy the open door scenes are nice and steamy. I liked the aspect that both our main characters were virgins, I haven't read that in a romance in quite some time, it was refreshing.
I can't imagine I'll ever see anything sexier than this mountain of a man pleasuring me.
Overall, Can't Fight It by Allie Winters was an entertaining contemporary romance between a boxer and a psych major who make each other flustered, dancing, chemistry, dirty talk, steam, a lovable cat, miscommunication, and satisfying ending.
May 3, 2023
Can’t Fight It brings us back to the campus of Penny Reid’s Educated Romance World (Hypothesis series, Dear Professor). Due to events in her past, psychology student Tessa is afraid of big guys. Living alone for the first time, she is especially anxious about the tall, motorcycle-riding one that lives in the apartment across from hers. Imagine her surprise when he shows up as a participant in the research study she is conducting, and she discovers that he’s not so intimidating after all.
I adored Tessa and Austin’s dynamic and how, through their interactions and relationship, they each become more confident individuals. The way that they believe in each other is truly heartwarming, and their neighbors-to-friends-to-will-they-won’t-they-lovers arc had me hooked. I love when a book delivers character growth, chemistry, and romance.
This one is book 3 in the Lessons Learned series from Smartypants Romance but can be read as a standalone. Expect crossover from characters from previous novels in the series, but it is not necessary to read books 1 and 2 in order to understand this one.
If you’re a fan of new adult books, check this one out.
I listened to an advance copy of the audiobook. It has dual narration with Kaden Catalina narrating the chapters from Tessa’s perspective and Ryan Lee Dunlap narrating the chapters from Austin’s. I preferred Kaden Catalina’s chapters to Ryan Lee Dunlap's but did enjoy the entire audiobook overall. I recommend listening to this one at a speed of 1.5x or higher; I listened at 2x speed.
I received an advance listening copy from Smartypants Romance. All review opinions are my own.
*Please check trigger warnings.*
I adored Tessa and Austin’s dynamic and how, through their interactions and relationship, they each become more confident individuals. The way that they believe in each other is truly heartwarming, and their neighbors-to-friends-to-will-they-won’t-they-lovers arc had me hooked. I love when a book delivers character growth, chemistry, and romance.
This one is book 3 in the Lessons Learned series from Smartypants Romance but can be read as a standalone. Expect crossover from characters from previous novels in the series, but it is not necessary to read books 1 and 2 in order to understand this one.
If you’re a fan of new adult books, check this one out.
I listened to an advance copy of the audiobook. It has dual narration with Kaden Catalina narrating the chapters from Tessa’s perspective and Ryan Lee Dunlap narrating the chapters from Austin’s. I preferred Kaden Catalina’s chapters to Ryan Lee Dunlap's but did enjoy the entire audiobook overall. I recommend listening to this one at a speed of 1.5x or higher; I listened at 2x speed.
I received an advance listening copy from Smartypants Romance. All review opinions are my own.
*Please check trigger warnings.*
May 3, 2023
This story was so entertaining! It was intense, interesting, funny, and emotional. I loved the chemistry between the couple, the cameos from other couples, and the conflict throughout the story (no more on that cuz SPOILERS lol). Overall, another excellent story by this author.
April 21, 2023
I received an ARC today from @smartypantsromance.
It was a beautiful and heartfelt love story. I have enjoyed this book and this series a lot. I am off to read the next book now.
It was a beautiful and heartfelt love story. I have enjoyed this book and this series a lot. I am off to read the next book now.
May 15, 2023
Delightful, a little angsty and oh so satisfying
5 stars
I’m a huge fan of everything Allie Winters does - from her contemporary romances to, like this book, new adult / college romances. Can’t Fight It is the third in the Lessons Learned series (after Under Pressure and Not Fooling Anyone) and while the couples from the previous books do make brief appearances in this one, each stands alone. So much so that I really now want to go back and read the first two stories again to remind myself of their awesomeness.
And speaking of awesomeness, this book is definitely up there. In fact, I’ve already dubbed it as one of my favourites for this year. There was just something about it that caught and kept my attention and gave me those lovely jumpy feelings in my tummy. Heart eyes!
The first of our pair is Tessa and of course I’m going to like her from the first since she’s a little awkward but also sweet, kind and just a nice girl. But she’s got a sad and traumatic history that makes her wary as well as surprisingly tough. I just really liked her and was rooting for her all the way.
Austin is the poster boy for my perfect hero. He’s a big guy and quiet with it. He looks scary and intimidating - especially to Tessa at first - and the fact that he’s a boxer just proves her point. But as she and we get to know him we quickly see he’s an absolute sweetheart. He’s a big ol’ softy and very unsure about himself and his abilities. Gah - loved him so much. When he cries outside the factory - god help me, my feelings.
There’s quite a lot of internal thoughts of our couple in the book as they slowly move towards revealing their feelings for each other. You might think that this would become a bit monotonous but it definitely didn’t - both of their hesitancy about how the other felt just made me positively giddy. This was definitely a couple you were desperate to smoosh together and force them to kiss already, dammit!
There’s enough sex - mostly towards the end but definitely teased throughout the book - to keep me happy and horny. But like I said before, it’s the burgeoning emotions and feelings between the two that really made my stomach hitch. And there’s a tiny bit of angst about whether they’d work it out that kept me obsessed by this book. I even found myself re-reading bits when I’d finished it as I wasn’t ready to let Tessa and Austin go quite yet.
There’s something of a mystery to be solved or more like a bad to be overcome but, unlike other stories I’ve read with that same plot point, this one doesn’t overshadow the romance at any time. And I liked the way everything was tied up in the end.
The whole story is just a testament to the superior quality of Ms Winters’ writing. She transports you into the story, into the minds and hearts of the characters and makes you care so damn much. And I’m here for it because it always makes me feel so happy and satisfied when I’m done. I have a definite book hangover after this one but it’s very definitely 5 stars.
May 18, 2023
Overall Grade: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Tropes: friends to lovers; opposites attract; slow burn; close/forced proximity; college romance; new adult romance; contemporary romance; STEM FMC
Allie Winters’s Can’t Fight It is a bit of a revelation. There are some tropes that don’t entice me as much as others, namely friends to lovers and sometimes slow-burn (specifically when the pacing is off). However, with Winters’s newest Smartypants Romance book, I found Winters’s pacing appropriate and chemistry-inducing. I was compelled forward through Winters’s romance as her main characters, Tessa and Austin, navigate moving past first impressions (Tessa is initially frightened by Austin’s large stature), learn the complexities of each other, move through life (she’s a student researcher/future grad student and he’s a boxer turned eventual business person), and fall in love. What grounds their story is their mutual respect for each other which begins as neighbors turned friends but eventually becomes attraction due to Austin’s protection and kindness for Tessa. Winters crafts Austin to be physically overwhelming, but he has the biggest heart and shows unending kindness towards Tessa. And Tessa becomes Austin’s motivation to consider more for his life. She impresses on him to stand up for himself with his father and challenge himself to attend school. Before there is love and attraction between Tessa and Austin, they are the other's biggest ally. And this is why I fell in love with their story.
Readers should know that this is a serious slow-burn romance. In fact, Can’t Fight It is a romance between introverts, but it felt real to me. There are several lessons to be learned from this story: overcoming fear (literal and perceived); accepting that failure is a part of the learning process; and recognizing that loving and protecting someone doesn’t make them a burden; it’s a byproduct of one’s love for the other. Smartypants Romance continues to tell compelling stories.
Tropes: friends to lovers; opposites attract; slow burn; close/forced proximity; college romance; new adult romance; contemporary romance; STEM FMC
Allie Winters’s Can’t Fight It is a bit of a revelation. There are some tropes that don’t entice me as much as others, namely friends to lovers and sometimes slow-burn (specifically when the pacing is off). However, with Winters’s newest Smartypants Romance book, I found Winters’s pacing appropriate and chemistry-inducing. I was compelled forward through Winters’s romance as her main characters, Tessa and Austin, navigate moving past first impressions (Tessa is initially frightened by Austin’s large stature), learn the complexities of each other, move through life (she’s a student researcher/future grad student and he’s a boxer turned eventual business person), and fall in love. What grounds their story is their mutual respect for each other which begins as neighbors turned friends but eventually becomes attraction due to Austin’s protection and kindness for Tessa. Winters crafts Austin to be physically overwhelming, but he has the biggest heart and shows unending kindness towards Tessa. And Tessa becomes Austin’s motivation to consider more for his life. She impresses on him to stand up for himself with his father and challenge himself to attend school. Before there is love and attraction between Tessa and Austin, they are the other's biggest ally. And this is why I fell in love with their story.
Readers should know that this is a serious slow-burn romance. In fact, Can’t Fight It is a romance between introverts, but it felt real to me. There are several lessons to be learned from this story: overcoming fear (literal and perceived); accepting that failure is a part of the learning process; and recognizing that loving and protecting someone doesn’t make them a burden; it’s a byproduct of one’s love for the other. Smartypants Romance continues to tell compelling stories.
April 19, 2023
Format - E- ARC
Rating- ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice- 🌶 🌶
Series- Lessons Learned #3
Troupes- forced proximity, opposites attract, only one bed, Love in the Stress Lab!
CW- Stalker, home invasion, death of a loved one (off page)
Allie Winters is back in the SPRU with this awesome romantic suspense!
Tessa and Austin have nothing in common, she’s a smart college student looking to help people and he’s an up and coming Boxer who uses his fists more then his brains. But after a rocky start these two find that their differences are what draws them together.
I love a protective alpha especially when he’s also a bit of a cinnamon roll. And Austin fit the bill, he’s been training in boxing most of his life but isn’t sure that’s what he wants for himself or if he’s just doing it to please his dad. Then Tessa drops into his life and shows him he can do so much more. Tessa has not had it easy and her new neighbor is about as intimidating as they come. That is until he shows up in her stress lab and all that big burly muscle is more sexy then scary. And when Austin offers to show her how to defend herself she can’t help but also find his kindness attractive too.
These two are adorable, I love a bookish heroine and brutish but squishy hero. These two bring out the best in each other. And its so sweet to read!
I’m not normally a college romance reader but the way Allie does it is right in my sweet spot! Throw in a little be of suspense and I’m hooked!
Love these characters love this story love Allie Winters! Looking forward to more from her both in and out of the SPRU!
Rating- ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice- 🌶 🌶
Series- Lessons Learned #3
Troupes- forced proximity, opposites attract, only one bed, Love in the Stress Lab!
CW- Stalker, home invasion, death of a loved one (off page)
Allie Winters is back in the SPRU with this awesome romantic suspense!
Tessa and Austin have nothing in common, she’s a smart college student looking to help people and he’s an up and coming Boxer who uses his fists more then his brains. But after a rocky start these two find that their differences are what draws them together.
I love a protective alpha especially when he’s also a bit of a cinnamon roll. And Austin fit the bill, he’s been training in boxing most of his life but isn’t sure that’s what he wants for himself or if he’s just doing it to please his dad. Then Tessa drops into his life and shows him he can do so much more. Tessa has not had it easy and her new neighbor is about as intimidating as they come. That is until he shows up in her stress lab and all that big burly muscle is more sexy then scary. And when Austin offers to show her how to defend herself she can’t help but also find his kindness attractive too.
These two are adorable, I love a bookish heroine and brutish but squishy hero. These two bring out the best in each other. And its so sweet to read!
I’m not normally a college romance reader but the way Allie does it is right in my sweet spot! Throw in a little be of suspense and I’m hooked!
Love these characters love this story love Allie Winters! Looking forward to more from her both in and out of the SPRU!
May 5, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
“Hunky motorcycle-riding boxers don’t go for mousy nerds who constantly stick their feet in their mouth like me.”
Can’t Fight It is an opposites-attract, first love, college age sports romance. I love Allie Winters’ writing, add to that the premise of The Boxer & The Bookworm and this audio became a must-listen. I don’t read a lot of college romance, but Allie writes such intriguing, complex characters and deep, captivating storylines, that I always enjoy diving in. Tessa is endearingly awkward and brilliant. The shy, beautiful psych student often keeps to herself and is intimidated by her hulking Viking neighbor. Austin is at a bit of a crossroads between When fate keeps throwing them together, she warms to his kind, cinnamon roll nature. Come for the charismatic hot boxer and stay for the heart wrenching backstories, well-rounded characters, and sweet love story.
Can’t Fight It is the second audiobook narrated by Ryan Lee Dunlap and Kaden Catalina. It took me a little while to adjust to Kaden’s performance of Tessa at first, but as the story developed, I ended up loving her characterization. Her vocal choices, cadence, and style embodied Tessa’s character development charmingly. My heart ached for Tessa; I admired her courage, and compassion. Ryan’s portrayal of the easygoing, kind-hearted amateur boxer, Austin. Can’t Fight It explores the challenges of navigating adulthood; Allie demonstrates that an open mindset and a little grace can go a long way. I really enjoyed this audiobook. If you like college romance with a heroine in STEM and a lovable, misunderstood boxer, and treat your ears to Can’t Fight It.
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
“Hunky motorcycle-riding boxers don’t go for mousy nerds who constantly stick their feet in their mouth like me.”
Can’t Fight It is an opposites-attract, first love, college age sports romance. I love Allie Winters’ writing, add to that the premise of The Boxer & The Bookworm and this audio became a must-listen. I don’t read a lot of college romance, but Allie writes such intriguing, complex characters and deep, captivating storylines, that I always enjoy diving in. Tessa is endearingly awkward and brilliant. The shy, beautiful psych student often keeps to herself and is intimidated by her hulking Viking neighbor. Austin is at a bit of a crossroads between When fate keeps throwing them together, she warms to his kind, cinnamon roll nature. Come for the charismatic hot boxer and stay for the heart wrenching backstories, well-rounded characters, and sweet love story.
Can’t Fight It is the second audiobook narrated by Ryan Lee Dunlap and Kaden Catalina. It took me a little while to adjust to Kaden’s performance of Tessa at first, but as the story developed, I ended up loving her characterization. Her vocal choices, cadence, and style embodied Tessa’s character development charmingly. My heart ached for Tessa; I admired her courage, and compassion. Ryan’s portrayal of the easygoing, kind-hearted amateur boxer, Austin. Can’t Fight It explores the challenges of navigating adulthood; Allie demonstrates that an open mindset and a little grace can go a long way. I really enjoyed this audiobook. If you like college romance with a heroine in STEM and a lovable, misunderstood boxer, and treat your ears to Can’t Fight It.
May 4, 2023
I love and adore Allie Winters - not only is she a sweetheart on social media, she’s a pretty amazing author! Her Smartypants Romance “Lessons Learned” series (I also love her other books) is fantastic, intelligent, engaging, and witty, with Can’t Fight It diving into some very serious subjects and traumas.
Tessa and friend Joel are running an experiment in the Psychology lab, not unlike her friends in the previous books. Somehow, her very large and intimidating neighbor Austin ends up as one of the participants … he’s a boxing friend of one of our past characters. Tessa goes from being scared of him (a fear of large and intimidating men based on a major childhood traumatic event), to friends, and after a break in at her apartment, to roommates. Her lab partner Joel happens to be present at the break in and starts to get funny afterwards, when she won’t go stay with him, so we start taking a dislike to his character and behaviors.
Tessa and Austin go from roommates to friends to boxing / self-defense class buddies, to many other things… including each other’s firsts in an only one bed situation. They become each other’s confidants and support systems, and soon, so, so much more.
The progression of their relationship throughout this story, and overcoming the traumas and other issues on both sides - it’s magical! I completely recommend this book for everyone out there! You could even get away reading this as a standalone, though knowing the side characters background from the two previous books is helpful.
Narration was great - this is my third Smartypants from this launch featuring Ryan Lee Dunlap, who has done a great job, but my first book with Kaden Catalina. She definitely suited Tessa!
I received an advance listen copy from Smartypants Romance and this is my honest feedback.
Tessa and friend Joel are running an experiment in the Psychology lab, not unlike her friends in the previous books. Somehow, her very large and intimidating neighbor Austin ends up as one of the participants … he’s a boxing friend of one of our past characters. Tessa goes from being scared of him (a fear of large and intimidating men based on a major childhood traumatic event), to friends, and after a break in at her apartment, to roommates. Her lab partner Joel happens to be present at the break in and starts to get funny afterwards, when she won’t go stay with him, so we start taking a dislike to his character and behaviors.
Tessa and Austin go from roommates to friends to boxing / self-defense class buddies, to many other things… including each other’s firsts in an only one bed situation. They become each other’s confidants and support systems, and soon, so, so much more.
The progression of their relationship throughout this story, and overcoming the traumas and other issues on both sides - it’s magical! I completely recommend this book for everyone out there! You could even get away reading this as a standalone, though knowing the side characters background from the two previous books is helpful.
Narration was great - this is my third Smartypants from this launch featuring Ryan Lee Dunlap, who has done a great job, but my first book with Kaden Catalina. She definitely suited Tessa!
I received an advance listen copy from Smartypants Romance and this is my honest feedback.
May 6, 2023
I was provided both a print and audio arc of this book via the author and Smartypants Romance, all opinions are my own. This is book 3 of the Lessons Learned series but it is a complete standalone. The other books in the series are great too, I recommend them as well, but you don't need to read them in order.
This was adorable! I loved the college setting and the main characters were socially awkward and unsure of themselves, but they had great banter once they started to get to know each other. This follows Tessa and Austin, who happen to be neighbors and unknowingly acquainted through mutual friends. Tessa is a psychology major working on a study, and she is of course surprised when Austin shows up as a participant. She finds Austin intimidating because he rides a motorcycle and he's a bigger guy who looks like he can throw down in a fight. Tessa lived through traumatic experience in her past that we learn about in the book and explains some of her anxiety and insecurities as we get to know her better. Austin on the other hand has his own insecurities and as Tessa gets to know him better turns out to be a genuinely nice guy. As the study progresses and they spend more time together inside and outside of the lab, they help each other deal with some of their anxieties and insecurities. They also uncover a budding attraction
This had really good character development and decent steam. Tessa is a bit on the naïve side and she really comes along way with her inner insecurity. The same goes for Austin, he is a bit more sure of himself, but when it comes to Tessa not so much. I think they were a great support system for each other, and I really enjoyed getting to know them.
I enjoyed the narration, both of the narrators did a good job brining emotion into the story.
This was adorable! I loved the college setting and the main characters were socially awkward and unsure of themselves, but they had great banter once they started to get to know each other. This follows Tessa and Austin, who happen to be neighbors and unknowingly acquainted through mutual friends. Tessa is a psychology major working on a study, and she is of course surprised when Austin shows up as a participant. She finds Austin intimidating because he rides a motorcycle and he's a bigger guy who looks like he can throw down in a fight. Tessa lived through traumatic experience in her past that we learn about in the book and explains some of her anxiety and insecurities as we get to know her better. Austin on the other hand has his own insecurities and as Tessa gets to know him better turns out to be a genuinely nice guy. As the study progresses and they spend more time together inside and outside of the lab, they help each other deal with some of their anxieties and insecurities. They also uncover a budding attraction
This had really good character development and decent steam. Tessa is a bit on the naïve side and she really comes along way with her inner insecurity. The same goes for Austin, he is a bit more sure of himself, but when it comes to Tessa not so much. I think they were a great support system for each other, and I really enjoyed getting to know them.
I enjoyed the narration, both of the narrators did a good job brining emotion into the story.
May 3, 2023
Allie Winters delivers another amazing story in the Lessons Learned Series.
Tess and Auatin were great characters who are complete opposites. Their initial interactions are entertaining - full of awkward, funny and entertaining exchanges.
Tess is a psych student, who is somewhat of a loner and a comes across a bit nerdish, shy and vulnerable. She’s had some life experience that have left her with many fears.
Austin is a hard working guy that is at a crossroads with his career. He’s trying to do what’s best for his family but needs to stand up for himself.
The charm of this story is how they both learned so much from one another, letting their guard down and being vulnerable. Their encouragement for one another was beautiful.
I listened to the audiobook and had mixed feelings on the narration. Ryan Lee Dunlap did a fantastic job with the emotion, depth and passion he gave to Austin. Kaden Catalina did a good job with the narration. I felt like her voice for Tess was in a constant state of panic and quivered throughout the book. Maybe this was intention with the Tess’s history and personality.
Tess and Auatin were great characters who are complete opposites. Their initial interactions are entertaining - full of awkward, funny and entertaining exchanges.
Tess is a psych student, who is somewhat of a loner and a comes across a bit nerdish, shy and vulnerable. She’s had some life experience that have left her with many fears.
Austin is a hard working guy that is at a crossroads with his career. He’s trying to do what’s best for his family but needs to stand up for himself.
The charm of this story is how they both learned so much from one another, letting their guard down and being vulnerable. Their encouragement for one another was beautiful.
I listened to the audiobook and had mixed feelings on the narration. Ryan Lee Dunlap did a fantastic job with the emotion, depth and passion he gave to Austin. Kaden Catalina did a good job with the narration. I felt like her voice for Tess was in a constant state of panic and quivered throughout the book. Maybe this was intention with the Tess’s history and personality.
May 18, 2023
Check out an Excerpt HERE
***5 Stars***
This was a fun read. A little awkward, a little slow burn-ish ~ kinda sorta ~ but filled with a lot of sweet and smexy that had made my romance loving heart all kinds of happy and wanting more.
I adored Tessa and Austin. Tessa is sweet and determined. She had a horrible experience as a child and life hasn’t always been kind, but even with all that’s happened, she is a force to be reckoned with. Austin is all kinds of, tall, broody and silent, but there is a kindness to him that makes you want to cuddle up with him because you know you’ll be safe when you're with him.
Their journey to their HEA was a lot of fun to experience. While things didn’t start off on the right foot, and the awkward was brought on by both of them, I love how ~ through fate/karma ~ they kept colliding and found that they had a connection they couldn’t deny.Watching as they went from strangers to friends to more and realizing how much brighter both their worlds were when they were together was a lot of fun and while there were bumps in their road, I really like where they were at in the end.
This was a great addition to the series. It had all kinds of great moments, and not so great ~ and the not so great may be triggering, just a little warning ~ but overall a great read. And I loved getting to hang out with Mia and Tyler and Lexie and Ethan and Danielle was awesome (toes crossed that she gets an HEA). So, if you like opposites attract/sunshine/grumpy romances than this is one you’ll want to one click.
~ Copy provided by SmartyPants romance & voluntarily reviewed ~
***5 Stars***
This was a fun read. A little awkward, a little slow burn-ish ~ kinda sorta ~ but filled with a lot of sweet and smexy that had made my romance loving heart all kinds of happy and wanting more.
I adored Tessa and Austin. Tessa is sweet and determined. She had a horrible experience as a child and life hasn’t always been kind, but even with all that’s happened, she is a force to be reckoned with. Austin is all kinds of, tall, broody and silent, but there is a kindness to him that makes you want to cuddle up with him because you know you’ll be safe when you're with him.
Their journey to their HEA was a lot of fun to experience. While things didn’t start off on the right foot, and the awkward was brought on by both of them, I love how ~ through fate/karma ~ they kept colliding and found that they had a connection they couldn’t deny.Watching as they went from strangers to friends to more and realizing how much brighter both their worlds were when they were together was a lot of fun and while there were bumps in their road, I really like where they were at in the end.
This was a great addition to the series. It had all kinds of great moments, and not so great ~ and the not so great may be triggering, just a little warning ~ but overall a great read. And I loved getting to hang out with Mia and Tyler and Lexie and Ethan and Danielle was awesome (toes crossed that she gets an HEA). So, if you like opposites attract/sunshine/grumpy romances than this is one you’ll want to one click.
~ Copy provided by SmartyPants romance & voluntarily reviewed ~
May 17, 2023
3.75
I skipped book two of this series but I was I intrigued by the blurb of this. But it felt so familiar upon reading it like I've read it before I'm not sure where. But it's still interesting. Tessa and Austin didn't start out on the right foot. Austin turned out to be a participant in her research study about relaxation. From there they become awkward at first but get to know each other. They are opposite in looks but similar in attitude.
Austin starts teaching Tessa self defense as she experienced something in her youth that makes her uncertain of some people and situations. Tessa's partner in her study Joel is becoming suspicious in his attitude. I feel he broke into her apartment so she would stay with him but I think it backfired.
They both start developing feelings but aren't sure where the other stands. The typical he's too hot and she's out of my league stuff. After some miscommunication they figure things out but again Joel hinders their happy ever after. I really had a bad feeling towards in the start. Anyway this felt predictable since I felt like I read this before but still an ok read. The lab experiment was interesting too.
I skipped book two of this series but I was I intrigued by the blurb of this. But it felt so familiar upon reading it like I've read it before I'm not sure where. But it's still interesting. Tessa and Austin didn't start out on the right foot. Austin turned out to be a participant in her research study about relaxation. From there they become awkward at first but get to know each other. They are opposite in looks but similar in attitude.
Austin starts teaching Tessa self defense as she experienced something in her youth that makes her uncertain of some people and situations. Tessa's partner in her study Joel is becoming suspicious in his attitude. I feel he broke into her apartment so she would stay with him but I think it backfired.
They both start developing feelings but aren't sure where the other stands. The typical he's too hot and she's out of my league stuff. After some miscommunication they figure things out but again Joel hinders their happy ever after. I really had a bad feeling towards in the start. Anyway this felt predictable since I felt like I read this before but still an ok read. The lab experiment was interesting too.
April 17, 2023
This was a nice and easy read that I enjoyed. The story line was simple and straight forward with an obvious plot twist. My favorite part of the book was Austins character. He is initially presented as a grumpy intimidating guy but as the character develops it turns out he’s just a shy and sweet guy- a warm and ooey gooey cinnamon roll MMC. A big teddy bear who loves his cat and a quiet night at home. Tessa and Austin brought out the best in each other and they developed a healthy relationship which I appreciated. My one con with Tessas character is her insecurity in her looks and consistently doubting Austins interest in her. Otherwise, Tessas is a like-able and smart FMC. This is a very slow burn with tons of mutual pining romance. These two characters were just so cute and I enjoyed reading about them falling in love with each other.
Book tropes: grumpy sunshine, college romance, boxing romance, forced proximity, neighbors to lovers, one bed, spicy, friends to lovers
**Trigger warnings: 18+ explicit sexual scenes
Review: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ /🌶🌶
Book tropes: grumpy sunshine, college romance, boxing romance, forced proximity, neighbors to lovers, one bed, spicy, friends to lovers
**Trigger warnings: 18+ explicit sexual scenes
Review: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ /🌶🌶
April 24, 2023
If you could see my face right now, I would have hearts in my eyes😍😍🥰!!
Gahhhh Austin and Tessa had me from chapter 1! Right away people!!
These two, oh my heart. I loved everything about these two. From Tessa’s heartbreaking past and how it shaped her into the woman she is today. I don’t blame her at all for how she reacted to her big neighbor. But I loved her spirit and how she always gives people a chance.
Austin, this man, with his shockingly sweetness. He was not at all what I was expecting him to be. But I love him all the more for it. I loved seeing him with Tessa and how their friendship got started. Though I was yelling at both of them to just say how they felt lol.
This was such a heartbreaking, sweet slow burn love story that is easily a Top 2023 read for me!
Such a nice change of pace for reading for me. I love me the sweet love stories as much as I love the darker ones lol. Though this did have some nice twists and suspense parts to it!
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5️⃣🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️+++
10/10 recommendation‼️‼️
Gahhhh Austin and Tessa had me from chapter 1! Right away people!!
These two, oh my heart. I loved everything about these two. From Tessa’s heartbreaking past and how it shaped her into the woman she is today. I don’t blame her at all for how she reacted to her big neighbor. But I loved her spirit and how she always gives people a chance.
Austin, this man, with his shockingly sweetness. He was not at all what I was expecting him to be. But I love him all the more for it. I loved seeing him with Tessa and how their friendship got started. Though I was yelling at both of them to just say how they felt lol.
This was such a heartbreaking, sweet slow burn love story that is easily a Top 2023 read for me!
Such a nice change of pace for reading for me. I love me the sweet love stories as much as I love the darker ones lol. Though this did have some nice twists and suspense parts to it!
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5️⃣🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️+++
10/10 recommendation‼️‼️
May 10, 2023
I liked this book, but there weren’t enough scenes with other characters.
I liked Austin and Tessa, and how they talked things through even when there were misunderstandings.
There weren’t many side characters. The main characters from the previous books are mentioned but they weren’t developed and there weren’t many scenes showing them with Austin and Tessa. In one chapter Tessa is going to dinner with Austin’s family, but the chapter ends as when they get to Austin’s dad’s house, and the next scene shows them driving back home.
Joel was an annoying character, and it was obvious what he was doing, but I wasn’t too bothered by the fact that Austin and Tessa couldn’t see it because I liked seeing them get to know each other.
This book was fine, and there were even funny moments, but I didn’t care too much about the main characters. I wouldn’t mind reading more books in this series if there were more interactions with side characters, and I’d want to read more about the psychological studies they do as long as it’s more interesting than stress studies.
I liked Austin and Tessa, and how they talked things through even when there were misunderstandings.
There weren’t many side characters. The main characters from the previous books are mentioned but they weren’t developed and there weren’t many scenes showing them with Austin and Tessa. In one chapter Tessa is going to dinner with Austin’s family, but the chapter ends as when they get to Austin’s dad’s house, and the next scene shows them driving back home.
Joel was an annoying character, and it was obvious what he was doing, but I wasn’t too bothered by the fact that Austin and Tessa couldn’t see it because I liked seeing them get to know each other.
This book was fine, and there were even funny moments, but I didn’t care too much about the main characters. I wouldn’t mind reading more books in this series if there were more interactions with side characters, and I’d want to read more about the psychological studies they do as long as it’s more interesting than stress studies.
May 5, 2023
So excited to read/listen to a new story from the SmartyPants Romance team. And this one was so so good. Oh Tessa, I just loved her personality. I loved how she just kept putting her foot in her mouth and tripping over her words. And I loved how it just never bothered Austin.
Tessa has some past experiences that have led her to be afraid of large men. Especially ones with muscles. Enter her new neighbor… and he has all the muscles. And is so handsome. Oh and he rides a motorcycle. One study has them forced together and the sparks are there.
I love that this book has a little suspense in it. A little mystery. And a whole lot of romance. Excuse me while I run back and binge the other books in this series.
Rating: 4.5/5
Narrators: Ryan Lee Dunlap and Kaden Catalina
Release Audio Date: May 4th, 2023
Release Kindle Date: May 4th, 2023
Kindle Unlimited: 👍🏻
Audio Available: 👍🏻
Tessa has some past experiences that have led her to be afraid of large men. Especially ones with muscles. Enter her new neighbor… and he has all the muscles. And is so handsome. Oh and he rides a motorcycle. One study has them forced together and the sparks are there.
I love that this book has a little suspense in it. A little mystery. And a whole lot of romance. Excuse me while I run back and binge the other books in this series.
Rating: 4.5/5
Narrators: Ryan Lee Dunlap and Kaden Catalina
Release Audio Date: May 4th, 2023
Release Kindle Date: May 4th, 2023
Kindle Unlimited: 👍🏻
Audio Available: 👍🏻
May 21, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
Tessa is a girl-nerd who's all kinds of awkward. She's also skittish around big guys - for good reason. When her big scary-looking neighbour turns out to be one of her test subjects in the Stress Lab, she's somewhat mortified, following the conversation he overhead - about him! Austin is a broody boxer who works in a warehouse. He thinks Tessa is beautiful but maybe little bit intimidating. I loved that he admired her smarts but sorry that he thought so little of himself.
These two were so different yet somewhat similar - both lacked confidence in themselves in their own way. I enjoyed the slow burn between them and how they trod around each other. There was most definitely a connection not only mentally, but physically, too, as they became friends and then more. This was such a fab, heartfelt read. Love this author's books in this series.
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
Tessa is a girl-nerd who's all kinds of awkward. She's also skittish around big guys - for good reason. When her big scary-looking neighbour turns out to be one of her test subjects in the Stress Lab, she's somewhat mortified, following the conversation he overhead - about him! Austin is a broody boxer who works in a warehouse. He thinks Tessa is beautiful but maybe little bit intimidating. I loved that he admired her smarts but sorry that he thought so little of himself.
These two were so different yet somewhat similar - both lacked confidence in themselves in their own way. I enjoyed the slow burn between them and how they trod around each other. There was most definitely a connection not only mentally, but physically, too, as they became friends and then more. This was such a fab, heartfelt read. Love this author's books in this series.
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
May 14, 2023
Y’all. I’m so excited that Allie Winters newest #SmartypantsRomance book is live!!
I swear that each book she add to this wonderful universe becomes my new favorite.
Tessa & Austin had me swooning from the start. I loved how they’re both so shy and closed off, yet once they learn to open up with each other they’re the person that they can trust the most. I honestly swooned as Tessa showed her belief in Austin’s intelligence, and how he helped her feel more confident in living alone.
I was drawn into this story from the first page. I loved the emotions it drew from me and how by the end we got to see Tessa & Austin finally feel comfortable and happy with their lives!
I swear that each book she add to this wonderful universe becomes my new favorite.
Tessa & Austin had me swooning from the start. I loved how they’re both so shy and closed off, yet once they learn to open up with each other they’re the person that they can trust the most. I honestly swooned as Tessa showed her belief in Austin’s intelligence, and how he helped her feel more confident in living alone.
I was drawn into this story from the first page. I loved the emotions it drew from me and how by the end we got to see Tessa & Austin finally feel comfortable and happy with their lives!
May 22, 2023
Tropes: slow burn
Trigger warning - there is an abusive scene
This is my first read by this author. I received the ARC for an honest review.
Can’t Fight It is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone.
Book #3 in the Lessons Learned series, Educated Romance World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
This was a really sweet, easy to read story. Tessa is usually weary of large overbearing men and her neighbor fits this bill. But after getting to know Austin she learns there is a soft side to this boxing brute of a man.
Sweet, sexy scenes and lovely characters that will keep you company as you read this book.
Trigger warning - there is an abusive scene
This is my first read by this author. I received the ARC for an honest review.
Can’t Fight It is a full-length contemporary romance and can be read as a standalone.
Book #3 in the Lessons Learned series, Educated Romance World, Penny Reid Book Universe.
This was a really sweet, easy to read story. Tessa is usually weary of large overbearing men and her neighbor fits this bill. But after getting to know Austin she learns there is a soft side to this boxing brute of a man.
Sweet, sexy scenes and lovely characters that will keep you company as you read this book.
May 23, 2023
I really liked Austin and Tessa! aLways fond of the Stress Lab, I really enjoyed going back for another study and going back to Marty's gym. I just wanted to hug Austin from the start, this big adorable guy who always thinks he's not smart enough. And of course I wanted to shout at both him and Tessa to get their head in the game and just admit their feelings!
July 22, 2023
It's a very engaging story with compelling characters. I found quite a bit was telegraphed early enough that I knew some pieces that were revealed at the end well before we reached that point. I'm not sure if the author was going for the reader to know and just wait for the characters to catch up or if we were supposed to be surprised by it. I'm hoping the former. As a researcher, I also struggle to accept one piece of information that was shared about conducting research that doesn't quite align with my experience of working with human subjects, but it wasn't enough to turn me off from the book plus it happened near the end. So overall, I really enjoyed the story.
April 23, 2023
First off, if you haven’t read the other two books in this series, get to it! This is book 3 in the Lessons Learned series, and can be read as a standalone, but you’d be missing out!
Tessa and Austin’s story was so enjoyable! I read it in basically one sitting. Opposites attract, forced proximity goodness in this book! I adored how Austin would absolutely do anything for Tessa. Their chemistry is undeniable.
Lots of back story with this one, especially with Tessa’s character, so be aware, there are some major trigger warnings.
Tessa and Austin’s story was so enjoyable! I read it in basically one sitting. Opposites attract, forced proximity goodness in this book! I adored how Austin would absolutely do anything for Tessa. Their chemistry is undeniable.
Lots of back story with this one, especially with Tessa’s character, so be aware, there are some major trigger warnings.
May 4, 2023
I loved this book! Tessa is the nerdy girl next door, maybe a bit afraid of everything (but with good reason). Austin is the big and brawny boxer who seems scary to Tessa so she tries to avoid him in the apartment hallways.
I loved the character growth in this story. Tessa went from a shrinking violet to a strong resourceful heroine who stands up for herself in tough situations!! And Austin is quite the swoony “cinnamon roll” of a hero!
I listened to most of this on audiobook. I think the narrators really brought out the characters personalities full force.
-4.5 Stars!-
-Diane-
I loved the character growth in this story. Tessa went from a shrinking violet to a strong resourceful heroine who stands up for herself in tough situations!! And Austin is quite the swoony “cinnamon roll” of a hero!
I listened to most of this on audiobook. I think the narrators really brought out the characters personalities full force.
-4.5 Stars!-
-Diane-
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