Over the Moon

Men of Styre Cove #1

by Tess Watters

Aubrey:
My life in Chicago was perfect. I had a great boyfriend, a great job, and an amazing apartment.

Then it all went to shit and the city turned its back on me.

Going home was my only option. Now the man that invaded my fantasies but avoided me for years is my new boss.


Wolf:
She destroyed the walls I built to protect everyone and made me feel something.
Made me feel the urge to keep her safe, safe from me.

And I did a damn good job.

That is until her life implodes on my watch and I have to do everything to get her back to me and claim what has been mine all along.

Content Warnings:
Profanity
Explicit Sex Scenes
Rough Consensual Sex
Stalking or harassment
Sexual Assault (on-page)
Infidelity (off-page/not main love interest)
Fatphobia

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Plus Size, Audiobook, Workplace Romance, Small Town Romance, Contemporary

317 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 9, 2023

About the author

Tess Watters is the Canadian author behind the Men of Styre Cove series that began with her debut novel, Over the Moon.

She loves 80’s movies, considers herself to be a pizza connoisseur, and is pretty sure she is funny. When she isn’t reading or writing, she’s probably spending time with her family or planning the next DIY project, much to the chagrin of her husband.

Reviews

[Grisette · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars

To commend itself, I will say that this book has a beautiful cover and overall, what I can see as a cutish romance (if I squint) initiated from good intentions. However, to really appreciate it, one has to be very, very indulgent. Because there were awkwardly written transitions (notably how they fell into bed, and how the explanation to their angst came from a most improbably written 'journal') that just broke up my focus. And the 1st person narrative written in present tense... omg... was excrutiating to read (I do that, I say that, I think etc 🙄).

The leads were okayish, but did lack much fleshing out to be believable. I did not like Aubrey much because her character sometimes came off erratic in reaction (being mouthy abruptly, almost inappropriately, or missing an important point and reacting at opposite expectation). Again, I blame much of the 1st person narrative in present tense for this sentiment. Wolf was a bit better, but still, his stalkerish possessiveness would sound bad in real life. The only good thing was that the sex was kinda hot in an OTT way (though trigger warning for period sex 😅).

I don't hate the story, but it could have been so much better.

[April Vee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read my first ARC! This book was an amazing journey. At first I thought it may just be another average love story but the twists it takes are amazing and unexpected! I would recommend this to anyone who likes romance books!

[Amy Obrien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read! Easy to read and follow, steady twists and interesting characters! Perfect amount of spiciness too,

Can’t wait for more from Tess Watters!!

[Littlebookishbirdie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“𝑀𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑚𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑦, 𝐴𝑢𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑦. 𝐴𝑛𝑑 𝐼 𝑎𝑚 𝑔𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑛𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑦 𝑓𝑖𝑙𝑡ℎ𝑦 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑦𝑜𝑢.”
.
.
.
So this is about Aubrey, a pretty successful architect that finds her boyfriend cheating and has to return home cause of her slimy boss. She is a pretty strong headed character. I love that she is a thicker girl with confidence. I love that representation.

Wolf is a successful business owner. He has a darker past and uses control to help him stay focused and keep his behavior in line. Aubrey tends to test this because she doesn’t believe in letting anyone control her.

Wolf definitely makes some serious strong choices in this book that blew my mind. He is possessive and protective which was the motive behind his decisions. It was definitely a “good intentions but horrible idea” moment. I’m surprised Aubrey responded well to it, honestly. She doesn’t jump into his arms over it but she seems to understand his reasoning.

The steam was tangible. I remember wanting to shake one of them, to tell at one of them to just give in already. Wolf was pretty back and forth but when they finally gave into it, it was worth the wait. The writing and details were great.
.
.
.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. It might be more of a 3.5 just because I didn’t care for the epilogue. Anyone who knows me will know what I’m talking about. But this was a great romance. Wolf and Aubrey are addicting and spicy. Highly recommend.

[Nattyclibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so grateful I received this ARC. This book was such a great read.

If you love a good slow-burn, some spice and everything nice, read this book!

I instantly fell in love with Aubrey's character and everything she stood for, a powerful women who didn't take shit from anyone, especially Wolf.

Wolf was everything. He's overprotective, dominant and would do anything for the women he's fallen for.

The slow burn was so good and well written and made you want to keep reading because you knew the good parts were coming eventually and when they did 🥵

If you're from the Maritimes, you'll also love the mentions throughout this book. Now I'm sad I have to wait for the next book (hopefully its on Nate and Violet)

[Melissa MacDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Move over 50 Shades.....I am ''Over the moon'' about this book!
The charactor development was great, the thoughts into the story are well done and while I was anxious about the content warnings I have to say it left me wanting more. Had a hard time putting this down and looking forward to more from this Author.

[Vanessa LeBlanc · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

This is my first book from this author and it did not disappoint. I love how the story was written. It was easy to read, could easily picture the story while reading the words on the pages. I really enjoyed how the story kept you guessing and near the end it all fell into place. The ending was perfect as well.

I really enjoyed the main characters. Aubrey was the type that didn’t take shit from anyone. If something she didn’t like was done to her she would not sit back and do nothing. She wasn’t scared of the big bad Wolf when he stepped out of line but of course that just fired Wolf up even more. And ohhh how that brought 🔥 🔥 🔥 to the story 😏

This was a slow burn but a so very good slow burn.

The story also left you wanting to know about other characters you meet along the way AKA Nate and Violet. Cannot wait for their story.

[Cláudia Costa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5

[LeslieD · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Over the Moon" is a sexy romance that is perfect for a little escape!

The character development is great. I loved Aubrey, the strong female lead, and also how the story switches between her point of view and Wolf's. It helped build up the tension between the main characters, which kept me wanting more. I didn't want to put down the book!

The story is well-paced, entertaining, and an easy read. I really enjoyed it!

Looking forward to more from Tess Watters!

[Alena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun and easy read. The characters were instantly likeable, Aubrey was strong and confident, he’ll yes to that.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over the Moon is a great romance and an easy read. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down.
Aubrey is a strong female lead and doesn't take anyone's BS. I loved being able to read the book from both her and Wolf's point of views.
Can't wait for the next book, hoping to see more of Nate and Vanessa!

[Sondra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was super excited to receive this book in exchange for my thoughts. The entire story was very easy to follow and understand. The character development was on point. Even though this story contains some triggers, I felt like it was handled with class. I loved how the chapters were written in first person POV. The part that pulled me in most was the mysterious manner of Wolf. I’m happy to say that in the end, everything comes to light. The author’s creativity really shined when she left a lot of opportunities to further her storylines. Could it be a love story from this one, or a sequel continuing Aubrey and Wolf’s stories?

It’s definitely something to look out for.

[Christina _readingwhilewet · Rating 5 out of 5]

incredible!!!

Wow!
🎧 Audio review

Andi and Brandon are INCREDIBLE!!! My god the chemistry between these two are just pouring out of this book. God I was so in love with this story. Tess wrote such a captivating story, I’m utterly obsessed with the first book.

I need more !! My god ! I finished this in ONE DAY non stop listening I couldn’t stop !

🎧50000000000/5
📖5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Priscilla | Books Imperfect Condition · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over the Moon by Tess Watters was a fun and surprisingly fast paced slow burn romance!

Aubrey (FMC) represented all us curvy girls well! Wolf (MMC) and all his protective energy definitely took me by surprise. Boundaries are something that don’t exist in his world when it comes to protecting his Aubrey! I really enjoyed their “pining”.

Waters wrote fun and likeable side charactersI I want them all to get their own HEAs!

Quote that stuck out to me:

“Millie would have been so proud of you, Aubrey. To see the woman you have become,” Dad says out of the blue. I tear up a bit and lean into him”

To get serious for a moment, My momma was also named Millie and she passed away on 01/26/2012 from cancer. I was moved to tears at how the author chose to honor Aubrey’s mom who passed away from an illness as well. It was so endearing and will always hold a special place in my heart. Reading about a character who’s experienced a loss so similar to mine in the month of the passing of my own mother is so poetic.

So to wrap it up, Watters, in her debut novel succeeded in making me laugh and cry both happy and sad tears! There’s a scene that seriously made me blush 😳 but I won’t spoil it!

If you enjoy:
👩‍❤️‍👨Dual POV
🎥 Touch her and ☠️
🍕 Brother’s Best Friend
❣️Curvy Girl Representation
💼 Boss Babe Energy

You’ll want to check this out!

Seriously, I’m Over the Moon excited to read more from Tess Watters! She’s one of the good ones!

Thank you to the author, Tess Watters and Amy from Romance Me with Books for providing me with a review copy of Over the Moon. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#qotd What song is on repeat in your mind?
#aotd Errbody But Me ~ Tech N9ne, BIZZY, & Krizz Kaliko

I’m a Book Tour Stop with Romance me with Books @romancemewithbooks

[Meagan Grauel · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️ 2/5 stars

"Over the Moon" had some of the spice I was looking for, but the story itself felt more like a prologue than a full-fledged romance. The setup is intriguing; an MMC who does some shady, obsessive digging into the FMC’s life before they even get together. That could have been spun into a dark, possessive, “I need to consume you” kind of obsession, but instead, we spend most of the book watching them circle each other until they finally connect.
Then, just as things could heat up, the MMC pulls back. He’s suddenly wracked with guilt over the how of their relationship, despite having orchestrated so much of it in the first place. His eventual confession feels oddly anticlimactic; he admits what he’s done and then leaves the decision in her court, which doesn’t match the level of control and obsession he’s shown the entire book.
It’s not that I didn’t enjoy it - I did. But it felt like the real story never started. This could have been the first half of their journey, followed by a second half where the truth is out, the emotional stakes are high, and the spice (and relationship development) really hits its stride. Instead, it ends right when things could have gotten deliciously messy.

[Branita J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I definitely recommend this book. Reading has always been an escape for me and "Over the Moon" lives up to its title. I love it when a book can paint a picture so well that you can imagine it. I look forward to her next book.

[Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost - I would like to thank Amy at Romance me with Books and the author Tess Watters for the ARC. This is Tess's debut novel and it was EVERYTHING.

This book follows Aubrey, a successful architect in Chicago - where she has everything going for her, a handsome boyfriend, a great career and an amazing apartment. That is until she comes home to find her boyfriend cheating on her, followed by her boss making a move on her, losing her job and getting blacklisted at every job she applies for. Aubrey decides to go home to find some peace of mind, disconnect, and hopefully cross paths with the man she has lusted for since they met at a BBQ 3 years ago. Little did she know - she has been his this whole time.

So, this book is a little on the slow burn side but when it finally gets to the good stuff (all of it was good, but the REAL good stuff) it is 100% worth it. The tension and the chemistry between Aubrey and Wolf. The subtle ways (and not so subtle ways) Wolf put himself in her path - completely controlling, alpha, and possessive but honestly in the best absolute way. Ladies, say hello to your new book boyfriend.

Read this book if you are into:
- Alpha males
- Forced Proximity
- Office Romance
- Steamy slow burns
- morally grey MMC
- Instalove (which I hate usually - but LOVED here).
- Small-Town Romance
- Stalking (in a good way? This could also be a TW so FYI)
- Good girl
- Curvy women representation!

This was such a great debut from Tess Watters, I highly recommend checking her out - I have a feeling good things are coming to her. This book has set a new standard for book boyfriends - so I cannot wait to see what Tess does next!!

Please check TW before reading!

[Anisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good book! First of all, the cover is so gorgeous and super intriguing. I also think this is such a great quick romance read. I really enjoyed getting to know Aubrey’s character. I thought that there was good character development and although the main relationship in the story is between Aubrey and Wolf, I thought that Aubrey’s relationship with her brother, Nate, and her dad was so beautiful and really made this story so much better. I really liked the premise of the story and thought that it was pretty unique and I loved Wolf’s character. I think he will be a very popular book boyfriend for a lot of romance readers. The author does address some difficult topics so definitely check the trigger warnings before reading, and beware that some of the scenes are super spicy. This is a slow burn, but I definitely got a bit impatient and hoped that Wolf and Aubrey’s interactions would have come a bit sooner. I also was thrown off a bit when Nate’s POV was included in the middle. That being said, the story and the characters are super fun and creative. It’s a fast-paced read and I definitely think that a lot of people will fall in love with Tess Watters’ writing. I can’t wait to read more!

[reading with rylanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you're looking for a strong female protagonist or a small-town setting, then Over the Moon by Tess Watters might be for you!

This book was set up to be so much fun, and while I initially really enjoyed it, it ultimately fell flat for me. The setting was great, and the back and forth between the characters was entertaining, but I felt like this was hardly even a romance. By the time the main characters finally got together, they immediately hit their third-act breakup; there was very little time to see them actually together as a couple minus one night they had. The chemistry between them was hard to feel because they were never really together minus very brief moments. There were also grammar errors throughout the book, and although I ignored the first few, they quickly became too noticeable to forget and distracted me a bit. I wanted to love this one, but by the end, I just felt meh.

I do want to mention though that Aubrey really is a great female MC, and I don't think anyone can deny that the cover is stunning!

CW for sexual assault (on page), sexual content, stalking (mostly just seen in diary-type entries near the end).

Thank you to Romance me with Books and the author for the gifted copy of this book to review.

[Romancelover910 · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

Wow, wow, wow, what a slow burn yet steamy and addictive read. I couldn’t put this one down.

First let’s appreciate the cover …. The art it is gorgeous!

The slow burn and angst is real in this book, there are trigger warnings so please check them out before reading, but I loved reading Aubrey and Wolf’s story and can’t wait to now start book two - Nate and Violet’s story.

This is a spicy read, with a dirty talking very possessive (some stalkerish elements) MMC and a very independent fierce curvy FMC who isn’t gonna take any more of life’s shit.

All thoughts and feelings are my own✨💕

✨Second chance
✨brothers friend
✨ small town romance
✨boss/workplace romance
✨ spicy
✨ strong independent fierce FMC
✨possessive protective MMC
✨stalker
✨ check trigger warnings first please

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

TW: sexual assault, stalking (heavy on this), (slight) fatphobia comments (like a paragraph total throughout)

Rated 4.5, rounded up.

This book is not my normal genre. This man stalks this woman, and tries to pretend that all the decisions she makes are of her own free will. Yet, I love this man…

Wolf and Aubrey have a love at first sight kind of connection, but it takes years for them to explore that. Even so, the spice is there from chapter ONE. I hate books that are a slow burn, and then all the spice is in the last 10% of the book. This was a perfect blend of spice and actual plot.

And what I loved most about this book is that it wasn’t rushed at all. I can’t believe this is Tess’s first book. It was very well done. A few spelling/grammar errors but nothing that distracts you from reading (my mind automatically corrected them anyways). Because this is a “Men of Styre Cove” book, I can’t wait to see what comes next!

I’m so glad that this was my first read of 2023, and so thankful for the ARC in return for my honest thoughts ❤️

[Hey Lin]

I'm at 25% and the main characters have only met 3 years ago in the past 🤦 present day, she gets cheated on by her boyfriend because he blames her that she never wants anal 😂😂😂 wtfudge.....

She is sexually assaulted at work by the partner at her firm who then complains to HR about her before she can make.a complaint herself. So shes fired and applies to other companies in Chicago until it turns out she's blackmailed from other firms.

So she calls her dad and moves in with him in maine and then delivers a pizza to her brother. And Wolf, the H, works there.

This is at 25%. There is nothing happening and I'm done 😂😂🤦🤦😬😬 they haven't even talked to each other yet. 😬😬😬😬🤔

Dnf

[Britni Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️
7 🌶️
What a debut!! I loved this story so much!! Wolf and Aubrey had such a wonderful story that spanned many years. I loved how strong Aubrey was even when she thought she wasn’t. I loved how protective Wolf was over Aubrey. The twists and turns kept me turning the pages into the wee hours of the morning. The heat was so there and i loved the period sex scene! So well written and so many authors would avoid that. Bravo!! Overall such a great read and i hope to read more from this author in the future. Maybe Nate’s story…? :D

[Jennifer Clinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This spicy novel was just so fun to read!
I read part of it on a plane and twice I had to put the book down from laughing at the things the sassy Aubrey would say (my seat mate must have thought I was an odd duck for sure!).
I have to say I love her, her spirit, her spice and her attraction to Wolf... oh my...
The story is lovely, and how Tess ties it all together in the end is just so fun!
I am so very much looking forward to the next part of the series!

[bookishthoughtsbyjo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wolf & Aubrey

I read this book really fast months ago so I picked it back up today wanting to finish the series. This is a spicy work place romance, brothers best friend with a plus size FMC (my favorite) I really loved this book the only thing is I would put it under a dark romance category instead of contemporary due to intense stalking. I myself like the stalking trope but it’s not for everyone.

I’m excited to start Violets story now!

[Nagma (Take A Look At My Bookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was well written, easy to read, and the characters were amazing. I loved Aubrey’s character and how strong of a character she was. Wolf was protective, dominant, and I loved how he was ready to do anything for the people he cares about.

The slow burn was delicious and I could not stop reading. I can’t wait for more from this author!

Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Melissa Wells · Rating 3 out of 5]

Over the Moon is a perfect quick vacation read. It delivers a hot and heavy romance between the fiesty main characters that leaves you wanting more details about their relationship. A good first outing for the author and equally good introduction to the couples of Styre Cove.

[Samantha Stanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I could somewhat tell at the beginning that the book was from a new author HOWEVER the story kept a nice slow burn and was well written. I belive this writer has a ton of potential and I can't wait to read her next book!

[Catherine M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Club!

So, I read this is my book club and it was FREAKING ADORABLE. The spice was perfect, and the banter is off the charts. I also genuinely love the style of writing.

This book was an amazingly well paced read, which, which altho had its dark moments, still felt light and a fun read.

I can't wait to meet the author on our book club on Thursday and pick her mind about some of the characters.


If you are looking for something to feel good when reading, then look non further!

[Cynthia MacAloney · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I hadn't had to go to work, I wouldn't have put it down; but I had to sleep. The story drew me in, the characters and their interactions with each kept me there. I loved it! 😍