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Over the Top Love #1
Love and Other Risky Business
Can an over-the-top risk-taker win the heart of his cautious, risk-averse best friend?
Larger-than-life Hollywood Stuntman Timothy Foley fears nothing. Falling off a building? Any time. Being set on fire? All in a day’s work.
Telling his best friend he’s been in love with her for years?
Chokes. Every. Time. For a man who knows how to use his body—in every way—his heart has a way of tripping him up.
Wardrobe department seamstress Mina Andrei doesn’t take risks—with her life or her heart. Between her day job and the slow steps she’s taking to build her eco-friendly underwear brand, she doesn’t have time. Her friendship with Timothy is all the excitement she can handle. So long as she can ignore the way he makes her stomach flutter.
When an on-set accident ends Timothy’s career and nearly his life, he’s done chickening out. Luckily, he’s already in the hospital because his clumsy marriage proposal crashes and burns. But with his parents offering Mina much-needed money to keep him out of trouble, he might get another chance to woo his bestie. Carefully.
LOVE AND OTHER RISKY BUSINESS is the first book in the Over the Top Love series. This friends to lovers, opposites attract romance features a chaotic bisexual hero and a careful demi-sexual heroine finding their Happily Ever After. It also contains explicit sex scenes and strong language. Content notes can be found on the author’s website.
Larger-than-life Hollywood Stuntman Timothy Foley fears nothing. Falling off a building? Any time. Being set on fire? All in a day’s work.
Telling his best friend he’s been in love with her for years?
Chokes. Every. Time. For a man who knows how to use his body—in every way—his heart has a way of tripping him up.
Wardrobe department seamstress Mina Andrei doesn’t take risks—with her life or her heart. Between her day job and the slow steps she’s taking to build her eco-friendly underwear brand, she doesn’t have time. Her friendship with Timothy is all the excitement she can handle. So long as she can ignore the way he makes her stomach flutter.
When an on-set accident ends Timothy’s career and nearly his life, he’s done chickening out. Luckily, he’s already in the hospital because his clumsy marriage proposal crashes and burns. But with his parents offering Mina much-needed money to keep him out of trouble, he might get another chance to woo his bestie. Carefully.
LOVE AND OTHER RISKY BUSINESS is the first book in the Over the Top Love series. This friends to lovers, opposites attract romance features a chaotic bisexual hero and a careful demi-sexual heroine finding their Happily Ever After. It also contains explicit sex scenes and strong language. Content notes can be found on the author’s website.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2023
30 people are currently reading
600 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Brenton
6 books46 followersSarah Brenton (she/her) writes steamy, sex positive romance from rom coms to contemporaries (and maybe beyond?). She lives in New Zealand with her husband (a silver fox), two kids (ratbags), and two cats (also ratbags). She spends her days working in a beautiful vineyard dreaming up new stories to write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
October 6, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
✨️Friends to lovers
✨️He falls first
✨️Bisexual MMC
✨️Opposites attract
'' I'm the calm he craves. He's the thrill that inspires me."
" Look at me. See me. My heart is yours."
Oh my God, I couldn't put this book down. It had me hooked from the first chapters, and I just couldn't let go.
I really liked the two main characters. Timothy had been in love for years and couldn't admit his feelings, and Mina, who was in denial, but I can understand it because of what she went through with her ex. It's obvious how much Timothy loves and cares for Mina. I love a Golden Retriever guy who's not afraid to express his feelings.
The chemistry between Timothy and Mina is off the charts, and their connection goes beyond that. In my opinion, they complement each other, and they have a really lovely relationship to read.
I gotta say, I loved chapter 7; it's one of my favorites.
I had a blast reading this book. Not only that, but I totally recommend it.
I got an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review, but all opinions are my own.
Thank you, NetGalley and Victory Editing, for sending me this ARC.
🌶🌶
✨️Friends to lovers
✨️He falls first
✨️Bisexual MMC
✨️Opposites attract
'' I'm the calm he craves. He's the thrill that inspires me."
" Look at me. See me. My heart is yours."
Oh my God, I couldn't put this book down. It had me hooked from the first chapters, and I just couldn't let go.
I really liked the two main characters. Timothy had been in love for years and couldn't admit his feelings, and Mina, who was in denial, but I can understand it because of what she went through with her ex. It's obvious how much Timothy loves and cares for Mina. I love a Golden Retriever guy who's not afraid to express his feelings.
The chemistry between Timothy and Mina is off the charts, and their connection goes beyond that. In my opinion, they complement each other, and they have a really lovely relationship to read.
I gotta say, I loved chapter 7; it's one of my favorites.
I had a blast reading this book. Not only that, but I totally recommend it.
I got an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review, but all opinions are my own.
Thank you, NetGalley and Victory Editing, for sending me this ARC.
August 15, 2023
I wish that I had liked this book better than I did.
The writing was fine, but I struggled a lot with Timothy's character. He was very overgrown man-child, even the humor came across as cringe (but suited the character).
I feel like he did not really come to terms with the ending of his career, and I wish I'd seen some growth there.
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
The writing was fine, but I struggled a lot with Timothy's character. He was very overgrown man-child, even the humor came across as cringe (but suited the character).
I feel like he did not really come to terms with the ending of his career, and I wish I'd seen some growth there.
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
November 26, 2025
4.5⭐|2🌶|11%🌶frequency
Sometimes, when I've DNFed a lot of books in a short time, I'm afraid to start another new-to-me author. DFNing is nothing bad, and still, it hurts sometimes. But I love discovering new authors, too.
When I picked up this book, I just thought, what's the worst that can happen? You are reading this review, so I obviously loved this book 😍
I loved Timothy and Mina. They fit so perfectly together, even though they are so different. He is an adrenaline junkie, and she is someone who stays on the ground with both feet, maybe even glued to it. And still they have been best friends for 5 years!
This book is full of emotions. Especially because of Timothy, who just lost his job. A job that was his whole personality. He doesn't know who he is anymore 😔 The struggle is huge. He just can't stop being a stuntman. As I said, he is an adrenaline junkie.
It was obvious that Timothy loves Mina. But the dimensions... WOW. I didn't expect it that way 😲 It's incredible. I mean, he is a playboy and has someone else every night...
Do you love pining? Then I can guarantee you will get it with this book! There is so much pining 🥹
My space is again running out, so let me just say a few more things.
I'm sooo looking forward to book 2.
Brother's best friend, whom she HATES! And it's Christmas time 😉
I definitely haven't read a book about a stuntman before, so I really loved this experience 🤩
Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...
Sometimes, when I've DNFed a lot of books in a short time, I'm afraid to start another new-to-me author. DFNing is nothing bad, and still, it hurts sometimes. But I love discovering new authors, too.
When I picked up this book, I just thought, what's the worst that can happen? You are reading this review, so I obviously loved this book 😍
I loved Timothy and Mina. They fit so perfectly together, even though they are so different. He is an adrenaline junkie, and she is someone who stays on the ground with both feet, maybe even glued to it. And still they have been best friends for 5 years!
This book is full of emotions. Especially because of Timothy, who just lost his job. A job that was his whole personality. He doesn't know who he is anymore 😔 The struggle is huge. He just can't stop being a stuntman. As I said, he is an adrenaline junkie.
It was obvious that Timothy loves Mina. But the dimensions... WOW. I didn't expect it that way 😲 It's incredible. I mean, he is a playboy and has someone else every night...
Do you love pining? Then I can guarantee you will get it with this book! There is so much pining 🥹
My space is again running out, so let me just say a few more things.
I'm sooo looking forward to book 2.
Brother's best friend, whom she HATES! And it's Christmas time 😉
I definitely haven't read a book about a stuntman before, so I really loved this experience 🤩
Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...
August 21, 2023
[3 Stars😒] I enjoyed reading Sarah Brenton's Love and Other Risky Business! Sarah Brenton wrote an engaging and intricate friends-to-lovers story against the vibrant backdrop of Los Angeles, and it was a refreshing change of pace from the romance books I've been reading recently.
I liked the evolution of Mina and Timothy's romantic relationship, even though their lack of communication frustrated me. Although Mina was trying to protect herself from additional heartbreak, she came across as judgemental of Timothy and his career. On the other hand, Timothy was the sweet, high-energy golden retriever whose goal was to do whatever it took to get Mina to love him the way he loved her, and at times I felt an imbalance in their relationship.
I also liked the LGBTQIAP+ (specifically bisexual and demi-sexual) representation and the sex-positive nature of Love and Other Risky Business. However, if I hadn't known that Mina was demi-sexual before starting this book, I wouldn't have guessed that she was. I would have appreciated the clarity because it's never openly acknowledged, and I would have thought she was just a picky dater.
However, while I enjoyed these elements in Sarah Brenton's book, I enjoyed Mina and Timothy's friendship the most. I loved their desire for each other to be true to themselves, even if it meant suppressing their feelings and surviving the heartbreak of an almost relationship. Honestly speaking, though? Sometimes I thought they were better off as friends until they could sort out their own issues.
Overall, I think Sarah Brenton put her own spin on the friends-to-lovers trope, creating relatable characters and a tension-filled "will they/won't they" romance that had me turning the pages to see how Mina and Timothy's story ended. I'm also curious to know when Nic's story comes out :)
***Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
____________________________________
Details:
💘Contemporary romance
👀Dual POV
Tropes:
📍Forced proximity
💑Friends-to-lovers
💙He falls first
🤕Illness/injury
🧲Opposites attract
🧨Slow burn
🤐Secrets
Spice:
🔥 Explicit sex (hot)
____________________________________
Emoji Ranking System:
🤩Fantastic (4.75-5.00)
😍Great (4.25-4.75)
😊Good, but not great (3.50-4.25)
😒Just OK (2.75-3.50)
😑It's A No (1.00-2.75)
🚫DNF
I liked the evolution of Mina and Timothy's romantic relationship, even though their lack of communication frustrated me. Although Mina was trying to protect herself from additional heartbreak, she came across as judgemental of Timothy and his career. On the other hand, Timothy was the sweet, high-energy golden retriever whose goal was to do whatever it took to get Mina to love him the way he loved her, and at times I felt an imbalance in their relationship.
I also liked the LGBTQIAP+ (specifically bisexual and demi-sexual) representation and the sex-positive nature of Love and Other Risky Business. However, if I hadn't known that Mina was demi-sexual before starting this book, I wouldn't have guessed that she was. I would have appreciated the clarity because it's never openly acknowledged, and I would have thought she was just a picky dater.
However, while I enjoyed these elements in Sarah Brenton's book, I enjoyed Mina and Timothy's friendship the most. I loved their desire for each other to be true to themselves, even if it meant suppressing their feelings and surviving the heartbreak of an almost relationship. Honestly speaking, though? Sometimes I thought they were better off as friends until they could sort out their own issues.
Overall, I think Sarah Brenton put her own spin on the friends-to-lovers trope, creating relatable characters and a tension-filled "will they/won't they" romance that had me turning the pages to see how Mina and Timothy's story ended. I'm also curious to know when Nic's story comes out :)
***Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
____________________________________
Details:
💘Contemporary romance
👀Dual POV
Tropes:
📍Forced proximity
💑Friends-to-lovers
💙He falls first
🤕Illness/injury
🧲Opposites attract
🧨Slow burn
🤐Secrets
Spice:
🔥 Explicit sex (hot)
____________________________________
Emoji Ranking System:
🤩Fantastic (4.75-5.00)
😍Great (4.25-4.75)
😊Good, but not great (3.50-4.25)
😒Just OK (2.75-3.50)
😑It's A No (1.00-2.75)
🚫DNF
September 17, 2023
Such a cute and heartfelt story! Timothy is the definition of a golden retriever hero and absolutely obsessed with Mina. Truly the best combination for a romance hero.
I loved the setting and all of the side characters, which added a lot of depth to the story. Mina was such a refreshing heroine. It bothers that often cautious heroines completely change or realize they need to "loosen up" in order to be with the hero. While Mina does adjust to Timothy's hobbies etc, she also stays true to herself. Like just let careful people be careful, not everyone needs to be an extroverted daredevil.
The only thing that bugged me a little was Timothy's inability to see Mina's side of things. Like he didn't even seem to understand why she was worried, which... You're jumping out of planes, you have to see how that's dangerous.
I received an advanced copy of this book and voluntarily read and reviewed it. All opinions are my own.
I loved the setting and all of the side characters, which added a lot of depth to the story. Mina was such a refreshing heroine. It bothers that often cautious heroines completely change or realize they need to "loosen up" in order to be with the hero. While Mina does adjust to Timothy's hobbies etc, she also stays true to herself. Like just let careful people be careful, not everyone needs to be an extroverted daredevil.
The only thing that bugged me a little was Timothy's inability to see Mina's side of things. Like he didn't even seem to understand why she was worried, which... You're jumping out of planes, you have to see how that's dangerous.
I received an advanced copy of this book and voluntarily read and reviewed it. All opinions are my own.
October 7, 2023
Thank you so much to the author and Netgalley for providing an advanced copy of this! All thoughts and opinions are still my own.
I found this book while browsing Netgalley and requested it on a whim when I saw that this followed a bi hero and a-spec heroine. I'm forever on the lookout for more ace romances and I was so excited to stumble upon this one.
And this romance was just so much fun. It hits all of the classic romance genre beats and doesn't necessary bring up any new themes or discussions. But it was highly entertained, steamy, sex positive, and fantastically casually queer.
Oh. And did I mention there's pegging? 👀
If you a pining hero, best friends to lovers, opposites attract romance, that will make you swoon, sweat, and laugh, add this to your tbr.
I found this book while browsing Netgalley and requested it on a whim when I saw that this followed a bi hero and a-spec heroine. I'm forever on the lookout for more ace romances and I was so excited to stumble upon this one.
And this romance was just so much fun. It hits all of the classic romance genre beats and doesn't necessary bring up any new themes or discussions. But it was highly entertained, steamy, sex positive, and fantastically casually queer.
Oh. And did I mention there's pegging? 👀
If you a pining hero, best friends to lovers, opposites attract romance, that will make you swoon, sweat, and laugh, add this to your tbr.
April 2, 2024
Franchement je sais pas. Il etait très normal comme livre, pas du tout mauvais mais tresssssss basique. La meuf nous est vendue comme demi mais pas du tout ? F’in jcomprends pas où ? Elle agit de façon absolument hetero so jsuis pas mal déçue sur ce point.
The dude had no communication skills at all c’était tres realiste of men mais that’s not the point of romance books. Ya un moment ça m’a fumé il a passé toute une nuit a reflechir a leur embrouille et il a tout figure out mais au moment de parler a la meuf il a juste dit un truc du genre come back to me wallah I changed sans preuves ni justifications et obviously la meuf elle a dit non parce que duh bah il a dit « so you give up on us, that’s it ? » man do you not wanna fight ??? Ça m’a soulé mdr
Ya pas eu de hauts tres hauts ou de bas bas c’était plat comme histoire en vrai jsuis un peu deg
The dude had no communication skills at all c’était tres realiste of men mais that’s not the point of romance books. Ya un moment ça m’a fumé il a passé toute une nuit a reflechir a leur embrouille et il a tout figure out mais au moment de parler a la meuf il a juste dit un truc du genre come back to me wallah I changed sans preuves ni justifications et obviously la meuf elle a dit non parce que duh bah il a dit « so you give up on us, that’s it ? » man do you not wanna fight ??? Ça m’a soulé mdr
Ya pas eu de hauts tres hauts ou de bas bas c’était plat comme histoire en vrai jsuis un peu deg
June 26, 2025
This wasn't awful, but also wasn't great. Feel like I'm stuck in a 2 star rut lately and idk how to get out of it. I really wanted to enjoy this, I love mutual pining/angst but Mina annoyed me.
As someone who's had to retire due to a traumatic brain injury, I get it and I get Theo's reasonings, but I don't think there's a proper resolution for him losing his job and passion. Emotionally this book feels very surface level when it's one that should be deeper than what we got.
Mina needs to either get over her fear of him being an adrenaline junky, or let him go. Because her inner monologuing was SO annoying. I also didn't believe them being best friends and having so much hidden and unknown from one another.
So many points I just went ":/ man"
As someone who's had to retire due to a traumatic brain injury, I get it and I get Theo's reasonings, but I don't think there's a proper resolution for him losing his job and passion. Emotionally this book feels very surface level when it's one that should be deeper than what we got.
Mina needs to either get over her fear of him being an adrenaline junky, or let him go. Because her inner monologuing was SO annoying. I also didn't believe them being best friends and having so much hidden and unknown from one another.
So many points I just went ":/ man"
December 11, 2025
3.75 stars
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would! I loved Mina in Holiday Vibes and it was very cool to see her trajectory to becoming that person. Timothy feels a little underdeveloped but still sweet and chaotic and lovable.
I like that their friendship is newer. Yes, they've been friends for 5 years but they didn't grow up together. They don't have the same kind of history you usually see in a friends-to-lovers romance and I appreciated that. It adds a different element to the risk of becoming lovers.
This was a great bit of mental sorbet exactly when I needed it!
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would! I loved Mina in Holiday Vibes and it was very cool to see her trajectory to becoming that person. Timothy feels a little underdeveloped but still sweet and chaotic and lovable.
I like that their friendship is newer. Yes, they've been friends for 5 years but they didn't grow up together. They don't have the same kind of history you usually see in a friends-to-lovers romance and I appreciated that. It adds a different element to the risk of becoming lovers.
This was a great bit of mental sorbet exactly when I needed it!
August 14, 2023
I appreciate a sex positive, LGBTQIA friendly read. That’s the good part about this book.
I was not a fan of either main characters’ personalities. Both annoyed me to no end. I also don’t believe the love story. It was so rush giving little to no background over their five year friendship, that really wasn’t a friendship to Timothy. He always pined for her, buying her an engagement just a few months after meeting.
I would like to know more about Nic and Jessie. That is a story I’d like to read. There was little to no explanation of that.
It felt like so much was left out of this book, and it just became about how bad Timothy wanted to have sex with Mina all the time. I just don’t believe the love story.
I was not a fan of either main characters’ personalities. Both annoyed me to no end. I also don’t believe the love story. It was so rush giving little to no background over their five year friendship, that really wasn’t a friendship to Timothy. He always pined for her, buying her an engagement just a few months after meeting.
I would like to know more about Nic and Jessie. That is a story I’d like to read. There was little to no explanation of that.
It felt like so much was left out of this book, and it just became about how bad Timothy wanted to have sex with Mina all the time. I just don’t believe the love story.
September 5, 2023
When I saw this one up for request on Net Galley it looked right up my alley. After reading it I'm so happy I received a copy. I'm typically more of an enemies to lovers vs friends to lover fan but this one hit the mark. I loved the chemistry between Mina and Timothy. Despite her reservations about being in a relationship with her best friend. And Timothy is the boyfriend we all want. Even with his stubborn daredevil ways. The book was chock full of witty banter and the give and take between our MC's great. Though by the end of the book Mina's constant negative energy began to wear on me, making it a little hard to root for her.
I also really appreciated the sex positive vibes and LGBQT+ representation. Though I wouldn't have picked up on Mina being demi sexual if not mentioned in the blurb. And can we talk about Timothy's parents. Between his moms sass and dads subtle innuendos, I was cracking up. If you're looking for a fun, easy, and steamy read than this is the book for you! Will definitely be watching for the follow up books, hopefully featuring Nic and Jessie. I NEED to know their story.
Tropes: forced proximity, he falls first, friends to lovers, slow burn. opposites attract
TW: work place injury, infidelity.
I also really appreciated the sex positive vibes and LGBQT+ representation. Though I wouldn't have picked up on Mina being demi sexual if not mentioned in the blurb. And can we talk about Timothy's parents. Between his moms sass and dads subtle innuendos, I was cracking up. If you're looking for a fun, easy, and steamy read than this is the book for you! Will definitely be watching for the follow up books, hopefully featuring Nic and Jessie. I NEED to know their story.
Tropes: forced proximity, he falls first, friends to lovers, slow burn. opposites attract
TW: work place injury, infidelity.
September 16, 2023
2.5
Timothy is in love with his best friend Mina, so much so that every birthday he asks her to marry him. Mina always says no, but that’s because she believes she isn’t a good match for a Timothy who is an adrenaline seeking stunt performer. When he has an accident, Mina is even more sure she made the right decision not to pursue a relationship, even if the close proximity they have while she looks after him may be leading otherwise.
I enjoyed the writing in this book and thing the author had a well thought out story arc and plan for the characters. The characters have rich backgrounds and I am definitely intrigued to see what happens with Nic and Jessie’s story (which is MASSIVELY set up throughout this book).
I do have issues with how Timothy’s story was portrayed. I felt really uncomfortable with how the characters all hated his profession and wanted him to give it up. Whilst he get he had an accident caused by his work, it just felt like no one could like him for who he is. Ultimately we need people to do stunt work and Timothy is only going to be happy doing that, so everyone hating he’s doing it just felt consistently uncomfortable. I also found Mina and Timothy’s relationship back and forth dramatic at times and I wanted to shake them both knowing how it would end. The ending feels like a u turn when the majority of the book is focused on everyone hating on Timothy’s life choices. I didn’t particularly like either Timothy or Mina for most of the book.
It has very good LGBTQ+ rep with a bisexual male MC. The handling of periods and choosing infertility was also well handled.
This is the steamiest book I’ve read, beyond that of the usual romances you see in mainstream media so be aware of that going in if it’s not your thing. It’s very sex positive and a big focus of the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Timothy is in love with his best friend Mina, so much so that every birthday he asks her to marry him. Mina always says no, but that’s because she believes she isn’t a good match for a Timothy who is an adrenaline seeking stunt performer. When he has an accident, Mina is even more sure she made the right decision not to pursue a relationship, even if the close proximity they have while she looks after him may be leading otherwise.
I enjoyed the writing in this book and thing the author had a well thought out story arc and plan for the characters. The characters have rich backgrounds and I am definitely intrigued to see what happens with Nic and Jessie’s story (which is MASSIVELY set up throughout this book).
I do have issues with how Timothy’s story was portrayed. I felt really uncomfortable with how the characters all hated his profession and wanted him to give it up. Whilst he get he had an accident caused by his work, it just felt like no one could like him for who he is. Ultimately we need people to do stunt work and Timothy is only going to be happy doing that, so everyone hating he’s doing it just felt consistently uncomfortable. I also found Mina and Timothy’s relationship back and forth dramatic at times and I wanted to shake them both knowing how it would end. The ending feels like a u turn when the majority of the book is focused on everyone hating on Timothy’s life choices. I didn’t particularly like either Timothy or Mina for most of the book.
It has very good LGBTQ+ rep with a bisexual male MC. The handling of periods and choosing infertility was also well handled.
This is the steamiest book I’ve read, beyond that of the usual romances you see in mainstream media so be aware of that going in if it’s not your thing. It’s very sex positive and a big focus of the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
February 12, 2025
This book was hot and steamy with heart!! I could not get enough of Mina and Timothy. First book in a series! I enjoyed how there were struggles they had to face. Definitely easier to relate to.
September 28, 2023
Love and Other Risky Business was such a fun, sexy read! If you’re looking for a spicy, sex-positive romance novel with LGBTQIA+ rep, then this book is for you. Brenton’s writing is addictive—I could not put it down, and read the whole thing in 24 hrs.
Timothy is an over the top adrenaline junkie stuntman who can sometimes be just a little too much. He’s also been in love with his level-headed, risk-averse best friend, Mina for the past five years. After a career ending accident on set, Mina moves in with Timothy to take care of him as he recovers… and you know what they say about opposites attracting!
Brenton does an excellent job blending comedy with more serious issues, like what happens when a character loses their whole identity overnight. It made me laugh out loud, but also tugged at my heartstrings at times, too. Excellent prose, fully fleshed out characters, and open door sex scenes (with clear consent) that are just *chef’s kiss*. She also laid the groundwork well for Jessie and Nic’s story in the next book, Holiday Vibes. This was one of my favorite reads of the year so far.
*I received an ARC of this book from the author
Timothy is an over the top adrenaline junkie stuntman who can sometimes be just a little too much. He’s also been in love with his level-headed, risk-averse best friend, Mina for the past five years. After a career ending accident on set, Mina moves in with Timothy to take care of him as he recovers… and you know what they say about opposites attracting!
Brenton does an excellent job blending comedy with more serious issues, like what happens when a character loses their whole identity overnight. It made me laugh out loud, but also tugged at my heartstrings at times, too. Excellent prose, fully fleshed out characters, and open door sex scenes (with clear consent) that are just *chef’s kiss*. She also laid the groundwork well for Jessie and Nic’s story in the next book, Holiday Vibes. This was one of my favorite reads of the year so far.
*I received an ARC of this book from the author
December 7, 2023
Hollywood stuntman Timothy Foley loves nothing more than his job as a stuntman, that is until he is faced with a career ending fall that shows him a different way of living. Mina is a seamstress by day for the celebrities, and is trying to run her own line of lingerie at the same time. She just doesn't have time for love, but she always seems to make time for her best friend Timothy.
This book had me hooked from page one. I love their love so much, and her hesitation was written in a way that I felt related to. The struggles they faced, the openness of their relationship, the queer representation, and the friends/family all worked so well together. (I am quite picky when introducing parents or family and making them untouchable, so thank you.) and if I am being 100% honest, the only thing I didn't like was how rushed the ending felt. I felt that I had that nice slow burn through the beginning and middle, but the end was like a smack to the face and it was over. NOT that it wasn't a good ending, I just wish I had like 100 more pages of their story before it ended. Regardless, I really enjoyed this cute book and I can't wait to read it again.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced digital reader's copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!
This book had me hooked from page one. I love their love so much, and her hesitation was written in a way that I felt related to. The struggles they faced, the openness of their relationship, the queer representation, and the friends/family all worked so well together. (I am quite picky when introducing parents or family and making them untouchable, so thank you.) and if I am being 100% honest, the only thing I didn't like was how rushed the ending felt. I felt that I had that nice slow burn through the beginning and middle, but the end was like a smack to the face and it was over. NOT that it wasn't a good ending, I just wish I had like 100 more pages of their story before it ended. Regardless, I really enjoyed this cute book and I can't wait to read it again.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced digital reader's copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!
September 2, 2023
My main interest in this book was the mention in the blurb that Mina is demisexual (I am collecting as many 2023 ace releases as I can) – the rest sounded interesting enough, so I thought I would give it a try.
It's a bit of an odd story. For two people in their thirties who have been close friends for over five years, our two protagonists seem both close and distant at the same time. I don't quite understand how Mina can struggle so much with Timothy's job as a stuntman or not tell him about surgeries she's had or having ever been to his house (??) while also spending so much time with him and talking to him. Timothy has apparently been in love with her the entire time yet his behaviour does not change from before they were together to after; he remains a static character, almost bland.
The humor in this story is also not for me. Overlooking the fact that I disliked Timothy's proclivity for talking about his dick whenever possible, I just could not get down the fun LA/Hollywood vibes the story was going for. It was clearly meant to be a bit goofy and over-the-top but it frustrated me instead. The more serious moments felt undercut by the missing tension and depth between the two leads and they fell into their new relationship without much thought. Timothy had a habit of steamrolling Mina I did not like and it is the start for too many plot points.
Mina's character was a bit more grounded and I connected more with her worrying, introverted nature. It also helped that she had more going on in her life aside from Timothy. Those topics do pop up at opportune moments that hint at plot convenience but I did not mind them as much since it painted her in a more well-rounded way.
The book is missing a lot of conversations I would have wanted between those two to make the story more interesting. Timothy is way deeper than Mina at first since she is just coming to terms with her new attraction to him while he's been pining away but we don't see them talking about it which would have been so interesting - their expectations don't match at the start. Both are going through a major job crisis but it's pushed aside for sexy times. Their living situations get resolved equally fast and almost off-screen.
The last 20% were an exercise in frustration, partly because I know 2 things were coming I don't care for
A few more things that left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth, like his injury...
Now lets talk about Mina's demisexuality. I found one reference to it where she talks about the fact that she seldomly is attracted to people. She also has a lower sex drive than him but that is not really explored in the story.
In comparison, Timothy's bisexuality was included in the story organically and came up several times. He uses the word to label himself, he talks about past male and female exes, he has a high libido but it's not painted as a stereotype, he's thought about whether he wants biological children.
But part of the book was the pegging scene which I loved!
I received an advanced reading copy from the author through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It's a bit of an odd story. For two people in their thirties who have been close friends for over five years, our two protagonists seem both close and distant at the same time. I don't quite understand how Mina can struggle so much with Timothy's job as a stuntman or not tell him about surgeries she's had or having ever been to his house (??) while also spending so much time with him and talking to him. Timothy has apparently been in love with her the entire time yet his behaviour does not change from before they were together to after; he remains a static character, almost bland.
The humor in this story is also not for me. Overlooking the fact that I disliked Timothy's proclivity for talking about his dick whenever possible, I just could not get down the fun LA/Hollywood vibes the story was going for. It was clearly meant to be a bit goofy and over-the-top but it frustrated me instead. The more serious moments felt undercut by the missing tension and depth between the two leads and they fell into their new relationship without much thought. Timothy had a habit of steamrolling Mina I did not like and it is the start for too many plot points.
Mina's character was a bit more grounded and I connected more with her worrying, introverted nature. It also helped that she had more going on in her life aside from Timothy. Those topics do pop up at opportune moments that hint at plot convenience but I did not mind them as much since it painted her in a more well-rounded way.
The book is missing a lot of conversations I would have wanted between those two to make the story more interesting. Timothy is way deeper than Mina at first since she is just coming to terms with her new attraction to him while he's been pining away but we don't see them talking about it which would have been so interesting - their expectations don't match at the start. Both are going through a major job crisis but it's pushed aside for sexy times. Their living situations get resolved equally fast and almost off-screen.
The last 20% were an exercise in frustration, partly because I know 2 things were coming I don't care for
A few more things that left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth, like his injury...
Now lets talk about Mina's demisexuality. I found one reference to it where she talks about the fact that she seldomly is attracted to people. She also has a lower sex drive than him but that is not really explored in the story.
In comparison, Timothy's bisexuality was included in the story organically and came up several times. He uses the word to label himself, he talks about past male and female exes, he has a high libido but it's not painted as a stereotype, he's thought about whether he wants biological children.
But part of the book was the pegging scene which I loved!
I received an advanced reading copy from the author through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2025
Opposites attract friends-to-lovers turned roommates-to-lovers between a golden retriever stuntman and a scaredy cat wardrobe seamstress. I found this utterly unputdownable despite the parts that either didn't make sense or needed to be fleshed out more.
Timothy and Mina have been best friends for five years. Except she's never met anyone in his family and didn't even know his mom is famous and he kept her a secret from his family. She's never gone to his house. She is freaked out by his job and never wants to hear the details. She didn't tell him she had a hysterectomy six months ago. (HOW? I'm recovering from a hysterectomy right now and there's no way to keep that a secret unless they don't see each other at all while she's healing. She doesn't seem to have any other local friends so I have no idea how she could have gotten through that surgery on her own.) What kind of best friends are these??
We're told Timothy has been pining for Mina all these years and has gone so far as to buy her an engagement ring. (He's impulsive, okay!) But how does this square away with the ways he hasn't fully let her into his life? Meanwhile, we're told Mina limits how much she knows about Timothy so she can maintain their friendship and her scaredy cat peace of mind. She's demisexual and has never looked at Timothy in a new light until now and she has no idea what to make of any of it. If she wasn't demisexual, the ways she limited Timothy could be attributed to a repressed crush but since she is demisexual and it's pretty clear she hasn't felt any sexual attraction prior to this, I was left not knowing what to make of their relationship.
Speaking of sexuality, I would have loved for both characters to talk about actually being bi and demi. If not for the blurb and Timothy talking about dating both genders, I wouldn't know whether he was bi or pan and I wouldn't be clear whether Mina was demi or just didn't date much. Characters don't have to use labels but there needs to be more to their sexuality than what's listed in a blurb.
All that aside, Timothy has gone above and beyond looking after Mina for years. One example: he sends her a period package every month. The way I swooned when I read about this! Timothy gets her out of her comfort zone, while she brings much-needed grounding to his life. That becomes all the more clear while she takes care of him while he's recovering from a head injury and trying to make sense of no longer returning to his career. Some of the head injury recovery didn't add up to me. I also wondered whether he might have undiagnosed ADHD.
It's interesting that this worked as well for me as it did despite these issues. It's not an immersive read. Mina and Timothy can't feel their feelings for different reasons. We're often told about their reactions vs. allowing us to experience what they're going through for ourselves and that doesn't often resonate with me. However, this aspect made sense given Timothy and Mina's particular fears and motivations. I'm interested to see how the rest of the series compares.
Characters: Timothy is a 33 year old bisexual white stuntman with a nipple piercing. Mina is a 35 year old demisexual white wardrobe seamstress and underwear designer. This is set in LA.
Content notes: near-death experience, brain bleed (requires surgery), panic attack (secondary character), past infidelity (FMC's ex-boyfriend, secondary character's ex-wife), secondary character going through divorce, vomit, past stunt work-related injuries, Hollywood diet, past death of FMC's parents (climbing accident), past death of FMC's grandma/guardian (pneumonia), past hysterectomy, family planning discussion (MMC fine if they never have kids or if they pursue adoption or surrogacy), on page sex, pegging, voyeurism, sex toys, masturbation, porn, alcohol, inebriation, marijuana, pain medication, STI stigma, gendered pejoratives, gender essentialist language, ableist language, hyperbolic language around addiction
Timothy and Mina have been best friends for five years. Except she's never met anyone in his family and didn't even know his mom is famous and he kept her a secret from his family. She's never gone to his house. She is freaked out by his job and never wants to hear the details. She didn't tell him she had a hysterectomy six months ago. (HOW? I'm recovering from a hysterectomy right now and there's no way to keep that a secret unless they don't see each other at all while she's healing. She doesn't seem to have any other local friends so I have no idea how she could have gotten through that surgery on her own.) What kind of best friends are these??
We're told Timothy has been pining for Mina all these years and has gone so far as to buy her an engagement ring. (He's impulsive, okay!) But how does this square away with the ways he hasn't fully let her into his life? Meanwhile, we're told Mina limits how much she knows about Timothy so she can maintain their friendship and her scaredy cat peace of mind. She's demisexual and has never looked at Timothy in a new light until now and she has no idea what to make of any of it. If she wasn't demisexual, the ways she limited Timothy could be attributed to a repressed crush but since she is demisexual and it's pretty clear she hasn't felt any sexual attraction prior to this, I was left not knowing what to make of their relationship.
Speaking of sexuality, I would have loved for both characters to talk about actually being bi and demi. If not for the blurb and Timothy talking about dating both genders, I wouldn't know whether he was bi or pan and I wouldn't be clear whether Mina was demi or just didn't date much. Characters don't have to use labels but there needs to be more to their sexuality than what's listed in a blurb.
All that aside, Timothy has gone above and beyond looking after Mina for years. One example: he sends her a period package every month. The way I swooned when I read about this! Timothy gets her out of her comfort zone, while she brings much-needed grounding to his life. That becomes all the more clear while she takes care of him while he's recovering from a head injury and trying to make sense of no longer returning to his career. Some of the head injury recovery didn't add up to me. I also wondered whether he might have undiagnosed ADHD.
It's interesting that this worked as well for me as it did despite these issues. It's not an immersive read. Mina and Timothy can't feel their feelings for different reasons. We're often told about their reactions vs. allowing us to experience what they're going through for ourselves and that doesn't often resonate with me. However, this aspect made sense given Timothy and Mina's particular fears and motivations. I'm interested to see how the rest of the series compares.
Characters: Timothy is a 33 year old bisexual white stuntman with a nipple piercing. Mina is a 35 year old demisexual white wardrobe seamstress and underwear designer. This is set in LA.
Content notes: near-death experience, brain bleed (requires surgery), panic attack (secondary character), past infidelity (FMC's ex-boyfriend, secondary character's ex-wife), secondary character going through divorce, vomit, past stunt work-related injuries, Hollywood diet, past death of FMC's parents (climbing accident), past death of FMC's grandma/guardian (pneumonia), past hysterectomy, family planning discussion (MMC fine if they never have kids or if they pursue adoption or surrogacy), on page sex, pegging, voyeurism, sex toys, masturbation, porn, alcohol, inebriation, marijuana, pain medication, STI stigma, gendered pejoratives, gender essentialist language, ableist language, hyperbolic language around addiction
September 22, 2023
Timothy is in love with his best friend Mina; has been since the day the met. Every year, on her birthday (which is also the anniversary of the day they met), he asks her out. As a stuntman, there is little that scares him, but this year, when her birthday comes around, he chokes. After an on-set accident nearly kills him, Timothy proposes to her from his hospital bed. Mina knows that what she feels for Timothy is deeper than friendship, but she's afraid to name it, to acknowledge it. But after his accident, she can't ignore her feelings anymore. What happens when Timothy and Mina are forced to face their fears?
If I could give this more stars I would. All the stars and all the feels. As someone who spent years thinking there was something wrong with them only to learn they are ace/demi, Mina's character arc was so satisfying. Not to mention, I'm hyperactive and impulsive like Timothy, so I could relate to his struggles of being 'too much.' The two of them were the highlight of this book to me. I adore them both.
Apart from the characters, who now each hold a piece of my heart, my favorite parts of this book were the symmetry and the theme of fear. Fear means different things to different people, and that was so beautifully expressed in this book. I loved the exploration of how both Timothy and Mina recognized their fears, reflected on them, and finally addressed them. And the symmetry. It had me pterodactyl screaming. I don't want to give anything away, but those little touches were just perfect.
There were so many good passages in this book. I made it a point to highlight so I could save them, which is something I don't normally do. That should tell you something about how well written the emotions are. For me, emotions the element that separates a five-star book from a four-star. And Love and Other Risky Business delivered.
I will read anything Sarah Brenton writes from now on. I because her biggest fan with this book. It is everything. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Please, please, please read this book. You won't regret it.
Thank you to the author for the ARC copy. All opinions are my own.
If I could give this more stars I would. All the stars and all the feels. As someone who spent years thinking there was something wrong with them only to learn they are ace/demi, Mina's character arc was so satisfying. Not to mention, I'm hyperactive and impulsive like Timothy, so I could relate to his struggles of being 'too much.' The two of them were the highlight of this book to me. I adore them both.
Apart from the characters, who now each hold a piece of my heart, my favorite parts of this book were the symmetry and the theme of fear. Fear means different things to different people, and that was so beautifully expressed in this book. I loved the exploration of how both Timothy and Mina recognized their fears, reflected on them, and finally addressed them. And the symmetry. It had me pterodactyl screaming. I don't want to give anything away, but those little touches were just perfect.
There were so many good passages in this book. I made it a point to highlight so I could save them, which is something I don't normally do. That should tell you something about how well written the emotions are. For me, emotions the element that separates a five-star book from a four-star. And Love and Other Risky Business delivered.
I will read anything Sarah Brenton writes from now on. I because her biggest fan with this book. It is everything. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Please, please, please read this book. You won't regret it.
Thank you to the author for the ARC copy. All opinions are my own.
August 26, 2023
Thank you Netgalley for sending me the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Love and Other Risky Business is a friend to lovers romcom with lots of spice, particularly female sex positivity. There's great LGBTQ+ rep with a bi main character and LGBTQ+ side characters.
I'll start by saying I'm not a big fan of friends to lovers and unfortunately this book showed me why. I do like it if it's done well or if we see a couple become friends then develop feelings and a relationship but I felt there was no build up here - just a lot of pining and lack of communication. I feel like there was very little development of the story - a career altering injury which could have been really explored and the start of a new career path. There was potential for a lot more depth that didn't really go anywhere, particularly for Timothy. I found that both of their stories were really put to the side of them constantly talking about how much they love the other. It was immediately about Timothy crushing on Mina for years but I didn't really find I got to know them. I do think this is part of my wariness of friends to lovers - I don't find that we really get to know why the characters actually like each other or see them interact in a way that develops strong feelings.
I did enjoy the spice elements, especially the idea of pleasure for both of them that you don't often find in m/f romances. You may want to look up content warnings though if spice isn't for you! I really enjoyed how Timothy's bisexuality was explored and think that was done well but the synopsis said Mina was demi-sexual and I didn't really pick up on that at all.
You can also really see the story that will be for two side characters and I actually wish we'd have got to know a bit more about them, especially Jessie, in this one but I do understand that they'll clearly be getting their own story next.
Overall a 2.5/3 stars read for me but if friends to lovers is something you enjoy this may be the one for you!
Love and Other Risky Business is a friend to lovers romcom with lots of spice, particularly female sex positivity. There's great LGBTQ+ rep with a bi main character and LGBTQ+ side characters.
I'll start by saying I'm not a big fan of friends to lovers and unfortunately this book showed me why. I do like it if it's done well or if we see a couple become friends then develop feelings and a relationship but I felt there was no build up here - just a lot of pining and lack of communication. I feel like there was very little development of the story - a career altering injury which could have been really explored and the start of a new career path. There was potential for a lot more depth that didn't really go anywhere, particularly for Timothy. I found that both of their stories were really put to the side of them constantly talking about how much they love the other. It was immediately about Timothy crushing on Mina for years but I didn't really find I got to know them. I do think this is part of my wariness of friends to lovers - I don't find that we really get to know why the characters actually like each other or see them interact in a way that develops strong feelings.
I did enjoy the spice elements, especially the idea of pleasure for both of them that you don't often find in m/f romances. You may want to look up content warnings though if spice isn't for you! I really enjoyed how Timothy's bisexuality was explored and think that was done well but the synopsis said Mina was demi-sexual and I didn't really pick up on that at all.
You can also really see the story that will be for two side characters and I actually wish we'd have got to know a bit more about them, especially Jessie, in this one but I do understand that they'll clearly be getting their own story next.
Overall a 2.5/3 stars read for me but if friends to lovers is something you enjoy this may be the one for you!
August 25, 2023
Love and Other Risky Business is a friends to lovers, opposites attract romance told from dual POV. Timothy is a fearless Hollywood stuntman and Mina is a Hollywood seamstress, building her own business but scared to take risks in life.
I liked the premise of the book and of course enjoy a HEA. The writing was good and easy to read. A dual POV is always a big plus for me. The characters had good banter and some really hot spicy scenes.
Timothy was my favorite character. He was so happy and enjoyed life. The accident changed him understandably, but I felt he was more positive and allowed himself to grow.
I liked Mina at first but struggled liking her throughout the story. I related to her in the sense of being fearful of change and taking risks, but at times I would get so frustrated with her because she refused to be positive about anything. She was so stubborn and controlling at some points I wanted Timothy to give up on her because I couldn't see why he loved her so much.
I wish there were more intimate conversations between them as well as more date/spending time together moments. I think it would have helped to have more background of their friendship leading up to the point of him asking her to marry him. Based on their interactions, I could not see why he loved her so much. It was odd they are considered best friends but they did not talk often or even spend much time together. She hardly knew anything about his family and had never been to his house, which was so weird to me.
Overall it is a good story and I would like to read the story of Nic and Jessie next. I'm very intrigued about their past and possibilities.
Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for sending this book for review consideration.
I liked the premise of the book and of course enjoy a HEA. The writing was good and easy to read. A dual POV is always a big plus for me. The characters had good banter and some really hot spicy scenes.
Timothy was my favorite character. He was so happy and enjoyed life. The accident changed him understandably, but I felt he was more positive and allowed himself to grow.
I liked Mina at first but struggled liking her throughout the story. I related to her in the sense of being fearful of change and taking risks, but at times I would get so frustrated with her because she refused to be positive about anything. She was so stubborn and controlling at some points I wanted Timothy to give up on her because I couldn't see why he loved her so much.
I wish there were more intimate conversations between them as well as more date/spending time together moments. I think it would have helped to have more background of their friendship leading up to the point of him asking her to marry him. Based on their interactions, I could not see why he loved her so much. It was odd they are considered best friends but they did not talk often or even spend much time together. She hardly knew anything about his family and had never been to his house, which was so weird to me.
Overall it is a good story and I would like to read the story of Nic and Jessie next. I'm very intrigued about their past and possibilities.
Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for sending this book for review consideration.
October 13, 2023
Thank you to Victory Editing and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book!
This was so cute and so enjoyable! Mina and Timothy fit together and complement each other so well, I was giggling and kicking my feet from chapter one. Timothy is such a fun and surprisingly complex character. He's the chaotic bisexual man we all need in our lives. Mina and Timothy's relationship, both platonic and romantic, was such a breath of fresh air to read. They just care about each other so much and they're so solid on knowing that the other is always going to be there for them, no matter what, and even if their relationship falls apart, they can save their friendship. It's honestly a dream friendship and relationship and it's so fun to read.
One of the things I appreciated in this book was that both Timothy and Mina had incredibly valid and meaningful issues about themselves and their relationship- the troubles they faced weren't because of miscommunication or some vague issue that could be fixed if they would just talk to each other for two seconds, like is so common in romance books, movies, and TV shows. Instead, their issues stem from love for each other and their own underlying fears and trauma. While I personally wanted to shake Mina and scream at her at multiple points for being so cautious and for being (in my opinion) a bit irrational about Timothy's risk-taking tendencies, I always understood where she was coming from. Timothy was just perfect and I empathized so much with him and his seemingly always cool and fun exterior hiding a very squishy and soft interior was incredibly relatable.
This was an incredibly fun and enjoyable read! I'm really looking forward to book 2 and reading Jessie and Nic's story!
This was so cute and so enjoyable! Mina and Timothy fit together and complement each other so well, I was giggling and kicking my feet from chapter one. Timothy is such a fun and surprisingly complex character. He's the chaotic bisexual man we all need in our lives. Mina and Timothy's relationship, both platonic and romantic, was such a breath of fresh air to read. They just care about each other so much and they're so solid on knowing that the other is always going to be there for them, no matter what, and even if their relationship falls apart, they can save their friendship. It's honestly a dream friendship and relationship and it's so fun to read.
One of the things I appreciated in this book was that both Timothy and Mina had incredibly valid and meaningful issues about themselves and their relationship- the troubles they faced weren't because of miscommunication or some vague issue that could be fixed if they would just talk to each other for two seconds, like is so common in romance books, movies, and TV shows. Instead, their issues stem from love for each other and their own underlying fears and trauma. While I personally wanted to shake Mina and scream at her at multiple points for being so cautious and for being (in my opinion) a bit irrational about Timothy's risk-taking tendencies, I always understood where she was coming from. Timothy was just perfect and I empathized so much with him and his seemingly always cool and fun exterior hiding a very squishy and soft interior was incredibly relatable.
This was an incredibly fun and enjoyable read! I'm really looking forward to book 2 and reading Jessie and Nic's story!
January 1, 2024
Ok, I know 3-star ratings are generally regarded as ‘bad’, but while I didn’t love this specific book, I liked it and I’m looking forward to reading the other books in the series. I feel like there’s a lot of potential here. This just ultimately was between 3 and 3.5 stars for me.
I liked Mina and Timothy as individual characters. I admired Mina’s hard work and determination in the face of her struggles while also being able to relate to her more cautious, pragmatic, somewhat pessimistic approach to life. With Timothy, it was refreshing in a way to see him as the one in the duo who had often been made to feel he was ‘too much’ for people and that being a relationship insecurity for him. I can’t recall ever reading a male main character being the character struggling with that. It’s almost always the female. I also love a good “it’s always been you”/he falls first plot so that was a positive here for me as well.
Where I struggled most was that Mina and Timothy were supposed to be best friends, but it seemed like there was a lot they’d never talked about or done together in their friendship to really feel as solid as it was portrayed. At times it almost read to me like they only spent their friendaversary together each year and didn’t interact much otherwise. I also felt like too often they really struggled to have serious conversations when they needed to. It inevitably would turn into a joke or deflection from one of them. I could understand that early on as they shifted from friends to lovers, but the longer it went on, the more frustrated I got with it.
I have the next book ready to read and an ARC for book 3, so I am looking forward to continuing on with the series.
I liked Mina and Timothy as individual characters. I admired Mina’s hard work and determination in the face of her struggles while also being able to relate to her more cautious, pragmatic, somewhat pessimistic approach to life. With Timothy, it was refreshing in a way to see him as the one in the duo who had often been made to feel he was ‘too much’ for people and that being a relationship insecurity for him. I can’t recall ever reading a male main character being the character struggling with that. It’s almost always the female. I also love a good “it’s always been you”/he falls first plot so that was a positive here for me as well.
Where I struggled most was that Mina and Timothy were supposed to be best friends, but it seemed like there was a lot they’d never talked about or done together in their friendship to really feel as solid as it was portrayed. At times it almost read to me like they only spent their friendaversary together each year and didn’t interact much otherwise. I also felt like too often they really struggled to have serious conversations when they needed to. It inevitably would turn into a joke or deflection from one of them. I could understand that early on as they shifted from friends to lovers, but the longer it went on, the more frustrated I got with it.
I have the next book ready to read and an ARC for book 3, so I am looking forward to continuing on with the series.
October 11, 2023
🔹️🔷️💙Love and Other Risky Business by Sarah Brenton💙🔷️🔹️
🦋🩵RELEASE DAY: September 10th🩵🦋
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
✨️💙read if you like:
- friends to lovers
- he falls first
- opposites attract
- slow burn
- dual POV
- open door
Timothy has been in love with his best friend, Mina, for almost five years. Giving her (not so) subtle signs. But this year, on her birthday, he might be able to voice his feelings and tell her how he really feels. But even a fearless stuntman can get choked up sometimes, right? Things take a turn when he suffers a career ending injury, and his parents hire Mina, who's recently lost her job to keep him out of trouble. It gets harder to keep her own feelings buried deep inside and admit that there is more than just a friendship.
This book is hilarious and slightly chaotic, but it is also filled with hot and sweet moments. I loved Timothy so much! Another golden retriever to add to my list. Who wouldn't love a man who gets you baskets filled with goodies every month on your period.
"𝘠𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘬𝘺."
I felt a little bit frustrated with Mina's hesitation sometimes, but i did love her by the end and connected with her introverted nature. I also loved how she and Timothy worked through their fears together.
"𝘐𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘮 𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘴, 𝘩𝘦'𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘦."
"𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘮. 𝘐𝘯 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘢 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥."
I really enjoyed reading about their story and loved the side characters as well, so i'm eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
Thank you to the author, Sarah Brenton, for sending me an eARC in an exchange for an honest opinion. 🫶🏼
🦋🩵RELEASE DAY: September 10th🩵🦋
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
✨️💙read if you like:
- friends to lovers
- he falls first
- opposites attract
- slow burn
- dual POV
- open door
Timothy has been in love with his best friend, Mina, for almost five years. Giving her (not so) subtle signs. But this year, on her birthday, he might be able to voice his feelings and tell her how he really feels. But even a fearless stuntman can get choked up sometimes, right? Things take a turn when he suffers a career ending injury, and his parents hire Mina, who's recently lost her job to keep him out of trouble. It gets harder to keep her own feelings buried deep inside and admit that there is more than just a friendship.
This book is hilarious and slightly chaotic, but it is also filled with hot and sweet moments. I loved Timothy so much! Another golden retriever to add to my list. Who wouldn't love a man who gets you baskets filled with goodies every month on your period.
"𝘠𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘬𝘺."
I felt a little bit frustrated with Mina's hesitation sometimes, but i did love her by the end and connected with her introverted nature. I also loved how she and Timothy worked through their fears together.
"𝘐𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘮 𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘴, 𝘩𝘦'𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘦."
"𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘮. 𝘐𝘯 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘢 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥."
I really enjoyed reading about their story and loved the side characters as well, so i'm eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
Thank you to the author, Sarah Brenton, for sending me an eARC in an exchange for an honest opinion. 🫶🏼
September 2, 2023
Best friends, guy falls first, a one sided forbidden romance, girl lives life on the safe side so she doesn’t get her heart broken again, whereas the guy is a wild card who likes to live on the edge (literally, he’s a stunt man) and wears his heart on his sleeve to prove he only wants her.
I loved the LGBTQIA representation and steamy romance scenes in this book. The banter between both characters was also very hilarious, and overall, this book had a lot of loveable characters. The pacing was great too.
However I’m sad to say as the story progressed, our FMC Mina became increasingly frustrating. There were so many instances where she was ungrateful and extremely judgmental.
I understand she underwent a very painful breakup when she caught her boyfriend having an affair. It left her scared to fall in love again and possibly get hurt. However, Timothy not only supported Mina through her breakup, but has loved her and proven it tirelessly through his actions. One of her initial reasons for why he wouldn’t make a good partner was because he’s been with a lot of people, and because he has an unorthodox career and rambunctious personality. Judgmental much??
Overall, I would rate this book a 3.5 because despite how the FMC Mina’s character developed in the book, the overall story was enjoyable to read.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for sending this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the LGBTQIA representation and steamy romance scenes in this book. The banter between both characters was also very hilarious, and overall, this book had a lot of loveable characters. The pacing was great too.
However I’m sad to say as the story progressed, our FMC Mina became increasingly frustrating. There were so many instances where she was ungrateful and extremely judgmental.
I understand she underwent a very painful breakup when she caught her boyfriend having an affair. It left her scared to fall in love again and possibly get hurt. However, Timothy not only supported Mina through her breakup, but has loved her and proven it tirelessly through his actions. One of her initial reasons for why he wouldn’t make a good partner was because he’s been with a lot of people, and because he has an unorthodox career and rambunctious personality. Judgmental much??
Overall, I would rate this book a 3.5 because despite how the FMC Mina’s character developed in the book, the overall story was enjoyable to read.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for sending this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2023
Sarah Brenton’s debut romance is hilarious, blissfully chaotic, and filled with joyful LGBTQIA+ rep, as well as chronic illness and infertility storylines that are both beautifully handled and incredibly important.
A career-ending injury convinces lovably overconfident ex-stuntman Timothy Foley it’s finally time to take the plunge and propose to his best friend, Mina Andrei. Unfortunately for him, Mina wants nothing to do with Timothy’s free-climbing, motorcycle-riding, closet-full-of-sex-toys ways. She’s busy in her day job as a Hollywood wardrobe worker, and carefully growing her eco-conscious underwear business on the side. But when Timothy’s parents hire Mina to stay in his house for a few weeks after he comes home from the hospital, it gets harder and harder to resist his good heart (and even better body). They’re all wrong for each other… Or are they?
This book is straight up delightful, and will appeal to readers who love Pippa Grant’s arrogant and lovable male main characters, as well as readers who fell for Stephanie Archer’s running gags and ridiculously hilarious set pieces in her Queen’s Cove romcom series. A little bit madcap and a lot sexy, it’s the best kind of escapist fun. I’m very much looking forward to the second and third books in Brenton’s Foley series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review!
A career-ending injury convinces lovably overconfident ex-stuntman Timothy Foley it’s finally time to take the plunge and propose to his best friend, Mina Andrei. Unfortunately for him, Mina wants nothing to do with Timothy’s free-climbing, motorcycle-riding, closet-full-of-sex-toys ways. She’s busy in her day job as a Hollywood wardrobe worker, and carefully growing her eco-conscious underwear business on the side. But when Timothy’s parents hire Mina to stay in his house for a few weeks after he comes home from the hospital, it gets harder and harder to resist his good heart (and even better body). They’re all wrong for each other… Or are they?
This book is straight up delightful, and will appeal to readers who love Pippa Grant’s arrogant and lovable male main characters, as well as readers who fell for Stephanie Archer’s running gags and ridiculously hilarious set pieces in her Queen’s Cove romcom series. A little bit madcap and a lot sexy, it’s the best kind of escapist fun. I’m very much looking forward to the second and third books in Brenton’s Foley series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review!
September 6, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for access to the ARC!
This review contains mild spoilers, so proceed with caution if spoilers aren’t your thing.
Love and Other Risky business follows Timothy, a Hollywood stuntman and human golden retriever who is head over heels in love with his best friend, Mina. Mina is a young seamstress working in Hollywood while hustling to grow her underwear brand.
Let’s start with the things I enjoyed about the story: I love a friends-to-lovers trope and I enjoy a slow burn. This book has bother of those. Timothy knows he’s in love with Mina. Mina also recognizes her attraction to Timothy, but she denies it until she can’t anymore.
Where I struggled with this read is the development (or lack thereof) of the characters. They’re supposedly best friends but don’t really know anything about each other. She’s never met any of his family, even though he seems to be close to his parents. Also, its stated that these characters are in their 30s, but they communicate and have the humor of hormonal teenagers.
The thirds act was tough to finish. I don’t enough third act breakups, (They’re adults. I want them to use their words. Talk it out.) and I don’t feel like either character had really grown.
TLDR; Overall, I’d give the book a 2.75/5. I made it through but was disappointed by the last 25% of the book.
This review contains mild spoilers, so proceed with caution if spoilers aren’t your thing.
Love and Other Risky business follows Timothy, a Hollywood stuntman and human golden retriever who is head over heels in love with his best friend, Mina. Mina is a young seamstress working in Hollywood while hustling to grow her underwear brand.
Let’s start with the things I enjoyed about the story: I love a friends-to-lovers trope and I enjoy a slow burn. This book has bother of those. Timothy knows he’s in love with Mina. Mina also recognizes her attraction to Timothy, but she denies it until she can’t anymore.
Where I struggled with this read is the development (or lack thereof) of the characters. They’re supposedly best friends but don’t really know anything about each other. She’s never met any of his family, even though he seems to be close to his parents. Also, its stated that these characters are in their 30s, but they communicate and have the humor of hormonal teenagers.
The thirds act was tough to finish. I don’t enough third act breakups, (They’re adults. I want them to use their words. Talk it out.) and I don’t feel like either character had really grown.
TLDR; Overall, I’d give the book a 2.75/5. I made it through but was disappointed by the last 25% of the book.
October 12, 2023
This was an okay read, I'd give it 3.25 stars. This is my first Sarah Brenton book, I might be interested in reading the next book, we'll see! There were elements that I adored in this book, but other parts confused me.
I loved the queer representation and the sex-positive aspects of the book so much. Timothy and Mina had great sexual chemistry, as demonstrated in an extra spicy scene (it was top-tier, honestly), I think Brenton writes great spice and it's a major aspect of why I enjoyed this book.
What confused me was Timothy and Mina's friendship at times. These two claimed to know each other better than anyone else, but there were some secrets that weren't shared between them - very big secrets. Although Timothy and Mina were best friends for 5 years at this point, Mina had never been to his house. Is that weird? Am I reading too much into it? I don't know, but it totally threw me off. Although these things were present in the book, I still enjoyed other aspects of their friendship. It was blatantly clear that these two cared for each other deeply, right from the start of the book, which I appreciated. They cared for each other not only emotionally, but physically too. I appreciated their opposites dynamic, in that Mina was the more serious one and Timothy is just the sweetest golden retriever. I was a little worried about the constant sexual innuendo and jokes from Timothy at the beginning of the story, but we quickly saw him change his behaviour in a more positive and healthy way. Obviously, he still shared jokes, but it was done more appropriately by the end of the book considering how their relationship changed up to that point.
Thanks so much to netgalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
I loved the queer representation and the sex-positive aspects of the book so much. Timothy and Mina had great sexual chemistry, as demonstrated in an extra spicy scene (it was top-tier, honestly), I think Brenton writes great spice and it's a major aspect of why I enjoyed this book.
What confused me was Timothy and Mina's friendship at times. These two claimed to know each other better than anyone else, but there were some secrets that weren't shared between them - very big secrets. Although Timothy and Mina were best friends for 5 years at this point, Mina had never been to his house. Is that weird? Am I reading too much into it? I don't know, but it totally threw me off. Although these things were present in the book, I still enjoyed other aspects of their friendship. It was blatantly clear that these two cared for each other deeply, right from the start of the book, which I appreciated. They cared for each other not only emotionally, but physically too. I appreciated their opposites dynamic, in that Mina was the more serious one and Timothy is just the sweetest golden retriever. I was a little worried about the constant sexual innuendo and jokes from Timothy at the beginning of the story, but we quickly saw him change his behaviour in a more positive and healthy way. Obviously, he still shared jokes, but it was done more appropriately by the end of the book considering how their relationship changed up to that point.
Thanks so much to netgalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
September 6, 2023
Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes. So I was very excited to receive this early copy from NetGalley in exchange for a review. Thank you for that NetGalley.
This story is about Mina and Timothy. They have been best friends for 5 years! He has loved her so much that he bought her an engagement ring just months after meeting her. Their love and their chemistry was everything!! It was so sweet to read just how much they cared about each other, wanted to see each other succeed, and also keep each other safe. It was such an entertaining book and I loved seeing how the characters helped each other knock down the walls around their hearts, so they could love each other completely.
The reason I knocked down a few stars was because of the dialogue. I understand that miscommunication had to play it’s part in the story. But I felt like majority of the dialogue was too “young” for characters that are in their 30’s. At first it was a bit annoying because they sounded so immature. But I was able to look past that and still enjoy the book!
Overall, I really liked the book! And I’d recommend it. It’s also very 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ so keep that in mind when deciding to read it! Happy reading!! 😉
This story is about Mina and Timothy. They have been best friends for 5 years! He has loved her so much that he bought her an engagement ring just months after meeting her. Their love and their chemistry was everything!! It was so sweet to read just how much they cared about each other, wanted to see each other succeed, and also keep each other safe. It was such an entertaining book and I loved seeing how the characters helped each other knock down the walls around their hearts, so they could love each other completely.
The reason I knocked down a few stars was because of the dialogue. I understand that miscommunication had to play it’s part in the story. But I felt like majority of the dialogue was too “young” for characters that are in their 30’s. At first it was a bit annoying because they sounded so immature. But I was able to look past that and still enjoy the book!
Overall, I really liked the book! And I’d recommend it. It’s also very 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ so keep that in mind when deciding to read it! Happy reading!! 😉
September 10, 2023
LOVE AND OTHER RISKY BUSINESS is a sweet and spicy love story of two close friends navigating their feelings for one another. Are they both ready to take the leap of faith of learning to trust each other? Stuntman Timothy has been in love with Mina for years, but Mina must decide if going all in with him is worth it, knowing the risk of losing him if a stunt were to go wrong? If Timothy quits doing his passion for stunt work, Mina worries he will begin to resent her, but can she live with the constant fear due to an accident that's already set her on edge? I appreciated the message that to fully love someone, we have to accept all the parts of them as we can't stop people from being who they truly are. I loved the theme of risk in this story... the risk of falling in love, the risk of doing stunts, the risk of moving... that's what life is... taking risks and learning to trust that it's just part of life.
I had a soft spot for Timothy's worry of falling up short for being who he believes Mina deserves. I admired how supportive Timothy and Mina are of each other and how involved they become in making decisions together.
Thank you to the author for the digital advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.
I had a soft spot for Timothy's worry of falling up short for being who he believes Mina deserves. I admired how supportive Timothy and Mina are of each other and how involved they become in making decisions together.
Thank you to the author for the digital advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 24, 2023
We meet Timothy and Mina on an adorable night that highlights the longevity of their friendship and on the cusp of that friendship ending. Both working in Hollywood, Timothy injures himself at his job as a stunt man leading to a forced proximity situation with his longtime crush Mina.
The premise of this story I loved. That first chapter really captured me and was so intriguing. However, as the story unfolded I tended to like the characters less and less. This book fall into the #lackofcommunication trope. There were so many elements that could have been avoided if they had just shared their thoughts/feelings with each other vs making assumptions! Frustrating. Also frustrating was the 3rd act break up that I felt didn't add much to the plot or the character's development.
I enjoyed the LGTBQIA+ representation of this book and how that incorporated into the spiciness. Brenton does a nice job with the spice level of this book being well balanced with plot and character development. While I didn't love the main characters and thought some of the plot points were forced, I enjoyed reading this book.
The premise of this story I loved. That first chapter really captured me and was so intriguing. However, as the story unfolded I tended to like the characters less and less. This book fall into the #lackofcommunication trope. There were so many elements that could have been avoided if they had just shared their thoughts/feelings with each other vs making assumptions! Frustrating. Also frustrating was the 3rd act break up that I felt didn't add much to the plot or the character's development.
I enjoyed the LGTBQIA+ representation of this book and how that incorporated into the spiciness. Brenton does a nice job with the spice level of this book being well balanced with plot and character development. While I didn't love the main characters and thought some of the plot points were forced, I enjoyed reading this book.
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