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I Heart New York #3
White Picket Defense
There’s no playbook for defeating attractive neighbors…MichaelInheriting a suburban house with a white picket fence? Not my ideal dream.
Neither is my obnoxiously overly optimistic next door neighbor. Sure, she’s drop-dead gorgeous and executes home improvement projects like a pro from some DIY show, but she’s also a murderer.
Of plants.
And my sanity.
My plan to avoid her at all costs would be easier if my football career hadn’t gone down the toilet, leaving me to live in an old house with maintenance issues and rose bushes that need protection.
From my neighbor.
Good thing I know a little something about defense. Game. On.
RosieBuying a fixer-upper has its perks. After clocking out at my monotonous day job, I spend time sanding drywall or installing hardwood floors to ward off social obligations. The plan is going well until I accidentally kill my new neighbor’s plants.
And spray him with the hose.
Possibly not by accident.
Mr. Perfect Physique wears a constant scowl, and I’ve made it a personal goal to see his genuine smile.
No matter how many lame jokes it takes.
And with his house in need of repair, I’ve got the tools and the perfect opportunity to wrench it out of him. Challenge. Accepted.
Neither is my obnoxiously overly optimistic next door neighbor. Sure, she’s drop-dead gorgeous and executes home improvement projects like a pro from some DIY show, but she’s also a murderer.
Of plants.
And my sanity.
My plan to avoid her at all costs would be easier if my football career hadn’t gone down the toilet, leaving me to live in an old house with maintenance issues and rose bushes that need protection.
From my neighbor.
Good thing I know a little something about defense. Game. On.
RosieBuying a fixer-upper has its perks. After clocking out at my monotonous day job, I spend time sanding drywall or installing hardwood floors to ward off social obligations. The plan is going well until I accidentally kill my new neighbor’s plants.
And spray him with the hose.
Possibly not by accident.
Mr. Perfect Physique wears a constant scowl, and I’ve made it a personal goal to see his genuine smile.
No matter how many lame jokes it takes.
And with his house in need of repair, I’ve got the tools and the perfect opportunity to wrench it out of him. Challenge. Accepted.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 27, 2025
6 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 16, 2025
Oh my goodness! This is the cutest romcom ever! It is so funny. I don’t think I have ever laughed so much during a book! Michael and Rosie make quite the pair! I loved them! Rosie is so adorable with her puns! I also liked how she was interested in renovating houses. But can’t cook. Michael comes to her aid in the food department. This story is so fun but there are serious moments too. I liked how both characters had their struggles. Rosie struggles with anxiety and Michale struggles with feeling good enough and I love how they help each other. And let’s not forget about the swoon factor. The chemistry was fantastic. The side characters (siblings) were great too! It also is a clean romance. If you are looking for a story with the perfect amount of comedy, swoon, and cuteness then this is the perfect story for you! I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content:just kisses, some mild ogling
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content:just kisses, some mild ogling
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
January 24, 2025
“Here lies Rosie Baker, who died moments after asking out a hot guy. May she rest in unlikely peace.”
* This airport security anxiety is so real 😂
* I’m just snickering so much
* Wow, what a way to meet
* This Hitch moment is too much 😂
* Oh man, I feel ya, Rosie
* Yesss. A plus one hehe
* Awww these two awkward cuties. I love them
* I love how much she loves her own jokes 😅
* Oh, sisters. What a joy ;D
* Eww I hate him!
* Not me tearing up right now
* THE CHIPMUNKS 😂
* I’m crying again 😭🫶
Awww yay! This one was so fun and so cute! Brooke is so good at writing relatable characters and hilarious moments. I loved both Rosie and Michael right from the start and was rooting for them right from the inflatable bat to the head.
Rosie has major anxiety, and while I don’t struggle nearly as much as her, so many of her thought processes and things she worries about are so me 😅 I loved getting to see her work through things and come out on top. You go, Rosie!
And Michael? Awww. What a softie. I love him. I think we all often struggle with the thought that we need to have everything figured out before we can be happy or settled, but that simply isn’t true. And I’m so glad Rosie and his family were able to help him see that.
While it’s way more fun if you’ve read the two previous books on this series (the inside jokes make much more sense), you’ll enjoy it either way!
“They do say opposites attract, and you’re beautiful.”
“Have you never watched Hallmark? A man cooking meals for a woman is like…the beginning of the end. A sentence to live happily ever after.”
“I thought he was handsome without a smile, but with it? I was doomed. One would never be enough. I wanted to see it again and again. I wanted to be the reason it appeared.”
Thanks to the author for the ebook, all opinions are my own. (But obviously correct 😏)
* This airport security anxiety is so real 😂
* I’m just snickering so much
* Wow, what a way to meet
* This Hitch moment is too much 😂
* Oh man, I feel ya, Rosie
* Yesss. A plus one hehe
* Awww these two awkward cuties. I love them
* I love how much she loves her own jokes 😅
* Oh, sisters. What a joy ;D
* Eww I hate him!
* Not me tearing up right now
* THE CHIPMUNKS 😂
* I’m crying again 😭🫶
Awww yay! This one was so fun and so cute! Brooke is so good at writing relatable characters and hilarious moments. I loved both Rosie and Michael right from the start and was rooting for them right from the inflatable bat to the head.
Rosie has major anxiety, and while I don’t struggle nearly as much as her, so many of her thought processes and things she worries about are so me 😅 I loved getting to see her work through things and come out on top. You go, Rosie!
And Michael? Awww. What a softie. I love him. I think we all often struggle with the thought that we need to have everything figured out before we can be happy or settled, but that simply isn’t true. And I’m so glad Rosie and his family were able to help him see that.
While it’s way more fun if you’ve read the two previous books on this series (the inside jokes make much more sense), you’ll enjoy it either way!
“They do say opposites attract, and you’re beautiful.”
“Have you never watched Hallmark? A man cooking meals for a woman is like…the beginning of the end. A sentence to live happily ever after.”
“I thought he was handsome without a smile, but with it? I was doomed. One would never be enough. I wanted to see it again and again. I wanted to be the reason it appeared.”
Thanks to the author for the ebook, all opinions are my own. (But obviously correct 😏)
February 22, 2025
[4.5 stars]
This is a cute and fun book, full of wonderfully lame dad jokes. It’s a sweet rom-com with little action, but great characters and great relationship development. There are certainly cheesy moments, but really, what’s a rom-com without some cheese? 😊
Rosie suffers from severe anxiety and panic attacks. Despite her struggles, she has a bright and cheerful personality, and an obsession with telling jokes that’s incredibly endearing. Michael is in injured college football player whose dream of the NFL has collapsed around him. Now unemployed and mourning the passing of his grandmother, he discovers he’s inherited his grandmother’s house, next door to Rosie…
The two of them make an adorable couple as they learn to work through the struggles of life together. Highly recommended to anyone who loves a sweet rom-com.
Content:
There’s no foul language, violence, or sex. The romance is limited to flirting, light ogling, and mildly descriptive kissing. There is no mention of faith or God.
Trigger warnings:
- The FMC suffers from severe anxiety and panic attacks. I felt it was tastefully handled, but it is a central part of the story.
- Death of a loved one immediately prior to the story
- Incredibly bad dad jokes, highly prevalent and mildly disturbing 🤓
“Did you know that garbagemen don’t get much job training?”
“They just pick it up as they go along.”
“What do you call a tool that supports farming vehicle rights?”
“A protractor.”
This is a cute and fun book, full of wonderfully lame dad jokes. It’s a sweet rom-com with little action, but great characters and great relationship development. There are certainly cheesy moments, but really, what’s a rom-com without some cheese? 😊
Rosie suffers from severe anxiety and panic attacks. Despite her struggles, she has a bright and cheerful personality, and an obsession with telling jokes that’s incredibly endearing. Michael is in injured college football player whose dream of the NFL has collapsed around him. Now unemployed and mourning the passing of his grandmother, he discovers he’s inherited his grandmother’s house, next door to Rosie…
The two of them make an adorable couple as they learn to work through the struggles of life together. Highly recommended to anyone who loves a sweet rom-com.
Content:
There’s no foul language, violence, or sex. The romance is limited to flirting, light ogling, and mildly descriptive kissing. There is no mention of faith or God.
Trigger warnings:
- The FMC suffers from severe anxiety and panic attacks. I felt it was tastefully handled, but it is a central part of the story.
- Death of a loved one immediately prior to the story
- Incredibly bad dad jokes, highly prevalent and mildly disturbing 🤓
“Did you know that garbagemen don’t get much job training?”
“They just pick it up as they go along.”
“What do you call a tool that supports farming vehicle rights?”
“A protractor.”
January 15, 2025
The cover has "sweet romantic comedy" on it and let me tell you, it IS sweet, it IS romantic and it's hilarious to boot! This is one of the funniest Romcoms I've read! Don't believe me? Well....
Right off the bat, hehehe...pun intended... you'll see why a bit later, I was immersed, visually I was sympathising with Rosie making her way through a crowded airport and the onslaught she faces. Rosie is content to stay behind the scenes, she's GOOD behind the scenes but her boss has forced her to do a presentation in front of others. Horror! Trigger central! She'd rather be holed up at home, renovating the house she bought, her comfort zone. Her boss is relentless in pushing her into situations that elevate her anxiety, and everything came to a head at the company picnic, with plenty of self introspection and the most gorgeous warming scenes imaginable. This entire story was soul warming, when Michael gets his eureka moment, when he realises just how wrong he'd been, I swear I could have hugged the author for her beautiful delivery.
I just loved Michael, he is a really sweet caring guy, with a few issues of his own, unworthiness being a major draw back, feeling lesser, feeling of inadequacy. His whole life took a turn, an injury put paid to his football career and he has no idea what next. With the death of his beloved grandma, he inherits her house, right next door to.... Rosie! Their first...ummmm... encounter was so comical, I snort laughed! Yes, this is where the bat comes in, no I'm not going to tell you, yes I guarantee you'll laugh just as loudly when you read it! And so starts a.... friendship... one where a slow understanding builds up between them, one where the attraction to each other is so palpable, I can taste it. Except Michael is so wrapped up in self pity, he's so convinced he's a loser, he can't get out his own head, I actually wanted to bop him! And Rosie? Heck, she feels like she's defective, and who wants a highly unstable partner? I did enjoy the awesome banter between them, heck, Rosie's determination to raise a smile from Michael, led to her"flair" for lame jokes, which really had me chortling. . I have to mention the chipmunk saga, oh glory, it was SO funny, I barely contained weeing from laughter!
This book is not merely a very comical read, even though there were lots of laugh out loud moments, there's substance, there are real life issues at the crux. What's really impressive is the author's command of the tale, her ability is to keep me riveted, laughing, anxious, delighted, enjoying every word, yes... that's brilliance, that's.talent. The author tackles anxiety and panic attacks, which can be debilitating to many, with incredible sensitivity. And although this is a vital theme to the plot, it's also about standing up for oneself, it's also about friendship, it's also about taking a leap, it's also about romance and the best part is that it's all swathed in humour, taking the edge off the severity of the condition. This is a beautiful story, beautifully written, beautifully engaging. And the HEA, just swoony sigh....Brilliantly done!
Right off the bat, hehehe...pun intended... you'll see why a bit later, I was immersed, visually I was sympathising with Rosie making her way through a crowded airport and the onslaught she faces. Rosie is content to stay behind the scenes, she's GOOD behind the scenes but her boss has forced her to do a presentation in front of others. Horror! Trigger central! She'd rather be holed up at home, renovating the house she bought, her comfort zone. Her boss is relentless in pushing her into situations that elevate her anxiety, and everything came to a head at the company picnic, with plenty of self introspection and the most gorgeous warming scenes imaginable. This entire story was soul warming, when Michael gets his eureka moment, when he realises just how wrong he'd been, I swear I could have hugged the author for her beautiful delivery.
I just loved Michael, he is a really sweet caring guy, with a few issues of his own, unworthiness being a major draw back, feeling lesser, feeling of inadequacy. His whole life took a turn, an injury put paid to his football career and he has no idea what next. With the death of his beloved grandma, he inherits her house, right next door to.... Rosie! Their first...ummmm... encounter was so comical, I snort laughed! Yes, this is where the bat comes in, no I'm not going to tell you, yes I guarantee you'll laugh just as loudly when you read it! And so starts a.... friendship... one where a slow understanding builds up between them, one where the attraction to each other is so palpable, I can taste it. Except Michael is so wrapped up in self pity, he's so convinced he's a loser, he can't get out his own head, I actually wanted to bop him! And Rosie? Heck, she feels like she's defective, and who wants a highly unstable partner? I did enjoy the awesome banter between them, heck, Rosie's determination to raise a smile from Michael, led to her"flair" for lame jokes, which really had me chortling. . I have to mention the chipmunk saga, oh glory, it was SO funny, I barely contained weeing from laughter!
This book is not merely a very comical read, even though there were lots of laugh out loud moments, there's substance, there are real life issues at the crux. What's really impressive is the author's command of the tale, her ability is to keep me riveted, laughing, anxious, delighted, enjoying every word, yes... that's brilliance, that's.talent. The author tackles anxiety and panic attacks, which can be debilitating to many, with incredible sensitivity. And although this is a vital theme to the plot, it's also about standing up for oneself, it's also about friendship, it's also about taking a leap, it's also about romance and the best part is that it's all swathed in humour, taking the edge off the severity of the condition. This is a beautiful story, beautifully written, beautifully engaging. And the HEA, just swoony sigh....Brilliantly done!
January 27, 2025
WHITE PICKET DEFENSE
by: Brooke Hinkle Losee
@brookejlosee
“I’ll be right here, no matter what.”
~There’s no playbook for defeating attractive neighbors...
“Somehow, despite her beating me with an inflatable
bat, calling the police on me, spraying me with a hose, and killing my plants, I liked her.”
-WHITE PICKET DEFENSE, is such a fun romcom with heart! It is filled precisely with wonderful and relatable characters, so many hilarious moments, many sparks of chemistry, and happy swoony moments. Watching dear characters who each have their own struggles, make quite the pair. From the very start to the end of this story, you can’t help but root for them to succeed and be happy. Seeing characters who struggle with their mental health and not feeling good enough for other’s standards is relatable. It was watching them work through their battles and seeing that they do have a support system that is there, made all the difference. I loved watching these two characters bring them the best out in each other and the humor along the way was such a nice touch! This is a delightful story with some depth that is handled with such care. Not shying away from such challenges was refreshing and moving! It’s definitely a cute story with hope shinning through, making it a story worth the read!📚🙌🏻🩷
“Our needs weren’t exactly the same, our struggles being so different, but the solution for both was
to simply be there for one another.”
-Content: mental health (panic attacks; anxiety), not feeling good enough; kisses.
Whatever the game of life held for us, we had each oth-er, and we would face it together as a team.
#whitepicketdefense
#brookejlosee
#allaboutthebestreads
“I thought he was handsome without a smile, but with it? I was doomed. One would never be enough. I wanted to see it again and again. I wanted to be the reason it appeared.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“They do say opposites attract, and you’re beautiful.”
by: Brooke Hinkle Losee
@brookejlosee
“I’ll be right here, no matter what.”
~There’s no playbook for defeating attractive neighbors...
“Somehow, despite her beating me with an inflatable
bat, calling the police on me, spraying me with a hose, and killing my plants, I liked her.”
-WHITE PICKET DEFENSE, is such a fun romcom with heart! It is filled precisely with wonderful and relatable characters, so many hilarious moments, many sparks of chemistry, and happy swoony moments. Watching dear characters who each have their own struggles, make quite the pair. From the very start to the end of this story, you can’t help but root for them to succeed and be happy. Seeing characters who struggle with their mental health and not feeling good enough for other’s standards is relatable. It was watching them work through their battles and seeing that they do have a support system that is there, made all the difference. I loved watching these two characters bring them the best out in each other and the humor along the way was such a nice touch! This is a delightful story with some depth that is handled with such care. Not shying away from such challenges was refreshing and moving! It’s definitely a cute story with hope shinning through, making it a story worth the read!📚🙌🏻🩷
“Our needs weren’t exactly the same, our struggles being so different, but the solution for both was
to simply be there for one another.”
-Content: mental health (panic attacks; anxiety), not feeling good enough; kisses.
Whatever the game of life held for us, we had each oth-er, and we would face it together as a team.
#whitepicketdefense
#brookejlosee
#allaboutthebestreads
“I thought he was handsome without a smile, but with it? I was doomed. One would never be enough. I wanted to see it again and again. I wanted to be the reason it appeared.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“They do say opposites attract, and you’re beautiful.”
January 26, 2025
Rosie had another disastrous meeting with a client. She was forced into a role at work that she knows wasn’t meant for her but her boss just doesn’t seem to get it. Her anxiety definitely doesn’t help matters and is one of the reasons why she didn’t want that position in the first place. Needing some space that she feels safe in, she decides to go to the project house she is fixing up. However, she finds an unknown man at her elderly neighbors house and in a panic calls 911 fearing for her neighbor’s safety. Michael has inherited his late grandmother's house. He needs a fresh start after the death of his dreams and career and finally found the time to make it to the house. Once he gets there, he notices that the roses his grandmother loved are dead. Definitely upset by this he starts to investigate what happened when he is assaulted by an inflatable bat being wielded by his very attractive neighbor. A misunderstanding has the potential for something to grow. However, Rosie knows her anxiety gets in the way and Michael is still processing the changes he is forced to be going through. Will this relationship be able to develop in the mess these two are living in?
Another brilliant romantic comedy by Brooke Losee. The amount of times I was laughing and having secondhand embarrassment for these two was almost the whole book. As someone who deals with people having anxiety and other behavioral issues, these two were very well handled and realistic in their reactions. It was an interesting glimpse into how some of my friends work (I collect people with anxiety for some reason) and it is easy to see how someone is too afraid to move forward even knowing they should. The characters were well done overall and I loved this book and this series. I liked the little bits we got from the previous story characters but they didn’t take away from these two at all.
ARC read
Another brilliant romantic comedy by Brooke Losee. The amount of times I was laughing and having secondhand embarrassment for these two was almost the whole book. As someone who deals with people having anxiety and other behavioral issues, these two were very well handled and realistic in their reactions. It was an interesting glimpse into how some of my friends work (I collect people with anxiety for some reason) and it is easy to see how someone is too afraid to move forward even knowing they should. The characters were well done overall and I loved this book and this series. I liked the little bits we got from the previous story characters but they didn’t take away from these two at all.
ARC read
January 28, 2025
This book was the absolute SWEETEST. For the record - I DO NOT typically veer from my usual genres && there is nothing 'romantic' nor 'comedic' occupying my shelves. HOWEVER, this was an absolutely adorable read && I loved every sweet, awkward, and anxiety-filled chapter! Each encounter the two main characters had, left me turning the page for more :) From Rosie's peak anxiety to her fabulous puns && humor... absolutely fantastic && completely relatable! I was definitely seeing a lot of myself in both main characters -- how Brooke manages to do that, I'll never know!
--
Reluctantly filling the shoes of her new role at work, Rosie's had yet another catastrophic meeting with a client. Through no fault of her own, she'd been repositioned from her cozy behind-the-scenes role with her company and catapulted into anxiety-riddled face-to-face meetings (a position she NEVER would have applied for). Her only solace -- the peace she finds working on her fixer-upper property just outside of town. She can't cook a meal to save her life, but she sure knows her way around a tool box... and inflatable bat.
Michael, desperate to find his own place in the world, has recently inherited his grandmother's house and is in dire need of a clear head && fresh start, especially after the career of his dreams was brought to a screeching halt. Now he's tasked with clearing out his grandmother's house, finding where he fits in normal life, and finding the murderous culprit who's behind killing his grandmother's roses...
--
I will spoil NOTHING. However, if you've ever (or never) experienced the art of Ray Stevens... you're in for a treat. If you've never considered yourself a fan of his... well... something tells me you're about to be!
--
Reluctantly filling the shoes of her new role at work, Rosie's had yet another catastrophic meeting with a client. Through no fault of her own, she'd been repositioned from her cozy behind-the-scenes role with her company and catapulted into anxiety-riddled face-to-face meetings (a position she NEVER would have applied for). Her only solace -- the peace she finds working on her fixer-upper property just outside of town. She can't cook a meal to save her life, but she sure knows her way around a tool box... and inflatable bat.
Michael, desperate to find his own place in the world, has recently inherited his grandmother's house and is in dire need of a clear head && fresh start, especially after the career of his dreams was brought to a screeching halt. Now he's tasked with clearing out his grandmother's house, finding where he fits in normal life, and finding the murderous culprit who's behind killing his grandmother's roses...
--
I will spoil NOTHING. However, if you've ever (or never) experienced the art of Ray Stevens... you're in for a treat. If you've never considered yourself a fan of his... well... something tells me you're about to be!
January 21, 2025
White Picket Defense is the third book in the I Heart New York series. While those who have read the previous books in the series may see a few familiar characters make appearances, this could absolutely be enjoyed as a standalone as well.
Oh my goodness, what a fun read this was! Right from their hilarious meet cute, I found myself absolutely adoring Michael and Rosie. Their chemistry was so sweet, and their banter was hilarious. This is definitely one that had me laughing out loud so many times throughout... Rosie's lame jokes and all. A former football player + grumpy/sunshine + chipmunk chaos!? What's not to love!? While this one had me laughing, I also loved that it had a fantastic anxiety rep with Rosie. As someone who deals with major anxiety/panic disorder, I could certainly relate to her character in many ways and love seeing that representation in fictional stories. More than that, I loved seeing how Michael wanted to support her through it all. This truly was such a fantastic read and one that I couldn't get enough of. It also perfectly set up the next book in the series and I cannot wait!
White Picket Defense is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Oh my goodness, what a fun read this was! Right from their hilarious meet cute, I found myself absolutely adoring Michael and Rosie. Their chemistry was so sweet, and their banter was hilarious. This is definitely one that had me laughing out loud so many times throughout... Rosie's lame jokes and all. A former football player + grumpy/sunshine + chipmunk chaos!? What's not to love!? While this one had me laughing, I also loved that it had a fantastic anxiety rep with Rosie. As someone who deals with major anxiety/panic disorder, I could certainly relate to her character in many ways and love seeing that representation in fictional stories. More than that, I loved seeing how Michael wanted to support her through it all. This truly was such a fantastic read and one that I couldn't get enough of. It also perfectly set up the next book in the series and I cannot wait!
White Picket Defense is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
January 23, 2025
I love how fun and sweet this story is to read. Rosie and Michael were made for one another and I loved watching how they both grew and learning how to help one another through their battles. I loved the cheesy jokes that Rosie tells and how Michael just went with them. They reminded me of a friend of mine and the jokes he would tell.
As someone who deals with anxiety, it was nice to read a book that goes into the struggle of anxiety and how it can affect your daily life. The representation was straight on and it was amazing to see how exactly Michael would handle the situation without knowing much about it. He really grew as a character and wanted to help Rosie deal and find ways to help her.
From their first encounter until the end, they will have you laughing out loud and wanting more.
Thank you Brooke for letting me be apart of your ARC. I cannot wait to see what other stores you have to tell!
As someone who deals with anxiety, it was nice to read a book that goes into the struggle of anxiety and how it can affect your daily life. The representation was straight on and it was amazing to see how exactly Michael would handle the situation without knowing much about it. He really grew as a character and wanted to help Rosie deal and find ways to help her.
From their first encounter until the end, they will have you laughing out loud and wanting more.
Thank you Brooke for letting me be apart of your ARC. I cannot wait to see what other stores you have to tell!
January 19, 2025
Rosie and Michael’s story was so sweet! I loved watching them both grow and work through their problems together. It was so nice to watch them support each other and their banter was so fun! I absolutely loved the cheesy jokes and definitely shared some of my favorites. Watching them support each other as they navigated the difficult choices regarding their jobs and future was so sweet, and I’m glad everything turned out so well!
The anxiety representation was accurate and it was nice to see it handled in such a supportive and accepting way, showing that there ARE people who will care and support you, even if there are others who wouldn’t.
Thank you to Brooke for including me on her ARC team, all opinions expressed are my own.
Content Warning:
Anxiety
Panic attacks
Language - crap
The anxiety representation was accurate and it was nice to see it handled in such a supportive and accepting way, showing that there ARE people who will care and support you, even if there are others who wouldn’t.
Thank you to Brooke for including me on her ARC team, all opinions expressed are my own.
Content Warning:
Anxiety
Panic attacks
Language - crap
January 27, 2025
This is a pretty entertaining romcom. The corny jokes might be the highlight haha. It’s full of sweet romance and witty banter. A big part of the story deals with a universal trial in many people’s lives of anxiety, panic attacks, insecurity, and not feeling you’re good enough. I love how the characters work through their concerns and learn how to help each other. I was not sure I really cared for the characters during their first meet, but quickly they came to life and redeemed themselves. It held my attention, and I appreciate it the clean romance and the swoony kisses. I have not read the other books in the series, but this is definitely a standalone happily ever after story.
January 13, 2025
Rating: 4.75 ⭐️
Tropes:
🧰 sever anxiety/panic disorder
🧰 neighbors
🧰 “meet cute” 😂
🧰 banter
🧰 friendship to relationship
Review:
This is such a great book! I was laughing out loud and was so invested in both plot lines in the book. This book deals heavily on sever anxiety and panic disorder. As someone who’s never dealt with that, it was very eye opening to see just how much internal struggle goes on in a person’s mind and how they cannot move passed those blocks without sever consequences internally.
The romance plot line was fantastic! Their banter was so cute and funny, so was their meet cute 😉😂 and all their interactions with Micheal trying to follow his ‘rule book’ and failing miserably 😂
Side note, Micheal and his relationship with his brother was hilarious and seemed very realistic too 😂 you have to read it to find out more 😁
***I have received this book as an arc in exchange for an honest review***
Tropes:
🧰 sever anxiety/panic disorder
🧰 neighbors
🧰 “meet cute” 😂
🧰 banter
🧰 friendship to relationship
Review:
This is such a great book! I was laughing out loud and was so invested in both plot lines in the book. This book deals heavily on sever anxiety and panic disorder. As someone who’s never dealt with that, it was very eye opening to see just how much internal struggle goes on in a person’s mind and how they cannot move passed those blocks without sever consequences internally.
The romance plot line was fantastic! Their banter was so cute and funny, so was their meet cute 😉😂 and all their interactions with Micheal trying to follow his ‘rule book’ and failing miserably 😂
Side note, Micheal and his relationship with his brother was hilarious and seemed very realistic too 😂 you have to read it to find out more 😁
***I have received this book as an arc in exchange for an honest review***
January 29, 2025
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is book 3 in the I Heart New York Series and can be read as a standalone. White Picket Defense is told through Michael and Rosie's pov and is a wonderful romcom about healing and falling in love.
CW: anxiety and panic attacks
Spice: descriptive kisses that don't get too heated
With the opening sentence it's easy to be hooked and want to keep reading to find out what is going. Rosie and Michael are likable characters so you will be invested in their individual journeys. I loved how Rosie had an upbeat attitude and was determined to make Michael smile. He may have been a grump but I liked how he couldn't stop himself from caring about her. While their romance was a slow burn, it was full of cute banter, chemistry, and worth the wait for their true feelings to be revealed. Aside from the romance, I really enjoyed how both Rosie and Michael had to confront things in their lives to heal. Overall, this was a great story that I will gladly recommend.
CW: anxiety and panic attacks
Spice: descriptive kisses that don't get too heated
With the opening sentence it's easy to be hooked and want to keep reading to find out what is going. Rosie and Michael are likable characters so you will be invested in their individual journeys. I loved how Rosie had an upbeat attitude and was determined to make Michael smile. He may have been a grump but I liked how he couldn't stop himself from caring about her. While their romance was a slow burn, it was full of cute banter, chemistry, and worth the wait for their true feelings to be revealed. Aside from the romance, I really enjoyed how both Rosie and Michael had to confront things in their lives to heal. Overall, this was a great story that I will gladly recommend.
January 31, 2025
I needed a lighthearted read and this definitely was that. :) I went into it blind, not knowing the author and only reading about half the synopsis, and i think I’ll say it paid off! Some scenes I do admit made me uncomfortable, but I was prepared and expecting them. Rosie’s jokes were lame(in the best way!) at times but they definitely made me chuckle 😄 and the garage scene literally made me laugh out loud 😂 Glad I took the chance regardless.
January 9, 2025
I received a complimentary ecopy, and all the thoughts expressed are my own and freely given.
A 5 🌟 read for me
This book was fun and sweet with so much heart. This couple has the funniest meet cute! 🤣 I appreciate that anxiety was discussed in a thoughtful manner. I adored how Micheal wasn't put off by her anxiety. 💕
A 5 🌟 read for me
This book was fun and sweet with so much heart. This couple has the funniest meet cute! 🤣 I appreciate that anxiety was discussed in a thoughtful manner. I adored how Micheal wasn't put off by her anxiety. 💕
February 16, 2025
This book was adorable.
I loved the characters and their interactions together- there was a lot of chemistry between them. There was romance with plenty of humor (which I love).
Rosie was adorable-it was interesting learning about her struggles with anxiety.
Michael showed a lot of character growth which was fun to see.
This was some great writing with believable scenarios/dialogue.
I loved the characters and their interactions together- there was a lot of chemistry between them. There was romance with plenty of humor (which I love).
Rosie was adorable-it was interesting learning about her struggles with anxiety.
Michael showed a lot of character growth which was fun to see.
This was some great writing with believable scenarios/dialogue.
January 2, 2025
Highly enjoyed reading this book. It is different to what I usually read, and it kept my attention the whole way through.
Loved all the cheesy jokes and following along Michael’s and Rosie’s journey.
Would recommend everyone reads it, and will be reading more of Brooke’s books
Loved all the cheesy jokes and following along Michael’s and Rosie’s journey.
Would recommend everyone reads it, and will be reading more of Brooke’s books
January 26, 2025
This book is absolutely lovely 🤩 And I love Brooke's writing. If she writes it, I will read it!
This was one of the sweetest, cutest, hilarious romances I've read in a while. The book is well written, and is smooth sailing and has the greatest characters.
I absolutely enjoyed the not-so-cute meet cute *wink* and the transformation from enemies to lovers. The book also has one of the most hilarious scenes I have read, which I wish I could see in a series or movie (I am hoping, I am hoping).
I loved how Brooke represented Rosie's anxiety and how she slowly begins to trust Michael and how Michael learns to accept his faults and learns to grow.
I am already looking forward to the next book by Brooke ☺️
This was one of the sweetest, cutest, hilarious romances I've read in a while. The book is well written, and is smooth sailing and has the greatest characters.
I absolutely enjoyed the not-so-cute meet cute *wink* and the transformation from enemies to lovers. The book also has one of the most hilarious scenes I have read, which I wish I could see in a series or movie (I am hoping, I am hoping).
I loved how Brooke represented Rosie's anxiety and how she slowly begins to trust Michael and how Michael learns to accept his faults and learns to grow.
I am already looking forward to the next book by Brooke ☺️
January 25, 2025
What a cute story! It made me smile a whole lot, just so many fun little situations!
And I loved that these two found their safe place with another person! Everyone deserves that! ❤️🥹
And I loved that these two found their safe place with another person! Everyone deserves that! ❤️🥹
January 28, 2025
Loved it!
This was one of my favorite books to read this month! I absolutely loved it. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
This was one of my favorite books to read this month! I absolutely loved it. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Want to read
February 5, 2025This book has been nominated for a 2025 Swoony Award, to vote for it click here: Swoony Awards.
February 5, 2025
Cute little clean romance! Rosie is our anxiety-riddled FMC who hates her job and Michael is our almost-made it athlete. These two neighbors bounce around each other, have multiple “meet-cutes”, until they learn to rely on each other.
February 15, 2025
Rosie has a secret. It’s one she keeps to herself because the minute others know, they treat her differently. Which only makes it worse.
Now if her hot new neighbor would just ignore her a bit…
Michael was confused with his gran leaving him her house. But moving next door to a literal ray of sunshine couldn’t burn him too badly could it?
Now if her hot new neighbor would just ignore her a bit…
Michael was confused with his gran leaving him her house. But moving next door to a literal ray of sunshine couldn’t burn him too badly could it?
January 29, 2025
✅ My thoughts:
What a fun, cozy story.
The main characters Rosie and Michael were perfect in so many ways. From their first encounter, you just knew sparks were going to fly. And, the corny, cheesy jokes? Had me laughing out loud!
I love a great romance with fun banter. White Picket Defense is a cute grumpy-sunshine read that will have you smiling and giggling.
Brooke Losee tackled the mental anxiety problems Rosie has with great insight.
#shortbookthyme
@shortbookthyme
What a fun, cozy story.
The main characters Rosie and Michael were perfect in so many ways. From their first encounter, you just knew sparks were going to fly. And, the corny, cheesy jokes? Had me laughing out loud!
I love a great romance with fun banter. White Picket Defense is a cute grumpy-sunshine read that will have you smiling and giggling.
Brooke Losee tackled the mental anxiety problems Rosie has with great insight.
#shortbookthyme
@shortbookthyme
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