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One More Chapter #1
The Tenacious Act
Our contractor declared bankruptcy and we now have to leave our bookstore opening into the hands of a professional hockey team.
Thankfully, the guys are also skilled off the ice and dedicated to help us make our dream come true.
Particularly, Maxime, my friend’s brother who’s a relentless flirt with a goofy personality.
And as hot as he might be, I don’t do boyfriends. Unless they’re made of ink and paper and have shifting abilities, I’m out.
Plus, I don’t get why Maxime Beaumont, a rising star in the NHL, would take an interest in me. I’m far from the gorgeous specimen asking for his autographs or throwing their bras on the ice.
But when I make the mistake of recommending books to him, he gets pointers from the best book boyfriends out there, and starts texting me about books, throwing words like HEA and tropes like it’s always been part of his vocabulary.
It was hard enough to resist him before but now I don’t think I stand a chance.
Houston: we might have a best friend’s brother situation on our hands.
The Tenacious Act is the first book of the One More Chapter series.
From bookstagram besties to bookstore owners, follow three bookish girls as they navigate their own real life romance drama in the hope of finding their HEA.
All books are standalones and can be read in any order.
Perfect for fans of:
✔️Best Friend’s Brother
✔️Hockey romance
✔️He pursues her
✔️Funny banter
✔️Sizzling chemistry
✔️Body positivity
✔️A dash of fake dating
✔️Closed door
Fans of sports romance, you’ll enjoy this story full of laughs and sizzling chemistry without the explicit scenes.
Thankfully, the guys are also skilled off the ice and dedicated to help us make our dream come true.
Particularly, Maxime, my friend’s brother who’s a relentless flirt with a goofy personality.
And as hot as he might be, I don’t do boyfriends. Unless they’re made of ink and paper and have shifting abilities, I’m out.
Plus, I don’t get why Maxime Beaumont, a rising star in the NHL, would take an interest in me. I’m far from the gorgeous specimen asking for his autographs or throwing their bras on the ice.
But when I make the mistake of recommending books to him, he gets pointers from the best book boyfriends out there, and starts texting me about books, throwing words like HEA and tropes like it’s always been part of his vocabulary.
It was hard enough to resist him before but now I don’t think I stand a chance.
Houston: we might have a best friend’s brother situation on our hands.
The Tenacious Act is the first book of the One More Chapter series.
From bookstagram besties to bookstore owners, follow three bookish girls as they navigate their own real life romance drama in the hope of finding their HEA.
All books are standalones and can be read in any order.
Perfect for fans of:
✔️Best Friend’s Brother
✔️Hockey romance
✔️He pursues her
✔️Funny banter
✔️Sizzling chemistry
✔️Body positivity
✔️A dash of fake dating
✔️Closed door
Fans of sports romance, you’ll enjoy this story full of laughs and sizzling chemistry without the explicit scenes.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 19, 2024
161 people are currently reading
537 people want to read
About the author
Marion De Ré
65 books277 followersMarion De Ré is a closed-door romantic comedy author. She lives in the French countryside with her husband and adorable cat. You can expect all your beloved tropes in her writing as well as a good dose of humor and all the feels. When she's not reading or writing, you can find her on a plane to a far-away destination.
Get a free story: http://www.subscribepage.io/bYvJRP
Find Marion on Instagram : www.instagram.com/marionderewrites
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
July 18, 2024
Thank you to Marion for my complimentary copy of The Tenacious Act. Book 1, One More Chapter Series. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I adored this book! It was my first hockey romance, and it did not disappoint. Maxime is the all around perfect book boyfriend. He's French, he cooks AND he plays hockey. What is there not to love?
Marion did her homework as all the hockey references are spot on. How do I know this? Because I am a proud Hockey Mom/Wife and my life revolved around the hockey rink for many years.
This book is a love letter to all the bookstagram besties who have always wanted to meet in real life and possibly open a book store. I cannot wait to read the other books and see what Marion has in store for me!
Bonus points to Marion for including my name, along with an entire group of amazing bookstagrammers in the chapters.
Perfect for readers who enjoy:
Best Friends Brother
Hockey Romance
Funny Banter
Sizzling Chemistry
Closed Door
I adored this book! It was my first hockey romance, and it did not disappoint. Maxime is the all around perfect book boyfriend. He's French, he cooks AND he plays hockey. What is there not to love?
Marion did her homework as all the hockey references are spot on. How do I know this? Because I am a proud Hockey Mom/Wife and my life revolved around the hockey rink for many years.
This book is a love letter to all the bookstagram besties who have always wanted to meet in real life and possibly open a book store. I cannot wait to read the other books and see what Marion has in store for me!
Bonus points to Marion for including my name, along with an entire group of amazing bookstagrammers in the chapters.
Perfect for readers who enjoy:
Best Friends Brother
Hockey Romance
Funny Banter
Sizzling Chemistry
Closed Door
September 1, 2024
A fluffy, closed door romance, perfect for bookish people. The story is fast-paced and easy to read and kind of short. All the characters are likeable and fun. It’s bubbly and overloaded with sweetness and there’s only a teeny tiny tension. Bookstores and hockey do match really well.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of the book.
July 18, 2024
Synopsis:
Hailey is a book lover and the men of her dreams are made of paper and ink. Until a charming hockey player, her friend’s brother, shows up to help in their bookstore.
Includes:
✨Best Friend’s Brother
✨Golden Retriever MMC
✨Bookstagrammers
✨He pursues her
✨Hockey Romance
✨Body Positivity
✨Dual POV
🌶️Heat Level:
Just (Fire) Kisses
Make Out Sessions
Mild Language
Attraction/Tension:🔥🔥🔥
My Opinion:
This is a beautiful love letter to bookstagram. The main characters represent the feelings of being in this community, and it’s a great start for anyone that want to understand how it works. I relate to Hailey in so many aspects that I've connected with her very quickly. I completely love a goofy and funny book boyfriend, and Maxime made me swoon so much. I love their story, their interactions and how their friendship grows beautifully.
I’m so honored to be in this story (when you read it, look for my name!). This community is amazing, made me learn so much, and I’m so happy to find amazing people in it. This book is deliciously fun.
TW:
*I received a free review copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.*
Hailey is a book lover and the men of her dreams are made of paper and ink. Until a charming hockey player, her friend’s brother, shows up to help in their bookstore.
Includes:
✨Best Friend’s Brother
✨Golden Retriever MMC
✨Bookstagrammers
✨He pursues her
✨Hockey Romance
✨Body Positivity
✨Dual POV
🌶️Heat Level:
Just (Fire) Kisses
Make Out Sessions
Mild Language
Attraction/Tension:🔥🔥🔥
My Opinion:
This is a beautiful love letter to bookstagram. The main characters represent the feelings of being in this community, and it’s a great start for anyone that want to understand how it works. I relate to Hailey in so many aspects that I've connected with her very quickly. I completely love a goofy and funny book boyfriend, and Maxime made me swoon so much. I love their story, their interactions and how their friendship grows beautifully.
I’m so honored to be in this story (when you read it, look for my name!). This community is amazing, made me learn so much, and I’m so happy to find amazing people in it. This book is deliciously fun.
TW:
*I received a free review copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.*
July 18, 2024
The Tenacious Acts is such a fun, engaging story! It's romantic and filled with book banter and humor. Not only is it a romance story, it is also a love story to bookstagram. If you love the community or love books in general this is one you need to read!
Three friends who are bookstagrammers and met online open a bookstore together. Maxime, who is a hockey player and brother of one of the girls, comes to help his sister and ends up falling for her friend Hayley. The problem is Hayley isn’t looking for a real boyfriend, only fictional ones, so Maxime starts reading the books Haley loves and starts getting pointers from her book boyfriends.
This is a story I pretty much devoured. It was fun and so easy to read. I fell in love with the book banter and the book trope talks. I found myself smiling and relating to everything. Maxime is such a sweetheart. He is attentive, flirty, and super swoony. Marion De Re certainly knows how to write the perfect book boyfriends. It's no wonder Hayley can’t help falling for him. 🙂
I love how passionate and excited Hayley got whenever she talked about books and it was so cute when she taught Maxime about her favorite tropes. Maxime took it to heart and started reading all the books she loved, then proceeded to ask her on a fake date when she needs to show up with a boyfriend to her mom’s birthday party and he is hoping the fake date will lead to a real one. I just loved it! The book also has a theme of body positivity as Hayley thinks that a hockey player wouldn’t see her stronger body build as attractive and Maxime helps her see herself the way he sees her, beautiful. He falls for her fast and hard and is just so sweet and encouraging throughout the story. I also loved everything about the bookstore the girls opened, especially the “Sorry I’m reading sign” for when it was closed. A bookstore like this really needs to exist.
Things to love:
Best friends brother
Bookstagrammers
Perfect cinnamon roll MMC
Hockey romance
Body Positivity
Fake Dating
The kisses
Date to the Hockey arena
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Content Awareness: Makeouts, loss of a parent in the past
Three friends who are bookstagrammers and met online open a bookstore together. Maxime, who is a hockey player and brother of one of the girls, comes to help his sister and ends up falling for her friend Hayley. The problem is Hayley isn’t looking for a real boyfriend, only fictional ones, so Maxime starts reading the books Haley loves and starts getting pointers from her book boyfriends.
This is a story I pretty much devoured. It was fun and so easy to read. I fell in love with the book banter and the book trope talks. I found myself smiling and relating to everything. Maxime is such a sweetheart. He is attentive, flirty, and super swoony. Marion De Re certainly knows how to write the perfect book boyfriends. It's no wonder Hayley can’t help falling for him. 🙂
I love how passionate and excited Hayley got whenever she talked about books and it was so cute when she taught Maxime about her favorite tropes. Maxime took it to heart and started reading all the books she loved, then proceeded to ask her on a fake date when she needs to show up with a boyfriend to her mom’s birthday party and he is hoping the fake date will lead to a real one. I just loved it! The book also has a theme of body positivity as Hayley thinks that a hockey player wouldn’t see her stronger body build as attractive and Maxime helps her see herself the way he sees her, beautiful. He falls for her fast and hard and is just so sweet and encouraging throughout the story. I also loved everything about the bookstore the girls opened, especially the “Sorry I’m reading sign” for when it was closed. A bookstore like this really needs to exist.
Things to love:
Best friends brother
Bookstagrammers
Perfect cinnamon roll MMC
Hockey romance
Body Positivity
Fake Dating
The kisses
Date to the Hockey arena
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Content Awareness: Makeouts, loss of a parent in the past
July 19, 2024
"The Tenacious Act" is one of those books you simply can't put down. I devoured it in one sitting, completely engrossed in its pages and feeling like part of the story. The plot follows three women-Alice, Haley, and Emma-whose shared love for books brings them together on Bookstagram. They become friends and decide to move to New York to open a bookshop. The narrative encapsulates everything a book lover cherishes.
As the trio works on opening their bookshop, readers experience their journey's highs and lows alongside them. From book discussions to dealing with a flaky contractor, you're right there with them. When things seem bleak, Alice's brother, Maxime, enters the scene. A hockey player who just joined the Brooklyn NHL team, Maxime brings a spark from the get-go, particularly with Haley. Their banter is both captivating and endearing, showing a side of flirtation that's incredibly attractive. Maxime's likable, cocky charm is balanced by his genuine heart, revealing a wonderful character beneath his playful exterior. And when he speaks in French, oh be still my heart! He will steal your heart!
Throughout the story, we watch him navigate his new team, pursue Haley, and support his sister. Haley's struggles with body image and self-esteem make her a relatable character. Despite her beauty, intelligence, and entrepreneurial success, she constantly feels inadequate due to her overbearing mother and not feeling pretty like other girls. Watching her struggle is poignant, reflecting a common issue many women face. Marion beautifully portrays Haley's growth, making her journey compelling. Alice is the sister everyone wants, gives great advice, teases you but loves you and shows up when you need her. Emma adds just the right amount of sass to the story. Though she may seem a bit tough at first, her caring and protective nature shines through. The characters' depth and realism infuse the story with charm, making it come alive.
This book is a romance reader's dream: it features a best friend's brother, a charming bookstore, endless book discussions, beloved tropes, a hockey romance, and an adorable bookstore cat named Mr. Darcy. I found myself glued to my iPad, reading late into the night with tea and chocolates, completely engrossed in this story.
Just when I thought I had found my favorite book of the year, Marion presented me with another gem for my favorites list. I never realized I needed a hockey romance until l read this story. The chemistry and banter between Maxime and Hayley, along with the character growth, were delightful. I was thrilled by the beautiful quotes, the book references, and how Hayley convinces Maxime to become a romance reader. The ending was perfect, but I won't spoil it for you. Trust me, you're going to love this book as much as I do!
Thank you Marion for my advanced copy of this book. I enjoyed being able to share my thoughts with others about the story.
As the trio works on opening their bookshop, readers experience their journey's highs and lows alongside them. From book discussions to dealing with a flaky contractor, you're right there with them. When things seem bleak, Alice's brother, Maxime, enters the scene. A hockey player who just joined the Brooklyn NHL team, Maxime brings a spark from the get-go, particularly with Haley. Their banter is both captivating and endearing, showing a side of flirtation that's incredibly attractive. Maxime's likable, cocky charm is balanced by his genuine heart, revealing a wonderful character beneath his playful exterior. And when he speaks in French, oh be still my heart! He will steal your heart!
Throughout the story, we watch him navigate his new team, pursue Haley, and support his sister. Haley's struggles with body image and self-esteem make her a relatable character. Despite her beauty, intelligence, and entrepreneurial success, she constantly feels inadequate due to her overbearing mother and not feeling pretty like other girls. Watching her struggle is poignant, reflecting a common issue many women face. Marion beautifully portrays Haley's growth, making her journey compelling. Alice is the sister everyone wants, gives great advice, teases you but loves you and shows up when you need her. Emma adds just the right amount of sass to the story. Though she may seem a bit tough at first, her caring and protective nature shines through. The characters' depth and realism infuse the story with charm, making it come alive.
This book is a romance reader's dream: it features a best friend's brother, a charming bookstore, endless book discussions, beloved tropes, a hockey romance, and an adorable bookstore cat named Mr. Darcy. I found myself glued to my iPad, reading late into the night with tea and chocolates, completely engrossed in this story.
Just when I thought I had found my favorite book of the year, Marion presented me with another gem for my favorites list. I never realized I needed a hockey romance until l read this story. The chemistry and banter between Maxime and Hayley, along with the character growth, were delightful. I was thrilled by the beautiful quotes, the book references, and how Hayley convinces Maxime to become a romance reader. The ending was perfect, but I won't spoil it for you. Trust me, you're going to love this book as much as I do!
Thank you Marion for my advanced copy of this book. I enjoyed being able to share my thoughts with others about the story.
July 31, 2024
I absolutely adored this nod to Bookstagram! A group of women brought together through Bookstagram becoming the best of friends! I am here for it all! The hunky hockey player is nice too ;) Excited to see what comes next!
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
August 13, 2024
Have you been bitten by the Hockey Romcom bug? I have, along with many other readers. This one by Marion De Re will have you turning the pages quickly. Not only does it have a NHL hockey player as the main male character, but you're in for a treat with a main female character who is a literature junky! Oh my heavens, I loved it all! The literary references had me smiling and trying to recognize them all. Most of them I knew and others are on my TBR!
I'm a sucker for a good Best Friend's Sibling trope and I loved how this one played out! You're going to love Maxime! He's the best! Honestly!
Hayley doesn't think she's anything special and she thinks she's not that great compared to other women. But I loved, loved, loved the theme of body positivity in this one. Especially Maxime and his goodness in helping Hayley in finding confidence in herself and being happy in being who she is. Loved it so much!
I copied this from the synopsis so you could see the tropes included:
✔️Best Friend’s Brother
✔️Hockey romance
✔️He pursues her
✔️Funny banter
✔️Sizzling chemistry
✔️Body positivity
✔️A dash of fake dating
✔️Closed door
What a great combination for this darling book! These two compliment each other so well. And all of the secondary characters were just as fun! Can't wait to see which of those characters get their own story so I can read them!!!
Content: Clean. There are kisses and there is chemistry but it was well written and clean.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
I'm a sucker for a good Best Friend's Sibling trope and I loved how this one played out! You're going to love Maxime! He's the best! Honestly!
Hayley doesn't think she's anything special and she thinks she's not that great compared to other women. But I loved, loved, loved the theme of body positivity in this one. Especially Maxime and his goodness in helping Hayley in finding confidence in herself and being happy in being who she is. Loved it so much!
I copied this from the synopsis so you could see the tropes included:
✔️Best Friend’s Brother
✔️Hockey romance
✔️He pursues her
✔️Funny banter
✔️Sizzling chemistry
✔️Body positivity
✔️A dash of fake dating
✔️Closed door
What a great combination for this darling book! These two compliment each other so well. And all of the secondary characters were just as fun! Can't wait to see which of those characters get their own story so I can read them!!!
Content: Clean. There are kisses and there is chemistry but it was well written and clean.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
July 12, 2024
The Tenacious Act is the most romancy romance book, it's like an ode to romance books everywhere. It's also a love story to bookstagram. The author actually referred to it as a love letter to Bookstagram in her author's note. So fitting.
Three friends meet on bookstagram and relocate to open a book store. One of the friend's brothers, who happens to play hockey, falls for Hayley, who wants nothing to do with him. It's a best friend's brother who falls first trope.
Throughout the story, Hayley educates him on all things romance and book related including trope education, TBR explanation and so much more.
Three friends meet on bookstagram and relocate to open a book store. One of the friend's brothers, who happens to play hockey, falls for Hayley, who wants nothing to do with him. It's a best friend's brother who falls first trope.
Throughout the story, Hayley educates him on all things romance and book related including trope education, TBR explanation and so much more.
August 8, 2024
I absolutely loved this book! It has all the things! Bookstagram, hockey, French speaking boy AND swoony kisses! Mon Amie! Read this book! I can’t wait for book 2!!!
Thank you to the author for this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own
Thank you to the author for this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own
February 4, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5 stars, rounded up)
GENRE
-sports romcom
CONTENT
-🤬: infrequent language (1 a, 2 d, 1 h and 3 instances of French profanity)
-❤️: some innuendo, makeouts
-⚠️: loss of parent (past)
This was just...okay for me. I'd heard it described as a love letter to Bookstagram which made me want to check it out! I did love all the nods to the bookish community and the fact that the three girls opening the No Shelf Control Bookshop are friends solely because of Booksta. I wish I had loved it more.
I felt like Maxime's feelings were really rushed. He had talked to Hayley only twice and he was thinking that he knew none of these other girls would light him up like sparring with Hayley does...but they'd literally spoken only twice. Also, I understand insecurities. I do. I'm human; I have plenty. But it felt like Hayley's were so overpowering. Girlfriend needs a lesson from Ilona Maher about how can have broad shoulders and still be feminine and beautiful STAT.
Favorite Quotes:
-“I do have a boyfriend,” she says, surprising me. “Many, actually. I’m not monogamous.” I almost choke on my saliva. Reining in my coughs, I scrunch my eyebrows. “Really? That’s interesting.” In truth, the idea of sharing her with anybody makes me want to crawl out of my skin. “Oh, yes.” She winks, and my pulse accelerates. “But don’t expect a spot on the roster. I prefer my men to be made of ink and paper.”
-She heaves a long sigh. “We have a best-friend’s-brother situation on our hands.” I snap my head toward her. “We do not!” I whisper-yell. “The fact that you’re looking for Alice and whispering tells me I’ve hit the mark. Come on. I read too many romance novels to not recognize one of my favorite tropes unfolding before my eyes.”
-Is there anything sexier than a man holding a stack of books? I don’t think so.
GENRE
-sports romcom
CONTENT
-🤬: infrequent language (1 a, 2 d, 1 h and 3 instances of French profanity)
-❤️: some innuendo, makeouts
-⚠️: loss of parent (past)
This was just...okay for me. I'd heard it described as a love letter to Bookstagram which made me want to check it out! I did love all the nods to the bookish community and the fact that the three girls opening the No Shelf Control Bookshop are friends solely because of Booksta. I wish I had loved it more.
I felt like Maxime's feelings were really rushed. He had talked to Hayley only twice and he was thinking that he knew none of these other girls would light him up like sparring with Hayley does...but they'd literally spoken only twice. Also, I understand insecurities. I do. I'm human; I have plenty. But it felt like Hayley's were so overpowering. Girlfriend needs a lesson from Ilona Maher about how can have broad shoulders and still be feminine and beautiful STAT.
Favorite Quotes:
-“I do have a boyfriend,” she says, surprising me. “Many, actually. I’m not monogamous.” I almost choke on my saliva. Reining in my coughs, I scrunch my eyebrows. “Really? That’s interesting.” In truth, the idea of sharing her with anybody makes me want to crawl out of my skin. “Oh, yes.” She winks, and my pulse accelerates. “But don’t expect a spot on the roster. I prefer my men to be made of ink and paper.”
-She heaves a long sigh. “We have a best-friend’s-brother situation on our hands.” I snap my head toward her. “We do not!” I whisper-yell. “The fact that you’re looking for Alice and whispering tells me I’ve hit the mark. Come on. I read too many romance novels to not recognize one of my favorite tropes unfolding before my eyes.”
-Is there anything sexier than a man holding a stack of books? I don’t think so.
July 18, 2024
I received an ARC from netgalley in exchange of an honest review. And I wanna thank the author for this copy of the book:
This was so cute and adorable. I loved it.
I loved all the characters and their dynamics.
Hayley had a lot of self image issues and I felt for her. It's not issue being a little diferent from all the other girls and just seeing all the diferences. I liked her attitude and her personality.
Maxime was swoon worthy, like a true book boyfriend. The way that man was into her and wanted just her from the moment he saw her was everything. He made her see herself the way he saw her and that was so perfect. I just loved how he loved her.
They made a very good couple, them being together made more than sense, it was meant to be.
And I'm so glad we didn't get a 3rd act breakup. Hayley was rational and got the information first before doing anything drastic and that's exactly what everyone should do
This was so cute and adorable. I loved it.
I loved all the characters and their dynamics.
Hayley had a lot of self image issues and I felt for her. It's not issue being a little diferent from all the other girls and just seeing all the diferences. I liked her attitude and her personality.
Maxime was swoon worthy, like a true book boyfriend. The way that man was into her and wanted just her from the moment he saw her was everything. He made her see herself the way he saw her and that was so perfect. I just loved how he loved her.
They made a very good couple, them being together made more than sense, it was meant to be.
And I'm so glad we didn't get a 3rd act breakup. Hayley was rational and got the information first before doing anything drastic and that's exactly what everyone should do
July 6, 2024
Wow this was such a cute read. This is Hayley and maxime story. Hayley and her friend want to open the bookstore, but the contractor declared bankruptcy, so now her best friend Emma brother and his hockey team are now there only hope to make the dream happen. This is my first close door romance it was good. There’s funny banter, a cat named mr darcey,best friend brother. Also body positivity.maxime was so charming to me
July 20, 2024
The Tenacious Act is the first book in a new series about bookstagrammer friends who are opening a book shop together in Brooklyn. Hayley meets her friend Alice’s brother (Maxime) who is in his rookie season in the NHL. The girls are trying to figure out how to handle renovations after their contractor declared bankruptcy. They have an attraction but Hayley is wary so she shuts Max down. Maxime can’t get Hayley out of his head so he convinces his NHL team to help with the renovations. Many cute and funny moments ensue between Hayley and Max while Hayley introduces Max to romance books and tropes. They even try some of the tropes out themselves. In the end there is a happily ever after. Warning there is a pseudo third act breakup. The thing I appreciated most about this book is the discussion on Hayley’s body image and how Maxime supports and empowers her. This is a must read and I will immediately add the other books in this series to my TBR as they come out!
July 21, 2024
3.7⭐️
Me gustó como poco a poco se fue dando la relación, poco a poco y tuvieron tiempo de conocerse.
Me encantó como se manejo el "problema" porque se pude apreciar como Hayley enfrento sus miedos.
Me gustó como poco a poco se fue dando la relación, poco a poco y tuvieron tiempo de conocerse.
Me encantó como se manejo el "problema" porque se pude apreciar como Hayley enfrento sus miedos.
July 25, 2024
✨“The second I laid eyes on you, I lost interest in every other woman on the planet. Never doubt that, to me, you’re the most gorgeous girl in the universe.”✨
This was definitely really cute, I loved the bookish talk & the fact the he actually read her favorite romance books?!? So sweet 🥺
This was definitely really cute, I loved the bookish talk & the fact the he actually read her favorite romance books?!? So sweet 🥺
July 18, 2024
Reader’s Notes:
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Hayley & Maxime‘s points of view
– Maxime & his sister are from France & sometimes have conversations in French; there is no direct translation given, but the reader can infer what kind of conversation they had based on the few sentences after each conversation
– there are some make-outs & one mentions a character’s hands going under the other’s shirt onto their lower back; there is a moment where it is mentioned that they want to have sex, but aren’t ready for it at that point (nothing else beyond this in the story)
– there are about 3 curse or not nice words
– it is mentioned that both characters lost a parent in the past
– there are some innuendos/suggestive comments
– Hayley struggles with thoughts about her body & how it could be desirable over someone that looks completely different from her
Review:
I’d rate this book more like 4.5 stars as something about the story sat as off for me (not really sure what though, despite thinking about it quite a bit afterwards). It could just have been how many times Maxime & his sister spoke in French and me not knowing exactly what they were saying or maybe something else.
But overall, I enjoyed the book! It is my first Marion De Re book and I am fairly interested in reading more (especially the next book of this particular series)! I really enjoyed the fact that tropes were such a big part of the storyline & their discussions. It was also interesting that Hayley was as aware of the tropes coming her way as she was. I loved that Maxime wanted to truly get to know Hayley better and took his sister’s advice to heart when it came to how to go about wooing Hayley. I loved that he took notes from her favorite book boyfriends in an attempt to have a better chance of winning her heart and that they worked for her. I also loved that Hayley’s self-consciousness of her body provided an opportunity for Maxime to make her feel loved as seen as herself.
Summary:
Hayley is excited to finally have her ultimate bookish dream come true in the form of her own book store with her besties. But when their contractor falls through after having set their opening date, things are looking way less likely to come together on time. That is until one of her bestie’s brother, Maxime, visits and comes back with a whole team of hockey players ready to finish getting the shop ready for opening day. If Hayley hadn’t already decided to swear off all dating – beyond her growing collection of book boyfriends – Maxime would have been a strong contender for her heart. As it is, their discussions of bookish terms and later bookish tropes has her falling much further than she believes she should…
Maxime is worried about the precariousness of his place on the team. With him being the newbie, he has to prove himself in order to make it onto the first string during the season. Maxime’s nerves already do a great job of making him a little off, but the team’s teasing has him almost through the roof. Luckily, he just met Hayley and she is someone fun to talk to. Much more fun to get to know than he’d ever thought it would be to get to know someone if Maxime was being honest. When the team catches wind of his growing feelings for her, they push Maxime to actually ask her out. And when Hayley refuses, Maxime finds that he’s that more determined to date her. Because this woman intrigues him like no one else… and she just might be the one person Maxime could want a forever with…
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Hayley & Maxime‘s points of view
– Maxime & his sister are from France & sometimes have conversations in French; there is no direct translation given, but the reader can infer what kind of conversation they had based on the few sentences after each conversation
– there are some make-outs & one mentions a character’s hands going under the other’s shirt onto their lower back; there is a moment where it is mentioned that they want to have sex, but aren’t ready for it at that point (nothing else beyond this in the story)
– there are about 3 curse or not nice words
– it is mentioned that both characters lost a parent in the past
– there are some innuendos/suggestive comments
– Hayley struggles with thoughts about her body & how it could be desirable over someone that looks completely different from her
Review:
I’d rate this book more like 4.5 stars as something about the story sat as off for me (not really sure what though, despite thinking about it quite a bit afterwards). It could just have been how many times Maxime & his sister spoke in French and me not knowing exactly what they were saying or maybe something else.
But overall, I enjoyed the book! It is my first Marion De Re book and I am fairly interested in reading more (especially the next book of this particular series)! I really enjoyed the fact that tropes were such a big part of the storyline & their discussions. It was also interesting that Hayley was as aware of the tropes coming her way as she was. I loved that Maxime wanted to truly get to know Hayley better and took his sister’s advice to heart when it came to how to go about wooing Hayley. I loved that he took notes from her favorite book boyfriends in an attempt to have a better chance of winning her heart and that they worked for her. I also loved that Hayley’s self-consciousness of her body provided an opportunity for Maxime to make her feel loved as seen as herself.
Summary:
Hayley is excited to finally have her ultimate bookish dream come true in the form of her own book store with her besties. But when their contractor falls through after having set their opening date, things are looking way less likely to come together on time. That is until one of her bestie’s brother, Maxime, visits and comes back with a whole team of hockey players ready to finish getting the shop ready for opening day. If Hayley hadn’t already decided to swear off all dating – beyond her growing collection of book boyfriends – Maxime would have been a strong contender for her heart. As it is, their discussions of bookish terms and later bookish tropes has her falling much further than she believes she should…
Maxime is worried about the precariousness of his place on the team. With him being the newbie, he has to prove himself in order to make it onto the first string during the season. Maxime’s nerves already do a great job of making him a little off, but the team’s teasing has him almost through the roof. Luckily, he just met Hayley and she is someone fun to talk to. Much more fun to get to know than he’d ever thought it would be to get to know someone if Maxime was being honest. When the team catches wind of his growing feelings for her, they push Maxime to actually ask her out. And when Hayley refuses, Maxime finds that he’s that more determined to date her. Because this woman intrigues him like no one else… and she just might be the one person Maxime could want a forever with…
July 16, 2024
📲 This book is so relatable to everyone on bookstagram for many reasons. First and most important reason, is that the book is dedicated to us and the theme of the book surrounds the bookstagram community and I think that’s so cute 🥹 Thank YOU!!!
I’m starting my own small business too and I have similar ideas to ‘No Shelf Control’ but it was so nice to read because through the whole books I kept saying SAME. SAME. SAME. SAME.
I also want to open a bookstore in the future where my mom bakes all the sweet goodies and helps me make warm fuzzy drinks while we set up the coziest place for people to come in and read books.. so I really can’t emphasize enough how endearing this book was
I felt like I could relate more to Emma than all the other girls. What really caught my eye with her was the method of choosing books. I hate reading the blurbs or synopses of books because I feel like it ruins it for me. I start expecting things and I hate it. I like going in blind. I thought I was the only one who does that, so it made me happy that Emma is like that too🙊
I love how Hayley’s insecurities were portrayed. It’s such a natural struggle with everyone, especially with girls though (that’s what I’ve seen - or it could be equally the same but girls show it more) and it felt good to read about it too. I like how authors see those struggles and interpret them in such a beautiful and comforting way with their own words without disguising the cruelty of this world
What I also really like in Marion’s books, is that not all the girls are thin or with a tight waist, or a perfect physique… no. She renders out characters with actual body images and thoughts and feelings and I think that’s just so real
OH AND, when he said ‘I need to make my girl proud’, I literally squealed and yelled out ‘YOU’RE GIRL????’ Ugh, boy do I love this man. He’s so attentive and detail oriented. His actions speak louder than his words. I love that. He’s the definition of ‘if he wanted to, he would’ and I absolutely adored that. What more can a girl as for?
I think this was my favorite book by you so far, but again I feel like I always say that so I don’t even know anymore😂 That’s me not even being biased, imagine if I was??🥵
I don’t know how you write books FASTER than I read but it sure is something to be hella proud of🤍
I’m starting my own small business too and I have similar ideas to ‘No Shelf Control’ but it was so nice to read because through the whole books I kept saying SAME. SAME. SAME. SAME.
I also want to open a bookstore in the future where my mom bakes all the sweet goodies and helps me make warm fuzzy drinks while we set up the coziest place for people to come in and read books.. so I really can’t emphasize enough how endearing this book was
I felt like I could relate more to Emma than all the other girls. What really caught my eye with her was the method of choosing books. I hate reading the blurbs or synopses of books because I feel like it ruins it for me. I start expecting things and I hate it. I like going in blind. I thought I was the only one who does that, so it made me happy that Emma is like that too🙊
I love how Hayley’s insecurities were portrayed. It’s such a natural struggle with everyone, especially with girls though (that’s what I’ve seen - or it could be equally the same but girls show it more) and it felt good to read about it too. I like how authors see those struggles and interpret them in such a beautiful and comforting way with their own words without disguising the cruelty of this world
What I also really like in Marion’s books, is that not all the girls are thin or with a tight waist, or a perfect physique… no. She renders out characters with actual body images and thoughts and feelings and I think that’s just so real
OH AND, when he said ‘I need to make my girl proud’, I literally squealed and yelled out ‘YOU’RE GIRL????’ Ugh, boy do I love this man. He’s so attentive and detail oriented. His actions speak louder than his words. I love that. He’s the definition of ‘if he wanted to, he would’ and I absolutely adored that. What more can a girl as for?
I think this was my favorite book by you so far, but again I feel like I always say that so I don’t even know anymore😂 That’s me not even being biased, imagine if I was??🥵
I don’t know how you write books FASTER than I read but it sure is something to be hella proud of🤍
July 26, 2024
This endearing book is a perfect blend of humor, heart, and romance. The chemistry between Hayley and Maxime is palpable, and their interactions are filled with witty banter that keeps the reader entertained. The absence of unnecessary drama is refreshing, as the characters handle conflicts with maturity and understanding. One notable instance is when Hayley, instead of jumping to conclusions, takes the time to analyze the situation and listen to Maxime's side of the story, showcasing a realistic and healthy approach to relationship issues.
The story also beautifully highlights the power of romance books and the various tropes that make them so beloved. Hayley's journey of self-acceptance and finding love in the real world, with the help of her favorite romance novels, is both relatable and inspiring. Maxime's genuine admiration and love for Hayley, along with his determination to win her over, make him a truly swoon-worthy hero.
Features:
First in a series of standalone books: Each book in the series focuses on different characters but shares the common theme of friendship and romance.
Best friend's brother trope: Adds an extra layer of tension and excitement to the romance.
Dual POV: Provides insight into both Hayley's and Maxime's thoughts and feelings, enhancing the reader's connection to the characters.
He falls first: A charming twist that adds depth to Maxime's character.
Hockey player MMC: Maxime's athleticism and playful nature make him an appealing hero.
Bookstagrammer and bookstore owner FMC: Hayley's love for books and her dream of opening a bookstore make her a relatable and endearing heroine.
Titled chapters: A thoughtful detail that adds to the book's charm.
The power of romance books and their tropes: Celebrates the magic and influence of romance novels.
A cat named Mr. Darcy: Adds a delightful touch of humor and charm to the story.
This book is a feel-good read that will leave you wanting to join Bookstagram and dive into your own hockey romance era. It's a perfect start to a series that promises to celebrate the love of books and the joy of finding romance in unexpected places.
I loved every minute of it and feel so honoured to have been accepted to read it!
The story also beautifully highlights the power of romance books and the various tropes that make them so beloved. Hayley's journey of self-acceptance and finding love in the real world, with the help of her favorite romance novels, is both relatable and inspiring. Maxime's genuine admiration and love for Hayley, along with his determination to win her over, make him a truly swoon-worthy hero.
Features:
First in a series of standalone books: Each book in the series focuses on different characters but shares the common theme of friendship and romance.
Best friend's brother trope: Adds an extra layer of tension and excitement to the romance.
Dual POV: Provides insight into both Hayley's and Maxime's thoughts and feelings, enhancing the reader's connection to the characters.
He falls first: A charming twist that adds depth to Maxime's character.
Hockey player MMC: Maxime's athleticism and playful nature make him an appealing hero.
Bookstagrammer and bookstore owner FMC: Hayley's love for books and her dream of opening a bookstore make her a relatable and endearing heroine.
Titled chapters: A thoughtful detail that adds to the book's charm.
The power of romance books and their tropes: Celebrates the magic and influence of romance novels.
A cat named Mr. Darcy: Adds a delightful touch of humor and charm to the story.
This book is a feel-good read that will leave you wanting to join Bookstagram and dive into your own hockey romance era. It's a perfect start to a series that promises to celebrate the love of books and the joy of finding romance in unexpected places.
I loved every minute of it and feel so honoured to have been accepted to read it!
July 20, 2024
A romance book about romance books... And an ode to Bookstagram.
This series will feature three girls who become friends thanks to Bookstagram. Their bond was so strong that they planed to move to the same city and open the romance bookstore of their dreams. This first book features Hayley, a strong and witty girl who loves fantasy romance. Bad experiences and mom's criticism has made her insecure about her image, since she is in the strong and athletic side, she doesn't feel quite femenine. That had left her to leave romance to the fantastic worlds she gets into. Enters Maxime, a hockey player and brother of her best friend Alice. Since the moment he went to visit Alice in their soon to be library, he gets hocked up. But thanks to his playful self and charming hockey player cockiness (plus her bad experiences) Hayley just can't believe he is actually interested in her.
Maxime uses all his charm, but can't get pass the friendship barrier (He takes it but wants more). But thanks to their friendship he puts his hands in the ultimate weapon to get in her graces... Romance books!
Aimed with swoony tricks and dreamy heros advices, their journey in pursuit of real romance begins.
An endearing book with lots of banter and without unnecessary drama (and the one time I was betting (😉) there would be some, once she cool down a bit, she analized all the facts and concluded she just needed to hear his side. And the whole team was there back him up).
This book will make you feel good (and left you wanting to be part of bookstagram... and wanting to enter your hockey romance era).
- First on a series of standalone books.
- Best friend's brother.
- Dual POV
- He falls first
- Hockey player MMC
- Bookstagramer and bookstore owner FMC
- Titled chapters (a detail a lot of authors don't trouble with anymore).
- The power of romance books and all their trophes.
- A cat named Mr. Darcy... What else do you need?
This series will feature three girls who become friends thanks to Bookstagram. Their bond was so strong that they planed to move to the same city and open the romance bookstore of their dreams. This first book features Hayley, a strong and witty girl who loves fantasy romance. Bad experiences and mom's criticism has made her insecure about her image, since she is in the strong and athletic side, she doesn't feel quite femenine. That had left her to leave romance to the fantastic worlds she gets into. Enters Maxime, a hockey player and brother of her best friend Alice. Since the moment he went to visit Alice in their soon to be library, he gets hocked up. But thanks to his playful self and charming hockey player cockiness (plus her bad experiences) Hayley just can't believe he is actually interested in her.
Maxime uses all his charm, but can't get pass the friendship barrier (He takes it but wants more). But thanks to their friendship he puts his hands in the ultimate weapon to get in her graces... Romance books!
Aimed with swoony tricks and dreamy heros advices, their journey in pursuit of real romance begins.
An endearing book with lots of banter and without unnecessary drama (and the one time I was betting (😉) there would be some, once she cool down a bit, she analized all the facts and concluded she just needed to hear his side. And the whole team was there back him up).
This book will make you feel good (and left you wanting to be part of bookstagram... and wanting to enter your hockey romance era).
- First on a series of standalone books.
- Best friend's brother.
- Dual POV
- He falls first
- Hockey player MMC
- Bookstagramer and bookstore owner FMC
- Titled chapters (a detail a lot of authors don't trouble with anymore).
- The power of romance books and all their trophes.
- A cat named Mr. Darcy... What else do you need?
August 24, 2024
This one really is a love letter to Bookstagram. I loved all the details and I felt so seen through the entire book...ALL of my favorite things in one story. It's got all the genres, bookish lingo, and tropes...and it's a hockey romance to boot. Marion always does a great job, but this one is next level...an absolute must-read for romance lovers!
Hayley...I really enjoyed Marion's different take on body positivity with this FMC. I love a good curvy heroine because that's my reality, but I loved the different representation with Hayley having a strong, athletic build. I also loved how Hayley was brave enough to break out of her mother's world and fight for her own happiness (translated: opening her own bookstore with her best friends). I also appreciated that Hayley didn't just give in to Maxime right away. She made him really work to show her that he was for real. Smart girl.
Maxime...This guy seemed to be a bit immature and concerned mainly about having a good time at the beginning. In reality, Max ended up having a ton of depth and authenticity. I honestly love when I'm wrong about a character and the author makes my opinion totally change as I read. By the end, he was just the swooniest and I adored how he fought for and treasured Hayley.
Things I loved:
❤️The entire idea of opening a romance bookstore with your besties (what an absolute dream)
❤️All the bookish lingo and details
❤️The representation of so many romance genres
❤️All the tropes
❤️Mr. Darcy (even though I'm not a cat person)
❤️Hockey (it's just my absolute favorite sports romance)
❤️Maxime charming Hayley's mom
❤️Great banter
❤️French language/mentions
❤️He reads to get closer to her 😍
❤️Low key found family vibes
❤️Sneak peeks at Alice's story
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️
Thank you to NetGalley, Marion De Ré, and the Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for my free ebook. All opinions included here are my own!
Hayley...I really enjoyed Marion's different take on body positivity with this FMC. I love a good curvy heroine because that's my reality, but I loved the different representation with Hayley having a strong, athletic build. I also loved how Hayley was brave enough to break out of her mother's world and fight for her own happiness (translated: opening her own bookstore with her best friends). I also appreciated that Hayley didn't just give in to Maxime right away. She made him really work to show her that he was for real. Smart girl.
Maxime...This guy seemed to be a bit immature and concerned mainly about having a good time at the beginning. In reality, Max ended up having a ton of depth and authenticity. I honestly love when I'm wrong about a character and the author makes my opinion totally change as I read. By the end, he was just the swooniest and I adored how he fought for and treasured Hayley.
Things I loved:
❤️The entire idea of opening a romance bookstore with your besties (what an absolute dream)
❤️All the bookish lingo and details
❤️The representation of so many romance genres
❤️All the tropes
❤️Mr. Darcy (even though I'm not a cat person)
❤️Hockey (it's just my absolute favorite sports romance)
❤️Maxime charming Hayley's mom
❤️Great banter
❤️French language/mentions
❤️He reads to get closer to her 😍
❤️Low key found family vibes
❤️Sneak peeks at Alice's story
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️
Thank you to NetGalley, Marion De Ré, and the Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for my free ebook. All opinions included here are my own!
August 27, 2024
“‘Books provide everything I need, every emotion a human being can feel – joy, pain, frustration, anger, longing, fear, hope. And my book boyfriends never lie, disappoint, or betray me. I always know the HEA is just around the corner.’” This was a fantastic book. I enjoyed it so very much. It was a fun read. This book is both a love letter to the romance reader/bookstagram community, and a pretty in-depth explanation of it, built around a lovely romance story. Best friends, a brother, and hockey all came into play in this love story between Hayley and Maxime. Hayley and her two best friends were preparing to open a romance-focused bookstore. Her friend Alice’s brother Maxime, a professional hockey player and his teammates helped them with the work. Maxime was instantly interested in Haley, but she was insecure and reluctant. “I’m focussed on building this business with my friends. We are not in a romance novel. This is women’s fiction. It has to be.“
The romance had excellent development and intensity, even as Hayley resisted it. Some really lovely moments. I enjoyed the characters in the story. They were a lot of fun. I loved the special friendship between the women and the team camaraderie. Hayley dealt with many of the insecurities that women experience and it was addressed well. Plus it provided some extra swoony moments from Maxime. Speaking of great book boyfriends…it was fun to have a very small reverse age gap in the story. And now, the bet. It is the truth universally acknowledged that a bet in a romance story will come back to haunt you. I thought this story used the bet for the drama but then dealt with it in a way that didn’t blow it out of proportion like so many books do. Hallelujah. This story includes elements that involve death and grief. This is a closed door romance with some light innuendo and a few instances of mild harsh language.
The romance had excellent development and intensity, even as Hayley resisted it. Some really lovely moments. I enjoyed the characters in the story. They were a lot of fun. I loved the special friendship between the women and the team camaraderie. Hayley dealt with many of the insecurities that women experience and it was addressed well. Plus it provided some extra swoony moments from Maxime. Speaking of great book boyfriends…it was fun to have a very small reverse age gap in the story. And now, the bet. It is the truth universally acknowledged that a bet in a romance story will come back to haunt you. I thought this story used the bet for the drama but then dealt with it in a way that didn’t blow it out of proportion like so many books do. Hallelujah. This story includes elements that involve death and grief. This is a closed door romance with some light innuendo and a few instances of mild harsh language.
June 30, 2024
4.25 stars
The Tenacious Act is the first in a new series by Marion De Ré following a group of Bookstagram Besties who decide to pursue their dream of opening up a bookstore together. The first installment follows Hayley, the resident fantasy and paranormal romance reader, and marketing and design guru for the shop. When Maxime Beaumont, the brother of her friend and business partner Alice, stops by the shop one day as they are trying to figure out how to complete the construction tasks still left by their deadbeat contract, Maxime offers to have his hockey teammates come help, but zeros in on the spunky Hayley on particular. Hayley immediately writes him off as a playboy flirt due to her own insecurities about her not traditionally feminine body type. As they spend more time together completing projects for the shop, they become closer, and Maxime is relentless in his pursuit, though Hayley stays more guarded. I deeply related to Hayley's low self esteem as she was physically described exactly like me, tall with broad shoulders and a flat chest, thick waist, large calves, square jaw. At times, it made for difficult reading for me, making me dwell on my own negative thoughts about myself, but that just goes to show how well the author wrote the feelings of insecurity and unlovability Hayley grappled with. This was a super quick read that I finished in one short sitting, and while I related to Hayley's story more for the vulnerabilities we share, I am also looking forward to Emma's story because I related to her black cat personality. I loved all the Bookstagram references, the texting banter, the balance of tropes used without overdoing it, and Mr. Darcy might be the most perfect name for a bookstore cat ever.
The Tenacious Act is the first in a new series by Marion De Ré following a group of Bookstagram Besties who decide to pursue their dream of opening up a bookstore together. The first installment follows Hayley, the resident fantasy and paranormal romance reader, and marketing and design guru for the shop. When Maxime Beaumont, the brother of her friend and business partner Alice, stops by the shop one day as they are trying to figure out how to complete the construction tasks still left by their deadbeat contract, Maxime offers to have his hockey teammates come help, but zeros in on the spunky Hayley on particular. Hayley immediately writes him off as a playboy flirt due to her own insecurities about her not traditionally feminine body type. As they spend more time together completing projects for the shop, they become closer, and Maxime is relentless in his pursuit, though Hayley stays more guarded. I deeply related to Hayley's low self esteem as she was physically described exactly like me, tall with broad shoulders and a flat chest, thick waist, large calves, square jaw. At times, it made for difficult reading for me, making me dwell on my own negative thoughts about myself, but that just goes to show how well the author wrote the feelings of insecurity and unlovability Hayley grappled with. This was a super quick read that I finished in one short sitting, and while I related to Hayley's story more for the vulnerabilities we share, I am also looking forward to Emma's story because I related to her black cat personality. I loved all the Bookstagram references, the texting banter, the balance of tropes used without overdoing it, and Mr. Darcy might be the most perfect name for a bookstore cat ever.
July 24, 2024
An ode to Bookstagram
This is a delightful, sweet, non-angsty, clean closed door romance (with some serious swoon moments and sizzling kisses)! There’s no third act breakup. It’s the perfect palette cleanser and I read it in one sitting.
Hayley and her two Bookstagram besties, Alice and Emma, are a bit stuck trying to get their bookstore ready to open since they lost their contractor. Enter Alice’s brother, Maxime, who’s been busy getting ready for his rookie season with NHL’s New York Raptors. He feels bad that he hasn’t been there for Alice as much as he would like and has a teammate who might be able to help, so he volunteers to help. He’s also instantly attracted to Hayley and wants to get to know her.
When the Coach overhears, the whole team gets “volunteered”, but there’s no real complaining and the guys have fun helping out the ladies. Along the way, Max and Hayley develop a good relationship with a lot of witty banter. Hayley is cautious about guarding her heart, so it takes a bit for Max to convince her to take him seriously about dating, but they get there.
One of the things I loved most about the story is that because this is a bookish story, the characters are very aware of the tropes in a romance as they experience them and it’s called out in a way that’s fun for the reader.
Tropes to look forward to:
Hockey
Bookstagrammers
Best friend’s brother
Cinnamon roll MMC
Fake dating
He falls first and hard
Body image/body positivity
Dual POV
*There is previous loss of a parent for MMC & FMC and some light swearing in English and French
I was lucky enough to be granted an advance copy of this book for free. All of the thoughts and opinions are strictly my own and voluntary.
This is a delightful, sweet, non-angsty, clean closed door romance (with some serious swoon moments and sizzling kisses)! There’s no third act breakup. It’s the perfect palette cleanser and I read it in one sitting.
Hayley and her two Bookstagram besties, Alice and Emma, are a bit stuck trying to get their bookstore ready to open since they lost their contractor. Enter Alice’s brother, Maxime, who’s been busy getting ready for his rookie season with NHL’s New York Raptors. He feels bad that he hasn’t been there for Alice as much as he would like and has a teammate who might be able to help, so he volunteers to help. He’s also instantly attracted to Hayley and wants to get to know her.
When the Coach overhears, the whole team gets “volunteered”, but there’s no real complaining and the guys have fun helping out the ladies. Along the way, Max and Hayley develop a good relationship with a lot of witty banter. Hayley is cautious about guarding her heart, so it takes a bit for Max to convince her to take him seriously about dating, but they get there.
One of the things I loved most about the story is that because this is a bookish story, the characters are very aware of the tropes in a romance as they experience them and it’s called out in a way that’s fun for the reader.
Tropes to look forward to:
Hockey
Bookstagrammers
Best friend’s brother
Cinnamon roll MMC
Fake dating
He falls first and hard
Body image/body positivity
Dual POV
*There is previous loss of a parent for MMC & FMC and some light swearing in English and French
I was lucky enough to be granted an advance copy of this book for free. All of the thoughts and opinions are strictly my own and voluntary.
February 4, 2025
I'd never heard of this book (or author) until I randomly found this book on a Stuff Your Kindle link recently. I am *SO* glad that I did because I absolutely ADORED this book.
I generally stick to historical romances or things with a bit more heft to them, but this light-hearted romcom really hit the spot for me. It was mostly light, a little bit cheesy, yet still had just enough of the emotional ice pick to the heart that I need in a book.
The author was really good at describing the characters and scenery and I can very crisply visualize all of it in my head. The concept of the three bookstore owners who met on Bookstagram was such a cute idea, and it worked. I think it sounds like a dream to own a bookstore with two of my besties and I love how book-nerdy they all are, in different ways. Also, I would 100% shop at their store and would love to hang out in their reading nook and have a cuddle with Mr. Darcy. If I got to meet some of the hockey team, I wouldn't complain about that either...
I actually felt the entire time like I was truly discussing books with friends. I love talking about books with my friends, so I'm sure this has a lot to do with why I like it.
Regarding the actual MMC and FMC, I think they both had a lot of inner monologue regarding their insecurities, but I was happy to see them both overcome them. I love how goofy Maxime is (his fun comments, his dorky celebratory dances when he scores a goal, etc) and how much he tries to win Hayley over. He works so hard to show her how beautiful she is and to help her erase her body image issues that she's had her whole life. I love even more that he adopted her hobby in order to get to know more about her and to understand her passion for reading. Same for Hayley - I love that she supports his career and encourages him during his rookie year while he's finding his feet.
For anyone who has ever enjoyed sitting around chatting about their favorite books, I think this book is something you should definitely read. I have already sent the book to at least a dozen people.
I generally stick to historical romances or things with a bit more heft to them, but this light-hearted romcom really hit the spot for me. It was mostly light, a little bit cheesy, yet still had just enough of the emotional ice pick to the heart that I need in a book.
The author was really good at describing the characters and scenery and I can very crisply visualize all of it in my head. The concept of the three bookstore owners who met on Bookstagram was such a cute idea, and it worked. I think it sounds like a dream to own a bookstore with two of my besties and I love how book-nerdy they all are, in different ways. Also, I would 100% shop at their store and would love to hang out in their reading nook and have a cuddle with Mr. Darcy. If I got to meet some of the hockey team, I wouldn't complain about that either...
I actually felt the entire time like I was truly discussing books with friends. I love talking about books with my friends, so I'm sure this has a lot to do with why I like it.
Regarding the actual MMC and FMC, I think they both had a lot of inner monologue regarding their insecurities, but I was happy to see them both overcome them. I love how goofy Maxime is (his fun comments, his dorky celebratory dances when he scores a goal, etc) and how much he tries to win Hayley over. He works so hard to show her how beautiful she is and to help her erase her body image issues that she's had her whole life. I love even more that he adopted her hobby in order to get to know more about her and to understand her passion for reading. Same for Hayley - I love that she supports his career and encourages him during his rookie year while he's finding his feet.
For anyone who has ever enjoyed sitting around chatting about their favorite books, I think this book is something you should definitely read. I have already sent the book to at least a dozen people.
July 22, 2024
Alice , Hayley and Emma meet on Bookstagram and through their love of books become firm friends who all come to a momentous life changing decision . Combine their love of books and buy a bookstore in New York City. Maxime Beaumont is Alice’s brother, a rising star in the NHL so it’s a good thing for the girls . Because when their contractor goes bankrupt and walks off the job , they have strong burly IceHockey players to lend their muscle and support. Thank heavens they have skills off the ice too or they’d be deep in the doodoo…Maxime of course is a flirty French man with a goofy personality who happens to like cooking, a dream come true but not for guess who…. Only as hot as he is and all, Hayley doesn’t date , not ever at all , she’s more interested in where her book boyfriends take her and not to a ball. But of course there’s no faking her release with any of them , not that she’d have cause to …see that right there is her undoing because the clever Frenchman now knows what to do , while he’s chatting by text he’s getting book recommendations from her.Oops she’s just given him the manual that opens her up , her body’s last defences , the things she’s practiced well and knows set her going , are now in Maxine’s arsenal and he’s already got a cannon and a couple of balls ready to go to to extremes . Oh my ! Living the dream!…. …. No wonder she wants one more chapter from him as she’s getting close , because this conversation it’s funny and smart and well meant and those keywords are shooting straight to her core and leave her deliriously spent… but wanting an encore… Awesome ! Ahem , immersive storytelling that I found compelling with great writing style and perfect characters with their own traits . Well portrayed and described well. I’m leaving my review in my own words.
July 23, 2024
I loved this incredible romance. Everything about the book and the characters within were relatable to me. Three friends, who met on social media, have taken the leap and moved to New York to open a bookstore together. The name of their bookstore, No Shelf Control, even made me giddy. What a great name for a bookstore. When their contractor leaves them with an unfinished bookstore, they are panicked. Alice decides to ask her super hot brother, Maxime, a pro hockey player, for help. they get more help than they ever dreamed.
Maxime is immediately drawn to Hayley, who throws the walls up immediately. She is not interested in the flirtations of a playboy hockey superstar, who also happens to be her best friend's brother. Maxime, however, does not feel the same. He is intrigued and will not let up.
There were many cute/swoony scenes. One of my favorites was when he took her to the hockey rink to skate. He put her skates on like Cinderella. Be still my heart.
Hayley has body shamed herself into believing that she does look good enough for a handsome man like Maxime. The way that Maxime remedies this thinking is so heartwarming and sweet. He stole my heart from the beginning pages.
I inhaled this book. The witty banter between the hockey teammates was so funny and typical of male brotherhood. The loving actions between Maxime and Hayley will make your heart pitter patter. Everything about this book was top notch and incredible. This was romantic comedy at its finest.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Maxime is immediately drawn to Hayley, who throws the walls up immediately. She is not interested in the flirtations of a playboy hockey superstar, who also happens to be her best friend's brother. Maxime, however, does not feel the same. He is intrigued and will not let up.
There were many cute/swoony scenes. One of my favorites was when he took her to the hockey rink to skate. He put her skates on like Cinderella. Be still my heart.
Hayley has body shamed herself into believing that she does look good enough for a handsome man like Maxime. The way that Maxime remedies this thinking is so heartwarming and sweet. He stole my heart from the beginning pages.
I inhaled this book. The witty banter between the hockey teammates was so funny and typical of male brotherhood. The loving actions between Maxime and Hayley will make your heart pitter patter. Everything about this book was top notch and incredible. This was romantic comedy at its finest.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 29, 2024
The Tenacious Act. You know if I’m reviewing it, it’s going to be a swoony, closed-door romance. And it is, with a side of hockey and a huge ode to the bookstagram community!
This was my first book by Mario De Re` and I loved how she just jumped right into the flintiness and romance early on in the book. Maxime was immediately drawn to Hayley and he didn’t hold back, but neither did she…in letting him know she wasn’t interested. I enjoyed how things played out a little differently in certain parts than I expected (I don’t want to spoil anything).
The romance was awesome, but my favorite part was actually the bookstagram element. It was kind of like an actor breaking the fourth wall and acknowledging the audience in a way. A little different, but it made my bookstagram-loving heart so happy to have a group of booksta besties as the main female characters (and I’m assuming the other two besties will get their own love stories in the next books in the series). If you’re a fan of closed-door romance and love the bookstagram community, definitely read The Tenacious Act!
Read if you like:
- Best Friend’s Brother
- Bookstagram!
- Fake Dating
- Hockey Romance
- Flirty banter
Intimacy: Swoony Kisses Only
Language: Mild
Content Considerations: Death of a loved one (past)
Thank you to the author for the Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This was my first book by Mario De Re` and I loved how she just jumped right into the flintiness and romance early on in the book. Maxime was immediately drawn to Hayley and he didn’t hold back, but neither did she…in letting him know she wasn’t interested. I enjoyed how things played out a little differently in certain parts than I expected (I don’t want to spoil anything).
The romance was awesome, but my favorite part was actually the bookstagram element. It was kind of like an actor breaking the fourth wall and acknowledging the audience in a way. A little different, but it made my bookstagram-loving heart so happy to have a group of booksta besties as the main female characters (and I’m assuming the other two besties will get their own love stories in the next books in the series). If you’re a fan of closed-door romance and love the bookstagram community, definitely read The Tenacious Act!
Read if you like:
- Best Friend’s Brother
- Bookstagram!
- Fake Dating
- Hockey Romance
- Flirty banter
Intimacy: Swoony Kisses Only
Language: Mild
Content Considerations: Death of a loved one (past)
Thank you to the author for the Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
June 17, 2024
The Tenacious Act is a love letter to a bookstagrammer. It had so many elements that I could relate to. The bookish talk was amazing all throughout the book, the references, it was truly PERFECT. It was such a comfort read, that just made me escape and plunge into their bookish world. Also, I loved that the hockey was very present, multiple games, teammates, events. Absolutely amazing and highly bingeable!
The characters are the absolute icing on the cake. I could relate to Hayley so much, in regards to how she feels about her body, about her appearance, it felt so real, I felt her pain down to my core. Maxime Beaumont (I helped pick his name 😏), he is just a swoon fest, THIS MAN, I LOVE HIM!!! He is the absolute book boyfriend. He understood the assignment and what us bookish girls want!! The way he constantly validates and tells Hayley how beautiful and amazing she is, he just stole my heart completely. The chemistry between these two was palpable, their banter was hilarious.
I truly do not think Marion can write a bad book. But I'm pretty sure this series will become my new favorite. Her writing is always impeccable! Everything about the bookish world, the books, the bookstore, the friendships, the HEA, the bookstagram world, I just loved it all !! I'm obsessed if you can't tell 😅
✨️Thank you to @mariondere for my gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The characters are the absolute icing on the cake. I could relate to Hayley so much, in regards to how she feels about her body, about her appearance, it felt so real, I felt her pain down to my core. Maxime Beaumont (I helped pick his name 😏), he is just a swoon fest, THIS MAN, I LOVE HIM!!! He is the absolute book boyfriend. He understood the assignment and what us bookish girls want!! The way he constantly validates and tells Hayley how beautiful and amazing she is, he just stole my heart completely. The chemistry between these two was palpable, their banter was hilarious.
I truly do not think Marion can write a bad book. But I'm pretty sure this series will become my new favorite. Her writing is always impeccable! Everything about the bookish world, the books, the bookstore, the friendships, the HEA, the bookstagram world, I just loved it all !! I'm obsessed if you can't tell 😅
✨️Thank you to @mariondere for my gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 18, 2024
📚ARC Review 📚
The Tenacious Act ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hayley, Alice and Emma meet on Bookstagram, sharing their love for books. They became friends and are now are opening a bookstore together. What they didn’t expect was a hockey team would be helping with the construction. Thanks to Alice, her brother, Maxime, and his team are now working with them. This becomes a problem when Maxime notices Hayley. She could care less to have a boyfriend, she has plenty in books already, but Maxime is determined to get to know her. When she shares her love for books with him, he takes interest and becomes the best “book” boyfriend she will ever see.
A book about bookish themes/tropes? Yes, please!!
Yall this was so cute! I loved it!! I love how the characters came together to open a bookstore and how great it shows the community of Bookstagram. How you can relate to others by sharing what you love. I also loved the romance between Hayley and Maxime. They are perfect example of opposites attract. Their banter was cute and funny. I also liked how this book focused on body positivity and was closed door as well. It’s the perfect book for all those bookish girls! I can’t wait to read the next in this series.
Thank you to Marion De Re for my advanced readers copy. This is my honest and voluntary opinion.
The Tenacious Act ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hayley, Alice and Emma meet on Bookstagram, sharing their love for books. They became friends and are now are opening a bookstore together. What they didn’t expect was a hockey team would be helping with the construction. Thanks to Alice, her brother, Maxime, and his team are now working with them. This becomes a problem when Maxime notices Hayley. She could care less to have a boyfriend, she has plenty in books already, but Maxime is determined to get to know her. When she shares her love for books with him, he takes interest and becomes the best “book” boyfriend she will ever see.
A book about bookish themes/tropes? Yes, please!!
Yall this was so cute! I loved it!! I love how the characters came together to open a bookstore and how great it shows the community of Bookstagram. How you can relate to others by sharing what you love. I also loved the romance between Hayley and Maxime. They are perfect example of opposites attract. Their banter was cute and funny. I also liked how this book focused on body positivity and was closed door as well. It’s the perfect book for all those bookish girls! I can’t wait to read the next in this series.
Thank you to Marion De Re for my advanced readers copy. This is my honest and voluntary opinion.
July 22, 2024
The Tenacious Acts was just the cutest story!! And we really do get a two for one, so yes we got a love story full of all the things we love..but also it was a love letter to bookstagram.
Ok so three friends Haley, Emma and Alice meet via bookstagram and after forming a friendship they all decide to move to Warlington,and not only stay together but open up a bookstore. So weeks before they were set to open, their contractor quits. Luckily Alice’s hot hockey playing brother Maxine is around ends up having his hockey team help get everything done.
From the first time Maxine see Hayley he’s obsessed, but unfortunately Hayley is only interested in frictional boyfriends( same girl), so Maxime decides to start reading the books Haley loves and starts getting pointers from her book boyfriends and I wish more fellas would do this! Lol
I loved this book, I read it almost in one sitting.. I loved all the banter and book talk, everything was so relatable, reading this made me feel like I was at my bookclub meeting.. and It made love the bookstagram community so much more.
I loved how Haley started realizing her feelings and she caught them but not to much.. and when Maxime agreed to be her fake date, I fell in love with them! Thank you Maxime for making. Sure Haley knew she looked amazing just the way she was.. lastly I need a sorry I’m reading sign asap!!
Much like most book from this author, I highly recommend you read it!
Ok so three friends Haley, Emma and Alice meet via bookstagram and after forming a friendship they all decide to move to Warlington,and not only stay together but open up a bookstore. So weeks before they were set to open, their contractor quits. Luckily Alice’s hot hockey playing brother Maxine is around ends up having his hockey team help get everything done.
From the first time Maxine see Hayley he’s obsessed, but unfortunately Hayley is only interested in frictional boyfriends( same girl), so Maxime decides to start reading the books Haley loves and starts getting pointers from her book boyfriends and I wish more fellas would do this! Lol
I loved this book, I read it almost in one sitting.. I loved all the banter and book talk, everything was so relatable, reading this made me feel like I was at my bookclub meeting.. and It made love the bookstagram community so much more.
I loved how Haley started realizing her feelings and she caught them but not to much.. and when Maxime agreed to be her fake date, I fell in love with them! Thank you Maxime for making. Sure Haley knew she looked amazing just the way she was.. lastly I need a sorry I’m reading sign asap!!
Much like most book from this author, I highly recommend you read it!
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