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The Romantics #1
100 Lifetimes of Us
Every good baker has secret recipes, but that’s not the secret that could put Annie in danger.
To her quaint New England community, she’s the sweet owner of Annie’s Pies, but the world knows Annie Smith as someone else entirely.
When the threat moves closer to home, Annie must choose between life as she knows it or the unknown.
Miles Zhou is no stranger to a fight. A decade in the ring as an MMA fighter taught him a thing or two about adversity—and how to take down a threat quickly and quietly. He’s the perfect addition to the executive protection team at Keller & Associates.
Playing bodyguard to a small-town baker shouldn’t be a difficult job, but Annie Smith isn’t sugar and spice and everything nice.
She’s pies, lies, and in disguise.
_____________________
An ode to the romance genre with some fourth-wall-breaking goodness!
Get ready for Miles (a Croc-rocking, pink-drink-wielding, anytime-is-the-time-for-swim-trunks sunshine hero) to knock Annie (an anxiety-fueled ball of sarcastic nerves) on her rear. Literally.
100 Lifetimes of Us is a charming, low-angst rom-com that’ll have you laughing, crying, fanning yourself, and everything in between.
To her quaint New England community, she’s the sweet owner of Annie’s Pies, but the world knows Annie Smith as someone else entirely.
When the threat moves closer to home, Annie must choose between life as she knows it or the unknown.
Miles Zhou is no stranger to a fight. A decade in the ring as an MMA fighter taught him a thing or two about adversity—and how to take down a threat quickly and quietly. He’s the perfect addition to the executive protection team at Keller & Associates.
Playing bodyguard to a small-town baker shouldn’t be a difficult job, but Annie Smith isn’t sugar and spice and everything nice.
She’s pies, lies, and in disguise.
_____________________
An ode to the romance genre with some fourth-wall-breaking goodness!
Get ready for Miles (a Croc-rocking, pink-drink-wielding, anytime-is-the-time-for-swim-trunks sunshine hero) to knock Annie (an anxiety-fueled ball of sarcastic nerves) on her rear. Literally.
100 Lifetimes of Us is a charming, low-angst rom-com that’ll have you laughing, crying, fanning yourself, and everything in between.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2023
804 people are currently reading
3928 people want to read
About the author
Maggie C. Gates
24 books2,264 followersMaggie Gates writes raw, relatable, romance novels packed full of heat and humor. Maggie calls North Carolina home. In her spare time she enjoys daydreaming about her characters, jamming to country music, and eating all the barbecue and tacos she can find! Her Kindle is always within reach due to a love of small town romances that borders on obsession.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 437 reviews
June 18, 2023
4 💘💘💥💘🌟s
A wonderful and emotional romance read!!
Miles and Annie’s journey was so heartwarming!!!
Miles, a former MMA fighter, had a personality aspect I rarely find in heroes. He was extrovert and extremely talkative, without being tiring or dumb. His care for Annie captivated me
Annie was in contrast an introvert and insecure heroine and had anxiety issues. She was a romance author and owner of a pie shop.
Despite their different characters, they made such a great couple.😍
It was a very enjoyable read for me, a sweet rom com with a suspenseful touch.
I loved the cover!
A wonderful and emotional romance read!!
Miles and Annie’s journey was so heartwarming!!!
Miles, a former MMA fighter, had a personality aspect I rarely find in heroes. He was extrovert and extremely talkative, without being tiring or dumb. His care for Annie captivated me
Annie was in contrast an introvert and insecure heroine and had anxiety issues. She was a romance author and owner of a pie shop.
Despite their different characters, they made such a great couple.😍
It was a very enjoyable read for me, a sweet rom com with a suspenseful touch.
I loved the cover!
December 21, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up
Miles (H) made this book so enjoyable with his golden retriever energy and caring nature. Annie (h) was a super introvert and ball of anxiety who overthought everything. She really needed a cheerleader to open her eyes to her strengths and successes, which hello Miles! I appreciated how her anxiety was represented on page, while I also struggled a bit with it and really wish that therapy was mentioned. Annie’s a pie shop owner with a double life as a bestselling romance author and she's been receiving semi-threatening packages from an unknown person. Miles is the bodyguard hired to protect her and he shakes her world up, while also falling head over heels for her. He's the book boyfriend fantasy delivered who earned his spot on my favorite heroes shelf. Annie also grows and turned into a stronger character by the end, which I'm always a fan of. This book isn't perfect (no book is, I don't care what anyone says), but it has tons of quotable lines and scenes and had a huge smile on my face for much of it. The suspense does ramp up substantially close to the end and the humor disappears briefly, before our characters get their fulfilling HEA.
Written in first person, dual POV (plus a couple chapters from the villain’s POV). No ow/om drama (though the H does get jealous over a perceived interested om), and neither are virgins (H is a reformed manwhore from his UFC days that's only briefly mentioned and h did have a disappointing sex life where she couldn’t orgasm - she was too in her head and needed patience and removal of pressure, which the H provides, but I know some friends dislike this trope).
Miles brings such awesome wonders as outfits of swim trunks and crocs to professional situations, making Annie a fanny pack (he calls an Annie Pack) filled with things she needs as she attends book signings, has a slew of adorable nicknames for her, and is a shining light throughout. I loved him y'all, I realize that's clear. Annie was very cerebral and harder to get a handle on until she opened up more. She does come out of her shell at times, like when she's reconnecting with friends or when she's put on her author armor and is pretending to be that identity. The book was a little too meta when it came to romance books and the author lifestyle, though this might be a personal preference of mine. Some of the conversations Annie had with author friends or romance readers felt a little contrived. I'm also pretty certain that several of Annie's fans that show up, were also characters in this author's prior books, which was a little awkward imo.
Miles does have his more serious moments, including sometimes in the bedroom, though he also encourages having fun there. This book is pretty steamy and Miles helps Annie get out of her head during those scenes. There's a small amount of kink here and there (she crawls to him, he ties her up, toys are used). I did feel their emotional intimacy was established before the physical since they were in forced proximity and it was obvious that they cared for and trusted each other. I was bummed that a couple of the first scenes involving kissing and making out ended abruptly.
Most of the side characters were fun and added superbly to the vibe of the story. Annie's assistant was also hard to get a handle on and some elements of her personality and past are hinted at, so maybe she's getting her own book in the future. Miles's family were awesome and I did love his coworkers. I believe they're getting set up for their own books, because they were on page a lot with hints at potential love interests amongst them.
The book was too long for me so the pacing was affected. It does pick up when the suspense and danger do though. I also had some nitpicking about some of the protection details. The procedures weren't always consistent and some of what happens for the big final conflict left me a little confused.
The climax is a lot with some triggers and I was glued to the pages until our characters were safe again. I did like that the author doesn't immediately jump to the epilogue, but rather had some transition. I again wished that therapy was mentioned. But Annie and Miles had each other and all sorts of support around them. The epilogue is very much a HEA and a hilariously sweet one that gave me back my laughter and heart eyes. This was a bit uneven overall, but I really had a fantastic time with it.
Trigger warning:
Miles (H) made this book so enjoyable with his golden retriever energy and caring nature. Annie (h) was a super introvert and ball of anxiety who overthought everything. She really needed a cheerleader to open her eyes to her strengths and successes, which hello Miles! I appreciated how her anxiety was represented on page, while I also struggled a bit with it and really wish that therapy was mentioned. Annie’s a pie shop owner with a double life as a bestselling romance author and she's been receiving semi-threatening packages from an unknown person. Miles is the bodyguard hired to protect her and he shakes her world up, while also falling head over heels for her. He's the book boyfriend fantasy delivered who earned his spot on my favorite heroes shelf. Annie also grows and turned into a stronger character by the end, which I'm always a fan of. This book isn't perfect (no book is, I don't care what anyone says), but it has tons of quotable lines and scenes and had a huge smile on my face for much of it. The suspense does ramp up substantially close to the end and the humor disappears briefly, before our characters get their fulfilling HEA.
Written in first person, dual POV (plus a couple chapters from the villain’s POV). No ow/om drama (though the H does get jealous over a perceived interested om), and neither are virgins (H is a reformed manwhore from his UFC days that's only briefly mentioned and h did have a disappointing sex life where she couldn’t orgasm - she was too in her head and needed patience and removal of pressure, which the H provides, but I know some friends dislike this trope).
Miles brings such awesome wonders as outfits of swim trunks and crocs to professional situations, making Annie a fanny pack (he calls an Annie Pack) filled with things she needs as she attends book signings, has a slew of adorable nicknames for her, and is a shining light throughout. I loved him y'all, I realize that's clear. Annie was very cerebral and harder to get a handle on until she opened up more. She does come out of her shell at times, like when she's reconnecting with friends or when she's put on her author armor and is pretending to be that identity. The book was a little too meta when it came to romance books and the author lifestyle, though this might be a personal preference of mine. Some of the conversations Annie had with author friends or romance readers felt a little contrived. I'm also pretty certain that several of Annie's fans that show up, were also characters in this author's prior books, which was a little awkward imo.
Miles does have his more serious moments, including sometimes in the bedroom, though he also encourages having fun there. This book is pretty steamy and Miles helps Annie get out of her head during those scenes. There's a small amount of kink here and there (she crawls to him, he ties her up, toys are used). I did feel their emotional intimacy was established before the physical since they were in forced proximity and it was obvious that they cared for and trusted each other. I was bummed that a couple of the first scenes involving kissing and making out ended abruptly.
Most of the side characters were fun and added superbly to the vibe of the story. Annie's assistant was also hard to get a handle on and some elements of her personality and past are hinted at, so maybe she's getting her own book in the future. Miles's family were awesome and I did love his coworkers. I believe they're getting set up for their own books, because they were on page a lot with hints at potential love interests amongst them.
The book was too long for me so the pacing was affected. It does pick up when the suspense and danger do though. I also had some nitpicking about some of the protection details. The procedures weren't always consistent and some of what happens for the big final conflict left me a little confused.
The climax is a lot with some triggers and I was glued to the pages until our characters were safe again. I did like that the author doesn't immediately jump to the epilogue, but rather had some transition. I again wished that therapy was mentioned. But Annie and Miles had each other and all sorts of support around them. The epilogue is very much a HEA and a hilariously sweet one that gave me back my laughter and heart eyes. This was a bit uneven overall, but I really had a fantastic time with it.
Trigger warning:
November 29, 2025
хороша, солоденька історія. мені сподобалося, наскільки милі (не рахуючи ліжка) взаємодії були між героями від самого початку: скільки підтримки і чудових слів. схоже, що троп з охоронцем вийшов на новий рівень, бо це було ніби мати додатково ще й безкоштовного терапевта, який завжди каже правильні речі. або ж це просто має бути Майлз Чжоу - татуйована булочка з корицею, і тоді все йде в одному пакеті :)
Енні, головна героїня, добре поруч із ним розкрила свою найкращу сторону, яку так довго приховувала від світу.
загалом враження хороші - 4/5 ⭐️
Енні, головна героїня, добре поруч із ним розкрила свою найкращу сторону, яку так довго приховувала від світу.
загалом враження хороші - 4/5 ⭐️
April 4, 2024
4.5 stars for a great spin on the bodyguard trope!!
Annie, aka Whitney West, is a pie shop owner. But really, she is a famous romance author using a pen name to remain anonymous and keep her life private. But when mysterious, threatening packages keep showing up at her doorstep right as she is about to leave for an across-the-country book tour, she begins to worry for her safety.
Enter, Miles.
Usually in books like this, the MMC is a grumpy, broody spoilsport who hates everyone. Not Miles!! As Annie says in the book, he has the personality of a hyperactive dolphin. He smiles and jokes and just wants to spread the love around. A former MMA fighter turned bodyguard, he keeps the mood light while managing to be freakishly good at his job. He was attentive, keeping an "Annie pack" (fanny pack) full of everything she could possibly need on him at all times. He talked her down from panic attacks, kept her safe, and made her (and me) laugh.
He also kept using her name in wordplay nicknames like "Annie-kin Skywalker," "Annie of Green Gables," "Hanni-bal Lector."
It was just very amusing.
When you have a character like Annie, who has been told her whole life how boring and mundane she is, and has never truly been loved, and one like Miles, who loves her like breathing, you get a love story that makes you want to scream and cry and giggle and kick your feet.
I swear Maggie Gates puts something addictive in her books. The way she writes characters is so captivating. They're dynamic, experiencing the full spectrum of emotions and they just feel so real. Even her side characters have such amazing stories. I want a book for each and every one of them. For Ophelia, and all of the people Miles worked with. I am praying she is going to write them each their own book.
If y'all take ANYTHING from my reviews, PLEASE read something by this author. She is CRIMINALLY underrated😭
If Maggie Gates has 1 fan it’s me, if Maggie Gates has 0 fans I’m dead.
If you need me I'll be reading her entire backlist.
Annie, aka Whitney West, is a pie shop owner. But really, she is a famous romance author using a pen name to remain anonymous and keep her life private. But when mysterious, threatening packages keep showing up at her doorstep right as she is about to leave for an across-the-country book tour, she begins to worry for her safety.
Enter, Miles.
Usually in books like this, the MMC is a grumpy, broody spoilsport who hates everyone. Not Miles!! As Annie says in the book, he has the personality of a hyperactive dolphin. He smiles and jokes and just wants to spread the love around. A former MMA fighter turned bodyguard, he keeps the mood light while managing to be freakishly good at his job. He was attentive, keeping an "Annie pack" (fanny pack) full of everything she could possibly need on him at all times. He talked her down from panic attacks, kept her safe, and made her (and me) laugh.
He also kept using her name in wordplay nicknames like "Annie-kin Skywalker," "Annie of Green Gables," "Hanni-bal Lector."
It was just very amusing.
When you have a character like Annie, who has been told her whole life how boring and mundane she is, and has never truly been loved, and one like Miles, who loves her like breathing, you get a love story that makes you want to scream and cry and giggle and kick your feet.
I swear Maggie Gates puts something addictive in her books. The way she writes characters is so captivating. They're dynamic, experiencing the full spectrum of emotions and they just feel so real. Even her side characters have such amazing stories. I want a book for each and every one of them. For Ophelia, and all of the people Miles worked with. I am praying she is going to write them each their own book.
If y'all take ANYTHING from my reviews, PLEASE read something by this author. She is CRIMINALLY underrated😭
If Maggie Gates has 1 fan it’s me, if Maggie Gates has 0 fans I’m dead.
If you need me I'll be reading her entire backlist.
April 16, 2025
Нічо нового, Меггі пішла поза чергою і я знову отримала задоволення від читання 🥰 вчора 20%, а сьогодні залишок, і ааааа це було тааак харашооо 😍 мені сподобалось всьоооо - дуже класні герої, їх історія та розвиток стосунків
Багато гумору і милих моментів, а ще дуже гаряче. І о боже, який тут дбайливий в усіх сенсах! цього слова чоловік, ну Майлз справді просто бусінка і моя любовна любов! Енні 🥹 всі її страхи, переживання, відбитки минулого і те, як вони разом з цим справлялись ❤️🩹
Кульмінація з переслідувачем змусила мене понервувати, але все закінчилось добре
І які ж класнючі епілоги 🤩 короче, я довольна, 9/10
Багато гумору і милих моментів, а ще дуже гаряче. І о боже, який тут дбайливий в усіх сенсах! цього слова чоловік, ну Майлз справді просто бусінка і моя любовна любов! Енні 🥹 всі її страхи, переживання, відбитки минулого і те, як вони разом з цим справлялись ❤️🩹
Кульмінація з переслідувачем змусила мене понервувати, але все закінчилось добре
І які ж класнючі епілоги 🤩 короче, я довольна, 9/10
September 23, 2024
Did not connect with the characters at all. Miles was doing too much and making me cringe. Also his name was Miles — enough said. Didn’t really like Annie. don’t think I like the bodyguard trope either.
July 17, 2025
3.5 stars. I enjoyed this book and really liked the golden retriever bodyguard angle. I love how he really helped her grow into herself and they have great chemistry.
He used her nickname constantly which really pulled me out of the story and there were certain parts of the book that dragged.
Would definitely still recommend!
He used her nickname constantly which really pulled me out of the story and there were certain parts of the book that dragged.
Would definitely still recommend!
June 8, 2023
OMG!!! This is my favorite Maggie book to date!! All of her books are my favorites, but this one takes the pie! Miles & Annie are incredible. The banter & inner thoughts had me laughing so much. I haven't laughed so hard that I cried while reading a book in a very long time. Even though there is a lot of lightheartedness that happens, there are also real-life struggles that they go through which will make many readers feel seen, from ADHD to anxiety & in between. I think a lot of us can relate to either Miles, Annie, or both. Also, there was a struggle that Annie goes through(in the bedroom) that was so real to see because that is often the case with many of us women since we do have a tendency to overthink & I've had the exact thoughts as she did. It does help to have a partner in your life, like Miles was with Annie, to be patient & help you learn that you aren't broken & that there is nothing to fix.
Happiness isn't a zero-sum game. When you spread it around, everyone wins.
Miles is a hot & hilarious bodyguard hired to protect Annie. He's essentially a tattooed golden retriever(or squishmallow because he's so huggable🫂🤗 "Hug it out, superstar.") who knows exactly how to focus on her needs & does so extremely well😏. Annie is a beautiful & brilliant pie-making smut peddler that's very anxious about a lot of things & rightfully so. I loved seeing the growth of these characters & the overcoming of their challenges.
"I have someone in my life who helps make me brave. He challenges me. He pushes me to be the best version of myself. He shows up for me when I'm not willing to show up for myself. And I trust him with my life."
I was captivated by this story & I also really enjoyed the 4th wall breaking. This book can be read as a standalone. There are cameos of some of our favorite characters that add dashes of sweetness to this beautiful story.
If you love these tropes:
🔫Bodyguard Romance
🤝Forced Proximity
🛌Actual One Bed
😎Sunshine MMC(Former MMA🥊)
🥧Business Owner FMC with a secret identity
🤣Hilarious & Witty
🥵Spicy
🫣Suspenseful
Then you will definitely enjoy this book & I highly recommend it!
"Books don't live in libraries or stores. They live inside of us. Simply removing them from shelves doesn't take away their impact."
"Don't stop being loud just because someone doesn't want you to be heard."
Thank you Maggie for an ARC! This is my honest review.
Happiness isn't a zero-sum game. When you spread it around, everyone wins.
Miles is a hot & hilarious bodyguard hired to protect Annie. He's essentially a tattooed golden retriever(or squishmallow because he's so huggable🫂🤗 "Hug it out, superstar.") who knows exactly how to focus on her needs & does so extremely well😏. Annie is a beautiful & brilliant pie-making smut peddler that's very anxious about a lot of things & rightfully so. I loved seeing the growth of these characters & the overcoming of their challenges.
"I have someone in my life who helps make me brave. He challenges me. He pushes me to be the best version of myself. He shows up for me when I'm not willing to show up for myself. And I trust him with my life."
I was captivated by this story & I also really enjoyed the 4th wall breaking. This book can be read as a standalone. There are cameos of some of our favorite characters that add dashes of sweetness to this beautiful story.
If you love these tropes:
🔫Bodyguard Romance
🤝Forced Proximity
🛌Actual One Bed
😎Sunshine MMC(Former MMA🥊)
🥧Business Owner FMC with a secret identity
🤣Hilarious & Witty
🥵Spicy
🫣Suspenseful
Then you will definitely enjoy this book & I highly recommend it!
"Books don't live in libraries or stores. They live inside of us. Simply removing them from shelves doesn't take away their impact."
"Don't stop being loud just because someone doesn't want you to be heard."
Thank you Maggie for an ARC! This is my honest review.
June 27, 2025
100 Lifetime’s of Us | 🦋🥧📖
“Small progress is still progress.”
4.5✨
There is so much about this book that I wanna say because I genuinely loved how different it was in every aspect of what I was expecting. Normally, when I read a bodyguard romance, they’re always very brooding and hard, but this one was totally opposite! The bodyguard in this one was a total golden retriever and his character made me smile multiple times.
I don’t wanna spoil this one because the blurb in itself is already super enticing, but if you’re someone who loves a secret identity bodyguard romance, then I highly recommend this one because I enjoyed it from beginning to end.
“Small progress is still progress.”
4.5✨
There is so much about this book that I wanna say because I genuinely loved how different it was in every aspect of what I was expecting. Normally, when I read a bodyguard romance, they’re always very brooding and hard, but this one was totally opposite! The bodyguard in this one was a total golden retriever and his character made me smile multiple times.
I don’t wanna spoil this one because the blurb in itself is already super enticing, but if you’re someone who loves a secret identity bodyguard romance, then I highly recommend this one because I enjoyed it from beginning to end.
June 15, 2025
“It feels like I’ve known you for a hundred lifetimes.” You’ve got to love it when the book title is worked into a big declaration. Miles is a big contradiction but in the best way. A 6ft something tattooed guy with a fun side and energetic disposition. Whitney aka “just” Annie is a baker of pies and all good things and an author. She has the ultimate dream job. I really loved the sweet moments between the main characters and the way they got to know each other.
July 22, 2025
This was crazy hot in many chapters. Miles was a treasure. Annie had a respectable work ethic and some balls, but needed some therapy or meds or something so bad, dang.
The only thing keeping this book from five stars was having so many other book characters shoehorned in
The only thing keeping this book from five stars was having so many other book characters shoehorned in
June 9, 2023
• 𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 •
𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐋𝐄: 100 Lifetimes Of Us
𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑: Maggie Gates
𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒: Stand-alone
𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 (STAR): 5+⭐️
𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 (SPICE): 3.75🌶️
•
𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐒:
- Sunshine MMC
- Romance author FMC
- Forced proximity
- BODYGUARD ROMANCE
- Hidden Identity
- Suspense
•
"I craved his sunshine, but I was captivated by his darkness."
•
𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒:
I am forever in awe of the magic of Maggie Gates. This book was everything I expected and more.
Pie shop owner Annie Smith by day, best selling erotic romance author Whitney West by night. Amidst of being stalked by what appears to be an 'obsessed fan', Annie's assistant Ophelia calls in a favour and hires a bodyguard. The former MMA fighting, tattooed, rubber ducky shorts, yellow croc wearing sunshine that is Miles Zhou.
Literally everything about this book was perfection. I always devour Maggies books but even having read this twice already - I could easily sit down and read it again. The spice? Chefs kiss. The suspense? Edge of seat worthy. The quotes? Tattoo them on my body immediately. Miles has been cemented as a firm favourite now. I'm so in love. How the heck did the same people who created an "Annie Pack" for whatever she needed on the go, also say "DTYKACTMLAGG". The anxiety rep was so spot on, I connected so deeply with Annie. Everyone needs a Miles in their lives, as a friend or as a partner. I think that's why I connected so deeply - because their friendship was so beautifully established first. And you knew he truly cared about Annie. I just freaking love this book y'all.
I'm already having serious withdrawals...being on Shane and Beth's book (Falls Creek #3)! Maggie? You already know this, but your books have my heart. Thank you for sharing your words with us, and giving us all the happy ever afters we dream of.
•
“Books don’t live in libraries or stores. They live inside of us. Simply removing them from shelves doesn’t take away their impact.”
𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐋𝐄: 100 Lifetimes Of Us
𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑: Maggie Gates
𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒: Stand-alone
𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 (STAR): 5+⭐️
𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 (SPICE): 3.75🌶️
•
𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐒:
- Sunshine MMC
- Romance author FMC
- Forced proximity
- BODYGUARD ROMANCE
- Hidden Identity
- Suspense
•
"I craved his sunshine, but I was captivated by his darkness."
•
𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒:
I am forever in awe of the magic of Maggie Gates. This book was everything I expected and more.
Pie shop owner Annie Smith by day, best selling erotic romance author Whitney West by night. Amidst of being stalked by what appears to be an 'obsessed fan', Annie's assistant Ophelia calls in a favour and hires a bodyguard. The former MMA fighting, tattooed, rubber ducky shorts, yellow croc wearing sunshine that is Miles Zhou.
Literally everything about this book was perfection. I always devour Maggies books but even having read this twice already - I could easily sit down and read it again. The spice? Chefs kiss. The suspense? Edge of seat worthy. The quotes? Tattoo them on my body immediately. Miles has been cemented as a firm favourite now. I'm so in love. How the heck did the same people who created an "Annie Pack" for whatever she needed on the go, also say "DTYKACTMLAGG". The anxiety rep was so spot on, I connected so deeply with Annie. Everyone needs a Miles in their lives, as a friend or as a partner. I think that's why I connected so deeply - because their friendship was so beautifully established first. And you knew he truly cared about Annie. I just freaking love this book y'all.
I'm already having serious withdrawals...being on Shane and Beth's book (Falls Creek #3)! Maggie? You already know this, but your books have my heart. Thank you for sharing your words with us, and giving us all the happy ever afters we dream of.
•
“Books don’t live in libraries or stores. They live inside of us. Simply removing them from shelves doesn’t take away their impact.”
June 14, 2023
Wow, I adored this book. It took me a few to read, which isn’t normal for me, but each time I went back I fell in love with Miles and Annie a little more. To be honest, Miles was the star of this show. He was probably one of the best book boyfriends I’ve read in a long ass time from start to finish.
We meet Annie who has a double identity of an author named Whitney. When she starts getting stalker mail a bodyguard is hired to go with her on her book tour. Miles is a total golden retriever and has the most amazing personality. Not only is he happy, friendly, and upbeat, he’s SO caring. His Annie pack? Talking her out of anxiety attacks? Taking care of her so well and helping her overcome her fears and insecurities? Also, his MOUTH in the bedroom was so unexpected it only added to his appeal. It was crazy how perfect he was.
It was also really cool to get the perspective of an author. I was even interested in the books Annie was writing in this story. It was like the author plucked out what readers would be thinking as she wrote from another authors perspective, it was incredibly smart and very well done. There was no third act breakup, but there is a big moment in the end that doesn’t go so well. Of course, miles is there every step of the way. I will say I took off one star because the book was a little slow paced plot wise. It was a lot of repetition with the stalker. I also wouldn’t have minded seeing Annie talk to someone for her trauma and past issues. Otherwise though this book is very much worth the read if you’re looking for suspense, a swoony book boyfriend and a very relatable heroine.
We meet Annie who has a double identity of an author named Whitney. When she starts getting stalker mail a bodyguard is hired to go with her on her book tour. Miles is a total golden retriever and has the most amazing personality. Not only is he happy, friendly, and upbeat, he’s SO caring. His Annie pack? Talking her out of anxiety attacks? Taking care of her so well and helping her overcome her fears and insecurities? Also, his MOUTH in the bedroom was so unexpected it only added to his appeal. It was crazy how perfect he was.
It was also really cool to get the perspective of an author. I was even interested in the books Annie was writing in this story. It was like the author plucked out what readers would be thinking as she wrote from another authors perspective, it was incredibly smart and very well done. There was no third act breakup, but there is a big moment in the end that doesn’t go so well. Of course, miles is there every step of the way. I will say I took off one star because the book was a little slow paced plot wise. It was a lot of repetition with the stalker. I also wouldn’t have minded seeing Annie talk to someone for her trauma and past issues. Otherwise though this book is very much worth the read if you’re looking for suspense, a swoony book boyfriend and a very relatable heroine.
April 21, 2025
Спочатку я хотіла Майлза стукнути. Бо в нього був справді словниковий понос
Потім перейшло, коли він справді почав в тему говорити, заспокоювати і заземляти Енні
Він з опери «булочка», а не чоловік
Звісно драма дай боже була в 3 акті, тільки гелікоптера для повного екшна не вистачало( Я справді спочатку думала на Фі (ох той Майлз і його теорії 🤭)
Сімʼя супер, те, як вони сприйняли Енні, як підтримували 🥹
Але…Мені задофіга вже цих сексуальних сцен (плюс, що піднімається питання того, що жінка не вжух і зразу оргазм вам подала)
Ну і каблучка так швидко…занадто щось мене життя потріпало, щоб я поплила від цього🤣
Читати ідеально, бо це Меггі і в неї гарно описано все
Але якщо ви читаєте сексуальні сцени по діагоналі, то половину книги так і проведете 🤣
Потім перейшло, коли він справді почав в тему говорити, заспокоювати і заземляти Енні
Він з опери «булочка», а не чоловік
Звісно драма дай боже була в 3 акті, тільки гелікоптера для повного екшна не вистачало( Я справді спочатку думала на Фі (ох той Майлз і його теорії 🤭)
Сімʼя супер, те, як вони сприйняли Енні, як підтримували 🥹
Але…Мені задофіга вже цих сексуальних сцен (плюс, що піднімається питання того, що жінка не вжух і зразу оргазм вам подала)
Ну і каблучка так швидко…занадто щось мене життя потріпало, щоб я поплила від цього🤣
Читати ідеально, бо це Меггі і в неї гарно описано все
Але якщо ви читаєте сексуальні сцени по діагоналі, то половину книги так і проведете 🤣
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2025
The writing here was a bit chaotic and Miles is way too golden retriever for me. I didn’t love or even like either main character and found the plot messy. I enjoy Maggie Gates but this book wasn’t for me.
September 3, 2025
Respectfully, I hated this
April 19, 2025
No se que puso la autora en este libro pero me lo acabe en una sola sentada y menos mal que estoy de vacaciones. Me dio todo: emoción, romance, protagonistas encantadores y una historia para soñar.
Miles y Annie me encantaron, Miles me hizo reír con cada ocurrencia, su corazón grandísimo y sus shorts de patitos, simplemente lo ame y Annie, mi niña, solo quería darle un abrazo grande por todo lo que piensa, me vi un poco en ella y eso hizo que la amara. El misterio con su acosador me dejo sin palabras, estaba tan bien escrito que solo wow, tenia mis sospechas pero como yo buena detective no soy, nunca le atine a quien fue. Se resolvió de una manera que quede sorprendida, mas que todo por la fuerza de Annie, sin duda este libro pasara a ser uno de mis favoritos.
Miles y Annie me encantaron, Miles me hizo reír con cada ocurrencia, su corazón grandísimo y sus shorts de patitos, simplemente lo ame y Annie, mi niña, solo quería darle un abrazo grande por todo lo que piensa, me vi un poco en ella y eso hizo que la amara. El misterio con su acosador me dejo sin palabras, estaba tan bien escrito que solo wow, tenia mis sospechas pero como yo buena detective no soy, nunca le atine a quien fue. Se resolvió de una manera que quede sorprendida, mas que todo por la fuerza de Annie, sin duda este libro pasara a ser uno de mis favoritos.
August 5, 2025
Rounding 3.5 stars up to 4. This story was a lot of fun, and I mostly enjoyed it. However, the MMC was a walking motivational cat poster and after a while, it was beyond cheesy. The FMC was also a bit too needy for me. I get having anxiety, TRULY I do, but her character growth took a bit too long to develop. Those things aside, I think the story was fun and suspenseful, even if it was a bit predictable. I enjoyed the bodyguard trope with the MMA side story, and I liked Annie's writer friend group. Still a little confused about Phee/Crumpets' back story, but I'm guessing there's another book about that I haven't read yet?
August 4, 2024
Ooh my goodness!!! This book was amazing loved every second of it 😍
I think Miles is my favourite Character in the Maggie Gates Universe 😉 He’s and extrovert and could not stop talking 🙊 but he was Hilarious I was giggling the whole time, but he was also very caring and kind he even had a Annie Pack that had everything she needed inside come on !!!! (Need to get a funny pack for my boyfriend stat )
Loved Annie she was a bakery Owner by day Author by night, she’s more of an introvert and had a lot of insecurities and a lot of childhood memories that she had to work through with Miles I loved her!
I really like the mystery and the suspense I think I was one of the reasons I couldn’t put it down I wanted to know who was behind the packages 😳
Ooh and there were a lot of characters from the other books that popped up every now and then ! And I loveee when that happens
Overall and AMAZING BOOK, you will not regret reading 😘
Xoxo
Sara
I think Miles is my favourite Character in the Maggie Gates Universe 😉 He’s and extrovert and could not stop talking 🙊 but he was Hilarious I was giggling the whole time, but he was also very caring and kind he even had a Annie Pack that had everything she needed inside come on !!!! (Need to get a funny pack for my boyfriend stat )
Loved Annie she was a bakery Owner by day Author by night, she’s more of an introvert and had a lot of insecurities and a lot of childhood memories that she had to work through with Miles I loved her!
I really like the mystery and the suspense I think I was one of the reasons I couldn’t put it down I wanted to know who was behind the packages 😳
Ooh and there were a lot of characters from the other books that popped up every now and then ! And I loveee when that happens
Overall and AMAZING BOOK, you will not regret reading 😘
Xoxo
Sara
November 30, 2024
This damn book!!! Maggie never flops 😌😌
Miles was literally the most golden retriever man I’ve ever read in my entire life & at first his peppiness annoyed me, but when we really got to know him I just fell in love. He did his job in protecting not only Annie from physical harm but also healing her emotional trauma and pain 😭
I loved all the anxiety coping skills & mental health rep throughout this!!
Miles was literally the most golden retriever man I’ve ever read in my entire life & at first his peppiness annoyed me, but when we really got to know him I just fell in love. He did his job in protecting not only Annie from physical harm but also healing her emotional trauma and pain 😭
I loved all the anxiety coping skills & mental health rep throughout this!!
July 2, 2025
I’m somewhere between 3 and 4 stars on this one. The story was both emotional and funny and an engaging read overall. However, some parts felt repetitive, and a few plot points dragged on longer than necessary. I definitely cringed at times (certain nicknames and moments… if you know, you know). That said, the bonus epilogue helped bring the story full circle and redeemed some of the earlier missteps.
April 12, 2025
I am far too tired for thoughts but this one was pretty good! I feel like I just didn't connect with it like I did Seven of Hearts which disappointed me a bit. Maggie's writing is very fun and sucks you right into it all so I was ready to read this as soon as I came across it but it just didn't hold up to the others.
I'll be coming back for more though :)
I'll be coming back for more though :)
August 11, 2023
I'm rating this higher than I feel because I generally don't like bodyguard stories. I knew what this was and read it anyway. These stories inevitably end with an error on the part of the bodyguard and this was no different. The fmc was a bit annoying going on about how "average" she was while running a successful small business and being a bestselling author. Some elements felt repetitive.
October 2, 2025
✨ Audiobook Review ✨
100 Lifetimes of Us - Maggie Gates
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Miles might be my favorite bodyguard ever - I absolutely adored his golden retriever energy! And Annie? Loved her - she was relatable and her inner thoughts made me laugh so hard! These two had great banter and were just what the other needed! The suspense storyline was exciting and I loved the 4th wall breaking!
🎧 Zhuyoh Wong & Charlotte Lobdell did an incredible job narrating this story!
Book description from Goodreads
#MaggieGates #TheRomantics #Bookstagram #MinnesotaReader #AudiobookLover #BookReview #RomanceReader
100 Lifetimes of Us - Maggie Gates
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Miles might be my favorite bodyguard ever - I absolutely adored his golden retriever energy! And Annie? Loved her - she was relatable and her inner thoughts made me laugh so hard! These two had great banter and were just what the other needed! The suspense storyline was exciting and I loved the 4th wall breaking!
🎧 Zhuyoh Wong & Charlotte Lobdell did an incredible job narrating this story!
Book description from Goodreads
#MaggieGates #TheRomantics #Bookstagram #MinnesotaReader #AudiobookLover #BookReview #RomanceReader
May 12, 2025
Dnf 15% i tried i really did i just couldn’t do it the mmc personality was too much for me it was giving he aint straight and they were giving best friends i could not see them romantically involved at all
January 22, 2025
I love anything Maggie writes and this was just so cute and funny but also has a little bit of a suspense element and things got intense for a hot minute and I was STRESSED
Maggie is an auto buy author for me and I just had a blast reading this one!!
Maggie is an auto buy author for me and I just had a blast reading this one!!
June 12, 2024
3.5!! I loved it and it was such an easy read but the I defo saw the kidnapping coming so it changed how I felt about the book🫡🙄
February 15, 2025
I would like Maggie Gates to live in my brain. Always a wonderful read.
did-not-finish
March 18, 2025DNF at 2%
I don't want to read about a protagonist that insults herself right off the bat
I don't want to read about a protagonist that insults herself right off the bat
April 9, 2025
If Ridoc from the Fourth Wing/Iron Flame/Onyx Storm series became a bodyguard to an undercover romance author who owns a bakery.
I ate this book up and would very much like seconds.
I ate this book up and would very much like seconds.
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