Tell Me It's Wrong

Sweetspire #2

by Katie Wismer

Marry young and marry rich.

My mother drilled that into my head since I was old enough to walk. Landing Sweetspire’s most eligible tycoon might have gotten me away from her, but it turns out a fat diamond ring isn’t the best bandaid for the rest of your problems.

Starting over at thirty-two was never part of the plan. Neither was some twenty-three year old who’s all too eager to play knight in shining armor.

I’m already the town pariah. The last thing I need is the scandal of jumping from a guy twice my age to one a decade younger…Especially not one who’s friends with my former step son.

But the more time we spend together, the harder it is to deny I’m the most myself I’ve ever been when I’m with him.

Tell Me It’s Wrong is a steamy reverse age gap romance that can be read as a standalone, though the author recommends reading the series in order.

Genres: Romance, Small Town Romance

342 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2025

About the author

Katie Wismer writes books with a little blood and a little spice (sometimes contemporary, sometimes romantasy.)

Be the first to know about upcoming projects, exclusive content, and more by signing up for her newsletter at katiewismer.com. Signed books are also available on her website, and she posts monthly bonus content on her Patreon (including a Patreon-exclusive book!)

When she's not reading, writing, or wrangling her two perfect cats, you can find her on her YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok.

Reviews

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book from start to finish. I had a feeling I would after being introduced to this small town and some of the dynamics at play in book 1. There was just something about Christine and I could feel her inner strength and her love for her son that called to me. I also loved her relationship with her step-kids. She wasn't written as the wicked stepmother, even though she was only a handful of years older than them.

Then we have Fletcher, her stepson's best friend and a all around wonderful man. He may only be in his early 20's, but he has lived a crazy life already and he carries scars from his time in foster care. I felt for him so much. He was compassionate, patience, dedicated, and Swoony AF. He had the caretaking gene down pat, I was all for it.

When these two meet, they don't know the connection. Christine has just finalized her divorce and is away from her son for the first time, so she is drowning her sorrows at the local dive bar. A dive bar where Fletch is working. He can't help but feel drawn to her and one thing leads to another... and he's hooked.

Even after they discover their connection through Liam, Fletcher is steady and kind. He is truly a man of worth and watching him woo Christine was heartwarming. And the way he was with Casey, her son... slay me now!

There was also suspenseful elements that took me by surprise, but not in a bad way. It was well seeded and carried out. It was tough to read, but it also was handled well. See the TWs on the author's site to prepare yourself. I haven't listed every trigger, because of spoilers, but the author does.

I truly enjoyed this, the chemistry was hot and definitely there. But it didn't overwhelm the story and it balanced well.

5 Stars
3 on the spice scale

CW: Full list on author's site, so check that out, but the main ones for me were: child in peril, substance abuse, PTSD, death of a child (past), parental neglect

*Thank you to the author for an ARC of this title.*

[Steph ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars.

I loved book 1 in this series and was so excited for book 2 and it did not disappoint. It was more suspenseful than I anticipated (which I loved) and there was a lot of trauma and PTSD to work through especially for Fletcher, but Chris had some stuff going on as well.

I think the thing I loved the most about this book was Chris' character arc. She goes from this woman that, albeit has seen a lot in life and lived through quite a bit, still has no idea how to navigate every day life, due to the relationship she's just left, to this strong, more so independent mum who will stick up for herself, go for what she wants and ignore what other people thing. Like watching a caterpillar transform into a butterfly. I loved it.

I also loved the way Fletcher loved her. From the very first meting this man CARES! He's so mature for his age and the way he just continues to do anything and everything he can for Chris while also not hindering her, and allowing her to figure shit out for herself is amazing. I just love the way he loves her.

Was so nice to see Liam and Gracie again, as well as Leo and Kaeva (even if only briefly).

Thank you to Katie for sending me an ARC for review.

[Peyton Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Gabriela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed my time and the couple was cute. I just think I needed a bit more development and to ruminate in this a bit more. It felt like the romance and getting together really took a back seat to general life drama. Which is totally fine, but not the balance I expected or was craving. I think if we spend a bit more time in the secret portion of the relationship, everything would hit much harder. Instead it felt like they kept the relationship to themselves for like 2 weeks, but kept referring to it as if it was months. Just something there wasn't entirely clicking for me.

I also think at the end we could've come a bit more full circle on a couple things, like relationship with ex husband or the town's perception. Instead it felt like we dropped those and introduced a brand new issue quite late into the book. I also wish we did a bit of reintroducing of characters. Felt like that couple with children came late and out of nowhere. I assume we got to know them in the previous book and I forgot, but these are meant to be standalones, if interconnected.

I was really hooked in the beginning but it lost me around the half way mark. That being said, it was well written and I will for sure pick up the next book (and anything else Katie writes) as soon as it comes out.

[sky · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute easy read but i wanted more development between christine & fletcher

which who are both way too nice wdym you got an arson, who tried to k*ll you, a good lawyer??? omg

[Lark _thebookchamber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved book 1 of this series and was so excited for book 2! It didn’t disappoint in the least bit! Christine and Fletcher’s chemistry was undeniable from the very start- despite the age gap! I loved how caring Fletcher is and how he will do anything for Christine and her son, Casey. I loved how independent and strong Chris is while coming to terms with coparenting with her ex. There were so many sweet moments throughout and I just adored getting to see these two grow together. The suspense and the trauma Fletcher deals with added an unexpected turn but I loved getting to see them overcome everything and come out stronger! 💖

[Madison Katz · Rating 3 out of 5]

enjoyed this a lot more than gracie and liam’s story, especially the plot twist with jacks. the darker tone was unexpected, but enjoyable. age gaps are never my favorite trope though

[Ally Cee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not usually a fan of the age gap trope but I didn’t mind it this time around. Maybe because when it’s reversed age gap, it feels less creepy (yes it’s a double standard but I don’t care). Just like the first book in this series, I didn’t hate it but I also didn’t love it.

I didn’t feel connected to either character but they were okay. I did feel like the Jacks story was a little unfinished. I wonder if that’s because she’ll show up in another book…honestly could see a Jacks/Asher story for some reason. Not condoning what her character did but I also think there is more to unpack there.

And I’d have liked to see Christine actually stand up for herself. Ultimately this was an easy read which I appreciate, but there were also small storylines happening that never felt complete.

[ColleenIsBooked · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
Overall I liked the relationship between Fletcher and Christine. I think they worked well together and had a good dynamic. I hated that he immediately called her Chris right after meeting her. It’s just so random to nickname someone you just met. Also, for all her wanting to be in charge talk, we never actually see her taking charge during their encounters. I would have liked to see that. I did really like Christine as a character and how much strength she has. Unfortunately, many of my issues with the story were in relation to the background happenings. I was hoping to get some more resolution with the coparenting Christine has to do, especially in the latter half of the book when things go down. I really liked jacks as a character, but I hated the way her story goes. It kind of comes out of nowhere that she’s this serial arsonist who has killed a few people and then goes after Christine and Casey even though she just fought with Fletcher who said none of what she thought was true. I just didn’t like the implications that the foster kid who didn’t end up with a good family is the "bad guy". I doubt it was intentional, but it still feels a type of way. I would rather it was an accidental fire and the rest were red herrings, which ended in the couple and jacks having a whole chat together. I would rather see them all have to deal with the differences in Fletcher and Jacks' upbringings after the foster home they shared. Personal preference I guess. I am interested to see what couple is next and what their story will be.

[Kelsi-Ann Weist · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book.

It is not a silly book, or a romantic comedy, which I appreciated. As a caveat, I do not like most modern contemporary novels. I find in most books in this genre, the characters are dumb, make actions based on the weirdest logic in their minds, and the plot always has the most ridiculous things happening, one after another, and it often does not feel natural.

In contrast, this book reminded me of some of the older Nora Roberts' contemporary romances I used to read. The characters had flaws, but there was no point where the characters were stupid. I think that overall the events of the plot logically made sense, and more intense moments were balanced out well with quieter moments. Moments of humour are subtle, and while there are discussioms of serious topics, it never feels like they weigh the book down and make it difficult to get through.

The only critique I have is more of a personal thing. For me, it felt like halfway to 3/4 of the way through the book, the conflict shifted. I liked the new conflict related to the foster sister and how that played out, but I did feel like something was missing to resolve the original issues regarding conflicts with the ex-husband and the other people in the community. I think I just had an expectation issue as the book blurb focussed more on the FMC, but the final conflict was more about the MMC's development.

I do think I will check out the rest of the series.

[Rachel Barnard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adult single mother Christine lives in the small conservative town of Sweetspire. A series of encounters brings her and local bartender-entrepreneur Fletcher together again and again. As they spend time together, they start to fall for one another. In this conservative small town, a 9-year age gap might be unforgivable, but the more they are together, the harder it is to be apart.

This is the second book in the Sweetspire series. We do see some of the characters from book one, but this is a standalone novel. This emotionally charged sequel blends a taboo age-gap romance with raw introspection and small-town pressures. This story centers on a single mom trying to find herself again, just as she falls for a man nine years younger. He has more ties to her past than she’s prepared for. This book leans into the messiness of grief, shame, and emotional vulnerability, all wrapped in a simmering romance that feels as impossible as it does inevitable.

The leads are complicated and real, both carrying wounds that shape how they love. Their chemistry is undeniable, but it’s the quiet, intimate beats, including the self-doubt, the yearning, the hard-won forgiveness that give this story its emotional weight. The small-town backdrop adds tension and texture, balancing warmth and suffocation in equal measure.

If you’re in the mood for something a little heavier, with flawed characters, high stakes, and feelings that don’t fit neatly into a happily-ever-after box, this book delivers. I couldn’t put this one down until the end, and I can’t wait for the next book in this series or more from Katie Wismer.

[Danixdarling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know how Katie Wismer manages to do it EVERY single time, but talk about being an expert when it comes to crafting the perfect book boyfriends! Fletcher is no exception!

Tell Me It’s Wrong was such a fun, heartfelt read. I absolutely loved watching Christine’s journey as she stepped into her strength. From leaving home, to marrying Julian, to navigating a divorce…her character growth was so well done. She was determined to figure life out on her own as a single mom and give Casey the best life possible, and watching her rise to that challenge was inspiring.

And Fletcher… oh my lanta. Everything this man does is attractive. Bartender? Check. Surf instructor? Check. Skate instructor? Check. Flips houses and is good with his hands (in more ways than one, if you know what I mean)? Check! Oh, and let’s not forget…he can cook AND he’s amazing with kids?! Who is this man and where do I find one?

The ending had me gasping. I genuinely didn’t see that twist coming until it hit me like a truck. I was flabbergasted!

If you love small town romances with strong female leads, swoony, multi-talented love interests, and plot twists that sneak up on you, Tell Me It’s Wrong is a must-read!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well! I definitely liked this book better then book 1 my god everyone Gracie came on the page my body had a revolting reaction I just still can’t forgive her for how she treated Liam!

I loved Fletcher and Christine they were so cute also the age gap wasn’t the biggest issue in this book and I was happy about that. Yes there is a 9 year age gap however fletcher has obviously lived a complicated life that he didn’t read to be as an immature 24 year old he was already an adult and acted like one so I respected that a lot.

I loved how Christine was in her rebuilding stage and making a life for her and her son (Casey) she was a really good mom and I loved watching her grow and accepting help knowing that did make her weak!


This book saved this series for me and I definitely will give the next book a chance. Would it be about Ash?

[Ilaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

it's truly one of the best romances I've read this year! I was so invested in Chris's story and I was so proud of her at the end of the book 🥹
I also loved Fletcher and the chemistry between those two. They're truly good people who deserve the best and I got genuinely invested in their story. so much I didn't want to stop reading and I might've stopped myself from picking the lasts chapters up just to make it last a little longer.
**possible spoilers**
I'm also intrigued about Jacks's situation because it felt like was left a bit open to redemption but at the same time idk how it could work because what she did was pretty bad but I'm open to be swayed into forgiveness lol
Anyway it was such a good surprise from a new to me author and I will definitely read more from her!!

[Bonnie Minatra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did I think I would go into this adoring the characters more than Liam and Gracy… I most certainly did not… are Fletcher and Christine my new favorites… they most certainly are.

Such a raw and real relationship. Young love is great, but life happens and we all carry our own baggage. The authenticity is the showstopper of the book. Relatable. Adorable. Genuine. Read it.

[Simoné Wolmarans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful love story with an unexpected plot twist that created quite the shock. The reverse harem was executed perfectly and I fell deeply in love with Fletcher and Christine. I enjoyed their path to finding love with each other as well as the bond that formed between Fletcher and Chris’ son. This story is filled with heartwarming moments and a lovely bit of romance and spice.

[Danielle Castaneda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I NEEDED THIS BOOK

This story gutted me and healed something inside of me at the same time. The characters were perfectly flawed, and the storyline had so much depth. I really appreciate how the tension points played out. Fletcher and Christine have such a healthy and endearing relationship.

[Ann Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

pretty good

I enjoyed the book but it had some strange moments. The MC were good but I they could have had a better storyline, I thought they deserved a little more but overall I did like the book. 4.0 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Halle Middleton · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️. It was pretty good! First I did not see any of the plot twists happening. I don’t really read up on any book before I read it so I didn’t see him being her ex step son’s best friend. And the plot twist at the end, wow.

[Vedona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so love this book I highly recommend this book if you love romance. The author is amazing I hope she will write more like this. I will re-read this book again very soon I have given it a five 🌟s the characters are brilliant I do love Christine and Fletcher and Casey and the others also

[Chella · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 /5 It’s one of those books where I just don’t think it’s for me. I enjoyed the suspense, growth and natural chemistry of the characters but don’t feel a strong love for the story itself. As always, the setting was fun and there was a good balance of story and spice.

[Ann Miszczak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not see that coming!!

Truly this was a heartfelt story one that I can relate to in ways I didn’t think I would. Very well written and one that gave me a twist I didn’t see coming. Thank you for this sweet story.

[Delphine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldnt help myself and inhaled the book in less than a day 😅 no regrets tho. Christine is amazing

[Marisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I need therapy. I thought I wouldn’t find a mmc to top miller, then we got Liam, and now fletcher has my entire heart. More thought out review to come but wow.

[bailey⸆⸉ ོ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
this was so cutie

[Reb · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️

[Jenelle Varjassy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not put this book down once.

[Kylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fletcher and Christine

[haleeeezz · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 wait this was so so good

[Carla Aultman · Rating 5 out of 5]

perfection just like the 1st. curious to see what characters the 3rd is about!!