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Regals Hockey #2
The E.M.M.A. Effect
Not yet published
Expected 2 Dec 25Jane Austen meets Ali Hazelwood in this steamy, friends-to-lovers, STEM rom-com! He’s her best friend’s little brother and NHL forward. She’s a computer scientist used to being in control. The E.M.M.A., her elite AI training program, claims optimizing his performance requires one the perfect match. According to its calculations, that’s her… Will Harriet discover that The E.M.M.A. knows best?
Harriet Smythe’s AI was supposed to create sports legends—not encourage her crush on her best friend’s totally off-limits, hot younger brother. But when funding runs dry, she has no choice but to enlist Gale Knight as her test subject. The same Gale she’s been secretly crushing on for years. The player who follows her every instruction with a knowing smirk that threatens to short-circuit her carefully maintained system.
Everything changes when The E.M.M.A. determines that finding Gale’s perfect match is essential to his peak performance. Even worse? According to its data, that match is Harriet.
Determined to keep things professional, she makes it search for new candidates. But as Gale dutifully endures awkward outings with pop stars and athletes, the chemistry between them only intensifies. And his willing cooperation during their sessions definitely isn’t helping her stay focused.
With her deadline approaching and The E.M.M.A. still playing cupid, Harriet must trust in pure logic, or admit that sometimes taking control means letting go.
Maybe The E.M.M.A. knows something they don’t—even if they’re not ready to compute it yet.
Harriet Smythe’s AI was supposed to create sports legends—not encourage her crush on her best friend’s totally off-limits, hot younger brother. But when funding runs dry, she has no choice but to enlist Gale Knight as her test subject. The same Gale she’s been secretly crushing on for years. The player who follows her every instruction with a knowing smirk that threatens to short-circuit her carefully maintained system.
Everything changes when The E.M.M.A. determines that finding Gale’s perfect match is essential to his peak performance. Even worse? According to its data, that match is Harriet.
Determined to keep things professional, she makes it search for new candidates. But as Gale dutifully endures awkward outings with pop stars and athletes, the chemistry between them only intensifies. And his willing cooperation during their sessions definitely isn’t helping her stay focused.
With her deadline approaching and The E.M.M.A. still playing cupid, Harriet must trust in pure logic, or admit that sometimes taking control means letting go.
Maybe The E.M.M.A. knows something they don’t—even if they’re not ready to compute it yet.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication December 2, 2025
12488 people want to read
About the author
Lia Riley
32 books1,022 followersLia Riley is a contemporary romance author. USA Today describes her as "refreshing" and RT Book Reviews calls her books "sizzling and heartfelt." She loves the beach, fresh flowers, foggy redwood forests and a perfect pour over coffee. She is 25% sarcastic, 54% optimistic, and 122% bad at math (good thing she writes happy endings for a living). She and her family live mostly in Northern California.
Visit her at www.liariley.com to learn more.
Visit her at www.liariley.com to learn more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
November 26, 2025
The E.M.M.A. Effect is a funny, creative friends-to-lovers rom-com with a nerdy STEM twist.
Harriet Smythe is a computer scientist whose AI program, E.M.M.A., was supposed to build better athletes—not act as her personal matchmaker. But when she tests it on her best friend’s younger brother, NHL player Gale Knight, things get complicated… especially when the AI decides she’s his perfect match. 😝😝
The back-and-forth between Harriet and E.M.M.A. was absolutely hilarious and easily my favorite part of the book. The banter added so much personality and humor, breaking up the tension perfectly.
Gale completely won me over. His growth, realizing he wasn’t defined by his father and learning to trust himself gave the story real heart. I’ll be honest though, Harriet frustrated me soooo much. She kept pushing Gale away for no real reason and didn’t seem to grow much until the very end.
My biggest issue was the writing style. Harriet’s POV is in first person while Gale’s is in third, which made the switches feel confusing. To make it worse, the chapters weren’t labeled after the first few, so it was hard to tell whose head we were in at times. There were also a few inconsistencies during the more intimate scenes where the sequence of actions didn’t quite line up.
Still, this was a clever, heartfelt, and funny read that mixed tech, tension, and charm in unexpected ways. If you like smart banter, slow-burn chemistry, and a cat-dad hero who’s impossible not to root for, definitely give it a try.
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-favorite quotes-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
“Simple as he was, he knew this much: seeing her smile made everything make sense, even if he couldn't explain why.”
⸻
“In the warm glow of the bedside lamp, he looks like a mortal touched by divine favor.”
⸻
“Gale doesn't complete me—he shows me I already am complete, just waiting to spread my wings and soar.”
⸻
“Harriet, I love you so much that if I loved you less, I might be able to say more about it. The more I feel, the harder it becomes to put into words."
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
things to know about the book ↓
👩🏼💻 best friend’s brother
👩🏼💻 STEM romance
👩🏼💻 golden retriever/ black cat
👩🏼💻 he falls first
👩🏼💻 friends to lovers
A huge thank you to Netgalley, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Lia Riley for allowing me to read this arc. These are all my honest opinions in this review.
Harriet Smythe is a computer scientist whose AI program, E.M.M.A., was supposed to build better athletes—not act as her personal matchmaker. But when she tests it on her best friend’s younger brother, NHL player Gale Knight, things get complicated… especially when the AI decides she’s his perfect match. 😝😝
The back-and-forth between Harriet and E.M.M.A. was absolutely hilarious and easily my favorite part of the book. The banter added so much personality and humor, breaking up the tension perfectly.
Gale completely won me over. His growth, realizing he wasn’t defined by his father and learning to trust himself gave the story real heart. I’ll be honest though, Harriet frustrated me soooo much. She kept pushing Gale away for no real reason and didn’t seem to grow much until the very end.
My biggest issue was the writing style. Harriet’s POV is in first person while Gale’s is in third, which made the switches feel confusing. To make it worse, the chapters weren’t labeled after the first few, so it was hard to tell whose head we were in at times. There were also a few inconsistencies during the more intimate scenes where the sequence of actions didn’t quite line up.
Still, this was a clever, heartfelt, and funny read that mixed tech, tension, and charm in unexpected ways. If you like smart banter, slow-burn chemistry, and a cat-dad hero who’s impossible not to root for, definitely give it a try.
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-favorite quotes-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
“Simple as he was, he knew this much: seeing her smile made everything make sense, even if he couldn't explain why.”
⸻
“In the warm glow of the bedside lamp, he looks like a mortal touched by divine favor.”
⸻
“Gale doesn't complete me—he shows me I already am complete, just waiting to spread my wings and soar.”
⸻
“Harriet, I love you so much that if I loved you less, I might be able to say more about it. The more I feel, the harder it becomes to put into words."
-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-
things to know about the book ↓
👩🏼💻 best friend’s brother
👩🏼💻 STEM romance
👩🏼💻 golden retriever/ black cat
👩🏼💻 he falls first
👩🏼💻 friends to lovers
A huge thank you to Netgalley, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Lia Riley for allowing me to read this arc. These are all my honest opinions in this review.
May 19, 2025
Maybe I need to referesh myself on Jane Austen, maybe this books just sucks… I don’t see where Jane Austen comes into play other than the fact that Harriet’s AI model is named after one of her novels.
Unlike Ali Hazelwood’s STEM romances, this was incredibly boring. I just do not think it was executed well at all. It should not be marketed as Jane Austen meets Ali Hazelwood!
The point of view is another issue I had with the book. Harriet’s perspective is told through first-person, while Gale’s perspective is third-person. It makes no sense to me, and was honestly confusing to read. Additionally, the chapters stopped stating the POV after chapter 3 (I am aware that this most likely will be fixed prior to publishing).
I just did not enjoy this book. The E.M.M.A Effect did not pull me in (beyond the fact that it’s supposed to be Jane Austen inspired), and at no point while reading this book did I have a hard time putting it down.
Unlike Ali Hazelwood’s STEM romances, this was incredibly boring. I just do not think it was executed well at all. It should not be marketed as Jane Austen meets Ali Hazelwood!
The point of view is another issue I had with the book. Harriet’s perspective is told through first-person, while Gale’s perspective is third-person. It makes no sense to me, and was honestly confusing to read. Additionally, the chapters stopped stating the POV after chapter 3 (I am aware that this most likely will be fixed prior to publishing).
I just did not enjoy this book. The E.M.M.A Effect did not pull me in (beyond the fact that it’s supposed to be Jane Austen inspired), and at no point while reading this book did I have a hard time putting it down.
June 6, 2025
Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.
This book had potential. A reverse age-gap, sports/tech romance with AI at the center? I was intrigued. Harriet, the FMC, works in tech developing an AI meant to enhance athlete performance and reduce injuries. Gale, the MMC, is a struggling NHL player with a complicated family legacy. They’re childhood friends, now adults navigating emotional wounds and shifting dynamics. Sounds good, right?
But reading it felt like I was constantly waiting for the real story to start. It’s fluffy, trope-heavy, and surface-level. And what frustrates me most is how much potential the core of this story had (if it had actually committed to emotional depth or meaningful accountability).
SPOILERS BELOW
Let me be blunt: Harriet is a poorly written character. Not just in the sense of “unlikable." She’s unoriginal, flat, and filled with every contrived trait that makes modern rom-com heroines feel manufactured. She’s insecure about her work, still hurt from a breakup, vaguely ambitious but not in a way that feels lived-in. She’s supposed to be this brilliant tech lead, but most of her actions are emotionally juvenile and narratively convenient. When she deliberately manipulates the AI’s logic to hide the fact that it matched her with Gale romantically, something that would compromise any real research project, it’s treated like a quirky mistake instead of the massive breach it is. And the ironic part is that she gets validated and supported by the same Tech bro boss that she has been lambasting the entire book. Well okay then.
She’s weak not because she has flaws (flawed women can be great characters), but because she’s written with no real weight. Everything she does, even when it’s objectively wrong, gets framed as brave or forgivable. She has no real arc. Her fears are shallow. Her growth is unearned. And the story bends over backward to protect her from meaningful consequence while still trying to crown her the emotional center of everything.
Meanwhile, Gale is actually written with care and nuance. He’s grieving his father, processing the trauma of being the son of a disgraced star athlete, and trying not to let his anxiety and legacy ruin his career. He has the emotional journey. He is the one dealing with real stakes. And yet, the story sidelines him repeatedly to keep the spotlight on Harriet, a character who doesn’t earn the reader’s trust, respect, or interest.
The ending just seals how shallow this story really is. Gale suddenly has a flawless game (which, good for him. He earned his professional happy ending with all grief he's experienced). Harriet gets an immediate yes from a glamorous French investor (who also happens to be the ex of her ex and now wants to mentor her in girlboss solidarity???), and even the AI itself gets a weird reflective summary chapter. The last chapter? A backyard wedding. Because... sure, why not?
Two more things that really didn’t work for me: First, the pov switching. The book uses first person for Harriet and third person for Gale, which is fine in theory, but the early chapters mark whose POV we're in... and then just stops. It becomes jarring, especially when the voices aren’t distinct enough to carry the change without clear labeling. As it is now, you have to actively read on until you see an "I" or "Gale" to know that this is Harriet's chapter or wait until you see "Harriet" (or something hockey related) to realize we're in Gale's chapter.
Second, this is marketed as a book “inspired by Jane Austen,” and that is just... not accurate. The only real link is the title Emma. The so-called “Duchess mode” of the AI, where it starts speaking in fake Regency language, isn’t clever or immersive. It’s extremely cringey. It reads like an American putting on a bad British accent and calling it Austen.
As I finished the book, I wasn’t even angry (yet), just filled with mild annoyance and disappointment. Harriet is written to be "flawed but perfect," never truly held accountable, and always conveniently uplifted. Brooke, her best friend, is reduced to a frazzled “new mom” stereotype who magically shows up when emotional support is needed. The women in this book are messy in a way that’s supposed to feel empowering, but really just feels self-congratulatory.
If this wasn’t an ARC, I probably would’ve DNF'd it and let it fade. Instead, I kept at it, hoping it would redeem itself. It didn’t. This is a 1-2 star read for me that at least, for now, is not driven by anger. Just a waste of potential.
This book had potential. A reverse age-gap, sports/tech romance with AI at the center? I was intrigued. Harriet, the FMC, works in tech developing an AI meant to enhance athlete performance and reduce injuries. Gale, the MMC, is a struggling NHL player with a complicated family legacy. They’re childhood friends, now adults navigating emotional wounds and shifting dynamics. Sounds good, right?
But reading it felt like I was constantly waiting for the real story to start. It’s fluffy, trope-heavy, and surface-level. And what frustrates me most is how much potential the core of this story had (if it had actually committed to emotional depth or meaningful accountability).
SPOILERS BELOW
Let me be blunt: Harriet is a poorly written character. Not just in the sense of “unlikable." She’s unoriginal, flat, and filled with every contrived trait that makes modern rom-com heroines feel manufactured. She’s insecure about her work, still hurt from a breakup, vaguely ambitious but not in a way that feels lived-in. She’s supposed to be this brilliant tech lead, but most of her actions are emotionally juvenile and narratively convenient. When she deliberately manipulates the AI’s logic to hide the fact that it matched her with Gale romantically, something that would compromise any real research project, it’s treated like a quirky mistake instead of the massive breach it is. And the ironic part is that she gets validated and supported by the same Tech bro boss that she has been lambasting the entire book. Well okay then.
She’s weak not because she has flaws (flawed women can be great characters), but because she’s written with no real weight. Everything she does, even when it’s objectively wrong, gets framed as brave or forgivable. She has no real arc. Her fears are shallow. Her growth is unearned. And the story bends over backward to protect her from meaningful consequence while still trying to crown her the emotional center of everything.
Meanwhile, Gale is actually written with care and nuance. He’s grieving his father, processing the trauma of being the son of a disgraced star athlete, and trying not to let his anxiety and legacy ruin his career. He has the emotional journey. He is the one dealing with real stakes. And yet, the story sidelines him repeatedly to keep the spotlight on Harriet, a character who doesn’t earn the reader’s trust, respect, or interest.
The ending just seals how shallow this story really is. Gale suddenly has a flawless game (which, good for him. He earned his professional happy ending with all grief he's experienced). Harriet gets an immediate yes from a glamorous French investor (who also happens to be the ex of her ex and now wants to mentor her in girlboss solidarity???), and even the AI itself gets a weird reflective summary chapter. The last chapter? A backyard wedding. Because... sure, why not?
Two more things that really didn’t work for me: First, the pov switching. The book uses first person for Harriet and third person for Gale, which is fine in theory, but the early chapters mark whose POV we're in... and then just stops. It becomes jarring, especially when the voices aren’t distinct enough to carry the change without clear labeling. As it is now, you have to actively read on until you see an "I" or "Gale" to know that this is Harriet's chapter or wait until you see "Harriet" (or something hockey related) to realize we're in Gale's chapter.
Second, this is marketed as a book “inspired by Jane Austen,” and that is just... not accurate. The only real link is the title Emma. The so-called “Duchess mode” of the AI, where it starts speaking in fake Regency language, isn’t clever or immersive. It’s extremely cringey. It reads like an American putting on a bad British accent and calling it Austen.
As I finished the book, I wasn’t even angry (yet), just filled with mild annoyance and disappointment. Harriet is written to be "flawed but perfect," never truly held accountable, and always conveniently uplifted. Brooke, her best friend, is reduced to a frazzled “new mom” stereotype who magically shows up when emotional support is needed. The women in this book are messy in a way that’s supposed to feel empowering, but really just feels self-congratulatory.
If this wasn’t an ARC, I probably would’ve DNF'd it and let it fade. Instead, I kept at it, hoping it would redeem itself. It didn’t. This is a 1-2 star read for me that at least, for now, is not driven by anger. Just a waste of potential.
November 23, 2025
Very clever and cute romance about STEMinist AI software developer Harriet, and her BFF’s younger brother and hockey heartthrob Gale.
Harriet has developed an AI virtual coach for athletes called E.M.M.A. It’s almost ready to launch, and Gale happens to be in the worst slump of his professional career, so he’s the ideal test subject. The smarter than its own good E.M.M.A. however, has decided to play matchmaker, placing “her” virtual thumb on the scale for Harriet and Gale to connect in more ways than one.
Added to the mix is a group of rival developers set on sabotaging Harriet’s team, the looming legacy of Gale’s father who’s a disgraced hockey legend, bestie guilt, and kittens, making it a fun ride to a HEA.
I was fortunate to have received an advance reader copy from the author and NetGalley, and I’m pleased to share my honest review.
Harriet has developed an AI virtual coach for athletes called E.M.M.A. It’s almost ready to launch, and Gale happens to be in the worst slump of his professional career, so he’s the ideal test subject. The smarter than its own good E.M.M.A. however, has decided to play matchmaker, placing “her” virtual thumb on the scale for Harriet and Gale to connect in more ways than one.
Added to the mix is a group of rival developers set on sabotaging Harriet’s team, the looming legacy of Gale’s father who’s a disgraced hockey legend, bestie guilt, and kittens, making it a fun ride to a HEA.
I was fortunate to have received an advance reader copy from the author and NetGalley, and I’m pleased to share my honest review.
November 10, 2025
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Review: A swoony, STEM rom-com that makes time fly!
“The E.M.M.A. Effect” follows Harriet Smythe, a computer scientist used to being in control, after her elite AI training program claims that her test subject Gale Knight, her best friend’s little brother and NHL forward for the Regals, is her perfect match.
The second installment in Riley’s Regals Hockey series is a fun, entertaining read that is loosely inspired by Jane Austen’s “Emma.” Like Austen’s female heroines, Harriet Smythe is independent, strong-willed, relatable, and not without her own flaws. It was empowering to see Harriet make strides and surpass obstacles in a male-dominated industry all while finding love.
Gale is Harriet’s perfect match despite her initially denying it. Their development from friends to lovers and the chemistry between them is extremely satisfying! I love how Gale was genuinely interested and supportive of Harriet and her work from the very beginning. He undergoes massive growth and improves his self-image with help from Harriet. The more time the two spend together finding ways to optimize Gale’s hockey performance, the more comfortable they step into their true selves. While the spice is definitely a highlight, I also appreciated the raw, emotional moments Harriet and Gale shared.
➤ 4 stars
Review cross-posted to: Book Blog | Bookstagram | Amazon
Review: A swoony, STEM rom-com that makes time fly!
“The E.M.M.A. Effect” follows Harriet Smythe, a computer scientist used to being in control, after her elite AI training program claims that her test subject Gale Knight, her best friend’s little brother and NHL forward for the Regals, is her perfect match.
The second installment in Riley’s Regals Hockey series is a fun, entertaining read that is loosely inspired by Jane Austen’s “Emma.” Like Austen’s female heroines, Harriet Smythe is independent, strong-willed, relatable, and not without her own flaws. It was empowering to see Harriet make strides and surpass obstacles in a male-dominated industry all while finding love.
Gale is Harriet’s perfect match despite her initially denying it. Their development from friends to lovers and the chemistry between them is extremely satisfying! I love how Gale was genuinely interested and supportive of Harriet and her work from the very beginning. He undergoes massive growth and improves his self-image with help from Harriet. The more time the two spend together finding ways to optimize Gale’s hockey performance, the more comfortable they step into their true selves. While the spice is definitely a highlight, I also appreciated the raw, emotional moments Harriet and Gale shared.
➤ 4 stars
Review cross-posted to: Book Blog | Bookstagram | Amazon
November 25, 2025
7% into this book and I started telling all my girls about this book! It was exactly what I needed. I absolutely love strong, independent, intelligent women who know what they want and get it. Harriet is a badass! And I love that Gail was not afraid to let her take control. He was down bad for her and it made me swoon. This book is exactly the type of book I love to read! Lia Riley will now be an instant buy for me! Her writing is so smart, witty, and swoony!
#TheEmmaEffect #NetGalley
#TheEmmaEffect #NetGalley
May 4, 2025
Set in Austin, Texas, Harriet Smythe is a computer scientist that needs a pro-athlete to beta test The E.M.M.A., her AI testing program for elite athletes. Her best friend's younger brother and NHL forward Gale Knight fits the bill. Gale has been struggling recently and could use help with his performance. But when The E.M.M.A suggests the best solution is a romantic relationship with her, Harriet's long crush comes back into play. As she tries to set Gale up with someone else, they find their chemistry more and more difficult to resist.
This is the second in a hockey + Austen rom com series from Lia Riley. I really enjoyed the first and found this one to be even better. It was super quick and fun to read. I definitely see the Ali Hazelwood comparisons (and will through in Susannah Nix's Chemistry Lessons series). I liked seeing her and Gale in each of their elements and how they loved to see the other one succeed.
Read this for:
🏒 PhD x Pro Hockey Player
💻 Sibling's best friend
🏒 Age gap (she's five years older)
💻 Austen references (loved the various nods to Emma without being overwhelming)
🏒 Grief and forgiveness
Open door / spicy!
4.75 / 5 stars
Many thanks to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for this eARC!
This is the second in a hockey + Austen rom com series from Lia Riley. I really enjoyed the first and found this one to be even better. It was super quick and fun to read. I definitely see the Ali Hazelwood comparisons (and will through in Susannah Nix's Chemistry Lessons series). I liked seeing her and Gale in each of their elements and how they loved to see the other one succeed.
Read this for:
🏒 PhD x Pro Hockey Player
💻 Sibling's best friend
🏒 Age gap (she's five years older)
💻 Austen references (loved the various nods to Emma without being overwhelming)
🏒 Grief and forgiveness
Open door / spicy!
4.75 / 5 stars
Many thanks to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for this eARC!
July 19, 2025
Harriet is a computer scientist in the process of making a AI model that would help athletes become better at their sport. Her best friend’s brother just so happens to be a pro athlete who’s currently not performing so well. His name is Gale, the perfect test subject and also the man she’s had a crush on for years. As they try to work together, they find comfort in each other and find it hard to resist the inevitable.
This was cute and interesting enough to keep me going till the end. But something’s fell flat for me. I was really intrigued by their relationship dynamic. The fact that she was older and liked to take charge in the bedroom while he was wanting someone like that. But then we didn’t really get to explore that more than once.
I didn’t really care for the AI aspect. Especially how the AI overrode its own abilities to play matchmaker. And she made no effort to fix it. Also, the fact that the solution to all his problems was getting some kitty cat was kinda crazy to me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was cute and interesting enough to keep me going till the end. But something’s fell flat for me. I was really intrigued by their relationship dynamic. The fact that she was older and liked to take charge in the bedroom while he was wanting someone like that. But then we didn’t really get to explore that more than once.
I didn’t really care for the AI aspect. Especially how the AI overrode its own abilities to play matchmaker. And she made no effort to fix it. Also, the fact that the solution to all his problems was getting some kitty cat was kinda crazy to me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 22, 2025
First off, thank you to Avon & HarperVoyage for access to the ARC of this novel!
Don’t let the cover decieve you; this book has some incredibly steamy moments and a hell of a story about self exploration. I started this one a bit apprehensive given my distane for AI and it’s use in the world. For anyone who feels the same way, there is an easy way to avoid that part- though it does have a small point in the plot- by just skimming chapters where it exists.
AI aside, GAHHH! These characters go through individual hell and yet somehow make it back to one another, and to themselves become stronger. I appreciated the way hockey, badass women in male-dominated fields, and self discovery were intertwined EFFORTLESSLY throughout. Truly don’t know if I’ve ever seen it done in the way that Lia Riley did it here
Towards the end (i’d say the last 3 chapters), I felt like it was just repetitive and it coulf have easily ended after Chapter 21 or 22. Though that’s the case, I appreciated Riley’s attention to detail in finishing out each of the plotlines to the end.
I also understood E.M.M.A. (The AI) perspective in Chapter 26, but I could have done without it- it felt redundant compared to the storyline and what we learn from the characters.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the characters, and the outcomes. If you pick this up, have fun with it but also be aware of your own biases and feelings about AI because I could see where that could take away from your experience in reading it (just as it happened to me).
(p.s. if you love Ali Hazelwood this book WILL be of interest for you. It’s the perfect blend of science & sports. No notes.)
Don’t let the cover decieve you; this book has some incredibly steamy moments and a hell of a story about self exploration. I started this one a bit apprehensive given my distane for AI and it’s use in the world. For anyone who feels the same way, there is an easy way to avoid that part- though it does have a small point in the plot- by just skimming chapters where it exists.
AI aside, GAHHH! These characters go through individual hell and yet somehow make it back to one another, and to themselves become stronger. I appreciated the way hockey, badass women in male-dominated fields, and self discovery were intertwined EFFORTLESSLY throughout. Truly don’t know if I’ve ever seen it done in the way that Lia Riley did it here
Towards the end (i’d say the last 3 chapters), I felt like it was just repetitive and it coulf have easily ended after Chapter 21 or 22. Though that’s the case, I appreciated Riley’s attention to detail in finishing out each of the plotlines to the end.
I also understood E.M.M.A. (The AI) perspective in Chapter 26, but I could have done without it- it felt redundant compared to the storyline and what we learn from the characters.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the characters, and the outcomes. If you pick this up, have fun with it but also be aware of your own biases and feelings about AI because I could see where that could take away from your experience in reading it (just as it happened to me).
(p.s. if you love Ali Hazelwood this book WILL be of interest for you. It’s the perfect blend of science & sports. No notes.)
September 1, 2025
The Emma Effect is one of those romances that sneaks up on you with heart as much as with heat. At first glance, it’s got all the hallmarks of a fun, contemporary rom-com: a quirky premise involving AI technology, a hockey player in a slump, and a second-chance sort of dynamic rooted in childhood connections. But as the story unfolds, Lia Riley layers in family drama, resilience, and vulnerability that give this book more depth than you might expect.
I was very surprised by how much I enjoyed this book, as romcoms are not my go-to genre. I cannot wait to pick up more books from this author!
I was very surprised by how much I enjoyed this book, as romcoms are not my go-to genre. I cannot wait to pick up more books from this author!
November 23, 2025
Review will be added.
Thank you to NetGalley, HarperAudio Adult and the author for an ALC of this book
Thank you to NetGalley, HarperAudio Adult and the author for an ALC of this book
November 26, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Avon for the ARC
2 ⭐️ ⭐️
I went into this book really wanting to enjoy it, but unfortunately, it just didn’t work for me. The premise had potential, but the execution fell flat. I found the pacing uneven and struggled to stay invested in the storyline. The characters also felt underdeveloped, which made it difficult to connect with them or care about their journeys.
While I can appreciate the effort put into creating something different, overall this wasn’t a story that kept my attention or delivered what I was hoping for.
Audiobook review 🎧
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Audio and NetGalley for the audio ARC
I originally read E.M.M.A. Effect on my kindle and didn’t enjoy the story, so I decided to try the audiobook to see if the experience improved. While the plot still didn’t work for me, I will say the narration was the highlight this time around. Both the female and male narrators did a really solid job bringing emotion, personality, and energy to the characters. Their performances made the story much more engaging than it was on the page.
Unfortunately, even with great narrators, the story itself still wasn’t for me, and that held my overall rating at 2 stars. But if someone is set on reading this book, I’d definitely recommend the audio format over the physical copy for a better experience.
2 ⭐️ ⭐️
I went into this book really wanting to enjoy it, but unfortunately, it just didn’t work for me. The premise had potential, but the execution fell flat. I found the pacing uneven and struggled to stay invested in the storyline. The characters also felt underdeveloped, which made it difficult to connect with them or care about their journeys.
While I can appreciate the effort put into creating something different, overall this wasn’t a story that kept my attention or delivered what I was hoping for.
Audiobook review 🎧
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Audio and NetGalley for the audio ARC
I originally read E.M.M.A. Effect on my kindle and didn’t enjoy the story, so I decided to try the audiobook to see if the experience improved. While the plot still didn’t work for me, I will say the narration was the highlight this time around. Both the female and male narrators did a really solid job bringing emotion, personality, and energy to the characters. Their performances made the story much more engaging than it was on the page.
Unfortunately, even with great narrators, the story itself still wasn’t for me, and that held my overall rating at 2 stars. But if someone is set on reading this book, I’d definitely recommend the audio format over the physical copy for a better experience.
November 8, 2025
Before I get into the review, a quick thank you to both NetGalley and the publishers over at Avon for allowing me access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review. The E.M.M.A Effect is a take on the Jane Austen classic with a scientific and slightly speculative slant. Harriet is an AI programmer working on a system to help athletes become better. Gale is her best friend's brother and hockey star who has hit a bit of a snag. He agrees to help with her Beta testing hoping that it will improve his game and get him out of his rough patch. But when E.M.M.A. goes outside of her programming and suggests that what Gale needs is to date Harriet to get his game back in form, she knows she can't follow E.M.M.A.'s suggestion. Determined to remain professional, Harriet has E.M.M.A. find other suitable matches for Gale and watches his dating attempts from the sidelines. The E.M.M.A. Effect comes out on December 2nd is available for preorder now.
I only have a vague knowledge of Emma by Jane Austen and even then, what I do know comes from a YouTube short form fictional show so anything relating to the original work is probably beyond my scope. At least a little. I found a couple of the subplots intriguing while the main plot beats never really got my attention. The storyline with Gale and his dad being placed in hospice and knowing his dad is going to die soon really tore me up on the inside. My mother was placed in hospice back in late February of this year before she passed so my grief and my pain were really reflected back to me in this one. Even this weird idea that Gale had because of his bad relationship with his father about how his father will never have the chance to grow and become a better man. It hit me in the feels for sure. Something I never understood until this year is that when you lose someone you don't just lose this person that you love, but that you also lose so many possible future moments with them and it shuts this door that can never be reopened. It was heartbreaking to see Gale also have this realization. The storyline with the cat that decides one day that Gale's back porch is the perfect place to have her kittens was super cute. I loved seeing his goofiness while trying to figure out being a cat dad and playing hockey and trying to get his game back while also going on these random dates. I think Gale is probably the best part of this book.
What I didn't like. Yikes. I have to say that the author chose a certain...mindset...in the bedroom that our couple enjoys that is not up my alley. All of the sex scenes are super cringe for me and give me the ick. I know that there will be people out there who enjoy that aspect of this book. I know it does flip some Romance sex scene dynamics on their heads and there is an audience for that for sure. It's not me, but I know there's an audience for this. The other thing that I want to draw attention to is the lack of emotional impact. Aside from the parent death, which has its own reason for hitting me in the chest, I never felt emotionally invested. I didn't really care if Gale and Harriet got together. I never felt their emotions when they were hurt by the other. I never felt their emotions when they were elated by the other. It just never got that deep for me. I think there's a few reasons for this: 1) we don't take the time to truly get invested in the characters before they become romantically involved, 2) we don't really see a split which is what felt needed to get some sort of emotion going, and 3) we're so dialed into the A.I. of it all that it felt like we were sacrificing the things that make a Romance a Romance.
Overall, I think this is a fun and quick read that would be good for people looking to see their Romance novels shake things up a bit. Also, for anyone interested in A.I. in fiction and seeing how maybe it develops a mind of its own.
I only have a vague knowledge of Emma by Jane Austen and even then, what I do know comes from a YouTube short form fictional show so anything relating to the original work is probably beyond my scope. At least a little. I found a couple of the subplots intriguing while the main plot beats never really got my attention. The storyline with Gale and his dad being placed in hospice and knowing his dad is going to die soon really tore me up on the inside. My mother was placed in hospice back in late February of this year before she passed so my grief and my pain were really reflected back to me in this one. Even this weird idea that Gale had because of his bad relationship with his father about how his father will never have the chance to grow and become a better man. It hit me in the feels for sure. Something I never understood until this year is that when you lose someone you don't just lose this person that you love, but that you also lose so many possible future moments with them and it shuts this door that can never be reopened. It was heartbreaking to see Gale also have this realization. The storyline with the cat that decides one day that Gale's back porch is the perfect place to have her kittens was super cute. I loved seeing his goofiness while trying to figure out being a cat dad and playing hockey and trying to get his game back while also going on these random dates. I think Gale is probably the best part of this book.
What I didn't like. Yikes. I have to say that the author chose a certain...mindset...in the bedroom that our couple enjoys that is not up my alley. All of the sex scenes are super cringe for me and give me the ick. I know that there will be people out there who enjoy that aspect of this book. I know it does flip some Romance sex scene dynamics on their heads and there is an audience for that for sure. It's not me, but I know there's an audience for this. The other thing that I want to draw attention to is the lack of emotional impact. Aside from the parent death, which has its own reason for hitting me in the chest, I never felt emotionally invested. I didn't really care if Gale and Harriet got together. I never felt their emotions when they were hurt by the other. I never felt their emotions when they were elated by the other. It just never got that deep for me. I think there's a few reasons for this: 1) we don't take the time to truly get invested in the characters before they become romantically involved, 2) we don't really see a split which is what felt needed to get some sort of emotion going, and 3) we're so dialed into the A.I. of it all that it felt like we were sacrificing the things that make a Romance a Romance.
Overall, I think this is a fun and quick read that would be good for people looking to see their Romance novels shake things up a bit. Also, for anyone interested in A.I. in fiction and seeing how maybe it develops a mind of its own.
August 9, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Harriet Smythe is a tech genius who invented an A.I. program called E.M.M.A that is supposed to analyze the data of athletes to determine how they can improver their performance. Gale Knight was a star ice hockey player for the Austin Regals, but he's been in a slump and is not playing to his full potential. Harriet's boss finds out that Gale is the younger brother of her best friend and insists she get Gale to be their E.M.M.A test subject. When E.M.M.A.'s analysis concludes that the best way to help Gale's game is for Harriet to date him, well, she's not going for it. Is E.M.M.A. right? Is becoming a couple what both Harriet and Gale need to succeed?
This book is inspired by Jane Austen's Emma. It's not a retelling, adaptation, interpretation, or continuation of the original story. Emma (the original) is a story about a naive young woman who believes she thrives at matchmaking, but eventually learns to reign in her meddling. E.M.M.A the AI is a self-evolving program that serves as matchmaker in this story. That is the inspiration.- Emma as matchmaker. There are a few story beats and phrases that come from the original Emma, but for the most part this is going to disappoint Jane Austen fans looking for a more direct comparison.
This story has a lot of potential that it is just not reaching. It is more telling than showing. Telling us about these characters and events rather than bringing us into a deeper emotional depth to help us truly understand the characters motivations. Harriet is underdeveloped. Aside from wanting her AI to succeed and prove that a woman can achieve in STEM, we don't really get to know her. I'm not sure if she's supposed to be written as neurodivergent, but it seems like a strong possibility. She's smart and creative, but very fact based. She holds on to a lot of random information that she shares whenever she's socially uncomfortable. She also has an odd impulsivity to her actions while also being somewhat clueless or delayed to the repercussions of those actions. She wasn't believable or relatable as written and doesn't show much growth.
We get more of Gale's struggles and inner turmoil. His story and development as a character is much more interesting than Harriet's. Again, we are told rather than shown many of the major turning points in Gale's life. He is the more sympathetic character, but I would have liked to have seen more of his history that led to his current struggle. Flashback chapters told from both perspectives would be very useful in engaging the reader. Instead we get a lot of present day remembrance descriptions of the past, which just isn't the same.
Unfortunately, by about the halfway point, I was simply trying to finish the book without caring too much about the characters. By the time Harriet gets called out on having manipulated E.M.M.A's data (to find Gale matches that aren't her), I'd forgotten she'd done it in the first place. It is then too swiftly resolved and glossed over so that Harriet and Gale can have their HEA.
I hope the author and publisher will take this as constructive criticism to go back and do re-writes and edits so that this book can fulfill it's potential.
Harriet Smythe is a tech genius who invented an A.I. program called E.M.M.A that is supposed to analyze the data of athletes to determine how they can improver their performance. Gale Knight was a star ice hockey player for the Austin Regals, but he's been in a slump and is not playing to his full potential. Harriet's boss finds out that Gale is the younger brother of her best friend and insists she get Gale to be their E.M.M.A test subject. When E.M.M.A.'s analysis concludes that the best way to help Gale's game is for Harriet to date him, well, she's not going for it. Is E.M.M.A. right? Is becoming a couple what both Harriet and Gale need to succeed?
This book is inspired by Jane Austen's Emma. It's not a retelling, adaptation, interpretation, or continuation of the original story. Emma (the original) is a story about a naive young woman who believes she thrives at matchmaking, but eventually learns to reign in her meddling. E.M.M.A the AI is a self-evolving program that serves as matchmaker in this story. That is the inspiration.- Emma as matchmaker. There are a few story beats and phrases that come from the original Emma, but for the most part this is going to disappoint Jane Austen fans looking for a more direct comparison.
This story has a lot of potential that it is just not reaching. It is more telling than showing. Telling us about these characters and events rather than bringing us into a deeper emotional depth to help us truly understand the characters motivations. Harriet is underdeveloped. Aside from wanting her AI to succeed and prove that a woman can achieve in STEM, we don't really get to know her. I'm not sure if she's supposed to be written as neurodivergent, but it seems like a strong possibility. She's smart and creative, but very fact based. She holds on to a lot of random information that she shares whenever she's socially uncomfortable. She also has an odd impulsivity to her actions while also being somewhat clueless or delayed to the repercussions of those actions. She wasn't believable or relatable as written and doesn't show much growth.
We get more of Gale's struggles and inner turmoil. His story and development as a character is much more interesting than Harriet's. Again, we are told rather than shown many of the major turning points in Gale's life. He is the more sympathetic character, but I would have liked to have seen more of his history that led to his current struggle. Flashback chapters told from both perspectives would be very useful in engaging the reader. Instead we get a lot of present day remembrance descriptions of the past, which just isn't the same.
Unfortunately, by about the halfway point, I was simply trying to finish the book without caring too much about the characters. By the time Harriet gets called out on having manipulated E.M.M.A's data (to find Gale matches that aren't her), I'd forgotten she'd done it in the first place. It is then too swiftly resolved and glossed over so that Harriet and Gale can have their HEA.
I hope the author and publisher will take this as constructive criticism to go back and do re-writes and edits so that this book can fulfill it's potential.
November 12, 2025
Thank you Avon Harper Voyager and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this title to read and give my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
I will admit, the concept of this book drew me in immediately. I love STEM and especially women in STEM. And with the AI in our world becoming some prominent in so much of our lives, I was excited to see how it was used in this book. Plus it's a Jane Austen inspired story and likened to Ali Hazelwood. So I had to give it a try. I actually did not realize this book was connected to Puck and Prejudice. While you see some characters from that book, this one could definitely be read as a stand alone. Riley has been hit or miss with me in the books I've read from her. Since I enjoyed the first book in this series, I figured I'd give this one a try.
Harriet Smythe has created E.M.M.A., an AI program to help athletes the best they can be. When Harriet employs her best friend's baby brother, Gale Knight, to be one of her test subjects, she's expecting it to boost his waning career. She's not expecting the AI to evolve into a program that evolves to include more personal things in its assessment, like how it decides the best way to get Gale's game back in line is to pair him with Harriet.
From the start I enjoyed Harriet's character. She was fun and just a bit on the quirky side with how intelligent she was. Of course she's been attracted to Gale for as long as she can remember. But she never thought it was a good idea to act on it since he's her best friend's brother. She never imagined he'd be her perfect match. Of course Gale has always been in love with Harriet but he never thought she'd have those same feelings for him. So it was fun to watch them realize they wanted to be with each other.
I was really into this story until about half way through the book. Then it just started to have some plot holes I could not get over. LIke the fact that E.M.M.A. needed Gale to wear a device so she could track him but she easily sussed out Harriet's moods without her having any device. It didn't make sense. And the chemistry between the characters started to feel off. I understood there was some miscommunication between them but it didn't seem to make sense to me. I hated that Harriet was keeping secrets from Gale. And I wasn't a huge fan of how the plot centered around a relationship being able to fix everyone's problems.
Finally, the submissive/dominant relationship between the characters didn't seem real. It seemed forced into the story to try and make it more interesting to the reader. Another plot line that didn't seem as organic as it could have. And I am in no way against reading this type of spice, but it just didn't work with the characters in this story. Had there been a bit more background, maybe some flashbacks to show these characters traits, I would have found them more believable.
While I enjoyed this one enough, I felt like it was too forced towards the end. I needed the characters to grow organically and it just didn't happen.
Overall it was fun and if you enjoy women in STEM, best friend's brother, friends to lovers, and a little kink exploration, give this one a try!
I will admit, the concept of this book drew me in immediately. I love STEM and especially women in STEM. And with the AI in our world becoming some prominent in so much of our lives, I was excited to see how it was used in this book. Plus it's a Jane Austen inspired story and likened to Ali Hazelwood. So I had to give it a try. I actually did not realize this book was connected to Puck and Prejudice. While you see some characters from that book, this one could definitely be read as a stand alone. Riley has been hit or miss with me in the books I've read from her. Since I enjoyed the first book in this series, I figured I'd give this one a try.
Harriet Smythe has created E.M.M.A., an AI program to help athletes the best they can be. When Harriet employs her best friend's baby brother, Gale Knight, to be one of her test subjects, she's expecting it to boost his waning career. She's not expecting the AI to evolve into a program that evolves to include more personal things in its assessment, like how it decides the best way to get Gale's game back in line is to pair him with Harriet.
From the start I enjoyed Harriet's character. She was fun and just a bit on the quirky side with how intelligent she was. Of course she's been attracted to Gale for as long as she can remember. But she never thought it was a good idea to act on it since he's her best friend's brother. She never imagined he'd be her perfect match. Of course Gale has always been in love with Harriet but he never thought she'd have those same feelings for him. So it was fun to watch them realize they wanted to be with each other.
I was really into this story until about half way through the book. Then it just started to have some plot holes I could not get over. LIke the fact that E.M.M.A. needed Gale to wear a device so she could track him but she easily sussed out Harriet's moods without her having any device. It didn't make sense. And the chemistry between the characters started to feel off. I understood there was some miscommunication between them but it didn't seem to make sense to me. I hated that Harriet was keeping secrets from Gale. And I wasn't a huge fan of how the plot centered around a relationship being able to fix everyone's problems.
Finally, the submissive/dominant relationship between the characters didn't seem real. It seemed forced into the story to try and make it more interesting to the reader. Another plot line that didn't seem as organic as it could have. And I am in no way against reading this type of spice, but it just didn't work with the characters in this story. Had there been a bit more background, maybe some flashbacks to show these characters traits, I would have found them more believable.
While I enjoyed this one enough, I felt like it was too forced towards the end. I needed the characters to grow organically and it just didn't happen.
Overall it was fun and if you enjoy women in STEM, best friend's brother, friends to lovers, and a little kink exploration, give this one a try!
November 29, 2025
This one didn’t work for me. It took me forever to get through, not because I was busy, but because I was waffling between bored and annoyed as I read the book. Gale was a great character. There were some potentially fun concepts, but the execution wasn’t there. Which makes me sad, since I have liked other books I've read by this author.
At first, I liked Harriet and thought my biggest issue would be E.M.M.A., as I’m not a fan of AI or how it has taken over everything, even when I didn’t ask for it. Harriet’s discussions with her AI were getting boring and somewhat repetitive. Harriet believed in her AI so much that she disregarded everything E.M.M.A. was telling her? I don’t think so. Then, Harriet ignored E.M.M.A. so much that she was doing potential harm to her test subject, Gale.
Gale agreed to help Harriet because he had always had a crush on her, and he desperately needed help with his hockey game. Harriet insisted on his vulnerability for the program to work, yet she was undermining the program when she didn’t like the results. How was that fair to Gale and his literal life? How selfish and immature. When Gale and Harriet were together and not discussing E.M.M.A. I enjoyed their connection. I kept seeing where the story could go, but the author never let it get there.
Since Gale is a professional hockey player who has, until now, had much success on the ice, it was odd that none of his teammates seemed to be reaching out to him when things went bad. His sister was MIA, too. I get that she was a new mom, but she was more than absent when it came to certain issues. And most irritating was that not one single person Gale interacted with suggested therapy. Gale is a fantastic character, and he needed help. Real help, not AI-generated help or a relationship to throw himself into. It’s irresponsible to imply that finding love would fix all his troubles.
I think it’s also important to note the odd POV the author decided to take in this book. The chapters from Harriet’s POV are first person while the chapters from Gale’s POV are third person. Why? It was distracting and didn’t add anything to the story.
My other issues with this book could be chalked up to my reading an ARC. Some problems may be fixed for the final publication, but there were a lot of inconsistencies. Are they sitting at a table or a counter? Will the food take at least 20 minutes, or will they be watching TV and eating within 5 minutes? Are they talking in a hotel room or a locker room? You get the point. I’m someone who always picks up on the smallest thing; that’s just how my brain works. It really messed with the flow of the story for me.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
At first, I liked Harriet and thought my biggest issue would be E.M.M.A., as I’m not a fan of AI or how it has taken over everything, even when I didn’t ask for it. Harriet’s discussions with her AI were getting boring and somewhat repetitive. Harriet believed in her AI so much that she disregarded everything E.M.M.A. was telling her? I don’t think so. Then, Harriet ignored E.M.M.A. so much that she was doing potential harm to her test subject, Gale.
Gale agreed to help Harriet because he had always had a crush on her, and he desperately needed help with his hockey game. Harriet insisted on his vulnerability for the program to work, yet she was undermining the program when she didn’t like the results. How was that fair to Gale and his literal life? How selfish and immature. When Gale and Harriet were together and not discussing E.M.M.A. I enjoyed their connection. I kept seeing where the story could go, but the author never let it get there.
Since Gale is a professional hockey player who has, until now, had much success on the ice, it was odd that none of his teammates seemed to be reaching out to him when things went bad. His sister was MIA, too. I get that she was a new mom, but she was more than absent when it came to certain issues. And most irritating was that not one single person Gale interacted with suggested therapy. Gale is a fantastic character, and he needed help. Real help, not AI-generated help or a relationship to throw himself into. It’s irresponsible to imply that finding love would fix all his troubles.
I think it’s also important to note the odd POV the author decided to take in this book. The chapters from Harriet’s POV are first person while the chapters from Gale’s POV are third person. Why? It was distracting and didn’t add anything to the story.
My other issues with this book could be chalked up to my reading an ARC. Some problems may be fixed for the final publication, but there were a lot of inconsistencies. Are they sitting at a table or a counter? Will the food take at least 20 minutes, or will they be watching TV and eating within 5 minutes? Are they talking in a hotel room or a locker room? You get the point. I’m someone who always picks up on the smallest thing; that’s just how my brain works. It really messed with the flow of the story for me.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
November 28, 2025
I remember having a good time with book one so I was a little disappointed that I didn't enjoy this book as much.
This book felt a little like it was trying to be Deep End with the inclusions of Athlete/Sports Romance, Women in STEM, and Power Play. The story is completely unique of course and it's not a college romance, but I just unfortunately think the best aspects of the book are the aspects it shares with Deep End and the rest was a little strange and uninteresting.
My favorite part of the book was Gale. I did like him as a MMC and I loved the way he liked to be submissive even though he was a tall, muscular professional athlete. I think it's important to showcase softness in men even when they're taller and/or bigger. Gale was really sweet but there is a weird theme that implies he needs a relationship to be a grounded person and I think maybe he should've gone to therapy instead.
I wish I felt more connected to the side characters. Tucker from the first book makes some appearances but I felt like all of the side characters were almost non-existent. Harriet really only mentions her coworkers 3 times and most of them don't have distinct personalities. The best friend and sister is the most formed side character we have but even she felt a little insignificant. Even the other teammates are barely in the book.
The stranger parts of this book for me were everything dealing with E.M.M.A. There were parts that I was just waiting for the FMC to wake up from a dream but apparently it was reality. And they mention all this stuff at the end of the book that the AI machine is supposed to do for the athletes but the only thing we ever saw it do throughout the whole book was recommend a relationship and analyze the FMC's life. I think this was intended to be quirky or maybe a type of magical realism but it just bothered me to the point of not wanting to read the book.
And look the relationship thing and the matchmaking and stuff was a little Emma-coded so I do think some of the Jane Austen intentions came through there.
As for the aspects I liked, I liked Harriet being a woman in STEM and the drama of having to deal with "The Chads". I thought the power play stuff was fun and I really liked the way Harriet and Gale fit each other so well. And while I know very little about hockey, I still enjoyed the hockey of it all and that it's consistently in the book. I also liked the kittens and that they were prominently featured throughout the book.
Overall, I think this book is okay but the main premise was just a bit too odd and I would've liked more from the side characters.
Thank you to Avon for the advanced copy!
This book felt a little like it was trying to be Deep End with the inclusions of Athlete/Sports Romance, Women in STEM, and Power Play. The story is completely unique of course and it's not a college romance, but I just unfortunately think the best aspects of the book are the aspects it shares with Deep End and the rest was a little strange and uninteresting.
My favorite part of the book was Gale. I did like him as a MMC and I loved the way he liked to be submissive even though he was a tall, muscular professional athlete. I think it's important to showcase softness in men even when they're taller and/or bigger. Gale was really sweet but there is a weird theme that implies he needs a relationship to be a grounded person and I think maybe he should've gone to therapy instead.
I wish I felt more connected to the side characters. Tucker from the first book makes some appearances but I felt like all of the side characters were almost non-existent. Harriet really only mentions her coworkers 3 times and most of them don't have distinct personalities. The best friend and sister is the most formed side character we have but even she felt a little insignificant. Even the other teammates are barely in the book.
The stranger parts of this book for me were everything dealing with E.M.M.A. There were parts that I was just waiting for the FMC to wake up from a dream but apparently it was reality. And they mention all this stuff at the end of the book that the AI machine is supposed to do for the athletes but the only thing we ever saw it do throughout the whole book was recommend a relationship and analyze the FMC's life. I think this was intended to be quirky or maybe a type of magical realism but it just bothered me to the point of not wanting to read the book.
And look the relationship thing and the matchmaking and stuff was a little Emma-coded so I do think some of the Jane Austen intentions came through there.
As for the aspects I liked, I liked Harriet being a woman in STEM and the drama of having to deal with "The Chads". I thought the power play stuff was fun and I really liked the way Harriet and Gale fit each other so well. And while I know very little about hockey, I still enjoyed the hockey of it all and that it's consistently in the book. I also liked the kittens and that they were prominently featured throughout the book.
Overall, I think this book is okay but the main premise was just a bit too odd and I would've liked more from the side characters.
Thank you to Avon for the advanced copy!
September 9, 2025
Ugh, this was frustrating. First, the only real connection to Austen is the fact that the computer that decides to turn to matchmaking is nicknamed E.M.M.A., and the main character's name is Harriet (Smythe instead of Smith; if it's been a while or you don't know, Harriet Smith is a side character in Emma who the title character unsuccessfully tries to match). The story itself had no other connections that I could detect to the Regency author or her books, except maybe that the AI program could speak in "duchess mode" and sound vaguely British?
Second, the switching of POVs, from first person for Emma to third person for Gale was just annoying. I couldn't see any reason for it and it was just jarring every time it happened. It let you know whose POV it was at the start of chapters 1-3 only--hopefully this will be fixed in the final version and every chapter will?--but even that wasn't enough to stop me from being temporarily thrown out of the story each time.
Third, I had a hard time buying the validity of Harriet's program. It's supposed to work with an athlete and his support staff (coaches, trainers, etc.) to improve his performance, but we don't really see that happening. (Did his coach even know what was going on? I don't remember him being involved at all, TBH, and really can't find it in me to even go back and look.) The way it kept inserting itself into Harriet's life was creepy AF, and the chapter from its POV near the end didn't improve my opinion any. I'm also not convinced that Gale's only path toward better performance on the ice involved finding his "perfect match." I'm pretty sure plenty of pro athletes do just fine regardless of and unrelated to their relationship status. I didn't leave this book thinking that the author had any more understanding of STEM careers than I do, which was unfortunate--any comparison to Ali Hazelwood's books is completely on a surface level and honestly shouldn't even be made, IMO.
Finally, though the chemistry between the two MCs is decent and I did want to see them together, it was really hard to get behind most of the choices Harriet made throughout the book. She constantly came off as insecure (and pretty immature as well) and though I wanted her to earn her success in the end, it didn't really feel like she did.
Ultimately, this one just made me sad--I wanted to love it, but just couldn't.
Rating: 2 (overly generous, maybe?) stars / D+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Second, the switching of POVs, from first person for Emma to third person for Gale was just annoying. I couldn't see any reason for it and it was just jarring every time it happened. It let you know whose POV it was at the start of chapters 1-3 only--hopefully this will be fixed in the final version and every chapter will?--but even that wasn't enough to stop me from being temporarily thrown out of the story each time.
Third, I had a hard time buying the validity of Harriet's program. It's supposed to work with an athlete and his support staff (coaches, trainers, etc.) to improve his performance, but we don't really see that happening. (Did his coach even know what was going on? I don't remember him being involved at all, TBH, and really can't find it in me to even go back and look.) The way it kept inserting itself into Harriet's life was creepy AF, and the chapter from its POV near the end didn't improve my opinion any. I'm also not convinced that Gale's only path toward better performance on the ice involved finding his "perfect match." I'm pretty sure plenty of pro athletes do just fine regardless of and unrelated to their relationship status. I didn't leave this book thinking that the author had any more understanding of STEM careers than I do, which was unfortunate--any comparison to Ali Hazelwood's books is completely on a surface level and honestly shouldn't even be made, IMO.
Finally, though the chemistry between the two MCs is decent and I did want to see them together, it was really hard to get behind most of the choices Harriet made throughout the book. She constantly came off as insecure (and pretty immature as well) and though I wanted her to earn her success in the end, it didn't really feel like she did.
Ultimately, this one just made me sad--I wanted to love it, but just couldn't.
Rating: 2 (overly generous, maybe?) stars / D+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
July 27, 2025
The first act was near perfect. Girl-boss AI developer FMC and spiraling NHL star? Good. She's is his sister's bff and he's been pining for since childhood? Great. She's forced to recruit him to beta test her performance optimizing AI software because no other athlete will sign up? Okay. Turns out her (whoops, sentient) AI decides his problem is that he needs to get laid (more or less) and, surprise, she's his perfect match? Great!
SPOILERS AHEAD
Second act is also good, if abbreviated. She refuses to comply with her AI's demands (which also happen to correspond to her own desires) because she doesn't want to risk friendship with bff. But he is now a cat dad and looks like he will comply when she tells him to get on his knees. So, they bang. His performance on the ice improves. BFF is forgotten. Oh, and the E.M.M.A. project is at risk because her bro colleagues are mysoginists.
Third act is where everything falls apart. Apparently overriding her AI compromised the testing. Despite the fact that she essentially followed the recommended protocol (see above: banging = good at hockey). Oh, and despite that little thing called free will. Main relationship test makes no sense. He's apparently angry she didn't tell him that they were a 98% match and instead wasted a total of *checks notes* 3.5 hours on two dates with other, perfectly pleasant, women? Before entering a relationship with him? You got what you wanted, bro. Who cares if she didn't want to tell you about the AI results? Oh, also his deadbeat dad (who's probably the source of his hockey problems) just died and he's big conflicted (and now bad at hockey again). When asked why she lied, she claims low self-esteem. Which is...inconsistent with the plot and character development up to this point.
But she apologizes and everything's ok (and I mean everything, including dead dad).
Oh, and sister knew they had the hots for each other this whole time and is totally ok with it.
Oh, and AI project is saved by a new investor. Which is a solution to a problem she did not have.
HEA involves a Stanley Cup and marriage. Not, say, a Turing Aware or a cover on AI Monthly (or whatever).
Writing is solid, but there were also a lot of minor inconsistencies and spelling errors that should have been caught on the first round of editing.
All in all, a ton of potential. But needs some work.
Thank you to the powers that be for the ARC. Thoughts above are my own.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Second act is also good, if abbreviated. She refuses to comply with her AI's demands (which also happen to correspond to her own desires) because she doesn't want to risk friendship with bff. But he is now a cat dad and looks like he will comply when she tells him to get on his knees. So, they bang. His performance on the ice improves. BFF is forgotten. Oh, and the E.M.M.A. project is at risk because her bro colleagues are mysoginists.
Third act is where everything falls apart. Apparently overriding her AI compromised the testing. Despite the fact that she essentially followed the recommended protocol (see above: banging = good at hockey). Oh, and despite that little thing called free will. Main relationship test makes no sense. He's apparently angry she didn't tell him that they were a 98% match and instead wasted a total of *checks notes* 3.5 hours on two dates with other, perfectly pleasant, women? Before entering a relationship with him? You got what you wanted, bro. Who cares if she didn't want to tell you about the AI results? Oh, also his deadbeat dad (who's probably the source of his hockey problems) just died and he's big conflicted (and now bad at hockey again). When asked why she lied, she claims low self-esteem. Which is...inconsistent with the plot and character development up to this point.
But she apologizes and everything's ok (and I mean everything, including dead dad).
Oh, and sister knew they had the hots for each other this whole time and is totally ok with it.
Oh, and AI project is saved by a new investor. Which is a solution to a problem she did not have.
HEA involves a Stanley Cup and marriage. Not, say, a Turing Aware or a cover on AI Monthly (or whatever).
Writing is solid, but there were also a lot of minor inconsistencies and spelling errors that should have been caught on the first round of editing.
All in all, a ton of potential. But needs some work.
Thank you to the powers that be for the ARC. Thoughts above are my own.
November 25, 2025
This is certifiably goofy and not in a good way. The biggest detriment in this story is the AI model E.M.M.A. The purpose is to target areas of improvement not seen by the naked eye to improve athletic abilities, but the entire time it only focused on match making. Don’t get me wrong, I understand how this is an Emma retelling, but the AI model should’ve given some actual tactics relating to hockey before jumping into the match making.
The second biggest issue is the development of the relationship between Harriet and Gale. At the beginning of the story they’re basically strangers, then once they reconnect we’re told instead of shown that they’ve been mutually pining for one another. Then Harriet immediately folds on her own boundaries she’s put up, and by the end of their first time they’re both saying they love each other? This book also fails to deliver on any sense of a timeline, so I can’t even gauge how long it took for all of this to transpire.
Other issues include Gale’s father and sister dynamics in the story. Their father abandons them and becomes essentially brain dead, and Gale doesn’t ever visit him until the very end. Then we’re expected to believe that this is affecting him as much as it does in the story? Losing a parent, especially one you have a complicated history with, is devastating all the same. But I did not believe anything regarding his feelings towards his father. There’s a sliver of mentioning that Brooke doesn’t want her friends dating her brother because she will always choose his side if they break up, but this quickly isn’t the case once she confronts Gale about her feelings. Both of these issues seem like thrown ins to add “complexity” or extra hurdles for that chatters to go through, without any real consequence.
I’m shocked about how much of a nosedive this is compared to Puck and Prejudice, a book I adored and gave 5 stars. I wonder if I was to re-read that if I would rate it lower. Overall the premise of writing retellings of classics while intersecting with hockey romance is very unique, but seems to be a lightning in a bottle situation with book 1. If more books are to come in this series I will give it a try, but I will be highly cautious.
The second biggest issue is the development of the relationship between Harriet and Gale. At the beginning of the story they’re basically strangers, then once they reconnect we’re told instead of shown that they’ve been mutually pining for one another. Then Harriet immediately folds on her own boundaries she’s put up, and by the end of their first time they’re both saying they love each other? This book also fails to deliver on any sense of a timeline, so I can’t even gauge how long it took for all of this to transpire.
Other issues include Gale’s father and sister dynamics in the story. Their father abandons them and becomes essentially brain dead, and Gale doesn’t ever visit him until the very end. Then we’re expected to believe that this is affecting him as much as it does in the story? Losing a parent, especially one you have a complicated history with, is devastating all the same. But I did not believe anything regarding his feelings towards his father. There’s a sliver of mentioning that Brooke doesn’t want her friends dating her brother because she will always choose his side if they break up, but this quickly isn’t the case once she confronts Gale about her feelings. Both of these issues seem like thrown ins to add “complexity” or extra hurdles for that chatters to go through, without any real consequence.
I’m shocked about how much of a nosedive this is compared to Puck and Prejudice, a book I adored and gave 5 stars. I wonder if I was to re-read that if I would rate it lower. Overall the premise of writing retellings of classics while intersecting with hockey romance is very unique, but seems to be a lightning in a bottle situation with book 1. If more books are to come in this series I will give it a try, but I will be highly cautious.
November 23, 2025
STEM rom-com × hockey × forbidden crush × AI chaos
If you’ve ever wished Jane Austen could co-write a rom-com with Ali Hazelwood, The E.M.M.A. Effect comes deliciously close. This book is witty, nerdy, swoony, and built around one of my favorite dynamics: the woman in STEM who thinks she’s running the experiment… only to discover she might be the one being scientifically humbled by her own feelings.
Harriet is a delightfully rigid, brilliant computer scientist whose life makes perfect sense when everything fits into predictable lines of code. Except, of course, when Gale Knight — NHL forward, her best friend’s younger brother, and her ferociously off-limits crush — enters the chat. Riley nails the tension of a long-standing “I absolutely should not like him” obsession, the kind built on years of overthinking and repressed longing.
The premise sparkles: Harriet’s AI system, The E.M.M.A., was built to create elite athletes… so naturally it malfunctions by declaring that Gale’s optimal performance requires one very specific variable — her. Watching Harriet try to logic her way out of that result is laugh-out-loud funny, especially as she forces the AI to “find someone else” and we’re treated to Gale going on increasingly awkward dates he has zero interest in.
And yet, underneath the humor and sexual tension, there’s a warm, earnest core. Gale is the kind of hero who hides steady devotion under a teasing grin. His soft patience, his willingness to follow Harriet’s lead, and the way he looks at her like she hung the moon — it all adds up to a dynamic that’s both gentle and hot.
Their chemistry? Unhinged in the best way. There’s something irresistible about watching a tightly wound STEM heroine short-circuit over a man who’s been quietly waiting for her to catch up to his feelings. Riley balances nerdy banter, emotional growth, and slow-burn payoff with precision, and the result is swoony, funny, and unexpectedly tender.
By the final chapters, it’s clear: logic may build an algorithm, but it’s heart that writes the love story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you’ve ever wished Jane Austen could co-write a rom-com with Ali Hazelwood, The E.M.M.A. Effect comes deliciously close. This book is witty, nerdy, swoony, and built around one of my favorite dynamics: the woman in STEM who thinks she’s running the experiment… only to discover she might be the one being scientifically humbled by her own feelings.
Harriet is a delightfully rigid, brilliant computer scientist whose life makes perfect sense when everything fits into predictable lines of code. Except, of course, when Gale Knight — NHL forward, her best friend’s younger brother, and her ferociously off-limits crush — enters the chat. Riley nails the tension of a long-standing “I absolutely should not like him” obsession, the kind built on years of overthinking and repressed longing.
The premise sparkles: Harriet’s AI system, The E.M.M.A., was built to create elite athletes… so naturally it malfunctions by declaring that Gale’s optimal performance requires one very specific variable — her. Watching Harriet try to logic her way out of that result is laugh-out-loud funny, especially as she forces the AI to “find someone else” and we’re treated to Gale going on increasingly awkward dates he has zero interest in.
And yet, underneath the humor and sexual tension, there’s a warm, earnest core. Gale is the kind of hero who hides steady devotion under a teasing grin. His soft patience, his willingness to follow Harriet’s lead, and the way he looks at her like she hung the moon — it all adds up to a dynamic that’s both gentle and hot.
Their chemistry? Unhinged in the best way. There’s something irresistible about watching a tightly wound STEM heroine short-circuit over a man who’s been quietly waiting for her to catch up to his feelings. Riley balances nerdy banter, emotional growth, and slow-burn payoff with precision, and the result is swoony, funny, and unexpectedly tender.
By the final chapters, it’s clear: logic may build an algorithm, but it’s heart that writes the love story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 24, 2025
The EMMA Effect is a dual POV romance between Harriet and Gale. EMMA is Harriet's baby, an AI meant to assess and improve athlete performance. It's in the beta testing stage and needs a test subject- enter Gale, pro hockey player whose career is facing some obstacles, and who also happens to be Harriet's best friend's little brother who she's known for years. The two have mutually been into each other for awhile, but have never acted on it. Working together on this project though, forces them closer and closer together.
I really enjoyed the romance aspect of this book, but to be perfectly honest, the AI aspect of it took away from how much I liked the overall story. It's supposed to focus solely on athlete performance yet somehow becomes more of a matchmaker tool and it was never explained how or why that was. Also it collected all this info about Gale but in the grand scheme of things, did absolutely nothing to actually help him play better.
Harriet and Gale had great chemistry, but I feel like Harriet was really lacking as an individual character. I had no real sense of who she was outside of Gale, even though I kept being told she was incredibly smart and all girl boss even though it kind of came off like she was fumbling through life a bit. It was more told than it was shown.
Gale, on the other hand, was so well written! I mean, come on, pro hockey player, really sweet and kind despite his upbringing, and he's a CAT DAD??? Talk about the perfect guy. He also had incredible depth, which I feel like Harriet was lacking. Her chapters felt very surface level and his were a lot more nuanced.
Though this is the second book in a series, you can absolutely read it as a standalone. The characters from the past book make only brief appearances and you don't feel like you were missing anything as the story is wholly its own.
Also for the Jane Austen fans out there, the only references are the fact that the AI is called Emma and that it has a "Regency" accent feature. That's pretty much where the similarities end so don't go into this thinking it's an adaptation!
I really enjoyed the romance aspect of this book, but to be perfectly honest, the AI aspect of it took away from how much I liked the overall story. It's supposed to focus solely on athlete performance yet somehow becomes more of a matchmaker tool and it was never explained how or why that was. Also it collected all this info about Gale but in the grand scheme of things, did absolutely nothing to actually help him play better.
Harriet and Gale had great chemistry, but I feel like Harriet was really lacking as an individual character. I had no real sense of who she was outside of Gale, even though I kept being told she was incredibly smart and all girl boss even though it kind of came off like she was fumbling through life a bit. It was more told than it was shown.
Gale, on the other hand, was so well written! I mean, come on, pro hockey player, really sweet and kind despite his upbringing, and he's a CAT DAD??? Talk about the perfect guy. He also had incredible depth, which I feel like Harriet was lacking. Her chapters felt very surface level and his were a lot more nuanced.
Though this is the second book in a series, you can absolutely read it as a standalone. The characters from the past book make only brief appearances and you don't feel like you were missing anything as the story is wholly its own.
Also for the Jane Austen fans out there, the only references are the fact that the AI is called Emma and that it has a "Regency" accent feature. That's pretty much where the similarities end so don't go into this thinking it's an adaptation!
November 21, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I'll start off with this: I was sent this ARC unprompted, in light of me heavily enjoying the ARC of "Puck and Prejudice" by the same author. I was hesitant to read this, given the heavy influence of AI (I'm very against AI in its current form in the world) and my middling interest in contemporary romance, but I gave it a shot anyway.
The problem is, this is so different from "Puck and Prejudice"--both in terms of setting (historical vs contemporary romance) and also the genuineness. Did this book have its good moments and lines and also make me cry at one point? Of course. But at times it came off very canned and like it was feeding lines of what it thought we (as readers) wanted to hear. The only similarity between this and "Puck and Prejudice" was the hockey romance aspect.
Additionally, I realized about 2/3 into the book that not only was Gale's POV in 3rd person, it was in PAST tense, compared to Harriet's 1st person POV in PRESENT tense. That absolutely drove me Bonkers for the rest of the book--keep your tense and [what] person POV the SAME, it is way too disconcerting to change even one of those for the same book!!
Also, EMMA as AI was awkward and stilted at best, and 2nd hand embarrassment at worst. EMMA's chapter near the end was entirely unnecessary and totally cringe-worthy.
The "challenges" in this book for Harriet were simultaneously easily overcome and also 2nd hand embarrassment worthy (Harriet had to apologize to her boss and colleagues for hiding EMMA's dating recommendation, are you joking???). Gale's challenges were genuine, and he had to face genuine repercussions for behaving like a real person with real flaws.
On the flip side, I loved the plot point with the orange cat babies + all the hot femdom sex scenes. (And a lot of Harriet and Gale's more emotionally charged moments/confessions)
Did I enjoy a chunk of this book? Absolutely. Would I recommend it or reread it? Probably not.
I'll start off with this: I was sent this ARC unprompted, in light of me heavily enjoying the ARC of "Puck and Prejudice" by the same author. I was hesitant to read this, given the heavy influence of AI (I'm very against AI in its current form in the world) and my middling interest in contemporary romance, but I gave it a shot anyway.
The problem is, this is so different from "Puck and Prejudice"--both in terms of setting (historical vs contemporary romance) and also the genuineness. Did this book have its good moments and lines and also make me cry at one point? Of course. But at times it came off very canned and like it was feeding lines of what it thought we (as readers) wanted to hear. The only similarity between this and "Puck and Prejudice" was the hockey romance aspect.
Additionally, I realized about 2/3 into the book that not only was Gale's POV in 3rd person, it was in PAST tense, compared to Harriet's 1st person POV in PRESENT tense. That absolutely drove me Bonkers for the rest of the book--keep your tense and [what] person POV the SAME, it is way too disconcerting to change even one of those for the same book!!
Also, EMMA as AI was awkward and stilted at best, and 2nd hand embarrassment at worst. EMMA's chapter near the end was entirely unnecessary and totally cringe-worthy.
The "challenges" in this book for Harriet were simultaneously easily overcome and also 2nd hand embarrassment worthy (Harriet had to apologize to her boss and colleagues for hiding EMMA's dating recommendation, are you joking???). Gale's challenges were genuine, and he had to face genuine repercussions for behaving like a real person with real flaws.
On the flip side, I loved the plot point with the orange cat babies + all the hot femdom sex scenes. (And a lot of Harriet and Gale's more emotionally charged moments/confessions)
Did I enjoy a chunk of this book? Absolutely. Would I recommend it or reread it? Probably not.
May 25, 2025
This book was a journey. It had a strong introduction that made me think it would have me hooked but unfortunately it just never did.
I found it completely unbelievable that a woman with a literal phd and years of work behind getting an AI software up and running would immediately give away all of her credibility and objectivity and hook up with a beta tester- even one she’s had a crush on for years- within a few days of seeing him again. This is a massive conflict of interest and doesn’t at all seem in character. I could see it happening 70% of the way through after a lot of pining and going back and forth, but it starting 25% of the way into the book and with very little deliberation was really jarring. It felt like it took any of the stakes away. And the fact that she got lectured by her company for not dating the beta tester? Maybe it’s just because I work in science but I could not suspend my disbelief as far as this book was asking me to.
I really didn’t love that Harriet’s pov is in first person and Gale’s is in third person, was jarring for me. There were also some timeline and consistency issues. At one point she mentions something will be done in twenty minutes and after a few lines of dialogue says that five minutes later it’s complete. A mom cat has two kittens and it says both kittens are orange just like the mom, but later on in the story she says there’s gray and orange kittens. She says they’re in early developmental stage and needs to walk the AI model through identifying what basic images depict, but within the same day is conversing with the AI and having it analyze her health data (they also don’t explain how it’s analyzing her data at this point- cameras, sensors, etc?), and then saying it’s ready for beta testing. The dialogue in certain parts also felt very stunted and forced, not at all natural like a conversation.
Thank you to Avon & Harper Voyage for an eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I found it completely unbelievable that a woman with a literal phd and years of work behind getting an AI software up and running would immediately give away all of her credibility and objectivity and hook up with a beta tester- even one she’s had a crush on for years- within a few days of seeing him again. This is a massive conflict of interest and doesn’t at all seem in character. I could see it happening 70% of the way through after a lot of pining and going back and forth, but it starting 25% of the way into the book and with very little deliberation was really jarring. It felt like it took any of the stakes away. And the fact that she got lectured by her company for not dating the beta tester? Maybe it’s just because I work in science but I could not suspend my disbelief as far as this book was asking me to.
I really didn’t love that Harriet’s pov is in first person and Gale’s is in third person, was jarring for me. There were also some timeline and consistency issues. At one point she mentions something will be done in twenty minutes and after a few lines of dialogue says that five minutes later it’s complete. A mom cat has two kittens and it says both kittens are orange just like the mom, but later on in the story she says there’s gray and orange kittens. She says they’re in early developmental stage and needs to walk the AI model through identifying what basic images depict, but within the same day is conversing with the AI and having it analyze her health data (they also don’t explain how it’s analyzing her data at this point- cameras, sensors, etc?), and then saying it’s ready for beta testing. The dialogue in certain parts also felt very stunted and forced, not at all natural like a conversation.
Thank you to Avon & Harper Voyage for an eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2025
This book had a really fun concept and a strong start but it didn’t quite stick the landing perfectly for me. I was excited going in, especially after loving Puck and Prejudice, and while there are definitely parts that shine, the overall experience felt uneven.
The setup is great!! Harriet, a brilliant AI developer, ropes in her best friend’s brother, NHL star Gale, to beta test her sports performance AI. Their dynamic has real potential, especially with the added twist that the AI (EMMA) decides they’re a 98 percent romantic match. EMMA is weirdly hilarious, almost like a chaotic best friend with great one liners. And Gale is a golden retriever of a love interest with some surprisingly heartfelt depth.🩷
I also loved the inclusion of a reverse age gap and a little power dynamic play…it was refreshing to see even if it didn’t fully develop the way I hoped.🧡
Where it lost me a bit was in the pacing and emotional build. The chemistry between Harriet and Gale had its moments but it felt inconsistent. Some of their more intimate scenes seemed abrupt with little buildup or tension. Harriet in particular felt underwritten…her motivations didn’t always track and I struggled to connect with her emotionally.
The third act introduces a few conflicts that felt a bit forced or resolved too conveniently and while everything wraps up with a happily ever after it didn’t all feel earned. Still the writing is solid overall and the book kept me entertained.
All in all I’d rate this one around 3 to 3.5 ⭐️’s. It has charm humor and great ideas, it just didn’t come together as tightly as it could have. Still, I laughed my butt off, and did enjoy this book too, and Lia Riley still keeps writing so amazing and unique! Love her work! 🩵 And shoutout to the cats because the little pet subplot was adorable.🧡
Anyways thank you to Net Galley and the amazing Lia for giving me an opportunity reading this book early in exchange of a review!!🩵
The setup is great!! Harriet, a brilliant AI developer, ropes in her best friend’s brother, NHL star Gale, to beta test her sports performance AI. Their dynamic has real potential, especially with the added twist that the AI (EMMA) decides they’re a 98 percent romantic match. EMMA is weirdly hilarious, almost like a chaotic best friend with great one liners. And Gale is a golden retriever of a love interest with some surprisingly heartfelt depth.🩷
I also loved the inclusion of a reverse age gap and a little power dynamic play…it was refreshing to see even if it didn’t fully develop the way I hoped.🧡
Where it lost me a bit was in the pacing and emotional build. The chemistry between Harriet and Gale had its moments but it felt inconsistent. Some of their more intimate scenes seemed abrupt with little buildup or tension. Harriet in particular felt underwritten…her motivations didn’t always track and I struggled to connect with her emotionally.
The third act introduces a few conflicts that felt a bit forced or resolved too conveniently and while everything wraps up with a happily ever after it didn’t all feel earned. Still the writing is solid overall and the book kept me entertained.
All in all I’d rate this one around 3 to 3.5 ⭐️’s. It has charm humor and great ideas, it just didn’t come together as tightly as it could have. Still, I laughed my butt off, and did enjoy this book too, and Lia Riley still keeps writing so amazing and unique! Love her work! 🩵 And shoutout to the cats because the little pet subplot was adorable.🧡
Anyways thank you to Net Galley and the amazing Lia for giving me an opportunity reading this book early in exchange of a review!!🩵
July 18, 2025
Okay, I wanted to love this book SO badly. The premise sounded great. AI matchmaking, a dominant FMC in STEM, best friend’s brother, NHL forward love interest? Yeah, I was excited. But honestly…this just did not work for me.
First off, this was not Ali Hazelwood vibes. Not even close. It was just… boring. I wasn’t a huge fan of the story despite loving the concept. Harriet being a strong, dominant FMC was refreshing, and I liked that idea in theory. The EMMA AI concept was also unique and the reason I requested this ARC in the first place. But the execution? Yikes.
Here’s where it lost me:
1️⃣ The POV choice was bizarre. Her POV was in first person while his was in third, and it was SO jarring.
2️⃣ The chemistry felt contrived. I get the best friend’s brother trope, but going from barely connected in their youth to nearly insta love in their 30s didn’t feel believable.
3️⃣ Their personalities didn’t match their actions. The way they acted with each other made their “core personalities” feel flimsy.
4️⃣ The back and forth dragged on forever. By the halfway point, they were still stuck in the same dynamic, and it felt repetitive instead of fun.
5️⃣ The EMMA AI’s evolution was wildly unpredictable and Harriet just… accepted it? Felt weirdly nonchalant for someone who supposedly thrives on logic and control.
That said, there were cute moments. I actually loved the cat fiasco scene and some of the humor sprinkled in. Harriet being a STEM powerhouse was great to see, but I wish we got more banter and tension between her and Gale. Instead, there was a lot of self-deprecation, choppy scene transitions, and not enough romantic build up to hook me in.
⭐ 2 stars from me – great premise, but the execution fell flat.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lia Riley, and Avon for the eARC of this book.
First off, this was not Ali Hazelwood vibes. Not even close. It was just… boring. I wasn’t a huge fan of the story despite loving the concept. Harriet being a strong, dominant FMC was refreshing, and I liked that idea in theory. The EMMA AI concept was also unique and the reason I requested this ARC in the first place. But the execution? Yikes.
Here’s where it lost me:
1️⃣ The POV choice was bizarre. Her POV was in first person while his was in third, and it was SO jarring.
2️⃣ The chemistry felt contrived. I get the best friend’s brother trope, but going from barely connected in their youth to nearly insta love in their 30s didn’t feel believable.
3️⃣ Their personalities didn’t match their actions. The way they acted with each other made their “core personalities” feel flimsy.
4️⃣ The back and forth dragged on forever. By the halfway point, they were still stuck in the same dynamic, and it felt repetitive instead of fun.
5️⃣ The EMMA AI’s evolution was wildly unpredictable and Harriet just… accepted it? Felt weirdly nonchalant for someone who supposedly thrives on logic and control.
That said, there were cute moments. I actually loved the cat fiasco scene and some of the humor sprinkled in. Harriet being a STEM powerhouse was great to see, but I wish we got more banter and tension between her and Gale. Instead, there was a lot of self-deprecation, choppy scene transitions, and not enough romantic build up to hook me in.
⭐ 2 stars from me – great premise, but the execution fell flat.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lia Riley, and Avon for the eARC of this book.
November 17, 2025
Thank you Avon Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
https://jenninsf.wordpress.com/2025/1...
Harriet Smythe is a PhD-holding data scientist who is developing an athlete-focused AI platform that is supposed to offer personalized coaching and training insights based on a variety of metrics that can be gathered from cameras and a wearable. Her best friend's brother, Gale Knight, is a professional hockey player who is going through a slump and Harriet's boss thinks he's a perfect candidate for beta testing E.M.M.A. Of course, Harriet and Gale have had feelings for each other since they were teenagers, but neither of them have ever said anything to the other about it because of their relationships with Brooke, Harriet's best friend/Gale's sister. The tech aspect goes from machine learning to some sort of HAL3000 nearly immediately, which is wild and no one seems bothered by it at all. It, of course, decides that what Gale needs is Harriet, but Harriet can't let that happen for reasons, but shenanigans ensue.
The first half of the book is pretty enjoyable and a quick read. But then it makes some wild turns to parent issues (that should really be dealt with in therapy), experimenting with kink, and AI ethics that really didn't work for me. I'm still not entirely sure what the "Chads" think Harriet did to E.M.M.A. when she's in the big meeting because it was weird when the system played matchmaker in the first place. I was really trying to stay immersed in the story through the end, but it wasn't for me. The final chapter and the epilogue really sealed; this is the end of this universe for me.
https://jenninsf.wordpress.com/2025/1...
Harriet Smythe is a PhD-holding data scientist who is developing an athlete-focused AI platform that is supposed to offer personalized coaching and training insights based on a variety of metrics that can be gathered from cameras and a wearable. Her best friend's brother, Gale Knight, is a professional hockey player who is going through a slump and Harriet's boss thinks he's a perfect candidate for beta testing E.M.M.A. Of course, Harriet and Gale have had feelings for each other since they were teenagers, but neither of them have ever said anything to the other about it because of their relationships with Brooke, Harriet's best friend/Gale's sister. The tech aspect goes from machine learning to some sort of HAL3000 nearly immediately, which is wild and no one seems bothered by it at all. It, of course, decides that what Gale needs is Harriet, but Harriet can't let that happen for reasons, but shenanigans ensue.
The first half of the book is pretty enjoyable and a quick read. But then it makes some wild turns to parent issues (that should really be dealt with in therapy), experimenting with kink, and AI ethics that really didn't work for me. I'm still not entirely sure what the "Chads" think Harriet did to E.M.M.A. when she's in the big meeting because it was weird when the system played matchmaker in the first place. I was really trying to stay immersed in the story through the end, but it wasn't for me. The final chapter and the epilogue really sealed; this is the end of this universe for me.
November 4, 2025
I love a Jane Austen retelling, so I was really excited to dive into Lia Riley’s The E.M.M.A. Effect. Harriet Smythe’s AI program E.M.M.A. was supposed to help althetes improve, not encourage her off-limits crush on her best friend’s younger brother by determining the secret to Gale’s success is Harriet herself. So I actually really wish this didn’t have anything to do with Jane Austen’s Emma and was something all to its own. Emma is my favorite Austen novel, and I’ve found I can be weirdly protective of Emma as a character (I wrote my college thesis on Austen’s writing and Emma was a character she felt no one would like but her because she’s such a flawed character), and having her be an AI in this felt off. I went into this with more of the idea of Jane Austen in my head than the summary of the book, which is for sure on me, but that similarity did make it hard for me to really sink into this one. With that said, I liked Harriet a lot, she’s quirky and honest and so smart. She’s a great friend and I thought her and Gale were a really good balance. Gale too is so sweet and endearing, he has the biggest heart, and I was really rooting for him. I thought the family dynamics for him were really interesting too. His growth and mental health struggles are well developed and he’s a great character. I do wish there had been that same treatment to Harriet because there were times this felt really surface level for her end. This was also a dual POV, which I liked, but I was thrown that Harriet’s POV was in first person, and Gale’s was third, and the pacing of the last 25% felt really rushed. This isn’t my favorite, but it’s still overall a cute read.
November 25, 2025
I read and liked the first book in this series, Puck and Prejudice (Nov 2024). This book can easily be read as a stand alone as the only connection between the two is both male leads play for the same hockey team. The MC’s from the first story make brief and inconsequential cameos in this book. The title is a nod to Jane Austin’s Emma. The E.M.M.A in this book is an AI computer that does some matchmaking.
Dr. Harriet Smythe and her team have created an AI, called E.M.M.A, that is supposed to improve performances of athletes. To beta test it she turns to her best friend’s younger brother, Gale Knight, who is a professional hockey player. He was brought onto a team with all star potential but his playing is off and he is plagued with self doubt. E.M.M.A. matches Harriet as potential romantic partner which will improve his game.
I liked the set up and both MC’s are likable. The story is told alternating POV’s between Gale and Harriett. Oddly Harriet is written in first person and Gale’s is third person. I honestly thought Gale got the better story arch as he is dealing with father issues and his career is on the line. Harriet’s career is on the line as well but the Chad’s seem more a nuisance and some of the drama she brings on herself. The heat between the couple is steamy, with a pinch of her being dominant. It was a surprising choice and I wish they explored that a little more. The downside of the book is that while I understood the characters I never cared if they got together. I was invested in cheering them on to their HEA. Thank you to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
Dr. Harriet Smythe and her team have created an AI, called E.M.M.A, that is supposed to improve performances of athletes. To beta test it she turns to her best friend’s younger brother, Gale Knight, who is a professional hockey player. He was brought onto a team with all star potential but his playing is off and he is plagued with self doubt. E.M.M.A. matches Harriet as potential romantic partner which will improve his game.
I liked the set up and both MC’s are likable. The story is told alternating POV’s between Gale and Harriett. Oddly Harriet is written in first person and Gale’s is third person. I honestly thought Gale got the better story arch as he is dealing with father issues and his career is on the line. Harriet’s career is on the line as well but the Chad’s seem more a nuisance and some of the drama she brings on herself. The heat between the couple is steamy, with a pinch of her being dominant. It was a surprising choice and I wish they explored that a little more. The downside of the book is that while I understood the characters I never cared if they got together. I was invested in cheering them on to their HEA. Thank you to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
April 25, 2025
Second in this series, and another Jane Austen referenced gem from Lia Riley. This modern day Emma with an AI twist was fun to read. An Interfering AI took the place of the Butler or Dowager Duchess to bring together two young lovers perfect for one another. Dr. Harriet Smythe, creator of E.M.M.A. (Empirical Machine for Maximizing Athletics), the tool for enhancing an athletes training and performance and Gale Knight, an, Austin Regals hockey player in a professional slump with a ton of emotional baggage. The timing for them to get tother is perfect; Harriet gets dumped via text in SWOT fashion and according to E.M.M.A. Gale needs his perfect mate to improve his game.
E.M.M.A. takes on a life of her own and plays the matchmaker with an attitude to perfection. A weather anomaly may have affected EMMA to give her more insight than Harriet intended. A few twists and evil work mates add to the fun.
Harriet - EMMA is her inside voice
Gale - his drunk/useless /former hockey pro father is his inside voice
Complaint - didn't deal with father's death, just a casual mention. For as much as it affected Gale, I felt it deserved more closure. I loved the play on the reverse tropes we typically see:
PHD / Hockey player
Age gap (she's older) / Best friend's little Brother
She craves control / he likes it when she takes control
She says ILY 1st
Long time friends to lovers
Favorite innermost thought from Harriet: "Gale doesn't complete me - he shows me I already am complete, just waiting to spread my wings and fly. "
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
E.M.M.A. takes on a life of her own and plays the matchmaker with an attitude to perfection. A weather anomaly may have affected EMMA to give her more insight than Harriet intended. A few twists and evil work mates add to the fun.
Harriet - EMMA is her inside voice
Gale - his drunk/useless /former hockey pro father is his inside voice
Complaint - didn't deal with father's death, just a casual mention. For as much as it affected Gale, I felt it deserved more closure. I loved the play on the reverse tropes we typically see:
PHD / Hockey player
Age gap (she's older) / Best friend's little Brother
She craves control / he likes it when she takes control
She says ILY 1st
Long time friends to lovers
Favorite innermost thought from Harriet: "Gale doesn't complete me - he shows me I already am complete, just waiting to spread my wings and fly. "
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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