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Citrus Cove #3
Hidden Roots: A High Heat Small Town Romance Suspense
A fake dating, loathe to love, small-town romance with suspense.
Three years ago, I drove down a dark country road, ran out of gas, and then tasered a hot farmer.
Now, that farmer is my fake fiancé.
Hunter Harlow is my #1 enemy. We’re as compatible as glitter and mud. He’s frustrating, cocky, grumpy. He also definitely still holds a grudge about that silly little tasering thing…
Unfortunately for both of us, I tell my ex-husband I’m dating him.
Hunter has every reason to back out of this ruse, but he’s determined to protect me. We put strict rules in place, now we just have to follow them. Should be easy, right? Wrong.
As we keep spinning lies, greater threats emerge. Someone wants what’s mine, and they’re determined to do whatever they can to get it. Running from the past never works the way it should, and as all my secrets are uprooted—I wonder if we’ll make it out in one piece.
Hidden Roots Tropes:
Fake Fiance
Loathe to Love
Suspense
Opposites Attract
Hurt/Comfort
BDSM and more
Three years ago, I drove down a dark country road, ran out of gas, and then tasered a hot farmer.
Now, that farmer is my fake fiancé.
Hunter Harlow is my #1 enemy. We’re as compatible as glitter and mud. He’s frustrating, cocky, grumpy. He also definitely still holds a grudge about that silly little tasering thing…
Unfortunately for both of us, I tell my ex-husband I’m dating him.
Hunter has every reason to back out of this ruse, but he’s determined to protect me. We put strict rules in place, now we just have to follow them. Should be easy, right? Wrong.
As we keep spinning lies, greater threats emerge. Someone wants what’s mine, and they’re determined to do whatever they can to get it. Running from the past never works the way it should, and as all my secrets are uprooted—I wonder if we’ll make it out in one piece.
Hidden Roots Tropes:
Fake Fiance
Loathe to Love
Suspense
Opposites Attract
Hurt/Comfort
BDSM and more
362 pages, Paperback
First published March 18, 2025
439 people are currently reading
3194 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 385 reviews
March 18, 2025
Emma and Hunter brought the heat FOR SURE! Both in their fiery interactions and banter, to the hot scenes where they discover each other and fall in love.
The Citrus Grove series has been a great mix of romantic suspense and hot romance. There is a dash of kink and lots of great relationships. I have loved this small community as they try to survive the danger that finds them in the midst of their lives.
Emma and Hunter get off to a rough start when she first comes to town. She seems like a city girl, covered in pink and he is a gruff farmer who is always rolling his eyes at her antics. But what Emma doesn't know, is that 3 years after their first meeting, Hunter is completely obsessed with her and is barely keeping it under wraps anymore.
So when her ex, Josh, comes to town with news of her father's death and a stack of papers for her to sign away her inheritance, she just wants Josh to leave her the hell alone. Hunter ends up as a fake fiance and now the whole town is having to be lied to. This pushes them together and it won't take long for Hunter's truth to come out.
Not everyone wants them to be together though, and that is going to make things dangerous, real quick!
This was another spicy, small town suspense and I had a great time with it. Though I wish we spent a bit more time building up their relationship and less time on the suspense. I enjoyed some of the kinky explorations though and I loved their communication within the bedroom. I can't wait to see what this author writes next!
4 stars
4 on the spice scale
CW: Parental death, injured animal (not death), stalking, assault, gun violence, kidnapping, stabbing, breeding kink, pegging, anal, DubCon, bondage, spanking and more!
*Thank you to Grey's Promo and the author for an ARC of this title.*
The Citrus Grove series has been a great mix of romantic suspense and hot romance. There is a dash of kink and lots of great relationships. I have loved this small community as they try to survive the danger that finds them in the midst of their lives.
Emma and Hunter get off to a rough start when she first comes to town. She seems like a city girl, covered in pink and he is a gruff farmer who is always rolling his eyes at her antics. But what Emma doesn't know, is that 3 years after their first meeting, Hunter is completely obsessed with her and is barely keeping it under wraps anymore.
So when her ex, Josh, comes to town with news of her father's death and a stack of papers for her to sign away her inheritance, she just wants Josh to leave her the hell alone. Hunter ends up as a fake fiance and now the whole town is having to be lied to. This pushes them together and it won't take long for Hunter's truth to come out.
Not everyone wants them to be together though, and that is going to make things dangerous, real quick!
This was another spicy, small town suspense and I had a great time with it. Though I wish we spent a bit more time building up their relationship and less time on the suspense. I enjoyed some of the kinky explorations though and I loved their communication within the bedroom. I can't wait to see what this author writes next!
4 stars
4 on the spice scale
CW: Parental death, injured animal (not death), stalking, assault, gun violence, kidnapping, stabbing, breeding kink, pegging, anal, DubCon, bondage, spanking and more!
*Thank you to Grey's Promo and the author for an ARC of this title.*
October 24, 2025
Така мила обкладинка, а за нею таке ховається 😈
Із пролога, вже смішно і цікаво, я відчувала їхню ненависть і це каєф, люблю таке, сарказм, приколи🔥👏
Перша зустріч. Гантер назвав Емму принцесою, осудив підбори, назвав собаку щуром. Вона натякнула, що у нього малий член😁
"Я з тих жінок, які із задоволенням ще раз влуплять тебе шокером і потім розчавлять тобі яйця під каблуком, якщо не перевіриш свій тон."
І між ними багато таких моментів 😏типу ненависть, але але... Можлива одержимість 🤭
Колишній Емми 🙈
А сцени 🔞🔥😈
Із пролога, вже смішно і цікаво, я відчувала їхню ненависть і це каєф, люблю таке, сарказм, приколи🔥👏
Перша зустріч. Гантер назвав Емму принцесою, осудив підбори, назвав собаку щуром. Вона натякнула, що у нього малий член😁
"Я з тих жінок, які із задоволенням ще раз влуплять тебе шокером і потім розчавлять тобі яйця під каблуком, якщо не перевіриш свій тон."
І між ними багато таких моментів 😏типу ненависть, але але... Можлива одержимість 🤭
Колишній Емми 🙈
А сцени 🔞🔥😈
April 7, 2025
4.5 stars! Hidden Roots is the 3rd standalone in the Citrus Cove series. This is a small town, fake dating romance with some romantic suspense.
Emma moved to Citrus Cove because of her bestie Haley (heroine of Broken Beginnings). On her way into town she runs out of gas, and Hunter happens to stop to help but she accidentally tasers him! 🤭 He also happens to be the brother of her bestie’s guy, so they’re always around all the time! Now it’s 3 years later and all their friends think they hate one another, but Hunter is actually secretly obsessed with Emma (and has been since the day she came to town and tased him 🤭)!
Emma’s ex-husband shows up in town with some surprising news and thinks it would be best if they just get back together, so she panics and blurts out that Hunter is her boyfriend (since he’s conveniently there)…then Hunter one-ups it by saying they’re engaged! 🤭
We see lots of the side characters/other couples in the series. We see Emma and Hunter tasked with having to work on the Wildflower Festival together and then having to convince all their friends/family that they’ve secretly been a couple this whole time! I really enjoyed this setup and the couple a ton, the suspense elements of the story towards the end didn’t work as well for me though (it all just ended so quickly). Still this book is my 2nd fav in the series now!
CW: parental death, animal injured (no animal death), grief, stalking, assault, gun violence, kidnapping, discussions of difficulty getting pregnant
Emma moved to Citrus Cove because of her bestie Haley (heroine of Broken Beginnings). On her way into town she runs out of gas, and Hunter happens to stop to help but she accidentally tasers him! 🤭 He also happens to be the brother of her bestie’s guy, so they’re always around all the time! Now it’s 3 years later and all their friends think they hate one another, but Hunter is actually secretly obsessed with Emma (and has been since the day she came to town and tased him 🤭)!
Emma’s ex-husband shows up in town with some surprising news and thinks it would be best if they just get back together, so she panics and blurts out that Hunter is her boyfriend (since he’s conveniently there)…then Hunter one-ups it by saying they’re engaged! 🤭
We see lots of the side characters/other couples in the series. We see Emma and Hunter tasked with having to work on the Wildflower Festival together and then having to convince all their friends/family that they’ve secretly been a couple this whole time! I really enjoyed this setup and the couple a ton, the suspense elements of the story towards the end didn’t work as well for me though (it all just ended so quickly). Still this book is my 2nd fav in the series now!
CW: parental death, animal injured (no animal death), grief, stalking, assault, gun violence, kidnapping, discussions of difficulty getting pregnant
March 20, 2025
3.5⭐️
I was so excited for this couple since they disliked each other since day one or what Hunter wanted everyone to believe. He was good at annoying her and making her dislike him. But I love Hunter he's the older brother who helps everyone around town. Making sure things rub smoothly. Emma is a wild card since she's a city girl who knows her way around things. Now, with one small white lie, they have to pretend to be engaged to show her ex she's moved on and whatever thing he's planning.
The banter between the two was funny, and them lying to everyone was gold even if some didn't believe them at first. I love how Hunter was always defending and saving Emma even if Emma didn't want it.
I had to shake my head at Emma a few times because her actions annoyed the crap outta me. And it was more towards her safety, and she even said what happened in town to her bestie. Like girl. Take your safety seriously. 😡😡
Hunter was dirty and yummy, and I love every second.
Saftey- it was mentioned that Emma went on dates, and Hunter scared them off without her knowing. Besides that, no real om drama beside the ex-husband who is in town.
Kinda but no real ow/Tiny om drama (ex), no cheating, secondary character, drama, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶
Slowinsta
Push/pull both
Parental death
Animal injured (no animal death)
Coping with grief
Assault
Gun violence
Stabbing
Discussions of difficulty getting pregnant, shibari
Praise kink
Spanking
pegging
dub-con voyeurism
breeding kink
use of sex toys
Role playing
anal play
rimming
Hea
I was so excited for this couple since they disliked each other since day one or what Hunter wanted everyone to believe. He was good at annoying her and making her dislike him. But I love Hunter he's the older brother who helps everyone around town. Making sure things rub smoothly. Emma is a wild card since she's a city girl who knows her way around things. Now, with one small white lie, they have to pretend to be engaged to show her ex she's moved on and whatever thing he's planning.
The banter between the two was funny, and them lying to everyone was gold even if some didn't believe them at first. I love how Hunter was always defending and saving Emma even if Emma didn't want it.
I had to shake my head at Emma a few times because her actions annoyed the crap outta me. And it was more towards her safety, and she even said what happened in town to her bestie. Like girl. Take your safety seriously. 😡😡
Hunter was dirty and yummy, and I love every second.
Saftey- it was mentioned that Emma went on dates, and Hunter scared them off without her knowing. Besides that, no real om drama beside the ex-husband who is in town.
Kinda but no real ow/Tiny om drama (ex), no cheating, secondary character, drama, sexy times, no virgins
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶
Slowinsta
Push/pull both
Parental death
Animal injured (no animal death)
Coping with grief
Assault
Gun violence
Stabbing
Discussions of difficulty getting pregnant, shibari
Praise kink
Spanking
pegging
dub-con voyeurism
breeding kink
use of sex toys
Role playing
anal play
rimming
Hea
October 23, 2025
Вибухово гаряча історія з фальшивими заручинами, ворогами, що стають коханцями, і шаленою хімією.🔥
Багато пристрасті, трохи небезпеки й головний герой Гантер, від якого просто неможливо відірватися😏 Хоча Емма ніяк не пасе задніх🤭 4/5 ⭐
Багато пристрасті, трохи небезпеки й головний герой Гантер, від якого просто неможливо відірватися😏 Хоча Емма ніяк не пасе задніх🤭 4/5 ⭐
March 18, 2025
What a ride.
We finally received Emma and Hunter’s story. And we know how everything started, how this gorgeous man became obsessed with lovely lady but decided to convince everyone that he hated her.
So when Emma’s ex-husband arrived and tried to force her to remarry him, obviously, Hunter agreed to save her. To be a ‘fiancé’, unfortunately they need to convince everyone in this, this is the moment we are recalling their 3year long game of ‘hate and name calling’. So the plan: secret relationship, countless times when they felt into each others arms, simple proposal without ring…sounds shady from friend’s point of view, so our pair is better to up their game and performance.
What will happen when their dislike is not strong enough, when feelings are involved, when sparks between them are so bright..you as a reader realize that you are up for a fun and sexy ride.
Flirting, plotting, learning more about each other and falling in love - small part of the things we are getting. Sexy scenes…they are so good (there were some kinks which are not my cup of tea, but i still enjoyed it). Flirting and praising? Amazing. Shibari? Give me more.
I think i should mention that this book made me cry. Emma’s story and her relationship with her family - too painful (for me, it just pushed all right buttons), and then we saw more about Hunter’s situation with his dad and expectations placed on our amazing man. It pained me to read how he thinks about himself, and how he doesn’t deserve Emma. Ffs, i cried. I just saw their dark thoughts and felt their pain, it was just so raw. Amazing work from Clio’s side. And the moment Emma finally let herself to cry over her oast, family, grief and everything…i couldn’t stop tears.
As a result we’ve got great story which not only gave us Emma and Hunter’s relationship and some story, but also Clio gave us logical finale to the series. I will gladly return back and reread all three books, cause they were amazing and i loved every second i spent with characters.
We finally received Emma and Hunter’s story. And we know how everything started, how this gorgeous man became obsessed with lovely lady but decided to convince everyone that he hated her.
So when Emma’s ex-husband arrived and tried to force her to remarry him, obviously, Hunter agreed to save her. To be a ‘fiancé’, unfortunately they need to convince everyone in this, this is the moment we are recalling their 3year long game of ‘hate and name calling’. So the plan: secret relationship, countless times when they felt into each others arms, simple proposal without ring…sounds shady from friend’s point of view, so our pair is better to up their game and performance.
What will happen when their dislike is not strong enough, when feelings are involved, when sparks between them are so bright..you as a reader realize that you are up for a fun and sexy ride.
Flirting, plotting, learning more about each other and falling in love - small part of the things we are getting. Sexy scenes…they are so good (there were some kinks which are not my cup of tea, but i still enjoyed it). Flirting and praising? Amazing. Shibari? Give me more.
I think i should mention that this book made me cry. Emma’s story and her relationship with her family - too painful (for me, it just pushed all right buttons), and then we saw more about Hunter’s situation with his dad and expectations placed on our amazing man. It pained me to read how he thinks about himself, and how he doesn’t deserve Emma. Ffs, i cried. I just saw their dark thoughts and felt their pain, it was just so raw. Amazing work from Clio’s side. And the moment Emma finally let herself to cry over her oast, family, grief and everything…i couldn’t stop tears.
As a result we’ve got great story which not only gave us Emma and Hunter’s relationship and some story, but also Clio gave us logical finale to the series. I will gladly return back and reread all three books, cause they were amazing and i loved every second i spent with characters.
October 21, 2025
Неймовірна історія, чудові, такі милі та пристрасні герої😻 Прям недаремно я так хотіла прочитати цю книгу🤌🏻
Мені дуже подобається, що герої загалом в цій серії вчаться розмовляти одне з одним. Особливо в плані сексуальних вподобань. Так, є хвилини, коли деякі моменти свого життя вони не хочуть розповідати, але як тільки розуміють важливість цього, то розкривають душу, і це прекрасно.
Мій рекомендасьйон💃🧨
Мені дуже подобається, що герої загалом в цій серії вчаться розмовляти одне з одним. Особливо в плані сексуальних вподобань. Так, є хвилини, коли деякі моменти свого життя вони не хочуть розповідати, але як тільки розуміють важливість цього, то розкривають душу, і це прекрасно.
Мій рекомендасьйон💃🧨
March 20, 2025
THIS WAS SO FUCKING GOOD!!!
May 27, 2025
I've loved walking out of the monster realm with Clio Evans and into small town Texas. But you know that couple you realllllllly wait for in a character series? Hunter and Emma are THAT couple for Citrus Cove. And I was down bad for them.
📕 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Hidden Roots by Clio Evans
📙 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: Citrus Cove character series. Book 3.
📗 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀: E-book ARC on Kindle. 🆓️ on KU.
📘 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Small town romance
📔 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: Enemies-to-lovers, meet cute, BDSM vibes, fake engagement, touch her and die, all of the banter.
📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Emma and Hunter have hated each other since she tased him on the side of the road when they met. But when her ex husband comes knocking on the door with news of her father's death and asking to rekindle, she tells her ex she's dating Hunter. Hunter? Well, he goes right along with it because he's been secretly obsessed with Emma the entire time.
🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: Emma and Hunter have been fire since book one of this series. So I might have begged for this ARC a bit. They really ended up lighting the pages up in flame.
I wasn't sure how this was going to go, but the first paragraph of Hunter's POV had me hooting. Yep, he's OBSESSED with our girl Emma. And he's down BAD. Can't even be in the same room. Compromises his morals. He's been running her dates of for months! This was the kind of surprise that had me clutching my invisible pearls and absolutely excited.
As always, the spice was spicing - including a wonderfully written pegging scene I don't think I am going to forget. I love Clio Evan's ability to create these characters that aren't one dimensional - a small town farmer who is a simp for a woman and willing to throw down, but also man enough to be a switch when he wants to be.
Citrus Cove has been a joy to read - I love how Clio Evans stepped into small town romance, but didn't shy away from bringing her signature sex positivity and high spice to the table with her.
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 4/5 🌶🌶🌶🌶
𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘.
📕 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Hidden Roots by Clio Evans
📙 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: Citrus Cove character series. Book 3.
📗 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀: E-book ARC on Kindle. 🆓️ on KU.
📘 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Small town romance
📔 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: Enemies-to-lovers, meet cute, BDSM vibes, fake engagement, touch her and die, all of the banter.
📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Emma and Hunter have hated each other since she tased him on the side of the road when they met. But when her ex husband comes knocking on the door with news of her father's death and asking to rekindle, she tells her ex she's dating Hunter. Hunter? Well, he goes right along with it because he's been secretly obsessed with Emma the entire time.
🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: Emma and Hunter have been fire since book one of this series. So I might have begged for this ARC a bit. They really ended up lighting the pages up in flame.
I wasn't sure how this was going to go, but the first paragraph of Hunter's POV had me hooting. Yep, he's OBSESSED with our girl Emma. And he's down BAD. Can't even be in the same room. Compromises his morals. He's been running her dates of for months! This was the kind of surprise that had me clutching my invisible pearls and absolutely excited.
As always, the spice was spicing - including a wonderfully written pegging scene I don't think I am going to forget. I love Clio Evan's ability to create these characters that aren't one dimensional - a small town farmer who is a simp for a woman and willing to throw down, but also man enough to be a switch when he wants to be.
Citrus Cove has been a joy to read - I love how Clio Evans stepped into small town romance, but didn't shy away from bringing her signature sex positivity and high spice to the table with her.
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 4/5 🌶🌶🌶🌶
𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘.
October 24, 2025
Emma is a total whirlwind — funny, bold, and always getting herself into trouble. Hunter’s the grumpy, quiet type who acts like he doesn’t care, but you know he’s already gone for her. Their fake engagement sets off nonstop banter, tension, and some seriously hot moments🔥
What makes it work is how they balance each other out — her sunshine softens his edges, and his calm keeps her grounded. You actually get to see them grow and trust each other, not just flirt and fight (though there’s plenty of that too).
The pacing dips a little in the middle, but the characters carry the story. It’s spicy, funny, and unexpectedly sweet — perfect if you love enemies-to-lovers with a heart.
What makes it work is how they balance each other out — her sunshine softens his edges, and his calm keeps her grounded. You actually get to see them grow and trust each other, not just flirt and fight (though there’s plenty of that too).
The pacing dips a little in the middle, but the characters carry the story. It’s spicy, funny, and unexpectedly sweet — perfect if you love enemies-to-lovers with a heart.
March 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
📚 Book 3 in an interconnected series that CAN be read as a standalone
🔫 Read the Trigger Warnings
This is my first non monster book from Clio Evans and I REALLY loved it. So much so, that I now need to go back and read the other two Citrus Cove books and honestly her entire backlog, with the exception of her Monster Cafe series cause Ive read all of those and loved them!
This book is about Emma and Hunter who start off with a bang when she tases him when he tries to help her since shes stranded on the side of the road due to miss judging her gas to miles left to destination ratio. I mean, how can the story not be great after that kind of meeting? Obviously this is the starting point for the Enemies to Loves Arc, and we love a good Enemies to Lovers story over here!
Emma is an independent kickass [Literally she has a black belt] FMC who has a lot of family issues and baggage to deal with so she never tell her friends about her family...which as I am sure you can tell, is going to come back and bite her in the ass.
Hunter is the small town handyman x farmer who the entire town loves cause he's always there to help a neighbor in need. Hunter also has his own family drama that he's working through with his Father. He's also a sensitive man, and he is not afraid to cry. I was shocked in the best way that we see a strong, rugged man be in touch with his feelings and let the FMC see him cry multiple times.
The story itself....So many good banter parts between Emma & Hunter. Did I also want to smack the crap out of Emma & Hunter? YES, YES I DID...But what would an Enemies to Lovers book be without frustrating points where you're screaming just love each other already to your Kindle and contemplating throwing it across the room.
The Spice was top notch. It was not the whole plot, but it was strategically placed to enhance the story and there was a lot of good spicy scenes that you dont normally get in small town western romances. It was something different every time, and I liked that it wasnt plain ol' wham bam thank you Ma'am.
There were two sub plots going on in this book. First there was the ex husband who shows up out of nowhere who has mean nasty things to say to Emma and wont leave. Secondly there was a stalker who was leaving notes and pictures for Emma to scare her into leaving Citrus Cove. The first sub plot was pretty predictable, but the second did keep me guessing. I did see the ending coming but was enjoyable non the less.
This book hit for me, and I am so happy that I stepped outside my norm and signed up for this ARC. Now on to Clio's backlog!!
Tropes:
Fake Fiance
Loathe to Love
Strong Girl Gang
Suspense
Opposites Attract
Hurt/Comfort
BDSM and more
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
📚 Book 3 in an interconnected series that CAN be read as a standalone
🔫 Read the Trigger Warnings
This is my first non monster book from Clio Evans and I REALLY loved it. So much so, that I now need to go back and read the other two Citrus Cove books and honestly her entire backlog, with the exception of her Monster Cafe series cause Ive read all of those and loved them!
This book is about Emma and Hunter who start off with a bang when she tases him when he tries to help her since shes stranded on the side of the road due to miss judging her gas to miles left to destination ratio. I mean, how can the story not be great after that kind of meeting? Obviously this is the starting point for the Enemies to Loves Arc, and we love a good Enemies to Lovers story over here!
Emma is an independent kickass [Literally she has a black belt] FMC who has a lot of family issues and baggage to deal with so she never tell her friends about her family...which as I am sure you can tell, is going to come back and bite her in the ass.
Hunter is the small town handyman x farmer who the entire town loves cause he's always there to help a neighbor in need. Hunter also has his own family drama that he's working through with his Father. He's also a sensitive man, and he is not afraid to cry. I was shocked in the best way that we see a strong, rugged man be in touch with his feelings and let the FMC see him cry multiple times.
The story itself....So many good banter parts between Emma & Hunter. Did I also want to smack the crap out of Emma & Hunter? YES, YES I DID...But what would an Enemies to Lovers book be without frustrating points where you're screaming just love each other already to your Kindle and contemplating throwing it across the room.
The Spice was top notch. It was not the whole plot, but it was strategically placed to enhance the story and there was a lot of good spicy scenes that you dont normally get in small town western romances. It was something different every time, and I liked that it wasnt plain ol' wham bam thank you Ma'am.
There were two sub plots going on in this book. First there was the ex husband who shows up out of nowhere who has mean nasty things to say to Emma and wont leave. Secondly there was a stalker who was leaving notes and pictures for Emma to scare her into leaving Citrus Cove. The first sub plot was pretty predictable, but the second did keep me guessing. I did see the ending coming but was enjoyable non the less.
This book hit for me, and I am so happy that I stepped outside my norm and signed up for this ARC. Now on to Clio's backlog!!
Tropes:
Fake Fiance
Loathe to Love
Strong Girl Gang
Suspense
Opposites Attract
Hurt/Comfort
BDSM and more
March 19, 2025
You know, I fell in love with "Citrus Cove" from book one. I am not happy that the series is coming to an end, but I am glad I had the chance to read them.
Emma met Hunter 3 years ago on a side of a road when she needed help. But she couldn't stop her desire to tease him. Which he didn't find funny at all. From that moment on, they went on hating each other. But suddenly, Emma's husband comes knocking on her door and Hunter is the only one that can help her...by being her fake fiancé. But none of them knew that their story would turn into the greatest love of their lives.
This book was definitely so good. I knew that under all of this presumed hate that they were deeply attracted to each other. If I have to be honest, he was obsessed with her and even though he was denying his attraction, he was still making sure that she wouldn't be able to have proper dates with other men 😉. But then again she was pinning to him quite badly. She just didn't want to admit it ♥️.
I really enjoyed the enemies-to-lovers trope between those two. Their heated attraction was filled with a good amount of banter and so, so much angst. I loved this.
Clio Evans is definitely a mastermind when it comes to the spicy scenes. Those scenes, that heat, this passion...they were THAT good. I loved all the kinks and I loved the smut even more. Definitely my favorite part of the book 🥵.
Overall, I loved Emma and Hunter's story, and I am a bit sad that the series is complete ♥️.
***I received an ARC by Grey's Promotion and my review is given voluntarily.***
Emma met Hunter 3 years ago on a side of a road when she needed help. But she couldn't stop her desire to tease him. Which he didn't find funny at all. From that moment on, they went on hating each other. But suddenly, Emma's husband comes knocking on her door and Hunter is the only one that can help her...by being her fake fiancé. But none of them knew that their story would turn into the greatest love of their lives.
This book was definitely so good. I knew that under all of this presumed hate that they were deeply attracted to each other. If I have to be honest, he was obsessed with her and even though he was denying his attraction, he was still making sure that she wouldn't be able to have proper dates with other men 😉. But then again she was pinning to him quite badly. She just didn't want to admit it ♥️.
I really enjoyed the enemies-to-lovers trope between those two. Their heated attraction was filled with a good amount of banter and so, so much angst. I loved this.
Clio Evans is definitely a mastermind when it comes to the spicy scenes. Those scenes, that heat, this passion...they were THAT good. I loved all the kinks and I loved the smut even more. Definitely my favorite part of the book 🥵.
Overall, I loved Emma and Hunter's story, and I am a bit sad that the series is complete ♥️.
***I received an ARC by Grey's Promotion and my review is given voluntarily.***
March 26, 2025
I am giving this one a solid 3.5 stars. I have enjoyed this small town with these characters. The added element of romantic suspense has kept be intrigued as well. I think my challenge with it is the depth of the characters or maybe more the pacing. I have been looking forward to Hunter and Emma since I shipped them in book 2. There was too much tension going on between them for Clio to not act on it. So I was very excited about this one. And don't get me wrong I enjoyed it. The kink/steam was top notch. The challenge I had was with the loathe to lovers. We all know there is a fine line between love and hate. And these two were clearly on one side for reasons associated with miscommunication. There are nuances that need to happen to make the switch to lovers believable, and I had a hard time clicking with the nuances in this one. The shift was too sudden. I also had a hard time with Hunter going back and forth. With that being said, they did have wonderful chemistry when they leaned into it. When they loathed each other, I didn't feel it as much. I really enjoy the romantic suspense aspect in these and this one was no different. There were sublte hints and then WHAM it hits you that someone is going to injured potentially severely. I liked seeing Hunter through Emma's eyes. I liked how she finally saw him how the rest of the town did- as a good dude. I loved getting inside Hunter's head. The dude was trying to be smooth and failing miserably.
Emma is in a jam. Her ex-husband has just showed up with news about her family and suggestions about their future. Emma does what any woman would do- she lies and says Hunter is her boyfriend. But then he takes it one step further and says they are actually engaged. Wait what? The dude who has hated on her for years! She is now supposed to act madly in love with him. Forget the fact that he is hot and the whole town loves him- Emma can't see it. But then she starts to see hints of it. This man that is locked away around her. He seems kind and genuine. He seems interested in learning more about her. He looks at her like he wants MORE. But that can't be right. This is the man who has treated her like trash on the bottom of his shoe forever. But then they kiss and can't deny the connection they share. So they explore it. And Emma feels ALIVE. She has never been able to explore things like this with someone. She has never felt this treasured or cherished before. She starts to wonder what things could be like between them if they were real. But they can't be because she is reminded how stubborn they both are. But then her past comes back to haunt her in the worst way that involved Hunter. Why didn't she tell him how she felt more? Why didn't she give into these feelings earlier before it is too late.
Hunter has been lying to himself and everyone for years. Everyone thinks he hates Emma when he fact he is obsessed with her. He has done some questionable things. He can't help it when it comes to her. So when she lies and says they are dating, he takes it a step further and says they are actually engaged. He definitely didn't think that through. Now he is going to have to do PDA with her while trying to maintain distance. Distance because he thinks she deserves better not because he doesn't want more. But then he gets a taste and can't give it up. She was made for him. How will they make this work? Could this be real? He wants it to be. He has never experienced time together like they have. He has never wanted more like this. But then it blows up in his face. And the past comes out of the woods to take what they think they are due. The whole time Hunter is ok because he was able to tell Emma how he felt. He just hopes they will get to have the future he can now see clearly.
I am curious if this series is going to continue as there didn't seem to be a wrapup of everything like there can be at the end. I liked Hunter and Emma when they were clicking. Their fights were a little too childish for me. Them in the sheets though and when they wanted to be vulnerable- I would ship that all day. If you haven't picked up this series, I would recommend it. They are all entertaining but borderline spice heavy vs plot in my opinion.
Thank you to Greys Promotions and Clio for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Emma is in a jam. Her ex-husband has just showed up with news about her family and suggestions about their future. Emma does what any woman would do- she lies and says Hunter is her boyfriend. But then he takes it one step further and says they are actually engaged. Wait what? The dude who has hated on her for years! She is now supposed to act madly in love with him. Forget the fact that he is hot and the whole town loves him- Emma can't see it. But then she starts to see hints of it. This man that is locked away around her. He seems kind and genuine. He seems interested in learning more about her. He looks at her like he wants MORE. But that can't be right. This is the man who has treated her like trash on the bottom of his shoe forever. But then they kiss and can't deny the connection they share. So they explore it. And Emma feels ALIVE. She has never been able to explore things like this with someone. She has never felt this treasured or cherished before. She starts to wonder what things could be like between them if they were real. But they can't be because she is reminded how stubborn they both are. But then her past comes back to haunt her in the worst way that involved Hunter. Why didn't she tell him how she felt more? Why didn't she give into these feelings earlier before it is too late.
Hunter has been lying to himself and everyone for years. Everyone thinks he hates Emma when he fact he is obsessed with her. He has done some questionable things. He can't help it when it comes to her. So when she lies and says they are dating, he takes it a step further and says they are actually engaged. He definitely didn't think that through. Now he is going to have to do PDA with her while trying to maintain distance. Distance because he thinks she deserves better not because he doesn't want more. But then he gets a taste and can't give it up. She was made for him. How will they make this work? Could this be real? He wants it to be. He has never experienced time together like they have. He has never wanted more like this. But then it blows up in his face. And the past comes out of the woods to take what they think they are due. The whole time Hunter is ok because he was able to tell Emma how he felt. He just hopes they will get to have the future he can now see clearly.
I am curious if this series is going to continue as there didn't seem to be a wrapup of everything like there can be at the end. I liked Hunter and Emma when they were clicking. Their fights were a little too childish for me. Them in the sheets though and when they wanted to be vulnerable- I would ship that all day. If you haven't picked up this series, I would recommend it. They are all entertaining but borderline spice heavy vs plot in my opinion.
Thank you to Greys Promotions and Clio for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
March 16, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Hidden Roots is the final book in the Citrus Cove series, and it was my absolute favorite. I was anticipating Hunter and Emma's romance, and this book definitely surpassed all my expectations.
Hunter and Emma have hated each other since they had a disastrous meeting when Emma first arrived in Citrus Cove and accidentally tased him. This is one of my favorite types of enemies to lover where the hero is actually secretly obsessed with the heroine. Hunter has been scaring off all her boyfriends and been smitten since he met her, but he does not think he good enough, so he acts like he hates her. Emma has been keeping a lot of secrets about her past and things get complicated when her ex-husband shows up in town trying to get her back for nefarious purposes. She doesn't want to deal with it so she tells him Hunter is her boyfriend, but Hunter takes it a step further and says they are engaged. Now they are fake engaged till her ex leaves town and this spreads through the small town.
Emma starts to finally see the sweeter side of Hunter and the attraction between them was impossible to ignore. I was dying for Hunter to admit his feeling and for these two to stop being so stubborn and finally get together. Let me tell you, the spice was insane, and Clio Evans took it to a whole new level. I loved how they communicated about their fantasies and explored them together. Hunter is willing to experiment with Emma and fulfill one of her fantasies of pegging. This scene was so hot but also showed their trust and love for each other.
I loved reading a strong, tough man who wasn't afraid to show his emotions. He cried a few times in this book, and it really touched my heart. This man was a cinnamon-roll hero, and he is definitely top book boyfriend material. There is a very emotional part with a dog, check the triggers I list below.
I adored this one and would definitely recommend the series. I do think you need to read them in order to get all the suspense elements.
Kinks: Toys, voyeurism, exhibitionism, butt stuff, breeding, rimming, shibari, role play, and pegging.
TW: death of a parent, stalking, animal cruelty (by a side character), animal injury, attempted murder
Thank you to Greys Promo for providing the ARC.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Hidden Roots is the final book in the Citrus Cove series, and it was my absolute favorite. I was anticipating Hunter and Emma's romance, and this book definitely surpassed all my expectations.
Hunter and Emma have hated each other since they had a disastrous meeting when Emma first arrived in Citrus Cove and accidentally tased him. This is one of my favorite types of enemies to lover where the hero is actually secretly obsessed with the heroine. Hunter has been scaring off all her boyfriends and been smitten since he met her, but he does not think he good enough, so he acts like he hates her. Emma has been keeping a lot of secrets about her past and things get complicated when her ex-husband shows up in town trying to get her back for nefarious purposes. She doesn't want to deal with it so she tells him Hunter is her boyfriend, but Hunter takes it a step further and says they are engaged. Now they are fake engaged till her ex leaves town and this spreads through the small town.
Emma starts to finally see the sweeter side of Hunter and the attraction between them was impossible to ignore. I was dying for Hunter to admit his feeling and for these two to stop being so stubborn and finally get together. Let me tell you, the spice was insane, and Clio Evans took it to a whole new level. I loved how they communicated about their fantasies and explored them together. Hunter is willing to experiment with Emma and fulfill one of her fantasies of pegging. This scene was so hot but also showed their trust and love for each other.
I loved reading a strong, tough man who wasn't afraid to show his emotions. He cried a few times in this book, and it really touched my heart. This man was a cinnamon-roll hero, and he is definitely top book boyfriend material. There is a very emotional part with a dog, check the triggers I list below.
I adored this one and would definitely recommend the series. I do think you need to read them in order to get all the suspense elements.
Kinks: Toys, voyeurism, exhibitionism, butt stuff, breeding, rimming, shibari, role play, and pegging.
TW: death of a parent, stalking, animal cruelty (by a side character), animal injury, attempted murder
Thank you to Greys Promo for providing the ARC.
March 19, 2025
I enjoyed this book because of how much Emma and Hunter could not get along in the beginning. From the outside, you could say they loathed each other. When it came time to plan the annual festival, they were paired up. I loved how we also got a glimpse of their first meet, which did not go well for Hunter. The banter was so fun to read, and I liked the suspenseful elements, but could have used more. I felt that this story was predictable with who the bad guy was, but there is a twist I didn't see coming. This story had some very spicy parts, and I loved how the friend/family group was so encouraging to both Emma and Hunter.
Tropes:
🩷Fake fiance
🩷Loathe to love
🩷Suspense
🩷Opposites attract
🩷Hurt/comfort
🩷Small town
🩷Found Family
Thank you Greys PR and Clio Evans for the opportunity to read this early in exchange for an honest review.
Tropes:
🩷Fake fiance
🩷Loathe to love
🩷Suspense
🩷Opposites attract
🩷Hurt/comfort
🩷Small town
🩷Found Family
Thank you Greys PR and Clio Evans for the opportunity to read this early in exchange for an honest review.
March 18, 2025
Cute small town romance with amazing banter and a 🥵 farmer.
Emma is a city girl who’s living in a small town, when her ex husband visits her and wants her to remarry him she panics so Hunter saves the day by saying he’s her fiancé. Hunter is guy she hates the most and would always argue with.
Hunter is a farmer and a very social guy who loves helping everyone in their town, the first time he tried to help Emma he got tased instead, she immediately got into his shit list.
I loved how Hunter was trying to help Emma with her feelings and not bottle them up, he was so caring towards everyone, the rest were so cute like a big happy family 🫶🏻.
Tropes:
•Small Town
•Enemies To Lovers
•Fake Engagement
•Found Family
I would like to thank Grey’s Promotion for sending me an ARC 💛
Emma is a city girl who’s living in a small town, when her ex husband visits her and wants her to remarry him she panics so Hunter saves the day by saying he’s her fiancé. Hunter is guy she hates the most and would always argue with.
Hunter is a farmer and a very social guy who loves helping everyone in their town, the first time he tried to help Emma he got tased instead, she immediately got into his shit list.
I loved how Hunter was trying to help Emma with her feelings and not bottle them up, he was so caring towards everyone, the rest were so cute like a big happy family 🫶🏻.
Tropes:
•Small Town
•Enemies To Lovers
•Fake Engagement
•Found Family
I would like to thank Grey’s Promotion for sending me an ARC 💛
August 12, 2025
PUNTAJE FINAL: 4,5/5⭐️
awww, qué tiernos. me gustó mucho la historia de emma y hunter, tanto ellos como pareja como el desarrollo de cada uno de ellos como personajes. si bien el misterio es poco en este libro, también es un poco más diferente al de los dos anteriores, así que igualmente me copó (se podría decir que adiviné un par de cositas). creo que es mi favorito de la trilogía, así que lo recomiendo y a los demás también! [reseña completa pronto]
awww, qué tiernos. me gustó mucho la historia de emma y hunter, tanto ellos como pareja como el desarrollo de cada uno de ellos como personajes. si bien el misterio es poco en este libro, también es un poco más diferente al de los dos anteriores, así que igualmente me copó (se podría decir que adiviné un par de cositas). creo que es mi favorito de la trilogía, así que lo recomiendo y a los demás también! [reseña completa pronto]
April 2, 2025
“Careful, sparks. It almost sounds like you like me.”
This book had me in a chokehold tho. 10/10
This book had me in a chokehold tho. 10/10
September 8, 2025
This is the couple I was waiting for. Both Hunter and Emma were dominant personalities in the previous books and I was looking forward to seeing these two alphas clash. I loved that despite their obvious animosity towards each other throughout the series we find out Hunter has been obsessed with Emma since he met her. Childish for sure that he chose to pick on her rather than just be honest that he liked her but I liked their banter.
The reason they kept their fake relationship a secret from their friends made no sense. Why not just tell them the truth? I honestly think the story suffered not having the whole Harlow clan on the same page. I loved how ride or die they are for each other so the divide in this book didn’t work for me.
Tons and tons of spice. It takes a bit to get going in this one but when it does, strap in (literally😉) I do think the spice in this one overshadowed the emotions with Hunter and Emma. The balance felt off.
Overall, a fun, smutty small town romance with a huge cast of great characters. I had fun losing myself in these books the last few days.
The reason they kept their fake relationship a secret from their friends made no sense. Why not just tell them the truth? I honestly think the story suffered not having the whole Harlow clan on the same page. I loved how ride or die they are for each other so the divide in this book didn’t work for me.
Tons and tons of spice. It takes a bit to get going in this one but when it does, strap in (literally😉) I do think the spice in this one overshadowed the emotions with Hunter and Emma. The balance felt off.
Overall, a fun, smutty small town romance with a huge cast of great characters. I had fun losing myself in these books the last few days.
May 18, 2025
may 12-18
A fake dating, loathe to love, small-town romance with suspense.
Three years ago, I drove down a dark country road, ran out of gas, and then tasered a hot farmer.
Now, that farmer is my fake fiancé.
Hunter Harlow is my #1 enemy. We’re as compatible as glitter and mud. He’s frustrating, cocky, grumpy. He also definitely still holds a grudge about that silly little tasering thing…
Unfortunately for both of us, I tell my ex-husband I’m dating him.
Hunter has every reason to back out of this ruse, but he’s determined to protect me. We put strict rules in place, now we just have to follow them. Should be easy, right? Wrong.
As we keep spinning lies, greater threats emerge. Someone wants what’s mine, and they’re determined to do whatever they can to get it. Running from the past never works the way it should, and as all my secrets are uprooted—I wonder if we’ll make it out in one piece.
Hidden Roots Tropes:
Fake Fiance
Loathe to Love
Suspense
Opposites Attract
Hurt/Comfort
BDSM and more
review : I love this series
Emma and hunter can't stand each other
but not true hunter is obsessed with Emma but doesn't think he deserves her dumb .
Emma ex husband tells Emma her dad is dead Emma tells him she has a boyfriend aka hunter fake dating isn't my favorite trope but I enjoyed it.
when they started to feel for each other
and the spice between them omg .
but Emma gets these threatening letters and hunter found them and they had a fight
Emma ex tried to run hunter off the road and almost killed a dog the dog lived and hunter named it RK
Emma goes to honey and then she goes to Haley and tells her she really loves hunter . she goes to hunter and they start dating
Emma ex and her stepmother killed Emma dad omg and took hunter hostage.
hunter lived yay
they get engaged and year later .
A fake dating, loathe to love, small-town romance with suspense.
Three years ago, I drove down a dark country road, ran out of gas, and then tasered a hot farmer.
Now, that farmer is my fake fiancé.
Hunter Harlow is my #1 enemy. We’re as compatible as glitter and mud. He’s frustrating, cocky, grumpy. He also definitely still holds a grudge about that silly little tasering thing…
Unfortunately for both of us, I tell my ex-husband I’m dating him.
Hunter has every reason to back out of this ruse, but he’s determined to protect me. We put strict rules in place, now we just have to follow them. Should be easy, right? Wrong.
As we keep spinning lies, greater threats emerge. Someone wants what’s mine, and they’re determined to do whatever they can to get it. Running from the past never works the way it should, and as all my secrets are uprooted—I wonder if we’ll make it out in one piece.
Hidden Roots Tropes:
Fake Fiance
Loathe to Love
Suspense
Opposites Attract
Hurt/Comfort
BDSM and more
review : I love this series
Emma and hunter can't stand each other
but not true hunter is obsessed with Emma but doesn't think he deserves her dumb .
Emma ex husband tells Emma her dad is dead Emma tells him she has a boyfriend aka hunter fake dating isn't my favorite trope but I enjoyed it.
when they started to feel for each other
and the spice between them omg .
but Emma gets these threatening letters and hunter found them and they had a fight
Emma ex tried to run hunter off the road and almost killed a dog the dog lived and hunter named it RK
Emma goes to honey and then she goes to Haley and tells her she really loves hunter . she goes to hunter and they start dating
Emma ex and her stepmother killed Emma dad omg and took hunter hostage.
hunter lived yay
they get engaged and year later .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
Hunter met Emma three years ago with a memorable meet cute like getting accidentally tasered by a hot city girl. But ever since then, these two have hated each other (or have they??? 🤭). Emma and Hunter are paired to work together to prepare for the town’s festival but then her ex-husband shows up and Hunter let slip that he’s Emma’s fiancé in order to protect her. Now they have to pretend but can they stick to their rules?
This was such a fun read! 𝙃𝙞𝙙𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝙍𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙨 is the third standalone in the interconnected series that takes place in small town Citrus Cove. I loved Emma and plant daddy Hunter! Their banter was so entertaining and I was hooked on them from the start. They each have their own trauma and hurt and how they helped each other heal was perfection. I also loved the found family and friendships (I mean find you a bestie that would get a pap smear to make you feel better!), and the sense of belonging in this is a dream. The dash of suspense will keep you guessing and the spice is deliciously kinky.
Thank you to Grey's Promotions for the eARC.
𝙃𝙞𝙙𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝙍𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙨 is out now and available on KU. Clio also writes monster romance—one of which I LOVED—so be sure to check them out, too! 🌱
ᴛʀᴏᴘᴇꜱ:
Fake engagement
Hate to love
Suspense
Opposites attract
Hurt/comfort
Found family
BDSM and more
ꜰᴀᴠᴏʀɪᴛᴇ Qᴜᴏᴛᴇꜱ:
“Love of my life, creature spawned from hell to torture me, woman who literally tased me the first time we met—either come inside and sit on the couch like a good girl, or leave.”
“We’ve got this,” I whispered.
“It’s fake,” he reminded us.
“Yes. So fake. Nothing we do means anything.”
“So… might as well kiss a lot.”
“Right,” My heart was pounding. “I’ll make sure to eat a lot of garlic.”
“I’m always catching you.”
“I’m always falling for you.”
Hunter met Emma three years ago with a memorable meet cute like getting accidentally tasered by a hot city girl. But ever since then, these two have hated each other (or have they??? 🤭). Emma and Hunter are paired to work together to prepare for the town’s festival but then her ex-husband shows up and Hunter let slip that he’s Emma’s fiancé in order to protect her. Now they have to pretend but can they stick to their rules?
This was such a fun read! 𝙃𝙞𝙙𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝙍𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙨 is the third standalone in the interconnected series that takes place in small town Citrus Cove. I loved Emma and plant daddy Hunter! Their banter was so entertaining and I was hooked on them from the start. They each have their own trauma and hurt and how they helped each other heal was perfection. I also loved the found family and friendships (I mean find you a bestie that would get a pap smear to make you feel better!), and the sense of belonging in this is a dream. The dash of suspense will keep you guessing and the spice is deliciously kinky.
Thank you to Grey's Promotions for the eARC.
𝙃𝙞𝙙𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝙍𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙨 is out now and available on KU. Clio also writes monster romance—one of which I LOVED—so be sure to check them out, too! 🌱
ᴛʀᴏᴘᴇꜱ:
Fake engagement
Hate to love
Suspense
Opposites attract
Hurt/comfort
Found family
BDSM and more
ꜰᴀᴠᴏʀɪᴛᴇ Qᴜᴏᴛᴇꜱ:
“Love of my life, creature spawned from hell to torture me, woman who literally tased me the first time we met—either come inside and sit on the couch like a good girl, or leave.”
“We’ve got this,” I whispered.
“It’s fake,” he reminded us.
“Yes. So fake. Nothing we do means anything.”
“So… might as well kiss a lot.”
“Right,” My heart was pounding. “I’ll make sure to eat a lot of garlic.”
“I’m always catching you.”
“I’m always falling for you.”
March 20, 2025
Emma tased Hunter when she first met him on the side of a dark country road at night - so they hate each other, right?
Wrong. Hunter is obsessed with Emma, and Emma quickly realized she could very easily love Hunter. This story progresses very quickly, with Emma and Hunter being forced to work together to plan the Wildflower Festival becoming fake fiances and lying to their family/friend group to get Emma out of a sticky situation with her ex-husband. Once they realize there are true feelings for each other things get hot and heavy very quickly, to culminate in a breakup, coming clean to their family/friend group and then realizing they actually want to date. Once their relationship is squared away, a kidnapping/murder plot is revealed that is resolved very quickly at the end of the book.
I believe this was Clio Evan's first series foray into contemporary romance and to me this felt like wanting to write kinky sex scenes in a contemporary, human setting, without the story to back it up and left the overall experiencing wanting. There are SO many ancillary characters that it is hard to keep track of who is who, let alone that 1/2 of them are related or married to each other. The Wildflower Festival, which is the original premise forcing these two MCs together, is never mentioned or realized after the initial meeting.
Wrong. Hunter is obsessed with Emma, and Emma quickly realized she could very easily love Hunter. This story progresses very quickly, with Emma and Hunter being forced to work together to plan the Wildflower Festival becoming fake fiances and lying to their family/friend group to get Emma out of a sticky situation with her ex-husband. Once they realize there are true feelings for each other things get hot and heavy very quickly, to culminate in a breakup, coming clean to their family/friend group and then realizing they actually want to date. Once their relationship is squared away, a kidnapping/murder plot is revealed that is resolved very quickly at the end of the book.
I believe this was Clio Evan's first series foray into contemporary romance and to me this felt like wanting to write kinky sex scenes in a contemporary, human setting, without the story to back it up and left the overall experiencing wanting. There are SO many ancillary characters that it is hard to keep track of who is who, let alone that 1/2 of them are related or married to each other. The Wildflower Festival, which is the original premise forcing these two MCs together, is never mentioned or realized after the initial meeting.
May 21, 2025
Rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spicy 🌶🌶🌶
Chemistry 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
Tropes: Small town, Enemies to lovers, Fake fiancé, Opposites attract, Romantic suspense
CW: Praise, Spanking, Pegging, Breeding, Role play, Kidnapping, Voyeurism, Toys, Exhibitionism
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ “𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚, 𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙥𝙖𝙬𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙚, 𝙬𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙩𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙚 𝙢𝙚𝙩—𝙚𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙞𝙩 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡, 𝙤𝙧 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙚.”
I'm in love with this author and everything she writes. I didn’t expect too much from the third book in the series, but that turned out to be a big mistake—because it completely blew me away. 🤭💛
Emma and Hunter are one of the sweetest and most passionate couples I’ve read in a while. I loved the story from start to finish. 💖
The plot made sense, the characters grew beautifully, and everything just felt right. I honestly have nothing to complain about. Maybe just one small thing—I wish there was a bonus chapter showing them as parents. 🥺
I would’ve loved to read that. This couple will stay in my heart for a long time.
Spicy 🌶🌶🌶
Chemistry 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
Tropes: Small town, Enemies to lovers, Fake fiancé, Opposites attract, Romantic suspense
CW: Praise, Spanking, Pegging, Breeding, Role play, Kidnapping, Voyeurism, Toys, Exhibitionism
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ “𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚, 𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙥𝙖𝙬𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙚, 𝙬𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙩𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙚 𝙢𝙚𝙩—𝙚𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙞𝙩 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡, 𝙤𝙧 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙚.”
I'm in love with this author and everything she writes. I didn’t expect too much from the third book in the series, but that turned out to be a big mistake—because it completely blew me away. 🤭💛
Emma and Hunter are one of the sweetest and most passionate couples I’ve read in a while. I loved the story from start to finish. 💖
The plot made sense, the characters grew beautifully, and everything just felt right. I honestly have nothing to complain about. Maybe just one small thing—I wish there was a bonus chapter showing them as parents. 🥺
I would’ve loved to read that. This couple will stay in my heart for a long time.
March 6, 2025
This series is everything. Seriously. I literally have not devoured a series and had it live in my head rent free like I have this one. But this last book hit me so hard and had some of my absolute favorite tropes in it!
I loved Emma. Ugh. She was absolutely amazing. Watching her work through her trauma and her estranged relationship with her dad was like looking in a mirror. And it really resonated with me. I absolutely loved how unapologetically herself she is, and how badass! She is someone who can take care of herself and others, but I loved seeing her vulnerable and get to be taken care of!
Hunter 😮💨 that man. Top five book boyfriends EVER. I loved everything about him. His stress and issues with being the oldest child, def relatable. But I loved how nurturing he was. And I absolutely adored how open he was and not toxic. The experimenting? Hot AF. And how trusting and vulnerable he was with Emma? Top tier.
The spice was IMMACULATE. Ugh. So good. Again, will be living rent free in my mind for weeekkssss.
I'm so sad that this series is done. Ugh. I don't want it to be over and I want moreeeee. But it was an amazing series and I HIGHLY recommend it!
I loved Emma. Ugh. She was absolutely amazing. Watching her work through her trauma and her estranged relationship with her dad was like looking in a mirror. And it really resonated with me. I absolutely loved how unapologetically herself she is, and how badass! She is someone who can take care of herself and others, but I loved seeing her vulnerable and get to be taken care of!
Hunter 😮💨 that man. Top five book boyfriends EVER. I loved everything about him. His stress and issues with being the oldest child, def relatable. But I loved how nurturing he was. And I absolutely adored how open he was and not toxic. The experimenting? Hot AF. And how trusting and vulnerable he was with Emma? Top tier.
The spice was IMMACULATE. Ugh. So good. Again, will be living rent free in my mind for weeekkssss.
I'm so sad that this series is done. Ugh. I don't want it to be over and I want moreeeee. But it was an amazing series and I HIGHLY recommend it!
March 7, 2025
I was looking forward for Emma and hunter’s story, and it did not disappoint. It was so sweet and spicy, and I loved every minute of reading it. It was the perfect ending to these wonderful interconnected books in the Harlow family, and the confirmation that Clio Evans is great at writing any genres.
Who knew that behind the older brother façade, was hidden a golden hearted cinnamon roll. I should have seen it coming.
And Emma is actually great, so strong and stubborn. She managed to create the life she’d always wanted. It was a joy reading how she escaped from her oppressive past and found her real family.
And can we spend a few minutes talking about their ‘meet-cute’???
I’m so sad to leave Citrus Cove, but I’ve found some of the best book boyfriends and the greatest FMCs and I’m sure I’ll keep them with me for a long time.
Thank you so much Clio Evans and Grey’s Promotions for the arc, all opinions are my own.
Who knew that behind the older brother façade, was hidden a golden hearted cinnamon roll. I should have seen it coming.
And Emma is actually great, so strong and stubborn. She managed to create the life she’d always wanted. It was a joy reading how she escaped from her oppressive past and found her real family.
And can we spend a few minutes talking about their ‘meet-cute’???
I’m so sad to leave Citrus Cove, but I’ve found some of the best book boyfriends and the greatest FMCs and I’m sure I’ll keep them with me for a long time.
Thank you so much Clio Evans and Grey’s Promotions for the arc, all opinions are my own.
April 12, 2025
Hidden Roots is the third book in the Citrus Cove series written by Clio Evans.
*Fake engagement
*On page BDSM
*Small town, opposites attract
Emma and Hunter are brought together by their respective friend groups and siblings. They form an instant opposites attack, love/hate relationship that everyone in their small town is aware of!
When Emma’s ex-husband shows up in town, Emma immediately claims that she and Hunter are dating, Hunter pushes it even further by telling everyone they are engaged. From there, it’s firework city! The connection between these two main characters was off the charts! I adored the kink conversations, so hot! 🥵
Tiny bit of OM/OW drama from the ex husband and an ex of the MMC. No cheating, slight third act separation.
Format: KU ebook
Genre: Contemporary fiction, Romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Characters: Emma (FMC) & Hunter (MMC)
*Fake engagement
*On page BDSM
*Small town, opposites attract
Emma and Hunter are brought together by their respective friend groups and siblings. They form an instant opposites attack, love/hate relationship that everyone in their small town is aware of!
When Emma’s ex-husband shows up in town, Emma immediately claims that she and Hunter are dating, Hunter pushes it even further by telling everyone they are engaged. From there, it’s firework city! The connection between these two main characters was off the charts! I adored the kink conversations, so hot! 🥵
Tiny bit of OM/OW drama from the ex husband and an ex of the MMC. No cheating, slight third act separation.
Format: KU ebook
Genre: Contemporary fiction, Romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Characters: Emma (FMC) & Hunter (MMC)
March 22, 2025
Wow this was amazing! I loved this book more than book 1.
Emma and Hunter meet when she runs out of gas and he pulls over to help her. She is paranoid and tases him. From that moment Hunter is obsessed with her.
3 years later, their friends force them to plan a festival together so they can get along. Emma’s ex, Josh, knocks on her door while Hunter is there. Josh tells her that her father passed away and he wants yo remarry her. She tells him Hunter is her boyfriend. Hunter then steps in and says that he actually is her fiancé.
Josh refuses to leave Citrus Cove until Emma sells him the company so Hunter and Emma have to pretend to be engaged while all their loved ones are shocked by the news.
This was SPICY! I loved every second of this book. The pegging scene 🙈 we need more of that.
Emma and Hunter meet when she runs out of gas and he pulls over to help her. She is paranoid and tases him. From that moment Hunter is obsessed with her.
3 years later, their friends force them to plan a festival together so they can get along. Emma’s ex, Josh, knocks on her door while Hunter is there. Josh tells her that her father passed away and he wants yo remarry her. She tells him Hunter is her boyfriend. Hunter then steps in and says that he actually is her fiancé.
Josh refuses to leave Citrus Cove until Emma sells him the company so Hunter and Emma have to pretend to be engaged while all their loved ones are shocked by the news.
This was SPICY! I loved every second of this book. The pegging scene 🙈 we need more of that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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