Take the Blame

by Adorabol Huckleby-Ordaz

Sweet.
Nice.
Wouldn't hurt a fly.

This is exactly how everyone sees Alta Fernandez and she's sick of it. Granted, they aren't wrong. She is sweet, she makes it a point to be kind, and who would want to hurt living creatures anyway, right?

For as long as she can remember, Alta has been the “nice one” in the family. Now, no matter how much she grows up and out of those confining roles, no one seems to see her as more than that. And as a member of a family that keeps doing amazing things, she's tired of being known as just the nice one.

Enter Augustus Harper. He's nice, he can be sweet, and he doesn't make a terrible habit of stomping out flies. But he also doesn't take any strife from anyone. Anyone but Alta, that is, when he offers to teach her how to stand up for herself and be loud when it comes to showing people the real her.

Older, tattooed, and one of her most... trying clients, there are many reasons why Gus Harper becoming her impromptu teacher is a bad idea. But Alta is suddenly sick of being the good one, and if someone is finally offering to take her seriously, who is she to say no?

Even if it means her heart might become part of the lesson plan?

TAKE THE BLAME is the third book in a series of interconnected standalone novels following two billionaire families and the bonds that tie them.

473 pages, Paperback

Published May 13, 2025

Reviews

[Jessica Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

*eARC review* I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Adorabol Huckleby-Ordaz, Take the Blame! The nicknames, the banter, and the writing kept me into this book the entire time. I LOVED this plot line, and I feel like Alta the MFC was extremely relatable to woman that struggle to find their voice, like myself. Her growth in this book was getting my teary eyed reading! The romance piece of this book was amazing. Perfect amount of spice. I was laughing out loud at this writing, and kicking my feet at the same time.

This is a standalone book but is a part of a series, and I did not read the first two books. After reading this, I can assure you I will be circling back to this series to read more!!! My first read of this author, and I was extremely impressed!💗💗

[Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that came into my life at the right time for the right reasons. I already felt lucky to have received an ARC copy at the beginning, but by the end of reading it I knew why I was supposed to read Alta's story at this time.

Dori's books will always amaze me, both story wise and crafting wise. 'Take the blame' is just as magical as her other publishings but with just as much character to stand on its own. Writing a soft, caring, loving, quiet, hard working but strong-willed, determined, and ambitious fmc must've not been easy, and yet Dori did it excellently -- giving us 'nice' girls the proper representation. Can't wait to read more books of this family!

[Audriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Take the Blame” eARC

I think it goes unsaid that I must read the other books within the series. I really enjoyed learning Alta’s character and how she breaks out of the box/ceiling that she’s been placed in. I loved how Alta stool up for herself especially towards then end w/ Grace, miss girl been had it coming. Harper on the other hand, I felt his story was a little unfinished. Perhaps we’ll know more once the series continues. Aside from helping Alta overcome her own obstacles, he himself is dealing with grief and a sense duty for his sister. For majority of the book we see a patient, caring, and supportive man who has yet to allow himself to fully embracing life. I believe we only got to see the beginning of his journey in this book and am looking forward to seeing more of it!
Overall, I have throughly enjoyed having the honour to read this book. Thank you Dori and team!

[Jiselle Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

3. 75 ⭐️

This book took me a much longer while to finish. I wish I understood why and could explain but I can’t. I can make excuses and say I didn’t manage my time properly but that would be avoiding accountability. Though there were factors like time management included, something else stopped me from finishing this book in one sitting.

Nevertheless, I loved this book. I loved the characters, the family dynamics, the interactions and just overall essence. I’d see myself re-reading and fawning all over again. And who knows, maybe it will be a much higher rating.

The style of writing was different as it's not what I’m accustomed to, but it didn’t take negate this book being as amazing as it was. Halfway through, I had rated it 4 stars but as time passed, I forgot what had happened previously and as a result bumped it down to a 3.75, which isn’t bad especially if you round it up.

This book contains a lot of micro-tropes that I loved which were expressed throughout different characters. I found tiny pieces of myself in the individual characters as I could relate to all of them in different aspects. However, I’d say I found myself more in the main characters, Alta specifically.

Alta resembles me a lot. The keeping face, always performing, making herself small to fit into others boxes all whilst minimizing her potential and accomplishments. Throughout the book, you see her growth and express her success from time to time but wouldn’t own it. We see Alta grow learning to curse as an outlet for her bottled up emotions, we see her taking charge and standing up to others. Alta becomes such a force to reckoned with and I adore that. She quite literally is the micro-trope of “do good characters finally exploding” and I love that.

Harper represents the classic introverted and loner we often see in people. Not making too much of a big deal out of things and being the more observant one who knows what they want but has the patience to follow the other persons lead. Seeing him want and yearn for Alta was pure perfection. He followed her lead, helped her standup for herself and allowed her to express and regulate her emotions. He became that place she called home, not just because of the benefits but for the warmth, security and safety and everything else he offered. A place she could be herself. He was straightforward about his feelings, he didn’t hide them nor write them off but owned it; something rare to see.

I also admired his growth as well, seeing him take the necessary time to come to terms with his past, his hurt and learn it's alright for him to be happy and love. That he doesn't have to sacrifice the simple things that bring his joy in an act of solidarity.

Not to mention, he was hilarious!!! Every interaction he had with each of Alta’s siblings left me with tears, especially Ox. The two together had the potential to be an unexpected dynamic duo with their awkwardness, tension and banter.

Refocusing one Alta and Augustus; their dynamic felt so natural and beautiful to witness. Being home for one another, loving one another and just so much more. Harper learnt how to stop running and just be, act in his feelings which ironically is what he’s been teaching Alta. Almost a full circle moment. Alta not backing down from her man??? Love to see it.

Now we can't let Alta's growth go unnoticed. Can we please talk about Alana exploding? The adrenaline I felt witnessing that. Lord- She had me pretending that I was the one standing up to their family and breaking the misguided image they had of her. I think when I read her saying “Are you guys kidding me?”, I knew shit was about to go down. I knew she was about to set them straight.

I was so bent up on energy that before I continued reading I started to lose it for her, defending her and myself in there somewhere. I absolutely devoured this book and have hopes of revisiting and reading it again. I also am excited to dive into Ox and Clem’s story as I did skip over them but have been eyeing them for so long. I love this family and want to read all their books.

Again, wonderful story would definitely recommend and know that once I re-read this book will be at a much higher rating.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ (rounded up to 5)
2.5🌶️

📸Small Town Romance
🖌️Dislike to Lovers
📸He Falls First and Hard
🖌️Big, Meddling Family
📸Good Girl Gone Bad
🖌️Hurt/Comfort
📸"Teach Me" 😏
🖌️Small Town Sweetheart X Bad Boy Tattoo Artist

The way I related to Alta Fernandez was so real! This girl is a people pleaser to the 'enth degree, but she has had enough of her family expecting nothing from her while she's been hustling on her own trying to get them to see everything she's capable of.

Enter Augustus Harper, AKA Gus/August/Auggie/Montez, or Harper as only Alta is allowed to call him. 😘
Harper has been the only person in Alta's life she's allowed herself to be less than perfect around, and he's been so gone for her from their first meeting a year ago and can see right through all of her people pleasing enough to know that she needs him as an outlet.

So when it all becomes too much for her, he proposes a deal: Alta takes her frustrations out on him.
But not by hitting him, like she thought. Oh no, in a much more fun, much more sexy way. 🔥

These two were simmering with sexual tension from the start, and Harper's deal just set them ablaze. The scene after the Halloween party?!?! Get it, girl! 🥵🥵

But Harper saw Alta more than anyone else did, and while he initially used their deal to help her in the only way he knew how, they eventually grew closer as a result. Alta quickly realized that Harper was the only person in her life who took the time to really know her, and with his help she was able to grow her confidence and challenge the rest of the people she loved to see who she was behind all of her complacency and smiles; and that was an intelligent, talented, driven woman who knew what she wanted and was ready to go after it.

There are a few heavier themes throughout, but the book doesn't dive too deeply into them so it remains mostly a light and fun read, but it did feel like there were some set ups for future books with very interesting and complex side characters. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more books from the author in general, but especially if they are connected to this series, and I will absolutely be going back to read Books 1 & 2.
That being said, I read this book as a standalone and I didn't feel too lost, so I do think you can start with this one if you want. Just know, you're likely going to want to know everything that happened in those first two books, because they sound good and juicy! 😉

I received an advanced copy of this book from the author and am leaving an honest review.

[Hera · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
Take the Blame is the kind of book you pick up when you want something light, flirty, and easy to get lost in—but beneath the laughs and sizzling tension lies a story with heart. At its center is Alta, a woman weighed down by the crushing pressure to be good enough—for her parents, for society, for herself. Her internal monologue early on paints the picture of someone desperate to be seen and accepted, even if it means dimming her own light.

Enter Augustus—Gus—a charming, tattooed goofball who somehow still manages to see the core of people with startling clarity. While Alta is busy trying to hold it all together, Gus offers the kind of patient, uplifting energy that makes him instantly lovable. He sees Alta for who she really is: kind, generous, and the type of person who would inconvenience herself just to make others feel at ease. And while Gus doesn’t quite grasp the weight of Alta’s insecurities—especially when it comes to himself—his empathy for others and his laid-back warmth make him a solid anchor in the story.

This book delivers a blend of tropes that readers will enjoy: opposites attract, good girl gone (a little) bad, “clients with benefits,” and plenty of “jealous but won’t admit it” moments that had me smiling. The chemistry between Alta and Gus is palpable, the banter is playful, and the relationship dynamics are fun to follow.

That said, I did find myself wishing the story had delved deeper into Alta’s emotional arc. Her insecurities are touched on, but there’s so much potential to explore them further—to really let readers sit in her vulnerability and growth. Likewise, the central conflict felt like it needed a little more weight to be fully satisfying.

Take the Blame is perfect for a sunny afternoon, a cozy café read, or a quick getaway from the chaos of everyday life. It doesn’t demand much from the reader, but it offers plenty in return—especially if you’re here for charming MMCs, girlboss energy, and the slow unraveling of a “clients with benefits” situation gone deliciously sideways.

[mellie_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know what to do with myself. If past experiences anything to go by, I knew that I would fall in love with Augustus Harper but I did not expect a fall so hard. He is perfection. He is safe. He is funny. He is determined. He is sexy. He is not mine and that hurts. I received this book as an arc if you ever take any of my recs seriously let it be this one. The story follows Alta, who is going through a lot of personal growth and character development. Her family sees her as this docile, meek girl who is extremely sweet and not known for rocking the boat or essentially standing up for herself. And she has had enough of it. She wants her voice to be heard. She wants to be valued and respected and listened to. The last thing she expected was to run into Gus Harper. He owns a tattoo shop and she decides to work with him for free in order to build up her portfolio because she’s looking to basically move up in her family’s company and join their marketing team. After almost having a post rejection meltdown, he decides that he’s going to teach her how to stand up for herself and let her use him as a means of blowing off some steam in any way that she sees fit. All I can say is they are perfect for each other. The found family aspects of it, the character development, the forgiveness, the spice….because let me tell you that man!!!! That man right there!!!! I loved the book… in fact if I didn’t have to sleep, I probably would’ve finished it yesterday. If you want a book where there is great character development on both sides, amazing found family, with a love so good and pure, with a man who knows what he wants and how he feels and isn’t afraid to talk about that and to stand up for the people that he loves, with a woman who is tired of being a pushover and is learning to come to terms with who she is and getting her family to understand exactly who she is pick up this book. Now I have to nurse a reading hangover because I need time to process what I just read.

[Shan White · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC Review*

wow. wow. just... wow.

Huckleby-Ordaz has captivated me with the complicated beauty that was Clem and Ox's story of love and healing; I rooted for Ceci and Conor as they pushed past secrecy and the bumpy road that takes "friends" to "lovers." but Alta and Harper. oh, these are my babies!!!!

Take The Blame definitely took place as my favorite in the series for a number of reasons, the first being Alta herself. I saw so much of myself and my own struggles in her plight to find her voice. She has such a big heart, so much kindness and care to give everyone around her; she just needs help staying firm to extend that same regard to herself.

and who better to take on that task, than Augustus Harper? he's teasingly lighthearted, unbelievably dreamy and kind, even with his and Alta's rocky first impression, and he's just as steady with a tattoo gun as he is with my girl Alta's heart. he sees her and all her grandness, largeness, and badass-ness before even she does.

which leads me to the next thing that I love about this newest addition to the Seaside series: if there's anything Adorabol's going to do, it's write a man for you, the reader, to fall in love with!!! I need an Auggie in my life ASAP! this man had me out here kicking my feet up and grinning till my cheeks hurt from start to finish!!!

of course, there were also twists and turns throughout the plot; I'm the sort of reader that paces when things start looking sticky in a novel and, at the end, I walked holes into my floor. but I was so caught up in the warmth and sweetness shared between Harper and Alta that I couldn't sit the book down if I tried! in a story that focused so much on how two people can do their part to nurture the other and help them overcome, I feel like I grew right alongside them.

to anyone considering giving this book a read, or any of the series, I couldn't recommend it more!

[Dominique · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC Review*

First of all I just have to admit that I had never heard of this series until I saw it on tiktok and I was honestly so happy that I got chosen to be chosen for an ARC.

Second, oh my lord was this a great book. One thing I LOVED was how REAL it was when they went to shower and it was just burning Gus cause lbr we all know men can't handle hot showers like us, am I right?

Now, I definitely took a bit of time getting into it but I feel like that's because I hadn't read the other two before this and I just needed to find my footing in it, but once I did I was HOOKED. I read it in almost a day. I was mad when I was at work and I had to actually work and not read, like that's how into it I was.

One thing is for certain though, Alta is a WAAAAY better person than me cause if MY family was acting that way towards me and basically making me feel like I didn't matter as much I would have left. Disappeared and let them figure their own shit out and then realize how much I ACTUALLY do. I would ignore everything for MONTHS just to scare them into realizing how shitty they were being. Again, I know that wasn't how they meant it, but damn the way I kept yelling at her to just stop trying and just ignore them. I did it....often.

And Gus, oh Gus. I never would have let my mother wiggle her way back into my life. But again, different person than I am. I'm a grudge holder and as that person I just sat there like "No punish them more!"

All in all honestly I did love this book. I'm 100% going to go back and read the first two and just enjoy this family. Thank you again for allowing me to read this book early! i enjoyed it so much.

[Courtney Kulp · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC Review*

I give this story a this story a 4.6 out of 5 stars. I want to preface by saying this is the only book I’ve read in the series and was able to follow along without reading the two previous books. However after reading Take the Blame, I will definitely be going back and reading the rest of the series. This book had great character development and not just for the main characters. The female main character, Alta, is treated as the baby of the family and viewed as the nice one and the peacemaker. But Alta wants more in life when it comes to work and to be seen as more than the good girl by everyone. The male main character, Augustus Harper, is strong willed and protective, and he also happens to be one of Alta’s clients. Harper agrees help Alta stand up for herself and show another side of herself, but he goes about doing it in an unconventional way.

Take the Blame had a great opposite attract storyline. I am not a fan of third act breakup in romance novels, which is why I took a few points off. It also contained some spice and definitely got spicy at some points, but there were also some funny and cute moments where I was kicking my legs. I feel like the FMC is very relatable, which allowed for some self reflection during some points of the book.

I would love to read about the rest of the siblings of either side. Hopefully there will be more books added to the series, maybe one for Melissa.

[Phumzile · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC Review*

In reading the other books you become curious about the background characters either because of the things they say, the way they behave or what the main characters think of them. Alta is a bit of a wallflower in the others so I was curious about her character so when I found out about this book I was intrigued, I loved finding out that there’s more to her than just being the background sibling of “overpowering” siblings, in this book you’re taken on the journey of watching her bloom, watching her being empowered as she is struggling with stepping up for herself. It’s always lovely to see love bring a character out of their shell. I enjoyed Alta and her navigation of getting to live out as her true self. I struggled a bit with Gus’ character , as Alta’s better half he was doing a good job until a point but I didn’t enjoy his reasoning in terms of his issues, I understand Alta remaining by his side in that misunderstanding but how long he took without having all the facts really upset me and I felt he should have had to work harder at getting forgiveness but all’s well that end’s well. It’s a lighthearted book with a couple of self improvement lessons throw in as well as some family dynamics that show you that sometimes we don’t experience people the same way and that’s always great to find in a book.
Overall I enjoyed the book

[Keishea · Rating 4 out of 5]

The concept of Gus Harper assuming a teaching role is beset with challenges, largely stemming from his age, tattoos, and demanding personality. Nonetheless, Alta is exhausted from being typecast as the excessively accommodating one and is inclined to accept his proposal, particularly since he appears to be taking her seriously. The entrenched perception of Alta Fernandez as an unfailingly kind and compassionate individual has become stifling for her. Although this portrayal is not entirely inaccurate, as she genuinely cares for all living creatures, it has become overly reductionist.

I was grateful to be selected as an ARC reader for this book. This was my first book by the author. Thank you, Adorabol, I am grateful. I enjoyed Take the Blame. Adorabol effectively set the stage for Alta and Gus's story. The writing is engaging, and she meticulously develops their relationship. This book was definitely a slow burn. However, as the story progresses, and she expertly delivers the anticipated ending. The character descriptions are exceptional. Now, I must read the first two books, Terms of Inheritance and Rules of Association.

[Lexi T · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author Adorabol has such a great way of making you fall in love with her characters and their world! I will start by saying I recommend you giving this book a read as well as the rest of the series!

Overall I would rate this book a 3.5 stars. I always love a good slow burn and the Seaside Mergers is the perfect slow burn series. The growth Alta had and seeing her learn to stand up for herself she had me rooting for her and was so happy when she started standing up for herself! I loved Harper and how he was her biggest supporter & helping her see she had it in her. I loved them as a couple and thought they had plenty of cute moments. By the end of the book I was feeling all the emotions! There were times in the book where I wish there was a little bit more in the storyline or plot sometimes it fell kind of flat/boring and a little bit more on Harper’s story. Overall it was still a good book with the perfect amount of open door spice, character growth, and loved the mentions of characters from previous books. Especially Ox & Clem who are one of my favorite couples! I definitely have a few theories on them as well as Harper’s sister so I can’t wait until the next book!

[Kayda Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Captivating Romance with Heart and Depth.

[Take The Blame] is an absolute gem—a story that effortlessly blends swoon-worthy romance with emotional depth. From the moment Alta Fernandez and Augustus Harper meet, the chemistry is electric. August, the tattoo shop owner with an instant soft spot for Alta, had me completely charmed. His quiet intensity and unwavering attraction to her made my heart race, and I was kicking my feet and giggling at every sweet, tender moment between them.

But this book is so much more than just a love story. Alta’s journey tugged at my heartstrings—her strength in the face of how she’s treated by others had me clapping for her the entire time. She’s a character you root for, ache for, and ultimately celebrate as she finds her way.

The dynamic between Alta and August is beautifully written, balancing passion, vulnerability, and genuine connection. If you love romances with depth, characters who leap off the page, and a love story that feels both real and magical, this book is for you. I couldn’t put it down!

[Yna · Rating 5 out of 5]

May 15 Review:
Got this as an ARC and I'm so happy I did.

I love the character development from start to finish. It started a bit slow but once it got to the point, no time was wasted. But at the same time the slow burn is definitely burning.

- I love the sibling dynamic. It definitely made me want too have more siblings. LOL
- I love how the character development was written! It's thorough and it makes you feel what the characters are feeling.
- The spice is good, I think I rate it a 2/5.
- The subplot though... It's makes you hang on the edge of your seat with your leg bouncing and scream.
- The plot is so love swoony. I love the banter between all the characters. I love how Alta speaks Spanish!

I forgot it was the third book in the series because it can definitely be read as a standalone! I love how it focuses on the characters and not the side characters. But curiosity is getting the best of me, making me want to read the first two books.

The time when the title was said in the story, I screamed. Very scream-worthy.

[Aluel A · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Arc Review* This is my second book by Author Adorabol and I have a few things to say.

Firstly, Dear Author, you can write 100%.

Secondly, everything was so realistic and smooth, not overreacted or overdone. This was soo good I took my sweet time reading this. Author Adorabol, you have done it again. If I could write a love poem for you, believe it i would. You have never disappointed me and I dare say you will never.

How Alta releases her frustration is quite interesting haha!
"You don't need an invitation to become the person you want to be. And you don't have to approve with everyone else before you magically transform. Start doing what's best for you and the people who are important to you will catch up, just be you." Honestly this touched my heart. These two are a perfect match and they have similar views when it comes to family

Although some parts with altar and Gus bored me, the story is well written. Honestly speaking as much as I love Alta and Harper, Ox and clementine are my favourite. This is a solid 3.5 ⭐ for me.

[Kait's Book Dungeon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book definitely hit in a way that felt all too real!

Alta's personality is one that people can relate to in a way especially with being a "goody two shoes" in other's eyes. That paired with Augustus' way of speaking and getting under her skin as he's practically the only one who she lets off steam to - I love the chemistry and dynamic they hold towards one another.

Despite the understanding of how she feels as I've been in such situations, I wanted to come through the book and shake her by the shoulders like "STAND UP FOR YOURSELF." "THIS MAN LOVES YOU." "DAMNIT ALTA!" It was a whirlwind of emotions while taking the journey through the pages of Alta and Gus' love story. Through it all, I'm so happy with the outcomes the characters decided and how it ended overall.

This was such a read to where I need to know more of all the characters whom haven't had their stories told just yet.

4/5!

[destinytracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ I loved reading Alta and Gus’ story🥹 Alta was so relatable in the sense of wanting to please her family and it was nice to see her grow out of that and find that power to stand up and be the person she wants to be. Now Augustus, the man you areee (charming, patient, lowkey goofball to the ppl he lets in, caring) I instantly loved him. All the tropes that came together between these two (opposites attract, “good girl x bad boy”, boss x client) I was not ready for it but I ate them up nonetheless. Though at times I felt the story was a little slow paced but it fit for the author was trying to get across with Alta and her story. There was times I also was annoyed with some of the characters but that comes with falling in love with them bc they all can’t be perfect lol.

Overall, this was such a cute read and I was easily engulfed in their story and wanted to know what was going to happen next!

Thank you to the author, Adorabol Huckleby-Ordaz, for this arc🤍

[AshleeInPages · Rating 4 out of 5]

A.R.C Review: Harper and Alta are my favorite of the Seaside series. Clem and Ox were my previous favorite but not anymore. When I first started this book, I thought Alta’s story was going to be a damsel in distress, which I don’t enjoy. Thankfully, I was wrong. Harper was the perfect catalyst to push Alta to step into the life she wanted for herself. Their story was a more mature love in how they communicated with each other and supported one another. Even in the tension, their love for one another was rooted in something real and they both always found their way back to it. Harper was a safe space for Alta and she became his safe space when he needed it most. Some many portions of this story felt relatable, which made me love it even more. This book is a cozy read with some tension but nothing too worrisome. It’s lighthearted, funny and good read for a quick escape or to take on vacation.

[Jai · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC Review*


Y’all, I really liked this one. Alta’s character? Yeah, super relatable. That whole “good girl” thing she’s got going on—been there. And Gus? He knew exactly what buttons to push. Their back-and-forth had me hooked. He’s basically the only one she really opens up to, and the tension between them was chef’s kiss.

But listen… I was fighting for my life reading this book. I wanted to snatch Alta up and yell, “GIRL. WAKE UP. HE LOVES YOU. SAY SOMETHING.” She had me stressed out and rooting for her all at the same time.

Their story took me on a ride, but the way everything wrapped up? Loved it. And now I need every single side character to get a book because there’s just too much tea left untold.

I’ll need to catch up with the previous stories because of how much I enjoyed this story.

[Rudzani Hawksley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. I went into this book hopeful and it did not disappoint. We got introduced to Alta in the first book of the series and I was always curious about her own POV and I did not feel disappointed. She is definitely one of my favourite FMCS. I also really loved Augustus(Gus). I will always love a relationship that is a benefits situation and I feel this one was written perfectly because they are so different yet they are so the same in some aspects. And I don’t often read irritation to lovers but I loved this so much. This book is one of my favourite reads this year by far. There relationship is beautiful but complex. And I will always love the dynamic of the Fernandez siblings. Their story blossoms I’m a beautiful way that doesn’t feel rushed at all and I loved that

[Bee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 ⭐️ This felt like watching a slice-of-life series unfold, full of realistic moments and emotional depth.

This revolved around Alta and her relationships with her family, Gus, and most importantly, with herself. She was a bit relatable, and I liked how we saw her develop over time. The family dynamics were especially compelling, showing the complexity and realism of everyday life. (Honestly, her family was frustrating in the initial chapters that I could totally imagine how Alta was feeling). Additionally, It was really satisfying to see how things unfolded with the text. I WAS SURPRISED!

Overall, the pacing was a bit slow and dragging at times, BUT it ultimately suited Alta’s story well, reflecting the real-life challenges and gradual changes we experience.

[Athina Kotsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Augustus… strong funny intense but also full of emotions and so in touch with his feelings! Alta so strong and capable but so afraid to show it .. at least in the beginning ! 😉

I normally don’t ready irritation to lovers but I have to admit I really liked Harper’s and Alta’s story.. I loved how he helped her come out of her shell and show everyone around her how strong and capable she is.. I especially loved how she stayed by his side when he needed it, understanding him even better than he did himself..

If you like strong but full of emotions MMCs and loving, kind but strong FMCs this is definitely a book for you ❤️

[Jordene Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I completely fell in love with both characters. Harper’s genuine care and adoration for Alta was developed perfectly for readers to feel. I appreciate how we were able to see the growth that both characters had. I went in expecting Harper to fix everything for Alta, but was pleasantly surprised. The story as a whole was developed well and made you want to keep reading. I think Alta and Harper are my favorite (don’t tell Ox and Clem) but I’m excited to see where the rest of this series goes.

[Renata Rachieru · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harper and Alta, Alta and Harper, what can I say. He’s tough looking but a complete softie for her and she’s a naughty girl pretending to be all good.

Harper is just the perfect man, standing up for Alta and just making sure she always knows her worth, which ends up making her strong enough to support him when things turn complicated for him.

I just couldn’t put this book down once I started reading!! This is so well written and so emotional in all the best ways 🥰 and of course lets not forget the absolutely delicious spice in this book.

[Azaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book, which is unsurprising because Dori is one of the most gifted authors I’ve had the pleasure of reading. I enjoy the creation of complex characters, especially those who defy common assumptions such as the sweetheart tattoo artist. I also enjoyed the plot twist, and how the author continues to avoid the common trope of a simple misconception destroying all the work that a couple does to grow together. Yet another fantastic slow burn, I can’t wait for the next in the series!!!

[Mya · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Reader:

I loved this book from start to finish. It was captivating learning about Alta and Harper as the both worked to overcome obstacles in their individual lives and realizing the value in each other. It was as though both characters didn’t see love happening for them but it came to them in the most unexpected way, where they had to put in work for it to work out.

I also enjoyed the fact, that there is clearly more to their story. With how family dynamics will play out professionally and personally, especially not knowing what’ll happen with Mar.

[Cheyanne Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd actually give it a 3.75. I signed up for this ARC on a whim because I thought, hey, what the heck? But honestly I enjoyed this book and I’m going to go back and read the other one or two before this one. There were a couple times where characters made decisions that didn’t make a ton of sense to me, but the couple in the book is absolutely great together, and I really enjoy the way they challenge each other.

[Melaa · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I tell you that Alta was pissing me off in the beginning. I just wanted her to stand up for herself. Then comes Harper with his fine self and shows her that it’s ok to show her true self and not be such a people pleaser.

I really enjoyed their story. It was cute and funny and my god the 🌶️🌶️🌶️ had me 🥵🥵 it was that good.

I will definitely be reading the other books
Because I’m so interested in the stories of her siblings.

[Angelique · Rating 5 out of 5]

This epub arc for me was amazing! Alta had me dying of laughter from the beginning-at first i thought it was a person but, you soon find out it was not-😅🤣

My younger self related to her when she spoke about her sibling(s) and favortism in that aspect of the read thus making it a heartfelt read along with flirty banter and laughs.

You will not be disappointed when you get your copy especially if this is the type of read you indulge in like myself☺️🥰

Highly recommend!