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Hard Feelings
Cecily Hampton's first date with Dominic Bellinger started out like a dream. The conversation? Flowing. The chemistry? Sizzling. But when Cecily overhears a phone call Dom steps away to take, she grabs her purse and makes a run for it. She knows a red flag when she sees one.
Unfortunately, avoiding Dom becomes impossible when they're both summoned to Las Vegas to celebrate their mutual friends. Armed with a vow to hate Dom forever, Cecily lands in Sin City ready to unleash her dirtiest looks on him. Except, Dom's salty attitude is making it clear Cecily isn't the only one with hard feelings.
When shooting daggers turns into shooting tequila, Dom and Cecily wake up to find themselves with a nasty hangover and new Mr. & Mrs.
A rush to undo the drunken mistake is halted when Cecily's grandmother announces she's dying, and her final wish is to road trip around Arizona with her family. Including her granddaughter's new husband.
Cecily can't decide which is worse - being stuck in a luxury motor coach with Dom, or her estranged family.
But somewhere between a stay at a haunted hotel and unwittingly attending a nudist colony, their thinly veiled insults and barbed remarks give way to the attraction from their first date. They tell themselves it's just this once...twice...ok, three times.
Scratching an itch starts looking a lot like newlywed bliss. And their temporary marriage? It just might turn into forever.
Unfortunately, avoiding Dom becomes impossible when they're both summoned to Las Vegas to celebrate their mutual friends. Armed with a vow to hate Dom forever, Cecily lands in Sin City ready to unleash her dirtiest looks on him. Except, Dom's salty attitude is making it clear Cecily isn't the only one with hard feelings.
When shooting daggers turns into shooting tequila, Dom and Cecily wake up to find themselves with a nasty hangover and new Mr. & Mrs.
A rush to undo the drunken mistake is halted when Cecily's grandmother announces she's dying, and her final wish is to road trip around Arizona with her family. Including her granddaughter's new husband.
Cecily can't decide which is worse - being stuck in a luxury motor coach with Dom, or her estranged family.
But somewhere between a stay at a haunted hotel and unwittingly attending a nudist colony, their thinly veiled insults and barbed remarks give way to the attraction from their first date. They tell themselves it's just this once...twice...ok, three times.
Scratching an itch starts looking a lot like newlywed bliss. And their temporary marriage? It just might turn into forever.
409 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 8, 2026
422 people are currently reading
14615 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Millikin
28 books2,139 followersJennifer Millikin is a two-time recipient of the Readers Favorite award. She writes contemporary fiction with elements of romance, emotion, and hard-learned lessons. Her characters are flawed and authentic, and some parts of her stories are more fact than fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 458 reviews
January 8, 2026
Hard Feelings by Jennifer Millikin
Between 3.75 and 4 out of 5 stars
Hard Feelings is a feel-good, slow-burn and sweet romance that was fun and a joy to read. The book starts with Dominic and Cecily meeting each other when their two friends are meeting up. They instantly connect and are attracted to one another. They have this kind and sweet conversation and when Dominic has to take a phone call he leaves her for a bit. After a while she is checking if Dom wants another drink and then she overhears him bashing her on the phone. She's instantly hurt and disappointed she was so far off about him.
Fast forward to the bachelorette party of their two friends in Vegas. She believes he's an asshole who said she was terrible and yapping all the time. And he believes she just stood him up in the middle of their sort of date. But Vegas is Vegas and the alcohol is flowing freely. Fast forward to the next morning. They wake up in the same bed and quickly find out they got married. They are both horrified and want an annulment straight away. But they have to wait a few days.
In her drunken state Cecily sent her family her wedding photo and suddenly her grandmother calls that she and her new husband must come quickly. Cecily doesn't want to disappoint her grandmother and Dom decides to go with her. Unfortunately her grandmother has terrible news. She is terminal and wants to embark on a roadtrip with the entire family and her hired death doula.
Cecily and Dom decide to keep up the pretense and then things kick off. I love how rather quickly they address the troubles from their first date. And that enables them to get to know each other and fall freely into what their hearts make them feel.
It's wholesome, sweet and beautiful. I love how family dynamics play a huge part in this book and I adore how grandma's trip brings them all close together.
But it was a little too sweet for me. And the pacing was a little too slow for me. I think if the book was shortened a little it would improve the pacing and the overall experience of reading this novel. I also wish there was a bit more chemistry between the two main characters. There is chemistry. And I loved it. But it didn't spark a fire within me. And I missed that. I love when I fall in love with both characters and I missed that in this one.
All in all a fantastic book. 4 huge stars from me for Hard Feelings. ♥
Between 3.75 and 4 out of 5 stars
Hard Feelings is a feel-good, slow-burn and sweet romance that was fun and a joy to read. The book starts with Dominic and Cecily meeting each other when their two friends are meeting up. They instantly connect and are attracted to one another. They have this kind and sweet conversation and when Dominic has to take a phone call he leaves her for a bit. After a while she is checking if Dom wants another drink and then she overhears him bashing her on the phone. She's instantly hurt and disappointed she was so far off about him.
Fast forward to the bachelorette party of their two friends in Vegas. She believes he's an asshole who said she was terrible and yapping all the time. And he believes she just stood him up in the middle of their sort of date. But Vegas is Vegas and the alcohol is flowing freely. Fast forward to the next morning. They wake up in the same bed and quickly find out they got married. They are both horrified and want an annulment straight away. But they have to wait a few days.
In her drunken state Cecily sent her family her wedding photo and suddenly her grandmother calls that she and her new husband must come quickly. Cecily doesn't want to disappoint her grandmother and Dom decides to go with her. Unfortunately her grandmother has terrible news. She is terminal and wants to embark on a roadtrip with the entire family and her hired death doula.
Cecily and Dom decide to keep up the pretense and then things kick off. I love how rather quickly they address the troubles from their first date. And that enables them to get to know each other and fall freely into what their hearts make them feel.
It's wholesome, sweet and beautiful. I love how family dynamics play a huge part in this book and I adore how grandma's trip brings them all close together.
But it was a little too sweet for me. And the pacing was a little too slow for me. I think if the book was shortened a little it would improve the pacing and the overall experience of reading this novel. I also wish there was a bit more chemistry between the two main characters. There is chemistry. And I loved it. But it didn't spark a fire within me. And I missed that. I love when I fall in love with both characters and I missed that in this one.
All in all a fantastic book. 4 huge stars from me for Hard Feelings. ♥
Want to read
June 22, 2025This reminds me that I still need to read Here for the 🎂
Both look/sound so cute! 🥰
Both look/sound so cute! 🥰
September 30, 2025
Beta read this and i simply loved it!
I cannot wait until I can share more about this one but just know... it's SOO good!!!!
I cannot wait until I can share more about this one but just know... it's SOO good!!!!
January 9, 2026
DNF 60 %. I tried. I really did. The writing is fine and there are some funny parts, but - unpopular opinion - I really really dislike the FMC and it bothers me when the whole story hinges on something that makes no sense.
If you like women who are stubborn for no apparent reason, and men who will put up with it, then this is for you. At 60%, they’ve kissed twice and I don’t care if they ever do anything else. She’s spoiled. He’s enabling her. I dislike.
There’s a misunderstanding that occurs during Dom and Cecily’s first date. She leaves the date without saying anything and blocks him. Whatever. Meanwhile they have mutual friends and business acquaintances so not the best move. But again, whatever.
This misunderstanding continues unnecessarily for the first 30% of the book and even after they get drunk married in Vegas 8 months later during their friends bachelor/bachelorette party. Because who doesn’t love a good drunk Vegas wedding among enemies? Sure sure.
So, once they realize why she’s mad at him, and how it was truly a misunderstanding, you’d think she’d be nice to him. After all, he’s being insanely nice to her - going on a 3 week family trip w her, her dying grandma and the rest of her annoying family. Why? I don’t know. But, no, she continues to fight w him and be rude for no reason that’s explained. She’s stubborn, he likes it. I don’t know.
It all feels very juvenile and ridiculous. I’m sure this is a me problem. I’m just so over the stubborn rude woman and devoted man trope. Given the other reviews, I’m in the vast minority. 🫠🙄🤷🏻♀️
If you like women who are stubborn for no apparent reason, and men who will put up with it, then this is for you. At 60%, they’ve kissed twice and I don’t care if they ever do anything else. She’s spoiled. He’s enabling her. I dislike.
There’s a misunderstanding that occurs during Dom and Cecily’s first date. She leaves the date without saying anything and blocks him. Whatever. Meanwhile they have mutual friends and business acquaintances so not the best move. But again, whatever.
This misunderstanding continues unnecessarily for the first 30% of the book and even after they get drunk married in Vegas 8 months later during their friends bachelor/bachelorette party. Because who doesn’t love a good drunk Vegas wedding among enemies? Sure sure.
So, once they realize why she’s mad at him, and how it was truly a misunderstanding, you’d think she’d be nice to him. After all, he’s being insanely nice to her - going on a 3 week family trip w her, her dying grandma and the rest of her annoying family. Why? I don’t know. But, no, she continues to fight w him and be rude for no reason that’s explained. She’s stubborn, he likes it. I don’t know.
It all feels very juvenile and ridiculous. I’m sure this is a me problem. I’m just so over the stubborn rude woman and devoted man trope. Given the other reviews, I’m in the vast minority. 🫠🙄🤷🏻♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Hard Feelings had a lot of elements that I genuinely enjoyed, which made this one a bit of a mixed bag for me. One of my favorite things about Jennifer Millikin’s books is how interconnected her series are, and I loved getting to see familiar faces from other stories pop up here. Those moments always feel like little rewards for longtime readers. And of course savage grandma absolutely stole every scene she was in iykyk.
The banter between the MMC and FMC was another highlight for me. Their back and forth was sharp, fun, and often had me smiling. You can really feel the chemistry in their dialogue, and those moments reminded me why I usually fly through her books.
That said for some reason I just couldn’t fully get into this one. The storyline itself is unique and on paper exactly the kind of plot I thought I would love more than I did. Unfortunately the miscommunication at the very beginning of the book really threw me off and made it harder for me to fully settle into the story. It lingered in a way that pulled me out instead of pulling me in.
Overall this was still an enjoyable read with strong characters and great banter but it didn’t quite hit as hard for me as I hoped. If you love interconnected romances and witty dialogue it’s still worth checking out even if it wasn’t a full hit for me.
Hard Feelings had a lot of elements that I genuinely enjoyed, which made this one a bit of a mixed bag for me. One of my favorite things about Jennifer Millikin’s books is how interconnected her series are, and I loved getting to see familiar faces from other stories pop up here. Those moments always feel like little rewards for longtime readers. And of course savage grandma absolutely stole every scene she was in iykyk.
The banter between the MMC and FMC was another highlight for me. Their back and forth was sharp, fun, and often had me smiling. You can really feel the chemistry in their dialogue, and those moments reminded me why I usually fly through her books.
That said for some reason I just couldn’t fully get into this one. The storyline itself is unique and on paper exactly the kind of plot I thought I would love more than I did. Unfortunately the miscommunication at the very beginning of the book really threw me off and made it harder for me to fully settle into the story. It lingered in a way that pulled me out instead of pulling me in.
Overall this was still an enjoyable read with strong characters and great banter but it didn’t quite hit as hard for me as I hoped. If you love interconnected romances and witty dialogue it’s still worth checking out even if it wasn’t a full hit for me.
January 9, 2026
Happy release day!!
4.25 ★ I loved this so much! I was absolutely obsessed with Here For the Cake by this author so I was super excited for another book in this world. This book was fast paced and immediately had me hooked on Cecily and Dom’s story. I read 60% in one sitting!! The banter, tension, and chemistry between these two was soooo good. I was so obsessed and had such a fun time with these two. I loved each character both together and individually and i really enjoyed reading from both POVs. I also absolutely loved getting so much content from the last book’s characters <3 The accidental marriage plot was so fun and made for such a dramatic, entertaining read. The first half of the book was literally addicting and I couldn’t stop reading. I also really loved and appreciated the story with Cecily’s grandmother and the connection they had. That part of the story had me sooo emotional. The dynamics of Cecily’s family really added to this story for me. The 60-75% mark kind of lost me bc the story and connection between Cecily and Dom became super lusty and physical, and I was missing that emotional connection that I think could’ve been built upon even further, especially during the road trip. Either way, I really freaking loved this book and would absolutely recommend it. The writing, pacing, plot, characters, and relationship building was all so good and delivered what I hoped it would <3 I had such high hopes for this book and it came through!! thank you valentine PR for the arc!!
4.25 ★ I loved this so much! I was absolutely obsessed with Here For the Cake by this author so I was super excited for another book in this world. This book was fast paced and immediately had me hooked on Cecily and Dom’s story. I read 60% in one sitting!! The banter, tension, and chemistry between these two was soooo good. I was so obsessed and had such a fun time with these two. I loved each character both together and individually and i really enjoyed reading from both POVs. I also absolutely loved getting so much content from the last book’s characters <3 The accidental marriage plot was so fun and made for such a dramatic, entertaining read. The first half of the book was literally addicting and I couldn’t stop reading. I also really loved and appreciated the story with Cecily’s grandmother and the connection they had. That part of the story had me sooo emotional. The dynamics of Cecily’s family really added to this story for me. The 60-75% mark kind of lost me bc the story and connection between Cecily and Dom became super lusty and physical, and I was missing that emotional connection that I think could’ve been built upon even further, especially during the road trip. Either way, I really freaking loved this book and would absolutely recommend it. The writing, pacing, plot, characters, and relationship building was all so good and delivered what I hoped it would <3 I had such high hopes for this book and it came through!! thank you valentine PR for the arc!!
January 8, 2026
⭐ 4.5+ stars (a very soft 5)
Hard Feelings completely surprised me—in that quiet, sneaky way books do when you expect a fun rom-com and end up emotionally invested.
This story starts with instant chemistry and an equally instant nope. One overheard moment derails everything, and instead of talking it out, feelings curdle into resentment, assumptions, and sharp edges. What I loved most is that the book knows this is messy. The miscommunication isn’t romanticized—it’s uncomfortable, human, and it leaves emotional residue that follows the characters into every interaction afterward.
Where this book truly shines is in its balance. It’s funny—often laugh-out-loud funny—but it also knows when to slow down and sit with grief, family baggage, and the quiet ache of wanting to be seen. The road trip setup could’ve been pure chaos (and sometimes it is), yet it becomes a space where walls come down piece by piece. The forced proximity isn’t just physical; it’s emotional, and watching that tension unravel felt incredibly earned.
The romance itself is a chef’s kiss slow burn. The banter crackles, but underneath it is patience, restraint, and genuine care. There’s something deeply satisfying about a love story where affection grows through consistency rather than grand gestures. And yes—he falls first, and yes—it works beautifully here.
Family dynamics add another layer entirely. They’re frustrating, loving, invasive, protective, and complicated in the way real families are. The grandmother, in particular, is unforgettable—tender and fierce all at once, the emotional anchor of the story without ever feeling like a plot device.
If this wasn’t a full five for me, it’s only because the opening conflict lingered just a touch longer than I personally prefer. That said, once the emotional payoff hit, it hit hard.
This is one of those romances that feels warm, sharp, and sincere all at once—the kind you finish with a smile and a small ache in your chest.
Tropes & Vibes
• Loathe-to-love
• Accidental marriage
• Forced proximity (road trip + shared spaces)
• Black cat FMC × golden retriever MMC
• He falls first
• No third-act breakup 🙌
• Sharp banter & emotional slow burn
• Family chaos
• Dual POV
If you love romances that mix humor with heart, bite with tenderness, and chaos with sincerity—this one is absolutely worth your time.
Thanks Valentine PR and author for opportunity to read ARC in exchange of honest review
Hard Feelings completely surprised me—in that quiet, sneaky way books do when you expect a fun rom-com and end up emotionally invested.
This story starts with instant chemistry and an equally instant nope. One overheard moment derails everything, and instead of talking it out, feelings curdle into resentment, assumptions, and sharp edges. What I loved most is that the book knows this is messy. The miscommunication isn’t romanticized—it’s uncomfortable, human, and it leaves emotional residue that follows the characters into every interaction afterward.
Where this book truly shines is in its balance. It’s funny—often laugh-out-loud funny—but it also knows when to slow down and sit with grief, family baggage, and the quiet ache of wanting to be seen. The road trip setup could’ve been pure chaos (and sometimes it is), yet it becomes a space where walls come down piece by piece. The forced proximity isn’t just physical; it’s emotional, and watching that tension unravel felt incredibly earned.
The romance itself is a chef’s kiss slow burn. The banter crackles, but underneath it is patience, restraint, and genuine care. There’s something deeply satisfying about a love story where affection grows through consistency rather than grand gestures. And yes—he falls first, and yes—it works beautifully here.
Family dynamics add another layer entirely. They’re frustrating, loving, invasive, protective, and complicated in the way real families are. The grandmother, in particular, is unforgettable—tender and fierce all at once, the emotional anchor of the story without ever feeling like a plot device.
If this wasn’t a full five for me, it’s only because the opening conflict lingered just a touch longer than I personally prefer. That said, once the emotional payoff hit, it hit hard.
This is one of those romances that feels warm, sharp, and sincere all at once—the kind you finish with a smile and a small ache in your chest.
Tropes & Vibes
• Loathe-to-love
• Accidental marriage
• Forced proximity (road trip + shared spaces)
• Black cat FMC × golden retriever MMC
• He falls first
• No third-act breakup 🙌
• Sharp banter & emotional slow burn
• Family chaos
• Dual POV
If you love romances that mix humor with heart, bite with tenderness, and chaos with sincerity—this one is absolutely worth your time.
Thanks Valentine PR and author for opportunity to read ARC in exchange of honest review
January 13, 2026
I adored Dom and Cecily’s story so much! From their first date you can feel how much chemistry and tension is between them! When Cecily overhears Dom’s conversation, I just knew there was no way he could be talking about her with how great their date was going. Fast forward to their friend’s Vegas joint bachelor/bachelorette party… and what happens in Vegas definitely didn’t stay in Vegas. A drunken night of marriage joined these two together. And what they thought would be a quick annulment, ended up becoming a family road trip as Cecily’s grandmother’s dying wish.
There’s tons of banter, emotions, and swoon worthy moments throughout that will have you not wanting to set this one down! I loved every character and the different dynamics they brought to the story! Overall, a great read that dips into the emotions of grief but is heartwarming and charming as well! 🥲💖
There’s tons of banter, emotions, and swoon worthy moments throughout that will have you not wanting to set this one down! I loved every character and the different dynamics they brought to the story! Overall, a great read that dips into the emotions of grief but is heartwarming and charming as well! 🥲💖
January 5, 2026
"You just tell me what you need from me, alright? I'll give it to you."
After reading Here for the Cake last year, I was really excited for this book. Hard Feelings was a fun read, I really enjoyed it.
We start with Cecily and Dom going on a date, Cecily overhears something and bolts. She wants to avoid him forever, but they soon run into each other again at a friends celebration. One drunken night in Vegas, leading to waking up realizing they’re married. They then find themselves going on a roadtrip with Cecily’s family, what could possibly go wrong?
I loved Cecily and Dom’s relationship, they had such great banter. Once they realized there was a misunderstanding, they had such an understanding of one another. Their growth was wonderful, learning to trust each other. I loved this book!
Thank you Jennifer Millikin and VPR for the ARC!
After reading Here for the Cake last year, I was really excited for this book. Hard Feelings was a fun read, I really enjoyed it.
We start with Cecily and Dom going on a date, Cecily overhears something and bolts. She wants to avoid him forever, but they soon run into each other again at a friends celebration. One drunken night in Vegas, leading to waking up realizing they’re married. They then find themselves going on a roadtrip with Cecily’s family, what could possibly go wrong?
I loved Cecily and Dom’s relationship, they had such great banter. Once they realized there was a misunderstanding, they had such an understanding of one another. Their growth was wonderful, learning to trust each other. I loved this book!
Thank you Jennifer Millikin and VPR for the ARC!
Review of advance copy
#Review: *Hard Feelings* - Jennifer Millikin - ARC [18+]
4.8/5✨
3/5🌶️
Everything had started with a date which turned out pretty wrong, even though there was an insane chemistry between them. That's how it was born that loathing situation between Cecily and Dominic. Only, on a crazy night in Vegas, they did something which might tie them together for a while. And to complicate things more, they had to go on a road trip with Cecily's entire family, as her grandma wished. That shouldn't be that hard, right?😅
This story had such a weird mix of comedy, reflective moments and sadness. I was captivated by the fun and strange situation Dom and Cecily were in and I was so curious to discover all those things they had to go through during that family trip. Cecily's family was a bit delulu, because they were always afraid that people would take advantage of them and what they represented. It was inevitable not to have my heart stolen by Cecily's grandma, who was such a sweetheart, but who also exuded so much power and who had so much wisdom. All that happened during that road trip was so lovely to follow, Cecily kept on having those intense hateful feelings towards Dom, because of what he did to her. I liked how conflicted she felt about Dom and how her attraction became stronger with each day she was in his presence. Dom was that cute cinnamon roll, with whom it was impossible not to fall for. I liked how he acted around Cecily's family even if she was still acting strange around him. Also, he was so mesmerized by everything regarding Cecily and loved that he never gave up on fighting for her.
I had a really great time reading this book, loving it's vibes and those lovely characters. I got so attached to them and I felt all those emotions that journey brought to surface. It was mostly fun, but it had some reflective parts and others which were pretty sad and these made me need tissues at some point🥺. Amazing book!
Thank you Valentine Pr and Jennifer for accepting me for this beautiful e-ARC.
✨Tropes
▫️Loathe To Love
▫️Road Trip
▫️One Bed
▫️Married In Vegas
▫️He Falls First
▫️Forced Proximity
▫️No Third Act Break Up
▫️Fun Grandma
4.8/5✨
3/5🌶️
Everything had started with a date which turned out pretty wrong, even though there was an insane chemistry between them. That's how it was born that loathing situation between Cecily and Dominic. Only, on a crazy night in Vegas, they did something which might tie them together for a while. And to complicate things more, they had to go on a road trip with Cecily's entire family, as her grandma wished. That shouldn't be that hard, right?😅
This story had such a weird mix of comedy, reflective moments and sadness. I was captivated by the fun and strange situation Dom and Cecily were in and I was so curious to discover all those things they had to go through during that family trip. Cecily's family was a bit delulu, because they were always afraid that people would take advantage of them and what they represented. It was inevitable not to have my heart stolen by Cecily's grandma, who was such a sweetheart, but who also exuded so much power and who had so much wisdom. All that happened during that road trip was so lovely to follow, Cecily kept on having those intense hateful feelings towards Dom, because of what he did to her. I liked how conflicted she felt about Dom and how her attraction became stronger with each day she was in his presence. Dom was that cute cinnamon roll, with whom it was impossible not to fall for. I liked how he acted around Cecily's family even if she was still acting strange around him. Also, he was so mesmerized by everything regarding Cecily and loved that he never gave up on fighting for her.
I had a really great time reading this book, loving it's vibes and those lovely characters. I got so attached to them and I felt all those emotions that journey brought to surface. It was mostly fun, but it had some reflective parts and others which were pretty sad and these made me need tissues at some point🥺. Amazing book!
Thank you Valentine Pr and Jennifer for accepting me for this beautiful e-ARC.
✨Tropes
▫️Loathe To Love
▫️Road Trip
▫️One Bed
▫️Married In Vegas
▫️He Falls First
▫️Forced Proximity
▫️No Third Act Break Up
▫️Fun Grandma
January 7, 2026
4 stars.
"Hard Feelings" by Jennifer Millikin sure does start with hard feelings, that's no lie! When they say "enemies to lovers," this is exactly what they mean because this book does the trope justice! The main characters, Dom and Cecily, loaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaathe each other... and it is simply *delicious.* Their mutual disdain makes their chemistry electric, their banter fiery, and their eventual make-up all the more satisfying. I really appreciate how the initial miscommunication, what Cecily overheard Dom saying about her (aka the reason she hated him and ended their first date), got cleared up early on in the story. If it had been dragged out, I would have been seriously annoyed! Cecily and Dom are both compelling characters individually as well. Cecily has a lot of daddy issues and baggage related to her family. Dom has some issues with his parents, as well as some work troubles. This book is so much more than a romance between two people who can't stand each other. It also involves a drunken "oops" marriage in Vegas, the reconnecting of a fractured family, and the impending death of the family's grandmatriarch, also known as "Savage Grandma." Savage Grandma has concocted a scheme to get her estranged family, her granddaughter and her new husband, to come together one last time before she dies... in the form of an almost month-long road trip! Forced proximity, enemies to lovers, tons of tension and chemistry between characters, lots of resentments opened wide... all of these things make for one heck of an entertaining book! It made me laugh, it made me tear up, and it made me think about what I would do in a situation like this. I loved the silliness of Grandma's antics and unfiltered comebacks. I enjoyed seeing Cecily and her family slowly rebuild themselves over the course of their road trip. I really liked the kooky stops along the way, the snacks they got that reminded me of road trips I have taken in the past, the fun ways Dom tried to worm himself into Cecily's life, how he was always sweet on her and obsessed with her, how they eventually fall in love for real and don't want to get an annulment after all. This book has a bit of everything: chaos, humor, heart, and tear-jerking heart-to-hearts. It's not too terribly long and is extremely well-paced. I dug it a lot!
Thank you to Jennifer Millikin and Valentine PR for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
"Hard Feelings" by Jennifer Millikin sure does start with hard feelings, that's no lie! When they say "enemies to lovers," this is exactly what they mean because this book does the trope justice! The main characters, Dom and Cecily, loaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaathe each other... and it is simply *delicious.* Their mutual disdain makes their chemistry electric, their banter fiery, and their eventual make-up all the more satisfying. I really appreciate how the initial miscommunication, what Cecily overheard Dom saying about her (aka the reason she hated him and ended their first date), got cleared up early on in the story. If it had been dragged out, I would have been seriously annoyed! Cecily and Dom are both compelling characters individually as well. Cecily has a lot of daddy issues and baggage related to her family. Dom has some issues with his parents, as well as some work troubles. This book is so much more than a romance between two people who can't stand each other. It also involves a drunken "oops" marriage in Vegas, the reconnecting of a fractured family, and the impending death of the family's grandmatriarch, also known as "Savage Grandma." Savage Grandma has concocted a scheme to get her estranged family, her granddaughter and her new husband, to come together one last time before she dies... in the form of an almost month-long road trip! Forced proximity, enemies to lovers, tons of tension and chemistry between characters, lots of resentments opened wide... all of these things make for one heck of an entertaining book! It made me laugh, it made me tear up, and it made me think about what I would do in a situation like this. I loved the silliness of Grandma's antics and unfiltered comebacks. I enjoyed seeing Cecily and her family slowly rebuild themselves over the course of their road trip. I really liked the kooky stops along the way, the snacks they got that reminded me of road trips I have taken in the past, the fun ways Dom tried to worm himself into Cecily's life, how he was always sweet on her and obsessed with her, how they eventually fall in love for real and don't want to get an annulment after all. This book has a bit of everything: chaos, humor, heart, and tear-jerking heart-to-hearts. It's not too terribly long and is extremely well-paced. I dug it a lot!
Thank you to Jennifer Millikin and Valentine PR for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
January 15, 2026
I was super excited for this book, the marketing for both Here for the Cake and Hard Feelings worked wonders on me but then… I knew on the very first pages that we’re in 3 stars territory 😬
I struggled to read this book. I kept picking up and finishing other books. If it wasn’t an ARC I would probably DNF (yes, I know you can DNF an ARC but I struggle with it 😅).
I can’t pinpoint what exactly went wrong but this is why I’m going with 3 stars and not lower.
Even the first 50 pages already felt like this book is too long, it really didn’t need to be so long. Something in the writing made me think of fanfics I wrote and read in middle school.
I’m not opposed to miscommunication trope but this one was so badly done 😬 same for them to be enemies. It made little sense and affected how I felt about their dynamics later.
I expected a 5 star read and was rather disappointed. The marketing for both books on insta really worked on me but I don’t think I will be going back to read book 1.
Thank you ValentinePR for the eARC! I’m really sorry it didn’t land better for me, I wanted to love it so much but just didn’t 😔
I struggled to read this book. I kept picking up and finishing other books. If it wasn’t an ARC I would probably DNF (yes, I know you can DNF an ARC but I struggle with it 😅).
I can’t pinpoint what exactly went wrong but this is why I’m going with 3 stars and not lower.
Even the first 50 pages already felt like this book is too long, it really didn’t need to be so long. Something in the writing made me think of fanfics I wrote and read in middle school.
I’m not opposed to miscommunication trope but this one was so badly done 😬 same for them to be enemies. It made little sense and affected how I felt about their dynamics later.
I expected a 5 star read and was rather disappointed. The marketing for both books on insta really worked on me but I don’t think I will be going back to read book 1.
Thank you ValentinePR for the eARC! I’m really sorry it didn’t land better for me, I wanted to love it so much but just didn’t 😔
January 6, 2026
As a first-time reader of Jennifer Millikin, Hard Feelings completely hooked me with its perfect blend of sharp comedy, heartfelt banter, and genuine emotional depth - the way it makes you laugh out loud one moment and choke up the next feels effortless and real.
The dynamic between the characters, especially between the MMC and FMC, was an absolute highlight; their back-and-forth was witty, electric, and had me smiling from the page. The road trip, forced proximity, and family chaos brought so much heart and humor, giving this story real layers beyond just a rom-com romp — it’s about confronting assumptions, untangling complicated family relationships, and learning to be honest with yourself and others when it matters most.
Jennifer’s gift for balancing laugh-out-loud moments with quiet, sincere emotion made this such a fun, moving, and unforgettable read.
The dynamic between the characters, especially between the MMC and FMC, was an absolute highlight; their back-and-forth was witty, electric, and had me smiling from the page. The road trip, forced proximity, and family chaos brought so much heart and humor, giving this story real layers beyond just a rom-com romp — it’s about confronting assumptions, untangling complicated family relationships, and learning to be honest with yourself and others when it matters most.
Jennifer’s gift for balancing laugh-out-loud moments with quiet, sincere emotion made this such a fun, moving, and unforgettable read.
January 8, 2026
What could be worse than a drunken marriage in Vegas?
How about a family road trip with the bride’s extended family in an RV through Arizona?
I loved Savage Grandma! She ruled with an iron fist and took no prisoners. She knew how to set people straight and Cecily and Dom were good sports about it.
Rainbow was an interesting character and helped balance the intense vibe the rest of Cecily’s family brought.
Alls well that ends well even for a quickie marriage that ends up going the distance.
Thanks Valentine PR for the advance copy.
How about a family road trip with the bride’s extended family in an RV through Arizona?
I loved Savage Grandma! She ruled with an iron fist and took no prisoners. She knew how to set people straight and Cecily and Dom were good sports about it.
Rainbow was an interesting character and helped balance the intense vibe the rest of Cecily’s family brought.
Alls well that ends well even for a quickie marriage that ends up going the distance.
Thanks Valentine PR for the advance copy.
January 8, 2026
It's an okay story. There were the good parts, like the forced proximity and the witty banter with tension. The whole premise of their road trip was really moving. I liked the idea of this story
Then there was the miscommunication trope, which might be the bane of my existence and made me very annoyed with the characters. I was just never able to care about them after that. And there were small moments where I liked the dialogue or the feelings that were elicited, but overall, it was just eh.
Then there was the miscommunication trope, which might be the bane of my existence and made me very annoyed with the characters. I was just never able to care about them after that. And there were small moments where I liked the dialogue or the feelings that were elicited, but overall, it was just eh.
January 8, 2026
Dom and Cecily have a disaster first date. After that Dom is left trying to figure out what he did to get Cecily to loathe him so much when he was actually really into her. In fact, he thought the date went well, and was shocked to find her gone.
Cecily overheard Dom say some not so nice things and assumed they were about her and she fled. But why is he being so nice to her if he doesn't like her?
If there is a Married in Vegas book that comes out, you know I am going to read it. I liked the premise of this book, but I felt that the married in Vegas part didn't work as well for me as I would have hoped. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed this read and it was a little more emotional that I was expecting. I am so glad that Dom was there for Cecily and her family. Dom was the exact kind of hero I like in my romances.
Cecily overheard Dom say some not so nice things and assumed they were about her and she fled. But why is he being so nice to her if he doesn't like her?
If there is a Married in Vegas book that comes out, you know I am going to read it. I liked the premise of this book, but I felt that the married in Vegas part didn't work as well for me as I would have hoped. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed this read and it was a little more emotional that I was expecting. I am so glad that Dom was there for Cecily and her family. Dom was the exact kind of hero I like in my romances.
December 23, 2025
Jennifer is hands down one of my favorite authors ever, and Hard Feelings is another reminder of why.
What starts as a chaotic, tequila fueled Vegas mistake turns into something so much deeper…a story about miscommunication, vulnerability, family, and choosing to show up even when it’s uncomfortable. And the banter?? I was cackling. The back and forth between Cecily and Dom was sharp, sarcastic, and so perfectly timed. Every jab, every eye roll worthy comment, every moment of tension had me grinning like an idiot.
Cecily and Dom’s dynamic was everything for me. The resentment, the slow unraveling, the way the banter softened into understanding and trust.
The road trip + forced proximity + family chaos added so much heart and humor. This wasn’t just a rom com…it had layers. It was about confronting assumptions, dealing with complicated family dynamics, and learning how to be honest when it matters most.
Jennifer Millikin absolutely nailed the balance between laugh out loud rom com energy and emotional depth. I laughed, I swooned, and I felt the weight of those “hard feelings” right alongside the characters.
If you like…
🌵 Oops, we’re married
💛 Road trip
🌵 Loathe-to-love
💛 Forced Proximity
🌵 He Falls First
💛 Only One Bed
…this one is a must-read.
What starts as a chaotic, tequila fueled Vegas mistake turns into something so much deeper…a story about miscommunication, vulnerability, family, and choosing to show up even when it’s uncomfortable. And the banter?? I was cackling. The back and forth between Cecily and Dom was sharp, sarcastic, and so perfectly timed. Every jab, every eye roll worthy comment, every moment of tension had me grinning like an idiot.
Cecily and Dom’s dynamic was everything for me. The resentment, the slow unraveling, the way the banter softened into understanding and trust.
The road trip + forced proximity + family chaos added so much heart and humor. This wasn’t just a rom com…it had layers. It was about confronting assumptions, dealing with complicated family dynamics, and learning how to be honest when it matters most.
Jennifer Millikin absolutely nailed the balance between laugh out loud rom com energy and emotional depth. I laughed, I swooned, and I felt the weight of those “hard feelings” right alongside the characters.
If you like…
🌵 Oops, we’re married
💛 Road trip
🌵 Loathe-to-love
💛 Forced Proximity
🌵 He Falls First
💛 Only One Bed
…this one is a must-read.
January 8, 2026
I loved this book so much 🥹❤️ The banter between Cecily and Dom was amazing and had me cackling, as well as the banter between all the characters. Cecily and Dom had insane chemistry and the things this man said to her?! 🤤🫠. The way this man showed up for her and showed her that the opposite was true of how she had been made to feel about herself her whole life 🥹❤️. Cecily’s grandma was one of my favorite characters. I loved her meddling and how she just wanted her family to work through their issues. While yes, parts of this were hilarious, it also had me super emotional and I definitely cried a few times 🥹. I also loved the mentions of Olive Township and the cameos of some of those characters! I haven’t read the first book in this series, but after meeting Paisley and Klein in this book I definitely need to go back and read their story! Jennifer’s writing is so good and it had me hooked from the very beginning! Cannot wait to see what she comes up with next!
January 2, 2026
Dom & Cecily were oh so sweet to read. The slow burn of it all was so perfect. I cried the last 25% of the story, no spoilers, but wow. The family roadtrip part cracked me up. It was so silly but so well done. I loved this book soooo much. Thank you VPR & Jennifer Millikin for this ARC!
January 7, 2026
4.5 ⭐️.
I devoured in one setting. WHAT A WONDERFUL BOOK! I truly enjoyed it. It has everything. Funny scenes. Family moments. Emotional scenes. I cried. I laughed. I smiled.
Also, Cecily and Dominic had an incredible chemistry. Cute and sizzling. I liked both of them. I felt relatable to them in many scenes.
I devoured in one setting. WHAT A WONDERFUL BOOK! I truly enjoyed it. It has everything. Funny scenes. Family moments. Emotional scenes. I cried. I laughed. I smiled.
Also, Cecily and Dominic had an incredible chemistry. Cute and sizzling. I liked both of them. I felt relatable to them in many scenes.
January 11, 2026
Nie mogę jednak powiedzieć, że do końca czuję się usatysfakcjonowana. Czytałam przed Hard Feelings ksią��kę, która też miała motyw ślubu w Vegas i myślałam, że fabuła, którą stworzyła Jennifer, utrzyma dobry poziom. Jednak zabrakło mi lepszego początku i później to stworzyło lekturę trudną do czytania. Widoczne były sinusoidy, pomiędzy dobrym i konsternującym mnie wydarzeniem, wątkiem. Tak, opis w miarę przejrzyście naprowadza na fabułę i wyżej wymienione motywy. Teoretycznie wiedziałam, na co się decyduję, ale praktycznie po skończeniu historii nie czuję, że jestem w stanie podpisać się pod nią dwiema rękami.
Streszczając fabułę, już od początku dostajemy cykl przyczynowo (wiadomość SMS do Cecily od Dominica z zaproszeniem do klubu) - skutkowy (Cecily ucieka, pomimo dobrej atmosfery, ponieważ podsłuchała rozmowę telefoniczną Dominica). Koniecznością było tutaj wprowadzenie misscommunication thrope, gdzie nie do końca był dla mnie wyważony i taki mocny w postawie, który naprawdę dałby początek relacji loathe to love.
Nie znając dobrze bohaterów, po całej tej akcji, postać i zachowanie Cecily było dla mnie niczym innym jak infantylnym zachowaniem, bo ogółem ta akcja poszła w dziwnym kierunku. Nie była to do końca jej typowa reakcja. Jasne, poznamy dopiero później dlaczego, ale sam fakt przedstawienia tego, dlaczego ona w ogóle musiała poszukać Dominica, jest trochę dziwne. On tylko wyszedł odebrać telefon, a Cecily za nim poszła, kiedy miała odpowiedzieć znajomej-barmance, czy chce jeszcze jakiegoś drinka. Wychodząc, wyjaśniła, że na to pytanie musi odezwać się Dominic.
Później to przekierowało głównych bohaterów do jednostronnej nienawiści Cecily do Dominica, ale że tak powiem, 8 miesięcy później spotkają się ponownie na połączonym panieńskim i kawalerskim kuzyna Dominica i przyjaciółki Cecily. Który jest w Vegas- już sami musicie ułożyć puzzle, co z tego wyszło.
Trzeba jeszcze nieco powiedzieć, o wątku wspólnej wycieczki z rodziną Cecily i tak, jak myślałam, że może to jakoś przejdzie i zatrzyma mnie bliżej siebie, no to nie mogę przejść obojętnie. Tutaj trzeba się pochylić nad personą Savage Grandma i tego, jak została przedstawiona. Rozumiem, że autorka chciała pokazać, że babcia jest takim wzorem dla Cecily i wsparciem. Jest osobą, która jeszcze trzyma Cecily bliżej rodziny pomimo wszystkiego, co się wydarzyło…ale coś mi tutaj nie grało. Nie chodzi o to, że w książce autorka sięgnęła po lekko spirytualistyczne podejście do tematu opuszczania lądu (d@th doulA i te sprawy), ale o to, jak sztucznie to wyglądało. 2-3 razy mieliśmy do czynienia z takim podejściem, gdzie naprawdę bohaterowie zaczęli się oczyszczać z tego trzymającego zła. Na pewno ta wyprawa zmieniła całą rodzinę Hamptons (nie zaprzeczę), ale wydaje mi się, że bez spirytualistycznych aspektów cały przebieg historii byłby taki sam. Zamiast osoby Rainbow i gadki o aurach i vortexach, mogli nadal się udać na tę wyprawę. Albo w drugą stronę - dać trochę więcej tego klimatu i idąc tym tokiem dać Rainbow więcej niezależności.
Ciężko też było patrzeć na to, jak Dominic, się agentem literackim i jego wewnętrzne myśli były przepięknie poprowadzone (każdy czytelnik, który czyta książki i cały czas kształtuje swoją wyobraźnię, na pewno znalazłby z nim nić porozumienia), a ciąg wydarzeń żył zupełnie innym tempem, w końcu samej wycieczki, która była stworzona po coś.
Ogółem jest to średnia książka. Cały przekaz, który miał prawdopodobnie wybrzmieć do mnie, mieszał się z różnymi wątkami, czy scenami zbliżeń, czy ślubu w Vegas, przez co nie mogłam się skupić. Moja początkowa ekscytacja zmieniła się w dalsze dłubanie przez wątki z celem ukończenia tego szybko. Plus zauważyłam, że z każdym procentem do 70% miałam tylko sporadyczne ataki energii na czytanie.
Streszczając fabułę, już od początku dostajemy cykl przyczynowo (wiadomość SMS do Cecily od Dominica z zaproszeniem do klubu) - skutkowy (Cecily ucieka, pomimo dobrej atmosfery, ponieważ podsłuchała rozmowę telefoniczną Dominica). Koniecznością było tutaj wprowadzenie misscommunication thrope, gdzie nie do końca był dla mnie wyważony i taki mocny w postawie, który naprawdę dałby początek relacji loathe to love.
Nie znając dobrze bohaterów, po całej tej akcji, postać i zachowanie Cecily było dla mnie niczym innym jak infantylnym zachowaniem, bo ogółem ta akcja poszła w dziwnym kierunku. Nie była to do końca jej typowa reakcja. Jasne, poznamy dopiero później dlaczego, ale sam fakt przedstawienia tego, dlaczego ona w ogóle musiała poszukać Dominica, jest trochę dziwne. On tylko wyszedł odebrać telefon, a Cecily za nim poszła, kiedy miała odpowiedzieć znajomej-barmance, czy chce jeszcze jakiegoś drinka. Wychodząc, wyjaśniła, że na to pytanie musi odezwać się Dominic.
Później to przekierowało głównych bohaterów do jednostronnej nienawiści Cecily do Dominica, ale że tak powiem, 8 miesięcy później spotkają się ponownie na połączonym panieńskim i kawalerskim kuzyna Dominica i przyjaciółki Cecily. Który jest w Vegas- już sami musicie ułożyć puzzle, co z tego wyszło.
Trzeba jeszcze nieco powiedzieć, o wątku wspólnej wycieczki z rodziną Cecily i tak, jak myślałam, że może to jakoś przejdzie i zatrzyma mnie bliżej siebie, no to nie mogę przejść obojętnie. Tutaj trzeba się pochylić nad personą Savage Grandma i tego, jak została przedstawiona. Rozumiem, że autorka chciała pokazać, że babcia jest takim wzorem dla Cecily i wsparciem. Jest osobą, która jeszcze trzyma Cecily bliżej rodziny pomimo wszystkiego, co się wydarzyło…ale coś mi tutaj nie grało. Nie chodzi o to, że w książce autorka sięgnęła po lekko spirytualistyczne podejście do tematu opuszczania lądu (d@th doulA i te sprawy), ale o to, jak sztucznie to wyglądało. 2-3 razy mieliśmy do czynienia z takim podejściem, gdzie naprawdę bohaterowie zaczęli się oczyszczać z tego trzymającego zła. Na pewno ta wyprawa zmieniła całą rodzinę Hamptons (nie zaprzeczę), ale wydaje mi się, że bez spirytualistycznych aspektów cały przebieg historii byłby taki sam. Zamiast osoby Rainbow i gadki o aurach i vortexach, mogli nadal się udać na tę wyprawę. Albo w drugą stronę - dać trochę więcej tego klimatu i idąc tym tokiem dać Rainbow więcej niezależności.
Ciężko też było patrzeć na to, jak Dominic, się agentem literackim i jego wewnętrzne myśli były przepięknie poprowadzone (każdy czytelnik, który czyta książki i cały czas kształtuje swoją wyobraźnię, na pewno znalazłby z nim nić porozumienia), a ciąg wydarzeń żył zupełnie innym tempem, w końcu samej wycieczki, która była stworzona po coś.
Ogółem jest to średnia książka. Cały przekaz, który miał prawdopodobnie wybrzmieć do mnie, mieszał się z różnymi wątkami, czy scenami zbliżeń, czy ślubu w Vegas, przez co nie mogłam się skupić. Moja początkowa ekscytacja zmieniła się w dalsze dłubanie przez wątki z celem ukończenia tego szybko. Plus zauważyłam, że z każdym procentem do 70% miałam tylko sporadyczne ataki energii na czytanie.
January 8, 2026
Rating: 4.25/5
- accidental marriage
- loathe to love
- black cat x golden retriever
- forced proximity: road trip & one bed
- he falls first
- no third-act breakup
- 🌶️🌶️.5/5
- dual pov
- duet narration audiobook
Cecily and Dom have a promising first date, right up until she overhears his brutal phone conversation. Cue one-sided loathing and months of unresolved tension until they accidentally get drunkenly married in Vegas, of course.
Naturally, the plan is to annul it immediately, but life intervenes. Cecily’s grandma reveals she’s dying and wants one last family road trip that includes her accidental husband (again, because of course).
If you love your FMCs closed off, guarded, and a little bit mean, Cecily is your girl. Her walls are sky high, and Dom’s sole mission is to scale every single one. I love that the initial miscommunication is cleared up fairly early, even if it only earns him a sliver of grace.
Dom is flirty, endlessly patient, and deeply protective, especially when it comes to Cecily’s critical father and overbearing brother. Watching him slowly break through her defences, until she literally says he unravels her (!!), is so satisfying. And yes, no breakup. Bless.
The tension is made even better by the fact that they’re technically married but refuse to consummate anything while the annulment looms over them. Insert lingering touches and PDA in front of her parents to sell their act until they can't take it anymore 😏.
The family dynamics add so much depth. The road trip is packed with emotional breakdowns and healing breakthroughs, keeping the story fast-paced while still punching you right in the feelings. The underlying grief of knowing what’s coming makes everything even more poignant.
The audiobook is absolute duet narration perfection. I’ve only heard these narrators on Jennifer’s books, but honestly, I’d listen to them read anything.
What a great way to start 2026, and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
Thank you to Valentine PR for the early audio copy.
- accidental marriage
- loathe to love
- black cat x golden retriever
- forced proximity: road trip & one bed
- he falls first
- no third-act breakup
- 🌶️🌶️.5/5
- dual pov
- duet narration audiobook
Cecily and Dom have a promising first date, right up until she overhears his brutal phone conversation. Cue one-sided loathing and months of unresolved tension until they accidentally get drunkenly married in Vegas, of course.
Naturally, the plan is to annul it immediately, but life intervenes. Cecily’s grandma reveals she’s dying and wants one last family road trip that includes her accidental husband (again, because of course).
If you love your FMCs closed off, guarded, and a little bit mean, Cecily is your girl. Her walls are sky high, and Dom’s sole mission is to scale every single one. I love that the initial miscommunication is cleared up fairly early, even if it only earns him a sliver of grace.
Dom is flirty, endlessly patient, and deeply protective, especially when it comes to Cecily’s critical father and overbearing brother. Watching him slowly break through her defences, until she literally says he unravels her (!!), is so satisfying. And yes, no breakup. Bless.
The tension is made even better by the fact that they’re technically married but refuse to consummate anything while the annulment looms over them. Insert lingering touches and PDA in front of her parents to sell their act until they can't take it anymore 😏.
The family dynamics add so much depth. The road trip is packed with emotional breakdowns and healing breakthroughs, keeping the story fast-paced while still punching you right in the feelings. The underlying grief of knowing what’s coming makes everything even more poignant.
The audiobook is absolute duet narration perfection. I’ve only heard these narrators on Jennifer’s books, but honestly, I’d listen to them read anything.
What a great way to start 2026, and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
Thank you to Valentine PR for the early audio copy.
January 12, 2026
What a promising way to start my 2026! In true Jennifer Millikin fashion, Hard Feelings is jammed packed with several laugh-out-loud moments, light-hearted yet heartfelt emotions, and most importantly--also my top favorite--cameos of not only the characters from book 1, Here For The Cake, Klein & Paisley, but the mention of Olive Township from her Olive Township series. For that, I'd say there's no denying that Jennifer is the QUEEN of Cameos, guys. I love all those nostalgic references and cute little hints here and there from her other work.
Another element that totally has my heart in Hard Feelings is the road trip Dominic and Cecily goes on all around Arizona. I mean, the one-bed roadside coach experience, luxury hotel extravaganza, the family drama-llama from Cecily's side, and the most unhinged encounter with Savage Grandma, all of which make this book so much more fun to indulge myself in and I absolutely enjoy every single second of it.
In short, please go pick up Hard Feelings and treat yourself to such an adorable romcom from Jen! Oh, by the way, did you know there would be a third and final book in this series? Goode Tidings will be available on October 1st, 2026, so mark your calendars and don't miss it!
***Massive thanks to the author for generously providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
Another element that totally has my heart in Hard Feelings is the road trip Dominic and Cecily goes on all around Arizona. I mean, the one-bed roadside coach experience, luxury hotel extravaganza, the family drama-llama from Cecily's side, and the most unhinged encounter with Savage Grandma, all of which make this book so much more fun to indulge myself in and I absolutely enjoy every single second of it.
In short, please go pick up Hard Feelings and treat yourself to such an adorable romcom from Jen! Oh, by the way, did you know there would be a third and final book in this series? Goode Tidings will be available on October 1st, 2026, so mark your calendars and don't miss it!
***Massive thanks to the author for generously providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
January 8, 2026
✨ 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 ✨
𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗯𝘆 𝗝𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲𝗻
𝚁𝚎𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝙳𝚊𝚝𝚎: 𝙹𝚊𝚗. 𝟾𝚝𝚑, 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟼 — 𝙾𝚞𝚝 𝙽𝚘𝚠!
Thank you sooo much to @jenmillwrites & @valentine_pr_ for the eARC copy of this book! 🫶🏼
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:
🌵 road trip romance
🌅 loathe to love
🌵 forced proximity
🌅 Vegas wedding
🌵 opposites attract
🌅 he falls first
🌵 only one bed
🌅 open door romance
🌵 dual POV
𝗠𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦: This is an interconnected standalone to Jennifer’s book, Here For the Cake. Dom & Cecily shared a first date together, but it didn’t end in the way Dom hoped it would. Since then, Dom hasn’t been able to push Cecily out of the forefront of his mind. When they are forced together for a co-ed bachelor/bachelorette party for their mutual friends, those sparks begin again! Although, Cecily keeps her feelings close to her chest, she too has a hard time keeping her attraction towards Dom under wraps. When you mix alcohol & Vegas, an “oopsie” wedding was bound to happen to these two. This is where the story turned & held my attention. When Dom agrees to go on a road trip with Cecily & her family, I knew this forced proximity was going to strengthen those feelings & give them an opportunity to get to know each other more. Cecily’s grandma was just the best! She was abrasive & blunt, but with humor & good intentions. I loved that her family gave her the nickname of Savage Grandma. I think Dom was my absolute favorite though. This man was just oh so swoony! He was the perfect man for Cecily & treated her with such respect. This one took me a little while to get into, but I overall did end up enjoying it!
𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗯𝘆 𝗝𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲𝗻
𝚁𝚎𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝙳𝚊𝚝𝚎: 𝙹𝚊𝚗. 𝟾𝚝𝚑, 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟼 — 𝙾𝚞𝚝 𝙽𝚘𝚠!
Thank you sooo much to @jenmillwrites & @valentine_pr_ for the eARC copy of this book! 🫶🏼
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:
🌵 road trip romance
🌅 loathe to love
🌵 forced proximity
🌅 Vegas wedding
🌵 opposites attract
🌅 he falls first
🌵 only one bed
🌅 open door romance
🌵 dual POV
𝗠𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦: This is an interconnected standalone to Jennifer’s book, Here For the Cake. Dom & Cecily shared a first date together, but it didn’t end in the way Dom hoped it would. Since then, Dom hasn’t been able to push Cecily out of the forefront of his mind. When they are forced together for a co-ed bachelor/bachelorette party for their mutual friends, those sparks begin again! Although, Cecily keeps her feelings close to her chest, she too has a hard time keeping her attraction towards Dom under wraps. When you mix alcohol & Vegas, an “oopsie” wedding was bound to happen to these two. This is where the story turned & held my attention. When Dom agrees to go on a road trip with Cecily & her family, I knew this forced proximity was going to strengthen those feelings & give them an opportunity to get to know each other more. Cecily’s grandma was just the best! She was abrasive & blunt, but with humor & good intentions. I loved that her family gave her the nickname of Savage Grandma. I think Dom was my absolute favorite though. This man was just oh so swoony! He was the perfect man for Cecily & treated her with such respect. This one took me a little while to get into, but I overall did end up enjoying it!
January 5, 2026
Loved it (rounded up)
Lord have mercy, Dominic and Cecily start off on the worst possible foot. A massive misunderstanding during the best first date both had ever had leaves Cecily pissed and hurt, and Dom completely confused (and also hurt). Naturally, the only reasonable next step is…getting drunkenly married in Vegas eight months later.
From there, Dom is accidentally dragged into a three-week “family” road trip with Cecily’s absolutely iconic Savage Grandma and her wildly dysfunctional family. And honestly? Chaos ensues in the best way.
The balance of comedy, banter, heartbreak, and quiet sadness is handled so well. Jennifer has a gift for making you laugh out loud and then immediately choke up, all without it feeling forced or overdone. It just feels real.
I loved how Dom’s family and Cecily’s family are wildly different on the surface, yet somehow mirror each other where it matters most. By the end, I laughed, I cried, and I weirdly felt better about my own family. Watching assumptions crumble and every character experience real growth was incredibly satisfying.
And if you’re worried about the opening misunderstanding, don’t be. There’s no third-act breakup, so you’re safe to enjoy the ride.
💍 Married in Vegas
🛏️ Only One Bed
💥 Loathe to Love
👵🔥 Fun (Savage) Grandma
🚗 Road Trip
🥰 He Falls First
🔒 Forced Proximity
🚫💔 No Third-Act Breakup
Thank you to Jennifer and Valentine PR for the ARC 💕
Lord have mercy, Dominic and Cecily start off on the worst possible foot. A massive misunderstanding during the best first date both had ever had leaves Cecily pissed and hurt, and Dom completely confused (and also hurt). Naturally, the only reasonable next step is…getting drunkenly married in Vegas eight months later.
From there, Dom is accidentally dragged into a three-week “family” road trip with Cecily’s absolutely iconic Savage Grandma and her wildly dysfunctional family. And honestly? Chaos ensues in the best way.
The balance of comedy, banter, heartbreak, and quiet sadness is handled so well. Jennifer has a gift for making you laugh out loud and then immediately choke up, all without it feeling forced or overdone. It just feels real.
I loved how Dom’s family and Cecily’s family are wildly different on the surface, yet somehow mirror each other where it matters most. By the end, I laughed, I cried, and I weirdly felt better about my own family. Watching assumptions crumble and every character experience real growth was incredibly satisfying.
And if you’re worried about the opening misunderstanding, don’t be. There’s no third-act breakup, so you’re safe to enjoy the ride.
💍 Married in Vegas
🛏️ Only One Bed
💥 Loathe to Love
👵🔥 Fun (Savage) Grandma
🚗 Road Trip
🥰 He Falls First
🔒 Forced Proximity
🚫💔 No Third-Act Breakup
Thank you to Jennifer and Valentine PR for the ARC 💕
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cecily and Dominic’s first date ends in a misunderstanding, one Cecily never realizes happened. Convinced she can’t stand him, she’s less than thrilled to run into him again in Vegas with their mutual friends. That reunion spirals into a drunken night and an unexpected marriage. Things only get more complicated when Cecily’s dying grandmother announces a family road trip, one that now includes her brand new husband.
What follows is a road trip filled with hilarious shenanigans and heartfelt moments as Cecily and Dominic slowly discover just how perfectly matched they are and just how electric their chemistry truly is. Wesley Mercer and Marissa Clay were phenomenal as Dominic and Cecily, bringing their layered relationship to life while also navigating Cecily’s complex family dynamics. I absolutely adored their journey, and trust me you’re going to love it too.
Thank you, Jennifer Millikin and Valentine PR for the ALC.
What follows is a road trip filled with hilarious shenanigans and heartfelt moments as Cecily and Dominic slowly discover just how perfectly matched they are and just how electric their chemistry truly is. Wesley Mercer and Marissa Clay were phenomenal as Dominic and Cecily, bringing their layered relationship to life while also navigating Cecily’s complex family dynamics. I absolutely adored their journey, and trust me you’re going to love it too.
Thank you, Jennifer Millikin and Valentine PR for the ALC.
January 15, 2026
4.5⭐️
This was so cute! I went in pretty blind and was pleasantly surprised by an accidental marriage – one of my favorite tropes – and Vegas wedding. Dom and Cecily had great chemistry and banter, and all the forced proximity was so good! They both have complicated family dynamics, and I think it both bonds them and closes them off to love. Dom is your typical golden retriever, and Cecily is the perfect black cat to match. I adored the road trip aspect with all the family drama – lots of laughs, feelings, and swoony moments. Savage grandma was by far my favorite side character! This audio kept my attention the whole time and had me captivated right away! He falls first, there’s only one bed, and there’s some loathe to love – what’s not to like? My first Jennifer Millikin book, but definitely not my last. Highly recommend this fun, heartfelt rom com!
Thank you Valentine PR for this ALC!
This was so cute! I went in pretty blind and was pleasantly surprised by an accidental marriage – one of my favorite tropes – and Vegas wedding. Dom and Cecily had great chemistry and banter, and all the forced proximity was so good! They both have complicated family dynamics, and I think it both bonds them and closes them off to love. Dom is your typical golden retriever, and Cecily is the perfect black cat to match. I adored the road trip aspect with all the family drama – lots of laughs, feelings, and swoony moments. Savage grandma was by far my favorite side character! This audio kept my attention the whole time and had me captivated right away! He falls first, there’s only one bed, and there’s some loathe to love – what’s not to like? My first Jennifer Millikin book, but definitely not my last. Highly recommend this fun, heartfelt rom com!
Thank you Valentine PR for this ALC!
January 13, 2026
ARC REVIEW
Phenomenal!!! I’ve been counting down the days until Hard Feelings released since Here for the Cake was one of my favourite books of the year. I think Jennifer Millikin did such an incredible job with this book. It was witty, laugh out loud funny, but also covered some heavy topics. The family chaos with underlying grief and years of butting heads was so interesting to read. Cecily and Dom were absolutely adorable and I’m so glad we got past the misunderstanding part of the story pretty quickly. All the My Wife moments deserve an award!
I LOVED the audio for Here For the Cake, so after finishing the ARC I speed read it on audio and gosh these narrators were perfect for this book!!! I hadn’t read any books narrated by Wesley Mercer or Marissa Clay before but they are absolute favourites now. I think their pacing was great, and I think the voices and intonations to differentiate characters were amazing as well.
Thank you VPR and Jennifer Millikin for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
Phenomenal!!! I’ve been counting down the days until Hard Feelings released since Here for the Cake was one of my favourite books of the year. I think Jennifer Millikin did such an incredible job with this book. It was witty, laugh out loud funny, but also covered some heavy topics. The family chaos with underlying grief and years of butting heads was so interesting to read. Cecily and Dom were absolutely adorable and I’m so glad we got past the misunderstanding part of the story pretty quickly. All the My Wife moments deserve an award!
I LOVED the audio for Here For the Cake, so after finishing the ARC I speed read it on audio and gosh these narrators were perfect for this book!!! I hadn’t read any books narrated by Wesley Mercer or Marissa Clay before but they are absolute favourites now. I think their pacing was great, and I think the voices and intonations to differentiate characters were amazing as well.
Thank you VPR and Jennifer Millikin for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
January 12, 2026
H𝕒𝕣𝕕 𝕗𝕖𝕖𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤
"Still, Dom has found a way to be what I need, when I need it. A friend. A listener. A protector. A semi-lover.”
"You might be her brother, and you might have a problem with me, but you watch your tone when you're talking to my wife."
Welcome back, my sweet, awful creatures! 🦇
I got another ARC this month, and I have to say, with my first read of the year being "Nocturnes of the Court" and now this… My reading is going so well already! Both ARCs I've gotten so far were very pleasing! You might ask, "What was so good about this one, Mira?" and I will gladly tell you now. Let's begin with my review!
Our story begins with our main characters, Cecily and Dom, meeting up for a business meeting provided by a mutual acquaintance. Cecily and Dom seem to get along; there’s some light flirting here and there, and chuckles and appreciative nods fill their conversations. Everything is well until Dom excuses himself to have a private phone call. After a while, when Dom doesn’t seem to come back, Cecily decides to look for him. And when she does, his back faces her; he’s still on the phone, talking to someone about how bad the date was going and how annoying she was. With that, Cecily leaves immediately, hoping to never see him again. That is… until fate decides that it didn’t end there. Cecily and Dom's paths cross again, this time on a road trip to Vegas. Believe it or not… The next day, they wake up in the same room, in the same bed, and married to each other.
So, first of all, usually these types of romances come off as very cringe and repetitive to me, but I had lots of hope for this one after reading the synopsis. It did NOT disappoint! This is a slow-burn romance with a forced proximity and enemies-to-lovers trope that turns into a slight second-chance romance as it goes on.
First of all, I loved the storyline and the way it was executed! All tropes worked well together and made it an effortless read. The road trip to Vegas and Cecily's family road trip were both fun and cute to read about. Especially the one-bed trope made me giggle and kick my feet! I low-key wished that it was summer so I could have a vacation and find a cute guy to accidentally get married to, lmao.
The forced proximity trope worked really well with these two characters because of their strong chemistry! These two have such strong and intense chemistry that it keeps the reader on their toes and locks them into the story. The way they would argue and tease each other to the point they would both be turned on… OMG. Relationship goals. I would say their sexual chemistry is the strongest, though! which is not inherently a bad thing, as the romantic chemistry is just as strong. It just means that the sexual chemistry is the focus. So be ready for yearning, a hate-to-love relationship, and lots of heat between these two.
The story also explores the trauma both characters have. Both of them have daddy issues or, more so, family trauma for different reasons. It shaped their personalities and caused them to carry a burden they both never realized they had until they started having meaningful and intimate conversations with each other. I personally love seeing these subjects explored in books, romances, because it makes it so much more real. Humans are flawed, and they should be portrayed accordingly in fiction as well.
The story in itself is medium-paced, thought out well, and gives us exactly what it promises. In my book, that is a successful romance novel.
Thank you, Jennifer Milikins, for the ARC!
Until next time
Mira 💗
"Still, Dom has found a way to be what I need, when I need it. A friend. A listener. A protector. A semi-lover.”
"You might be her brother, and you might have a problem with me, but you watch your tone when you're talking to my wife."
Welcome back, my sweet, awful creatures! 🦇
I got another ARC this month, and I have to say, with my first read of the year being "Nocturnes of the Court" and now this… My reading is going so well already! Both ARCs I've gotten so far were very pleasing! You might ask, "What was so good about this one, Mira?" and I will gladly tell you now. Let's begin with my review!
Our story begins with our main characters, Cecily and Dom, meeting up for a business meeting provided by a mutual acquaintance. Cecily and Dom seem to get along; there’s some light flirting here and there, and chuckles and appreciative nods fill their conversations. Everything is well until Dom excuses himself to have a private phone call. After a while, when Dom doesn’t seem to come back, Cecily decides to look for him. And when she does, his back faces her; he’s still on the phone, talking to someone about how bad the date was going and how annoying she was. With that, Cecily leaves immediately, hoping to never see him again. That is… until fate decides that it didn’t end there. Cecily and Dom's paths cross again, this time on a road trip to Vegas. Believe it or not… The next day, they wake up in the same room, in the same bed, and married to each other.
So, first of all, usually these types of romances come off as very cringe and repetitive to me, but I had lots of hope for this one after reading the synopsis. It did NOT disappoint! This is a slow-burn romance with a forced proximity and enemies-to-lovers trope that turns into a slight second-chance romance as it goes on.
First of all, I loved the storyline and the way it was executed! All tropes worked well together and made it an effortless read. The road trip to Vegas and Cecily's family road trip were both fun and cute to read about. Especially the one-bed trope made me giggle and kick my feet! I low-key wished that it was summer so I could have a vacation and find a cute guy to accidentally get married to, lmao.
The forced proximity trope worked really well with these two characters because of their strong chemistry! These two have such strong and intense chemistry that it keeps the reader on their toes and locks them into the story. The way they would argue and tease each other to the point they would both be turned on… OMG. Relationship goals. I would say their sexual chemistry is the strongest, though! which is not inherently a bad thing, as the romantic chemistry is just as strong. It just means that the sexual chemistry is the focus. So be ready for yearning, a hate-to-love relationship, and lots of heat between these two.
The story also explores the trauma both characters have. Both of them have daddy issues or, more so, family trauma for different reasons. It shaped their personalities and caused them to carry a burden they both never realized they had until they started having meaningful and intimate conversations with each other. I personally love seeing these subjects explored in books, romances, because it makes it so much more real. Humans are flawed, and they should be portrayed accordingly in fiction as well.
The story in itself is medium-paced, thought out well, and gives us exactly what it promises. In my book, that is a successful romance novel.
Thank you, Jennifer Milikins, for the ARC!
Until next time
Mira 💗
January 9, 2026
Rating: 4.25⭐️ | Spice: 2🌶️ | Audio: 5🎙️
What to Expect:
Second Chance(ish)
Married in Vegas turned
Marriage of Convenience
Loathe to Love
Road Trip
One Bes
He Falls First
Grief Rep
Thank you so much @jenmillwrites and @valentine_pr_ for the gifted ALC and ARC.
“Guess I married the insufferable buffoon with the heart of gold. Great.”
Review Title & Vibes:
{HOOKED ON A FEELING} of second chance romances. Those missed opportunities/miscommunications that totally blow up and turned into this giant issue that ended up getting resolved on a road trip because you accidentally married the guy in Vegas and then were too stubborn to get an annulment because your family is awful…. Yeah I’m here for those vibes.
Cecily Hampton and Dominic Bellinger meet in person for the first time to celebrate their successful collaboration on behalf of Klein Madigan’s published manuscript. The chemistry is instant and perfect, but an overheard phone conversation sends Cecily running out the door and blocking Dom’s number. Unfortunately she’s forced to play nice in Vegas for a joint bachelor/bachelorette party that ended in tequila and bad decisions. When they’re both summoned to her grandmother’s house and guilted into a weeks long road trip as her dying wish - they agree to pretend newlywed bliss. Forced proximity and honest communication end up breaking down their flimy walls against the undeniable attraction.
Things I Loved:
-Miscommunication that actually works and doesn’t last the entire book.
-Dom is a consummate good guy (despite the aforementioned phone conversation). He’s kind, considerate, well-read (literary agent) and willing to make the grand gestures.
-Cecily always felt like the black sheep of the family. Tenacious, headstrong, stubborn but with a soft spot for those she loves. I love her character growth and the family healing that happens on this road trip.
-Savage Grandma - I love everything about her.
Audio Notes:
{duet} Wesley and Marissa brought these characters to life. I was engaged the entire performance, kicked my feet at the witty banter, swooned at the small gestures, and broke at the tender moments. I highly recommend this audiobook.
Recommended to...
Romance readers in need of all the forced proximity road trip romance stacked with banter and tension.
Narrated by @awordwithwes @vellichoric
Produced by @osysstudio
What to Expect:
Second Chance(ish)
Married in Vegas turned
Marriage of Convenience
Loathe to Love
Road Trip
One Bes
He Falls First
Grief Rep
Thank you so much @jenmillwrites and @valentine_pr_ for the gifted ALC and ARC.
“Guess I married the insufferable buffoon with the heart of gold. Great.”
Review Title & Vibes:
{HOOKED ON A FEELING} of second chance romances. Those missed opportunities/miscommunications that totally blow up and turned into this giant issue that ended up getting resolved on a road trip because you accidentally married the guy in Vegas and then were too stubborn to get an annulment because your family is awful…. Yeah I’m here for those vibes.
Cecily Hampton and Dominic Bellinger meet in person for the first time to celebrate their successful collaboration on behalf of Klein Madigan’s published manuscript. The chemistry is instant and perfect, but an overheard phone conversation sends Cecily running out the door and blocking Dom’s number. Unfortunately she’s forced to play nice in Vegas for a joint bachelor/bachelorette party that ended in tequila and bad decisions. When they’re both summoned to her grandmother’s house and guilted into a weeks long road trip as her dying wish - they agree to pretend newlywed bliss. Forced proximity and honest communication end up breaking down their flimy walls against the undeniable attraction.
Things I Loved:
-Miscommunication that actually works and doesn’t last the entire book.
-Dom is a consummate good guy (despite the aforementioned phone conversation). He’s kind, considerate, well-read (literary agent) and willing to make the grand gestures.
-Cecily always felt like the black sheep of the family. Tenacious, headstrong, stubborn but with a soft spot for those she loves. I love her character growth and the family healing that happens on this road trip.
-Savage Grandma - I love everything about her.
Audio Notes:
{duet} Wesley and Marissa brought these characters to life. I was engaged the entire performance, kicked my feet at the witty banter, swooned at the small gestures, and broke at the tender moments. I highly recommend this audiobook.
Recommended to...
Romance readers in need of all the forced proximity road trip romance stacked with banter and tension.
Narrated by @awordwithwes @vellichoric
Produced by @osysstudio
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