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Petty AF #2
Messy AF
Ava James wanted nachos, tequila, and one drama-free night.
What she gets is her smug, manipulative ex and a full-blown humiliation spiral with no exits. So she does what any unbothered, unhinged, emotionally rebranding woman would do. She drops into a stranger’s lap and declares him her man. Loudly. With tongue.
Spoiler? The lap belongs to Grant Townsend.
Big. Bearded. Built like he bench-presses trucks and breaks headboards for fun.
He plays along with calm, dirty confidence. And Ava? She is absolutely not okay.
What starts as fake turns flirty. Then filthy. Then far too real.
Grant is everything she didn’t plan for and exactly the kind of man who could wreck her on purpose. But when the truth comes out, pretending she’s fine stops being an option. She cracks. And this time, it shows.
Love is messy.
She’s messier.
And if she falls apart, he’s going down with her.
Messy AF is a STANDALONE, but a part of the Petty AF series. Expect sharp banter, emotional heat, and unapologetic steam.
What she gets is her smug, manipulative ex and a full-blown humiliation spiral with no exits. So she does what any unbothered, unhinged, emotionally rebranding woman would do. She drops into a stranger’s lap and declares him her man. Loudly. With tongue.
Spoiler? The lap belongs to Grant Townsend.
Big. Bearded. Built like he bench-presses trucks and breaks headboards for fun.
He plays along with calm, dirty confidence. And Ava? She is absolutely not okay.
What starts as fake turns flirty. Then filthy. Then far too real.
Grant is everything she didn’t plan for and exactly the kind of man who could wreck her on purpose. But when the truth comes out, pretending she’s fine stops being an option. She cracks. And this time, it shows.
Love is messy.
She’s messier.
And if she falls apart, he’s going down with her.
Messy AF is a STANDALONE, but a part of the Petty AF series. Expect sharp banter, emotional heat, and unapologetic steam.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 20, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 29, 2025
There is nothing I love more than when I discover a new to me author and Asha Mara is definitely now on my must read list. I've thoroughly enjoyed her first 2 books and am already eagerly anticipating her next release in December.
Ava and Grant meet, have some extremely hot sex, and catch feelings. He's definitely hiding some big secrets and she's been burned before with an asshole ex who keeps popping up. Regardless, she's giving her heart away to Grant despite her reservations and then shit hits the fan and Grant has to prove that his heart is all hers.
This was great and I was just riveted and yeah, I'll basically read anything this author writes.
Content notes: asshole ex, toxic, abusive father, dead brother
Ava and Grant meet, have some extremely hot sex, and catch feelings. He's definitely hiding some big secrets and she's been burned before with an asshole ex who keeps popping up. Regardless, she's giving her heart away to Grant despite her reservations and then shit hits the fan and Grant has to prove that his heart is all hers.
This was great and I was just riveted and yeah, I'll basically read anything this author writes.
Content notes: asshole ex, toxic, abusive father, dead brother
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2025
Sienna from Petty AF walked so Ava could run. Messy AF is the clear winner between the two. Sharper, hotter, and emotionally meaner in the best way. To paraphrase Sienna: “I’m the blueprint; you’re the remix. Less sense, extra feelings.” That’s the vibe.
The spice spices, the humor is hilarious, and the banter does heavy lifting without wasting a line. Grant is boyfriend goals (outside of his issues), and Ava is relatable and real. The slow or (quick?) slide into love chapters were lovely, a steady build that makes the eventual hits feel earned. This isn’t just heat, it’s intimacy, and it made me cackle all the way through. If revenge romance with grown-people feelings is your lane, consider this your green light.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The spice spices, the humor is hilarious, and the banter does heavy lifting without wasting a line. Grant is boyfriend goals (outside of his issues), and Ava is relatable and real. The slow or (quick?) slide into love chapters were lovely, a steady build that makes the eventual hits feel earned. This isn’t just heat, it’s intimacy, and it made me cackle all the way through. If revenge romance with grown-people feelings is your lane, consider this your green light.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 29, 2025
ARC Review:
Messy AF is loud, chaotic, and completely intoxicating—the kind of romance that reminds you the best decisions often follow one too many tequila shots. With humor, heart, and unapologetic steam, this installment in the Petty AF series proves that love can bloom right in the middle of a train wreck.
Ava James just wants a quiet night with nachos, but fate (and her smug, manipulative ex) has other plans. Enter Grant Townsend—big, bearded, and radiating the kind of calm, dirty confidence that makes you want to lean in closer. When Ava drags him into a fake-boyfriend scheme, sparks fly, and what starts as revenge quickly spirals into something messy, real, and deeply satisfying.
🥃 What I Sipped & Savored
The Banter: Sharp, witty, and hilarious—Ava’s internal monologue paired with Grant’s steady, magnetic presence makes for chemistry you can’t fake.
Ava’s Chaos: She’s gloriously unhinged and refreshingly imperfect. Watching her stumble, flare, and still find love feels like a celebration of messy women everywhere.
The Grant Effect: Grant is pure catnip—a grounded, protective hero who embraces Ava exactly as she is while turning up the heat to a scorching level.
🥃 What Made Me Side-Eye My Glass
The Setup: The inciting meltdown is so over-the-top it demands a hefty suspension of disbelief, even in a rom-com.
The Ex Factor: The villainous ex is a bit too cartoonish, and a touch more nuance would have made the drama hit harder.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (A bold, full-bodied heat that lingers long after the last sip)
🥃 Final Pour
Messy AF earns a confident 4 out of 5 stars. It’s brash, sexy, and brimming with banter—perfect for readers who believe love is supposed to be a little chaotic. If you’re craving high heat, laugh-out-loud moments, and a bearded hero who can bench-press both your baggage and your heart, this one’s a must.
Pairs well with: a spicy margarita (or better yet, straight tequila) and a friend who won’t judge you for texting your ex at 2 a.m.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Messy AF is loud, chaotic, and completely intoxicating—the kind of romance that reminds you the best decisions often follow one too many tequila shots. With humor, heart, and unapologetic steam, this installment in the Petty AF series proves that love can bloom right in the middle of a train wreck.
Ava James just wants a quiet night with nachos, but fate (and her smug, manipulative ex) has other plans. Enter Grant Townsend—big, bearded, and radiating the kind of calm, dirty confidence that makes you want to lean in closer. When Ava drags him into a fake-boyfriend scheme, sparks fly, and what starts as revenge quickly spirals into something messy, real, and deeply satisfying.
🥃 What I Sipped & Savored
The Banter: Sharp, witty, and hilarious—Ava’s internal monologue paired with Grant’s steady, magnetic presence makes for chemistry you can’t fake.
Ava’s Chaos: She’s gloriously unhinged and refreshingly imperfect. Watching her stumble, flare, and still find love feels like a celebration of messy women everywhere.
The Grant Effect: Grant is pure catnip—a grounded, protective hero who embraces Ava exactly as she is while turning up the heat to a scorching level.
🥃 What Made Me Side-Eye My Glass
The Setup: The inciting meltdown is so over-the-top it demands a hefty suspension of disbelief, even in a rom-com.
The Ex Factor: The villainous ex is a bit too cartoonish, and a touch more nuance would have made the drama hit harder.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (A bold, full-bodied heat that lingers long after the last sip)
🥃 Final Pour
Messy AF earns a confident 4 out of 5 stars. It’s brash, sexy, and brimming with banter—perfect for readers who believe love is supposed to be a little chaotic. If you’re craving high heat, laugh-out-loud moments, and a bearded hero who can bench-press both your baggage and your heart, this one’s a must.
Pairs well with: a spicy margarita (or better yet, straight tequila) and a friend who won’t judge you for texting your ex at 2 a.m.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 14, 2025
Second read by this author, and I love her writing style! 🥰 I thought I loved Sierra from the first book, but Ava chile is something else!! Chaos, mixed with drama, and a head full of wild curls. 🤣
The things we do to save face in front of an ex. Well, Ava did the most. 🙄 Finds the finest man in the room, and plops on his lap like it’s a random Tuesday and asks him to play along. Does he push her off, or give her the side eye, no, he indulges her and plays the part. Let the fun and games begin. 😜
Grant is in town for some r&r as his life is in shambles. He doesn’t know which way is up, or where life will take him going forward. So, when this strange woman literally falls into his lap asking him to play her pretend boyfriend, it is just the distraction that he needs.
Ava, a little tipsy from tequila, is impressed with her 5-minute boyfriend’s performance. However, when the moment is over the two seem to just connect over fun, flirty, and witty, banter, which leads them to a week of bliss. The chemistry between these two was hot, and heavy! Whew!! 🥵
The dialogue was hilarious, real, and relatable. Then…. The past comes looking for Grant, and he is having trouble keeping it from Ava. Especially when she has a low jack on the man!! 👀🤣Ava is waiting for the bottom to fall out, but her trust in Grant won't allow her to doubt him. Until...
Their journey was raw, heartfelt, tender, and full of love. The way that they held each other down was beautiful. Loved it!! 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
The things we do to save face in front of an ex. Well, Ava did the most. 🙄 Finds the finest man in the room, and plops on his lap like it’s a random Tuesday and asks him to play along. Does he push her off, or give her the side eye, no, he indulges her and plays the part. Let the fun and games begin. 😜
Grant is in town for some r&r as his life is in shambles. He doesn’t know which way is up, or where life will take him going forward. So, when this strange woman literally falls into his lap asking him to play her pretend boyfriend, it is just the distraction that he needs.
Ava, a little tipsy from tequila, is impressed with her 5-minute boyfriend’s performance. However, when the moment is over the two seem to just connect over fun, flirty, and witty, banter, which leads them to a week of bliss. The chemistry between these two was hot, and heavy! Whew!! 🥵
The dialogue was hilarious, real, and relatable. Then…. The past comes looking for Grant, and he is having trouble keeping it from Ava. Especially when she has a low jack on the man!! 👀🤣Ava is waiting for the bottom to fall out, but her trust in Grant won't allow her to doubt him. Until...
Their journey was raw, heartfelt, tender, and full of love. The way that they held each other down was beautiful. Loved it!! 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
August 20, 2025
What Asha Mara does with the narrative of Messy AF is magical. The book has no wasted rhetoric or unfulfilled promises. Readers are engaged, actually riveted, from the moment Ava James uses Grant Townsend’s lap as a sanctuary until we reluctantly read the final words. This book is the second book in a series but can be read as a standalone. This story is a decadent, humorous and immensely enjoyable read with two vulnerable yet courageous people, front and central. After a long grueling day, strong, resilient Ava would like to relax and regroup at her favorite bar. Standing in the way of this simple goal is her smug and deceitful ex-boyfriend and her replacement. Grant is all the things that any woman would want, forceful, kind, handsome, dominating and absolutely unflappable. He comes to Ava’s rescue as her {pretend) man like he was born to fill that role😊. Their chemistry is incendiary and their journey from playacting to the real thing seems fated. However, Grant is not the uncomplicated persona he presents to Ava. He has a myriad of family and business issues that he is unable or unwilling to share. These issues prove to be major barriers to the richly rewarding relationship he is building with Ava. This story is amazingly well-crafted and the emotional battles Grant and Ava wage for and with each other will resonate with readers. I highly recommend this story; the love scenes are hot and sensuous, the writing filled with both humor and angst, and Grant and Ava made a delightful couple. Chef’s kiss!
Favorite Lines:
Three steps across the sticky floor; and I was lowering myself into his lap like I’d been doing it for years.
Sometimes the way you get there matters more than the place you end up.
And I laughed. Hard. Until it hurt to breathe and everything inside me felt wide open.
But another part, the one trained in survival, was already stacking bricks. Quick. Fast.
I needed all of her or none of her, and I was done pretending otherwise.
Men like Grant didn’t make declarations. They made space and filled it.
If I hand-painted it and tied a bow on top, you’re morally obligated to wear it like was forged by God and blessed by Beyoncé.
Say the word baby. If I need to work harder to keep your attention—I will.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
https://theretiredreader.com/f/messy-...
Favorite Lines:
Three steps across the sticky floor; and I was lowering myself into his lap like I’d been doing it for years.
Sometimes the way you get there matters more than the place you end up.
And I laughed. Hard. Until it hurt to breathe and everything inside me felt wide open.
But another part, the one trained in survival, was already stacking bricks. Quick. Fast.
I needed all of her or none of her, and I was done pretending otherwise.
Men like Grant didn’t make declarations. They made space and filled it.
If I hand-painted it and tied a bow on top, you’re morally obligated to wear it like was forged by God and blessed by Beyoncé.
Say the word baby. If I need to work harder to keep your attention—I will.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
https://theretiredreader.com/f/messy-...
October 4, 2025
I received an Advanced Reader Copy and am voluntarily reviewing it. This book was not like the first book. Ava James is a put together attorney and strategist. She just happened to fall into the lap of a man that decided he did not want to let her go. She had to show her ex-boyfriend, Derek, that she had moved on, right? What better way to do that than to find a stranger and pretend that you are together? Fortunately, this stranger understood the assignment. Sparks flew and Grant Townsend was not ready to say goodbye to Ava James at the end of the night. Ava had gotten under his skin in all the best ways.
Ava had some things going on, but Grant was the messy one in this book. Grant Townsend could not get his mind off of the woman that fell into his lap pretending he was her man. Grant came to Whitlock Hills to get away from his life. He was still trying to deal with the death of his younger brother. On top of that, his father was in the hospital. The unresolved issues were changing the way Grant felt about his life. Ava gave Grant's life a fresh breath. He needed her, but also needed to go back to his life. He had a business to run. Ava was not the one to deal with Grant's wishy-washy feelings. She had to take care of her own business. Will Grant figure out that Ava is the best thing that happened to him or let her go? Ava refuses to sit in limbo despite loving this man with her whole chest.
Ava had some things going on, but Grant was the messy one in this book. Grant Townsend could not get his mind off of the woman that fell into his lap pretending he was her man. Grant came to Whitlock Hills to get away from his life. He was still trying to deal with the death of his younger brother. On top of that, his father was in the hospital. The unresolved issues were changing the way Grant felt about his life. Ava gave Grant's life a fresh breath. He needed her, but also needed to go back to his life. He had a business to run. Ava was not the one to deal with Grant's wishy-washy feelings. She had to take care of her own business. Will Grant figure out that Ava is the best thing that happened to him or let her go? Ava refuses to sit in limbo despite loving this man with her whole chest.
August 19, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is my first time reading Asha Mara’s work and I loved it! The chapter titles had me dying. A work of art, chef’s kiss, perfection. I thoroughly enjoyed the initiation of each chapter. I was in awe with the representation in the story. I haven’t read many African-American FMC stories. I loved how she wrote Ava; independent, fierce, dominant in her own way. I could empathize with her. I laughed at her sparring matches with Derek. On the other hand, Grant, 😮💨, everyone woman needs them a Grant. The description of his physique, spice, and awe worthy masculine partnership had me yearning. Yes every relationship has a little bump in the road but I really liked how she included both sets of friends to try to redirect the path. The only thing that didn’t sit well with me is the discrepancy of placement with Mason. One thing was said in chapters previously then totally changed further into the book. Not enough for me to remove one star though. This story held me. I finished it in one day. I want more! Definitely need to check out Petty AF (Clicks add to cart and checkout 😆).
This is my first time reading Asha Mara’s work and I loved it! The chapter titles had me dying. A work of art, chef’s kiss, perfection. I thoroughly enjoyed the initiation of each chapter. I was in awe with the representation in the story. I haven’t read many African-American FMC stories. I loved how she wrote Ava; independent, fierce, dominant in her own way. I could empathize with her. I laughed at her sparring matches with Derek. On the other hand, Grant, 😮💨, everyone woman needs them a Grant. The description of his physique, spice, and awe worthy masculine partnership had me yearning. Yes every relationship has a little bump in the road but I really liked how she included both sets of friends to try to redirect the path. The only thing that didn’t sit well with me is the discrepancy of placement with Mason. One thing was said in chapters previously then totally changed further into the book. Not enough for me to remove one star though. This story held me. I finished it in one day. I want more! Definitely need to check out Petty AF (Clicks add to cart and checkout 😆).
August 20, 2025
What a great sequel! I've been waiting to read Ava's story, and the author did not disappoint. It was great to see the characters from the first book. I also loved that Ava still carries her torch for Athena😂 I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Ava is rebranding her heart following heartbreak from an ex that drained every bit of her. Enter Grant, her knight in leathered armor coming to wreck her life in all the best ways. I loved this read! It was hilarious, I felt like I was surrounded by my own friends. It was just a vibe! It was passionate, soooo HOT! Scorched my kindle🔥! Grant is the kind of man that y0u write letters to God for😍 It was emotional and heartbreaking in parts that made you really feel the loss. It was raw in many ways, that were unapologetic and forced you to just sit with it...I loved that their journey wasn't perfect but honest, it was truly beautiful. Showing that it's ok not to have all of the answers. It's enough to just be yourself unapologetically and the right person will love you unconditionally. So many stars!❤️
September 21, 2025
I really like this book! It was cute, sweet and messy like life can sometimes be. I did like how realistic the characters were, especially Ava.
The writing style took me a bit to get used to. It was written in short, choppy sentences which I think worked more for Grant's POV than Ava's in my opinion. Sometimes that Style of writing made it confusing for me to follow but overall it was fine.
I really liked the inclusion of friend groups in the story. Like yeah, maybe Ava went MIA for a bit but she didn't abandon her friends and when she needed support, she still had them and her sister.
Grant's grief storyline hit me hard - like I cried real tears. I think that was really well-written.
There were a few things I couldn't really vibe with -- I don't love a liar or an inst-love/falling hard and fast story but it works for the story.
Definitely recommend for folks who love a real romance between two imperfect people.
The writing style took me a bit to get used to. It was written in short, choppy sentences which I think worked more for Grant's POV than Ava's in my opinion. Sometimes that Style of writing made it confusing for me to follow but overall it was fine.
I really liked the inclusion of friend groups in the story. Like yeah, maybe Ava went MIA for a bit but she didn't abandon her friends and when she needed support, she still had them and her sister.
Grant's grief storyline hit me hard - like I cried real tears. I think that was really well-written.
There were a few things I couldn't really vibe with -- I don't love a liar or an inst-love/falling hard and fast story but it works for the story.
Definitely recommend for folks who love a real romance between two imperfect people.
October 1, 2025
Ava’s ex walks in, smug and smarmy, with the coworker he left her for—and she does what any unhinged queen would do: sits in a stranger’s lap and introduces him as her boyfriend. Grant doesn’t flinch. He plays along. And suddenly we’re in a fake relationship spiral that had me spiritually unwell and physically devouring every page.
This book is spicy with a capital S, but it’s Grant’s sweetness that wrecked me. The way he worships Ava’s body? Reverent. Tender. Filthy. I felt like I was being emotionally highlightered for 24 hours straight. The tension? Unhinged. The banter? Feral. The bedroom scenes? I had to pause and hydrate.
If you love fake dating, possessive softness, and a man who treats your chaos like a love language, Messy AF will ref you up in the best way. 🫦.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is spicy with a capital S, but it’s Grant’s sweetness that wrecked me. The way he worships Ava’s body? Reverent. Tender. Filthy. I felt like I was being emotionally highlightered for 24 hours straight. The tension? Unhinged. The banter? Feral. The bedroom scenes? I had to pause and hydrate.
If you love fake dating, possessive softness, and a man who treats your chaos like a love language, Messy AF will ref you up in the best way. 🫦.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 20, 2025
Received advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review:
I really enjoyed this book. The FMC, Ava, feels like a good girlfriend that I'm sitting around chatting with about life, crappy exs and hot strangers. She came across witty, smart and confident. The way the author set up the story it allowed for me to fall in love with the FMC and the MMC's banter. I'm sucker for some witty banter and some hot steamy scenes. There is spice but I would say its 2 out of 5 on the spice scale. I was expecting it to be messier but the story was emotional, I believe the author was talking about emotionally messy (I should have managed my expectations better).
This book is short but not a novella and it's a fun read. I will be reading more of this author's catalog.
I really enjoyed this book. The FMC, Ava, feels like a good girlfriend that I'm sitting around chatting with about life, crappy exs and hot strangers. She came across witty, smart and confident. The way the author set up the story it allowed for me to fall in love with the FMC and the MMC's banter. I'm sucker for some witty banter and some hot steamy scenes. There is spice but I would say its 2 out of 5 on the spice scale. I was expecting it to be messier but the story was emotional, I believe the author was talking about emotionally messy (I should have managed my expectations better).
This book is short but not a novella and it's a fun read. I will be reading more of this author's catalog.
September 3, 2025
Asha Mara has a new fan in me. I now have to buy the first book in the series so I can inhale that too, the same way I inhaled Messy AF.
Sorry kids, mummy can’t make you dinner or pack your lunches or umm… wash her hair because I’m too busy falling in love with my book boyfriend Grant.
I loved the writing of this author. I liked the banter, the quick-witted dialogue and the ballsy female MC.
So looking forward to reading the 3rd look on the series which is coming later this year. The books can be read alone but the first book’s MCs make an appearance in this one and I can’t wait to read their story .
Definitely recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Sorry kids, mummy can’t make you dinner or pack your lunches or umm… wash her hair because I’m too busy falling in love with my book boyfriend Grant.
I loved the writing of this author. I liked the banter, the quick-witted dialogue and the ballsy female MC.
So looking forward to reading the 3rd look on the series which is coming later this year. The books can be read alone but the first book’s MCs make an appearance in this one and I can’t wait to read their story .
Definitely recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 7, 2025
Witty. Steamy. Captivating. The perfect blend of wit, romance, and steamy encounters. You can't help but root for Avaand Grant, even when they're making a mess of things. I loved the humor of this book, and the chapter titles are hilarious! Beneath the playful teasing and spicy scenes, there is a sweet and tender love story. The characters' vulnerabilities feel authentic, and their emotional journey is as compelling as their physical one. This book is the perfect escape for anyone who loves a good laugh and a good, steamy romance. It's a testament to the idea that love stories don't have to be overly serious to be deeply meaningful.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review from booksirens.com.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review from booksirens.com.
October 5, 2025
Messy AF by Asha Mara is a spicy, emotional rom-com that proves love is anything but tidy.
After a disastrous run-in with her manipulative ex, Ava James impulsively kisses a stranger to save face, only the stranger turns out to be Grant Townsend, a rugged, confident man who’s far too good at playing along. What starts as a fake date quickly spirals into real chemistry, raw emotion, and scorching heat.
As Ava’s carefully built walls begin to crumble, she’s forced to face the mess she’s been avoiding, and the risk of falling for someone who sees every flaw and wants her anyway.
Bold, funny, and unapologetically steamy, Messy AF dives into heartbreak, healing, and the beautiful chaos of falling in love.
After a disastrous run-in with her manipulative ex, Ava James impulsively kisses a stranger to save face, only the stranger turns out to be Grant Townsend, a rugged, confident man who’s far too good at playing along. What starts as a fake date quickly spirals into real chemistry, raw emotion, and scorching heat.
As Ava’s carefully built walls begin to crumble, she’s forced to face the mess she’s been avoiding, and the risk of falling for someone who sees every flaw and wants her anyway.
Bold, funny, and unapologetically steamy, Messy AF dives into heartbreak, healing, and the beautiful chaos of falling in love.
August 21, 2025
Asha Mara has a way of captivating readers by the first line. The build up, the spice, the trauma all of it worked so well and had me falling so bad for this couple is crazy!
I loved seeing Ava and Grant build themselves up again after coming to terms with their past and still managing to go through their own relationship issues.
Reading petty af to now reading this book i can honestly say i love your writing and will forever be a fan! I feel so bad for their love story i want more please don’t stop.
Please read this book when it comes out it is very much worth the wait.
I loved seeing Ava and Grant build themselves up again after coming to terms with their past and still managing to go through their own relationship issues.
Reading petty af to now reading this book i can honestly say i love your writing and will forever be a fan! I feel so bad for their love story i want more please don’t stop.
Please read this book when it comes out it is very much worth the wait.
September 30, 2025
I enjoyed this! Ava and Grant’s story was so chaotic and beautiful. I loved their banter and playful energy as they got to know each other. It was so healing to see Grant become more open about his life experiences and grief with Ava. This was a steamy read filled with lots of romantic and emotional moments. Can’t wait for the next one!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 26, 2026
"Expect sharp banter, emotional heat, and high-level steam." No lies were told!
The real banter in all books by Asha Mara truly get me hooked. This one felt a little slower than the first BUT probably more relatable to most... Like who hasn't been at a bar and told a random man to pretend to be their man for whatever reason?
I love how family, friendships and healing from trauma are highlighted in the book, alongside the "messy AF" relationship saga.
The real banter in all books by Asha Mara truly get me hooked. This one felt a little slower than the first BUT probably more relatable to most... Like who hasn't been at a bar and told a random man to pretend to be their man for whatever reason?
I love how family, friendships and healing from trauma are highlighted in the book, alongside the "messy AF" relationship saga.
August 13, 2025
Every time I thought I was done laughing I started laughing again. This book was a tear jerker yet had me laughing my butt off. I love the chemistry between the main characters, and the supporting characters were just as funny. I did receive this book early and free and I plan to binge read the next one when it comes out.
August 17, 2025
Ok can I just say the chapter titles had me cackling! I knew I was in for a treat before I even read the first real word of the book. The authors sense of humor and banter is top tier and brought so much personality to the characters. If you’re looking for a simple but spicy and messy romance with a hint of drama then this one’s worth a read.
November 9, 2025
Asha Mara really said drama, healing, and chaos, please! 😌 This was such a fun, fast-paced read—short chapters, plenty of attitude, and just the right amount of heart. It’s messy (of course), but in the best way possible. I tore through it and loved every minute. 💅📖
May 25, 2026
Wow!!
I loved it! It was raw pain and hurt, but beautiful. It was so very funny to me, Ava's sense of humor and Grants calm sexy demeanor. It made them "MESSY AF" but perfect for each other. Great read 😘.
I loved it! It was raw pain and hurt, but beautiful. It was so very funny to me, Ava's sense of humor and Grants calm sexy demeanor. It made them "MESSY AF" but perfect for each other. Great read 😘.
June 25, 2026
MUST READ
One of the best short books I’ve read in a long time. There was so much depth and emotion. People who wanted to be invisible but were seen by each other. This is a very easy but raw read. The perfect amount of emotion, drama and spice.
One of the best short books I’ve read in a long time. There was so much depth and emotion. People who wanted to be invisible but were seen by each other. This is a very easy but raw read. The perfect amount of emotion, drama and spice.
September 4, 2025
This is Ava and Grant's/Malcolm's story.
Ava just out of a relationship and Grant hiding.
They both fall and fall hard. Life then goes from there.
Ava just out of a relationship and Grant hiding.
They both fall and fall hard. Life then goes from there.
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