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Changing the Stars
Maevyn follows the rules. She has to, to keep her daughter safe. The biggest one no relationships. They’re too hard, and Maevyn has too many secrets that she’s not ready to share. Despite their fresh start in Heart City and a new job she loves, Maevyn’s mysterious past looms over every move she makes, making her realise she hasn’t really been living.
Still mending the wounds from his last relationship, Westley is determined not to rush into another one. He wants to take his time and wait for the right person for him. Enter Maevyn Day. Strong, feisty, independent, and hot as hell, Westley is powerless to fight the attraction between them. What’s more, he wants to know everything about her, determined to ease his way through the walls she’s built.
Forced to rely on the other for help, Westley and Maevyn start fake dating—him so he can avoid his ex at a wedding, and her so she can chaperone an event at her daughter’s fancy new school and prove they belong.
Six weeks of fake dating. Should be easy enough. But what neither of them anticipates is just how perfect they are for each other.
Fake Dating
Neighbours to Lovers
Single Mum
FMC with a Secret Past
Spicy to-do List
Only One Bed
Still mending the wounds from his last relationship, Westley is determined not to rush into another one. He wants to take his time and wait for the right person for him. Enter Maevyn Day. Strong, feisty, independent, and hot as hell, Westley is powerless to fight the attraction between them. What’s more, he wants to know everything about her, determined to ease his way through the walls she’s built.
Forced to rely on the other for help, Westley and Maevyn start fake dating—him so he can avoid his ex at a wedding, and her so she can chaperone an event at her daughter’s fancy new school and prove they belong.
Six weeks of fake dating. Should be easy enough. But what neither of them anticipates is just how perfect they are for each other.
Fake Dating
Neighbours to Lovers
Single Mum
FMC with a Secret Past
Spicy to-do List
Only One Bed
395 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 1, 2026
Alpha. RTC closer to release date, which is TBD in 2026.
Tropes:
Single mom
Cinnamon roll MMC
Fake dating
Tropes:
Single mom
Cinnamon roll MMC
Fake dating
May 16, 2026
ARC & BETA READ RTC 💚
May 30, 2026
Beta Read - another beautiful story that I absolutely CANNOT wait for you all to experience.
review & rating to come after ARC reread 🩷
review & rating to come after ARC reread 🩷
May 12, 2026
arc review 🛠️✨☕️
4.5⭐️
EMMEEE!!! this book was so stinkin good!!! absolutely loved maevyn & westley story. she is very guarded about her life, and rightfully so, and he is the one she never saw coming 🥹 westley was perfect for maevyn, he fit in her and her daughter aurora’s life she well…like he was the puzzle piece missing from their lives. and them starting off fake dating was perfect for them and allowed maevyn to slowly open up to westley. also their connection and chemistry was oh sooo good!!!
OH and the easter eggs and that ending left me with so many questions and all my excitement for what’s to come of the heart city universe…can’t wait 😍
٠࣪⭑ what to expect ٠࣪⭑
🤫 fake dating
🧑🧒 single mom
🏠 neighbors to lovers
💚 he falls first
🌶️ spicy to do list
👀 fmc with a secret past
🍒 she’s pierced
🧁 cinnamon roll mmc
4.5⭐️
EMMEEE!!! this book was so stinkin good!!! absolutely loved maevyn & westley story. she is very guarded about her life, and rightfully so, and he is the one she never saw coming 🥹 westley was perfect for maevyn, he fit in her and her daughter aurora’s life she well…like he was the puzzle piece missing from their lives. and them starting off fake dating was perfect for them and allowed maevyn to slowly open up to westley. also their connection and chemistry was oh sooo good!!!
OH and the easter eggs and that ending left me with so many questions and all my excitement for what’s to come of the heart city universe…can’t wait 😍
٠࣪⭑ what to expect ٠࣪⭑
🤫 fake dating
🧑🧒 single mom
🏠 neighbors to lovers
💚 he falls first
🌶️ spicy to do list
👀 fmc with a secret past
🍒 she’s pierced
🧁 cinnamon roll mmc
May 11, 2026
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 | 🌶️🌶️🌶️
What a beautiful story this was! With a selfless mom and the greenest of green flags of a man, Maevyn and Westley captured my heart. There was love, connection, fear, vulnerability and even some mystery; this story has a little of everything and I really enjoyed it.
The character growth alone for Maevyn made this a standout read. The author managed to convey many emotions, everything from scared to brave, with her words that left me in awe of Maevyn. And Westley, that man could be a masterclass on how to communicate and be present. Together, these two build something special. I also have to mention Maevyn’s daughter, Aurora. What a sweetheart she was! With witty comebacks, she made me smile. Her interactions with Westley were so special in my eyes. These two definitely deserved to have a man like him in their lives.
I definitely recommend this one!
I would like to thank Emme Goode for the opportunity to read and review Changing the Stars.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 | 🌶️🌶️🌶️
What a beautiful story this was! With a selfless mom and the greenest of green flags of a man, Maevyn and Westley captured my heart. There was love, connection, fear, vulnerability and even some mystery; this story has a little of everything and I really enjoyed it.
The character growth alone for Maevyn made this a standout read. The author managed to convey many emotions, everything from scared to brave, with her words that left me in awe of Maevyn. And Westley, that man could be a masterclass on how to communicate and be present. Together, these two build something special. I also have to mention Maevyn’s daughter, Aurora. What a sweetheart she was! With witty comebacks, she made me smile. Her interactions with Westley were so special in my eyes. These two definitely deserved to have a man like him in their lives.
I definitely recommend this one!
I would like to thank Emme Goode for the opportunity to read and review Changing the Stars.
May 10, 2026
Maevyn & Westley’s story did not disappoint; a fun meet cute that turns into realizing they are neighbors & their friends are dating!
Their chemistry felt so natural & easy, I loved their back & forth little quips. Westley is the biggest green flag & I loved him so much! Maevyn was such an amazing fmc, raising her daughter, Aurora, by herself. I love how steady Westley was for them both; giving them a place to be safe & happy. And the spicy to-do list?! 🔥🤭
I couldn’t recommend this book & the rest of Emmeverse more! Thank you Emme for allowing me the honor to ARC read their story! 🥰
Their chemistry felt so natural & easy, I loved their back & forth little quips. Westley is the biggest green flag & I loved him so much! Maevyn was such an amazing fmc, raising her daughter, Aurora, by herself. I love how steady Westley was for them both; giving them a place to be safe & happy. And the spicy to-do list?! 🔥🤭
I couldn’t recommend this book & the rest of Emmeverse more! Thank you Emme for allowing me the honor to ARC read their story! 🥰
May 26, 2026
Another great read from Emme! I love this world she is creating. It was so fun seeing Claire and Lee again too.
Right away I related to Maevyn. Because I too have a preteen who says things like “bro” and “cringe”. 🤣 Also relatable was her inability to open up and let people get close to her. Westley became a safe space for her and I loved watching her realize that and let him in. Westley was a complete green flag. These two (plus Aurora) were so perfect together. Loooved their banter and chemistry!
ARC review
💫Single mom
💫Neighbors
💫Fake dating
💫He falls first
💫Spicy to do list
💫FMC with a secret past
Right away I related to Maevyn. Because I too have a preteen who says things like “bro” and “cringe”. 🤣 Also relatable was her inability to open up and let people get close to her. Westley became a safe space for her and I loved watching her realize that and let him in. Westley was a complete green flag. These two (plus Aurora) were so perfect together. Loooved their banter and chemistry!
ARC review
💫Single mom
💫Neighbors
💫Fake dating
💫He falls first
💫Spicy to do list
💫FMC with a secret past
May 14, 2026
This was so fun, vibes were ON POINT! I just love a new book by Emme Goode! Her writing is SO easy to read, and I just adore all the Australian-isms!
I throughly enjoyed this read! Emme’s writing is so easy to devour.
There was so much heart and love in these characters. It just oozed out of Westley and Maevyn. Their story was sweet, swoony and spicy (HELLO MICROTROPES) and I loved the addition of Aurora! She was cheeky and loving, such a testament to her Mum!
I really enjoy Emme’s books, and can’t wait for how the rest of this series plays out! Highly recommend if you’re after a fun, low stakes, spicy read!
Thank you for the arc, Emme!
I throughly enjoyed this read! Emme’s writing is so easy to devour.
There was so much heart and love in these characters. It just oozed out of Westley and Maevyn. Their story was sweet, swoony and spicy (HELLO MICROTROPES) and I loved the addition of Aurora! She was cheeky and loving, such a testament to her Mum!
I really enjoy Emme’s books, and can’t wait for how the rest of this series plays out! Highly recommend if you’re after a fun, low stakes, spicy read!
Thank you for the arc, Emme!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice - 🌶🌶🌶
Trope - single mom, fake dating, neighbours to lovers, FMC on the run, forced proximity, found family, he falls first, he reads (romance), one bed, pierced FMC, sassy FMC × Cinnamon Roll MMC, MMC has a vasectomy, strangers to lovers, spicy to-do list, touch her and know vibes, steamy, HEA
Bonus chapter - 1
Thank you, Emme, for providing me with the ARC of this book. I don't have enough words to explain how much I loved and devoured it. Emme came and took another 5-star rating from me! I honestly expected nothing less from her because she's one of those authors whose books I've rated five stars every single time. That really says a lot, doesn’t it?
I was hooked from page one. The writing, the delivery, everything was impeccable.
The first meeting, the side plot, the characters, everything was perfect from the get-go.
When I read book one after its release, I was so damn sure that West was gonna end up with Liv, but Emme surprised us all and gave him the BEST partner because OMFG MAEVYN. She was strong, daring, sassy, loving, sexy and just so much more. GIRL CRUSH Her chaotic energy was my Roman Empire!! I am her, she's me, because the similarities between us were uncanny.
Westley, on the other hand, was just perfect; he was kind, supportive, and understanding. If emotional intelligence were a person, it would have been Westley. That man knew how to express himself while also acknowledging others' emotions. He was a walking green flag. Oh, the way I loved and adored him and his bond with both Maevyn and Aurora. A man who also bakes and reads? This man was a whole damn package.
I love tatted MCs, and DAMN, Maev and West were HOT!! I was drooling all over them.
The fake dating side of the book was amazing, but the real dating side was phenomenal.
They were fire together because omg, the chemistry was sizzling and off the charts. From the top-tier banter to the tension and angst, I was not OKAY. Their love was poetically beautiful—the kind that makes you envision true love and want it. Oh, West and Maev, you'll always be the brightest star in the skies of Heart City.
Aurora was an amazing kid - confident, smart, sweet, talented and witty. I loved that kid.
West, Maev and Aurora were the perfect found family - each moment between them evoked a feeling of belonging and love.
Things I LOVED the most -
* My absolute favourite scenes were the text chains between the couple.
* Self-defence class flirting is my secret favourite micro-trope, and damn, these two turned up the heat by a LOT.
* The significance of vulnerability and trusting others was expressed most beautifully.
* I love a good found family trope, and this book topped that list.
* Patch, my cute fur-baby. He was a star 🐶🌟
___________
Emme always serves, and that includes spicy scenes because OMFG, why do the scenes keep getting hotter with each book? Maev and West might just top the spice charts - because OMG, it was hot in there.
The side characters, from Claire to Lee to Liv to Callie to West's parents, were all so sweet and supportive. I loved how everyone had a role in the story, but never once stole the limelight from the couple.
The ending was so satisfying and excellently crafted - I cried tears of joy for my lovely characters.
The teaser towards the end!!! OMFGGG, I was not expecting that, but I also CANNOT wait for our lovely Liv's story.
The best proposal award goes to Westley Andrews - I identify as a muddle for this man 🫠.
My love for epilogues is on a different level, and here we got not one but three wholesome ones, one of which was SPICYYY!
I kept coming back for more.
Devoured it.
Overall 5/5.
Spice - 🌶🌶🌶
Trope - single mom, fake dating, neighbours to lovers, FMC on the run, forced proximity, found family, he falls first, he reads (romance), one bed, pierced FMC, sassy FMC × Cinnamon Roll MMC, MMC has a vasectomy, strangers to lovers, spicy to-do list, touch her and know vibes, steamy, HEA
Bonus chapter - 1
Thank you, Emme, for providing me with the ARC of this book. I don't have enough words to explain how much I loved and devoured it. Emme came and took another 5-star rating from me! I honestly expected nothing less from her because she's one of those authors whose books I've rated five stars every single time. That really says a lot, doesn’t it?
I was hooked from page one. The writing, the delivery, everything was impeccable.
The first meeting, the side plot, the characters, everything was perfect from the get-go.
When I read book one after its release, I was so damn sure that West was gonna end up with Liv, but Emme surprised us all and gave him the BEST partner because OMFG MAEVYN. She was strong, daring, sassy, loving, sexy and just so much more. GIRL CRUSH Her chaotic energy was my Roman Empire!! I am her, she's me, because the similarities between us were uncanny.
Westley, on the other hand, was just perfect; he was kind, supportive, and understanding. If emotional intelligence were a person, it would have been Westley. That man knew how to express himself while also acknowledging others' emotions. He was a walking green flag. Oh, the way I loved and adored him and his bond with both Maevyn and Aurora. A man who also bakes and reads? This man was a whole damn package.
I love tatted MCs, and DAMN, Maev and West were HOT!! I was drooling all over them.
The fake dating side of the book was amazing, but the real dating side was phenomenal.
They were fire together because omg, the chemistry was sizzling and off the charts. From the top-tier banter to the tension and angst, I was not OKAY. Their love was poetically beautiful—the kind that makes you envision true love and want it. Oh, West and Maev, you'll always be the brightest star in the skies of Heart City.
Aurora was an amazing kid - confident, smart, sweet, talented and witty. I loved that kid.
West, Maev and Aurora were the perfect found family - each moment between them evoked a feeling of belonging and love.
Things I LOVED the most -
* My absolute favourite scenes were the text chains between the couple.
* Self-defence class flirting is my secret favourite micro-trope, and damn, these two turned up the heat by a LOT.
* The significance of vulnerability and trusting others was expressed most beautifully.
* I love a good found family trope, and this book topped that list.
* Patch, my cute fur-baby. He was a star 🐶🌟
___________
Emme always serves, and that includes spicy scenes because OMFG, why do the scenes keep getting hotter with each book? Maev and West might just top the spice charts - because OMG, it was hot in there.
The side characters, from Claire to Lee to Liv to Callie to West's parents, were all so sweet and supportive. I loved how everyone had a role in the story, but never once stole the limelight from the couple.
The ending was so satisfying and excellently crafted - I cried tears of joy for my lovely characters.
The teaser towards the end!!! OMFGGG, I was not expecting that, but I also CANNOT wait for our lovely Liv's story.
The best proposal award goes to Westley Andrews - I identify as a muddle for this man 🫠.
My love for epilogues is on a different level, and here we got not one but three wholesome ones, one of which was SPICYYY!
I kept coming back for more.
Devoured it.
Overall 5/5.
Review of advance copy
Okay so… I don’t even know how to talk about this book without spoiling everything and it’s actually frustrating me because I want to tell you EVERYTHING but also absolutely NOTHING at the same time 😭😮💨
So let’s just start somewhere before I lose my mind.
This is Wesley’s book, right? And if you read the first one, you KNOW why I was confused going into this, because I was fully convinced this man was going to end up with someone else 👀 like I had already written the story in my head, I was like “yep, that’s it, makes sense,” 💃🏼😇💁🏼♀️
WELL… wrong… So wrong 💀😂😵💫
Because then Maevyn shows up, and from the second she appears you just KNOW something is off. Like she’s been running, she’s guarded, she’s not telling everything, but at the same time she has this energy??? Like she’s a whole little firecracker and I loved that immediately 😮💨🔥 and Wesley??? Don’t even get me started. He’s giving golden retriever energy but also lowkey touch-her-and-die vibes and I was SOLD 🫠
The teasing between these two ??? 😮💨🔥🫠🫠 panty dropping 🔥😮💨 And then they’re neighbors. With balconies that are way too close together. Like I’m sorry??? What did you expect me to do with that information other than lose my mind 😭
Don’t even get me started on what happens on those balconies 🫠🔥👀🫣
And then the story just keeps giving… single mom, forced proximity, fake dating 👀 that whole “do me a favor and I’ll do you one” situation??? Yeah no, I was GONE at that point 😮💨
The way Westley was with Aurora ?? Like GIRLLLL Why do you keep doing this to me 🥹🥹🥹🫠🤯 The date ?? The flowers ?? 🤐🤐🤐🤐
But what really got me is that there is actually so much going on in this book, like A LOT, and somehow it never feels overwhelming. Everything just builds and connects and you just keep reading because you NEED to know what’s going on. And the chemistry between them??? It’s not rushed, not painfully slow either, it’s just that perfect 🤩
“okay something is happening here and I don’t know how to deal with it” kind of feeling 🫠
Also Callie??? Loved her. That’s it. No explanation needed 🫶🏼
And there are things in this book I WISH I could talk about, like I am actually fighting for my life not to spoil anything right now 😭 because there’s this one connection (if you know, you KNOW 👀) that had me sitting there like 🤯 and now I NEED the next book. Like immediately. I am not above begging at this point 💀 Please tell me it’s about Liv 😭😭😭😭🙏🏼🙏🏼🧎🏼♀️➡️
Also this author??? Yeah… I’m obsessed. I’ve been reading all her books and now I’m reaching that point where I don’t even want to read the last one I have left because then it’s over and I don’t like that at all 😭
Anyway… five stars. Obviously 😮💨🔥
So let’s just start somewhere before I lose my mind.
This is Wesley’s book, right? And if you read the first one, you KNOW why I was confused going into this, because I was fully convinced this man was going to end up with someone else 👀 like I had already written the story in my head, I was like “yep, that’s it, makes sense,” 💃🏼😇💁🏼♀️
WELL… wrong… So wrong 💀😂😵💫
Because then Maevyn shows up, and from the second she appears you just KNOW something is off. Like she’s been running, she’s guarded, she’s not telling everything, but at the same time she has this energy??? Like she’s a whole little firecracker and I loved that immediately 😮💨🔥 and Wesley??? Don’t even get me started. He’s giving golden retriever energy but also lowkey touch-her-and-die vibes and I was SOLD 🫠
The teasing between these two ??? 😮💨🔥🫠🫠 panty dropping 🔥😮💨 And then they’re neighbors. With balconies that are way too close together. Like I’m sorry??? What did you expect me to do with that information other than lose my mind 😭
Don’t even get me started on what happens on those balconies 🫠🔥👀🫣
And then the story just keeps giving… single mom, forced proximity, fake dating 👀 that whole “do me a favor and I’ll do you one” situation??? Yeah no, I was GONE at that point 😮💨
The way Westley was with Aurora ?? Like GIRLLLL Why do you keep doing this to me 🥹🥹🥹🫠🤯 The date ?? The flowers ?? 🤐🤐🤐🤐
But what really got me is that there is actually so much going on in this book, like A LOT, and somehow it never feels overwhelming. Everything just builds and connects and you just keep reading because you NEED to know what’s going on. And the chemistry between them??? It’s not rushed, not painfully slow either, it’s just that perfect 🤩
“okay something is happening here and I don’t know how to deal with it” kind of feeling 🫠
Also Callie??? Loved her. That’s it. No explanation needed 🫶🏼
And there are things in this book I WISH I could talk about, like I am actually fighting for my life not to spoil anything right now 😭 because there’s this one connection (if you know, you KNOW 👀) that had me sitting there like 🤯 and now I NEED the next book. Like immediately. I am not above begging at this point 💀 Please tell me it’s about Liv 😭😭😭😭🙏🏼🙏🏼🧎🏼♀️➡️
Also this author??? Yeah… I’m obsessed. I’ve been reading all her books and now I’m reaching that point where I don’t even want to read the last one I have left because then it’s over and I don’t like that at all 😭
Anyway… five stars. Obviously 😮💨🔥
May 14, 2026
“Why do you call me Trickster?” He smiles. “I’m trying to figure you out, but you keep surprising me.” “Why do you call me Thief?” he throws back. Because you keep stealing my thoughts.
Be still my heart. Westley and Maevyn’s story was such a sweet neighbours to lovers, fake dating romance between a single mom was a secretive past and the world’s biggest green-flagged cinnamon roll hero who wants to move on from his ex.
Right from the start, you can tell Maevyn is a badass FMC. Single mom, piercings, tattoos and with a black cat attitude. But just below the surface, you quickly find out that she is hiding from a secretive past and that she has a guarded heart when it comes to her and her daughter Aurora. That is, until she meets her contractor neighbour Westley.
Westley is about as green flag as it comes, but with enough spirit to keep things interesting 😏 The banter between these two?? So playful, sharp, and ridiculously easy to fall in love with. Every conversation had me grinning because they just fit! Westley is trying to move on from his last relationship and convinces Maevyn into a fake dating arrangement. All that forced proximity can only lead to one thing… chemistry and tension for DAYS.
This one is a slow burn but I loved seeing them trying to resist their chemistry until the moment they couldn’t. When the spice finally hits for these two, Emme doesn’t hold back. A spicy checklist ✅ One bed strikes again ✅ Toys as teammates ✅ He 💦 while going down on her!! 👏🏻 They literally hit the mark at every turn and it was so hot.
I loved Westley so damn much. He’s patient, caring, perceptive and is all in for Maevyn and Aurora. Seeing him fall so hard in the sweetest ways possible and become part of their little world had my heart melting. Maevyn’s character arc throughout the book was also so well written and I really enjoyed seeing her open up her heart to love and trust in the kind of love she deserves.
The suspenseful plot aspects had me so hooked to see what Maevyn had been hiding and it didn’t disappoint as the book reached the end! This was so different from Emme’s previous books but I was HERE FOR IT! If you are in the mood for a romantic, banter-filled, found family romance with the best twist of suspense, you can’t go wrong with Changing The Stars.
✨ Thank you so much to Emme for the arc 🫶🏻 🔭
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rating: 5⭐
Spice: 3🌶️
FMC: Maevyn Day
MMC: Westley Andrews
Wow, I was not expecting this. After following the promo posts of Changing The Stars, this story was definitely not how I thought it was gonna be. There was so much debt and emotions in this story, and I ate it up. It was perfectly written.
Maevyn is such a strong person, a single mom who finally finds her place with her daughter Aurora. It’s always been her and her little girl, but then she meets Westley, a man who throws her off guard. She’s very intrigued by him but scared to let him in at first.
Westley is a wonderful man with the biggest heart of gold. He really is the man everyone dreams of and will do anything for the people he loves. When he meets Maevyn, he is intrigued as well and can’t stop thinking about her. Something about her makes him curious, and he wants to learn everything about her.
The story developes slowly on, but the tension and chemistry between the two of them is through the roof. I love how considerate Westley is of Maevyn and how she has all the control. The story is so beautifully written, and I really felt along with Maevyn and everything she’s been through. She didn’t have it easy.
My biggest weakness was the relationship between Westley and Aurora. It was the cutest, and it made me smile so many times. Aurora is such a wonderful girl, and i’m just weak for beautiful family moments.
Thank you, Emme Goode, for the ARC copy and giving me a chance to read and review Westley, Maevyn, and Aurora’s story early. They will always have a place in my heart, and I can’t wait to read all the stories from the other characters that we met along the way.
Tropes:
🟢 single mom
🟢 one bed
🟢 fake dating
🟢 neighbors to lovers
🟢 spicy to-do list
🟢 he falls first
🟢 fmc with a secret past
🟢 mmc reads romance
🟢 dual first person pov
Quotes:
‘I’m certain they are the key to everything I always searched for. It feels like peace. Belonging. Home. They make everyday things feel special and fun. They constantly bring a smile to my face, and now, all I want to do is give it back to them.’
‘I have one hand running through Maevyn’s hair, the other resting on Aurora’s back, and I think to myself, this is what it’s meant to feel like. Family. Love. These are my girls.’
Spice: 3🌶️
FMC: Maevyn Day
MMC: Westley Andrews
Wow, I was not expecting this. After following the promo posts of Changing The Stars, this story was definitely not how I thought it was gonna be. There was so much debt and emotions in this story, and I ate it up. It was perfectly written.
Maevyn is such a strong person, a single mom who finally finds her place with her daughter Aurora. It’s always been her and her little girl, but then she meets Westley, a man who throws her off guard. She’s very intrigued by him but scared to let him in at first.
Westley is a wonderful man with the biggest heart of gold. He really is the man everyone dreams of and will do anything for the people he loves. When he meets Maevyn, he is intrigued as well and can’t stop thinking about her. Something about her makes him curious, and he wants to learn everything about her.
The story developes slowly on, but the tension and chemistry between the two of them is through the roof. I love how considerate Westley is of Maevyn and how she has all the control. The story is so beautifully written, and I really felt along with Maevyn and everything she’s been through. She didn’t have it easy.
My biggest weakness was the relationship between Westley and Aurora. It was the cutest, and it made me smile so many times. Aurora is such a wonderful girl, and i’m just weak for beautiful family moments.
Thank you, Emme Goode, for the ARC copy and giving me a chance to read and review Westley, Maevyn, and Aurora’s story early. They will always have a place in my heart, and I can’t wait to read all the stories from the other characters that we met along the way.
Tropes:
🟢 single mom
🟢 one bed
🟢 fake dating
🟢 neighbors to lovers
🟢 spicy to-do list
🟢 he falls first
🟢 fmc with a secret past
🟢 mmc reads romance
🟢 dual first person pov
Quotes:
‘I’m certain they are the key to everything I always searched for. It feels like peace. Belonging. Home. They make everyday things feel special and fun. They constantly bring a smile to my face, and now, all I want to do is give it back to them.’
‘I have one hand running through Maevyn’s hair, the other resting on Aurora’s back, and I think to myself, this is what it’s meant to feel like. Family. Love. These are my girls.’
May 11, 2026
5⭐
3.5🌶️
Emme has seriously done it again! Her writing just keeps getting better and better. Seriously, I cannot fault this one, as it was an absolutely breathtaking.
Maevyn is a single mum to Aurora and it's always been them against the world. When Maevyn bumps into Westley outside Sweet Escapes, she is taken aback. Their connection is instant but Maevyn knows she'll probably never see him again, especially when she's meant to stay "hidden".
Westley can't seem to get the brown haired beauty out of his head, and thinks it's kismet when he finds out she's the new neighbour next door. Maevyn has always relied on herself to get things done, and Westley wants nothing but to be a friendly neighbour looking out for another.
When an chance encounter involving Maevyn, Westley and his persistent ex, Phoebe, he panics and introduces Maevyn as his girlfriend. With an approaching wedding coming up and a school camping trip in need of an extra chaperone for them both, they decide to help each other out.
However, they need to fake it if they want everyone to believe they're a couple madly in love... But what happens when the faking starts becoming all too real? Will Maevyn find someone worth staying for, especially when her past catches up to her?
Mae and West were just an absolute dream to read. The banter, the swooning and those heart to hearts that hit you right in the feels.... 🥹 However, it was their vulnerability that got me most, especially regarding their childhood experiences that shaped them into the person they are today, and how they became each others safe place 🫠 Mae's love for Aurora was truly beautiful, particularly in how cute and close their relationship was. Aurora has been shown nothing but love and when she naturally opens up and accepts West into the fold... my heart!! ❤️
Mae is one of them characters that deserves nothing but the best, and I'm glad the stars aligned for her and brought her a walking green flag like West! ✨ They were truly perfect together and I adored how West took care of both his girls, and doted on them. He is literally the ultimate book boyfriend who is not only patient and protective, but also bossy when it mattered too 😉🤭 and need I mention Mae's to do list? 🫠 Gah!!!
Thank you so much to Emme for giving me the opportunity to read this book in advance. All thoughts and opinions are my own 🫶🏼
3.5🌶️
Emme has seriously done it again! Her writing just keeps getting better and better. Seriously, I cannot fault this one, as it was an absolutely breathtaking.
Maevyn is a single mum to Aurora and it's always been them against the world. When Maevyn bumps into Westley outside Sweet Escapes, she is taken aback. Their connection is instant but Maevyn knows she'll probably never see him again, especially when she's meant to stay "hidden".
Westley can't seem to get the brown haired beauty out of his head, and thinks it's kismet when he finds out she's the new neighbour next door. Maevyn has always relied on herself to get things done, and Westley wants nothing but to be a friendly neighbour looking out for another.
When an chance encounter involving Maevyn, Westley and his persistent ex, Phoebe, he panics and introduces Maevyn as his girlfriend. With an approaching wedding coming up and a school camping trip in need of an extra chaperone for them both, they decide to help each other out.
However, they need to fake it if they want everyone to believe they're a couple madly in love... But what happens when the faking starts becoming all too real? Will Maevyn find someone worth staying for, especially when her past catches up to her?
Mae and West were just an absolute dream to read. The banter, the swooning and those heart to hearts that hit you right in the feels.... 🥹 However, it was their vulnerability that got me most, especially regarding their childhood experiences that shaped them into the person they are today, and how they became each others safe place 🫠 Mae's love for Aurora was truly beautiful, particularly in how cute and close their relationship was. Aurora has been shown nothing but love and when she naturally opens up and accepts West into the fold... my heart!! ❤️
Mae is one of them characters that deserves nothing but the best, and I'm glad the stars aligned for her and brought her a walking green flag like West! ✨ They were truly perfect together and I adored how West took care of both his girls, and doted on them. He is literally the ultimate book boyfriend who is not only patient and protective, but also bossy when it mattered too 😉🤭 and need I mention Mae's to do list? 🫠 Gah!!!
Thank you so much to Emme for giving me the opportunity to read this book in advance. All thoughts and opinions are my own 🫶🏼
April 20, 2026
This was such a beautiful story of finding love after years of running from your past. Maevyn and Westley meet at a coffee shop where there are instant sparks between them. They then realise they are in fact neighbours and begin to get to know each other after Westley asks Maevyn to pretend to be his girlfriend in front of his ex. This leads to Maevyn asking him to reciprocate the offer to be her fake boyfriend to fend off the local sh I’ll mums and after weeks spent in each other’s company getting to know each other and pretending, things turn very real! Maevyn is very closed off, she’s never let anyone in because of her troubles past. She has a 12-year-old daughter called Aurora and they’ve spent the last 12 years running from something she’s kept buried deep down. But slowly Westley seems to be able to bring down her barriers and she allows him to see the real her. This man! This man is just pure sunshine, he’s a complete caretaker who finds Maevyn sexy but also he wants to protect her and her daughter. There might also be a spicy to-do list involved that he helps her tick off once he realises that there are certain things that she’s never done before! Maevyn, despite having a hidden past is sassy, a cool mum with tattoos and a septum piercing who I basically want to be when I grow up! She’s protective but also shows her softer side as Westley gets to know her better. She loves big and wholeheartedly and he doesn’t expect to not only fall in love with her but with her daughter too. As always this book was beautifully written, Emme has that way of making this a book you cannot put down! The spice was spicing, the connection and back story we’re excellent and I just couldn’t stop reading it and devoured it in under 24 hours. Beautiful.
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ARC✨
Changing The Stars
By: Emme Goode
“You look pretty, by the way.”
“Is that you doing your neighbourly duty, too? Compliments?”
“Nah, that was the thief in me. Just wanted to steal your breath.”
“It’s no use wishing on a star for something better. If you want things to change, you have to make them. So, when I come out here every night, that’s what I’m looking for. All the ways I’m changing the stars. I look at them and reflect on all the things I’ve done to make sure I’m not in the same place I was before.”
I’ve never felt like this. Didn’t even know it was remotely possible. The way West makes my heart race is exciting; it makes me feel like I’m floating.
Oh this read.. man you have to read West and Maevyn’s story everyone! Maevyn is a single mom to her daughter, Aurora, and moving to a new town she has new neighbors. One neighbor who catches her attention and doesn’t give it back, is our man West! Maevyn doesn’t trust easily and seeing her let West in and giving West everything, oh my heart melted! And then melted again seeing West become so in love with both Maevyn and her daughter. He wants to be Maevyn’s partner and support. But Maevyn has a big secret she’s been keeping. So can these two overcome that secret? You have to read to find out!!! These two are absolutely perfectly precious! You will swoon so hard!
Thank you Emme, I am absolutely obsessed!
Tropes:
Fake Dating
Single Mom
Neighbors to Lovers
He Falls First
One Bed
Spicy to do List
FMC with a secret past
She’s pierced
Cinnamon Roll MMC
Spice starts at: 50%
Spice: 3/4
Stars: 5/5
Available on May 10th
Changing The Stars
By: Emme Goode
“You look pretty, by the way.”
“Is that you doing your neighbourly duty, too? Compliments?”
“Nah, that was the thief in me. Just wanted to steal your breath.”
“It’s no use wishing on a star for something better. If you want things to change, you have to make them. So, when I come out here every night, that’s what I’m looking for. All the ways I’m changing the stars. I look at them and reflect on all the things I’ve done to make sure I’m not in the same place I was before.”
I’ve never felt like this. Didn’t even know it was remotely possible. The way West makes my heart race is exciting; it makes me feel like I’m floating.
Oh this read.. man you have to read West and Maevyn’s story everyone! Maevyn is a single mom to her daughter, Aurora, and moving to a new town she has new neighbors. One neighbor who catches her attention and doesn’t give it back, is our man West! Maevyn doesn’t trust easily and seeing her let West in and giving West everything, oh my heart melted! And then melted again seeing West become so in love with both Maevyn and her daughter. He wants to be Maevyn’s partner and support. But Maevyn has a big secret she’s been keeping. So can these two overcome that secret? You have to read to find out!!! These two are absolutely perfectly precious! You will swoon so hard!
Thank you Emme, I am absolutely obsessed!
Tropes:
Fake Dating
Single Mom
Neighbors to Lovers
He Falls First
One Bed
Spicy to do List
FMC with a secret past
She’s pierced
Cinnamon Roll MMC
Spice starts at: 50%
Spice: 3/4
Stars: 5/5
Available on May 10th
April 18, 2026
The way I obsessed over Maevyn and Westley is probably a bit unhealthy. She’s new to Heart City, having moved there with her daughter while being constantly on the run, trying to hide and stay safe. Westly is a local constructionist who works with Leif, who happens to be dating Maevyn’s boss, Claire. The two continue to run into each other, and when they need a partner for different events (hers is a school trip and his a wedding) they agree to fake date for these events. From the beginning of this agreement though, it never felt like they were faking any of it. They get to know each other, he helps when Aurora is sick, and they have nightly chats on their decks. The two end up falling for each other, and after the wedding, decide that they don’t want to fake it anymore. Though truly, I’d argue they never were. They work through her spicy list, but he also proves that he is worth trusting despite all she’s been through. While it was lovely to see that both Westly and Aurora took the secret she was holding for all those years well, I was surprised that there was no conflict with it. Especially from Aurora. But knowing what all Maevyn went through, it probably just made the most sense to both parties as to why she held on to this secret. I wanted this book to last, so I tried really hard not to fly through it, though that was so difficult because of the just overall cuteness of the story. Even when she tried to push Westly away, he wasn’t going anywhere. Sure he gave her space, but he wasn’t going to just be done. Westly is truly the definition of a walking green flag. I couldn’t stop reading their story, even when I had to. I love the way Emme writes, and the way she brings these characters to life. I cannot wait for her next story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 ⭐️
|ARC|
⋆ dual pov
⋆ fake dating
⋆ single mom
⋆ he falls first
⋆ spicy to-do list
⋆ neighbors to lovers
⋆ FMC with a secret past
____________
absolute perfection! Changing the Stars is a single mom, fake dating romance filled with tension and love where we follow our FMC Maevyn as she settles down in a new place with her daughter to ensure their safety and our MMC Westley as he tries to get his next door neighbor out of his mind. We watch through their eyes as an impromptu meeting turns into an arrangement. We watch as they fake it till they make it but somewhere along the line everything blurs and secrets get revealed.
I’m in love with these two! I have been so excited to meet these two and learn their stories so I’m so happy they are out in the world! I loved everything about Maevyn from how hard she works to how determined she is to keep her daughter safe. She is such a strong character and it’s so inspiring. And we have to love Westley the absolute swoon of a man that he is. The way he so protective of his girls is soooo ughh love. And how can we forget Aurora. I love that girl she is such a breath of fresh air and I love her and Marvin’s dynamic! All three of them together is just so damn perfect! I love!
Oh Emme does it absolutely again! I keep re falling in love with her writing every single time a new book comes out! This one I think is my favorite so far, I absolutely fell in love with this story and the way Emme wrote it was just honestly so immersive and I was absolutely hooked! I could not put it down and I felt like I was transported into the world with them. I’m so excited to see where this series goes because I know it’s just going to keep getting better and better with every new book!!
Overall, this book was so amazing! thank you Emme Goode for the amazing ARC and I can’t wait to see what else she comes up with! 🔭💚💫
|ARC|
⋆ dual pov
⋆ fake dating
⋆ single mom
⋆ he falls first
⋆ spicy to-do list
⋆ neighbors to lovers
⋆ FMC with a secret past
____________
absolute perfection! Changing the Stars is a single mom, fake dating romance filled with tension and love where we follow our FMC Maevyn as she settles down in a new place with her daughter to ensure their safety and our MMC Westley as he tries to get his next door neighbor out of his mind. We watch through their eyes as an impromptu meeting turns into an arrangement. We watch as they fake it till they make it but somewhere along the line everything blurs and secrets get revealed.
I’m in love with these two! I have been so excited to meet these two and learn their stories so I’m so happy they are out in the world! I loved everything about Maevyn from how hard she works to how determined she is to keep her daughter safe. She is such a strong character and it’s so inspiring. And we have to love Westley the absolute swoon of a man that he is. The way he so protective of his girls is soooo ughh love. And how can we forget Aurora. I love that girl she is such a breath of fresh air and I love her and Marvin’s dynamic! All three of them together is just so damn perfect! I love!
Oh Emme does it absolutely again! I keep re falling in love with her writing every single time a new book comes out! This one I think is my favorite so far, I absolutely fell in love with this story and the way Emme wrote it was just honestly so immersive and I was absolutely hooked! I could not put it down and I felt like I was transported into the world with them. I’m so excited to see where this series goes because I know it’s just going to keep getting better and better with every new book!!
Overall, this book was so amazing! thank you Emme Goode for the amazing ARC and I can’t wait to see what else she comes up with! 🔭💚💫
June 6, 2026
it seems appropriate that their story comes to us on Mother’s Day because Maevyn is the most fierce, protective, funny, and loving mom to Aurora 🫶🏻 we see how much she has given up to keep Aurora safe, even at the expense of her own dreams and happiness. but that all changes when they move next door to Westley…
he is immediately captivated by Maeyvn and decides it’s time to put his own relationship trauma behind him and jump in with two feet to whatever the universe is telling him by putting these two in such close reach🙏🏼🥰
Mae and West are forced together in many ways…like pretending to date to prove to an ex that you’ve moved on or so that the gossipy mom’s at the school will shut it 😤 but there is nothing forced about the very real tender, emotional, and understanding relationship they decide to go for for reals🥹😮💨the way West shows up not just for Maeyvn but also for Aurora will melt even the coldest heart😭
and okayyyyyyy now that the sap is out of the way🤭 CAN WE SPEND A MOMENT FOR THE SPICE 🔥🔥because you KNOW our girl Emme brings it every👏🏼 damn👏🏼 time👏🏼 she knows what we want 🙌🏼 like a little 6️⃣9️⃣ or how about 💦in the (grey sweat)👖 moment? perhaps you’d like a private sexy 💃🏻 or some toys as teammates. it has something for everyone!
as ever, thank you @emmegoodewrites for the opportunity to love on you and your books 😘💚 go read Changing the Stars on KU right NOW!!
he is immediately captivated by Maeyvn and decides it’s time to put his own relationship trauma behind him and jump in with two feet to whatever the universe is telling him by putting these two in such close reach🙏🏼🥰
Mae and West are forced together in many ways…like pretending to date to prove to an ex that you’ve moved on or so that the gossipy mom’s at the school will shut it 😤 but there is nothing forced about the very real tender, emotional, and understanding relationship they decide to go for for reals🥹😮💨the way West shows up not just for Maeyvn but also for Aurora will melt even the coldest heart😭
and okayyyyyyy now that the sap is out of the way🤭 CAN WE SPEND A MOMENT FOR THE SPICE 🔥🔥because you KNOW our girl Emme brings it every👏🏼 damn👏🏼 time👏🏼 she knows what we want 🙌🏼 like a little 6️⃣9️⃣ or how about 💦in the (grey sweat)👖 moment? perhaps you’d like a private sexy 💃🏻 or some toys as teammates. it has something for everyone!
as ever, thank you @emmegoodewrites for the opportunity to love on you and your books 😘💚 go read Changing the Stars on KU right NOW!!
May 11, 2026
💚 ARC REVIEW 💚
Changing The Stars by Emme Goode
Wesley & Maevyn
AVAILABLE NOW
My Rating: 5☆
Matters of The Heart Book Two
Single Mom
Fake Dating
Neighbors to Lovers
One Bed
FMC With a Secret Past
Cinnamon Roll MMC
Dog Dad
Spicy To-Do List
Pierced FMC
He Reads Spicy Romance
Spicy Dancer FMC
The Heels Stay One
My Spicy Rating: 3.5/5
I have ARC read every single book Emme Goode has published since she became an author, and she just keeps getting better and better. I loved every second of this book. The plot. The writing. The spicy scenes. The balcony moments between Maevyn and Wesley. But my absolute favorite is Aurora. Being a young mom is very hard but when you grow up with your daughter, they become your little best friend. And all we want is for them to live better than we did and be the best we can. I enjoyed this book so much.
I'm very much enjoying the crossover between her two series, Matter of The Heart and Heart City Billionaires. I can't wait for Callie & Mason but I think I'm a little more excited for what I'm hoping next is Liv & Royals love story. Ahhhhh. I need it now.
Thank you for letting me ARC read this beautiful story.
Changing The Stars by Emme Goode
Wesley & Maevyn
AVAILABLE NOW
My Rating: 5☆
Matters of The Heart Book Two
Single Mom
Fake Dating
Neighbors to Lovers
One Bed
FMC With a Secret Past
Cinnamon Roll MMC
Dog Dad
Spicy To-Do List
Pierced FMC
He Reads Spicy Romance
Spicy Dancer FMC
The Heels Stay One
My Spicy Rating: 3.5/5
I have ARC read every single book Emme Goode has published since she became an author, and she just keeps getting better and better. I loved every second of this book. The plot. The writing. The spicy scenes. The balcony moments between Maevyn and Wesley. But my absolute favorite is Aurora. Being a young mom is very hard but when you grow up with your daughter, they become your little best friend. And all we want is for them to live better than we did and be the best we can. I enjoyed this book so much.
I'm very much enjoying the crossover between her two series, Matter of The Heart and Heart City Billionaires. I can't wait for Callie & Mason but I think I'm a little more excited for what I'm hoping next is Liv & Royals love story. Ahhhhh. I need it now.
Thank you for letting me ARC read this beautiful story.
June 10, 2026
Changing the Stars was basically a trope buffet—fake dating, single mom, neighbors-to-lovers, secret past, suspense, only one bed, friends-to-lovers... Emme Goode really said "yes" to everything. Somehow it all worked, even if there were moments where I felt like three different books were happening at once.
What kept me invested was the dynamic between Maevyn and Westley. I'm always here for a black cat FMC and golden retriever MMC, and Westley's patience, warmth, and willingness to communicate made him incredibly easy to root for. That said, I struggled with the setup for the fake dating. Knowing he initially agreed to it largely to get someone else's feelings for him to go away felt unnecessarily cruel and didn't quite align with the thoughtful, emotionally aware man the story otherwise presents.
Despite that, the romance was sweet, the chemistry was strong, and I found myself genuinely invested in Maevyn getting the fresh start and happiness she deserved. If you love books that throw every trope into the mix and still manage to deliver a heartfelt romance, this one will probably hit the spot.
What kept me invested was the dynamic between Maevyn and Westley. I'm always here for a black cat FMC and golden retriever MMC, and Westley's patience, warmth, and willingness to communicate made him incredibly easy to root for. That said, I struggled with the setup for the fake dating. Knowing he initially agreed to it largely to get someone else's feelings for him to go away felt unnecessarily cruel and didn't quite align with the thoughtful, emotionally aware man the story otherwise presents.
Despite that, the romance was sweet, the chemistry was strong, and I found myself genuinely invested in Maevyn getting the fresh start and happiness she deserved. If you love books that throw every trope into the mix and still manage to deliver a heartfelt romance, this one will probably hit the spot.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review 📖
Changing The Stars
Matters of the Heart Book Two
Written by Emme Goode
Emme has done it again! She writes it, I read it and I fall in love with the characters!
These two make me so giddy! I have a constant smile on my face while they're on the page together. The banter, the nicknames and belcony moments 🙌 He matches her sass and I am eating it up! They fit together so perfectly.The chemistry is so strong.I love every time they communicate with each other and how they get to know each other.
I'm obsessed with Maevyn and Aurora's relationship, its 100% goals! They give me Gilmore Girls vibes. I'm swooning over Westley! He reads romance books , he's a true gentleman, and helps not only Maevyn but her daughter Aurora too. Perfect book boyfriend material. I love getting more moments with my other favorite Emme characters.
🧰Fake Dating
💫Single Mum
🧰He Falls First
💫Neighbours to Lovers
🧰Spicy to-do List
💫One Bed
🧰FMCs with a secret past
💫She's Pierced
🧰Cinnamon Roll MMC
#EmmeGoode
#Mattersoftheheart
#comingsoon
Changing The Stars
Matters of the Heart Book Two
Written by Emme Goode
Emme has done it again! She writes it, I read it and I fall in love with the characters!
These two make me so giddy! I have a constant smile on my face while they're on the page together. The banter, the nicknames and belcony moments 🙌 He matches her sass and I am eating it up! They fit together so perfectly.The chemistry is so strong.I love every time they communicate with each other and how they get to know each other.
I'm obsessed with Maevyn and Aurora's relationship, its 100% goals! They give me Gilmore Girls vibes. I'm swooning over Westley! He reads romance books , he's a true gentleman, and helps not only Maevyn but her daughter Aurora too. Perfect book boyfriend material. I love getting more moments with my other favorite Emme characters.
🧰Fake Dating
💫Single Mum
🧰He Falls First
💫Neighbours to Lovers
🧰Spicy to-do List
💫One Bed
🧰FMCs with a secret past
💫She's Pierced
🧰Cinnamon Roll MMC
#EmmeGoode
#Mattersoftheheart
#comingsoon
May 11, 2026
This book put me all in my feels! Westley and Maevyn were both so full of love that their relationship was perfect. They brought tenderness, vulnerability and chemistry like no other. Everything about this book felt small town and romantic.
Westley knew from the first time he saw Maevyn that his world was going to change. The sizzling connection between these two could be felt from the page. Westley was so charming and attentive when it came to Maevyn. He helped take care of her daughter, reassured her every-time she felt scared, and made sure she knew she had a support system with him. He fell head over heels for Maevyn and never stopped being the sweet genuine man that he was.
Maevyn is running from a lifestyle that she wouldn’t wish on anyone but my gosh is she a strong woman and a phenomenal mother. She puts her daughter before anything even her own happiness. Her strength and vulnerability in allowing Westley to take some of the world off her shoulders was emotional. She truly found a man who was not only madly in love with her but loved her daughter just as much.
Westley knew from the first time he saw Maevyn that his world was going to change. The sizzling connection between these two could be felt from the page. Westley was so charming and attentive when it came to Maevyn. He helped take care of her daughter, reassured her every-time she felt scared, and made sure she knew she had a support system with him. He fell head over heels for Maevyn and never stopped being the sweet genuine man that he was.
Maevyn is running from a lifestyle that she wouldn’t wish on anyone but my gosh is she a strong woman and a phenomenal mother. She puts her daughter before anything even her own happiness. Her strength and vulnerability in allowing Westley to take some of the world off her shoulders was emotional. She truly found a man who was not only madly in love with her but loved her daughter just as much.
May 18, 2026
4.5 stars
Emme really switched things up with Changing the Stars, and I honestly loved the change of pace, including a suspense subplot I did not see coming, which elevated the whole story in the best way.
Westley, Maevyn, and Aurora felt so vivid and real. He's is an absolute dreamboat of a walking green flag — steady, kind, and super swoony. Maevyn’s determination and selflessness made it impossible not to root for her, and Aurora is easily one of the coolest, sweetest kids I’ve read in a long time.
But what stayed with me was the way West loved Aurora -- falling for her as a father figure just as deeply as he did as a partner for Maevyn. It was tender and genuine in a way that really stuck.
I also loved how Emme balanced the evolving relationship between Maevyn and Westley with the important people in their lives — it made the whole story richer for it and made me fall even harder for this world she's building. And that tease at the end with Liv?? Yeah… I’m fully hooked.
Emme really switched things up with Changing the Stars, and I honestly loved the change of pace, including a suspense subplot I did not see coming, which elevated the whole story in the best way.
Westley, Maevyn, and Aurora felt so vivid and real. He's is an absolute dreamboat of a walking green flag — steady, kind, and super swoony. Maevyn’s determination and selflessness made it impossible not to root for her, and Aurora is easily one of the coolest, sweetest kids I’ve read in a long time.
But what stayed with me was the way West loved Aurora -- falling for her as a father figure just as deeply as he did as a partner for Maevyn. It was tender and genuine in a way that really stuck.
I also loved how Emme balanced the evolving relationship between Maevyn and Westley with the important people in their lives — it made the whole story richer for it and made me fall even harder for this world she's building. And that tease at the end with Liv?? Yeah… I’m fully hooked.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow Changing the Stars was an incredibly rewarding!! This fake dating, single mum romance delivers an awesome HEA and really satisfying character development, especially for Maevyn. I loved all the main characters, including Westley (mmc) and Aurora (Mae's daughter) and side characters -- fun to see Claire and references to Heart City Billionaires characters, Liv (who I assume might get her HEA next?!) and West's family. This story illustrated how families all look different and there is freedom in vulnerability and trusting others. Maevyn's story isn't easy and it makes sense how she became such a whole person, guarded, protective, brave and daring. There was a lot to her that kept me coming back for more. Plus the way Emme writes spice that has me panting and swooning simultaneously; it's just everything all at once!!
I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book and recommend it!
I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book and recommend it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much Emme for letting me have an ARC again.
The tropes:
fake dating • single mum • neighbours to lovers • he falls first • one bed • spicy to-do list • FMC with a secret past • she's pierced • cinnamon roll MMC
Westley is my new favorite mmc in Emme’s books so far (Mason, I’m still waiting for you). West is THE definition of a green flag and you just can’t help but fall in love with him.
Maevyn and Aurora are such a cute mother and daughter duo. I absolutely loved them both! Maevyn is an incredibly strong woman and it’s amazing how she’s blossomed despite - or perhaps because of - all she’s been through. You can’t help but admire her and she’s a wonderful mother. Aurora certainly makes it easy for her, though, since she’s the sweetest daughter who is impossible not to love.
Unlike Emme's other books, the spice in this one doesn't really start until halfway through, but woooooow. It knocks you off your feet again! Emme is the queen of writing spicy romances!
The tropes:
fake dating • single mum • neighbours to lovers • he falls first • one bed • spicy to-do list • FMC with a secret past • she's pierced • cinnamon roll MMC
Westley is my new favorite mmc in Emme’s books so far (Mason, I’m still waiting for you). West is THE definition of a green flag and you just can’t help but fall in love with him.
Maevyn and Aurora are such a cute mother and daughter duo. I absolutely loved them both! Maevyn is an incredibly strong woman and it’s amazing how she’s blossomed despite - or perhaps because of - all she’s been through. You can’t help but admire her and she’s a wonderful mother. Aurora certainly makes it easy for her, though, since she’s the sweetest daughter who is impossible not to love.
Unlike Emme's other books, the spice in this one doesn't really start until halfway through, but woooooow. It knocks you off your feet again! Emme is the queen of writing spicy romances!
May 10, 2026
This story follows single mom Maevyn and her daughter Aurora as they settle into a new town. What started as a cute run-in at the local bakery, turns into neighborly balcony meet-ups, and so much more between Maevyn and Westley. Maevyn has built all these walls to keep others at arms length and to protect her and her daughter, but Westley is determined to knock them all down (respectfully) and get to know these beautiful girls.
I fell in love with Maevyn and her sass immediately and it wasn't long before Westley and Aurora joined. These three fit together in the cutest little family almost instantaneously as if they were always meat to be. Even with that, Emme still have our characters the space to grow and become the best versions of themselves.
This is such a wonderful story filled with love, respect, and finding the place you belong. It was also so lovely to see characters from previous books as Heart City continues to expand.
If Emme Goode writes it, I am going to read it.
I fell in love with Maevyn and her sass immediately and it wasn't long before Westley and Aurora joined. These three fit together in the cutest little family almost instantaneously as if they were always meat to be. Even with that, Emme still have our characters the space to grow and become the best versions of themselves.
This is such a wonderful story filled with love, respect, and finding the place you belong. It was also so lovely to see characters from previous books as Heart City continues to expand.
If Emme Goode writes it, I am going to read it.
May 10, 2026
Y'all, Emme NEVER disappoints!
I am so engrossed in both of her series, and I can't believe she is still fairly new to writing. I love how well she can paint a picture. Her characters are always so developed.
Maevyn and Westley were so fun to read about. Throw Maevyn's little spitfire daughter, Aurora, and I was laughing out loud so many times. He is so supportive of her from the very beginning. He always makes them both feel seen and valued. He would stop at nothing to take care of those girls, and there's something about a burley man being a softie for his girls that gets me EVERY. SINGLE. TIME!
Maevyn may take some time to come around to the idea that she deserves a chance to be happy and put down roots, but once she allows herself to go there, it's amazing!!
If you havent checked out Emmie yet, you are 100% missing out. I love her to pieces. And the bread crumbs she drops for the next book in the series...😱 I can't wait to see what she has in store for us.
I am so engrossed in both of her series, and I can't believe she is still fairly new to writing. I love how well she can paint a picture. Her characters are always so developed.
Maevyn and Westley were so fun to read about. Throw Maevyn's little spitfire daughter, Aurora, and I was laughing out loud so many times. He is so supportive of her from the very beginning. He always makes them both feel seen and valued. He would stop at nothing to take care of those girls, and there's something about a burley man being a softie for his girls that gets me EVERY. SINGLE. TIME!
Maevyn may take some time to come around to the idea that she deserves a chance to be happy and put down roots, but once she allows herself to go there, it's amazing!!
If you havent checked out Emmie yet, you are 100% missing out. I love her to pieces. And the bread crumbs she drops for the next book in the series...😱 I can't wait to see what she has in store for us.
May 20, 2026
Emme, you absolutely outdid yourself with this book. I could not put it down and I loved the little bit of mystery you snuck in, and the way you snuck so many easter eggs about what is to come was fantastic.
I seriously could not put this book down. Maevyn and Westley were perfect for each other. What started out as fake dating to help each other out, allowed Maevyn to slowly open up and let her highly guarded walls down.
Westley was the perfect neighbor for Maevyn and her daughter Aurora to have; he fit into their lives seamlessly. He is seriously the greenest of all green flags, he was always present and communicative.
Maevyn has such huge character growth during this book, and it was all because she finally found someone who made her feel seen and safe, it brought tears to my eyes.
There was such love, connection, vulnerability and fear with just a touch of mystery weaved into this book that I just could not put it down. The relationships and connections Emme created felt so realistic it was hard to remember this was a book.
I can’t wait to see what more adventures Emme has in store for us in this Heart City universe.
Thank you, Emme Goodew, for the ARC of this book.
I seriously could not put this book down. Maevyn and Westley were perfect for each other. What started out as fake dating to help each other out, allowed Maevyn to slowly open up and let her highly guarded walls down.
Westley was the perfect neighbor for Maevyn and her daughter Aurora to have; he fit into their lives seamlessly. He is seriously the greenest of all green flags, he was always present and communicative.
Maevyn has such huge character growth during this book, and it was all because she finally found someone who made her feel seen and safe, it brought tears to my eyes.
There was such love, connection, vulnerability and fear with just a touch of mystery weaved into this book that I just could not put it down. The relationships and connections Emme created felt so realistic it was hard to remember this was a book.
I can’t wait to see what more adventures Emme has in store for us in this Heart City universe.
Thank you, Emme Goodew, for the ARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am OBSESSED with Westley and Maevyn (go ahead and throw Aurora and Patch in there, too)! Emme knocked it out of the park with this one - single mom, dog daddy, neighbors, and fake dating? Yes, please!
Maevyn is a single mom trying to start over with her daughter, Aurora, who just started at a fancy prestigious school. She’s got two jobs she loves, is starting to establish friendships, and is finally feeling a little settled.
Westley is living life as dog daddy to Patch, and is well established in his job and community.
When they run into each other at a bakery in town it seems to be just a random crossing of paths until they both head out for some nighttime relaxation on their balconies only to discover they are neighbors.
Friendship builds until they both find themselves in need of something typical - a significant other. Westley so he can keep away his ex and Maevyn to fit in with the moms at school who rope her into everything under the sun. In a very neighborly way, they decide they can help each other out by fake dating.
I love all the characters in this book and Emme did such a good job highlighting the relationship (both platonic and growing) between Maevyn and Westley, while also giving us a glimpse as the people who are important in their lives.
If you love fake dating, small town feels, found family, banter, and slow burn spice - this book is for you.
Maevyn is a single mom trying to start over with her daughter, Aurora, who just started at a fancy prestigious school. She’s got two jobs she loves, is starting to establish friendships, and is finally feeling a little settled.
Westley is living life as dog daddy to Patch, and is well established in his job and community.
When they run into each other at a bakery in town it seems to be just a random crossing of paths until they both head out for some nighttime relaxation on their balconies only to discover they are neighbors.
Friendship builds until they both find themselves in need of something typical - a significant other. Westley so he can keep away his ex and Maevyn to fit in with the moms at school who rope her into everything under the sun. In a very neighborly way, they decide they can help each other out by fake dating.
I love all the characters in this book and Emme did such a good job highlighting the relationship (both platonic and growing) between Maevyn and Westley, while also giving us a glimpse as the people who are important in their lives.
If you love fake dating, small town feels, found family, banter, and slow burn spice - this book is for you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review:
This was great. Loved the chemistry and the banter between Maevyn and Westley. The fake dating and forced proximity tropes are some of my faves and I loved it so much in this book. The flirting and the build up of tension was 👌🏻. It made the spice 🥵🔥. Love a cinnamon roll MMC that takes charge and just knows how to handle things and Westley was so so swoony 😍. Maevyn was such a boss babe and a wonderful mom to Aurora. There was an air of mystery to her which made so much more sense once she came clean to West. He was truly her safe space 💕. West’s relationship with Aurora was the sweetest 🥰. I’m really enjoying this series and that little nugget we got towards the end with Liv though?!? 👀👀👀
This was great. Loved the chemistry and the banter between Maevyn and Westley. The fake dating and forced proximity tropes are some of my faves and I loved it so much in this book. The flirting and the build up of tension was 👌🏻. It made the spice 🥵🔥. Love a cinnamon roll MMC that takes charge and just knows how to handle things and Westley was so so swoony 😍. Maevyn was such a boss babe and a wonderful mom to Aurora. There was an air of mystery to her which made so much more sense once she came clean to West. He was truly her safe space 💕. West’s relationship with Aurora was the sweetest 🥰. I’m really enjoying this series and that little nugget we got towards the end with Liv though?!? 👀👀👀
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