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Minnesota Mustangs #2
Lovestruck
Staten Renault is the epitome of all things nerdy. Her love life is nonexistent, her social life could use some much-needed TLC, and she’s sacrificed everything to enroll at Minnesota’s most prestigious college. As the self-proclaimed scholarship kid in a small town full of trust fund babies, she makes it her goal to fit in with her peers. Underpaid and overworked, it’s no surprise that she also suffers from a lovelorn heart, specifically when it involves her best friend, Leif Kennedy. Staten is too shy to make the first move, and Leif is as oblivious as they come. She’s content with living out the rest of her college years pining from afar, until one hockey-player-shaped catalyst pushes them closer than ever.
Enter Knox Mulligan—the resident playboy of the Minnesota Mustangs’ hockey team, the child of Maple Grove’s wealthiest benefactors, and the boy who couldn’t be more different from Staten. He’s all bite and bark and irresistible innuendos. However, despite the unshakable façade that he puts on for everyone, he’s struggling to hold himself together. With a Lit grade on the verge of tanking and his hockey status in jeopardy, Knox needs to find a tutor as soon as possible. Call it fate or some misguided dice roll, but the only person who can help him is the girl who sits behind him in English class, and the girl he just so happened to have accidentally hit with his Lamborghini.
After a messy meet-cute, Staten is more than happy to cut ties right then and there, until Knox’s perseverance and surprising moral compass keeps him trapped in her orbit. He needs a tutor, she needs the money, and she also needs a mentor with a PhD in flirting. Knox knows just how to sweet-talk his way into the bedroom, and guilt—or desire—pushes him to offer his services to one best friend-obsessed Staten. Bad blood aside, the two need each other more than they’re willing to admit. But, when late-night study sessions turn into secret rendezvouses, they realize that their preliminary goals may have just taken a turn for the worse. Feelings were never a part of the itinerary, nor were they a previous point of contention for the romantically challenged virgin and the campus-wide Casanova. With Staten torn between who to give her heart to, Knox realizes that for the first time ever, his competition lies off the ice.
Will Staten realize that Knox is the puzzle piece she’s missing from her conundrum of a love life, or will internal differences and an unrequited crush keep the two of them apart?
Lovestruck is a swoon-worthy hockey romance featuring a playboy hockey player with an affinity for finding trouble, a straight-A tutor who does everything to resist his charm, a fake dating scheme that tests their boundaries, spice hot enough to make you question your religious values, and a new beginning for unlikely lovers. It’s the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone.
Lovestruck is a college hockey romance, tutor x hockey player, dislike to lovers, bad boy x good girl, forced proximity, virgin FMC, opposites attract, fake dating romance with no cheating and a satisfying happily ever after.
Enter Knox Mulligan—the resident playboy of the Minnesota Mustangs’ hockey team, the child of Maple Grove’s wealthiest benefactors, and the boy who couldn’t be more different from Staten. He’s all bite and bark and irresistible innuendos. However, despite the unshakable façade that he puts on for everyone, he’s struggling to hold himself together. With a Lit grade on the verge of tanking and his hockey status in jeopardy, Knox needs to find a tutor as soon as possible. Call it fate or some misguided dice roll, but the only person who can help him is the girl who sits behind him in English class, and the girl he just so happened to have accidentally hit with his Lamborghini.
After a messy meet-cute, Staten is more than happy to cut ties right then and there, until Knox’s perseverance and surprising moral compass keeps him trapped in her orbit. He needs a tutor, she needs the money, and she also needs a mentor with a PhD in flirting. Knox knows just how to sweet-talk his way into the bedroom, and guilt—or desire—pushes him to offer his services to one best friend-obsessed Staten. Bad blood aside, the two need each other more than they’re willing to admit. But, when late-night study sessions turn into secret rendezvouses, they realize that their preliminary goals may have just taken a turn for the worse. Feelings were never a part of the itinerary, nor were they a previous point of contention for the romantically challenged virgin and the campus-wide Casanova. With Staten torn between who to give her heart to, Knox realizes that for the first time ever, his competition lies off the ice.
Will Staten realize that Knox is the puzzle piece she’s missing from her conundrum of a love life, or will internal differences and an unrequited crush keep the two of them apart?
Lovestruck is a swoon-worthy hockey romance featuring a playboy hockey player with an affinity for finding trouble, a straight-A tutor who does everything to resist his charm, a fake dating scheme that tests their boundaries, spice hot enough to make you question your religious values, and a new beginning for unlikely lovers. It’s the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone.
Lovestruck is a college hockey romance, tutor x hockey player, dislike to lovers, bad boy x good girl, forced proximity, virgin FMC, opposites attract, fake dating romance with no cheating and a satisfying happily ever after.
420 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2026
About the author
Celeste Briars
9 books883 followersCeleste Briars is an indie author who specializes in spicy hockey romances. She’s a UC Davis alumnus with a bachelor’s in psychology. She loves creating memorable meet-cutes and happily ever afters. When she’s not writing, you can find her binge-watching horror movies, playing with her cats, or dancing the night away with her friends. If you’re looking for books with spice hot enough to question your religious values and feel-good moments that make your heart sing, please cuddle up with a Reapers novel and stay a while!
You can keep in touch through Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/celestebria...) and TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@celestebriars...).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews
March 15, 2026
Not for me
KU Read
406 Pages
College Hockey Romance
Player x Tutor
Fake Dating
Reformed Playboy
Virgin FMC
Bad Boy x Good Girl
The writing style in this book threw me to the point that I couldn't enjoy the plot as it felt like a mash of two separate writers. One minute the style was clear and simple, getting to the point of the story and the second, the descriptives and inner monologue felt like a scholar had over used a thesaurus to make it sound like out failing Hockey boy was suddenly Shakespeare.
I couldn't enjoy the flow of the story as it seemed like it was being broken up with paragraphs of filler text that didn't suit the style of the story.
I don't want to sound harsh but also want to be honest. This is just my opinion though and others might totally gel with this style.
KU Read
406 Pages
College Hockey Romance
Player x Tutor
Fake Dating
Reformed Playboy
Virgin FMC
Bad Boy x Good Girl
The writing style in this book threw me to the point that I couldn't enjoy the plot as it felt like a mash of two separate writers. One minute the style was clear and simple, getting to the point of the story and the second, the descriptives and inner monologue felt like a scholar had over used a thesaurus to make it sound like out failing Hockey boy was suddenly Shakespeare.
I couldn't enjoy the flow of the story as it seemed like it was being broken up with paragraphs of filler text that didn't suit the style of the story.
I don't want to sound harsh but also want to be honest. This is just my opinion though and others might totally gel with this style.
March 4, 2026
My overall comment is going to be one that I have repeated in almost every single review I have about Celeste's writing, but I think this may be the book where I noticed it the most, and it bothers me the most.
When I left my review for Lovesick, I said that Celeste's writing is very poetic, and I enjoy it because I always feel that I am expanding my vocabulary. Truthfully, I don't think I use the dictionary options on my Kindle for any other author quite as much as I do for Celeste's books. I have to read her work on my Kindle because I refuse to carry a dictionary or look up words in every single paragraph on my phone. However, I also said there is a fine line between poetic writing and overusing metaphors. While in the Riverside Reapers series, and even in Lovesick, Celeste toed that line, I think she just overstepped in with Lovestruck. There was too much. Too many big and uncommon words, too many metaphors, too much internal monologue and commentary between dialogue in a scene. It was too much. I couldn't get into the story because it was difficult to follow the actual scene and the actions unfolding in it.
It's like that episode of Friends when Joey uses a thesaurus to write a letter of recommendation to the adoption agency on behalf of Chandler and Monica. I feel like every other paragraph, sometimes every other sentence, is a prime example of that. Just to understand what I am talking about, here is an example:
or
Who uses the word stalactite regularly or as a descriptor? Again, I appreciate the class for expanding my vocabulary, and I think it is beautifully written, but I had the hardest time following the book's plot because I was constantly distracted by phrases like the ones above.
As for the storyline...it was good. Nothing groundbreaking, but it is the kind of romance book I like and enjoy getting lost in. It's the story of a rich-kid hockey player who only wants to make it to the NHL. His father is an overbearing MF who never really showed love or affection for his son, unless it was because his son was excelling at something that would bring pride to the family. If Knox didn't perform well, his father would let him know how much of an embarrassment he is. Knox is not a great student and is failing some classes, thus jeopardizing his position on the hockey team and his future prospects of being drafted.
Staten is an overachieving braniac who is at the school on a scholarship and is working hard to secure a better future for herself and her mother than the one she had growing up.
Ergo, Knox asks Staten to tutor him to raise his grades. She refuses at first, but needs the money. To sweeten the deal, Knox agrees to teach Staten how to flirt after watching her drown when trying to catch the attention of her crush.
As they spend more time together, Knox goes from feeling a physical attraction to really liking Staten, and she starts to develop similar feelings for Knox. He esentially also teaches her the art of physical touch...basically taking our virgin Mary and letting her experience the benefits of physical attraction. Meanwhile, our resident playboy has calmed his tits and has become a one-woman type of guy because he really is falling for Staten.
Eventually, her crush opens his eyes and notices Staten. Now she has to decide whether it is too late for him and stick with Knox, or whether the relationship with Knox was only temporary.
The plot itself is fine. It's not groundbreaking, but it's a classic trope that we have seen time and time again, and it works. Don't reinvent the wheel if it's not broken.
However, there were plot points that were mentioned and then abandoned completely. There were twists in the plot that left me scratching my head asking how we got to that point (like the big climax between Knox and his father. Where did that come from). The hockey team is a family, but we barely saw much interaction with the guys in this book. We saw Harlan a bit, but we already know that he is dating Merit's best friend since Lovesick, so I am going to assume he is not going to be a future MMC, which is fine, but I need mystery to be created to make me want to read the next book with the rest of the team. I am going to assume our next MMC will be Sutton, as that is who was featured a bit more in this book, but, truthfully, I don't feel that I got to know any of the rest of the team more than what I already knew about them from Lovesick. I personally think each book should highlight the secondary characters a bit to create expectation for the rest of the series.
I don't know. I wanted to like this so much more than I actually did. It's hard to say, but cut back all the extra page fillers. It's beautifully written, but it doesn't add anything to the plot and, truthfully, it's distracting. This book is 420 pages (actually more like 400 pages), and it could have easily been cut down to 300 or fewer.
Thank you to Celeste and LoveNotes for the ACR book.
When I left my review for Lovesick, I said that Celeste's writing is very poetic, and I enjoy it because I always feel that I am expanding my vocabulary. Truthfully, I don't think I use the dictionary options on my Kindle for any other author quite as much as I do for Celeste's books. I have to read her work on my Kindle because I refuse to carry a dictionary or look up words in every single paragraph on my phone. However, I also said there is a fine line between poetic writing and overusing metaphors. While in the Riverside Reapers series, and even in Lovesick, Celeste toed that line, I think she just overstepped in with Lovestruck. There was too much. Too many big and uncommon words, too many metaphors, too much internal monologue and commentary between dialogue in a scene. It was too much. I couldn't get into the story because it was difficult to follow the actual scene and the actions unfolding in it.
It's like that episode of Friends when Joey uses a thesaurus to write a letter of recommendation to the adoption agency on behalf of Chandler and Monica. I feel like every other paragraph, sometimes every other sentence, is a prime example of that. Just to understand what I am talking about, here is an example:
...abundance of red markings littering Knox’s past classwork, starker than ichor flowing across the ivory bed of a semitranslucent wrist.
or
...back into the abyss where my shriveled heart sways from the cavernous ceiling of my chest like a stalactite.
Who uses the word stalactite regularly or as a descriptor? Again, I appreciate the class for expanding my vocabulary, and I think it is beautifully written, but I had the hardest time following the book's plot because I was constantly distracted by phrases like the ones above.
As for the storyline...it was good. Nothing groundbreaking, but it is the kind of romance book I like and enjoy getting lost in. It's the story of a rich-kid hockey player who only wants to make it to the NHL. His father is an overbearing MF who never really showed love or affection for his son, unless it was because his son was excelling at something that would bring pride to the family. If Knox didn't perform well, his father would let him know how much of an embarrassment he is. Knox is not a great student and is failing some classes, thus jeopardizing his position on the hockey team and his future prospects of being drafted.
Staten is an overachieving braniac who is at the school on a scholarship and is working hard to secure a better future for herself and her mother than the one she had growing up.
Ergo, Knox asks Staten to tutor him to raise his grades. She refuses at first, but needs the money. To sweeten the deal, Knox agrees to teach Staten how to flirt after watching her drown when trying to catch the attention of her crush.
As they spend more time together, Knox goes from feeling a physical attraction to really liking Staten, and she starts to develop similar feelings for Knox. He esentially also teaches her the art of physical touch...basically taking our virgin Mary and letting her experience the benefits of physical attraction. Meanwhile, our resident playboy has calmed his tits and has become a one-woman type of guy because he really is falling for Staten.
Eventually, her crush opens his eyes and notices Staten. Now she has to decide whether it is too late for him and stick with Knox, or whether the relationship with Knox was only temporary.
The plot itself is fine. It's not groundbreaking, but it's a classic trope that we have seen time and time again, and it works. Don't reinvent the wheel if it's not broken.
However, there were plot points that were mentioned and then abandoned completely. There were twists in the plot that left me scratching my head asking how we got to that point (like the big climax between Knox and his father. Where did that come from). The hockey team is a family, but we barely saw much interaction with the guys in this book. We saw Harlan a bit, but we already know that he is dating Merit's best friend since Lovesick, so I am going to assume he is not going to be a future MMC, which is fine, but I need mystery to be created to make me want to read the next book with the rest of the team. I am going to assume our next MMC will be Sutton, as that is who was featured a bit more in this book, but, truthfully, I don't feel that I got to know any of the rest of the team more than what I already knew about them from Lovesick. I personally think each book should highlight the secondary characters a bit to create expectation for the rest of the series.
I don't know. I wanted to like this so much more than I actually did. It's hard to say, but cut back all the extra page fillers. It's beautifully written, but it doesn't add anything to the plot and, truthfully, it's distracting. This book is 420 pages (actually more like 400 pages), and it could have easily been cut down to 300 or fewer.
Thank you to Celeste and LoveNotes for the ACR book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received an ARC of this book from Love Notes PR and all thoughts are my own.
I love a hockey romance. And since this is book two, I was excited to see who our next player to fall in love would be. Knox and Staten were the answer. Campus Playboy and Nerdy Scholarship Student. Fake Dating. All things I love.
I wanted to love this book after reading book one last month. The characters struggle with insecurities, toxic family dynamics, school troubles, financial issues, and messy feelings which make them feel like very rounded out, real college students.
And while I really liked the main characters and the story overall, the biggest struggle for me was the fact that it felt like a vocabulary test. Our male MC, Knox, is supposedly failing Intro to Literature, uses phrases and words found on the SATs, but doesn't know what a thesis statement is. The 10 dollar words really took me out of the story. And I'm not hating on the use of these words ever in a romance, but they would have been more suited for an English professor, than a struggling college hockey player.
Overall, I will still be waiting for book three because I love this world that has been built and the Mustangs.
I love a hockey romance. And since this is book two, I was excited to see who our next player to fall in love would be. Knox and Staten were the answer. Campus Playboy and Nerdy Scholarship Student. Fake Dating. All things I love.
I wanted to love this book after reading book one last month. The characters struggle with insecurities, toxic family dynamics, school troubles, financial issues, and messy feelings which make them feel like very rounded out, real college students.
And while I really liked the main characters and the story overall, the biggest struggle for me was the fact that it felt like a vocabulary test. Our male MC, Knox, is supposedly failing Intro to Literature, uses phrases and words found on the SATs, but doesn't know what a thesis statement is. The 10 dollar words really took me out of the story. And I'm not hating on the use of these words ever in a romance, but they would have been more suited for an English professor, than a struggling college hockey player.
Overall, I will still be waiting for book three because I love this world that has been built and the Mustangs.
March 30, 2026
Reminded me so much of “the deal by elle Kennedy” I loved it
dnr
January 13, 2026“romantically challenged virgin and the campus-wide Casanova” in the big ol 2026? Fk no
March 15, 2026
Buckle up because this is going to be a bumpy review.
To start off, I’d like to say that the concept of the story was cute. Two different characters unlike each other collide—literally and metaphorical—forming a great bond. The moments between Staten and Knox are tumultuous at first but quickly grow into a warmth care for each other. The author takes great care of forming their connection through interaction.
This line that Knox thinks was so funny, “…I’m as useless as a condom dispenser in the Vatican…” This comedic simile hits and it points out the type of character Knox is, charming and insecure. He hides his insecurities with his sex and that’s telling of who he is as a character. His development though out the story is well taken care of.
Before I get to the root of the story I do want to say that Staten’s character is hard to read. The whole story is spent deciphering her personality. I could easily say she’s complex but in all honesty it felt like multiple personalities were trying to be shoved into the character. The character was trying to be too much of a main character if that makes sense. Like she was trying to be everything at once.
Vocabulary. When I tell you the large words—Litigious, Coiffed, Pelagic, Egregious, Leviathan, Acquiesces, etc.—took me out of the story so fast. There is never a need for big words unless it fits the characters personality. As someone who was just in college I can tell you now, no college student unless they are arrogant, speak or think that way. The one word I heard a lot during my writing seminars is petrichor. It works once but use it again and it loses its power. Not only that but I caught multiple times of the word being used wrong in a sentence. The copious use of literary language was so distracting. I skipped so many sentences because at some point I draw the line of metaphors random things to a feeling. Just let the characters feel what it is and not try to explain it to the reader like we should understand what crinkling paper sounds in an ear while someone is anxious.
On the same note of personality, it’s a bit inconsistent to the story to have Knox—someone who is struggling in Intro to Lit— say things like, “…Bathed in Persimmon shafts of light that weave through a dense canopy, soaking the detritus-riddled floor in tones of sapia…” I promise you no hockey guy thinks like this. No college student thinks like this. He shouldn’t be struggling in English if he can use literary language like he was born to be Shakespeare.
*****This is more opinion based and didn’t do much to change my rating***Keeping on the that about language. Some of the language used to “spicy” talk was so comfortable to read. If I ever heard that being said to me I would internally cringe. Examples:
“…then lick my own to subliminally plant the pussy-wetting thought of some mouth to moth action in her head.” (I would slap a man)
“She yields to my cock without riposte…” (why a big word, who is thinking that deeply during the moment)
There is more that left me confused and looking like this : 🥴🫠🤨🫢😬🤢
******^^^
Believability plays a huge part in a story. As someone who was an English student not so long ago I had a hard time believing INTRO to Lit was a junior class. It being a sophomore class is more believable but it might just be that other schools curriculum might be different. “The Great Gatsby” is a high school title. I think picking a stronger book would’ve had me more roped into the story of it being a title for a college class. The whole scholarship problem made me confused and I think was a plot hole left to form Knox and Staten’s connection. To end it, I will say that some of the first couple of scenes between Knox and Staten felt forced. There could’ve been a better way to smooth out those interactions.
On a good note the last name Winslow is a great addition.
I am so sorry, but something has to drastically change in the writing for me to want to give this author another try. I think she has potential, especially with her skill in language. Hockey romance is not the genre I think fits this type of writing. It can be done but in small doses for it to be tolerable. I think literature fiction might be her calling if she enjoys pros and literary tools.
To start off, I’d like to say that the concept of the story was cute. Two different characters unlike each other collide—literally and metaphorical—forming a great bond. The moments between Staten and Knox are tumultuous at first but quickly grow into a warmth care for each other. The author takes great care of forming their connection through interaction.
This line that Knox thinks was so funny, “…I’m as useless as a condom dispenser in the Vatican…” This comedic simile hits and it points out the type of character Knox is, charming and insecure. He hides his insecurities with his sex and that’s telling of who he is as a character. His development though out the story is well taken care of.
Before I get to the root of the story I do want to say that Staten’s character is hard to read. The whole story is spent deciphering her personality. I could easily say she’s complex but in all honesty it felt like multiple personalities were trying to be shoved into the character. The character was trying to be too much of a main character if that makes sense. Like she was trying to be everything at once.
Vocabulary. When I tell you the large words—Litigious, Coiffed, Pelagic, Egregious, Leviathan, Acquiesces, etc.—took me out of the story so fast. There is never a need for big words unless it fits the characters personality. As someone who was just in college I can tell you now, no college student unless they are arrogant, speak or think that way. The one word I heard a lot during my writing seminars is petrichor. It works once but use it again and it loses its power. Not only that but I caught multiple times of the word being used wrong in a sentence. The copious use of literary language was so distracting. I skipped so many sentences because at some point I draw the line of metaphors random things to a feeling. Just let the characters feel what it is and not try to explain it to the reader like we should understand what crinkling paper sounds in an ear while someone is anxious.
On the same note of personality, it’s a bit inconsistent to the story to have Knox—someone who is struggling in Intro to Lit— say things like, “…Bathed in Persimmon shafts of light that weave through a dense canopy, soaking the detritus-riddled floor in tones of sapia…” I promise you no hockey guy thinks like this. No college student thinks like this. He shouldn’t be struggling in English if he can use literary language like he was born to be Shakespeare.
*****This is more opinion based and didn’t do much to change my rating***Keeping on the that about language. Some of the language used to “spicy” talk was so comfortable to read. If I ever heard that being said to me I would internally cringe. Examples:
“…then lick my own to subliminally plant the pussy-wetting thought of some mouth to moth action in her head.” (I would slap a man)
“She yields to my cock without riposte…” (why a big word, who is thinking that deeply during the moment)
There is more that left me confused and looking like this : 🥴🫠🤨🫢😬🤢
******^^^
Believability plays a huge part in a story. As someone who was an English student not so long ago I had a hard time believing INTRO to Lit was a junior class. It being a sophomore class is more believable but it might just be that other schools curriculum might be different. “The Great Gatsby” is a high school title. I think picking a stronger book would’ve had me more roped into the story of it being a title for a college class. The whole scholarship problem made me confused and I think was a plot hole left to form Knox and Staten’s connection. To end it, I will say that some of the first couple of scenes between Knox and Staten felt forced. There could’ve been a better way to smooth out those interactions.
On a good note the last name Winslow is a great addition.
I am so sorry, but something has to drastically change in the writing for me to want to give this author another try. I think she has potential, especially with her skill in language. Hockey romance is not the genre I think fits this type of writing. It can be done but in small doses for it to be tolerable. I think literature fiction might be her calling if she enjoys pros and literary tools.
April 26, 2026
This started out good, and I liked both Knox and Staten. But along the way something happened? I adored Knox, he was so kind 🫶🏼 I also really enjoyed how he fought for Staten, but in a more ”show up for her” way. They were very cute and I could still vibe with our main characters
That Leif dude could F off tho, who names someone Leif? That’s what old dudes are called in Sweden so it was a bit bleh every time he was mentioned lol 😅
Anyway, after 65% it just fell flat sort off? There’s this issue and I cried but it was resolved way too fast and then the book was over. The ending felt rushed and there were a lot of things in the book that felt unfinished or unresolved. And the use of ”you know?” in this book made me crazy, but that might just be me 🙈
That Leif dude could F off tho, who names someone Leif? That’s what old dudes are called in Sweden so it was a bit bleh every time he was mentioned lol 😅
Anyway, after 65% it just fell flat sort off? There’s this issue and I cried but it was resolved way too fast and then the book was over. The ending felt rushed and there were a lot of things in the book that felt unfinished or unresolved. And the use of ”you know?” in this book made me crazy, but that might just be me 🙈
April 14, 2026
Everything about this book screamed that I would love it but unfortunately I didn't. The writing was just not it for me. I found myself skimming and having to reread paragraphs. I ended up skimming the last 100p and I just dont think this author is for me.
March 22, 2026
I rarely focus on an author's writing in my reviews. But for this one, there's no way to avoid it. Lovestruck has so many elements that I love: a down bad, pathetic MMC; fake dating to get the FMC's crush to notice her; forced proximity via tutoring; and a redemption arc for our MMC who was the "bad guy" in a previous book of the series. Add all of that along with the fact that I enjoyed the first book,
Lovesick
last year and I really, really, really wanted to love this one.
But the writing. I don't want to say that it's bad—it's just extremely overwritten, with clunky, over-expansive prose that bogs down the pacing rather then enhances the atmosphere; with awkward, challenging vocabulary that doesn't make sense in some sentences, making it feel like they were simply plucked from a thesaurus; with unnecessary adjectives and participle phrases between every other noun in a sentence. Just a few examples of words that felt shoe-horned in: rictus, phosphenes, manse, fulsome, stentorian, and lubricious.
The thing is, I think Celeste Brairs is a good writer. There are paragraphs when these flowery, convoluted phrases and words don't make an appearance that read so smoothly, that really sucks me into the story—but that all comes to a screeching halt when I have to look up my seventeenth word of the book. This sort of writing also extends to the smut and spice scenes, which really wasn't to my taste at all.
In terms of the story and characters: once again, so many elements that I enjoyed. It has one of the funniest meet cutes I've read in a while: Knox accidentally hits Staten with his car while his coach is on speakerphone and he's rushing to an exam he's going to be late to. The fake dating was so delicious. It had my heart skipping beats and my fists clenching in excitement every time they toed that line between real and fake. And I was even a fan of Knox's very quick descent into obsession over Staten.
The two stars are for that book. The book where I could really sink into the scenes and the characters and their romance; the book that I saw glimpses of between the exorbitant amount of ornamental descriptions (which I ended up skimming towards the end).
﹙ two stars ﹚
But the writing. I don't want to say that it's bad—it's just extremely overwritten, with clunky, over-expansive prose that bogs down the pacing rather then enhances the atmosphere; with awkward, challenging vocabulary that doesn't make sense in some sentences, making it feel like they were simply plucked from a thesaurus; with unnecessary adjectives and participle phrases between every other noun in a sentence. Just a few examples of words that felt shoe-horned in: rictus, phosphenes, manse, fulsome, stentorian, and lubricious.
The thing is, I think Celeste Brairs is a good writer. There are paragraphs when these flowery, convoluted phrases and words don't make an appearance that read so smoothly, that really sucks me into the story—but that all comes to a screeching halt when I have to look up my seventeenth word of the book. This sort of writing also extends to the smut and spice scenes, which really wasn't to my taste at all.
In terms of the story and characters: once again, so many elements that I enjoyed. It has one of the funniest meet cutes I've read in a while: Knox accidentally hits Staten with his car while his coach is on speakerphone and he's rushing to an exam he's going to be late to. The fake dating was so delicious. It had my heart skipping beats and my fists clenching in excitement every time they toed that line between real and fake. And I was even a fan of Knox's very quick descent into obsession over Staten.
The two stars are for that book. The book where I could really sink into the scenes and the characters and their romance; the book that I saw glimpses of between the exorbitant amount of ornamental descriptions (which I ended up skimming towards the end).
﹙ two stars ﹚
March 17, 2026
Okay, so I may not have read Lovesick, the first book in the series, but honestly it wasn’t necessary to enjoy Lovestruck by Celeste Briars.
In this sequel, we’re introduced to Knox Mulligan: hockey player, playboy, and rich kid who seems like he has everything figured out. In reality, though, he’s keeping up a pretty convincing ruse. Knox is barely keeping his grades afloat and constantly struggling under the weight of his controlling father’s expectations.
Meanwhile, Staten Renault can’t seem to catch a break. She’s working nonstop and studying constantly, doing everything she can to stay on top of her responsibilities. When she finds out her scholarship is suddenly at risk, panic sets in. She’s already burning the candle at both ends, so figuring out how to make up the difference financially feels nearly impossible.
Enter Knox…quite literally.
Their first encounter happens when Knox accidentally hits Staten with his car, which is definitely one way to make an impression. After that, the two can’t seem to stay out of each other’s lives. Desperate to keep his grades up, Knox convinces Staten to tutor him. She’s hesitant at first, but the extra money is exactly what she needs to help cover the gap in her tuition.
What starts as a straightforward tutoring arrangement quickly evolves into fake dating when Knox offers to help Staten get the attention of the guy she’s been secretly in love with, her best friend. The plan seems simple enough, but as they spend more time together, it becomes harder and harder for both of them to ignore the feelings developing between them.
In this second Minnesota Mustangs book, the quiet, bookworm virgin heroine slowly begins to open her heart to the bad-boy hockey player. Along the way, they learn to lean on each other, forming a connection that grows into a bond neither of them expected.
Watching these two navigate their struggles and slowly realize they might actually be perfect for each other made for such a satisfying romance.
In this sequel, we’re introduced to Knox Mulligan: hockey player, playboy, and rich kid who seems like he has everything figured out. In reality, though, he’s keeping up a pretty convincing ruse. Knox is barely keeping his grades afloat and constantly struggling under the weight of his controlling father’s expectations.
Meanwhile, Staten Renault can’t seem to catch a break. She’s working nonstop and studying constantly, doing everything she can to stay on top of her responsibilities. When she finds out her scholarship is suddenly at risk, panic sets in. She’s already burning the candle at both ends, so figuring out how to make up the difference financially feels nearly impossible.
Enter Knox…quite literally.
Their first encounter happens when Knox accidentally hits Staten with his car, which is definitely one way to make an impression. After that, the two can’t seem to stay out of each other’s lives. Desperate to keep his grades up, Knox convinces Staten to tutor him. She’s hesitant at first, but the extra money is exactly what she needs to help cover the gap in her tuition.
What starts as a straightforward tutoring arrangement quickly evolves into fake dating when Knox offers to help Staten get the attention of the guy she’s been secretly in love with, her best friend. The plan seems simple enough, but as they spend more time together, it becomes harder and harder for both of them to ignore the feelings developing between them.
In this second Minnesota Mustangs book, the quiet, bookworm virgin heroine slowly begins to open her heart to the bad-boy hockey player. Along the way, they learn to lean on each other, forming a connection that grows into a bond neither of them expected.
Watching these two navigate their struggles and slowly realize they might actually be perfect for each other made for such a satisfying romance.
March 19, 2026
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of the book
I forced myself to finish this book so you don't have to. The elements for a cute romance book were there-- athlete x tutor girl, flirting & spicy lessons, fake dating, and he falls first. Unfortunately, most of the text is pretty cringe (examples to follow) and not even the spicy scenes could have saved the book. Staten also irritated me when she was texting Leif. She sounded so desperate and quite frankly, it was embarrassing. I've definitely been like that when I liked a guy and when I remember, I get disgusted with myself.
Some of the cringe text:
- “Destiny, hold onto your vagina, because you’re about to get fucked.”
- “I’m depriving women of the Eighth Wonder of the World: my penis. That’s a crime against humanity.”
- “I feel like a sacrificial lamb being led to slaughter, but the only thing getting slaughtered tonight is my poor, inexperienced pussy.”
There was ONE scene that I thought was sweet and it was when Knox was taking care of Staten because she had a migraine.
Spoiler warning!
There are 32 chapters in the book and Staten was already confessing her feeling to Knox in chapter 19. This had me questioning what the rest of the book was going to be about since them discovering their feelings for each other would be a main turning point. In my opinion, the author randomly added a conflict between Knox and his father. She did mention that they didn't get along a bit during the book, but really made it a main issue 2/3 through the book. There was supposedly so much hatred/daddy issues coming from Knox that Knox and his father resolving their issues in a page was so unrealistic.
I forced myself to finish this book so you don't have to. The elements for a cute romance book were there-- athlete x tutor girl, flirting & spicy lessons, fake dating, and he falls first. Unfortunately, most of the text is pretty cringe (examples to follow) and not even the spicy scenes could have saved the book. Staten also irritated me when she was texting Leif. She sounded so desperate and quite frankly, it was embarrassing. I've definitely been like that when I liked a guy and when I remember, I get disgusted with myself.
Some of the cringe text:
- “Destiny, hold onto your vagina, because you’re about to get fucked.”
- “I’m depriving women of the Eighth Wonder of the World: my penis. That’s a crime against humanity.”
- “I feel like a sacrificial lamb being led to slaughter, but the only thing getting slaughtered tonight is my poor, inexperienced pussy.”
There was ONE scene that I thought was sweet and it was when Knox was taking care of Staten because she had a migraine.
Spoiler warning!
There are 32 chapters in the book and Staten was already confessing her feeling to Knox in chapter 19. This had me questioning what the rest of the book was going to be about since them discovering their feelings for each other would be a main turning point. In my opinion, the author randomly added a conflict between Knox and his father. She did mention that they didn't get along a bit during the book, but really made it a main issue 2/3 through the book. There was supposedly so much hatred/daddy issues coming from Knox that Knox and his father resolving their issues in a page was so unrealistic.
March 24, 2026
★★★★¼- 4.25 stars
This was way better than the first one. The characters, the dynamics, the relationship, the development, it was everything 😮💨
I loved Knox, I got a feeling I would really like him in the first book and he didn’t disappoint. I really liked Staten too. Both had so many layers and they were so similar in some ways.
I loved their relationship and how everything evolved at a slow pace.
The only thing i didn’t love was the third act break-up, it was unnecessary, in my opinion, and it could have been different and still have the same emotional impact.
And I wish we got an epilogue, I would have loved to see them in the future 🥺
This was way better than the first one. The characters, the dynamics, the relationship, the development, it was everything 😮💨
I loved Knox, I got a feeling I would really like him in the first book and he didn’t disappoint. I really liked Staten too. Both had so many layers and they were so similar in some ways.
I loved their relationship and how everything evolved at a slow pace.
The only thing i didn’t love was the third act break-up, it was unnecessary, in my opinion, and it could have been different and still have the same emotional impact.
And I wish we got an epilogue, I would have loved to see them in the future 🥺
February 19, 2026
as always a huge thanks to @celestebriarsauthor and @lovenotes.pr
Staten and Knox had a rough start, Staten didn’t like him but Knox was already curious about her, feeling the need to get to know her and spend time with her, even if it’s in the form of fake dating to make another guy jealous, little did they know, they’d start falling for each other.
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Staten Renault is made of beauty, brains, and an ambition to prove everyone who ever doubted her wrong. She can’t be boiled down to Leif’s secret admirer—it’s an insult to her worth, her capabilities.
Staten and Knox had a rough start, Staten didn’t like him but Knox was already curious about her, feeling the need to get to know her and spend time with her, even if it’s in the form of fake dating to make another guy jealous, little did they know, they’d start falling for each other.
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Staten Renault is made of beauty, brains, and an ambition to prove everyone who ever doubted her wrong. She can’t be boiled down to Leif’s secret admirer—it’s an insult to her worth, her capabilities.
February 15, 2026
Wow, from their first meeting I wouldn’t have thought that they would have been so romantic and adorable together.
Knox and Staten’s relationship journey was so beautiful, I loved how they saw into each others hearts and made something perfect together.
And that spice, ohhhh my! Knox and Staten are so steamy together.
Thank you Celeste and Love Notes for an advanced copy.
Knox and Staten’s relationship journey was so beautiful, I loved how they saw into each others hearts and made something perfect together.
And that spice, ohhhh my! Knox and Staten are so steamy together.
Thank you Celeste and Love Notes for an advanced copy.
May 2, 2026
Knox + Staten
-college hockey romance
-he literally hit her with his car meet cute
-hockey player x tutor
-bad boy x good girl
-opposites attract
-dislike to lovers
-fake dating
omg knox mulligan is a boy DOWNNNN BADDDD definitely cryin at the gym! hahaha i loved them tho so much!! also like fxck leif!
-college hockey romance
-he literally hit her with his car meet cute
-hockey player x tutor
-bad boy x good girl
-opposites attract
-dislike to lovers
-fake dating
omg knox mulligan is a boy DOWNNNN BADDDD definitely cryin at the gym! hahaha i loved them tho so much!! also like fxck leif!
May 1, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
half the time I didn’t know what the fuck it was trying to say and the other half I was getting annoyed by the overuse of “petrichor”
half the time I didn’t know what the fuck it was trying to say and the other half I was getting annoyed by the overuse of “petrichor”
March 19, 2026
2.5 Stars
There was chemistry and some of the scenes were HOT but I don’t think the characters were explored to their full potential.
I also found some plot holes such as the Dad just being okay with Knox (MMC) all of a sudden when he belittled him his whole life. Also what happened between Staten (FMC) and the friend she liked? There was no conclusion to that aswell.
Overall, the story progresses pretty fast and i think it skimmed over some parts but it wasn’t a bad read.
There was chemistry and some of the scenes were HOT but I don’t think the characters were explored to their full potential.
I also found some plot holes such as the Dad just being okay with Knox (MMC) all of a sudden when he belittled him his whole life. Also what happened between Staten (FMC) and the friend she liked? There was no conclusion to that aswell.
Overall, the story progresses pretty fast and i think it skimmed over some parts but it wasn’t a bad read.
May 3, 2026
3.5 stars
Reminds me of Unloved and the Deal. A jock failing his classes and the shy, demure, girl that does tutoring helps him in not failing the class. A great sequel but the original couple just had more originality and yearning
Reminds me of Unloved and the Deal. A jock failing his classes and the shy, demure, girl that does tutoring helps him in not failing the class. A great sequel but the original couple just had more originality and yearning
March 13, 2026
I was really looking forward to this book but, as other readers have said, the writing is something else. It’s so hard to get through the book with the overly complicated word choice and detracts from the overall story. Prime example:
“I’ve become an unfortunate cautionary tale as I hug my bed, letting my body fossilize against the unwashed sheets, wading through a phantasmagorical wasteland where time loses all meaning and the shadows play tricks in hypnagogia”.
What does that even mean?? What guy talks or thinks like that?
“I’ve become an unfortunate cautionary tale as I hug my bed, letting my body fossilize against the unwashed sheets, wading through a phantasmagorical wasteland where time loses all meaning and the shadows play tricks in hypnagogia”.
What does that even mean?? What guy talks or thinks like that?
March 12, 2026
Celeste Briars' Lovestruck is an absorbing collision of brains, bravado, and fractured hearts, the plot has such a meticulous structure that is designed to keep you on the edge of your seat and flip the pages in crazy mode, an overworked scholarship student is unintentionally hit by a wealthy hockey player in a Lamborghini, but what happens is tremendously entertaining from the very beginning. Staten Renault is a mind-blowing character, a viciously intelligent workaholic girl attempting to survive amid privileged students while secretly developing a deep crush on her clueless best friend. Knox Mulligan the left winger sweeps her life like a category 5 hurricane, sporting expensive tires and a reputation for wild enchantment, what exactly turns out as uninterested tutoring soon turns compulsive and addictive, especially after Knox proposes an outlandish trade, scholastic assistance in return for flirting lessons, and the twists just keep coming!
.
Their banter is humorous and thoughtful, but it additionally drips with vulnerability that neither of them is willing to admitt, within a few chapters, the plot approaches riveting moments, with the emotional stakes building with each late-night study session and unintentional moment of closeness. Knox firstly seems to be an ordinary college Casanova, but the story slowly reveals a considerably more sophisticated heart beneath the swagger, his passion with making it to the NHL is instilled by an overbearing father, whose praise only comes when accomplishment is proved, that pressure creates a young guy who is scared of failure and of not being enough, and he hides this fear behind reckless arrogance!
.
Staten delivers an unexpected obstacle to the chaos, a great intellect formed by sacrifice, she presses herself to exhaustion in search of a better future than the one she and her mother escaped, reading about these two emotions collide is immersive because they recognize parts of themselves in each other's difficulties. Their blossoming bond creates a riveting emotional suspense, making each moment feel saturated with possibility. The fake dating plot builds the drama to a peak, suddenly, Staten's long-time crush pays attention, Knox becomes fiercely protective, and jealousy threatens to lead to confession. Everything that started off as a calculated plan escalates into a situation wildly unpredictable and completely addictive. Knox's path from careless playboy to completely invested romantic is remarkable to read, my heart couldn't handle so many moments!
.
He continues texting Staten at unreasonable hours to express how much he misses her, which is a sweet and heartbreakingly real change. Staten worries that she will always be the second choice in the shadow of stronger figures, while Knox feels that he must always prove himself in order to get affection. Together, they eventually eliminate those anxieties, fostering confidence that neither of them thought they had. Gentleness, humor, and a developing sense of attachment that feels sophisticated and emotionally complex all contribute to the romance's development. The essence of their relationship is brought to life in the most surprisingly loving way when Knox proudly speaks of Staten as his emotional support person. Vulnerability and commitment collide spectacularly in their relationship, changing them both. This is my favourite book from Celeste, I read this with way too many emotions and it had so many personal moments that really made me cry, this is Celeste at her finest and one of my favourite sports romance book, all of Liz Tomforde, Chelse Curto, Elle Kennedy and Tessa Bailey fans must read this, it is a top tier sports romance book!!!
.
Their banter is humorous and thoughtful, but it additionally drips with vulnerability that neither of them is willing to admitt, within a few chapters, the plot approaches riveting moments, with the emotional stakes building with each late-night study session and unintentional moment of closeness. Knox firstly seems to be an ordinary college Casanova, but the story slowly reveals a considerably more sophisticated heart beneath the swagger, his passion with making it to the NHL is instilled by an overbearing father, whose praise only comes when accomplishment is proved, that pressure creates a young guy who is scared of failure and of not being enough, and he hides this fear behind reckless arrogance!
.
Staten delivers an unexpected obstacle to the chaos, a great intellect formed by sacrifice, she presses herself to exhaustion in search of a better future than the one she and her mother escaped, reading about these two emotions collide is immersive because they recognize parts of themselves in each other's difficulties. Their blossoming bond creates a riveting emotional suspense, making each moment feel saturated with possibility. The fake dating plot builds the drama to a peak, suddenly, Staten's long-time crush pays attention, Knox becomes fiercely protective, and jealousy threatens to lead to confession. Everything that started off as a calculated plan escalates into a situation wildly unpredictable and completely addictive. Knox's path from careless playboy to completely invested romantic is remarkable to read, my heart couldn't handle so many moments!
.
He continues texting Staten at unreasonable hours to express how much he misses her, which is a sweet and heartbreakingly real change. Staten worries that she will always be the second choice in the shadow of stronger figures, while Knox feels that he must always prove himself in order to get affection. Together, they eventually eliminate those anxieties, fostering confidence that neither of them thought they had. Gentleness, humor, and a developing sense of attachment that feels sophisticated and emotionally complex all contribute to the romance's development. The essence of their relationship is brought to life in the most surprisingly loving way when Knox proudly speaks of Staten as his emotional support person. Vulnerability and commitment collide spectacularly in their relationship, changing them both. This is my favourite book from Celeste, I read this with way too many emotions and it had so many personal moments that really made me cry, this is Celeste at her finest and one of my favourite sports romance book, all of Liz Tomforde, Chelse Curto, Elle Kennedy and Tessa Bailey fans must read this, it is a top tier sports romance book!!!
March 18, 2026
Lovestruck is a college hockey, fake dating, Player x Tutor, Reformed Playboy, Virgin FMC Romance.
I enjoyed Lovestruck! This is the second book in the Minnesota Mustangs series but it can read as a standalone. This story follows Staten nerdy, ambition, and a workaholic. She finds out that her scholarship is a risk and suddenly everything she as work towards especially giver her mom and her a better life is on the line. Which leads us to Knox. He is your typical hockey player. Playboy, rich kid and on the outside looks to have to all together. But behind the mask his grads are barely hanging on and he is dealing with the weight of the expectations from his controlling father. From the moment Staten and Knox come into each other life you can there is something there even if it was the greatest first meeting. As they continued to see each other you feel the chemistry between them start to grow. The banter going on between them through the book is both humorous and thoughtful. As the story goes you see how Staten and Knox both help the other in different ways. How they open up to each other and are vulnerable with each other.
Additional things I like about the story was, the pace, flow, and writing . It didn’t feel rushed or dragged out. Also It felt like going from one page to another page was smooth. There was no feeling lost or confused. The writing was easy to understand and there weren’t any errors that I saw. The steamy scenes were well written. They weren’t over the top or cheesy. Also the amount of steamy scenes was just right for this story. They didn’t over shadow or take away from the story.
Overall, Lovestruck was good read. The writing was good. The main characters were both relatable and likable. They story was easy to follow and gets your attentions from the first page and keeps it all the way to the end.
I enjoyed Lovestruck! This is the second book in the Minnesota Mustangs series but it can read as a standalone. This story follows Staten nerdy, ambition, and a workaholic. She finds out that her scholarship is a risk and suddenly everything she as work towards especially giver her mom and her a better life is on the line. Which leads us to Knox. He is your typical hockey player. Playboy, rich kid and on the outside looks to have to all together. But behind the mask his grads are barely hanging on and he is dealing with the weight of the expectations from his controlling father. From the moment Staten and Knox come into each other life you can there is something there even if it was the greatest first meeting. As they continued to see each other you feel the chemistry between them start to grow. The banter going on between them through the book is both humorous and thoughtful. As the story goes you see how Staten and Knox both help the other in different ways. How they open up to each other and are vulnerable with each other.
Additional things I like about the story was, the pace, flow, and writing . It didn’t feel rushed or dragged out. Also It felt like going from one page to another page was smooth. There was no feeling lost or confused. The writing was easy to understand and there weren’t any errors that I saw. The steamy scenes were well written. They weren’t over the top or cheesy. Also the amount of steamy scenes was just right for this story. They didn’t over shadow or take away from the story.
Overall, Lovestruck was good read. The writing was good. The main characters were both relatable and likable. They story was easy to follow and gets your attentions from the first page and keeps it all the way to the end.
May 9, 2026
This book was a struggle to get through unfortunately, by the end I was ready for it to be over. It was very wordy and the author used way too many similes and metaphors, it just felt like she was trying way too hard. Could have been a lot shorter and it just didn’t hook me. I think Knox became obsessed with her way too quick (after like 2 convos?) Also if she loved Knox, why didn’t she just say no when Leif asked to be with her. I did like the fact their meeting was her getting hit by his car, that was fun but everything went down hill from there sorry 🙊 Also I find fake dating trope so annoying!! Just be honest with each other guys xx
March 10, 2026
3 stars!! Thank you Love notes PR for the ARC!!
I didn’t hate it, but I’m not obsessed either.
Looove the name Staten for a girl though?! Staten and Knox were cute, maybe it’s their ages? But I didn’t feel super connected to them, it took me way too long to read. Over all super cute book but maybe just not for me!
I didn’t hate it, but I’m not obsessed either.
Looove the name Staten for a girl though?! Staten and Knox were cute, maybe it’s their ages? But I didn’t feel super connected to them, it took me way too long to read. Over all super cute book but maybe just not for me!
April 7, 2026
I rarely DNF books but this was extremely brutal.
I kept getting so lost and distracted throughout the story because the author chose to write the most absurd similes & metaphors in between each interaction/dialouge the characters would have. It made me forget what the point of the chapter was and half the time I would get so lost that I’d have to go back and reread. It lowkey felt like the author was trying way too hard which just ended up making the tone so choppy and confusing.
Examples: “Hassie offers me a box of Sour Patch Kids, feline eyes surveying me with a suspicion that seems to split my cold body open on a mortuary table, practiced hands digging in viscera to see what makes me tick.”
“Staten blows out a pent-up breath, readying herself as if she’d just stepped foot inside a confessional, sacred wood caked in sin, abandoned pews stewing in the mugginess of a secular summer.”
Like pls this is just a hockey romance????
I kept getting so lost and distracted throughout the story because the author chose to write the most absurd similes & metaphors in between each interaction/dialouge the characters would have. It made me forget what the point of the chapter was and half the time I would get so lost that I’d have to go back and reread. It lowkey felt like the author was trying way too hard which just ended up making the tone so choppy and confusing.
Examples: “Hassie offers me a box of Sour Patch Kids, feline eyes surveying me with a suspicion that seems to split my cold body open on a mortuary table, practiced hands digging in viscera to see what makes me tick.”
“Staten blows out a pent-up breath, readying herself as if she’d just stepped foot inside a confessional, sacred wood caked in sin, abandoned pews stewing in the mugginess of a secular summer.”
Like pls this is just a hockey romance????
March 19, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 - Stars
🌶🌶🌶.5 - Spice
Staten and Knox's story I enjoyed so much! I enjoyed the detailing the author put for their story.
Staten, your shy, straight A student, wallflower, who keeps to herself, who is caring to others and works hard so she can keep her scholarship to attend MU. Always looking out for herself, she doesn't have much of a social life.
Knox, your playboy, left wing top scorer for the Minnesota Mustangs hockey team, big ego, rich, and not a very good student when it comes to his lit class.
When Staten and Knox meet, it's not your conventional way, but their meeting will grow into something they weren't expecting or even looking for, but it's what they always wanted for themselves.
ARC provided from the author and LoveNotesPr for an honest review.
🌶🌶🌶.5 - Spice
Staten and Knox's story I enjoyed so much! I enjoyed the detailing the author put for their story.
Staten, your shy, straight A student, wallflower, who keeps to herself, who is caring to others and works hard so she can keep her scholarship to attend MU. Always looking out for herself, she doesn't have much of a social life.
Knox, your playboy, left wing top scorer for the Minnesota Mustangs hockey team, big ego, rich, and not a very good student when it comes to his lit class.
When Staten and Knox meet, it's not your conventional way, but their meeting will grow into something they weren't expecting or even looking for, but it's what they always wanted for themselves.
ARC provided from the author and LoveNotesPr for an honest review.
March 19, 2026
DNF @ 17%
This book just pissed me off bc she so far is insufferable and his internal monologue makes no sense. For someone who is apparently failing intro to lit, he’s using a lot of metaphors and words I doubt the character would know the meaning of. It just felt like the author was showing her English lit skills and forgot she was writing in a characters perspective. A character who has struggled in school, specifically in English courses. I got to the point of frustration with her attitude and his nonsensical POV that I had to stop reading.
This book just pissed me off bc she so far is insufferable and his internal monologue makes no sense. For someone who is apparently failing intro to lit, he’s using a lot of metaphors and words I doubt the character would know the meaning of. It just felt like the author was showing her English lit skills and forgot she was writing in a characters perspective. A character who has struggled in school, specifically in English courses. I got to the point of frustration with her attitude and his nonsensical POV that I had to stop reading.
March 26, 2026
Absolutely loved it!!! 💜💜
May 11, 2026
he was so in love
i loved it but the writing might not be right for me
i loved it but the writing might not be right for me
May 16, 2026
4,25 ⭐️
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