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Do Your Worst
She tried to warn him.
When Lark Reynolds agreed to go on a real date with her no-strings-attached hookup, she knew it had disaster written all over it—but even she didn’t expect him to drop the l-word the very first night. It didn’t matter that he was annoyingly hot and frustratingly perceptive, or that her body came to life in his arms. She was too busy launching a business to deal with his absurd feelings, and she had learned the hard way the only person she could trust with her heart was herself.
So she cut him off. For good.
But Mark Aladyne is not a man easily deterred. When their businesses end up sharing a barn at the annual Thoroughbred horse sale six months later, he’s convinced it’s his final chance to prove to Lark he can be what she doesn’t know she needs. So he concocts a last-ditch plan to win her a game of relationship chicken. He gets two weeks of Lark as his girlfriend to show her how good love can be. All he has to do is not sleep with her before she admits she loves him.
Should be easy, right?
If only he hadn’t told her to do her worst.
When Lark Reynolds agreed to go on a real date with her no-strings-attached hookup, she knew it had disaster written all over it—but even she didn’t expect him to drop the l-word the very first night. It didn’t matter that he was annoyingly hot and frustratingly perceptive, or that her body came to life in his arms. She was too busy launching a business to deal with his absurd feelings, and she had learned the hard way the only person she could trust with her heart was herself.
So she cut him off. For good.
But Mark Aladyne is not a man easily deterred. When their businesses end up sharing a barn at the annual Thoroughbred horse sale six months later, he’s convinced it’s his final chance to prove to Lark he can be what she doesn’t know she needs. So he concocts a last-ditch plan to win her a game of relationship chicken. He gets two weeks of Lark as his girlfriend to show her how good love can be. All he has to do is not sleep with her before she admits she loves him.
Should be easy, right?
If only he hadn’t told her to do her worst.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 5, 2026
5 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 6, 2026
This is a little hard to rate bc while I did enjoy the story, and liked Mark a lot...I just really did not connect with Lark. She honestly turned me off the story with how pig headed, willful, and quick to make rash decisions she was. I get that she had a lot on her plate, but the support and patience that Mark gave her should have tempered some of these qualities. Mark was stellar, and honestly the only reason that I stuck it out. He was a total Golden retriever, and as mentioned earlier, he had the patience of a Saint to deal with Lark. He showed her consistently what love can do, and it was 🔥. While this book wasnt a favorite for me, that doesnt mean that it wont be for you! if you like the tropes listed below, I recommend giving this book a try. The writing is good, and Mark is a dream...Not to mention Horses!!!
Tropes:
🥰 Relationship Bet
🐈⬛ Black Cat x Golden Retriever
💋 Forced Proximity
🏡 Small Town
🐴 Horses (but not cowboys)
Tropes:
🥰 Relationship Bet
🐈⬛ Black Cat x Golden Retriever
💋 Forced Proximity
🏡 Small Town
🐴 Horses (but not cowboys)
January 28, 2026
this was pretty good small town romance, but it had some misses for me.
Lark was not my favorite FMC, at times she was whiny and annoying. i wanted her to stand up for herself when it came to her parents. her character development was subpar at best.
Mark was a fine gentleman🤠. i enjoyed reading his povs in both past and present timelines. i loved his attentiveness and yearning :) there were a couple moments throughout the book that i thought Mark deserved better.
thank you to Love Notes PR for the eARC.
Lark was not my favorite FMC, at times she was whiny and annoying. i wanted her to stand up for herself when it came to her parents. her character development was subpar at best.
Mark was a fine gentleman🤠. i enjoyed reading his povs in both past and present timelines. i loved his attentiveness and yearning :) there were a couple moments throughout the book that i thought Mark deserved better.
thank you to Love Notes PR for the eARC.
February 7, 2026
3.5⭐️
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This was a good story with a good trope and characters (Mark was soooo good). My biggest issue was the constant timeline jumping. I get irritated with books written in this style because you are building the story, and suddenly, you have to adjust to a different time and emotional state of the characters. Ugh! I lose connection to the characters in the scene when this happens.
Again, a good story just could have been planned out differently (to me).
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This was a good story with a good trope and characters (Mark was soooo good). My biggest issue was the constant timeline jumping. I get irritated with books written in this style because you are building the story, and suddenly, you have to adjust to a different time and emotional state of the characters. Ugh! I lose connection to the characters in the scene when this happens.
Again, a good story just could have been planned out differently (to me).
February 4, 2026
🐴 🤠🌶️
Gemma thank you so much for letting me read this ARC! It will definitely be joining my bookshelves! And I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
This book is perfect for that country loving, horse riding, hopeless romantic!
I’d love to have a Mark in my life. He is so hell bent on making Lark fall in love with him that the jealousy meter broke with me! He is a cowboy (which…duh…yummy), loyal, sexy, devoted, helpful, caring, protective, witty and so freaking in love with Lark! You think the way he pines over her throughout the book would get annoying but it never did! He just seems like a really good guy to have in your corner whether it’s a friend, family or Lark! Also… I LOVED the nickname Songbird!
Lark’s story had me in tears almost a couple times! Her parents are complete idiots, don’t get me wrong! But I loved how her story just showed her bravery and independence grow throughout the book. It wasn’t fair how her parents treated her, but it also showed her how different her and Mark’s family dynamics were so different. His family showed her what being a part of a family should be like! And the way she just went out on her own and kicked ass was fun to read about. Even with her insecurities thanks to her parents!
The way the author guided the chemistry between ‘Malarkey’ was addicting! The spicy scenes just got better and better the more you read and I absolutely love books like that! I think they both deserved each other and I loved how the author just brought the story to life! In and out of the bedroom! And treehouse, and horse stalls, and hotel hallways.. You get the point!
I also enjoyed how well she wrote the Lark Sales side of things too. It gave me a better understanding of how seeking horses can work and what the day in and outs can look like for her.
I do hope we eventually find out what happened between Daphne and Bowen. And I can’t wait to read about Gideon and Evangeline! Great job Gemma!
I give this one 5 ⭐️’s!
Gemma thank you so much for letting me read this ARC! It will definitely be joining my bookshelves! And I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
This book is perfect for that country loving, horse riding, hopeless romantic!
I’d love to have a Mark in my life. He is so hell bent on making Lark fall in love with him that the jealousy meter broke with me! He is a cowboy (which…duh…yummy), loyal, sexy, devoted, helpful, caring, protective, witty and so freaking in love with Lark! You think the way he pines over her throughout the book would get annoying but it never did! He just seems like a really good guy to have in your corner whether it’s a friend, family or Lark! Also… I LOVED the nickname Songbird!
Lark’s story had me in tears almost a couple times! Her parents are complete idiots, don’t get me wrong! But I loved how her story just showed her bravery and independence grow throughout the book. It wasn’t fair how her parents treated her, but it also showed her how different her and Mark’s family dynamics were so different. His family showed her what being a part of a family should be like! And the way she just went out on her own and kicked ass was fun to read about. Even with her insecurities thanks to her parents!
The way the author guided the chemistry between ‘Malarkey’ was addicting! The spicy scenes just got better and better the more you read and I absolutely love books like that! I think they both deserved each other and I loved how the author just brought the story to life! In and out of the bedroom! And treehouse, and horse stalls, and hotel hallways.. You get the point!
I also enjoyed how well she wrote the Lark Sales side of things too. It gave me a better understanding of how seeking horses can work and what the day in and outs can look like for her.
I do hope we eventually find out what happened between Daphne and Bowen. And I can’t wait to read about Gideon and Evangeline! Great job Gemma!
I give this one 5 ⭐️’s!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This book absolutely ruined me in the quiet, slow-burn, emotionally intelligent way;
And I loved every second of it.
Do Your Worst is a second-chance, forced-proximity romance set in the high-pressure world of Thoroughbred horse sales, and somehow it manages to balance career ambition, unresolved love, and devastating yearning with so much care and realism. From the very first chapter, I was locked in.
Lark Reynolds is the kind of FMC I instantly adore: competent, driven, emotionally guarded, and painfully self-aware. She isn’t afraid of love—she’s afraid of losing herself in it. Watching her step out on her own professionally while being forced to work side-by-side with the one man she never truly got over was chef’s kiss tension. Her choices are messy, honest, and deeply human.
And Mark Aladyne… oh, Mark.
He is everything I want in an MMC. Emotionally open, patient without being passive, quietly obsessed without being possessive. He loves Lark openly, never tries to shrink her ambition, and never weaponizes his feelings against her—even when it hurts. His restraint, consistency, and emotional maturity made me fall for him just as hard as Lark did.
The romance is a true slow burn—earned, not dragged out. Every interaction is loaded with history, longing, and things left unsaid. The forced proximity isn’t just physical; it’s emotional, and it hurts so good. The dual POV only adds to the ache.
The ending felt grounded, hopeful, and respectful of both love and independence. No one is forced to give up who they are to make the relationship work—and that made it incredibly satisfying.
And I loved every second of it.
Do Your Worst is a second-chance, forced-proximity romance set in the high-pressure world of Thoroughbred horse sales, and somehow it manages to balance career ambition, unresolved love, and devastating yearning with so much care and realism. From the very first chapter, I was locked in.
Lark Reynolds is the kind of FMC I instantly adore: competent, driven, emotionally guarded, and painfully self-aware. She isn’t afraid of love—she’s afraid of losing herself in it. Watching her step out on her own professionally while being forced to work side-by-side with the one man she never truly got over was chef’s kiss tension. Her choices are messy, honest, and deeply human.
And Mark Aladyne… oh, Mark.
He is everything I want in an MMC. Emotionally open, patient without being passive, quietly obsessed without being possessive. He loves Lark openly, never tries to shrink her ambition, and never weaponizes his feelings against her—even when it hurts. His restraint, consistency, and emotional maturity made me fall for him just as hard as Lark did.
The romance is a true slow burn—earned, not dragged out. Every interaction is loaded with history, longing, and things left unsaid. The forced proximity isn’t just physical; it’s emotional, and it hurts so good. The dual POV only adds to the ache.
The ending felt grounded, hopeful, and respectful of both love and independence. No one is forced to give up who they are to make the relationship work—and that made it incredibly satisfying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh how captivating the storyline was — it had me hooked immediately. The timeline can be a tiny bit confusing if you’re like me and get so engrossed in the characters that you occasionally miss where a new chapter begins, so just pay a little extra attention there. I loved that instead of simply being told about the past, in a conversation or prologe, we get to experience it unfolding alongside the present.
To experience a love like THAT 😍 — the depth with which he knows her, his quiet, contented acceptance of life compared to today’s constant hustle-and-push culture — felt refreshing and meaningful. It was genuinely nice to read something different, especially with the FMC being the one actively pursuing her dreams.
This wasn’t another story about a young girl crushing on an older boy who finally notices her. It was about two people meeting each other where they are, then slowly choosing intention, patience, and understanding. Their connection felt grounded, mature, and emotionally earned — raw in the best of ways. It explores differences in context behind decisions, wants and needs, the ways we make ourselves smaller to fit the “standard” relationship box, and the work of learning communication while unlearning generational trauma. It also gently reminds you of how easy it is to get so caught up in everything you don’t want instead of focusing on creating what you do.
If you’re looking for depth, tenderness, and a love that feels real rather than rushed, you’ll love this book!
To experience a love like THAT 😍 — the depth with which he knows her, his quiet, contented acceptance of life compared to today’s constant hustle-and-push culture — felt refreshing and meaningful. It was genuinely nice to read something different, especially with the FMC being the one actively pursuing her dreams.
This wasn’t another story about a young girl crushing on an older boy who finally notices her. It was about two people meeting each other where they are, then slowly choosing intention, patience, and understanding. Their connection felt grounded, mature, and emotionally earned — raw in the best of ways. It explores differences in context behind decisions, wants and needs, the ways we make ourselves smaller to fit the “standard” relationship box, and the work of learning communication while unlearning generational trauma. It also gently reminds you of how easy it is to get so caught up in everything you don’t want instead of focusing on creating what you do.
If you’re looking for depth, tenderness, and a love that feels real rather than rushed, you’ll love this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
MMC/FMC: Mark and Lark
Tropes:
* Small town romance
* Forced proximity
* Second chance
* Ranch/cowboy romance vibes
* He falls first (and hard)
* Relationship bet vibes
Safety:
Animal death (off page), animal injury, toxic parents
Lark is currently commitment-averse while setting up her business, and Mark sets off all her flags. He was essentially a golden retriever for her, and she wanted the orgasms without the bother of a relationship. The problem was… he said the ‘L’ word…
This alternated between present and past, so occasionally I had to double-check. When you get engrossed and don’t check chapter names, it can cause a bit of confusion!
Lark did get annoying. She tends to act first, think later, which leads to pretty rough interactions. Some, I think, can be attributed to her parents, but she seems to take it out on the wrong people.
However, once her full story comes out, you completely understand why everyone is held at arms length. Her parents are horrible people, and worse parents.
But… I quite liked Mark. He was just so determined and crafty. Getting her definition of smex absolutely made my day!
And his relationship with his family and friends was great - the banter was top-notch!
“I told you, Songbird. Do your worst. Let me worry about the rest.”
All in all, a great introduction to Gemma Brooks, and I can guarantee that I’ll be continuing this series.
Thank you Gemma Brooks and LoveNotes PR for the advance copy.
Tropes:
* Small town romance
* Forced proximity
* Second chance
* Ranch/cowboy romance vibes
* He falls first (and hard)
* Relationship bet vibes
Safety:
Animal death (off page), animal injury, toxic parents
Lark is currently commitment-averse while setting up her business, and Mark sets off all her flags. He was essentially a golden retriever for her, and she wanted the orgasms without the bother of a relationship. The problem was… he said the ‘L’ word…
This alternated between present and past, so occasionally I had to double-check. When you get engrossed and don’t check chapter names, it can cause a bit of confusion!
Lark did get annoying. She tends to act first, think later, which leads to pretty rough interactions. Some, I think, can be attributed to her parents, but she seems to take it out on the wrong people.
However, once her full story comes out, you completely understand why everyone is held at arms length. Her parents are horrible people, and worse parents.
But… I quite liked Mark. He was just so determined and crafty. Getting her definition of smex absolutely made my day!
And his relationship with his family and friends was great - the banter was top-notch!
“I told you, Songbird. Do your worst. Let me worry about the rest.”
All in all, a great introduction to Gemma Brooks, and I can guarantee that I’ll be continuing this series.
Thank you Gemma Brooks and LoveNotes PR for the advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I've never read a second chance romance like this one. It opened a whole new world for me. I did not expect to like this book as much as I did!! I'm really happy that Love notes PR gave me the opportunity to read this book. This book isn't a cowboy romance, but it gives off the same vibes. Mark and Lark are so golden retriever bf x black cat gf coded.
Mark has been obsessed with Lark for a while now. They were friends with benefits up until 6 months ago. That changed when he scared Lark off by telling her that he loves her. Even though he knew that she didn't want to date. She was far too busy with starting her own business. She learned very early on that her heart is only safe with herself. So she cut him off for good.
Now, 6 months later, they end up sharing a barn at the annual horse sale. Mark is a very determined man, so he sees this as his last chance to show Lark that they are great together. Even if she hasn't seen it yet. Mark proposes an idea: he gets Lark to be his girlfriend for 2 weeks. In those 2 weeks he will show her how great it can be to be in a relationship and to be in love. The only thing he can't do is sleep with her, until she tells him she loves her. That sounds easier than it is.
My favorite quote:
'I see her'
My rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
Mark has been obsessed with Lark for a while now. They were friends with benefits up until 6 months ago. That changed when he scared Lark off by telling her that he loves her. Even though he knew that she didn't want to date. She was far too busy with starting her own business. She learned very early on that her heart is only safe with herself. So she cut him off for good.
Now, 6 months later, they end up sharing a barn at the annual horse sale. Mark is a very determined man, so he sees this as his last chance to show Lark that they are great together. Even if she hasn't seen it yet. Mark proposes an idea: he gets Lark to be his girlfriend for 2 weeks. In those 2 weeks he will show her how great it can be to be in a relationship and to be in love. The only thing he can't do is sleep with her, until she tells him she loves her. That sounds easier than it is.
My favorite quote:
'I see her'
My rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
January 28, 2026
Ok this story was so freaking cute! I really loved Lark and Mark so much and couldn’t get enough of this story.
Lark is such a hard working and hard headed woman who has been through a lot of challenging and frustrating situations and is trying to become successful after leaving her family business. She isn’t supported by her parents and is talked down to by them constantly, but she is so determined and that just made me love her even more!!
Mark might be a goofy guy who is funny and good at working for his family’s barn, but he is determined to have Lark fall in love with him if it’s the last thing he does.. even if it means making a bet he might regret. I love his determination and the ways he is able to support and show up for Lark when she needs it most, I just adore him 😭
This book was really wonderful and I honestly enjoyed every moment of it! The main characters and supporting characters were such a joy to read and the storyline was great!
Thank you Gemma Brooks and LoveNotesPR for an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review and opinion.
Lark is such a hard working and hard headed woman who has been through a lot of challenging and frustrating situations and is trying to become successful after leaving her family business. She isn’t supported by her parents and is talked down to by them constantly, but she is so determined and that just made me love her even more!!
Mark might be a goofy guy who is funny and good at working for his family’s barn, but he is determined to have Lark fall in love with him if it’s the last thing he does.. even if it means making a bet he might regret. I love his determination and the ways he is able to support and show up for Lark when she needs it most, I just adore him 😭
This book was really wonderful and I honestly enjoyed every moment of it! The main characters and supporting characters were such a joy to read and the storyline was great!
Thank you Gemma Brooks and LoveNotesPR for an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review and opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
As a fan of complex heroines, golden retriever love interests, and YEARNING, this book had me from the beginning. It has banter and fun and tension and pining. It has emotional depth and resonance. It has a central couple with rhyming names, a fact that one of them loves and one of them hates 😂 Mark and Lark's arcs (see what I did there) are SO well done. I love it when a romance makes it clear from the beginning that these two are meant to be together but also makes them work hard for it. Something about seeing two people changing in real, honest ways on their way to a happy ending is so satisfying. Also, Mark is a sweet hilarious cinnamon roll, and Lark just wants him to stop attractively leaning on stuff, and he won't, and I just love this for them.
And I can't not mention the side characters. They are so delightful and dimensional that you'll be SO PUMPED to read their own love stories 👀
And I can't not mention the side characters. They are so delightful and dimensional that you'll be SO PUMPED to read their own love stories 👀
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed Do Your Worst and the story of Mark and Lark. This book focuses on emotional growth, patience, and showing up for the person you love. Mark wasn’t just chasing Lark he was genuinely fighting for her, respecting her boundaries, and proving he was willing to wait for her on her terms.
Lark had so much on her plate, between building her business and protecting her heart, and I appreciated how realistic and relatable she felt. I loved how much Mark cared for her, not just romantically but emotionally, supporting her without trying to change or fix her.
One of my favorite parts of the story was the found-family aspect. Lark being welcomed into Mark’s family added warmth and depth, and it was nice to see her find a sense of belonging alongside love.
Overall, this was an engaging and heartfelt read, and I’m very interested to see where this series continues and whose story we get next. I’ll definitely be picking up the next book.
Lark had so much on her plate, between building her business and protecting her heart, and I appreciated how realistic and relatable she felt. I loved how much Mark cared for her, not just romantically but emotionally, supporting her without trying to change or fix her.
One of my favorite parts of the story was the found-family aspect. Lark being welcomed into Mark’s family added warmth and depth, and it was nice to see her find a sense of belonging alongside love.
Overall, this was an engaging and heartfelt read, and I’m very interested to see where this series continues and whose story we get next. I’ll definitely be picking up the next book.
February 6, 2026
Honestly, I feel like this book healed a part of me. I didn't even know needed healing. The author did an amazing job with this story. Not only can you feel the raw emotions coming off of the page, it is almost like she is telling a truthful story one that needs to be told and heard. Of how love can heal you if you choose to let it of how you can choose to let the past keep you from your present or you can choose to let it go and let a helping hand guide you. I could feel the raw emotions and vulnerability in the pages along with the healing process it feels the author went through to write the book. I am curious how much of the story is fake because it doesn't feel like a fantasy. It feels like a lot more I can't wait to read book 2 but definitely is going to be a series of interconnected standalones in my opinion she ended the story well with giving you closure and enough that they only question know is how they will help the others in the next books.
February 12, 2026
✨ Tropes ✨
🥰 Relationship Bet
🐈⬛ Black Cat x Golden Retriever
💋 Forced Proximity
🏡 Small Town
🐴 Horses (but not cowboys)
⭐⭐⭐⭐🌶️🌶️
This was a solid start to a new small town horseracing romance. This first read features Mark and Lark or Malarky if you will. This book features a dual timeline so we get to see how things between them developed into how they are now. I loved the banter between them and most of the side characters are great. I did have a hard time warming up to Lark but that's because her walls were so high. Once we got to see why she felt the way she did, I began to understand her more. Mark was a lovable MMC. The spice was 🔥 in this one. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
🥰 Relationship Bet
🐈⬛ Black Cat x Golden Retriever
💋 Forced Proximity
🏡 Small Town
🐴 Horses (but not cowboys)
⭐⭐⭐⭐🌶️🌶️
This was a solid start to a new small town horseracing romance. This first read features Mark and Lark or Malarky if you will. This book features a dual timeline so we get to see how things between them developed into how they are now. I loved the banter between them and most of the side characters are great. I did have a hard time warming up to Lark but that's because her walls were so high. Once we got to see why she felt the way she did, I began to understand her more. Mark was a lovable MMC. The spice was 🔥 in this one. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
February 6, 2026
I was so lucky to receive this book as an ARC. I am a sucker for a cowboy romance. Being a girl who loves horses I wish there was more scenes with the horses and cowboy stuff but it’s still a good read. Mark is such a sweet man who knows what he wants. Lark just wants to be able to show that she can be successful on her own. This book also has a side character that I loved Daphne she is the voice of reason when Lark needs it. The dynamic between the two main characters is fun how they tease each other is so cute. I am so happy to see that there will be more books in the series there are some things that we hinted thought the book and more secrets to be revealed.
February 8, 2026
“Because I think maybe that’s the whole point of being in love. It’s not living happily ever after, but it’s not accepting trampled boundaries and broken promises, either. It’s something in between.”
I LOVE a man obsessed with the girl he loves and this book delivers on that. Lark feels like she isn’t good enough after going through some struggles but Mark makes it his whole life to prove to her that she is enough. His love shines through his actions and patience for Lark which is so heartwarming and makes you fall in love with him too. Be prepared to have a new book boyfriend because Mark Aladyne is perfect in all his ways🥰
I LOVE a man obsessed with the girl he loves and this book delivers on that. Lark feels like she isn’t good enough after going through some struggles but Mark makes it his whole life to prove to her that she is enough. His love shines through his actions and patience for Lark which is so heartwarming and makes you fall in love with him too. Be prepared to have a new book boyfriend because Mark Aladyne is perfect in all his ways🥰
February 11, 2026
This was solid! I wasn’t expecting all the family trauma tbh but I think it was a solid plot and good writing. I liked lark and mark but they both kinda got on my nerves in their own ways. Lark was very closed off and it felt almost forced when they made the bet because I didn’t feel much between the two in that time. As it went on it made more sense, but it didn’t seem in like with her character in that moment with what was given. As for mark he’s likable but very pushy. I’m glad he didn’t take no for an answer but also dude chill. Idk. I liked it overall.
Thank you Love Notes PR for the arc.
Thank you Love Notes PR for the arc.
February 12, 2026
Do Your Worst was such a fun, tension filled romance. The banter was top tier and the chemistry felt real right away. I loved the constant push and pull, and watching things shift from irritation and stubbornness into something softer was so satisfying.
It had humor, heart, emotional depth, and a hero who really shows up, which I ate up. The setting added such a fun layer too, and honestly, add horses into a romance and I am already sold.
I just wanted a tiny bit more in a few emotional moments, which is the only reason it was not a full five stars. But if you love strong chemistry, slow burn tension, and characters who have to work through their walls, this is a really good one.
It had humor, heart, emotional depth, and a hero who really shows up, which I ate up. The setting added such a fun layer too, and honestly, add horses into a romance and I am already sold.
I just wanted a tiny bit more in a few emotional moments, which is the only reason it was not a full five stars. But if you love strong chemistry, slow burn tension, and characters who have to work through their walls, this is a really good one.
February 6, 2026
This book was a sweet, second chance story between an honestly great guy and a woman who is dealing with a heavy load of childhood trauma without even realizing it. I loved reading the flashbacks put in their own chapters, well simultaneously watching her walls start to calm down very slowly.
Mark and Lark (😆) are very sweet couple whose bodies respond almost immediately to each other, but it takes Lark’s head a little while to get into the game. Or at least time for her to start actually listening to her head and her heart together.
This is a very heart filling book with a touch of spice. Definitely a good read for anyone who loves horses.
Thank you to Gemma Brooks for allowing me to be one of your arc readers for this one. And as always, I appreciate being given an advanced reader copy in exchange for giving an honest review.
What to expect:
🥰 Relationship Bet
🐈⬛ Black Cat x Golden Retriever
💋 Forced Proximity
🏡 Small Town
🐴 Horses (but not cowboys)
Mark and Lark (😆) are very sweet couple whose bodies respond almost immediately to each other, but it takes Lark’s head a little while to get into the game. Or at least time for her to start actually listening to her head and her heart together.
This is a very heart filling book with a touch of spice. Definitely a good read for anyone who loves horses.
Thank you to Gemma Brooks for allowing me to be one of your arc readers for this one. And as always, I appreciate being given an advanced reader copy in exchange for giving an honest review.
What to expect:
🥰 Relationship Bet
🐈⬛ Black Cat x Golden Retriever
💋 Forced Proximity
🏡 Small Town
🐴 Horses (but not cowboys)
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Do Your Worst is one that’s filled with steamy tension, good banter, great characters, and lots of yearning. Lark and Mark’s passionate story has a nice steady pace with flashbacks throughout that add to the emotional depth and charged chemistry between them. There’s moments that would have me chuckling, some had my heart melting, and others that took me by surprise. Mark may have scared Lark off confessing his love for her, but now it’s time use this little bet as a second chance to get her to fall in love with him too 🤭
Thank you so much Gemma Brooks & Love Notes PR for this ARC 🫶🏻
Thank you so much Gemma Brooks & Love Notes PR for this ARC 🫶🏻
February 9, 2026
Lark has so much on her plate and her parents my god i didn't like them how can you be like that to your own child i never understand that. When Mark's family pulled her in and showed her what a family could and should be like i could have cried so bad. Her struggles are written all throughout the story.
On the other end we have Mark he is determined that his songbird ( ahhh this nickname so cute) will be his and love him. He is a cowboy and so calm, patient and obsessed with her
it's the first book of Gemma's I've read and i enjoyed it i look forward to more.
On the other end we have Mark he is determined that his songbird ( ahhh this nickname so cute) will be his and love him. He is a cowboy and so calm, patient and obsessed with her
it's the first book of Gemma's I've read and i enjoyed it i look forward to more.
February 12, 2026
A small town cozy-yet-spicy romance!!!!
The start being a slow build, a small town cozy-yet-spicy romance, perfectly blending in the black cat x golden retriever dynamic.....the MMC's patience and the FMC's emotional boundaries are the biggest plot creator here, absolutely devoured it.
MMC's determination to prove that love can be steady and safe was so endearing, while FMC’s guarded nature made her emotional journey feel very believable. And, honestly too relatable, and I especially appreciated how the romance focused on vulnerability and trust deeply.
The start being a slow build, a small town cozy-yet-spicy romance, perfectly blending in the black cat x golden retriever dynamic.....the MMC's patience and the FMC's emotional boundaries are the biggest plot creator here, absolutely devoured it.
MMC's determination to prove that love can be steady and safe was so endearing, while FMC’s guarded nature made her emotional journey feel very believable. And, honestly too relatable, and I especially appreciated how the romance focused on vulnerability and trust deeply.
Read
February 4, 2026I loved the small town vibes of this book! it sucked me in right from the start. I felt like the storyline was a bit drawn out, there was not much spice- and as a 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ lover it was kind of disappointing. I loved the storyline of Lark and Mark though. Daphne's character is hilarious she is the kind of friend everyone needs! I would definitely recommend putting this book on your TBR list for 2026.
February 10, 2026
I liked this book, but I didn't love it. Mark (the MMC) is sweet and lovely. Lark (the FMC) is a bit more prickly, which makes her a bit hard for me to connect with. The timeline jumps aren't confusing, but they do feel like an add on. Also it is very horse person centric (I am not a horse girl, so I was a bit lost) Having said all that, it is an easy read, that will make you smile (especially if you like small town, ranching stories). I read an ARC
February 12, 2026
The storyline was completely captivating and had me hooked from the very beginning. The timeline can be a little tricky at times—especially if you’re anything like me and get so lost in the characters that you forget to notice when a new chapter starts—but it’s worth paying a bit of extra attention. I really loved that the past isn’t just explained to us, but actually unfolds alongside the present, letting you experience everything as it happens.
Review of advance copy
(I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review)
This is the first book I've read from this author, but I quite enjoyed it. I don't usually like time jumps, but it ended up working really well for this. Also, while I don't know a ton about horses, the world building felt like a gentle introduction without it being a boring info dump. I'm looking forward to the other books in the series.
This is the first book I've read from this author, but I quite enjoyed it. I don't usually like time jumps, but it ended up working really well for this. Also, while I don't know a ton about horses, the world building felt like a gentle introduction without it being a boring info dump. I'm looking forward to the other books in the series.
February 6, 2026
I really loved Malarky!!
This was a really cute story. Even when Lark kept getting in her own way and making Mark feel like trash, I still could understand why she wouldn't let herself have something good. I am glad Mark stuck through it and kept showing up for her, even when she made it really hard to want to.
This was a really cute story. Even when Lark kept getting in her own way and making Mark feel like trash, I still could understand why she wouldn't let herself have something good. I am glad Mark stuck through it and kept showing up for her, even when she made it really hard to want to.
February 6, 2026
Thank you to Love Notes Pr for this ARC opportunity!
This was such a great book! Lark and Mark are honestly one of my favorite couples!! The way they work together and fight is absolutely explosive and so captivating! Their chemistry is so good and the way Gemma expresses that chemistry is so beautiful! A definite recommend!!!
This was such a great book! Lark and Mark are honestly one of my favorite couples!! The way they work together and fight is absolutely explosive and so captivating! Their chemistry is so good and the way Gemma expresses that chemistry is so beautiful! A definite recommend!!!
February 12, 2026
Pure flirty chaos in the best way. Lark is determined to stay focused and unattached… but Mark (who absolutely falls first) challenges her to prove she won’t fall for him. Bold move, sir! This has sharp banter, simmering tension and that delicious slow unraveling when “this is just a game” turns into oh no, these feelings are real!
February 12, 2026
I don't know if I just wasn't in the mood for this kind of read but Lark and Mark (oh my god just realized this while typing it out) both were not main characters I wanted to back. It was unclear why Mark liked Lark so much and ultimately Lark was frustrating as a character. I thought it was well written and the side characters really carried the show.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
ARC thank you for the chance to read this book ahead of time.
This was lovely slow burn he falls first and hard kind of story. Reading the back and forth of Lark and Mark was heart warming and very real for someone who doesn't feel loveable, with someone who loves fully.
This was lovely slow burn he falls first and hard kind of story. Reading the back and forth of Lark and Mark was heart warming and very real for someone who doesn't feel loveable, with someone who loves fully.
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