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Love Under the Hood: A Small Town Valentines Day Romcom
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268 pages, Paperback
Published December 15, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
December 30, 2025
ARC review! 3.5 ⭐️ (some very slight spoilers)
This was a lighthearted, easy romance centered on Valentine’s Day!
Although some heavier topics were briefly touched upon, it was mostly centered on the sweet romance between the hero Saint and the heroine Mikey.
I liked their meet cute and how he worked up to asking her out, but did wish they got to know each other more over that initial year. It felt like a long time to finally have them get together, but then the bulk of their relationship is only shown for 2-3 days so the pacing was felt a bit instalove regardless of the first year of waiting.
I did like how she was a mechanic and he was a baker and the roles were flipped. There was also good plus size rep and showed realistic insecurities, consent, and more.
It’s my personal preference that I don’t like a daddy kink, but that’s just on me for trying it anyway. It made a lot of the spice cringy for me, but if you like that, you’ll enjoy those parts!
Overall, it was a cute romance and perfect to put you in the mood for Valentine’s Day!
This was a lighthearted, easy romance centered on Valentine’s Day!
Although some heavier topics were briefly touched upon, it was mostly centered on the sweet romance between the hero Saint and the heroine Mikey.
I liked their meet cute and how he worked up to asking her out, but did wish they got to know each other more over that initial year. It felt like a long time to finally have them get together, but then the bulk of their relationship is only shown for 2-3 days so the pacing was felt a bit instalove regardless of the first year of waiting.
I did like how she was a mechanic and he was a baker and the roles were flipped. There was also good plus size rep and showed realistic insecurities, consent, and more.
It’s my personal preference that I don’t like a daddy kink, but that’s just on me for trying it anyway. It made a lot of the spice cringy for me, but if you like that, you’ll enjoy those parts!
Overall, it was a cute romance and perfect to put you in the mood for Valentine’s Day!
December 22, 2025
Thank you so much to Daisy Wren and Luna Literary for sending me the ARC of Love Under The Hood.
Reading this book really put a smile on my face ☺️ This is a sweet love story between mechanic Mikey and baker Saint, but don’t be fooled - Saint has some real dirty talk in the bedroom, turning that sweetness into a whole lotta spice!
The story has a small town feel (and the cutest town name by the way - Cupid’s Cove) with loveable characters. We meet Slater and Ruby and get hints at book 2 in the series which will follow their relationship.
The romance between Saint and Mikey unfolds at a satisfyingly slow pace as they get to know each other. I really enjoyed this build up. Once they admit their feelings, it’s a whirlwind as they fall in love. I found it heart warming to read 🥰
One of my favourite parts to the story is how Saint constantly reassures Mikey, making her feel beautiful and desired. He is truly obsessed with everything about her and I love this character trait in a MMC.
I’d deffo recommend to romance girlies and guys who love small town romance, he falls first (and hard!), hopeless romantic MMC/wary of love FMC. 💘
Reading this book really put a smile on my face ☺️ This is a sweet love story between mechanic Mikey and baker Saint, but don’t be fooled - Saint has some real dirty talk in the bedroom, turning that sweetness into a whole lotta spice!
The story has a small town feel (and the cutest town name by the way - Cupid’s Cove) with loveable characters. We meet Slater and Ruby and get hints at book 2 in the series which will follow their relationship.
The romance between Saint and Mikey unfolds at a satisfyingly slow pace as they get to know each other. I really enjoyed this build up. Once they admit their feelings, it’s a whirlwind as they fall in love. I found it heart warming to read 🥰
One of my favourite parts to the story is how Saint constantly reassures Mikey, making her feel beautiful and desired. He is truly obsessed with everything about her and I love this character trait in a MMC.
I’d deffo recommend to romance girlies and guys who love small town romance, he falls first (and hard!), hopeless romantic MMC/wary of love FMC. 💘
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story was literal, pure joy! It was light and fun and everything good. It made my heart so happy to read it. And it will be going on my comfort/cheer up reads list. I am so happy this book and these characters exists. We all need some light in our lives.
Mikey is a mechanic.
Saint is a baker.
They meet when his van breaks downs and he gets towed to the garage where she works. It is love at first sight for him and "he's cute but I got work to do" for her. Then he has to come back three months later. And then three months after that. (Are you seeing a pattern?) And then yet again, three months after that. Only this time, it is a much bigger issue that means she gives him a ride home, nature conspires with love and they finally end up spending some time together. And it gets more delicious & swoony from there!
Mikey is a brilliant woman who loves her work as a mechanic but has allowed her world to get very small after her father passed away. She is hesitant to love because love leads to pain. I loved watching her fall for Saint and realize that the risk of pain is worth it when true love and a man like Saint are involved.
Saint is a true romantic who believes in love at first sight and fate. He also has a special gift for knowing when people are meant for each other. And he knows Mikey is for him and he is for Mikey. He just needs to work up to asking her out. But once he does? Things get very hot, very intense and very beautiful as they both find home.
I adored these two and their romance. And I love to see plus size characters who get to be whole people who fluff with abandon and love with their souls.
Daisy's writing is a delight to read. My brain adores the way she writes her characters and their quirky personalities & interactions.
I received this as an ARC and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity. It had zero impact on my review.
Mikey is a mechanic.
Saint is a baker.
They meet when his van breaks downs and he gets towed to the garage where she works. It is love at first sight for him and "he's cute but I got work to do" for her. Then he has to come back three months later. And then three months after that. (Are you seeing a pattern?) And then yet again, three months after that. Only this time, it is a much bigger issue that means she gives him a ride home, nature conspires with love and they finally end up spending some time together. And it gets more delicious & swoony from there!
Mikey is a brilliant woman who loves her work as a mechanic but has allowed her world to get very small after her father passed away. She is hesitant to love because love leads to pain. I loved watching her fall for Saint and realize that the risk of pain is worth it when true love and a man like Saint are involved.
Saint is a true romantic who believes in love at first sight and fate. He also has a special gift for knowing when people are meant for each other. And he knows Mikey is for him and he is for Mikey. He just needs to work up to asking her out. But once he does? Things get very hot, very intense and very beautiful as they both find home.
I adored these two and their romance. And I love to see plus size characters who get to be whole people who fluff with abandon and love with their souls.
Daisy's writing is a delight to read. My brain adores the way she writes her characters and their quirky personalities & interactions.
I received this as an ARC and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity. It had zero impact on my review.
December 26, 2025
This was a fun, easy to follow romcom that felt thoughtfully written even at a faster pace. The story stays light and charming while still allowing space for a few heavier emotional moments surrounding the main characters’ parents (off page), which ultimately bring them closer and add depth to their connection.
The story centers on Saint Valentine, a baker who runs a bakery and café alongside his sister and spends every Valentine’s Day dressed as Cupid, thanks to his unusual talent for matchmaking. After his van breaks down far from home, he finds himself at Merv’s Garage, where he meets Mikey, the mechanic who gets him back on the road. She is the opposite of the MAN he expected and is instead a mid twenties, plus size woman. Saint feels an immediate connection with her but Instead of acting on it, he lets his nerves get the better of him and keeps finding excuses for repeat visits to the garage over the next year, with a little encouragement from his best friend. What starts as hesitation slowly turns into a sweet, drawn out flirtation that finally nudges both of them toward something more.
Daisy Wren once again, does a wonderful job weaving genuine vulnerability into a story that still feels warm and romantic. Mikey’s anxieties around body image and societal expectations of femininity are handled with care and feel deeply relatable. Saint’s unwavering admiration for her never feels performative or overdone, just steady and sincere.
As a plus size reader myself, I always find comfort in Daisy Wren’s stories. Seeing a heroine who struggles with the same insecurities I recognize in myself feels validating, and the way this book flips traditional gender roles makes it even more meaningful. Saint embraces a role often coded as feminine, while Mikey thrives in a male dominated field, and that balance adds something truly special to their dynamic.
Overall, this was a soft, character driven romance that felt sincere, tender, and emotionally satisfying, making it a lovely choice for readers who enjoy gentle, heartfelt love stories.
The story centers on Saint Valentine, a baker who runs a bakery and café alongside his sister and spends every Valentine’s Day dressed as Cupid, thanks to his unusual talent for matchmaking. After his van breaks down far from home, he finds himself at Merv’s Garage, where he meets Mikey, the mechanic who gets him back on the road. She is the opposite of the MAN he expected and is instead a mid twenties, plus size woman. Saint feels an immediate connection with her but Instead of acting on it, he lets his nerves get the better of him and keeps finding excuses for repeat visits to the garage over the next year, with a little encouragement from his best friend. What starts as hesitation slowly turns into a sweet, drawn out flirtation that finally nudges both of them toward something more.
Daisy Wren once again, does a wonderful job weaving genuine vulnerability into a story that still feels warm and romantic. Mikey’s anxieties around body image and societal expectations of femininity are handled with care and feel deeply relatable. Saint’s unwavering admiration for her never feels performative or overdone, just steady and sincere.
As a plus size reader myself, I always find comfort in Daisy Wren’s stories. Seeing a heroine who struggles with the same insecurities I recognize in myself feels validating, and the way this book flips traditional gender roles makes it even more meaningful. Saint embraces a role often coded as feminine, while Mikey thrives in a male dominated field, and that balance adds something truly special to their dynamic.
Overall, this was a soft, character driven romance that felt sincere, tender, and emotionally satisfying, making it a lovely choice for readers who enjoy gentle, heartfelt love stories.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*ARC Review* Thank you to Daisy Wren for sending me a copy!
Intro:
This book is an FM Valentines romance between Mikey, a mechanic and Saint, a baker and business owner who has a knack for pairing up couples
Tropes/Highlights:
-FM
-Dual POV
-Plus sized MCs
-Open Door Romance
-Baker/Mechanic
-Insta Love
-Small Town
-HEA
Likes:
-Plus sized characters + women in male dominated fields representation
-Merv is a great side character, I enjoyed his grumpy personality
-Saint's sneaky way of seeing Mikey
-Mikey's unconventional name
-Saint is obsessed & nurturing
-Cover design is so cute
Dislikes/Criticisms:
-The hints about Ruby and Slater were too obvious and the epilogue kind of gives their story away
-There wasn't a lot of character development, as the story relied more on telling you what happens rather than providing dialogue and scenes to back it up
-The inner thoughts Saint had when he was giving her clothes to borrow weirded me out
Quotes:
-"I make a mental note to bake Merv a million cookies"
-"Well, I never claimed I had a good sense of self-preservation"
-"I didn't think anyone could be as magnetic as you"
-"The way my dad spoke about my mom...it was like she hand painted the moon and stars. If I can't find a love like theirs, I don't want it."
-"You think you can send me pictures looking like a goddess and I won't want to worship you?"
I think this book was a cute and spicy read and I really liked that it was a Valentines Day book. I love that this book doesn't follow conventional societal standards in regards to the FMC. I wish there was more dialogue between characters and less of the narrative being summed up. I think that would have allowed me to connect better with the MCs. While this book is an insta-love trope, it is also a slow burn which I liked. If you are looking for a light-hearted, spicy romance between a beautiful plus sized mechanic and a baker who is obsessed with her from day one, then this might be the book for you.
Intro:
This book is an FM Valentines romance between Mikey, a mechanic and Saint, a baker and business owner who has a knack for pairing up couples
Tropes/Highlights:
-FM
-Dual POV
-Plus sized MCs
-Open Door Romance
-Baker/Mechanic
-Insta Love
-Small Town
-HEA
Likes:
-Plus sized characters + women in male dominated fields representation
-Merv is a great side character, I enjoyed his grumpy personality
-Saint's sneaky way of seeing Mikey
-Mikey's unconventional name
-Saint is obsessed & nurturing
-Cover design is so cute
Dislikes/Criticisms:
-The hints about Ruby and Slater were too obvious and the epilogue kind of gives their story away
-There wasn't a lot of character development, as the story relied more on telling you what happens rather than providing dialogue and scenes to back it up
-The inner thoughts Saint had when he was giving her clothes to borrow weirded me out
Quotes:
-"I make a mental note to bake Merv a million cookies"
-"Well, I never claimed I had a good sense of self-preservation"
-"I didn't think anyone could be as magnetic as you"
-"The way my dad spoke about my mom...it was like she hand painted the moon and stars. If I can't find a love like theirs, I don't want it."
-"You think you can send me pictures looking like a goddess and I won't want to worship you?"
I think this book was a cute and spicy read and I really liked that it was a Valentines Day book. I love that this book doesn't follow conventional societal standards in regards to the FMC. I wish there was more dialogue between characters and less of the narrative being summed up. I think that would have allowed me to connect better with the MCs. While this book is an insta-love trope, it is also a slow burn which I liked. If you are looking for a light-hearted, spicy romance between a beautiful plus sized mechanic and a baker who is obsessed with her from day one, then this might be the book for you.
December 31, 2025
Thank you to Luna Literary Management and Daisy Wren for the ARC of Love Under the Hood. All opinions are my own.
Love Under the Hood is an adorable, steamy small-town romance filled with instant connection, meddling side characters, and a whole lot of heart. Saint is a baker in Cupid’s Cove, Oregon, whose van breaking down introduces him to Mikey, a talented mechanic with walls built high from past experiences and deep insecurities. For Saint, it’s love at first sight—and over the course of a year, he finds increasingly questionable excuses to keep bringing his van back to her shop just to see her again.
When Saint takes things a step too far and completely disables his van right before Cupid’s Cove’s annual Valentine’s celebration (where he plays matchmaker), Mikey offers to drive him home. A storm strands them together, forcing proximity and giving their connection space to truly grow.
I loved the banter between Saint and Mikey and the immediate spark between them. The meddling older side characters were a standout and added so much charm. While the sexual relationship progressed faster than I expected and the Daddy kink wasn’t entirely for me, it worked for these characters and felt consensual and intentional. I especially appreciated that Mikey gained more than just a romantic partner—she found confidence, friendship, and community.
The romance was hot and steamy, but it never lost the emotional connection or plot. I also loved that Saint’s over-the-top wooing was acknowledged and thoughtfully processed rather than dismissed or turned into unnecessary drama.
✨ Tropes & Themes:
Insta-love
Plus-size main characters
Traditional role reversal
Forced proximity
Valentine’s Day vibes
Small-town romance
Love Under the Hood is an adorable, steamy small-town romance filled with instant connection, meddling side characters, and a whole lot of heart. Saint is a baker in Cupid’s Cove, Oregon, whose van breaking down introduces him to Mikey, a talented mechanic with walls built high from past experiences and deep insecurities. For Saint, it’s love at first sight—and over the course of a year, he finds increasingly questionable excuses to keep bringing his van back to her shop just to see her again.
When Saint takes things a step too far and completely disables his van right before Cupid’s Cove’s annual Valentine’s celebration (where he plays matchmaker), Mikey offers to drive him home. A storm strands them together, forcing proximity and giving their connection space to truly grow.
I loved the banter between Saint and Mikey and the immediate spark between them. The meddling older side characters were a standout and added so much charm. While the sexual relationship progressed faster than I expected and the Daddy kink wasn’t entirely for me, it worked for these characters and felt consensual and intentional. I especially appreciated that Mikey gained more than just a romantic partner—she found confidence, friendship, and community.
The romance was hot and steamy, but it never lost the emotional connection or plot. I also loved that Saint’s over-the-top wooing was acknowledged and thoughtfully processed rather than dismissed or turned into unnecessary drama.
✨ Tropes & Themes:
Insta-love
Plus-size main characters
Traditional role reversal
Forced proximity
Valentine’s Day vibes
Small-town romance
Review of advance copy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Love Under the Hood by Daisy Wren
In this insta-love story, we meet Saint Valentine. He is a resident of Cupid's Cove, which is a small Valentine's Day themed town. He is a baker and owns a bakery/cafe with his sister Ruby. He was born on Valentine's Day, looks like a cross between a Viking and a Lumbersnack, and is definitely swoon-worthy! Oh, and he happens to have a gift of matching couples and plays Cupid in the town's annual festival. Yet, he is perpetually single. One day, on a supply run to a town a few hours away, his van breaks down. He has it towed to a local shop where he meets Mikey. As soon as he sees her in her coveralls with a grease smear on her cheek, he knows. She's the one! But how does he tell her?
While it might be insta-love on Saint's end, this had a bit of a slow burn. But then it is on. 🥵 I absolutely loved the bigger body representation of both MCs. Very refreshing! There's a whole cast of side characters you will fall in love with, too. I think we need a Merv book! Maybe with Kelly? And they both move to Cupid's Cove? 🤞 Even though we know the ending of the next couple's story in the series, I think their book will be 🔥. The banter between them was so good!
I received an ARC of this book, but these opinions are my own. I would like to thank the author, Daisy Wren, and Luna Literary Management for allowing me the privilege of reading her work. ❤️
Love Under the Hood by Daisy Wren
In this insta-love story, we meet Saint Valentine. He is a resident of Cupid's Cove, which is a small Valentine's Day themed town. He is a baker and owns a bakery/cafe with his sister Ruby. He was born on Valentine's Day, looks like a cross between a Viking and a Lumbersnack, and is definitely swoon-worthy! Oh, and he happens to have a gift of matching couples and plays Cupid in the town's annual festival. Yet, he is perpetually single. One day, on a supply run to a town a few hours away, his van breaks down. He has it towed to a local shop where he meets Mikey. As soon as he sees her in her coveralls with a grease smear on her cheek, he knows. She's the one! But how does he tell her?
While it might be insta-love on Saint's end, this had a bit of a slow burn. But then it is on. 🥵 I absolutely loved the bigger body representation of both MCs. Very refreshing! There's a whole cast of side characters you will fall in love with, too. I think we need a Merv book! Maybe with Kelly? And they both move to Cupid's Cove? 🤞 Even though we know the ending of the next couple's story in the series, I think their book will be 🔥. The banter between them was so good!
I received an ARC of this book, but these opinions are my own. I would like to thank the author, Daisy Wren, and Luna Literary Management for allowing me the privilege of reading her work. ❤️
Review of advance copy
This was my first book by Daisy Wren but it certainly won’t be my last! ARC provided by Luna Literary Management. All thoughts of my own!
4.5 ⭐️// 3 🌶️
Mikey (Mikelle) and Saint’s story was one for the romance books. Saint is a lover of all things love, romance, kismet, etc. and it’s pretty fitting considering he’s Saint Valentine, Cupid’s Cove’s own Cupid, and born on Valentine’s Day.
Mikey is a bit more reserved with her heart than Saint but cannot deny the chemistry they have. To some
It may seem crazy that she’s willing to move to a new town with a man who spent 1/4 of the year breaking his van to come see her but when ya know ya know.
And yes, Saint asks his mechanic bestie how he can easily mess up his van so the curvy mechanic he’s crushing on has a reason to fix it. Speaking of his bestie, we’re seeing Slater and Ruby (saints sister) again in book two! The side characters here were loads of fun here.
I thought the storyline was fun and easy to follow, well thought out even when we’re moving fast, and just an overall well written & lighthearted romcom. There are a few heavier moments discussing the MCs parents (deaths not on page) but it brought the characters closer together.
Thank you Luna and Daisy for the ARC! I can’t wait to come back to Cupid’s Cove in book 2!
4.5 ⭐️// 3 🌶️
Mikey (Mikelle) and Saint’s story was one for the romance books. Saint is a lover of all things love, romance, kismet, etc. and it’s pretty fitting considering he’s Saint Valentine, Cupid’s Cove’s own Cupid, and born on Valentine’s Day.
Mikey is a bit more reserved with her heart than Saint but cannot deny the chemistry they have. To some
It may seem crazy that she’s willing to move to a new town with a man who spent 1/4 of the year breaking his van to come see her but when ya know ya know.
And yes, Saint asks his mechanic bestie how he can easily mess up his van so the curvy mechanic he’s crushing on has a reason to fix it. Speaking of his bestie, we’re seeing Slater and Ruby (saints sister) again in book two! The side characters here were loads of fun here.
I thought the storyline was fun and easy to follow, well thought out even when we’re moving fast, and just an overall well written & lighthearted romcom. There are a few heavier moments discussing the MCs parents (deaths not on page) but it brought the characters closer together.
Thank you Luna and Daisy for the ARC! I can’t wait to come back to Cupid’s Cove in book 2!
December 22, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive this book as an ARC (thank you Daisy Wren and Luna Literacy) and am so thankful I did not have to wait until release day!! The story starts out with Saint Valentine (yes that’s his real name) who is a baker at a bakery/cafe he owns with his sister Ruby, but also dresses up as Cupid every Valentine’s Day and has a special gift for matchmaking. His van breaks down 2 hours away so he ends up at Mervs Garage and Mikey ends up fixing his van for him. Mikey, who he imagined was going to be a burly man, is actually a mid twenties plus size single woman. At first sight Saint knows she’s the one but does not have the courage to make a move. So what does he do? Continues to “break” his van over the span of a year with the help from his best friend Slater who is also a mechanic. Eventually he takes it a bit too far and really damages his van….but it may be the nudge their flirting needed all along. I absolutely adored this story and it was a fresh take on a popular trope. Listed below are my favorite details, characteristics and tropes found in this story!
-found family
-reverse gender roles when it comes to occupations
-plus size couple
-realistic body confidence struggles
-lots of hints for the next installment of the series!
-no third act breakup
- Merv :)
-found family
-reverse gender roles when it comes to occupations
-plus size couple
-realistic body confidence struggles
-lots of hints for the next installment of the series!
-no third act breakup
- Merv :)
Review of advance copy
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
If you need a cozy escape to a town obsessed with Valentine's Day, this is your book.
Mikey's a mechanic with zero interest in love after surviving a terrible relationship. Saint's a baker and matchmaker living in Cupid's Cove—yes, an actual town that celebrates Valentine's Day like it's Christmas. When her van breaks down, Saint's convinced it's fate. Mikey's not buying it.
The reverse gender roles here are chef's kiss: a romantic baker who wears his heart on his sleeve and a tough mechanic who's forgotten what healthy love looks like. Saint literally breaks his van on purpose for a year just to see her, which is ridiculously sweet. The way he constantly reminds her she's beautiful and never questions her career choices? Perfect book boyfriend energy.
Cupid's Cove delivers all the small-town magic—quirky parades, an amazing small cafe with bakery, and the best found family vibes. Saint's crew welcomes Mikey like she's always been there.
My only wish? More depth. The story touches on healing but stays surface-level when these characters deserve richer development. The pacing drags initially, though once they admit their feelings, everything falls into place. It's a quick, feel-good read that kept me smiling, even if I craved more emotional complexity.
Perfect for when you want something sweet and uncomplicated.
Vibes we are Tracking!
💕 Grumpy/sunshine
🛠️ Gender role reversal
🏘️ Small-town charm
👨🍳 Plus-size rep
💐 Found family
🚐 Strategic van sabotage
Thank you Luna Literary for the ARC!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5/5
If you need a cozy escape to a town obsessed with Valentine's Day, this is your book.
Mikey's a mechanic with zero interest in love after surviving a terrible relationship. Saint's a baker and matchmaker living in Cupid's Cove—yes, an actual town that celebrates Valentine's Day like it's Christmas. When her van breaks down, Saint's convinced it's fate. Mikey's not buying it.
The reverse gender roles here are chef's kiss: a romantic baker who wears his heart on his sleeve and a tough mechanic who's forgotten what healthy love looks like. Saint literally breaks his van on purpose for a year just to see her, which is ridiculously sweet. The way he constantly reminds her she's beautiful and never questions her career choices? Perfect book boyfriend energy.
Cupid's Cove delivers all the small-town magic—quirky parades, an amazing small cafe with bakery, and the best found family vibes. Saint's crew welcomes Mikey like she's always been there.
My only wish? More depth. The story touches on healing but stays surface-level when these characters deserve richer development. The pacing drags initially, though once they admit their feelings, everything falls into place. It's a quick, feel-good read that kept me smiling, even if I craved more emotional complexity.
Perfect for when you want something sweet and uncomplicated.
Vibes we are Tracking!
💕 Grumpy/sunshine
🛠️ Gender role reversal
🏘️ Small-town charm
👨🍳 Plus-size rep
💐 Found family
🚐 Strategic van sabotage
Thank you Luna Literary for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a perfect light fluffy hallmark with spice read and I am so here for it! I devoured this book and adored how perfect the story is as the authors note says it's supposed to be a silly fun time. I also LOVE the body positivity spread through this. People don't know how much their comments can hurt and this book is like a warm hug!
Mikey is a plus sized female mechanic (hell to the yeah) and is at work one day when Saint Valentine (yes really!) comes in with his broken-down bakery van. I love the role reversal in this. Saint takes one look at the gorgeous Mikey and hears symphonies and decides that yes this is the woman for him. He needs to get his confidence up to ask her out so of course he breaks his van a couple more times just so he has an excuse to drive 2 hours away and get it fixed. Except the last time is maybe third time lucky and he actually does some damage and needs a lift home while wating for parts.
Mikey drives Saint home and gets stuck in bad weather. She falls in love with Cupid's cove and their Valentines Day events. Plus, Saint's sister Ruby and her friend Stella welcome Mikey into their little circle with open arms. Saint is such a caring, awesome guy this is a slow burn but phew once it gets going its awesome!
While you are told pretty much the next story line it's going to be so worth it the tension between Ruby and Slater is so good!
Mikey is a plus sized female mechanic (hell to the yeah) and is at work one day when Saint Valentine (yes really!) comes in with his broken-down bakery van. I love the role reversal in this. Saint takes one look at the gorgeous Mikey and hears symphonies and decides that yes this is the woman for him. He needs to get his confidence up to ask her out so of course he breaks his van a couple more times just so he has an excuse to drive 2 hours away and get it fixed. Except the last time is maybe third time lucky and he actually does some damage and needs a lift home while wating for parts.
Mikey drives Saint home and gets stuck in bad weather. She falls in love with Cupid's cove and their Valentines Day events. Plus, Saint's sister Ruby and her friend Stella welcome Mikey into their little circle with open arms. Saint is such a caring, awesome guy this is a slow burn but phew once it gets going its awesome!
While you are told pretty much the next story line it's going to be so worth it the tension between Ruby and Slater is so good!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Love under the hood by Daisy Wren
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a really enjoyable read full of found family, small town magic and a very persistent MMC.
The insta love was well done, I love that Saint gave Mickey time to get to know him despite his own sense of knowing and it was endearing to see this sweet giant of a man fumble and stumble his way towards asking her out. The spice is great, there are heaps of funny and sweet moment and the entire town of Cupid’s Cove welcomes you with open arms when reading this.
I loved Merv so much. And Kelly. And Stella. And Ruby and basically every side character! I loved all the build up to the next book and can’t wait to read it.
This read is like a comforting hot chocolate, it’s sweet and delivers exactly what you want for a cosy evening in. Daisy Wren never fails to bring the entertainment factor intermixed with someone genuine vulnerability and emotion, the anxieties and trepidations felt by Mikey are so relatable, she struggles with her own body image and societal expectations of ‘femininity’ and I love how Saint squashed them.
This comes out at the end of the month and would be a perfect end to your reading year. Or even better, a great way to start 2026!
Thank you so much for the ARC 💕
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a really enjoyable read full of found family, small town magic and a very persistent MMC.
The insta love was well done, I love that Saint gave Mickey time to get to know him despite his own sense of knowing and it was endearing to see this sweet giant of a man fumble and stumble his way towards asking her out. The spice is great, there are heaps of funny and sweet moment and the entire town of Cupid’s Cove welcomes you with open arms when reading this.
I loved Merv so much. And Kelly. And Stella. And Ruby and basically every side character! I loved all the build up to the next book and can’t wait to read it.
This read is like a comforting hot chocolate, it’s sweet and delivers exactly what you want for a cosy evening in. Daisy Wren never fails to bring the entertainment factor intermixed with someone genuine vulnerability and emotion, the anxieties and trepidations felt by Mikey are so relatable, she struggles with her own body image and societal expectations of ‘femininity’ and I love how Saint squashed them.
This comes out at the end of the month and would be a perfect end to your reading year. Or even better, a great way to start 2026!
Thank you so much for the ARC 💕
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book somehow manages to be both instant attraction and a slow burn, which shouldn’t work...but it absolutely does. Daisy balances the two beautifully, making the story feel natural and emotionally satisfying rather than rushed or forced.
At its heart, this is a story about recognizing a connection when it appears and having the courage to follow it, even when the timing or pace might seem unconventional to others. What could have easily felt corny instead turns into something genuinely sweet and heartfelt, grounded in strong characterization and quiet moments that build real chemistry.
The romance is soft, cozy, and character-driven, with plenty of tension that comes from anticipation rather than drama. The emotional beats feel earned, and the developing relationship is supported by a warm cast of side characters that add depth and charm to the story.
Overall, this was a comforting, romantic read that delivered sincerity, tenderness, and just the right amount of slow-building payoff. A very enjoyable book for readers who love gentle, emotionally rich romances.
*Thank you for the author and Luna Literary for the ARC!*
At its heart, this is a story about recognizing a connection when it appears and having the courage to follow it, even when the timing or pace might seem unconventional to others. What could have easily felt corny instead turns into something genuinely sweet and heartfelt, grounded in strong characterization and quiet moments that build real chemistry.
The romance is soft, cozy, and character-driven, with plenty of tension that comes from anticipation rather than drama. The emotional beats feel earned, and the developing relationship is supported by a warm cast of side characters that add depth and charm to the story.
Overall, this was a comforting, romantic read that delivered sincerity, tenderness, and just the right amount of slow-building payoff. A very enjoyable book for readers who love gentle, emotionally rich romances.
*Thank you for the author and Luna Literary for the ARC!*
December 22, 2025
ARC Review: Thank you to Daisy Wren and Luna Literary Management for sending me an advanced copy of Love Under the Hood to read and review.
This was such a cute book. Saint being absolutely smitten with Mikey and spending the next year breaking his van on purpose just trying to work up the courage to ask her out was so endearing. This book features two plus-size characters.
I love the setting of Cupid’s Cove. The town is obsessed with Valentine’s Day. There’s a parade, and Saint dresses as Cupid. He has a special gift that allows him to sense when two people are meant to be together. Until he met Mikey, he had never felt that spark himself.
Mikey is a mechanic, and her last boyfriend was terrible. One of my favorite things about this book is that Saint showed her how a man should treat her. He never fails to tell her she’s beautiful, and he doesn’t care that she works in a male-dominated field. I also loved how Saint’s sister and friends welcomed Mikey into their circle as if she had been there forever.
This was such a cute book. Saint being absolutely smitten with Mikey and spending the next year breaking his van on purpose just trying to work up the courage to ask her out was so endearing. This book features two plus-size characters.
I love the setting of Cupid’s Cove. The town is obsessed with Valentine’s Day. There’s a parade, and Saint dresses as Cupid. He has a special gift that allows him to sense when two people are meant to be together. Until he met Mikey, he had never felt that spark himself.
Mikey is a mechanic, and her last boyfriend was terrible. One of my favorite things about this book is that Saint showed her how a man should treat her. He never fails to tell her she’s beautiful, and he doesn’t care that she works in a male-dominated field. I also loved how Saint’s sister and friends welcomed Mikey into their circle as if she had been there forever.
December 31, 2025
"This kind, gorgeous, funny, hard working woman is meant to be mine, to own my heart." Saint
"Saint worshipping my body last night has brought a new perspective. I’m starting to see my body as something desirable, beautiful, even." - Mikey
Saint needed help with his car, and Mikey is the mechanic who helped him. It was love at first sight for Saint, and he tried to find ways to see him again for a WHOLE year before they had more than small interactions. And Mikey had no idea how in love he was all this time. I love that Saint was very sweet and reassuring with her; he was so happy to finally have her by his side. They are both plus size and super sweet. They have a genuine love. Mikey deserves all the love, and I love that everyone welcomed her. His sister Ruby became friends with her from the start. I love small-town books so much!! Saint is a very sweet character who wins her heart with his baking and his sweet words and actions; it's so cute. I'm looking forward to getting to know Ruby and her "secret man".
I received an ARC copy of this book.
"Saint worshipping my body last night has brought a new perspective. I’m starting to see my body as something desirable, beautiful, even." - Mikey
Saint needed help with his car, and Mikey is the mechanic who helped him. It was love at first sight for Saint, and he tried to find ways to see him again for a WHOLE year before they had more than small interactions. And Mikey had no idea how in love he was all this time. I love that Saint was very sweet and reassuring with her; he was so happy to finally have her by his side. They are both plus size and super sweet. They have a genuine love. Mikey deserves all the love, and I love that everyone welcomed her. His sister Ruby became friends with her from the start. I love small-town books so much!! Saint is a very sweet character who wins her heart with his baking and his sweet words and actions; it's so cute. I'm looking forward to getting to know Ruby and her "secret man".
I received an ARC copy of this book.
December 23, 2025
This book was a really fun read! Saint is a baker who meets Mikey at the garage she works at and he falls hard and fast. While it is insta love or lust or both it is a slowwwwww burn until they finally rip the bandaid off … and then it’s on… quite literally. A lot.
Saint is a very endearing character. He’s the perfect mix of tender and a little filthy and he’s totally gone for our girl Mikey. I loved the way Mikey was written. Strong. Smart. Independent. Vulnerable but not weak. I think it’s so cool she she’s a mechanic and Saint is a baker.
All of the side characters were written so well. Sweet Merv. 🖤 Ruby & Slater & Stella … I felt like I was in Cupid’s Cove while reading.
I definitely recommend this book for a fun, romantic read and am looking forward to Ruby & Slater’s story! Thanks to the author & Luna Literary for a chance to ARC read and review this gem!
Saint is a very endearing character. He’s the perfect mix of tender and a little filthy and he’s totally gone for our girl Mikey. I loved the way Mikey was written. Strong. Smart. Independent. Vulnerable but not weak. I think it’s so cool she she’s a mechanic and Saint is a baker.
All of the side characters were written so well. Sweet Merv. 🖤 Ruby & Slater & Stella … I felt like I was in Cupid’s Cove while reading.
I definitely recommend this book for a fun, romantic read and am looking forward to Ruby & Slater’s story! Thanks to the author & Luna Literary for a chance to ARC read and review this gem!
January 1, 2026
I’m so thankful for the opportunity to ARC read this book. Love Under the Hood was such a joy to read from cover to cover. Insta-love can sometimes feel a bit cringe when it isn’t done well, but here it worked beautifully. The way the main characters navigated their feelings made their connection feel natural and authentic rather than rushed.
Saint absolutely reminds me of a teddy bear. He’s cuddly, sweet, and has a huge heart. Coming from a town that truly loves love, he’s practically an icon—someone the town adores year after year. Mikey, on the other hand, comes from a much smaller town and is far more guarded, hesitant to let love in and fully trust it.
All in all, I highly recommend Love Under the Hood. It’s such a fun, feel-good read, and I may even pick it up again now that it’s officially out.
Saint absolutely reminds me of a teddy bear. He’s cuddly, sweet, and has a huge heart. Coming from a town that truly loves love, he’s practically an icon—someone the town adores year after year. Mikey, on the other hand, comes from a much smaller town and is far more guarded, hesitant to let love in and fully trust it.
All in all, I highly recommend Love Under the Hood. It’s such a fun, feel-good read, and I may even pick it up again now that it’s officially out.
December 22, 2025
Thank you for letting me be and ACR review!! Love under the hood put me in the best mood. It just made me so happy. This is a perfect book for valentine’s Day! I can totally see this book being turned in to a fun valentine day movie rom com! The relationship between Saint Valentine who loves love and is a hopeless romantic and Mikey Snowe who is a female mechanic. I love how saint always breaks his van to go see mikey when she should be baking and working with his sister in their café. O and his long time best friends is also a mechanic. So so good I definitely recommend. It will put you in the best mood! Can’t wait for book 2!
What you will find inside this book:
💘He Falls First (and hard)
⚙️Insta love
💘Small Town
⚙️Forced Proximity
💘Plus size MCs
⚙️Mechanic FMC
💘Baker MMC
What you will find inside this book:
💘He Falls First (and hard)
⚙️Insta love
💘Small Town
⚙️Forced Proximity
💘Plus size MCs
⚙️Mechanic FMC
💘Baker MMC
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
💜 found family
🖤 plus size couple
💜reverse gender roles when it comes to occupations
I really enjoyed seeing Saint and Mikey fall even if this was very slow paced at first, but when they were finally able to admit it was just perfect. This book kept a smile on my face the whole time. Daisy did an amazing job with this book, I especially like the reverse jobs where the man is the great baker, and the women is a mechanic but neither of them judge the other for their choices. The chemistry between them was amazing and the way Saint just kept feeding them was great.
I would like to thank the author, Daisy Wren, and Luna Literary Management for allowing me the privilege of reading this great book. These are my honest thoughts.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
💜 found family
🖤 plus size couple
💜reverse gender roles when it comes to occupations
I really enjoyed seeing Saint and Mikey fall even if this was very slow paced at first, but when they were finally able to admit it was just perfect. This book kept a smile on my face the whole time. Daisy did an amazing job with this book, I especially like the reverse jobs where the man is the great baker, and the women is a mechanic but neither of them judge the other for their choices. The chemistry between them was amazing and the way Saint just kept feeding them was great.
I would like to thank the author, Daisy Wren, and Luna Literary Management for allowing me the privilege of reading this great book. These are my honest thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this as an ARC from Daisy and I absolutely loved this book! The writing of this dual POV story was absolutely fantastic. Everything flowed together so well, and the banter was great!
My favorite part of the story was when Mikey realized just how beautiful she was on her own. While Saint did an amazing job of hyping her up, seeing her realize this was something that my 36 year old self needed to hear as someone who struggles with body image issues.
This was an overall feel good Valentine’s Day themed story that really can be read any time. The spice was spicy and delicious.
I cannot wait for Love Under Wraps in 2027!
My favorite part of the story was when Mikey realized just how beautiful she was on her own. While Saint did an amazing job of hyping her up, seeing her realize this was something that my 36 year old self needed to hear as someone who struggles with body image issues.
This was an overall feel good Valentine’s Day themed story that really can be read any time. The spice was spicy and delicious.
I cannot wait for Love Under Wraps in 2027!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Saint is a matchmaker and baker but he’s never found love for himself until his van breaks down and he gets it repaired. It’s love at first sight with the mechanic working on his van but can he get up the nerve to ask her out.
I’m not a big insta-love fan and that was definitely on his side at least and hers was a one day later kinda love but still pretty instant. Not my fave but I loved the valentines theme and the ways he was trying to get her attention were pretty cute. My fave was getting great characters that were both plus size and attractive and charismatic and smart and beautiful. Absolutely love the body positivity and the spice was super hot. Great holiday read!
I’m not a big insta-love fan and that was definitely on his side at least and hers was a one day later kinda love but still pretty instant. Not my fave but I loved the valentines theme and the ways he was trying to get her attention were pretty cute. My fave was getting great characters that were both plus size and attractive and charismatic and smart and beautiful. Absolutely love the body positivity and the spice was super hot. Great holiday read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Such a cute and spicy romance with role reversals for the main characters that you don’t usually see! Saint, a baker delivering his goods has car troubles that brings him to the shop where the mechanic Mikey works, and he instantly is smitten with her. He’s quite relentless in his perusal of her, which lands her in his small town just I time to see him play Cupid for the town’s festival. In addition to the unique twists included in the romance plot, there’s delicious spice, plus sized representation, forced proximity, and it’s just so cute and had me smiling like a fool for the duration of the story.
Thanks to the author and Luna Literary Management for the eARC.
Thanks to the author and Luna Literary Management for the eARC.
December 30, 2025
Love Under the Hood by Daisy Wren
Book 1 in the Cupids Cove series
Book Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Love Under the Hood is such a sweet slow burn with a blue collar woman which I think is fantastic! Saint is a baker in the next town over from Mikey. He falls head over heels instantly when he sees Her and takes the next year bringing his van in to get fixed just so he can be close to her. After that year Mikey and Saint end up stuck at his house because of a storm and things heat the heck up and Saints dominance comes out. Gaah this man has a delicious mouth on him! I LOVE the small town vibes and the mix of the Valentine’s Day and Cupid 😏 their HEA is so sweet and adorable!
Book 1 in the Cupids Cove series
Book Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Love Under the Hood is such a sweet slow burn with a blue collar woman which I think is fantastic! Saint is a baker in the next town over from Mikey. He falls head over heels instantly when he sees Her and takes the next year bringing his van in to get fixed just so he can be close to her. After that year Mikey and Saint end up stuck at his house because of a storm and things heat the heck up and Saints dominance comes out. Gaah this man has a delicious mouth on him! I LOVE the small town vibes and the mix of the Valentine’s Day and Cupid 😏 their HEA is so sweet and adorable!
December 31, 2025
My first Daisy Wren book and it was the cutest love story!!! I will absolutely be re-reading every Valentine's Day bc the way I swooned over this lumbersnack baking Viking.... he was the perfect combination of spicy and sweet. I laughed so hard with all of Saint's "mechanical issues" and thought it was so sweet how all of their friends and family conspired to make sure these two love birds had opportunities to spend time together. Mikey was finally shown how she deserved to be worshipped and I loved how independent and strong she is. As soon as the bus is ready to take singles to Cupids Cove, I'm going!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was so incredibly sweet with a good amount of spice to top it off! Daisy always pulls me in with the character art she posts, and this one had me completely hooked before I even started it. I loved that Mikey was bigger and not stereotypically "girly", especially when paired with a big viking dressed up like Cupid like Saint. I love how completely down bad Wren's MMCs are and how they're able to make their girls feel like the only girl in the world. It makes these books so sweet and a must have for me!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Do you need an uplifting, feel-good read with little conflict, some pining, and a golden retriever who just loves love?
Daisy Wren's Cupid's Cove series starts off with this sweet read featuring Saint Valentine and Mikey Snowe. The husky baker falls immediately and hard for the delectable mechanic and spends a year pining for her before working up the courage to make his move. This walking green flag of a man is one dirty talking daddy and I was here for it!
I love Daisy Wren, so knew I'd love this too. Feel-good perfection!
Daisy Wren's Cupid's Cove series starts off with this sweet read featuring Saint Valentine and Mikey Snowe. The husky baker falls immediately and hard for the delectable mechanic and spends a year pining for her before working up the courage to make his move. This walking green flag of a man is one dirty talking daddy and I was here for it!
I love Daisy Wren, so knew I'd love this too. Feel-good perfection!
Review of advance copy
I could not put this down, including during work 😁, whoops lol.
This was my first read by Daisy Wren and love it. Daisy was able to write an instalove that was #slowburn and I loved it. The balance between Saint's sweet, golden retriever personality and his daddy kink was *chef's kiss*. As a plus size reader, I appreciated and related to Mikey's journey and insecurities. It felt genuine and so glad she was able to find someone like Saint to help heal the parts that she couldn't heal on her own.
This was my first read by Daisy Wren and love it. Daisy was able to write an instalove that was #slowburn and I loved it. The balance between Saint's sweet, golden retriever personality and his daddy kink was *chef's kiss*. As a plus size reader, I appreciated and related to Mikey's journey and insecurities. It felt genuine and so glad she was able to find someone like Saint to help heal the parts that she couldn't heal on her own.
December 30, 2025
This was such a cute read! Both main characters are so awkward and relatable with just enough whimsy to make the story over the top fun!
I love that Mikey is a female mechanic and Saint is a male baker - it feels like a gender bent storyline and the overarching Cupids Cove story in itself makes this so fun.
This is a perfect rom com with a mostly love at first sight, slowburn vibe but when the spice hits… it’s as heartwarming as it is fiery.
I love Ruby and Slater in the background and can’t wait to read book two. Hoping Claire and Stella might also be a book 3?!
I love that Mikey is a female mechanic and Saint is a male baker - it feels like a gender bent storyline and the overarching Cupids Cove story in itself makes this so fun.
This is a perfect rom com with a mostly love at first sight, slowburn vibe but when the spice hits… it’s as heartwarming as it is fiery.
I love Ruby and Slater in the background and can’t wait to read book two. Hoping Claire and Stella might also be a book 3?!
December 30, 2025
Do you know what is hotter than a mechanic? A female mechanic that is strong and sweet. I adored Mikey.
the lengths that Saint goes to to see her. He may potentially do some self sabotage to his van. While also bringing treats and meals for Mikey. I see you Saint and I like it.
I really enjoyed that the author has flipped the “stereotypical” gender roles. It’s super cute and add in the valentine aspect of the town. So freaking cute.
Once the spice finally hits, boy does it hit. It also fits in perfectly with my love of a daddy. IYKYK
the lengths that Saint goes to to see her. He may potentially do some self sabotage to his van. While also bringing treats and meals for Mikey. I see you Saint and I like it.
I really enjoyed that the author has flipped the “stereotypical” gender roles. It’s super cute and add in the valentine aspect of the town. So freaking cute.
Once the spice finally hits, boy does it hit. It also fits in perfectly with my love of a daddy. IYKYK
December 31, 2025
Oh, wat a cute book!
I'm glad I got Luna Literary to introduce me to Daisy Wren ♥ I loved this ARC so much!!
Sweet, playful, and full of personality, this romance blends small-town charm with emotional sincerity. Wren crafts likable characters and an easy chemistry that makes the story feel light yet meaningful. Saint and Mickey were fantastic MCs. I'll be eagerly waiting for more Cupid's Cove ♥
💘He Falls First (and hard) ⚙️Insta love
💘Small Town ⚙️Forced Proximity
💘Plus size MCs ⚙️Mechanic FMC x Baker MMC
I'm glad I got Luna Literary to introduce me to Daisy Wren ♥ I loved this ARC so much!!
Sweet, playful, and full of personality, this romance blends small-town charm with emotional sincerity. Wren crafts likable characters and an easy chemistry that makes the story feel light yet meaningful. Saint and Mickey were fantastic MCs. I'll be eagerly waiting for more Cupid's Cove ♥
💘He Falls First (and hard) ⚙️Insta love
💘Small Town ⚙️Forced Proximity
💘Plus size MCs ⚙️Mechanic FMC x Baker MMC
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