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Gamble on Love #1
All's Fair
Two exes and a second chance to get things right, if life doesn’t pull them further apart…
Avery Brooks
When faced with the love of your life moving on, the only rational thing to do is to prank them, right? Kane and I were always the unshakable exes, together since high school and ready to face the world together. When one day we were ripped apart.
It’s been 6 long weeks since the break up, and I am just trying to get through the days. Working at our local animal shelter has helped, finding solace alongside the lost and damaged animals. A parallel to how I have always felt in my life. Add in some meddling friends, and stolen moments together that force us to confront what we broke.
Kane D’Antonio
6 weeks since the love of my life has walked out and I have been grasping at anything since then. Searching for even just a glimpse of her in the back of a photo, to the playlists we use to share a constant stream in my ears, until I see her again and am willing to do what it takes to get her back. The blue eyes and long hair taunting me with what I had lost.
I still need to fight those invisible demons in my head that are keeping me from finding my way back to her. Juggling two jobs– bartending and a counselor at a local high school– and trying to help the kids that could be falling through the cracks. When we’re finally thrown back together unable to deny the spark that has always ignited between us. But will we be able to rekindle what once was, or will the flame of us burn out permanently.
Avery Brooks
When faced with the love of your life moving on, the only rational thing to do is to prank them, right? Kane and I were always the unshakable exes, together since high school and ready to face the world together. When one day we were ripped apart.
It’s been 6 long weeks since the break up, and I am just trying to get through the days. Working at our local animal shelter has helped, finding solace alongside the lost and damaged animals. A parallel to how I have always felt in my life. Add in some meddling friends, and stolen moments together that force us to confront what we broke.
Kane D’Antonio
6 weeks since the love of my life has walked out and I have been grasping at anything since then. Searching for even just a glimpse of her in the back of a photo, to the playlists we use to share a constant stream in my ears, until I see her again and am willing to do what it takes to get her back. The blue eyes and long hair taunting me with what I had lost.
I still need to fight those invisible demons in my head that are keeping me from finding my way back to her. Juggling two jobs– bartending and a counselor at a local high school– and trying to help the kids that could be falling through the cracks. When we’re finally thrown back together unable to deny the spark that has always ignited between us. But will we be able to rekindle what once was, or will the flame of us burn out permanently.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 23, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
July 4, 2026
∞/⭐
This book is pure perfection.
I'm completely in obsessed with it. From the first page to the last, it was beautiful in every possible way. The relationship between the main characters was beyond amazing so wholesome, heartfelt, and genuinely enjoyable... Their love felt real, and reading about them almost gives you emotional deprivation because of how deeply Kane loves Avery... and how deeply she loves him in return.
I adore them. They're officially my favorite couple in light romance and they hold the number one spot for me.. Their chemistry was absolutely incredible.
Avery is such a wonderful girl she's so pretty and soft and cute like a little cat And Kane... where do I even begin? This man completely destroyed my standards.. Charismatic, masculine, noble... not a single flaw. We seriously need more mmc like him from this author.
One of my favorite aspects of this book was its emotional depth. I loved how the author focused on the characters' psychological growth and the idea that you need to love yourself before you can truly love someone else. The way she handled their struggles and healing was healthy, realistic, and incredibly satisfying.
This was my first book by this author and she absolutely impressed me.. I can't wait to read more books written in this style.. Honestly, this novel felt like a refreshing breeze on a sunny day. It was exactly what I needed, and I know I'll never get tired of rereading it, even if I read it a billion times.
I'm hopelessly in love with this book and with my babies Kane and Avery🥹🦋
Now I desperately need Morgan's and Marcus story.. I can't wait to read about the rest of the characters introduced here😭
And can we talk about the cover and the fan art? They take my breath away😍
This isn't just a novel it's perfection wrapped inside a book. You can tell the author poured love into every single detail from beginning to end and that's one of the things that made me fall for it even more.
Well done.. I'm genuinely proud to see women writing such healthy, beautiful relationships, with a mmc who would give everything for his girl and loves her endlessly and worships her every hour of every day and nights.
I' need so many more stories like this.
_____________________________________♬
“I love you, pretty girl. And I can’t imagine a time when that smile isn’t the single greatest part of my day.”
“I don’t know what God I had to pray to deserve this life with you, but I know no matter what lifetime we find ourselves in, I will always find my way to you,”
I could get lost in the sound of his voice. His deep, smoky tone has the ability to stop crowds, but Kane has never wanted to do anything with it. He always said he was gifted with that talent just for me. What a sap I was at seventeen, thinking it was the most romantic thing someone could ever say to me.
Fuck, do her eyes hold me hostage. They’re even bluer up close, standing out against her dark hair and pale skin. I swear she’s a fucking goddess sent to lure me to the underworld. A siren playing her music from her eyes only, snaring me in and never letting me go.
Five words, that’s all it took for my entire life to change—somehow rearranging the very makeup of atoms, forever altering what made me before to make room for the girl sitting right in front of me.
She just doesn’t know it yet.
What does someone say when faced with their biggest fantasy, only to realize it’s becoming their greatest weakness?
Fuck me. If that isn’t the best thing I’ve seen in my eighteen years on Earth. This girl, smiling at me as if I just gave her the greatest gift she’s ever received.
Ever since the first time I saw Avery senior year, I haven’t been able to look away. I don’t see that changing now.
The groan that rises up in the back of my throat threatens to spill over as I stare at her, at a loss for words.
Apparently, even seeing a glimpse of her stomach nowadays makes me hard, though I shouldn’t be surprised given that just being around her left me constantly aching when we were together. It was a test of my willpower, trying to avoid locking her in the closest room and having my way with her constantly.
I will get her back. I’ll give her the life she always pictured for us. Whatever she wants, she can have—I just need to figure out what went wrong.
Fuck if I haven’t sat and mapped out every inch of her body the way I imagine one does in art, every inch and curve of her made to perfection.
I rub my chest, wondering if this tightening I feel every time I think of Avery is ever going to go away
go of this girl. I wrap my fingers through hers and let her take me wherever she wants to go.
I could be walking straight to my death, but as long as she’s still holding my hand, I would go with a smile on my face.
If this girl wants flowers, I’ll make sure she never goes without.
I may barely know her, but I can already tell that she’s the kind of girl you do anything to keep right next to you.
If I only have one shot, I would rather lay it all out there now.
There isn’t a chance I’m missing out with Avery. The feeling in my stomach is taking on new levels, churning whenever she’s near, and I feel as if I can breathe a bit easier when she stares at me. I have been waking up every morning so excited to just see her. Even if all I get is a small glance each day, it feels like enough just to know she’s near.
As we sit there in silence just staring at each other, I’m hit with the sensation that there isn’t a thing this girl could ask for that I wouldn’t give her.
More dates? She doesn’t even have to ask.
Flowers every week? I’ll have them on special order.
A kidney? I’ll take mine out right now.
My heart? I think she already stole that.
Maybe it’s always been hers.
She’s always been so beautiful to me. The first time I saw her, it was as if I had been seeing the world in black and white, and suddenly the brightest colors exploded into my vision. She instantly had me wrapped around her finger, and there hasn’t been a single place I’d rather be since.
I used to find new ways to get her attention, pretending to forget pencils and paper so she would have to talk to me. She would roll her eyes at me and chastise me for being unprepared, not knowing I would throw my pencils away before that class for an excuse to have her look at me at all.
The first time she cracked a real smile at me, I felt my heart ache in my chest. Time stopped, and I knew then that I’d spend my life fighting to keep that smile on her face.
Kane has always been hard to the world, walking around with a tough exterior, but he would soften for me. And I loved being the only one who could bring that out of him.
It was as if I gave him somewhere he was safe to be himself.
An angel sent just for me, the penance for a shitty childhood, the gift I was given for still being here.
I’ve learned that I can’t be good to her if I’m not good to myself. The work to get her back starts with me, and there’s no mountain I wouldn’t climb to reach her. No monster I wouldn’t slay to be next to her every day going forward.
I stare at my lock screen, at the picture of Avery in one of my sweatshirts—a Grateful Dead hoodie she always preferred—the size dwarfing her as she smiles up at me with a crinkle in her nose.
I made that my background just over a year ago. When I looked over at her and just couldn’t help but think how fucking lucky I was. This girl stole my heart at eighteen and hasn’t let it go since. I remember the bickering afterward, her wanting me to pick any other picture of her with her hair and makeup done, but I knew this was the best one I would ever take. Because that face she made was always just for me.
“Because he looks at you as if the world begins and ends with you.
From the day I met him, he hasn’t looked at anyone or anything the way he does with you
because when someone loves you in the way you’ve craved your entire life, you don’t let that go.
Fuck if I won’t get on my hands and knees begging for a sliver of her attention again until I bleed,”
“I know because I’m it, pretty girl,” he challenges. “You don’t want a man whose ego you have to stroke. You want someone who comes undone with just the thought of you. You want a man who would fall to his knees after one taste. Someone willing to worship the ground you walk on just for a sliver of your attention.”
In this life and whatever comes next, she’s it for me. I’d strike whatever deal, make any bargain to go with her.
I’ve let her think she’s less than that, and today is the last day she doesn’t know my world begins and ends with her.
I’ve never put much faith in divinity, but I would give my life to worship the ground she walked on if she gave me another chance to get this right.
I’ve never stopped loving her. I don’t think I could, even if my heart was ripped out of my chest. My soul is hers.
“My soulmate, my best friend, my home. You are everything in the world to me, and I can’t wait a single second longer for you to be my wife. I want my ring on your finger. I want our house full of all the dogs you bring home. I want our kids someday, running around, all of them some perfect mix of you and me. My life started on August nineteenth, that autumn afternoon in the Tennessee fall, and now I want to start our forever together,”
Kane D'Antonio💎
This book is pure perfection.
I'm completely in obsessed with it. From the first page to the last, it was beautiful in every possible way. The relationship between the main characters was beyond amazing so wholesome, heartfelt, and genuinely enjoyable... Their love felt real, and reading about them almost gives you emotional deprivation because of how deeply Kane loves Avery... and how deeply she loves him in return.
I adore them. They're officially my favorite couple in light romance and they hold the number one spot for me.. Their chemistry was absolutely incredible.
Avery is such a wonderful girl she's so pretty and soft and cute like a little cat And Kane... where do I even begin? This man completely destroyed my standards.. Charismatic, masculine, noble... not a single flaw. We seriously need more mmc like him from this author.
One of my favorite aspects of this book was its emotional depth. I loved how the author focused on the characters' psychological growth and the idea that you need to love yourself before you can truly love someone else. The way she handled their struggles and healing was healthy, realistic, and incredibly satisfying.
This was my first book by this author and she absolutely impressed me.. I can't wait to read more books written in this style.. Honestly, this novel felt like a refreshing breeze on a sunny day. It was exactly what I needed, and I know I'll never get tired of rereading it, even if I read it a billion times.
I'm hopelessly in love with this book and with my babies Kane and Avery🥹🦋
Now I desperately need Morgan's and Marcus story.. I can't wait to read about the rest of the characters introduced here😭
And can we talk about the cover and the fan art? They take my breath away😍
This isn't just a novel it's perfection wrapped inside a book. You can tell the author poured love into every single detail from beginning to end and that's one of the things that made me fall for it even more.
Well done.. I'm genuinely proud to see women writing such healthy, beautiful relationships, with a mmc who would give everything for his girl and loves her endlessly and worships her every hour of every day and nights.
I' need so many more stories like this.
_____________________________________♬
“I love you, pretty girl. And I can’t imagine a time when that smile isn’t the single greatest part of my day.”
“I don’t know what God I had to pray to deserve this life with you, but I know no matter what lifetime we find ourselves in, I will always find my way to you,”
I could get lost in the sound of his voice. His deep, smoky tone has the ability to stop crowds, but Kane has never wanted to do anything with it. He always said he was gifted with that talent just for me. What a sap I was at seventeen, thinking it was the most romantic thing someone could ever say to me.
Fuck, do her eyes hold me hostage. They’re even bluer up close, standing out against her dark hair and pale skin. I swear she’s a fucking goddess sent to lure me to the underworld. A siren playing her music from her eyes only, snaring me in and never letting me go.
Five words, that’s all it took for my entire life to change—somehow rearranging the very makeup of atoms, forever altering what made me before to make room for the girl sitting right in front of me.
She just doesn’t know it yet.
What does someone say when faced with their biggest fantasy, only to realize it’s becoming their greatest weakness?
Fuck me. If that isn’t the best thing I’ve seen in my eighteen years on Earth. This girl, smiling at me as if I just gave her the greatest gift she’s ever received.
Ever since the first time I saw Avery senior year, I haven’t been able to look away. I don’t see that changing now.
The groan that rises up in the back of my throat threatens to spill over as I stare at her, at a loss for words.
Apparently, even seeing a glimpse of her stomach nowadays makes me hard, though I shouldn’t be surprised given that just being around her left me constantly aching when we were together. It was a test of my willpower, trying to avoid locking her in the closest room and having my way with her constantly.
I will get her back. I’ll give her the life she always pictured for us. Whatever she wants, she can have—I just need to figure out what went wrong.
Fuck if I haven’t sat and mapped out every inch of her body the way I imagine one does in art, every inch and curve of her made to perfection.
I rub my chest, wondering if this tightening I feel every time I think of Avery is ever going to go away
go of this girl. I wrap my fingers through hers and let her take me wherever she wants to go.
I could be walking straight to my death, but as long as she’s still holding my hand, I would go with a smile on my face.
If this girl wants flowers, I’ll make sure she never goes without.
I may barely know her, but I can already tell that she’s the kind of girl you do anything to keep right next to you.
If I only have one shot, I would rather lay it all out there now.
There isn’t a chance I’m missing out with Avery. The feeling in my stomach is taking on new levels, churning whenever she’s near, and I feel as if I can breathe a bit easier when she stares at me. I have been waking up every morning so excited to just see her. Even if all I get is a small glance each day, it feels like enough just to know she’s near.
As we sit there in silence just staring at each other, I’m hit with the sensation that there isn’t a thing this girl could ask for that I wouldn’t give her.
More dates? She doesn’t even have to ask.
Flowers every week? I’ll have them on special order.
A kidney? I’ll take mine out right now.
My heart? I think she already stole that.
Maybe it’s always been hers.
She’s always been so beautiful to me. The first time I saw her, it was as if I had been seeing the world in black and white, and suddenly the brightest colors exploded into my vision. She instantly had me wrapped around her finger, and there hasn’t been a single place I’d rather be since.
I used to find new ways to get her attention, pretending to forget pencils and paper so she would have to talk to me. She would roll her eyes at me and chastise me for being unprepared, not knowing I would throw my pencils away before that class for an excuse to have her look at me at all.
The first time she cracked a real smile at me, I felt my heart ache in my chest. Time stopped, and I knew then that I’d spend my life fighting to keep that smile on her face.
Kane has always been hard to the world, walking around with a tough exterior, but he would soften for me. And I loved being the only one who could bring that out of him.
It was as if I gave him somewhere he was safe to be himself.
An angel sent just for me, the penance for a shitty childhood, the gift I was given for still being here.
I’ve learned that I can’t be good to her if I’m not good to myself. The work to get her back starts with me, and there’s no mountain I wouldn’t climb to reach her. No monster I wouldn’t slay to be next to her every day going forward.
I stare at my lock screen, at the picture of Avery in one of my sweatshirts—a Grateful Dead hoodie she always preferred—the size dwarfing her as she smiles up at me with a crinkle in her nose.
I made that my background just over a year ago. When I looked over at her and just couldn’t help but think how fucking lucky I was. This girl stole my heart at eighteen and hasn’t let it go since. I remember the bickering afterward, her wanting me to pick any other picture of her with her hair and makeup done, but I knew this was the best one I would ever take. Because that face she made was always just for me.
“Because he looks at you as if the world begins and ends with you.
From the day I met him, he hasn’t looked at anyone or anything the way he does with you
because when someone loves you in the way you’ve craved your entire life, you don’t let that go.
Fuck if I won’t get on my hands and knees begging for a sliver of her attention again until I bleed,”
“I know because I’m it, pretty girl,” he challenges. “You don’t want a man whose ego you have to stroke. You want someone who comes undone with just the thought of you. You want a man who would fall to his knees after one taste. Someone willing to worship the ground you walk on just for a sliver of your attention.”
In this life and whatever comes next, she’s it for me. I’d strike whatever deal, make any bargain to go with her.
I’ve let her think she’s less than that, and today is the last day she doesn’t know my world begins and ends with her.
I’ve never put much faith in divinity, but I would give my life to worship the ground she walked on if she gave me another chance to get this right.
I’ve never stopped loving her. I don’t think I could, even if my heart was ripped out of my chest. My soul is hers.
“My soulmate, my best friend, my home. You are everything in the world to me, and I can’t wait a single second longer for you to be my wife. I want my ring on your finger. I want our house full of all the dogs you bring home. I want our kids someday, running around, all of them some perfect mix of you and me. My life started on August nineteenth, that autumn afternoon in the Tennessee fall, and now I want to start our forever together,”
Kane D'Antonio💎
July 20, 2026
4.5⭐️ | 2.5-3🌶️
second chance
yearning
past / present timeline
grumpy x grumpy
mental health rep
Kane and Avery felt so genuine and real to me & I think that’s part of why I loved their story so much! Often times romance is picture perfect but we know life isn’t like that. Sometimes we don’t communicate well with our partners and it leads to bigger issues in our relationship. This is what happens with Kane and Avery but you understand it because they were both dealing with their own issues and instead of having that conversation together they tried to keep it inside and it led to them growing apart.
Sometimes we have to grow apart before we can grow together. Natalie does an amazing job at show how these two still have so much love for each other but they both have to grow emotionally in their own way and handle their own traumas before they can be there for each other!
Kane is so pure. There isn’t another woman that could ever catch his eye when his entire heart still belongs to Avery! He can yearn and grovel with the best of them but man is he also dirtyyyy mouthed in the sheet too! We love a man that can do both!
I love the emphasis that Natalie puts on therapy and how BOTH of our main characters benefit from going!
I cannot wait for book two!
second chance
yearning
past / present timeline
grumpy x grumpy
mental health rep
Kane and Avery felt so genuine and real to me & I think that’s part of why I loved their story so much! Often times romance is picture perfect but we know life isn’t like that. Sometimes we don’t communicate well with our partners and it leads to bigger issues in our relationship. This is what happens with Kane and Avery but you understand it because they were both dealing with their own issues and instead of having that conversation together they tried to keep it inside and it led to them growing apart.
Sometimes we have to grow apart before we can grow together. Natalie does an amazing job at show how these two still have so much love for each other but they both have to grow emotionally in their own way and handle their own traumas before they can be there for each other!
Kane is so pure. There isn’t another woman that could ever catch his eye when his entire heart still belongs to Avery! He can yearn and grovel with the best of them but man is he also dirtyyyy mouthed in the sheet too! We love a man that can do both!
I love the emphasis that Natalie puts on therapy and how BOTH of our main characters benefit from going!
I cannot wait for book two!
June 28, 2026
First of all this is her debut novel?! Omg I’m obsessed with it. I love a second chance romance but also getting to see flashbacks of how the relationship started 🥹 I loved. Kane was a top tier yearner.
I love how they both finally went to therapy and got the help they needed so that they could finally get back together.
Also loved the found family and how all the pranks helped bring them back together eventually.
I am so excited for book 2!!
I love how they both finally went to therapy and got the help they needed so that they could finally get back together.
Also loved the found family and how all the pranks helped bring them back together eventually.
I am so excited for book 2!!
July 20, 2026
if a man tattooed my NAME over his heart AFTER i broke up with him i would not find that cute ??? i hate the “we’re inevitable” bullshit go meet new people and expand your horizons thx
August 7, 2026
DNF @50%. I just couldn't emotionally attached myself to the characters. I love these tropes so I just think the characters needed some work. I REALLY wanted to love this, I even put it down in the hopes some space would make me want to jump back in... and it didn't.
Thank you Natalie for the ARC!
Thank you Natalie for the ARC!
July 21, 2026
“I don’t know what God I had to pray to deserve this life with you, but I know no matter what lifetime we find ourselves in, I will always find my way to you.”
Yeah, I'll take a down bad couple. Ones that are soft for each other but incredibly human and built of emotional depth. The things these two go through and the weight Natalie Marie wrote into their stories was perfection. I love a story that leaves me FEELING because then I connect, and when I connect to a story like this one?! It immediately gets a 4-star.
"Five words, that’s all it took for my entire life to change—somehow rearranging the very makeup of atoms, forever altering what made me before to make room for the girl sitting right in front of me. She just doesn’t know it yet."
Kane my down bad baby boyyyyyy. I love him. The way Natalie wrote him into existence pierced the mold because this IS HOW I WANT MY MMCs. Thirsty, yearning, heart-eyes, but made of respectttttt.
I just loved him. I loved their love story in all its weight and levity. And I highly recommend this when you can squeeze it onto your TBR because it's absolutely WORTH IT.
Yeah, I'll take a down bad couple. Ones that are soft for each other but incredibly human and built of emotional depth. The things these two go through and the weight Natalie Marie wrote into their stories was perfection. I love a story that leaves me FEELING because then I connect, and when I connect to a story like this one?! It immediately gets a 4-star.
"Five words, that’s all it took for my entire life to change—somehow rearranging the very makeup of atoms, forever altering what made me before to make room for the girl sitting right in front of me. She just doesn’t know it yet."
Kane my down bad baby boyyyyyy. I love him. The way Natalie wrote him into existence pierced the mold because this IS HOW I WANT MY MMCs. Thirsty, yearning, heart-eyes, but made of respectttttt.
I just loved him. I loved their love story in all its weight and levity. And I highly recommend this when you can squeeze it onto your TBR because it's absolutely WORTH IT.
July 7, 2026
Hmmm a whole entire book as a miscommunication trope?
Hard pass...
Avery did not deserve Kane.
Kane is the only character that had growth throughout the whole book..
Avery was being a brat - using every excuse in the book to NOT communicate but was mad when Kane didnt communicate with her?????
Ugh honestly Kane is delicious but even he couldn't save this book.
Hard pass...
Avery did not deserve Kane.
Kane is the only character that had growth throughout the whole book..
Avery was being a brat - using every excuse in the book to NOT communicate but was mad when Kane didnt communicate with her?????
Ugh honestly Kane is delicious but even he couldn't save this book.
July 6, 2026
"I take in her long, thick lashes and the dots of freckles that have now come out with the washed away foundation. The freckles lining her nose and cheeks, like a constellation I could use to find my way back home. I used to count them when she slept, just to make sure I never missed a new one. There were nineteen when we first got together in high school...
Last time I counted, there were twenty-seven freckles, the number growing just as my love for her has. I wish I could stop and count now, just to make sure I haven’t missed any in the time we’ve been apart, but I don’t."
This is a very strong debut novel from Natalie Marie. With care, she writes about Kane's panic attacks and mental health struggles with parents who wield love as a weapon/reward.
Despite a painful breakup, Avery and Kane still orbit each other. I love the concept of found family and how their friends try to get the stubborn couple back together. I'm a goner for second chance romance and "it's always been you" tropes. Kane and Avery are each other's first loves, as they fell in love at first sight when he walked into her English class senior year of high school.
A moment that I regard fondly is when Kane takes care of his girl after her drunken adventures with her friends. He is very protective of her, wiping off her makeup gently, counting her freckles, and putting her in one of his t-shirts (that she loves to steal).
When they pull silly pranks on each other, they know exactly which petty buttons to push. I wish we would've had one or two more scenes of Avery and Kane after they started dating.
I can't wait to read the next book of the Gamble On Love series. Thank you to the author for my digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Last time I counted, there were twenty-seven freckles, the number growing just as my love for her has. I wish I could stop and count now, just to make sure I haven’t missed any in the time we’ve been apart, but I don’t."
This is a very strong debut novel from Natalie Marie. With care, she writes about Kane's panic attacks and mental health struggles with parents who wield love as a weapon/reward.
Despite a painful breakup, Avery and Kane still orbit each other. I love the concept of found family and how their friends try to get the stubborn couple back together. I'm a goner for second chance romance and "it's always been you" tropes. Kane and Avery are each other's first loves, as they fell in love at first sight when he walked into her English class senior year of high school.
A moment that I regard fondly is when Kane takes care of his girl after her drunken adventures with her friends. He is very protective of her, wiping off her makeup gently, counting her freckles, and putting her in one of his t-shirts (that she loves to steal).
When they pull silly pranks on each other, they know exactly which petty buttons to push. I wish we would've had one or two more scenes of Avery and Kane after they started dating.
I can't wait to read the next book of the Gamble On Love series. Thank you to the author for my digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!
June 26, 2026
5★
This was an emotional rollercoaster. I don't even know what to say about Kane.
From the very first chapter, when Kane was cuddling with Avery during their high school days, I couldn't help but wonder what had happened to two people who were so deeply in love. And yes, it all came down to miscommunication and misunderstanding.
They were both broken souls because of their parents, which made it difficult for them to communicate and express their feelings properly. Neither of them was truly at fault. They were both carrying their own emotional scars. Thankfully, they got a second chance, beginning with some silly pranks on each other. Honestly, that's their love language.
I especially want to talk about Morgan, Marcus, and Grayson. The friends who stood by Kane and Avery. They didn't have many scenes, but I still felt like those three were always there whenever Kane and Avery needed them, like giant fluffy bears wrapping their arms around two lost souls and keeping them safe.
All's Fair is the first book in the Gamble on Love series. It follows Kane D'Antonio and Avery Brooks, a grumpy × grumpy, high school sweethearts, soulmates romance filled with second chances, heartfelt emotions, and healing.
This was an emotional rollercoaster. I don't even know what to say about Kane.
From the very first chapter, when Kane was cuddling with Avery during their high school days, I couldn't help but wonder what had happened to two people who were so deeply in love. And yes, it all came down to miscommunication and misunderstanding.
They were both broken souls because of their parents, which made it difficult for them to communicate and express their feelings properly. Neither of them was truly at fault. They were both carrying their own emotional scars. Thankfully, they got a second chance, beginning with some silly pranks on each other. Honestly, that's their love language.
I especially want to talk about Morgan, Marcus, and Grayson. The friends who stood by Kane and Avery. They didn't have many scenes, but I still felt like those three were always there whenever Kane and Avery needed them, like giant fluffy bears wrapping their arms around two lost souls and keeping them safe.
All's Fair is the first book in the Gamble on Love series. It follows Kane D'Antonio and Avery Brooks, a grumpy × grumpy, high school sweethearts, soulmates romance filled with second chances, heartfelt emotions, and healing.
July 18, 2026
4.5 Stars
A debut novel with trauma, healing, mental health rep, yearning, secret tattoos and spice that will have you needing to be hosed down.
Kane, ugh, I love this man. He can yearn with the best of them and only has eyes for Avery. He is a gentleman that has a dirty side and it had me craving more. I am utterly obsessed with him!
Getting to see Avery and Kane's relationship from when it started had me in a permanent 'awe' face! They were so cute in high school and I loved those sweet young love moments.
Taking these two sweet babies, giving them family trauma, dropping them into the literal best jobs for both of them and then having them work out their respective trauma in therapy? Natalie really said "bet" and wrote a story worth its weight in emotion!
"You may be messy,” I comfort, finally getting that smile back on her face, “but you’re never a mess. You shine way too bright to ever be anything but perfect, especially to me.”
A debut novel with trauma, healing, mental health rep, yearning, secret tattoos and spice that will have you needing to be hosed down.
Kane, ugh, I love this man. He can yearn with the best of them and only has eyes for Avery. He is a gentleman that has a dirty side and it had me craving more. I am utterly obsessed with him!
Getting to see Avery and Kane's relationship from when it started had me in a permanent 'awe' face! They were so cute in high school and I loved those sweet young love moments.
Taking these two sweet babies, giving them family trauma, dropping them into the literal best jobs for both of them and then having them work out their respective trauma in therapy? Natalie really said "bet" and wrote a story worth its weight in emotion!
"You may be messy,” I comfort, finally getting that smile back on her face, “but you’re never a mess. You shine way too bright to ever be anything but perfect, especially to me.”
June 23, 2026
Avery Brooks and Kane D’Antonio captivated me from the very beginning. They were destined to be together, and both of them have me hooked.
Their relationship started as high school sweethearts, but their paths diverged, leading to them breaking up.
Kane, being hurt with the loss of the one person who meant the world to him, sought therapy to work through his emotions.
Kane’s yearning for Avery had me swooning for him.
I really cherished Avery and Morgan’s friendship, and the entire group of friends were my fav.
The chemistry between Avery and Kane was electrifying, making them both incredibly attractive. It’s like they were on fire.
OMG, let’s talk about Kane’s “pretty girl” tattoo!
Natalie Marie introduced us to another man who yearns to join our list.
If you enjoy
•grumpy x grumpy
•second chance
•mental health rep
•yearning x angst
•found family
•protective MMC
•boy obsessed
•he falls first and hard
All’s Fair is your next read!!
Thank you Natalie Marie for this ARC opportunity!!
Their relationship started as high school sweethearts, but their paths diverged, leading to them breaking up.
Kane, being hurt with the loss of the one person who meant the world to him, sought therapy to work through his emotions.
Kane’s yearning for Avery had me swooning for him.
I really cherished Avery and Morgan’s friendship, and the entire group of friends were my fav.
The chemistry between Avery and Kane was electrifying, making them both incredibly attractive. It’s like they were on fire.
OMG, let’s talk about Kane’s “pretty girl” tattoo!
Natalie Marie introduced us to another man who yearns to join our list.
If you enjoy
•grumpy x grumpy
•second chance
•mental health rep
•yearning x angst
•found family
•protective MMC
•boy obsessed
•he falls first and hard
All’s Fair is your next read!!
Thank you Natalie Marie for this ARC opportunity!!
June 24, 2026
I cannot believe this is a debut novel!! Avery and Kane stole my heart from the beginning. Their story was so raw and real, and I loved seeing them go through the hard stuff and come back together and truly work on their problems. Natalie’s writing was so beautiful and poetic, I found myself lost in this beautiful story. Kane and Avery were both very relatable characters with their family struggles that have carried on into adulthood and how they navigated those issues at this different stage of their life. I love that Kane recognized that ne needed to get help in order to be a better partner in the relationship. Also, how sweet was Kane?! Everything that came out of his mouth made me melt. His love for Avery was evident. The found family in this book was incredible. The friend group was top tier and I cannot wait to read more about them in the next book!! So excited to see what you do next, Natalie!!
July 21, 2026
this was fun! picked it up simply for the character art and stayed for the great second chance romance!!!
June 24, 2026
🅰🆁🅲 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙡𝙮 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙨𝙤 𝙙𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡, 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧𝙨, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡.
📖 𝐀𝐥𝐥’𝐬 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐫
✍🏼 ɴᴀᴛᴀʟɪᴇ ᴍᴀʀɪᴇ
4.5⭐️
Avery and Kane! I absolutely adored these two to pieces! And Trevor!!! Oh man, that part of the story completely stole my freaking heart. The way Kane looked out for him was EVERYTHING to me! 🥹
I’m such a sucker for second chances and found family, and this fed my greedy little soul. I don’t think I came up for air while reading this one. I couldn’t stop!
Congratulations, Natalie, on your debut novel! I’m so looking forward to the rest of this series. I fell in love with everyone in this book. Well… everyone except for you know who. He can rot in hell. 😌🙂↕️
🎧 ꜱᴇᴄᴏɴᴅ ᴄʜᴀɴᴄᴇ
💿 ɢʀᴜᴍᴘʏ x ɢʀᴜᴍᴘʏ
🎧 ᴍᴇɴᴛᴀʟ ʜᴇᴀʟᴛʜ ʀᴇᴘ
💿 ꜰᴏᴜɴᴅ ꜰᴀᴍɪʟʏ
🎧 ᴀ ᴅᴀꜱʜ ᴏꜰ ꜰᴀᴋᴇ ᴅᴀᴛɪɴɢ
💿 ʏᴇᴀʀɴɪɴɢ
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙡𝙮 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙨𝙤 𝙙𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡, 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧𝙨, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡.
📖 𝐀𝐥𝐥’𝐬 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐫
✍🏼 ɴᴀᴛᴀʟɪᴇ ᴍᴀʀɪᴇ
4.5⭐️
Avery and Kane! I absolutely adored these two to pieces! And Trevor!!! Oh man, that part of the story completely stole my freaking heart. The way Kane looked out for him was EVERYTHING to me! 🥹
I’m such a sucker for second chances and found family, and this fed my greedy little soul. I don’t think I came up for air while reading this one. I couldn’t stop!
Congratulations, Natalie, on your debut novel! I’m so looking forward to the rest of this series. I fell in love with everyone in this book. Well… everyone except for you know who. He can rot in hell. 😌🙂↕️
🎧 ꜱᴇᴄᴏɴᴅ ᴄʜᴀɴᴄᴇ
💿 ɢʀᴜᴍᴘʏ x ɢʀᴜᴍᴘʏ
🎧 ᴍᴇɴᴛᴀʟ ʜᴇᴀʟᴛʜ ʀᴇᴘ
💿 ꜰᴏᴜɴᴅ ꜰᴀᴍɪʟʏ
🎧 ᴀ ᴅᴀꜱʜ ᴏꜰ ꜰᴀᴋᴇ ᴅᴀᴛɪɴɢ
💿 ʏᴇᴀʀɴɪɴɢ
July 10, 2026
Did i just read such a the most adorable book everrrr??! uhm, yes.
This book was recommended by one of my friends, Libbyyy (go follow her), and this was such a cute, thoughtful book. If Amazon wants to create this into a movie, it’ll be one of my top favs :)
This is all about second chances while dealing with mental health issues in between. The author did it so well - building these characters from
highschool to their recent lives. You are able to experience the growth between the two and the love that never faded from one and another.
If you want a good second chances, with some good scenes to read - this one. I’m so excited for Marcus and Morgan. 🤭🤭
This book was recommended by one of my friends, Libbyyy (go follow her), and this was such a cute, thoughtful book. If Amazon wants to create this into a movie, it’ll be one of my top favs :)
This is all about second chances while dealing with mental health issues in between. The author did it so well - building these characters from
highschool to their recent lives. You are able to experience the growth between the two and the love that never faded from one and another.
If you want a good second chances, with some good scenes to read - this one. I’m so excited for Marcus and Morgan. 🤭🤭
July 15, 2026
DONDE CONSIGO UN KANE D’ANTONIO???😭
Damn, this book made me cry so much. It left me wanting to give Kane and Avery a hug🥹
At first I was confused because…how could a couple who loved each other so deeply end up breaking up???As I got deeper into the story, I finally understood what led to the break up, and it broke my heart.
This book had me staring at the wall more than once, just trying to process everything they had been through. The way their parents (the people who were supposed to love them unconditionally) let them down, and how they found a safe place and a love so pure, genuine and unconditional in each other❤️🩹
There wasn’t a single chapter that didn’t show how deeply they loved each other, and at the same time, they both knew they needed to heal before they could truly be together again. They realized that communication was everything, because the lack of it, was exactly what led to their break up.
Damn, this book made me cry so much. It left me wanting to give Kane and Avery a hug🥹
At first I was confused because…how could a couple who loved each other so deeply end up breaking up???As I got deeper into the story, I finally understood what led to the break up, and it broke my heart.
This book had me staring at the wall more than once, just trying to process everything they had been through. The way their parents (the people who were supposed to love them unconditionally) let them down, and how they found a safe place and a love so pure, genuine and unconditional in each other❤️🩹
There wasn’t a single chapter that didn’t show how deeply they loved each other, and at the same time, they both knew they needed to heal before they could truly be together again. They realized that communication was everything, because the lack of it, was exactly what led to their break up.
Did Not Finish
July 29, 2026dnf at 52%. nothing wrong with the author’s writing or style, but after 1 month trying to read it, i was just not feeling like it
June 23, 2026
• T R O P E S •
✦ second chance
✦ mental health rep
✦ grumpy x sunshine
✦ found family
This book was beautiful and I loved every moment of it. The love between Avery and Kane could be felt coming off the pages. I mean these two were written in the stars.
The mental health rep between the two made me feel so seen and I can’t remember the last time I cried this much while reading. I swear some of it changed my chemistry. There is a me before reading this book and a me after reading.
If you know me you know I am a sucker for found family and the friends turned family was everything! I cannot wait for the next book!
✦ second chance
✦ mental health rep
✦ grumpy x sunshine
✦ found family
This book was beautiful and I loved every moment of it. The love between Avery and Kane could be felt coming off the pages. I mean these two were written in the stars.
The mental health rep between the two made me feel so seen and I can’t remember the last time I cried this much while reading. I swear some of it changed my chemistry. There is a me before reading this book and a me after reading.
If you know me you know I am a sucker for found family and the friends turned family was everything! I cannot wait for the next book!
July 28, 2026
3.5
This book definitely came at the “wrong” time for me. With the summer heat I’ve been dealing with lately, finishing this book felt like a small miracle, so it’s possible I didn’t fully absorb some things the way I normally would. That said, overall, I think this was a solid debut!
You can definitely tell this is the author’s first book, especially in the way certain concepts and feelings are repeated quite a lot. I KNOW they love each other, but please… talk to each other! That said, the writing itself was very smooth and engaging, and I found it incredibly easy to fly through the story.
Kane and Avery were high school sweethearts who grew up together before eventually falling apart, and I really enjoyed the flashbacks to their younger years. There was something sweet about seeing their first love develop, especially through Kane’s eyes, and it made their present-day distance hurt even more. You could feel how much history and love there was between them, even when they were determined to keep each other at arm’s length.
The part I struggled with the most was actually their breakup. I found it somewhat forced because, honestly, I kept thinking that they could have talked things through and opened up to each other, even if they didn’t do it perfectly. But at the same time, that sudden break somehow worked for the story. It gave Kane the push he needed to stop, look at himself, and finally confront the way he had been keeping Avery at a distance instead of fully opening up to her. It also gave him the time and space to understand that he couldn’t truly move forward, either for himself or for their relationship, without letting her in.
I know the general reaction to this kind of story is often “JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER,” and trust me, I was saying it too. But I also think that sometimes an unexpected break can give two people the perspective they desperately need, especially when they’ve been together since high school and have basically grown up together. So even though I struggled with how their breakup unfolded, I ultimately appreciated what it gave them.
Once they finally worked through their issues and got back together, though, I found myself a little less invested in the story. I think it could have been slightly shorter, especially toward the end without that situation, but it still worked well enough as it was.
I also really enjoyed the chemistry between them, and the spicy scenes definitely delivered when they finally stopped fighting their attraction.
Personally, I thought both Kane and Avery stood out in their own ways. They had their own personalities, weaknesses, insecurities, and desires, and I liked seeing them work both as individuals and as a couple. Kane definitely stole the show for me, though. His devotion to Avery was everything, even if I occasionally wished he had been a little less "perfect".
I also really enjoyed their careers because they felt different from the usual jobs you see in romance novels, and I loved getting to see both of them in their element. It added another little layer to their characters that I really appreciated.
And then there are the side characters…
I know I’m supposed to be talking about the future couple, but can we talk about Grayson with a buzz cut??? And a girl dog dad??? Please, please, author, give us fan art of him with that haircut because I would simply pass away.
And Morgan and Marcus? I already know they’re going to become “MoMa” because those two together are absolutely electric. They’re both so full of life, chaotic, and fun in their own ways. Honestly, they’re basically the human equivalent of the MoMA.
Overall, this was a solid debut with angst, a second-chance romance, characters who genuinely had to grow, and a found family I’m definitely interested in seeing more of. I had some issues with the execution, but there was a lot here that I enjoyed, and I’m definitely curious to see what the author does next!
Thanks to Natalie Marie for the arc!
This book definitely came at the “wrong” time for me. With the summer heat I’ve been dealing with lately, finishing this book felt like a small miracle, so it’s possible I didn’t fully absorb some things the way I normally would. That said, overall, I think this was a solid debut!
You can definitely tell this is the author’s first book, especially in the way certain concepts and feelings are repeated quite a lot. I KNOW they love each other, but please… talk to each other! That said, the writing itself was very smooth and engaging, and I found it incredibly easy to fly through the story.
Kane and Avery were high school sweethearts who grew up together before eventually falling apart, and I really enjoyed the flashbacks to their younger years. There was something sweet about seeing their first love develop, especially through Kane’s eyes, and it made their present-day distance hurt even more. You could feel how much history and love there was between them, even when they were determined to keep each other at arm’s length.
The part I struggled with the most was actually their breakup. I found it somewhat forced because, honestly, I kept thinking that they could have talked things through and opened up to each other, even if they didn’t do it perfectly. But at the same time, that sudden break somehow worked for the story. It gave Kane the push he needed to stop, look at himself, and finally confront the way he had been keeping Avery at a distance instead of fully opening up to her. It also gave him the time and space to understand that he couldn’t truly move forward, either for himself or for their relationship, without letting her in.
I know the general reaction to this kind of story is often “JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER,” and trust me, I was saying it too. But I also think that sometimes an unexpected break can give two people the perspective they desperately need, especially when they’ve been together since high school and have basically grown up together. So even though I struggled with how their breakup unfolded, I ultimately appreciated what it gave them.
Once they finally worked through their issues and got back together, though, I found myself a little less invested in the story. I think it could have been slightly shorter, especially toward the end without that situation, but it still worked well enough as it was.
I also really enjoyed the chemistry between them, and the spicy scenes definitely delivered when they finally stopped fighting their attraction.
Personally, I thought both Kane and Avery stood out in their own ways. They had their own personalities, weaknesses, insecurities, and desires, and I liked seeing them work both as individuals and as a couple. Kane definitely stole the show for me, though. His devotion to Avery was everything, even if I occasionally wished he had been a little less "perfect".
I also really enjoyed their careers because they felt different from the usual jobs you see in romance novels, and I loved getting to see both of them in their element. It added another little layer to their characters that I really appreciated.
And then there are the side characters…
I know I’m supposed to be talking about the future couple, but can we talk about Grayson with a buzz cut??? And a girl dog dad??? Please, please, author, give us fan art of him with that haircut because I would simply pass away.
And Morgan and Marcus? I already know they’re going to become “MoMa” because those two together are absolutely electric. They’re both so full of life, chaotic, and fun in their own ways. Honestly, they’re basically the human equivalent of the MoMA.
Overall, this was a solid debut with angst, a second-chance romance, characters who genuinely had to grow, and a found family I’m definitely interested in seeing more of. I had some issues with the execution, but there was a lot here that I enjoyed, and I’m definitely curious to see what the author does next!
Thanks to Natalie Marie for the arc!
July 3, 2026
ARC REVIEW 🎀
Rating: 4.5/5⭐
Tropes
🩷Second chance
🩷grumpy x grumpy
🩷mental health rep
🩷found family
🩷all the yearning
First and foremost i would like to thank the Author Natalie Marie for giving me the ARC copy of the book in return for an honest review. Im truly grateful
I can say it with my whole heart that this book got me through my examination days... I mean it. I was getting absolutely wrecked the whole time, but reading this book not only made me feel better, it healed something in me.
This book... I genuinely have no words. It was everything I ever wanted and, honestly, I'm already missing the characters. "Good" is an understatement. Even the word "better" isn't enough when I have to describe this book. The moment I opened it, every single checkbox I had in my head was instantly ticked off.
And the fact that this was the author's debut!? Like... HELLO?? WHAT!? If this is what her first book is like, then she sure as hell got me hooked because now I'm simply obsessed. I literally cannot wait for her next release because I already know I'm gonna devour the hell out of it and leave absolutely no crumbs.
This story follows two high school sweethearts, Kane and Avery. They're the kind of couple you'd see in high school and immediately know those two are gonna be inseparable. But the miscommunication?? It had me wanting to crawl inside the book, lock these two in a room, and force them to talk things out. (But let's be real... I know they ain't *just* talking in there though. 😏)
Kane...
He was the man after my own heart, and at this point... I'm sorry, Avery, but I gotta fight you, girl.
Because this man basically looked at my standards and said, "That's how tall they are? One sec... lemme make them even taller," and completely ruined every other book boyfriend for me. Now I'm out here regretting reality.
KANE IS THE MAN.
I REPEAT...
HE IS THE MAN.
This man would literally say "woof" and identify himself as a dog if Avery so much as asked him to.
Down bad got NOTHING on him.
Kane made his own damn edition of down bad.
Like... the way this man simply needs her more than oxygen. The way, for him, it has always been her.
And don't even get me started on the fact that I absolutely LOVE a man who can cook and sing...
So Kane basically walked in and said, "Here I am, baby girl."
One of his love languages is literally cooking, and he can sing too?? Yeah... I was already head over heels for him.
The spice...
And the mouth on this man...
YES.
YES.
AND YES.
Hot and bothered??
More like melting and absolutely feral.
This book was EVERYTHING.
But more than all of that, I could clearly see parts of myself in Kane. His struggles mirrored my own, and for the first time in a while, I didn't feel so alone. That hit me harder than I expected.
Avery might not have received the love she deserved before, but she sure as hell got it tenfold—not only from the man of her dreams but also from a family who she met half way through and who would choose her over everything. Honestly, she deserved every bit of it and so much more.
Both of their struggles felt real.
Their pain felt real.
Their story felt real.
And I was here for every single second of it.
My only complaint would be that I wish we'd gotten more snippets of them before the breakup. I think seeing more of their relationship beforehand would've made it even easier to understand them and made everything hit that much harder emotionally.
But regardless...
This book absolutely ATE...
...and left no damn crumbs.
Rating: 4.5/5⭐
Tropes
🩷Second chance
🩷grumpy x grumpy
🩷mental health rep
🩷found family
🩷all the yearning
First and foremost i would like to thank the Author Natalie Marie for giving me the ARC copy of the book in return for an honest review. Im truly grateful
I can say it with my whole heart that this book got me through my examination days... I mean it. I was getting absolutely wrecked the whole time, but reading this book not only made me feel better, it healed something in me.
This book... I genuinely have no words. It was everything I ever wanted and, honestly, I'm already missing the characters. "Good" is an understatement. Even the word "better" isn't enough when I have to describe this book. The moment I opened it, every single checkbox I had in my head was instantly ticked off.
And the fact that this was the author's debut!? Like... HELLO?? WHAT!? If this is what her first book is like, then she sure as hell got me hooked because now I'm simply obsessed. I literally cannot wait for her next release because I already know I'm gonna devour the hell out of it and leave absolutely no crumbs.
This story follows two high school sweethearts, Kane and Avery. They're the kind of couple you'd see in high school and immediately know those two are gonna be inseparable. But the miscommunication?? It had me wanting to crawl inside the book, lock these two in a room, and force them to talk things out. (But let's be real... I know they ain't *just* talking in there though. 😏)
Kane...
He was the man after my own heart, and at this point... I'm sorry, Avery, but I gotta fight you, girl.
Because this man basically looked at my standards and said, "That's how tall they are? One sec... lemme make them even taller," and completely ruined every other book boyfriend for me. Now I'm out here regretting reality.
KANE IS THE MAN.
I REPEAT...
HE IS THE MAN.
This man would literally say "woof" and identify himself as a dog if Avery so much as asked him to.
Down bad got NOTHING on him.
Kane made his own damn edition of down bad.
Like... the way this man simply needs her more than oxygen. The way, for him, it has always been her.
And don't even get me started on the fact that I absolutely LOVE a man who can cook and sing...
So Kane basically walked in and said, "Here I am, baby girl."
One of his love languages is literally cooking, and he can sing too?? Yeah... I was already head over heels for him.
The spice...
And the mouth on this man...
YES.
YES.
AND YES.
Hot and bothered??
More like melting and absolutely feral.
This book was EVERYTHING.
But more than all of that, I could clearly see parts of myself in Kane. His struggles mirrored my own, and for the first time in a while, I didn't feel so alone. That hit me harder than I expected.
Avery might not have received the love she deserved before, but she sure as hell got it tenfold—not only from the man of her dreams but also from a family who she met half way through and who would choose her over everything. Honestly, she deserved every bit of it and so much more.
Both of their struggles felt real.
Their pain felt real.
Their story felt real.
And I was here for every single second of it.
My only complaint would be that I wish we'd gotten more snippets of them before the breakup. I think seeing more of their relationship beforehand would've made it even easier to understand them and made everything hit that much harder emotionally.
But regardless...
This book absolutely ATE...
...and left no damn crumbs.
June 25, 2026
❤️ Some Hearts Always Find Their Way Home ❤️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️
"The thing with first loves is they never truly leave you."
That single thought perfectly captures everything All's Fair represents.
This wasn't simply a second-chance romance. It was a deeply emotional story about healing, mental health, self-worth, found family, and discovering that sometimes loving someone also means learning to love yourself first.
I fell for Avery Brooks and Kane D'Antonio almost immediately. These two felt destined for each other from the moment they met in high school, and every little detail—from the pink peonies and matching tattoos to Kane's passcode and heartfelt letter—made their love story feel incredibly intentional and unforgettable.
Avery completely stole my heart. She has one of the kindest, most compassionate souls I've ever read. Even while carrying her own pain, she continually put others first, whether it was caring for the animals at the shelter or helping the people she loved without hesitation. All I wanted to do was reach through the pages and hug her.
And Kane...
Where do I even begin?
Kane is the definition of a man who yearns.
Watching him work on himself rather than simply asking Avery to wait was one of the most beautiful character arcs I've read. His struggles with anxiety and depression felt incredibly honest, and Natalie Marie handled those topics with so much care and authenticity. I found pieces of myself in Kane, making his journey even more personal and meaningful.
The chemistry between Avery and Kane was undeniable, but it was their emotional intimacy that truly made this story unforgettable. Their relationship wasn't perfect, and neither were they, but watching them choose growth, healing, and each other made every emotional moment worthwhile.
The found-family dynamic was another highlight. Morgan, Marcus, Grayson, Trevor, Silver, and Roo brought so much warmth, humor, and heart to the story. Their unwavering support reminded me that family isn't always the people you're born to—it can also be the people who choose you every single day.
I also have to mention the humor. Even through heartbreak, the prank war between Avery and Kane had me laughing, balancing the heavier moments perfectly. And yes... the spice absolutely delivered. Kane's mouth, the "Pretty Girl" tattoo, and the way he completely adored Avery? Let's just say I understood the hype.
For a debut novel, All's Fair completely exceeded every expectation I had. Natalie Marie created characters who felt real, flawed, and impossible not to love. This is one of those stories that stays with you long after you've finished reading, and I already know I'll be thinking about Avery and Kane for a very long time.
Thank you to Natalie Marie for the opportunity to read and review All's Fair before release. Avery and Kane's journey touched my heart in ways I wasn't expecting, and I cannot wait to continue this series. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️
"The thing with first loves is they never truly leave you."
That single thought perfectly captures everything All's Fair represents.
This wasn't simply a second-chance romance. It was a deeply emotional story about healing, mental health, self-worth, found family, and discovering that sometimes loving someone also means learning to love yourself first.
I fell for Avery Brooks and Kane D'Antonio almost immediately. These two felt destined for each other from the moment they met in high school, and every little detail—from the pink peonies and matching tattoos to Kane's passcode and heartfelt letter—made their love story feel incredibly intentional and unforgettable.
Avery completely stole my heart. She has one of the kindest, most compassionate souls I've ever read. Even while carrying her own pain, she continually put others first, whether it was caring for the animals at the shelter or helping the people she loved without hesitation. All I wanted to do was reach through the pages and hug her.
And Kane...
Where do I even begin?
Kane is the definition of a man who yearns.
Watching him work on himself rather than simply asking Avery to wait was one of the most beautiful character arcs I've read. His struggles with anxiety and depression felt incredibly honest, and Natalie Marie handled those topics with so much care and authenticity. I found pieces of myself in Kane, making his journey even more personal and meaningful.
The chemistry between Avery and Kane was undeniable, but it was their emotional intimacy that truly made this story unforgettable. Their relationship wasn't perfect, and neither were they, but watching them choose growth, healing, and each other made every emotional moment worthwhile.
The found-family dynamic was another highlight. Morgan, Marcus, Grayson, Trevor, Silver, and Roo brought so much warmth, humor, and heart to the story. Their unwavering support reminded me that family isn't always the people you're born to—it can also be the people who choose you every single day.
I also have to mention the humor. Even through heartbreak, the prank war between Avery and Kane had me laughing, balancing the heavier moments perfectly. And yes... the spice absolutely delivered. Kane's mouth, the "Pretty Girl" tattoo, and the way he completely adored Avery? Let's just say I understood the hype.
For a debut novel, All's Fair completely exceeded every expectation I had. Natalie Marie created characters who felt real, flawed, and impossible not to love. This is one of those stories that stays with you long after you've finished reading, and I already know I'll be thinking about Avery and Kane for a very long time.
Thank you to Natalie Marie for the opportunity to read and review All's Fair before release. Avery and Kane's journey touched my heart in ways I wasn't expecting, and I cannot wait to continue this series. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 12, 2026
4.25⭐️
While this is a romance (second chance? Sort of?), at its very core this book is about the longterm effects of abuse, neglect, and how it not only impacts you, but all those you love around you.
Avery and Kane had great chemistry. Going from the prologue to the current day was so jarring (as the author intended) that you just had to keep reading to figure out wth went wrong. There were a lot of times I wanted to throttle these two 😂 Like, if they had just... talked... for 2 seconds, all of this could have been avoided. HOWEVER, growing up in an abusive and emotionally immature household myself, I also completely understand how hard it is to open up to someone *fully*, to describe or process emotions you were never taught about or how to handle them, to feel like bringing up your feelings is a "confrontation " and fearing everyone walking away again. Much like Kane, I often times just completely shut down, no matter how much I wish I didn't, and people truly don't understand why. I loved how the author made so much of this book about looking into yourself and accepting you can ask for help, and that your thoughts and actions affect so many around you.
Getting back to Kane and Avery, oh my godddd the yearning from Kane was like 13/10. I was so so proud that he started therapy, started some meds to help, and confronted his parents (even if it was just because they pushed him over the edge. Also, screw his dad). Deep down, both him and Avery were just sad, lonely little kids who really needed their parents, but instead were treated like they didn't even exist, didn't matter, and meant nothing. I found myself wishing that Avery had done more work on herself with her time apart from Kane; I know she was going to therapy, but it felt like she was so angry at Kane for so long without really owning the part she also played in their unraveling. And I was kind of upset for Kane that she was mad at him for not opening up, but then she literally wouldn't really tell him why she was so upset in the first place that she exploded and stormed out on him saying she needed space. I also wish we had had a few more flashback scenes of what was going on from their perspectives as they were drifting apart. We definitely got the backstory of how them met and fell head over heels, but then we were kind of only told that Kane had pulled away, not shown. Seeing more of that from Averys perspective could have changed some of my feelings about her character, I think.
Overall, this is a beautiful story of two people who truly could not stay out of each others orbit, but needed to work on themselves before they could move forward. There were so many parts of this book that I connected with on a personal level, and I felt the author did a wonderful job portraying Kanes mental health.
Thank you so much to the author Natalie for allowing me to read and review!! I am SO excited for Morgan and Marcus' story!!!
While this is a romance (second chance? Sort of?), at its very core this book is about the longterm effects of abuse, neglect, and how it not only impacts you, but all those you love around you.
Avery and Kane had great chemistry. Going from the prologue to the current day was so jarring (as the author intended) that you just had to keep reading to figure out wth went wrong. There were a lot of times I wanted to throttle these two 😂 Like, if they had just... talked... for 2 seconds, all of this could have been avoided. HOWEVER, growing up in an abusive and emotionally immature household myself, I also completely understand how hard it is to open up to someone *fully*, to describe or process emotions you were never taught about or how to handle them, to feel like bringing up your feelings is a "confrontation " and fearing everyone walking away again. Much like Kane, I often times just completely shut down, no matter how much I wish I didn't, and people truly don't understand why. I loved how the author made so much of this book about looking into yourself and accepting you can ask for help, and that your thoughts and actions affect so many around you.
Getting back to Kane and Avery, oh my godddd the yearning from Kane was like 13/10. I was so so proud that he started therapy, started some meds to help, and confronted his parents (even if it was just because they pushed him over the edge. Also, screw his dad). Deep down, both him and Avery were just sad, lonely little kids who really needed their parents, but instead were treated like they didn't even exist, didn't matter, and meant nothing. I found myself wishing that Avery had done more work on herself with her time apart from Kane; I know she was going to therapy, but it felt like she was so angry at Kane for so long without really owning the part she also played in their unraveling. And I was kind of upset for Kane that she was mad at him for not opening up, but then she literally wouldn't really tell him why she was so upset in the first place that she exploded and stormed out on him saying she needed space. I also wish we had had a few more flashback scenes of what was going on from their perspectives as they were drifting apart. We definitely got the backstory of how them met and fell head over heels, but then we were kind of only told that Kane had pulled away, not shown. Seeing more of that from Averys perspective could have changed some of my feelings about her character, I think.
Overall, this is a beautiful story of two people who truly could not stay out of each others orbit, but needed to work on themselves before they could move forward. There were so many parts of this book that I connected with on a personal level, and I felt the author did a wonderful job portraying Kanes mental health.
Thank you so much to the author Natalie for allowing me to read and review!! I am SO excited for Morgan and Marcus' story!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Infinity stars for Avery and Kane ♾️
I fell for Avery Brooks and Kane D’Antonio as soon a I met them. These two characters were destined to be together and have stolen my heart.
Avery and Kane were perfect. I don't think I have ever fallen for a couple as fast as I have for them. All the little details from the moment they met in high school, to his passcode, the pink peonies, and the rings and tattoos, each was so important to their story. I really found pieces of myself in Kane as I read and it was so refreshing to relate to a character and understand all his thoughts and feelings. The way he yearned for Avery? My heart! Ugh and I just loved Avery. She was the best and all I wanted to do was hug her. She has such a beautiful soul. I mean she even fake dated her ex to help him out. Morgan was the bestie that we all need and want in our life! She played a big part in Kane and Avery getting back together. But really it was the whole friend group. Marcus and Grayson were the best. I'm obsessed with all 5 of them and Silver & Roo🩷!
Learning about why Avery and Kane broke up and their past really broke me. I cried so many times while reading this book and I think it's because I related to Kane so much. Anxiety and depression are hard issues and to talk and write about and I think Natalie did an amazing job capturing the emotions that one feels. The thoughts that Kane had were some I've experienced myself. It was raw and real.
One of my favorite parts were the pranks. They were hilarious and I loved that even after their breakup they were still pulling them. And sweet Trevor. His and Kane's relationship was 🥹😭. I loved seeing Kane care so much for him. I highlighted so many things while reading and could probably write an essay on why I love this book and why you should read it 😂.
And of course we have to take a moment to talk about the spice 🙂↕️. The mouth on Kane August D’Antonio?? Please sir, take a bow. You had me panting for every word 👏. He was hot and that "Pretty Girl" tattoo 😮💨. He and Avery together were 🔥🔥🔥!!
I'm obsessed with these two and I loved every single bit of their story. Especially that letter. All'sFair is a book that will stay with me forever. Never have I ever seen so much of myself in a character before. It was beautiful and I cannot believe this is Natalie's debut novel. Do yourself a huge favor and read this one as soon as it drops. You won't regret and you're gonna fall so hard for Avery and Kane as I did. And I cannot wait for Morgan and Marcus's story next!! It's going to be soooo good 🤭!
Thank you so so much to Natalie Marie for the opportunity to read an ARC of All's Fair 🩷.
I fell for Avery Brooks and Kane D’Antonio as soon a I met them. These two characters were destined to be together and have stolen my heart.
Avery and Kane were perfect. I don't think I have ever fallen for a couple as fast as I have for them. All the little details from the moment they met in high school, to his passcode, the pink peonies, and the rings and tattoos, each was so important to their story. I really found pieces of myself in Kane as I read and it was so refreshing to relate to a character and understand all his thoughts and feelings. The way he yearned for Avery? My heart! Ugh and I just loved Avery. She was the best and all I wanted to do was hug her. She has such a beautiful soul. I mean she even fake dated her ex to help him out. Morgan was the bestie that we all need and want in our life! She played a big part in Kane and Avery getting back together. But really it was the whole friend group. Marcus and Grayson were the best. I'm obsessed with all 5 of them and Silver & Roo🩷!
Learning about why Avery and Kane broke up and their past really broke me. I cried so many times while reading this book and I think it's because I related to Kane so much. Anxiety and depression are hard issues and to talk and write about and I think Natalie did an amazing job capturing the emotions that one feels. The thoughts that Kane had were some I've experienced myself. It was raw and real.
One of my favorite parts were the pranks. They were hilarious and I loved that even after their breakup they were still pulling them. And sweet Trevor. His and Kane's relationship was 🥹😭. I loved seeing Kane care so much for him. I highlighted so many things while reading and could probably write an essay on why I love this book and why you should read it 😂.
And of course we have to take a moment to talk about the spice 🙂↕️. The mouth on Kane August D’Antonio?? Please sir, take a bow. You had me panting for every word 👏. He was hot and that "Pretty Girl" tattoo 😮💨. He and Avery together were 🔥🔥🔥!!
I'm obsessed with these two and I loved every single bit of their story. Especially that letter. All'sFair is a book that will stay with me forever. Never have I ever seen so much of myself in a character before. It was beautiful and I cannot believe this is Natalie's debut novel. Do yourself a huge favor and read this one as soon as it drops. You won't regret and you're gonna fall so hard for Avery and Kane as I did. And I cannot wait for Morgan and Marcus's story next!! It's going to be soooo good 🤭!
Thank you so so much to Natalie Marie for the opportunity to read an ARC of All's Fair 🩷.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.25 stars
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read this debut! I love a second chance romance and a found family like the one we get to meet in All's Fair. I cannot wait to get more from this author and these characters. This was angsty, emotional, and a hard earned happy ever after.
The flashback chapters were the embodiment of first love and it was very sweet to see the way Kane was instantly smitten with Avery. There was an innocence to it all that screamed young love in the most wonderful ways. Their connection was fated and I knew they would make their way back.
It was painful to see the distance between them in the present all the while knowing how much they each still loved each other. At first, I wasn't sure how I felt about the prank war. The juvenile nature of it all seemed incongruent to the angsty/somber vibe of the rest of the book, but eventually I liked how it was a way to bridge the gap between them. I think they needed that levity to cut the tension.
The mental health rep in this was one of my favorite parts. The author clearly put a lot of consideration into writing these characters and their struggles. My heart ached for them and it was such vulnerable, heart-wrenching look into anxiety and panic attacks.
While I did enjoy a lot of this, I also struggled with other parts. I didn't particularly like the overall message of "If she asks for space, she doesn't actually want it, so keep pushing" - this is reiterated a few times and I think we should always honor when a woman asks for space. I get that overall it was a miscommunication thing because Avery didn't actually want the space, but Kane isn't a mind reader and she shouldn't have expected him to be. I do agree that he should have fought for her after giving her space though and I slowly realized that was the biggest issue. While the problems that led to their breakup were valid and very real, the crux of the argument for why they stayed broken up seemed a bit juvenile. However, I guess it was fitting for their characters considering how young they were. I'm glad they both sought therapy and worked hard to get back to each other as healthier versions of themselves. Lastly, the writing at times was a little too saccharine for my personal taste. It often teetered the line of being romantic and overly sentimental.
All that being said, I did enjoy this and thought it was a good debut novel!! Looking forward to more.
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read this debut! I love a second chance romance and a found family like the one we get to meet in All's Fair. I cannot wait to get more from this author and these characters. This was angsty, emotional, and a hard earned happy ever after.
The flashback chapters were the embodiment of first love and it was very sweet to see the way Kane was instantly smitten with Avery. There was an innocence to it all that screamed young love in the most wonderful ways. Their connection was fated and I knew they would make their way back.
It was painful to see the distance between them in the present all the while knowing how much they each still loved each other. At first, I wasn't sure how I felt about the prank war. The juvenile nature of it all seemed incongruent to the angsty/somber vibe of the rest of the book, but eventually I liked how it was a way to bridge the gap between them. I think they needed that levity to cut the tension.
The mental health rep in this was one of my favorite parts. The author clearly put a lot of consideration into writing these characters and their struggles. My heart ached for them and it was such vulnerable, heart-wrenching look into anxiety and panic attacks.
While I did enjoy a lot of this, I also struggled with other parts. I didn't particularly like the overall message of "If she asks for space, she doesn't actually want it, so keep pushing" - this is reiterated a few times and I think we should always honor when a woman asks for space. I get that overall it was a miscommunication thing because Avery didn't actually want the space, but Kane isn't a mind reader and she shouldn't have expected him to be. I do agree that he should have fought for her after giving her space though and I slowly realized that was the biggest issue. While the problems that led to their breakup were valid and very real, the crux of the argument for why they stayed broken up seemed a bit juvenile. However, I guess it was fitting for their characters considering how young they were. I'm glad they both sought therapy and worked hard to get back to each other as healthier versions of themselves. Lastly, the writing at times was a little too saccharine for my personal taste. It often teetered the line of being romantic and overly sentimental.
All that being said, I did enjoy this and thought it was a good debut novel!! Looking forward to more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 ⭐️
Thank you so much for the arc!
Where do I even start with this book? Avery and Kane broke my heart and put it back together🥹 I loved them so freaking much. 😩 The friendship between all the characters was adorable and the way Avery described them to be her family is the cutest thing ever.🥹 They were all so supportive of each other, it was so cute to read about their small little found family.🫶🏼 Morgan and Avery being the opposite of each other aswell but being the bestest of friends, i adore whenever friends are so incredibly different but always stick together. 😽 Kane had such a poetic way of talking about Avery and his love for her, ugh, my heart couldnt handle it! 😩 I love how he never stopped trying to help Trevor even when Trevor kept trying to push him away and in the end, he succeeded in helping him get away from his father🥹🥹 The spice scenes were too hot, Especially when Kane gave Avery a hand necklace and it described how he had “Pretty Girl” tattooed between his thumb and forefinger.🤭🤭 Adored every single scene in this book and I hope so badly that Morgan and Marcus have a book because their banter was just so funny to read.
Favourite quotes ;
“She tries to make herself less noticeable when she’s around other people, but she gives me raw openness. She comes alive when she’s with the people she loves most, and I love opening my phone to that face every day. The confidence and love that shine back at me make my cheeks widen further. Like the first breath after being underwater too long, lungs burning, and finding the most beautiful sunset waiting over the ocean. That’s what she was—and still is—to me.”
“You are enough, Kane. I want you to know there has never been a time since I met you that I haven’t noticed what a treasure you are. You’re worth more than your weight in gold to me and to the people who care about you. Your heart is so big. Don’t let them close that part of you off. Don’t let them take it away from you, because your heart is my favorite thing about you. Your parents not seeing you says more about them than it does about you. They have all this money, all these things, and they’re missing the most priceless thing of all: your love. I feel sorry for them,”
“The opening chords of “Iris” fill the air, and the crowd goes wild, instantly knowing the popular beat. My smile breaks through at him playing our song, here in front of everyone. The biggest I love you he could ever say to me.”
Thank you so much for the arc!
Where do I even start with this book? Avery and Kane broke my heart and put it back together🥹 I loved them so freaking much. 😩 The friendship between all the characters was adorable and the way Avery described them to be her family is the cutest thing ever.🥹 They were all so supportive of each other, it was so cute to read about their small little found family.🫶🏼 Morgan and Avery being the opposite of each other aswell but being the bestest of friends, i adore whenever friends are so incredibly different but always stick together. 😽 Kane had such a poetic way of talking about Avery and his love for her, ugh, my heart couldnt handle it! 😩 I love how he never stopped trying to help Trevor even when Trevor kept trying to push him away and in the end, he succeeded in helping him get away from his father🥹🥹 The spice scenes were too hot, Especially when Kane gave Avery a hand necklace and it described how he had “Pretty Girl” tattooed between his thumb and forefinger.🤭🤭 Adored every single scene in this book and I hope so badly that Morgan and Marcus have a book because their banter was just so funny to read.
Favourite quotes ;
“She tries to make herself less noticeable when she’s around other people, but she gives me raw openness. She comes alive when she’s with the people she loves most, and I love opening my phone to that face every day. The confidence and love that shine back at me make my cheeks widen further. Like the first breath after being underwater too long, lungs burning, and finding the most beautiful sunset waiting over the ocean. That’s what she was—and still is—to me.”
“You are enough, Kane. I want you to know there has never been a time since I met you that I haven’t noticed what a treasure you are. You’re worth more than your weight in gold to me and to the people who care about you. Your heart is so big. Don’t let them close that part of you off. Don’t let them take it away from you, because your heart is my favorite thing about you. Your parents not seeing you says more about them than it does about you. They have all this money, all these things, and they’re missing the most priceless thing of all: your love. I feel sorry for them,”
“The opening chords of “Iris” fill the air, and the crowd goes wild, instantly knowing the popular beat. My smile breaks through at him playing our song, here in front of everyone. The biggest I love you he could ever say to me.”
June 25, 2026
if he is not making your legs shake while you fuck, he ain't the one.
bring back men who yearnnnnnnnn. truly this is what the girlies want to see. i think it's been a while since i've read about a man who yearns as much as Kane does but let me tell you he is up there for top mmcs solely bc he is a man who years and longs, he has tattoos for you, and he learns all your favorite songs on his guitar to play for you. i mean what else can you ask for. this is a green flag.
this follows Avery Brooks and Kane D'Antonio. high school sweethearts. they met their senior year of high school when Kane moved to a new school, and it truly was like love at first sight for him. he knew that he had to have her. fast forward four years later and avery and kane have broken up bc kane is not emotionally in the relationship anymore. he is not talking to avery about what is going on in his life and she feels the disconnect. but what does he do? he obviously is in pain bc he lost his sun but this man literally goes to therapy to work on himself for her. HE GOES TO THERAPY TO WORK ON HIMSELF FOR HER. literally sedate me pls, bc that is literally a man right there.
this touches huge on mental health and i have not read alot of books where both of the character are struggling with their mental health but this was done in a respectful and beautiful way. both avery and kane dont have the best relationships with their parents. its bad for avery that she literally went no contact. kane suffers through panic attacks and that is something that he discovered he had while in therapy and its something that he thinks he has had since he was younger and thats because of his environment. but i love how they both dont shy away from this. i love how they both better themselves in spite of it. i love a man who is in tune with his emotions. i love a man who cries and i also love a man who will literally beg on his knees for his woman. also he is super possessive and jealous of any man who goes near her or touches her.
this is a story about two people who are quite literally soulmates, destined for each other that go through a bump in the road that leads them to breaking up but they do not stop loving each other. if anything this is a story about growth and about loving yourself and choosing your family even if they're not blood related even when your actual family won't choose you.
know that you are enough.
Thank you so much to Natalie for the e-arc. truly an amazing debut novel. i cannot wait for book!
5☆
bring back men who yearnnnnnnnn. truly this is what the girlies want to see. i think it's been a while since i've read about a man who yearns as much as Kane does but let me tell you he is up there for top mmcs solely bc he is a man who years and longs, he has tattoos for you, and he learns all your favorite songs on his guitar to play for you. i mean what else can you ask for. this is a green flag.
this follows Avery Brooks and Kane D'Antonio. high school sweethearts. they met their senior year of high school when Kane moved to a new school, and it truly was like love at first sight for him. he knew that he had to have her. fast forward four years later and avery and kane have broken up bc kane is not emotionally in the relationship anymore. he is not talking to avery about what is going on in his life and she feels the disconnect. but what does he do? he obviously is in pain bc he lost his sun but this man literally goes to therapy to work on himself for her. HE GOES TO THERAPY TO WORK ON HIMSELF FOR HER. literally sedate me pls, bc that is literally a man right there.
this touches huge on mental health and i have not read alot of books where both of the character are struggling with their mental health but this was done in a respectful and beautiful way. both avery and kane dont have the best relationships with their parents. its bad for avery that she literally went no contact. kane suffers through panic attacks and that is something that he discovered he had while in therapy and its something that he thinks he has had since he was younger and thats because of his environment. but i love how they both dont shy away from this. i love how they both better themselves in spite of it. i love a man who is in tune with his emotions. i love a man who cries and i also love a man who will literally beg on his knees for his woman. also he is super possessive and jealous of any man who goes near her or touches her.
this is a story about two people who are quite literally soulmates, destined for each other that go through a bump in the road that leads them to breaking up but they do not stop loving each other. if anything this is a story about growth and about loving yourself and choosing your family even if they're not blood related even when your actual family won't choose you.
know that you are enough.
Thank you so much to Natalie for the e-arc. truly an amazing debut novel. i cannot wait for book!
5☆
July 17, 2026
"Knowing you, loving you, is the single greatest pleasure I will ever experience in this life or the next."
ARC REVIEW
★★★★★
If soulmates are real, Avery and Kane are the perfect example, but their love story is far from a beginning to end fairytale. Sometimes people's love for each other, no matter how strong, won't solve their problems.
Throughout the book, we learn about Avery's and Kane's struggles and past traumas, and how those experiences weigh heavily on their relationship. The story explores themes of childhood trauma and explores how it can affect people and their relationships into adulthood. It also highlights the importance of healing yourself first, because sometimes you need to focus on yourself and heal before you can focus on and love anyone else.
I love the dual POV and how it alternates between past and present. The first chapter was one of the cutest things I've ever read, and then the second chapter completely ripped my heart out. Seeing their 'love at first sight,' relationship blossom and them deeply in love in the past, then being brought into the reality of their situation and issues in the present that are creating cracks in what seems like the perfect connection.
One thing I really loved was that even after Kane and Avery's breakup, there was never any real bad blood between them or their friend group. Their friends both supported them equally, and it was very refreshing to see a mature portrayal of a breakup within a friend group.
The YEARNING in this book was incredible. Despite the breakup, the hurt and their conflicting emotions, they never truly stop wanting to be together. The push and pull, along with the lingering love, made their relationship so compelling to read.
Overall, this was an emotional, heartfelt story about love, loss, healing and finding your way back to yourself. I thought the book's themes were well written and carried a meaningful message, and the mental health felt very authentic to me ❤︎
PS. I have never highlighted so many quotes in a book in my life.
ARC REVIEW
★★★★★
If soulmates are real, Avery and Kane are the perfect example, but their love story is far from a beginning to end fairytale. Sometimes people's love for each other, no matter how strong, won't solve their problems.
Throughout the book, we learn about Avery's and Kane's struggles and past traumas, and how those experiences weigh heavily on their relationship. The story explores themes of childhood trauma and explores how it can affect people and their relationships into adulthood. It also highlights the importance of healing yourself first, because sometimes you need to focus on yourself and heal before you can focus on and love anyone else.
I love the dual POV and how it alternates between past and present. The first chapter was one of the cutest things I've ever read, and then the second chapter completely ripped my heart out. Seeing their 'love at first sight,' relationship blossom and them deeply in love in the past, then being brought into the reality of their situation and issues in the present that are creating cracks in what seems like the perfect connection.
One thing I really loved was that even after Kane and Avery's breakup, there was never any real bad blood between them or their friend group. Their friends both supported them equally, and it was very refreshing to see a mature portrayal of a breakup within a friend group.
The YEARNING in this book was incredible. Despite the breakup, the hurt and their conflicting emotions, they never truly stop wanting to be together. The push and pull, along with the lingering love, made their relationship so compelling to read.
Overall, this was an emotional, heartfelt story about love, loss, healing and finding your way back to yourself. I thought the book's themes were well written and carried a meaningful message, and the mental health felt very authentic to me ❤︎
PS. I have never highlighted so many quotes in a book in my life.
Read
July 8, 2026Thank you to the author for the ARC! This is my honest review.
I dont know what kind of sorcery the author put in this book but I could literally feel it allllllll on every single page🩷
The angst. The yearning. The love. The heartbreak. The healing. Every page made me feel something.
This is a second chance romance and the reason they broke up actually made so much sense. It really shows how mental health can impact communication and in turn, a relationship.
Check your triggers, of course, but the mental health and anxiety rep and the way the author portrays it, was honestly my favorite part of the book. I think a lot of people will relate and feel seen. Especially that feeling of thinking you, just as you are, aren't enough.
Kane and Avery have my whole heart. And the side characters! I love when they're just as interesting as the main couple, and I absolutely loved the found family vibes. Also... Grayson. What. A. Man. I need more of him immediately!
Let me tell you.... the restroom scene at the bar🥵🥵 You're in for a treat! The spice in this book is fantastic and exactly the right amount. It never took away from the emotional depth of the story.
I'm just a blubbering mess because I'm beyond obsessed with this book. If you're looking for one of those romance books that makes you feel every ounce of the yearning and the love AND want a story that stays with you long after you've finished it, read this book!
Now I'm gonna need the next book as soon as possible. If I understood correctly we're getting Marcus and Morgan's story next and I already know it's gonna be delicious🤤
Such a great debut 🩷 Thank you, Natalie Marie, so much for the ARC. I really loved the book🩷
I dont know what kind of sorcery the author put in this book but I could literally feel it allllllll on every single page🩷
The angst. The yearning. The love. The heartbreak. The healing. Every page made me feel something.
This is a second chance romance and the reason they broke up actually made so much sense. It really shows how mental health can impact communication and in turn, a relationship.
Check your triggers, of course, but the mental health and anxiety rep and the way the author portrays it, was honestly my favorite part of the book. I think a lot of people will relate and feel seen. Especially that feeling of thinking you, just as you are, aren't enough.
Kane and Avery have my whole heart. And the side characters! I love when they're just as interesting as the main couple, and I absolutely loved the found family vibes. Also... Grayson. What. A. Man. I need more of him immediately!
Let me tell you.... the restroom scene at the bar🥵🥵 You're in for a treat! The spice in this book is fantastic and exactly the right amount. It never took away from the emotional depth of the story.
I'm just a blubbering mess because I'm beyond obsessed with this book. If you're looking for one of those romance books that makes you feel every ounce of the yearning and the love AND want a story that stays with you long after you've finished it, read this book!
Now I'm gonna need the next book as soon as possible. If I understood correctly we're getting Marcus and Morgan's story next and I already know it's gonna be delicious🤤
Such a great debut 🩷 Thank you, Natalie Marie, so much for the ARC. I really loved the book🩷
August 21, 2026
Rate: 5/5⭐️
Spice: 1.5/5🌶️
What to expect when reading ;
-Second Chance
-Grumpy x Grumpy
-Found Family
-Mental Health Rep
-Flashbacks
This is book one of the Gamble on Love series! You get to follow Avery and Kane! When a relationship ends with someone you thought you would spend the rest of you life with and still have to see them because your in the same friend group, what better way to move on than prank each other for revenge.
What an amazing debut novel! This just got added to my top read for this year! This story felt so different and I was truly sucked into it from the first chapter. Avery and Kane are the definition of soulmates and they made my heart melt. Watching them try and navigate their breakup made me so sad they were like lost little puppies trying to find their home. One thing I was to praise is that a lot of romance stories, while they have their drama/ conflict the characters have to work through its not always what someone would deal with in the “real world” , this story showed things real couples go through and truly sometimes don’t know how to work through. While the storyline, the writing style, the tension between them were amazing, I think that “real world” conflict is what really made me fall in love with this book. I am so happy I read this and I honestly can’t wait to see what else she writes and she had a new fan with me!
Side Note;
-WYD Now by Sadie Jean
-LOVE this friend group
-I would want to bring all the dogs home
-I need a Morgan book
Favorite line:
•“You were always enough for me”
•”You want someone who comes undone with just the thought of you”
•”The day I met you, my dark, lonely world turned into the most colorful existence”
•”I’m scared of the dark without you”
#review #bookstagram #books #booklover
Spice: 1.5/5🌶️
What to expect when reading ;
-Second Chance
-Grumpy x Grumpy
-Found Family
-Mental Health Rep
-Flashbacks
This is book one of the Gamble on Love series! You get to follow Avery and Kane! When a relationship ends with someone you thought you would spend the rest of you life with and still have to see them because your in the same friend group, what better way to move on than prank each other for revenge.
What an amazing debut novel! This just got added to my top read for this year! This story felt so different and I was truly sucked into it from the first chapter. Avery and Kane are the definition of soulmates and they made my heart melt. Watching them try and navigate their breakup made me so sad they were like lost little puppies trying to find their home. One thing I was to praise is that a lot of romance stories, while they have their drama/ conflict the characters have to work through its not always what someone would deal with in the “real world” , this story showed things real couples go through and truly sometimes don’t know how to work through. While the storyline, the writing style, the tension between them were amazing, I think that “real world” conflict is what really made me fall in love with this book. I am so happy I read this and I honestly can’t wait to see what else she writes and she had a new fan with me!
Side Note;
-WYD Now by Sadie Jean
-LOVE this friend group
-I would want to bring all the dogs home
-I need a Morgan book
Favorite line:
•“You were always enough for me”
•”You want someone who comes undone with just the thought of you”
•”The day I met you, my dark, lonely world turned into the most colorful existence”
•”I’m scared of the dark without you”
#review #bookstagram #books #booklover
July 5, 2026
۶ৎ 𝔸𝕝𝕝’𝕤 𝔽𝕒𝕚𝕣 𝕓𝕪 ℕ𝕒𝕥𝕒𝕝𝕚𝕖 𝕄𝕒𝕣𝕚𝕖
#arcreview
ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ★★★★★
𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩 - second chance, grumpy x grumpy, found family, yearning & angst, mental health rep
—
What was in this book because I read it from start to finish with no stops I was so engrossed in their love story and the angst and yearningggg in this book!? Oh I was screaming cause I just wanted them to be together because you could tell they love each other so much. Their love story is so real, raw and emotional.
Avery, my girl oh I wish I could just hug her. Avery is amazing and sweet. I love her so much and I definitely relate to her on such a deeper level. She just stole my heart and her friendship with everyone was so special to see. Avery works at animal shelter because she so passionate about the animals and I loved seeing that side of her.
The emotions in this book was definitely something else not just from the Hank and yearning, but from the topics that discussed in this book like depression and anxiety and I just w seeing both sides, especially with the therapy and how when they got back together they still focused and talked about it. It was not just like “completely healed”.
Kane freaking D’Antonio top tier yearner! I love him so much. He’s just so wheww, and definitely going on that book boyfriend list because he just does something to me. I was so happy for him when he finally let all his feelings spill out to his parents because they needed to hear that. Kane is a full-time guidance counselor but he also works at a bar
This book let me go through all type of emotions. I just love everybody, especially the side characters. Their friend’s meddling in their relationship was amazing and so needed plus the pranks was also awesome I just love the family aspect. This book was giving and I can’t wait for more of the series.
#arcreview
ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ★★★★★
𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩 - second chance, grumpy x grumpy, found family, yearning & angst, mental health rep
—
What was in this book because I read it from start to finish with no stops I was so engrossed in their love story and the angst and yearningggg in this book!? Oh I was screaming cause I just wanted them to be together because you could tell they love each other so much. Their love story is so real, raw and emotional.
Avery, my girl oh I wish I could just hug her. Avery is amazing and sweet. I love her so much and I definitely relate to her on such a deeper level. She just stole my heart and her friendship with everyone was so special to see. Avery works at animal shelter because she so passionate about the animals and I loved seeing that side of her.
The emotions in this book was definitely something else not just from the Hank and yearning, but from the topics that discussed in this book like depression and anxiety and I just w seeing both sides, especially with the therapy and how when they got back together they still focused and talked about it. It was not just like “completely healed”.
Kane freaking D’Antonio top tier yearner! I love him so much. He’s just so wheww, and definitely going on that book boyfriend list because he just does something to me. I was so happy for him when he finally let all his feelings spill out to his parents because they needed to hear that. Kane is a full-time guidance counselor but he also works at a bar
This book let me go through all type of emotions. I just love everybody, especially the side characters. Their friend’s meddling in their relationship was amazing and so needed plus the pranks was also awesome I just love the family aspect. This book was giving and I can’t wait for more of the series.
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