Brooke writes closed-door, mildly sweary contemporary romance. A tortured artist who began writing plays in the 3rd grade, she lost her muse as a teen and struggled for years to write again. Finally, after being inspired by some old friends during the pandemic, her writing came to fruition again in what became her first published novel.
Inspired by strong women who have very little tolerance for bull, she enjoys exploring equality in relationships with broken characters who clearly have made past mistakes. Don't we all?
I just learned that this book is part of a multi author series where each has an element of a road trip. Each book can be read as a standalone.
In this book, we get Tessa and Greer's story. This is the first book I've read of Brooke's and I found out that Tessa and Greer first made an appearance in her Second Chance Breakup Series - which I'm now going to need to check out.
Greer was asked to help Tessa by fake dating her since her ex isn't getting the hint and keeps stalking her. There was instant attraction for Greer, and as they continue to fake date, they both start to long for more.
When Tessa's father askes to her take a trip to NY to retrieve a lost family heirloom, Greer agrees to go with her - not only to protect her but to spend more time with her.
I enjoyed this story and was pulled into it quickly. Greer is a MMA fighter and is scheduled to fight Tessa's ex. I'm a little sad that the book ends before the fight - but apparently we can get more of the story in the Second Chance Breakup series. I liked how the relationship between Greer and Tessa progresses. She is an obsessive planner and he is ok with spontaneity - which makes them complete opposites but a great match. I loved how they both brought out the best in each other and how both of them felt seen by the other.
There were a couple of things that I wish we had a little more details on. One being how things truly end of with the ex. Greer tells Tessa that he will always protect her, but does the ex finally get the hint and move on? Or does something happen to encourage him to move on? There is also an incident that happens when they reach the Bed and Breakfast. It seemed a little suspicious, however, it could have been completely innocent - it would have been nice to have just a little more details. However, over all, this is a cute read.
I received an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Quotes: "Sometimes, things are better left unplanned."
"...I'll take care of you."
"I've got you."
"I know exactly why I'm here. It's because I want to be."
"...the good stuff is just on the other side of the bad."
Thank you Brooke Burton for the eARC and opportunity to read your book prior to release.
I was completely hooked on this book from page one! It delivers a fast-paced, refreshingly unconventional fake-dating story packed with forced proximity, a fun road trip adventure, and incredible emotional depth.
What I Loved: Unconventional Fake Dating: Hiring a humble, spotlight-avoiding MMA fighter as a fake boyfriend to ward off a dangerous stalker ex was a fantastic, high-stakes twist on a classic trope.
Opposites Attract Perfection: The dynamic between the FMC, Tessa, who is an overthinking planner, and the MMC, Greer, who completely flies by the seat of his pants, is incredible. Their banter is top-tier and their chemistry crackles from the very start.
Healing Journey: The 4th of July weekend road trip to recover a Tessa's family heirloom adds a wonderful layer of adventure, but more importantly, the mishaps along the way beautifully show Tessa how much of her true self she lost with her ex. It's a wonderful reminder that you don't have to plan everything to have fun.
Masterful Tension: The stalker ex brings just enough suspense to keep the stakes high, while the romance itself is a beautifully executed, slow-burn, closed-door story.
Highly recommend for anyone who loves deep character growth, protective heroes, and a thrilling romance road trip!
**Note: This is book 3 of 8 in a multi-author series of rom-coms with varying spice levels. All have a road-trip theme. All are part of A Wayfinder Series**
Thank you Brooke Burton for an arc of Wanderlust and Found!
Summary: Tessa and Greer don’t have the most conventional relationship. Greer is an MMA fighter who is turned off by the attention and fame that come with his sport, while Tessa is trying to rebuild her life after ending a relationship. With the help of her friend, a breakup specialist, Tessa hires Greer to protect her as she navigates the escalating threats from her stalker ex. But as Tessa and Greer embark on a road trip to recover a long-lost family heirloom, their professional relationship begins to blur, and unexpected feelings start to grow.
Thoughts: -There is so much chemistry between Greer and Tessa, and it’s written so well! I absolutely loved these two and could feel the depth of their emotions and connection, even with this being a closed door romance. -Such a sweet fake dating romance, but with a unique twist that made it stand out! -I still have so many questions, and I can’t wait to get them answered! -This was a fast-paced read, and I loved the MMA fighter element, along with the rising tension surrounding Tessa’s ex and the road trip they embark on. -If you enjoy road trip romances, this book and series are definitely worth checking out!
I enjoyed this lighthearted story, but I must admit I was a little lost at the beginning. It starts in the middle of their fake relationship and I wanted more background but eventually we did get it.
These two are a great couple. He’s more spontaneous and she’s more of a planner it made me laugh than figuring out how to go about things.
The “ex”, it’s not seen in the story, but we do hear about him and the havoc he caused. Our two MC’s had so many unplanned adventures. It was heartwarming to see how they handled everything.
Love making behind closed doors and many passionate kisses. My only complaint is the ending was rushed. Something happens at an Inn they are at, we weren’t told if it was due to something faulty or was it messed with? Also, was the whole thing about the necklace really or fake set up? Was there any fallout over the necklace?
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance builds slowly and passionate kisses. I can’t improve on the blurb just giving you extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase. I do recommend this lighthearted story
I received an ARC and all opinions are my own and freely given (ljb)
Greer and Tessa were such a fun opposites-attract couple. What starts as a fake relationship to help out a friend of a friend quickly becomes something much more, especially as they're thrown together on a road trip in search of a family heirloom. Greer may be a little jaded by the attention that comes with being an MMA fighter, but he was completely charmed by Tessa from the very beginning. Their chemistry was effortless, with plenty of banter and a growing attraction that neither of them could ignore. I adored the way he encouraged her to step out of her comfort zone.
There was just enough tension from Tessa's ex to keep the stakes high, while the chase to recover the family jewellery added a fun layer of adventure to the romance. A sweet fake-dating romance with forced proximity, opposites attracting, and a hero who falls first without even realising it…
Really enjoyed the characters and their chemistry. Really not a fan of fake dating/engaged/anything, don’t like all the lying and confusion that usually ends up in the story. This one was done rather well in that the storyline addressed it along the way and important people to the characters knew what was going on. I appreciated the journey the story took me on, their struggles and how they complemented each other in differing personalities and how that created a balance when needed. Felt it was written at a good pace, their relationship and the happenings of the story were not rushed or drug out. I enjoyed their journey, struggles, and working out solutions together. It is a closed door romance and gives you a bit of the heat leading up to that. I would have liked a little more of their story, was disappointed it ended where it did so will have to look out for next story.
This was a fun read that jumped right into fake dating, which I enjoyed. The mix of opposites attract with an MMA fighter was the perfect combination. He appreciated her need for order, and she found herself being more spontaneous. And I really liked the way they cared for each other. She planned all the food for the road trip so that he could maintain his diet for training. He dared her to live a little. This was especially important because her stalker ex had made going out practically impossible. The romance happened while on the road and the forced proximity of those few days made what we knew already – there was nothing fake about their fake relationship. If you like opposites attract, fake dating between people destined to be together, and forced proximity, you will love this one.
Tess and Geer start a fake relationship to deter her ex from stalking her. All along Greer develops feelings for Tess but doesn’t tell her. Tess’ dad sends her on a road trip to New York to fetch a family heirloom and Greer tags along. During this adventure they encounter so many challenges!
Tessa is living in a state of needing constant control as a trauma response to her toxic ex. We learn that she used to be a carefree person and it was beautiful to see Greer bring that out in her again. Greer was so sweet and understanding. He payed attention to Tessa with the things she liked and needed. The story was really cute and we really got to see this couple let go and trust each-other!
Wanderlust and Found is book 3 of the Wayfinder Series and I am in love with it! This book has quickly become one of my top favorite reads. I am from New England and this book just felt like home! This book had me so giddy and hooked from the very first page. This is a story about fake dating, a road trip, and a family mystery.
The main characters Tessa and Greer are just so perfect for each other and the tension between the two of them is on point. There is a sense of passion right off the bat and there is this aspect of the book that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. This book talks about a very real scenario that I feel can relate to a lot of people out there. This book is amazing in every way and I’m so glad to have read it.
4.5 stars rounding up for this fun, road-trip story!
It was interesting jumping right into the middle of a fake-dating trope, but it worked well to shift the focus of the story and get to the growing feelings sooner while playing up the horrible ex and the current diversion of searching for the necklace.
I am not unlike Tessa in my (over)planning travel so it was extra cute to see her pushed outside her comfort zone with Greer there every step of the way to be sure she was alright.
Their banter is cute, the tension drizzled in just right, and the sweetness between them was perfect.
Greer is a professional boxer and has agreed to be a fake boyfriend for Tessa. This was setup by her father through a professional agency. Tessa's ex has been stalking her, she had to get a protective order against him and that had no effect. This is a nicely told story with an interesting but predictable plot. But we all read romance stories knowing how they will end but it is the getting there that is the fun part. And this one had a fun story with some entertaining twists. I am an ARC reviewer. Read on 07/29/26.
Interesting fun story of a protector and the "phony" girlfriend who go on a quest to reclaim a family necklace for her father. They manage to cover a lot of miles by car, electric bicycles, and trains. Minor setbacks along the way challenge them but never deter them from their goal. This story has something for everyone from sports to challenges, disappointment, anticipation, and some heart pounding moments. Funny and quirky at times, the main characters keep you engaged to the very end.
This novel gave me mixed thoughts. I loved the idea of the plot but found that’s some points didn’t match up. While it’s a fake dating, both main characters swear they liked each other from the start… when they had never met before being tied together for this fake relationship.
The storyline was paced well, but I felt as if there were story plotlines left out at the end. Would have loved to see this fleshed out a little more.
A Mixed Martial Arts cozy romance story. Tessa and Greer are playing at having a fake romance so that she can get her ex to finally leave her alone. Having a restraining order against him wasn't enough to keep away. Her parents are aware of their plan. The two of them go on a last minute trip to locate a missing family heirloom.
This book was so good; it kept me interested the whole way through. It was sweet with a touch of spice, and although described as closed-door, the heartfelt intent shone beautifully. I really felt the main character's anxiety, especially since I've also had a crazy ex. Thank you for sharing this wonderful story with me
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend reading this book! This is the first book I've read from this author and definitely won't be the last. It was a real page turner - capturing my attention and keeping me wondering what was going to happen next. Highly recommend this book and I can't wait to dig into other books this author has written!
ARC review Anecdotal thoughts while reading Wayfinders series book 3 I love the planner in her! I relate. What a pleasant surprise for you Greer. ❤️ Tessa is a well prepared traveler. 🐠 🍽 Necklace 😒 🚪 😁 Plot twist?? No! Stay in the locked car!! I don't think the watch was the only way... Greer 🐎 good thinking Tessa you are feeling more confident in your skin. Greer looks good on you.
I loved this book! I really liked that the reader is dropped right into their fake-dating scheme and then gets to follow along on their roadtrip, as they truly fall for one another. It was the sweetest story!
A light-hearted romance that drops you straight into a fake dating scheme. I liked the change that instead of seeing the build up to fake dating, that it starts the book! Charming MC's that hooked me in and had me reading this in one sitting.
This was a very cute story, one about finding your way back to yourself and gaining confidence. I really loved Greer and Tessa as a couple, the way he protected her and made her feel was something special. Brooke you've done it again! I can't wait to read your other books!
Loved the book! Thank you Brooke Burton for allowing me to read your ARC copy. Congratulations on getting the book released soon. I will find your book at a bookstore soon. 📚❤️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️😊