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To Lovers #3
Crushes to WHAT?!
My crush on Emerson Wright is going to ruin my life and, worse, my business.
When you live in October, Tennessee, and you need a contractor, you call one person: Emerson Wright.
Ideally, when you make that phone call, you actually speak during the interaction. You do not, say, squeak like a terrified rabbit, hang up on the man, and throw your phone across the room.
Unless you're me, Almond Blackwood, holder of The World's Largest Crush.
Talk about embarrassing.
If my hair studio is ever going to get a much-needed upgrade, I need to find a way to talk to Emerson without blushing, and stammering, and-only once!-swooning.
Lucky for me, the strong, tall, capable, sweet, seriously freaking hot man is intent on giving me plenty of opportunity to practice interacting with him.
So... lucky...
And certainly not terrifying at all.
Crushes to WHAT is book three in a series of sweet small town closed-door romances. This funny crushes-to-lovers romcom features forced proximity, a woman with a stomach full of butterflies, and a man ready to sweep her off her feet.
When you live in October, Tennessee, and you need a contractor, you call one person: Emerson Wright.
Ideally, when you make that phone call, you actually speak during the interaction. You do not, say, squeak like a terrified rabbit, hang up on the man, and throw your phone across the room.
Unless you're me, Almond Blackwood, holder of The World's Largest Crush.
Talk about embarrassing.
If my hair studio is ever going to get a much-needed upgrade, I need to find a way to talk to Emerson without blushing, and stammering, and-only once!-swooning.
Lucky for me, the strong, tall, capable, sweet, seriously freaking hot man is intent on giving me plenty of opportunity to practice interacting with him.
So... lucky...
And certainly not terrifying at all.
Crushes to WHAT is book three in a series of sweet small town closed-door romances. This funny crushes-to-lovers romcom features forced proximity, a woman with a stomach full of butterflies, and a man ready to sweep her off her feet.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 9, 2026
About the author
Storm Sterling
12 books110 followersStorm Sterling loves writing unhinged, closed-door romance that’s HOT without spice. She lives in midwest America with a large, broad-shouldered man and three tiny clones. It is her life goal to write books well enough that she can afford all of her favorite author's books. This goal is secondary only to playing Stardew Valley all day every day.
Please buy Storm’s books so she can afford more gaming hours and more Camilla Evergreen books. Seriously. Please. She’s desperate.
Please buy Storm’s books so she can afford more gaming hours and more Camilla Evergreen books. Seriously. Please. She’s desperate.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
October 5, 2026
Well, another Storm Sterling book that I absolutely love. Are we surprised? No.This whole book was SO, SO good. I was smiling through practically the entire thing!
Emerson is the sweetest. I love how he always shows up for Almond, reassures her, and makes sure she’s comfortable. But I also loved how playful he is with her and how completely gone he is for her. He’s this big guy who can come across as a little intimidating, but if you know him, he’s just a giant teddy bear.
There are so many things I loved about this book, but one of my favorite moments was when he took Almond to the bookstore. He got a membership because he knew how much she loved books, and he had even gone through all of her Goodreads to pay attention to the things she liked. Then he built her a bookshelf! He noticed all the little things, even when she didn’t realize he was paying attention, and he made her feel so loved, cherished, respected, and truly seen. And his comments had me blushing more times than I can count.
And Almond? She is so relatable. As someone who tends to ramble when I get nervous, I completely understood her. But beyond that, she is genuinely one of the most caring people ever. She wants everyone around her to feel loved, supported, and like they belong.
There’s one moment where Emerson asks her if she feels safe around him because of the way people perceive him. He knows that because of his size and appearance, people can automatically assume he’s scary, and he never wants her to feel that way around him. And when she tells him that she has never felt more safe, my heart absolutely melted. In that moment you could tell how much that meant to Emerson💕
I loved every single moment of this book. I was laughing, giggling, kicking my feet, blushing, and swooning the entire time. Emerson and Almond completely stole my heart.
Emerson is the sweetest. I love how he always shows up for Almond, reassures her, and makes sure she’s comfortable. But I also loved how playful he is with her and how completely gone he is for her. He’s this big guy who can come across as a little intimidating, but if you know him, he’s just a giant teddy bear.
There are so many things I loved about this book, but one of my favorite moments was when he took Almond to the bookstore. He got a membership because he knew how much she loved books, and he had even gone through all of her Goodreads to pay attention to the things she liked. Then he built her a bookshelf! He noticed all the little things, even when she didn’t realize he was paying attention, and he made her feel so loved, cherished, respected, and truly seen. And his comments had me blushing more times than I can count.
And Almond? She is so relatable. As someone who tends to ramble when I get nervous, I completely understood her. But beyond that, she is genuinely one of the most caring people ever. She wants everyone around her to feel loved, supported, and like they belong.
There’s one moment where Emerson asks her if she feels safe around him because of the way people perceive him. He knows that because of his size and appearance, people can automatically assume he’s scary, and he never wants her to feel that way around him. And when she tells him that she has never felt more safe, my heart absolutely melted. In that moment you could tell how much that meant to Emerson💕
I loved every single moment of this book. I was laughing, giggling, kicking my feet, blushing, and swooning the entire time. Emerson and Almond completely stole my heart.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh. Um. Okay. Ahem. Whew. Hmm. Yeah. Wow.
Pretty much speechless for this little book of perfection.
Wait, I'm finding words!
When I was in high school my friends and I would write (on notebook paper, by hand, then fold them up in intricate and beautiful ways-- this was in the 90s, we had no phones, people) pages-long notes to each other called "if-onlys." If-onlys were basically the fantasy stories of our crushes realizing they loved us desperately and us living happily ever after.
This, my friends, is a gooooooooood if-only story. Swoon-worthy perfection. Never have so many delicious declarations fallen from the lips of a fictional man as in this story. Annnnnnd, it was so so funny. Made me laugh out loud more than any other Storm book I've read and that is saying something.
Some of my laugh out loud lines:
"I should tell you I think we should avoid waterfalls. I have a fear of falling down one."
"You know what else is good for you? Fire cider. But you don't see me drinking it, do you? No! Because it's unpleasant and gross!"
"I'm going to enemies-to-lovers somebody, but it's not going to be _____ [name redacted for spoiler purposes]."
And all of chapter 13. I laughed long and hard at that.
You will never regret reading this story! You will finish it in 1.5 days like me! Read it please!
Pretty much speechless for this little book of perfection.
Wait, I'm finding words!
When I was in high school my friends and I would write (on notebook paper, by hand, then fold them up in intricate and beautiful ways-- this was in the 90s, we had no phones, people) pages-long notes to each other called "if-onlys." If-onlys were basically the fantasy stories of our crushes realizing they loved us desperately and us living happily ever after.
This, my friends, is a gooooooooood if-only story. Swoon-worthy perfection. Never have so many delicious declarations fallen from the lips of a fictional man as in this story. Annnnnnd, it was so so funny. Made me laugh out loud more than any other Storm book I've read and that is saying something.
Some of my laugh out loud lines:
"I should tell you I think we should avoid waterfalls. I have a fear of falling down one."
"You know what else is good for you? Fire cider. But you don't see me drinking it, do you? No! Because it's unpleasant and gross!"
"I'm going to enemies-to-lovers somebody, but it's not going to be _____ [name redacted for spoiler purposes]."
And all of chapter 13. I laughed long and hard at that.
You will never regret reading this story! You will finish it in 1.5 days like me! Read it please!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Crushes to What by Storm Sterling is a beautiful and swoon worthy crushes to lovers romance.
This one is my absolute favorite Sterling book, there was such unresistable tension, and I LOVED it. This couple was the one that I wanted to read from the beginning and ohhhh man was the wait worth it. We have two individuals that are just soooo perfect for each other. Both two individuals that give kindness, and patience to the other. There are many things that I just swooned with this. A MMC who spoils his girl? A cute FMC who is kind of oblivious? A man who is like a bear, with a man bun, likes to do things for his girl, and just loves her? Yes PLEASE.
I love the difference in the FMC and the MMC and how that perception is perceived in public. But this one I want more. These pages weren't enough to fill my thirst for Almond and Emerson. I want their first impressions, I want 20 years later, I want their first children. I am invested in these characters more than I am the other characters (though I loved them too). I loved them. I really did.
If you want a cute story with beautiful standards, this is the one for you.
Thank you Storm Sterling for the free book.
This one is my absolute favorite Sterling book, there was such unresistable tension, and I LOVED it. This couple was the one that I wanted to read from the beginning and ohhhh man was the wait worth it. We have two individuals that are just soooo perfect for each other. Both two individuals that give kindness, and patience to the other. There are many things that I just swooned with this. A MMC who spoils his girl? A cute FMC who is kind of oblivious? A man who is like a bear, with a man bun, likes to do things for his girl, and just loves her? Yes PLEASE.
I love the difference in the FMC and the MMC and how that perception is perceived in public. But this one I want more. These pages weren't enough to fill my thirst for Almond and Emerson. I want their first impressions, I want 20 years later, I want their first children. I am invested in these characters more than I am the other characters (though I loved them too). I loved them. I really did.
If you want a cute story with beautiful standards, this is the one for you.
Thank you Storm Sterling for the free book.
October 9, 2026
Absolutely loved this one! Are you looking for a man who yearns & finally goes after what he wants?! Emerson is your guy! And Almond is so adorably shy crushing on him. Loved them together! Love the whole Blackwood family!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is hands down my favorite Storm Sterling book! I absolutely adore Almond and Emerson!
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
September 30, 2026
The amount of swooning, blushing, and smiling this book gave me should be studied.
I just had the sweetest time with it, and I could not put it down.
I loved the friendships and sassing between found family members. I loved the romance and its particular brand of swoon.
I just had the sweetest time with it, and I could not put it down.
I loved the friendships and sassing between found family members. I loved the romance and its particular brand of swoon.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the third book in Storm's To Lovers series, where she explores versions of various "to lovers" tropes. This one is Crushes to Lovers, although I'd argue Idiot to Lovers would fit too. Emerson has it bad for Almond. Almond has it bad for Emerson. While Almond is still literally hiding if she catches Emerson looking at her, Emerson is taking his future in his hands and following the advice of a friend: be patient, be hot.
Hot, he's good at. Patient, not so much. What follows is an entire book of Emerson being hot, and Almond realizing maybe she can actually have everything she's ever wanted.
This was adorable. Hot, not spicy. Over the top in the best of ways. Imagine an ice cream sundae, with five of your favorite flavors. And whipped cream. And cherries. And hot fudge. And sprinkles. THAT is what this book is. Just an overload of all the best things.
🤬 - "he curses", "he swears", etc.
⚔️ - None? Someone mentions that at some point some family members got knicks while getting haircuts.
🌶️ - Looooads of swoony kissing, some innuendo (while making it clear that they are waiting until after the wedding). Seriously. So much kissing, from multiple couples.
🫣 - Umm......nope. I got nothing. If you're good with kisses, you're fine.
Hot, he's good at. Patient, not so much. What follows is an entire book of Emerson being hot, and Almond realizing maybe she can actually have everything she's ever wanted.
This was adorable. Hot, not spicy. Over the top in the best of ways. Imagine an ice cream sundae, with five of your favorite flavors. And whipped cream. And cherries. And hot fudge. And sprinkles. THAT is what this book is. Just an overload of all the best things.
🤬 - "he curses", "he swears", etc.
⚔️ - None? Someone mentions that at some point some family members got knicks while getting haircuts.
🌶️ - Looooads of swoony kissing, some innuendo (while making it clear that they are waiting until after the wedding). Seriously. So much kissing, from multiple couples.
🫣 - Umm......nope. I got nothing. If you're good with kisses, you're fine.
October 9, 2026
Emerson has been pining for Almond for years. The problem is, during those years, any time he came anywhere near Almond, she’d squeak and dive in to the bushes. Still, he was undaunted, and took matters into his own hands, by being the contractor Almond needs to redo her hair salon.
When Almond finally gets up the nerve to call Emerson, when he answers, she goes right back to squeak mode. But he knows it’s her. And he’s finally realized that he has to take the first step.
Honestly, I melted within the first ten pages of this book.
Almond can be a little frustrating sometimes, but you’d never know it by how Emerson looks at her. She’s so oblivious to the fact that he wants her that when he tries to ask her to be his girlfriend, she thinks he’s asking to fake date her. It doesn’t even remotely break his stride, though. He knows this woman, and he knows she’s going to be his.
I LOVE that Emerson is a giant man. He’s been typecast all of his life, with people fearing him just because of his size. The one person, outside his family and friends, who doesn’t do that? Almond. It never even occurs to her to fear his physical appearance. If anything, it’s one more green flag for her, as she is taller than the average woman.
I loved this book. OF COURSE I loved this book. The author is one of my most cherished favorites. I’m never let down by any of her stories, and devour them in one sitting (with breaks, of course, a girl’s gotta eat). I think Emerson is now my favorite male main character. But the author has many more books in her, so who knows? Someone, someday, might dethrone Emerson. Today, though, is not that day. Get the book!
When Almond finally gets up the nerve to call Emerson, when he answers, she goes right back to squeak mode. But he knows it’s her. And he’s finally realized that he has to take the first step.
Honestly, I melted within the first ten pages of this book.
Almond can be a little frustrating sometimes, but you’d never know it by how Emerson looks at her. She’s so oblivious to the fact that he wants her that when he tries to ask her to be his girlfriend, she thinks he’s asking to fake date her. It doesn’t even remotely break his stride, though. He knows this woman, and he knows she’s going to be his.
I LOVE that Emerson is a giant man. He’s been typecast all of his life, with people fearing him just because of his size. The one person, outside his family and friends, who doesn’t do that? Almond. It never even occurs to her to fear his physical appearance. If anything, it’s one more green flag for her, as she is taller than the average woman.
I loved this book. OF COURSE I loved this book. The author is one of my most cherished favorites. I’m never let down by any of her stories, and devour them in one sitting (with breaks, of course, a girl’s gotta eat). I think Emerson is now my favorite male main character. But the author has many more books in her, so who knows? Someone, someday, might dethrone Emerson. Today, though, is not that day. Get the book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Storm has once again created endearing and lovable characters who are also slightly unhinged. Almond and Emerson may have mutual crushes but they have dealt with those crushes very differently. Almond panics every time she sees or tries to speak to Emerson and can't even fathom that he might like her, too. Emerson, on the other hand, is very confident that Almond likes him as much as he likes her and is going to do what it takes to convince her they should be together.
Emerson is so open and communicative, which I loved. (Husband, take note - I wanna hear that I'm adored.) Almond is communicative and honest as well, but in a different way. Hers is more stream of consciousness and, honestly, it's relatable. She's also quite clueless about what is going on between her and Emerson for a while, which is entertaining.
This series has been fun so far and I'm looking forward to book 4!
*I received an advance copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily providing an honest review.*
Emerson is so open and communicative, which I loved. (Husband, take note - I wanna hear that I'm adored.) Almond is communicative and honest as well, but in a different way. Hers is more stream of consciousness and, honestly, it's relatable. She's also quite clueless about what is going on between her and Emerson for a while, which is entertaining.
This series has been fun so far and I'm looking forward to book 4!
*I received an advance copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily providing an honest review.*
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ooooh! The next “To WHAT” book by Storm Sterling is finally here, and it is everything I could hope for after watching the groundwork for Almond and Emerson’s being laid in the first two books!Storm was also definitely right when she wrote that the book girlies do love a dual POV, but this predominantly single POV still gave me everything I could hope for.
All the swoons. All the angst. All the feels. Cameo appearances from other books? Check. Hilarious interactions with teenage book store employees reacting to PDA reminding me of how my teenage daughter would react? Absolutely. There was much laughter, happy sighs, and moments of me saying to the hubs, “haha, this just happened…” Did I use absolutely every spare moment I could to binge read it around the rest of my responsibilities? Also yes. You will want to do the same! Grab your copy so you can dig into Crushes to WHAT?! and devour it this weekend.
I was given a complimentary copy of this story. Thoughts and opinions are my own.
All the swoons. All the angst. All the feels. Cameo appearances from other books? Check. Hilarious interactions with teenage book store employees reacting to PDA reminding me of how my teenage daughter would react? Absolutely. There was much laughter, happy sighs, and moments of me saying to the hubs, “haha, this just happened…” Did I use absolutely every spare moment I could to binge read it around the rest of my responsibilities? Also yes. You will want to do the same! Grab your copy so you can dig into Crushes to WHAT?! and devour it this weekend.
I was given a complimentary copy of this story. Thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Almond has had a crush on Emerson Wright since Book 1 of this series, and I've been dying to see how they get their happily ever after. This book did not disappoint! From page 1, Emerson has apparently decided to turn up the heat on their simmer, throwing Almond into a tizzy. It's simply delightful to see them flip the switch from longtime crushes to -- well, you know. ;)
Content notes: "hot, not spicy" is the term used here, but I will note that although there is no sex, there is detailed description of kisses. Clean romance, but definitely for adults.
Content notes: "hot, not spicy" is the term used here, but I will note that although there is no sex, there is detailed description of kisses. Clean romance, but definitely for adults.
September 29, 2026
I want to start out by saying that Storm Sterling knows what she’s doing. If you have opinions that say otherwise, meet me in a back alley somewhere. I’m sure Archie would love to meet you. Anyway, yeesh. There is, as usual, no spice in this smoking hot book. My dear readers, Emerson Wright is literally on fire. The man communicates, he goes after what he wants (read as: Almond), and he. Builds. Bookshelves. Preorder asap.
Keep in mind this is book 3 of the To What series. They are best read in order. Storm said so, don’t be a loser. Also, if you haven’t already, you should read the Criminally Captivated series for max enjoyment.
Notes:
All the kissing
Swooning
Communication 🔥
Relationship goals
Size gap
🔥shoulders 🔥
No spice
No language, though some is implied
-I’ll end by saying this: I don’t have a favorite book, I do have favorite authors. Storm Sterling and Camilla Evergreen. Crushes to What is probably the best non-Storm/Cam book I’ve read in years.
Disclaimer because I can’t have favorite books between Storm and Cam (but if I did… Crushes would be one of the highest ranking books) 💜
Keep in mind this is book 3 of the To What series. They are best read in order. Storm said so, don’t be a loser. Also, if you haven’t already, you should read the Criminally Captivated series for max enjoyment.
Notes:
All the kissing
Swooning
Communication 🔥
Relationship goals
Size gap
🔥shoulders 🔥
No spice
No language, though some is implied
-I’ll end by saying this: I don’t have a favorite book, I do have favorite authors. Storm Sterling and Camilla Evergreen. Crushes to What is probably the best non-Storm/Cam book I’ve read in years.
Disclaimer because I can’t have favorite books between Storm and Cam (but if I did… Crushes would be one of the highest ranking books) 💜
Review of advance copy received from Author
Crushes to WHAT?! by Storm Sterling — 4 stars
I read the first two books in this series before picking this one up, and I’ve had such a good time with this family. I was happy to be back with them for Almond and Emerson’s story.
Almond has had a crush on Emerson Wright for quite a while, and then fake dating brings them closer than she ever expected. I loved that premise! I really liked the two of them together, especially their energy and the way their feelings grew as the story went along. I was rooting for them.
A couple of things kept this from being a five star read for me. Almond’s catchphrase started to wear on me, and some of her behavior wasn’t quite my favorite. Still, I liked the couple and their love story so much that I enjoyed my time with this book.
I’m glad I read the series in order. Getting to know the family over all three books made this one even more fun for me, and I’ll be looking forward to whatever Storm Sterling writes next.
I received a complimentary early ebook copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I read the first two books in this series before picking this one up, and I’ve had such a good time with this family. I was happy to be back with them for Almond and Emerson’s story.
Almond has had a crush on Emerson Wright for quite a while, and then fake dating brings them closer than she ever expected. I loved that premise! I really liked the two of them together, especially their energy and the way their feelings grew as the story went along. I was rooting for them.
A couple of things kept this from being a five star read for me. Almond’s catchphrase started to wear on me, and some of her behavior wasn’t quite my favorite. Still, I liked the couple and their love story so much that I enjoyed my time with this book.
I’m glad I read the series in order. Getting to know the family over all three books made this one even more fun for me, and I’ll be looking forward to whatever Storm Sterling writes next.
I received a complimentary early ebook copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
October 14, 2026
A shy heroine with a massive crush on the hot local contractor hehe yes I've been waiting for their story.
Almond is completely smitten with Emerson, but actually talking to him is a whole different story. Between the blushing, and stammering and oh so embarrassing moments (oh dear Almond wanted to give her a cuddle and tell her she has got this) she wants her her hair studio renovated and that might just be the least of her worries.
Almond is so relatable and hilarious and Emerson is the kind of sweet and swoony hero who makes you fall in love right along Almond. I’m a sucker for a romance filled with awkward encounters, lots of chemistry, and a hero who makes his feelings known.
This is a cute and funny, lots of feel good romance that will leave you smiling and rooting for Almond and Emerson. Sometimes the biggest crushes turn into the sweetest love stories. You just have to have that courage to admit it.
Another one of Storm's that i absolutely love.
Almond is completely smitten with Emerson, but actually talking to him is a whole different story. Between the blushing, and stammering and oh so embarrassing moments (oh dear Almond wanted to give her a cuddle and tell her she has got this) she wants her her hair studio renovated and that might just be the least of her worries.
Almond is so relatable and hilarious and Emerson is the kind of sweet and swoony hero who makes you fall in love right along Almond. I’m a sucker for a romance filled with awkward encounters, lots of chemistry, and a hero who makes his feelings known.
This is a cute and funny, lots of feel good romance that will leave you smiling and rooting for Almond and Emerson. Sometimes the biggest crushes turn into the sweetest love stories. You just have to have that courage to admit it.
Another one of Storm's that i absolutely love.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A very swoony read. The beautiful support network is a highlight too!
It started with humor and continued throughout because “Grace, I am not” is such a relatable thing!
Plus a little sneak peak at the other series characters in Chapter 21, don't worry if you haven't read them, it's not plot changing but obviously you should read them.
I'm so excited to see her continue to grow this fun community.
Content:
Style - (mostly) Single POV, Contemporary RomCom (slow burn/ crushes to more but also love at first sight and it moved fast once they decided, proximity, intentional miscommunication about fake dating)
Intimacy - High (yearning, kisses to neck, laying on couch then straddling legs)
Language - None (“he swears” a lot and she flips off someones back)
Violence - None
Potential Triggers - cranky people?
It started with humor and continued throughout because “Grace, I am not” is such a relatable thing!
Plus a little sneak peak at the other series characters in Chapter 21, don't worry if you haven't read them, it's not plot changing but obviously you should read them.
I'm so excited to see her continue to grow this fun community.
Content:
Style - (mostly) Single POV, Contemporary RomCom (slow burn/ crushes to more but also love at first sight and it moved fast once they decided, proximity, intentional miscommunication about fake dating)
Intimacy - High (yearning, kisses to neck, laying on couch then straddling legs)
Language - None (“he swears” a lot and she flips off someones back)
Violence - None
Potential Triggers - cranky people?
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was fantastic. I have loved every single Storm Sterling book I ever read and this one is no exception. Almond is sassy, kind, protective of her loved ones, and absolutely smitten with Emerson (the tall contractor that she needs for renovating her studio). Emerson is thoughtful, observant, and an absolute joy to see interacting with Almond. Seriously seems like he has a nat 20 charisma with shoulders, devotion and iconic quotes to boot (I highlighted so many things- it's beautiful). I love how protective and supportive they are of each other. It was fabulous seeing familiar faces from the previous books in the series too. Overall, fantastic found family, complex characters, great food, fabulous quotes, pining and sweet hot NOT spicy romance.
October 9, 2026
Yeehaw, not a cowboy romance but the exclamation still applies!
I always will read a Storm book. I did enjoy this and did devour the contents right away. I will say, if this genre is not for you, no problem there is plenty of other books out there that are available for consumption.
I don’t know if I was desperate, but I can for sure say that I was thrilled to have another one of her books to read. I was waiting for Almond. Almond is gem that is crazy and fun. What is more exciting that that?
Their chemistry is obviously off the charts. Emerson. Is. Man. Big. Man. What’s not to love? A caveman that’s capable and a big softie!? Sign me up. Cue *where the hell is my husband?*
I always will read a Storm book. I did enjoy this and did devour the contents right away. I will say, if this genre is not for you, no problem there is plenty of other books out there that are available for consumption.
I don’t know if I was desperate, but I can for sure say that I was thrilled to have another one of her books to read. I was waiting for Almond. Almond is gem that is crazy and fun. What is more exciting that that?
Their chemistry is obviously off the charts. Emerson. Is. Man. Big. Man. What’s not to love? A caveman that’s capable and a big softie!? Sign me up. Cue *where the hell is my husband?*
October 9, 2026
The title almost explains it…
Almond is hesitant to hire her long-time crush, Emerson, to update her hair salon. Emerson finally realizes that Almond has had a crush on him almost as long as he has had one on her, and he stalks her Goodreads to see what kind of book boyfriend she enjoys - and then the good stuff begins!
Almond asks him, “Have you always been so…[this]?” and Emerson responds, “I have not always been so this,”...”I’ve recently decided that the lack of this has been a mistake on my part.”
Cue the swoon! Enjoy this latest book set in the fictional town of October, Tennessee by Storm Sterling.
Almond is hesitant to hire her long-time crush, Emerson, to update her hair salon. Emerson finally realizes that Almond has had a crush on him almost as long as he has had one on her, and he stalks her Goodreads to see what kind of book boyfriend she enjoys - and then the good stuff begins!
Almond asks him, “Have you always been so…[this]?” and Emerson responds, “I have not always been so this,”...”I’ve recently decided that the lack of this has been a mistake on my part.”
Cue the swoon! Enjoy this latest book set in the fictional town of October, Tennessee by Storm Sterling.
October 12, 2026
Oh my Heck, people! I absolutely loved this book. So swoony, so butterfly-inducing, so hot giant Emerson, and so squeaky shy beautiful Almond. Read this if you want a fun, interesting, and GOOD clean romance❤️
There are no swears or alcohol and level 2 kisses only. Dual POV.
“Soon, I’ll be your everything and your always,”
“I like everything you do,” Emerson replies. He lays a kiss on my temple. “But I especially like that even today, on a day that’s meant for you, you don’t have a selfish bone in your body.” He smiles against my hair. “My Almond. My wife. Always thinking of other people. Always making everyone’s days—everyone’s lives—better."
There are no swears or alcohol and level 2 kisses only. Dual POV.
“Soon, I’ll be your everything and your always,”
“I like everything you do,” Emerson replies. He lays a kiss on my temple. “But I especially like that even today, on a day that’s meant for you, you don’t have a selfish bone in your body.” He smiles against my hair. “My Almond. My wife. Always thinking of other people. Always making everyone’s days—everyone’s lives—better."
Review of advance copy received from Author
Definitely read the first two books in the series first, but then run right back to this one. Loved the book, though I was a little conflicted through the first half. Almond is completely oblivious, like COMPLETELY. I’m not quite sure how that’s possible, Emerson wasn’t exactly subtle. He was swoon worthy. That man, ah! If only more were like him. But they were so adorable together and had the same heart, loving others with patience and kindness (most of the time). Chapter 13 had me laughing so much, I loved it!
October 11, 2026
Favorite Quote:
“I’m yours,” I whisper. “For as long as you want me, however you want me.” My stomach tangles. “I’m Emerson Wright’s girl.”
“You could kill a man,” he mutters. “And he’d happily die.”
It’s funny, that. Because I’d say the same thing about him.”
Can I give this one more than 5 stars??? Cause this one might just be my all time favorite Storm Sterling book! Better yet, can someone just create and point me in the direction of a real life Emerson? Because….🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠
Thank you to the author for the advance copy. All thoughts are my own
“I’m yours,” I whisper. “For as long as you want me, however you want me.” My stomach tangles. “I’m Emerson Wright’s girl.”
“You could kill a man,” he mutters. “And he’d happily die.”
It’s funny, that. Because I’d say the same thing about him.”
Can I give this one more than 5 stars??? Cause this one might just be my all time favorite Storm Sterling book! Better yet, can someone just create and point me in the direction of a real life Emerson? Because….🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠
Thank you to the author for the advance copy. All thoughts are my own
October 9, 2026
I mean.. he isn't really subtle
I don't generally like single POV books. This one did not change my mind. It is the exception that prooves the rule.
If the MMC can't do an Emerson, then I need inside his head.
If the MMC can do an Emerson, then I'll love it.
But there is only one Emerson... can a non-Emerson truly pull off an Emerson?
I think Storm really gave us something of beauty here.
I don't generally like single POV books. This one did not change my mind. It is the exception that prooves the rule.
If the MMC can't do an Emerson, then I need inside his head.
If the MMC can do an Emerson, then I'll love it.
But there is only one Emerson... can a non-Emerson truly pull off an Emerson?
I think Storm really gave us something of beauty here.
October 13, 2026
Love a Guaranteed HEA
This book is swoony from start to finish. It's mostly single POV, but it's not at all difficult to discern what Emerson is thinking. His unadulterated devotion to Almond is the stuff of legends, and Almond is so adorable as she realizes that he is real-dating her while she is fake-dating him. Ultra low-stress, just sweet and cute and swoony. Looking forward to more love stories in October, Tennessee.
This book is swoony from start to finish. It's mostly single POV, but it's not at all difficult to discern what Emerson is thinking. His unadulterated devotion to Almond is the stuff of legends, and Almond is so adorable as she realizes that he is real-dating her while she is fake-dating him. Ultra low-stress, just sweet and cute and swoony. Looking forward to more love stories in October, Tennessee.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I read an early version from the author of this book and adored the sweetness of these two from start to finish. The tropes hit just right. The adoration and smitteness was adorable and made me wonder what would come next all the way through, and the cameos from previous characters in the authors books kept me laughing as well. Definitely check this one out ASAP!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don’t write reviews a lot but I just had to for this one! I LOVED IT, Emerson was so sweet and amazing, I loved how he was so sweet and caring for Almond! Also I love ALMOND SHE WAS SO SWEET AND SHE WAS SO RELATABLE!! Ok so clearly I loved this book ok spice ratings: 0/10, HEA, and a clean book which is always a good book! 📕 okk I have wrote a lot ! Byeee!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is now my new favorite Storm Sterling read!!! If you like all the swoony sexiness from a male lead without any explicit content, this is a MUST READ! I have liked the female lead Almond as a side character in the first two books of the series but I adored getting inside her head in this book. What a heart this woman has! And Emerson is just, so hot! Prepare to fan your face and fall in love! This is single POV and you’ll understand when you read it that Emerson didn’t really need any help getting you to love him. I received an advance copy from the author but these opinions are all mine!!!
October 10, 2026
Stop what you're doing and read
Storm has hit it out of the park once more. Without any spoilers, this book is different than the usual romance and really hard to put down once started. All I can say is read it and enjoy. The only problem I have with the book is that I finished it and it can't go on forever! Absolutely love it!
Storm has hit it out of the park once more. Without any spoilers, this book is different than the usual romance and really hard to put down once started. All I can say is read it and enjoy. The only problem I have with the book is that I finished it and it can't go on forever! Absolutely love it!
October 13, 2026
So weird and whimsical
I really don't know why, but I love Storm Sterling books. The characters and situations are often kooky and over-the-top, but I find myself laughing out loud and wanting more! And who wouldn't want a swxy, giant of a man who wants to give his girl everything - dang! Emerson is the swooniest.
I really don't know why, but I love Storm Sterling books. The characters and situations are often kooky and over-the-top, but I find myself laughing out loud and wanting more! And who wouldn't want a swxy, giant of a man who wants to give his girl everything - dang! Emerson is the swooniest.
Did Not Finish
October 16, 2026DNF.
Every once in a while a Storm Sterling book leans (for me) less quirky and weird and fun and more “giving me the ick.” This was the case here. There was so much whimpering from the FMC and so much inappropriate innuendo and non-consensual touching and stroking right away from the MMC and I didn’t find it flirty and attractive. It felt weird.
I liked the first two books in this series.
Every once in a while a Storm Sterling book leans (for me) less quirky and weird and fun and more “giving me the ick.” This was the case here. There was so much whimpering from the FMC and so much inappropriate innuendo and non-consensual touching and stroking right away from the MMC and I didn’t find it flirty and attractive. It felt weird.
I liked the first two books in this series.
October 17, 2026
I love this third book in the series. We’ve seen hints for Almond and Emerson’s story for the last two books, and now we finally get to see their story unfold. I was not disappointed. Their story was fantastic. Emerson is amazing, and Almond is so sweet but also quite oblivious. Watching their relationship develop was hilarious and adorable.
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