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He shouldn’t have kissed me. But I shouldn’t have liked it.

Garrett Cooper is grumpy. Bossy. Rude. We’re supposed to work together to save my family’s hotel, but sparks fly every time we’re in the same room. And not the good kind.

Things get off to a rough start between us, and that’s on me…partially. Something to do with humiliating him after too many cocktails, and him pushing his grumpy luck too far.

In my defense, I didn’t know who he was at the time, but you better believe he left knowing who I was.

The next morning, he waltzes into our business meeting—grinning like a Bond villain—and embarrasses me in front of my father and uncle.

I hate him for it. Even more than I hate him for being inexplicably handsome on the outside and absolutely hateful inside. Tall, dark, and evil has never been my thing.

When Garrett kisses me to prove a point, I should hate him for that too… I want to... But I don’t.

Before I know it, an inappropriate text conversation becomes an X-rated phone call, and things have to stop there. He’s my last, best chance at saving my family’s hotel.

But they don’t.

Now this grumpy, growly man who doesn’t do relationships is feeding me strawberries in bed.

What am I supposed to do with that?

It’s time to put an end to this.

Maybe after one more kiss…

444 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 25, 2022

1091 people are currently reading
698 people want to read

About the author

Abby Brooks

54 books900 followers
Abby Brooks writes heartfelt contemporary romance with small-town charm, found family, and happily-ever-afters that feel earned. Her stories feature relatable characters, emotional depth, and just the right balance of humor and heat—perfect for readers who love cozy communities, strong connections, and hope-filled love stories.

A lifelong storyteller raised in the Midwest, Abby draws inspiration from close-knit towns and the beauty of everyday moments. She lives in Ohio with her husband and their three cats and believes the best love stories are the ones that feel like coming home.

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5 stars
670 (48%)
4 stars
440 (32%)
3 stars
195 (14%)
2 stars
45 (3%)
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18 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
Profile Image for Jeeves Reads Romance.
1,683 reviews797 followers
August 28, 2022
With great chemistry and a memorable meet cute, this absolutely started off on the right note. I love a good strangers to lovers romance, and these two are FIRE together right away. The closed-off, cynical hero complements the upbeat, optimistic heroine in a way that makes him a better man - and I loved how he changes during their time together. It's rare that two characters have this much chemistry right away, and that made the first half of the book fly by. I was less enamored by the second half, though I don't have any major issues. Something about the way the hero treats the heroine in the back half (like she's naive and in need of someone to steer her in the right direction) rubbed me the wrong way. Part of that was an intentional choice on Brooks' part, but I didn't love it. But this still made for a great introduction to this new-to-me author, and I was leaning towards a 5-star rating for much of the book.

The story follows Garrett, a finance guy who goes out of his way to avoid commitments. Garrett has loved and lost, which has left him with some emotional scars and anger that bubbles beneath the surface. When his phone is damaged and he runs into a bubbly, sunshiney woman who is also getting a new phone, Garrett thinks she's cute but a little clueless. When their phones are accidentally mixed up, it doesn't improve Garrett's opinion of the mystery woman. And when he discovers that Angela is the new client he's supposed to consult with, well... it gets complicated. Another complication is the way Garrett begins softening towards Angela, and how she has him rethinking his aversion to intimacy and connection.

I really loved the phone swap, and the way these two opposites clash at the beginning. It certainly lights some sparks early on, and I enjoyed seeing Garrett out of his element. Angela is a relationship girl, so she has no intention of giving in to the attraction that burns between them, even if Garrett is very tempting. That created some conflict, and is one of my favorite parts of the book. Garrett is an interesting character, and I would've loved more focus on his growth and development. He openly admits that he has anger issues, and has even sought therapy to try to get them under control. I really appreciated that, though his anger raised a few red flags for me - especially paired with the fact that he thrives on control and makes Angela feel weaker. That's ultimately what loses this a star from me; I seriously enjoyed a significant portion of the book, but a few things made me uncomfortable. The ending could've been better. Still, I loved Brooks' writing style, and I can definitely see myself continuing with the series - we meet some intriguing characters along the way.
Profile Image for Sarah (lou_reads_romance).
1,286 reviews3 followers
August 22, 2022
This is such a charming read, it has just the right amount of everything to keep the pages turning and to ensure you fall for these interesting and balanced characters.

I love second generation books, but they can be tricky….you’ve already spent time with the parents as their love blossoms, usually with some ups and downs or perhaps some angst….you desperately hope that their children are happy and find love easily….it’s great to get to go on that journey with them….but at the same time you are hoping that nothing bad has happened to any of your well loved characters!!

Ms Brooks does a great job with Angela and Garrett. This can be read as a complete standalone if you haven’t read the two parents books.

Angela is a complete sweetheart, she sees the good in everything and really appreciates the small things in life.
Garrett is a complex guy, a bit gruff and guarded, he is surrounded by love and support from his family but he has suffered some pretty traumatic events in his life so his need for control is at the forefront of everything he does.

These two are complete opposites in every way but they make the best couple and Ms Brooks has done a wonderful job of bringing them together and adding a light touch of humour and sizzling chemistry.
I loved all the supporting characters, we also got a couple of great hints at future storylines and I can’t wait to see who we get next!
Profile Image for READ ME ROMANCE.
616 reviews163 followers
August 6, 2022
Set in three of my favorite places–New England, South Carolina, and Key West Florida, I was immediately transported into my book world when I started reading Fate, a second generation romance featuring Angela Hutton, the daughter of Cat and Lucas from Beyond Words. Our hero is Garrett Cooper, the son of Jack and Amelia from Shameless (Wildrose Landing series).

Fate is truly a standalone, and if you’re not familiar with this author, start right here. You are guaranteed to find wonderful characters with strong family ties who live or work in beautiful small-town locations. They’re the type of people who are loyal and will always have your back, will make you laugh, and dry your tears when you cry. Her characters encourage but don’t enable, and help you become the very best versions of yourself.

In Fate, we are introduced to Angela as she struggles with the consequences of a bad business decision that she made on behalf of her family legacy, the Hutton Hotel. It’s been in her family for three generations and she vows to make things right. I love how supportive her father was and his words of wisdom as Angela tries to navigate a new financial deal needed for their survival.

That is where our hero comes in! Garrett works for a capital investment company and is the real deal. He suffers from some emotional trauma from his past, but is steadfast, honest and focused when it comes to his work. His meet cute with Angela is funny and original, and these two can’t help but feel their attraction towards one other. Too bad they live in different states and he vows not to get serious, but as the author weaves her magic, we learn that you can actually mix business with pleasure...lots and lots of pleasure!

I loved how easily they formed a friendship after getting off to a rough start. Love their banter and sense of humor, and his hot alpha bossy side. Loved how they were able to share their backstory, could depend on each other, and grew closer and closer with each passing day.

The book got better and better with each page as they got to know one another, trust each other, and worked to find a solution to save the Hotel. Love how Garrett wouldn’t stand for anyone disrespecting his “Angel”, and how easily they blended with each other’s families. He had ethics and morals and never once flaunted his wealth.

There were little clue crumbs dropped here and there as to who could be featured in an upcoming book, and I can’t wait for more!
Profile Image for Luckylovesbooks.
942 reviews19 followers
November 16, 2024
2.5/5
Meh. Didn’t like it as much as the last Abby Brooks book I read, Fake.
A few scenes were incredibly convoluted, unrealistic and cliche. They’re staying at the same hotel but Garret’s room was destroyed by the previous guest and there’s no extra because there’s a dance competition in town and all the rooms are booked. *gasp*. And of course, Angel booked a room with two queen beds because that was all that was available and of course Garret can share with her. Oh but wait, when they get to the room, *cue gasp* there’s only one bed? How can this be?? The of course the AC is broken, making to room too cold so they must, absolutely must, share a blanket on the bed. Never mind that hotels provide extra blankets or, if the room was supposed to have two queen beds, they’ll probably bring in a cot. 🙄
And, of course they were only provided with one set of room keys, meaning Garret was locked out and Angel HAD to open the door in her sexy pyjamas. 🙄

I also hated that his ex “distraction” sent a pic of him looking at the ex with lust in his eyes. And Angel sees this. And she’s hot for it. I’m sorry, but how is this considered sexy? He’s looking AT ANOTHER WOMAN LIKE THIS. Also really grossed me out that he’s with Angel a few days after ending it with the ex. Just… ugh.

Side note: this was a 400+ page book and yet it felt like reading a 250 page book. Not sure if it’s because the last book I read was a slowwww burn and was almost 600 pages 🤔
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.2k reviews91 followers
January 2, 2023
Angela was only trying to enhance her family business, the Hutton Hotel, instead she has placed it in jeopardy. She has an opportunity to correct the mistake but for that to happen she needs to convince Garrett and the company he works for to invest funds. Things are about to become complicated due to their first impression of each other and the attraction that neither wants.

Garrett has a painful past which has left him with trust issues when it comes to those he allows close to him. He may be willing to help Angela professionally and explore a physical relationship but before he realizes what happened she has broken through the walls he built to protect his heart.

The banter between them was humorous as her sassy personality is the perfect foil for his protective side. I enjoyed seeing the relationship between them unfold and catch up with other characters we have come to know from previous series.
Profile Image for Bookwormtvaddict.
767 reviews25 followers
August 24, 2022
Got this arc copy and at first, didn't dive in to read it until maybe chapter 3, and then from there read through it all (but that could just be me). Once I read through chapter 3 and to the end I liked it. I got mad at myself when I didn't make the connections but once I saw the words Woo Woo I was like hey! I remember that story and was even more impressed because again though this is a standalone book it is the next generation of books in the previous series combined. I thought the concept of the story was nice (sucked for Bear of course) but I guess I'm like Angel where we can still manage to see the good about things. They balanced each other out and steamy scenes were enjoyable.
Profile Image for Jennie Fortna.
2,540 reviews29 followers
August 31, 2022
A*R*C for honest review with no compensation

Fate is a second generation, standalone of the Hutton Family and Wild Rose Landing’s Cooper Family. Garrett Cooper and Angela Hutton two complete strangers, who end up with each other’s phone, meet to exchange phones and the next day it all implodes…read on to see where it all ends!! Awesome read and can’t wait for more of the second generation books!!
57 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2023
I first read this book last summer when it first came out. I re-read it today as her second book Fire was released. Loved this book and can’t wait to start on Fire and the next Hutton!
1,668 reviews41 followers
September 8, 2022
Perhaps its just my perception but it seems like writing next generation series is in vogue among romance authors. Makes sense (or cents) I guess. If you have a popular series where the couples beget a new generation, since the author has already laid the ground work by allowing readers to get to know that series characters, most readers will eagerly gobble up their children’s stories when they become adults and get involved in romantic relationships. So this is Abby Brooks first book in a spinoff of her The Huttons series now that the original Hutton siblings children are all grown up. I knew that going in to this book. What surprised me was that after reading a few chapters I realized that not only is our female protagonist Angela Hutton daughter of Lucas and Kat Hutton a next generation character but so too is our male protagonist Garrett Cooper who along with his two siblings Charlie and Connor were secondary characters as widower Jack Cooper’s children in Shameless the second book in Brook’s Wildrose Landing series. There’s even a hint that Charlie may end up with a Hutton down the road. Since Brooks hasn’t finished her Wildrose Landing series I’m more than a little surprised that she’s writing a book in another series where the Cooper children are now all grown up. Even the children of the couple in the 3rd book Reckless get mentioned. When I read the last Wildrose Landing book they were still young children. Not only do we get to meet the Hutton children whom are now all adults but also the children of the protagonists from Wildrose Landing. And if that’s not enough Brooks choses Bliss South Carolina the locale for another one of her series for the location of the new Hutton Hotel where our fated lovers have dinner at Harrison’s. Still I have to wonder if Brooks ever writes the 4th book in her Wildrose Landing series how old will the kids be? I mean in this series the couples from that series are now in their 50s or 60s which is a little old for most contemporary romances.
This is clearly an enemies to lovers trope because as it says in the blurb, Angela and Garrett dislike each other from the get go. Or is it? Because it could just as easily be considered an opposites attract trope. It wasn’t lost on me that Angela and Garrett’s personalities are very similar to Angela’s parents and that worked out pretty well for them.
Honestly it was a bit difficult not to dislike Garrett Cooper at the start of this story. Garrett is so tightly wound with some internally fueled unresolved anger issues simmering just below the surface that it takes his grumpiness to the next level of assholery. It’s hard to believe knowing Ameilia, the sweet, woo woo woman who became his stepmother. that he is so uptight. In fact after meeting her Angela thinks the same thing. She needs to give Garrett a calming crystal. Garrett represents Vision Enterprises an investment company that the Huttons hope will help them out financially to get them out of a mess Angela got them into.
Angela is a sweet if somewhat naive young woman with a positive life attitude the opposite of Garret’s. She readily admits that due to being overconfident because of her education and naïve due to her trusting nature she’s put the family business in a precarious situation and feels horrible about it. She made a deal with another investment company to get funds to expand the Hutton Hotels business because she was on a mission to improve peoples lives as only a stay at a Hutton Hotel can do. That investment company then after making changes to the contract she didn’t fully review, used that contract as collateral to leverage more loans and then filed for bankruptcy leaving the Hutton Hotels responsible for the debt for start up costs for the new location without the funds to finish it so it can bring in revenue to pay for itself. But after having been burned once by an investment company who promised to help make her dreams come true Angela is more than suspicious of Garrett and his company’s intentions. Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me. Unfortunately, she has good reason to be suspicious because Garrett’s boss Branson Masters is every bit as unprincipled as the last investment banker she worked with even if Garrett isn’t. Garrett for his part having had the Elizabeth the only woman he loved and trusted break his heart, doesn’t trust women. So what could possibly go wrong here?
There’s a lot of what you’ve come to expect from a contemporary romance novel here. Garrett having inexplicable feelings of possessiveness and wanting to protect Angela even when he doesn’t think he likes her. Both sharing an incredible, impossible to resist physical attraction to each other. After having his heart broken by Elizabeth Garrett only does casual. Angela has only had sex within the context of being in a relationship. But she’s so attracted to Garrett she convinces herself that even though she knows she shouldn’t mix business with pleasure that one time can’t hurt. Wrong. Garrett thinking if they just have sex once he will get Angela out of his system. Again wrong. Basically Garrett is the typical male contemporary romance protagonist. At least Garrett in his futile attempt to keep feelings out of his relationship with Angela is consistent. The Angela character had me confused. One minute she’s proclaiming “Garrett is her one. Her other half.” After their fling in Bliss she invites him back to the Keys for more fun because she can’t bare the thought of being away from him. But while she’s waiting for him at the airport she’s telling herself it was just sex and she can’t allow herself to develop feelings for Garrett that could interfere with her judgement on their business deal. I don’t see how Angela could have given herself so completely to Garrett if she didn’t trust him. These two struggle with trying to decide whether its just a fling or more longer than most couples in a contemporary romance do.
All in all this was a pretty good story. Angela was the sort of positive person I wish I could be. Once Angela helps Garrett rediscover his faith in humanity he turns out to be a pretty good guy too. Although it takes him an awful long time to put his past behind him and get his head out of his ass. As it turns out Garrett likes to be in charge in bed and Angela likes to be told what to do so they are very sexually compatible which leads to a few steamy scenes. Of course despite all the angst in the end everything works out for Angela and Garrett. If you sign up for the author’s newsletter you can even get an extended epilogue to see a little bit of their future together. We get to see the older Hutton and Cooper generations again and meet the younger ones who will form the basis for this series. We learn who Micah Hutton will be paired with in a second chance at love story and who Nathan Hutton undoubtedly won’t be paired with. We also learn who Nick Hutton might be paired with.
Profile Image for Carolyn.
412 reviews36 followers
August 28, 2022
Bear & Angel

I loved this book!

Grumpy growly Garrett & sunshiny happy Angela are the start of a second generation series from Brooks past works.

Angela Hutton is the daughter of Lucas & Cat (Beyond Words). She is bound and determined to continue her family’s legacy and not only maintain, expand their full service spa/ mind/ body experience The Hutton Hotel. The Hut, as the family calls it.

Garrett Cooper, the oldest child of Jack Cooper (Shameless) is all grown up and the man sent to help save the hut. His company is their last hope and opportunity to continue building Angela’s vision for their brand.

An accidental meeting and phone mix up leads to a series of meet cutes that causes more misunderstandings and miscommunication between the two.

Throw in extended family members, a quick trip to SC and a time bubble of ignoring work and contract deadlines. Let the sparks fly and the steam begin.

I wonder who’s book will be next… Nathan… Micah… or Nick?
Profile Image for Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase .
4,809 reviews176 followers
February 20, 2023
Abby Brooks outshines herself when she brings the second generation of the Hutton/Cooper clan together for an epic story. Angel Hutton is on her very last hope to keep her family's business afloat brings her face to face with Garrett Cooper. But with one broken phone and a few drinks at the bar, Angel's hopes and dreams might be shattered, that is unless the spark she feels is the same for him. Can you fall in love with the man who is supposed to save your family? Or will this just be one more thing for Angel to mess up? With just the right about of romance, backstory and emotions this was a fabulous read. Abby Brooks brings honest and true portrayals of family angst and makes them stories you will not want to forget.
Profile Image for Jenny Jackson.
1,257 reviews8 followers
September 19, 2022
Garret and Angel

I love second generation books and this one was unique in that it was a crossover of two different series. Angel and Garret were the perfect grumpy/sunshine, don’t want a relationship, workplace romance couple. Their chemistry was on fire and their banter was charged.

Garret was the typical grumpy hero hiding his heart. He had been burned too many time by women and people who only wanted him for his money and that made it hard for him to trust. Angel was the opposite. She saw the best in everyone and wanted to make the world a better place. At the beginning of their relationship there were a lot of miscommunications and misconceptions. When they cleared those up, especially Garret, they were able to move forward with their relationship pretty quickly.

While Garret was in the Keys to save Angel’s hotel, he ended up finding much more than he bargained for. And even though their relationship evolved quickly, I liked that they gave it time after the deal was done before taking the next step in their relationship. Both Garret and Angel had amazing families and I loved their interactions with Angel and Garret.

This was a pretty quick read for me because I found myself unable to put it down. I loved everything about it and can’t wait to see where this second generation series goes next. There were several clues dropped in the last few chapters and it will be interesting to see who is next.
Profile Image for Shani (Bttrflymama88).
460 reviews16 followers
January 19, 2023
Opposites Attract & so much more! ❤️

--> Lessons learned the hard way are lessons that stick.

--> I want you, Angel. I want these lips. I want this body. I want to pin you to this wall and make you beg for me.

--> My Angel isn’t a distraction, she’s the answer to questions I didn’t know I was asking. She elevates me. I am more with her. I am better with her.

--> You’re more. You’re everything.

-->

I came across Fire first and realized half way through that this was not the first book. But was already hooked so I knew when I was finished I was going to need to go back and read Fate! And boy am I glad I did!! Abby Brooks was a new to me author!! And now after two books I'm ready to see what else she has for me to read!

HEA never looked so good on Grumpy Garrett Cooper. And just that he is. He's jaded and closed off. And Angela is the complete opposite. But what is it they say? Opposites attract? In this case they do! And they are absolutely perfect for eachother! Even if the circumstances aren't ideal. She's on the verge of loosing her family's hotel. And wanting to expand in hopes to save it. He's the one who holds all the answers. Somewhere along the line things get blurry. And they fall hard!

I absolutely loved their story, but I knew I would even if I read backwards! 🤣 from the tension. To their banter. To all the steam in between. When he let's his guard down and lets her in. And all the little moments in between!
1,018 reviews2 followers
December 22, 2022
interesting, emotional and realistic

The hero Garrett is dealing with trauma from childhood and adulthood. He’s closed off to feelings and has been trying to cope with his rage through therapy and then he meets her. Angela is warm, positive, kind and gentle with a warrior heart. She’s also naive and inexperienced, not to mention sheltered. Her macho father believes in her abilities in business and even though she put the company into a financial tizzy he still trust her judgement, but mentors her some more. Ms Brooks writing style utilizes family interactions to highlight personality and create in-depth characters who are multi dimensional. Not all bad not all good, just human dealing with emotions and trying to make the best decisions. Garrett is a heart wrenching character whose pain is evident through most the story. Angel is warm positive but confused and grasping her intelligence to help her with her attraction to Garrett who is very inconsistent but honest about it, and her desire to save her company. The chemistry between Garrett and Angel is hot, you know their destine but are obstacles too many to overcome. Who will bend? The unknown is what’s exciting and it makes the HEA that much more appealing. If you like grumpy,broken heroes and sunshine warrior heroines this book is for you.
Profile Image for Debora.
222 reviews2 followers
April 24, 2025
I know it took be a while to finish the book.. cause I stopped reading it and read another book that was given to me by my friend.. SO!! Now this is what I think about FATE!! Let me remind you I made a mistake and read this series out of order.. Garrett Cooper was the man of Angela Hutton dream.. when she first met him.. until she found out he was the man that was supposed to help them save her Family’s Hotel.. Then the fun began.. poor Angela messed up the first deal with falling for the crap that the guy she was working with.. and that means the new hotel was now not being able to be done.. so they had to come up with someone else that would be willing to invest in finishing up the hotel and make money to keep both hotels open…

So the meeting with Vision Enterprise/ Garrett Cooper has to work out.. You’re going to die with laughter when you see how they two come to meet and how things work out.. I really want to tell you more but it will give to much of the story away.. BUT!! I will say that I really can’t stand Branson Masters, Jordan Clement .. you’ll find out why when you read it.. other than that the rest of the people in the story you’re going to love them.

Happy reading.. 🥰🫶👍 I’m going to start on FIRE NOW!!
221 reviews2 followers
August 9, 2022
Polar opposites that were made for each other!

This story is the second generation of the Hutton and Cooper families and features Angela Hutton who is the daughter of Cat and Lucas from Beyond Words and Garrett Cooper who is the son of Jack and Amelia from Shameless. Let me just say that I love this couple! They are total opposites from each other, but somehow, they just complement each other. I thought the way that they meet is hilarious and had me laughing out loud for a few minutes. I mean really, what are the chances of this happening and then finding out they have to work together. Poor Angel, she really needed those Gin and Tonics! This story is so well written that you can really picture yourself in the Keys or in South Carolina enjoying the beach with them. I’ll never be able to look at a rubber ducky and not think of this book and chuckle. Angel is such a strong woman and I love how she stays positive through all the bad things that happened and never gives up that sunny attitude of hers. She is really what Garrett needed in his life. That poor man needed some sunshine and love from a strong woman. Trust me, this is one story you don’t want to miss.
Profile Image for Tracey Vuolo.
733 reviews18 followers
August 25, 2022
Fate jump started my heart and soothed my soul as I fell in love with Garrett & Angel. This story was electrifying & kept me up until I read the very last word because I couldn’t get enough of this couple who didn’t realize they were about to collide like the perfect storm!
Gare was grumpy, bossy, growly and downright sexy as hell. Angel was sassy, determined, loyal and so incredibly loving. She really was a breath of fresh air and I could be friends with her in real life - Well except for the whole crushin on her man thing. Everyone should read this book for the texts, the rubber duckies, the pizza bikini the red lipstick, the punch and the boat alone! I totally got a kick out of Charlie and having a sister like her would be a riot - definitely never a dull moment that’s for sure. I’m loving this next generation and can’t wait for these stories to continue with these engaging and down-to-earth characters. Oh and Abby is correct, the Keys definitely look good on everyone!

Tracey, Life Reads With Friends Book Blog
69 reviews2 followers
August 25, 2022
Opposites attract, repel and then slam back together in the best sweet and saucy way possible in this thoroughly entertaining book. A SOLID 5 of 5-star rating!

Fans of Abby Brooks’ Hutton Family series and Wild Rose Landing series will love this book that brings the next generation of each series together!

Angela Hutton is on the cusp of taking over the family hotel when she makes one mistake could have catastrophic results. Her only hope is Garrett Cooper, a representative from an investment company that could help her not only save the hotel, but expand to second location. Due to a mix-up at a phone store and incorrect assumptions they both make, they get off on what could be described as the worst foot possible. But as they’re repeatedly thrown together, they realize that it’s their mutual attraction, not their business dealings that could spell personal and professional disaster. Overall, this was a wonderful read with just the right balance of sweet and saucy (I loved Garrett's bossy side - yum). I highly recommend it!
Profile Image for Cynthia Settimo.
179 reviews2 followers
August 26, 2022
I read and reviewed this book voluntarily.
Garrett and Angela are wow.... The chemistry is off the charts.
Garrett is the son of Jack and step son of Amelia in Shameless, book 2 of the Wildrose Landing series.
Angela is the daughter of Lucas and Cat in Beyond words in the Hutton Family Series.
Garrett is Grumpy and a workaholic. As a child his family vacationed at the Hut.
Angela is a the glass is half full kind of person. Sometimes to trusting, which is how the Hut ends up in trouble. After a bad business deal the Huttons need backing to complete construction on a new Hut and Garrett works for the company that they are interested in helping.
Fate is on their side from the beginning... It starts with switched phones and just goes from there. Angela brings out a side of Garrett he did not even know he had.
But with this being business, and him living in Wildrose Landing and her in the Keys how could they ever work?
I loved this book. I got it and read it in no time. I hope Abby does some more cross over. They worked great together.
1,354 reviews
January 1, 2023
I had just finished the Wildrose Landing series when I came across Fate and realized that the book’s hero was Garrett Cooper as an adult so I couldn’t wait to read his and Angela’s story and their journey to HEA since i love reading second generation stories. Garrett and Angela were complete opposites and their first meeting and subsequent interactions did not go smoothly. I really enjoyed their witty banter and the sexual tension between them was quite apparent. I adored Angela and loved how she handled her family business issues and that she was finally able to get past the wall Garrett has put up to avoid getting hurt. I really enjoyed Garrett’s interactions with Charlie and Connor but was disappointed that his parents Jack and Amelia did not make more appearances in this book. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series after that epilogue and I also want to read about Angela’s family in the Hutton series.
20 reviews
August 26, 2022
Garrett and Angela are total opposites. He's a cynical businessman who has been burned too many times. She's a sweet, caring, but somewhat naive woman who sees the good in everyone and everything.
Even though their personalities lead them to disagree on many fronts, there is an undercurrent of attraction that sizzles between them. They try to fight it, but it's too powerful to ignore. Once they act on it, they're both "goners."
I love this concept of a second generation story. Having read all the Hutton family books, plus the Wildrose Landing books, I feel this story was the perfect progression of those series.
We readers get a lot of opportunity to check in on the families from the previous books. Can't wait for the next book. Charlie and Nick, maybe?
I'm so happy to have received an ARC, because this is a great book. This is my fair and honest opinion.
1,025 reviews4 followers
August 28, 2022
This was such a good book. I loved that there was a meet cute, enemies to lovers, co-worker tropes. This was also a 2nd generation of the Hutton's and Wildrose Landing series. I have read one of the Wildrose Landing books but none of the others and I didn't feel like I missed any important information in this book but I definitely want to dive into those series asap.

I am a sucker for a "broken" person finding the right person to make them feel again. I liked Garrett but I feel like his therapist could have been doing a better job. Also, his boss is trash, he knew what happened in the past and still did what he did, when you get there you will know.

There were hints throughout who we may be seeing in future books and I am here for the ride, I am serious though, I am going to get on the other 2 series asap.
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,715 reviews29 followers
August 31, 2022
Garrett is a closer on deals, he is fair on those needing his help while also getting the best deal for his boss however after a tragedy it has left him cold and not interested in ever letting anyone close to his heart so meeting Angela aka Angel was the last thing he expected. I absolutely loved Angel she has sass and fire along with determination to save her family her family hotel after making a mistake that was meant to help with expansion. The fact both Garrett and Angel are wary of relationships for different reason makes them perfect for each other, although Garrett has soo much to work through before they have a chance of being a work fling.
You get the perfect mix of angst, attraction, steamy times as well as some heart break and a chance for a HEA that both Garrett and Angel deserve, seeing everyone from the previous generation books again was the cherry on the top!
Profile Image for Amy  Crull.
2,439 reviews39 followers
August 31, 2022
This was first book by the author and I must say I will definitely be reading more from her. I also love the grumpy/sunshine trope and this one was high on my list. Garrett is a total grump. He's been hurt and doesn't believe in love or relationship. He's got business to handle and doesn't have time for anything else. With a unusual meet cute, he can't get the girl out of his mind. Angela is a fun character. She knows she messed up and needs help but that doesn't stop her from being optimistic about life. She wants the business to succeed and wants the big family for her future. Meeting Garrett and snooping thru his phone, changes her in a way she never saw coming. These two have great banter and I loved every minute of it! This was a great book that I enjoyed reading and will probably read again. Garrett and His Angel will melt your heart and having you loving their love story!!!
Profile Image for Sharon.
1,169 reviews3 followers
October 13, 2024
“My Angel isn’t a distraction, she’s the answer to questions I didn’t know I was asking.”

Garrett and Angela were so easy to love. Both knew they shouldn’t cross the professional line, but from the first meeting at the bar, sparks were flying. The author draws readers in with their banter and chemistry.

Angela is trying to save her family’s business. She didn’t expect to fall in love. She wants to make her dad proud but can’t ignore her heart.

Garrett has some past events that have caused him to use women as a distraction. Serious relationships aren’t in his future. Or so he thought. When he meets Angela his views change.

This story is a second generation Hutton book. I loved going back and hearing names from the original series. The Huttons were a favorite of mine so reading about their children now is so much fun!
2,420 reviews3 followers
November 8, 2025
Garrett is the business man who Angel is meeting to try to save their hotel after she screwed up and signed a deal without checking all the boxes.
Now her family is relying on her to fix it. They meet and it wasn't a great experience since they got their phones switched at the store.
Their first meeting was a disaster considering Angel was half drunk and made a fool of herself. Garrett is just an angry man and doesn't see the bright side of any situation.
Their meeting may have started out on a bad step but the more he hangs out with Angel the more she is making him see the good in situations that he always is looking for the bad in.
When he takes to long to seal the deal his boss sends someone else who just happens to be Garretts ex best friend.
The one thing I wanted to happen was for Angel to run into Garretts ex and just show her that he wasn't sad that she was gone.
Profile Image for Mary Long.
31 reviews
August 26, 2022
A second generation! A cross over! Abby Brooks tried something new and hit it out of the park! But it is easily a stand alone as well. The other series are great and if you haven't read them, I highly recommend both The Hutton Series and the Wildrose Series. But reading those first is not necessary.
I loved the complex characters from page one. Angela and Garrett, after meeting is such a crazy way, make assumptions about one another that they find themselves disproving along their journey. Their story is great! I found myself rooting for them from the beginning.
I love a great story but I also love great writing. Abby uses a great use of description as well as well thought craft moves that make me love her writing!
Profile Image for Nikenya Rodney.
775 reviews26 followers
August 10, 2022
I loved Garrett and Angela’s meet cute even though it wasn’t so cute!! I got a total kick out of it. Oh well, their meeting was the beginning of challenging but destined journey. Those two were perfect for each other. Garrett needed to lighten up and enjoy life and Angela needed him too. Garrett also needed someone to just love him even though he felt so unworthy. Angela really loved him with his grumpy growly self. I was glad their conflict resolved and we got to see how their relationship progressed. I also enjoyed the interactions with the two families. I really loved this story and I was so excited to receive this ARC. I’m anxious to see who gets the next story!!
Profile Image for Candy Habin.
477 reviews22 followers
August 25, 2022
I absolutely loved this book! Angel is such a strong, loving and independent woman that just wants to help others while also making her family proud. Garret is the one that's in the position to help her do that, but she didn't make the best first impression, and boy was that one of the best meet cutes I've seen in a while! Garrett is bossy, grumpy and battling his own issues, but still a big teddy bear inside. Grumpy/sunshine is one of my favorite tropes and this story is the perfect example of why! I couldn't get enough. It's funny, sexy, and a little emotional with some great banter and plenty of heat. I didn't want to put it down and now I can't wait for the next story!
25 reviews1 follower
August 25, 2022
I am an avid Abby Brooks fan. One of the Pre- books to this one in what I consider a blessed FATE moment. (Beyond Words will always have a special place in my heart; not just because we are a Marine family, but also because it’s an incredible story woven together by a talented author.) This is very exciting for me because I love the parents and grew to love both Angela and Garrett even more through the story telling. Garrett begins as a man full of angst and grows into this wonderful love for Angela. She is human and makes mistakes, and is incredibly relatable. Trust me- you will love this book. You will want to consume all the Brooks books.
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