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Mechanics on Main #3
Fueled
On the day Remy figured out that his best friend was wifey material, so did every other bachelor in the South.
When I slept with Caroline Wells in eleventh grade, the disaster featured horror movie-level theatrics and two lost teeth. But in losing my virginity, I gained an unexpected best friend.
Nearly a decade later, I find myself with the freedom to date who I want when my football team hits the road, but come back to my favorite no-pressure girl-next-door.
It was the perfect set-up. Until Caroline was named “Georgia’s Most Eligible Bachelorette” and I realized what a monumental idiot I was.
The dates are lining up outside her door. But I’ve got a plan: I’ll pull the best moves out of my playbook, all while highlighting the faults of the Knights in Seersucker Suits who are lining up for Caroline.
Thanks to an older sister with an unhealthy Nora Roberts obsession, I even have an idea about presenting Caroline with only one bed when we’re on the road for work together,. Gotta pull out all the stops.
This is my second chance with my best friend. But if my attempts to get out of the friend zone end up with rejection (or more lost teeth)… it might be my last chance, too.
When I slept with Caroline Wells in eleventh grade, the disaster featured horror movie-level theatrics and two lost teeth. But in losing my virginity, I gained an unexpected best friend.
Nearly a decade later, I find myself with the freedom to date who I want when my football team hits the road, but come back to my favorite no-pressure girl-next-door.
It was the perfect set-up. Until Caroline was named “Georgia’s Most Eligible Bachelorette” and I realized what a monumental idiot I was.
The dates are lining up outside her door. But I’ve got a plan: I’ll pull the best moves out of my playbook, all while highlighting the faults of the Knights in Seersucker Suits who are lining up for Caroline.
Thanks to an older sister with an unhealthy Nora Roberts obsession, I even have an idea about presenting Caroline with only one bed when we’re on the road for work together,. Gotta pull out all the stops.
This is my second chance with my best friend. But if my attempts to get out of the friend zone end up with rejection (or more lost teeth)… it might be my last chance, too.
267 pages, Paperback
Published September 12, 2022
303 people are currently reading
1907 people want to read
About the author
Ava Munroe
18 books95 followersAva Munroe is a former television critic who is currently living in Arizona, but pining away for her dreamy childhood in small town Georgia. When she's not forcing her husband and twin toddlers to travel back to the East coast with her, you can find her chugging Coca-Cola, spoiling her German Shepherd, or binge-watching Yellowjackets (seriously, you have to start watching that show if you're not already). Her sexy small town romances pack in the humor and heart, while also providing a mental escape to Ava's favorite place on earth: the deep south.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
October 4, 2022
i read this best friends to lovers so quickly! after hearing that spicy audiobook clip, remy finally realized that the love of his life was right in front of him all along. while he needs to convince that he’s no longer the best friend who would talk about his love life all the time, caroline is stunned to even think that remy would be interested in her. there’s not too much drama other than caroline’s mother totally putting her down the whole time. it was entertaining and what i needed after a long day.
July 21, 2022
Remy and Caroline . . .
This story line has many things moving them to get to their HEA. Caroline Wells and Remy Bianchi lost their virginity together in 12th grade, even though it was an epic disaster. But their friendship was strong and “guarded” so that they didn’t lose the friend they valued. We also have Caroline trying to please her difficult mother who seemed to delight in putting her down and chipping away at her confidence. Yet every time her mother knocks her down, Remy is there to pick up the pieces and tell her how wonderful she is.
By the time Remy realizes Caroline actually means something more to him, the public was informed that she was “Georgia’s Most Eligible Bachelorette” and she was deluged with male attention, much to Remy’s dismay. Will the two of them recognize their feelings for each other have morphed beyond friendship? And better yet, will at least one of them get the courage to say something so they don’t have to guess whether the other loves them too?
For me, one of the best parts of the story was the humor around the two of them. The audiobook experience is a fun example, and actually so is the 12th grade disaster. So grab your copy and see how their story turns out. Will they survive to adulthood? And feel free to laugh your way to the end.
This story line has many things moving them to get to their HEA. Caroline Wells and Remy Bianchi lost their virginity together in 12th grade, even though it was an epic disaster. But their friendship was strong and “guarded” so that they didn’t lose the friend they valued. We also have Caroline trying to please her difficult mother who seemed to delight in putting her down and chipping away at her confidence. Yet every time her mother knocks her down, Remy is there to pick up the pieces and tell her how wonderful she is.
By the time Remy realizes Caroline actually means something more to him, the public was informed that she was “Georgia’s Most Eligible Bachelorette” and she was deluged with male attention, much to Remy’s dismay. Will the two of them recognize their feelings for each other have morphed beyond friendship? And better yet, will at least one of them get the courage to say something so they don’t have to guess whether the other loves them too?
For me, one of the best parts of the story was the humor around the two of them. The audiobook experience is a fun example, and actually so is the 12th grade disaster. So grab your copy and see how their story turns out. Will they survive to adulthood? And feel free to laugh your way to the end.
July 18, 2022
"You're the whole f*king show, princess. You're everything."
This is my first book by Ava Munroe, and my first in the Mechanics on Main series.
I devoured Fueled in less than a day. I enjoyed reading Caroline and Remy's relationship, and loved Munroe's writing.
Remy is one you can't help but think is hot. I mean, football coach AND a mechanic? And Caroline radiating body positivity is something you can't help but love.
Yes, they both have flaws? But who doesn't. The way they both push each other away, only to lose each other romantically, and end up in the friend zone until it's too late? It's tragically romantic in a way, and for them to realize in a huge moment that they love each other? Ugh.
And can we just say that we all hate her.
Thank you Ava Munroe for the ARC!
Out July 19th
" 'He's really throwing my creativity for a loop, is what he's doing?' "
" 'I'll keep my book boyfriends, thank you very much. No disappointment in that.' "
" I refuse to be godmother to any toddlers raised on wine coolers and The Bachelor.' "
" '…You got me a bike, free service, and a woman. You've officially dethroned Zeus on Mount Olympus.' "
This is my first book by Ava Munroe, and my first in the Mechanics on Main series.
I devoured Fueled in less than a day. I enjoyed reading Caroline and Remy's relationship, and loved Munroe's writing.
Remy is one you can't help but think is hot. I mean, football coach AND a mechanic? And Caroline radiating body positivity is something you can't help but love.
Yes, they both have flaws? But who doesn't. The way they both push each other away, only to lose each other romantically, and end up in the friend zone until it's too late? It's tragically romantic in a way, and for them to realize in a huge moment that they love each other? Ugh.
And can we just say that we all hate her.
Thank you Ava Munroe for the ARC!
Out July 19th
" 'He's really throwing my creativity for a loop, is what he's doing?' "
" 'I'll keep my book boyfriends, thank you very much. No disappointment in that.' "
" I refuse to be godmother to any toddlers raised on wine coolers and The Bachelor.' "
" '…You got me a bike, free service, and a woman. You've officially dethroned Zeus on Mount Olympus.' "
July 18, 2022
𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒑𝒚 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓 𝒗𝒊𝒂 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒔𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒕.
I believe this was my first time reading the friends-to-lovers trope, and I'll be honest, I had some expectations.
My main issue with this book was a lack of chemistry between the main characters, Remy and Caroline. I wasn't convinced by their chemistry until the very end.
Aside from that, the first 20-30% of the novel, as well as the last 20-30% of the novel, felt a little dragging.
Overall, I believe this was a missed opportunity for me. I simply expected more. 2.5⭐
I believe this was my first time reading the friends-to-lovers trope, and I'll be honest, I had some expectations.
My main issue with this book was a lack of chemistry between the main characters, Remy and Caroline. I wasn't convinced by their chemistry until the very end.
Aside from that, the first 20-30% of the novel, as well as the last 20-30% of the novel, felt a little dragging.
Overall, I believe this was a missed opportunity for me. I simply expected more. 2.5⭐
Read
March 12, 2025Ne pas s'attarder à la couverture svp, elle est malaisante...
J'ai bien aimé le fait que le livre était court. J'ai pu le lire rapidement, je me suis sentie productive.
J'ai pas aimé le fait que la fille se dénigrait physiquement, genre vraiment beaucoup, mais je me suis vue là-dedans en même temps? C'était une expérience très étrange. Sa mère était vraiment méchante et ça l'a pas aidé du tout.
Third act breakup, as usual. Je n'arrive pas à l'éviter, je commence à être tannée. Au moins il a pas duré trop longtemps.
J'ai bien aimé le fait que le livre était court. J'ai pu le lire rapidement, je me suis sentie productive.
J'ai pas aimé le fait que la fille se dénigrait physiquement, genre vraiment beaucoup, mais je me suis vue là-dedans en même temps? C'était une expérience très étrange. Sa mère était vraiment méchante et ça l'a pas aidé du tout.
Third act breakup, as usual. Je n'arrive pas à l'éviter, je commence à être tannée. Au moins il a pas duré trop longtemps.
August 8, 2022
for me
This book was okay. It was somewhat disappointing as it wasn’t as good as I thought it would be from the description. Also idk why it’s called a sports. Sorry but just because he’s a football coach doesn’t make it a sports romance. If it’s a sport romance the sport has to play major part in it and this book I don’t think it did. Also Cays mom is horrible but after like 10 seconds of Cay standing up to her the mom is sorry and apparently all is well. And I literally mean it was 10 seconds. Not a fan of that. It was predictable which isn’t surprising but if you don’t like that then don’t read this. I mostly like this book because the MMC read her smutty books she liked just to be able to quote them to her and that’s adorable. Overall it was a good book but I don’t know if I would actually recommend it. It was okay not great but not bad. 3/5
This book was okay. It was somewhat disappointing as it wasn’t as good as I thought it would be from the description. Also idk why it’s called a sports. Sorry but just because he’s a football coach doesn’t make it a sports romance. If it’s a sport romance the sport has to play major part in it and this book I don’t think it did. Also Cays mom is horrible but after like 10 seconds of Cay standing up to her the mom is sorry and apparently all is well. And I literally mean it was 10 seconds. Not a fan of that. It was predictable which isn’t surprising but if you don’t like that then don’t read this. I mostly like this book because the MMC read her smutty books she liked just to be able to quote them to her and that’s adorable. Overall it was a good book but I don’t know if I would actually recommend it. It was okay not great but not bad. 3/5
July 20, 2022
I really wanted to DNF this book like i get the story line and is one of my favorite tropes but the writing was all over the place and the MMC really just sound like one of the girls, the chemistry between the two main characters was cero.
Overall 1.5 ⭐️
The smut a little all over the place as well 2 🌶
Overall 1.5 ⭐️
The smut a little all over the place as well 2 🌶
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2022
They literally mentioned her being the fat best friend/pageant girl every chapter. Book was kinda childish
Rate: 2.8/5
Smut: 1/5
Rate: 2.8/5
Smut: 1/5
July 23, 2022
dnf at 54%
it was just boring and very uninteresting idk bruh lol
it was just boring and very uninteresting idk bruh lol
October 24, 2023
🏈 small town romance
🏈 friends to lovers
🏈 plus size heroine
🏈 one bed
🏈 pageant girl
🏈 sports boy
🏈 dual pov
🎧 “Come on, baby girl,” the narrator’s deep, husky voice purrs. “Let me in. You can take it."
🏈 “Is that what you like, Caroline? Is that what you want?”
Remy was a jock in high school. Now works as a mechanic for his family and coaches football part time. He enjoys his women, extensively. It’s no secret he’s basically a womanizer. But for his best friend Caroline, there is nothing he won’t do. He is the definition of if he wanted to he would. Even with him not having a lot of money, he still finds ways to spoil her. He helps her confidence and reassures her without fail every time she starts to feel not enough. He even recited and recreates her audiobooks to and with her 😩
Caroline is a bookworm, who loves her spicy books, but also a pageant girl. She constantly looks for her mothers approval and without fail, every time, her mother dismisses her and her feelings. Her mother is very condescending and controlling. She feels like her mother despises her because she’s her “fat, failed daughter.”
Caroline and Remy became best friends after they took each other’s virginity in high school…which ended in a trip to the ER. 6 years later, he’s driving to a pageant and ends up hearing one of her spicy audiobooks. This leads to a snowball of feelings and then she is named Georgia’s Most Eligible Bachelorette after being crowned Miss Peach State. She starts getting the attention of LOTS of men…Remy included. Without spoiling too much I will say they get a do-over of their first time. Everyone give a thank you to Giulia and Caroline’s spicy author sister for making this happen. Thank god for Tomasso and his naps. 🙏
🏈 “I’ve always loved Caroline. She’s my best friend. My person. … But how long have I loved her this way? And more importantly, what the hell am I going to do about it now that I know I damn well can’t live without making this girl mine?”
I really enjoyed this book. I don’t usually read friends to lovers, but this one is great. I felt like I was in on tons of inside jokes. I was giggling up at 3am reading this one. There’s tension, realistic spicy situations 😧, spicy audiobooks, funny conversations, awkward high school flashbacks, and so much more. It’s a quick and easy read. I saw a tiktok with quotes from the audiobook scene at the pageant and I went and read it IMMEDIATELY…not exaggerating. I read it in one sitting and in like 4ish hours. PS…you’ll probably want to punch Bonnie in the face many times.
🏈 “If the bed bugs bite, bite back, Caroline”
👑 “One bite. That’s it. And I fully expect you to rub my feet when we get back to the hotel.” He grins. “Half a breast and I’ll rub wherever you want, princess.”
🏈 “Fuck my finger, princess. Use it to figure out what you like and don’t like. Take what you want from me.”
🏈 “I was going to take a shot at the bakery that morning. But then you got the news about the Bachelorette thing and you were all in. And then, on the bus, you had such a clear vision for who you want and who is going to make you happy. And that’s not me. Maybe I can let myself touch you and pretend like I’m doing you a favor to prepare you for whatever lucky bastard gets his shot with you. But I’m not a big enough dick to make love to you again and pretend like that’s for anyone other than myself.”
👑 “Remy, did you even really listen to that audiobook clip in the car?” He blinks up at me, still looking pained. “What?”
👑 “It was a virginity scene,” I whisper. “I must have played it a million times. It’s my go-to clip when I—”
👑 when I touch myself. I’m reliving my first time over and over again. And every day that I get to know you and want you just a little bit more, you become some new version of the narrator.”
🏈 “Do you still need instruction?” He asks me as he fists his cock again. “Or did you learn enough from when you fucked my fingers, princess?”
👑 Remy doesn’t just touch me: he worships me. I’m his fucking altar and he is my saint, giving me everything he has.
🏈 “I’m not your mom, Caroline,” I growl. “And I’m going to spend my whole life proving to you that you’re more than some novelty. You’re the whole fucking show, princess. You’re everything.”
🏈 “Don’t you ever doubt how much I want you,” I tell her between deep, forceful thrusts. She just nods, closing her eyes and biting that bottom lip again. “Never doubt how special you are. And how stupid and cruel and ignorant anyone is who doesn’t see you as the princess you are. You hear me?”
🏈 slide between Caroline’s legs and prop one over my shoulder. “Woah.” Her eyes go big. “Remy, are you sure—” “Stop the doubting,” I command. “And let your teacher show you how to take this like a good girl.”
🏈 “You know I’m yours,” I growl. “So fucking tell me. Yell it loud enough for the boys next door to hear.”
👑 “Remy—” she breathes in objection. “Say it, Caroline,” I instruct. “Scream it out while I taste your cum.”
🏈 “I’m not sure I deserve you,”
🏈 “But I will spend the rest of my life trying. You’re my queen, Caroline. You always have been and you always will be.”
🏈 friends to lovers
🏈 plus size heroine
🏈 one bed
🏈 pageant girl
🏈 sports boy
🏈 dual pov
🎧 “Come on, baby girl,” the narrator’s deep, husky voice purrs. “Let me in. You can take it."
🏈 “Is that what you like, Caroline? Is that what you want?”
Remy was a jock in high school. Now works as a mechanic for his family and coaches football part time. He enjoys his women, extensively. It’s no secret he’s basically a womanizer. But for his best friend Caroline, there is nothing he won’t do. He is the definition of if he wanted to he would. Even with him not having a lot of money, he still finds ways to spoil her. He helps her confidence and reassures her without fail every time she starts to feel not enough. He even recited and recreates her audiobooks to and with her 😩
Caroline is a bookworm, who loves her spicy books, but also a pageant girl. She constantly looks for her mothers approval and without fail, every time, her mother dismisses her and her feelings. Her mother is very condescending and controlling. She feels like her mother despises her because she’s her “fat, failed daughter.”
Caroline and Remy became best friends after they took each other’s virginity in high school…which ended in a trip to the ER. 6 years later, he’s driving to a pageant and ends up hearing one of her spicy audiobooks. This leads to a snowball of feelings and then she is named Georgia’s Most Eligible Bachelorette after being crowned Miss Peach State. She starts getting the attention of LOTS of men…Remy included. Without spoiling too much I will say they get a do-over of their first time. Everyone give a thank you to Giulia and Caroline’s spicy author sister for making this happen. Thank god for Tomasso and his naps. 🙏
🏈 “I’ve always loved Caroline. She’s my best friend. My person. … But how long have I loved her this way? And more importantly, what the hell am I going to do about it now that I know I damn well can’t live without making this girl mine?”
I really enjoyed this book. I don’t usually read friends to lovers, but this one is great. I felt like I was in on tons of inside jokes. I was giggling up at 3am reading this one. There’s tension, realistic spicy situations 😧, spicy audiobooks, funny conversations, awkward high school flashbacks, and so much more. It’s a quick and easy read. I saw a tiktok with quotes from the audiobook scene at the pageant and I went and read it IMMEDIATELY…not exaggerating. I read it in one sitting and in like 4ish hours. PS…you’ll probably want to punch Bonnie in the face many times.
🏈 “If the bed bugs bite, bite back, Caroline”
👑 “One bite. That’s it. And I fully expect you to rub my feet when we get back to the hotel.” He grins. “Half a breast and I’ll rub wherever you want, princess.”
🏈 “Fuck my finger, princess. Use it to figure out what you like and don’t like. Take what you want from me.”
🏈 “I was going to take a shot at the bakery that morning. But then you got the news about the Bachelorette thing and you were all in. And then, on the bus, you had such a clear vision for who you want and who is going to make you happy. And that’s not me. Maybe I can let myself touch you and pretend like I’m doing you a favor to prepare you for whatever lucky bastard gets his shot with you. But I’m not a big enough dick to make love to you again and pretend like that’s for anyone other than myself.”
👑 “Remy, did you even really listen to that audiobook clip in the car?” He blinks up at me, still looking pained. “What?”
👑 “It was a virginity scene,” I whisper. “I must have played it a million times. It’s my go-to clip when I—”
👑 when I touch myself. I’m reliving my first time over and over again. And every day that I get to know you and want you just a little bit more, you become some new version of the narrator.”
🏈 “Do you still need instruction?” He asks me as he fists his cock again. “Or did you learn enough from when you fucked my fingers, princess?”
👑 Remy doesn’t just touch me: he worships me. I’m his fucking altar and he is my saint, giving me everything he has.
🏈 “I’m not your mom, Caroline,” I growl. “And I’m going to spend my whole life proving to you that you’re more than some novelty. You’re the whole fucking show, princess. You’re everything.”
🏈 “Don’t you ever doubt how much I want you,” I tell her between deep, forceful thrusts. She just nods, closing her eyes and biting that bottom lip again. “Never doubt how special you are. And how stupid and cruel and ignorant anyone is who doesn’t see you as the princess you are. You hear me?”
🏈 slide between Caroline’s legs and prop one over my shoulder. “Woah.” Her eyes go big. “Remy, are you sure—” “Stop the doubting,” I command. “And let your teacher show you how to take this like a good girl.”
🏈 “You know I’m yours,” I growl. “So fucking tell me. Yell it loud enough for the boys next door to hear.”
👑 “Remy—” she breathes in objection. “Say it, Caroline,” I instruct. “Scream it out while I taste your cum.”
🏈 “I’m not sure I deserve you,”
🏈 “But I will spend the rest of my life trying. You’re my queen, Caroline. You always have been and you always will be.”
July 18, 2022
** Arc provided by author **
genre: small town romance, friends to lovers, plus size heroine, one bed
pov: dual pov ♡
triggers: none
main characters: Caroline (23) & Remy (23)
**********
Caroline and Remy have been best friends since their first time together in high school ended with broken teeth and a trip to the emergency room.
Years later after being crowed Miss Peach State and Georgia's Most Eligible Bachelorette Caroline is getting attention from more men than ever. But she definitely didn't expect Remy to be one of them.
An awkward but steamy car ride makes them realize that maybe the are more than friends. They decide to do-over their first time which turns into so much more.
Remy is an easygoing womaniser who works as a mechanic and local football coach. But for Caroline he would do anything.
Caroline is a kind soul who has been struggling with gaining her mother's approval as she feels like she will never be anything more than the 'fat, failed daughter'.
Fueled has a great friendship that turns into love, lots of tension, awkward flashbacks to high school, funny conversations, and steamy audiobooks!
**********
“Come on, baby girl,” the narrator’s deep, husky voice purrs. “Let me in. You can take it."
“Is that what you like, Caroline? Is that what you want?”
The audiobook car scene absolutely killed me! As an avid spicy audiobook lover I totally get Cay's obsession but I would have died of embarrassment !!
Remy's reaction was everything!
**********
This is my first book by Ava Munroe and I enjoyed it! I really connected with Caroline's struggles as a plus size girl and her finding her confidence!
I loved how Remy reassured and spoiled her!
Fueled is a quick and fun read!
**********
plot: ☆☆☆
dialogue: ☆☆☆☆
characters: ☆☆☆☆
story telling: ☆☆☆☆
spice: ☆☆☆
overall: 3.75 stars
genre: small town romance, friends to lovers, plus size heroine, one bed
pov: dual pov ♡
triggers: none
main characters: Caroline (23) & Remy (23)
**********
Caroline and Remy have been best friends since their first time together in high school ended with broken teeth and a trip to the emergency room.
Years later after being crowed Miss Peach State and Georgia's Most Eligible Bachelorette Caroline is getting attention from more men than ever. But she definitely didn't expect Remy to be one of them.
An awkward but steamy car ride makes them realize that maybe the are more than friends. They decide to do-over their first time which turns into so much more.
Remy is an easygoing womaniser who works as a mechanic and local football coach. But for Caroline he would do anything.
Caroline is a kind soul who has been struggling with gaining her mother's approval as she feels like she will never be anything more than the 'fat, failed daughter'.
Fueled has a great friendship that turns into love, lots of tension, awkward flashbacks to high school, funny conversations, and steamy audiobooks!
**********
“Come on, baby girl,” the narrator’s deep, husky voice purrs. “Let me in. You can take it."
“Is that what you like, Caroline? Is that what you want?”
The audiobook car scene absolutely killed me! As an avid spicy audiobook lover I totally get Cay's obsession but I would have died of embarrassment !!
Remy's reaction was everything!
**********
This is my first book by Ava Munroe and I enjoyed it! I really connected with Caroline's struggles as a plus size girl and her finding her confidence!
I loved how Remy reassured and spoiled her!
Fueled is a quick and fun read!
**********
plot: ☆☆☆
dialogue: ☆☆☆☆
characters: ☆☆☆☆
story telling: ☆☆☆☆
spice: ☆☆☆
overall: 3.75 stars
October 16, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶🌶 .5/5
TW / CW - body shaming from a parent
Tropes - new adult, romance, pageants, childhood best friends-to-lovers, one bed, mid/plus size FMC
Remy and Caroline are cute and their story as best friends to lovers sparking as soon as Remy hears that audiobook is probably something a lot of book readers would fantasise over.
That being said, I was reading this book anticipating that the 3rd act breakup would be dumb (as it usually is) and I was right. In many books, I cannot get behind grown characters caring and obsessing so much over what their parents think and I knew this would be at the heart of whatever happens at the 80% mark. I kinda just found it weird that Caroline doesn't even refer to Bonnie as mum, yet she still has such a huge impact on the way she lives her life. Foregoing the mum title made me think that Caroline had put up the correct barriers to move forward with her life as she sees fit but that was not the case...
The apology from the mum after all of that also fell flat for me - like, do better
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek
TW / CW - body shaming from a parent
Tropes - new adult, romance, pageants, childhood best friends-to-lovers, one bed, mid/plus size FMC
Remy and Caroline are cute and their story as best friends to lovers sparking as soon as Remy hears that audiobook is probably something a lot of book readers would fantasise over.
That being said, I was reading this book anticipating that the 3rd act breakup would be dumb (as it usually is) and I was right. In many books, I cannot get behind grown characters caring and obsessing so much over what their parents think and I knew this would be at the heart of whatever happens at the 80% mark. I kinda just found it weird that Caroline doesn't even refer to Bonnie as mum, yet she still has such a huge impact on the way she lives her life. Foregoing the mum title made me think that Caroline had put up the correct barriers to move forward with her life as she sees fit but that was not the case...
The apology from the mum after all of that also fell flat for me - like, do better
Scale:
⭐️ - would've DNF'ed / continued out of spite
⭐️⭐️ - shit, but whatever
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - meh, could've been better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - lit 👅
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - loved it, inject this shit into my veins 🤪
🫑 - no smut
🌶 - no point
🌶🌶 - mediocre at best
🌶🌶🌶 - standard smut, hot
🌶🌶🌶🌶 - 🥵 okay, some CW
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 - fuck me 🥵🥵 CWs / filthy with a side of filth - see Poison / Room Twenty-Two: Hide and Seek
July 25, 2022
First of all, I love this book. I love the body positivity that the main characters have. Did this book have some negative connotations to Caroline being a bigger girl? Of course. I personally think that they were an accurate representation of what we deal with at times. Whether it is "you should eat healthier so you can lose weight" to "you are a bigger girl so the fact that I am giving you attention should make you pliable to my wants", these are actual things that can happen. The difference, though, is that this book showcases that Caroline is happy and confident with who she is AND that Remy is 100% behind her. Did it take him a while to get back to realizing that she is who he wants long term? Yes but it was understandable given how young they were and what had occurred. Caroline also has to navigate a family relationship where she is the odd one out being a bigger girl while having a pageant mom who makes her feel like she is less.
After they decided to lose their v cards to each other that ended in an ER visit, they friend zoned each other and that was that. They have been best friends ever since. Until that fateful audiobook moment. Then Remy realizes his feelings are more than friendly. The problem? Caroline was named Georgia's Most Eligible Bachelorette. Now he has to decide if he will compete for her love, or let her find someone else. Thanks to his meddling older sister and her love of all things romance, he decides to try to make his move. Now Caroline needs to see if this is real for Remy or if it is just a novelty because she knows what she is worth.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
After they decided to lose their v cards to each other that ended in an ER visit, they friend zoned each other and that was that. They have been best friends ever since. Until that fateful audiobook moment. Then Remy realizes his feelings are more than friendly. The problem? Caroline was named Georgia's Most Eligible Bachelorette. Now he has to decide if he will compete for her love, or let her find someone else. Thanks to his meddling older sister and her love of all things romance, he decides to try to make his move. Now Caroline needs to see if this is real for Remy or if it is just a novelty because she knows what she is worth.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 11, 2022
DNF at 50%.
This was...fine. It was pretty painful to read in some parts...the FMC mentions her overbearing mother on almost every page, I swear, even when she's mid spice session with her MMC BFF. I didn't feel any particular connection to her, although I am sure some folks will. The MMC was also just fine. I don't really buy it that they have been best friends for ten years and yet one overheard smut audiobook drove a wedge between them for weeks. My best friends, male and female, regularly and brutally tease me about the smut I read. If it accidentally played over Bluetooth it would only amp it up, not cause weeks of awkwardness.
It may just not be for me...I maybe don't always appreciate the friends>lovers trope, unless it's that one friend has been pining over the other for years. I just don't know about a scenario in which both have been absolutely clueless for ten years and then realize at the same time they want to bang.
Three stars because I'm sure someone else would have a perfectly lovely time reading this at the beach. Probably a good intro for any friend who wants to dip their toe into spicy books.
This was...fine. It was pretty painful to read in some parts...the FMC mentions her overbearing mother on almost every page, I swear, even when she's mid spice session with her MMC BFF. I didn't feel any particular connection to her, although I am sure some folks will. The MMC was also just fine. I don't really buy it that they have been best friends for ten years and yet one overheard smut audiobook drove a wedge between them for weeks. My best friends, male and female, regularly and brutally tease me about the smut I read. If it accidentally played over Bluetooth it would only amp it up, not cause weeks of awkwardness.
It may just not be for me...I maybe don't always appreciate the friends>lovers trope, unless it's that one friend has been pining over the other for years. I just don't know about a scenario in which both have been absolutely clueless for ten years and then realize at the same time they want to bang.
Three stars because I'm sure someone else would have a perfectly lovely time reading this at the beach. Probably a good intro for any friend who wants to dip their toe into spicy books.
September 18, 2022
Absolutely Perfect Best Friends to Lovers
Book 3 follows Remy Bianchi and his best friend Caroline who have been pining over each other secretly since they lost their virginity to each other on prom night. Caroline is a curvy girl who is a pageant winner across the state of Atlanta. She is all about body positive and she rocks the pageant works with her confidence and beauty. Her and Remy have been best friends forever but after their disastrous night at prom Remy placed himself in the friend zone and thought that’s where he wanted to be. However, these feelings and need to be with her has overwhelmed him for to long and he has to prove to her once and for all she is everything to him. Caroline can’t stop thinking about Remy and she knows what she wants but her insecurities caused by her mother is making her question everything.
You will absolutely adore these two and their story of finding their HEA on their own terms. This book is fun, flirty, a bit dirty and a whole lot of yumminess wrapped up in these best friends to lovers small town romance. You will not be disappointed!! Happy Reading!
Book 3 follows Remy Bianchi and his best friend Caroline who have been pining over each other secretly since they lost their virginity to each other on prom night. Caroline is a curvy girl who is a pageant winner across the state of Atlanta. She is all about body positive and she rocks the pageant works with her confidence and beauty. Her and Remy have been best friends forever but after their disastrous night at prom Remy placed himself in the friend zone and thought that’s where he wanted to be. However, these feelings and need to be with her has overwhelmed him for to long and he has to prove to her once and for all she is everything to him. Caroline can’t stop thinking about Remy and she knows what she wants but her insecurities caused by her mother is making her question everything.
You will absolutely adore these two and their story of finding their HEA on their own terms. This book is fun, flirty, a bit dirty and a whole lot of yumminess wrapped up in these best friends to lovers small town romance. You will not be disappointed!! Happy Reading!
July 20, 2022
Typically I don’t like the ‘small town romance’ trope. But Fueled has so many other factors that went into play that I HAD to read it. I DEVOURED this book in one sitting. I even laughed out loud a few times, and got big mad at Past Remy a few times too! The fact that Caroline is so obsessed with her smutty books?! Oof. I. Was. Sold.
Caroline and Remy have an amazing friendship from the beginning. Most of the time in a ‘friends to lovers’ story it’s basically smooth sailing for the couple. But not these two! Caroline lets her mom get deeeeep in her head. And Remy? Well, despite knowing the issue is Bonnie he still lets the bumps in their road become massive mountains.
I love that these two feel so real with their relationship. It doesn’t feel like you’re reading a work of fiction. And that spice though?! Omg!
Caroline and Remy have an amazing friendship from the beginning. Most of the time in a ‘friends to lovers’ story it’s basically smooth sailing for the couple. But not these two! Caroline lets her mom get deeeeep in her head. And Remy? Well, despite knowing the issue is Bonnie he still lets the bumps in their road become massive mountains.
I love that these two feel so real with their relationship. It doesn’t feel like you’re reading a work of fiction. And that spice though?! Omg!
July 20, 2022
Remy and Caroline, the lead characters, have been friends since their mutual virginity loss was an awkward mess in high school. Now adults, they discover that they want more. But Caroline’s mother has been pushing her agenda over Caroline for years. And Remy has been a jerk to her as well….
This story is dual POV, well written and edited, and contains an interesting tale of overcoming self-esteem issues. I enjoyed the integration of secondary characters and I genuinely cared for Caroline and her struggle to prioritise herself at any point. I enjoyed the character development of both lead characters and the dawning self-awareness of Remy, especially.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
This story is dual POV, well written and edited, and contains an interesting tale of overcoming self-esteem issues. I enjoyed the integration of secondary characters and I genuinely cared for Caroline and her struggle to prioritise herself at any point. I enjoyed the character development of both lead characters and the dawning self-awareness of Remy, especially.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
July 20, 2022
I…I feel like this book thought it was hotter than it actually was. Like it had some good concepts and great moments, but overall it was very bland. I don’t feel like the couple had great chemistry, and for a book that focuses so heavily on how much she likes dirty talk in smutty books and how happy he is to recreate that…the dirty talk was not great.
I did enjoy Caroline as a character. I thought she was very relatable and tbh her relationship with her mother was the closest I’ve come to actually being triggered by a book since Priceless - so there was definitely emotional investment there. Her struggles and insecurities felt real, and I liked that she was the one to cause the third act issues rather than him or a simple misunderstanding.
Overall I was just underwhelmed.
I did enjoy Caroline as a character. I thought she was very relatable and tbh her relationship with her mother was the closest I’ve come to actually being triggered by a book since Priceless - so there was definitely emotional investment there. Her struggles and insecurities felt real, and I liked that she was the one to cause the third act issues rather than him or a simple misunderstanding.
Overall I was just underwhelmed.
July 21, 2022
Overall this was a really good book. I liked the friendship/relationship between Caroline and Remy. The only reason this wasn't a 5 star read is there were a couple of word choices that seemed off to me and it pulled me out of the story for a bit. Also until the ages were stated it was a little ambiguous how old they were, even the blurb verus the age of Remy and Caroline in the beginning. There was a decent amount of steam which is always nice. And I kinda wish Remy was the one to make up, because even though her mom was doing what she did to get under Caroline's skin, she did have a valid point. It was an enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 24, 2022
did i read this book because i saw a tiktok from a random acc with a quote from this books? hm yes i did! the quote in question? "is that what you like, caroline? is that what you want?"
chills, literal chills. as jake peralta once said.... i love that this book gives more visibility to different body images by having a plus sized main character, i love caroline, she's such a great person and i related a lot to her with her love for books and all. i wish i had a friendship like hers and remy since high school (or even childhood) that's pure love. the person has seen you at your worst all the time and grew up with you, yet they love you and cherish you so much. i want a love like that, but now it's a bit late for me, maybe i'll find love in college.
chills, literal chills. as jake peralta once said.... i love that this book gives more visibility to different body images by having a plus sized main character, i love caroline, she's such a great person and i related a lot to her with her love for books and all. i wish i had a friendship like hers and remy since high school (or even childhood) that's pure love. the person has seen you at your worst all the time and grew up with you, yet they love you and cherish you so much. i want a love like that, but now it's a bit late for me, maybe i'll find love in college.
July 17, 2022
Remy and Caroline have been friends for years and lost their virginity together. Several years later, she being his 'go to' before and after each date and many women, an awkward moment in the car is the beginning of their relationship developing into more. She is a crowned beauty queen but still conscious about her body size. He is a mechanic who has finally realized his feelings and determined to take a chance. Many trials and tribulations to this relationship, hidden hurts, past encounters intrude, but there is humour to counter the anxiety Her mother is a nightmare, conceited individual. Loved the scenes involving Al.
July 20, 2022
Omg this was such a cute yet sexy friends to lovers story. Remy & Cay’s relationship is fun steamy and sexy! Best friends who are keeping their feelings at bay afraid the other doesn’t feel the same. She’s a curvy pageant queen & he’s a mechanic/coach!! She is always seeking her moms approval and losing confidence because she feels she’s never enough. He was her first so She had very little experience in the spicy department so he jumped to an opportunity to teach her & guide her 😉 I love their chemistry together & despite the obstacles they had to face due to her mother and lack of self confidence he was there to build her up. Spicy was good not super spicy but good. Definitely read it.
September 29, 2022
Well, BookTok does it again.
I saw a video that made me add this to my KU library, and it sat for months before I finally picked it up.
I can’t believe it took me this long to read it because let me tell you, Munroe delivered on quality spice imo.
I’m kind of feral for a friends to lovers trope, but you add in a virginity trope, second chance, and some quality dirty talk. This book was ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ chefs kiss, checked all the boxes.
Fast paced at 200 pages, I binge read it in a night. Now if you will excuse me, I’m gonna go gush thinking about this cute couple sharing Twizzlers and listening to spicy books together. 🥰
I saw a video that made me add this to my KU library, and it sat for months before I finally picked it up.
I can’t believe it took me this long to read it because let me tell you, Munroe delivered on quality spice imo.
I’m kind of feral for a friends to lovers trope, but you add in a virginity trope, second chance, and some quality dirty talk. This book was ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ chefs kiss, checked all the boxes.
Fast paced at 200 pages, I binge read it in a night. Now if you will excuse me, I’m gonna go gush thinking about this cute couple sharing Twizzlers and listening to spicy books together. 🥰
October 1, 2022
Cute, second chance small town romance
This story is about a plus size pageant Queen and a small town football coach who met in high school and became best friends later on their senior year.
Best friends ever since for about 6 years, Caroline wins their regional pageant competition and becomes Georgia’s most eligible bachelorette simultaneously. This wakes up Remy who realizes he loves her. She and him dance around it and try to navigate these new feelings.
They both have their flaws and insecurities but they are adorable together. Small town, second chance and of course, a HEA. Definitely recommend reading this if those are things you love!
This story is about a plus size pageant Queen and a small town football coach who met in high school and became best friends later on their senior year.
Best friends ever since for about 6 years, Caroline wins their regional pageant competition and becomes Georgia’s most eligible bachelorette simultaneously. This wakes up Remy who realizes he loves her. She and him dance around it and try to navigate these new feelings.
They both have their flaws and insecurities but they are adorable together. Small town, second chance and of course, a HEA. Definitely recommend reading this if those are things you love!
July 20, 2022
There are no words. This book literally had me smiling and laughing from Page 1 and was everything I was hoping it would be!
It was so refreshing to have the FMC be a "big" girl. Curvy girls are crushing it and the overall message of body positivity just made me so happy.
Honestly, I would recommend this to anyone looking for a good, honest romance! Friends-to-Lovers has become one of my favorites I think!
10/10 would read again
10/10 would recommend
I can't wait for the next book!
It was so refreshing to have the FMC be a "big" girl. Curvy girls are crushing it and the overall message of body positivity just made me so happy.
Honestly, I would recommend this to anyone looking for a good, honest romance! Friends-to-Lovers has become one of my favorites I think!
10/10 would read again
10/10 would recommend
I can't wait for the next book!
July 21, 2022
DNF 30%
So the "hero" is a player who talks about his whoring ways with the heroine for years while she doesn't get out much. Then the h is suddenly is the spotlight and getting attention from other men and the H suddenly realizes he is in love with her...
The most disgusting part was that somewhere after having this epiphany he sleeps with OW but can't understand why his brain keeps coming back to his best friend. I mean... she was chubby but still has self esteem so I guess it makes sense he didn't see her as a sexual being. I just threw up in my mouth.
So the "hero" is a player who talks about his whoring ways with the heroine for years while she doesn't get out much. Then the h is suddenly is the spotlight and getting attention from other men and the H suddenly realizes he is in love with her...
The most disgusting part was that somewhere after having this epiphany he sleeps with OW but can't understand why his brain keeps coming back to his best friend. I mean... she was chubby but still has self esteem so I guess it makes sense he didn't see her as a sexual being. I just threw up in my mouth.
July 23, 2022
caroline is such a little bitch. a woman in her early twenties bowing to the will of a bitchy, southern mother and choosing to not only live under her roof, but to live her life FOR her mother’s approval. come on girl, grow a spine and have a plan for your life! at least have something that you’re interested in! also—how are we supposed to forgive the mother? we’re just supposed to expect caroline and remy have dinner with her and all is forgiven during the epilogue? give me a break. 2.5 stars because i liked remy a lot, the smut was good, and im a sucker for friends-to-lovers.
July 27, 2022
I initially gave this 3 stars and don’t remember a thing. I just know that the female main character was plus size and a beauty pageant winner. I very much despise the idea of beauty pageants and I watched a documentary about them in the days after I read this book, which is why I “demoted” this to 2,5/5 stars.
The story itself wasn’t bad, kinda misogynistic sometimes and not as much cliché as I thought, given the whole beauty pageants thing. Could not see myself rereading this or recommending it to a friend, but it wasn’t a bad book.
The story itself wasn’t bad, kinda misogynistic sometimes and not as much cliché as I thought, given the whole beauty pageants thing. Could not see myself rereading this or recommending it to a friend, but it wasn’t a bad book.
August 6, 2022
No entiendo porque sigo creyendo en booktok.. no se tenia esperanzas cuando dijeron que la protagonista era plus size y que escuchaba spicy audio libros peroo despues fue una decepción. El protagonista fue tierno pero no me mató. Su quimica era inexistente y por favor la madre una hdp total. Años de terapia para la chica🙏 Creo que le doy dos estrellas porque la relación con la madre fue super dura y me hizo pensar que es muy realista en la vida de muchas mujeres y más de mujeres con un cuerpo no hegemonico. Me hizo agradecer y correr a abrazar a mi mamá
August 16, 2022
You know I really enjoyed this book. I read all in the series so far and like them all.
I just loved how Remy realized he loved Cay and accepted it and went forward. How he learned from past mistakes and wanted to be better.
Cay sometimes really pissed me off. She has this whole body positivity going on but is so blinded by her mommy issues she completely forgets she loves herself. And Remy does too.
But in the end it all works out cuz they are just meant to be together. I love their relationship and how they are truly best friends as well. Such a good combination
I just loved how Remy realized he loved Cay and accepted it and went forward. How he learned from past mistakes and wanted to be better.
Cay sometimes really pissed me off. She has this whole body positivity going on but is so blinded by her mommy issues she completely forgets she loves herself. And Remy does too.
But in the end it all works out cuz they are just meant to be together. I love their relationship and how they are truly best friends as well. Such a good combination
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