I have my fresh start in a new town, this time a widow with a preteen daughter who rolls her eyes enough to make them stay that way. Too bad my past mistake is also here to greet me.
Daxon Hellman. Town a-hole. Hot young contractor hired to build my house in the woods.
It’s only when I’m face-to-face with him for the first time that I realize he’s the mystery man from two years ago. It’s a long story of too many drinks, grief that made me resort to acting out, and an encounter in the dirty bathroom of a bar. Try as I might, I can’t forget that night. And now I have a name to go with that hot body.
Daxon growls at me…I irritate him with my constant social media posting. He orders me to do things…I trample all over his ridiculous commands with a smile and a choice finger in the air. He builds my house with that tool belt slung low on his hips and my cat steals his construction plans. We fit together like rain and exposed drywall.
Between insults and hot stolen kisses, Daxon and I reach a truce: to let our bodies do the talking and keep our hearts locked down. I’m older than him, which means I’m smart enough to keep a clear head. Until I realize when it comes to love, age and common sense do not go hand in hand.
This crazy town has more surprises up its sleeve to drive us apart, which makes me think this might not be our forever home after all…
Author's Note: Cougar From Hell is a steamy romantic comedy between a contractor and the older woman from his past that he just can’t resist, complete with a preteen, a set of comedic brothers, wacky townsfolk, and a cat thief named Cougar. This romance ends with a spicy hot and sickly sweet happily ever after.
Marika is a USA Today bestselling author writing steamy RomComs to make your heart explode and bring a smile to your face. She lives by the beach and posts a delightful number of hot lifeguard pictures.
And just like that, I am absolutely smitten with another Hellman brother. Once you read this book, you’ll see why.
I was immediately pulled into this story. Not only was I looking forward to more of Daxon, I was also eager to return to Hell and get lost in a story with lovable characters, a super fun family, and all the feels I knew would be there.
Cougar from Hell checked all my RomCom boxes. Shenanigans, yes. Small town goodness, that too.
Grumpy AF hero who tries to come off as an asshole to everyone, yet has a heart of gold on the inside…YUP.
Sassy and sexy heroine who likes to push that grumpy butt’s buttons to get what she wants, knowing he’s just a ol’ big soft teddy bear inside of that growly and scowly exterior…yes please and thank you.
Age gap, OMGoodness, YESSSS. *heart eyes*
And an added bonus: an adorable preteen who is delightful and smart and wanting and needing to be loved and to belong. It’s no wonder she had Daxon wrapped around her finger, she’s the sweetest and so easy to love. The protectiveness he has for her made all the tingles happen.
Rita is such an amazing heroine. She’s a tough cookie with a mama-bear protectiveness and a caring heart and I instantly wanted to be her best friend. She and her daughter Ruby are a perfect fit in this town and in this family. My heartstrings were tugged many times throughout these pages. Watching the relationship grow between Daxon and Rita and Ruby warmed my heart and made all the hearts reappear in my eyes.
In addition to the main characters being lovable and charming and fun, the others in here are equally awesome. Even Yedda. (Love her!) The Hellman family is everything. All of the brothers are swoony and funny and most importantly, they are reliable and will be there for whomever needs them. The group texts between the brothers are hilarious and entertaining and I thoroughly enjoyed them.
I smiled so many times while reading this story. I swooned even more. The last few sentences brought happy, feel-good tears to my eyes and confirmed why this family and this series is one of my favorites.
I couldn’t love this book any more if I tried. Full of humor and sass, plenty of delicious steam, and so much heart and emotion with all the warm fuzzy feels. The talented writing of this author made me fall, and fall hard…again.
"Why was I so caught up in this woman? Why did watching her sleep in my house with my blanket covering her feel like the best thing that had ever happened to me? I pondered all of that for longer than I’d ever admit. " - Dax
Daxton is a free spirit, not one to be tied down to just one woman. Or he wasn't, until an unforgettable encounter with Rita Rose in a country bar...
"Daxon smiled then, the kind of slow smile you feel across your skin. Like the sun rising over the mountains and heating up your whole body inch by inch. “So what you’re saying is you’ll think about it?”“No!” I shook my head so hard it started being a heartbeat again along my cut. “That’s not at all what I’m saying!” Good God, the man could smile. I could be ruined by that smile." - Rita
Rita Rose is DETERMINED to start over after the loss of her husband. She had a plan, and it DIDN'T include her contractor, Daxton. She had so many logical reasons... Yet reason seemed to flee when she saw Daxton...
This has become my favorite story from Marika Ray! I laughed and giggled through much of the tale! So fun, so REAL; you'll live the story as you read it. Another winner from Marika!
Daxon is a man who likes to keep his relationships casual and although he comes across as cantankerous when it comes to those he cares about he cares deeply. He is surprised to find out that his new client was the woman he shared a steamy encounter with a few years earlier and it doesn’t take long for him to realize that one night was not enough.
Rita has recently moved to town with her daughter Ruby ready for a new beginning. What she didn’t expect was to come face to face with the man she hasn’t been able to forget or that the chemistry and connection between them would be stronger than ever.
Daxon and Rita are exactly what the other needs in their lives as they balance each other to perfection. They both have pasts to overcome and I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop as well as the relationship between Daxon and Ruby who will steal your heart.
One thing I've noticed about Marika Ray's books are that the men come around to being serious about the woman pretty quickly and I appreciate that. Even though Daxon never thought he'd be serious about anyone, he's emotionally aware enough that he realizes his feelings for Rita are sincere. He doesn't fight falling in love, but embraces it. I liked how quickly he took to being a positive influence to Ruby too.
Where did Cougar take all of Daxon's stuff? I was hoping we'd find out where the cat was stashing her trophies.
Y'all she did it again. Knocked this one out of the park! Rita and Daxon complete each other in so many ways. This was seriously packed with laughter, puns, angst, love, bickering... just everything, but just the right amount of each. My favorite line "We fit together like rain and exposed drywall" Holy cow this made me laugh for days. lol These 2 are so opposite in many ways, yet vulnerable in the same way. They both have a tough outer shell, but inside... well you'll find out and love it. I say this every freaking time, but this may be my favorite so far (but every story she comes out with a favorite).
I received an advanced copy of this freaking amazing story, this review is my very own opinion.
Count on Marika to make you laugh out loud and shed happy tears, without angst or unnecessary drama. If you are looking for a light and heartwarming HEA, you've found it.
Dax has convinced himself that love isn't for him, he's got his brothers, his Mom, and his business. What more could he need?
Widowed, Single Mom Rita is looking for a new start. When sparks fly with the builder of their new house, she's unsure she can trust his intent.
Join Rita and Dax as they learn to trust and overcome past hurts to build something new together, along with a precocious preteen, a literal cat burglar, and one chaotic family in the quirky town affectionately called Hell.
I was anxiously awaiting Daxon's book. Absolutely loved it!! Love all the Hellman brothers, but I think Daxon may be at the top of the list. Great read from beginning to end.
Absolutely loved this book. If two people were ever made for each other it is Rita and Daxon. So many "feels" in this one. Great writing and such an amazing storyline! My favorite line is: "Funny how the right person could completely change your life."
Cougar From Hell, by Marika Ray, is book four in the Hellman Brothers series. As with the previous books, this can be read as a stand-alone. However, I highly recommend reading the entire series.
Daxon Hellman owns Hellman Log and Timber Homes. He comes off as grumpy and often a jerk to those that don't truly know him. Daxon is haunted by his past...a past nobody knows about except his mother. He's not one for relationships and likes to keep things casual with no strings attached. However, there is one woman he has never forgotten...a woman he briefly hooked up with in the bathroom at a bar two years ago. A woman he knows absolutely nothing about, but yet he can't seem to forget her.
Rita Rose is looking for a fresh start with her daughter Ruby after the death of her husband. Rita decides to move and have a house built in Auburn Hill, even though Ruby isn't too happy about the move. Everything was handled online, so when Rita drives out to see the progress on the house, she is caught completely off-guard when she realizes her contractor is the mystery man from her bathroom encounter two years ago.
The story that unfolds is simply a joy to read. Every time I think I have a favorite Hellman brother, Marika Ray writes another book and I'm left undecided once again. The main characters...Daxon and Rita...are exceptionally well-written. I love how they have this chemistry that is off the charts, yet each remain guarded when it comes to caring too much. Both characters have issues from their respective pasts that make them skeptical about taking a chance on love. And then there is Ruby...the young girl that immediately stole Daxon's heart, as well as the heart of Daxon's mother, Nikki.
Overall, Marika Ray beautifully weaves together a story about love...love between Daxon, Rita and Ruby, as well as the love shared within family and friends. I love being able to learn about the main characters and their path to happiness, as well as catching up with all of my favorite characters from the previous books. The town of Aburn Hill (AKA Hell) has a wonderful mix of crazy characters...but these are the characters we have all come to know and love! Take a chance on this book...you will not regret it!
Hellman Brothers series: Book 1: Grumpy as Hell Book 2: Bro Code Hell Book 3: Friend Zone Hell Book 4: Cougar From Hell
I would like to thank Marika Ray for allowing me the opportunity to read an ARC of Cougar From Hell. My views are my own, and are in no way influenced by anyone else.
Cougar From Hell (Hellman Brothers Book 4) Marika Ray
Auburn Hills, aka Hell really might be my favorite fictional town ever, and the Hellman Brothers never disappoint. Daxon is a grumpy contractor, who never has relationships, carries baggage from his past and the fact his dad was not present in his life. Rita and Ruby come to town and meet up with the contractor building their new house, Daxon. Rita and Daxon had hot sex one night in a bathroom of a nightclub. Neither of them forgot that night. The chemistry is still there even if they don't want to admit it. The sassy comments and witty repartee of these two are some of the best things in the book. Add in Ruby, the pre-teen daughter who has plenty of sass, and does dance and sing alongs with Daxon. Ruby was an integral part of the story, and I loved that. The ending is so special and gives you all the feels. Of course, I always love the text strings between the Hellman brothers and the appearance of other Auburn Hill characters from prior books. This one was spectacular because Daxon and Rita were able to both grow and learn to open up and trust others. I always look forward to reading a Marika Ray book, she is one of my have to reads. This one didn't disappoint, and I'm looking forward to Ethan's book, and then I kinda hope there will be one for momma Nikki, as she keeps growing on me with all her love and knowledge of her sons. Thank you for another great book, Marika!
OH MY HELL! I really want to go there as I laughed myself all through this hilarious yet heartwarming story. Rita is a widow who has landed in Auburn Hill (aka Hell) with her daughter for a fresh start, and boy is she going to get more than she bargained for. Turns out, the man named Daxon who is building her house is a sexy blast from the past, so things get interesting quickly. He's our resident growly bear hero with a huge heart who is actually a Mama's boy, and his world will be shaken up for the better as well. The sparks are flying with every interaction since Rita loves to push his buttons, not to mention a fantastic kitty with some HILARIOUS issues. These two are perfect for each other so the journey is super fun that's for sure. With a fabulous supporting cast, and some emotional goodness with Daxon imprinting on Rita's daughter, this is a book that everyone needs in their life! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
"It's terrifying what a woman's body can do. They're like soft, nice-smelling transformers."
Lines like this are the precise reason why Marika Ray is my go-to for RomCom greatness!!! I have loved all the books in the Hellman Brothers series and Cougar From Hell I do believe is my favorite one.
Daxon is a bachelor, there is no other way to describe him. He doesn't do commitment, only no strings attached and it has worked for him. Then two years ago while in a bar he hooks up with a woman who will haunt his memories. She is also the last person he expected to see as the client he was currently building a house for.
Rita has been trying to adjust to a new life since the passing of her husband. It is just her and her daughter, Ruby. She decides to pack them up and move to a new place to start a new life and that decision lands her directly in the path of the stranger she has spent the last two years fantasizing about after their encounter at a bar.
Over the course of this series we have seen a lot of Daxon and the wild man that he is so I was pleasantly surprised as his story progressed. He grew so much as a person the more time he spends with Rita and Ruby. I have to say the interactions with him and Ruby are so perfect, they will melt your heart. Him and Rita make the cutest couple....the way they banter back and forth. Him calling her "kitten"....swoon! Obviously I knew Daxon would find love in his story but I was not expecting to see it happen so gracefully and beautifully. With four brothers down there is only one to go...Ethan! I am very excited to see what his story will bring us.
Book four in the series can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV. Daxon is the fourth Hellman brother to find love. I never thought I would love him, but I really do. He never expected to find it with a woman 10 years older than him, a single mom, or someone he had “met” briefly before. Rita is a firecracker. She and her daughter are spunky and full of sass. The poking and ribbing that goes on between Rita and Dax is so much fun to read. Their banter is on point. And you know what happens when the main characters get riled up? That’s right! A whole lot of heat is going on at the jobsite of Rita’s new house. I love Dax and his vulnerability and soft heart that is hiding under his gruff and grumpy exterior. The way his heart melts for Rita’s little girl is truly special. I adore their relationship. I also love his relationship with his mom. I never would have thought that Dax was the mama’s boy; but is he ever. I love the understanding that forms between Dax and Rita as they share their vulnerable moments and learn to trust each other. They have a few hurdles to get there, and I loved reading as they overcame them. The small town of Auburn Hill (AKA Hell) continues to provide readers with antics from the characters who live there. The brotherly banter between the Hellman brothers is on point and laugh-out-loud funny. This an excellent addition to the series. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.
This book was everything from the first chapter. I have read all the Hellman brother books but Daxon’s story is my favorite. I love how Daxon started rough around the edges with an attitude to boot but when Rita and Ruby came to town, his rough exterior softened up like butter. Rita and Ruby finally get the loving family they deserve with all of the Hellmans. Cougar From Hell is a great read from start to finish. Now let’s talk about Nikki Hellman. She’s one fantastic woman raising those Hellman boys by herself. She will have her work cut out for her finding Ethan love. Will Nikki find love as well? I can’t wait to find out.
Loved every moment. It was a winning read with amazing characters and story. From the beginning the situations and everything in between will gave you falling in love and devouring the whole book. Definitely a must read.
That ending is so ridiculously adorable. I kind of don’t care how much I loved the rest of the book, because the ending stole every other thought from my head with its sweetness. Dax and Rita are fire together, both the good and the bad kinds. There were so many sparks flying all over the place, I’m a little surprised nobody got singed. Ruby is teenaged precociousness personified, and I think I loved her even more than I loved the adults. And considering how much I adore everything and everyone in Auburn Hill, that’s really saying something. I kind of hate that this book is over now, but I’m already itching to get my hands on the next in the series. I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.
"Daxon and Rita's story was a great one to end the year with. This was an unexpected love story. A one night stand and a second chance age gap story set in the hills of Auburn Hills (aka He[|). Both Daxon and Rita learn to trust and let love in. Rita and her daughter Ruby find the family they never knew they needed.
Sexy, sweet and funny. As with the previous Hellman brother's story there is a lot of love and razzing each other involved. I can't wait for Ethan's story. "
I swoon a little every time I get my hands on another Hellman brother('s story), and this was no exception. Daxon is the ultimate teddy-bear-masquerading-as-an- a-hole, and his cockiness was the perfect complement to Rita's sass and Ruby's sweetness. The chemistry between Dax and Rita was off the charts from their first encounter; and until I read this book, I didn't even realize I had a toolbelt-wearing, sawdust-covered, sweat-drenched man calling me "kitten" fantasy.
You learn something new every day.
As with all of Marika's books, this was an amazing blend of quirky characters, witty banter, small-town charm, and enough heat to be naughty but enough emotion to melt even the hardest of hearts. If you've visited Hell before, you'll be happy to see plenty of familiar faces; and if this is your introduction, I promise you'll want to know more about the sometimes eccentric- but always lovable- characters you meet along the way.
Once you spend time in Hell (I mean, Auburn Hill), you just won't want to leave, and once you start reading this book, you just won't want to stop ❤️
Wow - I love love my Marike Ray books. She never fails to keep me literally laughing out loud and leaves me wanting the next book to come quickly. RomCom extraordinary author. I am sitting here waiting for the next book impatiently.
I received a copy of this from the author in exchange for fair and honest review.
The town asshole and hottest Hellman brother is in trouble. While he’s working hard on the new house he’s building for the newest addition to the town of Hell he’s not realizing it is for the hottest woman he’s ever had a one night stand with.
He’s usually just having a one week relationship with young girls and avoiding relationships and responsibilities at all costs. He’s growling more than speaking and generally an asshole. The attraction to the older widow with a preteen daughter is off the charts and he soon becomes a protective and caring boyfriend despite the constant disagreements and her social media presence. He’s avoiding the spotlight due to his experience as a model during his high school years. Avoiding Rita is not even a thing he wants. As it turns out Rita is not only older she was married to his estranged uncle. The family connection is not the only secret being revealed in this story.
The best part of this book is the preteen and her bonding with the Hellman family. She is so sassy and fun and in the end saves the day.
I’m so excited for the next one with the cinnamon roll brother. I can barely wait for him to finally get his girl.
I adored this book. It really gives you all the feels, while having you feeling the heat, and then leave you a swoony, heart melted mess. The story is cute, funny, charming and has a heart of pure gold, but it also has a very serious side, so don't just expect lots of laughs but plenty of heartstring tugging too. Rita and Daxon were both amazing characters that had my heart aching for them. The tension and sparks between these two characters was a combination of electrifying and incendiary that was truly irresistible! This is my freely posted frank review.
An absolutely fabulous story that doesn’t dwell on the “cougar” aspect. Instead, it emphasizes the zany, crazy, hawt relationship between, Rita and Dax...with the hilarious Hellman family thrown in for good measure. Add in a pint-sized, smart aleck, adorable, chip-off-the-Mom-block, Ruby? I couldn’t put it down.
It was a wonderful, fun, perfect book with two people who have a learning journey ahead of them – all before they can move on in life and get to an HEA. And did I mention they are combustible? And there’s a bandit/huge cat burglar?? Man, I loved this story!
Loved this book. Daxon has been hiding his whole life from an incident in his teen years. Rita is an amazing older woman that isn’t afraid to go after what she wants. Deciding what exactly she wants is a problem. Ruby is an amazing teenager. This potential family will have you rooting for their HEA. The stories from Hell are just so good. I can’t wait for Ethan’s story. I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
What an awesome story. Older woman and younger man is not usually my favorite trope but I should have know that Marika and the people of He** would pull me right in. Loved Rita and her sass and never backing down from Daxon and constantly giving him crap. The scenes with Ruby bonding with the family will steal your heart. Can’t be an Auburn Hill book without a crazy Animal to enter the mix, Cougar did not disappoint. Another Hellman bits the dust. Can’t wait to see what is in store for the final brother.!!!
This book was so much more than I was expecting! I love Daxon and Rita and all the wonderful people in the Hellman family, and in Hell of course. I laughed, I cried, I was curious and intrigued. This book had everything.
This was one of many of my favorites from the book…
“ I grimaced. “Total party foul. Even pregnant.” “
Dude!!! I sat almost the whole read with a goofy grin on my face. I knew going into this Daxon was gonna give us an entertaining read. He was always the more lighthearted brother, full of life and jokes, with no short supply of female company. Imagine his surprise when a blast from his past is the widow, he is building a house for. From there the story just takes off and gives us a great journey to follow. I enjoyed the H E double hockey sticks out of this story. I give it 5 stars.
Such a wonderful story! I adored this story so much! Rita and her daughter were a wonderful duo! Add to that the heat between Rita and Dax and we have a lot of potential for our happy ending for all three! I also was pleased to see our earlier characters from earlier "Hell" books in the series. I received an early file with the story in return for my thoughts about the book.
I absolutely loved Daxon and Rita oh not forgetting Ruby!
Daxon and Rita were just perfect for each other and from the very first page I was totally hooked!
Daxon and Rita had a chance in encounter two years earlier, Daxon has never forgotten the woman in the bar.
When their paths cross again unexpectedly the chemistry is still their even though Rita tries to pretend she doesn't know him!
They both haven't had it easy in the past which they still carry with them but there is no denying the chemistry they have.
I always love catching up with old friends and Daxon's mum Nikki has to be one of my favourite characters ever! Hats off to her for raising those Hellman men!
I have loved all of the Hellman's brothers' books but Daxon's has been my favourite so far!
A single, widowed mom is totally my jam but an age gap older female not so much. However, I’ve read the others books in this series and decided to give this one a chance. I ended up really enjoying it…it may be my favorite in the series!