I thoroughly enjoyed this second romance novel by Kelley Armstrong -- the characters are all vivid and real and, with the exception of a couple of bit players, were all likeable. Very pleased that there was no familiar trope of the triangle but an honest exploration of looking inward and developing trust in another individual, leading, of course, to a long term relationship. I read the author's work for the pleasure I receive in her ideas, sentence construction and word usage, and the delight I get from meeting her characters. Highly recommended by this reader who normally does not read romance novels -- I read this one precisely because of the author.

Book Review
Writing Mr Wrong by Kelley Armstrong

What its Got
✅ Bad boy
✅ Hockey
✅ Redemption arc
✅ Emotional abuse and divorce
✅ witty banter
✅ Second chance romance
✅ takes place in Vancouver
✅ Dyslexia, and mental health rep

Main Characters
Mason- aging enforcer hockey player, sure of himself, arrogant jerk, think puppy (excited, eager to please)
Gemma- debut author, recently divorced, shy, introvert

Advice from Grandma
"Scale him like a sycamore? Mount him like a maple? Ascend him like an aspen?"

Quotes
“The book had sex scenes? It sure did. If she risked being labeled a lonely middle-aged divorcée who poured her most torrid fantasies into a book, she didn't give a damn. Anyone who'd spent a decade married to a two-minute champ was entitled to a stockpile of unfulfilled erotic fantasies.”

Thoughts
📕 I love how Armstrong played with stereotypes and flipped the script into something more meaningful and less cliche
📕 I loved Mason’s arrogance and confidence, eventually he grew into being more vulnerable and open with his feelings while still maintaining his cocksure attitude (no easy feat!)
📕 Gemma- some readers might be frustrated by her insecurity and indecision but factor in she was in a emotionally abusive relationship and it takes time to build yourself back up - people change and grow, and change can be a good thing
📕 I hope Jesse gets his own story (hint hint nudge nudge)
📕 the holiday retreat and mishaps at the end seemed a bit far fetched but what do I know- I’ve never been a famous hockey player who makes bank

Overall
Armstrong shoots her shot and scores with this hockey romance

Thanks to the author, netgalley and ReadForever my digital ARC in return for an honest revoew. Opinions expressed are my own.

I am not quite sure which book by Kelley Armstrong was my first, I just know whichever one it was hooked me to her writing.

Writing Mr. Wrong is a lighthearted and sweet read with a little bit of heat and spice. The heroine, Gemma is a university English teacher on sabbatical after writing and selling her first romance novel. Newly divorced from a man who tried to mold her into the perfect corporate wife and then cheated on her, Gemma has a few bruises that need to heal. An ancient, but never healed bruise is the cut her high school crush gave her when he kissed her passionately when they were seniors and then let his friends spread the rumor that he did it on a dare. When Gemma is booked on the local Vancouver morning show by high school mean girl, Gemma is wary but not prepared to see Mason Moretti in all his professional hockey glory on the same set. You see Gemma kind of, sort of, based the hero of her novel on her high school crush and the mean girl picked up on that. Smelling blood, she tries to go for the jugular. Mason saves her during the interview by blocking any cutting questions from the show's host and the ratings of the show helps both her book and his image problem. They agree to fake date to ride the positive publicity out.

Mason never got over Gemma, the one person who saw him for who he was, not for what he could do. A less than stellar childhood left him without the skills to navigate his emotional triggers and he sees their meeting again after twenty years as a chance to redeem himself. Emma is busy protecting her scarred heart.

This second chance romance works despite the lack of true obstacles in the way. Both characters are believable and likeable despite their flaws. This is a very character based story with only tangential secondary characters that play little role in the plot. It is all about them and that is more than enough.
**Many thanks to NetGalley and Forever to the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Writing Mr. Wrong by Kelley Armstrong
🎧🖋️ Romance Author x Hockey Player | Fake Dating | Second Chance Romance | 36+ MCs

“Sometimes the wrong guy… ends up being the perfect plot twist.”

If you love books with heart, humor, and just the right amount of heat, Writing Mr. Wrong deserves a front-row spot on your TBR! 💘

Gemma is a debut romance author who accidentally goes viral when readers discover that the brooding Highlander in her new book is based on her real-life high school crush—NHL enforcer Mason Moretti. 🏒 Cue the awkward reunion... on live TV.

But when Mason’s reputation needs a little polishing and Gemma’s sales start skyrocketing, a little fake dating seems like the perfect marketing strategy. The problem? Their chemistry is way too real. 🔥

💬 Told in dual POV, this second-chance, slow-burn romcom gives us:
💘 Childhood friends to lovers
💘 A swoony redemption arc
💘 Motorcycle rides & late-night audiobooks
💘 Jewish-Italian food that made me want to eat the pages
💘 Mental health rep that feels authentic and important

✨ Mason totally grew on me. He’s a rough-around-the-edges hockey player with a soft heart, a passion for cooking, and a surprising love of romance audiobooks. And Gemma? A relatable, determined, sharp-witted heroine who I adored from page one.

The final third of the book? Chef’s kiss. The setting shift, the emotional payoffs, the found family vibes... absolute perfection. 🥹

This one is for the readers who love fake dating tropes with depth, second chances that feel earned, and characters who know life isn’t perfect—but love can still be.

—

#WritingMrWrong #KelleyArmstrong #HockeyRomance #RomComReads #RomanceAuthorHeroine #BookstagramReels #FakeDatingTrope #SecondChanceRomance #MotorcycleLove #JewishItalianFood #RomanceReaders #BookLoversUnite #BookRecommendations #NetGalleyReviewer #BooksToRead2025 #RomanceBookstagram #HockeyBookTok #BookishLife #TBRStack #CurrentlyReading #LiteraryHavoc

Follow up to the first in this series, but truly a standalone if you haven't read the first. Main characters have known each other since kindergarten shared a kiss at the end of high school and go their separate ways. Now 36, Gemma has written a historical romance using the description of the long ago crush and a little of the hurt she felt. Mason has never really gotten over his crush of her, but never imagined they'd see each other again and when the opportunity comes he jumps at the chance. What I liked with this was we don't have to have a big misunderstanding that nobody talks about, they actually talk like adults to each other. It does take a few adult discussions with themselves to really get the problems worked out. Enjoyed the story very much, and Ms Armstrong's writing is always great. I received an E-ARC of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

I LOVED THIS STORY! When author Gemma Stanton is told that alphaholes are what is selling she needs to change her hero type she uses inspiration from the biggest alphahole she’s ever dealt with - Mason (The Mace) Moretti high school hockey god-turned-pro player.
When the high school mean girl sets Gemma up on TV (spoiler she’s still a mean girl) and Mason bails her out life gets interesting.
This second chance rom-com had me rolling on the floor. I don’t know how I ended up feeling sorry for Mason but miracles do happen. I heartily recommend.

“Writing Mr. Wrong” by Kelley Armstrong was a delight to read. I flew through the book. It was a cute story and I love that genre. I haven’t read Armstrong’s other books but I did really enjoy this book!

Kelley Armstrong is a master at her craft, in any genre she chooses to write. Her rom-coms have not failed to make me smile throughout. Gemma and Mason had the perfect amount of chemistry and I really liked the spice level of this one. Lots of fun flirting and most of the romance happens later in the book. Character development was spot and the growth of Mason was a great thing to watch. Stronger issues are discussed but in a way that never weighs down the story. I really enjoyed Writing Mr. Wrong. Thank you @readforeverpub for my gifted e-book!

Writing Mr. Wrong was a quick and enjoyable read. The romantic aspects are mostly kept behind closed doors and don't happen until later in the story. Mason, the male main character (MMC), seemed a touch immature for being mid-30s. It was a bit hard to warm up to him especially when he seemed oblivious to very obvious things. There was a mention of Mason's team having 7 wins, 2 ties, and 1 loss, which anyone who knows hockey knows that games never truly end in a tie. There's always overtime or a shootout, if needed. There's always a winner. That being said, overall, it was a satisfying read.

Writing Mr. Wrong by Kelley Armstrong was one of the best rom-coms I have ever read. High school lovers reconnecting and one of them writing a book about it - what could possibly be better!! I loved this one!!!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, & the publisher for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

ontemporary romance is my go-to genre when life gets chaotic and I don’t have the time or emotional fortitude for a long series or epic fantasy—and I ATE THIS BOOK UP. The only reason I didn’t finish it in one sitting is because I started it at 11 p.m., and staying up past 1am probably would’ve lead to me getting fired. But trust me, I was TEMPTED. I finished it in about six hours total because it was just that good.

One of the first things I loved was how the author introduced the main characters. We got the backstory and context right away, and it felt super natural. I personally can’t stand when I’m stuck in one POV for a bunch of chapters just waiting for the MMC to show up—like, where is the sexy man already?? So this was a big win in my book.

The dual POV was also chef’s kiss. I really needed it to connect with Mason. His emotional immaturity usually wouldn’t be my thing (not immature exactly, just… stunted), but getting inside his head and seeing how badly he wanted to grow and be better for Gemma? That sold me. Total golden retriever vibes.

Honestly, my favorite part of the book was Gemma’s healing journey after the mess with her ex. It wasn’t loud, dramatic trauma—it was that slow, soul-crushing kind that sneaks up on you. The kind where even after you leave, you’re still stuck emotionally, trying to figure out "how did I get here and how do I get out?". Watching her find herself again was so powerful. And the way Mason supported her and hyped her up the whole time? Wholesome and swoony.

The writing was great, the story wrapped up nicely, and even though I usually lean more toward open-door romances, this one was absolutely perfect without the spice. Didn’t miss it one bit.

Highly recommend if you're into second chances, sports romance, and stories with heart.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kelley Armstrong, and Forever for the opportunity to read this ARC!

She gets ghosted by a hockey player, so she writes a book about him?! Genius!
This romcom was such a great read!
High-school friends who share a kiss then he ghosts her. Fast forward many years later. Gemma is divorced and Mason doesn't want to commit to any woman.
She is struggling to write a read-worthy MMC so she thinks of the jerk who once broke her heart, the hockey player who is now a Pro!
They cross paths and the truth comes out. They agree to fake dating to benefit them both but sparks fly and things aren't that simple.
Loved this book! Laughed so many times and I loved how hard he worked to win Gemma's heart.
Mason was stubborn but trying to be better, loved his heart.
Thank you Netgalley and @readforeverpub for the ARC!

Writing Mr. Wrong is the second book in Kelley Armstrong's romance series, following Finding Mr. Write (although it would absolutely work as a standalone as well if you haven't read the first). Kelley has a way of writing that makes it easy to read and keeps you wanting more and this new novel does not disappoint.

Gemma is just getting back to writing after her now ex-husband convinced her she didn't have what it takes. Her first novel, based on her absolutely Mr. Wrong first crush, Mason Moretti, goes viral after a "reunion-cute" interview goes sideways. Mason is now an NHL enforcer with some drama of his own, and he could use some good PR, so suggests they fake date to help sell her book.

Gemma remembers the old Mason, one she crushed on and the other who crushed her. Can she trust him again not to break her heart and make this all about him? Told from alternating perspectives of Gemma and Mason, this book is sure to take readers on a emotional roller coaster of wanting love to win and wanting to tell Mason where to go.

I gave this book 4 stars - I felt it fell short of that fifth star solely due to a bit too much "I love him, but he hurt me" internal drama that was a bit cringe-worthy at times. Overall, I loved the premise and the writing, but could have done with a little less pity party.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this e-book in exchange for my honest review.

Rating - 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Date Read - April 22, 2025
Publication Date - June 24, 2025

*I received an E-ARC of this book for free in exchange for an honest review* - Thank you @kelleyarmstrongauthor, @readforeverpub and @netgalley!

I always think it's fun to read books about books, especially when one of the main characters is an author! Writing Mr. Wrong has a great concept that I was excited to read and see how it all played out. I appreciated that the characters have their flaws and don't completely change by the end of the book. It felt real because change takes a lot of time and effort, which can be difficult to realistically fit into the timeline of a story. Since the characters are both flawed, I think it shows that people don't need to have all their stuff together before getting into a relationship because you can grow together and learn from each other.

If you like books about books, fake dating and second chance (ish) romances, you should try Writing Mr. Wrong!

Get excited to read Writing Mr. Wrong, available June 24! 🎉

I have loved so many of Kelley Armstrong's books and this was no exception! The plot was a cute and I liked how the characters both had a bit of redemption to earn and were able to help one another.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

I disliked both main characters who seemed stuck in high school even though they were 36 years old. He was completely clueless about everything, and she was a doormat. Why was she still taking calls and reading email from her jerk of an ex-husband?? That made no sense. The morning show host from high school was like a cartoon villain, and why didn't either one of them call her out when they had the chance? The entire vacation on the island scenario was so far-fetched, I was rolling my eyes. I think I skimmed more than I read. Great concept that didn't live up to the premise at all. I was particularly disappointed since I'd just finished another book by this author that was 5-star fantastic. Oh well, you can't like them all.

Kelley Armstrong can write a strong novel in any genre. This is the second romance that I have read by this author and it was another winner. This one was set in Vancouver and between a writer and a professional hockey player. Gemma had a crush on Mason in high school but he turned out to be a massive jerk. Fast forward twenty years later and Gemma has become a published author using Mason as inspiration for her alpha male lead in her first novel. Mason is a professional hockey player nearing the end of his career and has recently gotten bad publicity after he failed to support his teammate. Gemma and Mason are set up on a TV show and it ends up helping both of their careers. They decide to go out again to help their careers and sparks begin to fly. Everything should work out perfectly except there is more to both of their stories.

This was a really cute contemporary romance. It was easy to get lost in the story and I really liked both characters. I did wish that there was a little more action but the romance was solid. I also liked learning a little more about hockey. Overall, this was an enjoyable read and anyone who loves romance or just a great story will enjoy this book.

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for this ARC.

I love this author and I love this series. It is so different from a lot of the rest of her books. But it is kind of like a pallet cleanse from the darker horror books that she is putting out.

I have been a fan of Kelley Armstrong for a while. I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but this one fell a little flat for me. When Gemma got flirty, she seemed like an entirely different character. It seemed like it was supposed to be a slow burn, but here didn't really feel like a lot of romance/sexual tension between Gemma and Mason so when they finally got together it was somewhat anticlimatic.

A clever and witty romance about a woman who "accidentally" writes her ex into a book. The story is funny, romantic, and full of surprises. Fans of romantic comedies will love this one. The author's sharp writing and relatable characters make it standout in this genre.

Thank you NetGalley for an Arc of Writing Mr. Wrong by Kelley Armstrong