3.5 with a generous round up. I really wanted to love this, but unfortunately something just wasn't clicking for me. I haven't read the previous books so maybe that was part of it, I also think it was all a little too Hollywood for my liking maybe. I like the characters but didn't love them. I appreciated the plot, and tackling such heavy topics such as active eating disorder, body dysmorphia, OCD, GAD, and grief, however it also felt really drawn out and I found myself frustrated with the slow to get there feeling. The narration was good, but not great, there were some weird accent things going on that were not consistent. I just felt a little removed from he story and not swept up in it. Would be willing to give the other stories a chance as we meet the previous two couples and the epilogue sets us up for the fourth book.

Anyone with diet talk triggers should avoid this book entirely.

Thank you to the publishers for this ALC opportunity.

Beneath the Hood
by Emily McIntire
Narrated by Brooke Bloomingdale & Liam DiCosimo

I received an ARC of this audiobook through Netgalley.

The narrators were great. Parts of this book were great. But, overall, I just didn’t feel the romance.

A big part of my inner judgmental self kept balking at the 9 year age difference (19 and 28). But, I realize that’s my own problem and not a fault on the author’s part.

Overall, some good, some great, but I just wasn’t that into it.

Age gap with dad’s employee, forbidden love. I did really appreciate the eating disorder education and OCD rep in this book. It felt like an average story - nothing out of this world but still a sweet story.

However, the audio was rough. The female narrator uses a horrible southern accent for Lee. The male narrator changes his accent throughout the entire book but in chapter 41, he has a thick Louisiana accent, despite being from TN and then suddenly it’s gone.
If you’re going to read the book, READ the book because the audio is not it.

I personally was not a fan of this book. As someone who is plus size, I did not enjoy the eating disorder issues in this book. I did not appreciate there not being any trigger warnings in the description.

I received an early copy of the audiobook from Blackstone Publishing and Netgalley.

Book three follows one of the best friends, Jackson. This story does have triggers for mental health including panic attacks.

I am not sure why, but I just could not get into this one as much as I did both books 1 and 2. I do recommend reading these in order so you have an understanding of the characters and their back stories!

This one ended just the way you would want to hook you in for book 4! I have been dying for Lily's story since book one and am so ready to jump into it and see what happens.

3.5⭐ rounded up

Beneath The Hood is the third book in Emily McIntire's Sugarlake series and while it might be better to read them in order, I went straight into this one without having read the first two and had no issues following along.

Our female main character Blakely is a 19 year old social media star who struggles under the unrelenting pressure of needing to be perfect and in control at all times. She's doing her best to prove herself and be taken seriously.

Jackson is a 28 year old mechanic (?) who gets a job with Blakely's father restoring classic cars. He knows he should keep away from Blakely but when her dad asks him to keep an eye on her that becomes somewhat impossible.

This was cute. I really enjoyed Jackson and Blakely's connection and the way their relationship evolved.

I enjoyed both of the narrators for the most part. I felt there was a bit of a difference in pacing between which was a little bit frustrating at times but not too bad.
There were a few bits that were a bit cringe but that might have just been how I felt listening to it vs reading it.

Worth noting there's definitely a lot in this book on eating disorders that some people may find triggering.

I am so happy to get Jackson's story. With his heartbroken with Alina falling for his best friend, he moves to Hollywood when an opportunity of a lifetime comes to him.

He is working his dream job and meets his boss's daughter and they have an instant attraction. The forbidden trope is my favorite so I was so ready for their love story. Not only is Blake, forbidden being the boss' daughter but she is also 10 years younger than her.

I felt the story truly showed how naive Blake was and I was frustrated with her at times with her not standing up for herself and her obsessiveness with food. There was a lot of internal dialogue that I did not enjoy. I did enjoy seeing her growth journey.

Their love story was great and though the story doesn't end in a cliff hanger; it does set perfectly to Chase's sisters' story.

Brooke Bloomingdale & Liam DiCosimo did such a great job with the narration and bringing all the characters to life.

Thank you @blackstonepublishing for a copy of this audiobook.

**Book Review: *Beneath the Hood* by Emily McIntire (4⭐️ Story, 4⭐️ Narration)**

*Beneath the Hood* by Emily McIntire offers a raw and emotional journey as it explores the complicated romance between Blakely, a 19-year-old social media influencer, and Jaxon, a 28-year-old mechanic. Both characters are dealing with deeply personal struggles: Blakely grapples with an absent father, an eating disorder, and mental health challenges, while Jaxon is haunted by the death of his father and the shifting dynamics in his friendships.

The book takes a slow, sometimes frustrating path as Blakely's issues seem overwhelming and Jaxon falls into the role of her emotional rescuer. There were moments in the story where I considered walking away, as the narrative felt bogged down by the characters’ baggage. However, McIntire masterfully turns the story around in the last quarter, offering redemption and hope that made the journey worthwhile.

I appreciated the author’s decision not to gloss over the difficult topics, such as eating disorders and grief, which added depth to the story. While some readers might feel that the progression is slow, the eventual payoff is worth the wait.

The narration also deserves mention for bringing the emotional weight of the story to life, adding a layer of empathy and nuance to the characters' struggles.

Overall, *Beneath the Hood* is a journey of growth, healing, and self-discovery. It’s a story that demands patience but rewards readers with a satisfying, realistic conclusion. A solid read for those willing to embrace the characters’ messy, imperfect paths.

**Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.**

🎧AUDIOBOOK REVIEW🎧

Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the Audio ARC!

4 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️

First of all I haven’t read the other books in this series yet but I have them on hold at my library! That being said it didn’t matter I hadn’t read the others first. I loved this book so much. I really related to the FMC Blakely. I’ve been there having people spread rumors and gossip about you. But the way she handled it was beautiful. The way Emily wrote it was perfect. I also loved the MMC Jackson he handled it all beautiful and was really there for Blakely. I loved the dual narration that’s always a huge plus for me. I can’t wait to read the others in this series now.

Why are people not talking about the Sugarlake Series?! Contemporary romance readers unite because this book has all the spicy romance AND explores tough topics like eating disorders, mental health, and grief. Not to mention the age gap if you are into that type of thing. This is for the girlies that liked Melissa Ferguson’s Famous for a Living, Wild Eyes by Elsie Silver, and Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings.

I listened to the audiobook for this one, and the production was beautifully done. I could not stop listening. Brooke Bloomingdale and Lia DiCosimo were perfect for the parts.

Thank you NetGalley for my free ALC in exchange for an honest review.

This audiobook and book were spectacular! I was so excited to receive this early. This has such amazing tropes! Age gap, a little “touch her and die”, and of course fixing a broken heart. Emily also does a great job touching on some hard topics and writes in the most respectful way. The book made me laugh, had me in tears, and swooning for sweet Jaxon who makes the most unlikely fit for Blakely. Do yourself a favor and pick up this book!

"Beneath the Hood" by Emily McIntire is a deeply moving story that highlights the challenges of living under constant public scrutiny. The emotional depth of the characters makes their journey incredibly compelling, and the romance is nothing short of epic. The narrators bring the story to life beautifully, capturing every emotion and nuance, making the audiobook an unforgettable experience

I didn't read the first two books in the series and enjoyed the book. I would recommend reading the triggers before reading. I did listen to the book and enjoyed the narration. The FMC, Blakely, I felt for her and the need to prove herself to everyone and not being seen by others. Jackson was a perfect match for Blakely even though he doesn't like her at first, he truly sees Blakely for herself. Blakely and Jackson were great together and complement each other. I can't wait to read or listen to the other books in the series.

Two new narrators for me and i enjoyed them!! They did a fantastic job with this book and Emilys writing is always fantastic!!

Absolutely loved this story!!

Not sure why this book had to be so graphic. I skipped through the sex scenes. The main character's (Blakely) OCD and body issues were a lot. This could really be a trigger to some readers. I love, love, love the female narrator but the male narrator was so difficult to listen to. I will not be reading another in this series.

2.5 ⭐️

Reading the synopsis I thought I would eat this up because I enjoy a good age gap / forbidden romance. This book did not do it for me. I did not mesh with the main characters. They were both just irritating to me.

There were no content warnings mentioned so I was very surprised that for 80% of the book it is the FMC having a chronic eating disorder and counting calories. Luckily for me I’m not affected by that, but to those that are be careful reading this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks for the ALC ✨

Beneath the Hood by Emily McIntire 📕

This book is not for me.

Didn’t like the MFC. Her attitude and the way she talks I found annoying. Was not aware there would be big trigger topics - eating disorder - as it was not in the description nor stated at the start of the audio. Though not triggering for me, just a few chapters in it’s clear how big this will play a part in the book and I don’t like what I’ve heard so far.

There’s meant to be a lust connection between MFC and MMC but I just couldn’t believe it.

DNF.

Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks for access to the audiobook.

1 star ⭐️

Dear Emily McIntire,
I am still crying from this. As someone who relates to Blakely all too well, thank you for allowing us to be seen.

This was SO GOOD. I loved Jackson and Blakely. The audio narration was phenomenal. Liam DiCosima and Brooke Bloomingdale really brought these characters to life. They were easy, and fun to listen too. The emotion they portrayed throughout the book was top tier. I truly felt as through I was in apart of the story.

Thank you Emily, Netgalley, and Blackstone Publishing-Audiobooks, for the ALC.

Age gap girlys come one come all, this Hollywood darling is for you.

I'm not in my ED era anymore (thankfully), but I appreciated the representation here. At the end of the day open conversation about a disorder that affects so many people will always be an important one to have for me. It's a reminder that if this is something you're coping with, it's always a good time to reach out for help.

Overall, just like Jackson, this was another strong and steady read from Emily.

3.75 stars

I have to say I see alot of negative feedback because of the main fmc eating disorder but I found Emily approached it delicately enough while also showing the real reality. I think using an influencer who is rich was clever. The person who looks like they have it all but secretly falling apart worked well. Why I agree the love happened kinda fast, the mmc is a caregiver as evident in previous books, and learning she has more to her then spoiled princess ignites something in him. This is book 3 of the series and to me you really need to read them all. Also these are very spicy.