While I loved these narrators and audio of this book, I overall struggled to like the FMC which hindered my rating on this. Blakely is struggling with an ED, but the sole focus on it was hard to get her through and her choices were very self centered- leading to really being harmful to those trying to help. Jackson is there, steadfast and ready to walk alongside Blakely no matter what which made it hard to watch her treat hi so poorly. But I can also step back to realize a lot of ED. and struggles do lead us to act this way, which helped me take a step back every so often. Overall I thought the tough topics were handled with a lot of grace & care, the characters were well developed without feeling rushed into things and the plot line really came together in the end, which the author keeps you hanging on until the end to get the answers.

Beneath the Hood by Emily McIntire is an interconnected, standalone love story where opposites attract. Blakely is a rich socialite that is obsessed with counting calories and her follower count. Jackson is a mechanic that works for Blakely’s father who is 9 years older than Blakely and finds her to be shallow and immature. However, when Blakely’s dad asks Jackson to “keep an eye” on her, the two realize they have a lot in common and an undeniable chemistry. I was torn on the rating I wanted to give this book. Overall, I like the idea of the story and how he is able to see Blakely for her true self, and not the fake persona the rest of the world sees. He keeps her calm in her world of chaos. I also thought the insight into mental health and eating disorders was represented well, but almost to the point that it was mentioned excessively and started becoming repetitive. Which was depressing and made me want to take breaks from reading. Which is also the sign of a good author to make me feel that way…. Hence the struggle of whether or not I enjoyed this book. lol. Also, really liked the female narrator, the male not so much. I think she could have carried the book entirely as both characters.

The cover drew me in when I saw it, and though it’s number three in the Sugarlake series, I wanted to dive in anyways after reading the synapses. Thankfully even though there are minor spoilers for books 1 and 2, if you read series out of order, you won’t be lost.

Note this was an audiobook ARC (if there is a name for those, I don’t know?) that was given to me by NetGalley in return for my I leave my thoughts.

Both narrators were easy to listen to and had great range with all the different characters. I was never confused on whose dialog was being said. Jackson had a great southern accent, which I loved. Though I’m a Californian so all accents are cool to me.
Our H Jackson needs to get away from Sugarlake so he moves to California to work on classic cars. He knows our h, Blakely, through her dad, his boss, which on top of he age gap makes her untouchable. Well until thirty some percent…. The steamy scenes were very nsfw, as well as some of the regular dialog. It had me laughing out load at times people may stare. Blakely had some serious issues stemming from her childhood and her job as a social influencer. Jackson seems to be the calm to her storm so watching them fall in love through his compassion was lovely. Panic attacks are awful and he helped tether her. Which is nice of her to find that in someone or something. The journey between them was beautiful, him the caretaker and her being a bit broken. There are some serious food issues our h goes through so be aware if you need.

I will definitely finish this series by going back to books one and two then reading book 4.

*read trigger warnings

This is the third book in the Sugarlake companion series. This book focus’s on Jackson, a mechanic and owner who restores classic cars for movies, and Blakely, an influencer and daughter to a big shot movie director. Jackson is hired to supply cars for Blakely’s father’s upcoming move and pressured into also watching out for Blakely.

This romance was very awkward and the 9 year age gap wasn’t the problem. There didn’t feel like a real relationship outside of thinking one another was attractive. Blakely struggles with serious body dysmorphia and Jackson is quick to notice and be a help to her. Jackson acknowledges how hard it is to be an influencer, but that's about all that he seems to like about her. The relationship felt flat and I was eager to finish this book. It was much too long. So far, my least favorite of the series.

Thank you Netgalley, and Blackstone Publishing- Audiobooks for this advanced audiobook in exchange for a review.

Overall, an enjoyable read! I love age gap romances, though I would've liked her to be a bit older than 19. I admired her strength in overcoming an eating disorder. I didn't like that she was often selfish and didn't treat Jackson well. Blakely needed to grow up more before pursuing a relationship with him. The author handled the heavier topics in this one well. Just like the rest of the series, the spice is heavy!

for me it's a 3.5 it started like I was going to be obsessed because it hits on topics authors dont normally. mental health issues and eating disorders were present and were well done. I feel it made me really care for her character (blakely) because she felt raw. but Jackson was like a bandaid to all her issues. I will love you so have a bite of that burger, you work out too much etc. he didn't approach her issues as someone to help her through it but as a simplified man version of healing... hurts to breath ? well just breath it's easy.
that kinda put a sour note in the book for me.
I will say each book in thsi series suffers from being 100 pages too long. everything is just slowly drawn out for no reason... a slow book with a instalove story? doesn't flow well. good audio narrators tho!

Beneath the Hood is an emotionally rich, slow-burn romance that explores love, identity, and healing. When Jackson, a mechanic chasing his dream in California, is asked to watch over his boss’s influencer daughter, Blakely, an unexpected connection forms.

Blakely’s struggle with mental health and the pressure of perfection is handled with care, and Jackson’s steady support makes their romance both tender and steamy. Emily McIntire’s writing brings depth and vulnerability to both characters, making their journey feel real and engaging.

A heartfelt, chemistry-filled read perfect for fans of emotional contemporary romance.

This book delivers another emotionally charged story from our friends in Sugarlake, TN; following Jackson Rhodes, a 28-year-old mechanic with a broken heart. Who recently left his small hometown and relocated permanently to CA where he has been chasing his dreams via his career as a mechanic to Hollywood Producers. His boss asks him to keep an eye on his naive influencer daughter, Blakely Donahue—a 19-year-old who is drowning under the weight of her perfectionism and OCD. Social media adores her, but behind the manufactured image, she’s struggling with an eating disorder and feeling connected to anyone in her life...

The setup is compelling, even with the 9-year age gap. Which I usually really enjoy. But in this book, I did not enjoy it. It actually gave me pretty big Ick vibes. I think due to Blakely's lack of personality/character arc beyond her eating disorder and her lack of emotional depth in comparison to Jackson being more of a developed character with more emotional depth. It just made it feel wrong. Especially with the virgin card in the mix. When you consider Jackson’s lingering attachment to his childhood friend Lee, his emotional ties elsewhere weaken the authenticity of their connection. Therefore, making the whole giving him your V-card feel not right.

Blakely’s struggle is handled seriously, but at times, it dominates her characterization, making her inner conflict repetitive. A deeper exploration of her identity beyond her battle with food would have made her feel more well-rounded. Or even just adding more to her character profile, than influencer and eating disorder. She lacked the development I craved and felt was necessary to carry the weight of the relationship and all of the other baggage that came with it. Furthermore, this all came about because her dad wanted Jackson to keep an eye on her. But her own dad couldn't give her the time of day. Which I understand was the point to some extent... it just felt contradictive, I guess.

On the bright side, the audiobook narration is a standout. Brooke Bloomingdale and Liam DiCosimo did a great job with each of these characters. Liam's southern accent reminded me of tickle from Moonshiners so I couldn't get the image of a man in overalls and no shirt out of my mind when Jackson was speaking. 🤣


Overall, if I'm being honest, I got through 60% before I gave up and just couldn't go on. Don't let my opinions on this stop you, you may very well enjoy it. It was written well. It's just not for me. I enjoyed other books in this series. So not liking one is probably just due to my own cognitive bias.

This book is definitely an emotional read. The story follows Jackson, a small-town mechanic who starts working for Blakely’s dad and is asked to look after Blakely, his boss’s young influencer daughter. At first, Jackson doesn’t know the full extent of what Blakely is dealing with, but as their relationship grows, her struggles with an eating disorder slowly come to light. The setup felt promising, despite the age-gap between them.

That said, one thing that threw me off was Jackson clearly being in love with his childhood friend while also “falling” for Blakely. It was hard to fully buy into their romance when he seemed emotionally tied to someone else.

Also, while I appreciate that the book takes eating disorders seriously, Blakely’s struggle sometimes felt like the only thing defining her. The constant self-reprimanding over eating got a bit repetitive, and I found myself wanting to see more of who she was beyond that.

That said, Emily McIntire writes with a lot of heart and feeling. For me, this is a solid 3 stars…thoughtful and sincere, but a bit uneven when it comes to the romance and character development.



Reviews:
B&N Review posted under kardesira

This series was engaging enough for me to read all the books, BUT this one, like the others was a little uneven, and as always with adult romances, the conflict comes from basic non communication, which can get frustrating. narrators were good!

DNF. I'm just generally not a fan of "southern twang" narrators. Maybe I'll revisit not on audio but even the premise just isn't sitting well with me. Spoiled, famous FMC is frenemies (bully) with a lovesick MMC.

The Narrators are spot on for who should be doing this book, I love them they really brought the story to life. I love a good audiobook and this was not a disppointment.

Review: Beneath The Hood by Emily McIntire
Five GLORIOUS stars! Emily McIntire has truly outdone herself with Beneath The Hood. As a massive fan of her work, especially after devouring Beneath the Stars and falling for Jackson's character, I was absolutely thrilled to receive an Advanced Listening Copy of this highly anticipated re-release. My excitement for this book was immense, and it delivered beyond my wildest expectations.

Take the trigger warning seriously, there are several, and it is not for everyone. The author also suggests trusting the process and keeping that in the back of your head while reading this. Glad I did.

This story is incredibly beautiful and profoundly emotional. I was completely swept away by Jackson and Blakely's journey, and I found myself shedding more than a few tears. Emily McIntire fearlessly dives into complex themes, and the depth she brings to her characters' pain, struggles, and paths to healing is nothing short of masterful. She never shies away from the messiness, making the narrative feel incredibly raw and real.

My heart has officially been claimed by Jackson Rhoades. Having seen glimpses of him in the previous book, I already knew he was a special character, but Beneath The Hood solidifies his place as one of my all-time favorite male leads. He is selfless, caring, protective, and possesses an undeniable swoon-worthy quality. You can't help but fall deeply in love with him.

Blakely Donahue's character arc is equally compelling. She beautifully illustrates how appearances can be deceiving, donning a mask for the world while battling immense internal struggles. Watching her journey and seeing beyond her influencer facade was incredibly impactful. I truly rooted for her and wanted to reach through the pages (or headphones!) to offer her comfort.

The age gap and "off-limits" dynamic between Jackson and Blakely creates an intense pull, and their connection is undeniable. Emily McIntire's writing is absolute perfection here; every moment, every emotion, feels meticulously crafted. There isn't a single thing I would change. She leaves no stone unturned, addressing every question and portraying their destruction and eventual healing with incredible honesty.

Beneath the Hood is a powerful, immersive, and truly unforgettable romance that explores sensitive topics with grace and authenticity. Please take the trigger warnings seriously, as this book tackles difficult themes, but trust the process—it is immensely rewarding. This is undoubtedly one of my top reads (and listens!) of the year, and I wholeheartedly recommend it and the entire Sugarlake series. I am completely hooked and eagerly moving to the next book!

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The characters had depth and real-life issues that could be relatable to readers. However, I must warn you to check your trigger warnings, as the storyline contains some anxiety-provoking elements. These elements triggered my own anxiety, making certain parts of the story difficult to read because I could empathize with the character’s feelings.

On the other hand, the love story was charming and raw. The theme of not being truly seen by one’s family and fake friends is a relevant aspect of today’s generation. The narrators were excellent. The male characters’ accents wasn’t authentic to the southern tone, but they still delivered a great performance.

Overall, I highly recommend this book.

Beneath the Hood by Emily McIntire 💔🚗

Okay… this book wrecked me in the best way. Blakely is a social media star who looks like she has it all, but behind the camera? She’s spiraling. Enter Jackson—a broody mechanic with zero interest in babysitting the boss’s daughter… until he starts seeing the real her.

This isn’t your fluffy romance. It’s raw, emotional, and so beautifully written. (Honestly would it be Emily’s writing id not? ) It dives deep into mental health, identity, and the complicated ways we try to protect ourselves from pain. Watching these two broken souls slowly open up to each other? 🥹 Ugh, my heart.

McIntire absolutely nailed the balance of heavy themes and swoony moments. If you’re into slow burns, emotional depth, and characters that actually grow, this one is for you. 💫

⭐️ 4.5/5
🧠 Mental health rep
❤️ Forbidden romance
📚 Dual POV
🖤 Age Gap
🚗 Influencer x Mechanic

Thank you so much to net galley, Emily & her team and Hachette for this audio book ❤️❤️

This book was an absolute dream and massive surprise. Influencer and mechanic go through such a beautiful journey of heartbreak, trauma, mental illness, eating disorders and love. I cannot believe I loved a book on a socialite so damn much!! Also one of the prettiest covers I’ve ever seen! The two narrators were great and turns out a southern drawl is sexy as. Plus, the hook into the next book has me keen to read the next! Wow 😭😭😭

A small-town, age-gap, angsty, forbidden romance.

Blakely is a nineteen-year-old social media influencer/celebrity and Jackson is a mechanic who works for Blakely's father. Both are realistically flawed individuals with hidden pain, that require assistance for healing.

Brooke Bloomingdale did an incredible job narrating Blakely, clearly communicating the angst and mental health struggles through her thoughtful narration. Liam DiCosimo’s accent really added to the character narration of Jackson.

This story explores disordered eating, obsessive behaviours and other personal struggles. I appreciate that the mental health difficulties were handled with nuance, and that therapy and treatment were depicted within this story.

With thanks to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy, in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ALC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I don't typically like age-gap romance when one of the MCs is late teens/early 20s and this was no exception. To make it even more annoying, Jackson mentioned it all the time. If it was really bothering you that much you would't be crossing that line but you are so shut up about it.

I do like both Jackson and Blakely as characters. They are both flawed but are trying the best they can. I specifically appreciated how Blakelys ED and body dismorphia has handled. It's a serious topic to tackle and I think it was done really well. I also appreciated the emphasis on how society and social media pressurises women and young girls to look and be perfect.

Overall the story was ok, the relationship i wasn't sold on and most of the issues that happened could have been solved by talking but it was an easy read.

Beneath the Hood was my first read (audiobook listen) by Emily McIntire. While it's the third book in the Sugarlake Series I still decided to read this story as I'm a sucker for age gap romances and this one sounded really good.

I enjoyed this novel, but wasn't completely enamored with it. The romance between Blakely and Jackson felt too forced and fast for me to believe it. I still liked some of their interactions where they help each other deal with difficult situations. The mental health rep was the most interesting aspect of this book and was touching and emotional.

As for the narration, I truly loved Brooke Bloomingdale as Blakely but had a little more difficulty adaptating to Liam DiCosimo's personification of Jackson. It was still an enjoyable audiobook.

2.75⭐, 2.5🌶️

Sooo I think I didnt dislike this book as much as I just couldnt stay invested in it.

I was so excited for Jackson's story since book one of the series ( Jack's unrequited love or Alina is honestly just a childhood crush that he took way to long to get over.) But the love in this story was just a miss for me. There was sooo much drama going on with Blakely's job and squad that all I really remember is her wanting to be a submissive and honetly nothing else.

I couldnt get emotionally invested with Blakeley. I totally get why she is the way that she is being gaslit and micro-managed, but she still played the victim too frequently and was very immature. The age gap between the two wouldnt have been as bad if she wasnt constantly having tantrums that evolved into panic attacks. Jackson couldnt ever have a valuable conversation without her just shutting it down. I wanted her to have started evolving anf growing much earlier in the book. By 0% I was just resigned to frustration for her.

Thank you Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks for an ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review.