An enemies to lovers that had fantastic rep, but left me wanting a little bit more.

Disclaimer: I read this as an audiobook ALC via NetGalley. Thank you Harlequin Audio, and NetGalley for the free copy. All opinions are my own. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Overall, this book hit a little bit more than the average middle of the road Book for me. I ended up reading a 3.5 ⭐️.

Audiobook:
As far as the audiobook went, it was very middle of the road. I did not care for the female narrator that much. All of her characters sounded exactly the same. None of them seemed to have their own personalities or agency when she narrated them, and it made it a little bit hard to connect with the FMC. The male narrator did a good job. I did enjoy the MMC's character more than I did the FMC. If I had read this solely via e-book or physical book, I feel like I would've liked a little bit better. That being said, everything was clear and concise. I was able to listen to the entire book without changing the speed between narrators.

What I liked:
•I did like the midsize rep we got within our FMC. I liked the struggle that she seemed to have with her body changing as she ages. Being that I'm also having body changes happening to me at this time, it felt very relatable and well done. Fespite being overwhelmed at times by the changes in her body she seemed open and eager to be confident and embrace them, and I really love that.
• I enjoyed the overall theme of finding yourself post divorce and exploring what you like and don't like sexually after being stifled for so long. All of the representation surrounding those themes felt very real and relatable and flowed organically with the plot.

Characters:
•This is where I had the most struggle. I never felt overly endeared to either the FMC or the MMC. I felt like Caulder was doing his damnedest, and being fairly direct, in trying to tell Dakota how he really felt, Dakota was just completely oblivious and that felt extremely out of character for someone like Dakota who is smart, educated and runs her own business with absolute competency. It seems like she would've been smart enough to pick up what Caulder was putting down. It was like the author was trying to force a miscommunication when there really was no need for it. I also feel like Caulder was a little too gung ho to leave his grumpy mountain man demeanor behind and start a monogamous situation with our FMC. It didn't fall in line with how broody and against relationships he seemed in the first part of the book. I felt like it gave me a little bit of character whiplash that I was never fully able to recover from.

General comments:
• I was really pleased with the pacing of the novel. I felt like there was just enough tie in from the first book that it kept the storyline going. Yet it was separated enough that you could read this book alone and still have an enjoyable experience. I never felt like I was bored or the story was bogged down with too much world building. It was a nice balance for me and I enjoyed that about this novel.
• I did feel a little emotionally detached to the ending as to whether or not they would end up together. I think that had to do with the inconsistent character work, and the fact that I did not really feel overly bonded to either of our main characters.
•This does have a sex club trope woven within it and I just think that is not my favorite. It made sense to the book into the plot, and overall I feel was done really well. It just wasn't my favorite inclusion.

Overall, I do feel like this book was enjoyable, even with the downsides. I was able to get through the novel into the end, fairly easily without really feeling like I didn't need to finish the story. I would read more by this author because it might just be that this particular story wasn't my favorite. But it was still good enough for me to want to reach out and try some of their other works.

⏰/📖: 10 hours 47 minutes
🎤: Teddy Hamilton/Erin Mallon
Publisher: Harlequin Audio
Genre: contemporary romance
Themes: self discovery after divorce, following your desired dream/work life
Tropes: enemies to lovers, tattooed mountain men, cat daddy,
Sex club, vacation destination
Triggers: light BDSM/bondage
Rep: midsize rep
Spice:🌶️🌶️
Gore:🚫
Release Date: June 17, 2025

Aaaaaahhh! This book had me kicking my feet and giggling, as well as screaming at them just to figure their stuff out. I love how much of a meddling menace Everly is. The spice in this — perfection. The banter — perfection, I think this book makes it into my read again several times category. It was funny, it was heartfelt, overall I just loved it! Calder and his cat daddy ways were second to none.

First off a big thank you to the publisher Harlequin Audio, the author Amy Daws, as well as Netgalley for the invite to read and review Seven Year Itch. Which tired out to be a 5 star read for me . Even though I didn't read book 1 I have since this series on my wish list to get. So I can do a re read . What made this such an easy and enjoyable read for me to totally get lost in and forgot it was even a second book was the banter between the two main characters, each given as each give . And omg I especially loved the nice she was like they are made to be together so I'm going to make it happen, and the chaos that happened had me laughing. .

The hilarity of this book is something I just can't describe. I full on belly laughed for 85-90% of this book and I have no regrets. When I ask for a romcom, this is exactly what I mean. The banter was on point, the spunk and attitude from both the MMC and FMC is just gold...but also for the side characters. From the first to the last page, I could not pull myself out of Fletcher Mountain. The romance is sooooo good and me giggling and kicking my feet. I honestly could go on and on about everything that's perfect about this book, but you need to experience it for yourself! Also, the audio...🤌 Teddy Hamilton and Erin Mallon duet style is absolute perfection.

I absolutely loved this book, even more than I loved Max and Trista's story! It was hilarious from the beginning. There were a couple parts where the angst between Calder and Dakota was a bit much but over all I loved this book!

While I didn't love Calder & Dakota's story as much as Wyatt & Trista's, I still had a great time with this book. Such and easy read that I flew through because I couldn't put it down. I love me some spicy enemies to lovers/friends with benefits and the humor was on point just like book 1. If you need a quick little romcom, i'd pick this one up!

Wyatt and Max have both found their forever, which leaves Calder and Luke still single. As the family all head to Mexico for a wedding, Everly is up to her sneakiness again. This is how Calder and Dakota end up sharing a room. Dakota is best friends with Cozy, who is married to Max. But Calder and Dakota? Let’s just say they don’t exactly get along..at all! But right before this trip, Calder and Dakota actually ran into each other, we’ll say at a club, and now Calder wants to know why and all the details. During the trip, Calder is persistent about getting answers, and when he does, he and Dakota come to a truce of sorts. First a truce, then a plan that will have them spending more and more time together.

We get to read quite a bit about the Fletcher men, their wives and kids, and Calder’s cat Milkshake. With Everly being the mastermind behind setting these men up, you can be sure she is already plotting for her Uncle Luke.

I've been waiting for more Fletcher Brothers and this book delivered. Our MMC is cat daddy, Calder, and our FMC is Dakota. You might recognize her from Amy's other series, as her BFF is Cozy.

This book was a spicy ride, but I love how both characters had insecurities they were dealing with. Calder felt like he was the left behind brother that no one took seriously, and Dakota was dealing with the fallout of a divorce from a crappy husband. Our characters have a bit of a history too that I found interesting.

I love how fiery this couple was. The enemies to lovers vibes were strong. I honestly felt like this couple was more "real" than others I've read. They pushed and pulled, they had disagreements but they'd laugh and at times communicate fairly well. They supported each other and pushed each other out of their comfort zones.

The banter was great, and I'm a sucker for meddling family. I loved seeing past characters pop up like Kate! Amy did a great job of laying the ground work for the next book as well without taking the focus away from the current couple.

What a second instalment in the mountain men matchmaker series, I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first, but I did really enjoy it. But to be honest the first story in this series really blew me away, I loved how strong Dakota was, even when she felt her weakest, she just had this power that shone through. Starting a business at the age she did, and walking away when she did, that really showed how her inner strength was what she needs. The Fletcher men, well they really are a law unto themselves, they each have this wonderful weirdness that you can’t help but love, and Calder was one that really shone through, there were a couple of bits that felt a tad rushed, but do you know what I still loved it. The spice level is off the charts, and nicely done, so you don’t feel like you choak on it. This shows us once again why Amy Daws is such a sublime author.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


HOLY SPICE! Where did that smut come from?! Wowieee!

This was such a fun read! Newly divorced FMC trying to spice up her life, golden retriever MMC who wants to help her with that goal, despite the fact they have despised each other for years!

We all know where it'a going to lead, but the journey to get there was a hoot! Amy Daws, you've written another good one 😍 I have followed Amy's writing since 'Blindsided', and her books do not dissapoint 😍

I really enjoyed this romcom enemies to lovers storyline. A great addition to this series. The banter is top notch and the chemistry is 🔥🔥🔥. Definitely worth the read.

I love Amy Daws and her books. To me this is the perfect spicy, funny romance. Dakota is also my favorite of her characters thus far, the type who comes off as rude and unpleasant but is soft and gushy underneath.

Everly is at it again. This time she wants to see her uncle Calder happy and who would be better for him than her step-mom's bestie? Unfortunately, Calder and Dakota have a rather negative history and Dakota is just emerging from an unpleasant divorce. Once in Mexico for Wyatt and Trista's wedding, Everly gets to work, forcing them to share a room. Pretty quickly, they start to thaw and Calder agrees to help Dakota explore sex in a safe way. Of course nothing can ever be that simple, nor can feelings be left out of it.

Did you know that Powerpoints can be sexy? I didn't until this book!

I adored this book. So far, my favorite of the Mountain Man Matchmaker but Luke may just end up winning out.

Thank you to Canary Street Press, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Net Galley for the ARC. All opinions are my own!

Seven Year Itch is the second title in the Mountain Men Matchmaker series written by Amy Daws.

What to expect:
*Enemies to Lovers
*Sex clubs & Powerpoint presentations
*Meddling small town family

A small town, enemies to lovers, romcom at its best!

Dakota is newly divorced and ready to get back on the dating market. What better place to start than a sex club where Calder is a member right? From there we have some forced proximity at a destination wedding in Mexico, some meddling family members pushing them to work together, and some spicy visits back to their favorite sex club!

No OW/OM drama, no cheating or sharing during the club visits, slight jealously, does have a third act separation but ends with a HFN and cute epilogue.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this title.

Format: NetGalley ebook
Genre: Contemporary, romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Characters: Dakota (FMC) & Calder (MMC)

Calder and Dakota are fire! These two love to hate each other. This story is full of wit and banter that had me laughing throughout. But it’s also filled with vulnerabilities and insecurities, and watching Calder and Dakota navigate their feelings and fall into each other is heartfelt and beautiful to watch.

I love the family dynamic of this series and I can’t wait for Luke’s story. I sure hope these uncles also get to help in a story for Everly. She’s so fun!

The long awaited Mountain Men series continues with favorite middle brother, Calder and his former client/enemy, Dakota, who also happens to be BFF's with the women in his brothers' lives. Cue a destination wedding and forced proximity (thanks to a well intended niece) and the banter ensues. Both Calder and Dakota have been burned badly in their last relationships, which creates a lot of friction as they try to tolerate one another, with mixed success. They find common ground, set a few boundaries and their chemistry ignites.
Calder and Dakota hit a few potholes as their feelings grow and their respective insecurities return. I skimmed some of the harsher banter. On a lighter note, the story of brother Luke is up next and should make for another enjoyable read.
3.75 stars

(4.5) Brilliant 7-year enemies to lovers with a tropical twist!

I am locked in with the Fletcher family. The first book was admittedly goofy, but Amy Daws flexes her romance prowess as she brings Calder and Dakota together. They are the only ones who didn't bring a plus-one to his brother's intimate destination wedding. And his meddlesome niece (read: matchmaker extraordinaire) ensures that "Killer Calder" and "Dakota The Devil" have to share a romantic villa with *drum roll please* ONE BED!!!

But this is no easy, insta-love plot. The two hate each other and have for seven years. So they don't fall but they are tempted. She's just left an emotional abusive marriage. And he can't get the sexy visions he's had of her out of his head. They decide to be enemies with benefits, with a timeline. The creative story behind it is so unique, I don't want to spoil it. But trust in me! And trust in Amy Daws. If you adore subtle foreshadowing and big reveals, you are going to be screaming by the end.

I am dying to read the next book. The series is just getting better and better.

I enjoyed Dakota and Calder’s story so much. Truly couldn’t put it down. It was a spicy enemies to lovers/friends with benefits but hilarious and actually kind of sweet. I finished it in a day and a half. If you love romcoms this one will hit the spot!

Seven Year Itch
Mountain Men Matchmaker series
by Amy Daws

***ALL THE FREAKING STARS***

I was SO FREAKING PUMPED to read this next installment in the Mountain Men Matchmaker series and I was NOT disappointed. OMG I loved Calder and Dakota so much.

Calder and Dakota met 7 years ago when Dakota's best friend started to nanny for Calder's brother (Last on the List) and they flirted. Then Dakota hired Calder to remodel her home and they learned to hate each other. Dakota went on to marry and divorce an absolute POS and Calder continued to live his single life. Now, Everly is back at it with her match making shenanigans! She's decided that Dakota and Calder need a little shove in the right direction and that direction is TOGETHER. A little tinder app update and an 'under construction' room and Everly's new plan is underway.

This one has it all. One bed, forced proximity, a meddling niece, a sex club, a cat carrier, the list goes on!

Thank you to NetGalley, Amy Daws, and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.

#SevenYearItch #AmyDawsAuthor
#MoutainMenMatchmakerSeries
#NetGalley #HarlequinTradePublishing
#EnemiesToLovers #ARCReview
#FiveStars #SpicyStars #OneBed

It was a bit spicier than I thought it would be. But it was a good cozy spicy book, I can't wait to continue this series. The 2 characters are cute together. I'm going to reread and annotate. Finished it in one sitting.

This is the next book in Amy Daws' Mountain Men Matchmaker series. I was so excited for Calder's book when I met him in book 1 and I was not disappointed!

In this book, we get Dakota and Calder, enemies who are "forced" to spend a week in the same room at a family event in Mexico. Their hate for each other started 7 years earlier and has not cooled since. Honestly, I did not really enjoy how long Daws drew out the suspense of the story before we finally get the true story of what caused the fight between them. And once I read it, I was just kind of like "that's it?" I didn't think what had happened warranted all of the nastiness that they spewed at each other for the first few chapters of the book.

However, as a huge sucker for the enemies to lovers and "teach me" tropes, this book had me hooked from the beginning. Overall, this book was sweet, spicy, and heartfelt. I especially enjoyed Calder and his "middle child syndrome" and his finally realizing his specialness.

I am already invested in Luke and Addison's story, so book 3 needs to hurry along!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.