I received an advance audio copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This is my first book by this author and I would definitely reach for her books in the future.

As a bookish, more reserved person and a self-proclaimed late bloomer, I love stories with FMCs like Gemma. And many women interacted with or knew of guys growing up like Mason - and the quintessential mean girls like the news anchor.

Fake dating tropes are not my favorite (if youv'e read my other reviews) but I do love an underdog story and, while there were some silly and farfetched moments, overall I enjoyed. Also, I really liked the title - quite literally what Gemma did but that a lot of the reason why I think its great! 3.75 stars.

I loved this book, such a cute romance, lots of laughter with this one. Can’t wait to see more from the writer

I really liked this book. I thought the audio narrators did a wonderful job. I liked the twist on the fake dating trope. Both of the main characters were likeable.. Each character has their moment of being frustrated and wanting to storm off and they may for a minute but thankfully they decide they want to change their habit and go back and communicate and try to work things out. Great to see a couple do that.

Super cute story i absolutely loved. Second chance at romance because she based her male main character of her book on a guy who hurt her in the past. They meet up again after she’s been broken hearted once again this time by her ex husband. They come together to help each other out and the story along the way is so good.

3.5⭐️

This was a cute second chance hockey romance! I’m a sucker for books about books! I loved that Gemma was an author that used her high school crush as the inspiration for her MMC! I really disliked Mason at the start, but as the story continued he started to grow on me. Especially after they went on their eventful three day beach vacation. Mason’s vulnerability at the end of the book was great! I always enjoy a vulnerable romance hero!

Overall, this was a cute, lighthearted romance! The spice is minimal, but the chemistry was still strong! if you enjoy hockey romances then I’d recommend giving this one a chance!

This was such a wonderful, lighthearted romp! I loved the combination of romance author x hockey player (two of my favourite careers for a romance novel!) and I loved how Armstrong wove them together in a realistic but still fun and entertaining manner. I really hated Mason and his perspective at the start, and I love that Armstrong writes Gemma's views so clearly and evocatively that we end up loving him too. The character development and growth really made the pacing of this book glorious.

I found some of the conflicts between Gemma and Mason a bit frustrating given they felt a bit repetitive, but that felt true to their characters. The narrators did a really good job of selling them to you! I really appreciated the way Gemma came to understand she herself had room to improve within her relationships and how that reflected in the narration.

Do you ever find yourself looking for a contemporary romance where the characters can actually communicate and resolve conflicts? STOP RIGHT THERE. You've found it! I am obsessed with how this book takes the tropes we often love to hate and makes them a joy to read. It was so reflective of the current publishing industry and made some interesting points around ageism in sports. My main complaint is that the main characters felt very high school considering they're 36 and I would have loved to see them portrayed more like their age.

*Chef's kiss* narrati0on from Patricia Santomasso and Sean Patrick Hopkins. Duet narrations are always superior.

Light and fluffy! An easy palate cleanser between fantasy books. Dual narration was enjoyable and flowed easily.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for my advanced audio copy!

3.5 Stars

Gemma, a debut romance author, runs into her old crush Mason Moretti, now an NHL star, and what starts as a fake-dating publicity stunt slowly turns into something real.

I loved how grounded Gemma was and how Mason balanced charm with vulnerability. Their banter was great, the chemistry worked, and thankfully there was no miscommunication trope. My only wish? That it had been a little longer—the ending felt a bit rushed.

Thanks to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for the ARC!

Loved the Canadian setting of this book. Second chance romances are some of my favorite reads and this one is a second chance between an author and a hockey player. All the best tropes in this story.

The audiobook is narrated by Patricia Santomasso and Sean Patrick Hopkinsy. I loved their voices and how they brought Gemma and Mason’s characters to life. A great story filled with humor, emotion and perfect second chance story.

What else could happe when you base your romance hero on your high school crush… and then he shows up on live TV? 👀

My favourite combo of Chaos, fake-dating, redemption arcs, and all the meta rom-com vibes all in one awesome listen!!

✨ Snarky, relatable heroine

✨ Hockey hottie in need of redemption

✨ Fake-dating done right

✨ Cozy Canadian setting

This was honestly such a great witty, warm, and feels like the perfect beach read—light, charming, and just enough swoon to keep you hooked. 💕

Thank you Hachette Audio & Netgalley for an ALC copy of Writing Mr. Wrong!

I enjoyed the first half of this but then it got really repetitive and I didn't find myself enjoying the second half as much. But it was still a pretty decent read

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
I love a storyline that gets messy quickly and boy did this deliver! Ex-romance turned fake dating is a trope lovers dream!
The characters were refreshing and relatable. The narrators of the audiobooks were engaging and entertaining.
Overall this title brought a much needed refresh to a slow burn with great communication between well developed characters.

3.5/5 stars!

Writing Mr. Wrong by Kelley Armstrong
Gemma never expected her debut novel to make it so big… Or that anyone would work out the leading man in her book was her high school crush and now hot shot hockey star. Knowing they could help each other out, they decide to fake-date to boost their careers but is this more of a second chance that this missed out on in high school?

Look… I am already a huge Kelley Armstrong so this book was already going to be excellent because she does not write any trash! She did not disappoint! I loved the narrators. They did well together and it really brought the story to life.

I loved Gemma… I connected with who she was as a person from the get go and while I am not a massive fan of the fake dating trope, this one was done really well. I really was rooting for both of them and there were some sweet moments that made me sighhh and some chuckle moments! I really felt for Gemma… What happened in school hurt her and you can see that she still wasn’t over it years on. I’m so glad they got the second chance they needed to get to know each other again.

4 stars

Sometimes you just need a comfort read.

Something totally mindless and plotless and pointless.

This is not that book.

It sucks you in, with its cartoon cover and it’s hero in a kilt and then BAM!

It hits you with great dialogue.
And fantastic characters.
And incredible dual narration.
And sexy, sexy consent.

Feminism is hawt, y’all.

Now all I have to do it dig up the first in the series.

This book was super cute! It’s a second-chance romance between an author and a hockey player. Gemma is healing from a painful first marriage, and Mason is thrilled to have another chance with her—but he has to face his own struggles before she’ll truly be able to trust him again.

There is some miscommunication (not usually my favorite trope), but it’s handled so well here. The characters actually learn and grow from it, which made me appreciate it instead of rolling my eyes.

It’s funny, sweet, and filled with great characters. I really enjoyed both narrators in the audiobook and will definitely be checking out more from this author!

I have only read one other book by Kelley Armstrong, Hemlock Island, which is a horror and wasn't really my jam. I didn't know what to expect going into this one. I am sucker for a hockey romance, so obviously I needed to read this.

First off, I really liked that the MCs were in their mid-late thirties. There tends to be trend with romance that has MCs in their 20s and as I'm aging, I like my protagonists to age with me. I could relate to the characters. The book is told in dual perspectives between Gemma and Mason, which I really loved. I always think dual perspectives in romance give a more well-rounded plot and this was no exception.

While this book was a quick and enjoyable read, I did have a few issues with it. I found that characters were a bit immature. Gemma still holds grudges from high school and at her age, it seems weird that she is still hung out on them. Because of this, it felt like she never fully grew up. Mason is also an issue. He has no common sense when it comes to dating and it just felt a bit cringe. However, I did like that a main plot point was Gemma trying to help Mason become more a more considerate person.

The plot lightly touches on the issues with aging in sports and certain expectations that authors must meet, but overall, the plot remains surface level and doesn't dig too far into more serious elements. I'm not saying that as a criticism, just an observation. I don't think every book needs to delve into deep topics. This book is a light, popcorn romcom that is good for a chill day at the beach. I flew through this one super quick.

I was lucky enough to receive a finished copy of this book, however, I was also granted access to the digital audiobook, so I ended up listening to the audiobook version. The narration by Patricia Santomasso and Sean Patrick Hopkins was well-done. It was a really enjoyable listening experience.

Rating: 3.5 / 5

So excited that I was chosen for an advanced readers copy of the audio version of writing Mr wrong by Kelley Armstrong. This was chosen for our monthly book club read and it was super fun.

Gemma Stanton is a debut romance author, and although it is not what she wanted to write, recently had her book published. It is a highland romance with a rogue as the main character. She used Mason Moretti, a boy she had feelings for in high school, who caused her to be an outcast. He was a superstar hockey player in high school and is now a pro, an enforcer who is having difficulties in his hockey life at the moment. She never expected readers would find out on live TV who the proto-type for her character was, but when a morning show host invites Mason for a surprise on-air reunion things heat up. Mason has an image problem and with their interview going viral, his publicist jumps all over it. He wants Mason and Gemma to fake date, but she is not eager to spend time with him. Although there is some chemistry there, he has never apologized for what he did to her in high school and it still hurts. She eventually agrees and the flirting begins. When Mason reads her book, he realizes that the hero is really not a nice person, and that is what she thinks of him. He also realizes that he has real feelings for Gemma, he wants to change and become someone worthy of her. Is Gemma willing to try again with Mason?

Writing Mr. Wrong was a fun story. There is humour, but also some deep emotion. Gemma wants to write romance, but not historical, and not about a rogue. Her publisher won't even consider it right now and wants a sequel. In order to promote her book she agreed to go on the show, even with some reservations about the host being a mean girl from high school. When Mason is presented as the model for her protagonist, Gemma is shocked and somewhat embarrassed. The onscreen chemistry between them shines through. Gemma doesn't want to forgive him, or spend time with him, but he finally convinces her that it will be in their best interests. I enjoyed the banter between the two of them on their fake dates and thought the flirting was cute. It was sweet learning that they had been friends since kindergarten and how their friendship had progressed. Gemma had been married, and it was a toxic relationship, so I thought it was karma that he was a huge hockey and Mason Moretti fan. Their relationship helped both of them to grow and change, finally realizing what they wanted out of life. I was rooting for them to get over all the roadblocks in their way and when you read this, I'm sure you will feel the same way. Patricia Santomasso & Sean Patrick Hopkins do an excellent job portraying Gemma and Mason. I felt like I knew them and their expressions were right on. I really enjoyed this book, and highly recommend the audiobook if you enjoy listening to them.

Thank you for the ALC NetGalley & Hachette Audio in exchange for an honest review 🎧

I had a blast listening to this. The dual narration was spot on and it brought the characters to life. There were phone notification sound effects that at first threw me off until I realized it was part of the book. A nice touch, although sometimes it slowed the pacing having to "ping" and then getting the message.

Overall, this was a heartwarming second-chance romance where the characters had individual lives that intersected later in life. They each had behaviours that needed to be worked on and it was portrayed in a realistic manner that had me invested in their relationship rooting for them.