I thought this was going to be another hockey romance, but I was pleasantly surprised what a fun romcom read it was. For one the main characters are in their mid-30s and both have been dealing with some personal challenges. Gemma is a romance author and is recently divorced. Mason is a hockey player but a recent incident involving his teammate requires for him to clean up his image. They both knew each other since they were kids, but an encounter in high school that ended terribly meant they haven’t seen each other in years. When Gemma’s former high school classmate who now hosts a TV show reveals on live TV that the MMC in Gemma’s new book resembles Mason, it leads to Gemma and Masson having to come face to face after all these years. Soon these two agree to fake date in order to bring more publicity for her book and restore his public image.

First of all I loved listening to the audiobook since it featured a dual narration. I loved the humour in the book along with the great banter and chemistry between the two characters. Mason showed a lot of character growth throughout the book.

The reason for my rating was I felt that Gemma held on her dislike for Mason much longer than necessary. I also felt the ending was sort of rushed.

Thank you for Hachette Audio for sending me an ALC in exchange for my honest review.

This was CUTE. A debut romance author writes her high classmate now pro-hockey player into her new book, thinking no one will notice. But of course, some do notice - including the hockey player, who is flattered and ready to try again with his high school crush. Throw in some fake dating and you have yourself a novel.

I listened to the audiobook in one day (would’ve been one sitting except my headphones died). The duet narration was fantastic, both narrators fit the writing and were fantastic at playing off of each other.

Some parts had me grinning like an idiot, our FMC and MMC had some really cute banter. I also appreciated the older characters who are still trying to figure things out.

I just wanted a little…more from the whole story. More interactions between our characters, more time on dates and hanging out, definitely more banter and tension. Feelings were confessed and apologies given much too easily, in my opinion.

When I got to the epilogue, I thought my audiobook player had skipped a few chapters. It felt really abrupt and like the second half of the story wasn’t included. The entirety of the book is like…two weeks long, which is crazily compact.

Read this for a fun time, but I don’t think it’s a story that’ll stay with you for years to come.

- - -
Thanks to NetGalley and HachetteAudio for the ALC!

Thank you to the author, narrators, publisher and Net Galley for providing an e audio of this book in exchange for my review.

I didn't know that Kelley Armstrong wrote rom-coms! I read some of her other series, and I have to say, I really enjoyed this one. It was cute and funny. Narrators were amazing and really added to my enjoyment with this book. Yes, I did spend a decent amount of time thinking "Just TALK to each other!", and the characters do seem to be rather stuck in high school, but given the point in their lives that they are at and meeting again, I can see why they might be reminiscing about those days. Playing the 'what if's' and so on.

4 stars. Recommend to any rom-com lovers, especially in the 30+ age group, as you might relate more with the characters.

🎧✨📚 Fake dating, second chances, and one very swoony hockey player. Listening to Writing Mr. Wrong was like being wrapped in a cozy blanket of nostalgia, banter, and just the right dose of spice and sincerity. This romantic comedy hits all the right notes: high school crushes, fake dating gone deliciously real, and a heroine rediscovering her voice — and maybe her heart — in the process. The narrator captures Gemma’s wit and vulnerability beautifully, while Mason’s mix of gruff charm and hidden sweetness. Their fake-dating-turned-real journey unfolds with such warmth and humor that I found myself smiling in public more than once. What really stands out is how the story balances humor with genuine emotional growth. It’s not just a rom-com — it’s a love story about owning your voice, facing down your past, and daring to rewrite your future. And if that rewrite happens to include a reformed hockey heartthrob? Even better.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7689326397
I adored this charming book about a romance author and hockey star. One thing I particularly enjoyed was the depth of exploration of the theme of aging---and particularly how it impacts sports players. This was a great book, and I recommend you check it out!

Things I liked about this audiobook:
The duet narration. I've been trying to listen to more fiction books, because there are some great fiction audiobooks out there. And the duet narration really helps me feel like I can keep track of the characters and their thoughts and feelings and action.
No third act break-up! Kind of. There was like a second-and-a-half act attempt at a break-up but then he runs after her and there's no break-up. So, half points for this one.
It's a book about a book. Always a big hit with the readers.
The second quarter of this book, where Mason and Gemma are getting to know each other. There's no stress, no pressure, just re-getting to know each other.

Things that I didn't like about this audiobook:
The trope of "it's 20 years after high school and I'm still hung up on the one that got away." It's just unbelievable and immature for someone to be that hung up on someone that they barely even knew.
The double-edged sword of the Jewish rep. I'm sorry, but Mason's grandma's Italian Jewish restaurant that is "obviously kosher" in Vancouver? No. I appreciate the Jewish rep, but it wasn't really enough to make me feel like it was warranted.
The "I'll teach you how not to be an asshole" lessons. They weren't really there! Mason's careless, not really an asshole, but he did plenty of asshole things. And I don't feel like there was really ever a conversation about his assholery. Gemma didn't get walked all over I guess. And Mason sort of learned at the end. But not because of any so-called lessons.

This wasn't really the book for me, but I did enjoy the audiobook experience of it, and I also really liked the narrators.

I listened to this as an audiobook via NetGalley and went in without having read the previous book in the series—it worked perfectly well as a standalone!
Mason (a professional hockey player) and Gemma (a writer) make a great pairing. Their story blends second chance romance with fake dating, and the meet-cute on live TV made for such a fun setup. I found myself smiling a lot while listening.
Special mention to Ashley, who was the kind of character you love to hate—totally unlikable in the most effective way.
If you enjoy a mix of spice, heart, and a solid sports romance trope, this is one to check out.
Thanks to NetGalley and @HachetteAudio for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#WritingMrWrong #NetGalley

Thank you to Netgalley and Hachette Audio for providing me with an ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Narration: duet
I was pleasantly surprised that this was duet style - my favourite! Both narrators, Patricia Santomasso and Sean Patrick Hopkins, were great and delivered solid performances. Honestly, if it wasn’t for them narrating, I don’t think I would have finished the book. No issues with the audio quality either.

The premise intrigued me and the story started out to be entertaining. It’s a quick, easy read, but as the story progressed, nothing stood out to me–the characters and plot didn’t do anything for me. Gemma and Mason seemed so immature for their age. Their behaviour and communication felt juvenile, it was like they were stuck in high school. I started to get kind of lost with the actual plot and the relationship between the two main characters felt so off. The story unfortunately just didn’t do much for me and I was quite bored and checked out by the end. The story lacked the depth and entertainment I was hoping for.

Loved the premise — a romance author using her childhood crush (now a pro hockey player) as book inspiration? So fun. I liked the emotional layers and how both leads were working through their pasts, but the pacing felt a bit rushed. I just wanted more of their story. Still, a cute romcom with great dual narration on audio!

I am so conflicted as to how I feel on this one, I think when it comes down to it the pacing was weird. The MMC spend way too long being absolutely clueless and I started to lose my patience with him and his decisions. That said the last 1/4-1/3 I enjoyed a lot and still find myself thinking about the ending days later.

The narration was well done supported the story well. I would listen to these narrators again.

✨ 4 stars – a tender, swoony second-chance romance that hit me right in the heart 💛

This story completely surprised me in the best way. First of all—yes, the audiobook is a real duet (even though it’s not listed that way), and the narration is phenomenal. A little slow at times, but once you bump the speed, it’s pure magic. The kind of narration that makes the characters feel like friends.

📚 What I loved:
– A bookish romance between a confident, post-divorce romance author FMC and a sweet MMC who loves romance and audiobooks? Yes, please.
– Second-chance love with all the feels—missed connections, high school crushes, and that bittersweet ache of what-could’ve-been.
– A strong, emotional single timeline with just enough flashbacks to tug at your heart.
– Nona and Grandma had me laughing out loud—pure gold.
– One of the cutest book I have read this year.

💬 What didn’t fully click:
– The side characters don’t get a lot of depth, and everything revolves around the main couple. I usually like a bit more development outside the romance, but honestly… I didn’t even care that much—it still swept me away.
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If you love stories about healing, finding your strength again, and a love that grows with you—not just beside you—this one is so worth it. So grateful I got to read this one. 💕

Thank you NetGalley and Forever & Hachette Audio! 🌻✨

I had such a fun time listening to Writing Mr. Wrong! This rom-com has a little bit of everything I love, second chances, fake dating, and a hero who’s both grumpy and unexpectedly sweet.

The setup is hilarious: Gemma, a debut romance author, bases the hero of her spicy new novel on her high school crush, Mason Moretti. She figures no one will ever know... until she gets ambushed on live TV and reunited with the Mason, now a pro hockey player with a bit of a bad-boy rep. Cue the awkward tension and unexpected sparks.

Their fake-dating scheme to save both their careers turns into something way more real, and watching them slowly fall for each other again was genuinely heartwarming. There’s a great mix of playful banter and emotional depth that kept me invested the whole way through.

Patricia Santomasso and Sean Patrick Hopkins totally nailed the narration, She brought Gemma’s voice to life with all the right charm and sass, and he made Mason feel like more than just a rugged hockey star. Their performances really helped sell the chemistry between the characters.

The only reason I’m giving it four instead of five stars is that a few moments felt a little too predictable, and I wished we got a bit more from the side characters. But overall, this was such an enjoyable, cozy listen with a satisfying redemption arc and a romance that made me smile.

Highly recommend if you’re into fake dating, bookish heroines, or just want a rom-com that leaves you feeling good.

Quick Intro: It’s time for Gemma to promote her debut novel. She might have based the MMC on the famous hockey player she went to high school with. During the press tour one of the interviewers surprises her with a mocked up cover featuring the player and brings him out. Mason is starting to feel his age on the ice and is facing a press problem after a recent game. In order to benefit both of them he suggests a bit of fake dating for the press.

Quick Thoughts:
If you are looking for a cute romance that has characters in their 30s this one is for you! Gemma is recently divorced and rediscovering herself as she promotes her debut historical romance novel. Mason is almost relentless in his pursuit.

I appreciated the inclusion of Mason’s dyslexia and how the characters talked about it. This book is a cute romance read with depth in how the characters communicated and addressed issues from their past and present.

The duet narration was great and I think this might have been the first time I have listened to a book that includes text notification sounds to indicate text conversations. Narration felt a bit slow and I wanted to listen to it faster than my normal speed.


The biggest drawback in my opinion is that the side characters didn’t really bring much to the story. They were only there to talk about the relationship between Gemma and Mason. I would have liked for them to be more flushed out. The romance is the main focus of the book and every aspect of the book revolves around it.

Content Warnings: references to past miscarriages, manipulative/ emotional relationships (past)

As someone who always wanted to be a writer but could never put words to paper.....the writing a character about an ex was so enjoyable to me. It turns into fake dating and second chance which is my favorite trope too. This book isnt overly romantic or steamy but the growth and natural chemistry is felt was amazing! The narrators brought this to life and then some. I loved how Mason would really consider Gemma and her feelings as well as listening for understanding.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the opportunity to read this funny and charming second-chance romance!
The story centers on Gemma, who is a romance author. While publicizing her newest book, people perceive her latest book's main male romantic hero is based on famous hockey star Mason, whom Gemma went to grade school with. Mason and Gemma reconnect, and Mason pitches the idea to have a date or two so they can both gain more positive PR. Mason is also hoping to win Gemma's heart after messing up his opportunity when they were teenagers. As they spend more time together, sparks fly. Mason learns how to be a better partner, and Gemma gains back her self-esteem after a rough divorce.
I really enjoyed the trip the two took together. I also loved the hijinks with Mason's miscommunication and learning how to show his love better. Gemma was a fun and outgoing character.
The book was light, funny, romantic, and entertaining! I loved the author's last book, and this one also didn't disappoint. I can't wait to read more by her! The two narrators were great. I love a duel-perspective romance.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️.5
🎧 Duet narration
🧸 childhood friends
❤️second chance
🥅 hockey romance
📚 Writer/author

This audiobook was done to perfection, from the *dings* when a character would receive a text to the characters “talking with their mouths full”. It fully pulled you into their world.
The story was a cute second chance, when Gemma writes her ex into her new book but then gets outed about it on tv by her high school cheerleader bully. Unknown to Mason , former fling now NHL superstar he was invited to the show to try and embarrass Gemma even more. When Mason defends Gemma the world goes crazy shipping them. Mason gets Gemma to agree to fake date him to promote her new book but Mason see a chance to try to respark their high school flame. After learning how much he hurt Gemma back then Mason pulls all the stops trying to prove he can be a better person.

I loved reading this book and having characters that were 30+, Gemma wasn’t willing to give herself up for the guy and really makes him prove himself. The author did a great job of adding in emotional and heavy topics and giving them their space while still keeping the overall of the story funny and fluffy

Audiobook Listen 🎧
Narrated by: Patricia Santomasso & Sean Patrick Hopkins
Narration: Duet
Rating: 3.75 stars

This charming contemporary rom-com was the perfect palate cleanser between the darker, twistier reads I’ve been devouring lately. Writing Mr. Wrong delivers exactly what it promises—an easy, feel-good escape with witty banter, quirky situations (that cease and desist moment with the ex? Comedy gold), and just enough emotional depth to keep you invested.

The story was performed in duet narration, which is always a win for me. I love hearing both POVs come to life in real time. Both narrators were new to me, and while Sean Patrick Hopkins had a great tone and pacing, Patricia Santomasso’s voice didn’t quite click for me personally. That said, it didn’t detract enough to pull me out of the story—I still found myself smiling through most of it.

If you’re in the mood for a breezy, sweet listen that won’t emotionally wreck you, this is a solid pick!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for my honest review!

Writing Mr. Wrong was such a fun read! If you love second chance romance with rom-com vibes and snappy banter, this one’s for you. Gemma, a debut author, ends up writing a jerk of a love interest based on her first crush, Mason, who just happens to be a now-famous hockey player. She thinks no one will notice… until an old classmate reunites them live on air (yikes). Mason rolls with it, they go viral, and what starts as a PR dinner turns into a whirlwind of chaos, swoony moments, and a surprise getaway.

I loved Gemma. She didn’t let Mason off easy, especially when he messed up. Watching her find her confidence again after dealing with a controlling ex was really satisfying. And Mason? A little clueless at first, but so charming once he started actually trying. The man literally asked her to teach him how not to be an asshole... I mean, how do you not root for that?

Are you looking for a romance that involves turning off your brain and reading? This might be the one for you.

I am all for books that take me out of my life, and Kelley Armstrong does a pretty good job of taking me out of my life.

Gemma has just released her first published novel: a historical romance with a morally grey character. As inspiration, she used her childhood crush, now a major hockey star, Mason Moretti. The problem? An old classmate turned local morning show host invites them both onto the show and exposes the basis of the character. The publicity shoots up the sales of Gemma's book and helps Mason with his image problem. With a strong focus on mental health, the two decide to continue the charade to improve her sales and his image. Miscommunications ensue. Can they find their way to be together and work through their own issues?

Both narrators were excellent and immersed the reader fully in the story.

Thank you to Forever, Hachette Audio, and Net Galley for the ALC. All opinions are my own.

I will admit right off the top that I am a huge Kelley Armstrong fan. This though is the first strictly romance of hers that I have read/listened too. I did not expect it to pull me in like it did. It was fun, lighthearted, and comfortable. I LOVED IT! Is there any genre she can’t write?

I really liked Gemma and Mason, and I found it so refreshing that they are older. Ok, 36 isn’t exactly ‘older’ but they have lived. Gemma being recently divorced and Mason having to come to terms with the fact that at 36 he is a senior hockey player. I feel like the age of the characters made their wanting to change, and grow, and actually communicate, believable. Those grandmas were damn priceless too.

The audiobook is a duet narration, and it was done fantastically. Patricia Santomasso and Sean Patrick Hopkins were perfect. Also, little details like the “ding” notification of a text message, amazing production. It was excellent!

If you’re looking for a cozy, second chance romance, I highly recommend you pick this one up.

Thank you to NetGalley, Hachette Audio and Kelley Armstrong!