This book was closer to a 3.5 for me but I bumped it up to 4 for the amazing narrators. I’m a sucker for a good duet style audiobook and Patricia and Sean both encapsulated their characters so well.

This is a second chance romance between a professional hockey player and a debut romance author which is right up my alley. I really enjoyed watching Mason and Gemma find their way back to each other. The thing that I had trouble with was the pacing of the story. It felt like there was a large portion in the middle of the book where nothing of substance happened and then the ending was rushed. I still really enjoyed the story but I wish it had been paced a bit differently.

This one is lighthearted and cute. Very fluffy with a touch of spice, it is what a Hallmark movie would be if they didn’t just fade-to-black for a spicy scene. On its face, it appears to be a hockey romance. However, I feel like the MMC could be any sports player or celebrity. Hockey takes a big backseat in this one.
That being said, it is an enjoyable story. You have your driven, divorced, ball-busting kinda bitter FMC and a playboy rough on the outside, squishy soft on the inside MMC. You have so many cute romance tropes. (I am looking at you bargain that goes sideways.) But outside of those tropes, we are getting something I love to see in books, a non-toxic relationship. He isn’t trying to play her. They communicate well together. And there isn’t a bunch of angsty self-sabotaging inner monologue – which is refreshing given that these characters are in their late 30s.
The dual narration is a MUST for me when it comes to romance books, and the narrators of this one do not disappoint. It is so annoying to have a woman trying to speak the MMC’s part and vice versa. It is the best when you can hear them talking together. There is obvious familiarity there, which makes the love story more believable.
This is a wonderful story to pick up when you just need something light.

DNF at 65%…I tried so hard to get myself to finish this book, but I couldn’t. I couldn’t see the chemistry between the main characters. Mason was incredibly oblivious, entitled, and downright frustrating. Even though it is fast pace, the plot seemed underdeveloped and couldn’t get invested in it.

Well narrated and produced, this story starts of with a bang but becomes less and less interesting as it continues, which is unfortunate because it had the potential to be an excellent novel.

A fun sports (NHL) rom-com with an exploration of the impact of bad experiences in adolescence on our adult selves. Mason is a 36-year-old superstar hockey player and has been a gifted player all his life. His abusive father saw him as his “retirement plan” and pushed him to train, work hard, and accept that he “wasn't good at anything else.” In kindergarten, Mason meets his classmate Gemma and spends the rest of his school years aware of her and smitten….even when he becomes a star school athlete and she’s the brainy “nerd” who likes the quiet, private Mason, not he BMOC popular kid. In HS senior year, Mason finally kisses Gemma and then very publicly backs away from her. Gemma is very hurt, embarrassed and determined never to be treated like that again. Mason can be entitled and cocky but he was a teenager who didn’t understand how to deal with his feelings toward Gemma. Fast forward 18 years and Gemma is the author of a new historical romance and she used her lingering anger at Mason to shape the main character in her book….a Scottish Laird who’s an arrogant, bombastic egotist and seems to embody what romance readers and publishers want but not the kind of guy that Gemma would ever fall for. Mason has gotten himself into a bit of a PR mess and, after s surprise appearance on TV that the public loved, a fake date between the old school “friends” seems like a win-win for both of them. Is it though? These two are complex characters with a lot of past hurt and emotional baggage. Watching them move forward together is a treat.

Thank you to Forever, Hachette Audio and NetGalley for a complimentary ARC/ALC. All thoughts are my own.

4,5 out of 5 stars

I really enjoyed Mason and appreciated the fact that he was trying to be thoughtful, even when it didn't always land the way he intended. He had lots of character growth throughout the whole story. I did also really like Gemma but at times it felt like she blamed 17 year old Mason a bit too much and somehow expected him to be the same person from high school. I also felt like she had to grow and she did a great job with that. I'm glad the characters communicated effectively and cared about each other enough to explain themselves. I would definitely read more from this author again.

Narration: Dual narration is always such a fun surprise! I really enjoyed both narrators and thought they really brought the story to life. I especially loved the sound effects with the text messages.

4 stars
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Thank you so much for this arc!

The dual narration was so good! It felt like so much effort was put into this audiobook and it turned out great, both voice actors did an amazing job at voicing Gemma and Mason our main characters.

I don’t mind too much when male narrators voice the female lines but I definitely do like when each character voices their own lines even in the other characters chapters (aka mason voices his lines in Gemma’s chapters and vise versa). I also liked that the audiobook included sound effects I have never heard that before.

I think the plot line was unique, I liked both characters a lot. Masons and Gemma’s chemistry and banter is crazyyyy. Masons relationship with hockey actually made me think about pro sports and pro athletes and his acceptance in his career coming to and end and his acceptance with that tugged at my heart a bit.

Writing Mr. Wrong was a good cute and quick read, or well listen! I definitely recommend it.

⭐️: 4
🌶️: 1.5

Thank you for NetGalley, Hachette Audio and Kelley Armstrong for sending me an ALC in exchange for my honest review.

I won’t lie, I was a bit hesitant going into this book. The synopsis sounded great but I just didn’t know if I was in the mood for a sports romance. But I had a long road trip this weekend and decided it couldn’t hurt to give it a try. The narrators sucked me in pretty quickly and I couldn’t wait to get back in the car and start listening.

Gemma is a feisty, quick witted, incredibly smart woman who allowed a certain man in her life to make her small. To make her feel like she never measured up. When your current relationship sinks like the titanic, it’s natural to think back to your first love and all the things that went right/wrong. Her past with Mason hit a little too close to home for me which I think is what made it all the more alluring. What would I say to the person who broke my heart if I saw them again?

Mason is…I mean he’s a sweet guy but good god. His lack of self awareness kind of drove me nuts. He’s not maliciously cruel by any means but his carelessness continued to blow my mind. How had he gotten this far in life without being called out on it? That he actually took to heart and listened?! But I guess when you’re an incredibly talented hockey player, you are able to surround yourself with only “yes men”.

Also, I’m obsessed with Grandma Dot and Nona. I badly want to have both of them in my own life especially if it comes with cooking lessons with Nona and Hockey games with Dot. I love when side characters can steal a little bit of the spotlight to give a more well rounded world/plot.

I really enjoyed this story and especially the narration. I did love the tongue in check comments about how audiobooks count as real books (they absolutely do). I do wish there would have been some petty revenge wrap up with Allen and with that TV host whose name I forgot because they deserve it. But maybe that will be in a bonus epilogue?

I’m rating this 3.5 stars out of 5. As a whole the book’s well written and the narration does an amazing job of bringing the characters to life but I couldn’t get past how much I hated Gemma. The storyline about her abusive ex who wanted her to be different and made her feel like a terrible person doesn’t land when it’s the same thing she’s doing to Mason now, especially when the grievances she had with him from earlier in their life were so flimsy. Like, girl, it’s been years. Boys are fools. This particular boy is trying to be better. Stop making him jump through hoops as if he killed someone when he’s genuinely trying to make amends. It felt like every conflict was blown out of proportion by Gemma and it came across as her being the type of person to sit with their arms folded looking all huffy whilst she told people trying to make sure she was okay that she’s fine, only to go on being huffy and arm-foldy after. Once that personality trait solidified I couldn’t regain a connection to her, even when she was better at different points of the novel. Mason managed to be less annoying though. The two big-bads of his backstory were interesting and his chapters were a lot easier to get through.

Thank you to Netgalley and Hachette Audio for a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to Netgalley and Hachette Audio for the audiobook, I enjoyed the Duet Narration by Patricia Santomasso(a new narrator to me) and Sean Patrick Hopkins so it was entertaining Thank you.

Gemma is a new debut author and Mason is a well-known Hockey Player that have a meet-cute many many years later that in truth didn't disappoint. Yes, they had a rocky beginning, with disappointments and miscommunication but when it finally worked out many years later what more is there to ask? Even the epilogue was cute!

Writing Mr. Wrong is a delightful blend of second-chance romance, fake dating, and forced proximity, all wrapped up in a slow-burn story that kept me hooked from start to finish. I listened to the audiobook version and thoroughly enjoyed it. The duet narration by Patricia Santomasso and Sean Patrick Hopkins was fantastic—both narrators did a wonderful job bringing the characters to life, and their performances added extra charm and energy to an already engaging story.

Gemma Stanton is a debut novelist who believes readers prefer the "bad boy" hero, so she models her male lead after her high school crush, Mason Moretti—a decision that backfires spectacularly. Mason, now a professional hockey player with a somewhat tarnished public image, finds himself reunited with Gemma during a surprise on-air interview. When the public learns that the arrogant fictional character in Gemma’s book is based on him, Mason comes up with a plan to fake date Gemma to boost both their images. What starts as a publicity stunt quickly becomes more personal.

One of the most compelling parts of the story is Mason’s character arc. After reading Gemma’s book and seeing himself reflected in a less-than-flattering light, he begins a journey of self-awareness and growth. His proposal for a private getaway—where he’ll pamper Gemma and she’ll teach him how not to be an asshole—leads to some heartfelt and hilarious moments.

The chemistry between Gemma and Mason is electric, and their banter feels natural and fun. Their dynamic is equal parts tension and tenderness, making the slow burn all the more satisfying. And while their romance takes center stage, the book also delivers plenty of humor and heart, especially thanks to side characters like the unforgettable Grandma Dot—an absolute standout and scene-stealer.

If you enjoy second-chance romance, fake dating, hockey heroes, or stories where opposites attract and ultimately grow together, Writing Mr. Wrong is a must-read (or listen!). Kelley Armstrong delivers a witty, romantic, and emotionally satisfying story that I’d happily recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley, Hachette Audio, and Kelley Armstrong for the ALC!

This second chance romance, childhood friends to lovers story had me kicking my feet. Such a cute, fun read. I listened to the audiobook, and both of the narrators did a fantastic job bringing these characters to life. A lighthearted and funny little romcom.
Mason, an aging hockey star and Gemma, a recently divorced novelist are thrown back together after 20 years on television. In an attempt to both promote Gemma's new book and realign Mason's image in the public eye - the fake dating begins.

I found this a witty, heartwarming gem that ticks all the boxes for a satisfying contemporary romance. From the clever premise, where a romance author accidentally exposes her high school crush -turn star hockey player- as the real-life inspiration for her fictional bad boy, to the fake dating twist and viral chaos that ensues, every beat of the story is delightfully engaging. The chemistry between Gemma and Mason crackles with authenticity, and their journey through second chances, professional reinvention, and emotional honesty is both fun and meaningful. Armstrong excels at blending laugh-out-loud moments with touching depth, all set against the vibrant backdrop of publishing drama and a hint of sports-world swagger. It touches on some more serious topics as well, including abusive childhood, which adds depth to the characters, and made me root for them and their happy ending. The narrators made the whole thing even better, great pace, emotions, and tone throughout from both of them!

It took a bit to fully get into the story in general. Once the characters were more fully developed and the plot began to move forward more fluidly, the story really came to life. The narrators did a terrific job with the main characters - Mason and Gemma. I loved the back and forth speaking between them, it was natural and brought more depth to the plot. While I'm not much of a sports fan, I appreciated learning more about NHL and the emotions and feelings of a pro hockey player. My only disappointment was the ending which seemed a little rushed.

Kelley Armstrong is such a versatile author who can write all the genres! I look forward to every single book she writes and have for about 5 years now.

I blew through Writing Mr. Wrong in just one day and loved it so much! It was a fun rom-com that made me laugh and root for Gemma and Mason. I've recently gone to my first hockey game which I loved and thought it was fun to do that along with reading this book at the same time.

I also loved the narrators, Patricia Santomasso and Sean Patrick Hopkins. They were very easy to listen to, and I felt like the voices fit the characters really well.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read Writing Mr. Wrong! All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 24 June 2025

3.75-4 stars

I did enjoy the story. I felt like it had a lot of tropes, possibly some included to have more tropes but honestly enjoyed them.

Tropes (a lot of them)
- hockey romance
- dyslexia rep
- Jewish rep (with a fantastic Jewish grandmother)
- second chance romance
- childhood friends to lovers
- a little bit of miscommunication

Trigger warnings
- parents with alcohol use

Mason's insecurities and immaturity did get to me a little bit and at times was distracting. The awkward moments wen they didn't think of each other's feelings / wants... I did find a little bit distracting and immature. It was interesting having Gemma's ex featured in the book. Mason doesn't put the pieces together for things that I think was a bit immature. But, I did enjoy the childhood crushes finally get their happily ever after. Gemma was definitely an FMC to root for and I did find myself rooting for Mason and his growth arc. I think he is a good man at heart that didn't always have the best people in his corner giving him the tools to be his best self. I enjoyed the story and following along with their romance.

Audio specific feedback - I enjoyed the dual narration. I thought the narrators were chosen well to give voice to these characters. I think the dual narration added a lot to experiencing the story. I am grateful I was granted access to this advanced audio copy of the book.

I will check out more books from this author!

I loved Writing Mr. Wrong. The premise of this story was pure perfection. The characters were lovable and their chemistry was top notch. I loved how the story unfolded and the ending was beautiful. This is my first book by Kelley Armstrong and it won’t be my last. My only issue is a personal one… Normally I’m not a huge fan of third person narration, but it wasn’t too bad in the book once you got used to it. I listened to the audiobook and both of the narrators did a wonderful job. 💖

I would like to thank Hachette Audio and NetGalley for giving me an ARC (which did not sway my opinions or review).

Thank you to NetGalley and @HachetteAudio for this ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Writing Mr. Wrong was such a fun, feel good listen. I’m love a good second-chance romance, and this one did not disappoint, with great chemistry, plenty of banter, and a nice dose of emotional depth. The duet style narration made it even better. Both narrators brought so much personality to Gemma and Mason, and their voices worked perfectly together. It felt super immersive and made the story fly by.

Gemma is a debut author who based her romance hero on her high school crush, Mason Moretti—a now pro hockey player with a bit of a bad-boy rep. She never expected the world to find out especially not during a surprise live TV reunion. Things get awkward fast, but when the moment goes viral, Mason suggests they fake date to ride the publicity wave. What starts off as a smart business move quickly turns into something much more real.

Their dynamic is fun, he’s cocky but charming, she’s guarded but relatable and the growth in both characters felt natural and well paced. I also loved the bookish angle and behind the scenes look at publishing mixed with the chaos of fame and internet drama.

If you’re into romance with humor, heart, and great audio performances, definitely check this one out. It’s light in all the right ways, but still leaves you smiling by the end.

4.25 Stars!

#NetGalley, #HachetteAudio, #WritingMrWrong, #KelleyArmstrong, #RomCom

I finished this audiobook yesterday and was pleasantly surprised. I'm not usually a fan of second-chance romance, but the author did a good job at showing how both characters had grown over the past twenty years. I am, however, confused at how neither of them were aware of the other's crush when they were younger, as from both of their perspectives, their own interest seemed blatantly obvious. I also don't understand how they didn't resolve their feelings in high school, because had they had talked for five minutes instead of one they would've been able to talk it out. I enjoyed the addition of Nonna and her no nonsense attitutde. This book also made me hungry. I think the author did a great job at showing how Mason had neglected to take responsibility for how his actions hurt others before, and learning and growing to change that and think of the consequences of his actions on others first. And I like that Gemma slowly got her confidence and her no nonsense attitude back. I'm also intrigued by the descriptions of her novels. 3.5/5 and already recommended it to my mom who loves romcom books!

Cute book with a typical happy ending. It was an easy read, a beach read. Based on the description from Netgalley, it was exactly what was promised.