Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the alc.
I read it as an audiobook and i really enjoyed the duet narration.

Sadly this book just wasn't for me. The setup was very interesting and i was hooked for the first 30% of the book. But then i failed to connect with the two main characters. Their conversations felt like two teenegers bickering, even though they were 36 year old adults. i also didn't really buy their chemistry.

On the upside, I liked the author's writing style and the book was easy to read. I will probably pick up the next book she writes.

This story was great on audio! I loved the duet narrators and the added production effects. There was some good reflective moments with both characters, and the story was funny in both concept and execution. The only downside was that there were some moments that felt rushed through where I wanted to linger or have more explanation.

Thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for this ARC!

This book was so much fun! Romance writer Gemma needs a bad boy for her latest fictional hero—who’s better inspiration than the guy who humiliated her in high school and is now a hockey superstar, Mason. Only no one was supposed to put that together. But, Gemma gets ambushed on live TV and now everyone knows….

Mason knows he messed up with Gemma back in the day and wants to make amends. He also needs to clean up his image and seem like a nicer guy. So he suggests they spend some time in public, maybe some fake dating to help her sell books and help him get back in hockey’s good graces.

This book was super cute and a lot of fun. I loved the feelings that grew between them, and the way their characters grew as well. Both carry some baggage and help each other get rid of some of it, grow closer, and begin patching up what they had all those years ago. They spoke so honestly to each other and when issues arose, they dealt with them instead of allowing miscommunications to happen, and they really put in the work. Yay!

The duet narration was fantastic—loved them both and the way they brought Gemma, Mason, and the story to life.

I was fortunate enough to receive an ALC of this book from Hachette Audio. It is narrated by Patricia Santomasso; Sean Patrick Hopkins. Thank you so much! The narrators did a fantastic job bringing Gemma and Mason to life. I thoroughly enjoyed the duet narration of this book.

Gemma is a college professor who took a sabbatical to release her first romance book. Her main character happens to resemble a famous hockey player named Mason. Their reunion is less than favourable for her, but much to his delight as she is pretty much The One Who Got Away. This story is adorable, Mason is a man a lot of women are looking for in their lives (because he’s a man who listens!), and Gemma is a fierce woman I’d like to be.

WOW!!!

I mean I loved the story! The story was so compelling and romantic. I mean truly a 5-star read through and through. I fell in love with both of them and their love! The writing was clear and had a lot of character. Truly, Truly, Truly I loved it.

The audiobook was fantastic. I loved how clear the audio was, how articulate both of the narrators were even as I read it at 2x speed. I really love when audiobooks take the book to another immersive level. I loved the almost theatrical element of the audiobook because of the two narrators saying their "lines" back and forth. I think it really brought in a level of chemistry and authenticity to the story. I fully enjoyed this book, and the audiobook elevated this book to one of my favorites!

Thank you NetGalley and Kelley Armstrong for the Audiobook ARC.

A lighthearted, predictable romance for in-between heavier reads.

The dual narration was great and made the book easy to listen to.
The story started strong and kept me intrigued, but it started to fall off for me the more we got to know the main characters. The male lead, in particular, was frustrating, which I understand was kind of the point, but it ended up annoying me after a while.

The ending wrapped up very quickly compared to the rest of the book. The male character's change felt very sudden, and I just wish it had been more nuanced and developed throughout the story to make it feel more impactful and believable.

I also wish he had gone to therapy instead of making it the female protagonist’s problem. Especially since the therapist was mentioned so often, I honestly thought that was going to be a point in the story.

This was overall a cute book. The narration was good. The pacing felt a little off, though. It seemed like the second half dragged a little bit due to the timing of the conflict.

Overall was a good listen. The characters were pleasant and appreciated how the characters communicated.

I received the audio ARC, thank you NetGalley.

5⭐️

I have been a huge fan of Kelley Armstrong for a very long time, so when I saw this audio book for a new romance book I jumped on the opportunity!

The story was really cute and engaging. It follows Gemma, a debut romance author trying to write in a way to please others - even if she’d rather write cute romances instead of ones where the love interest is a bad boy that couldn’t care less about the mc. To help her though with writing this kind of character, Gemma goes into her past experiences with Maison Moretti as the perfect prototype.
Which leads us to our MMC - Maison Moretti, pro hockey player. He knows the character is based on him, but has no idea to what extent.
When they reconnect at an interview for Gemma’s book, Maison proposes fake dating as a way to promote her book (and help salvage his hockey persona).
This all leads to chaos and tension - you do not want to miss it!

This book was so well written, and both narrators did an excellent job! The stay grabbed you from the start and kept you hooked.

I enjoyed this book. I don’t usually enjoy second chance romance but I feel like this story does it right. Both characters are enjoyable and I liked how both characters are focused on growing and improving themselves

Thank you #netgalley

Writing Mr. Wrong is the perfect easygoing summer read. Right from the start, the witty protagonist—a romance novelist-in-training who can’t seem to escape romantic disasters—draws you in with her relatable, humorous voice. The plot is classic rom-com, but executed with fresh energy and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments as the heroine bumbles through awkward encounters. The supporting cast adds warmth, and the charming love interest makes their chemistry feel real.

While the story’s direction is familiar, the lively prose and sparkling dialogue keep you hooked. Even predictable twists are enjoyable, thanks to the endearing characters. Writing Mr. Wrong is ideal for lazy days or when you need a cheerful escape—lighthearted, well-crafted, and full of heart. It’s the kind of book that feels like a warm hug.

I am absolutely enamored by this book. Gemma just published her first book after surviving a difficult divorce. Mason Moretti had had a presence in hey life since kindergarten. Life goes of the rails as it does, in a heartwarming story of redemption and reconnection they both have an opportunity to live their best lives together.. Both narrators we're new to me. I enjoyed then very much.

I loved this book so much. I couldn't stop reading. I finished it in one listen at 1:30 in the morning. It was so good. OBSESSED. I loved Finding Mr Write by the same author so I was excited to see this standalone. Getting to see those characters briefly in this made me happy. The audiobook was fantastic narration. Zero complaints about any of it. This book felt like a love letter to romance book lovers.

A fun second chance romance that included dual POV and dual narration. Gemma & Mason knew each other in high school but when their meet cute goes viral the pair are thrust back together in this silly rom com.

For me I wanted a little more history between Gemma & Mason to form an emotional connection with them as I was reading. I just found that part lacking a bit. However I found both of them to be really relatable and honest about that time in life as you get ready for the next chapter in your 30s.

really wanted to love this one. The premise had so much potential! A second chance hockey romance between a debut romance author and her high school crush-turned-professional athlete? Fake dating, a public reunion gone viral, and a redemption arc? It sounded like exactly my kind of book.

Unfortunately, Writing Mr. Wrong didn’t quite come together for me. The story follows Gemma, a romance writer who loosely bases her book’s hero on Mason, the guy who once broke her heart. When her inspiration is revealed during a surprise morning show segment, the clip goes viral. Mason, now a pro hockey player looking to rehab his image, suggests they fake date to boost her book sales and his brand. But as they spend more time together, real feelings begin to resurface.

I struggled to get into the story and never fully believed in the characters' connection. Both Gemma and Mason are supposed to be 36, but their central conflict hinges on a high school makeout and a rejection that still haunts them two decades later… which felt hard to believe and underdeveloped. I really wanted more depth and chemistry between the leads. Even the spice fell flat for me. Overall, the story felt undercooked across the board.

The one bright spot was the duet audiobook. The narrators were engaging and brought the characters to life well. My main issues were with the plot itself.

Thank you to Hachette Audio, Forever Publishing, and NetGalley for the early copies.

Not a run-of-the-mill hockey romance. This is a second chance for a fleeting first chance. The MMC is flawed, damaged and somewhat immature (his carelessness) but is still a lovable character. The FMC, a divorcee author, is finding her own place in the world, working toward achieving the plans and goals she’d set in high school. Their romantic path is a rocky one but the actions that move this story along are excellent, as are the secondary characters. The MCs’ vulnerabilities are treated with respect and insight as they grow into better versions of themselves. A believable romance, a breath of fresh air in the world of hockey romances.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of the audiobook; the dual POV narrators did an excellent job.

Rating:4/5

Gemma is a college professor who has published her first book after being prompted to write the MMC to NOT be a nice guy (her usual type). She decides to model her MMC after an ex, who Gemma believes is the biggest jerk, Mason. Mason is an arrogant NHL defender who kissed Gemma back in the day and told all of his friends it was for a dare. Big jerk.
Fast forward to a tv interview about Gemma’s new book — the tv host brings on both Gemma and Mason for an interview about the new book and drops the metaphorical bomb to reveal the MMC is based on Mason (even the cover looks like him!).
Gemma is completely embarrassed after the interview, but, luckily, the public was EATING IT UP! Everyone was shipping the two to be a couple!
They decide to spend time together and spend a “romantic vacation” away as part of a PR stunt to promote the book and Mason’s hockey career. This vacation gives them the opportunity to reconnect and go over what happened back in the day. One thing leads to another….


This was a super cute sports romance with second chances and forced proximity. It was dual perspective, which I really enjoy, especially in audiobooks. The narrators were great, as well. I would definitely recommend this for any hockey romance lovers.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC audiobook!

A romance writer and a hockey player that dated in high school and is now fake dating..this is right up my alley.

I love their rediscovery of each other as adults and seeing them in the past as well. Mason was so thoughtful and their relationship growth was so fun to read.

I enjoyed both of their personal growth journey as well.

The narration by Patricia Santomasso; Sean Patrick Hopkins were perfect. Both are new to me narrators and they brought the banter to life.

Thank you @readforeverpub @hacetteaudio for a copy of this book.

Writing Mr. Wrong is a standalone story by Kelley Armstrong. Gemma Stanton was editor of her high school newspaper and valedictorian of her class. She then earned her degrees in English, completing her PhD, and teaches at the college. Since her divorce, Gemma has taken leave from her job to pursue fulfilling her dream to write a romance book, which is just now being released.

In need of a model of an alpha male character, Gemma reflects on classmate Mason Moretti. Mason was the school hockey star she had actually known since kindergarten. Encounters Gemma had with Mason during their senior year fuels her character development of Laird Argyle. From her physical description of the laird the cover artists have come up with a picture of someone who looks remarkably like Mason, now an enforcer for the Vancouver Growlers hockey team. When their fellow classmate Ashley, who now hosts the most popular morning show in Vancouver, invites Gemma to the show the morning of the book release, she surprises Gemma and introduces Mason as the character’s model. Gemma handles herself well, but is anxious to get away from this embarrassing situation. Her biggest lesson learned is that Ashley never outgrew her high school mean girl persona.

Mason contacts Gemma to propose a PR plan to help promote her book by having them seen publicly a few times. What Mason doesn’t tell her is that his reputation could use a boost as well after his failure to protect the new young player on the team resulting in the new player’s hospitalization. Their first outing is a disaster between the cold, the rain, and the troublesome fans, especially the one that takes a swing at Mason. After Mason tries to drown his sorrows Gemma manages to get him home but is fearful of leaving the passed out Mason.

Luckily, their later encounters aren’t quite so dramatic. As Mason and Gemma spend more time together and learn about one another, Gemma might just discover that perhaps the character she patterned after Mason was the wrong character after all.

This is such a fun read. Told with heart and humor, these delightful characters come to life and take you along for the ride. I did enjoy this book and I do recommend it!

Cuuuuuute romance. I really enjoyed the dynamic between the leads. Very sweet second chance romance. FMC is a romance author and MMC is a hockey player. The audiobook narrators also did a great job bringing the story to life. I really enjoyed it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the Audiobook ARC!

Mason and Gemma have a history that continues to haunt them as they meet again as adults.

Steady flow of the story without slumps. Realistic conflict (internal and external). This was a fun read, a light, feel-good story!

Audio: the narrators did a great job and it was well produced! Smooth flow, great vocal inflection and overall voice acting. It felt natural and they brought the story to life!