This is my kind of second chance romance. The way Essie and Nate start off with a bit of animosity made this book just that much sweeter. I loved their competitiveness! It helped create some truly hilarious and also some really steamy moments.

The importance put on mental health in this book was absolutely brilliant. Nate's struggles throughout felt so raw and real and made me love this slightly broken man even more. The way his family and friends were supportive without pressuring him was truly touching.

All the cameos made my heart sing and made me want to reread all their books! Especially Lavender and Kodiak. I will love them forever. There are two side characters that have been winning me over in the last couple of books... Dred and Connor. Their quite way of stepping in when needed, but never being pushy has me adoring these two.

Teddy Hamilton did a fantastic job with the narration of Nate. He really captured all of this grumpy characters ups and downs so well. Savannah Peachwood gave an wonderful and emotional performance as Essie, though I did find her narration a little bit slow paced at times.
Loved this book, loved these characters. can't wait for the next one.

✨ARC Review✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

If you are going on vacation and can’t decide what to take with you, take this one!

This book had me smiling, laughing, and completely hooked from start to finish! Nate and Essie’s had chemistry that I couldn’t get enough of. Their banter was addictive, their tension is perfection, and when it finally snaps… whew, one of the best “finally” moments I’ve read in a while. It was perfection.

Essie is sunshine in heels. She is obsessed with pink, fairytales, and being the world’s most organized maid of honor. She is exactly what you want in a MOH. Nate Stiles is all logic and order, broody as ever, and unfortunately - for Essie - , the best man. Oh—and the guy who ghosted her after one unforgettable kiss six years ago. Which is where their story started and ended just as fast.

Now forced together through wedding chaos, salsa lessons, and bachelorette planning, the friction between them turns into fire. And I don’t just mean the fighting ;). The slow-burn tension builds beautifully, and watching Nate open up hit me right in the heart. I felt bad for his story and hurt for him.

Essie’s spark is the perfect match for Nate’s intellect. She doesn’t just tolerate his passions—she’s genuinely fascinated. Their connection was pure magic. It was so endearing watching him realize someone finally cared about what he had to say. Didn’t fake enjoying hearing what he does for a living.

I adored their competitive streaks and the way they constantly challenged each other. Every time they bickered, I grinned. Their group of friends added the perfect fun energy to balance the emotional beats.

Thank you Helena Hunting for an eARC and ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

First off, THE AUDIO IS TOP TIER! Teddy Hamilton & Savannah Peachwood were perfect as Nate & Essie! They perform in duet style, & the banter, the emotions, the chemistry, they were just the best duo & made the reading experience even better! Highly recommend listening while reading!

I love me the grumpy sunshine trope, & if Nate & Essie aren't the epitome of that, I don't know what is! Nate after a bad breakup is so anti-love, he doesn't believe in it anymore & he has a very cynical outlook on love. Essie is the complete opposite! She loves love, & this has brought her heartbreak after heartbreak, but she still believes in it and wants that fairytale type love!

Now these two shared a moment 6 years prior to this present day, & neither have been able to forget it, but both have thoughts on what happened & why Nate ghosted. The animosity that is between them makes for some delish tension, & when it boils over, HOLD ONTO YOUR PANTIES! They have insane chemistry, & their FWB situation is sooo gooood!

Not going to give too much away, but their journey to their HEA is such a fun, but heartwrenching, ride. Their feelings become so much more than FWB, but it scares them both. Plus, Nate has some hang ups to work through for sure.

PS: Getting to see how all the Terror characters intertwine & all the extended connections always makes me so happy! Plus the wedding?! I bawled, okay?!

PSS: Nate's mother. EFFFFF HER! That is all.

I have a new favorite Helena Hunting book and these characters stole my heart. Nate sounds super hot physically, but I also found his work talk fascinating and his mind very intriguing. I enjoyed the chemistry between Nate and Essie and their banter is so much fun. It was also great to see characters from other books set in the Toronto Terror world again and catch up with them. The audiobook is just fantastic and Savannah Peachwood and Teddy Hamilton narrated this love story perfectly. You're definitely going to want to add this book to your TBR.

Essie and Nate are forced to work together as maid of honour and best man in Rix and Tristan’s upcoming weeding. Things between these two have been awkward ever since they shared a kiss six years ago. Although they grumbled about having to work with one another, it turns out they make a pretty great team. They also learn that their feeling aren’t in the past and that there might be something special between them. They just need to open up their hearts and trust each other.

Watching Nate, who has been hurt by those he loves in the past, fall hard for Essie was heartwarming. Essie, who embodies positivity, was a delight to read about. She loves pink, princesses, and wants her own happily ever after. Both she and Nate needed to be brave and be willing to give each other a chance. The book is full of sweet and vulnerable moments, but it’s balanced with lots of banter and amazing chemistry.

I Could Be Yours can be read as a standalone. It has connections to Helena’s Toronto Terror series (which I highly recommend!), and there were many cameo from those characters.

I listened to the ALC, a duet narration performed by Savannah Peachwood and Teddy Hamilton. Both did an incredible job and made the story come alive. Biggest thank you to Helena and the publisher for the ALC!

This audiobook was sooo good! If you’re a fan of grumpy x sunshine dynamics, second-chance romance, or just love a slow burn, Nate and Essie’s story will absolutely capture your heart. Essie is the ray of sunshine we all need, compassionate, loving, and full of optimism! On the other hand, Nate is grumpy, guarded, and just so afraid of love after a past full of heartbreak. Their chemistry is off the charts as they navigate a wedding together and struggle with their undeniable attraction and I was living for it! Their banter is playful, their emotions raw, and the tension is absolutely electric!!
Essie’s obsession with pink, princesses, and all things fairytale makes her such a fun and unique character! She’s unapologetically herself, and I loved how that part of her personality was celebrated instead of being downplayed. Nate, on the other hand, has a bit of a rough exterior. His emotional walls are high, but there’s something so captivating about his vulnerability. It’s impossible not to root for both of them as they grow and learn to open their hearts again!
Teddy Hamilton and Savannah Peachwood were soooo good together! Teddy’s deep, gruff voice perfectly suits Nate’s grumpy persona, while Savannah’s sweet, warm tone brings Essie to life with so much heart! The way they deliver the emotions, the tension, and the humor just makes the story come alive!

If you love enemies-to-lovers, weddings, found family, and lots of sparks flying between two very different characters, this one’s a must for you!

𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐫𝐞:
🏖️ Best Man/Maid of Honor
🏖️ Summer Holiday Romance
🏖️ Opposites Attract
🏖️ Second Chance
🏖️ Grumpy/Sunshine
🏖️ Hurt/Comfort

Nate & Essie❤️ One of my favorite couples that I didn’t even know I needed! I read & listened to this amazing book & loved everything about it. The narrators were wonderful & brought these characters to life!

I love the Toronto Terrors and their world so it was exciting to return to it for Tristan and Rix’s wedding festivities. If you haven’t read the Toronto Terrors series, I highly recommend reading that first, though I Could Be Yours can be read as a standalone.

Essie has disliked Nate ever since he kissed her and then ghosted her afterwards and they must figure out how to get along and plan wedding events together since Essie is the maid of honor and Nate is the best man.

They discover they still have sizzling chemistry, but Essie loves love while Nate doesn’t believe in it. They collide in an epic second chance romance love story that will make you laugh and cry. It’s packed with spicy goodness that will leave you wanting more.

Five stars. Amazing characters including favorites from other Helena’s other books. (Kodiak and Lav!) All the drama. Sweetness and spice. Heartache. Helena Hunting did not disappoint. (Does she ever? No. The answer is no.)

I read the e-book and listened to the audio book. The narrators were perfect for these characters! I loved listening to it.

Thanks to Helena Hunting and her team for the e-arc and NetGalley for the audiobook. All opinions are my own and freely give .

"Because the dark is always trying to consume the light."

If you're looking for the perfect summer read, the one that will have you laughing, swooning, and fanning yourself off, then this is it!


Essie and Nate totally consumed me, and I devoured their story. The chemistry between the two was off the charts, their banter was addictive, and this book was just downright fun. Helena Hunting is my romcom queen, and this book solidified her status. There are more laughs than I can count, so many sexy times, and a million smiles throughout. The close family vibes (both chosen and blood-related) were always there, and the emotional moments just made the story hit even harder.

Savannah Peachwood and Teddy Hamilton did an incredible job with the duet narration. The chemistry between them bled through to their characters and I absolutely loved it!

While this is a spin-off of sorts of the Toronto Terror series, it can be read as a standalone. As someone who admittedly has not read the last two Terror books yet, I was never confused, even with all the side characters, and had no issues following along with this story.

I'm so glad I decided to make this my summer read for book club this month. I get to now bully my friends into reading this and the rest of the Toronto Terror series (even though this is a standalone reading the rest definitely help). I love that I see myself a lot in Nate and Essie and that makes me love this story so much more. As someone who falls fast and hard and has been hurt and skeptical of love, both of their stories resonate hard. I could Be Yours is the best of Helena's works that I've read to date. The sex scenes were hot, the emotional ones made me cry, and the weird quirks made me laugh(the jellyfish anti-histimines scene was top tier).

I love that while the focus was on Trix and Tristan's wedding, we still get to see how stories unfold under the eyes of the main narrative.

Nate and Essie are the perfect example of opposites attract. Hunting wove an angsty will they wont they with the backdrop of a fabulous wedding of Tristan and Trix who we have met early and love. The relationship between all shine through. Nate and Essie had to be honest and open with each other to make it work; loved how well they supported one another.

I could barely contain my excitement when I found out I was getting a copy of this book. Undeniably my favorite one of Helena's so far!

This grumpy/sunshine romance just gave me all the possible feels I could want! I Could Be Yours was without a doubt more than I ever expected—it’s a slow-burn love story wrapped in unresolved feelings, banter-laced tension, and two hearts aching for a love they’re not sure they can ever have.
Essie is sunshine incarnate. And Nate? He’s grumpy & guarded and once had her heart… and yet never really let it go.

Every interaction between them feels like a tug-of-war between them. As best man and maid of honor, Nate and Essie circle each other in the chaos of pre-wedding festivities, the emotional stakes rising with every stolen glance and sharp-edged joke.

What made this story for me was just all the raw emotion & feelings pouring out of this book. Nate’s struggle with his emotional baggage was so raw and Essie’s quiet strength and unwavering presence—especially when he needs her most—absolutely broke me. My heart ached for them, in the best way.

This audio killed me! The dual narration from Teddy Hamilton and Savannah Peachwood was perfection! Their portrayals made my heart burst! They were such a great pairing! They just made me fall in love with this story even more. Teddy as Nate just had me blushing over and over again, and Savannah as sassy Essie ahh I can't even!

This book is a reminder that love isn’t always soft—it’s messy, complicated, and sometimes arrives when you least expect it. I swooned, I ached, and I tore through every chapter. If you’re craving a romance with heart, spice, and characters larger than life, I Could Be Yours will absolutely deliver.

Thanks to #netgalley and #helenahunting for letting me have a copy of this book. I couldn't have loved it more if I tried.....

4.5⭐ I'm so in love! This story checked so many of my boxes, and I love Nate and Essie! He's a geeky engineer with emotional wounds that won't stop bleeding. She's an organizer and helper, a romantic who loves fairy tales and always exudes sunshine, despite having her heart broken so many times, by guys who didn't deserve it in the the first place. They're both very competitive in everything. Game on!

They once had a moment 6 yrs prior, but after he panicked, he ghosted her. Since then, they've both wondered what could have been. Now they're forced to spend time together as Maid of Honor and Best Man to Rix and Tristan. Insults are thrown, their forced proximity proves to be too close for comfort, and the sparks fly! The banter is hilarious! The spicy scenes are explosive. The reason for him ghosting her and Ch27 will pull at your heart strings. Nate's black cloud keeps dimming Essie's sunshine. And he learns that just because he ignores his feelings, it doesn't mean they don't exist.

If you want a good snort laugh, get ready for Ch28 – the tux pants mixup is hilarious!

This is a summer standalone read. But if you've kept up with Helena's Toronto Terror and Tilton U series, you will already be familiar with all of the characters. I devoured this story, looking for updates because I've fallen in love with all of the characters! Even Hemi's daredevil brothers got a couple of scenes! If you haven't read these series, I totally recommend you do! And if you're wondering about the cucumber salad, you'll have to read If You hate Me for all the laugh out loud details.

In a surprise turn of events, Conner Grace becomes a hero in this story and I think he's the MMC in the next terror story! Gah! I'm on the edge of my seat because I'm so invested and want to know!

I also listened to the audiobook for this story and it made me fall further in love with Nate and Essie! It's done in duet narration and I am all for it! Savannah Peachwood and Teddy Hamilton were perfect choices for Essie and Nate. They had me on a roller coaster ride of emotions from the funny banter, the spicy scenes as well as the heartbreaking moments. I felt it all along with them!

Thank you Helena Hunting for this ARC and ALC. The above is my own and personal opinion.

4.5 STARS ⭐

I absolutely adored the audiobook. As always Teddy Hamilton is treat to listen to. He played the grumpy character perfectly. Savannah did a wonderful job portraying Essie.

Essie and Nate are complete opposites. He's a dark, rain cloud 🌧️ and she's all sunshine 🌞.

Nate has some emotional baggage that prevents him from giving himself fully to Essie. Essie is fiery and sassy. She wears her heart on sleeve but she too has some past trauma to overcome. I loved that she was attracted to Nate's nerdy side. These two had so much to overcome

I Could Be Yours was flirty, emotional, and packed the heat! 10/10 recommend the audiobook as well. Teddy Hamilton and Savannah Peachwood gave a great performance. Can't wait for what's in store for this series!

I Could Be Yours delivered everything I craved in a perfect summer romance! This masterful blend of Opposites Attract and Second Chance Romance, wrapped up in a Grumpy/Sunshine dynamic, had me hooked from the first page. The witty banter, heartwarming moments and steamy chemistry made for an irresistible read. I laughed, I swooned and I definitely felt the heat radiating off the pages. This story was full of fun, spice and emotional depth. This is an absolute must-read for romance lovers!

Nate Stiles and Essie Lovelock have a complicated, love/hate history. Years ago, he ghosted her after sharing the best kiss of their lives—something neither of them ever forgot. Now he’s the Best Man and she’s the Maid of Honor in his brother’s wedding to her best friend. Like it or not, they’re forced to confront their unresolved feelings and undeniable chemistry. Nate is a sexy grump with a heart of gold, shaped by past trauma that still lingers. At times my heart just broke for him, but I really loved how his family and friends always supported him when things got tough. The mental health rep in this book was so well done. It was raw, real, and totally relatable. Essie is a hopeless romantic who loves fairy tales, but has grown tired of being judged for her looks and her idealism so she too is fighting her own insecurities and personal challenges. Although she didn’t expect it, Nate sees beyond the surface of her beauty and recognizes Essie as the talented, intelligent woman she truly is.

This was a fantastic romance with characters you’ll absolutely fall for and leave you wanting more. There’s plenty of hot, steamy spice and I loved the banter between the main couple and their friends. While it’s a standalone, it’s firmly set in the Toronto Terror and Pucked worlds. If you’re a Helena Hunting fan, you’ll love all the character crossovers and fun Easter eggs sprinkled throughout. This was a 5 star read and one I couldn’t put down.

ALC Review

I love when an audiobook makes a good book even better and I know that’s because of ridiculously talented narrators like Teddy Hamilton and Savannah Peachwood. They brought so much life and depth to Nate and Essie that I was hanging on every word. The banter between the characters crackled with undeniable tension and their journey from annoyance to lovers was an absolute joy to experience. Teddy portrayed Nate’s past trauma with such care and realism—it really touched something deep in me and made Nate incredibly relatable. He also nailed the grumpy/sunshine dynamic with Nate, making him completely swoon worthy. Likewise, Savannah was fantastic as Essie, delivering her sass and sweetness with perfect balance. Essie’s wit, strength and heart came through so clearly that I walked away with an even deeper understanding of who she was as a person. Altogether, the performances were outstanding. I can’t recommend this audiobook highly enough.

Smart Banter, Emotional Depth, and a Slow Burn Romance—Flawlessly Narrated from Start to Finish

📚 Book Review (Story: 4.5⭐ Spice: 2.5🌶️)

I've been devouring Helena Hunting's books since forever, and I Could Be Yours reminds me exactly why I never hesitate to grab her new releases. This swoony, slow-burn rom-com gives us all the sunshine vs. stormcloud vibes with Essie and Nate, who get thrown together as maid of honor and best man at their friends' wedding. Their opposites-attract romance has it all. And I particularly loved the sharp banter that quickly turned into the kind of emotional, soul-deep connection that makes you believe in second chances. Hunting’s ability to make my heart squeeze after more than a decade is why I continue to come back time after time.

Essie is pure charm and glittery optimism, chasing the fairytale. She’s the kind of character who'd probably have a glitter phone case and believe in wishing on stars. She's unapologetically holding onto her romantic dreams despite numerous disappointments.

Nate, on the other hand, is the emotionally guarded type. A hot engineer who hides behind sarcasm, spreadsheets, and a pretty heartbreaking backstory. Their chemistry is off the charts. And their emotional growth? Ohhh, so earned, layered, and deeply satisfying.

One of the things I’ve always loved about Hunting’s writing is how effortlessly she balances humor, vulnerability, and heart. Her stories don’t shy away from laugh-out-loud moments or a well-placed left cross to the feels… Her prose is sharp, smart, and so emotionally intuitive. She lets her characters unravel in a way that feels honest, giving them room to stumble, self-sabotage, grow, and ultimately find healing. They're real in a way that not all authors can create. Add in some fantastic cameos from the Toronto Terrors crew, and this one had me smiling through the angst. Fair warning: while this isn't the steamiest book on your shelf, the emotional connection hits deep and the emotional intimacy more than delivers.

🎧 Audiobook Review (Performance: 5 ⭐)

Savannah Peachwood and Teddy Hamilton brought I Could Be Yours to life in the best way. Without a doubt, they were perfect choices for these roles. Their duet-style narration made it effortless to stay immersed in both POVs, and their voices felt perfectly matched to these characters. Savannah gives Essie all the sparkle, sass, and soul she deserves—effortlessly moving between humor and heartbreak. Her delivery made Essie feel bright but grounded, and I believed every word.

Teddy Hamilton absolutely nails Nate's whole vibe. He captured Nate’s quiet brooding and buried tenderness with so much subtle emotion. The way his voice softened in vulnerable scenes added depth to Nate’s internal struggle, and his natural cadence made even the silences feel heavy with meaning. Together, they absolutely nailed the banter, the buildup, and those quiet, emotionally charged pauses that hit in all the right ways.

Even when the story slowed a little, the narration never lost me. Their chemistry made every scene feel fully lived in, adding texture and tone that enhanced the entire experience. It wasn’t just well-performed. I felt it. If you’re an audiobook lover, this is the kind of emotional performance that makes a great story even better.

Overall Rating: 5⭐
Performance: 5⭐
Story: 4.5⭐
Spice: 2.5🌶️


Genre:
🖤 Contemporary RomCom

Tropes:
🖤Sports Romance
🖤Best Man/Maid-of-Honor
🖤Holiday Romance
🖤Opposites Attract
🖤Grumpy/Sunshine
🖤Annoyance to Love
🖤Second Chance Romance
🖤Hurt/comfort
🖤Competition
🖤Tortured Hero
🖤She's Pierced

Audio Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
Story Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
Spice Meter: 3/5 🌶

This opposites-attract vacation romance strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and steam, with characters who charm their way into your hearts from the very first page!

I Could Be Yours is narrated in duet style by Savannah Peachwood and Teddy Hamilton. The audio performance was engaging, and the narrators voices complimented each other nicely, both perfectly suited to their characters.

Essie and Nate's chemistry was undeniable. From their banter to their steamy encounters, to their more tender moments, I felt their connection deepen.
And as much as I loved the growing relationship between the two main characters and watching them fall for each other, I equally loved the interactions within their group of friends! Hunting really knows how to write supportive, playful, strong friendships.

All in all, the story is entertaining and offers the perfect escape for anyone in the mood for something sexy and fun!
Check it out if you enjoy a grumpy/sunshine, second chance summer romance.



______
*Complimentary ALC and ARC provided by the author. All opinions expressed here are honest and entirely my own.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Tropes:
Grumpy/Sunshine
Second Chance
Opposites Attract
Vacation Romance
Best Man/Maid of Honor
Summer Romance

This book might not officially be part of the Terror series, but it sure hit all the right notes for me! I absolutely adored If You Hate Me, so getting a peek into Rix and Tristan’s wedding through the inevitable love story of their best man and maid of honors was an absolute treat.

I’m a sucker for an MMC who's sweet, brainy, and just a tiny bit broken and Nate the smartypants engineer was refreshingly unique and charmingly irresistible. And then there’s Essie, the girly girl makeup artist who brings her own surprises to the table. Together, their dynamic was playful, endearing, and wonderfully fun with all the best chemistry.

Of course last but not least, we can’t skip the spice because Helena never disappoints. Seriously, she hits that perfect balance every single time, and this one was delicious, complete with sciency dirty talk and I loved it!

🎧 Teddy and Savannah have talent in spades and are two of my absolute favorites. The emotional depth of their performance was beautifully executed, the comedic timing was spot on, and the banter was endlessly entertaining. They really sprinkled in an extra bit of charm that turned a great story into something truly special with heart, delicious heat, and charming personality and I loved it.

🖤 Best Man X Maid of Honor
🖤 Grumpy X Sunshine
🖤 Second Chance
🖤 Opposites Attract
🖤 Summer Holiday Romance
🖤 Hurt X Comfort

Helena does it again with another great love story and this time it's not about hockey… ok maybe it is but the MMC is the brother of a hockey player and he is a hot nerd who loves spreadsheets just as much as the FMC who is besties with his soon to be sister in law. We are introduced to Essie and Nate in the Toronto Series.

Nate and Essie’s love story starts off with an angsty vibe since Nate ghosted her after a passionate kiss six years ago and when they are in a forced proximity setting they are definitely enemies. Now that Essie is Rix’s maid of honor and Nate is Tristan’s best man, they have to play nice so the wedding is perfect. As they work together to pull off the wedding of the century, they give into their attraction and go from enemies to friends with benefits. However, they start to realize that they have way more in common and can no longer fight their feelings. Their chemistry is intense and they both start to fall for each other. Of course they will have their HEA but not until they go through an emotional break as Nate needs to work out some issues. Meanwhile, Essie puts herself first and demands what she deserves.

I love how Helena intertwined characters from other series and the characters are all a found family. Especially bringing Lavender, one of my favorite characters, into this friend group.

🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
Teddy Hamilton and Savannah Peachwood do an amazing job bringing the characters' personalities to life. Teddy’s take on Nate’s broody and angsty vibe was perfect and you definitely feel his heartache as he works through his emotional breakdown. Savannah embodies Essie’s character with so much emotion. This story is beautiful and the performance these narrators gave was perfect.

I Could Be Yours

I Could Be Yours is the story of Nate and Essie! I could not get enough of these characters ❤️ Nate and Essie captured me from the first page! I always wondered what happened between Nate and Essie that caused them so much tension.

I love all of the dynamics between all of the characters in this series! I cannot get enough of all of the crossovers from other series too 🤩

I absolutely adore the friendship between Essie and Rix ❤️ Every time I read a scene with them I wish I had a best friend like them. Essie and Rix are 100% #FriendshipGoals ❤️

I was incredibly lucky to get both an ARC and ALC of I Could Be Yours! Teddy Hamilton and Savannah Peachwood did a phenomenal job of voicing the characters 🤩 I absolutely love that the audio is in duet! If you are an audiobook lover, you have to listen to I Could Be Yours 🎧

I am counting down the days until the next Terror Book is released 📚❤️