Clever Girl

I loved this book. The story was fast paced and kept my interest. The characters were well developed and had the perfect amount of sass, snark, steam and humor.

This is the 3rd book of Driven Women series, it can be read as stand alone. My first in this series and this book is good. Gus and Mia know each ther for long time. Gus has feeling to her but he is in denial, ignore his feeling and think Mia just friend, deep down he feels not enough for her. Once Mia hear Gus said she just friend and not think more than that, its broke Mia heart make her leave without saying good bye. Years past Gus still thinking about Mia and recomend her to Harper team (Harper from Driven Women book 2, Boss Lady). Their reunion so sweet, Gus still in denial and Mia scare her hewrt broke again. With Gus mother meddling they have to share house for a while.

I love how Gus want to open up to Mia, his jealousy so sweet, and he taking care of Mia. I understand how confuse Mia is, not blame her to put distance between them. Shaw finally who push Gus to make a move, now i curious about Shaw story!

Thank you to NetGalley for provide this book, it is pleasure to review this book.

#CleverGirl #DrivenWomen #LaralynDoran #CaffeinatedPR # #ARCProvidedbyVictoryEditing #VictoryEditing #NetGalley #NetGalleyCoop #ARC

Quick Summary: A friends to lovers in the fast lane romance

My Review: Clever Girl by Laralyn Doran was a top-notch read. With likable characters, a great emotional arc, and realistic conflicts, it was a hit with this reader.

About the Book: After facing a betrayal of the very worst kind, Mia St. James needed a change. When a friend from her past name drops her to some very important people, unbeknownst to her, she's granted an opportunity that she cannot pass up. When she arrives at her new life destination, she is greeted by none other than August Quinlan.

Gus Quinlan was happy with the life he'd carved out for himself. He had his dream job. He was surrounded by people who loved him as is. Still, something within him was unsettled. Something was missing. After hearing about the situation his old friend found herself in, he knew he could help. The question was what did he want to get out of the situation he now found himself in?

What I Loved About This Story:

- I loved the friendships and family bonds that were represented in the lives of both Mia and Gus. The love, loyalty, and protective natures were evident.

- I loved the fact that Mia and Gus were able to reconcile their friendship, even after not having had closure from what happened in the past. (Time, growth, experience, and communication are critical with cherished friendships.)

- I loved that Mia and Gus, quite obviously, felt an attraction for each other. The slow burn heat between them was palpable.

- I loved being able to see the strength and yet the vulnerability in Gus. It made him more endearing. It showed that he was imperfect, even as he was genuinely a caretaker to the special women in his life.

- I loved that Mia was intelligent, skilled, and capable in her field. I appreciated that she did not need a man to prop her up. Also, I loved that she didn't back down from speaking up when needed.

- I loved Gus' mom. She had goals.

- I loved Shaw. He has to get his own story! He was... He stole my heart. I want to know about the one who got away.

- I loved all of the other couples.

The Scenes That Took My Breath Away: (Coded to avoid spoilers)

- The Sighting
- Car Love
- That First Kiss
- Daytona
- The Bachelorette Party
- Auntie's Gift Bags
- Wild Horses
- All of Me
- Books, Water & Memories
- The Asinine Mistake
- Fighting for Forever

My Final Say: This romance gets a hidden gem rating. It started a little choppy with a tell vs show approach, but the author quickly found a show not tell rhythm that allowed the story flow to smooth itself out. Readers should definitely give this book a chance.

Other: Although this story can be easily read as a standalone, it is actually the third installment in the Driven Women series.

Rating: 4.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Chemistry: 🌶🌶🌶
Status: 💎

I voluntarily read this title via NetGalley. The words I have shared are my own. Appreciation is extended to the author and to the publisher, who provided access to this work in exchange for an honest review.