When I first read Blindsided By You, one character that really stuck with me was Rachel. I loved her vibe and was secretly hoping she’d get her own story someday, so when I found out about this book, I could not have been more excited. I had no clue there was a connected series that focused on the band Stellar Riot, but once I realized that, I was even more eager to dive in.

I loved getting to know the band members and their partners. They all had such great personalities, and their dynamic made the story feel so alive. I honestly had a hard time putting this one down because I just wanted to hang out with these characters a little longer. The MMC completely won me over, but I liked the FMC too. This is a slight spoiler, but I was so proud of her for standing up for herself and finally taking control of her own story. It was such a satisfying moment to see her get that win.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. It was fun, heartfelt, and full of characters I want to spend more time with. I cannot wait to see what happens next for the Stellar Riot crew and in the Heartlands Rugby series. If the next books are anything like this one, I am definitely in for the ride.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

i want to come up with so many happy and cringe lines for this book. and puns i want to start spouting puns. but more than anything i just want to gush over this book. it was just joy.
Rachel instantly drew me in and i had protective friend vibes for her. instantly. she is such a star. i wanted her to win in her own story. i wanted her to get what she wanted and not feel like she needed to be controlled or stay small to make it through. and of course i wanted her to find love. a good love. or maybe even if she wanted just a short love. and in strolls in the drummer boy. hello. yes you charmed me. but we see you.
i wanted to hang out with the rest of the gang in this one too. usually we have side characters who come and go, or make up parts. but for me these definitely felt like we really were getting a whole group to get together. and you as a reader feel part of it or certainly want to be part of it. it had that found and chosen family vibes. and good people. just really good people.
i had all the angst you get from backing two people in a romance too. Rachel had her set of rules so she wouldn't get hurt. and Teddy was a one woman we all know the rules here and then leave em guy. but on "seeing" Rachel it changes for him. he starts to ponder on something different. but hes got a job to make Rachel believe in it, in him. what was a no strings and fab little fun moments for them both becomes something so much more for them both.
this book was gorgeous. from start to finish i just wanted to be part of it. i was invested in them all and cant wait to see if we get more from them in the future. its one of those books you think you might have favourites in this one. then if the author writes more from the group you very quickly fall for them all!

Rachel MacDonald just wants to survive her best friend’s Christmas wedding with her dignity intact. But when she’s paired with drummer Teddy Hargrove, her no-distractions policy is straight out of the window.

This was SO much fun! As soon as I saw the cover, I knew I wanted to read it (it's gorgeous!), and the blurb and tropes sealed the deal. The reverse age gap was executed perfectly - it’s there, but it’s not their big issue. I loved Rachel and empathised with her career obsession and her struggle to trust herself after past heartbreak. Her playfulness was such a great contrast to her serious work ethic.

And Teddy? I never realised how hot a freckled, ginger Cornish rockstar could be, but he was oh so delicious! Such a sweetheart, the way he fell for Rachel and wanted to take things slowly because he wanted this to be long-term. Swoon!

Despite being written by a new-to-me author from New Zealand, this felt incredibly lusciously English, from the daily horse rides and country house manor to name-dropping London locations and a little sojourn to the Cotswolds. In fact, the book ends in the (insignificant) next village over from where I grew up! It’s all terribly upper-crust British, from the girls in their designer outfits to the guys with their Range Rovers (Rachel even calls jodhpurs ‘jodhs’!). But everyone is so lovely, especially the band’s dynamic, and you can’t help rooting for Rachel and Teddy because he’s just delightful and they are adorable together.

I read this in the middle of October and didn’t even mind the out-of-season Christmas setting because I enjoyed it so much. Definitely a new favourite to add to my list!

Thanks to NetGalley, Grenwyvern Publishing and Caroline Corvin for the ARC. All thoughts are my honest opinion.

This book is such a fun mix of Christmas chaos and genuine connection. Rachel and Teddy have amazing chemistry from the start, even though they’re total opposites, she’s a no-nonsense lawyer, and he’s a charming drummer who’s used to getting his way. The holiday setting makes everything extra entertaining, with baking challenges, wedding drama, and just the right amount of heat. I loved how Corvin let both characters grow without losing their spark. It’s festive, flirty, and full of heart—perfect for anyone who loves a messy, merry romance.

*ARC READ*

5-stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was such a fun holiday read and exactly what I needed. I am now three books into Caroline Corvin’s world and I regret nothing. The Stellar Riot crew has my heart and apparently my Christmas spirit too.

Rachel and Teddy are a vibe. She is trying to keep her life neat and orderly. He is the drummer who shows up like a walking temptation with a grin that says trouble. Put them together at a holiday wedding and it is game over. The banter, the chemistry, the way they fall for each other when they are both pretending they are not falling. Loved all of it.

There are cozy Christmas moments, a little spice, some laugh out loud scenes, and the kind of romance that makes you want hot cocoa and fuzzy socks immediately. I flew through this one and smiled like a fool the whole time.

If you liked The Twelve Days of Christian, you are going to want this one right away. And if you have not read that one yet, please go fix your life. 😂