Taming You

Destined Love #4

by Alex Taylor

Zoey:

I never planned to move backwards, but now I’m without a job and moving into my older brother's house.

When I find a baby on my best friend's brother's doorstep, I decide to help him as he navigates this new stage as my own personal escape. I tell my relationship loving heart he’s off limits and I need to stay away, Matthew Carter doesn’t do relationships. But when his jealous side comes out to play, I wonder if maybe the life long playboy is ready to change his ways.

Matt:

A baby was not in my plans for the year, but I’m left reeling when the baby I never knew about is left on my doorstep.

I have no idea what I’m doing when it comes to raising a baby. Thankfully, my little sister's best friend becomes my saving grace. The more time my son and I spend with Zoey Williams, the more I question why I ever did the no strings attached flings. Why I never saw the perfect woman right in front of me.

Can I convince her I’m a chance worth taking?

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Found Family, Romance, Hockey, Hockey Romance, Contemporary Romance, Sports

278 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 20, 2025

About the author

Living in the Vancouver area of British Columbia with her husband, Alex enjoys spending her free time reading, watching Hockey (go Canucks), watching Disney movies and crime TV shows, and spending time outdoors. She started writing in 2023 when her first story just wouldn't leave her mind. From there, the ideas of a series formed and she's never looked back.

She enjoys talking to other authors and romance lovers. Her TBR is never-ending, but that doesn't stop her from adding at least one new book every day. Alex looks forward to experiencing more in the indie author community and can't wait to share her books with the world.

Reviews

[Lauren McGuirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so cute from the moment it started! I mean who DOESNT love a single dad!?

I loved the friendship turned tension between Matt and Zoey. Zoey really jumped in, no questions asked, to help parent Jayden and love him unconditionally which is so beautiful. Parenting is a wild ride (I love my kids but let’s be real, it can be a bitch) and to do it by yourself is harder than hard.

I’m a sucker for tension and this was a great slow burn. The transition from friends into more was done so well and organically! If you’re a fan of friends to lovers you would love this!

[Molly (hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got bored pretty quickly and the characters weren't great.

[Isabella Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️ARC REVIEW⭐️

“𝕀’𝕞 𝕒𝕝𝕝 𝕚𝕟 ℤ𝕠. 𝕀’𝕞 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕙𝕠𝕝𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕒𝕟𝕪𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕓𝕒𝕔𝕜.”

This was a really quick and super sweet read. I’ve never read a “baby left on the porch” trope, but it was definitely a fun twist on all the single dad romances I’ve been reading lately 💙

Zoey , a new lawyer, is crashing at her best friends brothers house (Matt) after a night out partying. And she sobers up VERY QUICKLY when she finds a baby sitting on his porch.

Matt, notorious hockey playboy, has become an insta dad thanks to a hookup who leaves their baby on his porch one night. And thankfully, Zoey is there to help in any way she can.

Now…while you CAN read this book as a stand alone, it does help if you’ve read at the very least book one in the Destined Love series. It gives a lot of back story on Zoey and Matt (Matt is Livs sister and the first book is Liv and Josh’s book), like how Zoey lived with Matt and Liv as they grew up. And how Matt and Liv got closer as friends once Liv got her happy ending.

Matt has always had a thing for Zoey, but never made a move because she was his sisters best friend. And Zoey has ALWAYS been head over heels for Matt but felt she was out of his league. Matts baby, Jayden, brings them closer as they both raise the little guy together…Zoey falling into the motherhood role seamlessly.

As they spend more and more time together , they begin to reveal their true feelings for each other and things get SPICY! Matt is HOT and has a mouth that will make you blush. And who doesn’t love a woman who can make a man crawl for her 😍😍

All in all, a very sweet and cute single dad story. I’m looking forward to reading more in the series 💙

🏒Hockey Romance
🍼Single Dad
🏒Reformed Playboy
🍼Friends to Lovers
🏒She Falls First, He Falls Harder
🍼Found Family
🏒Secret Baby
🍼Best Friends Brother
🏒Slow Burn
🍼Childhood Nickname
🏒Golden Retriever/Golden Retriever
🍼She Takes Control

[Catarina Águas · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review

I loved this book. I have to say, I think it was my favorite of the series so far (I'm pretty sure we'll get more and I'm praying for it).
Matt was such a hottie, so damn attractive inside and out. He was an amazing father and a fantastic friend. From the moment he decided he wanted Zoey, it was it for him.
Zoey was a sweetheart. She had liked Matt for some time but didn't think she had any chance with him. Lo and behold, she couldn't be more wrong. She loved him and that little boy something fierce.
They were perfect, a family in every way that counts

[Liz | Bookslizreads90 · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
Releases 3/20

First of all, I'm so upset with myself for waiting to start this series. I've seen reviews on my bestie @oliviarc_reads 's page and just kept putting it off. I won this ARC in a giveaway on her page. I'm so happy I did! I really thought I was in a funk. It had been a while since something had hit that 5 star mark, until I read this 🤭👏. I was sucked into this story from the first chapter, when Matt has a baby dropped off on his doorstep! I mean, what a way to suck you in? Matt takes on being a single Dad so well, and I loved Zoey and how she steps up to help with Jayden. I enjoyed the dynamic between Zoey and Matt through this whole book. The slow burn and build-up that we get between them is so good! 🔥 And once we got there, the spice was amazing! I absolutely adored this book! 10/10! I definitely recommend it. I can't wait to go back and read the other books in this series!

Thank you to Alex Taylor for the ARC copy of this book! And thank you to Olivia for hosting the giveaway that I won it from!

[Yas Yarnall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow wow wow, this book has definitely took me out of a slump. I loved every minute of this book. Zoey and Matt are part of my heart now, loved reading their journey from friends to lovers. The whole storyline was so cute, warm and touching. I can’t wait to read this series again back to back. ALEX TAYLOR IS SUCH AN UNDERRATED AUTHOR. How is she not popular like the rest of the romance writers?

You must read this series asap. I have nothing bad to say about this book. The whole friendship group in the books are my besties too.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was sweet!! a quick and easy read! i love a good baby on doorstep book, and alex did it well! i liked she kind of just jumped right into everything; matt (and zoey) stepped right up and loved jayden so much

i really loved the domesticity of it all too! before becoming a couple, matt & zoey were basically coparenting jayden and they both settled into their roles quickly. zoey especially was there to help out no matter what. it was special to see zoey & matt go from friends to parents to partners <3

thank you love notes pr for the arc!!

[Alyssa Medeguari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a quick sweet story! Seeing the friendship that is between Matt and Zoey grow into more was so cute. I loved Zoey and how she just jumps in with Jayden from the beginning. She isn't phased at all by all that comes with taking care of little ones. I also really enjoyed Zoey's brothers, her best friends, and all of the found family. I am excited to go back and read the others in this series.

Thank you Luna Literary Management and Alex for an ARC! I'm such a sucker for the found family trope and you did awesome with it here!

[serysbookspace · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC REVIEW✨

Happy Release Day!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️

🩵Taming You
✨by Alex Taylor
🩵Available NOW!

🩵I absolutely loved how this story started off with a KICK as the opening scene was just the most out of the box thing that neither of our MCs were expecting! 🤭

🍼Matt gets the surprise of his life when all of a sudden, a beautiful baby boy shows up on his doorstep totally alone, in a car seat, with some papers that explains the situation. My heart aches just to even think about someone abandoning a sweet baby. 😭

🩵Matt’s friend, Zoe, is the one who opened the door to such a surprise as she was over at his place at the time! Watching these two discover what was going on together was such a wild ride!

🍼Turns out, baby Jayden is a result from one of Matt’s wild nights in the past and he is now left with a new baby, a load of responsibility and trying to figure out what to do next!

🩵 Matt and Zoe’s relationship is truly special and I loved watching them together!! I was laughing out loud and kicking my feet with these two. If you love a spicy friends to lovers, single dad and secret baby trope… this one is for you! 🤭

🍼My new favorite in the Destined Love series!! Thank you so much to Alex Taylor for gifting me with this ARC for my honest review! 🫶🏻

[Sydney B · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝘗𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘳𝘦𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”

5/⭐️
2/🌶️

I was not prepared for how much I was going to fall in love with Matt and Zoey!! They are unlike anything I thought they’d be after the first few books in this series. They might be my new favorite couple of the series 🤭

Matt is the definition of DOWN BAD. This man was down bad before he even realized it. He was so precious, I’m pretty sure I’ve used the word to describe him about 72847 times now. I just adore him! 🥹 The way he stepped up when he was left with a baby. The way he cares for Zoey and shows her how much he loves and listens to her.

Zoey is SO freaking relatable. Wow. Her unsure of her future, but not wanting to let others down.. FELT. I loved how she came out of her shell, and felt so safe and secure with Matt. Also, the way she calls him Matthew 🫠 These two were everything! Matt going from being a playboy to crawling on his knees for Zoey?? Gimme moree 🥵

I loved being back with everyone!! Seeing where the other couples are and what’s going on in their lives 🥹 and everyone looking at house listings in the same neighborhood? 😭 I LOVE THEM ALL.

🍼 Surprise Baby
🩵 Reformed Playboy
🍼 Friends to Lovers
🩵 Best Friend’s Brother
🍼 She Falls First, He Falls Harder
🩵 Hockey Romance
🍼 Found Family

[Alisha Otoole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok this is such a cute friends to lovers romance!!!! Once I saw the surprise baby trope I knew it was going to be so fun and I was not disappointed.

Matt and Zoey have been friends for years and both had feelings they didn’t act on since Matt was Zoey’s best friend’s brother. That is until a surprise baby shows up on Matt’s door step. Zoey steps in and helps Matt with the transition and I loved how sweet their connection was. Matt was DOWN bad for Zoey from the beginning and I love a man who falls HARD. The man knew what he wanted, and was willing to wait to get it. When he asked her on a date all shy I was KICKING MY FEET like a little girl.

The found family in this series is one of my favourites. I love how connected the friend group is and how we get glimpses of the previous characters. It honestly feels like a warm cup of tea reading these scenes and it makes me wish I had a group of friends this tight knit.

If you’re into sweet and swoony romances with some spice, this is for you!

Surprise baby
Friends to lovers
Reformed playboy
Best friends brother
She falls first, he falls harder
Found family

[Jessica Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

After finishing Taming You, I’m kicking myself for not reading any of the other books in this series. To say the least, I loved this book. I loved Zoey and Matt and the friendship to lovers relationship they had in the story. Also the whole single dad and best friend’s brother thing Matt had going on?? I was a goner immediately. I loved seeing Zoey making a life for herself despite the childhood she had and seeing the bonds between her five brothers and herself. Zoey really tamed Matt in a way that he saw there was more to life than the life he was leading before waking up to a baby at his doorstep. Such a cute love story!

[Kay Burrows · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5


This was a cute and sweet friends to lovers romance featuring a best friend’s brother trope.

Matt and Zoey made a really cute couple and I loved how quickly Zoey fell in love and built an attachment with Jayden.

Unfortunately I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I had hoped. Personally, I struggled with it as I had just finished reading a book with the a very similar storyline which made it harder for me to be interested in this one.

Overall this was a great easy read. I’m really enjoying this series by Alex Taylor and I’ll definitely be continuing to read it.

Thank you to Love Notes PR and Alex Taylor for the opportunity to read and review and arc of Taming You.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Im not usually into the friends to lover tropes, but it was done, so well in taming you. I love how even though there were a few bumps on the road, the transition from friends to more than friends was so organic between Matt and Zoey. And I loved how supportive all the siblings were. I am a sucker for brothers' best friend and best friends brother tropes, so that could be another bonus. Once I got halfway, it just felt like the book ended so fast!

[❅ Karen ❅ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here you follow Matt, who finds himself in an instant-dad situation, and his sister's best friend, Zoey, who is a newly graduated lawyer.
I've of the first thoughts I had was "How are they not already together?" 🤣 But then the pieces start to click. But the moment you start to see them bond, it's the cutest thing. And Jayden is precious. Any scene with him, it was as if I was there.


🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a single dad book especially when he just finds out about the kid and steps up but add in that it's his sister's best friend. So good! Matt and Zoey had great chemistry. Their found family of friends is so much fun and supportive. I loved how Zoey and Matt were both pining for each other but came together so strongly. Zoey loved both Matt and Jayden so fiercely.

[|| ••Amber•• || · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Alex Taylor for letting me having an arc of Taming you. I love being part of your team and reading all these amazing books!

With that said. Move over Caleb (Saving You), theres a new heartthrob in town and it’s single, new daddy, Matt!

Matt and Zoey are ADORABLE!! Literally. Seriously. Adorable.
Friends to lovers. Sisters best friend. Best friends brother. Like just all the little things that come together and make their story so amazing. I laughed and cried and happy cried and giggled and kicked my feet. I felt all the feelings and I can’t wait to add this one to my shelf right beside the rest of the Destined for Love series. Alex. Amazing. Again!!! Thank you for sharing Matt and Zoey and Jayden with me!!

[Scarlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute and emotional romance. I loved watching these two fall in love, and become a family.

I loved watching Matt become a single dad and struggle to figure it all out. Zoey jumped right in and helped him without any second thought. My favourite part was watching Matt interact with her brothers 💕 That moment will live forever in my head rent free 🥹

Tropes
Secret Baby
Reformed Playboy
Friends to lovers
Hockey
Found Family
She falls first-he falls harder
Bestfriends brother
Slow burn

🌶️🌶️/5

[Becky Pashouwer · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up

[Mariah Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

4 ⭐️
2🌶️

This was a cute, easy read. If you know me, you know I love the single dad trope. Matt & Zoey were the cutest.

•Single Dad
•Best friends brother
•Surprise baby
•Friends to lovers
•Found family

Thank you Alex & LoveNotesPR for the ARC

[M’ya Forcum · Rating 4 out of 5]

oh i was so lucky to receive an ARC for this book. I read this in a day it was so good, i could not put it down! One of my fav tropes is single dad & this just hit everything perfectly 🥰 the friendship between Matt & Zoey slowing blossoming was so beautiful to see 💚 & Matt immediately going into dad mode with no hesitation 🥹 also the spice was insaneeeee it was so damn good 🥵

[Amber Cheek · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are a lot of things I can say about this book. Hockey romance, single dad, friends to lovers, and falling for your best' friend's brother. It is sad how Zoey and Matt found Jayden outside the door as of his apartment and abandoned by his mother. Finding out Matt was a Playboy and a jock didn't surprise me. He freaked out about finding out he had a son he didn't know about but I'm glad he stepped up as a father. He immediately dropped everything for his son, and learned to be a good father. Zoey who has been a good supporting friend to Matt. Helped with everything . She was a good mother figure for Jayden. Zoey is what you call Mrs. Independent about everything in her life. She wanted to find Mr.Right but I believe she was really picky at times but also can't really blame her. All the guys she got set up with seemed like jerks. I'm glad Matt had a supporting family when it came to telling them about having a son. They welcomed Jayden with open arms. I think Matt was already in love with Zoey before he realized it. His sisters both had to ring in his head and he finally realized his feelings. Zoey was also stubborn about it, she thought she wasn't good enough for Matt but at the same time she worried he used her for one night only. They kept dancing around each other way too much where I was getting impatient about them not admitting her feelings. When Matt finally asked her out, I was over the moon. They were able to finally release their passion for each other. Liv and Josh are the best supporters when it comes to their relationship, and best uncle and aunt to Jayden. Zoey has five brothers who raised her when their parents didn't care about them. Henry who was the oldest was quite nosy and protective of Zoey. He is a stubborn person but it didn't matter if he agreed on her choices, he still was supportive and stood by her. When Jayden's mom showed up wanting her son and Matt, I wanted to come through the book and beat the crap out of her. I am a mother of 3 boys and they are my life. I would never leave them. I couldn't live without them. I don't understand who she could have. I'm glad Matt and Zoey handled it where she wasn't welcomed and she bothered them again. Thank you for the opportunity for this story I hope to read more.

[Shushi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating - ⭐⭐⭐
Spice - 🌶🌶

Trope - childhood friends to lovers, bestfriend's brother, secret baby (not hers), found family, she falls first- he falls harder, it's always been you, reformed playboy, hockey, single parent, slow burn, sunshine × sunshine duo, no third-act break-up, HEA
Bonus chapter - 1

A baby is dropped outside Matt's apartment—a baby he never knew about, but looks exactly like him. The initial chapters focus on his shock and his handling of new parenthood with Zoey’s help.

Matthew and Zoey's relationship develops gradually. They took their time to get together, but once they did, they moved past the awkward stage and grew more comfortable around each other. I appreciated how mature they were. Their relationship was very normal yet sweet. The absence of a third-act breakup was a pleasant surprise.

Zoey's bond with Jayden was heartwarming, and I loved how she immediately showed a motherly aura and loved him just like any other mum.

Side characters and plot
1. I adored Zoey's brothers. Their love and care for her shone through in the words.
2. The friend group was adorable and supportive. I liked how they felt like an actual family.
3. Matt's family played a small role, but it was enough to leave an impression.
4. The ex-partner drama was a bit unnecessary, but I understood why it was included to add a little more excitement to the couple's story.
5. I wish the fem-dom topic had been explored more. I know it's an unnecessary demand, but after all the buildup, I wanted to see more of it.

Things that didn't work for me
1. Some scenes between the couple felt a bit too cringe, and while they might appeal to others, they didn’t work for me.
2. Having read multiple books with similar plots, this one didn't feel very original. I wanted a bit more from this book.
3. I started to get bored after a point. The plot became somewhat repetitive, with similar events recurring in different forms. That’s why it took me longer to finish, even though it’s a fairly normal-length book.
_________________________

Despite everything, the ending was sweet and wholesome. The bonus epilogue wasn’t surprising, but it was adorable. Seeing our little Jayden all grown up made me feel a bit emotional.

Overall 3/5.

[Ehva · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars! 5 stars! 5 stars! Omfg!!! I absolutely loved them. This was brilliant, Alex! Wow 🥹🤩 The chemistry, angst, and slow burn 🥹 Single dad, best friends to lovers, forced proximity, found family, hockey player mmc 🧎‍♀️🥵

Matthew Carter 🥹 This man had me gasping, kneeling, and giggling 🤭 I could not help it at all! And you can't even blame me. Tall, handsome, intelligent, a hockey player, a kids hockey coach, a single dad, sunshine, rich, successful, protective, possesive, jealous 🤭, filthy mouth, a bit of a dom, always been in love with her, and literally cannot function without her around him. The book starts with his son, Jayden, who he never knew about, being left on his doorstep. His best friend Zoey stumbles upon him. I absolutely adored seeing Matty as a dad and, at the same time, a man who knows what he wants, and that is the woman he can't stop loving. He proved that no man will ever let you feel unwanted or even remotely bad about anything if he loves you. He did anything and everything to make her believe in them!

Zoey Williams 🥹 Kickass, feisty, sunshine goodness! Zoey is one of the rare FMC's I've come across who made my jaw drop, and I'm telling you, I had to put my phone down for a few seconds. Beautiful, intelligent, protective, possessive, sunshine, brave, rich, jealous, loves to take charge if you know what I mean 🥵🤭, stands up for the man she always thought she could never have and his adorable little patootie, and becomes the support system Matty needs and the mom who steps up. When Zoey stumbled upon Jayden, hers and Matty's life both changed for the better. She always thought he would never be interested in her and that she would eventually lose interest in him, but the new addition to his life brings them even closer together forever. I would've been on my knees for Matty as well, so I don't even blame her 🤭

I am absolutely in awe of Alex Taylor's work and this book. The characters, setting, and writing are phenomenal. I kid you not, I could not stop reading and devoured this in a day! The tropes are some of my favorites, and it was all done so brilliantly. Yall have to read this asap!

[Chloe Carney · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝕥𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤 -

🍼 - single dad
🩵 - best friends brother
🍼 - surprise baby
🩵 - reformed playboy
🍼 - friends to lovers
🩵 - found family
🍼- hockey romance
🩵- she falls first, he falls harder


this is 100% the book you text you book besties about on how cute it is and how hard it has you smiling!! the characters were so lovable. even the side characters. i read this as a standalone but definitely plan on going back to read all the other previous books in the series. i love how cute the books are and i loveee the characters. this was my first like “doorstep baby” and it was AMAZING! Zoey was definitely meant to be in Matt and Jayden’s life, without hesitation she would step up and help Matt whenever he needed it. she is just such a sweet FMC with a really sad childhood and i think that Jayden healed her in a way that even Matt’s love couldn’t. i loved how great Matt was as a single dad. he stepped right up to the role and with Zoey’s support he was able to believe that he was a good father:) i loved Zoey’s relationship with her brothers as well. she was such a strong, supportive, and caring character that just wanted to make those who loved her proud. i loved Zoey’s character a lot. a lot of her characteristics were easy to relate to. and sweet Matthew! i was so worried there was going to be a third act breakup but definitely was the complete opposite!! he was such a sweetheart but also had the protectiveness. and the spice was soooo good 🫠🥵 some scenes in particular were sooo hot!! like Matt’s mouth and actions, enough to make you blush HARDDD!

this books single dad/baby on doorstep and friends to lovers tropes were so good in the book. it was such a sweet, cute read. a really good palate cleanser! i definitely recommend to anyone who’s a fan of those tropes! it definitely hooks you in right from the beginning!:)

- thank you luna literary and Alex Taylor for the ARC copy! -


"𝓩𝓸𝓮𝔂, 𝓑𝓾𝓰, 𝓘'𝓶 𝓱𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓵𝓮𝓼𝓼𝓵𝔂, 𝓶𝓪𝓭𝓵𝔂, 𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮 𝓪𝓵𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓵𝔂 𝓲𝓷 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝔂𝓸𝓾.”

𝓣𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓵𝓸𝓸𝓴 𝓸𝓯 𝓹𝓾𝓻𝓮 𝓪𝓭𝓸𝓻𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷 𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾'𝓻𝓮 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓼𝓾𝓻𝓮 𝓱𝓸𝔀 𝔂𝓸𝓾'𝓭 𝓼𝓾𝓻𝓿𝓲𝓿𝓮 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓸𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓼𝓸𝓷, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓘 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝓘 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓪𝓶𝓮 𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓘 𝓵𝓸𝓸𝓴 𝓪𝓽 𝓩𝓸𝓮𝔂.

𝓚𝓲𝓼𝓼𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓜𝓪𝓽𝓽 𝓲𝓼 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓴𝓼 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂 𝓽𝓲𝓶𝓮. 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓮𝓬𝓸𝓷𝓭 𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓵𝓲𝓹𝓼 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓭 𝓶𝓲𝓷𝓮, 𝓶𝔂 𝓮𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓻𝓮 𝓫𝓸𝓭𝔂 𝓵𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼 𝓾𝓹. 𝓔𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂 𝓼𝓮𝓷𝓼𝓮 𝓲𝓼 𝓱𝓮𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓮𝓷𝓮𝓭, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓘 𝓯𝓮𝓮𝓵 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓘 𝓶𝓪𝔂 𝓳𝓾𝓼𝓽 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓵𝓸𝓭𝓮. 𝓘𝓽'𝓼 𝓪 𝓯𝓮𝓮𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓘'𝓿𝓮 𝓷𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓷𝓬𝓮𝓭 𝓫𝓮𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮.

"𝓘'𝓵𝓵 𝓫𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓰𝓸𝓸𝓭 𝓫𝓸𝔂, 𝓫𝓾𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾'𝓻𝓮 𝓶𝓲𝓷𝓮, 𝓩𝓸𝓮𝔂. 𝓑𝓸𝓭𝔂, 𝓶𝓲𝓷𝓭, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓼𝓸𝓾𝓵, 𝔂𝓸𝓾'𝓻𝓮 𝓶𝓲𝓷𝓮.”

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to @lovenotespr and @authoralextaylor for sending me this book for the opportunity to review it! I read Saving You and Keeping You - Book 2 and 3 of the Destined Love series - as ARCs so of course I hurled myself at the opportunity to read Taming You (Book 4).

I love Alex Taylor’s writing style so much—her characters always feel so real, and Taming You is no exception. From the moment Matt and Zoey were on the page together, I felt everything: the tension, the chemistry, the history… absolute perfection.

Zoey has been in love with Matt for years, but to him, she’s always been off-limits—his little sister’s best friend, the girl who believes in love and commitment while he’s the guy who never does relationships. But everything shifts when one of Matt’s old flings drops a baby on his doorstep and disappears, leaving him as a single dad overnight.

The way their relationship unfolds is everything I love about friends to lovers and she falls first, he falls harder. Zoey has always cared about Matt, but watching him fall for her in return? Seeing this cocky, confident hockey player completely melt for her and his son? I was gone.

And the healthy communication in this book?? 😩 There’s no dragged-out miscommunication, no unnecessary angst—just two people navigating their feelings and the chaos around them like adults. The found family vibes are immaculate.

Also, Zoey’s journey hit so hard. She just finished law school, only to realize she doesn’t actually want to be a lawyer. The way she struggles with that and starts figuring out what she does want? So real and nearly exactly what I’m going through.

Matt and Zoey are made for each other. Their banter, their support for one another, their undeniable chemistry—it’s everything. I would inhale Alex’s shopping list, and I will NEVER get sick of anything she writes. 🤭 If you love best friend’s brother, hockey romance, and a reformed playboy who falls hard for the one girl he can’t lose, this book is an absolute must-read.

Trigger warnings: discussions of parental neglect, discussions of drug addiction and alcohol abuse, child abandonment

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I opened this book and was IMMEDIATELY hooked! Alex Taylor really dove right into the unique plot of this book, starting her novel with, “A baby?”. If there's one thing about me, I absolutely hate unexpected pregnancy tropes in a book. Well, let me tell you, I am completely sold on the unexpected baby trope. This was such a fun and hectic read - the scenario felt so unrealistic and yet there were such realistic relationships and emotions, that it seemed to overpower any suspicion of the storyline.

Zoey and Matt were so darling! Their friendship, alone, was so refreshing and I loved getting to see a platonic relationship like theirs. Zoey’s character was completely selfless and would do anything for those around her. She is a perfect mixture of confidence and class and I would give anything to be like her! Aside from her character, the struggle leaving college and searching for her “dream” career could be so relatable for many readers in their twenties, and I found myself relating to her in this way. Even Matt’s unexpected jump into parenthood caused him such anxiety and self doubt that I feel a lot of young or expecting parents could experience.

The slow burn… The build up of tension and emotion between these two was extraordinary. I thought that the dual pov was such a great writing choice and absolutely loved being in both of their heads. It made it so easy to root for them to be together!

I feel as though the third-act conflict could have been predictable to some readers, but I really didn’t mind it! I despise a third-act breakup, so I thought Alex Taylor’s choice here was more realistic. The only issue that I had was Zoey’s seemingly out-of-character “temper”. I felt that she really overstepped in this situation and would have liked to see more of the maturity that she displayed throughout the rest of the book.

I ate this book up in two days and absolutely could have done it in one sitting if I had the time. If you are a fan of contemporary romance and are looking for a unique plot with loveable main characters, I 100% recommend Taming You!

[Madhur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taming You is a heartwarming story that expertly blends humor, emotion, and romance. Zoey Williams never expected to end up living with her older brother, jobless and directionless. But when she wakes up on her best friend’s brother’s couch and discovers a baby left on his doorstep, her life takes an unexpected turn. Determined to help, Zoey becomes a guiding force in Matthew Carter's life, though she’s convinced the lifelong playboy is off-limits—especially when it comes to matters of the heart.

Matt is thrown into fatherhood when a child he never knew about is left in his care. Unprepared and overwhelmed, he’s grateful for Zoey’s support. As the two bond over baby duties, their chemistry intensifies, and Matt begins to question his past beliefs about relationships and love. Though Zoey initially resists, her feelings for Matt grow, and the line between friendship and something deeper starts to blur.

The characters are engaging and relatable. Zoey’s journey of self-discovery and Matt’s transformation from a carefree bachelor to a dedicated father are both heartwarming and realistic. The tension between their growing attraction and Zoey's reluctance to fall for a man who doesn't believe in relationships makes for a captivating read.

The plot blends humor, warmth, and plenty of steamy moments while highlighting the significance of family, both biological and found. The themes of personal growth, commitment, and the surprising turns life can take are well-executed. The chemistry between Zoey and Matt is palpable, and their growth together is satisfying.

With themes of family, love, and friendship, Taming You is perfect for fans of friends-to-lovers and found family stories. The romance is sweet, and the emotional depth adds layers to the plot, making it a satisfying, feel-good read. This book will leave you rooting for Zoey and Matt as they navigate the challenges of unexpected parenthood and learn to love again.

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️

With less than three hundred pages, this book was a fun, quick read for me. Sometimes a book that I know I can finish in one setting, is just what the doctor ordered. I love how Alex writest the secret baby trope in this book and leaves both MCs thrown together in a way they never expected. Add in the best friend’s brother and mutual pining, I know I will be a fan. Spoiler alert, I am a total fan of this book.

Zoey found safety and sleep on her best friend’s brother's couch after a night of fun. She’s always grateful to his generosity, but waking up this morning brought to light something she never thought would happen to her. A baby, on the doorstep, one that she has not heard anything about.

Matt thought he would be waking up to a hungover Zoey on his couch, not an unknown baby on his doorstep. One of his past hookups kept a massive piece of information from him and now he finds himself to be an instadad. He knows he is over his head, but when Zoey offers to help in any way she can, he can’t refuse her offer.

These two are the epitome of mutual pining never realized. As this new addition in Matt’s life begins to create opportunity for the two of them to become closer and more honest with each other. As they begin to embrace their new life, along with these feelings they have finally let out. Even moreso, their new family falls into place almost seamlessly. Like they were always meant to do this together.

I highly recommend you do read the other books in this series and you get to meet Matt and Zoey earlier on, but it is not required.

As always, review any author notes before reading.

Tropes:
💙Best Friend’s Brother
🍼Reformed Playboy
💙Surprise Baby
🍼She Falls First, He Falls Harder
💙Friends to Lovers
🍼Found Family
💙Golden Retriever x Golden Retriever

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review of Taming You by Alex Taylor

Omg Matt and Zoey were absolutely swoon worthy 🥹

Their journey started as them conspiring against her best friend Liv, who happens to be Matt’s sister, and their friend Josh to make them realize that they’re in love. After some time, they continue their friendship. Matt and Zoey become really close friends like they had been as kids.

The unexpected happens when a baby gets dropped on Matt’s doorstep and changes their lives forever. He soon finds out that this baby is his and he’s determined to be there for Jayden at every step of the way, only he relies on Zoey to help him through it.

And Zoey seems to not know what she wants now that she’s done with law school, but she’s not sure she even wants to be a lawyer. She likes spending time with Matt and Jayden, and is slowly figuring out that she’d be okay with an already made family.

The way they explore their feelings and take it slow after having built that foundation of friendship was beautifully written. I really enjoyed that they had that prior to jumping into a romantic relationship, and it made it so that they could explore that properly.

The way Matt was so sweet and caring with Zoey had me giggling and kicking my feet. The found family aspect in this is also soo good. Their friend group is so supportive and sweet as well.

I can’t wait to read more on Liz and her man 👀😍

I highly recommend picking this up on release day March 20th!

⭐️ 4/5
🌶️ 3/5

Tropes:
🩵 Surprise Baby
🖤 Best Friend’s Brother
🩵 Friends to Lovers
🖤 Found Family
🩵 She Falls First, He Falls Harder
🖤 Hockey
🩵 Reformed Playboy