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Loving The Golden Boy
Emma
I have one rule, and one rule no one hurts my sister.
So when the infamous playboy of our town broke her heart, there was only one thing I could do… punch some goddamn sense into him.
And that’s precisely what I did. What I hadn’t expected was that punch earning me a whole month of cleaning the school.
Worth it! Or… at least it was, until I realized I can’t escape what I did…
Brendon
I know who she is, even if most have forgotten her. And yet, her mysterious return only makes me want to uncover everything she’s hiding.
I can’t get the troublemaker out of my mind.
I love her sass and her fierceness, but can I get past the walls she’s built around herself?
A golden boy like me probably shouldn’t get too close… yet I can’t help wanting what’s forbidden.
This is a new adult romance with a grumpy-sunshine trope.
This novel was previously published under another account but has since been removed. This edition has been extensively rewritten and re-edited.
This story contains mature content and is therefore rated 18+.
I have one rule, and one rule no one hurts my sister.
So when the infamous playboy of our town broke her heart, there was only one thing I could do… punch some goddamn sense into him.
And that’s precisely what I did. What I hadn’t expected was that punch earning me a whole month of cleaning the school.
Worth it! Or… at least it was, until I realized I can’t escape what I did…
Brendon
I know who she is, even if most have forgotten her. And yet, her mysterious return only makes me want to uncover everything she’s hiding.
I can’t get the troublemaker out of my mind.
I love her sass and her fierceness, but can I get past the walls she’s built around herself?
A golden boy like me probably shouldn’t get too close… yet I can’t help wanting what’s forbidden.
This is a new adult romance with a grumpy-sunshine trope.
This novel was previously published under another account but has since been removed. This edition has been extensively rewritten and re-edited.
This story contains mature content and is therefore rated 18+.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 21, 2026
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loving The Golden Boy (Kisses & Punches Duet Book 1)
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
And boy was he lovable! 😍
I love a fierce, FMC who stands up for what she believes in and who also believes she's protecting those closest to her, even if she's broken inside.
I loved this book a lot more than I thought I would when I started, but that was probably just me having gone from a Dark Romance back to YA. But, I must admit, I love a good YA High School romance that brings out all the warm and fuzzy feelings, especially when it's a duet.
This book is very much character driven. Our FMC, Emma, goes through so much in her story that, by the end, you're screaming from how proud you are. But you're also screaming at the cliffhanger ending. 😭
A lot happened in this book in what felt like a short period of time which makes me incredibly eager for book 2. But in my opinion, the author made sure things flowed nicely.
If you're looking for a book full of character development and growth, but still heartwarming, then look no further than Loving The Golden Boy!
I wanted to give this 5, but the reason I didn't is because I'm waiting for book 2. I feel like a lot of my questions will be answered in the second book, so once I have my hands on it, I feel as though my rating on this book will change
Angel's words made me feel frustrated, angry, and so happy all throughout the book, in seperate moments as well as together.
It took me 3 days to read this, though I mostly read it at night where I'd read it until 1:30 or 2 in the morning. It was so worth it!
The cover influenced me the most when deciding to read this incredible story, the blues drew my attention as soon as I saw them since blue is a calming colour to me.
I loved to hate the end of this book. I already knew that something had to give, especially with a certain a-hole, but I honestly didn't hate anything from this book, except for Emma's family's reaction to certain things.
My absolute favourite part of this book, and you can't change my mind on this, is a certain first chapter punch in the nose. 😌 But I do also love the way Emma was able to change and find a better version of herself.
I would definitely read this again! Once book 2 has a release date I would wholeheartedly jump back into Emma and Brendon's world.
Will I remember this book? Yes, I think I will. Because there are some elements to it that I resonate with. I deal with some of the same mental struggles as the FMC, so I felt as though I connected with her in a way.
If you love YA and a hint of open door spice, than this one needs to go on your tbr!
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
And boy was he lovable! 😍
I love a fierce, FMC who stands up for what she believes in and who also believes she's protecting those closest to her, even if she's broken inside.
I loved this book a lot more than I thought I would when I started, but that was probably just me having gone from a Dark Romance back to YA. But, I must admit, I love a good YA High School romance that brings out all the warm and fuzzy feelings, especially when it's a duet.
This book is very much character driven. Our FMC, Emma, goes through so much in her story that, by the end, you're screaming from how proud you are. But you're also screaming at the cliffhanger ending. 😭
A lot happened in this book in what felt like a short period of time which makes me incredibly eager for book 2. But in my opinion, the author made sure things flowed nicely.
If you're looking for a book full of character development and growth, but still heartwarming, then look no further than Loving The Golden Boy!
I wanted to give this 5, but the reason I didn't is because I'm waiting for book 2. I feel like a lot of my questions will be answered in the second book, so once I have my hands on it, I feel as though my rating on this book will change
Angel's words made me feel frustrated, angry, and so happy all throughout the book, in seperate moments as well as together.
It took me 3 days to read this, though I mostly read it at night where I'd read it until 1:30 or 2 in the morning. It was so worth it!
The cover influenced me the most when deciding to read this incredible story, the blues drew my attention as soon as I saw them since blue is a calming colour to me.
I loved to hate the end of this book. I already knew that something had to give, especially with a certain a-hole, but I honestly didn't hate anything from this book, except for Emma's family's reaction to certain things.
My absolute favourite part of this book, and you can't change my mind on this, is a certain first chapter punch in the nose. 😌 But I do also love the way Emma was able to change and find a better version of herself.
I would definitely read this again! Once book 2 has a release date I would wholeheartedly jump back into Emma and Brendon's world.
Will I remember this book? Yes, I think I will. Because there are some elements to it that I resonate with. I deal with some of the same mental struggles as the FMC, so I felt as though I connected with her in a way.
If you love YA and a hint of open door spice, than this one needs to go on your tbr!
Review of advance copy received from Author
“What if I think you have a lot of potential?” I asked, pressing on. “As a cleaning lady?” she shot back, disgust flickering in her eyes. “As anything you want to be. I think you could do more.” “More what?” “More of anything you want to be,” I said. She scoffed. “Trust me, that ship sailed a long time ago.” She waved her hand dramatically, as if mimicking a departing boat. “Again, I don’t believe that. Sometimes we just need somebody in our corner, somebody who believes in us,” I said softly. “And sometimes we think we’re helping when we’re just making things worse,” she replied. But the way she said it—it wasn’t aimed at me. It sounded like she was talking to herself. Her eyes dropped to the ground, her energy dimming as she quietly shut down.
I wasn't expecting to like this book as much as I did. But Emma was the perfect mix of sassy and broken that you can't help but be drawn to.
Emma is the bad girl the one that left school the one that does drugs and drinks and when her twin sister Elena gets her heart broken from the jock Emma is the one who decides to take matters into her own hands. But when she does she captures the attention of Brendon the star athlete.
After being put on punishment by her parents and the school having to be the janitor for a month Emma finds herself back in the place she was bullied and no one understood her but now she has a guy who wants to be her friend and parents who are finally starting to understand her.
But we all know nothing is ever a smooth ride and of course this book is exactly the same and now I'm left wanting more.
I wasn't expecting to like this book as much as I did. But Emma was the perfect mix of sassy and broken that you can't help but be drawn to.
Emma is the bad girl the one that left school the one that does drugs and drinks and when her twin sister Elena gets her heart broken from the jock Emma is the one who decides to take matters into her own hands. But when she does she captures the attention of Brendon the star athlete.
After being put on punishment by her parents and the school having to be the janitor for a month Emma finds herself back in the place she was bullied and no one understood her but now she has a guy who wants to be her friend and parents who are finally starting to understand her.
But we all know nothing is ever a smooth ride and of course this book is exactly the same and now I'm left wanting more.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
✨ Unexpectedly Obsessed ✨
Loving The Golden Boy by Angel W. Was my very first book by this author, which made the experience even more meaningful. I’m incredibly grateful that Angel W. trusted me with Emma and Brendon’s story.
Going in, I honestly didn’t expect to love this book as much as I did… but wow, was I wrong.
Emma completely stole my heart. She’s the perfect blend of sassy, vulnerable, and quietly broken the kind of character you can’t help but root for. An outcast for most of her life, she’s always lived in the shadow of her twin sister never quite “enough” for her parents, and never truly seen by anyone else. That loneliness clings to her, and it made her story hit even harder.
The story follows Emma and Brendon, and while I initially thought this might skew toward a younger audience, I quickly found myself deeply attached to both of them. Their dynamic felt natural and genuine, the pacing was smooth, and the book was such an easy, engaging read that I kept turning pages without even realizing how far I’d gone.
And then… that ending.
That cliffhanger was brutal. After everything Emma has already endured, that final twist absolutely wrecked me. I was mad. I was heartbroken. I was staring at the last page in disbelief. Brendon? Yeah… he has some serious groveling to do, and I’ll be waiting patiently (okay, not patiently at all).
If you love YA romance with heart, emotion, and a hint of spice, this book needs to be on your TBR.
📌 Voluntary review. No compensation just one reader who was completely and unexpectedly hooked.
Loving The Golden Boy by Angel W. Was my very first book by this author, which made the experience even more meaningful. I’m incredibly grateful that Angel W. trusted me with Emma and Brendon’s story.
Going in, I honestly didn’t expect to love this book as much as I did… but wow, was I wrong.
Emma completely stole my heart. She’s the perfect blend of sassy, vulnerable, and quietly broken the kind of character you can’t help but root for. An outcast for most of her life, she’s always lived in the shadow of her twin sister never quite “enough” for her parents, and never truly seen by anyone else. That loneliness clings to her, and it made her story hit even harder.
The story follows Emma and Brendon, and while I initially thought this might skew toward a younger audience, I quickly found myself deeply attached to both of them. Their dynamic felt natural and genuine, the pacing was smooth, and the book was such an easy, engaging read that I kept turning pages without even realizing how far I’d gone.
And then… that ending.
That cliffhanger was brutal. After everything Emma has already endured, that final twist absolutely wrecked me. I was mad. I was heartbroken. I was staring at the last page in disbelief. Brendon? Yeah… he has some serious groveling to do, and I’ll be waiting patiently (okay, not patiently at all).
If you love YA romance with heart, emotion, and a hint of spice, this book needs to be on your TBR.
📌 Voluntary review. No compensation just one reader who was completely and unexpectedly hooked.
January 26, 2026
This is a dual pov NA romance with mild spice, following labelled troublemaker Emma, and golden boy Brendon.
When Emma seeks revenge on the boy who broke her twin sister's heart, he gets a broken nose, and she gets community service as the school janitor.
But that isn't all, her bullies return and make her a target, determined to ruin her reputation further, and humiliate her.
Everyone sees Emma as a lost cause and disappointment, including her parents and sister, but underneath the moods and anger is a protective girl who just wants to be seen and understood.
Brendon is the first to peel back the layers on the 'bad girl', and see there is more to her than her troublemaker reputation.
This is a sweet story about young love, finding yourself, and standing up for what you believe is right. It also looks at bullying, cruel teenage games, and injustice.
The characters feel genuine and relatable, Brendon is considerate and supportive, and Emma is more than the broken vulnerable girl people think she is.
The ending definitely was an emotional surprise, and I can't wait to see what happens in book 2.
When Emma seeks revenge on the boy who broke her twin sister's heart, he gets a broken nose, and she gets community service as the school janitor.
But that isn't all, her bullies return and make her a target, determined to ruin her reputation further, and humiliate her.
Everyone sees Emma as a lost cause and disappointment, including her parents and sister, but underneath the moods and anger is a protective girl who just wants to be seen and understood.
Brendon is the first to peel back the layers on the 'bad girl', and see there is more to her than her troublemaker reputation.
This is a sweet story about young love, finding yourself, and standing up for what you believe is right. It also looks at bullying, cruel teenage games, and injustice.
The characters feel genuine and relatable, Brendon is considerate and supportive, and Emma is more than the broken vulnerable girl people think she is.
The ending definitely was an emotional surprise, and I can't wait to see what happens in book 2.
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed this book. The ending was unexpected though. I thought something was going to happen because of Simone.
We have our lead character Emma who has a twin sister Elena that is good and succeeding at everything vs Emma who struggles with dyslexia and is bullied relentlessly. She was drinking and doing drugs to get by. She had dropped out of school.
She gets into trouble and does community service at the school for decking a guy that hurts her sister. A typical jock that doesn’t get into trouble and she is known as a troublemaker.
Emma starts hanging out with and opening up to Brendon the quarterback of the football team.
During prom Trevor (Guy that hurt her sister)shows Emma a shed that the jocks have and it is despicable.
The ending is a bit harsh and I hope that Brendon speaks up and does something to prove himself because I truly believe that his feelings were valid towards Emma. I can’t wait to see Trevor get what’s coming to him.
Yay for Emma for sticking up for her sister.
I am excitedly waiting for the second book.
We have our lead character Emma who has a twin sister Elena that is good and succeeding at everything vs Emma who struggles with dyslexia and is bullied relentlessly. She was drinking and doing drugs to get by. She had dropped out of school.
She gets into trouble and does community service at the school for decking a guy that hurts her sister. A typical jock that doesn’t get into trouble and she is known as a troublemaker.
Emma starts hanging out with and opening up to Brendon the quarterback of the football team.
During prom Trevor (Guy that hurt her sister)shows Emma a shed that the jocks have and it is despicable.
The ending is a bit harsh and I hope that Brendon speaks up and does something to prove himself because I truly believe that his feelings were valid towards Emma. I can’t wait to see Trevor get what’s coming to him.
Yay for Emma for sticking up for her sister.
I am excitedly waiting for the second book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2026
📖✨ Loving the Golden Boy
This was my very first ARC read and also my first book by Angel W., which made this experience extra special. I’m so grateful the author trusted me to read and review their story.
The book follows Emma and Brendon, and while I initially thought the story might be geared toward a younger audience, I quickly found myself growing attached to both characters. Their dynamic felt genuine, the pacing was smooth, and the story was an easy, engaging read that kept me turning pages. By the end, I truly enjoyed their journey and the heart behind the story.
This was one of those reads that feels comforting and sincere — not overly complicated, but meaningful in the way it unfolds relationships and growth.
🖋️ Quote:
“Sometimes the people who shine the brightest are still learning how to believe in themselves.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
🌶️ Spice level: 2/5
A sweet, enjoyable read and a great first ARC experience for me.
This was my very first ARC read and also my first book by Angel W., which made this experience extra special. I’m so grateful the author trusted me to read and review their story.
The book follows Emma and Brendon, and while I initially thought the story might be geared toward a younger audience, I quickly found myself growing attached to both characters. Their dynamic felt genuine, the pacing was smooth, and the story was an easy, engaging read that kept me turning pages. By the end, I truly enjoyed their journey and the heart behind the story.
This was one of those reads that feels comforting and sincere — not overly complicated, but meaningful in the way it unfolds relationships and growth.
🖋️ Quote:
“Sometimes the people who shine the brightest are still learning how to believe in themselves.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
🌶️ Spice level: 2/5
A sweet, enjoyable read and a great first ARC experience for me.
January 18, 2026
Enjoyed the read! A cute YA/NA type of story; character driven, focusing on the relationships and emotions of the characters. Emma stands up for her sister, but that lands her in hot water with the way she chose to take a stand. Emma ends up being tasked with cleaning the school; there she connects with the school golden boy quarterback, Brenden. Brenden and Emma didn’t start off on good footing, but these two begin to realize that there’s more than their initial impressions of each other. There’s a bit of opposites attract; Emma has some rough edges that can be off putting and Brenden is that golden boy quarterback, but both characters have good hearts. They have good chemistry and complement each other well. Looking forward to reading the next one to see how these characters end up. More story to be told! Enjoyed the read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Brendon and Emma
Tropes:
* New adult
* Grumpy x sunshine
* Enemies to more
* Feisty FMC
* Cliffhanger
Wow, this story packed quite a punch,
I went into this expecting a light(ish) YA novel with some shallow issues and a sweet story…
I certainly didn’t get that.
Emma… I adored her and I just wanted her to get her happy. Living in the shadow of her ‘perfect sister’ and being essentially invisible was heartbreaking and made it all the more essential that she found her person.
Which brings us to Brendon. The jock. the heartbreaker. The boy that Emma starts to fall for, and you think that they’ll get a happy ending…
But then… that cliffhanger! What was that!!! Brendon!!! Why? I’m so mad right now, and I need that second story full of Brendon’s grovel… like yesterday….
A (mostly) sweet story, and I appreciate Angel W. allowing me to read in advance.
Tropes:
* New adult
* Grumpy x sunshine
* Enemies to more
* Feisty FMC
* Cliffhanger
Wow, this story packed quite a punch,
I went into this expecting a light(ish) YA novel with some shallow issues and a sweet story…
I certainly didn’t get that.
Emma… I adored her and I just wanted her to get her happy. Living in the shadow of her ‘perfect sister’ and being essentially invisible was heartbreaking and made it all the more essential that she found her person.
Which brings us to Brendon. The jock. the heartbreaker. The boy that Emma starts to fall for, and you think that they’ll get a happy ending…
But then… that cliffhanger! What was that!!! Brendon!!! Why? I’m so mad right now, and I need that second story full of Brendon’s grovel… like yesterday….
A (mostly) sweet story, and I appreciate Angel W. allowing me to read in advance.
January 21, 2026
Went in this unsure if this was for me as I prefer dark romance. Wow!! I really enjoyed it & got so engrossed I read it in a day. Also I thought it was a standalone so wasn’t expecting that Cliff Hanger but the Cliff Hanger was on top form.
Emma is a twin who has been struggling & rather than her family help her she become the sister/daughter who is always seen as getting into trouble. When her twin sister is hurt she seeks out revenge, landing her back where all her troubles stem from. I found Emma to be really strong character & I felt every emotion she felt in this book it was so well written.
Along comes Brendon who sees the real Emma & pursues her regardless of her protests & other opinions. What I loved about this story is Emma didn’t fall straight away it took her time to let Brendon in & trust. Which makes that Cliff Hanger hurt. I need the next story now!!
Emma is a twin who has been struggling & rather than her family help her she become the sister/daughter who is always seen as getting into trouble. When her twin sister is hurt she seeks out revenge, landing her back where all her troubles stem from. I found Emma to be really strong character & I felt every emotion she felt in this book it was so well written.
Along comes Brendon who sees the real Emma & pursues her regardless of her protests & other opinions. What I loved about this story is Emma didn’t fall straight away it took her time to let Brendon in & trust. Which makes that Cliff Hanger hurt. I need the next story now!!
January 21, 2026
Hooked from the very first page and devouring every single word to the point yes !!! I actually did lose track of time . Smiling, laughing out loud, crying ugly tears and rooting so freaking hard . Loving The Golden Boy may only be book # 1 in The Kisses & Punches Series - but I’m already completely in love and Uttely addicted. Emma and Trevor - oh my gosh these two just had my heart so completely. I loved watching their relationship go from not being able to stand each other to so much more . The obstacles they went through together and separately. All the angst and the humor and the witty banter . Not to me the drama, the bullying, the moments that will break your heart and then somehow it will be put right back together again. Reading this story really was like being on the craziest ride at the amusement park and man was I so there for it all .
January 22, 2026
This story follows Emma and Brendon. You get chapters from both points of view, but Emma is our main character. It's starts with Emma's FAFO situation and the evolution of herself. Brendon is the golden boy, I'll leave it at that for no spoilers.
What I wished it had touch on (and hopefully the author will dive more into these topic) in books 2:
More therapy sessions where we learn more about why Emma is/was acting and on the wrong path. Why is her twin such a mean girl (I honestly don't trust her still), and why her parents just ignored her and possibly used as the scapegoat of the family? Seems like it was a family of three and Emma was just hanging out. It hurt my heart.
Cliffhanger ending with miscomnunication and assupmtions.
There is a lot of dialog that ends in "!" But they aren't actually yelling, it's just used as an emphasis to get the point across.
What I wished it had touch on (and hopefully the author will dive more into these topic) in books 2:
More therapy sessions where we learn more about why Emma is/was acting and on the wrong path. Why is her twin such a mean girl (I honestly don't trust her still), and why her parents just ignored her and possibly used as the scapegoat of the family? Seems like it was a family of three and Emma was just hanging out. It hurt my heart.
Cliffhanger ending with miscomnunication and assupmtions.
There is a lot of dialog that ends in "!" But they aren't actually yelling, it's just used as an emphasis to get the point across.
January 22, 2026
Oh, my gosh, I absolutely adore Emma! How she has been judged by teachers, principle and other adults in her life.
It was a great representation of how many young people with challenges aren't meet within the system and how they choose to cope.
Add in a few unfortunate events, enter Brendon and you have an absolutely awesome chemistry and chaos can commence.
The patience of Brendon and Emma's deep mistrust is so realistic.
As was the cliffie at the end of this first book.
I can't wait for the next one. I think it's a duet.
This does not stand alone. It ends on a heartbreaking cliffhanger.
Recommended for everyone rooting for young love and the troubled youth. For those who like characters with realistic human traits.
Check the content information if you have any things you are unable to handle.
It was a great representation of how many young people with challenges aren't meet within the system and how they choose to cope.
Add in a few unfortunate events, enter Brendon and you have an absolutely awesome chemistry and chaos can commence.
The patience of Brendon and Emma's deep mistrust is so realistic.
As was the cliffie at the end of this first book.
I can't wait for the next one. I think it's a duet.
This does not stand alone. It ends on a heartbreaking cliffhanger.
Recommended for everyone rooting for young love and the troubled youth. For those who like characters with realistic human traits.
Check the content information if you have any things you are unable to handle.
January 25, 2026
This was the first book that I had the pleasure to read and boy what a book to start with. This is a troope book but the tables are turned and we see why . There is a history that has been written by others and it's forced the FMC to become who she is. Emma is misunderstood and Angel W shows how by writing this story which allows to experience the truth and capture the real Emma.
Angel W captured the highschool experience perfectly and does not hold back on the punches. The way Emma has been dealt life is hard and she deals with some tough situations that made me feel empathy for her. The author gave the perfect MMC character Brendon who was young but willing to learn and this why he was likeable despite the dramas he brought. The way the book ended with these characters, makes me desperate for the second book and can't wait to read the next instalment.
Angel W captured the highschool experience perfectly and does not hold back on the punches. The way Emma has been dealt life is hard and she deals with some tough situations that made me feel empathy for her. The author gave the perfect MMC character Brendon who was young but willing to learn and this why he was likeable despite the dramas he brought. The way the book ended with these characters, makes me desperate for the second book and can't wait to read the next instalment.
January 31, 2026
This was a good little story. This kind of felt like a simple plot line if that makes sense. I am very used to complex stories and this one wasn't that complex, however, it was still really good and touched on a lot of things that are important.
Emma really developed as a character throughout the story. I hope in the next book that we find out why she is so standoffish. I liked that it touched on the bullying and even the loneliness that kids with issues tend to feel. I really felt so bad for her character, I feel like there is a bigger trauma response happening with her.
Brendon... well... right now I'm a little mad. His character was amazing and I loved how much he cared for Emma. I loved that he SAW her. Though I am a bit disappointed in him right now. So that is all I'm going to say.
I look forward to the next book.
Emma really developed as a character throughout the story. I hope in the next book that we find out why she is so standoffish. I liked that it touched on the bullying and even the loneliness that kids with issues tend to feel. I really felt so bad for her character, I feel like there is a bigger trauma response happening with her.
Brendon... well... right now I'm a little mad. His character was amazing and I loved how much he cared for Emma. I loved that he SAW her. Though I am a bit disappointed in him right now. So that is all I'm going to say.
I look forward to the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was super emotional, def a tear jerker. Emma really has a hard time being a shadow to her sister & is painted as the “bad” twin by those who don’t/won’t take the time to get to know her & give her a chance; except Brendon. He was borderline obsessive with trying to make her his friend lol. Though there was a lot of bullying & some of it was pretty bad, I was waiting for her to really get hurt & hopefully open her parents’ eyes a bit more of what she went/goes thru & that they should’ve groveled in a way. Also signed up for this story thinking it was a standalone since it was labeled that way but doesn’t seem to be the case when I opened it, especially how the last chapter ends, now I really need more lol.
January 21, 2026
This book opened with punch to the nose (and he definitely deserved it) and kept my attention to the very last line!
I love Emma, the FMC with walls so high they block the sun and the temper of an angry bear that’s been mistreated, but when you take the time to get over that the heart of a sweet baby kitten.
I liked Brendan, the star of the football team who for once isn’t totally full of himself, a real sweetheart who becomes fascinated with Emma from the very first day despite her troubled reputation and attempts to push him away.
A great story with great characters, you loved the ‘good’ characters and loathed the ‘bad’ characters, really wanted to punch Trevor myself by the end of it!
Really looking forward to part 2 of the duet.
I love Emma, the FMC with walls so high they block the sun and the temper of an angry bear that’s been mistreated, but when you take the time to get over that the heart of a sweet baby kitten.
I liked Brendan, the star of the football team who for once isn’t totally full of himself, a real sweetheart who becomes fascinated with Emma from the very first day despite her troubled reputation and attempts to push him away.
A great story with great characters, you loved the ‘good’ characters and loathed the ‘bad’ characters, really wanted to punch Trevor myself by the end of it!
Really looking forward to part 2 of the duet.
January 21, 2026
Oh my heart, where is book 2?!
I adored this story from having a relatable awkward mfc who's the "troublemaker", expelled from high school, alone and friendless, a black sheep in her own family. Emma is such a heartwarming character you want to reach in and hug her.
After trespassing on her old school and assaulting one of the king jerks in the high school, Emma finds herself serving time as a janitor to make amends and she catches the eye of the beautiful "Golden Boy".
The story is such an easy and enjoyable read, i teared up plenty of times and am rooting for both Emma and her self worth and for her relationship with Brendon.
I can tell book 2 will be an emtional rollercoaster and i can not wait to read it!
I adored this story from having a relatable awkward mfc who's the "troublemaker", expelled from high school, alone and friendless, a black sheep in her own family. Emma is such a heartwarming character you want to reach in and hug her.
After trespassing on her old school and assaulting one of the king jerks in the high school, Emma finds herself serving time as a janitor to make amends and she catches the eye of the beautiful "Golden Boy".
The story is such an easy and enjoyable read, i teared up plenty of times and am rooting for both Emma and her self worth and for her relationship with Brendon.
I can tell book 2 will be an emtional rollercoaster and i can not wait to read it!
January 23, 2026
Loving The Golden Boy is a heartfelt, emotional read.
What you get.....
♡NA Romance
♡Friends to Lovers
♡Grumpy Sunshine
♡High School
♡Bad Girl
♡Golden Boy Quarterback
♡Opposites Attract Vibe
♡Family Drama
♡Protective Sister
♡Feisty FMC
It's about a bullied girl who feels invisible at home and the boy who chooses to truly see her. 🥰🥰
Watching her struggle with trust and slowly open up is both heartbreaking and beautiful.
The perfect blend of tender moments, angst, and heat that keeps you hooked from start to finish!
Emma is incredibly easy to root for, even when her family makes you want to scream. And Brendon? The ultimate green flag golden boy.
I devoured this book and I can't wait for the next one! With that ending I need it ASAP Angel!! 🫶🫶🫶🫶
What you get.....
♡NA Romance
♡Friends to Lovers
♡Grumpy Sunshine
♡High School
♡Bad Girl
♡Golden Boy Quarterback
♡Opposites Attract Vibe
♡Family Drama
♡Protective Sister
♡Feisty FMC
It's about a bullied girl who feels invisible at home and the boy who chooses to truly see her. 🥰🥰
Watching her struggle with trust and slowly open up is both heartbreaking and beautiful.
The perfect blend of tender moments, angst, and heat that keeps you hooked from start to finish!
Emma is incredibly easy to root for, even when her family makes you want to scream. And Brendon? The ultimate green flag golden boy.
I devoured this book and I can't wait for the next one! With that ending I need it ASAP Angel!! 🫶🫶🫶🫶
January 23, 2026
Kisses and punches
Loving The Golden Boy is the first book in this contemporary highschool F/M romance.
Bullies, a horrible ex girlfriend, and a world where very few have listened to the cries of one individual. Emma is the bad twin... The drop out... The troublemaker. So when Brendon starts taking to her, she's suspicious. Even her own twin is mad at her for sticking her nose... Well, more like her fist into her business.
This book will tug at your heartstrings. It shows that toughness is a cover for pain. And when Emma finally allows someone to see who she really is, it all unravels. I look forward to the next book to see what will happen. Will she fall back into old habits? Or find a way to hold onto the progress that she's made? With it without the golden boy!
Loving The Golden Boy is the first book in this contemporary highschool F/M romance.
Bullies, a horrible ex girlfriend, and a world where very few have listened to the cries of one individual. Emma is the bad twin... The drop out... The troublemaker. So when Brendon starts taking to her, she's suspicious. Even her own twin is mad at her for sticking her nose... Well, more like her fist into her business.
This book will tug at your heartstrings. It shows that toughness is a cover for pain. And when Emma finally allows someone to see who she really is, it all unravels. I look forward to the next book to see what will happen. Will she fall back into old habits? Or find a way to hold onto the progress that she's made? With it without the golden boy!
January 28, 2026
If you are looking for a captivating, angsty, book with amazing characters you should definitely check out Loving The Golden Boy. Emma no longer attends school but her twin sister, Elena does. When Trevor decides to break Elena's heart Emma decides to confront him and make him pay. As punishment Emma must work as a janitor at the school for a month. Not only is she terrorized by the player and his friends but also by the girls that are supposed to besties with her sister. When she decided to duel out her kind of justice to Trevor she caught the attention of Brendon, the golden boy. Emma is an amazing fmc. She is spirited, real, and protective of those she loves. I loved watching her character growth. I just wish her parents and sister were there for her. Brendon is incredible. He is intelligent, good looking, a football player, and always there for Emma, even when she denies that she wants him to be. He gives her support, encouragement, and love which she has been denied her whole life. I love their chemistry and banter. I loved this book but it does end with an awful cliffhanger, the next one can't come quick enough!
January 25, 2026
This is book 1 in Angel's Kisses and Punches series. A wonderful new contemporary romance read with our main characters Emma and Brendon. I loved Emma's character, her vulnerability and feeling like she's always a bit in the shadow of her twin sister but also having some sassiness! Brendon is the golden boy, quarterback but I love that he comes thru with heart. I found this to be a bit on the y/a side but still captivating with its smooth flowing storyline and of course these relatable characters. In warning, this book does end in a cliffhanger so be forewarned that if you pick this up, you'll be needing more!
This book was given to me for free at my request and I voluntarily provided this reivew.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I voluntarily provided this reivew.
January 25, 2026
This was such a sweet read, but that cliffhanger had me totally shocked! Never saw that coming! I love how Brendon was immediately taken by Emma, even before he saw her hit Trevor. And how he kept talking to her, and was determined to be friends with her even while she was pushing him away. Emma's parents were so confusing to me, seemed like they couldn't decide whether they wanted to be her parents or just Elena's, which was part of the draw. They did improve a little, as well as Emma's relationship with Elena. Trevor and his cronies are so easy to hate! Which made it easier to fall in love with Brendon and how he is great with Emma. Such a great read, and cannot wait to see where the story goes!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m a little back and forth on this one. Emma is an outcast that’s in the shadow of her “perfect” twin Elena. It touches on the fact Emma has severe dyslexia and that’s the reason she drops out of school. Yet when she stands up for her sister, she lands herself back in the school as the janitor. This is where she is reintroduced to the golden boy Brenden. There is a lot of petty drama surrounding the characters but there’s also some heavier issues but unfortunately those are glossed over a bit where we r lead to believe everything is just mysteriously ok now. Everything is going great until bam!! Cliffhanger. All in all it was a decent book and I am curious to see what happens next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Emma is a lost cause who has fallen through the cracks in life. To get revenge for using her sister, she punches Trevor and breaks his nose.
Besides getting her in trouble and forced to work at the school it also puts her right in the sights of the golden boy quarterback, Brendon.
So much high school drama thats escalated into assault. I feel for Emma as her family has basically given up on her but Brendon sees something and keep trying to get her to open up and live a little.
The ending....of course there has to be something that sets her off back down her former path but this was twisted.
Besides getting her in trouble and forced to work at the school it also puts her right in the sights of the golden boy quarterback, Brendon.
So much high school drama thats escalated into assault. I feel for Emma as her family has basically given up on her but Brendon sees something and keep trying to get her to open up and live a little.
The ending....of course there has to be something that sets her off back down her former path but this was twisted.
Review of advance copy received from Author
So in this book we find out the consequence of doing the wrong thing for the right reason! Emma finds out that he guy her her sisters feeling so she punches him! But this leads to her being punished, she has to clean her old school for a month. Here she is victimised by bullies, again, but she also reconnects with Brendon, the golden boy of the school.
As they get to know each other lots of things change for Emma, she comes to understand some of her anger issues, improves her relationship with her parents and sister and falls in love! But the path of true love is never easy and the issues that come up at the end lead to a heck of a hook for the next book.
As they get to know each other lots of things change for Emma, she comes to understand some of her anger issues, improves her relationship with her parents and sister and falls in love! But the path of true love is never easy and the issues that come up at the end lead to a heck of a hook for the next book.
January 21, 2026
This was a really great read! I felt for the FMC as she was very misunderstood. I loved how she progressed throughout the story but I also very shocked with how things ended. The MMC was also really great. Smart, talented and was able to see what no one else saw. Many of the people in this book deserved to be smashed lol but overall it helped the story develop and for that, I guess they did alright lol. I highly dislike one of the side characters and wish nothing but the worst for him and his friends. I am very excited to read book 2 in this duet to see if we get the ending I hope we get but we shall see.
January 29, 2026
Loving the Golden Boy is a captivating, angsty read with incredible characters. After Trevor breaks her twin sister’s heart, Emma steps in for justice—only to end up punished and working as a janitor at the school, where she’s relentlessly targeted by bullies and fake friends. Emma is a fantastic FMC: strong, protective, and beautifully real, and watching her growth was a highlight. Brendon, the golden boy, is everything—supportive, intelligent, and endlessly patient—and their chemistry and banter are so good. I loved this book, but fair warning: it ends on a brutal cliffhanger, and I need the next one now.
January 13, 2026
Pleasantly surprised! I love how we have an FMC that isn’t afraid to stand up for herself and others, and an MMC that truly is the golden boy. I love the opposites attract chemistry between Emma and Brendon, and how soft Brendon is with Emma, even though everyone else sees her hard exterior and steers clear.
And the author did a great job in the way that she is able to shine a spotlight on bullying and how it affects the people who get bullied.
I can’t wait to read book two in this duet!
Oh and beware of the ending, it’s heartbreaking
And the author did a great job in the way that she is able to shine a spotlight on bullying and how it affects the people who get bullied.
I can’t wait to read book two in this duet!
Oh and beware of the ending, it’s heartbreaking
January 21, 2026
I think I personally struggled to connect with characters that are quite literally younger than some of my children. It wasn't just that I found the behaviors immature, but that I honestly didn't like reading about sex scenes between the high school aged characters and had to skip over it awkwardly. I also rolled my eyes at her acting out with smoking, both sisters hanging out with people who didn't actually like them, and the way she handled her bullying issues. I'm too old for this, lol. But that doesn't mean it isn't very relatable for someone else.
January 22, 2026
I enjoyed this book. Enjoyed the characters and everything that took place. I was glad that Emma was a take no crap kind of girl. I think I would’ve punched the kid in the face that hurt my siblings feelings too. This was well written and flowed really well. I’m only giving it four stars because I’m up there in age and it was a little awkward reading the romance scenes with kids that are right between mine and my grand kids lol. But overall I did enjoy this. Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your ARC team.
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