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Accidental Hero: A Brother's Best Friend Age Gap Romance
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 8, 2026
GREAT book. The world and character building and the plot are all outstanding. I love how Asher "steals" Harper away from the "alter" in her wedding gown. Of course there is a storm, a best friend and her older brother also known as his best friend! Daniel, the jilted groom makes trouble for Ash and Harper. The banter between Ash and Harper is funny. Great book, with lots of drama, hot and laughs!
March 6, 2026
I’m going to be honest, it took me a hot second to get into this book. But then it got sexxy. And funny! The sexytime is inspirational, but the banter is even better. Ash and Harper’s back-and-forth is smart and clever, and an unexpected prize in a book that could easily have been formulaic. I’ve read books where the MMC kidnaps the bride at the altar before, but I’ve never read one as witty as this one.
A word about the drinks… Harper is an expert mixologist and the drinks she comes up with sound fantastic, even to a non-drinker like myself. And the Gatsby speakeasy sounds incredibly cool. But the whole book is infused with alcohol, so I would caution anyone who is an alcoholic or who is working on their sobriety.
Elevator pitch: Harper is secretly getting married to Ash’s nemesis who is a truly despicable man. Ash arrives in the nick of time, throws Harper over his shoulder, and drags her off to an incredible resort villa where they have forced proximity. But Ash is Harper’s brother’s best friend, and Harper is saving herself for marriage, so there’s a lot of creative sexytime that doesn’t cross that final line.
Fail: Ash is only 39 and has a little gray in his hair, so technically, he’s not a silver fox. Nice try, though. Also, the book fails the Bechdel test.
Safety? Y
Triggers? Alcohol use
Tropes: Age Gap, Brother’s Best Friend, Altar Abduction, Forced Proximity, Workplace Romance, Secret Relationship, Captor and Captive…and a partridge in a pear tree.
Heat is explicit.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A word about the drinks… Harper is an expert mixologist and the drinks she comes up with sound fantastic, even to a non-drinker like myself. And the Gatsby speakeasy sounds incredibly cool. But the whole book is infused with alcohol, so I would caution anyone who is an alcoholic or who is working on their sobriety.
Elevator pitch: Harper is secretly getting married to Ash’s nemesis who is a truly despicable man. Ash arrives in the nick of time, throws Harper over his shoulder, and drags her off to an incredible resort villa where they have forced proximity. But Ash is Harper’s brother’s best friend, and Harper is saving herself for marriage, so there’s a lot of creative sexytime that doesn’t cross that final line.
Fail: Ash is only 39 and has a little gray in his hair, so technically, he’s not a silver fox. Nice try, though. Also, the book fails the Bechdel test.
Safety? Y
Triggers? Alcohol use
Tropes: Age Gap, Brother’s Best Friend, Altar Abduction, Forced Proximity, Workplace Romance, Secret Relationship, Captor and Captive…and a partridge in a pear tree.
Heat is explicit.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book starts with one of the most exciting openings I’ve read in a romance. The story kicks off when Asher storms Harper’s wedding and carries her away mid-ceremony—what he calls a rescue and what she definitely calls a kidnapping. From that moment on, the energy between them is intense, funny, and impossible to ignore.
Asher being Harper’s brother’s best friend adds a great layer to the story, especially because they already have history and a natural back-and-forth. Their banter is genuinely entertaining, and there were several moments that made me laugh. Harper is strong-willed and a bit stubborn, while Asher is confident, teasing, and clearly hiding more than he initially says. Watching them challenge each other—and slowly give in to the attraction—was one of the highlights of the book.
The forced proximity on the secluded beach and the “one bed” situation build a lot of tension. The push and pull between them feels playful at times and emotionally charged at others, and their chemistry is undeniable.
The romance balances humor, drama, and some very steamy moments that make the story even more addictive.
Overall, this is a fun, trope-filled romance with great banter, strong chemistry, and characters you can’t help rooting for. If you enjoy brother’s-best-friend romance, forced proximity, and a story that mixes humor with heat, this one is definitely worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Asher being Harper’s brother’s best friend adds a great layer to the story, especially because they already have history and a natural back-and-forth. Their banter is genuinely entertaining, and there were several moments that made me laugh. Harper is strong-willed and a bit stubborn, while Asher is confident, teasing, and clearly hiding more than he initially says. Watching them challenge each other—and slowly give in to the attraction—was one of the highlights of the book.
The forced proximity on the secluded beach and the “one bed” situation build a lot of tension. The push and pull between them feels playful at times and emotionally charged at others, and their chemistry is undeniable.
The romance balances humor, drama, and some very steamy moments that make the story even more addictive.
Overall, this is a fun, trope-filled romance with great banter, strong chemistry, and characters you can’t help rooting for. If you enjoy brother’s-best-friend romance, forced proximity, and a story that mixes humor with heat, this one is definitely worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 11, 2026
Amazing, wacky do not pass this story up! The story is sexy, hot and sizzling. Very entertaining. The characters have a spark, an electricity, a magnetic charge going on between them. You will fall in love with them. Ash is on a crazy journey to stop his best friend’s little sister from marrying a jerk of a man. They are eloping. Ash has hopped on a plane and is traveling to the island to stop her. He doesn’t know how, but he will figure it out! The thing he hasn’t figured out is why is he doing this? Is it just because the man is a sleaze ball, cheats on women, steals menu ideas from other restaurants - he is really not a nice guy at all. Ash jumps into the wedding during the vows and kidnaps Haley. Haley is furious. Now all the fun begins! Arguing, teasing, flirting. It’s filled with some feisty, sassy, spunky, spicy back and forth. The two are constantly bumping heads on what will and will not work, what to do and what not to do, do we or don’t we? Then they start discovering, exploring, and confiding in each other. It’s an entertaining, funny, enjoyable, caring, tender story. As the story continues you will be entertained by their witty comebacks, their playfulness, romance and the ultimate - love. It is a winner!!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
3.5 stars for me.
This one started slow for me. The first half was hard to sink into because Harper’s mix of childish behavior and stubbornness made her tough to connect with at first. But once the story hit the midpoint, it finally clicked and I found myself much more invested.
Harper St. James is in her mid‑20s, still carrying the weight of a rough childhood shaped by parents who chose addiction over parenting. Her brother Jaylen and his best friend Asher — now co‑CEOs of a restaurant group — Jaylen shared his broken childhood just like his sister but he and their aunt helpped raise Harper. Asher, at 39, based love on his parents undying love and seeks and fails to find until he thinks of Harper but always held himself back from her. He brings the steadiness and maturity Harper lacks early on, and their age gap dynamic becomes more compelling as the story progresses.
By the second half, the emotional layers land better, the chemistry feels earned, and the characters’ shared history adds depth. It’s a slow burn that takes patience, but once it finds its stride, it becomes a much more engaging read.
This one started slow for me. The first half was hard to sink into because Harper’s mix of childish behavior and stubbornness made her tough to connect with at first. But once the story hit the midpoint, it finally clicked and I found myself much more invested.
Harper St. James is in her mid‑20s, still carrying the weight of a rough childhood shaped by parents who chose addiction over parenting. Her brother Jaylen and his best friend Asher — now co‑CEOs of a restaurant group — Jaylen shared his broken childhood just like his sister but he and their aunt helpped raise Harper. Asher, at 39, based love on his parents undying love and seeks and fails to find until he thinks of Harper but always held himself back from her. He brings the steadiness and maturity Harper lacks early on, and their age gap dynamic becomes more compelling as the story progresses.
By the second half, the emotional layers land better, the chemistry feels earned, and the characters’ shared history adds depth. It’s a slow burn that takes patience, but once it finds its stride, it becomes a much more engaging read.
March 5, 2026
This book started strong and didn’t let up. Asher kidnaps Harper from her destination beach side wedding, tossing her over his shoulder and driving her to a remote villa in Costa Rica. What is supposed to be a brief night at the villa turns into a case of forced proximity and the start of their romance.
I was absolutely taken with Asher. He’s a good guy, doing a good thing, even if he does go about it in sort of a cave man way. And Harper was feisty and strong and gave as good as she got. These two characters were so great. The chemistry between them was abundant, their attraction to one another very clear, but the banter is what really made the book for me. They are attracted to one another but try so very hard to fight it—and fail miserably.
There are a lot of tropes happening in this one, but the author handles it well and gives the reader a delightful story with wit, spice and real emotion. I enjoyed reading this one and am looking forward to more by the author. Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was absolutely taken with Asher. He’s a good guy, doing a good thing, even if he does go about it in sort of a cave man way. And Harper was feisty and strong and gave as good as she got. These two characters were so great. The chemistry between them was abundant, their attraction to one another very clear, but the banter is what really made the book for me. They are attracted to one another but try so very hard to fight it—and fail miserably.
There are a lot of tropes happening in this one, but the author handles it well and gives the reader a delightful story with wit, spice and real emotion. I enjoyed reading this one and am looking forward to more by the author. Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 16, 2026
I enjoyed this fun charming story about Harper a vurgin who’s waiting for marriage and Asher her much older brothers best friend. Asher kidnaps Harper from her elopement knowing his business rival is only marrying Harper to get her V card then plans to dump her. He’s been cheating on her the entire time but Asher doesn’t want to hurt Harper so tells her he’s in love with her. After a week stuck in a villa due to a tropical storm where tensions rise and some sexual events happen they return home. Harper starts working for Asher who’s in business with her brother his best friend and they slowly begin dating secretly. Things evolve feelings develop but the brother doesn’t know. Things continue secrets become know tempers flare feelings are hurt and decisions must be made.
Characters are fun, there are spicy moments, things that make u laugh, and lovely moments of self discovery, self reflection and character growth all ending with a hea.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Characters are fun, there are spicy moments, things that make u laugh, and lovely moments of self discovery, self reflection and character growth all ending with a hea.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 6, 2026
Asher finds out that his best friend's little sister, Harper, has run off to Costa Rica to marry Daniel, an all-around untrustworthy guy who has been sleeping around the whole time he's dated Harper. Asher immediately hops a plane, finds their hotel, storms down the aisle, throws Harper over his shoulder and kidnaps her to a beach-side villa. He was going to fly them home the next morning, but a storm cancels all flights and knocked down trees block the road. The story progresses from there. I loved this story much more than I expected. I was not expecting it to be so really well written - actually a mostly realistic story line, great character backgrounds, with lots of spice and great steamy scenes. I understood where each character was coming from, the characters' growth and development curves were spot on... A recommended read! I was given a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
March 16, 2026
My Hero Too!
This is an unbelievably funny & romantic novel all wrapped up in love! Harper’s about to marry the wrong man & Asher kidnaps her just before she says ‘I Do’! Harper’s quite the spitfire even when they’re stuck in a beautiful villa in Costa Rica during a tropical storm for a few days. Asher’s her white knight even though she disagrees initially. She realizes the now ex-fiance was not the right guy for her. Asher’s patient with Harper & protects her from the ex. Not giving out more spoil alerts, the ideas those two come up with revenge in mind, the fun times they share & the realization they actually love being together just fits as one of the best romantic novels I’ve read in awhile. This one will keep you entertained & is one you’ll want to read it in one sitting! Mia Mara has the magic in story-telling with the steady flow of emotions in each chapter. A 5+ stars from me!
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is an unbelievably funny & romantic novel all wrapped up in love! Harper’s about to marry the wrong man & Asher kidnaps her just before she says ‘I Do’! Harper’s quite the spitfire even when they’re stuck in a beautiful villa in Costa Rica during a tropical storm for a few days. Asher’s her white knight even though she disagrees initially. She realizes the now ex-fiance was not the right guy for her. Asher’s patient with Harper & protects her from the ex. Not giving out more spoil alerts, the ideas those two come up with revenge in mind, the fun times they share & the realization they actually love being together just fits as one of the best romantic novels I’ve read in awhile. This one will keep you entertained & is one you’ll want to read it in one sitting! Mia Mara has the magic in story-telling with the steady flow of emotions in each chapter. A 5+ stars from me!
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Accidental Hero is a captivating romance that is engaging from the start. The characters are well-developed and crafted making them likeable and characters that you want to know more about. Asher is protective of his best friends younger sister, Harper. He takes his protection one step further and kidnaps her from her own wedding. As they are forced to be in close proximity due to unforeseen circumstances, their bantering is next level, and they become closer as their relationship develops. This age-gap, forced proximity, page-tuner, brother’s best friend romance is a combination of excellent writing, heart-felt emotion, compelling characters, family, humor, and an adventure that develops into a happy ever after. Accidental Hero is part of the Unintentionally Yours series and is worth the read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Asher kidnaps Harper from the alter before she can make the biggest mistake of marrying her brother Jaylen and Asher's rival. In the midst of this chaos, her would-be-groom ghosts her and she's trapped in Costa Rica with Asher due to a storm. This case of forced proximity continues when Asher offers her a job after her former groom fires her.
I really enjoyed this story. There wasn't some third act breakup that could have been prevented if the leads merely behaved like adults and had a simple conversation or didn't jump to conclusions. There was good character development and realistic important conversations that actually took place rather than ignored.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this story. There wasn't some third act breakup that could have been prevented if the leads merely behaved like adults and had a simple conversation or didn't jump to conclusions. There was good character development and realistic important conversations that actually took place rather than ignored.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Truly one of the most exciting intros to a book I've ever read! Asher rescues Harper from making the biggest mistake of her life and now they are trapped in paradise. Harper is a feisty sweetheart who finds herself "kidnapped" by her annoyingly handsome brother's best friend, Asher. The witty banter between these two had me cracking up. The push-and-pull as they both tempt and tease each other is addictive. The perfect balance of electric chemistry, light drama, and some seriously steamy hot moments. I absolutely loved Harper and Asher and found myself rooting for them the whole time.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 24, 2026
If only all men were like Asher Levine!
This book had me from the moment Asher hoisted Harper over his shoulder and took off.
Tropes:
Brother’s best friend
Age gap
Virgin FMC
Boss/employee
Forced proximity.
This book has a lot of tropes but does all of them well. Asher is is Harper’s brother’s best friend. Sometimes an age gap of 15 years, with a lifelong friend of the sibling, would give me the ick, but not in this case. The age gap was handled tactfully without infantilizing the FMC.
Spice was delightful and not over the top. Very on brand for the couple.
This was my first from the author but I’ll definitely read more and can’t wait to dig into the backlist.
This book had me from the moment Asher hoisted Harper over his shoulder and took off.
Tropes:
Brother’s best friend
Age gap
Virgin FMC
Boss/employee
Forced proximity.
This book has a lot of tropes but does all of them well. Asher is is Harper’s brother’s best friend. Sometimes an age gap of 15 years, with a lifelong friend of the sibling, would give me the ick, but not in this case. The age gap was handled tactfully without infantilizing the FMC.
Spice was delightful and not over the top. Very on brand for the couple.
This was my first from the author but I’ll definitely read more and can’t wait to dig into the backlist.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, imagine being kidnapped or rescued from the altar at your wedding. This book will grab your attention from the first page. Harper and Asher will win your heart as you travel this emotional and sensual journey with them. No shortage of troupes in this book but the author does a masterful job of blending them. Brother’s best friend, Virgin FMC, Forced proximity, Boss/employee and age-gap. Their banter is hilarious and you'll find yourself pulling for this couple and their fifteen year age-gap feels like a blip. Age is just a number, so they say it's a fun book that was a delight to read. An HEA and no cliffhanger.
Review of advance copy
Accidental Hero is a wonderful Contemporary romance that finds its MMC Asher Levine on his way to Costa Rica to rescue his partner’s sister MFC Harper from making a big mistake by marrying their business rival. Crashing the beach wedding, throwing her over his shoulder and leaving quickly is just the beginnings of a humorous, entertaining, relationship romp with captivating writing and characters crafted to perfection. The passion, emotion, family dynamics, surprises, and drama will draw you into their delightful story that will deftly make its way towards a much deserved HEA.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 6, 2026
Accidental Hero by Mia Mara brings us Asher stealing his best friend's little sister sway from eloping with her jerk boss only to fall for her himself. After initially being angry with Asher, Harper begins to act on her attraction to him. Of course, they don't want her brother to know.
Both Asher and Harper are good characters. Harper's brother, Hayden, and her best friend also fill.out the story nicely. Asher's mom brings a real piece of reality to the story, too.
While the trope is predictable, the author writes a good story with characters you invest in leaving the reader well satisfied at the end.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Both Asher and Harper are good characters. Harper's brother, Hayden, and her best friend also fill.out the story nicely. Asher's mom brings a real piece of reality to the story, too.
While the trope is predictable, the author writes a good story with characters you invest in leaving the reader well satisfied at the end.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Harper lands in a secluded villa with Asher her nemesis after he kidnaps her from her wedding. She had no idea why he did it but close proximity with these two brings out the feelings and hard truths. When she learns why he took her away will it bring them closer to finding happiness between them. This story had me laughing at their antics and banter as I connected with them. It is heartfelt with a great storyline along with vivid characters that kept me engaged from start to finish.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 7, 2026
I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved the main character and the storyline. An older man falls for his best friend’s sister. Asher is 15 years older than Harper he has watched her grow up. He is swept away by the woman she has become. Their love story implodes when he finds out she is going to marry . He rushes to literally carry her away from the alter. They find themselves in a situation that makes them recognize their chemistry and feelings for each other. It is a funny and dramatic love story.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Asher sees throwing Harper over his shoulder at her supposed wedding, as a rescue. Harper sees it like a kidnapping. Asher is hr brother’s best friend and the two of them have great humour between them. I found myself laughing out loud and wanting them to find their way. Oh when they do it so spicy . Age is just a number and both have a stubborn streak and brilliant chemistry, humour and great characters.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 6, 2026
'But I’ll never forgive him for ruining my life.
“Oh, honey… if you hate me now, just wait until you find out why I kidnapped you.”'
The characters drove the storyline and they were very complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
“Oh, honey… if you hate me now, just wait until you find out why I kidnapped you.”'
The characters drove the storyline and they were very complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 6, 2026
Mia Mara really brings it in this one. Harper and Asher are so well written. This book has a troupe for almost every reader. Chemistry is off the charts. Asher comes out from the beginning as a strong alpha caveman. The harder these two fight against falling in love the better the book gets. The banter is my favorite part. I can’t express how much I enjoyed this excellent read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 7, 2026
A charming, heartfelt romance that delivers both swoon‑worthy moments and emotional substance. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy character‑driven love stories with a touch of vulnerability and a lot of heart. The author understands the complexities of modern relationships and the quiet heroism found in everyday people and focuses on coming back from personal setbacks.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What do you do when you know your best friend's little sister is making a huge mistake? Hop on a plane and ruin her wedding. Little did he know the red headed fire cracker would steal his heart. Harper begins to realize that Archer is more than he lets people see. I loved Harper and Archer’s story, it’s fun, witty, steamy and sexy. I highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this one! I read it in a single afternoon. Asher quite literally steals away Harper from her groom at the altar. Her groom just so happened to be a rival of Asher, and Harper's brother (who also happens to be Asher's best friend).
The spice is heavy in this book, but so is the storyline! It doesn't sacrifice plot for the sake of spice, which I greatly appreciate. The pace was consistent throughout and I had no complaints! If you like slightly forbidden, brother's best friend, age gap, workplace romance with plenty of heat, this one is for you!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The spice is heavy in this book, but so is the storyline! It doesn't sacrifice plot for the sake of spice, which I greatly appreciate. The pace was consistent throughout and I had no complaints! If you like slightly forbidden, brother's best friend, age gap, workplace romance with plenty of heat, this one is for you!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 5, 2026
I connected instantly with Asher and Harper's romance. This romance book delivers lots of twists, turns and surprises that will have you heart racing and pulse pounding. I found the storyline to deliver witty bantering, and romance that is well written. Mira knows how to write the absolute best and I mean best romance books you can ever imagine.
March 5, 2026
OMG!!! I loved, loved this story about Asher and Harper. You get great banter (so much sass from Harper), tension that when it explodes its so hot, and wonderful side characters that just add even more to their story. Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 7, 2026
When Asher learns that Harper is about to marry Daniel , he know that he can not let that happen. First off Daniel is a player and only after one thing and secondly he can not let someone else marry her. When they get trapped in a tropical paradise things heat up, the problem is her brother which is his best friend.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I loved this book from beginning to end. The fights, banter and snark in the beginning is so funny. The blurb really does say it all. Well written with wonderful MC’s and good steam. I pretty much read this straight through.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Harper eloped with her boss, Daniel. Asher is her brother's best friend and crashes the wedding. He kidnapped Harper to save her from the biggest mistake of her life. Tropical storm, ghosting groom, and being fired by email are just part of what makes the story .
March 5, 2026
This book stars high and doesn’t let up.
I loved every second of their story.
It’s filled with humor, banter, chemistry and spice - amazing entertainment.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved every second of their story.
It’s filled with humor, banter, chemistry and spice - amazing entertainment.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews