Helena Hunting has done it again—and if you’ve followed the Toronto Terror series as religiously as I have, I Could Be Yours is going to feel like the best kind of gift-wrapped surprise. This book takes two characters who’ve danced around the edges of past stories—Essie Lovelock and Nate Stiles—and gives them the spotlight they deserve in a slow-burn, grumpy/sunshine, second-chance romance that is equal parts hilarious, swoony, and heartbreakingly tender.
Essie, our spreadsheet-loving, former fairytale dreamer-turned-pragmatic maid of honor, is determined to pull off the perfect wedding for her best friend. The only catch? She’s stuck planning it all with the best man—Nate Stiles, the same man who ghosted her six years ago after sharing one unforgettable kiss. And let me just say, if you thought wedding planning was chaotic before, try doing it with unresolved tension, unspoken feelings, and sizzling chemistry that practically burns through the pages.
Nate is the epitome of broody perfection—controlled, emotionally walled-off, and completely unequipped to deal with the glittery hurricane that is Essie. But under that furrowed brow and that grumbly “I-don’t-do-love” exterior lies a vulnerability that slowly unravels as the story goes on. Watching Essie chip away at his armor was so satisfying. Their dynamic is electric—witty banter, competitive tension (salsa dancing and limbo games, anyone?), and all the awkward, laugh-out-loud moments you’d expect when forced proximity crashes into long-buried feelings.
But what elevates this book beyond just a fun romcom is the emotional depth that Hunting weaves so effortlessly into her storytelling. There’s trauma. There’s heartbreak. There are moments where Nate’s emotional baggage just hits you like a punch in the gut—and you feel everything right along with him. The exploration of abandonment, of being chosen (or not), and learning to trust love again was so beautifully done. Essie, in her chaotic, messy, vibrant way, becomes the safe place Nate didn’t know he needed. And Nate, in all his slow-blooming warmth, gives Essie something real to believe in again.
Their chemistry is off the charts, but it’s the quiet moments—the late-night confessions, the subtle glances, the soft admissions—that absolutely stole my heart. Also, the cameos? Chef’s kiss. Seeing Bea and Tristan again, checking in with Rix, Brody, Cammie, and the whole Toronto Terror family made my fangirl heart so, so happy. The Easter eggs, the callbacks, the gentle teases about future stories… if you’ve been along for the ride since the beginning, you’ll feel like you’re catching up with old friends.
And of course, leave it to Helena to balance the swoons and steam with moments of pure hilarity. The cucumber game had me howling, the wardrobe mishaps were iconic, and Nate’s allergy-fueled sweetness? I died. And yet, through it all, Hunting keeps the emotional heartbeat of the story front and center. The resolution, the growth, the epilogue—it was everything.
I Could Be Yours is one of those romances that sneaks up on you with its depth while keeping you laughing, swooning, and falling in love with every page. Essie and Nate might be total opposites on paper, but together they’re absolutely perfect. If you haven’t already dived into the Toronto Terror universe, trust me, now’s the time. And if you’ve been here from the start? Welcome home.
Happy reading!
- Would I recommend this book: Yes.
- Would I re-read this book: Yes.
- Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
e-ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
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Meet the Author
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of PUCKED, Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She writes contemporary romances ranging from new adult angst to romantic sports comedy.
Where to Find Helena:
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