Anna
Beneath the Hood by Emily McIntire
Series: Sugar Lake, Book 3
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
Emily McIntire has done it again. As someone who has read nearly everything she’s written, I can confidently say she is in my top three favorite authors. She is so versatile—she isn't just "one type" of writer, and the Sugar Lake series is the perfect example of her range.
The Story
This third and final installment brings us back to the world we fell for in the first two books, but this time the spotlight is on Blakely and Jackson. Watching their journey was nothing short of magical.
Jackson’s character arc was easily my favorite part of the story. Seeing him transition from a rugged "f-boy" type into the ultimate "golden retriever" hero was so rewarding. He and Blakely complement each other in the best ways, filling the voids they’ve both carried throughout their lives.
What I Loved
The Emotional Connection: There is a beautiful healing dynamic here. Watching Jackson help Blakely mend parts of herself she didn't even realize were damaged was incredibly moving.
The Legacy: Seeing Blakely fill the void left by Lee from the previous books brought the whole series full circle.
The Tension: I’ll admit, I spent a good portion of this book holding my breath! I was so invested in them that I was terrified something would happen to ruin their wholesome, sweet connection.
The Spice
I’d rate the spice a 2 out of 5. There is definitely heat, but it’s perfectly balanced. It’s just enough to make the passion and the love story ignite without ever making you lose sight of the plot.
Final Verdict
I’m giving this a 4-star rating—it was a fantastic, feel-good romance, but it didn't quite make me cry, which is my personal bar for a full 5 stars! Still, if you haven’t started an Emily McIntire book yet, consider this your sign to dive in.
I’m officially down to my very last unread book of hers, and I’m already sad for it to end!
Originally posted at www.instagram.com.
Beneath the Hood by Emily McIntire
Series: Sugar Lake, Book 3
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
Emily McIntire has done it again. As someone who has read nearly everything she’s written, I can confidently say she is in my top three favorite authors. She is so versatile—she isn't just "one type" of writer, and the Sugar Lake series is the perfect example of her range.
The Story
This third and final installment brings us back to the world we fell for in the first two books, but this time the spotlight is on Blakely and Jackson. Watching their journey was nothing short of magical.
Jackson’s character arc was easily my favorite part of the story. Seeing him transition from a rugged "f-boy" type into the ultimate "golden retriever" hero was so rewarding. He and Blakely complement each other in the best ways, filling the voids they’ve both carried throughout their lives.
What I Loved
The Emotional Connection: There is a beautiful healing dynamic here. Watching Jackson help Blakely mend parts of herself she didn't even realize were damaged was incredibly moving.
The Legacy: Seeing Blakely fill the void left by Lee from the previous books brought the whole series full circle.
The Tension: I’ll admit, I spent a good portion of this book holding my breath! I was so invested in them that I was terrified something would happen to ruin their wholesome, sweet connection.
The Spice
I’d rate the spice a 2 out of 5. There is definitely heat, but it’s perfectly balanced. It’s just enough to make the passion and the love story ignite without ever making you lose sight of the plot.
Final Verdict
I’m giving this a 4-star rating—it was a fantastic, feel-good romance, but it didn't quite make me cry, which is my personal bar for a full 5 stars! Still, if you haven’t started an Emily McIntire book yet, consider this your sign to dive in.
I’m officially down to my very last unread book of hers, and I’m already sad for it to end!
Originally posted at www.instagram.com.