Double Trouble

4.5 stars — There’s just something about a Cassie Mae book that gives me what I don’t get anywhere else. The characters are so unique and realistic and they just get to my heart. And they’re just so freaking adorable, I can’t even! I will admit, Tanner has made the book boyfriend list. I shouldn’t be surprised, for some reason Ms. Mae’s blond heroes always get under my skin. He kind of challenges all the stereotypes of what makes a strong dependable man. He is super sweet, ridiculously romantic, thoughtful…just quietly caring. I loved the way he saw into who Maddie was, and truly understood her. And didn’t want to change her. He made me swoon so many times, I can’t even. He’s not without his own flaws, but in the end I think most of those were just things he needed to grow in…which he did. Maddie did her own kind of challenging — she was strong, a bit of a tomboy, but she didn’t spend all her time forcing herself into the tomboy box. She just was who she was, and she loved what she loved, and she made no apologies. It was refreshing. It was interesting to see a character struggling to balance her dreams with her responsibilities, and the love of her family. I mean, she frustrated me a bit too, b/c she needed to communicate with Pete!! But I forgive her for it. I never thought about it before, but these two kind of swapped the stereotypical roles of hero and heroine in a romance novel. I love that! Maddie was very sex positive, and Tanner needed more of an emotional commitment…and both of those things are just fine! And despite not getting full steam scenes, Ms. Mae writes kissing scenes that leave my cheeks red and my tummy tingling…so I’m all good with that. I loved the look into the world of skateboarding that we got. It really made me appreciate the sport. Some great secondary characters as always, and I loved getting a bigger glimpse of Aislynn! It makes me even more excited for her and Luke’s book. I feel like this isn’t my best review, and I’m worried I’m spoiling things. But there were just so many little details that I loved and that resonated with me. This series is seriously vintage Cassie Mae, and I hope more people discover the stories she tells about characters that just don’t get as much screen time, because that’s who my heart longs for.

This was everything I hoped for and SO much more!! “I Knew You Were Trouble” was a top read for me in 2020, it was absolute perfection and I was 100% hooked from start to finish. NOW comes “Double Trouble” and it has completely captured my heart and mind and is already my top read of 2021. Cassie Mae is such a remarkable writer and she proves it over and over once again in this book. This is the story of Tanner and Maddie, and let me just tell you it is a heart-melting and emotional read. Maddie we meet in the first book, as she is Pete’s older sister, a tough, close to the vest, hardworking young woman. I adore Maddie and related to her in so many ways. She’s the oldest and often, with or without intending to, carries a lot of the weight of life, especially when it comes to family. She loves her siblings with so much of herself, desperate to take care of things and keep her head above water. This leaves little time for her other love, her dream and also her outlet, skateboarding. Enter Tanner, now can I just say he is the most adorable thing I’ve ever come across in a book!! I loved every chapter of his, not only because of his sweetness but because of his vulnerability and the feelings rollercoaster he took me on. My heart split and stitched multiple times with him but I loved every second of it. Cassie Mae’s ability to write characters that give off such visceral feelings is honestly my favorite part of her books and Tanner is possibly my favorite so far. Is it obvious yet how much I loved this book?!? Cassie Mae’s not just fantastic when it comes to writing characters, her overall writing style is one that makes it impossible to put down. The pacing is flawless, the internal/external monologue and dialogue are perfectly balanced and the surrounding characters as well as the story didn’t leave me with any lingering questions or feelings. It’s a funny, sweet, heartwarming, impassioned and just phenomenal read. “Double Trouble” gets infinite stars and eternal recommendations from me. This is an incredible follow up that now leaves me anxiously awaiting the next book!