Meet Cute is one of those books with a cute cartoon cover that disguises some serious subject matter within. I'm starting to get used to these, but it still throws me if I don't carefully read the blurb. In the prologue, we meet Daxton and Kailyn, both attending law school together. The title refers to their first and second meetings, in which Kailyn walks right through Daxton's frisbee game and then spills coffee all over herself when trying to get into the seat next to him in class, the only seat available. Oh, and Daxton just happens to be the star of Kailyn's favorite teen drama of all time, so she fangirls and then is horribly embarassed. (He's essentially Dawson from Dawson's Creek.)

Fast forward to the present, when Kailyn is a successful lawyer and handling a new trust being set up for Daxton's much younger sister, Emmy. Then Daxton's parents die in a car accident and everything changes. Dax gets custody of his younger sister (she's 13 and he's like 32) and Kailyn is put in charge of Emmy's financial affairs when their aunt sues for custody. It's pretty obvious to the reader that the aunt is a shady character, but she does a whole bunch of shady things to try to get custody of Emmy and access to her money.

Kailyn ends up saving the day several times and her position with Emmy results in a lot of forced proximity. Sexy times between the adults, plus some humor and brother-sister bonding. There's grief and lots of legal stuff, but the relationship develops at a good pace and I thought the 13-year-old was given more depth than most kids in romance novels.

Overall a good read, but I think you'll have to suspend your disbelief a bit. How are they in LA and there aren't any non-white people? Hm. Why didn't Kailyn immediately go through the aunt's financials with her position as conservator? It felt like due process that should have been happening during the whole custody battle, since the aunt was trying to paint Dax as irresponsible and only out for the money. I also really resented the idea that everyone thought a 32 year old wasn't capable of raising a child. (Personal bias - I'm 32 and have an 8 year old and a 5 year old. I think I do alright.)

Bits of humor and the chemistry between the main characters make this a mostly enjoyable read.


Content Warnings: Grief, death of parents, custody battle, using a child for financial gain, gambling addiction

Suzanne received a copy of this book for review, but ended up buying and reading it on audio.

Just as the title and the cover suggests, you’re in for a cute ride when you pick up MEET CUTE. Kailyn has crushed on Dax since she was a teenager and he was a child actor and lead on her favorite TV show. He quit acting after that show ended and went to college and that’s where the two met. Eight years later they’re back in each others’ lives, both lawyers, and Dax needing Kailyn’s help navigating being the guardian of his younger sister after their parents death.

I found this book entertaining. Kailyn is definitely a bit quirky and a total fangirl. It can be cute at times and others maybe a little embarrassing. But there was something endearing about her and that connection to Dax. Dax on the other hand was totally oblivious at times, and others a little too cocky. But overall, they were both really cute and they had good chemistry together. The characters definitely were the stand outs in this one.

Having said that, I was expecting a bit more from this story. Some of the plot could’ve been fleshed out better in my opinion. The major conflict between them was just a really easy one to throw into the story and I guess I wanted it to be more interesting than that. But if you’re into stories with forced proximity, definitely give this one a try. It’s a cute and light romantic comedy.

Meet Cute was the rom com book that I was desperately looking forward to. Who doesn’t love a funny romantic story that has a sprinkling of friendly rivalry? The cover draws you in like you wouldn’t believe and the only thing on your mind is finding a quiet place where you can let your hair down and immerse yourself in to the feel good romance that you know you’re only pages away from.

From their very first encounter, Kailyn Flowers knew that meeting her teen crush idol Daxton Hughes was going to be the highlight of her year, maybe even her lifetime. When she learns that not only is he attending her law school, but that they’re in the same class, things become different from that moment on. What starts out admiration, later becomes a rivalry that turns into hatred.

It’s been five years since Daxton has seen Kailyn and if it’s one thing that he knows is that time has been good to her. Back in law school he’s known that this woman was not only feisty and smart, but she was beautiful and caring. Now faced with a tragedy of his own, Daxton seeks help from a legal perspective and the same woman who knocked him off his feet all those years ago, is now back in his life. But for how long?

First off I have to say that I liked certain moments in this story and I admired the love and determination that these characters had. But… I really thought that I was going to be getting a feel good funny romantic story. The storyline itself was somewhat heavy and I was not expecting that. Aside from that, I think if you’re a fan of this author regardless, you will still want to give this one a try.

Mrs. Hunting proves again because she is the queen of the ROM-COM. With her flawless characteristic style of writing that keeps you hooked from the first lines, she gives us a story that is sweet, fun, sexy and anguished, my heart ached sooo much.

Dax and Kailyn stole my heart from their first lines, both are in a situation where they have to work together for the good of Dax's sister, Emme. From their first interactions in the Law School, the sparks between both fly, but both always compete for the first place. The banter and chemistry increases after they meet again five years later and as they interact.

The interaction with the best friends, as is characteristic of the author is great, and the tension between them, wow, so delicious and hot, made me blush and sigh countless times. In addition, I loved Emme's relationship with Dax and Kailyn, their conversations always fun.

An addictive and captivating story that made me cry, laugh, sigh and that I enjoyed so much, as always, the author is the best at what she does, and this is a story that will keep you stuck to the seat and turning the pages as if your life depend on it.

Super recommended, you NEED to read it now.

Loved from start to finish! I gotta be honest, I don't think there's any one book Helena Hunting has penned that I haven't loved/adored/fangirled over, and the streak continues with this book. It really is a light, fun and cute read with the right amount of chemistry and banter between Kailyn and Dax, but I was surprised that there is a bit of heavy woven into the story; I thought that added balance and brevity to the overall story; just the right touch without bringing the overall mood of the book down.

Kailyn and Daxton’s story is funny, emotional, and you won’t want to stop reading. It had me laughing out loud to shedding tears. I absolutely loved Kailyn’s fangirling and Daxton’s struggle with his sister. Definitely grab this one to read!

This is my first Helena Hunting Book. I was pretty excited to dive right into this book. It started off pretty good. How Kailyn and Daxton met was funny. I was excited to see how they got on in law school.

Unfortunately, things started to get iffy for me right from the beginning. Yes, chapter one. We Skip the whole law school. Kailyn basically gives us a fast run down of what happened to them in law school.

I would’ve liked to read some of their back and forth between them during that time. Something to get me hooked. I kept thinking... what happened to the friendship part in law school?
Instead we get a meeting years later and it wasn’t at all that swoon worthy. I just didn’t feel that connection between them at all.

I didn’t think this book was going to be this serious. With this cover and synopsis. I was expecting something kinda funny with a lightness to the situation with taking care of the sister. With a bit of sadness.

I also wasn’t feeling the fan girl thing Kailyn had towards Dax. I mean... I got it in the beginning. But, it never really went away. She was buying shirts, mugs with him right there. It was kinda creepy.

I don’t know. I was expecting this book to be more funny. Emme was your typical teenage with all the raging hormones. But, I really wasn’t feeling it.

Overall... this was an ok read. I didn’t love it. But I didn’t hate it.

*ARC provided by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) Via Netgalley*

5 “#1 Fangirl” stars!!

Hilarious meet cute? Check
Unexpected betrayal? Check
Enemies-to-lovers? Check
Second chances? Check
Tons of feels? Check check check



Meet Cute is a perfect example of Lauren Blakely’s ability to write romantic comedies with the perfect combination of humor and seriousness. It is a sweet, swoony, steamy slow burn romance with wonderful characters, witty banter, and a whole lot of heart. You will laugh, you will cry, you will smile, and you will fall in love while reading this book, and I couldn’t put it down!

Kailyn literally runs into Daxton the first day of law school. Dax was the teen star Kailyn crushed on for years and now he is in her class trying hard to fly under the radar. His doesn’t let his fame interfere with the friendship he and Kailyn form but as law school comes to a close, betrayal hastily ends their connection. Fast forward five years, Dax and Kailyn come face to face again. Kailyn hasn’t forgotten Dax or what happened but she must push her hurt aside and help the devastated man standing in front of her if she wants her the dream to become a reality. Her boss is clear: help Dax and get him to sign on with their firm and becoming partner is a sure thing. Too bad things get complicated when old feelings begin to surface the more time Kailyn and Dax spend together?

The future Daxton faces is so much different than he expected. It’s emotional and heartbreaking but I love that he really steps up to fight for his sister, Emme, and the sweet relationship he has with her. There is a steep learning curve but he tackles everything head on, and he knows when he can handle a situation and he knows when he has to ask for help.

Even though Kailyn seems to hate Dax, she is a wonderful person. When he really needs her, she doesn’t hold the past against him. She isn’t spiteful when it comes to his feelings and the seriousness of the situation because she has a huge heart and truly enjoys helping people.

The years apart didn’t seem to dissolve the attraction between these too, and even though they were never more than friends, they still have fantastic chemistry and the delicious sexual tension is ever present. Their slow burning relationship is well-paced and believable, and when they finally open up they are fun, flirty, and playful. I enjoyed watching Dax navigate his situation and feelings for Kailyn, and I loved watching Kailyn’s crush become something real. It was genuine, heartfelt, and believable.

Dax and Kailyn grow both individually and as a couple as they figure out what is most important to them, and I understood their reservations about opening their hearts to more when there is so much on the line. They are vulnerable, flawed, real and relatable but they take a chance.

"If I’m reading all the signs wrong—and I very well could be, considering the mess my head is—I could ruin this tentative friendship we’ve formed. I could take away a slice of stability from Emme. But in this selfish moment, I want to get lost in Kailyn and her quiet beauty. I want her strength and her conviction."

The story unfolds in a wonderfully surprising way. I love how the book takes several turns I didn’t see coming. It is more emotional than I expected and has a perfect mix of light and dark moments. Emme’s situation broke my heart and I loved that Dax and Kailyn were there for her and the relationships the formed between the three of them. I also couldn’t wait to learn what happened in the past, and how things were going to go down at the firm. There is angst and drama but it isn’t over the top, and I liked how things came together.



Overall, Meet Cute is a sweet, sexy, angsty, emotional rom com that checked all the boxes. Add in a super sweet epilogue perfect for Dax and Kailyn, and I couldn’t have had a bigger smile on my face as I turned the last page.

4.5 stars

Meet Cute by Helena Hunting is a sweet and heartfelt read, loved it. I enjoyed the storyline, and it was one of those books you didn't want to put down.

The writing is well done, the characters Kailyn and Daxton were likable, entertaining and the chemistry between was smoking!

Overall, Meet Cute will touch your heart and leave you with a smile on your face.

*Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for the ARC.*

Kailyn is a top-notch lawyer who comes face-to-face with former teen heartthrob/her middle school crush/her law school sometimes nemesis but always banter partner when his parents unexpectedly die and he is left custody of his 13 year old sister Emme.

The emotions are a rollercoaster as Kailyn falls in love with Dax, as Dax falls in love with Kailyn, as Kailyn comes to truly care for Emma as a surrogate mother/older sister, and as Dax unexpectedly rises into dad mode. It’s just a swell of emotions that you don’t typically experience so fully in a romance. It makes Meet Cute more hour-long drama than 30 minute sitcom.

This was my first Helena Hunting title, and it certainly won't be my last! I was expecting a feel-good romcom type of story, and I was actually quite surprised and pleased at the emotional depth presented with the storyline revolving around Dax and his younger sister - it felt very real and, while I've never been in that situation before, completely relatable.

Kailyn was a bit harder to warm up to, coming off a bit too intense at times ... but my thinking this made me think a bit further: how often do women get accused of being too MUCH, too HARSH, too MEAN, too *insert basically anything here*? The answer is, unfortunately, way too often - and in a weird and probably completely unexpected way, I enjoyed that Hunting made me think about my own preconceived notions about things like this.

Anywho - back to the story. Good plot, solid characters, totally a fangirl dream come true. The BETRAYAL listed in the synopsis came off a bit flat, and while I didn't guess the full scope of it, the REVEAL at the end was something I was expecting. I think the thing that really stands out is that even with those gripes, it was and still is a book that I would heartily recommend! (Steam factor was probably 2.5/5 fireball things, which was also something that worked totally fine for me!)

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is a cute romantic read with some lovely humour in it, as any fan of Hunting would expect.

Kailyn is a successful trust lawyer, but when an old rival from law school comes in with his parents for legal advice, all her bad feelings towards him resurface. As we get to understand why this still bothers her, I have to admit I did feel she had not maybe matured as much as one might have thought! Her fandom rather supported that theory later on, but I still found her a fun lead character.

Dax is now a successful lawyer, something he does in part credit to Kailyn, as she was the perfect competition at law school, forcing him to do better. His past as a child actor has never gone away, and as his character's biggest fan she embarrassed him at college. That said, he does admit that he had wanted to ask her out, but she was too fierce!

As things unfold, they are thrown together with a common goal, to make life easier for his teenage sister. There are some very moving scenes, and some very funny ones – and through it all we can see how her hurt from the past may finally be put to rest. However, issues at work may well damage anything that they are starting all over again. Aunt Linda's behaviour didn't feel like that much of a surprise to me, nor should it for two bright lawyers. It was a relief when that element was resolved and the outlook for them all looked a little brighter.

Overall an enjoyable read with a good conclusion and plenty of feels.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4 stars

This was a cute book but it took me a while to really get into it. The characters were fascinating, but I did find myself skipping parts at the beginning of the book.

The latter half of the book was much more interesting to me than the world building that was in the first half.

Meet Cute was absolutely wonderful!! It was a different kind of Helena Hunting story than I’ve read of hers, but I loved it all the same. Kailyn, Dax and Emme were fantastic characters dealing with hard situations and emotions. There were tears and heartache, love and chemistry, along with fantastic banter and laughter. These are all things I’ve loved in Hunting’s writing, and all were in abundance here.

Meet Cute has an interesting premise and the initial meeting of Dax and Kailyn is indeed a 'cute' one, but this wasn't the romantic comedy that I expected it to be based on the cover. Granted, the blurb does say that Dax is devastated when he sees Kailyn next, 8 years later after their initial acquaintance but I didn't think that would translate to the on-page deaths of his parents, people that we actually got to meet in this story before their deaths. That made it a difficult read for me. So I have to say that as my first Helena Hunting story, I was disappointed in the direction that this one took. It's not the rom-com that I expected it to be. While Kailyn and Dax get to reunite under tough circumstances, Dax's new role as guardian to his younger sister is one he is adjusting to as well, and I felt empathetic towards him as a character having to deal with loss and responsibility all at once. Kailyn and Dax have a slow burn romance complicated by Kailyn's role as an advocate for Dax's sister (which makes their relationship a bit iffy on the professional conduct side). They get their happy ending of course but it takes some work and compromise. This is a story for readers who like emotional angst with their HEAs.

When I read something by Helena Hunting, I expect something off the charts funny. Meet Cute took me by surprise with the emotional depth and complexity of the story.

The best thing is reading a book and being surprised by where the story goes. This book did that for me. The characters were rich and well-rounded and the story had me devouring page after page.

This is one of the absolute best books I’ve read by this author. I cannot wait to see where her next book goes. All I can say is, Helena, more of this, please.

~ A Hopeless Romantic's Booklandia, 5 Stars

Cute cover and classic premise (fangirl meets star at law school, fangirl represents star in a tragedy five years later, they fall in love). There were several moments of genuine heartbreak over Daxton’s situation with his sister Emme, and Kailyn was a great character to root for and relate to, but by the middle of the novel I wished this custody case would just wrap up already. Lots of repetitive scenes and dialogue. But overall a solid, good read to pass the time.

This story isn’t about the meet cute, but is instead about all the events that transpire years after it occurs. What are the odds that her first day in law school, ready to achieve her dream, Kailyn stumbles upon her childhood crush all grown up. This sparks, from her point of view, a hate/love relationship. They were competitive in law school but one mistake cost her to win the #1spot and put him right at the top. From then on out it was war; so when it turns out she’s the one person assigned to help him with a series familial issue, Kailyn has to wage her head against her heart or risk her future a second time.

Daxton has been through hell; he’s suddenly lost both his parents, is now responsible for his teenage sister, and the one woman who can help him is the one he was obsessed with in college. Dealing with loss is hard enough but a custody battle amidst the grief is especially troubling. So when Kailyn represents the calm within his storm he leans heavily on her. She’s more than a mediator to his legal issues, her humor and strength become something he finds comforting. Finding out how they work as adults and why they lost touch in college is another journey he has to take.

Prepare for all the feels mixed in with Helena’s typical comedy. There may not be as many dirty jokes as readers are used to but Dax’s little sister is full of teenage hormones and sly humor. Along with the sweetness and sass between Dax and Kailyn there’s an easy balance to Meet Cute that makes it easier to handle the grief they go through. I’m impressed with Hunting’s ability to blend the heavy and light themes so well. It’s a dramatic romance but doesn’t leave the reader feeling like they’ve trudged through the mud. There’s closure and happiness tied up in a sexy little package. I’m so glad Hunting is branching out from her hockey genres with these romances!

Helena Hunting has wrote a romantic story, Meet CUTE, and I just looove it. It is so cutest romance story that everyone got to read. It can be read as standone. You will not regret it at all.
Meet Cute starts off with Kailyn Flowers and Daxton reuniting again. They have previously meet before when they were in school. It was kinda embarrassing for Kalyn during those times since she has a major crush on Daxton. Daxton was known for his acting skills since he was a child star but gave it up later on to pursue his career. It was not a fun time for either of them. Kailyn and Daxton reuniting again was unexpected and not welcome at all at least to Kailyn part. Daxton does not know what is Kailyn problem until later on.
Something tragic happens that through them to the loop. Daxton parents pass away and Daxton will be raising her younger sister up. It is going to be a challenging time for Daxton because he has no clue what to do but he is willing too. But he will face some problems since family are ready to pounce on him about raising his younger sister which will bring Kailyn in. Kailyn was the one who wrote Daxton younger sister trust fund that she will have to monitor the whole family until it is settle who would take care of who.
Kailyn is back in Daxton which she does not want too at all but Daxton all for it. He knows there are chemistry between each other that he wants to know what is her problem with him. They will face the problem between them but it will address some problems about each other. They have a lot of things pulling them part. But they have to be with each other. They have some love with each other that you are rooting for them to fix it because we know in our hearts that they are meant for each other no matter what. They have too. It take some time but they will be.
Meet Cute will bring two friends closer than ever in unexpected way before. Five stars.

*** An ARC of this book was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ***

We all know what a MEET CUTE is, right? That moment in a book or a movie or a play where something "accidentally" happens to bring together the two main characters and set their story in motion. It’s honestly one of my favorite parts of every book, especially when it’s done well.

Kailyn and Dax's meet cute happens in the middle of the law school quad when she walks right into the middle of his Frisbee game and he ends up on top of her... Kailyn quickly realizes the guy she's staring up at isn't just another dumb jock, but Daxton Hughes, teen television heartthrob. The star of her favorite show as a teenager. And the star of all her fantasies.

Eight years later, Kailyn is a successful Trust lawyer, and she’s forgotten all about Daxton Hughes. Who she loved—and then hated. She crushed on him hard through law school, but she tried to fight it by always taking the opposite side in every debate and pushing herself to best him. Even after all that time, she’s still holding a grudge for him stealing the top spot in their class by turning in her final paper late.

So, when he walks into her office with his parents, she’s unprepared for the feelings that come back to her… And she’s unprepared for him to return to her life again just six months later, and to bring tragedy and an adorably grumpy little sister in need of a conservator and a mother figure…

I've been reading Helena's words for a long, long time, and I'm not sure why I hesitated on finally reading her original work for so long, because her books always leave me feeling swoony and happy and just <i>sigh</i>. This book wasn’t easy. It wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. There’s a huge tragedy and a lot of heartache and grief, but the way Hunting built this love story between Kailyn and Dax and even Emme around all that, weaving it through, I enjoyed it very much. With the exception of a few annoyances like, if Dax was so in love with Kailyn in law school, how did he <i>not</i> recognize her when he walked into the office with his parents to help set up Emme’s trust?! And don’t get me started on Felix being the one to break the big news about what happened. That felt a little bit rushed to me and I totally admit I rolled my eyes a little because it seemed staged purely for the story. Which I totally get—that’s how books work, but it didn’t feel as seamless and believable as it probably could have. Other than that, though, I really enjoyed this.

I’m definitely looking forward to more from Helena in the future—and I promise no more hesitation!

Dalton Hughes was a teen heartthrob who is now all grown up.  He’s an up and coming lawyer who is enjoying living the life of a single man. Until one phone call turns his entire existence upside down. The irony that he will turn to a woman from his past for help. A woman whose friendship he inexplicably betrayed.

Kailyn Flowers is on the partner fast track at her law firm. She’s working any and every angle to make it happen. Then the opportunity just walks into her office to make her dream a reality. Except she hates him with every fiber of her being.
Imagine crashing into the guy you’ve been majorly crushing on. Literally, knocking him to the ground on campus in full view of all his friends. Did I mention, said crush is also a major tv star? Not a great beginning and yet they form this flirty friendship all through college. They each go their separate ways until a tragedy brings them back together.  Daxon’s parents are killed in a car accident so now he’s got custody of his little sister.  Not only is he devastated - he’s completely overwhelmed by his new normal. Kailyn has to help Damon navigate these strange new waters as best she can. Her boss wants Kailyn to use the situation to lure Dixon to her firm.  If she does it - then she’ll be partner.  How is she supposed to share space with him when she despises him? Except, as a woman, she finds herself irresistibly attracted to her nemesis.  As a human being, her heart is moved by his circumstances. So what the hell is she going to do?  Dax is feeling the same way too.  He’s learning that what he thought was important is rapidly changing.  The pull between them cannot be denied and soon enough they are acting on those feelings.

Helena Huntings gives us the full Monty in Meet Cute. She brings the cute, the funny, the angst and the sexy in equal parts here.  HEA? Not so fast. Kailyn is not being honest with herself or Dax. He, in turn, has built up walls to protect himself, his heart and his sister.  Can these two see past their differences? Find out for yourself in this charming read.