Member Reviews

This one really wasn't for me. While I really enjoyed certain parts of the storyline, I found many others to be extremely cringey, and it just threw me off. I have loved lots of the authors previous books, but this time it just didn't work out.

Was this review helpful?

I’ve read quite a few, if not all, of Melissa Foster’s books and I was looking forward to this one just from reading the blurb and quite honestly, it might be my most favorite book yet. It was written in the same masterful way that she has written all of her other series and standalones, but there was something about this read that touched my soul in ways I didn’t even imagine. There was hilarious banter and “sweetness” and so many “feel good” moments but I think it was Destiny’s character that really reached in and grabbed me. Fletch and Destiny (who couldn’t have been more aptly named in my opinion) are deeply and well developed characters. I expected Fletch to be the typical “no relationship/no feelings/no love” kind of guy but he was really more evolved and interesting than the normal no strings attached guy. I felt like I knew Destiny for years and she was a long-time girlfriend–that’s just one of the elements of Ms. Foster’s books that I so enjoy. I almost always connect with her characters, but Destiny really pulled at my heartstrings in this one. Maybe because she’s a kindred spirit in that we both lost our parents and we both talk them all the time. Of course, it goes without saying that I fell in love with Molly and Clementine as well and they only added to this wonderful, delightful read. If you’re looking for sweet and spicy with tons of emotion and feeling, grab it – I don’t think you’ll be sorry. I'm very grateful to have been given an opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book through NetGalley.

Was this review helpful?

I loved it. I don't have any other words.

I've seen this book a lot recently, and when I got the chance to get my hands on it, I was not disappointed one bit. Melissa did such a great job that I want more of Destiny and Fletcher! These two characters did not fall short on their delivery, and let me just say, the meet cute? HILARIOUS

Destiny was such a strong female lead, and I loved her notebooks. She was a relatable character, and while she had her quirks, I never thought What is she thinking???As grief stricken as she is, she truly is a ball of sunshine, but we don't forget what her real feelings are. I think that this is normally such a hard trope to do because we either get presented someone that is so overcome with their grief that it's their whole personality, or we get someone that just puts on a facade. Destiny was neither of these, thank goodness, and that is just wonderful writing imo.

Now for Fletcher, the hot professor dog daddy. I love you and your divorced thirty-year-old mentality. Honestly listening to his pov was the best part of the whole book because they way he lied to himself for 20ish chapters is crazy. He's just like me for real 🤭 I think what I loved most was that he just seemed real. He wasn't overly understanding, but he also wasn't judgmental either. He just kinda went with it and it was pure comedy.

As for the story itself? A proposal planner and a professor sounds like a disaster and terrible plot line, but it was so cute! I just wish I saw more of Fletcher's job, you know, without the crazy stalker student 🥴

Thank you so so much to NetGalley and Montlake for the eARC!

Was this review helpful?

I liked the idea of this book, but the main character was so hard to like. She was just over the top in all ways (including her name). I found her to be a very extreme character and while he balanced her some, it was hard to fall completely into the story. Fake dating, yes. Cute pets, yes. Easy read, for sure. But it ended up feeling just ok for me.

Was this review helpful?

This was a fun read. Destiny was so full of life and sunshine and Fletch was a grumpy Gus. She wanted the happily ever after fairytale and he didn’t want love or commitment or so he thought. There was lots of funny situations and steamy scenes. I was given an arc but this is my honest review.I would definitely recommend this book, it was very entertaining.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book. My views are my own.

This was a nice and easy read. Engaging plot and characters, lovely setting, not too long. Perfect for a cosy evening in. I enjoyed the relationship between the FMC and the MMC and how they finally got their HEA. I would read more by Melissa Foster - this book was a good introduction to her work.

Was this review helpful?

Ryan 'Fletch' Fletcher's love life is non-existent apart from his dog Molly- also he has a student stalker. He already knows Destiny Amor from the grooming parlour Molly goes to so when his stalker hired Destiny to create the perfect proposal he's not pleased but it's absolutely hilarious. It also leads to Destiny and Ryan fully connecting as he tries to help her fledgling business take off. Their story is funny, filled with a beautiful friendship and falling in love with one another. These two keep saying they're only friends with benefits so it's very heart warming that despite a few hurdles they fall hopelessly in love. They become perfect partners for each other and they have loads of fun together. It took a little time but I'm sure glad that Fletcher has his HEA.

Was this review helpful?

~ When the Grumpy-Sunshine trope is done right
This book is about a girl named Destiny (a Dog groomer and marriage proposal planner) who gets into a contract relationship with a guy named Ryan (Fletch), a university professor.

I devoured this book in two days. I couldn't put it down and was hooked on the plot and characters. The main characters were lovable. The side characters Fletch's family and friends were very supportive and didn't create any unnecessary issues. There is no third act break up. They did go through some miscommunication but it was short-lived as they patched things up quickly. Molly and Clementine added happiness sprinkles to the book.

Overall this book was excellent and the writing is also fast-paced. I'll surely reread it.

I liked the Author's writing style and I'll surely check out her other books.

I will recommend this book to everyone who likes pets in a book, a fake-dating trope, and grumpy guy (not so grumpy), and a cheerful girl who never fails to make her surrounding people smile.


This is an ARC read which is exchanged with an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Destiny and Ryan couldn’t be far more apart in the understanding and believing in „love“ than they are. So it’s quite amusing and entertaining how they work together on her business, while she’s convincing him through her actions, what Love is supposed to be. Needless to say, she might just be able to turn him into a forever guy he never dreamed about. Just by being herself. A romantic story that is a little „romantically sickening“ every now and then, but all in all, very very sweet.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed reading "The Mr. Right Checklist". I definitely was giggling and kicking my feet. How they met was just so funny and how thoughtful he was the throughout the whole book was amazing. In my opinion he wasn't grumpy but that depends probably from person to person. If you like a bubbly FMC and some dancing in the rain with the Grumpy MMC and a long checklist for Mr. Right also fake dating to get his family of his back i recommend you give this book a try!

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely enjoyed reading this story. I love how Fletch was as a temporary boyfriend/friend and feel he should help set the standard for what women look for in a relationship with his actions. Destiny was quirky, but had a good head on her shoulders. She utilized her friends and Fletch's contacts while still staying humble and excited for her clients. The way my heart melted while reading this story really cannot be described, so I will just say this story was one of the best I've read in a while.

Was this review helpful?

Destiny is in love with love and wants to make the special day of a proposal magical with her new business venture. Fletch has been married once and has no desire to be in love or married again. This is a great fake relationship story that Fletch never sees coming and Destiny has to continue to remind herself that this is temporary. I loved this sweet story of finding love in the most unexpected place, but not to worry- there is also a lot of steamy parts. I also loved seeing some of the characters from the Sugar Lake series.

Was this review helpful?

In “The Mr. Right Checklist,” readers are introduced to Destiny Amor, a dog groomer and aspiring marriage-proposal planner who believes wholeheartedly in true love and happily ever afters. Despite her optimistic outlook, she struggles to find her own perfect match, as no one seems to meet the stringent criteria on her Mr. Right Checklist.

Destiny’s first attempt at orchestrating a romantic proposal goes awry, leaving her disheartened and ready to give up on her dreams. However, just when she considers throwing in the towel, Ryan “Fletch” Fletcher—a divorced professor with a cynical view of love—steps into the picture. Fletch is under pressure from his matchmaking family and sees Destiny as the ideal solution to his problems. He proposes a deal: he will help her get her business off the ground if she agrees to pretend to be his loving girlfriend at his brother’s wedding.

The story explores themes of love, friendship, personal growth, and the idea that sometimes opposites attract in ways one might not expect. As they work together on Destiny’s business and face various challenges, both characters learn valuable lessons about vulnerability and what it truly means to open one’s heart.

“The Mr. Right Checklist” will deliver a delightful mix of humor and romance as Destiny and Fletch embark on a journey that may just lead them both toward their own happily ever after.

Was this review helpful?

Rating: 2.5⭐️

I have mixed feelings about this book. While I enjoyed certain parts, there were too many moments that made me roll my eyes. The writing itself was good, but beyond that, there were several issues. For one, the beginning felt overwhelming with the introduction of so many characters and their detailed backstories. It was hard to keep track, and honestly, I’m still not sure who’s who. It felt like the side characters were written as though they had their own books, but after checking, I don’t think that’s the case. I would have preferred fewer side characters.

The first thing that threw me off was the FMC’s name. Like, I’m sorry, but what kind of name is Destiny Amor? It’s not romantic, quite the opposite actually. Her character wasn’t terrible, but the way her dialogue was written really grated on me. Also, her “dream job” was a bit absurd and hard to take seriously.

As for the MMC, he wasn’t bad either, but his stubborn refusal to commit to a relationship, especially toward the end, was frustrating. The part I disliked the most was when he “broke up” with her, only to get back together after, like, two hours ?? It was so unnecessary, and I was tempted to throw my Kindle.

Even the plot was boring. Nothing really happened. I just finished reading this book and I couldn’t tell you anything interesting about the story.

Unfortunately, I don’t think this author is for me. I won’t be reading her other books.

Was this review helpful?

Anticipated pub: Nov 19 2024

I adored these characters! 4 out of 5 for the 5 minute long 3rd act breakup. 3rd act breakups are one of my least favorite plot drivers in a book. Seriously, why are adults not just TALKING with each other UGH.

Overall though I loved this story. The first time Fletch called Destiny "Sunshine" ....... SERIOUS SWOON. These two both fought what they were feeling for each other but it was fun to see them come together "as friends" and learn what they love about each other.

Was this review helpful?

Having read Foster before and loving it, I didn't expect not to like this one.
I felt like there was a lot of heavy info dump the first time the main characters properly meet. It didn't seem very organic.
The premise seems fun though, and I might come back to it later, but for now it's a dnf. Many people are loving it, so trust them!

Was this review helpful?

The Mr. Right Checklist is about Destiny, a groomer who is starting a new business. While woriking as a groomer, Destiny meets fletcher. Fletcher is a college professor who is very anti romance. Destiny and Fletcher mutually decide to enter a fake relationship. Fletcher offers to help Destiny with her new business and Destiny helps Fletcher get his family off his back about dating again. Destiny and Fletcher are two totally different people that end up falling for each other very quickly. I enjoyed seeing the characters evolve separately and together. I would have loved to read an epilogue that showed where the characters ended up a few years after the story ended. I hope there will be more to this series in the future.

Was this review helpful?

I had the honor and pleasure of getting an ARC for this book. This review is freely given.

I absolutely loved this book! I am a such for rom coms and even more a sucker for someone who has been hurt drastically that they want to avoid love at all costs only to slowly without realizing it fall in love with the last person they expected.

This book had all the good things and none of the bad.

I can not wait to buy my copy when it releases! I am now a new fan of Melissa Foster! ❤️

What is my favorite scene from the whole book?
Thats a difficult question to answer because i loved the whole book. But if i had to choose one scene it would be the one where she’s sick. No spoilers so i won’t get into detail.

But i love that scene because her first thought isn’t about herself it’s about her friend, her second thought is about Fletchers family hoping she didn’t spread the bug. She’s so busy thinking of everyone else and all Fletcher can think about is her.

Was this review helpful?

Fake dating

Destiny and Ryan embark in a fake relationship that will help each other one for Ryan family to back off and Destiny a business opportunity. Ryan is grumpy and guarded with his heart and life. Destiny has loss and suffer after her parent dead, it didnt stop her to live life.

its a faced paced book with anlot of banter and chemistry.

Was this review helpful?

I LOVED this book! I could not put it down and finished it in one day! I highly recommend reading this book when it is released on Nov 19, 2024. This is my first Melissa Foster book and I will definitely be reading more of her books!
Destiny and Fletch's story is super cute. Destiny is the epitome of a sweet southern girl. She is all about love and starts a business to give people their perfect marriage proposal that can lead to their happily ever after. Destiny has been through so much but still has such a positive attitude and quirky/happy personality. Destiny said her mother always said, "Smart girls don't beg for love, and true love doesn't require beggin'." I may be biased because Destiny and I share a birthday, but I don't think I am. I don't think it's possible to dislike this FMC!
Fletch on the other hand is what she calls a "Grumpy Gus". He has been scorned by love because of his ex wife and isn't interested in doing it ever again. Somehow he ended up being something very different from what I was expecting.
These two decide to help each other out and Destiny has to pretend to be Fletch's girlfriend at his brothers wedding to fulfill her end of the bargain. No one will ever live up to her Mr. Right Checklist and he will never fall in love again, so the situation is perfect, right?

Was this review helpful?