3.5 stars rounded up. More and more I've been seeing a trend of contemporary romances that don't have the third-act breakup. Sometimes these are successful and sometimes these aren't. I don't mind either way as long as the story is compelling. Is there something holding the couple back from fully committing even if they don't break up completely. But in a romance, my expectation is that the romance will be the element driving the plot.
Unfortunately this was not the case in The Wrong Guy. In fact, I don't even think the title is apt given that the couple gets together in the first 1/2 of the story and remains together throughout. The "plot" was what was going to happen with the town construction company and a messy divorce. I'm still not sure why the town lawyer needed to get involved, but apparently she was an integral part of the whole thing. I just wasn't that invested in that part of the story. If you like rich people behaving badly maybe it will intrigue you more. It was a bit too heavy-handed for me.
I did like the couple. The two POVs were a good mix. The chemistry between the couple was good, and I really enjoyed the side characters. I would have loved more scenes with Wren's brothers and Hazel. The steamy scenes were very steamy, which I don't mind, and well done - definitely not cringy in my opinion. Overall, it was an enjoyable if not very memorable read.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This is book 2 in a series and I did not read the first book. This book easily stands alone. I totally loved this book. The characters of Jesse and Wren were so awesome. They are both totally into each other but they do not communicate super well. There was a little bit of angst because these two feel they want to be together but they kind get in their own way of making that happen.

I loved Jesse's jealousy and I loved Wren's too. These two are perfect together and everyone knows it but they have to see that too. I loved the supporting characters because without them Jesse and Wren would be still running around in circles. This book had everything from laughter to angst to love and family. It was just so much fun.

The Wrong Guy is a hot upbeat laugh out loud romance with a solid plot and easy flowing storyline with a few unexpected surprise's a charming colorful collection of characters tied to one another through family marriage or friendships this is a great pairing between the sweet alpha male and the kick b**t take no prisoners heroine.

I received a advance readers copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review

This is the second book in the Cold Springs series but can definitely be read as a standalone. This one started off with spice right in the prologue… and it continued that way throughout. We have second chance romance and small town romance compiled into a really cute story. Wren is a very strong and independent woman while Jesse is a hard headed but romantic guy. I really enjoyed their banter and how the tension builds through. The entire town is a pretty awwslme group of people who I think I could really be friends with!

The Wrong Guy was a pretty quick read but I enjoyed the story line and the spice was on point. I even liked the legal drama of an uncles divorce as a side plot. I would definitely recommend this one to my romance lovers.

Book 2 of the series.
Loved this book, it can be read as a standalone as well as part of the series. For me I started with this book instead of the first one which I'm not bothered that I didn't but still makes me want to go back and read it anyway.

Wren and Jesse are a lovely couple and they show how miscommunication can lead to all the wrong assumptions. However when they stand strong they stand it alright.
The twist and turns in the storyline are brilliant and it keeps you on your toes especially with the back storyline including her uncle and his misadventures.

Well worth the 5 stars in my opinion.

Lots of steamy scenes but the sex was pretty vanilla overall (or maybe I've just been reading too many dark romance books!) but it was still an enjoyable read.

Jesse has been in love with Wren for a long time, though we don't actually find out just how long. But Wren and Jesse had a casual relationship for awhile during which Wren fell hard for Jesse and due to the lack of communication between the two of them there is a giant misunderstanding and they stop talking to and seeing each other. For a year. Until one day someone finally tells Wren Jesse is in love with her - she is shocked! Though the whole town is aware of it, apparently she's the only one who can't see it.

Finally (about halfway through the book) they sit down together and talk and realise they want the same things and they were completely wrong about what they thought the other was thinking.

What I enjoyed about this story was that Wren and Jesse's love story seemed like a side-story to the main story which is Wren (as City Attorney) takes down her uncle - a horrible, manipulative man who will walk over everyone and anyone to get what he wants. It was extremely satisfying watching a group of women take down a man who thinks he owns the world.

Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

I had real trouble enjoying this book. Maybe it was because it starts out from the first page with a lot of explicit sex. I guess I like to get to know characters and their situation before I am introduced to their body parts.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

The Wrong Guy by Lauren Landish is a sizzling romantic journey set in the vibrant town of Cold Springs, where city attorney Wren Ford finds herself entangled in a friends-with-benefits arrangement with the charismatic construction worker, Jesse Sullivan. Landish masterfully blends steamy romance, humor, and small-town charm as the unconventional couple grapples with their emotions amidst a scandalous high-profile split threatening their community. The novel's strength lies in its well-drawn characters, with Wren's resilience and Jesse's unwavering support creating a dynamic and endearing couple. The small-town setting adds a delightful touch of camaraderie, while a dash of mystery keeps the plot engaging. Landish navigates romance and serious issues with finesse, ensuring that The Wrong Guy is a satisfying and entertaining read for those who enjoy passion, humor, and a touch of mystery in their romance novels.

<b>The Wrong Guy by Lauren Landish was an entertaining, friends with benefits to lovers, small town romance with a nice little touch of cozy mystery. I absolutely enjoyed every second of this sexy contemporary romance! I feel that Wren is such a strong and bada&& character and Jesse is her perfect match. He is totally alpha and edgy and coming from the opposite side of town but he respects and worships Wren ,while fulfilling her fantasies and supporting her dreams. They are a match made in the heaven! This quirky small town was nice set up for this entertainer.</b>

This story is kind of mash up of different plots. Wren and Jesse are related by their siblings' marriage but their families are opposite. Wren coming from the affluent powerful side and Jesse from less affluent but no less powerful side. The families are cool with each other. Jesse and Wren started a friends with benefits arrangement but soon they developed feelings..and a misunderstanding made Wren pull away and Jesse thought it's because of his status. But now a big divorce and scandal is threatening to harm Cold Springs and all hands are on deck!

<b>Wren is a beautifully bold heroine. She has been through some tough times and Jesse has a way to disarm her. What can I say about this guy? May be because he was raised in a family of independent and fierce women who don't take anybody's sh1t, he definitely knows how to treat his woman right. He is a hard working, family loving , gorgeous alpha man but he had his insecurities when it came to Wren. And same for Wren. Jesse had reputation of a ladies man but since Wren came into his life, he could only see her. He just had to show her that. Miscommunication trope can be a life and death situation for me. This can drag the story down and irritates me when the issue could be solved by a simple conversation. But, thank god, the author didn't postpone the clearing till the end. It happens quiet early in the story and after that, it's all about consolidation. The divorce and messy scandals take up the next part but I enjoyed it so much because omg Wren's uncle Jed is such a slimeball and I loved every second of his financial and other kinds of demise in hands of the women he wronged and manipulated in some way! Go ladies! Our sweet and sassy and super smart Wren used her magic brain as city lawyer to orchestrate the grand plan and she nailed it. Jesse was there at every step as support, as helper and a stress reliever. The small town is definitely a vibe. So many interesting characters, so many hilarious moments , so much entertainment packed inside it with romance! No unnecessary drama between Jesse and Wren. Pure chemistry and feels.</b>

PS there is this little scene where the whole town is assembled in Jesse's aunt's bar for updates about the divorce and the aftermath and Jesse publicly claims Wren for the first time there by a solid scorching hot kiss and the whole crown cheers! And that day I was watching Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's viral epic kissing clip on repeat and I was like omg this scene is exactly like that!!!

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

This starts with steam and the theme continues throughout. Wren, an attorney, and Jesse, a construction worker have quite the relationship. Now though, they've got to resolve their issues and work together. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. There's a fair amount of silliness here but it makes for a diverting read.

"The Wrong Guy" by Lauren Landish is an easy-to-read and highly entertaining romance that I couldn't put down. Even though it's the second book in the Cold Springs series, it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone.
Wren Ford, the city attorney of Cold Springs, is a fantastic character who exudes confidence and strength, making her relatable and aspirational at the same time. Her friends-with-benefits relationship with Jesse Sullivan adds a layer of heat and chemistry to the story. Jesse is head over heels for Wren, but his self-doubt makes their dynamic all the more engaging.
The story is laced with humor, heart, and a touch of steaminess. The small-town charm of Cold Springs adds a delightful backdrop, and the supporting characters are a joy to read about. As a scandal unfolds, Wren and Jesse must come together to protect their town and the people they love.

This book is a perfect blend of romance, humor, and a dash of suspense, making it a thoroughly enjoyable read. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a feel-good, page-turning romance.

NetGalley Arc, opinions are my own

This book was super cute. I felt I was a little lost since I didn’t read the first one. I did enjoy Wren and Jesse’s dynamic together and they work so well as a couple! I will definitely go back and read the first book. Thank you netgalley and the publisher for this arc!

Wren and Jesse seem to have a good thing going with their friends with benefits relationship. However, both are interested in more but don't know how to the other. Jesse also doesn't see how he and his blue collar job could make lawyer Wren happy in a relationship. When a high profile scandal threatens the town they love, they must work together and figure out exactly what they want from each other.

This book, while a little predictable, was fun. The characters were smart and fun to read and the chemistry between them was FIRE. Definitely a good read if you want to disappear inside a book for a few hours.

This was well written but I wouldn’t feel comfortable recommending it to my students because it was just too explicit off the bat. I think maybe if the prologue hadn’t been included, I might feel differently, but it was just too much at once. Other than that, it was a nice story with swoony romance, and I think more adult audiences will appreciate this one.

It’s no secret that I love small town romance, and this series (two books in), is proving to be a winner for me. A misunderstanding ends the friends with benefits situation that building contractor Jesse Sullivan has with Cold Springs city attorney Wren Ford. After a year of pining from a far though, Jesse finally gets his head out of his backside and goes for what he wants. A super fun, super sexy small town romance with resident bad guy Jed Ford making waves in the township. Lots of entertaining banter between the townsfolk as good versus bad resides in the courtroom and beyond. I had a smile on my face throughout. What a perfect couple Jesse and Wren make. Opposites most definitely attract. I loved every chapter. I received an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest review.

Really enjoyed this book.

I am very much a mood reader and this was just exactly what I needed, that being said The Miscommunication trope is not my favourite but it does gets resolved half way through the book and you get to enjoy Jesse and Wren as a couple.
Even thought he was fighting for wrens attention I liked Oliver as a side character until
He pushed it to far at the end.

I also enjoyed that Lauren wrote the story showing that Wren didn’t need a man to look after her but she would happily have a man stand at her side and support when when she fought her own battles

I did not realize this book was part of a series, but I didn't feel like I was missing anything by not reading the first book prior to this book. Jesse was a good complement to Wren, but Wren was definitely the star of the show. It's a second chance romance with a good amount of spice and also a sweet ending.

This book is causing me a bit of anxiety as I write it. I really like Wren, she is a really wonderful, strong yet sweet heroine. I also really, really like Jesse. He is a sweet, hard-working guy that loves Wren. So, what is my dilemma you wonder? I'm not sure I love them as a couple. My problem isn't the angst set up in the book, that neither things they are right for each other, I don't even know if I can put a finger on it, it just feels off to me. The book is well written and the cast of characters is wonderful, I just wish I loved the love story! I'm giving this book 4 stars and really wish I had it in me to give it more, I just can't. Thank you NetGalley for this advanced copy.

This is a cute second chance Romance. Wren and Jesse have been pining for each other for over a year. Each doesn’t know how the other is feeling. If it wasn’t for some unlikely family drama these two might not have gotten together.

The small town is embroiled in a divorce between a high profile couple which will effect the whole town. These proceedings give you an incite into some of the side characters who are lovable.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I will look for more b6 this author.