Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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Book Description
A spicy grumpy-sunshine, age-gap, close-proximity romance from USA Today best-selling author Marni Mann …
I’m the mysterious one. The angriest alphahole who never bends. And she’s the woman who will bring me to my knees.
Until Alivia happened.
She was supposed to be a temporary diversion so we could satisfy each other’s desires and then never see each other again …
Yet I knew she was different right away. A woman who was my complete opposite, the calm to my storm. The sunshine to my darkness. With a body that left me speechless.
What I didn’t see was how much we both craved a break.
Me from a career that would eventually kill me, her from an abusive home life.
When two people in pain connect, an explosion erupts. That was us. All fire and longing, mixed with a genuine need to seek shelter in one another’s arms.
While I’m still savoring the taste of her on my lips, I see her again unexpectedly and wonder … is our connection enough to surpass the secrets between us, or were we only meant to have those two nights together?
About Marni Mann
Audie® Award–winning and USA Today best-selling author Marni Mann knew she was going to be a writer since middle school. While other girls her age were daydreaming about teenage pop stars, Marni was fantasizing about penning her first novel. She crafts unique stories that weave together her love of flawed beauty, mystery, intense passion, and the depths of human emotion. A New Englander at heart, she now resides with her husband in Sarasota, Florida. When she’s not nose deep in writing, crafting her next tale, she’s fulfilling her wanderlust heart, sipping wine, boating in the Gulf, or devouring fabulous books.
My Thoughts
Marni Mann has delivered something truly exceptional with The Mysterious One, a passionate and deeply human romance that masterfully balances scorching chemistry with a poignant exploration of burnout and healing. Narrated with incredible emotional depth by Jason Clarke and CJ Bloom, this story brings the brooding Walker Weston to life in a way that makes him a standout among his brothers.
As a Michelin-starred chef and billionaire restaurateur, Walker is a man at his breaking point. Drowning under the weight of family expectations, he has lost his passion for the craft that once defined him. He’s the "alphahole" who never bends, yet beneath the surface, he is mentally and emotionally starving for a way out of a career that is slowly killing him.
Then there is Alivia, a resilient, smart, and vulnerable heroine who is desperately trying to escape a traumatic home life. Despite her circumstances, her light remains undimmed. She’s working multiple jobs just to survive, yearning for a safety and peace that she has never known. She is the ultimate "sunshine" to Walker’s "grumpy" darkness.
Their worlds collide through the dating app "Hooked," where a perfect 100% match leads to a one-night stand intended to be a simple escape. For Walker, Alivia is the first breath of fresh air he’s had in years; for Alivia, he is a shelter from her storm. What was meant to be a temporary diversion quickly turns into a tangible, unwavering connection that neither can walk away from.
The tension shifts into high gear when Alivia unknowingly takes a job at Walker’s restaurant. Navigating a boss-employee dynamic while dealing with their intense chemistry makes for a riveting read. Watching Walker soften—stopping his kitchen shouting to protect Alivia’s peace—is a testament to his growth and his deep devotion to her.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Marni Mann book without incredible spice. The intimacy is decadent and "Michelin-star level," featuring unforgettable, messy, and intimate moments. Yet, the story remains grounded in real emotional depth, balancing laugh-out-loud banter with the heavy reality of two people picking each other up from their lowest points.
Ultimately, this isn’t just a romance; it’s a story about finding the courage to change your path. It’s heart-melting, swoon-worthy, and deeply moving to see two broken souls find their way into the light together. If you’re looking for a passionate story that feels both grounded and magical, The Mysterious One is a perfect recipe for a five-star read.
More books by Marni Mann HERE!!!

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