📖 Book Review - Setting the score by Clare connelly (Karma Club)

I didn’t want to read this book just because it was the last one. And this story had stayed with me so long—it felt so normal to think about those ladies.
But with a heavy heart, I opened it.
And page by page, it gave me something deeper than I ever expected.

At first I thought maybe it would repetitive. The same characters, the same paths. But no—it wasn’t a repeat. It was a return. And this time, I felt like I belonged. I knew these people. And I wanted to stay with them longer.

This book is about second chances and friendship.
It’s about someone who looks like they have it all, but feels empty.
And someone who’s lost everything, yet still chooses to live.
But above all—this story is about friendship.
Not the loud kind. Not the perfect kind.

The kind where people understand you without words.
The kind that feels like home—soft, messy, real.
The kind where you're not just seen, you're held.
Where even after pain, silence, distance—they show up.
They stay.
They love you with everything they’ve got.

That’s what this book gave me.
A group of people from different places, backgrounds, stories—but somehow, they were family.
They didn’t always say the right thing. They didn’t always fix each other.
But they chose each other. And they kept choosing.
And that made me feel something I can't explain. Something safe.

The female lead—she left a mark too.
She gave her heart once, fully. And it broke her.
But this is her journey of learning to trust again. To believe in love, in life, in herself again.
And watching her do that... it was quiet, but powerful.

This book didn’t feel like a goodbye.
It felt like a whisper I’ll carry forever.
Because sometimes, we’re all standing in that space—
not sure what’s next. Not sure if we’ll be okay.
But knowing, somehow, that we’re not alone.

And maybe that’s what matters the most.

One hot night, a destination wedding, and one bed make set the stage in this spicy destination adventure.

Four women searching for revenge discover something they never expected...friendship and a second chance at love. Sometimes having a tribe to lean on is worth more than settling the score.

While this is part of a series each book is a standalone read with interconnected characters.

What a way to close out this series. This story gave me everything I was hoping for and more: messy, emotional, and so real that I felt like I was hurting and healing right along with the characters.

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Sienna absolutely owned this book for me. I loved how human she was—tender-hearted and compassionate, but also carrying the weight of heartbreak that still cut deep. Her struggle felt raw and relatable. She wanted to be strong and stand with her “Just Desserts” girls, but when it came to Aiden, her heart wasn’t so easily silenced. I admired that push and pull, the honesty of admitting she understood him but couldn’t forgive so easily. It felt real, and I respected that the story allowed her to sit in that messy middle instead of rushing to a perfect resolution.

And then there’s Aiden. My heart broke for him too. His choices weren’t easy, and even though they shattered Sienna, you could feel the weight of what he lost as well. I felt pulled in two directions, aching for Sienna in her heartbreak yet unable to ignore the weight Aiden carried with his guilt and grief. That conflict is exactly what made this story powerful.

What really stole my heart is how it reminded me that revenge was never the true point of the “Karma Club.” It was about growth, about finding strength in brokenness, and most importantly, about friendship. The found family across this series is one of the best I’ve read. Those four women, and the men who came into their lives, were the true gift. I teared up seeing how far they had come, realizing the real victory wasn’t in payback but in healing and letting go.

As a finale, this one was beautiful. Emotional, realistic, sometimes frustrating in the best way, and ultimately hopeful. The series may have started with revenge, but it ended with something far deeper: four women reclaiming their worth, finding love, and building bonds that will last a lifetime.

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things to know about the book ↓

🥂 Second Chance Romance
🏖️ Found Family
🥂 Dual POV
🏖️ Third Person Writing
🥂 Revenge to Love

(I’m also so glad Harvey got his true revenge. I was worried he might be overlooked since he wasn’t a main character, but seeing him finally get what he deserved was so satisfying and added an extra layer of closure to the story.)

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A huge thank you to Boldwood Books and Clare Connelly for allowing me to read this arc. These are all my honest opinions in this review.

This was a nice bow on the Karma series. I loved Sienna's story. It had it's poignant moments and sweet deliciousness. This author wrote with care for the heavier topics and yet still made it light-hearted. Nicely done.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

When her heart was broken by her childhood sweetheart, Sienna Mastrangelo has always wondered what she would do if she saw him again. Well, she's about to find out as she is forced to spend time with her ex, NHL star Aiden Carter, when they're stuck together on an Italian island for the wedding of her best friend and his twin brother. Sienna knows she needs to put on a brave face, and plots to spend the week making his life hell, letting Aiden fall in love with her all over again before discarding him like he did to her. But even the best plans can fail, and seeing him in the flesh has stirred up too many past feelings, especially when it becomes clear he had a very good reason for running out of town the second he was able to.

I'd been waiting for this book from the second I realised it would be a second chance romance. The previous books had just whetted my appetite for Sienna and Aiden's story, as we saw snippets into just what happened and why. Until part way through book #3, we thought Aiden was just another player who the second he made it big forgot about everyone back home. However, this was very much not true, and if he could've taken Sienna with him when he, his twin brother Blake, and their mam fled, he very much would've done. I think I was devastated with him when he learnt what happened with Sienna after that night, and he had honestly never forgotten her, no matter how hard he tried. I understood why Sienna was so apprehensive to let him in again, but she had her girls around her to help her see she was worth it, and that Aiden was perfect for her. A fantastic ending to a series I've honestly falling in love with. Each of the authors are now on my auto-buy list, and I hope they create another interconnected series again!

In this final installment of The Karma Club, we finally get Sienna’s story—and it was such a satisfying way to wrap up the series!

What started as a chance meeting between four women in an airport (with all their flights delayed) turned into a pact to get revenge on each other’s exes. This time, it’s Sienna’s turn. Astrid was supposed to take on Sienna’s ex, Aiden, but instead she fell in love with his twin—and now they’re about to be married. So the rest of the group decides it’s only fair that Sienna gets her own closure.

When Sienna and Aiden cross paths again, it’s clear their story isn’t finished. What she didn’t know was that Aiden’s abrupt exit years ago was his way of protecting his brother, even if it meant breaking her heart. Now, with old wounds resurfacing and sparks reigniting, Sienna and Aiden have the chance to rediscover their first love—and maybe finally get the ending they were meant to have.

This was a sweet, heartfelt second-chance romance that blended humor, friendship, and emotion in all the right ways. I loved seeing Sienna step into the spotlight and watching the series come full circle.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy—I’m leaving this review voluntarily!

In the fourth book in this fun and spicy enemies to lovers romance series, readers follow small town girl Sienna Mastrangelo as she winds up in the same place -- her friend’s wedding -- as her ex and NHL superstar Aiden Carter (whose best friend is the groom). Angry that he got to move on and she had to pick up the pieces, the Karma Club has Sienna’s back as she tries to settle the score with Aiden. Deciding to make him fall hard again and beg her to take him back before dumping him, Sienna thinks that this plan is easy and straightforward, but her feelings and complicated history with Aiden means their chemistry is just as strong as it used to be. Entertaining, emotional, spicy, and charming, readers will love the latest book in this tropey and fun romance series. The characters are the absolute stars of the book, and the chemistry and history between Sienna and Aiden is absolutely fantastic; their dynamic really pulls readers into the story. The Italian wedding setting is beautiful and whimsical, but the characters really stand out, and readers will absolutely love the series’ resolution in this fun and entertaining romance novel from Clare Connelly.

I've loved this series, and although I was slightly sad that this was the last in the series, I was excited to read this one, and once again, it wasn't disappointed! It was great to finally get Sienna's story, and I loved the tension between her and Aiden. This one definitely dealt with some heavier topics, but it was still a fun read and the perfect ending to the series! Especially with Harvey, the horrible finally getting his Karma! I loved Chuck and think he needs a book (that maybe cause I want more from this series! ) but what I loved most about this one is that it concentrated on the girls' friendship more!

I just finished Settling the Score and really enjoyed it! This romance had the perfect mix of heart, tension, and swoon-worthy moments.

Story:
The book follows [main characters—if known, otherwise keep general], who navigate a complicated past and present, dealing with misunderstandings, rivalries, and unexpected feelings. The slow-building romance keeps you invested from start to finish.

What I loved:
• Chemistry: The attraction between the main characters is palpable and develops in a believable, engaging way.
• Emotional depth: The story explores feelings of regret, second chances, and personal growth, adding real substance to the romance.
• Engaging plot: Twists and turns kept me hooked, with just the right balance of tension and humor.

What I liked less:
Some side characters and subplots could have had more depth, but overall, they didn’t take away from the main story.

Conclusion:
Overall, Settling the Score is a charming, heartfelt romance that I couldn’t put down. I’m giving it four stars—perfect for readers who love tension, slow-burn romance, and emotional growth.

The chemistry between Sienna & Aiden is simply too strong to fight from the beginning. Sienna might have plans to spend her friend's wedding showing Aiden how unaffected she was when he left her behind for a bright future with the NHL however she really does not know how to keep it together once she sees Aiden again. Aiden thought seeing Sienna again would not bother him much. Unfortunately, he loses the battle & cannot stay away. He never shared his true reasons for leaving & abruptly breaking-up with Sienna so long ago.

The book is filled with some great tropes: second chance romance, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, hockey player, surprise pregnancy.

The Karma Club Series is so much fun to read! Just to note though, this book can be read as a standalone.

3.5/5 stars.

This fourth and final book in The Karma Club series is an enjoyable read that wraps up the series on a high note. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone, reading the entire series will enhance your experience and make the individual stories even more enjoyable.

Sienna and Aiden's story is a heartwarming second chance romance that kept me engaged throughout. The author's writing is fantastic, making this a fun and wonderful read. If you haven't already,

I recommend diving into this series for a delightful experience!

I requested and received an advanced readers copy from Boldwood and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own

⭐3.75. The last book of the series for these Karma Club women. I enjoyed this book, although it was different than the first three. We are at Astrid and Blake's wedding week on a resort island in Italy, where Sienna and Aiden, former high school sweethearts, are seeing each other for the first time since he left her high and dry, with no explanation!

This book was incredibly less revenge-y than the first three, and even Sienna comments on this—she feels she's letting Paige down. But it's hard to get revenge on the terrible tech-bro who wronged Paige (in my opinion, the most heinous of acts against all these women was by Harvey the Horrible!). Don't worry, while this is not a main focus, we aren't let down!

This is a story of second chance romance, two people afraid to face their past, challenge their own emotions, and be vulnerable with themselves to face the truth. Two people who, so clearly, should be together.

It was a good ending to the series!

🧡 Second chance romance
💛 Lovers to enemies (-ish) to lovers
🧡 Forced proximity
💛 Redemption arc

**one final thought on the series as a whole: the friendship these four women, who randomly found each other in an airport desserts restaurant, is very beautiful. Sometimes, I didn't understand how these women, who had not known each other all that long, would do anything for each other... but I guess that's true friendship, sometimes it just clicks immediately!

I came for the revenge plot, stayed for the swoony second-chance romance, and left craving Italian pastries. Sienna’s mission to make her NHL-star ex pay had me grinning like a cat with cream… until the emotional punches landed and I was suddenly rooting for them harder than I planned.

It’s equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and hopelessly romantic—basically a rom-com with teeth, sunshine, and just enough chaos to keep you turning pages past bedtime.

Another fantastic read from The Karma Club Series. Received from Netgally

Sienna and the girls are back together again and this time it’s Siennas turn to get her revenge for Paige but the other girls have an idea that maybe it should be Aiden her ex that she gets revenge on instead.

And the perfect setting to set this up is Astrid and Blake’s wedding.

As plans are set in motion, Aiden and Sienna are around each other as they each have parts to do in the wedding party. As the truth comes out about why sienna is angry with Aiden and why he left and broke the relationship up, will they be able to get past the past so that they can move on with the future?
And is there a future between them ?

This is the fourth and final book in the multi-author series The Karma Club. Although it can be read as a standalone book, I highly recommend reading the other books in the series as well, as this will make the individual stories even more enjoyable to read! This book tells the story of Sienna and Aiden, which is a second chance romance that kept me entertained throughout. Another fun read in this fantastically written series that will give you a wonderful time!
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and Clare Connelly for this ARC.

The last book in this lovely series brings everything to an emotionally satisfying conclusion with just a touch of unexplained magic. Sienna is dreading coming face to face with her first love, the man who broke her heart by leaving and refusing to speak to her again. It's Astrid and Blake's wedding, and it's a glamorous affair on a private Mediterranean island. Aiden, the man whom Sienna hates, is the twin brother of the groom-to-be, and she is a bridesmaid, so proximity is a given. As Astrid failed to get Sienna the Karma she deserves, now she has a chance herself with the Karma Club's support, of course. It's an engaging story with many humorous and romantic moments on the idyllic island. Sienna and Aiden experience an unforgettable emotional adventure that leaves them both breathless. The reader doesn't know the outcome until the last moments of the book, and it has an impactful conclusion. I also appreciated that Karma didn't forget Paige's ex. I like the characterisation, the dynamic between the female main characters and the story's emotional tone that makes this the perfect conclusion to the series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

I enjoyed the premise of this story for sure. Four women randomly meet in an airport, become friends and allies in the takedown of each other's exes. What I was less sure of was the relationship between our main characters. Other reviewers have focused just on Sienna, but honestly both of them left me concerned. Neither got over each other after ten years, which is sweet, but they both harbor so much anger that I was uncomfortable. There was alot to deal with which made this an understandably emotional read, but I wish it was more of a beach read as the cover portrays.
Thank you to Netgalley for the read.

Two and a bit stars. The narrator - Sienna is not over her teenage sweetheart, NHL legend Aiden Carter & when fate intervenes at a friend's wedding, they are thrown together & sparks still fly.
However, it just didn't grab me at all. It's part of a series - the Karma Club - I've not read the others but from the way the novel is written, I don't believe it's necessary. Sienna was pretty annoying, honestly, when you're teenagers, you're very different people & she just seemed hung up on Aiden bordering on unhealthy. Also, within a year of meeting up randomly, these women are getting married & having babies. I appreciate that others may love this book & overall series, but it wasn't for me. Thanks to Net galley for the advanced copy.

What a brilliant end to what has been such an enjoyable series of books!

The Karma Club has had me hooked from the first book and I love how the books are about 4 great girl friends, it’s written by 4 great women too!

This series follows 4 women who meet by chance while snowed in at Chicago airport. While waiting for their flights, they end up discussing their awful past relationships and decide to get karmic revenge on each others exes.

Settling the Score follows Siennas story. From the previous books you’ll know that she was abandoned by Aiden, the love of her life who she had a future planned with when she was 18 and has spent the last 10 years trying to get over him. When Aiden left town without looking back to become an Ice Hockey star, he left no real explanation for his sudden departure and Sienna had struggled with this ever since.

In the previous book, Astrid was tasked with getting revenge on Aiden but ended up falling for his brother Blake while doing so. They decide to get married on a beautiful Mediterranean island, which forms the basis of Settling the Score. Sienna is faced with seeing Aiden again after all these years but will she finally get revenge and get over him or will old feelings resurface?

She also has to find a way of getting revenge on Paige’s awful ex Harvey who is the worst ex of all. Will she manage to achieve this while her head is spinning with the ghosts of her past life?

This books ties everything up in a neat bow. By the end, every member of The Karma Club has their happily ever after along with the best friends they could ask for.

I love Clare’s easy to read style of writing - I felt like I sped through this book as I don’t want to put it down! There were emotional moments, funny moments and I love how although romance is a big theme in all 4 books, friendship comes out on top!

Although this can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the other books in the series (in order) to get to know all the other characters properly. I really do recommend reading this and the other Karma Club books, they’ve been a joy to read!

This is the final book in the series. If you haven’t read the other three, check out my reviews of The Payback Plan by Amy Andrews, How to Get Even by Pippa Roscoe, and The Puck Stops Here by Rachael Stewart (links are tagged in the comments).
And yes, the authors are different—this four-book series features a different author for each installment.
The book starts with an airport scene, just like the others, but this time Sienna is the narrator. She and her friends bond over their failed relationships and come up with a plan for payback—each one will go after someone else's ex.
Sienna takes on Paige’s ex, Harvey, who had published Paige’s naked pictures and videos online after their breakup, causing her to lose everything—her reputation and her dream career.
Harvey is now very well-off, like a Silicon Valley god. He moves in powerful circles, and getting to him is difficult—almost impossible for Sienna.
Eight months later, it’s time for Astrid and Blake’s wedding. It’s a destination wedding, and all the girls are going to be there. Sienna and Aiden will come face-to-face after ten years—a major reunion. The girls suggest that Sienna get her revenge on Aiden.
The plan is simple: make him fall in love with her, then walk away. They doll up Sienna for the first meeting, and it turns out to be quite an interesting one.
The book has its moments, like how they get their revenge on Aiden. They also make an ally at the wedding who helps them with Harvey. The events in the book are hilarious—the jealousy, the anger, the angst, the sorrow. Whether Sienna’s feelings were justified or Aiden’s actions forgivable makes for a compelling read.
This book sums up nicely the whole series. #thekarmaclub