I’ve been friends with Cooper Rice from the moment we met. He was just as famous a decade ago on our college campus as he is now being the star quarterback for the Chicago Grizzlies.
But he’s not only talented on the field, he’s also the gorgeous football star women fawn over, posing in underwear and razor ads.
Here’s a secret those women don’t know—Cooper Rice isn’t a playboy. He’s the kind of man who wants to settle down with a family. He’s content ordering pizza and massaging my feet after my long shift as an emergency room doctor. He listens to me as if he’s as invested as I am in my patients. He has never let me down.
This is exactly why I refuse to live without Cooper in my life. Eight years ago, I made him promise me that we’d never cross that line. And just like I knew Cooper would, he’s held to that promise.
Despite our best efforts, our relationship is evolving, shifting into new territory and I find myself unsure if I want Cooper to keep that promise. Ignoring the obvious could tear us apart, but so could giving in, meaning there’s a chance I’ll lose Cooper forever no matter what decision I make.
There’s a comment at the end that the authors find it hard to write a friends-to-lovers story and I agree that it can be hard to pull off. I think they did well with what they had. I appreciated that they didn’t do a ton of flashbacks to their college years (I struggle with that as a reader) and that they concentrated the first half on the “will they” and the second half on the transition.
Cooper is just about perfect, as he has been throughout the series. He does pretty much everything for Ellery and lets her set the rules when it comes to their relationship, even when it isn’t what he wants. It’s worked so far … until it doesn’t any more.
Elle struggles a lot with what she wants. She’s allowed her dad to dictate her career (and a good portion of her life) so any changes to her relationship with Cooper scares her. But losing him would be even worse.
I can definitely see both sides of this relationship and what brings them to the brink of throwing everything away. While I appreciate that their struggles get them to their HEA, I do wish Elle had maybe handled things a little differently. I still really enjoyed the story but once I saw where it was heading I kinda didn’t want to go there 🙂
Piper Rayne knows how to deliver somewhat spicy romances with a satisfying HEA. I always plow through their stories, enjoying the characters and their struggles and finishing them in just a couple of days. They have definitely become a must read for me!
*****
Author Info:
Piper Rayne is a USA Today Bestselling Author duo who write “heartwarming humor with a side of sizzle” about families, whether that be blood or found. They both have e-readers full of one-clickable books, they’re married to husbands who drive them to drink, and they’re both chauffeurs to their kids. Most of all, they love hot heroes and quirky heroines who make them laugh, and they hope you do, too!
From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby comes an all-new small-town series set in Montana, starting with WILD FOR YOU, an Age-Gap, Single Dad, Nanny, Grumpy/Sunshine romance!
Wild for You
The Wilds of Montana series
by Kristen Proby
Blurb:
Remington Wild is a single dad of two adorable kids, and as the oldest son of the Wild family, has recently taken over the Wild River Ranch from his father. Life is crazy, and he’s finally willing to admit that he needs help, and the sooner the better. He has no idea that the beautiful woman he sees every day at Bitterroot Valley Coffee Co. is the woman who would show up for the job.
Erin Montgomery couldn’t get out of Seattle fast enough. It’s not that she doesn’t love her big, loud family, but living in the big city just wasn’t for her. The minute she stepped foot in Bitterroot Valley, she knew she was home. She loves the slower pace, the friendly people, and her job at the coffee shop. Even the smoking hot grumpy guy who stops in every afternoon can’t put a damper on how much she loves small town life!
Thanks to car trouble, and her stubbornness when it comes to using her trust fund, Erin needs a second job and applies for the position of a part-time nanny. She’s surprised to find that it’s Grumpy himself who answers the door at the ranch, but Erin quickly learns that she loves his kids and the ranch, and it’s a no-brainer to take the job. She just has to remind herself to resist the sexy rancher and keep it strictly professional.
Remington is attracted to his younger nanny, and finds himself falling headfirst in love with her. He and his kids have never been happier, and he knows she is the perfect addition to their family for as long as she’s willing to stay. Hopefully forever.
But when secrets are exposed, one of which endangers his children, will their love survive? Or will it tear them apart?
If you read The Stand-In, then you were there when Erin decided to stay in Bitterroot Valley. It’s been a few months and she’s settling in, fully embracing her new small town lifestyle. She loves the people, the town, and Montana. She even loves trying to get a response from the grumpy (and gorgeous) guy who comes into the coffee shop every afternoon.
Remington Wild has a lot on his plate being a single dad and taking over being in charge of the family ranch. The last thing he needs is to be attracted to the new girl in town. Even more so when she becomes his nanny.
There’s not a lot going on here, except for a bit of a suspense element in the last half, but that works for me. I enjoy a slow burn romance so it was nice getting to know Rem and Erin, Rem’s family and the others in town, and seeing Erin fit in so well with Rem’s kids (who are just adorable). Things aren’t always smooth but they figure it out with a little patience and some work on their communication skills.
While there is nothing all that new, I liked Proby’s latest. I thought Erin and Rem are cute together – she helps brighten his day then later lighten his load and he shows her the beauty (and danger) that can be found in her new home. It’s a good start to a new series, introducing some possible future plot lines, and even though Erin is from a prior series Proby does a good job of making sure that anyone can join her on her new adventure. All needed information is provided so new readers can easily keep up.
*****
Author Info:
Kristen Proby is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over seventy published titles. She debuted in 2012, captivating fans with spicy contemporary romance about families and friends with plenty of swoony love. She also writes paranormal romance and suggests you keep the lights on while reading them.
When not under deadline, Kristen enjoys spending time with her husband and their fur babies, riding her bike, relaxing with embroidery, trying her hand at painting, and, of course, enjoying her beautiful home in the mountains of Montana.
A Sexy, Close Proximity, Secret, Office standalone Romance by New York Times bestselling author, Samantha Chase.
Irresistible Love
The Wylder Love series
by Samantha Chase
Blurb:
She’s the darling ballerina of the renowned Montgomery’s.
He’s the sexy numbers nerd who works for her family.
Three years ago at a New Year’s Eve party they had a moment and kissed at the stroke of midnight.
Now she’s back and everything is…irresistibly complicated.
Lily Montgomery has danced her way through life, getting opportunities that few get, but that doesn’t mean she hasn’t earned every single one. But with a career-ending injury, she returns home to nurse her wounds and figure out what comes next. What she didn’t expect was seeing the ruggedly handsome man she impulsively kissed three years ago and the simmering attraction that still burns between them.
Noah Wylder is committed to his five-year-plan – climbing the corporate ladder at Montgomerys. Three years ago, that plan almost got derailed thanks to an unexpected kiss with Lily. He’s since put in the work to redeem himself and stay under the radar. When she suddenly reappears, he can’t seem to escape her or the memory of their kiss. He knows in order to keep his job, he has to make sure he stays away from the alluring woman that’s never left his mind.
When Lily comes to him needing his help in figuring out what is happening within the Montgomery family, sneaking around leads to heated glances and harmless kisses. Will they realize that the connection they share is real, lasting, and irresistible for either of them to resist?
Samantha Chase is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of contemporary romance that’s hotter than sweet, sweeter than hot. She released her debut novel in 2011 and currently has more than eighty titles under her belt – including THE CHRISTMAS COTTAGE which was a Hallmark Christmas movie in 2017 and THE WEDDING SEASON which was a Hallmark wedding movie in 2023! She’s a Disney enthusiast who still happily listens to 80’s rock. When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading romances, playing way too many games of Solitaire when she should be writing, wearing a tiara while playing with her sassy pug Maylene…oh, and spending time with her husband of 32 years and their two sons in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
Austin Moore found his purpose in the military, but there was always something missing. He wanted what everyone in his family had…someone to call his own. But his life didn’t make it easy to find a soul mate, someone to be his forever.
Sage Hill enlisted to follow in the footsteps of her father, but never wanted to be in his shadow. And when her friend ditches her at a dive bar, she catches the eye of a handsome stranger. But Sage doesn’t have time for relationships, nor does she want the complication.
When Sage is stuck, Austin tries to be her saving grace and a challenge leads to a lip lock neither one of them can forget. She swore she’d never fall for a strong and bossy man like her father, but she soon learns there’s more than meets the eye underneath that sexy exterior.
Chelle Bliss is the Wall Street Journal & USA Today bestselling author of Men of Inked Series and Misadventures of a City Girl.
She’s a full-time writer, time-waster extraordinaire, social media addict, coffee fiend, ex-high school history teacher, and currently lives near the beach even though she hates sand. Chelle loves spending time with her two cats, alpha boyfriend, and chatting with readers.
“I’ll rock your world. If you let me. I’ll rock your entire universe.”
KAYLA: Raise your hand if you’ve ever found out your American football player boyfriend of four years was cheating on you… via a scuzzy daily gossip show… right before you two were scheduled to go on an all-expenses-paid vacation to Paris that was supposed to include a marriage proposal!
Nobody else? Just me?
So maybe you’ll understand why I’m crying in first class on the second leg of my flight to the City of Lights.
And why I accept a glass of champagne from the rough-talking Brit sitting in the seat originally assigned to my ex…
And why I don’t say no right away when he boldly proposes a “universe rocking” one-night stand after we deplane Paris.
But I’m going to say no.
I mean, I should say no.
Shouldn’t I?
Don’t say no, Kayla.
MICK: I’m headed to Paris with one intention: proving to my London-based football team that if they won’t pay the pounds it takes to keep me on, I can and will accept a better offer in euros.
But I didn’t expect to meet an intriguing American on the flight who hates pro athletes and has no clue I’m a world-famous footballer. I’m charmed before I know it, and suddenly this trip becomes less about contract negotiations and more about getting this sweet-natured lass in my bed.
Just one taste—that’s all I crave. But will one taste truly suffice?
And what will happen when—if—she discovers who I really am?
Will this Soccer & Prejudice romance between a ruthless, rough-talking Brit with an ultra-famous celebrity secret and a sweet-as-pie American with a huge distaste for pro athletes end in tears or love? Discover whether one sexy night in Paris can change everything in this super-steamy and delicious standalone contemporary romance.
After logging time as a music journalist, playwright, and radio writer, Theodora Taylor began writing hot books with heart in 2012. With thirty plus romances published to date, she has earned four KDP All-Star bonuses. Known for writing alternative heroes and smart, feisty heroines, Theodora’s 50 Loving States series has become a one-click stop for an ever-growing number of rabid readers. When not thinking of ways to write and sell even more hot books with heart, she enjoys spending time with her amazing family, going on date nights with her wonderful husband, learning German, watching ALL the Shonda Rhimes shows ever, and attending parties thrown by others. She also loves hearing from voices that don’t originate inside her head, so please…
A smoking hot standalone romance in the small-town Harbour Village series, featuring a single dad, a nanny, and an accidental pregnancy!
I Wish You Were Mine
Harbour Village series
by Jessica Peterson
Blurb:
I know Tuck Monroe is trouble the second I walk in to interview for the nanny position. Six-four and covered in tattoos, he’s distractingly hot. He’s also grumpy as hell. But I need to pay for school, so I take a job as his daughter’s live-in caretaker and move into the apartment above his garage.
I fall hard for Katie, his adorable four-year-old. But I never expected to fall for my new boss, who’s a decade older than I am. Turns out there’s a heart of gold beneath Tuck’s broody exterior, one I work to reveal bit by bit. Casual small talk leads to late-night conversations I can’t get enough of.
No surprise our simmering sexual tension explodes with one deep, toe-curling kiss.
He tells me I’m his good girl; I tell him I love the praise. We give ourselves one night, and one night only, to explore the fiery attraction between us.
It’s the best sex of my life. But when I wake up, Tuck is gone, and life goes back to normal. Or at least I think it does, until I start to feel nauseous. Turns out I was right: my boss is trouble. The kind that comes with one night I can’t forget and two pink lines that will change our lives forever.
Jessica Peterson writes romance with heat, humor, and heart. Heroes with hot accents are her specialty. When she’s not writing, she can be found bellying up to a bar in the south’s best restaurants with her husband Ben, reading books with her adorable daughter Gracie, or snuggling up with her 70-pound lap dog, Martha.
A Carolina girl at heart, she fantasizes about splitting her time between Charleston and Asheville, but currently lives in Charlotte, NC.
Known for her witty sense of humor, Chelle Sloan is a former sports editor who recently completed her Masters in Journalism. She’s now putting that to good use–one happily ever after at a time.
An Ohio native, she’s fiercely loyal to Cleveland sports, is the owner of way too many — yet not enough — tumblers and will be a New Kids on the Block fan until the day she dies. She does her best writing at Starbucks, or anywhere that’s not her house. Oh, and yes, you probably saw her on TikTok.
2. Get Rory Sinclair to admit she doesn’t completely hate me.
When I find a stray dog roaming the streets of Seattle, the last place I expect to end up is in the office of a grumpy veterinarian—the one woman who can resist my charm. Twin to my teammate’s girlfriend, Rory is full of fire, but I’m not afraid of her flame.
It doesn’t take long for me to realize that the more time we spend together, the more I want it to last. But no matter how hard I try, Rory only sees me as a playboy, refusing to take me seriously.
One weekend trip to a cabin later, I think I have my in…but only if I can get her to admit her feelings toward me aren’t all bad.
Only one of us will win this face-off, and I intend for it to be me.
TEAGAN HUNTER writes steamy romantic comedies with lots of sarcasm and a side of heart. She loves pizza, hockey, and romance novels, though not in that order. When not writing, you can find her watching entirely too many hours of Supernatural, One Tree Hill, or New Girl. She’s mildly obsessed with Halloween and prefers cooler weather. She married her high school sweetheart, and they currently live in the PNW.
New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis returns to Sunrise Cove with a heartwarming story about the choices we make and the love we let into our lives…
Luna Wright is a lot of things, but sweet and trusting aren’t on the list. However, she’s a sucker for the underdog and a hard-luck story. Adopted at birth, with scant knowledge of her biological family, she’s created her own inner circle, a motley crew which includes her bestie Willow, to help her run the struggling but charming Apple Ridge Farm.
With a farm-to-table café as well as a menagerie of rescued animals (complete with a baby goat who keeps escaping to the pantry to eat the secret stash of decidedly not organic potato chips), it’s the best home she’s ever known. But when Silas, the owner who they secretly call The Grinch, passes away, Luna discovers the farm is now under the control of both his investment manager, the enigmatic Jameson Hayes….and her. And that Silas had many, many secrets.
Now Luna’s carefully controlled corner of the world is threatened and she—along with some of her friends—has to dig deep to find true strength and the real meaning of love and family.
~
Review:
There are things that you come to expect from a Shalvis book – witty banter, quirky characters, and an emotional journey to a HEA. She delivers all and more with The Bright Spot.
Both Luna and Jameson have abandonment issues from their childhoods that they’ve handled in different ways. Luna surrounds herself with people that she loves but doesn’t really let them all the way in. Jameson keeps on the move and doesn’t stay anywhere long enough to form a deeper connection. Thrown together to save Apple Ridge Farm, they may have finally found the person that will help them put their pasts to rest and look to the future.
I enjoyed all the antics, both human and animal, at the farm – their adventures, hijinks, and lack of regard for personal space. It means there is a decent amount of humor mixed in with deeper moments. And if I have any complaint, it’s that there really wasn’t enough of them 🙂
If you’ve ever enjoyed a Shalvis story, then you know what you are going to get. But just because it isn’t anything new, doesn’t mean that it isn’t a delightful read. It has the feels. It has the playfulness. It has the characters that you like and root for to find that happy ending. And, of course, a HEA that leaves you satisfied and reminds you why you read her books in the first place.
(Part of a series because they are set in the same area, but they are all independent and read as a stand alone.)
The first book in the sexy new bodyguard series set in the Package Deal World.
The Rockstar
Portland Protectors- EHM Security Series, Book 1
by Emerson Beckett & Rheland Richmond
Blurb:
Adam Spencer – “The Rockstar”
Here’s what I know — some people aren’t meant to find love.
And as much as I want to be someone’s everything, that’s not meant for me.
After a painful breakup, I channeled all my hurt into a song that has skyrocketed my band, Fallen Angel, to the top of the charts.
Now I need protection from the one person who was supposed to love me no matter what—my mother.
Whether I want him or not, I now have a sexy, silver-tongued southern charmer as my 24/7 bodyguard.
I’ve tried not to fall for him, because I don’t do relationships. They hurt too much.
But Michael has me thinking I could take one more chance to find love.
Or was I meant to be alone like I thought all along?
Michael Coleman – “Phantom”
I’ve always been a protector. During my career as a Navy SEAL, my duty was to protect my four best friends.
Now I need to protect the sexy rock star I love flirting with every time he walks in the door to our EHM office.
Adam Spencer lights me up like no one ever has. And that’s saying something.
I’ll do whatever it takes to protect him, even from himself.
Have I finally found the love I’ve been hoping for with the Rockstar?
The Rockstaris a flirty, friends-to-lovers, bodyguard and rockstar MM Romance that takes place in the Package Deal SeriesWorld. It can be read as a stand-alone book.
Trigger Warning: There is off the page reference to physical abuse to a minor. Off the page domestic violence and death of a mentioned character.
I pulled up to the window and handed the smiling girl my card. “Here ya go, darlin’.”
Adam went to retrieve his wallet, but I waved him off. “Business expense.”
I watched as she gathered our food and put it in the bag.
“Would you like one of our loyalty cards? You can get a free item if you come back enough,” she asked, smiling at me.
“Why yes, please,” I replied, returning her smile.
I watched as she added napkins to the bag before handing it to me. I then handed it to Adam, who sat there with his head cocked to one side, looking at me.
I smirked and turned my attention back to the girl in the window.
“Here you go,” she said with a wink as she handed me my credit card. “Come back and see us again.”
I smiled at her. “Thank you.”
Pulling away from the window, I put my credit card back in my wallet, then placed the loyalty card with her name and phone number on the back onto the dash. When I closed it, I could see he hadn’t moved and was watching me like a bug under a microscope.
I chuckled. “What?”
“Do you flirt with everyone?”
“What do you mean? She was flirting with me.”
Adam laughed. “You started it!”
“I did no such thing,” I said, pulling out of the drive thru. “She started it, and I didn’t want to embarrass her by not playing along.”
Adam’s high-pitched strangled noise drew my attention. “You called her ‘darlin’’ like you’re a cowboy on the range wrangling cows or something.” He was mimicking me, and it made me smile.
Now it was my turn to laugh. “I did, but I’m telling you—she started it.”
“How?” he asked incredulously. I imagine if he could put his hands on his hips, he would have.
I guess I had to share this with him. “She gave me the smile.”
Adam shifted to look at me. “What smile? I really think you’re imagining things.”
“No, I’m not. She smiled that smile with her eyes, like a girl does when she wants you to ask her out. You know what I mean.”
He barked out a laugh. “No, the fuck I don’t. I’m gay.”
“But you’re a rockstar. Girls have to hit on you.”
He snorted. “Yeah, they do. But I’m usually paying more attention to their boyfriends.”
I laughed at his response and shook my head.
Damn, this was going to be fun.
*****
Review:
I loved this book. Then again, I also loved pretty much everything about the Package Deal series so I’m not surprised. These two deliver enjoyable HEAs time and time again.
Adam has some abandonment and self-worth issues left over from his childhood and he’s feeling raw from the end of his last relationship. Having given up on love, he’s content getting ready for his tour and having fun flirting with a certain ex-SEAL.
Michael is demiromantic and hasn’t really experienced that deeper connection with anyone before. While he enjoys teasing Adam, this time it seems a little different. When there’s a threat to Adam his protective side comes out and it doesn’t take long to realize that it definitely means something more.
Adam and Michael’s interactions are all in fun at first but then quickly develop into a romantic connection. Michael is so patient with Adam as he deals with his trauma from being abused and abandoned by his mother. Michael’s unwavering support helps Adam realize that he is worthy of love & commitment. It’s endearing and low angst and very satisfying.
The stalker/blackmailer story line isn’t as huge a part of the story as the romance, which surprised (and dismayed) some. But it does work to get these two together and to give Michael an excuse to find Adam’s father. Which is all sorts of heart-warming and helps to put some of Adam’s ghosts to rest.
Cole & Patrick’s relationship has a pretty decent side story here too, which makes sense as they are both very important parts of Adam’s life and they’ve all been close for decades. It also heavily sets up the next book, which some found a little too much for this story.
(Speaking of which – Rheland! Emerson! Why did you have to tease us so much with Cole and Patrick? And seriously that preview for the next book! Readers, don’t read it unless you want to be anxiously waiting for The Linebacker which doesn’t release for another 2 months! I’ll be sitting on pins and needles until March. *sigh*)
Emotional, funny, and sweet, The Rockstar is a gratifying start to a new series. Both characters are likeable, they are entertaining together, and watching their relationship develop into something more made me so happy.
(At first, I thought this one could stand on its own but after reading some of the other reviews I think maybe it CAN but probably shouldn’t. There are a lot of characters from the Package Deal world who are either mentioned or make an appearance. And while they don’t play a direct role here I know that it can be confusing and annoying when you don’t know who they are. But then again those books are good reads so you can’t go wrong starting there are ending here 🙂 )
*****
Author Info:
Rheland Richmond
For as long as she can remember, Rheland’s had her nose stuck in a book, getting lost in the world of someone else’s creation (She still does). Her love for writing came from her love for reading. She could never have one without the other.
Writing has always been a hobby and a cathartic experience for her. There are many stories lost to the never to be completed or published pile but needed to be written at the time.
She’s just a girl that loved stories so much she decided to write hers.
Rheland would love to hear from her readers and learn more about y’all. So if you get a chance… Get in touch.
Emerson Beckett is new to the publishing world. As an avid sports fan and lover of well-written M/M romance books, Emerson loves her new career as an author of gay romance. It’s even more fulfilling for her when she can combine the two.
The journey to becoming an author started with an idea while reading on the sofa. That idea became an email that ultimately resulted in Emerson using those teacher skills to edit novels for three phenomenal MM romance authors. The third referral led to an opportunity to co-write a book series with one of the most genuine and kindest people she’s ever had the pleasure of knowing- Rheland Richmond. Emerson is the co-author of The Package Deal Series, which includes The Quarterback Keeper, Pass Interference,Unnecessary Roughness, Two-Point Conversion, Illegal Motion, Ineligible Receiver, and one more upcoming book in the series. She plans to release her first solo book in 2023.
Besides being a retired teacher and author, Emerson lives in North Carolina and has been married to the same man for 32 years. She is the mother of three beautiful adults, one of whom is proudly part of the LGBTQ Community and completely responsible for her addiction to MM Romance. Even though the kids no longer live at home, they filled the empty nest with an Australian Shepherd, three cats, and a cute bunny rabbit.
Emerson would love to hear from her readers. So if you get a chance… Get in touch.
Romantic Reads and Such 