Nick Galaxy has zero interest in helping anyone write a love storyβespecially not one about him.Β Heβs a single dad with enough on his plate, and the last thing he needs is a curious, chatty author poking around in his past.
But when Ruby shows up on his doorstep, notebook in hand and determined smile on her face, resistance becomes… complicated.
Sheβs supposed to be here for research. Instead, sheβs moving into the empty cabin on his property, asking personal questions, and somehow roping him into teaching her how to skate. Heβs not looking for loveβbut sheβs writing it into every inch of his life.
And the more time they spend on the ice, the harder it is to pretend she doesnβt already have his heart.
Lucky ShotΒ is a grumpy/sunshine, single dad, forced proximity hockey romance with found family, banter, and spiceβall wrapped up in a guaranteed happily ever after.
Clumsy and prone to saying her inside thoughts out loud, Ruby is adorable. She’s also dealing with a bit of writer’s block and self doubt. And the grumpy hockey player that’s supposed to help her with research on her next story. But she’s not going to let him get her down.
Nick is dealing with a lot coming into the summer (and I have to say I love that Jenshak actually has him address his problems with a professional – more of this!) and the last thing he wants is to deal with Ruby asking him questions and poking around in his life. But under all that grump is a good guy and she quickly gets under his skin, enough that he finds himself agreeing to help. And before long, he finds himself drawn to her quirkiness, positivity, and unwillingness to give up.
There were parts of this that were hilarious (you know there are going to be some entertaining stories coming from Nick’s teammates) and there was so much sweetness in the book too. From the unconventional way the guys loved & supported each other to Nick’s relationship with his dad. I loved how Nick’s friends just embraced her whole body *sigh* It’s another slow burn but from their meet cute to the grand gesture HEA, it just works. Looking forward to what comes next!
(It looks like there’s some returning characters here from other series, but can easily stand on its own.)
Tropes: Enemies to friends to lovers, forced proximity, sports agents/co-workers, secret relationship
Blurb:
Fox
There are only three things in life Iβm passionate about: my family, sports, and hating Archer Holloway.
Heβs the most prolific associate at the firm and out earns everyone at our level. Plus, heβs annoyingly good-looking and is somehow able to charm everyone. Everyone except me.
His athlete roster might be impressive, but his tactics for signing clients can be questionable at best.
So, when the chance arises to stealthily pitch to someone heβs gunning for, I donβt hesitate.
Two can play at this game.
Archer
I donβt understand why Lincoln Fox hates me. Okay, so maybe I signed a few athletes he was pursuing, but thatβs not personal. Itβs business.
I really do think heβd come to like me if he got to know me. He wonβt give me the time of day though. He never has. Which is a shame because Fox is the most attractive man Iβve ever met.
The more he argues with me, the more everyone around us thinks thereβs a spark between us. The office pool is over two thousand dollars now, but theyβre backing the wrong horse. No one will win this bet because the chance of us hooking up are less than zero. Fox will never see me as anything more than an over-competitive jerk. What a waste of money.
When Archer and Fox find themselves having to work together, they develop an unlikely friendship. And while Archer definitely rubs Fox the wrong way early on, it doesn’t take long for those sparks to take a certain turn π Soon Fox finds out that there is more to Archer than he thought. And Archer realizes that some of Fox’s frustration with him might have been hiding other feelings. Causing both men to see each other, and themselves, differently.
Sometimes you want something with a little more …. excitement isn’t the right word … drama? angst? oomph? Whatever you want to call it. But other times a slow burn romance just hits the spot and The Office Bet falls into that category. It’s not for everyone but I really like them, especially when they are written by someone of Finley’s skill. Her stories always have great banter, a delicious amount of steam, and characters that keep me coming back.
**There are lots of appearances by characters from other stories (though this one is good as a stand alone) and I’m sure that is a treat for returning readers. I know I loved seeing the ones I’ve met before π **
*****
Author Info:
Eden Finley is an Amazon bestselling author who writes steamy contemporary romances that are full of snark and light-hearted fluff.
She doesn’t take anything too seriously and lives to create an escape from real life for her readers. The ideas always begin with a wackadoodle premise, and she does her best to turn them into romances with heart.
With a short attention span that rivals her son’s, she writes multiple different pairings: MM, MMF, and MF.
She’s also an Australian girl and apologises for her Australianisms that sometimes don’t make sense to anyone else.
After Watson brother #1 ditched me at the altar, I stopped believing in happily-ever-afters. So I have no clue how I ended up saying βI doβ to BrooksβWatson brother #2βsomewhere between tequila shots and bad decisions. Okay, that may not be true.
Sheriff Watson has been a charming thorn in my side ever since his brother left our small ranch town in his rearview mirror. Heβs a little too steady, a little too sweet, and way too intuitive because he sees through my facade. But no matter how tempting he is, heβs still a Watson.
I demand an annulment. He refuses, bargaining four real dates before he signs.
Fine. Iβll sabotage each one and keep my heart safely locked away. Itβs easier this way because he has no idea the secret Iβm keeping.
Of course, Brooks doesnβt go down easyβhe has enough faith for both of us. He tackles my fears at every turn, making me wonder what would happen if I went all in.
But trusting the wrong man once nearly ruined meβdoing it again might finish the job.
I loved me some Brooks! He’s so sincere and understanding, a little bit naughty, and oh-so-caring. He’s willing to give Lottie the time and space she needs but also knows that she needs to be pushed occasionally to get out of her own way. I couldn’t get enough of his patience with her and their situation. He’s loved her for so long, knows her, and is willing to work for a chance with her.
Lottie has some understandable baggage from her relationship with the other Watsons and it’s kept her from committing not only to Brooks but to any guy. Little too much alcohol and the right time & place has some desires that she’s kept hidden, and refused to acknowledge, coming to the surface. And while she might fight it, even she knows that her heart isn’t really in it.
I’ve lived in a small town and I totally understand why she would feel like they were constantly judging her and talking about her and that she wouldn’t be willing to put herself out there any more. And the hurt she carries from her called off marriage, and the reaction of certain people, have her imagining judgement where none exists, which has her afraid to put herself out there more. But Brooks isn’t going to let her hide forever.
My heart broke for both Brooks & Lottie and what they had to go through because of members of his family. The choices they had to make and the repercussions of Lottie’s failed relationship … it’s not easy to get past but they have each other & everyone at Plain Daisy Ranch to get them through it. That big, boisterous, nosy family loves loud, supports loud, & gives each other a hard time loud and it makes for a great read & HEA.
A trapped viscount. A disgraced debutante. A scandal that could ruin them both.
Lady Kate Drakeβs reputation is in tatters after sheβs discovered alone on a balcony with a gentleman by one of societyβs biggest gossips. Even worse, the gentleman in question flees, leaving her to face the scorn of the ton alone.
The last thing she expects is for her erstwhile suitor to seek her out the next day to propose marriageβor to learn that heβs none other than the elusive Viscount Blackwell, who rumors claim is responsible for his late wife’s death.
Lady Kate is backed into a corner. She must either risk a lifetime of being shunned or put her safetyβand her heartβon the line by taking a chance on a notorious stranger.
Regardless of what her family says, Kate has put pressure on herself to find a husband so she’s no longer a financial burden to her brother. And I like her for it – for her level-headedness, responsibility, and the care she has for her family. Unfortunately her first outing leads to a sticky situation.
Theo is carrying a lot on his shoulders and struggling with his grief & guilt & feelings of responsibility after his wife’s death. It’s lead him to lead a quiet life, out of the public eye, alone mostly except for his twin. Which I think is my favorite thing about Theo, how deeply he loves. His family, his brother, his wife … and he’d do just about anything for them.
While there’s some angst as Theo works to let go of the past and the fear that he’s been left with, it isn’t as angsty as it could have been. No outside interference from other parties, just them dealing with his loss & regret, and embracing a second chance at love.
The Viscount’s Unwanted Bride is a fast read about enjoyable characters with believable hangups & issues. While it may have been predictable, especially their third act issues, I enjoyed the simplicity of the story and the slow burn as they got to know each other better and fell in love.
(Part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.)
The hockey star, the influencer, and the deal of a lifetime.
TY
Iβm going to the pros, baby! Deal made, contract signed. Now all I have to do is finish out my final season at Smithton and stay out of trouble. I like to have a good time, but donβt worry, Iβll behave.
What I wonβt do is talk to that double-crossing influencer whoβs been badgering me for an interview. No thanks.
I know Walkerβs typeβsweet as pie on the outside, a shark on the inside.
Get thisβ¦he wants to make a deal that sounds a lot like a bribe.
Not interested. No way.
But I am curious.
WALKER
Iβve never worked so hard for an interview in my life. Ugh!
Look, I get that Ty doesnβt like me. As inβ¦he wonβt return my calls and avoids me like the plague on campus.
Too bad. Iβm not giving up.
I donβt want to beg, but Iβm willing to barter. Every man has his priceβand something to prove.
Even Ty.
Something to Prove is a low-angst, geek-jock MM bisexual college hockey romance featuring a hockey star and the adorkable influencer whoβs determined to win him overβ¦
There is just so much cuteness with these two. From the light enemies-to-lovers moments to their adorable segments on Walker’s show to their falling in love with a big HEA & epilogue. I just couldn’t get enough.
Walker and Ty may be a bit of opposites attract but they play off each other so well, full of wit and sass and a whole lot of sexiness. There’s light enemies-to-lovers at the beginning (which quickly turns into something else) and not a whole lot of angst, so I wouldn’t pick it up for that. And while their attraction may have been quick to flare, their relationship is more of a slow burn and deepening feelings as they get to know each other better.
This is definitely one of those that you just settle in and enjoy the ride.
Tampa Sentinels Captain Hayes Montgomery has hero-worshipped Morgan Reynolds his entire career, watching as the larger-than-life hockey star has racked up stats that always seemed unreal. Unattainable. Unreachable.
Until Hayes himself is labeled βthe next oneβ and to his surprise, he and Morgan end up on the same team together, playing for Team USA in a nation versus nation tournament.
Now Hayesβ hero isnβt just his teammate, but his linemate. Theyβre hot on the ice, and despite Morganβs straight reputation, off it too.
Itβs only ten days, but itβs the best ten days of his life. That shouldnβt be long enough for a hockey crush to morph into a real crush, but Hayes falls head over heels, launch-himself-off-a-cliff, wildly in love with Morgan, anyway.
They donβt play on the same team or even on the same coast. Normally, theyβre never in the same zip code, but that doesnβt change Hayesβ feelingsβor his regret when the fling ends.
Fast forward six years. Morganβs retired, Hayes is writing his own name in the record books, and heβs sure heβs over it. Over him.
But then Morgan arrives in Tampa to watch his rookie son play for the Sentinels.
He doesnβt want to be hung up on his teammateβs dad, but it doesnβt matter how long itβs been or what heβs tried. Morgan still makes Hayesβ knees weak.
And when it turns out Morgan has his own Hayesβ shaped regret?
Maybe they can finally find their way back to each other again.
Tropes:Β second chance, age gap, he fell first/he fell harder, sonβs captain, player x ex-player, pining, groveling
Available on:Β Amazon, Kindle Unlimited, paperback, and audio narrated by Darcy Stark (est September)
I haven’t read the other stories in the Evergreens universe, and I get the idea that we were teased a bit about Hayes and Morgan, but oh goodness this one stood up well on its own. Maybe it would have given me even more of the feels, IDK, but it definitely was a heart-wrencher.
Pretty much the first half is Hayes and Morgan falling in love. I liked how Bolden handled Morgan’s bi-awakening – with his acceptance of his son’s sexuality, I felt like it was a little easier for him to accept his own. It’s hot and sweet and fabulously perfect … until it isn’t.
The next quarter or so was definitely all the angst, with neither of them handling things well but it’s not really surprising. I mean, they are both carrying so much and there are so many things standing in their way. Would a clearing the air conversation have helped? Sure, but I feel like this was much more realistic for the kind of people they are. And I feel like they definitely came back into each other’s lives at the right time to get the HEA they deserve.
Are you looking for a rollercoaster of a read? Hope so because Bolden brings it ALL, both good and bad, and doesn’t let up until the end.
One I never imagined could have such horrible consequences.
But I thoughtβI hopedβthat time would bring forgiveness. That people would realize I was just a foolish girl back then and not the responsible woman Iβve become.
I was wrong. Instead, I canβt go a day without someone in town reminding me of what a bad person I am. I canβt avoid the judging looks and whispered insults and insinuations that Iβd be better off if Iβd just leave Sleepy Hollow for good.
Except I canβt. And I donβt want to. Not when Sleepy Hollow is the only place thatβs ever felt like home. But when the threats turn dangerous, I know itβs time to ask for help. The only problem? No one believes me.
It all started when I found Jess crying in her car outside the police station.
I couldnβt believe it when she told me sheβd been turned away by the very department I work for. And worse yet, she wasnβt even surprised by it.
At first, it seems like someoneβs trying to scare Jess out of town. Then it becomes clear their intentions are much more sinister, and the threats against her keep escalating.
I donβt care what other people in town say about her. All I care about is that Jess needs me.
As a police officer, itβs my job to protect. But when it comes to Jess, itβs so much more than a job. Itβs protecting the woman Iβm falling in love with.
Jessicaβs Hero is a small-town romantic suspense with a protective police officer hero, a wounded heroine in search of redemption, action and danger, forced proximity, thrilling twists, and plenty of sweet and steamy moments. Can be read as a standalone novel.
Kane is pretty much perfect (which may be annoying to some) as a boyfriend – sweet and supportive. He is a bit of a love bomber and can be a bit pushy as well as fretful about how he’s received but he means well. He works hard to lift Jessica up and help her find confidence in herself again.
Even tho we get Kane’s perspective, it really felt like Jessica’s story and I felt so bad for her. People can be small minded and hold on to things for a long time (although I am surprised that no one stepped up for her before Kane). I can also understand why she would feel self-conscious and anxious. Between her school mates & an absolutely awful man, it’s really hard to let some of that go but with Kane’s help she starts to see herself as strong and beautiful.
I enjoyed the suspense element of the story. The culprit was a surprise to me but it wasn’t totally out of left field, which can easily happen when an author tries to surprise readers. I was satisfied with how things are wrapped up, both with the romance and the mystery.
*****
Author Info:
Gia Cobie is an award winning author living in upstate New York with her husband and small zoo of animals. She loves writing about protective heroes and the strong women they fall in love with.
In her spare time (when she has any!), Gia enjoys reading and spending time in the Adirondacks, and also has a weakness for reality romance shows, wine, and buying way too many books!
Single-minded focus can get you far in business. In love? Not so muchβ¦
PRESLEY
Giving up my soul-sucking career and moving to a small town was supposed to simplify my life.
It didnβt.
Because relaxing isnβt as easy as Iβd hoped it would be. Plus, the hot contractor in charge of my home reno is all kinds of distracting.
Especially when heβs so determined to keep our relationship strictly professionalβ¦
WEST
As a single dad with a military background, Iβd seen it all. So, I was prepared for anything life could throw at me .
Until her.
Presley Holiday is so perfect she almost makes me forget that sleeping with a client is forbidden.
But I canβt afford to make another mistake when it comes to love. Keeping our relationship platonic is the right thing to do.
Too bad doing the right thing has zero appeal when it comes to Presleyβ¦
Single-Minded, book 4 in the Single Dads of Dragonfly Lake series, is a spicy, small town, opposites attract contemporary romance that can be read as a standalone. Download today and get ready for perfect romantic escapism in Dragonfly Lake.
Presley is new to Dragonfly Lake, moving after leaving the life she’d spent years creating, one that included very little more than her job. But the people of her new town welcome her with open arms, helping her make new friends and figure out what her new life is going to look like. Which includes work being done by one very sexy contractor.
With an abusive dad and an all encompassing job, Presley hasn’t had any good examples of healthy relationship. And now, with her life upended and her future unclear, isn’t the best time to find herself drawn to a man. But it’s not a surprise that Presley falls for West. He’s rough on the outside but a big ole softy on the inside, especially when it comes to his adorable daughters. He’s hardworking, dedicated, and caring. And good with his hands π
Knupp’s latest from Dragonfly Lake is all about the slow burn, small town feels. West & Presley have an instant attraction but it’s the time spent together during her renovations that creates something deeper between them. Neither is looking for a relationship … but that doesn’t stop love from finding them.
(This is my first book set in Dragonfly Lake and while there are a lot of characters, and I occasionally I felt lost about how they were related to each other or their histories, it can pretty much stand on its own.)
*****
Author Info:
Amy Knupp is a USA Today Best-Selling Author of five contemporary romance series (Single Dads of Dragonfly Lake, Henry Brothers, North Brothers, Hale Street, Island Fire). She loves words and grammar and meaty, engrossing stories with complex characters.
Amy lives in Wisconsin with her husband and has two children, three cats, and a box turtle. She graduated from the University of Kansas with degrees in French and journalism. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, breaking up cat fights, watching college hoops, and annoying her family by correcting their grammar.
Forgetting playboy Wells Silver was supposed to be easy. If only he didnβt make it impossible. Secrets are made on the sandy shores and in the sweet small towns of Silver Island, where friendships run deep, passions run hot, and the sexy Silvers are considered island royalty. Love in Bloom novels are written to stand alone and may also be enjoyed as part of the larger series, so dive right in and devour this fun, steamy romance.
Being born into the Silver empire comes with certain expectations, but charming restaurant owner Wells Silver has always taken pleasure in breaking the rulesβin his personal and his professional life.
Victoria Braden never expected to become a widow at thirty-two, much less still be trying to figure out how to move on five years later. Sheβd planned to drown her sorrows in alcohol on what would have been her anniversary, not flirt with trouble and lose herself in a night of passion with Silver Island royalty, playboy Wells Silver. Forgetting Wells was supposed to be easy. But apparently the pushy player didnβt get the memo.
Victory and Wells are fantastic together. He does so much to bring out a side to her that she has long ignored while she has him reevaluating what has been missing from his life. When they are together, they are playful and fun, something she seems to have been lacking since her husband’s death.
Unfortunately she’s still holding on to her old life and struggles with guilt at the idea of moving on. Wells is determined tho and works hard to break her out of the box she’s put herself in. It’s not all smooth going, and there is a lot of back & forth between them, but it is pretty low angst with no big third act blow up which I liked. We get growth, letting go, and moving to a new stage of life.
A mixture of lightheartedness and emotion and steam, Foster gives readers a delightful story for the first in her new series. Returning readers have been waiting to see Wells fall and will be happy to see some of their favorite couples again, along with a peek at who might be meeting their match soon.
(While it is technically a stand alone, I feel like their story actually started earlier and while we were given the low down on what happened during this book I think it really helped to have been there. It does give the feeling of kinda joining a story already in progress and while fun for returning readers I think that could be frustrating for some.)
*****
Author Info:
NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL, and USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR
Never miss a release and get a FREE Braden/Remington short story! Sign up for Melissa’s newsletter: www.MelissaFoster.com/Newsletter
Melissa writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance, new adult romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Readers adore Melissa’s fun, flirty, and sinfully sexy, award-winning big-family romance collection, LOVE IN BLOOM featuring the Snow Sisters, Bradens, Remingtons, Ryders, Seaside Summers, Bayside Summers, Harborside Nights, Wild Boys and Bad Boys After Dark, Tru Blue and the Whiskeys, the Wickeds, and the Montgomerys. Melissa’s emotional journeys are always family oriented. Perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about loyal, wealthy and blue-collar heroes and smart, sassy, and empowered heroines with complex and relatable issues.
Melissa also writes sweet romance with no harsh language or explicit scenes under the pen name Addison Cole.
Melissa’s interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping others see the positive side of life, and enjoying beach life on Cape Cod.
Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa on social media or her personal website.
“Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance!” -NYT Bestseller Lauren Blakely
“With her wonderful characters and resonating emotions, Melissa Foster is a must-read author!” -NYT Bestseller Julie Kenner
“What sets Melissa Foster apart are her compelling characters who you care about… desperately. I dare you to read the first chapter and not be hooked.” NYT bestseller, M.J. Rose
“You can always rely on Melissa Foster to deliver a story that’s fresh, emotional and entertaining. Make sure you have all night, because once you start you won’t want to stop reading. Every book’s a winner!” New York Times Bestselling Author Brenda Novak
“Melissa Foster is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Fated For Love was amazing. It kind of reminds me of Jill Shalvis’ books and they are my benchmark for contemporary romance awesomeness.” –Books Like Breathing
Comments from Melissa:
I grew up in Maryland with my mother, a slew of wonderful brothers, and never a shortage of friends or pets. I am passionate about writing, reading, living healthy, and helping others do the same, and I enjoy just about anything outdoors (and anything chocolate!). I love to chat with readers and book clubs, and welcome your comments and suggestions. Feel free to email me. You can also catch me on Facebook.com/MelissaFosterAuthor.
No one is going to convince her to fall in love again…
Ryder Colburn has his hands full running the family business and caring for the ailing father whoβs a virtual stranger from the cold, heavy-handed man he used to be. Heβs got zero free time for hobbies or women. Or so he thinks until one walks into his lifeβ¦ and the path of an oncoming car.
Ryder doesnβt mind playing the hero for the skittish, scarred chef Penny. Maybe itβs the secrets in her eyes or the scar on her chin. Whatever the reason, heβs compelled to get closer.
Pennyβs learned her lesson and now sheβs paying the price. Thatβs why sheβs sharing a dilapidated house in a tiny California town with her feisty grandmother and tween brother living off the leftovers from her catering job. Itβs a far cry from her dream life. But who needs dreamsβ¦ or loveβ¦ or sex when thereβs amateur plumbing projects to tackle and breakfast casseroles to bake?
One thingβs for sure, sheβs never falling in love again. Not even with the sexy, snarky contractor who keeps testing the walls sheβs built.
*****
Review:
These two are absolutely adorable together. I loved Penny’s sass and Ryder’s calm competence and the way they play off each other so well as he romances her within her comfort zone. It’s just the sweetest and made my heart go all squishy. Both of them have issues to deal with stemming from someone abusive and it’s his experiences that help him woo her.
Maybe there could have been more to address Ryder’s relationship with his father and the scars that an abusive childhood can leave, buuuut there are 3 more Colburn siblings so I’m going to hope that we get more as the series continues. And I definitely am looking forward to what comes next with this family of loud, big personalities with hearts just as big.
He Falls First has moments of humor and fun but also vulnerability, hurt, and loss. There is so much charm in these families/friends as they provide support, love, and the occasional push when it’s needed. I gotta say, Shalvis always knows how to reel me in – by giving me entertaining, lovable, real characters. And in this case a cursing parrot … π
*****
Author Info:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Shalvis writes contemporary romance and romantic comedies filled with madcap adventures and shenanigans and sexy times. (just donβt tell her mom). Sheβs sold 20 million plus copies worldwide to date and lives with her family in a small mountain town near Lake Tahoe full of quirky characters (Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is mostly coincidental).
Look for Jill’s bestselling, award-winning novels wherever books are sold. Visit http://www.jillshalvis.com for a complete book list and fun blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.
Romantic Reads and Such 