Sport Romance – REVIEW'S

2020 ARCs, 5 STAR, Fake Relationship, Friends-To-Lovers, JUNE 2020 Reviews, MUST READS!, Rom-Com, Slow Burn, Sport Romance

R E V I E W ➠ The Change Up by Meghan Quinn

June 11, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

GOODREADS

AUTHOR WEBSITE

AMAZON

BREAKING NEWS: The Bad Boy of Baseball, Maddox Paige, is totally and utterly whipped.
Okay, that might not be the headlines in the newspaper this morning, but it’s the reality of my current situation.
It all started a month ago when I received a call from my best friend, Kinsley. She got a new job in Chicago and needed a place to stay. I’ve known the girl since I was five, what harm would it be to have her stay at my place for a while?
Ha! Total disaster.
Now instead of going out every night with my teammates, I’m couch surfing and sketching endless photos of my best friend . . . but that’s the least of my concerns.
The disaster, you ask? I’m rapidly falling head over cleats in love with my best friend, my roommate, and my number one fan.
And she has no idea . . .

RELEASE DATE: June 11, 2020

Not my first read by the author and I have read most of her books!! I was excited about this one because a mix of Meghan’s writing and rom-com…such a huge sucker for good rom-com’s and this one took the cake for sure!!

Maddox Paige is not what I expected, yes he looks like the bad boy, sleeping with a new girl every night type of man who has it all but he has the BIGGEST heart and when he is sweet, boy will your tooth hurt! I loved LOVED Maddox with Kinsley *sigh* and *swoon* their friendship is beautiful. Kinsley is the type of woman that will bat for you no matter what, she is loyal to the core and that’s why there wasn’t a single thing I did not like about her, all her actions are pure. Maddox’s past is heartbreaking, but Kindley really is there for him in all the ways possible. When their lines are blurred, things heat up and that slow burn will burn very bright! Like I said one of my favorite rom-com’s and hero’s!

A MUST READ!
Romance: ♡♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: NA
Standalone/Series: Standalone
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑

2020 ARCs, Friends-To-Lovers, May 2020 Reviews, Sizzling, Slow Burn, Sport Romance

R E V I E W ➠ Taking His Shot by Kendall Ryan

May 24, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

GOODREADS

AUTHOR WEBSITE

AMAZON

She says she doesn’t date players.
She swears up and down that she’ll never handle my stick.
We’ll see about that, sweetheart.
When I win the pleasure of Harper’s company at a charity auction, I get exactly one date—one shot to win over the gorgeous and feisty brunette.
Game on. I play hard, and I love a challenge.
But just when I think I’ve finally carved out my shot . . . a huge secret implodes around us, threatening everything we’ve built.

RELEASE DATE: June 9, 2020

Not my first read by the author and yes I have read the previous 6 books in the series. This one was a light read with a little twist. To be honest which I always am with my review’s , I kind of felt like this was predictable in every way. The story line and plots were great and writing don’t get me wrong but to me it was very okay. I enjoyed both hero and heroine, hero is the rookie in the group and the heroine is the younger daughter of the coach. She has sworn off dating players (pun intended) and the hero takes it upon himself to get her to give him a shot. It’s a fun game and these two were sweet together, the hero was very funny and the heroine stood her ground until when she let go…but should she have, after she finds out the real reason?!

Romance: ♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: NA
Standalone/Series: Book #7 in Series
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑

2020 ARCs, Friends-To-Lovers, May 2020 Reviews, Second Chance Romance, Single Mom, Sizzling, Slow Burn, Small Town Romance, Sport Romance, Sports Romance

R E V I E W ➠ Clutch Player by Nikki Ash

May 14, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

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AUTHOR WEBSITE

Clutch player: an athlete who is good under pressure and performs highly impossible plays in a quick and almost impossible amount of time.
Harper
I fell in love when I was sixteen. Landon was my entire world and I thought he would be my forever. But I was young and dumb, and with one error in judgement, I destroyed any chance of a future we could’ve had together, along with our hearts.
Twelve years later and I’m going through the motions of life, but not actually living. Which is why I let my friends, Bridget and Simon, set me up on a blind date. Turns out, it’s not so blind after all. Because the man sitting in front of me is the same man who’s held onto my heart all these years.
Landon
They call me a Clutch Player because I’m good under pressure and quick on my feet. I was also quick to fall in love. The first time it was with baseball, the second was with Harper. And for a short time I had them both.
Until I lost Harper and all I had left was baseball.
For years, I focused on my career. I had accepted that baseball was my one true love.
Until I saw her again. I never imagined we’d ever get a second chance, but now that she’s sitting right across from me, I know there’s no way in hell I’m going to let her go again.

RELEASE DATE: May 17, 2020

“It’s us, Harp. It feels like this because it’s you and me.”

Not my first read by the author but it has been a while, I really really loved this one too. The romance on this was off the roof, you will fall in love with the hero instantly…this is a heartbreaking story of mistakes being made, misunderstanding and priorities being thrown around instead of organized. Sweet, beautiful, sizzling and captivating. It went really well with the Cocky Books and your heart will melt with the epilogue!!

Romance: ♡♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: N/A
Standalone/Series: Standalone
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑

2020 ARCs, Friends-To-Lovers, May 2020 Reviews, Sizzling, Sport Romance, Surprise Baby

R E V I E W ➠ Secret Plunge by Jasmin Miller

May 10, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

Romantically Ever After: A Limited Edition Collection of Contemporary Romance Novels

GOODREADS

AUTHOR WEBSITE

Sometimes, it takes being dumped by the wrong person so you can find the right one.⁣
Sometimes, the job you hate, but pays the bills, kicks you to the curb.⁣
And sometimes, being divorced and jobless at twenty-four leads to questionable choices on New Year’s Eve that have the potential to turn into something wonderful . . . once you weather life’s bumps to get there. Of course. ⁣
Like finding out your drop-dead-gorgeous one-night stand turned baby daddy is Ryan Monroe, swimming gold medalist who came out of retirement for one more Olympic Games. ⁣
And that your dad is his new coach. ⁣
Or that Ryan will never overlap his personal life with his work life again. ⁣
That’s when the secrets . . . the omissions begin. Because sometimes, that’s how you protect fledgling relationships and those you love. Isn’t it?⁣

RELEASE DATE: May 12, 2020

Not my first read by the author, I also have read the full Book #1 in a new series, this one belongs to a group of author’s analogy. It was shorter but long enough to keep you happy.

This was a very sweet and sexy read. involves a surprise pregnancy, age gap, sports romance. The heroine is much younger to the hero who shared one amazing night, only for Harper to leave the next morning. now that they both realize what is going to happen, not only that but also the fact that they live on opposite sides of the country. I think if I had to pick one thing that kind of threw me off a little is, how it kind of turned over night (the feelings for one another) and i mean that because there wasn’t much progression towards that for me, they felt more just friends platonic to me for a very long time and then like the switch was turned on. The hero was sweet, funny, sexy. outgoing…just a good guy all around. the heroine was a little quirky, funny, sweet and vulnerable. Two different lives that may be connected to one another after all. It was light, exciting and sweet story with a little hint of mystery!

Romance: ♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: M/A
Standalone/Series: STANDALONE
Type: All Tags on top of this page!

2020 ARCs, Friends-To-Lovers, May 2020 Reviews, Sizzling, Sport Romance, Sports Romance

R E V I E W ➠ Lucky Bastard by Kaylee Ryan

May 9, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

GOODREADS

AUTHOR WEBSITE

AMAZON

Emma
When my best friend Aubrey asked me to tag along to an event with her, I never could have imagined that it would be the day that my life changed forever.
He’s arrogant and demanding and doesn’t take a hint. Landon Barker, the quarterback for the Hermosa Beach Trojans, is a player on and off of the field. He’s got his sights set on me as his next play, but I see right through him. Aubrey says I’m overreacting, that I should give him a chance. What she doesn’t realize is men like Landon don’t fall for the girl next door. That’s not reality. She got her fairytale, although it was a long road. Not all of us are that lucky.
Landon
She’s a friend of our new kicking coach’s wife. When I ask Chance for her number, he tells me I have to find a way to get it myself.
Nothing when it comes to Emma has been easy. She’s the first woman ever to turn me down, and that won’t do. However, as time passes, it’s about more than that. It’s about her smile, her laugh, and just spending time with her. She thinks I’m a player, and she’s right. What she doesn’t know is that I play to win, and her heart is the ultimate trophy.

RELEASE DATE: May 17, 2020

Not my first read by the author, this is something new because it is part of the COCKY HERO CLUB that is based on all the Cocky Books by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward!

First off i wasn’t sure what to expect going in, but knowing i love Kaylee’s books I wasn’t worried more anxious to read. I really enjoyed cocky bastard and so this was perfect. Very sweet and fun. a great mix of the cocky world and Kaylee’s style. Little chase never hurt anyone. When Landon stumbles upon Emma, he is not sure how to feel about having to chase…Emma is unsure that Landon’s intentions are pyre because after all, he is a cocky and sexy man. I enjoyed watching these two grow and overcome what came ahead. Like i said very sweet and fun read, you will fall head over heels in love with Landon…the mix of him is so attractive and his heart…bigger than his bicep! The over-all was fantastic, story line a little predictable but understandable because of the previous books and even a little shocker and twist in the end!

Romance: ♡♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: NA
Standalone/Series: Standalone
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑

2020 ARCs, April 2020 Review, Friends-To-Lovers, Second Chance Romance, Sizzling, Small Town Romance, Sport Romance, Sports Romance, Tear Jerker, TOP 2020 MUST READ

R E V I E W ➠ Unforgettable by Melanie Harlow

May 2, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

GOODREADS

AUTHOR WEBSITE

Back then, I had it all.
Wicked fastball. Killer instinct. Cocky grin. Full package.
(And believe me, I knew how to score.)
My senior year, I was a first round draft pick with a two-million-dollar signing bonus. Before I could even legally buy myself a beer, I made my Major League debut.
Point is, I was invincible.
Until one day I wasn’t.
After tanking my career—during the World Series, no less—the last thing I want to do is return to my hometown, where every jerk in a ball cap has an opinion about what went wrong with my arm.
So when my sister drags me back to town for her wedding, I vow to get in and out of there as quickly as possible.
Then I run into April Sawyer.
In high school we were just friends, but I’d always wanted her, and I’d never forgotten her—the red hair, the incredible smile, the crazy, reckless thing we did in the back of my truck the night we said goodbye.
It’s been eighteen years, but one look at her and I feel like my old self again. I can still make her laugh, she can still take me down a notch, and when the chemistry between us explodes, it’s even hotter this time around—and I don’t want it to end.
But just when I think I’m ready to let go of the past and get back in the game, life throws me a curveball I never saw coming.

RELEASE DATE: May 4, 2020

First of, I can;t believe this is THE LAST BOOK in the series *crying* noooo! Also I have read almost all of the author’s books including every one in this series! Still crying because there won’t be anymore, but what an ENDING! *still crying*

First off the hero is Sadie’s big brother, our heroine April used to babysit Sadie back in high school where she also tutored the hero, so they all have history. Now I do not want to spoil any part of this story because it’s rather important and big for the conclusion of this series. If you’ve read the whole series you MIGHT get an idea, but I gotta say I did not expect that ending…and can we talk about that before all? WHY DID IT HAVE TO END?! Ugh, makes me want to re-read the whole series now!

That said, this is something sweet…dark but sweet. I loved April in the previous series book when she’s around and mentioned and so I did not expect anything less of a BANG for her book than this. Things aren’t as they see, watch out for slight curves and grab a couple tissues you might need them at a time or two. It just felt HONEST, like relatable and just real. I am so happy I had the chance to review this, and really wish there was more!!

TOP 2020 MUST READ!
Romance: ♡♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: N/A
Standalone/Series: #5 Series
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑

2020 ARCs, April 2020 Review, Forbidden Romance, Friends-To-Lovers, Sizzling, Sport Romance, Sports Romance, TOP 2020 MUST READ

R E V I E W ➠ A Secret for A Secret by Helena Hunting

April 29, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

GOODREADS – AMAZON – AUTHOR WEBSITE

My name is Ryan Kingston, and I’m a rule follower. I’ve never been in a fistfight. I always obey the speed limit. I don’t get drunk, and I definitely don’t pick up random women at bars.
Except the night I found out that my whole existence has been a lie.
I got drunk. And picked up a stranger.
Her name was Queenie, and she was everything I’m not: reckless, impulsive, and chaotic. We did shots and traded secrets. And ended up naked at my place.
She left me a thank-you note in the morning and her panties as a parting gift. But no way to contact her.
Six weeks later I’m sitting in the first official team meeting of the season, and there she is. I neglected to mention that I’m the goalie for Seattle’s NHL team.
And Queenie? Turns out she’s the general manager’s daughter.

RELEASE DATE: May 12, 2020

Not my first read by the author (she is one of my favorites) and I have read all the previous books in this series which I was in love with every single one of them!! So, you can say I was a bit excited for this one also!

Well this was a pleasant surprise, I wont lie and say that a little into it I though: oh, this is kind of a familiar trope and story line…but then I got to know King & Queenie…wow these two couldn’t be any more polar opposite. While King is the level headed, smart, concentrated and conservative type…Queenie is the rebel, act first think later, beautiful and fun woman. They came together…wait for it, NOT in a night of heat and passion…why you ask? well, if you asked the hero and heroine, THEY wouldn’t be able to recall all of it themselves. There is something about Ryan (King) Kingston that moved me, in all the funny and sexy ways. He comes off different, proper but naughty and yet still alpha and protective…you can’t not love him, honestly. Now Queenie, she is definitely reckless, but I was not prepared for that bomb. This is not a story line to take for granted, i was wowed the whole rest of the time and couldn’t get enough of it. Not your typical hockey romance with a not typical hero, you’ll love even if he’s a bit quirky.

TOP 2020 MUST READ!
Rating: ★★★★★
Romance: ♡♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Type: Book #3 of Series
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑
⇨ H A P P Y – R E A D I N G ⇦

2020 ARCs, April 2020 Review, Friends-To-Lovers, Single Mom, Sizzling, Slow Burn, Small Town Romance, Sport Romance, Sports Romance, Tear Jerker, TOP 2020 MUST READ

R E V I E W ➠ Ember by Emma Renshaw

April 15, 2020April 15, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

GOODREADS – AMAZON – AUTHOR WEBSITE

One night changed an entire town.
Ten years ago, I left Hawk Valley.
I never planned to return. Not to the regrets. The bitter memories. The guilt.
My baseball career gave me both the excuse and the money I needed to start over. Then my mom called, and I found myself headed back to the one place I swore I wouldn’t step foot again.
Meeting Delilah wasn’t part of the plan. Falling in love with her adorable son was even less so. And yet, what’s brewing between us is too intense to be denied. The unexpected passion is almost enough to distract us from the crumbling of both our worlds.
But even as the sparks fly, someone is waiting in the shadows to burn it all down.

RELEASE DATE: April 21, 2020

From cradle to grave.
From sandbox to the pine box.
From home plate to center field.

I inched closer to her even though I was denying what I wanted to do, which was sweep her into my arms and kiss the living daylight out of her.
-Gunner

Not my first read by the author, she was a new to me a little ago but I read one book and then I had to read all of her books. This one, not so different. Have you ever started a book and it’s so damn good that you had to stop yourself from reading because you didn’t want it to end? Well, this is that type for me!

The book stars off with you needing tissues, because not only do things happen fast but also in doubles. But you will instantly fall in love with Gunner, right off the bat! Both hero and heroine are put in difficult situations, very different form one another meaning they carry the same amount of guilt and worry on their shoulders but worlds apart. Typing this reminds me of how I could have used another 5 or 6 books of continued stories from just this one book.

Gunner is the perfect hero, caring, strong, sweet, sexy and a baseball player…that’s all I need to say. He lost something a very long time ago but it hung on him for years, now that he is back in town for his mother…he can’t seem to get away from the memories.
Delilah is a woman that let’s just say had to grow up pretty fast. Going through life cooking one meal after another, by the way she is a fantastic chef…and her son is the main thing in her life at all times. I absolutely, if you don’t fall in love with Gunner by himself at the beginning you will once you meet him and Tucker *swoon swoon swoon* after all this book gave me all the feels, emotional, beautiful, haunting, captivating and all the romance and sexiness you need! I can’t wait to read more…p.s. secretly looking and hoping Colt Delilah’s brother gets a story!

TOP 2020 MUST READ!
Rating: ★★★★★
Romance: ♡♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Type: Standalone
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑
⇨ H A P P Y – R E A D I N G ⇦

2020 ARCs, Angsty, April 2020 Review, Friends-To-Lovers, New To Me Author, Second Chance Romance, Slow Burn, Sport Romance, Sports Romance, YA Romance

R E V I E W ➠ The Ninth Inning by J. Sterling

April 3, 2020April 12, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

GOODREADS – AMAZON – AUTHOR WEBSITE

Cole Anders is in his last season at Fullton State. If he doesn’t get drafted this year, he’ll be forced to hang up his cleats for good. It’s not something he’s ready to do.
To prove he’s serious about his final season, he’s given up girls. No more casual hookups, dates or one-night stands. But there’s one girl who has always refused to give up on him. One girl who has been there since the start of Freshman year. One girl he stupidly assumed would always be waiting for him when he got off the field, no matter how long it took.
Christina’s had enough of Cole pushing her aside for baseball. She’s grown tired of waiting for him to see what she’s known since they were freshmen… that they are good together. She’s finally moved on- for good this time.
Cole has other ideas, but she refuses to cave. It’s not her problem if he wants her now. Too little too late.
There comes a point in your life when you have to stop the incessant merry-go-round and just get off the ride, right? Try telling that to Cole.

RELEASE DATE: April 10, 2020

NEW to me author & books. I have heard of this author & even promoted a lot about the books but haven’t had a chance to actually read & review one. Glad I got the chance on this one, I absolutely love Sports-Romance!

I will just come out and say it that, it was not my style of tone. The characters were in the early college days and the immaturity level that comes with that, is just not my style of tone to read. I can relate to the characters as well as at certain points enjoyed them, but I couldn’t fully get into it. That comes with not liking a certain style/tone, so for me not my style for someone else, could be their best read. This is a cute love story of a cat-and-mouse chase between the hero and heroine, friends always and even when the hero decided he want’s to be with the heroine, she doesn’t believe him…and he doesn’t really give her a strong argument TO believe it. Hero is handsome, young and a rising-star, someone a little indecisive and even though he chose baseball over the heroine, he can’t help but rethink his choice. After a little time, when they are back around one another, the story is reversed…and the hero will do anything to have her, to right his wrongs with her.

Rating: 4.5★
Romance: ♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥
Type: Book #1 of Series
Recommended: ☑
⇨ H A P P Y – R E A D I N G ⇦

2020 ARCs, Friends-To-Lovers, March 2020 Review, Marriage Romance, MUST READS!, Second Chance Romance, Single Mom, Sizzling, Slow Burn, Sport Romance

R E V I E W ➠ The Trade by Meghan Quinn

March 8, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

GOODREADS – AMAZON – AUTHOR WEBSITE

Can you pinpoint a time in your life where you realized you are completely and utterly screwed?
I can. I got the dreaded phone call, the one every baseball player hopes and prays never comes.
I was traded. Yeah, that phone call.
Traded from my long time team of over ten years. And not just to any team, but my childhood rivals; the Chicago Rebels.
Completely and utterly screwed, right? Wrong. The trade was the least of my concerns.
I met a girl. Natalie. Man, she’s perfect.
I swore I would never get involved with anyone during the season. Too complicated. But can you believe I have zero restraint when it comes to this girl? I couldn’t get her out of my head and the more I talked to her, the more I realized I needed her in my life.
So what’s the problem? Why am I screwed? Because, Natalie, the girl I can’t stop crushing on, yeah . . . she’s married.
At least, that’s what I was told . . .

RELEASE DATE: March 12, 2020

Not my first time read by the author, and I have read book #1 and now this one in the series. I was a little nervous about the whole heroine being married part but glad I gave this a full shot. I honestly can’t say I disliked anything about this book!!

This is a story of two people and wrong timing. Then fast-forward to a second chance meeting and not only do sparks fly but the chemistry between them, the way they are around one another, you just can’t help but pull to them. They both battled their own daemons and had their own struggles, but when they were together, EXPLOSIVE! Now the only question is, if they can heal one another or just take it as it was and move on?!

Beautiful BEAUTIFUL story, definitely one of my favorite reads in this series! Cory was the swooniest hero and so so sweet, tough, alpha and smart! Natalie, bless her heart, I felt for her with every word. They really made the perfect pair!

A MUST READ!
Rating: ★★★★★
Romance: ♡♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Type: Book #3 in the Series
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY!
⇨ H A P P Y – R E A D I N G ⇦