Sports Romance – REVIEW'S

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

GOODREADS

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, 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, Age-Gap Romance, February 2020 Review, Friends-To-Lovers, Marriage Romance, Rich/Poor Romance, Slow Burn, Sport Romance, Sports Romance

R E V I E W ➠ Down And Dirty by Kendall Ryan

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

GOODREADS – AMAZON – AUTHOR WEBSITE

Remember that time you accidentally woke up in Vegas married to your hot younger guy friend?
That’s basically my life right now.
Mistakes were made, okay?
He’s too young for me. Twenty-three to my thirty. And he’s saving himself for the right girl.
Yup. Apparently I’ve married the last alpha-male virgin on the planet. And my stubborn, oddly traditional, new husband doesn’t want a divorce.
He wants me.
Complicated doesn’t even begin to cover it.

Down and Dirty is a sexy romp with a hero you’ll melt for and a relatable, sassy heroine you’ll love. If you’re a fan of steamy romances with laugh out loud moments, grab yourself a copy– you won’t regret it!

RELEASE DATE: March 10, 2020

Not my first read by the author, she is one of my favorites! I have also read all the others in the series & LOVED!!

This was a bit unconventional as in reverse roll type. The heroine is 7 rears the hero’s senior. The hero might be younger but definitely not not alpha haha that made sense to me in NY head. It’s a sweet story of two people that arose from a “mistake” and found that being together had its perks, being around one another wasn’t a hardship. Like i said i really doubt want to give out too much, but still the sports romance, older heroine, unconventional hero, all wrapped up in fate.

Rating: 4.5★
Romance: ♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥
Type: Book #5 of Series
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY!
⇨ H A P P Y – R E A D I N G ⇦

2020 ARCs, February 2020 Review, Forbidden Romance, Friends-To-Lovers, Single Dad, Slow Burn, Sports Romance

R E V I E W ➠ Fresh Meet by Jasmin Miller

February 28, 2020February 28, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

GOODREADS – AMAZON – AUTHOR WEBSITE

Fans call me the king of the water. I’m focused, driven, and most importantly, I win.
Life as a professional swimmer comes with sacrifices, but they’ve never worried me. I’m used to life with little room for anything but training, eating, and sleeping.
Nothing more, nothing less.
When a son I knew nothing about lands on my doorstep—and a crazy but very beautiful nanny shortly after—my life is turned upside down. Allowing any change into my life could put my goals and dreams in jeopardy, and I’ve worked too hard and too long for them.
When I’m tempted to look beyond lap times and medals to bedtime stories and the possibility of love, I face one of the hardest questions of my life: is it worth the risk?

RELEASE DATE: March 5, 2020

Not my first read by author. She was a recent NEW to me though. The blurb on this is what caught my eye and not to mention the beautiful cover.
p.s. SINGLE DAD / NANNY ALERT!

Our heroine here is the sweetest woman alive. she is beautiful, smart, quirky, and in a bind. needing a job and having had experience with children on a children’s show, she gets hooked up with an amazing opportunity. The hero, he is mega sexy, considerate, alpha yes but in a swoon sweet way. He has had his share of woman and they both knew the deals, and after recently breaking it off with a hook up that turned sour…a little present at the door showed up that night. After realizing that he is responsible for a human being and being a dad over night, he nerds help.
These two were so good together, their chemistry *SIGH* and honestly, aside from hating her family because they were straight up terrible people…I loved everything about this. A single dad/nanny romance, slow burn but a sweet burn. the hero is a professional swimmer who has been to the Olympics a few times already. The only thing that kind of threw me off was at the end, the BIG O as I call it. They both kind of did wrong and I wasn’t sure where to place my feelings because of what had happened. That’s about it. Will be reading more in this series for sure!

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

2020 ARCs, February 2020 Review, Friends-To-Lovers, Rich/Poor Romance, Sizzling, Sport Romance, Sports Romance

R E V I E W ➠ Catch by Evelyn Montgomery

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

GOODREADS – AMAZON – AUTHOR

Hunter
One look. One touch. One sound of her beautiful voice, and I’m hooked.
Like a dream I never want to wake up from, she pulls me in and wraps me around her.
Consumed. Driven with need. Fueled by an unrelenting desire to make her mine.
One night, I take more than she has ever given before, which only leaves me wanting more.
Needing more. Craving more.
She’s the one I’ve waited for my whole life.
I’ll be damned if I let anyone, including our families, stand in our way.
She trusts me. Hungers for me, just like I want only to covet her. Forever.
But, there is one twist neither of us see coming.
A curveball, no one could ever have expected.
Still, I hold on tight to her light. Her beauty.
She’s my Angel.
Something about her makes me feel like I found heaven on earth.
She’s my best Catch, and I’m not letting her go.
Ever.

RELEASE DATE: February 14, 2020

Not my first read by the author. I am used to romantic-suspense and so when I got this, a sweet more swooney romance, I was thrown by it a little. So prepare, this is something different from the author, in a good way. Get ready to have your panties swooned right off by Hunter!

This is a story of two lost souls that live two very different lives, from the beginning. When Hunter and Rochelle meet, it’s by accident or fate. Rochelle gives Hunter a run for his money, he has to work hard at even getting her to go on a date with him, when he succeeds it’s a slow-sizzling-burn…he just can’t get enough of her. But having come from different lives, how long can they both maneuver the obstacles now society throws at them for being so different and not meant to be in their eyes? Watch these two try to navigate it, all while holding on to themselves.

This was a very sweet, fast love, opposite attract, beautiful and painful romance. Hunter is very swoony and you’ll fall in love with him right away, Rochelle our heroine is a little here and there for me because she started off very very shy and she springs up form time to time which throws me off each time. But them together, is simply beautiful. Sports romance with a twist!

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

2020 ARCs, Angsty, Enemy-To-Lovers, Fake Relationship, Forbidden Romance, January 2020 Review, Rom-Com, Sizzling, Slow Burn, Sport Romance, Sports Romance, TOP 2020 MUST READ

R E V I E W ➠ A Favor For A Favor by Helena Hunting

January 13, 2020February 3, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

GOODREADS – AMAZON – AUTHOR WEBSITE

When I joined Seattle’s NHL expansion team, I thought it was the start of something great. But nothing ever goes the way you expect. Take my introduction to my new neighbor. She came rolling in on the hot mess express at midnight, making a racket while she tried to get into my team captain’s apartment. Did I mention that he’s married to a woman who definitely was not her?

Imagine my surprise when I end up with an injury that has me out of the game for weeks, and she’s the one to offer to help me. I should probably add that she’s not the captain’s mistress. She’s his sexy, pastel-haired younger sister.

So we come up with an arrangement: she rehabs me so that I can get back on the ice sooner, and she can add a professional athlete that isn’t her brother to her client list. Seems simple enough. As long as I can keep my hands to myself and my hormones in check.

RELEASE DATE: January 28, 2020

“His man stick is pretty much broken. I’m not getting a ride out of this,
if that’s what you’re thinking.”

Not my first read by this author and have read many many of Helena’s books. This is the most perfect ENEMY-TO-LOVERS romance I have read in a while! Everything about this from the words to characters…L O V E D!!

Stevie is a woman living in a shadow, meaning her older brother who is the NFL star has always out shinned her and when he wanted the attention, Stevie did everything to be out of it. Living a life to prove to herself that she can make it on her own and not the help of her famous brother (who btw has his own book in Book #1 a lie for a lie) that said, I was excited and happy to see that Stevie was getting her own story.

The hero is Bishop who is not only a Hockey player in the same team as Stevie’s brother but neither of them know of one another. When they meet is a night that Stevie will never forget although she’d love to and Bishop was throwing out assumptions left and right. In his boxers….ONLY his boxers. That’s how it continues….only Stevie has a few tricks up her sleeve too.

When they both realize how one another is, things change and some of the clearing comes out. What happens after I DON’T WANT TO SPOIL so, I will say that there is a lot of laugh out loud moments, lots of hate to, mystery, sweetness, and the sweet sweet romance, not to mention the sexy scenes WOW on those. Everything came together so well and I couldn’t get enough!

TOP 2020 MUST READ!
Rating: ★★★★★
Romance: ♡♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Type: Book #2 of Series
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY!
⇨ H A P P Y – R E A D I N G ⇦