Sports Romance – Review's

Johnathan
The one word I didn’t think I’d have to accept so soon—retirement.
Never playing again was my new reality, along with all the other symptoms that came along with my career-ending injury.
Just as I’m learning to deal with my new normal, life throws me another challenge, but this one might just be the game-changer that alters my life for the better.
Jill
I’ve always been focused. School. Graduation. Opening my own business.
I didn’t see myself settling down anytime soon, I had an empire to build.
I definitely didn’t expect a newly retired hockey player would bulldoze his way into my life.
Maybe it’s time I focus on more than just my business.
The more time we spend together, the more I realize I can have more than one focus.
Sometimes, when one chapter closes, it makes room for another…

RELEASE DATE: September 17, 2020

Not my first read by the author but I am jumping in a little too late since this is book 8 but I have read one other book in this series. I read the blurb and the cover caught my attention and here we are.

I was pleasantly surprised at this. The hero and heroine were so honest and upfront with one another and it was refreshing. Jonathan was charming, broody, smart and just a man not sure what to do after his devastating news at the doctors. Jill is a woman after my own heart, strong, loyal, smart, funny, beautiful and just real. She makes it a point to be there for John but the way she does it is so just heartfelt and welcoming. So when they two start dating it may be new but their connection is mesmerizing to watch. You will get fully invested in these twoa nd the life they are trying to live on their own and build together, I am so glad I had a chance to review this…really fell in love with them two. Always love a meant to be hero and heroine because their banter, romance and pain just seems more real to me.

Romance: ♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: NA
Standalone/Series: Book 8 in Series
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑

2020 ARCs, 5 STAR, August 2020 Reviews, Friends-To-Lovers, Single Dad, Sizzling, Slow Burn, Sport Romance, Sports Romance

R E V I E W ➠ Only One Kiss by Natasha Madison

August 25, 2020September 11, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

(Only One #1)

GOODREADS

AUTHOR WEBSITE

Ralph
Being traded to Dallas was a dream come true. I had everything I wanted, my game had never been better, and my wife was due to have our baby any day now.
What could go wrong?
Everything.
I was now raising our baby on my own. After hockey practice and games, I didn’t have time to sleep, let alone make sure my social media was up to par.
I never thought I’d get a second chance at love.
Candace
When my hotshot brother was drafted in the NHL, he didn’t have time to do his social media, so I took over for him. Little did I know it would become my career.
My plate was full with over fifty NHL players, and I wasn’t taking on any new clients.
Yet when he showed up on my doorstep with the cutest little girl in the whole world, I couldn’t say no.
I was just helping, but it turned into more than that. He’s the man I’ve been waiting for.
All it takes is one touch, one night, one chance, and only one kiss.

RELEASE DATE: September 1, 2020

Not my first read by the author, I am very familiar with her work and writing style. I was excited to see these two get their story! It was nothing I expected and everything I needed. I do have to point out because it bothered me a little much, dare I say it: once they did get together sexually that is, it felt a little hyper speed and much for me. I say slightly but enough for me to have to mention it. A sweet, slow-burn and sizzling Single-Dad that’s a must read! Excited for more in the series!

This story took me by surprise, we have a single-dad with the cutest little girl named Ari and a hard-ass work hard and have life organized heroine who is the sister of the hero from This is Crazy hockey series if you remember. So, that same sister that was so harsh to Zara her brother’s now wife, yeah. Anyways, when Candace meets Ralph it’s under the impression that he needs her services…work services you perv 😉 Candace manages social media accounts for the players. When Candace sees Ari her heart is already gone, then he takes Ralph on and when the lines start to blur they both want to jump in head first but with Ralpha’s past which is a doozey and Candace that is a happy girl in general wanting the house, white picket fence and more kids…well, secrets come out…the only question now is, will she be able to either accept it or he change for Candace?!

Romance: ♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: NA
Standalone/Series: Book 1 in Series
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑

2020 ARCs, 5 STAR, August 2020 Reviews, Forbidden Romance, Friends-To-Lovers, MUST READS!, Sizzling, Sport Romance, Sports Romance

R E V I E W ➠ Not My Romeo by Ilsa Madden-Mills

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

(The Game Changers #1)

GOODREADS

AUTHOR WEBSITE

We start off with a lie on Valentine’s Day.
My blind date isn’t the studious guy I expected: he’s a drop-dead gorgeous player with sinful amber eyes. Somehow we end up at his penthouse. I blame the gin and tonic.
The next day I learn he’s Jack Hawke—bad-boy professional quarterback with a murky past. The NDA he has me sign should be a warning that he isn’t a regular person. Please. I sign it Juliet Capulet, so goodbye, famous football player with abs of steel, and good luck tracking down this small-town librarian.
But Jack keeps showing up in places I least expect him. Just when I’m sure he’s gone, he waltzes into my community theater and wins the part of Romeo to my Juliet. How’s a plain, mostly innocent girl like me supposed to resist a man like him?
Is Jack my real Romeo…or will this gorgeous football player only break my heart?

RELEASE DATE: August 18, 2020

Not my first read by the author but it has been quiet a while since I’ve read any of her books. She happens to be on of my many moons ago when I first started blogging and bookstagramming, when I just read hehe so I am familiar with her but this was on another level. I had the chance to paperback ARC review this and reminded me how much I missed reading paperbacks. Also, have you seen the cover for this? Fit’s the hero perfectly!

You kind of get everything from this, the sexy hero the sassy and beautiful heroine, fun, laughter, sweetness, SO MUCH SWOON and even some sadness and pain along the way. It’s a great mixture between them that will keep you wanting to continue reading and wanting more of their beautiful story. The best part about this is THE MEET because Jack is enjoying his evening and when a beautiful woman comes up to him, he only thinks one thing: she’s here to rage over him, get an autograph, selfies…another fan. Little does he know, SHE doesn’t even know who he is, but rather thinks of who he is and JACK plays right into it. What happens after that? Well, let’s just say that the heroine keeps the hero in check and the hero’s heart is a lot bigger than anyone knew. SWOON CITY for this one, the hero really was the right amount of arrogant and cocky and the heroine was enough strong to stand her ground and see it through. Highly recommend this Book #1 in The Game Changer Series!

A MUST READ!
Romance: ♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: NA
Standalone/Series: #1 in Series
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑

2020 ARCs, 5 STAR, Angsty, Friends-To-Lovers, Mysery, Second Chance Romance, Slow Burn, Small Town Romance, Sport Romance, Sports Romance

R E V I E W ➠ The One For Me by Corinne Michaels

August 9, 2020August 19, 2020by The Guide To Romance NovelsLeave a Comment

(The Arrowood Brothers #3)

GOODREADS

AUTHOR WEBSITE

Devney Maxwell has been my best friend since we were six years old, but she has no idea I’m in love with her.⁣
⁣Even when I’m on the road playing professional baseball, she’s my home—the only one I’ve ever known. But when I return to Sugarloaf to care for the family farm, I discover she’s trying to talk herself into a life with the wrong man … and I become desperate.⁣
It only takes a single, perfect kiss to change everything.⁣
I have six months to get it right with Devney—to convince her to leave this town and turn that kiss into forever.⁣
I aim to do just that as I spend my days coaching her nephew’s baseball team, fixing up the farm, and loving her with all I have. Finally, it seems like our relationship is secure and we’ll find a way to make it work.⁣
Then tragedy strikes … changing her life forever. She’s needed here more than ever, but as for me—there’s no way I can stay.⁣
I know she’s the one for me, but I might have to let her go …⁣

RELEASE DATE: August 18, 2020

“I want to kiss you goodnight, wake up with you beside me, love you the way you deserve. So I’ll wait for your heart to be ready because mine is ready enough for the both of us.”

Not my first read by the author and I am very well aware of her writing style and books. Have read every single one of them, and of course she may not have been one of my ‘firsts’ authors but once I read 1 book and I was hooked. This is book #3 in the Arrowood Brothers Series and I’ve read the other 2 already!

This was a EMOTIONAL ONE. It hit you right in the feels! Sean took every single heart for me and I don’t say this enough but he TOOK THE CAKE for me in this series. I mean not only swoon worthy, but his heart….oh his heart! He is simply an amazing man, leader, friend, uncle and lover… so hooked to him i can’t even express it. Even though he and Devney have been friends since they were little, as adults life is never easy yes, but when Sean aims to change that for Devney , tragedy strikes and no one will be ready for it. How do you let go of your hearts to protect another? Well, bring tissue or have it near you with this one, really will HIT YOU IN THE FEELS! The twists in this, when you think you have it figured out only to be surprised like everyone else, I really can’t say too much because this is a spoiler free review as always but also would ruin the book and trust me when I say that you need to fully go into this story! This book reminds of who Corinne as a writer is, because it wouldn’t be a Corinne book if it didn’t have all the angst but with feels!

Romance: ♡♡♡♡
Steamy: 🔥🔥🔥
Triggers: NA
Standalone/Series: Book #3 of Series
Type: All Tags on top of this page!
Recommended: ☑ HIGHLY ☑

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 ⇦

Category: Sports Romance

R E V I E W ➠ The Game Changer by Samantha Lind

R E V I E W ➠ Only One Kiss by Natasha Madison

R E V I E W ➠ Not My Romeo by Ilsa Madden-Mills

R E V I E W ➠ The One For Me by Corinne Michaels

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

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

R E V I E W ➠ Unforgettable by Melanie Harlow

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

R E V I E W ➠ Ember by Emma Renshaw

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