book-reviews – Page 3

Synopsis:

All bets are off when a headstrong college equestrian and carefree basketball player are forced together as workout partners.

Stella Williams has a full scholarship to Mountain Ridge University as a member of the equestrian team, and she’s not about to let anything—or anyone—prevent her from winning the conference championship. She’s sworn off relationships, determined to be the most accomplished student in her class by the time she graduates. Nothing is going to stop her in her tracks. That is, until she meets Owen Moore.

Owen is a transfer student on the basketball team and prides himself on being happy-go-lucky and the life of the party. Oh, and he’s never been interested in a serious relationship. When Owen gets paired up with Stella in their exercise science class, sparks fly immediately, and Owen begins to reconsider his outlook on dating. But despite their obvious chemistry, Stella isn’t interested, and Owen reluctantly agrees to be just friends.

As they spend more time in the gym together and the fire between them grows, remaining just friends becomes a nearly impossible task. With Owen’s spot on the basketball team and Stella’s future in the equestrian industry on the line, will they make the game-winning shot or fizzle out as the final buzzer sounds?

The Crossover is a New Adult sports romance with low spice, high feelings, and sizzling chemistry, perfect for fans of The Cheat Sheet and Icebreaker.

Review:

*I received an e-arc from the author for review. Thank you for the opportunity! All thoughts are my own*

I really enjoyed this super cute, sports romance! The main characters are adorable together! This was my first dive into the sports romance genre, and it did not disappoint.

This is a closed-door romance between two college students, Stella and Owen. Stella is on a full scholarship to Mountain Ridge University as the member of the equestrian team. She is determined to win the conference championship and has no time for a relationship. Owen is a transfer student on the basketball team and needs to secure his spot. He considers himself the life of the party and not ready for a serious relationship. When Owen and Stella get paired up in their exercise science class, there’s definite chemistry. Owen begins to reconsider his outlook on dating, but Stella isn’t interested. They agree to just be friends.

As they spend more time in the gym together, remaining “just friends” becomes more and more difficult. With both of their futures on the line, will they be able to make it work?

I definitely recommend to fans of romance and sports romance! Please give this one a try!

About the Author:

Sarah Ward has been writing and telling stories for as long as she can remember. She lives in Georgia with her husband and dog. Her hobbies include daydreaming about dragons, watching baseball, and drinking copious amounts of hot chocolate. A former teacher and library assistant, Sarah writes stories for both children and adults. Her published books include The Crossover, a college sports romance, and her debut middle grade novel, Victory Gallop. thumbnail_102590D8-B3EA-4D8F-BABC-1E97E56B2CA3

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About the Book:

Title: Love, Naturally

Author: Sophie Sullivan

Publisher: Griffin

Release Date: January 16, 2024

Pages: 320

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

Presley Ayers is not the woman you bring on a camping trip. An accomplished concierge at an exclusive hotel in Great Falls, MI, she knows more about the top ten places for champagne and caviar than she does about the best hiking boots to go stomping around near Lake Michigan. But when she surprises her boyfriend of eight months with a vacation to the Get Lost Lodge and he dumps her instead, Presley decides to rough it solo and take the trip herself. 127281652

When Beckett Keller helps the gorgeous woman off the rickety boat and onto Lodge territory, it’s clear she’s made a mistake. She doesn’t like hiking, fishing, or nature in general, so why did she go on this trip?―but he’s got other things on his mind. A crumbling lodge, and his own plans and dreams that are forever deferred―so he doesn’t have time for Ms. Fish-Out-of-Water. But neither Beckett or Presley can help that inexplicable draw they feel towards each other. He’s all rough stubble and plaid shirts, while she’s all high heels and brand-name athleisurewear.

But you know what they say about opposites.

A charming opposites-attract romance, Love, Naturally is for anyone who ever stepped outside their comfort zone and found that all the best things can happen when you take a chance.

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley from the publisher for review. Thank you for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

I really enjoy Sophie Sullivan’s books, and this was a new one to add to the list! If you like opposites attract, found family and forced proximity tropes, I think you’ll enjoy this one as well.

Presley Ayers works for a hotel as an accomplished concierge. She’s used to helping others plan their trips and knows where to get the best of the best. Planning camping trips is not her usual forte, as she doesn’t like the outdoors, but she decides to surprise her boyfriend of eight months with a trip to Get Lost Lodge. He decides to dump her instead. Presley chooses to take the plunge and takes the trip by herself.

On the boat ride to the lodge, she meets Beckett Keller. He works at the lodge with his sister, niece and brother. The lodge is taking up a lot of his time and it needs a lot of work. Beck has also had to put his own dreams on hold to help his family. When he meets Presley, he thinks she made a mistake. She doesn’t like fishing, hiking or anything about the outdoors. Still, he and Presley feel an instant pull towards each other that they can’t explain.

Beck helps Presley to realize that trying new things and going out of your comfort zone once in a while can actually be fun.

As they spend time together, things heat up more between them. Will Presley have a happily ever after this time?

I definitely recommend this one to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance!

About the Author:

SOPHIE SULLIVAN is a Canadian author as well as a cookie-eating, Diet Pepsi-drinking, Disney enthusiast who loves reading and writing romance in almost equal measure. She writes around her day job as a teacher and spends her spare time with her sweet family watching reruns of Friends. Ten Rules For Faking It is her romcom debut novel, but she’s had plenty of practice writing happily ever after as her alter ego, Jody Holford. 20344328._UX200_CR0,69,200,200_