Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Rating:
Goodreads
"I need us to stay married, Big Guy."
Recently traded to the Chicago Rebels, hockey veteran Dylan “Banks” Bankowski is adjusting to what might be his last team and his final year in the NHL. That means taking care of his battered body while he strives for the one goal that’s managed to elude him: a championship ring. What he does not need is a visit from the woman to whom he gave a different kind of ring months ago.
His young, flighty, socialite wife.
Apparently, signing the annulment papers within a week of their quickie wedding in Vegas didn’t quite take, and now she’s back, right before the playoffs when he needs his focus most. Only this time she has a different request: let’s keep up the charade. He should say no, but he once said “I do” and surely that means something …
Georgia Goodwin has good reasons for wanting to keep her hockey player husband. Convincing the big lug to cooperate is the easy part. Not so easy? Ignoring the flutter in her chest when he grunts in jock, kisses her neck, or calls her wife. But it’s only for a few weeks, and as soon as the playoffs finish, so will they.
But the more time Georgia and Banks spend together, the more real their marriage feels. Less Vegas mistake, and more like the start of something amazing. They said goodbye once. Can they do it again … or will they figure out that a love this good is worth fighting for as much as that championship ring?
Tropes: Accidentally married, age gap, grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity, only one bed, fake kisses turned real, hockey player & Chicago socialite, big guy & petite gal, “my wife” moments galore
It was great to be back in the Rookie Rebels world, and I absolutely adored Georgia and Banks' story. First of all, Meader gave us another amazing hockey family with the Bankowskis. I adored their dynamic and the way they embraced Georgia, welcoming her with open arms. But it was Banks who really won me over. My heart ached when I heard the things people from his past said about him because he WAS lovable and sweet, and he just needed the right people in his life to really see him.
Some of those people were the Rebels, who quickly pulled him into the fold, and Georgia. Georgia saw what a wonderful man Banks was, and he could see what a wonderful woman Georgia was. She was publicly noted as a vapid party girl, but wait until you learn about the charity work she did. I got emotional. It was really touching. That subplot may have got my tears flowing, and it made me see Georgia in a different light.
I thought I would hate the age gap, but I didn't. And how about a double epilogue!!! You know I was excited. Another great Rebels book!
Published by Big Dog Books, LLC on October 29, 2024
Age/Genres: Adult, Romance
Rating:
Goodreads
As the middle son, Trey Blackburn dedicates his days to the family business, working to ensure that they remain at the top of the saddelbred industry. His time away from the farm is another story. Not one to get tied up in a long-term relationship, he’s the love ‘em and leave ‘em sort of guy. But Trey’s hesitation to commit might be deeper than not wanting to put in the time and effort. His reluctance may have more to do with the blond beauty who just blew back into town and the things they left in the past that have been neither forgiven nor forgotten.
Holland Rhodes may not have been born into the Blackburn name, but she was once considered part of the family. Having a less-than-ideal home life, Holland spent as much time as she could with the Blackburns, the quintessential dynasty full of love and southern hospitality. Dubbed an honorary member, Holland thought their connection would last a lifetime, but one shocking revelation changed everything.
Having left Shelbyville for a fresh start, Holland has limited her time back in Kentucky for the past decade, avoiding both of her families—the one into which she was born and the one into which she was welcomed. But the death of her father and the uncertain future of the family business has brought Holland back to face her past, one Blackburn at a time.
With old feelings reignited and ready to move their relationship forward, everything crashes to a halt when tragedy strikes. Their painful history in danger of repeating itself, Trey and Holland may find that even true love can’t overcome the darkest days.
The A Blackburn Novel is an enemies to lovers novel within the Bluegrass Empires series. All books in the series can be enjoyed as standalones.
Holland left Shelbyville over a decade ago and didn't look back. Following her father's death, she was forced to return to a place that held good and bad memories as she got her father's business in order. One of those good and bad memories was Trey who she grew up alongside and had once loved. Holland lost a lot when she lost him as his family gave her the love she didn't get from her own. Forced to confront her past, will Holland run again or open her heart to Trey and the Blackburns once again?
I have really enjoyed this series, but this one had a bit of a different tone from the pervious two. The others had a suspense element while this one went for BIG emotions. It was another second chance romance, and I will say it right now - I didn't agree with Trey and what and why he did what he did to Holland, but I was thrilled they were getting another opportunity at love. Something major aside from this reunion happens during this book, and it broke my heart. Bennett really went for the jugular here, I won't lie, but she also gave me a wonderful grand gesture and a sweet ending.
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