How to Win the Girl by Sara Ney {a review}

My name is Laura, and I've fallen hard for the Colter brothers. First it was Duke and his living arrangement with Posey. Then it was Dallas and his fake relationship with Ryann. Now it's Drake, and his desire to help Drew find a girlfriend. Sara Ney's rom-coms are some of my favorites, and How to Win the Girl is right at the top of the list. I have even declared that Drake Colter is the best Colter. I'm not accepting any criticism on that. There is only one Colter left that could change my mind, so now I wait on Drew's book.

What to Expect:

Grumpy/Sunshine

Hate to Love

Sports Romance

Enemies to Lovers

Twin Switch

College Setting

How to Win the Girl is a college sports romance that features twin switching. I think the last time I read a trope like that might have been back in my Sweet Valley High or Sweet Valley University days. DO YOU KNOW HOW LONG AGO THAT WAS?!? Oh I'm old. Moving on. Drake just wants the best for Drew, and his twin clearly is not doing well trying to find a girlfriend. Or at least that's Drake's take. So Drake takes it upon himself to download a dating app, and set up a profile for Drew. Does he tell Drew about this? No, why would he do that. Drake knows best!

Where does Daisy come into play in all of this? Well you see she and Drake met each other in class. Drake was attending the class for Drew, and Drake's constant movement was irritating Daisy. They had a few words. Once that dating app is downloaded, and an account is created, guess who match. YEP. What happens next is a lot of banter through messaging, verbal volleys, and an attraction being built. But Daisy is supposed to be for Drew, not Drake.

I so loved the banter in this book. Whether that was between Drake and Daisy, Drake and Drew, Daisy and Drew, or even with the side characters. That just added some additional humorous moments to the book. You know what else I loved? How Daisy was sassy, sarcastic, smart, sincere, and unwilling to put up with Drake's shenanigans. Daisy is a fantastic heroine, and she gave as good as she got. What do I enjoy about Drake? His loving heart, his protectiveness, his desire that his siblings have everything they want, and the fact that this man fell HARD. 

How to Win the Girl had me experiencing a variety of things. From laughter, to swooning, to frustration with Drake, to wanting to protect Daisy at all costs, and so much more. While reading I also found myself wondering what is going on with Drew. Clearly something is up, but what? Sara Ney's storytelling, and character development, had me enjoying every single moment of this story. I cannot wait to return to this college in Wisconsin and learn Drew Colter's story. I need it immediately. 

Do you enjoy college romances? I've been out of college for a LONG time now, but I still enjoy reading stories set at colleges. I can't fully put it into words. If you're looking for a college sports rom-com, I truly hope that you'll give the Campus Legends series a read.

Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts on this new release. I truly enjoyed every moment of this story.
Laura

 Please note:
I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

Thank you Sara Ney, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of How to Win the Girl.

I Need These Books Immediately!

Happy March! Welcome to the third chapter of 2023. Those first two were interesting, so let's see how this one comes together.

One of my favorite things about a new month is all the new books that get released. There are so many to choose from, so many to add to my TBR, and so many authors to fangirl over. This month there are 12 books on my anticipated reads list. Two of them are POSSIBLY being released in March, as in they have March release dates on Amazon, but I haven't heard any updates from the author. So time will tell.

Last month the majority of my list was sports romance, and honestly March isn't looking too different. Eight of them are sports romance. I can't help it. Sports romance is just where my heart gravitates towards.

What is on your anticipated reads list for this month? Any books that you feel you absolutely MUST READ? Even if they're not new releases, let me know! Keep scrolling to see the books I can't wait to get my hands on. You may notice that a couple don't have book covers, and one doesn't have a link, that's because that info isn't out there yet. Once it is though I'll share it to my Facebook page. Make sure to follow me there.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Note: I have read a few of these already as I received advanced copies of them for review. I'm keeping them on my list though for others to get excited about. (and believe me, I'm still excited!)

The Secret Roommate by Sara Ney {A Review}

What was it Eli said about Posey? She was sweet and kind and wouldn't hurt a soul?

...unless that soul was me?

Main Characters:

Duke Colter

Posey Kettner

Genre:

Contemporary Romance

Sports Romance

Tropes:

Roommates to Lovers

Forced Proximity
Hate to Love
Minor Reverse Age Gap (5 years)

Location: Chicago Illinois USA for 2 weeks
Team: Dallas Steers

From the very beginning of The Secret Roommate I was hooked on Duke Colter. This man just throws off this vibe of not having a care in the world. He's this famous athlete who can do as he pleases. That is until he meets one Josephine "Posey" Kettner. This Kindergarten teacher is about to put him in his place, and it is a blast to see how this relationship forms. How these two opposites would survive living together for two weeks made for an interesting story. 

The meet-cute was so dang good. This country boy was not going to give up until his mission was accomplished. Posey's reaction was perfection. Then there was the situation with the cake that had me literally laughing out loud. Oh that was fabulous. I laughed numerous times throughout this story. Sara Ney put some fantastic one liners in this book, and I loved it. Plus there was just the general banter between the two that had me smiling. Posey's neighbor was a hoot. I fully enjoyed how she kept Duke on his toes.

Duke comes across as this hard headed man who only worries about himself. But when he starts to trust the person he's with, those walls come crumbling down. It is then that you get to see who he truly is. And it just so happens that this man is pretty spectacular.

Then there's Posey. I see a lot of myself in this character. She's a bit more reserved, she keeps to herself, there's a bit of self doubt happening, but underneath it all is a passionate woman who is intelligent, creative, and completely unique. She knows who she is. She knows what her passions are, but she holds back a bit. Again, it is until she is comfortable. Until she can trust the person she is with, and that bond has been established. It is then that she will those people in. 

Let's talk about their moment of conflict. That one, I can honestly say, I did not see coming. In my mind I thought for sure that the conflict would be something entirely different. I mean Duke's in hiding for a reason, so I had that in mind when foreshadowing what the drama/conflict would be. When this moment of conflict happened though, I could see Posey's perspective. I could understand why she reacted the way she did. That pain radiated off the page, and it had me wanting to knock Duke upside the head. 

Then there was the reunion. How this played out was interesting. It showed maturity on Duke's part, which was appreciated. The reunion was good. It was. I enjoyed it. BUT something felt off. From the moment of the conflict, to the reunion, to the epilogue, that entire section of the story didn't match the vibe of the first 3/4 of the story. Does that make sense? It was missing the energy and passion, as well as the general banter that I had come to love. Regardless, I still fully loved the story. These two characters are going to be living in my head for a while, as they are unforgettable.

One last thing...I am hoping that Duke's brothers will have stories that feature them each finding their happily ever after. Could Sara Ney be returning to the college scene and be writing stories about these 3 football players? OH I HOPE SO! Maybe we'll get to meet Mama Colter too. (as well as see a bit of Posey and Duke.)

I seriously hope that you consider reading The Secret Roommate. This may be book 4 in the Accidentally in Love series, but you do not need to read the others to enjoy this one. So if the tropes I mentioned above appeal to you, then go get a copy of the book. It releases on October 3rd, so you have a short wait. 

Rating:

Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts. Should you read The Secret Roommate, please let me know, and we can discuss!

Laura

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

All I need is a place to hide for a few weeks.

The paparazzi were on my ass 24/7 and I needed a bit of breathing room—an escape from the madness—before the media frenzy begins.

Sure, I could have gone to a secluded cabin in the woods—but I didn’t want to be bored out of my mind. I’d seen enough wide open spaces as a kid from Texas to last me a lifetime.

So instead, I let my agent hook me up with a modest house in the burbs where we didn’t think anyone would find me hiding in plain sight.

I’d have a roommate; but supposedly, she was going to give me space. Stay out of my way and respect my boundaries. According to my agent, I wouldn’t hear a peep from her.

Wrong. He was wrong about everything and now my life was never going to be the same.

Thank you to Sara Ney, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of The Secret Roommate.

The MRS Degree by Sara Ney {a review}

From USA TODAY Bestselling Author Sara Ney comes a new series about strong, single girls falling in love: accidentally. Today is release day for The MRS Degree! This is the second book in the series, and I have been anticipating this book since finishing The Player Hater!

If you read The Player Hater, then you've already been introduced to Penelope and Skipper. You also know how The Player Hater ended, and that may have piqued your curiosity. Well I'm here to tell you that The MRS Degree picks up just about where we left off. We back track slightly but it's worth it to build the scene where Pen sees Jack for the first time in about 8 years. It sets the stage for everything that is about to go down.

I knew that Penelope and Jack's story was going to be intense and a tad bit emotional, and I was not disappointed one bit. From that scene at the door, to the "secret" being revealed to EVERYONE, to the eventual reconnection, it was all just so good.

These two college sweethearts were separated out of fear. Pen thought that she was doing what was right based on a conversation she and Jack had. She was protecting him, and allowing him to follow his passions. At the same time she was running from a difficult conversation. Had they talked it through, the outcome would have been different. Now though they get their second chance at forever. This time with a sidekick at their side.

Penelope, Jack, and Skipper grabbed my attention, and I did not want their story to end. The characters were wonderful, and the storyline captivating. So glad to see them getting their happily ever after.

Jack is an amazing character. He was loving, caring, charming, all while being a genuine stand up guy. He loves hard, and he is a protector as well. You could see how the truth that Penelope revealed affected him. You could see him taking initiative to do whatever it took for his family.

As for Skipper, she's just an amazing kid. So full of energy, loves to talk, and loves her family with all that she is. The bond that she has with her Uncle is incredible. He's part of her support system. 

I loved how Sara Ney handled this topic. It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. Decisions had to be made. Feelings were felt. Truths were revealed. The world our characters knew was just flipped upside down. It shook them all a bit. 

I also quite enjoyed how we went back to Jack and Penelope's relationship in college. We were able to learn more about the connection our characters had, and the love they had was undeniable. Going back and forth between that time, and current time was something that helped build the book.

The set up for The Make Out Artist has me intrigued. I will definitely be adding that one to my anticipated reads list for July.

This second chance, single parent, secret child, sports romance was so dang good. Sara Ney has created a great group of characters. They draw in the reader, and at least for me, have me wondering what is going to happen next for them.

Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts on The MRS Degree. This book gave me everything I wanted. Highly suggest you pick up the Accidentally in Love series.

Happy Reading,
Laura

I never thought I would get pregnant in college.

When I did, I thought leaving Jack Jennings was doing him a giant favor—he had a bright future ahead of him as a football star—the last thing he needed was me and a baby standing in his way of his dreams.

Honestly? I figured he would eventually forget about me.

I would raise our child in secret and watch Jack on television, and the pain of what I’d done to him would heal.

The last person I expected to see on my brothers doorstep seven years later was Jack; obviously, or I wouldn’t have answered it.

A superstitious athlete, dreams were keeping him awake at night that were preventing him from excelling on the field—dreams he was hoping I could make…disappear.

He looked so good. So much older.

Kind. Handsome.

Turns out, he hadn’t forgotten about me either, and he hadn’t put our past behind him.

Grab Your Copy Here!

Add to your Goodreads TBR!

Meet Sara Ney

Sara Ney is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the How to Date a Douchebag series, and is best known for her sexy, laugh-out-loud New Adult romances. 

Among her favorite vices, she includes: iced lattes, historical architecture and well-placed sarcasm. She lives colorfully, collects vintage books, art, loves flea markets, and fancies herself British. 

Connect with Sara Ney

Newsletter | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Book+Main | Pinterest | Goodreads | BookBub | Ney's Little Lattes

Hosted by:

Thank you to Sara Ney, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of The MRS Degree.

The Player Hater by Sara Ney {a review}

Hello my fellow book lovers! Happy Tuesday. Oof it's been a few days since my last post. Completely not planned that way, it's just the way things have worked out. I'm back though, and today I want to fill you in on The Player Hater by Sara Ney.

The Player Hater is the first book in the new Accidentally in Love series, and it just released today! This first book in the series kicked it off wonderfully, and I am definitely anticipating The MRS Degree (which is book 2).

Okay how to recap this book. Juliet is tagging along on a weekend trip with her best friend Mia and her boyfriend Thad. She's not thrilled about it, especially since she isn't too keen on Thad. There is something about him that just doesn't sit well with Juliet. Maybe it's the fact that he's a professional football player. Anyways, they arrive at the destination, and Juliet finds out that she is sleeping in a camper. Not a luxury hotel like she was imagining. A CAMPER. Thad is taking them camping. WHAT? Oh but it gets better. You see, Juliet doesn't get this camper to herself. Oh no. Davis will be rooming with her. Davis happens to be Thad's best friend, and he was invited as well. Obviously these two get off on the wrong foot, and it's awkward. But this weekend has the potential to change everything. Or at least it will if Juliet lets her guard down. Could Juliet find her happily ever after at this weekend getaway? Could these two find common ground?

If you follow me on Goodreads, then you know my general thoughts on The Player Hater. You know that I said I struggled with Juliet in the beginning. There was something about her character that just rubbed me the wrong way. Add in her disdain for Thad, and I wasn't happy. She came across as judgmental and a bit high maintenance. Of maybe that was just my grasp on the character. You could also tell though that Juliet was struggling with her best friend's relationship. Call it jealousy, envy, or even desire, but there was definitely an undertone there. Once they arrived to the campground, my opinion still hadn't changed. It really wasn't until the boat scene, and then the campfire scene that I started to change my tune. It was in those moments that you could see Juliet's mask slipping. You could begin to see the woman who wanted a relationship. She wanted a partner in her corner. She wanted a happily ever after.  It was after these two scenes that I found myself wanting to know more. I wanted to find out how Juliet and Davis were going to get to their happily ever after.  I was starting to root for them. I will say that I immediately liked Davis. He came across as a down to earth guy who was easy to like. 

I truly did end up enjoying The Player Hater. Rating wise I gave it 4 stars, and I am so glad I stuck with the book. Was the book perfect? No, but no book truly is. This book though had my curiosity. The storyline caught my attention. Juliet and Davis drew me in, and had me staying to the end.

Speaking of the end of the book...that set up for The Mrs Degree? OH MY WORD! Is it May 3 yet? Because I need to know how that story unfolds. Holy buckets.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on The Player Hater. If you happen to enjoy forced proximity stories, as well as extreme slow burns, then you need to go read The Player Hater. Just keep that slow burn aspect in the back of your mind.

Laura

Cover Design: Okay Creations

I would do anything for my best friend.

 

Well. Almost anything.

 

When she begs me to come on a weekend getaway so I can bond with her new boyfriend, I can’t say no—no matter how badly I want to. After all, who will keep an eye on the guy; he’s your stereotypical, professional football player (emphasis on PLAYER) and I don’t trust him with my friends heart.

 

Worse? He has the nerve to bring his single best friend Davis on the trip, too. Davis is too handsome, so funny and smart he can’t possibly be human. Grandma’s, babies and kittens all fall for his smile.

 

In fact, everyone adores but me **narrows eyes** What’s he hiding?

 

I refuse to fall for his act; at some point he’ll will drop the Good Guy act and show his true colors: he’s a player, too. He must be.

 

You know the saying: if he seems too good to be true, he probably is.

Grab Your Copy Here:

Amazon | Apple | Kobo | Nook

Meet Sara Ney

Sara Ney is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the How to Date a Douchebag series, and is best known for her sexy, laugh-out-loud New Adult romances. 

Among her favorite vices, she includes: iced lattes, historical architecture and well-placed sarcasm. She lives colorfully, collects vintage books, art, loves flea markets, and fancies herself British. 

Connect with Sara Ney

Newsletter | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Book+Main | Pinterest | Goodreads | BookBub | Ney's Little Lattes

Hosted by: 

Thank you to Sara Ney, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced review copy of The Player Hater.

Jock Romeo by Sara Ney {a review}

The latest addition to Sara Ney's Jock Hard series is now available! Jock Romeo introduces us to Roman, and in this book he finds his HEA with Lilly. Now if you read Jock Reign, then you may recognize Lilly, after all she is Eliza's friend and former roommate.

This book starts when Lilly and Roman are freshman. They both attended the same party, and wind up sitting in the stairwell talking for a while. When their time together is up, Lilly gives Roman the bracelet she had made. Flash forward a couple of years. Roman has just returned to the states after having spent a semester abroad. After arriving at his parents house, he realizes he can't do this any longer. He needs to move out. Thankfully he befriended Ashley when he was in England, and Ashley mentioned that his brother Jack might have a spare room. So naturally Roman moves in with Jack and Eliza. On move in day he is carrying a box out to the garage, and is taken by the beautiful woman talking with Eliza. It takes him a moment, but he realizes that it is the same Lilly he had spoken to all those years ago at the party. Roman ends up dropping the box, and shatters the award that was in there. Lilly feels guilty, and is determined to fix it. After all she loves to craft! What happens next is friends who start to fake date, only to realize that they've fallen for each other. But of course their relationship isn't drama free. 

Jock Romeo was a cute college romance. I really enjoyed the way this book started. It gave us history to the characters, and honestly I was rooting for them from that point on. The way Sara Ney incorporated Ashley and Jack into the story was an added benefit. I happen to be one who likes it when former main characters make appearances in other books. It's the familiarity. The second introduction between Roman and Lilly was definitely a bit awkward, but it had that cute rom-com vibe to it. These characters on their own are great, but together it makes them so much better. Especially since Lilly is an extrovert, and well Roman is a homebody and introvert. So it gives that nice balance. The way their relationship started, and how Roman took care of Lilly, was so good. The fact that he had no issues bringing her home (as a friend) to enjoy a meal with his family, was nice. It was also the perfect set up for the fake relationship to begin. Also, I LOVED Roman's family. His Aunt was hilarious, and added some great comic relief to this book. Now I will say that the dramatic moment wasn't all that impressive. I'm so used to reading these big explosive situations that this one just seemed extremely minor. BUT this moment fits with the characters. So while I would have preferred something a bit grander, it is what it is. 

One other thing I want to mention is regarding this book fitting into the Jock Hard series. I'm struggling to see how it fits. The only way I can make it fit, in my mind, is that Lilly is the "jock" since she is a cheerleader.  It works. She's definitely a spectacular athlete. The reason I say I struggle to see how this book fits in is because in the previous books the male has always been the "jock". 

Like I said, the story was cute. It was an a quick, easy read, and I was able to return to a familiar setting. If you like new adult romances with a college setting, then give Jock Romeo a read.

Thank you for reading my thoughts,

Laura

HE IS THIS STORIES LEAST LIKELY ROMEO.

Roman Whitaker is every girl’s best friend. An easy going nice guy, Rome is brilliant and funny. At the age of twenty-two, he’s moving out of his parents’ house for the first time and into off-campus housing with two complete strangers.

No more Mister “Playing it Safe.”

Rome may be wicked smart, but math and science will only get him so far, and they certainly won’t land him a first date with the girl of his dreams.

For that, he’ll get a little unwanted help from his friends—and meddling family members.

YOU NEVER FORGET A FRIENDLY FACE.

Lilly Howard is tired of being taken for granted. After breaking up with her philandering boyfriend, she’s giving up guys and learning to love herself again. 

She’s sick of playing nice.

When she bumps into Rome, they become instant friends. When he asks her to be his fake girlfriend to keep his family off his back, she agrees—but only if he’ll return the favor…

Grab Your Copy on Amazon

US | CA | UK | AU

Free in KU

Add to your Goodreads TBR!

Meet Sara Ney

Sara Ney is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the How to Date a Douchebag series, and is best known for her sexy, laugh-out-loud New Adult romances. 

Among her favorite vices, she includes: iced lattes, historical architecture and well-placed sarcasm. She lives colorfully, collects vintage books, art, loves flea markets, and fancies herself British. 

Connect with Sara Ney

Newsletter | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Book+Main | Pinterest | Goodreads | BookBub | Ney's Little Lattes

Hosted by: 

Thank you to Sara Ney, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Jock Romeo.

The Player Hater by Sara Ney {cover reveal}

THE PLAYER HATER by Sara Ney is coming February 15!

This is the FIRST book in her brand new "Accidentally in Love" series.

Check out this GORGEOUS cover for the book!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!

I would do anything for my best friend.

 

Well. Almost anything.

 

When she begs me to come on a weekend getaway so I can bond with her new boyfriend, I can’t say no—no matter how badly I want to. After all, who will keep an eye on the guy; he’s your stereotypical, professional football player (emphasis on PLAYER) and I don’t trust him with my friends heart.

 

Worse? He has the nerve to bring his single best friend Davis on the trip, too. Davis is too handsome, so funny and smart he can’t possibly be human. Grandma’s, babies and kittens all fall for his smile.

 

In fact, everyone adores but me **narrows eyes** What’s he hiding?

 

I refuse to fall for his act; at some point he’ll will drop the Good Guy act and show his true colors: he’s a player, too. He must be.

 

You know the saying: if he seems too good to be true, he probably is.

Pre-Order Your Copy Here:

Amazon | Apple | Kobo | Nook

Add to your Goodreads TBR List! 

Meet Sara Ney

Sara Ney is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the How to Date a Douchebag series, and is best known for her sexy, laugh-out-loud New Adult romances. 

Among her favorite vices, she includes: iced lattes, historical architecture and well-placed sarcasm. She lives colorfully, collects vintage books, art, loves flea markets, and fancies herself British. 

Connect with Sara Ney

Newsletter | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Book+Main | Pinterest | Goodreads | BookBub | Ney's Little Lattes

Hosted by: