The Encounter

What If #3

by K.M. Ryan

Maddie throws inhibitions to the wind and spends an evening with a masked man at a club during a Halloween party. The next day she finds out the mystery man is none other than the local billionaire and celebrity. Jace spent the last several years avoiding dating after the spotlight only brought women seeking fame. But after seeing Maddie at a club, all bets are off. When the spotlight focuses on Maddie, her world is flipped upside down while a jealous reporter and ex of Jace’s continues to dig up dirt. Will she want to stay in the spotlight with Jace, or will it prove to be too much? The only question left for her to answer… Is he worth it?

Please see author's website for content warnings.

While The Encounter is book 3 of the What If series, it can be enjoyed as a standalone. The series does not need to be read in order, although it is recommended.

276 pages, Paperback

Published December 8, 2022

About the author

K. M. Ryan was born in Spokane, Washington. She enjoys writing steamy, contemporary romance novels, but she enjoys reading them even more!

She knew she wanted to publish a novel at the age of fourteen. Several (unpublished) books later, she finally decided to self-publish at the encouragement of her family and friends. She resides in Nine Mile Falls, Washington with her husband, two children, and one cat.

Reviews

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 1st book by K. M. Ryan, and I was fortunate enough to be given an ARC. The Encounter is book 3 in the What If series, but it can be read as a stand alone. I promise, early on, you'll be making plans to look up and read the first 2 though. This book grabs you as soon as you begin, and you'll find yourself lost for hours/days as part of the story. It's so easy to become part of their world, their family, and share the ups, downs, happy and heartbreak just like you would a best friend.

Upon meeting Maddie, you can't help but fall in love with her. She's totally the quiet, reserved girl next door. Until Kayla convinces her to let loose during a Halloween party, and her story really begins. Jace isn't your typical billionaire/celebrity. Besides being completely down to earth, he's just genuinely a nice guy. From adopting a rescue dog, to volunteering and running fundraisers for the children's hospital, there's no reason to not completely adore him. Except the paparazzi, and a certain reporter who mistakenly thinks she still has some kind of claim on him. Can Maddie overcome the humiliation and false claims for the love of her life??

I've laughed, I've cried... and that was just in the first few chapters! The characters are wonderfully written, and it's the littlest details that will have you captivated. My heart could NOT be happier at the glimpse of what's to come, and who's story we get to step into next. I absolutely am not so patiently waiting for it. From the moment they are introduced, you just feel like there's something there. Soon it will be time to discover just what that is.

[Farah · Rating 5 out of 5]

K.M. Ryan always has a way with weaving a sweet romance with heartfelt moments. This books does just that and more.

Maddie and Jace meet in unique circumstances that mean they likely won't see each other again. However life has a good way of bringing people who are meant to be back to one another.

Despite the attraction there is a lot under the surface that both Maddie and Jace have to deal with before they can be one.

It's a beautiful story just like the others in the series. So if you haven't already I advice you jump back to The Reunion and enjoy meeting all the characters in this world!

Thanks K.M. Ryan for providing me a copy to review. I've loved Jace from the moment I met him so was excited to dive in and read his story, and him finally finding a happily ever after. It did not disappoint.

[Alisha Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was originally posted at https://bit.ly/3PXS550.











At the probing of her best friend Maddie attends a Halloween party at a local club. Here she meets a mysterious Phantom of the Opera clad man and has mind-blowing oral in a back office. The next day she finds out her sexy conquest was none other than billionaire bachelor Jake Locke. While the two begin to get more acquainted a reporter seems intent on tearing Maddie down and revealing any secret she can. Be them real or perceived. Is this sexy man worth having her life torn apart on a daily basis?

I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. When I received this book it was an ARC, but it has now been released. With the holidays I am a bit behind on reviews and I am sorry about that. I have read other books by her in the past and am never disappointed. This book was no different and I hope I am able to read others by her in the future as they come out.

The Encounter is fun, sexy, and entertaining. From the first page it is hard to put down and you will love both the chemistry between the couple as well as the little references to the characters from her other books. I know I always adore those tidbits.

Jake is sweet and kind, which is surprising considering he came from money and is a billionaire. Still, he is hard-working and charitable. Then there is Maddie who works with a character from the last book and ends up being a big help. Maddie is a caring young woman with a sad past that she is still working away from. Couldn't imagine a better partner for either of these characters. Plus the little background romance was cute! Can't wait for the next book that I am sure will include Haley and Seth!

While this book is part of a series you can read each as standalone and this book is no exception. While you will get some spoilers about characters from other books and their continued togetherness a HEA is basically expected out of a contemporary romance anyways.

[Gigi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Encounter by @authorkmryan
Book three in the 'What If' series

I loved that this book started with our FMC fooling around with a masked man (dressed as The Phantom, so hot!) at a costume party and not knowing who he was at the end of the night.
It doesn't take long for Maddie to find out that her handsome mystery man is billionaire, Jace Locke.

I loved that Jace was level-headed and not bossy or pushy (I find a lot of billionaires in stories this way) and was incredibly sweet and considerate to those around him. His relationship with Maddie was genuine, and I enjoyed that he listened to what she had to say.

The sex scenes with these two were hot, and I reread a few of these sexy scenes.

All good things must come to an end, and in this case, it came in the form of gossip columnist, named Samantha. Digging deep into Maddie's past, Samantha really digs her talons in, upsetting the couple.

This is my favourite book so far in the series, and I can't wait for the next installment.

Thank you for the eARC K.M. Ryan

[Stacie Hegenauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jace is not the stereotypical “billionaire playboy”. He cares about childhood cancer, he does not date countless women and he isn’t above rolling up his sleeves and working behind the bar. Maddie is a quiet woman who wants to earn her own way and is quiet. When Maddie lets loose she meets a masked man her life is changed forever. As Jace and Maddie navigate their new relationship they have to deal with the stresses of jobs, differences in social status and a nasty reporter. I really enjoyed Jace’s character because he never gives up on Maddie and just wants to be loved by a honest and genuine woman. This novel is part of a series but can be read as a standalone.

[Cheryl Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg

These books keep getting better and better 😁 I can't wait to read the next last next one and her Christmas one I love her writing style and I'm in love with her Carter's 30⭐ if not more if your 18 or older I highly recommend these books to you

[Cameron Berger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book yet. Love it.