Perfect Strangers

Serendipity's Finest #2.5

by Carly Phillips

One night.
No strings.
Things just got complicated.

Between long hours in the ER and failing to please her demanding father, Dr. Alexa Collins barely has time for a life, and the strain is starting to take its toll.

On a rare night out, she can’t resist getting a little crazy on the dance floor. Or playfully crooking her finger at the sinfully hot football player watching her every move. And when a dance leads to some hot, stress-relieving sex, she’s all in with Luke Thompson. He’s just the no-risk diversion she desperately needs.

When Luke proposes they spend some time together, Alexa can’t say no. Not when he’s so determined to show her how to have fun. Alexa figures it can’t hurt to have a few days with the irresistible Luke. After all, he’ll be gone soon, and her life will return to the daily grind.

Except this perfect stranger is more than she anticipated and when it’s time to say goodbye, he’ll be taking a big piece of her heart with him.

* Perfect Strangers was originally part of the Hot Summer Nights anthology.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Novella, Contemporary Romance, Ebooks, Fiction, Love

90 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 7, 2014

About the author

NY Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller, Carly Phillips is the queen of Alpha Heroes, at least according to The Harlequin Junkie Reviewer.. Carly married her college sweetheart and lives in Purchase, NY along with her crazy dogs who are featured on her Facebook and Instagram pages. The author of over 75 romance novels, she has raised two incredible daughters and is now an empty nester. Carly’s book, The Bachelor, was chosen by Kelly Ripa as her first romance club pick. Carly loves social media and interacting with her readers. Want to keep up with Carly? Sign up for her newsletter and receive TWO FREE books at www.carlyphillips.com.

Reviews

[K D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet story about a budding relationship between an overworked doctor and an NFL player. Can Alexa learn to have fun and see her own life goals our will she burnout trying to please her domineering father? Minimal angst but the story ends in the early days of this couple's relationship and doesn't seem to continue in any of the other books in this series (so far)?

[Jo Reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect short, sweet and sexy story
5 stars

Perfect Strangers is a quick novella and part of the Serendipity’s Finest series. It’s a standalone story although our heroine, Alexa, has popped up a few times in the previous books in this series and also in the original Serendipity series. The book was also originally part of the Hot Summer Nights anthology.

Dr Alexa Collins is a driven workaholic. On a rare night out, she bumps into sexy, sweet cowboy, Luke Thompson and has an instant connection. But will their one night together turn into anything more when their personalities - and lives - are so very different.

I liked our heroine, Alexa, immensely. She’s a workaholic, people pleaser and likes to do what she feels is right. It was hard not to feel sorry for her and want her to get her happily ever after. She wears her heart on her sleeve and just needed someone to put her and her needs and wants first.

If Alexa is the “grumpy” in the relationship, Luke is definitely the "sunshine". He was all in with Alexa from the start and makes no bones about it. He wanted what was best for Alexa and wanted to make her happy. How could you not love a hero that’s so smitten with his woman? He’s also got that ‘aw shucks’, sexy Texan drawl thing going on that made both me and Alexa weak in the knees.

This is a short book and starts off as a one-night stand / one-day stand situation - but surprisingly, Alexa and Luke do get to know each other before they sleep together. It’s still hot and sexy - just what you want and expect from Carly Phillips. Our couple had a delicious chemistry both sexually and as friends. The perfect pairing.

If I have one complaint about this book is that of any book - this one was crying out for an epilogue. With compromises needing made for our pair to be together, I would have loved to see their lives 6 months, a year, 2 years etc into the future. And I do so love a good epilogue. It wasn’t enough to knock the book down to 4 stars but I admit it crossed my mind.

Short books sometimes lack the full story arc to make them satisfying but this was short, sweet and perfect. It had everything I want and need in a story - great characters, wonderful chemistry, good sex and enough obstacles thrown in their way to keep things interesting. I enjoyed this story and if you like Carly Phillips’ books, you will definitely enjoy it, too.

[Julie Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Alexa Collins is doing everything according to schedule, working too many hours at the hospital, as expected by the future Chief of Staff. You see, she is the current position holder's daughter. Without her best friend Cara, she would be all work and no play. They carve out time for a night at Joe’s Bar. While Alexa is dancing, she catches the eye of a stranger.

Luke is only in Serendipity after a meeting in New York but is visiting a fellow NFL player rather than staying in a hotel. Waiting at Joe’s Bar for Cole to return to town, he is intrigued by a girl dancing.

While this is a novella and the chemistry is instant, there is quite a bit to this story, and well worth the read.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Jenn C Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received an ARC for an honest review.

What a delightful little morsel! We meet up with Cara's best friend, Alexa, whose life has been planned for her by her father from day one. Then, during a rare night out, she meets Luke, a pro-football player visiting from a thousand miles away and they hit it off and Alexa finally has to decide if she's living for her or her father. While we border on insta-love (what else do you expect in a novella?), I truly enjoyed these two and watching them get together. I loved how much effort Luke put in and the leap that Alexa was willing to take.

[Brittney Thigpen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was super quick to read and I got pulled into Alexa and Luke’s story in the very beginning. You can tell that, from the moment they locked eyes, they were drawn to each other and had immediate attraction. What should have been a one-night stand turned into something more and unexpected. I love the charisma the characters had, the seductiveness of the romance and it was a story of relationships, acceptance and love. Very well-written!

[Magpie67 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous, smart, sexy and fun! Now I have to go back and read all the title in the serendipity collection.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr. Alexa Collins - raised by overly dedicated father / doctor, wanting to please him... she has become a doctor and is following the road he has outlined for her to step into his footsteps as Hospital director... and she is ignoring her personal life, and her personal desire to work with children and teens (esp economically challenged ones)...

Lucas Thompson - football player for 10 years... visiting Serendipity to help his football compadre pack up his father's house (father moved to Retirement Home)...

They meet at the bar... where Alexa is with friends, letting loose a little - they dance... maybe going off together, but her friend's ex shows up... so she goes to support her friend... but then her friend is hurt (someone else)... and she uses her doctor skills... and then she leaves to go the hospital with friend...

He decides to wait for her at hospital... and takes her to breakfast... to her house, to hot sex...

and he thinks she needs to have fun... so the next day he takes her ice skating and a picnic... and more hot sex...

and they talk, and learn about each other... and they both wish for more... he invites her to Texas to a birthday party for his niece... she says no... he challenges her choices, and her blindly following father's plan instead of her own...

She has it out with dad... he's feeling empty in Texas... she shows up at the party... ahhh

[Teresa Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect Strangers: A Serendipity's Finest Novella (Serendipity's Finest, Book 4) by Carly Phillips is about an ER doctor, Alexa, and a Texan NFL player named Luke. They met at a bar, but when Alexa's friend was attacked and taken to the hospital, Luke decided to go and wait for Alexa there since she went into the rescue squad with her friend. After a few days and nights spent together, neither wanted it to end. For Alexa, life is hard, with no time for fun or to take a breath to exhale since her father superimposes his goals and expectations upon her. Alexa had to decide if she wanted to follow the dreams her father paved for her or if she wanted to forge her path in life. Luke's career and family are in Texas. Carly packed her novella full of living life to the fullest, with plenty of heat. Perfect Strangers brings to life how hard it is to live one's life to please another without any regard for happiness for one's self. There is a guaranteed HEA with no cheating or cliffhangers. Carly Phillips delivers another good book!

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Serendipity's First Novella. Alex Collins is a very dedicated doctor. However her father has some really ridiculous expectations for her life and she is beyond exhausted trying to live up to all that he expects. She has her reason for building the walls that she has in her professional relationships and you will figure out what was as you read the novella. However when pro football player Luke Thompson comes into her life she just might have to dedicates some time for him. He is only passing through Serendipity and looking for a good time. He is more than determined to show her how good it could be and she is of the mind that a one night t and is a great diversion for her. After all the man is not going to be putting down roots and staying in town. He is only passing though and wil be gone in no time. She just never couldn't on him being able to break down the walls she has built so high around herself and now she has these feelings that she has to deal with. One is fine with this and the other wants absolutely nothing to do with anything that has to do with feelings.

[Haylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just… wow. This story completely surprised me in the best way and hit me right in the feels. From the very beginning, I was drawn into Alexa and Luke’s world and found myself instantly invested in both of them.

What starts as one night, no strings quickly turns into something deeper, more meaningful, and way more complicated than either of them planned. Alexa is juggling demanding ER hours and the weight of impossible expectations, while Luke brings this irresistible, grounding energy that challenges her to finally let go and just live. Their connection feels natural, intense, and incredibly emotional.

I don’t want to spoil anything, so I’ll just say this: the chemistry is 🔥, the emotional pull is strong, and the story lingers with you long after the last page. If you love romance that blends passion with heart, this one delivers.

If you’re even considering picking up Perfect Strangers, do it. You won’t regret it.
Who knows… it just might be your perfect match 😉📖💕.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, sweet romance about two people who connect during a night out at the local bar, but get interrupted before things get steamy.

Alexa is a loyal friend, fabulous and caring doctor and completely overworked in a career she isn’t sure she’s happy about. Luke is in town to help a friend when he runs into Alexa and is both impressed with her and incredibly attracted to her.

These two have a fun-filled few days while Luke is in Serendipity NY, and he encourages her to examine if the career path set out by her father is really what she wants. He invites her to Texas for a weekend barbecue celebrating his nieces birthday. Luke’s comment about not missing out on milestones for his family really makes Alexa think, and later her conversation with her Dad really hammers home what he expects and his how emotionless he is.

I’d love to see more of this new couple!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Virginia VanSaders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love this story!

Lucas (Luke) is a pro football player for the Texas Titans in the NFL, but is here to visit his ex-teammate and help him out while he was in town. He ends up in Joe’s Bar and see this woman who crooks her finger for him to come dance with her. Alexa works at the ER and has hardly any time to herself. But tonight she’s letting loose in Joe’s Bar. Her friend Cara is down and out because her heart is broken. They’re dancing when a stranger stares at her and she beckons him to the dance floor. They fit perfectly together. She doesn’t recognize him. But her friend needs her when Cara’s ex shows up. Luke tries to show Alexa how to have fun and live her own life, not her father’s. Their journey is short, but they fall hard. Not going to reveal all the emotions and lessons or the ending, but you’re gonna love it!

[Melinda Hennies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Alexa and Luke's story.
Alexa is a hard-working doctor who never has time for fun. She takes her, found out to Joe's Bar, and decides they need to dance.. When Alexa sees this hot guy by the dance floor, she asks him to dance... OH MY The CHEMISTRY!
When Alexa goes to help a friend who has been attacked, Luke follows and waits. There's something about Alexa that Luke must explore.
When Alexa asks Luke to hang with her, it changes these two.
Alexa has never been cared for and spoiled like Luke has done. He proves that everyone deserves to have fun and spoiled.
When Luke asks Alexa to Texas for a weekend, she declines. It takes Alexa no time to see what she wants, isn't what her father has forced on her, she decides to.go get her man.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this novella in the Serendipity series. Alexa is all about work and her career as a doctor and has no time for dating, let alone anything serious. Luke is used to having women fall at his feet practically begging for a chance at dating a football hero. Separately they don’t make any sense, living in New York and Texas respectively and coming from completely different backgrounds. But together there’s hope for a happy ending if they’d just give it a chance. Another great read from Carly Phillips.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathy Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect short story for the Serendipity’s series. Carly has given us everything in just a few chapters, overworked doctor and a hot football player. While there are other characters in the story, I really felt we were just reading Alexa and Luke, which I loved. Amazing that Luke came into Alexia’s life just as she really needed him and how Luke took over some decisions for her, he was smart enough to understand the major decision as to if she really wanted to take charge of her life and whether Luke would be a part of that was hers to make.
Perfect story for a cozy afternoon of reading.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick introduction to two engaging characters. Alexa is a doctor and in line from her father to take over a hospital. She works nonstop, with rare moments of her own. In one of those rare moments, she meets sexy Luke and they hook up. While she juggles the demands of her father and her career, Luke finds himself wanting to be part of her life. Both characters want more, but have to figure out if it’s possible. I downgraded one star because it was so short and ended so abruptly that it felt like only a prequel. I would have loved for their story to continue longer. I received an advance copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Whispers From · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexa has always followed the path her father set for her. She's a respected and successful doctor but has no life. Alexa is expected to follow in her father's footsteps. She goes out dancing with her best friend and meets a handsome stranger, Luke.
Luke is a professional football player and is in Serendipity to visit a friend. He stops at Joe's bar and sees a gorgeous woman on the dance floor. When she crooks her finger at him, nothing could stop him from going to her.
Neither have ever felt this way before especially after their night together. But will Alexa let her work get in the way of the best thing to happen to her?
Great short story. Sex. A workaholic and football player. Luke reminds her how to have fun.

* Voluntarily read and reviewed. Received copy from Booksprout *

[Rebecca Mcdonnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything Carly Phillips writes!
This is a sweet novella telling the tale of Alexa and Luke. They meet one night when Alexa is letting loose of her inhibitions! But ends up putting her best friend first which Luke loves.
They start their relationship and pretty quickly Alexa realises she needs to make big changes.
Loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this novella about Luke and Alexa. Alexa’s dad guilts her into all work and no play, but hanging out with her friend at a bar one night, she dances with Luke. He seeks her out determined to teach her how to have fun while he is temporarily in town.

Cute romance and I enjoy how Luke forces Alexa to face figuring out how to have balance in her life.

Thanks to the author for a review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Susan Hamann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick reading, sexy novella, an introduction to a series.

Alexa is a very serious, extremally hardworking doctor in a small town. She forces her friend to go out dancing one night, trying to help the friend overcome her post break-up funk. While she's there, Alexa notes a very sexy guy and she invites him to dance with her. That starts a brief and intense affair that shakes Alexa's world and beliefs.

This is a great read, but it's for mature audiences.

[Terri Tutor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an easy, short read. Alexa was an overworked doctor trying to live up to her father’s expectations. Luke was supposed to be a fun, one night stand. It ended up to be so much more. A different way of life. Alexa learned that there was so much more to life than work and what better partner to learn that with than Luke!

[Kylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect Stranger might be short and sweet but Luke and Alexa’s story packs a punch with heat, passion, heart and emotions. Their connection is intense and the lengths that Luke will go to for a stranger to show her how fun life can be will steal your heart.

[Michelle Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luke and Alexa are amazing in perfect strangers! Their supposed to be fling is anything but when real feeling interfere, a little fast paced but an excellent read nonetheless! A great addition to the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sky P · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, sweet and sexy novella. I waited to read this one until I had read the 3 main books. It really could have been read after the 1st book. Still a good quick story in the Serendipity’s Finest world.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE Carly Phillips’s writing!!!

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED this novella. Luke and Alexa are an awesome couple and they are TOO GOOD together! Everything about them was HAWT and I truly enjoyed the read. Looking forward to my next CP’s read!

[Robyn Cherí · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast read great story flow so I couldn't put it down.

[Karen Sitzes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast read but good.

I really enjoyed this short story and that the characters from the series were included. Definitely will read the rest of the books.

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luke and Alexa’s novella was short and sweet and his sister, Ash was a hoot. I certainly did not like Alexa’s father. Glad she left.

[Nicole Scarborough · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucas and Alexa were short but sweet. It was so good I couldn't put it down. Even though it was short it packed so much. The chemistry was great and it was well written

[Cheryl Graham-Petit · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written short and sweet small-town romance with great characters, sizzling chemistry, and plenty of steam.

I volunteered to review an advanced review copy of this book.