2.5 ⭐
MCs:
- Hutch / Reed, 30s, hockey player
- Auden, 29, billionaire hotel owner
Book info:
- No cheating, opd
- With third act breakup
- Billionaire romance
- Sports romance
- Forbidden romance
- Friends with Benefits
- Death of a loved one (off page)
- Parent abandonment
- Commitment-phobe MCs
- HFN (living together)
Overview:
They met on a flight going to Seattle, but there was a storm, and an emergency landing was called for. They were basically strangers at this point, but for some reason they clicked, and they spent the night together. A month had passed before they met again, and every time they met, they ended up in bed together. Then, after a few weeks, I think, they found out that Hutch's team is partnered with Auden's hotel, and there's no fraternization clause in that contract. Which makes their FWB situation forbidden and probably a reason for them to stop whatever is going on between. Of course, they didn't stop, and then it backfired.
This was a light and sweet story, with little to no angst, and just fluffy overall. However, it's probably a me case, cuz I didn't like how things went down from 75% up until they got back together.
This hotel business is Auden's baby. She poured out her life and everything she had for this to be successful. But then, apparently, after being with Hutch, she realized that there's more to life and that her business isn't making her happy anymore. So she decided to sell her billion-dollar business to put down some roots, and she has no idea what to do after this sale.
Then Hutch was offered the captain role, which has been his goal since the beginning. But in order to have that, he needs to end his affair with Auden. As you know, he didn't even have a hard time doing it. He thought about it, but in the end, he chose the position. Then he slept with her for the last time and went away without saying a word. Auden didn't even know that would be their last time. I mean, what an asshole move from Hutch. Had he only talked to her about his dilemma, he would know that Auden no longer owned those hotels. She already sold her business, partially because of him.
Then four days passed without a word from Hutch because he was planning on not talking to her again. Then his teammates went to see Auden to tell her what happened or why he was acting like a dick and avoiding her.
Maybe she's just a better person, or, idk, because she went after him. Boarded the same flight, took the seat beside him, and relived the first time they met. I'm really not sure how to feel about this. He left and hurt her, yet she was the one who pursued him and fixed them. She also confessed her love first. I just couldn't wrap my head around the fact that Auden made a lot of sacrifices here in the name of love. I'm not sure to applaud her or be annoyed by all the things she did.
Overall, this could've been a 4-star read if only Hutch proved himself to be the man that Auden needed. If he had chosen Auden over the captain position, I would've rated this a 4 ⭐. But no, his career is way more important for him, and I don't want an MMC who would never put the FMC as his top priority.
Anyway, though this didn't work for me, other readers might find this up their alley.