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Appies #3
A Groom of One's Own
He always dreamed of getting married—but for love, not to avoid deportation.
Eli Hopkins has it all—almost. A hockey career with the wildly popular Appies. Teammates who are like brothers. The only thing he's missing is someone to share it all with.
Oh—and correctly filed visa paperwork.
Due to administrative error, Eli is about to lose everything.
Unless he can find someone to marry him in the next thirty days.
And he might have the perfect woman in mind. The only problem? He'd like to marry her for real, not simply for legal purposes.
Now Eli faces the challenge of winning over a wife who thinks the marriage is in name only...
Eli Hopkins has it all—almost. A hockey career with the wildly popular Appies. Teammates who are like brothers. The only thing he's missing is someone to share it all with.
Oh—and correctly filed visa paperwork.
Due to administrative error, Eli is about to lose everything.
Unless he can find someone to marry him in the next thirty days.
And he might have the perfect woman in mind. The only problem? He'd like to marry her for real, not simply for legal purposes.
Now Eli faces the challenge of winning over a wife who thinks the marriage is in name only...
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2024
1626 people are currently reading
7286 people want to read
About the author
Emma St. Clair
62 books3,786 followersEmma St. Clair is a USA Today Bestselling Author who loves sassy heroines, witty banter, and love stories with heart and humor. She has an MFA in Fiction and lives in Katy, Texas (go, Tigers!) with her hubby, five children, and Great Dane. Her favorite place to write is tapping on her phone while on the elliptical machine. No Emmas have been hurt in the writing of these novels. (Yet.)
Want a free novella? Grab Upping the Ante here: https://emmastclair.com/ante
You can follow the day-to-day on instagram @kikimojo.
Want a free novella? Grab Upping the Ante here: https://emmastclair.com/ante
You can follow the day-to-day on instagram @kikimojo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 882 reviews
April 18, 2024
⁀➷ 1.25 ★ ´ˎ˗
awkward is certainly one word for how cringe this book was. i had fairly high hopes when i got approved for this book on netgalley because hockey/sports romances are essentially my bread and butter — i never get tired of them. i also love a good marriage of convenience plots. but, everything i usually love about these tropes was so poorly executed and felt nothing short of hollow.
i literally fought so hard not to dnf this book, but i somehow managed to push through just so i could provide you with this handy dandy list of things i hated the most about this book.
— the insta-love. these two knew each other for a short amount of time and yet find themselves questioning whether or not they’re truly in love fairly early on in their fake engagement scheme. where is the slow burn? or at the very least a realistic build-up?
— bailey’s inner thoughts were beyond juvenile and all over the place. it felt like being in the head of a fifteen-year-old, not a grown woman.
— eli’s personality switching from golden retriever to possessive weirdo at the drop of a hat? complete whiplash. especially when it came to him acting controlling about where bailey lived and talking down about the apartment complex in a classist manner (especially since she probably makes minimum wage working at an animal shelter). like dude… be so for real right now.
— the wacky pacing of this book? despite bailey and eli having zero chemistry, every scene where they weren’t together felt completely useless. anytime bailey was interacting with her friends or eli interacted with his teammates, it felt beyond tedious to be reading. then the ending? beyond rushed.
— the proposal scene? gave me the absolute ick and felt tacky.
— him getting rid of her hiccups? felt weird and uncomfortable to read. like… what made you think this would be sexy?
— eli carrying his disabled mother around in public rather than letting her be an independent individual and getting her a mobility aid? as a disabled person, this was probably the tipping point in the book where i wanted to dnf but my hatred and seething anger kept me pushing through. stop infantilizing disabled people challenge, go.
— eli’s sister annie crawling into bed with bailey while she was sleeping and watching her? why in the hell was this necessary? it wasn’t quirky or funny, it was just weird.
— last but very not least, why did eli’s mother not question the fact that he was marrying a woman that he had never even introduced to her despite them having an extremely close relationship? i feel like she realistically would’ve had at least some questions and it paints the mother as being ignorant and naive.
i truly wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone considering it nearly sent me into a reading slump.
thank you to netgalley, victory editing and emma st. clair for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
“so… maybe we can just be happily awkward together?”
awkward is certainly one word for how cringe this book was. i had fairly high hopes when i got approved for this book on netgalley because hockey/sports romances are essentially my bread and butter — i never get tired of them. i also love a good marriage of convenience plots. but, everything i usually love about these tropes was so poorly executed and felt nothing short of hollow.
i literally fought so hard not to dnf this book, but i somehow managed to push through just so i could provide you with this handy dandy list of things i hated the most about this book.
— the insta-love. these two knew each other for a short amount of time and yet find themselves questioning whether or not they’re truly in love fairly early on in their fake engagement scheme. where is the slow burn? or at the very least a realistic build-up?
— bailey’s inner thoughts were beyond juvenile and all over the place. it felt like being in the head of a fifteen-year-old, not a grown woman.
— eli’s personality switching from golden retriever to possessive weirdo at the drop of a hat? complete whiplash. especially when it came to him acting controlling about where bailey lived and talking down about the apartment complex in a classist manner (especially since she probably makes minimum wage working at an animal shelter). like dude… be so for real right now.
— the wacky pacing of this book? despite bailey and eli having zero chemistry, every scene where they weren’t together felt completely useless. anytime bailey was interacting with her friends or eli interacted with his teammates, it felt beyond tedious to be reading. then the ending? beyond rushed.
— the proposal scene? gave me the absolute ick and felt tacky.
— him getting rid of her hiccups? felt weird and uncomfortable to read. like… what made you think this would be sexy?
— eli carrying his disabled mother around in public rather than letting her be an independent individual and getting her a mobility aid? as a disabled person, this was probably the tipping point in the book where i wanted to dnf but my hatred and seething anger kept me pushing through. stop infantilizing disabled people challenge, go.
— eli’s sister annie crawling into bed with bailey while she was sleeping and watching her? why in the hell was this necessary? it wasn’t quirky or funny, it was just weird.
— last but very not least, why did eli’s mother not question the fact that he was marrying a woman that he had never even introduced to her despite them having an extremely close relationship? i feel like she realistically would’ve had at least some questions and it paints the mother as being ignorant and naive.
i truly wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone considering it nearly sent me into a reading slump.
thank you to netgalley, victory editing and emma st. clair for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
March 3, 2024
Where, oh where do I start?!? I am currently a puddle. I LOVE LOVE!
But really, if you slap marriage of convenience on it I’m gonna read it. It is a fact of life - the sun rises in the East & sets in the West. Alysha reads MOC like it’s her water.
And this one???? *cue screaming you can probably hear in the Appalachian mountains* SO. GOOD.
The set up. The time. (Even though it was a quick timeline) The attention to detail. The trust. The open communication, yet fear of scaring the other one off. The boys. The family. The romance. The noticing. THE AWKWARD TOGETHER!
I.
Am.
Undone.
Unglued.
Finished.
Someone get a shovel to come scrape me off the floor.
I really don’t know what else to say than ELI GOT THE BEST HEA FOR HIM! And Emma St. Clair is an artist.
Buy this book. Read this book. Love this book.
5/5 stars
*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*
But really, if you slap marriage of convenience on it I’m gonna read it. It is a fact of life - the sun rises in the East & sets in the West. Alysha reads MOC like it’s her water.
And this one???? *cue screaming you can probably hear in the Appalachian mountains* SO. GOOD.
The set up. The time. (Even though it was a quick timeline) The attention to detail. The trust. The open communication, yet fear of scaring the other one off. The boys. The family. The romance. The noticing. THE AWKWARD TOGETHER!
I.
Am.
Undone.
Unglued.
Finished.
Someone get a shovel to come scrape me off the floor.
I really don’t know what else to say than ELI GOT THE BEST HEA FOR HIM! And Emma St. Clair is an artist.
Buy this book. Read this book. Love this book.
5/5 stars
*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*
July 22, 2024
A Groom of One's Own by Emma St. Clair (4 Stars)
Narrators: Emily Ellet & Rock Engle
(Book 3 in the Appies Series but can be read as a Standalone)
Audio Releases 7.23.2024
BLOG POST: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...
This was super cute ya'll! I love Emma's Rom-Coms, they just have this fun humor, banter and are cute, sweet romance stories you love! Marriage of convenience is one of my favorite romance tropes and this did not disappoint! We have Eli, who is about to be deported back to Canada because of his expired Visa, unless he can find a way around that issue by marrying someone.....and who better to marry than the girl he has an instant connection with, Bailey, who works at the animal shelter and dreams of becoming a Veterinarian. Eli really needs to stay with his family because his mother is chronically ill and they have finally found good treatment for her where they live.
Bailey is a bit shy, but has also been through a lot. Her parents passed away and she is left to take care of her grandmother who needs more long term care. The proposal of marriage from Eli would help her financially and he's a super cute hockey player, sooo why not?! Right?!
The marriage of convenience trope plays out and I absolutely adored it! I loved how they were really getting to know one another before things started to happen and the way Emma wrote it was chef's kiss! Eli was just this great cinnamon roll type guy that you just loved and he wanted to be there for Bailey no matter what.
Their banter made me giggle so many times and I love all the animal references, and adopted dogs. :) ALSO -- great found family in this with the side characters --- the wedding scene with the guys was my favorite! Plus, who couldn't LOVE Eli's Mom and Sister?! They were the best!
Let's talk about the narration: I LOVED the narrators! Honestly, you all know I am always listening to an audiobook because life is BUSY, and I am somewhat picky on my narrators now --- the narrators did a really awesome job of keeping you engaged so I highly recommend them! I will be on the lookout for any that they produce in the future for sure.
Overall, if you love cute, sweet, sports rom-coms, check this out! Thank you to the author for a copy of the audiobook to listen to and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Content: Clean with kisses only, close proximity, no language.
Narrators: Emily Ellet & Rock Engle
(Book 3 in the Appies Series but can be read as a Standalone)
Audio Releases 7.23.2024
BLOG POST: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...
This was super cute ya'll! I love Emma's Rom-Coms, they just have this fun humor, banter and are cute, sweet romance stories you love! Marriage of convenience is one of my favorite romance tropes and this did not disappoint! We have Eli, who is about to be deported back to Canada because of his expired Visa, unless he can find a way around that issue by marrying someone.....and who better to marry than the girl he has an instant connection with, Bailey, who works at the animal shelter and dreams of becoming a Veterinarian. Eli really needs to stay with his family because his mother is chronically ill and they have finally found good treatment for her where they live.
Bailey is a bit shy, but has also been through a lot. Her parents passed away and she is left to take care of her grandmother who needs more long term care. The proposal of marriage from Eli would help her financially and he's a super cute hockey player, sooo why not?! Right?!
The marriage of convenience trope plays out and I absolutely adored it! I loved how they were really getting to know one another before things started to happen and the way Emma wrote it was chef's kiss! Eli was just this great cinnamon roll type guy that you just loved and he wanted to be there for Bailey no matter what.
Their banter made me giggle so many times and I love all the animal references, and adopted dogs. :) ALSO -- great found family in this with the side characters --- the wedding scene with the guys was my favorite! Plus, who couldn't LOVE Eli's Mom and Sister?! They were the best!
Let's talk about the narration: I LOVED the narrators! Honestly, you all know I am always listening to an audiobook because life is BUSY, and I am somewhat picky on my narrators now --- the narrators did a really awesome job of keeping you engaged so I highly recommend them! I will be on the lookout for any that they produce in the future for sure.
Overall, if you love cute, sweet, sports rom-coms, check this out! Thank you to the author for a copy of the audiobook to listen to and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Content: Clean with kisses only, close proximity, no language.
February 23, 2025
3.5-4⭐️ Eli Hopkins has it all - a spot on a beloved hockey team and friends and teammates he adores. What he doesn’t have is a way to stay in the country after a mix up with his visa paperwork. Enter Bailey, the girl of Eli’s dreams, who just might be the solution to his problems.
When I think of feel good, clean romance that will warm your heart, I think of Emma St. Clair and her all star team of hockey heartthrobs with hearts of absolute gold. Eli was the most lovable MMC and Bailey his perfect counterpart. While marriage of convenience isn’t always my favorite, I loved the fact that it was friends to lovers into marriage of convenience, which for me makes it more unique.
As always, the side characters add so much to the story. This group of players and their significant others is such a terrific execution of the found family trope and it will be hard to say goodbye to them all. I also have to note the inclusion of all of the sweet pet love and pet adoption positivity. It added another fun layer to both the story and in helping to build out our characters and I just adored it.
Read if you like:
▪️marriage of convenience
▪️friends to lovers
▪️forced proximity
▪️great supporting characters
▪️cinnamon roll hero
▪️hockey romance
▪️small town
📌 Book 3 in the Appies series
Thank you Emma St. Clair for the gifted copy.
When I think of feel good, clean romance that will warm your heart, I think of Emma St. Clair and her all star team of hockey heartthrobs with hearts of absolute gold. Eli was the most lovable MMC and Bailey his perfect counterpart. While marriage of convenience isn’t always my favorite, I loved the fact that it was friends to lovers into marriage of convenience, which for me makes it more unique.
As always, the side characters add so much to the story. This group of players and their significant others is such a terrific execution of the found family trope and it will be hard to say goodbye to them all. I also have to note the inclusion of all of the sweet pet love and pet adoption positivity. It added another fun layer to both the story and in helping to build out our characters and I just adored it.
Read if you like:
▪️marriage of convenience
▪️friends to lovers
▪️forced proximity
▪️great supporting characters
▪️cinnamon roll hero
▪️hockey romance
▪️small town
📌 Book 3 in the Appies series
Thank you Emma St. Clair for the gifted copy.
March 1, 2024
Thank you to the author for an eARC.
SO TENDER.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
I love the way Emma St. Clair books make me feel. They are the right balance of heart and humor that make me smile and swoon. I love the kissing scenes and the characters and the way the plot works out with each story and this was no exception.
I adored Eli and Bailey. All the stars for getting dual POV. I loooved how Eli was the best kind of golden retriever MMC. Heart on his sleeve, big feelings and all the protectiveness. Good heavens I couldn’t get enough of him. And Bailey? Loved her too. I loved her shyness but willingness to be bold and open to her relationship and situation.
With just the right level of hockey content and omg a jersey moment, y’all know I LOVE JERSEY MOMENTS. And this whole group of hockey players/friends? AH I LOVE THEM ALL. The wedding scene was sweetest, softest moment and I’m still a melted puddle of those longing looks and heated kisses. And now I’m obsessing over many other scenes and y’all just need to read this one ASAP.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Sports Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of parents (past), grandmother with dementia (on page), mom with chronic illness (on page)
SO TENDER.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
I love the way Emma St. Clair books make me feel. They are the right balance of heart and humor that make me smile and swoon. I love the kissing scenes and the characters and the way the plot works out with each story and this was no exception.
I adored Eli and Bailey. All the stars for getting dual POV. I loooved how Eli was the best kind of golden retriever MMC. Heart on his sleeve, big feelings and all the protectiveness. Good heavens I couldn’t get enough of him. And Bailey? Loved her too. I loved her shyness but willingness to be bold and open to her relationship and situation.
With just the right level of hockey content and omg a jersey moment, y’all know I LOVE JERSEY MOMENTS. And this whole group of hockey players/friends? AH I LOVE THEM ALL. The wedding scene was sweetest, softest moment and I’m still a melted puddle of those longing looks and heated kisses. And now I’m obsessing over many other scenes and y’all just need to read this one ASAP.
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Sports Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of parents (past), grandmother with dementia (on page), mom with chronic illness (on page)
March 4, 2024
This book was just so good! Emma St. Clair knocks it out of the park with a marriage of convenience that’s as believable as it is swoony!
Eli’s got 30 days to get married or he’ll be deported to Canada. He’s not dating anyone, but there is someone he’s aquatinted with and has feelings for. Besides his hockey career being on the line, being deported would also affect his mom’s wellbeing, so he’s willing to try something as crazy and risky as a fake marriage.
This story was a fantastic blend of romance, humor, characters with depth, and a lot of sweet and tender moments. Eli and Bailey were both so lovable, and seeing their fake relationship quickly become the real deal was a pure delight!
I adored Eli. He’s got a sunny and happy personality, and a very protective nature. He’s also a romantic with some big feelings. The way he took care of his cute mom was so sweet.
What I loved:
💙 Hockey romance
💙 Marriage of convenience
💙 Hot Puppy Guy
💙 Dual POV
💙 The Appies
💙 Candy bouquet
💙 Awkward Together
💙 Found family
💙 The wedding scenes
💙 Birthday extravaganza
💙 Fun side characters
💙 The epilogue
I’ve loved everything I’ve read by Emma, but this is my new favorite. I can’t wait for the next book in the Appies series.
Many thanks to the author for a copy!
Eli’s got 30 days to get married or he’ll be deported to Canada. He’s not dating anyone, but there is someone he’s aquatinted with and has feelings for. Besides his hockey career being on the line, being deported would also affect his mom’s wellbeing, so he’s willing to try something as crazy and risky as a fake marriage.
This story was a fantastic blend of romance, humor, characters with depth, and a lot of sweet and tender moments. Eli and Bailey were both so lovable, and seeing their fake relationship quickly become the real deal was a pure delight!
I adored Eli. He’s got a sunny and happy personality, and a very protective nature. He’s also a romantic with some big feelings. The way he took care of his cute mom was so sweet.
What I loved:
💙 Hockey romance
💙 Marriage of convenience
💙 Hot Puppy Guy
💙 Dual POV
💙 The Appies
💙 Candy bouquet
💙 Awkward Together
💙 Found family
💙 The wedding scenes
💙 Birthday extravaganza
💙 Fun side characters
💙 The epilogue
I’ve loved everything I’ve read by Emma, but this is my new favorite. I can’t wait for the next book in the Appies series.
Many thanks to the author for a copy!
June 8, 2025
I'm still working my way through the series but this is book 3 and by far my favourite so far! There's marriage of convenience, no 3rd act break up, no language, no spice, all romance!! I absolutely loved it!
The story focuses on hockey player whose visa is almost expired, now faced with deportation the only way out of this and quickly is marriage, but for someone who values marriage and has dreamed of his wedding since a child this is no easy task. Especially since the only woman he even considers a potential wife is to shy to even speak two full sentences to him. So when that same shywoman who barely spoke agrees to marry him, he makes it his mission to make this marriage as real as possible.
You get to know the MMC as a side character in the first two books, he's so funny and likable. Getting to know him in his own story was so much better! He's 100% a romantic going above and beyond to ensure everyone he loves is taken care of especially he's new wife to be! The FMC was a sweetheart as well I enjoyed seeing her come out of her shell and find her forever family with the MMC.
The author really exceeded my expectations with this book. I wasn't to enamoured with the first book of the series which she authored, but this 3rd one was a redemption for sure!
The story focuses on hockey player whose visa is almost expired, now faced with deportation the only way out of this and quickly is marriage, but for someone who values marriage and has dreamed of his wedding since a child this is no easy task. Especially since the only woman he even considers a potential wife is to shy to even speak two full sentences to him. So when that same shywoman who barely spoke agrees to marry him, he makes it his mission to make this marriage as real as possible.
You get to know the MMC as a side character in the first two books, he's so funny and likable. Getting to know him in his own story was so much better! He's 100% a romantic going above and beyond to ensure everyone he loves is taken care of especially he's new wife to be! The FMC was a sweetheart as well I enjoyed seeing her come out of her shell and find her forever family with the MMC.
The author really exceeded my expectations with this book. I wasn't to enamoured with the first book of the series which she authored, but this 3rd one was a redemption for sure!
March 6, 2024
3 stars.
🏒 The vibes:
- hockey
- Dual pov
- Marriage of convenience
- Sweet romance
💍 My thoughts:
A man who visits the animal shelter to play with the dogs (and to see the cute worker who is super quiet and shy)? I was so into this concept. It made me think there was going to be pining and a super slow burn (which I love).
💍 The set up and execution of the story felt more instalove to me. Most of the book spans 2 weeks, so it felt like the main characters moved so fast from barely speaking or saying hi at the animal shelter to tickling and walking down the aisle. I would have loved to have seen them meet or interact more in the beginning because it may have pulled me into their connection more.
💍 Some things I loved: Once they hit their stride, I thought Bailey and Eli had some very cute moments. Like their first kiss 👀🔥. Also- Bailey’s boldness to just go for it. I loved Eli with sweet puppy Doris. And the hiccup cure 👀.
💍 I’ve seen so many wonderful reviews of this one- so it’s just personal preference that led to the rating. While I love light and fluffy romcoms, sometimes I don’t love overly humorous additions, but if you like the light, fluffy with a side of silly humor style of romcom- I think you’ll really enjoy this one. (Examples of what I’m talking about will be at the very end, because I know it’s hard to understand what I mean exactly.)
🏒 This book is technically book 1 in the Appies series- however the Appies are introduced in Just Don’t Fall and continued in Absolutely Not in Love. I read and loved both of those. Highly recommend. I don’t think reading them in order is necessary here but I loved the two I mentioned that preceded this one so of course I say to go read those. 😉
I’m really looking forward to reading Romancing the Grump by Jenny in a few weeks 🖤
Examples of the silliness that led to a lower rating: Grandma antics at the assisted living facility. The wigs. I was unsure if I was supposed to be sad or laugh. The dreams of Eli being a centaur unicorn… The boss being “Dr evil” with a villain type of character vibe. The two girls at the bar all over Eli. Eli in a muumuu.
🏒 The vibes:
- hockey
- Dual pov
- Marriage of convenience
- Sweet romance
💍 My thoughts:
A man who visits the animal shelter to play with the dogs (and to see the cute worker who is super quiet and shy)? I was so into this concept. It made me think there was going to be pining and a super slow burn (which I love).
💍 The set up and execution of the story felt more instalove to me. Most of the book spans 2 weeks, so it felt like the main characters moved so fast from barely speaking or saying hi at the animal shelter to tickling and walking down the aisle. I would have loved to have seen them meet or interact more in the beginning because it may have pulled me into their connection more.
💍 Some things I loved: Once they hit their stride, I thought Bailey and Eli had some very cute moments. Like their first kiss 👀🔥. Also- Bailey’s boldness to just go for it. I loved Eli with sweet puppy Doris. And the hiccup cure 👀.
💍 I’ve seen so many wonderful reviews of this one- so it’s just personal preference that led to the rating. While I love light and fluffy romcoms, sometimes I don’t love overly humorous additions, but if you like the light, fluffy with a side of silly humor style of romcom- I think you’ll really enjoy this one. (Examples of what I’m talking about will be at the very end, because I know it’s hard to understand what I mean exactly.)
🏒 This book is technically book 1 in the Appies series- however the Appies are introduced in Just Don’t Fall and continued in Absolutely Not in Love. I read and loved both of those. Highly recommend. I don’t think reading them in order is necessary here but I loved the two I mentioned that preceded this one so of course I say to go read those. 😉
I’m really looking forward to reading Romancing the Grump by Jenny in a few weeks 🖤
Examples of the silliness that led to a lower rating: Grandma antics at the assisted living facility. The wigs. I was unsure if I was supposed to be sad or laugh. The dreams of Eli being a centaur unicorn… The boss being “Dr evil” with a villain type of character vibe. The two girls at the bar all over Eli. Eli in a muumuu.
December 31, 2024
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:
I love a dual point of view romance and it’s even better when the audiobook narration is done by two different narrators. Emily Ellet and Rock Engle are fantastic!
Marriage-of-convenience is one of my very favorite tropes and it’s so much fun to see it woven into an Appies hockey romcom. Eli and Bailey’s story is full of the sweetest tension and it was easy to cheer this duo on. I loved how everything unfolded and it was so much fun to listen to it. I feel like audiobooks really allow for a book to play out as a movie in my mind.
*************************************
“The man is almost sweet enough to make my teeth ache. But there’s a little squeeze of naughty that just keeps him from being too nice.”
When some of my very favorite tropes make an appearance in one book, I’m completely sold. Appies hockey player, Eli, has always wanted to get married, but suddenly finds himself in a rush to avoid being deported. Sweet and shy Bailey agrees to become his wife and this modern-day marriage of convenience is totally believable and oh, so deliciously swoony. The tangible romantic tension fueled this plot along and the winsome side characters felt like a quirky, tight-knit family.
I fell for this happy, likable Appie in the Sweater Weather series and was thrilled to see him get his own book. Emma St Clair stuffed this story with so many things to love and I couldn’t quit gushing, laughing, and heart-eyed smiling.
Read if you love:
🏒Dolly Parton wigs and grans
🐕🦺Intrusive sister and clever mother
🏒Hockey team family
🐕🦺Sizzling, no-spice chemistry and kisses
🏒Fade-to-black romance
🐕Shelter dogs
🏒Magical flirtations and interactions
I love this series so much and loved the cameos the Sweater Weather heroes (Logan and Felix) played in this sweet story.
Content: mild+ romance (kissing/make outs/light innuendo); mild moment of peril
*I received a complimentary copy. I also borrowed on KU. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were voluntarily given*
I love a dual point of view romance and it’s even better when the audiobook narration is done by two different narrators. Emily Ellet and Rock Engle are fantastic!
Marriage-of-convenience is one of my very favorite tropes and it’s so much fun to see it woven into an Appies hockey romcom. Eli and Bailey’s story is full of the sweetest tension and it was easy to cheer this duo on. I loved how everything unfolded and it was so much fun to listen to it. I feel like audiobooks really allow for a book to play out as a movie in my mind.
*************************************
“The man is almost sweet enough to make my teeth ache. But there’s a little squeeze of naughty that just keeps him from being too nice.”
When some of my very favorite tropes make an appearance in one book, I’m completely sold. Appies hockey player, Eli, has always wanted to get married, but suddenly finds himself in a rush to avoid being deported. Sweet and shy Bailey agrees to become his wife and this modern-day marriage of convenience is totally believable and oh, so deliciously swoony. The tangible romantic tension fueled this plot along and the winsome side characters felt like a quirky, tight-knit family.
I fell for this happy, likable Appie in the Sweater Weather series and was thrilled to see him get his own book. Emma St Clair stuffed this story with so many things to love and I couldn’t quit gushing, laughing, and heart-eyed smiling.
Read if you love:
🏒Dolly Parton wigs and grans
🐕🦺Intrusive sister and clever mother
🏒Hockey team family
🐕🦺Sizzling, no-spice chemistry and kisses
🏒Fade-to-black romance
🐕Shelter dogs
🏒Magical flirtations and interactions
I love this series so much and loved the cameos the Sweater Weather heroes (Logan and Felix) played in this sweet story.
Content: mild+ romance (kissing/make outs/light innuendo); mild moment of peril
*I received a complimentary copy. I also borrowed on KU. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were voluntarily given*
March 23, 2024
This was my second Emma St. Clair book, and I absolutely adored it! This was such a sweet marriage of convenience romance story. I related so much to Bailey’s personality, and I loved that Eli was just an absolute golden retriever of a man (I need one of those in my life lol😆). Also, after having read Just Don’t Fall, it was nice to see Logan and Parker again, as well as the other team members of the Appies hockey team, and I really look forward to read more Appies stories!
This is a CLEAN romance, meaning there’s no spice beyond kissing and there’s pretty much no foul language. Caring for family members with dementia/chronic illness does play a big role in this story, so just be aware of that if that’s a topic that triggers you (but I believe the author handled this very well).
Thank you to NetGalley for an e-ARC of this book! All thoughts and opinions above are my own.
This is a CLEAN romance, meaning there’s no spice beyond kissing and there’s pretty much no foul language. Caring for family members with dementia/chronic illness does play a big role in this story, so just be aware of that if that’s a topic that triggers you (but I believe the author handled this very well).
Thank you to NetGalley for an e-ARC of this book! All thoughts and opinions above are my own.
September 11, 2024
A Groom of One’s Own is a wonderful addition to the Appies series! I listened to the audio book, which was narrated so nicely. The characters of Eli and Bailey came to life beautifully!
Eli has shown up in the two previous novels and definitely had a fun and engaging, extroverted personality. However, there were hints that there was more to him than met the eye, including a head for investing.
This was such a sweet marriage of convenience story between two people who I just couldn’t help but love. They were little more than acquaintances when Eli mentioned the idea of marriage. They both admire what they know of each other, yet are still very much strangers to each other when they actually agree to get married.
One of the things that felt very real about this story was when occasionally Eli would make a decision and then realize that it was the opposite of what Bailey had needed him to do. Such as when he showed up for their date and Bailey thought he was going to give her a hug and he didn’t. I loved that he immediately realized her disappointment and wrapped her up in that hug. These two were growing in their admiration and attraction to each other in a gentle way all through the story and it felt so real, as did the various “awkward together” moments.
I loved the care and consideration they showed for each other and their romantic attraction was simply perfection! This story made me so happy to listen to and is definitely going on my list of favorite marriage of convenience tales.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Eli has shown up in the two previous novels and definitely had a fun and engaging, extroverted personality. However, there were hints that there was more to him than met the eye, including a head for investing.
This was such a sweet marriage of convenience story between two people who I just couldn’t help but love. They were little more than acquaintances when Eli mentioned the idea of marriage. They both admire what they know of each other, yet are still very much strangers to each other when they actually agree to get married.
One of the things that felt very real about this story was when occasionally Eli would make a decision and then realize that it was the opposite of what Bailey had needed him to do. Such as when he showed up for their date and Bailey thought he was going to give her a hug and he didn’t. I loved that he immediately realized her disappointment and wrapped her up in that hug. These two were growing in their admiration and attraction to each other in a gentle way all through the story and it felt so real, as did the various “awkward together” moments.
I loved the care and consideration they showed for each other and their romantic attraction was simply perfection! This story made me so happy to listen to and is definitely going on my list of favorite marriage of convenience tales.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
January 22, 2025
I’ve read the first three books in this series, and this one is easily my favorite one so far. I feel as though I was either laughing or grinning the whole time. I listened to the audio version, and I found the duel narration very well done.
March 1, 2024
the exact meaning of a feeling good book! i am enjoying this book so much. the story is so damn adorable, cute, funny, and sweet. this book is so swoony my cheeks hurting for smiling and so funny that im laughing so many times.
ELI HOPKINS! omg this man. he is a romantic with big feelings inside him. can i have one eli too please??? he is a ray of sunshine and i love him so much. reading his pov is so refreshing and i can understand fully when other characters said that being close with eli makes them happy. when i read his pov or every time he showed up i can feel the positive energy he radiated towards his surrounding! he is also so protective and always puts people he loves first. every gesture he made for bailey turns me into a puddle. the candy bouquet, the pink sticky notes, the first date, the proposal, the wedding ceremony etc etc, he did everything to make her happy. also his relationship with his mom is so heartwarming!!! i love his mother so much!! ALSO the teammate's banter is so freaking funny i love the appies!!!! i hope every guy will got their books too!
BAILEY MCKINNEY. she is a real definition of a strong woman. she is such a kindhearted and deserves ALL the happiness in the world. her shyness match perfectly with eli's confidence but when they both nervous they turned awkward together, SO DAMN ADORABLE. and when bailey being bold?? oooh i love her for it! i am so happy that she got everything she wished for and not so alone again<3
there is one inside jokes that i love so much between eli and his teammate:
"the oracle has spoken"
I WAS LAUGHING SO HARD IYKYK
ELI HOPKINS! omg this man. he is a romantic with big feelings inside him. can i have one eli too please??? he is a ray of sunshine and i love him so much. reading his pov is so refreshing and i can understand fully when other characters said that being close with eli makes them happy. when i read his pov or every time he showed up i can feel the positive energy he radiated towards his surrounding! he is also so protective and always puts people he loves first. every gesture he made for bailey turns me into a puddle. the candy bouquet, the pink sticky notes, the first date, the proposal, the wedding ceremony etc etc, he did everything to make her happy. also his relationship with his mom is so heartwarming!!! i love his mother so much!! ALSO the teammate's banter is so freaking funny i love the appies!!!! i hope every guy will got their books too!
BAILEY MCKINNEY. she is a real definition of a strong woman. she is such a kindhearted and deserves ALL the happiness in the world. her shyness match perfectly with eli's confidence but when they both nervous they turned awkward together, SO DAMN ADORABLE. and when bailey being bold?? oooh i love her for it! i am so happy that she got everything she wished for and not so alone again<3
there is one inside jokes that i love so much between eli and his teammate:
"the oracle has spoken"
I WAS LAUGHING SO HARD IYKYK
April 8, 2024
I fell in love with The Appies hockey team during the Sweater Weather series and I was so excited to see that some of the other players were getting their own stories in an Appies series! I thoroughly enjoyed this marriage of convenience, hockey story from Emma St. Clair.
Eli needs to get married fast in order to avoid being deported back to Canada, which would cause him to have to leave the hockey team he loves playing for and disrupt his mom from her current life in Harvest Hollow. The only problem is Eli is not dating anyone and has no prospects for marriage, unless you count Bailey, the woman who works at the dog shelter he regularly visits, but barely knows.
Oh my! Swoon, swoon, swoon! Did you get that? The swoon factor was high for these two! Eli and Bailey had chemistry that just oozes from the pages! I couldn’t get enough of their sweet teasing and flirting and not to mention their kisses! Their story was believable and adorable in every way! Eli has a heart of gold and was just so sweet and tender. Bailey was just so lovable and relatable. Watching their marriage go from fake to the real deal was absolutely beautiful!
I also really loved the relationship between Eli and his mom. He took care of her so well and it was super sweet. Bailey naturally fit into the family dynamic and the scenes with the 3 of them plus Eli's sister were something special. There is also the family aspect of the Appies Hockey team. These guys are so close and I love how they are there for each other through thick and thin. Another highlight for me was the dogs and the setting involving the animal shelter. A Groom of One's Own is the perfect mix of humor, sweet moments, and sizzling kisses!
What I loved:
The Appies
Fake Dating
The dogs
Eli’s proposal
Canadian Birthday Extravaganza
The nicknames - LeeLee and hockey player
“Which of you needs a hug from a hottie today?”
Text messages
The repacked suitcases
Awkward Together
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Content Awareness- caring for a loved one with dementia
Eli needs to get married fast in order to avoid being deported back to Canada, which would cause him to have to leave the hockey team he loves playing for and disrupt his mom from her current life in Harvest Hollow. The only problem is Eli is not dating anyone and has no prospects for marriage, unless you count Bailey, the woman who works at the dog shelter he regularly visits, but barely knows.
Oh my! Swoon, swoon, swoon! Did you get that? The swoon factor was high for these two! Eli and Bailey had chemistry that just oozes from the pages! I couldn’t get enough of their sweet teasing and flirting and not to mention their kisses! Their story was believable and adorable in every way! Eli has a heart of gold and was just so sweet and tender. Bailey was just so lovable and relatable. Watching their marriage go from fake to the real deal was absolutely beautiful!
I also really loved the relationship between Eli and his mom. He took care of her so well and it was super sweet. Bailey naturally fit into the family dynamic and the scenes with the 3 of them plus Eli's sister were something special. There is also the family aspect of the Appies Hockey team. These guys are so close and I love how they are there for each other through thick and thin. Another highlight for me was the dogs and the setting involving the animal shelter. A Groom of One's Own is the perfect mix of humor, sweet moments, and sizzling kisses!
What I loved:
The Appies
Fake Dating
The dogs
Eli’s proposal
Canadian Birthday Extravaganza
The nicknames - LeeLee and hockey player
“Which of you needs a hug from a hottie today?”
Text messages
The repacked suitcases
Awkward Together
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Content Awareness- caring for a loved one with dementia
April 26, 2024
“You can only wear my name.”
golden retriever hockey boyfriend but also slightly possessive 👀 AND marriage of convenience 😧🙏 let me just warn you that this is closed door but it gives plenty of butterflies imo 🎀
“Always wear waterproof mascara,” Gran says. “You never know when someone’s going to break your heart.”
it's the first book of the series I read but it kinda made me want to check out the others (especially the possibly upcoming one with Van and Annie, someone let me know if it comes to exist🤩), the side characters were all so fun and interesting, special mention to Eli's mom who was the sweetest (and I really appreciated the author's note for people with chronic illness/pain 🩷)
I'll end this with an irrelevant to the review but an emotional quote that hit me :
"I’ve found one of the hardest things about losing people you care about is the guilt of remembering the things they weren’t so great at. Thinking about their flaws and disappointments makes me feel like a traitor."
[arc review, honest opinion]
golden retriever hockey boyfriend but also slightly possessive 👀 AND marriage of convenience 😧🙏 let me just warn you that this is closed door but it gives plenty of butterflies imo 🎀
“Always wear waterproof mascara,” Gran says. “You never know when someone’s going to break your heart.”
it's the first book of the series I read but it kinda made me want to check out the others (especially the possibly upcoming one with Van and Annie, someone let me know if it comes to exist🤩), the side characters were all so fun and interesting, special mention to Eli's mom who was the sweetest (and I really appreciated the author's note for people with chronic illness/pain 🩷)
I'll end this with an irrelevant to the review but an emotional quote that hit me :
"I’ve found one of the hardest things about losing people you care about is the guilt of remembering the things they weren’t so great at. Thinking about their flaws and disappointments makes me feel like a traitor."
[arc review, honest opinion]
March 2, 2024
(4.5 stars) - reliably fun & swoony
Took a little for the story to get skating, & the plot's not exactly original, but it's got Emma's magic touch & was thoroughly enjoyable anyway!
*Romance level: passionate kisses, but nothing graphic
Took a little for the story to get skating, & the plot's not exactly original, but it's got Emma's magic touch & was thoroughly enjoyable anyway!
*Romance level: passionate kisses, but nothing graphic
April 16, 2024
4.25 ⭐️ This book was so sweet!
A fast paced book with no spice and the hottest hockey player golden retriver boyfriend.
Even though things moved very quickly, you really believed in the chemistry between the two main characters.
Regardless, I think the book could have been longer actually, because things moved so quickly.
My favorite part of this book has to be Eli´s mother, she is so sweet and funny! And the book club!!
A fast paced book with no spice and the hottest hockey player golden retriver boyfriend.
Even though things moved very quickly, you really believed in the chemistry between the two main characters.
Regardless, I think the book could have been longer actually, because things moved so quickly.
My favorite part of this book has to be Eli´s mother, she is so sweet and funny! And the book club!!
March 13, 2024
Cue the Permagrin with this one!!! Seriously I couldn't stop grinning the whole time. I can't get enough of these Appies!!! If you like hockey romances, or if you've never read one (time to get on that), this is one that sweet and clean romance fans are going to LOVE!!! I'm so excited to read Jenny Proctor's book in this new series and see more of these Appie hockey players!
If you're not aware this series was born from the Sweater Weather books that both Emma St. Clair and Jenny Proctor wrote for the Sweater Weather series. Go read those too! I can't say enough good about them. Permagrin all around with these fantastic reads! And you get to see some favorites from those books in this one. Pink sticky notes everyone!!!! Hahaha!!! IYKYK! ;-)
I was a goner when I started this one. Seriously Eli is just a big ol' gooey cinnamon roll of a main male character. If you haven't heard that term yet, now you have. The basic idea of it is that they are sweet and yummy and perfection because... Well, Cinnamon Rolls y'all!!!
Eli finds himself in a marriage of convenience with the girl he's been falling in love with for a long time. And how it all comes about was super cute. Bailey is just lovely! And man, my heart went out to her for her struggles. Especially with her grandma. I might have gotten a little teary eyed a few times. You'll see why when you read it. But Eli is just the bestest! And they are really too cute for words.
Eli's mom cracks me up! She's a hoot! And so are her book club friends! Hahahaha!!! I'm sitting here giggling over them now that I'm thinking about them and their antics again. Yep, you're going to love them and all of the other characters in this book.
I think I just need to go back and read this one again. So many wonderful scenes. This is one where my whole book is close to being highlighted because of the great scenes, lines, jokes, banter, sweet moments...EVERYTHING!!!
Ok, just stop reading my review and go read it for yourself. Move it up to the top of your list. Or better yet, drop everything and pick it up now! You don't have to have read the Sweater Weather books to enjoy this one. But you will probably want to once you start meeting these Appie hockey players! Just sayin'! ;-)
Content: Clean. It is a marriage of convenience story. There are sweet kisses and the characters sleep in the same bed. The marital scene is closed door/fade to black and was very cleanly written.
I received a copy from the publisher, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
If you're not aware this series was born from the Sweater Weather books that both Emma St. Clair and Jenny Proctor wrote for the Sweater Weather series. Go read those too! I can't say enough good about them. Permagrin all around with these fantastic reads! And you get to see some favorites from those books in this one. Pink sticky notes everyone!!!! Hahaha!!! IYKYK! ;-)
I was a goner when I started this one. Seriously Eli is just a big ol' gooey cinnamon roll of a main male character. If you haven't heard that term yet, now you have. The basic idea of it is that they are sweet and yummy and perfection because... Well, Cinnamon Rolls y'all!!!
Eli finds himself in a marriage of convenience with the girl he's been falling in love with for a long time. And how it all comes about was super cute. Bailey is just lovely! And man, my heart went out to her for her struggles. Especially with her grandma. I might have gotten a little teary eyed a few times. You'll see why when you read it. But Eli is just the bestest! And they are really too cute for words.
Eli's mom cracks me up! She's a hoot! And so are her book club friends! Hahahaha!!! I'm sitting here giggling over them now that I'm thinking about them and their antics again. Yep, you're going to love them and all of the other characters in this book.
I think I just need to go back and read this one again. So many wonderful scenes. This is one where my whole book is close to being highlighted because of the great scenes, lines, jokes, banter, sweet moments...EVERYTHING!!!
Ok, just stop reading my review and go read it for yourself. Move it up to the top of your list. Or better yet, drop everything and pick it up now! You don't have to have read the Sweater Weather books to enjoy this one. But you will probably want to once you start meeting these Appie hockey players! Just sayin'! ;-)
Content: Clean. It is a marriage of convenience story. There are sweet kisses and the characters sleep in the same bed. The marital scene is closed door/fade to black and was very cleanly written.
I received a copy from the publisher, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
April 6, 2024
This book is just so much fun! It's super cute, funny, and sweet. I can't stop smiling, and it's hilariously funny—I've lost count of how many times it's made me laugh out loud!
Eli Hopkins, a successful hockey player, faces the threat of deportation due to administrative errors in his visa paperwork. He has to find someone to marry him within thirty days to avoid losing everything. He believes he has found the perfect woman, but he wants to marry her for love, not just for legal reasons.
Eli Hopkins is just the best! He's such a romantic and I love reading his POV. He's super caring and puts others first. Every little thing he does for Bailey is so sweet, and their relationship is adorable, and I can't get enough of it. And his relationship with his mom? Total heart-melter! Plus, the banter with his teammates is hilarious—I love those Appies guys! Can't wait for more books about them!
Bailey's personality was totally relatable, but also had this cool uniqueness that you don't often see in romcoms. She was shy in the cutest way, and seeing her come out of her shell with Eli was just heart-melting. And let me tell you, their chemistry was off the charts!
Overall, this book is a feel-good read that will leave you smiling from ear to ear!
Eli Hopkins, a successful hockey player, faces the threat of deportation due to administrative errors in his visa paperwork. He has to find someone to marry him within thirty days to avoid losing everything. He believes he has found the perfect woman, but he wants to marry her for love, not just for legal reasons.
Eli Hopkins is just the best! He's such a romantic and I love reading his POV. He's super caring and puts others first. Every little thing he does for Bailey is so sweet, and their relationship is adorable, and I can't get enough of it. And his relationship with his mom? Total heart-melter! Plus, the banter with his teammates is hilarious—I love those Appies guys! Can't wait for more books about them!
Bailey's personality was totally relatable, but also had this cool uniqueness that you don't often see in romcoms. She was shy in the cutest way, and seeing her come out of her shell with Eli was just heart-melting. And let me tell you, their chemistry was off the charts!
Overall, this book is a feel-good read that will leave you smiling from ear to ear!
May 27, 2024
Sigh, the Apples players have stolen my heart and Emma St. Clair scores another goal with Eli!
If you enjoy hockey romances (or even if you don't) I invite you to get to know the Appies (connected, but standalone books include Just Don't Fall and Absolutely Not in Love). This series is filled with so much heart and humor. The steam doesn't surpass onscreen kissing but trust me their chemistry will make you swoon.
I loved Eli's BIG feelings and all the ways he expressed them. Eli and Bailey were adorably awkward and their marriage of convenience, along with the pining and sweet moments, simply melted my heart.
You will adore the side characters - the dynamics of this team is so fleshed out. I fall for them more with each book. Loved the Dual POV, the banter, the moments that made me laugh out loud or say
"awww" and of course there's always an animal - here we had an animal shelter and a heart stealing dog.
Looking forward to the next Appies installment coming from Jenny Proctor in May - Romancing the Grump.
If you enjoy hockey romances (or even if you don't) I invite you to get to know the Appies (connected, but standalone books include Just Don't Fall and Absolutely Not in Love). This series is filled with so much heart and humor. The steam doesn't surpass onscreen kissing but trust me their chemistry will make you swoon.
I loved Eli's BIG feelings and all the ways he expressed them. Eli and Bailey were adorably awkward and their marriage of convenience, along with the pining and sweet moments, simply melted my heart.
You will adore the side characters - the dynamics of this team is so fleshed out. I fall for them more with each book. Loved the Dual POV, the banter, the moments that made me laugh out loud or say
"awww" and of course there's always an animal - here we had an animal shelter and a heart stealing dog.
Looking forward to the next Appies installment coming from Jenny Proctor in May - Romancing the Grump.
September 5, 2024
3⭐️
No comment
No comment
July 23, 2024
This was a super sweet, dual POV, marriage of convenience indie sports romance that has a Canadian pro hockey player searching for a wife in order to stay in the States for his job and an aspiring Veterinarian looking for a way to fund her grandmother's retirement home stay bonding as they get married and end up falling for one another.
I loved the mutual pining, the huge hearts of the two main characters and the way they ended up falling for one another. Many thanks to the author for an early ALC in exchange for my honest review. I am a GIANT fan of Emma St. Clair and the Appie series and can't recommend this book enough!!
⚠️CW: great fibromyalgia rep from a side character
💋Steam level: kissing only
I loved the mutual pining, the huge hearts of the two main characters and the way they ended up falling for one another. Many thanks to the author for an early ALC in exchange for my honest review. I am a GIANT fan of Emma St. Clair and the Appie series and can't recommend this book enough!!
⚠️CW: great fibromyalgia rep from a side character
💋Steam level: kissing only
August 2, 2024
This book was good because it was Eli’s. But other than that, there really didn’t feel like there was a plot?? Maybe it’s just cause I haven’t read many romance books, but this one seemed to be just all over the place. Other than that, though, it was good.
May 1, 2025
I am absolutely loving the Appies! Eli was so dynamic and surprisingly sweet, and I loved how Bailey grew throughout the story. Eli's family and teammates were the icing on the cake.
July 22, 2024
I absolutely ADORED this book!!! This modern-day marriage of convenience somehow felt so natural and realistic and was the sweetest thing ever!!
I loved Eli’s bright personality in what we saw from him in the Sweater Weather series, and I was so happy he was getting his own book! I loved getting to know and love him even more! He will MELT you with his sweetness and his big romantic heart!
Bailey’s personality was so relatable but also very unique and something not seen often in the romcom genre. She was so endearingly shy and I loved to see her open up to Eli. Their chemistry was sizzling!
Emma St. Clair never disappoints with her humorous analogies, clever banter, and laugh out loud scenes! I love that so much about her writing! I will never stop recommending her to everyone!
Don’t miss the bonus scenes…you’ll get a link at the end of the book! They are GOLD! I love being able to see some behind the scenes from authors and so the deleted scenes were really interesting to me. I love that Emma St. Clair is never afraid to be transparent and let us see into her process. She is so brilliant and talented!
I love the Appies and am so excited for the rest of their stories! I loved the involvement Parker, Logan and the rest of the team had in Eli’s journey.
🔥: Kissing
I loved Eli’s bright personality in what we saw from him in the Sweater Weather series, and I was so happy he was getting his own book! I loved getting to know and love him even more! He will MELT you with his sweetness and his big romantic heart!
Bailey’s personality was so relatable but also very unique and something not seen often in the romcom genre. She was so endearingly shy and I loved to see her open up to Eli. Their chemistry was sizzling!
Emma St. Clair never disappoints with her humorous analogies, clever banter, and laugh out loud scenes! I love that so much about her writing! I will never stop recommending her to everyone!
Don’t miss the bonus scenes…you’ll get a link at the end of the book! They are GOLD! I love being able to see some behind the scenes from authors and so the deleted scenes were really interesting to me. I love that Emma St. Clair is never afraid to be transparent and let us see into her process. She is so brilliant and talented!
I love the Appies and am so excited for the rest of their stories! I loved the involvement Parker, Logan and the rest of the team had in Eli’s journey.
🔥: Kissing
June 21, 2024
Hockey romance + modern day marriage of convenience? Yes please! Eli needs a quick fix to be able to stay in the country and continue his hockey season, and Bailey is animal shelter worker who is alone in the world except for her grandmother suffering from dementia who needs better care. I really feel like they would have ended up together anyway but the unusual circumstances accelerated their relationship. Nothing like proximity, sacrifice, and commitment mixed with complicated dynamics for amazing chemistry and romantic tension! Eli is such a light in Bailey's world, and I love how they care for each other and show it in their actions. Such a great falling-in-love story with a perfect balance of depth and humor! I'm loving the Appies players and hope the authors keep writing their stories.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
May 14, 2024
This book was another of my most anticipated reads of the year. Unfortunately, I have been in a bit of a reading slump recently and have not enjoyed most of the books I've been reading as much as I typically would. This does extend to this book. I kept on thinking that the book could have been about 50 pages long if the characters would only talk to each other like mature adults instead of avoiding every single hard topic.
I do want to add that Eli had a great personality and overall character. He was such a sweetheart.
3.5 Stars
Content: kissing
Quotes:
Can I get her to say more than four words in a row? If so, how many? At my last visit, she said two sentences in a row, and I almost got her to laugh. There was the tiniest huffing sound before she swallowed it down, which is a win in my book. I’ve started counting her blushes. Keeping a mental tally, my achievements glowing like a scoreboard.
_______
March can’t come soon enough.
I do want to add that Eli had a great personality and overall character. He was such a sweetheart.
3.5 Stars
Content: kissing
Quotes:
Can I get her to say more than four words in a row? If so, how many? At my last visit, she said two sentences in a row, and I almost got her to laugh. There was the tiniest huffing sound before she swallowed it down, which is a win in my book. I’ve started counting her blushes. Keeping a mental tally, my achievements glowing like a scoreboard.
_______
March can’t come soon enough.
February 29, 2024
I wanna thank netgalley for this ARC in exhange of an honest review. And I also wanna thank the author for this copy of the book:
It was a good book. I would have liked to see more of them married, I understood the build up but it would have been nice if they had married earlier. I was so happy there was no 3rd act breakup, I was really dreading one. Eli was so freaking adorable, such a sunshine of a person, would do anything for the people he loves, fantastic man really. Bailey was one of those people that takes a while to process their feelings and I have to admit that the speed at each she went, frustated me to no end. I understood her struggle and all but the times she questioned Eli and his actions and feelings wasn't fair. But overall, it was a cute book
It was a good book. I would have liked to see more of them married, I understood the build up but it would have been nice if they had married earlier. I was so happy there was no 3rd act breakup, I was really dreading one. Eli was so freaking adorable, such a sunshine of a person, would do anything for the people he loves, fantastic man really. Bailey was one of those people that takes a while to process their feelings and I have to admit that the speed at each she went, frustated me to no end. I understood her struggle and all but the times she questioned Eli and his actions and feelings wasn't fair. But overall, it was a cute book
Read
March 4, 2024Eli and Bailey forever.
This marriage of convenience story was so cute and so sweet. I absolutely loved that the book was written with both Eli and Bailey’s perspectives as a dual POV. The set up, the marriage, and the “I’m his wife” moment to name a few?! So good. Also, as someone who has a couple of chronic illnesses, I also really appreciated the chronic illness rep in Eli’s mom.
Eli got the perfect HEA. It was so fun to get to know some of the other Appies players better and to catch up a little bit with Logan and Felix, too! Emma St. Clair always writes the most swoony stories and this is no exception. I can’t wait for more of the Appies!
Thank you to @netgalley for my gifted e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
This marriage of convenience story was so cute and so sweet. I absolutely loved that the book was written with both Eli and Bailey’s perspectives as a dual POV. The set up, the marriage, and the “I’m his wife” moment to name a few?! So good. Also, as someone who has a couple of chronic illnesses, I also really appreciated the chronic illness rep in Eli’s mom.
Eli got the perfect HEA. It was so fun to get to know some of the other Appies players better and to catch up a little bit with Logan and Felix, too! Emma St. Clair always writes the most swoony stories and this is no exception. I can’t wait for more of the Appies!
Thank you to @netgalley for my gifted e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 11, 2025
I liked this one, but I didn’t love it. I just don’t think I like (or buy) the whole marriage of convenience trope. I did like Eli and Bailey’s characters, but I don’t like the idea of marrying someone before you really get to know them.
I did appreciate that this was a clean romance, though I would note there are a couple of sentences here and there where the characters hint at wanting more (namely the night of their wedding, which at least they’re married but I don’t need to know that).
I was happy to see the Appies again. I love the found family of these guys. This just isn’t a favorite in the series for me.
I did appreciate that this was a clean romance, though I would note there are a couple of sentences here and there where the characters hint at wanting more (namely the night of their wedding, which at least they’re married but I don’t need to know that).
I was happy to see the Appies again. I love the found family of these guys. This just isn’t a favorite in the series for me.
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