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Roseville Ramblers #2
Hot Shot
Never thought I’d agree to a marriage of convenience to my hot, firefighter ex boyfriend.
Especially after he casually informs me we’ve been married for ten years.
Ten years ago, Wilder and I were so in love that we got married in Vegas for one night only before leaving for college on different sides of the world. He was supposed to mail the annulment papers.
Problem is, he didn’t.
Worse? He didn’t tell me.
Not even when I came back to town to marry another man.
But now he needs my help, and I can’t say no. All I have to do is have to pretend in front of the whole town like we’re married. Hold hands. Kiss. Not throw myself at him when he looks at me like I’m the only woman in the world.
My body might remember him, but the rest of me isn’t ready. Because I’m just learning how to find myself, and if I get wrapped up in Wilder’s world, I’ll lose more than my heart—I’ll lose everything.
Again.
Especially after he casually informs me we’ve been married for ten years.
Ten years ago, Wilder and I were so in love that we got married in Vegas for one night only before leaving for college on different sides of the world. He was supposed to mail the annulment papers.
Problem is, he didn’t.
Worse? He didn’t tell me.
Not even when I came back to town to marry another man.
But now he needs my help, and I can’t say no. All I have to do is have to pretend in front of the whole town like we’re married. Hold hands. Kiss. Not throw myself at him when he looks at me like I’m the only woman in the world.
My body might remember him, but the rest of me isn’t ready. Because I’m just learning how to find myself, and if I get wrapped up in Wilder’s world, I’ll lose more than my heart—I’ll lose everything.
Again.
452 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2025
129 people are currently reading
1254 people want to read
About the author
Staci Hart
60 books6,217 followersI was the kid who stayed inside to read.
As a four-eyed nerd with a bad perm, I was no one’s dodgeball pick, but I had a lot of friends. Frodo and Bilbo, for instance. Kristy, Stacey, Claudia and the gang (iykyk). Once, in the third grade, I wrote a teen murder mystery inspired by Christopher Pike. On solving my mystery in twelve pages, I decided I was a terrible writer and should never, ever do that again.
Fortunately, I didn’t take my own advice.
I write romance for that feeling you get at the end, like you’re standing on top of a mountain with a backpack full of hundred dollar bills. I write romcoms because is there anything better than banter and grand gestures? I write because I love to create and I love words. I love books, and I love stretching my imagination. I love love, and if you do too, bring your coffee and have a seat. I think we’re gonna be friends.
Stay connected!
Instagram: http://instagram.com/quirkybird
Facebook: http://facebook.com/stacihartnovels
Reader Group: http://facebook.com/groups/stacihart
As a four-eyed nerd with a bad perm, I was no one’s dodgeball pick, but I had a lot of friends. Frodo and Bilbo, for instance. Kristy, Stacey, Claudia and the gang (iykyk). Once, in the third grade, I wrote a teen murder mystery inspired by Christopher Pike. On solving my mystery in twelve pages, I decided I was a terrible writer and should never, ever do that again.
Fortunately, I didn’t take my own advice.
I write romance for that feeling you get at the end, like you’re standing on top of a mountain with a backpack full of hundred dollar bills. I write romcoms because is there anything better than banter and grand gestures? I write because I love to create and I love words. I love books, and I love stretching my imagination. I love love, and if you do too, bring your coffee and have a seat. I think we’re gonna be friends.
Stay connected!
Instagram: http://instagram.com/quirkybird
Facebook: http://facebook.com/stacihartnovels
Reader Group: http://facebook.com/groups/stacihart
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews
April 22, 2025
4.25 stars
After reading ‘Wild Card’ last year, I hoped we would get more from this world. I love Staci Hart’s writing, and these characters were so fun! ‘Hot Shot’ was so fun and full of emotion, I adored it!
Cass is a jilted bride staying in her hometown to collect herself. Thankfully, her best friend, Jessa, is here too, now that she’s with Cass’s cousin, Remy. It could be worse. But there is also her ex/first love, Wilder. Wilder isn’t just her ex-boyfriend. He’s her ex-husband. One night in Vegas, when they were 18… the kicker is, they’re still married. And Cass has no idea.
I can’t even imagine. The hotshot firefighter/playboy is now a husband. Right as Cass finds this out, she also finds out Wilder desperately needs her help and requires them to stay married for at least a while.
I love a good fake marriage, a pining and obsessed hero, and this one had all that as well as fantastic banter. I had so much fun reading it, and it hit me in my feels as well. A character named Cricket stole my heart. I truly hope the next one comes out soon because getting a tease for that age gap romance… gah!
After reading ‘Wild Card’ last year, I hoped we would get more from this world. I love Staci Hart’s writing, and these characters were so fun! ‘Hot Shot’ was so fun and full of emotion, I adored it!
Cass is a jilted bride staying in her hometown to collect herself. Thankfully, her best friend, Jessa, is here too, now that she’s with Cass’s cousin, Remy. It could be worse. But there is also her ex/first love, Wilder. Wilder isn’t just her ex-boyfriend. He’s her ex-husband. One night in Vegas, when they were 18… the kicker is, they’re still married. And Cass has no idea.
I can’t even imagine. The hotshot firefighter/playboy is now a husband. Right as Cass finds this out, she also finds out Wilder desperately needs her help and requires them to stay married for at least a while.
I love a good fake marriage, a pining and obsessed hero, and this one had all that as well as fantastic banter. I had so much fun reading it, and it hit me in my feels as well. A character named Cricket stole my heart. I truly hope the next one comes out soon because getting a tease for that age gap romance… gah!
dnf
April 26, 2025DNF - A decade separation where he becomes a manwhore with a great sex life while she spent the 10 years with ONE guy, who also turns out to be gay and dumps her at the alter for the best man.
If that double standard isn't enough to bug me, H knew that they were still married and yet he fucked around. Sleeping with one or more women every night was a necessity than informing h that he never filed for an annulment. Ofc he still loved her after sampling the buffet 🫠
Wait, there more!. He has a secret child that gets dropped off after her mother died. Her mother was his steady fling from 7 years ago whenever he came back from college. He vividly remembers who and how she was 🤢 Guess who plays instant mommy and free baby sitter. None of this sounds remotely romantic to me, so dnf it is.
If that double standard isn't enough to bug me, H knew that they were still married and yet he fucked around. Sleeping with one or more women every night was a necessity than informing h that he never filed for an annulment. Ofc he still loved her after sampling the buffet 🫠
Wait, there more!. He has a secret child that gets dropped off after her mother died. Her mother was his steady fling from 7 years ago whenever he came back from college. He vividly remembers who and how she was 🤢 Guess who plays instant mommy and free baby sitter. None of this sounds remotely romantic to me, so dnf it is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2025
Hot Shot by Staci Hart is absolute magic. From the first page to the last, I was grinning, giggling, and fully obsessed. This book is a delicious cocktail of all my favorite tropes — forced proximity, fake marriage, small-town charm, single dad sweetness, sports romance steam, and rom-com brilliance. The banter is chef’s kiss, the inner monologue had me literally screaming and kicking my feet, and the emotional payoff? Perfection. Staci Hart’s writing is sharp, hilarious, and endlessly heartwarming. It’s the kind of book you want to hug when you’re done and immediately shove into your best friend’s hands. An easy five-star read and an absolute must for your spring TBR.
did-not-finish
June 16, 2025DNF @ 19%. I really liked the premise and there were a few cute moments, but I had a hard time getting into the story. Could be the pace (it was fast but there was also quite a bit of filler) or possibly my mood. YMMV!
May 3, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
April 27, 2025
Just gorgeous - Staci Hart always combines romance, heartfelt story telling and beautiful prose into a glorious package. I wish she had a book release every month.
April 23, 2025
It doesn't matter what Staci Hart writes, I will eat it up! Her wit, humor and care she puts into her stories is evident. I always look forward to her characters and the journey she takes them on in order to get their HEA.
Ms Hart takes us back to the small town of Roseville in Hot Shot with a marriage of convenience, second chance romance between childhood sweethearts and it couldn't have been better. After reading Wild Card last year, I have been looking forward to this story for months. The snippet we got as a sneak peak has had me anxiously waiting for Wilder and Cass's story and it's finally here!
Wilder has been in love with his childhood sweetheart, Cassidy since he was 13 and that love never stopped. Even after 10 years of them being apart. Even after he became a pro baseball player. Even when Cass was going to marry someone else. Even when he was casually dating other women. He knew what he wanted his end game to be. But after 10 years and an ocean apart, Cassidy was set to marry someone else until she is left at the alter. With her tail between her legs, she returns to her small town home to lick her wounds and set fire to her past and start over. At least she has her cousin Remy and her best friend Jessa to support her. And then there's Wilder, her ex first love that just so happens to be her ex (secret) husband. The man she married for a night in Vegas when they were 18. But, what she doesn't know is that they are still married. *duh duh duh*
I love a good marriage of convenience/fake marriage trope, but this one topped any expectations that I could have had. It came with the best, jaw-dropping surprise ever that will make you fall for yet another character that you can't help but love. But the fact that Wilder and Cass agreed to the farce after a huge bomb was dropped was actually a blessing all around. It gave them time to reacquaint themselves to each other and see how they had grown and changed. I loved the physical tension they had because they obviously still had some major love for one another. Their sparks never dulled over the years. It was almost like a slow burn, but with side benefits. They absolutely killed me with their attraction that they didn't let get out of hand. Until Cass FINALLY changed her mind. And it was a beautiful, feral thing!
I enjoyed this book from the first line to the last. You could feel the love and tension and care from not only Wilder and Cass, but also the supporting characters. There was a good balance of humor, attraction and sexual tension. And even the emotional aspects were well done and added to the whole feel of the book. Overall, this had a bit of everything. It will make you laugh, blush, get your heart racing and perhaps even shed a tear or two.
"In my wildest dreams, I always have you. But never in my wildest dreams did I think you'd be mine."
If you like:
Marriage of convenience
Forced Proximity
Down bad for her MMC
Second chances
Hot firemen
My wife vibes
Single Dad
with a great cast of characters that will make you laugh and fan yourself at the same time, you will love Hot Shot. It's a great addition to the Roseville world and I can't wait for more. Because that sneak peak we got? OMG!! Tell me I won't have to wait too long, Staci!!
Ms Hart takes us back to the small town of Roseville in Hot Shot with a marriage of convenience, second chance romance between childhood sweethearts and it couldn't have been better. After reading Wild Card last year, I have been looking forward to this story for months. The snippet we got as a sneak peak has had me anxiously waiting for Wilder and Cass's story and it's finally here!
Wilder has been in love with his childhood sweetheart, Cassidy since he was 13 and that love never stopped. Even after 10 years of them being apart. Even after he became a pro baseball player. Even when Cass was going to marry someone else. Even when he was casually dating other women. He knew what he wanted his end game to be. But after 10 years and an ocean apart, Cassidy was set to marry someone else until she is left at the alter. With her tail between her legs, she returns to her small town home to lick her wounds and set fire to her past and start over. At least she has her cousin Remy and her best friend Jessa to support her. And then there's Wilder, her ex first love that just so happens to be her ex (secret) husband. The man she married for a night in Vegas when they were 18. But, what she doesn't know is that they are still married. *duh duh duh*
I love a good marriage of convenience/fake marriage trope, but this one topped any expectations that I could have had. It came with the best, jaw-dropping surprise ever that will make you fall for yet another character that you can't help but love. But the fact that Wilder and Cass agreed to the farce after a huge bomb was dropped was actually a blessing all around. It gave them time to reacquaint themselves to each other and see how they had grown and changed. I loved the physical tension they had because they obviously still had some major love for one another. Their sparks never dulled over the years. It was almost like a slow burn, but with side benefits. They absolutely killed me with their attraction that they didn't let get out of hand. Until Cass FINALLY changed her mind. And it was a beautiful, feral thing!
I enjoyed this book from the first line to the last. You could feel the love and tension and care from not only Wilder and Cass, but also the supporting characters. There was a good balance of humor, attraction and sexual tension. And even the emotional aspects were well done and added to the whole feel of the book. Overall, this had a bit of everything. It will make you laugh, blush, get your heart racing and perhaps even shed a tear or two.
"In my wildest dreams, I always have you. But never in my wildest dreams did I think you'd be mine."
If you like:
Marriage of convenience
Forced Proximity
Down bad for her MMC
Second chances
Hot firemen
My wife vibes
Single Dad
with a great cast of characters that will make you laugh and fan yourself at the same time, you will love Hot Shot. It's a great addition to the Roseville world and I can't wait for more. Because that sneak peak we got? OMG!! Tell me I won't have to wait too long, Staci!!
April 30, 2025
Loved Cass and Wilder
Oh I knew I'd love this book! Wild Card blew me away last year when it came out, and the FMC from this book was a big part of bringing those two characters together. I absolutely loved Cass and Wilder. She's the best friend of the heroine from book one, and he's her childhood romance that got away.
I enjoyed the snippets of the past that we were given, without it being overdone. This author gave us just enough of their history to make us believe that their HEA was destined. There's a lot going on in this book, from a FMC dealing with being left at the alter, starting over, unexpected surprises from the past, and buried emotions that have been simmering for over a decade.
Wilder really stole my heart in this book. He's pined for Cass for years, never really knowing how or when he'd be able to reenter her life. When fate steps in and delivers her back into his life, he dives head first into it. I love how giving this man was! Sure, there's a lot of unexpected growth that happens in this book, and these two definitely need to learn each other again, but Wilder learns as he goes and is the ideal partner with how he listens and transforms in this book.
And Cass is a woman to love. She's gone through it all with her prior relationship, and is now rediscovering the woman she wants to be. She's got a heart of gold and is learning how to voice her own wants and needs, and I LOVE that for her. As her and Wilder become closer, their chemistry from the past reignites almost like no time has passed. These two felt real, experienced some raw emotional moments, and battled their way through it all together.
Oh I knew I'd love this book! Wild Card blew me away last year when it came out, and the FMC from this book was a big part of bringing those two characters together. I absolutely loved Cass and Wilder. She's the best friend of the heroine from book one, and he's her childhood romance that got away.
I enjoyed the snippets of the past that we were given, without it being overdone. This author gave us just enough of their history to make us believe that their HEA was destined. There's a lot going on in this book, from a FMC dealing with being left at the alter, starting over, unexpected surprises from the past, and buried emotions that have been simmering for over a decade.
Wilder really stole my heart in this book. He's pined for Cass for years, never really knowing how or when he'd be able to reenter her life. When fate steps in and delivers her back into his life, he dives head first into it. I love how giving this man was! Sure, there's a lot of unexpected growth that happens in this book, and these two definitely need to learn each other again, but Wilder learns as he goes and is the ideal partner with how he listens and transforms in this book.
And Cass is a woman to love. She's gone through it all with her prior relationship, and is now rediscovering the woman she wants to be. She's got a heart of gold and is learning how to voice her own wants and needs, and I LOVE that for her. As her and Wilder become closer, their chemistry from the past reignites almost like no time has passed. These two felt real, experienced some raw emotional moments, and battled their way through it all together.
April 21, 2025
Find this review and others on bookstagram.
There are just some tropes a girl loves and this girl loves a marriage of convenience. You know where it's going to end up, but the journey is always worth it. Who is going to fall first? Her? Him? The entire town that sees their chemistry and love even though they're denying it? I love for that sort of drama in my books and Staci Hart delivered with Hot Shot.
Cass is newly single and coming to terms with it when Wilder, her high school sweetheart and the town's hearthrob fire captain, comes back into her life with alarming news. They're still married and he needs her to be all in on that marriage for a time. It isn't the right time and Cass doesn't even know who she is anymore after these ten years, but they're holding hands, kissing, and making life work together. It's high stakes and high drama and highly combustive as these two have hot as heck chemistry.
I was totally sucked into this book, loving Wilder and Cass as they take on marriage and life together at the speed of light. The way they shift around one another and grow as individuals and as a couple, is totally sweet to read. Of course, wouldn't be a Hart book if it wasn't hilarious and spicy! I loved these two, I loved their journey, I sobbed and blushed and cheered them on to the very last page. Instant win. Now where's the next? ;)
ARC provided
There are just some tropes a girl loves and this girl loves a marriage of convenience. You know where it's going to end up, but the journey is always worth it. Who is going to fall first? Her? Him? The entire town that sees their chemistry and love even though they're denying it? I love for that sort of drama in my books and Staci Hart delivered with Hot Shot.
Cass is newly single and coming to terms with it when Wilder, her high school sweetheart and the town's hearthrob fire captain, comes back into her life with alarming news. They're still married and he needs her to be all in on that marriage for a time. It isn't the right time and Cass doesn't even know who she is anymore after these ten years, but they're holding hands, kissing, and making life work together. It's high stakes and high drama and highly combustive as these two have hot as heck chemistry.
I was totally sucked into this book, loving Wilder and Cass as they take on marriage and life together at the speed of light. The way they shift around one another and grow as individuals and as a couple, is totally sweet to read. Of course, wouldn't be a Hart book if it wasn't hilarious and spicy! I loved these two, I loved their journey, I sobbed and blushed and cheered them on to the very last page. Instant win. Now where's the next? ;)
ARC provided
June 6, 2025
4 🌟
Spice: open door
Format: ebook
When you go to Vegas and get married with the condition that it's just for the night, but you left an 18yr old boy in charge of the paperwork 🤭 surprise you are still married 10 years later.
Gah this was cute, yet had a tiny little mystery aspect that really pulled some parts together. I laughed, I swooned, I cried. This gave me everything. I love these characters, even if they frustrated me a time or two. The grandparents irked my nerves, but I totally see where they are coming from. I loved the way everything fell into place at the end.
I will say this is listed as single dad, I wouldn't call it that. He has Cass by his side from the second he finds out Cricket, they are literally married so single dad is a stretch.
Spice: open door
Format: ebook
When you go to Vegas and get married with the condition that it's just for the night, but you left an 18yr old boy in charge of the paperwork 🤭 surprise you are still married 10 years later.
Gah this was cute, yet had a tiny little mystery aspect that really pulled some parts together. I laughed, I swooned, I cried. This gave me everything. I love these characters, even if they frustrated me a time or two. The grandparents irked my nerves, but I totally see where they are coming from. I loved the way everything fell into place at the end.
I will say this is listed as single dad, I wouldn't call it that. He has Cass by his side from the second he finds out Cricket, they are literally married so single dad is a stretch.
April 23, 2025
Oh wow. WOW. This book is SO GOOD! The love story of Cass & Wilder is one for the ages for sure. High school sweethearts who get married for one night only in Vegas before they head off to college on opposite sides of the world. But is it for one night only?
Cass is back in her hometown after 10 years living away with her (now) ex-fiancé. Left at the alter, she is trying to rebuild her life starting as an elementary school teacher. Things are looking up until she learns she and Wilder are still married...and he REALLY needs to be married for a huge reason that's very central to the plot (but surprising so I don't want to give it away!) Cass agrees and the two have to play house without letting their feelings & history get in the way.
Except Wilder has never stopped loving Cass. And Cass might feel the same.
Everything about this book was so amazing- it was hilarious, sexy, heartbreaking, and such a wonderful love story. Wilder & Cass really work hard for their happy ending and they both deserve it. I inhaled the book and immediately went back to read the first book Wild Card - which is also phenomenal!
Thanks to Good Girls PR & Staci for the ARC and chance to review - thoughts are all my own :)
Cass is back in her hometown after 10 years living away with her (now) ex-fiancé. Left at the alter, she is trying to rebuild her life starting as an elementary school teacher. Things are looking up until she learns she and Wilder are still married...and he REALLY needs to be married for a huge reason that's very central to the plot (but surprising so I don't want to give it away!) Cass agrees and the two have to play house without letting their feelings & history get in the way.
Except Wilder has never stopped loving Cass. And Cass might feel the same.
Everything about this book was so amazing- it was hilarious, sexy, heartbreaking, and such a wonderful love story. Wilder & Cass really work hard for their happy ending and they both deserve it. I inhaled the book and immediately went back to read the first book Wild Card - which is also phenomenal!
Thanks to Good Girls PR & Staci for the ARC and chance to review - thoughts are all my own :)
April 6, 2025
I absolutely love Staci’s writing and it always feels like a breath of fresh air when reading her books. They are quirky, spicy, meaningful, and funny. This is everything I want in a romance book!
Cass and Wilder are high school sweethearts and on a whim their senior trip they decide to get married in Vegas “just for one night to see how it feels.” They’re both going separate ways after graduation and don’t want to do the long distance thing. But 10 years later and Wilder never mailed the divorce papers in…
Cass comes back to their hometown to get married to someone else, but then is left as a jilted bride at the altar and she still doesn’t know she almost committed fraud at the altar to her now ex-fiancé.
Wilder eventually gets the nerve to tell her, and that same day he does, a big surprise is dropped off at his door - “Congrats you’re a dad, and have been for 7 years!” Wilder + Cass have to pretend to be married so Wilder can legally get custody of Cricket. The fake marriage/forced proximity will do it for me everytime but it always ends with - “it’s always been you” and I just eat that up.
There’s a little bit of mystery in this book and I loved that aspect as well. Staci, this book was perfection, chefs kiss, all the things.
Thank you for my arc in trade for an honest review
Cass and Wilder are high school sweethearts and on a whim their senior trip they decide to get married in Vegas “just for one night to see how it feels.” They’re both going separate ways after graduation and don’t want to do the long distance thing. But 10 years later and Wilder never mailed the divorce papers in…
Cass comes back to their hometown to get married to someone else, but then is left as a jilted bride at the altar and she still doesn’t know she almost committed fraud at the altar to her now ex-fiancé.
Wilder eventually gets the nerve to tell her, and that same day he does, a big surprise is dropped off at his door - “Congrats you’re a dad, and have been for 7 years!” Wilder + Cass have to pretend to be married so Wilder can legally get custody of Cricket. The fake marriage/forced proximity will do it for me everytime but it always ends with - “it’s always been you” and I just eat that up.
There’s a little bit of mystery in this book and I loved that aspect as well. Staci, this book was perfection, chefs kiss, all the things.
Thank you for my arc in trade for an honest review
May 9, 2025
3.5 stars
So happy to have received an ARC for this fab read.
So many of my favourite tropes; second chance romance, 'fake' marriage, forced proximity, he falls first ❤️
'Hot Shot' was the second chance romance of Cass & Wilder, high school sweehearts who reunite in a 'fake' relationship as Wilder finds out he is the father of little girl nicknamed Cricket. It was a super sweet story with lots of laughs & great chemistry & spice between the main characters. So much to enjoy 🤗
So happy to have received an ARC for this fab read.
So many of my favourite tropes; second chance romance, 'fake' marriage, forced proximity, he falls first ❤️
'Hot Shot' was the second chance romance of Cass & Wilder, high school sweehearts who reunite in a 'fake' relationship as Wilder finds out he is the father of little girl nicknamed Cricket. It was a super sweet story with lots of laughs & great chemistry & spice between the main characters. So much to enjoy 🤗
April 25, 2025
Second Chance Romance is ALWAYS gonna do it for me - but this one had an even funner take on it!
Cass and Wilder - high school sweet hearts - decide to get married for one night only in Vegas before they separate to start their college lives. Easy, turn in the annulment papers and it would be one big secret just for them. Not so easy, Cass returns to their hometown as a jilted bride - only to find out Wilder in fact never turned in their annulment papers. Even more not so easy? Wilder and Cass get their own shock of their lives in the form of a small 6 year old girl.
Staci Hart was one of those authors I found in my early new adult reading journey and is someone I will continue to read! Her books are always so cozy, but don't lack in the spice! Her characters are so well written and fleshed out, I feel like I could easily be their friends.
I loved the pacing of this book - you could tell these two have only been in love with one another not matter who was between them. And the tension between these two was SO HOT. Wilder was down bad and I loved that for Cass. Cass was so good about standing her ground and boundaries, even thought I wanted her to drop all pretense and get back together with Wilder. These two fell into rhythm so perfectly without feelings cheesy or rushed.
If you're looking for a fun read, please pick this up!
Thank you so much to Good Girls PR and Staci Hart for an eARC of this book! All thoughts are my own!
Cass and Wilder - high school sweet hearts - decide to get married for one night only in Vegas before they separate to start their college lives. Easy, turn in the annulment papers and it would be one big secret just for them. Not so easy, Cass returns to their hometown as a jilted bride - only to find out Wilder in fact never turned in their annulment papers. Even more not so easy? Wilder and Cass get their own shock of their lives in the form of a small 6 year old girl.
Staci Hart was one of those authors I found in my early new adult reading journey and is someone I will continue to read! Her books are always so cozy, but don't lack in the spice! Her characters are so well written and fleshed out, I feel like I could easily be their friends.
I loved the pacing of this book - you could tell these two have only been in love with one another not matter who was between them. And the tension between these two was SO HOT. Wilder was down bad and I loved that for Cass. Cass was so good about standing her ground and boundaries, even thought I wanted her to drop all pretense and get back together with Wilder. These two fell into rhythm so perfectly without feelings cheesy or rushed.
If you're looking for a fun read, please pick this up!
Thank you so much to Good Girls PR and Staci Hart for an eARC of this book! All thoughts are my own!
April 25, 2025
Oh so satisfying - another winner
5 stars
Hot Shot is the second book in the Roseville Ramblers series - and one I’ve been waiting so very patiently for after it was teased in the first book, Wild Card (which was an epic book, by the way). Cassie from this book is the best friend of the heroine from Wild Card, Jessa. Oh, and it was Cassie’s wedding that almost featured in the first book. This book stands completely alone but if you read this book before Wild Card, you will find out things that happen in the end of that book.
Having adored Wild Card, I had such high hopes for this follow up featuring Cassie and her high school boyfriend, Wilder. And, thankfully, it met each and every one of my expectations. And then some. I kind of knew what to expect of the story from the blurb - so I was in for quite a surprise that the book didn’t take the path I expected it to. It’s never a bad thing to keep me on my toes!
Wilder was, in a way, the simpler character of our couple. He knew what he wanted - if maybe not how to go about getting it. And what he wanted was Cass. Always. Forever. Gah - he was a big, burly, squidgy delight. He wasn’t perfect by any means, but he was so easy to root for, especially since he tried so hard. And I have to agree with Cass - folding clothes, braiding hair, being all capable and shit. Hooo boy! Sexy stuff.
While this is a romance - and we’re all in with seeing Wilder and Cass get their happily ever after - this book was also about how Cass became her own woman and, for want of a better phrase - got her groove back. She was a little bit broken, a little bit lost but also a whole lot determined and feisty with it. I loved her. I wanted her to get her man and get the life that had always been waiting for her. I also loved how real she was. Asking Wilder to stop flirting with her then getting mad when he did exactly what she asked. And also appreciating the hypocrisy of that. I felt like she was just one of the girls.
Wilder and Cass were high school sweethearts and - quite obviously in my opinion - soul mates. But they had some hurdles to overcome first, which produced this delightful shiver of angst that ran through the book. And with that was this slow burn dance between our couple before, more than half way through the book, the damn finally breaks. And damn. They broke it good and often. Most deliciously. Woof!
There was a lot going on in this book alongside the romance between Wilder and Cass. It kept me interested, kept me reading and kept the story going right to the end. All felt part of the wider story and didn’t overtake the main reason we’re here - Cass and Wilder themselves. I personally don’t mind a third-act breakup but in the absence of one in this story, the secondary plots kept things interesting even when our couple have found their way back to each other.
All in all, this was an excellent addition to the already amazing Roseville Ramblers series. And the tease for the third book at the end of this one - good grief! The sweet and nerdy librarian with the older grumpy baseball coach? Gimme. But as for this book - you will want to get your hands on it as soon as you possibly can. It’s sexy, emotional and oh so satisfying. Definitely 5 stars.
April 22, 2025
4.5 'Forever this time' Stars!
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
We are back in Roseville and let me tell you I was extremely curious to know what would happen in the continuation of this series after the teaser that Staci Hart left us in the first installment. I am a sucker for second chance romance and mixing that with a hot single dad that is obsessed with his not-so-fake wife and a couple that fall head over heels in love with each other all over again, then I knew I was in for a treat!
It’s absolutely sick just how bad I need her, and now’s the time.
I’m lining up to shoot my shot.
All I have to do is not fuck it up.
So, Hot Shot is the second installment in Staci's Roseville Ramblers series and it's all about Wilder and Cassidy who loved each other so much ten years ago that they got married for a night when they traveled to Las Vegas. Or that was what Cass thought. Now she is back in Roseville, after being left at the altar, and Wilder is more than decided to get his "wife" back. Especially now that he also needs her help, after finding out that he has a seven year old daughter. They have to fake having a real marriage but it feels anything but that. All that forced proximity and longing is about to set their world on fire and nothing is going to stop it from happening.
“I’m glad you changed your mind,” I say for the hundredth time today.
“Me too. Sorry it took so long.”
“I’d wait forever for you, Cass.”
I have to say, I was so happy to be back in this world and having the chance to read more from Staci because she killed it with the first book in the series. She did the same with Hot Shot and its MC's. I loved Wilder, Cass and Cricket, their found family, the connection that goes over ten years for this couple and how they reconnect after all this time. Their chemistry was pure FIRE and I loved it! So, I am giving this one 4.5 STARS because I thoroughly enjoyed reading this love story and getting more characters to love. Again, after that teaser at the end, I am definitely excited for more!
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
We are back in Roseville and let me tell you I was extremely curious to know what would happen in the continuation of this series after the teaser that Staci Hart left us in the first installment. I am a sucker for second chance romance and mixing that with a hot single dad that is obsessed with his not-so-fake wife and a couple that fall head over heels in love with each other all over again, then I knew I was in for a treat!
It’s absolutely sick just how bad I need her, and now’s the time.
I’m lining up to shoot my shot.
All I have to do is not fuck it up.
So, Hot Shot is the second installment in Staci's Roseville Ramblers series and it's all about Wilder and Cassidy who loved each other so much ten years ago that they got married for a night when they traveled to Las Vegas. Or that was what Cass thought. Now she is back in Roseville, after being left at the altar, and Wilder is more than decided to get his "wife" back. Especially now that he also needs her help, after finding out that he has a seven year old daughter. They have to fake having a real marriage but it feels anything but that. All that forced proximity and longing is about to set their world on fire and nothing is going to stop it from happening.
“I’m glad you changed your mind,” I say for the hundredth time today.
“Me too. Sorry it took so long.”
“I’d wait forever for you, Cass.”
I have to say, I was so happy to be back in this world and having the chance to read more from Staci because she killed it with the first book in the series. She did the same with Hot Shot and its MC's. I loved Wilder, Cass and Cricket, their found family, the connection that goes over ten years for this couple and how they reconnect after all this time. Their chemistry was pure FIRE and I loved it! So, I am giving this one 4.5 STARS because I thoroughly enjoyed reading this love story and getting more characters to love. Again, after that teaser at the end, I am definitely excited for more!
April 30, 2025
This book has a great premise, and I was hooked in the beginning; however, too much was happening, which took away from the main points of the story.
To first look at the good parts, it was so clear how much Wilder loved Cass. From the initial marriage all through their love story, he was down bad for her! While Cass may have been a bit slower in reaching this conclusion (I mean ... she was lied to for ten years, which was understandable), she was still clearly in love with Wilder the whole time. Cricket was a well-written character (often, children are written as more simply while ignoring the complexities of their lives).
Despite this, these positives get lost in the story, which seemed confused. For instance, the whole added aspects of Trent and the murder took away from other factors of the book. The story would have been easier to follow (and I would have been more invested) if it had just focused on the relationship, getting custody of Cricket, and the drama involved with the bullying. In sum, the book tried to include too many storylines and would have been strengthened if it had chosen two or three to focus on instead.
Linked to the convoluted storylines, the book was too long (approximately 450 pages). This made it feel like it was dragging on, eventually leading me to lose interest (which caused me to begin skim-reading some repetitive paragraphs).
Overall, it is a good book with a lot of promise, but it would have been strengthened if it had been edited down and more focused.
Tropes:
- Second chance romance
- High school sweethearts
- Firefighter and teacher
- Unknown marriage
- Surprise child
- No third-act breakup
- 4 spice
Thank you very much to Staci Hart and Good Girls PR for this eARC!
Please note that all opinions are my own.
To first look at the good parts, it was so clear how much Wilder loved Cass. From the initial marriage all through their love story, he was down bad for her! While Cass may have been a bit slower in reaching this conclusion (I mean ... she was lied to for ten years, which was understandable), she was still clearly in love with Wilder the whole time. Cricket was a well-written character (often, children are written as more simply while ignoring the complexities of their lives).
Despite this, these positives get lost in the story, which seemed confused. For instance, the whole added aspects of Trent and the murder took away from other factors of the book. The story would have been easier to follow (and I would have been more invested) if it had just focused on the relationship, getting custody of Cricket, and the drama involved with the bullying. In sum, the book tried to include too many storylines and would have been strengthened if it had chosen two or three to focus on instead.
Linked to the convoluted storylines, the book was too long (approximately 450 pages). This made it feel like it was dragging on, eventually leading me to lose interest (which caused me to begin skim-reading some repetitive paragraphs).
Overall, it is a good book with a lot of promise, but it would have been strengthened if it had been edited down and more focused.
Tropes:
- Second chance romance
- High school sweethearts
- Firefighter and teacher
- Unknown marriage
- Surprise child
- No third-act breakup
- 4 spice
Thank you very much to Staci Hart and Good Girls PR for this eARC!
Please note that all opinions are my own.
April 18, 2025
Every Staci Hart novel is so worth the wait!
This second story of the new interconnected series is white hot! I have found a new trope to love, the down-bad hero!
This is the story of Cassie and Wilder, childhood sweethearts, a wild night in Vegas, and some forgotten paperwork is just the start of the whirlwind relationship between these two.
Cassie is trying to find herself after being jilted at the altar. When her long-ago past comes back into her life, she does what she needs to do to help.
Wilder is just the swooniest! He knows he has done wrong and will do whatever he needs to do to keep Cassie in his world.
Full of heart, heat, and swoons, this story had me glued to the pages, and I was sad when it ended. It was fabulous to see past characters make their appearances known and bring more to the story!
I cannot wait to see what comes next from this cast of characters!
This second story of the new interconnected series is white hot! I have found a new trope to love, the down-bad hero!
This is the story of Cassie and Wilder, childhood sweethearts, a wild night in Vegas, and some forgotten paperwork is just the start of the whirlwind relationship between these two.
Cassie is trying to find herself after being jilted at the altar. When her long-ago past comes back into her life, she does what she needs to do to help.
Wilder is just the swooniest! He knows he has done wrong and will do whatever he needs to do to keep Cassie in his world.
Full of heart, heat, and swoons, this story had me glued to the pages, and I was sad when it ended. It was fabulous to see past characters make their appearances known and bring more to the story!
I cannot wait to see what comes next from this cast of characters!
April 24, 2025
This was SUCH a good book! I love Cassie and Wilder so much!
Being in love and getting married 10 years ago in Vegas before they go on their separate ways, to Cassie almost getting married to someone else but ending up “broken hearted” and then Cassie’s outrage at finding out Wilder never mailed in the annulment papers, and then quickly having to fake it when Wilder’s surprise daughter shows up and his doorstep and then of course them realizing they’ve always been meant to be!
This was a wild ride! And there’s so much I enjoyed about this book but Cricket (Wilder’s daughter) was easily my favorite character!
I was given an ARC from GoodGirlsPr but all thoughts are my own!
Being in love and getting married 10 years ago in Vegas before they go on their separate ways, to Cassie almost getting married to someone else but ending up “broken hearted” and then Cassie’s outrage at finding out Wilder never mailed in the annulment papers, and then quickly having to fake it when Wilder’s surprise daughter shows up and his doorstep and then of course them realizing they’ve always been meant to be!
This was a wild ride! And there’s so much I enjoyed about this book but Cricket (Wilder’s daughter) was easily my favorite character!
I was given an ARC from GoodGirlsPr but all thoughts are my own!
April 25, 2025
I want a Wilder for myself!🤭
💍𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞
💍𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
💍𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧
♥︎𝒯𝒽ℴ𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓈♥︎
𝐈 adored this book. Staci Hart always delivers stories that tug at your heartstrings, filled with humor and swoon-worthy moments.
𝐓𝐞𝐧 years ago, Cass and Wilder tied the knot in Vegas. Cass thought Wilder had filed for divorce, only to discover they were still legally married when he suddenly becomes a father. To secure custody of the child, they must pretend they’ve been happily married all this time.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 story has heart. Cass and Wilder shared a special bond as teenagers which deepened with time. Their chemistry was so good, even as they stepped up to be parents to a little girl in need of love and guidance. Wilder’s daughter unknowingly played matchmaker, bringing them together. These three melted my heart!
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥, this was a fantastic read. Fans of second-chance romance will devour it!
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥: 𝟑/𝟓🔥
💍𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞
💍𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
💍𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧
♥︎𝒯𝒽ℴ𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓈♥︎
𝐈 adored this book. Staci Hart always delivers stories that tug at your heartstrings, filled with humor and swoon-worthy moments.
𝐓𝐞𝐧 years ago, Cass and Wilder tied the knot in Vegas. Cass thought Wilder had filed for divorce, only to discover they were still legally married when he suddenly becomes a father. To secure custody of the child, they must pretend they’ve been happily married all this time.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 story has heart. Cass and Wilder shared a special bond as teenagers which deepened with time. Their chemistry was so good, even as they stepped up to be parents to a little girl in need of love and guidance. Wilder’s daughter unknowingly played matchmaker, bringing them together. These three melted my heart!
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥, this was a fantastic read. Fans of second-chance romance will devour it!
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥: 𝟑/𝟓🔥
May 24, 2025
This was such a cute book! Very smutty which I loved but also had a good storyline. I loved how the characters were in their mid twenties-thirties so it made it feel more relatable. I did feel like it was a classic quick book where everything happens within the last 10 chapters but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
April 17, 2025
What are you looking for?
A hot firefighter, perhaps? Maybe a baseball uniform wearing charmer? Could it be, it's your long lost first love, that you are pining for? Or do you relly just want an emotional mature man coveting you?
Well, Staci Hart has you covered in this follow-up to Wild Card.
It's small town. It's "Surprise, you're a dad". It's banter. And most special to me, it's a woman losing herself in everyday chores, drowning in "what's for dinner", laundry, and chauffeuring kids to extra curricular activities, finding her footing in a life she wasn't expecting.
An all together wonderful read!
A hot firefighter, perhaps? Maybe a baseball uniform wearing charmer? Could it be, it's your long lost first love, that you are pining for? Or do you relly just want an emotional mature man coveting you?
Well, Staci Hart has you covered in this follow-up to Wild Card.
It's small town. It's "Surprise, you're a dad". It's banter. And most special to me, it's a woman losing herself in everyday chores, drowning in "what's for dinner", laundry, and chauffeuring kids to extra curricular activities, finding her footing in a life she wasn't expecting.
An all together wonderful read!
May 1, 2025
2⭐️ said mmc doesn’t send off the annulment papers for 10 years because he loves her. Yet he’s whoring around and even has a consistent fling who he has a child with. He doesn’t know about the child. When he does the fmc steps in as a mother figure even though he lied to her about the annulment. This man is T R A S H.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2025
DNF at 70%
I'm so bored 😴
I'm so bored 😴
April 25, 2025
this is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed this book!! I even had some tears because when talk of long distance or being separated brought up, it just pulls at my heart strings! this was a great read with great characters! I loved the golden retriever firefighter/former pro baseball player and the beautiful lost school teacher. I thought it was written well and the dynamic between the two was good.
wonderful book!
wonderful book!
Read
June 7, 2025How this book starts is not great I must say, not the prologue or the present day plot. The flow of the writing, dynamic between any characters, and dialogue feels off compared to the first book which is a bit of a shame.
If Wilder was all caveman and sour from the get go then how did he ever come to that mutual agreement to not do LDR? The math ain’t mathing. He got more irky as the story progresses and gave me f-boy vibes tbh.
Cass on the other hand...girl never actually went through life after 10 years (despite being engaged, going abroad, and having the privilege everyone wants - time to do anything). Those TS references were one thing but I did not appreciate how there’s a child involved either...why Staci why. Davis feels like the only character that makes sense AND HE’S THE PROTAGONIST FOR GOSH SAKE.
Overall there’s just something missing entirely to make the plot come together better that I can’t really put my finger on.
---
tbr
HOLY CRAP THERE'S A SECOND BOOK. I'M SO PUMPEDDD
If Wilder was all caveman and sour from the get go then how did he ever come to that mutual agreement to not do LDR? The math ain’t mathing. He got more irky as the story progresses and gave me f-boy vibes tbh.
Cass on the other hand...girl never actually went through life after 10 years (despite being engaged, going abroad, and having the privilege everyone wants - time to do anything). Those TS references were one thing but I did not appreciate how there’s a child involved either...why Staci why. Davis feels like the only character that makes sense AND HE’S THE PROTAGONIST FOR GOSH SAKE.
Overall there’s just something missing entirely to make the plot come together better that I can’t really put my finger on.
---
tbr
HOLY CRAP THERE'S A SECOND BOOK. I'M SO PUMPEDDD
July 27, 2025
4.5 stars! I really loved this story. But I do prefer a story that makes me cry over one that makes me laugh, so please take that into account.
Having said that there are not two people on this Earth that should be together more than Cass and Wilder. Talk about a satisfying second chance romance.
There is a lot packed into the beginning of the book and I really felt sorry for Cass who is already reeling from the implosion of her wedding to someone else, and then falling headfirst into another marriage and mommyhood. But she handles it so well, we almost forget she hasn’t has time to heal.
Wilder as a firefighter and now daddy, who could possibly resist that? He is such a caretaker. The green flags are waving in a strong breeze with this one. I mean, he's not perfect, but he's great.
Wilder and Cass have chemistry for days and Hart wrote them both so well. Things definitely come to a head when the lies are discovered, but by that time not everything is a lie. Great story with a lot of depth.
Having said that there are not two people on this Earth that should be together more than Cass and Wilder. Talk about a satisfying second chance romance.
There is a lot packed into the beginning of the book and I really felt sorry for Cass who is already reeling from the implosion of her wedding to someone else, and then falling headfirst into another marriage and mommyhood. But she handles it so well, we almost forget she hasn’t has time to heal.
Wilder as a firefighter and now daddy, who could possibly resist that? He is such a caretaker. The green flags are waving in a strong breeze with this one. I mean, he's not perfect, but he's great.
Wilder and Cass have chemistry for days and Hart wrote them both so well. Things definitely come to a head when the lies are discovered, but by that time not everything is a lie. Great story with a lot of depth.
October 24, 2025
4.7/5 no like I loved this book. I was truly addicted and it got me out of a slight slump. Like I think I highlighted 75% of the book bruh. Honestly it dips in points cuz at the end like 8 different bad things happened all at once, and the fmc had like a really weird imposter syndrome moment where it seemed like she hated her life with them… but they got over it so besides that I really enjoyed it, especially the beginning to middle of the book. Also like yes it was weird things happening but i understood it enough to be like okay weird… but valid. But anyways i loved Cass and Wilder. Like that man was YEARNINGGGGG. That’s what i love. Like only you always you UGH. at first i was hesitant with the whole secret child trope cuz like its hurts his kid wasn’t with Cass but she handled it with such grace that i literally couldn’t have loved it more. I feel they were soulmates and i love that they came back to each other. Also I love Cass and Crickets relationship and how kind she was to her. However I wouldn’t view this as a standalone cuz a lot of Cass’s lore is from the previous book. I would reread this and the 100000 notes I highlighted. And I’m like half excited for the next book with Greyson and Molly but the 20 year age gap is…something. Also like don’t feel a deep connection to either character but we shall see.
Spoiler summary:
Cass and Wilder were high school sweethearts who dated since 8th grade. When they were 18 and knew they couldn’t be together since she was moving across the world, he proposed to her in Vegas so they could be married for one night, then he’d annul it in the morning. However he never mailed the papers so ten years later, she came back to get married but it was objected (before he could) by Henry to profess his love for Davis. So this book starts with her burning his shit in a fire, including her clothes, when her ex Wilder (fireman) came to put it out. Then he keeps trying to flirt with her and later admits they were still married. That same day there’s a knock and turns out he’s had a secret child and the mother Ashley (brief hu from years ago) had died in a fire. However he can only take care of the Daughter cricket if he was married, so he asks Cass to play along until he officially has custody.
Here’s all the drama that happens within a few chapters:
- Cass helps Cricket transition and go to school. Us it’s her first year teaching, and Wilder just wants to know when Cass will change her mind and give them a chance again
-then there’s drama with a school bully, Ashley’s on/off bf Trent, the parents, a fire where Wilder almost dies, Davis coming back, a breakdown Cass has about her life, cricket running away after hearing Cass complain about her life, Cass getting fired cuz of Wilder and Cricket/bully situation, The grandparents finding out the marriage was fake and taking Cricket, Trent holding the landlord at gunpoint
But they all end up together and happy, and he reprocess and marries Cass again, and has full custody of Cricket.
Hella notes on kobo
Spoiler summary:
Cass and Wilder were high school sweethearts who dated since 8th grade. When they were 18 and knew they couldn’t be together since she was moving across the world, he proposed to her in Vegas so they could be married for one night, then he’d annul it in the morning. However he never mailed the papers so ten years later, she came back to get married but it was objected (before he could) by Henry to profess his love for Davis. So this book starts with her burning his shit in a fire, including her clothes, when her ex Wilder (fireman) came to put it out. Then he keeps trying to flirt with her and later admits they were still married. That same day there’s a knock and turns out he’s had a secret child and the mother Ashley (brief hu from years ago) had died in a fire. However he can only take care of the Daughter cricket if he was married, so he asks Cass to play along until he officially has custody.
Here’s all the drama that happens within a few chapters:
- Cass helps Cricket transition and go to school. Us it’s her first year teaching, and Wilder just wants to know when Cass will change her mind and give them a chance again
-then there’s drama with a school bully, Ashley’s on/off bf Trent, the parents, a fire where Wilder almost dies, Davis coming back, a breakdown Cass has about her life, cricket running away after hearing Cass complain about her life, Cass getting fired cuz of Wilder and Cricket/bully situation, The grandparents finding out the marriage was fake and taking Cricket, Trent holding the landlord at gunpoint
But they all end up together and happy, and he reprocess and marries Cass again, and has full custody of Cricket.
Hella notes on kobo
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!!
i will never not love a staci hart book. she is among some of my favorite authors, and i knew i would love this book. but i didn’t expect to love it as much as i did. wilder & cass’s story took me by surprise but it’s now one of my favorite books of hers! 🫶
i’m convinced this one is for the sweet home alabama lovers!! it might not be identical. in fact, there are so many elements to this story that make it wildly different from melanie & jake’s story. BUT the way wilder is so down bad for cass and would do anything to make her happy is so jake coded. also also the way wilder simply couldn’t mail in the annulment papers bc he couldn’t bear not being connected to cass 🥹
cass & wilder were high school sweethearts but one night in vegas turned them into husband and wife. for a night. or at least, it was supposed to be, only wilder never mailed in the annulment papers. ten years later, after a fiasco of an almost-wedding to another man, cass discovers that she and wilder are, in fact, still married, but now he enlists her help to continue the charade. they have to pretend like they’re married in front of the whole town in order to root et something near and dear to wilder’s heart, but under no circumstances can they fall in love.
this book was a lot. and nearly all of it was executed wonderfully, making this such a memorable story. i live for an accidental vegas marriage but throw in the surprise of a lifetime and a relationship of convenience?? i was hooked. i do feel like there were many layers to this plot and had it been any other author, i think it would’ve been too much.
i also loved all the side characters in this one. i’m anticipating at least three more books in the series because that’s how many characters i loved. as always, the writing was perfect. staci’s prose is always rich with description and it’s always such a delight to read. the banter has me kicking my feet and giggling. the inner monologue was so sharp and hilarious. everything about cass & wilder’s romance was swoony and heartwarming!
eek! i just loved this one. i can’t wait to be back in town in the second book!
i will never not love a staci hart book. she is among some of my favorite authors, and i knew i would love this book. but i didn’t expect to love it as much as i did. wilder & cass’s story took me by surprise but it’s now one of my favorite books of hers! 🫶
i’m convinced this one is for the sweet home alabama lovers!! it might not be identical. in fact, there are so many elements to this story that make it wildly different from melanie & jake’s story. BUT the way wilder is so down bad for cass and would do anything to make her happy is so jake coded. also also the way wilder simply couldn’t mail in the annulment papers bc he couldn’t bear not being connected to cass 🥹
cass & wilder were high school sweethearts but one night in vegas turned them into husband and wife. for a night. or at least, it was supposed to be, only wilder never mailed in the annulment papers. ten years later, after a fiasco of an almost-wedding to another man, cass discovers that she and wilder are, in fact, still married, but now he enlists her help to continue the charade. they have to pretend like they’re married in front of the whole town in order to root et something near and dear to wilder’s heart, but under no circumstances can they fall in love.
this book was a lot. and nearly all of it was executed wonderfully, making this such a memorable story. i live for an accidental vegas marriage but throw in the surprise of a lifetime and a relationship of convenience?? i was hooked. i do feel like there were many layers to this plot and had it been any other author, i think it would’ve been too much.
i also loved all the side characters in this one. i’m anticipating at least three more books in the series because that’s how many characters i loved. as always, the writing was perfect. staci’s prose is always rich with description and it’s always such a delight to read. the banter has me kicking my feet and giggling. the inner monologue was so sharp and hilarious. everything about cass & wilder’s romance was swoony and heartwarming!
eek! i just loved this one. i can’t wait to be back in town in the second book!
April 18, 2025
***Note: This series begins with Wild Card (if you haven’t read it start there).
In Hot Shot (Roseville Ramblers book 2) we head back to Roseville, TN and finally discover what happened with Cass and Wilder. Thankfully readers get glimpses and updates on all the important characters we met in Wild Card. As a reader it’s hard not to fall in love with this group and patiently wait for all the other stories for the Ramblers baseball team. The team is an amalgamation of actual family and chosen family from the towns firefighters and a few other community members. The central group have been bonded for most of their lives while the team as a whole is supported by the community at large.
Cass & Wilder’s story didn’t disappoint as the ups and downs of their journey made them relatable. Finding your soulmate as a young teenager seems farcical today, but sometimes magic happens and you are blessed to know it and keep it. Unfortunately, Wilder & Cass take a more circuitous journey but without the hard times the good times are much easier to overlook. I appreciated the opportunity for growth the characters experienced and the true to life depictions of love, loss, sadness, joy, anger, fear, grief, disappointment and how during parenthood we ride the rollercoaster of them all-often in the same afternoon. The balance between serious emotional struggles, light-hearted moments, spicy banter, and sassy quips made for a well-rounded story that had me tearing up and laughing out loud.
This book was a treat during a busy couple weeks for me and I’m grateful to have been given the opportunity to ready this ARC from Staci Hart.
In Hot Shot (Roseville Ramblers book 2) we head back to Roseville, TN and finally discover what happened with Cass and Wilder. Thankfully readers get glimpses and updates on all the important characters we met in Wild Card. As a reader it’s hard not to fall in love with this group and patiently wait for all the other stories for the Ramblers baseball team. The team is an amalgamation of actual family and chosen family from the towns firefighters and a few other community members. The central group have been bonded for most of their lives while the team as a whole is supported by the community at large.
Cass & Wilder’s story didn’t disappoint as the ups and downs of their journey made them relatable. Finding your soulmate as a young teenager seems farcical today, but sometimes magic happens and you are blessed to know it and keep it. Unfortunately, Wilder & Cass take a more circuitous journey but without the hard times the good times are much easier to overlook. I appreciated the opportunity for growth the characters experienced and the true to life depictions of love, loss, sadness, joy, anger, fear, grief, disappointment and how during parenthood we ride the rollercoaster of them all-often in the same afternoon. The balance between serious emotional struggles, light-hearted moments, spicy banter, and sassy quips made for a well-rounded story that had me tearing up and laughing out loud.
This book was a treat during a busy couple weeks for me and I’m grateful to have been given the opportunity to ready this ARC from Staci Hart.
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