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Vancouver Tridents #4
Steal A Kiss
Rescuing a puppy from the side of the road when I have no job, and nowhere to live is a bad decision. Moving in with my brother’s very hot, very off limits teammate is worse.
The plan was for me to spend the summer after graduating with my masters degree living with my older brother. The problem is, his building doesn’t allow pets.
Enter Rhett Darlington: my brother’s teammate and best friend. And my new roommate.
Only Rhett is more than that. He’s also the man I’ve had a crush on forever. The man who just confessed he wants me too.
I’m doomed. How can I resist a southern charmer of a professional baseball player walking around with no shirt on, cuddling my new puppy?
He’s a guy who doesn’t let anything keep him from what he wants, and what he wants is me. There’s my brother to consider, but we can keep it casual and—more importantly—a secret, right?
Or is Rhett Darlington destined to be my next bad decision?
The plan was for me to spend the summer after graduating with my masters degree living with my older brother. The problem is, his building doesn’t allow pets.
Enter Rhett Darlington: my brother’s teammate and best friend. And my new roommate.
Only Rhett is more than that. He’s also the man I’ve had a crush on forever. The man who just confessed he wants me too.
I’m doomed. How can I resist a southern charmer of a professional baseball player walking around with no shirt on, cuddling my new puppy?
He’s a guy who doesn’t let anything keep him from what he wants, and what he wants is me. There’s my brother to consider, but we can keep it casual and—more importantly—a secret, right?
Or is Rhett Darlington destined to be my next bad decision?
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2025
312 people are currently reading
1609 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
April 28, 2025
4.5⭐️
Oh my gosh this book was SO FREAKING CUTE!!!!!!! Gahhhh I loved a good brothers best friend story! Especially when they also happen to be roommates & she had a crush on him for years since her love interest happened to be a teammate on his brothers baseball team!!
Rhett is so damn swoony! Evie was so dang pure and had the biggest heart. These two together made my heart so HAPPY! And the best part? Even though this story was so sweet it was also DAMN HOT! The best combination if I do say so myself 🤭🤭🤭
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Baseball romance
Forced proximity
Roommates to lovers
Brothers best friend
Secret romance
Spicy lessons 🫦
Oh my gosh this book was SO FREAKING CUTE!!!!!!! Gahhhh I loved a good brothers best friend story! Especially when they also happen to be roommates & she had a crush on him for years since her love interest happened to be a teammate on his brothers baseball team!!
Rhett is so damn swoony! Evie was so dang pure and had the biggest heart. These two together made my heart so HAPPY! And the best part? Even though this story was so sweet it was also DAMN HOT! The best combination if I do say so myself 🤭🤭🤭
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Baseball romance
Forced proximity
Roommates to lovers
Brothers best friend
Secret romance
Spicy lessons 🫦
April 25, 2025
🎧🎧AUDIO REVIEW🎧🎧
🎤Lena Lee & Alexander Neal🎤 did an incredible job with this performance! I’m pretty sure it’s my first time with both narrators and I am giddy because I can add two more narrators to fawn over! YAY #winning Honestly, their voices and ranges were so great and distinct with all the different characters! GAH, I want to listen to more of them like right now! 👏👏👏👏
Now let’s chat about this story … “I’m doomed. How can I resist a southern charmer of a professional baseball player walking around with no shirt on, cuddling my new puppy?” … I feel you, Evie! lol
I knew from the blurb that I was going to like Evie, and I was not disappointed! Rhett and Evie’s story was a huge #swoonfest for me. I love how their situation turned from knowing each other superficially to knowing each other intimately. It’s not quite a friends to lovers. It was a complete package of two people who know each other and because of their circumstances, have the opportunity to get to know each other at a deeper level and once they did, swooooon! :) I love that their story didn’t have any overly dramatic shenanigans thrown in and that their lives were realistic and relatable.
The Vancouver Tridents series has been a favorite of mine since the start with each story’s audio performance elevating my enjoyment even more!
🎤Lena Lee & Alexander Neal🎤 did an incredible job with this performance! I’m pretty sure it’s my first time with both narrators and I am giddy because I can add two more narrators to fawn over! YAY #winning Honestly, their voices and ranges were so great and distinct with all the different characters! GAH, I want to listen to more of them like right now! 👏👏👏👏
Now let’s chat about this story … “I’m doomed. How can I resist a southern charmer of a professional baseball player walking around with no shirt on, cuddling my new puppy?” … I feel you, Evie! lol
I knew from the blurb that I was going to like Evie, and I was not disappointed! Rhett and Evie’s story was a huge #swoonfest for me. I love how their situation turned from knowing each other superficially to knowing each other intimately. It’s not quite a friends to lovers. It was a complete package of two people who know each other and because of their circumstances, have the opportunity to get to know each other at a deeper level and once they did, swooooon! :) I love that their story didn’t have any overly dramatic shenanigans thrown in and that their lives were realistic and relatable.
The Vancouver Tridents series has been a favorite of mine since the start with each story’s audio performance elevating my enjoyment even more!
April 19, 2025
When the guy you've crushed on for years finally pays attention to you. Unfortunately its because he got roped in to allowing you to be his roommate for a bit but still a gal can dream... But when the dog you save is the reason why he's your new roommate, will things change or will you crash and burn again? This book has a lot of friends and family love in it as well. And maybe a surprise or two.
April 21, 2025
Another wonderful addition to Julia's Vancouver Trident's Series. I absolutely loved Rhett - charming, thoughtful, kind, respectful, and very sexy - and enjoyed reading his and Evie's journey to their happy ever after. The unconditional support Rhett showed Evie was beautiful, and seeing her realise her goals and dreams made for a thoughtful and lovely feel good read. The icing on the cake? The delicious steam these two created. Bliss.
I was lucky to get an early copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I was lucky to get an early copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 5, 2025
Steal a Kiss | ⚾️🔥🥰
“But no one cheers as loudly as I do.”
4.5✨
This. Was. So. Cute. SO CUTE!🥹
I love a brother’s best friend romance and this book absolutely hit the spot!! They’re also roommates who kind of co-own a puppy together which made the book that much cuter IMO.
I loved the history between the two characters and the depth to them as characters. I found a lot of different dynamics in this story and it truly made me want to keep reading it.
This book was just all heart flutters and sweetness, honestly.
“But no one cheers as loudly as I do.”
4.5✨
This. Was. So. Cute. SO CUTE!🥹
I love a brother’s best friend romance and this book absolutely hit the spot!! They’re also roommates who kind of co-own a puppy together which made the book that much cuter IMO.
I loved the history between the two characters and the depth to them as characters. I found a lot of different dynamics in this story and it truly made me want to keep reading it.
This book was just all heart flutters and sweetness, honestly.
June 12, 2025
—3 ✩'s
I thought Rhett and Evie were sweet together, but they were a bit boring at times. Like I just felt like their relationship was very surface level and I wasn't very attached to them or their story. I do like how they navigated their relationship though, like how they came clean to Evie's brother and how nobody overreacted in that situation. I also like how they dealt with Evie's job and how they didn't let that ruin their relationship, like thank God there was no third-act breakup.
Evie's sister did piss me off when she tried to have that conversation about her finding a job and how Rhett may be kind of preventing her from doing that. Like girl mind your own business? Or maybe be kinder like???? I can't wait to read Kai's book though because I liked him, he was a nice brother.
No third-act breakup
Characters
↳ Evangeline Yamaki
I love how they introduced Evie. She is just so sweet for taking in that puppy and she remained so sweet throughout the book. However, I feel like we didn't really get to know her or her past that much. All we really know is her asthma when she was little, but that just felt like something that was mentioned in an attempt to make her more interesting. Overall I still liked Evie, I just wanted more.
↳ Rhett Darlington
Rhett was super sweet, but it was so cheesy for him to call everyone darling. However, I do love how he only called Evie honey. It did annoy me that he kept hiding the fact that he was dyslexic because she really would've understood him, so that was just annoying. Rhett was nice, but again I feel like I didn't know him that well.
I thought Rhett and Evie were sweet together, but they were a bit boring at times. Like I just felt like their relationship was very surface level and I wasn't very attached to them or their story. I do like how they navigated their relationship though, like how they came clean to Evie's brother and how nobody overreacted in that situation. I also like how they dealt with Evie's job and how they didn't let that ruin their relationship, like thank God there was no third-act breakup.
Evie's sister did piss me off when she tried to have that conversation about her finding a job and how Rhett may be kind of preventing her from doing that. Like girl mind your own business? Or maybe be kinder like???? I can't wait to read Kai's book though because I liked him, he was a nice brother.
No third-act breakup
Characters
↳ Evangeline Yamaki
I love how they introduced Evie. She is just so sweet for taking in that puppy and she remained so sweet throughout the book. However, I feel like we didn't really get to know her or her past that much. All we really know is her asthma when she was little, but that just felt like something that was mentioned in an attempt to make her more interesting. Overall I still liked Evie, I just wanted more.
↳ Rhett Darlington
Rhett was super sweet, but it was so cheesy for him to call everyone darling. However, I do love how he only called Evie honey. It did annoy me that he kept hiding the fact that he was dyslexic because she really would've understood him, so that was just annoying. Rhett was nice, but again I feel like I didn't know him that well.
April 23, 2025
**ADVANCED AUDIO **
OVERALL: 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
•Storyline: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
•Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧/5
•Spice Level: 🌶🌶/ 5
•Swoon level: 🫠🫠🫠🫠/5
•Platform: Audiobook
•Trope: Baseball Romance, Forced Proximity, Brother's best friend, Romantic to lovers
• Thoughts:
What a cute story!! I genuinely enjoyed this one and Rhett's and Evie's story. They know one another as friends, but then they experience the lovers' side, and boy, was it sweet. This heald my attention and brought a smile to my face. I love the Dyslexia that was represented, the southern boy charm, and the beauty and the brains behind Evie. I recommend! it was so cute.
•Narrator Thoughts:
Dual Narration: Lena Lee and Alexander Neal
speed: 1.5x
both of these narrators were fantastic! both narrators are new to me, and they did not disappoint they totally nailed it, and I want to listen to more books by both of these narrators.
•Recommend:
I will always encourage people to read what makes them happy. Even if I rate a book lower, if it sounds like a book, you can get behind. Read it! I am simply here stating my views and thoughts on the book. My reviews are just that, my opinions. Happy reading, friends
OVERALL: 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
•Storyline: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
•Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧/5
•Spice Level: 🌶🌶/ 5
•Swoon level: 🫠🫠🫠🫠/5
•Platform: Audiobook
•Trope: Baseball Romance, Forced Proximity, Brother's best friend, Romantic to lovers
• Thoughts:
What a cute story!! I genuinely enjoyed this one and Rhett's and Evie's story. They know one another as friends, but then they experience the lovers' side, and boy, was it sweet. This heald my attention and brought a smile to my face. I love the Dyslexia that was represented, the southern boy charm, and the beauty and the brains behind Evie. I recommend! it was so cute.
•Narrator Thoughts:
Dual Narration: Lena Lee and Alexander Neal
speed: 1.5x
both of these narrators were fantastic! both narrators are new to me, and they did not disappoint they totally nailed it, and I want to listen to more books by both of these narrators.
•Recommend:
I will always encourage people to read what makes them happy. Even if I rate a book lower, if it sounds like a book, you can get behind. Read it! I am simply here stating my views and thoughts on the book. My reviews are just that, my opinions. Happy reading, friends
April 26, 2025
Steal a Kiss is the fourth book in the Vancouver Tridents series, but it can be read as a standalone.
Rhett and Evie were so cute together. They had known each other for years, but because of circumstances (a cute dog!), they ended up living together. And they crossed the line from friendship to more.
The two of them were good for each other too. They encouraged each other and truly understood each other.
Audiobook notes:
Narrated by: Lena Lee and Alexander Neal
Narration Style: Dual
The narrators did a great job bringing their own character to life. I didn’t really find Lena’s “male” voice believable, especially when it came to her brother. But, Alexander’s voice for her brother sounded similar to hers, so it didn’t bother me too much. The only thing was their pronunciation of Yami. Assuming it’s a nickname for his last name, the pronunciation isn’t correct.
Rhett and Evie were so cute together. They had known each other for years, but because of circumstances (a cute dog!), they ended up living together. And they crossed the line from friendship to more.
The two of them were good for each other too. They encouraged each other and truly understood each other.
Audiobook notes:
Narrated by: Lena Lee and Alexander Neal
Narration Style: Dual
The narrators did a great job bringing their own character to life. I didn’t really find Lena’s “male” voice believable, especially when it came to her brother. But, Alexander’s voice for her brother sounded similar to hers, so it didn’t bother me too much. The only thing was their pronunciation of Yami. Assuming it’s a nickname for his last name, the pronunciation isn’t correct.
April 23, 2025
If you want an adorably sweet romance with no drama or breakups, you need to check out Julia’s Vancouver Tridents series. Because these baseball players are the most adorable men I’ve ever read.
In this book we have Rhett, who has been the southern gentleman charmer of the team, and someone who I have been dying to read about. I was not disappointed at all with this swoony man!
He ends up with Evie and her rescue puppy living in his apartment after she graduates from university. But turns out they have a little bit of a history, and have been crushing on each other for a long time. With the forced proximity and bonding over little Ruthie, a romance starts to blossom and they fall for each other.
Like I said, this was a super sweet low stakes romance, which is sometimes just what we need. Just a joyful story full of a love with a happy ending. And I enjoyed it so much!
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy, and happy publication day! 👏🏻
In this book we have Rhett, who has been the southern gentleman charmer of the team, and someone who I have been dying to read about. I was not disappointed at all with this swoony man!
He ends up with Evie and her rescue puppy living in his apartment after she graduates from university. But turns out they have a little bit of a history, and have been crushing on each other for a long time. With the forced proximity and bonding over little Ruthie, a romance starts to blossom and they fall for each other.
Like I said, this was a super sweet low stakes romance, which is sometimes just what we need. Just a joyful story full of a love with a happy ending. And I enjoyed it so much!
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy, and happy publication day! 👏🏻
April 16, 2025
This was a sweet friends to lovers, brothers friend, sports romance that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy. It was a fun story without too much drama with characters that are fun to learn more about and see how things work out for them. Rhett is an absolute sweetheart, and Evie has a kind of innocence to her that will make her miss your younger years.
I listened to this one on audiobook and really enjoyed it. Both narrator's voices really matched these characters and made them feel like real people, which made the story all the more enticing. They did a great job, and I'd definitely listen to any projects they work on in the future.
I listened to this one on audiobook and really enjoyed it. Both narrator's voices really matched these characters and made them feel like real people, which made the story all the more enticing. They did a great job, and I'd definitely listen to any projects they work on in the future.
April 22, 2025
⚾️ A R C • R E V I E W ⚾️
this book was so flippin cuteee!!! evie was so good for rhett and even though he didn’t think he was enough for her he was right…CAUSE HE WAS EVERYTHING 😍 the way he supported her with her dreams and how HE wanted to be the one to give her those spicyyy lessons…and let me tell you their connection was off the charts 🥵 and then we have evie who was so sweet minded and never judged rhett’s differences. they were such a swoon worthy couple and had so many good moments 🥹
•
tropes:
⚾️ baseball romance
🏠 roommates
🚫 brother’s best friend
🌶️ spicy lessons
🤫 secret relationship
🧡 neurodivergent mmc
•
rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
@tropesandblurbs
this book was so flippin cuteee!!! evie was so good for rhett and even though he didn’t think he was enough for her he was right…CAUSE HE WAS EVERYTHING 😍 the way he supported her with her dreams and how HE wanted to be the one to give her those spicyyy lessons…and let me tell you their connection was off the charts 🥵 and then we have evie who was so sweet minded and never judged rhett’s differences. they were such a swoon worthy couple and had so many good moments 🥹
•
tropes:
⚾️ baseball romance
🏠 roommates
🚫 brother’s best friend
🌶️ spicy lessons
🤫 secret relationship
🧡 neurodivergent mmc
•
rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
@tropesandblurbs
May 15, 2025
Boring
Not gonna waste a lot of time here. The author doesn't even attempt to create an actual connection between these characters. Just copy and paste from every other brother's best friend book. This author just wanted to write steamy scenes and that's basically all she did. Total waste of time.
Not gonna waste a lot of time here. The author doesn't even attempt to create an actual connection between these characters. Just copy and paste from every other brother's best friend book. This author just wanted to write steamy scenes and that's basically all she did. Total waste of time.
April 27, 2025
3.75⭐️
April 7, 2025
Five stars for Steal a Kiss by Julia Jarrett, the latest in her Tridents baseball series!
Rhett and Evie’s love story hit me right in the feels. It’s emotional in all the best ways—two people who see their own vulnerabilities as weaknesses, learning to love and support each other through it all.
Rhett? Total southern charmer. Baseball player. Brother’s best friend. And the guy who sends “that time of the month” care packages and braids her hair. I mean, swoon! He not only encourages Evie to chase her dreams—he makes sure she stays on track.
The stray puppy that brings Evie into Rhett’s home leads to the perfect forced proximity setup, but they’re so at ease with each other, even while denying their attraction. What starts as a secret relationship grows into something too real to hide.
I’ve always loved Julia’s swoony, backward-hat-wearing baseball heroes—but Rhett? He’s extra special, with that southern drawl and golden heart. Can’t recommend Steal a Kiss enough!
Rhett and Evie’s love story hit me right in the feels. It’s emotional in all the best ways—two people who see their own vulnerabilities as weaknesses, learning to love and support each other through it all.
Rhett? Total southern charmer. Baseball player. Brother’s best friend. And the guy who sends “that time of the month” care packages and braids her hair. I mean, swoon! He not only encourages Evie to chase her dreams—he makes sure she stays on track.
The stray puppy that brings Evie into Rhett’s home leads to the perfect forced proximity setup, but they’re so at ease with each other, even while denying their attraction. What starts as a secret relationship grows into something too real to hide.
I’ve always loved Julia’s swoony, backward-hat-wearing baseball heroes—but Rhett? He’s extra special, with that southern drawl and golden heart. Can’t recommend Steal a Kiss enough!
April 30, 2025
This was such a fun and sweet read. Rhett is a charming southern man that you can't help but fall in love with. Evie is so genuine and caring. Their story made my heart so dang happy.
Narration:
Lena Lee and Alexander Neal were the perfect fit for Rhett and Evie. They both brought out the character's personalities and made the book even more enjoyable.
Thank you so much to Julia Jarrett and Home Cooked Books for the ARC/ALC.
Narration:
Lena Lee and Alexander Neal were the perfect fit for Rhett and Evie. They both brought out the character's personalities and made the book even more enjoyable.
Thank you so much to Julia Jarrett and Home Cooked Books for the ARC/ALC.
May 1, 2025
this was a cute story, i liked the characters and the little sister trope, I wish it was a little more realistic and more in depth with characters emotions and backstory.
April 4, 2025
Fun baseball romance.. Emotional, romantic, and full of life..
June 9, 2025
Brother’s best friend and a baseball romance?!?!!? I’m always going to be intrigued. Add in that Julia wrote it, and I’m jumping before you can say, do you want this ARC?
Evie is Kai’s little sister, and she needs a place to stay. Rhett has an extra room. She’s always crushed on him. He’s socially awkward and shy, but not with Evie. They agree that they can be friends and roommates and nothing more.
I couldn’t get enough of these two together. Julia really knows how to write the perfect pair. The sexual tension between them is so hot.
I can’t wait for Kai’s story.
Thank you Julia for my copy of this book.
Evie is Kai’s little sister, and she needs a place to stay. Rhett has an extra room. She’s always crushed on him. He’s socially awkward and shy, but not with Evie. They agree that they can be friends and roommates and nothing more.
I couldn’t get enough of these two together. Julia really knows how to write the perfect pair. The sexual tension between them is so hot.
I can’t wait for Kai’s story.
Thank you Julia for my copy of this book.
April 22, 2025
A sexy, hunky baseball player with a Southern drawl, a puppy, and an independent, adorably perfect woman – what more could you want?
Steal a Kiss is the fourth book in author Julia Jarrett’s wildly entertaining Vancouver Tridents
Baseball series, and lucky for us there is one more book coming in the series. Each book is better than the last, or maybe it’s just because this baseball family is expanding and it’s not only the fun of meeting new characters and learning more about those that were previously in the background but also revisiting those multi-dimensional characters over and over, giving us stories with depth and themes and plot that run through the entire series. And my first introduction to these marvelous stories has been through audiobooks, which is – of course – the absolute best way to enjoy these well-written baseball romances.
Ronan and Willow and his daughter Peyton, Mav and Sadie and her weird cat, Monty and Lark all provided hours of listening pleasure. In Steal a Kiss we are lucky enough to spend lots of time with Evie Yamaki and Rhett Darlington.
Evie has just gotten her graduate degree and now it’s job-hunting time. It’s also time to move, since the university said in effect: here’s your degree, now find someplace else to live because university housing is for current students. She wasn’t prepared for that. Guess she’ll have to stay with her big brother Kai, one of the Tridents pitchers. No problem; it’s only temporary. Well, it’s going to be shorter than temporary because heart-of-gold Evie couldn’t resist rescuing a puppy from the side of the road on her way to Kai’s, and Kai’s building doesn’t allow pets. Oh oh.
Simple solution: move in (temporarily of course) with Kai’s teammate Rhett Darlington. We’ve already met Rhett in previous books and we know he’s a sweetie. The not-so-simple part of this solution, though, is that Evie has had a crush on Rhett for . . . forever. And, yes, Rhett is sweet, but there’s a little heat with that sweet and it seems the attraction is mutual. How’s that going to work? The big brother, the team, the temporary. Evie is supposed to be finding a job, starting a career, getting on with her life, not swooning over a (sexy, handsome, irresistible) man and getting into a relationship that might not work out.
Steal a Kiss is a delightful continuation of a delightful series. It’s warm and tender and spicy, funny and just an all-around satisfying listen. Narrators Lena Lee & Alexander Neal bring all the characters to life with the right pacing, tone, emotion, emphasis; the perfect complement to author Julia Jarrett’s perfect words. And don’t forget that Southern accent. Bonus: in a social media post Jarrett very thoughtfully provided a guide to the spicy chapters. I suggest you pay special attention to 16 and 34!! I received an advance listening copy of Steal a Kiss from Home Cooked Books. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
Steal a Kiss is the fourth book in author Julia Jarrett’s wildly entertaining Vancouver Tridents
Baseball series, and lucky for us there is one more book coming in the series. Each book is better than the last, or maybe it’s just because this baseball family is expanding and it’s not only the fun of meeting new characters and learning more about those that were previously in the background but also revisiting those multi-dimensional characters over and over, giving us stories with depth and themes and plot that run through the entire series. And my first introduction to these marvelous stories has been through audiobooks, which is – of course – the absolute best way to enjoy these well-written baseball romances.
Ronan and Willow and his daughter Peyton, Mav and Sadie and her weird cat, Monty and Lark all provided hours of listening pleasure. In Steal a Kiss we are lucky enough to spend lots of time with Evie Yamaki and Rhett Darlington.
Evie has just gotten her graduate degree and now it’s job-hunting time. It’s also time to move, since the university said in effect: here’s your degree, now find someplace else to live because university housing is for current students. She wasn’t prepared for that. Guess she’ll have to stay with her big brother Kai, one of the Tridents pitchers. No problem; it’s only temporary. Well, it’s going to be shorter than temporary because heart-of-gold Evie couldn’t resist rescuing a puppy from the side of the road on her way to Kai’s, and Kai’s building doesn’t allow pets. Oh oh.
Simple solution: move in (temporarily of course) with Kai’s teammate Rhett Darlington. We’ve already met Rhett in previous books and we know he’s a sweetie. The not-so-simple part of this solution, though, is that Evie has had a crush on Rhett for . . . forever. And, yes, Rhett is sweet, but there’s a little heat with that sweet and it seems the attraction is mutual. How’s that going to work? The big brother, the team, the temporary. Evie is supposed to be finding a job, starting a career, getting on with her life, not swooning over a (sexy, handsome, irresistible) man and getting into a relationship that might not work out.
Steal a Kiss is a delightful continuation of a delightful series. It’s warm and tender and spicy, funny and just an all-around satisfying listen. Narrators Lena Lee & Alexander Neal bring all the characters to life with the right pacing, tone, emotion, emphasis; the perfect complement to author Julia Jarrett’s perfect words. And don’t forget that Southern accent. Bonus: in a social media post Jarrett very thoughtfully provided a guide to the spicy chapters. I suggest you pay special attention to 16 and 34!! I received an advance listening copy of Steal a Kiss from Home Cooked Books. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
April 24, 2025
Rhett Darlington is finally getting his story! A baseball player for the Vancouver Tridents and the quintessential southern charmer, Rhett is always willing to help a friend when they need it. So when his best friend's younger sister needs help with her new puppy and a place to stay, Rhett takes them both in. After rescuing her puppy and freshly out of college with her degree in education, Evie is looking to stay with her baseball player older brother while she starts her job hunt and gets on her feet. But when dogs are not allowed in her brother's building, Rhett comes into save the day.
The tension between these two was pretty instant, as Evie has had a huge crush on Rhett for years and in the past Rhett has had to turn her down, so choosing to live together is a bold choice. But the more time they spend together, the more that Rhett decides that maybe this tension between them could be channeled in a more pleasurable way, and when he discovers how inexperienced she is, he uses that as his segway to explore this change in their relationship further. Their feelings start to deepen and grow into more than either of them imagined and they both start to allow for something more serious to develop.
I loved the depth of Rhett's character and seeing that behind his charm there is vulnerability and struggle that he has overcome. His journey was one of perseverance. A testament to invisible disabilities and learning to navigate the world differently than everyone else. Choosing to be vulnerable with Evie, the person who could understand him the most and help him navigate the journey with him, really contributed to the depth of their love story. As they encounter each relationship obstacle that comes their way, they choose each other every time and it guides them straight to their HEA.
Seeing Rhett in the other books was so fun and getting to follow his journey was so rewarding and more complex than I expected - I loved it.
Alexander Neal and Lena Lee are both new-to-me narrators and I absolutely loved their performances! I love discovering new narrators and these two embodied their characters so well. Full of emotion and brought the story to life. I can't wait to encounter them again.
The tension between these two was pretty instant, as Evie has had a huge crush on Rhett for years and in the past Rhett has had to turn her down, so choosing to live together is a bold choice. But the more time they spend together, the more that Rhett decides that maybe this tension between them could be channeled in a more pleasurable way, and when he discovers how inexperienced she is, he uses that as his segway to explore this change in their relationship further. Their feelings start to deepen and grow into more than either of them imagined and they both start to allow for something more serious to develop.
I loved the depth of Rhett's character and seeing that behind his charm there is vulnerability and struggle that he has overcome. His journey was one of perseverance. A testament to invisible disabilities and learning to navigate the world differently than everyone else. Choosing to be vulnerable with Evie, the person who could understand him the most and help him navigate the journey with him, really contributed to the depth of their love story. As they encounter each relationship obstacle that comes their way, they choose each other every time and it guides them straight to their HEA.
Seeing Rhett in the other books was so fun and getting to follow his journey was so rewarding and more complex than I expected - I loved it.
Alexander Neal and Lena Lee are both new-to-me narrators and I absolutely loved their performances! I love discovering new narrators and these two embodied their characters so well. Full of emotion and brought the story to life. I can't wait to encounter them again.
April 22, 2025
Rhett and Evie’s story is a tender and angsty, brother’s best friend romance. Rhett is a really great guy, a southern gentleman with plenty of charm, good looks and a killer smile. Evie is a fiercely independent recent graduate with a masters degree in special education. Rescuing an abandoned puppy means she can’t stay with her brother in his no-pets allowed building for the summer. Finding herself living with Rhett, her brother’s best friend and teammate, has her feeling a little disconcerted. She has had a crush on Rhett for years and doesn’t know how she will hide her feelings when they are living together.
Evie has no idea that Rhett harbours the same feelings for her, but refuses to act on them because of his friendship with her brother. The close proximity gives them the opportunity to get to each other better, but also makes it hard to control and hide their attraction to each other. Besides the bro-code, there is another reason that Rhett won’t let himself act on his feelings. He feels super smart and sunshiny Evie is out of his league and she deserves someone better than him. It proves to be impossible to resist each other though, even more so after he overhears her confession to a friend on a rather intimate topic. Rhett is more than happy to school the curvy new teacher in the intimate and sensual arts, the bro-code forgotten in the heat of passion.
I love the searing chemistry between Rhett and Evie, their banter, their interactions with the puppy, Ruthie, and their growing rapport. His eagerness to teach Evie the wonders of her own body and the sensual arts was captivating and swoony. The southern gentleman has some smooth moves and is an expert dirty-talker. Evie is an excellent student, and a great supporter. She makes sure the Rhett knows that his secret does not make him less in her eyes. He lets Evie know that he will support her decisions and work with her to find solutions to any problems they might face. The close relationships between siblings and the two friends are a source of both angst and support. In the end, love wins out.
This entrancing and entertaining novel has my full recommendation.
Evie has no idea that Rhett harbours the same feelings for her, but refuses to act on them because of his friendship with her brother. The close proximity gives them the opportunity to get to each other better, but also makes it hard to control and hide their attraction to each other. Besides the bro-code, there is another reason that Rhett won’t let himself act on his feelings. He feels super smart and sunshiny Evie is out of his league and she deserves someone better than him. It proves to be impossible to resist each other though, even more so after he overhears her confession to a friend on a rather intimate topic. Rhett is more than happy to school the curvy new teacher in the intimate and sensual arts, the bro-code forgotten in the heat of passion.
I love the searing chemistry between Rhett and Evie, their banter, their interactions with the puppy, Ruthie, and their growing rapport. His eagerness to teach Evie the wonders of her own body and the sensual arts was captivating and swoony. The southern gentleman has some smooth moves and is an expert dirty-talker. Evie is an excellent student, and a great supporter. She makes sure the Rhett knows that his secret does not make him less in her eyes. He lets Evie know that he will support her decisions and work with her to find solutions to any problems they might face. The close relationships between siblings and the two friends are a source of both angst and support. In the end, love wins out.
This entrancing and entertaining novel has my full recommendation.
April 24, 2025
Dnfed when they had sex for the first time because I knew where the story was going. Again I was disappointed and fed up with another coward hero.
I mean, I know Rhett that Kai is your best friend, teammate, like brother and family. And she is his sister so she is off limits.
If Kai is so important to you then fucking choose him and his friendship, don't have sex with his sister. Keep you hormones and dick in check.
I mean you think it's not good to be in a relationship with her, making her your girlfriend because then Kai will feel betrayed. You think being in an actual relationship with her, making her your girlfriend respectfully and then coming clean and telling him about it will be a betrayal and he will be angry. But sleeping with his sister in secret, being friends with benefits behind his back, having casual sex and treating her like other girls just for sex or release is not Betrayal? What he should be happy about it that you didn't make his sister your girlfriend but a fuck buddy. You know that's what he actually didn't want for his sister. That's actually betraying him. That you are not even man enough to tell him about what you are doing or to give her what she deserves. You are just a coward.
I mean, how can you do this when it's the thing he was actually scared of happening, man not treating her like she deserves and using her and her body just for sex.
You know she is different, she deserves so much more, she is not the casual sex type, she is the type of girl men marry but still what do you do? Ohh did you give her what she deserves? No, you do the opposite and keep sleeping with her in secret. Keeping her secret.
And Evie, please girl have some self respect and know your worth. When you know that you are not a casual type girl and you know you had crush on him, you still have feelings for him. Then why are you settling for less? Why not take a stand for yourself, control your hormones and wait for the relationship you deserve?
I am just disappointed. I am still waiting for a best friend's sister romance where the hero will be man enough to take what he wants and still be respectful to his friend.
I mean, I know Rhett that Kai is your best friend, teammate, like brother and family. And she is his sister so she is off limits.
If Kai is so important to you then fucking choose him and his friendship, don't have sex with his sister. Keep you hormones and dick in check.
I mean you think it's not good to be in a relationship with her, making her your girlfriend because then Kai will feel betrayed. You think being in an actual relationship with her, making her your girlfriend respectfully and then coming clean and telling him about it will be a betrayal and he will be angry. But sleeping with his sister in secret, being friends with benefits behind his back, having casual sex and treating her like other girls just for sex or release is not Betrayal? What he should be happy about it that you didn't make his sister your girlfriend but a fuck buddy. You know that's what he actually didn't want for his sister. That's actually betraying him. That you are not even man enough to tell him about what you are doing or to give her what she deserves. You are just a coward.
I mean, how can you do this when it's the thing he was actually scared of happening, man not treating her like she deserves and using her and her body just for sex.
You know she is different, she deserves so much more, she is not the casual sex type, she is the type of girl men marry but still what do you do? Ohh did you give her what she deserves? No, you do the opposite and keep sleeping with her in secret. Keeping her secret.
And Evie, please girl have some self respect and know your worth. When you know that you are not a casual type girl and you know you had crush on him, you still have feelings for him. Then why are you settling for less? Why not take a stand for yourself, control your hormones and wait for the relationship you deserve?
I am just disappointed. I am still waiting for a best friend's sister romance where the hero will be man enough to take what he wants and still be respectful to his friend.
April 14, 2025
**Audiobook Review**
Once I received this audiobook, I couldn’t wait to start it. “Steal A Kiss” is a charming, romantic and sweet best friend’s sister romance that was such a cute and great addition to the series.
Evie has just graduated college with her degree in special education and she needs a place to live since university housing is no longer an option. But housing is expensive in Vancouver so she is going to sleep on her brother’s, Kai, couch. There’s one problem, she found an abandoned puppy and his building doesn’t allow pets. So Kai volunteers his best friend and teammates’, Rhett, spare bedroom. Evie has had a crush on Rhett for years and as she lives with him, the feelings she’s had are still there. And Rhett starts to see his best friend’s sister in a different way.
Rhett is a true Southern man and has all the charm. He’s a great teammate, friend and will help in any way he can. I loved how easy going he was and he helped without hesitation. Evie is such a sweet woman and I loved her passion for education. Her wanting to help kids with learning disabilities made my heart so happy and it made Rhett’s connection to it even more special. They truly started out as friends and bonded over raising Ruthie the puppy. Ruthie was the perfect thing to bring them together. The chemistry was there and had a delicious buildup for them realizing their feelings for each other. The steamy scenes were great and Rhett always made sure that she was happy. They faced real life problems which made them so relatable as a couple. The ending was so sweet and perfect for them.
Lena Lee and Alexander Neal narrated as Evie and Rhett and I loved listening to them. Lena brought Evie’s genuine and sweet personality alive perfectly. And I was definitely charmed by Alexander’s Southern accent as Rhett, his narration was charming and romantic.
Once I received this audiobook, I couldn’t wait to start it. “Steal A Kiss” is a charming, romantic and sweet best friend’s sister romance that was such a cute and great addition to the series.
Evie has just graduated college with her degree in special education and she needs a place to live since university housing is no longer an option. But housing is expensive in Vancouver so she is going to sleep on her brother’s, Kai, couch. There’s one problem, she found an abandoned puppy and his building doesn’t allow pets. So Kai volunteers his best friend and teammates’, Rhett, spare bedroom. Evie has had a crush on Rhett for years and as she lives with him, the feelings she’s had are still there. And Rhett starts to see his best friend’s sister in a different way.
Rhett is a true Southern man and has all the charm. He’s a great teammate, friend and will help in any way he can. I loved how easy going he was and he helped without hesitation. Evie is such a sweet woman and I loved her passion for education. Her wanting to help kids with learning disabilities made my heart so happy and it made Rhett’s connection to it even more special. They truly started out as friends and bonded over raising Ruthie the puppy. Ruthie was the perfect thing to bring them together. The chemistry was there and had a delicious buildup for them realizing their feelings for each other. The steamy scenes were great and Rhett always made sure that she was happy. They faced real life problems which made them so relatable as a couple. The ending was so sweet and perfect for them.
Lena Lee and Alexander Neal narrated as Evie and Rhett and I loved listening to them. Lena brought Evie’s genuine and sweet personality alive perfectly. And I was definitely charmed by Alexander’s Southern accent as Rhett, his narration was charming and romantic.
April 23, 2025
Oh my goodness!! I absolutely inhaled this book & was so sad when it was over. I was also mad when adulting got in the way. All I wanted was to live in the Vancouver Trident’s world, and be a fly on the wall watching Rhett & Evie navigate this years long attraction.
Rhett is the southern gentleman that any guy would be lucky to have fall for his sister. Well…unless said guy is Rhett’s best friend. Cue giddy clapping for brother’s best friend trope. Ok, maybe I’m partial, because it IS my favorite trope, but the mutual unrequited feelings just gave it that extra bit of chef’s kiss. Not to mention the pure care Rhett gave to Evie that had the spice spicing.
Evie is beautifully & perfectly awkward. But I love every bit of it. Sickly as a kid, her love of animals has always been on the back burner due to her asthma. But when she finds an adorable homeless puppy, she absolutely cannot say no! Now with a situational forced proximity, Rhett finds himself smitten with Evie & the pup, Ruthie. And as for Ruthie, very obviously a great judge of character as she completely adopted Rhett right alongside Evie from the very beginning. This dog has so much personality & a whole entertainment plot all by her lonesome.
While searching for her perfect job, we see the truly beautiful side of Evie that is her entire heart & drive to help those who learn differently. Her connection with Rhett intensifies & watching them fall had my heart swooning in so many directions.
I loved the family aspect throughout this book. Not only Evie & Kai’s family, but the family that encapsulates the entire Vancouver Trident’s team.
Audiobook Review:
Alexander Neal gave this down home southern boy life. It’s honestly hard to deliver that southern twang without over doing it, & he did phenomenal. Lena Lee’s portrayal of Evie was so spot on & she completely brought this character to life.
Rhett is the southern gentleman that any guy would be lucky to have fall for his sister. Well…unless said guy is Rhett’s best friend. Cue giddy clapping for brother’s best friend trope. Ok, maybe I’m partial, because it IS my favorite trope, but the mutual unrequited feelings just gave it that extra bit of chef’s kiss. Not to mention the pure care Rhett gave to Evie that had the spice spicing.
Evie is beautifully & perfectly awkward. But I love every bit of it. Sickly as a kid, her love of animals has always been on the back burner due to her asthma. But when she finds an adorable homeless puppy, she absolutely cannot say no! Now with a situational forced proximity, Rhett finds himself smitten with Evie & the pup, Ruthie. And as for Ruthie, very obviously a great judge of character as she completely adopted Rhett right alongside Evie from the very beginning. This dog has so much personality & a whole entertainment plot all by her lonesome.
While searching for her perfect job, we see the truly beautiful side of Evie that is her entire heart & drive to help those who learn differently. Her connection with Rhett intensifies & watching them fall had my heart swooning in so many directions.
I loved the family aspect throughout this book. Not only Evie & Kai’s family, but the family that encapsulates the entire Vancouver Trident’s team.
Audiobook Review:
Alexander Neal gave this down home southern boy life. It’s honestly hard to deliver that southern twang without over doing it, & he did phenomenal. Lena Lee’s portrayal of Evie was so spot on & she completely brought this character to life.
April 25, 2025
I received an ALC of this audiobook but all opinions are my own.
📖: 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
🎧: 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
🥵: 🌶️🌶️/5
Steal a Kiss is the fourth book in the Vancouver Tridents series. It follows southern gentleman Rhett "Darlin" Darlington and his teammate Yami's younger sister, Evie Yamaki. Having known each other for years, Evie has always had a crush on Rhett, despite him rebuffing her attempts to kiss him 4 years earlier. A series of events sees Evie moving in with Rhett whilst looking for a job after her master's degree.
I enjoyed this story! I thought Evie and Rhett were super cute together and I completely believed their relationship. They worked really well together, and I'm so glad Rhett didn't spend ages thinking he wasn't good enough for her, and vice versa!
I enjoyed reading about Evie's relationship with her grandmother and her Japanese heritage as it brought a lot of depth to her character. I haven't read many stories with Asian MCs and I can't comment on the authenticity of Evie's experiences as an Asian-Canadian woman, but it felt realistic to me!
Rhett's dyslexia was another really interesting storyline! I found Evie so oblivious in this regard, especially as it's literally her job, but then once he told her I was happy it wasn't the main focus of their relationship.
Yami was a great bit of comic relief, and I loved the classic older brother role he fit into. I really hope we get his story next!
The narration was performed in dual style by Lena Lee and Alexander Neal. Both of these were new-to-me narrators, and I definitely enjoyed them and would listen to them again. I loved Alexander's southern drawl, but I don't think Lena quite matched it, but it was still very listenable. I would definitely listen to these two again!
Overall, a great addition to the Tridents series, and I can't wait for the final one!
📖: 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
🎧: 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
🥵: 🌶️🌶️/5
Steal a Kiss is the fourth book in the Vancouver Tridents series. It follows southern gentleman Rhett "Darlin" Darlington and his teammate Yami's younger sister, Evie Yamaki. Having known each other for years, Evie has always had a crush on Rhett, despite him rebuffing her attempts to kiss him 4 years earlier. A series of events sees Evie moving in with Rhett whilst looking for a job after her master's degree.
I enjoyed this story! I thought Evie and Rhett were super cute together and I completely believed their relationship. They worked really well together, and I'm so glad Rhett didn't spend ages thinking he wasn't good enough for her, and vice versa!
I enjoyed reading about Evie's relationship with her grandmother and her Japanese heritage as it brought a lot of depth to her character. I haven't read many stories with Asian MCs and I can't comment on the authenticity of Evie's experiences as an Asian-Canadian woman, but it felt realistic to me!
Rhett's dyslexia was another really interesting storyline! I found Evie so oblivious in this regard, especially as it's literally her job, but then once he told her I was happy it wasn't the main focus of their relationship.
Yami was a great bit of comic relief, and I loved the classic older brother role he fit into. I really hope we get his story next!
The narration was performed in dual style by Lena Lee and Alexander Neal. Both of these were new-to-me narrators, and I definitely enjoyed them and would listen to them again. I loved Alexander's southern drawl, but I don't think Lena quite matched it, but it was still very listenable. I would definitely listen to these two again!
Overall, a great addition to the Tridents series, and I can't wait for the final one!
April 21, 2025
Steal A Kiss is a really sweet addition to Julia Jarrett's Vancouver Tridents series as Southern Charmer Rhett finds his HEA with Evie, his teammate's little sister.
It's a relatively low-angst story between these two, who have always had a bit of a crush on one another. Evie is done with her college studies and is about to move in with her brother Kai while she searches for a job in special education — but she just rescued the most adorable little puppy and Kai's building does not allow pets. So instead, she bunks in the guest room at his buddy Rhett's place, where she tries to hide the crush she's had on him for years. Once Rhett and Evie give in to their mutual attraction, they keep their relationship a secret because Rhett doesn't want to break bro code with Kai. And I must admit, Kai's reaction once he eventually discovered that Rhett and Evie are together was quite refreshing.
The drama between the couple comes from Evie's older sister, who gets up in her head and makes her begin second-guessing what she wants from life. But I really appreciated how they were open and honest with each other, and talked it out to come up with a compromise rather than ignoring how they truly feel and causing a divide between them. I also really loved how Evie was a support to Rhett with his dyslexia, and never made him feel ashamed about his learning disability.
Narrators Lena Lee and Alexander Neal did a wonderful job with this story. I loved Neal's Southern twang, and I thought he perfectly captured Rhett's sweet and spicy sides. Lee gave a wonderful vulnerability to Evie, and I loved how she played the character's awkward moments as well.
This book was a great addition to the Vancouver Tridents series! I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
It's a relatively low-angst story between these two, who have always had a bit of a crush on one another. Evie is done with her college studies and is about to move in with her brother Kai while she searches for a job in special education — but she just rescued the most adorable little puppy and Kai's building does not allow pets. So instead, she bunks in the guest room at his buddy Rhett's place, where she tries to hide the crush she's had on him for years. Once Rhett and Evie give in to their mutual attraction, they keep their relationship a secret because Rhett doesn't want to break bro code with Kai. And I must admit, Kai's reaction once he eventually discovered that Rhett and Evie are together was quite refreshing.
The drama between the couple comes from Evie's older sister, who gets up in her head and makes her begin second-guessing what she wants from life. But I really appreciated how they were open and honest with each other, and talked it out to come up with a compromise rather than ignoring how they truly feel and causing a divide between them. I also really loved how Evie was a support to Rhett with his dyslexia, and never made him feel ashamed about his learning disability.
Narrators Lena Lee and Alexander Neal did a wonderful job with this story. I loved Neal's Southern twang, and I thought he perfectly captured Rhett's sweet and spicy sides. Lee gave a wonderful vulnerability to Evie, and I loved how she played the character's awkward moments as well.
This book was a great addition to the Vancouver Tridents series! I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
April 24, 2025
Sweet, fun brother’s best friend story.
Rhett and Evangaline were a delight to listen to and I loved their story. Evie’s plans to move in with her brother after graduating change when she decided to house a stray dog. Her brother suggests she move in with Rhett, his teammate and best friend until she finds something. Rhett also happens to be an attractive, thoughtful, professional baseball player with the southern drawl that will melt your panties, and he happens to love animals.
I enjoyed watching them go from friends to lovers to more. The more they learn about each other, the more they realize how perfect they are together. Their story has heart, humor and plenty of spice. Rhett is a true southern gentleman most times and anything but in the bedroom. The little things he does to take care of her from care packages, prepping her morning coffee and guiding her in proper care for the overgrown adopted puppy, Ruthie. I melted a little more every time he called her honey and those ‘lessons’ in the bedroom? Fire! Evie is smart, sassy and the perfect counterpart for Rhett. There’s plenty of banter with his teammates, input from the girl gang, and sweet conversations with Rhett’s mom. I loved the bond between Evie and her brother. Plus, the devotion these two have for each other when they decide to go all in is wonderful. The way they put each other first and they genuinely like each other and are just fun to watch.
Narrated by Alexander Neal and Lena Lee. Both narrators are new to me. They were fantastic, bringing the banter, heart, spice and vulnerability out of both Rhett and Evie. Alexander has just enough of that Tennessee twang to be dangerous and Lena was sweet and sassy as Evie. I look forward to hearing more from both.
Rhett and Evangaline were a delight to listen to and I loved their story. Evie’s plans to move in with her brother after graduating change when she decided to house a stray dog. Her brother suggests she move in with Rhett, his teammate and best friend until she finds something. Rhett also happens to be an attractive, thoughtful, professional baseball player with the southern drawl that will melt your panties, and he happens to love animals.
I enjoyed watching them go from friends to lovers to more. The more they learn about each other, the more they realize how perfect they are together. Their story has heart, humor and plenty of spice. Rhett is a true southern gentleman most times and anything but in the bedroom. The little things he does to take care of her from care packages, prepping her morning coffee and guiding her in proper care for the overgrown adopted puppy, Ruthie. I melted a little more every time he called her honey and those ‘lessons’ in the bedroom? Fire! Evie is smart, sassy and the perfect counterpart for Rhett. There’s plenty of banter with his teammates, input from the girl gang, and sweet conversations with Rhett’s mom. I loved the bond between Evie and her brother. Plus, the devotion these two have for each other when they decide to go all in is wonderful. The way they put each other first and they genuinely like each other and are just fun to watch.
Narrated by Alexander Neal and Lena Lee. Both narrators are new to me. They were fantastic, bringing the banter, heart, spice and vulnerability out of both Rhett and Evie. Alexander has just enough of that Tennessee twang to be dangerous and Lena was sweet and sassy as Evie. I look forward to hearing more from both.
April 14, 2025
Steal a Kiss is the audio equivalent of a cozy hoodie and a pint of your favorite ice cream. This fourth entry in Julia Jarrett’s Vancouver Tridents series serves up all the tropes we love with a side of irresistible narrator chemistry.
🎧 AUDIOBOOK Review -
Narrated by Lena Lee and Alexander Neal, this dual narration brought Evie and Rhett’s story to life in such a delightful way. Lena’s soft, heartwarming tone was perfect for Evie’s inner monologue (especially those adorable moments of awkwardness). And Alexander Neal? That southern drawl? Ma’am, Rhett Darlington could read me the major league baseball rulebook and I’d still swoon. Their chemistry wasn’t just on-page—it was in every whispered word and flirty exchange.
TROPES:
⚾ Brother’s Best Friend
🐶 Secret Roommates (with bonus adorable puppy!)
📚 Forced Proximity
🔥 Spicy "I'll show you how a man is supposed to treat you" Lessons
🧠 Dyslexia Rep/Learning Disability Advocate
👀 years of mutual pining
Evie is sunshine with a cause, freshly graduated and ready to save the educational world (but also maybe her puppy from becoming homeless). Rhett is every southern baseball boy fantasy rolled into one—tattoos, heart of gold, and a puppy snuggle monster too. Together, they’re the definition of slow burn meets steam. And while this romance might’ve started as a “keep it secret, keep it casual” deal, there’s nothing casual about Rhett’s sweet, possessive energy.
This story had me grinning like a fool and wishing I could go see a real Tridents game.
Big thanks to the fabulous Julia Jarrett and HomeCookedBooks for the ALC—this series continues to hit home runs, and I’m already lining up for Kai’s book.
🎧 AUDIOBOOK Review -
Narrated by Lena Lee and Alexander Neal, this dual narration brought Evie and Rhett’s story to life in such a delightful way. Lena’s soft, heartwarming tone was perfect for Evie’s inner monologue (especially those adorable moments of awkwardness). And Alexander Neal? That southern drawl? Ma’am, Rhett Darlington could read me the major league baseball rulebook and I’d still swoon. Their chemistry wasn’t just on-page—it was in every whispered word and flirty exchange.
TROPES:
⚾ Brother’s Best Friend
🐶 Secret Roommates (with bonus adorable puppy!)
📚 Forced Proximity
🔥 Spicy "I'll show you how a man is supposed to treat you" Lessons
🧠 Dyslexia Rep/Learning Disability Advocate
👀 years of mutual pining
Evie is sunshine with a cause, freshly graduated and ready to save the educational world (but also maybe her puppy from becoming homeless). Rhett is every southern baseball boy fantasy rolled into one—tattoos, heart of gold, and a puppy snuggle monster too. Together, they’re the definition of slow burn meets steam. And while this romance might’ve started as a “keep it secret, keep it casual” deal, there’s nothing casual about Rhett’s sweet, possessive energy.
This story had me grinning like a fool and wishing I could go see a real Tridents game.
Big thanks to the fabulous Julia Jarrett and HomeCookedBooks for the ALC—this series continues to hit home runs, and I’m already lining up for Kai’s book.
April 21, 2025
I really enjoyed this story! It pulled me in from beginning to end and held my attention the entire time. I loved getting to know Rhett better and watching him with Evie. Evie is Rhett's best friend and teammate's younger sister. Rhett and Evie both have been drawn to each other but Rhett has never let himself go there or think of it as an option due to his friendship with her brother. Evie has just graduated college and ends up rescuing a stray dog on the side of the road right before moving in with her brother while she looks for a job. Problem is, his building doesn't allow for any pets so the stray ends up going home with Rhett and new plan is for Evie to move in with Rhett for the summer. It forces them into close proximity and time alone without interference from best friend/brother or other people. It causes the tension to continue grow between them until something finally happens between them. At first, with the complications of Evie's brother being his best friend and them being teammates and not wanting to push the other they try and keep it light and as a sex only thing between them but feelings are pretty much already there and just continue to grow. I loved how Evie and Rhett were together. They were so cute and adorable and I loved how they supported each other throughout the story. They are soo good and I loved how they built the relationship with what was going on around them. This story was entertaining and interesting and well written. It was lighthearted and easy to read and engage with. A lot of fun and I can't wait for Yami's story!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
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