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Sugar Mountain #3
Worth the Chase
Crushing on Matthew O'Grady didn't work out very well for me in the past. When he left Sugar Mountain for the NHL, he took my hopeful teenage heart with him. I was crushed beyond repair, and he never even knew it. But now he's back in town, working at the resort his family owns and coming into my bar every. single. shift. He claims to want me, but a guy like Matthew doesn't want any one woman for long.
Bella Sanchez is an absolute smoke show. I know I have a reputation of for being a playboy; the kind of guy who sleeps around with no strings attached. But that was the old me. The new me is back home in Sugar Mountain for good and looking for all the strings. The only problem is, Bella doesn't believe me when I tell her I want her.
But I'm a stubborn man, and I won't stop chasing her until she's mine.
Bella Sanchez is an absolute smoke show. I know I have a reputation of for being a playboy; the kind of guy who sleeps around with no strings attached. But that was the old me. The new me is back home in Sugar Mountain for good and looking for all the strings. The only problem is, Bella doesn't believe me when I tell her I want her.
But I'm a stubborn man, and I won't stop chasing her until she's mine.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 19, 2025
24 people are currently reading
418 people want to read
About the author
J. Sterling
57 books6,203 followersJ. (jenn) Sterling is a New York Times and USA Today best selling author of multiple contemporary romances. She lives in California with her only son, Blake. If you can't find her sitting behind a computer screen writing new stories, then there's a good chance she's sitting in the bleachers of a baseball stadium watching him play.
Jenn enjoys traveling to new places, meeting her readers and spending time with the love of her life, the one & only, Jack F'n Carter! Oh yeah, it's true. <3
Stay in touch with Jenn here:
Newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/619557...
Website: http://www.jsterlingbooks.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJSterling
Instagram & TikTok: @AuthorJSterling
Jenn enjoys traveling to new places, meeting her readers and spending time with the love of her life, the one & only, Jack F'n Carter! Oh yeah, it's true. <3
Stay in touch with Jenn here:
Newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/619557...
Website: http://www.jsterlingbooks.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJSterling
Instagram & TikTok: @AuthorJSterling
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
March 20, 2025
Very sweet book!
Now, this is book three about the O'Grady brothers. So if you like to read books in order, start with book 1. This is the first book I read in the series. I didn't feel lost. It can totally be read as a stand-alone. We got a great introduction to the two MCs and their backstory.
Bella grew up loving her brothers best friend. A hockey player who really took to her family, she knew when he wasn't alright and cared for him like no one else. The problem? He was three years older and saw her as a kid. Not to mention, her brother was not a fan of her crush.
Years later, he's back. And he... wants her? I just love it when a girl puts a guy in his place. And he's so into her. I love that. But I get where she's coming from. It's her first crush who stayed a crush. It's hard getting back into the ring with the one who punched you out. (Totally stole that from OTH) Especially when she's keeping a secret from him. I loved how irrational he gets.
It's funny, and I loved how crazy he gets over her. It's exactly what you want your former crush to be. And there's some drama too. I'm not going to spoil that.
I can't wait to read about his brothers. And that new series! I think it's going to be about a brother we meet in this one!!!
Now, this is book three about the O'Grady brothers. So if you like to read books in order, start with book 1. This is the first book I read in the series. I didn't feel lost. It can totally be read as a stand-alone. We got a great introduction to the two MCs and their backstory.
Bella grew up loving her brothers best friend. A hockey player who really took to her family, she knew when he wasn't alright and cared for him like no one else. The problem? He was three years older and saw her as a kid. Not to mention, her brother was not a fan of her crush.
Years later, he's back. And he... wants her? I just love it when a girl puts a guy in his place. And he's so into her. I love that. But I get where she's coming from. It's her first crush who stayed a crush. It's hard getting back into the ring with the one who punched you out. (Totally stole that from OTH) Especially when she's keeping a secret from him. I loved how irrational he gets.
It's funny, and I loved how crazy he gets over her. It's exactly what you want your former crush to be. And there's some drama too. I'm not going to spoil that.
I can't wait to read about his brothers. And that new series! I think it's going to be about a brother we meet in this one!!!
March 19, 2025
Matthew and Bells have to be my favorite out of this series. This man has it bad for Bells, and she isn't about to let this man break her heart again.
A teenage crush on her brothers best friend takes a 180 when Matthew comes back to Sugar Mountain for good. He is smitten with her from the get-go,
and she is protecting her heart.
Fun banter and a man who falls first in this third installment. Plus, we get to catch up with the other brothers and their families.
A teenage crush on her brothers best friend takes a 180 when Matthew comes back to Sugar Mountain for good. He is smitten with her from the get-go,
and she is protecting her heart.
Fun banter and a man who falls first in this third installment. Plus, we get to catch up with the other brothers and their families.
March 19, 2025
My first thought after finishing Worth the Chase, Book 3 in author J. Sterling’s Sugar Mountain Series, was, “I hope there are more O’Grady brothers – or cousins, or . . . ) hidden away somewhere because I am absolutely not ready for this series to be over.” This is a place I want to move to, a family I want to join, stories to go on forever. They are feel-good, warm your heart through and through books. Even if the first eight words of Book 1, Worth the Fall, had me sobbing. Good people working through hard times and bad memories to focus on good times and good memories – and making even better memories for the future.
Worth the Chase is Matthew O’Grady’s story. He’s the youngest of the three brothers, as handsome and popular as the other two and their dad. He’s the one who left Sugar Mountain to play pro hockey, and he lived up to the typical professional athlete rep: party, play around, don’t form attachments. He had a good life and he enjoyed it. But that was then and this is now.
Now Matthew is home. He always planned on coming home, but not after just seven years in the NHL. He didn’t plan on a career ending injury. He didn’t plan on feeling lost and overwhelmed, useless, uncertain of his future and being sad so much of the time. Sure, he’s got more money than he knows what to do with. He’s still famous and recognized. And with those looks he’s still got all the women he could want throwing themselves at him. Except he doesn’t want them, who he wants is Isabella Sanchez, and she barely gives him the time of day – or night, since he spends all his nights drinking at the bar where she is the bartender.
Bella isn’t the girl he left behind or the one who got away. No, she was his high school best friend’s little sister, the pesky little girl who had the mad crush on the older boy. Not so pesky, really; they were close, she understood him and was there for him when his mother died. But she was too young and off limits. That bro code or something. And Leo wasn’t kidding when he told Matthew to stay away from her. Nor was Leo kidding when he made it a point to shove photos of Matthew with woman after woman after – you get the picture – in front of Bella when Matthew was still playing hockey. She knew Matthew didn’t have feelings for her. Except for giving her her first kiss, so unexpected, telling her, “If a guy doesn’t kiss you like this the first time, Bells, don’t let him do it again.” But he was leaving town and didn’t contact her for the entire seven years he was gone, proof enough she didn’t really mean anything to him.
So his smothering attention now is unwelcome. She doesn’t trust him; thinks he’s just looking for another conquest. Leo kept her well informed of his antics while an active player and she sees the women still making themselves available. She took that first kiss to heart, though, and has never been serious about anyone, has never really dated much, but that doesn’t mean she wants to risk her heart again; he’s already broken it once. And even though she refuses to go out with Matthew the playboy she sees beneath the drunk-every night-asking-her-out-guy to the man who is unhappy, uncertain, and unsettled. She won’t turn away from helping if she can. And Matthew – he just wants a chance. Bella is the only one besides his immediate family who made him feel he was home, and the feeling is still there.
When Bella agrees to help him find a house to buy, their relationship starts to shift. He’s still arrogant and cocky and relentless in his pursuit, but she sees more. And he sees glimpses of Bella the girl now grown into Bella the woman, the very desirable woman who still just feels so right. Author J. Sterling gives us some outrageously funny moments and some where Matthew is just ridiculous (and ridiculously cute) but the best parts are the ones that make your heart beat a little faster, as they learn more about each other, realize there is attraction and heat, and where Matthew’s proclamations of ‘our marriage, our house, our kids’ don’t seem so far-fetched. Sterling surrounds them with friends and family, treating us to more time with all the folks we met and loved in the previous books, and their presence is welcome and much needed when something horrific happens to Bella. The family’s resort and the town of Sugar Mountain are as beautiful and charming as ever; Matthew is right – this is home. Sterling has written such a special series and Worth the Chase is the perfect wrap up. I recommend it without hesitation. I received an advance copy of this book. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
Worth the Chase is Matthew O’Grady’s story. He’s the youngest of the three brothers, as handsome and popular as the other two and their dad. He’s the one who left Sugar Mountain to play pro hockey, and he lived up to the typical professional athlete rep: party, play around, don’t form attachments. He had a good life and he enjoyed it. But that was then and this is now.
Now Matthew is home. He always planned on coming home, but not after just seven years in the NHL. He didn’t plan on a career ending injury. He didn’t plan on feeling lost and overwhelmed, useless, uncertain of his future and being sad so much of the time. Sure, he’s got more money than he knows what to do with. He’s still famous and recognized. And with those looks he’s still got all the women he could want throwing themselves at him. Except he doesn’t want them, who he wants is Isabella Sanchez, and she barely gives him the time of day – or night, since he spends all his nights drinking at the bar where she is the bartender.
Bella isn’t the girl he left behind or the one who got away. No, she was his high school best friend’s little sister, the pesky little girl who had the mad crush on the older boy. Not so pesky, really; they were close, she understood him and was there for him when his mother died. But she was too young and off limits. That bro code or something. And Leo wasn’t kidding when he told Matthew to stay away from her. Nor was Leo kidding when he made it a point to shove photos of Matthew with woman after woman after – you get the picture – in front of Bella when Matthew was still playing hockey. She knew Matthew didn’t have feelings for her. Except for giving her her first kiss, so unexpected, telling her, “If a guy doesn’t kiss you like this the first time, Bells, don’t let him do it again.” But he was leaving town and didn’t contact her for the entire seven years he was gone, proof enough she didn’t really mean anything to him.
So his smothering attention now is unwelcome. She doesn’t trust him; thinks he’s just looking for another conquest. Leo kept her well informed of his antics while an active player and she sees the women still making themselves available. She took that first kiss to heart, though, and has never been serious about anyone, has never really dated much, but that doesn’t mean she wants to risk her heart again; he’s already broken it once. And even though she refuses to go out with Matthew the playboy she sees beneath the drunk-every night-asking-her-out-guy to the man who is unhappy, uncertain, and unsettled. She won’t turn away from helping if she can. And Matthew – he just wants a chance. Bella is the only one besides his immediate family who made him feel he was home, and the feeling is still there.
When Bella agrees to help him find a house to buy, their relationship starts to shift. He’s still arrogant and cocky and relentless in his pursuit, but she sees more. And he sees glimpses of Bella the girl now grown into Bella the woman, the very desirable woman who still just feels so right. Author J. Sterling gives us some outrageously funny moments and some where Matthew is just ridiculous (and ridiculously cute) but the best parts are the ones that make your heart beat a little faster, as they learn more about each other, realize there is attraction and heat, and where Matthew’s proclamations of ‘our marriage, our house, our kids’ don’t seem so far-fetched. Sterling surrounds them with friends and family, treating us to more time with all the folks we met and loved in the previous books, and their presence is welcome and much needed when something horrific happens to Bella. The family’s resort and the town of Sugar Mountain are as beautiful and charming as ever; Matthew is right – this is home. Sterling has written such a special series and Worth the Chase is the perfect wrap up. I recommend it without hesitation. I received an advance copy of this book. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
March 19, 2025
Worth The Chase is book three in the Sugar Mountain Series ( The O’Grady Brothers) by J. Sterling. We finally get Matthew’s story, the wealthy retired NHL player and youngest O’Grady. But more importantly- the last single one !
Isabella Sanchez aka Bella /Bells is his best friend’s little sister. He’d known in high school she’d had a crush on him. She was kind and caring when his mother died but her brother threatened him to stay away from her.
Now seven years later, he has been home a year and can’t resist the pull towards her. She’s the only woman he wants, but she can’t stand him. In the previous books we know Matthew is at the Sugar Saloon every time Bella is working and drinking a lot. His brothers think it because he is struggling with losing his career through injury. No one thinks he is serious about his feelings for her because he’s such a player.
At Thomas and Brooklyn’s wedding he resorts to begging Bells to go home with him after she finished bartending the celebrations. She knows he’s probably never had a woman turn him down before but won’t be a game to him. She’s fed up of him always at the Sugar Saloon getting drunk. She’s determined she won’t fall for his cocky and charming ways. She doesn’t believe a word he says anymore and refuses to let him break her heart a second time.
When he gets her to help him buy a house everything starts to change. She sees the sadness in his eyes and how he is struggling with being back home. Slowly they get to know the adult version of each other and he is constant in his belief she will be his. It was funny how jealous and possessive he becomes and how she made him work for their relationship.
I loved the real reason he was always there when she working and how he’s so attentive when she needs him the most after a traumatic incident. Great how Bella they work through things together and she accepts he really is serious.
I really liked how Addi supported her and the whole O’ Grady family made her so welcome. Enjoyed his brothers teasing him and getting him back for all he did when they fell for their women. They were so entertaining but nice how they came up with an idea for his future at the resort. The bond the brothers have and how they work to help each other was lovely to read.
A great ending to what has been a heartwarming series. I will miss these handsome brothers and the beautiful Sugar Mountain Resort.
Isabella Sanchez aka Bella /Bells is his best friend’s little sister. He’d known in high school she’d had a crush on him. She was kind and caring when his mother died but her brother threatened him to stay away from her.
Now seven years later, he has been home a year and can’t resist the pull towards her. She’s the only woman he wants, but she can’t stand him. In the previous books we know Matthew is at the Sugar Saloon every time Bella is working and drinking a lot. His brothers think it because he is struggling with losing his career through injury. No one thinks he is serious about his feelings for her because he’s such a player.
At Thomas and Brooklyn’s wedding he resorts to begging Bells to go home with him after she finished bartending the celebrations. She knows he’s probably never had a woman turn him down before but won’t be a game to him. She’s fed up of him always at the Sugar Saloon getting drunk. She’s determined she won’t fall for his cocky and charming ways. She doesn’t believe a word he says anymore and refuses to let him break her heart a second time.
When he gets her to help him buy a house everything starts to change. She sees the sadness in his eyes and how he is struggling with being back home. Slowly they get to know the adult version of each other and he is constant in his belief she will be his. It was funny how jealous and possessive he becomes and how she made him work for their relationship.
I loved the real reason he was always there when she working and how he’s so attentive when she needs him the most after a traumatic incident. Great how Bella they work through things together and she accepts he really is serious.
I really liked how Addi supported her and the whole O’ Grady family made her so welcome. Enjoyed his brothers teasing him and getting him back for all he did when they fell for their women. They were so entertaining but nice how they came up with an idea for his future at the resort. The bond the brothers have and how they work to help each other was lovely to read.
A great ending to what has been a heartwarming series. I will miss these handsome brothers and the beautiful Sugar Mountain Resort.
March 20, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Each installment in Sterling’s Sugar Mountain series has me falling more in love with this series. Each book is filled with romance, family, and fun that I want to fully immerse myself within. Following the O’Grady brothers, the series doesn’t disappoint in delivering swoon worthy MCs and strong FMCs that you instantly fall in love with. I route for these couples from the beginning and am so excited for when they finally give in to the chemistry that has been pulsing off the pages.
Matthew, the youngest O’Grady brother, has returned home after a career ending injury happened. Playing hockey was his dream and passion and he wasn’t ready for it to be over. He feels lost, empty, and sad most of the time, but knows that being home while feeling this way is better than being alone. One good thing about being home though is seeing his best friend's sister again, who is all grown up. A woman he can’t stay away from or get any attention from.
Isabella (Bella) hasn’t seen Matthew, well in person, since he left to play hockey. Her brother has made sure to continuously show him all the women around him, reminding her what to stay away from. She believes that Matthew is only showing her attention to prove something to himself and she refuses to give in, despite the way his attention makes her feel. I loved Bella’s strong personality and her ability to not be a pushover for anyone.
Sterling took these characters and wrote a beautiful love story not only about the person you are with, but where in life you are at as well. Finding the person who makes you feel home in a way that no one else can. I loved reading about Matthew becoming himself again and Bella seeing the boy from high school is still alive and well. The themes of home and acceptance were strong within this book and made it a wonderful read!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
Tropes:
🏒Small Town Romance
💋Retired Hockey Player
🏒Best Friend’s Sister
💋Friends to Lovers
🏒You’re My Home
💋Coming Home
🏒Age Gap
Each installment in Sterling’s Sugar Mountain series has me falling more in love with this series. Each book is filled with romance, family, and fun that I want to fully immerse myself within. Following the O’Grady brothers, the series doesn’t disappoint in delivering swoon worthy MCs and strong FMCs that you instantly fall in love with. I route for these couples from the beginning and am so excited for when they finally give in to the chemistry that has been pulsing off the pages.
Matthew, the youngest O’Grady brother, has returned home after a career ending injury happened. Playing hockey was his dream and passion and he wasn’t ready for it to be over. He feels lost, empty, and sad most of the time, but knows that being home while feeling this way is better than being alone. One good thing about being home though is seeing his best friend's sister again, who is all grown up. A woman he can’t stay away from or get any attention from.
Isabella (Bella) hasn’t seen Matthew, well in person, since he left to play hockey. Her brother has made sure to continuously show him all the women around him, reminding her what to stay away from. She believes that Matthew is only showing her attention to prove something to himself and she refuses to give in, despite the way his attention makes her feel. I loved Bella’s strong personality and her ability to not be a pushover for anyone.
Sterling took these characters and wrote a beautiful love story not only about the person you are with, but where in life you are at as well. Finding the person who makes you feel home in a way that no one else can. I loved reading about Matthew becoming himself again and Bella seeing the boy from high school is still alive and well. The themes of home and acceptance were strong within this book and made it a wonderful read!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
Tropes:
🏒Small Town Romance
💋Retired Hockey Player
🏒Best Friend’s Sister
💋Friends to Lovers
🏒You’re My Home
💋Coming Home
🏒Age Gap
March 20, 2025
Review:
✨Worth The Chase✨
Sugar Mountain #3
By J. Sterling
✨ Small Town Romance
✨ Contemporary Romance
✨ Brother’s best friend
⭐ 4/5
Matthew and Isabella
This is a pretty cute romance. A bit of the classical older brother’s best friend, returning to hometown romance. Matthew left Sugar Mountain to play professional hockey. And that he did for seven years with success on the ice and the playboys ways off the ice.
An injury put his life in another direction. One where he is back in his hometown and feeling nothing like the famous hockey player.
His only stable these days are the evenings he spends at the bar where Bella works. And she also became his only focus. Only she doesn’t give him the time of the day.
Because he left her heartbroken without knowing it. And she sure got word and more of the life Matthew lived. So he definitely didn't think about her at all. Sure she was too young and off limits, per her brother’s demand, but still.
And now with Matthew being back and his attention on her, she doesn’t want it. He could not possibly want something serious. And Bella herself never found the one she was looking for.
But despite not wanting anything with him, Bella cares for Matthew and wants to help. Because she sees behind the man he pretends to be when sober.
And while helping him with things, their relationship changes. Both get to know the person they are today, and Bella finally gets that Matthew isn’t looking for a new conquest.
Feelings, sweet family and friends appearances and a little suspense makes this a wonderful story.
✨Worth The Chase✨
Sugar Mountain #3
By J. Sterling
✨ Small Town Romance
✨ Contemporary Romance
✨ Brother’s best friend
⭐ 4/5
Matthew and Isabella
This is a pretty cute romance. A bit of the classical older brother’s best friend, returning to hometown romance. Matthew left Sugar Mountain to play professional hockey. And that he did for seven years with success on the ice and the playboys ways off the ice.
An injury put his life in another direction. One where he is back in his hometown and feeling nothing like the famous hockey player.
His only stable these days are the evenings he spends at the bar where Bella works. And she also became his only focus. Only she doesn’t give him the time of the day.
Because he left her heartbroken without knowing it. And she sure got word and more of the life Matthew lived. So he definitely didn't think about her at all. Sure she was too young and off limits, per her brother’s demand, but still.
And now with Matthew being back and his attention on her, she doesn’t want it. He could not possibly want something serious. And Bella herself never found the one she was looking for.
But despite not wanting anything with him, Bella cares for Matthew and wants to help. Because she sees behind the man he pretends to be when sober.
And while helping him with things, their relationship changes. Both get to know the person they are today, and Bella finally gets that Matthew isn’t looking for a new conquest.
Feelings, sweet family and friends appearances and a little suspense makes this a wonderful story.
March 14, 2025
Matthew O'Grady has a reputation and unfortunately for him Bella Sanchez knows all about it... it's the reason she won't give him the time of day. She knows what the tabloids say about him, that he is not the settling down type, and that is not at all what she wants. She wants the forever kind of guy... little does she know he wants to be that guy for her!
Worth the Chase is a story about a playboy that finally decides to change his wandering ways and find the girl worth sticking around for, the forever kind of girl, and he has the perfect girl in mind. He knew Bella was his girl, the girl he wanted to build a life with, but capturing the heart of the girl is going to be a challenge. She knows the life he use to lead and she wants no part of that, she just can't believe that he has truly settled and doesn't want that life any longer. But he does and he will stop at nothing to convince her to give them a shot...
Worth the Chase is a heartfelt and swoon-filled page-turner that is destined to have your heart skipping a beat the whole way through. When Matthew O'Grady sets his sights on Bella she soon learns that no amount of dismissal is going to work, he is a determined man! He goes above and beyond to steal her heart and I thoroughly enjoyed watching him win it! This was such a sweet and romantic read, one that I am certain romance readers are going to fall head over heels for, highly recommend!!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
Worth the Chase is a story about a playboy that finally decides to change his wandering ways and find the girl worth sticking around for, the forever kind of girl, and he has the perfect girl in mind. He knew Bella was his girl, the girl he wanted to build a life with, but capturing the heart of the girl is going to be a challenge. She knows the life he use to lead and she wants no part of that, she just can't believe that he has truly settled and doesn't want that life any longer. But he does and he will stop at nothing to convince her to give them a shot...
Worth the Chase is a heartfelt and swoon-filled page-turner that is destined to have your heart skipping a beat the whole way through. When Matthew O'Grady sets his sights on Bella she soon learns that no amount of dismissal is going to work, he is a determined man! He goes above and beyond to steal her heart and I thoroughly enjoyed watching him win it! This was such a sweet and romantic read, one that I am certain romance readers are going to fall head over heels for, highly recommend!!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
March 15, 2025
𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞 is the 3rd and final book in the Sugar Mountain series by J. Sterling, featuring a swoon-worthy brother’s best friend, small town romance for Matthew and Bella. He left her teenage heart in tatters when he left for his playboy lifestyle in the NHL without looking back. So when he returned to Sugar Mountain after retiring, she never expected his single-minded focus to be on convincing her to give him a chance!!
I’ve been curious about Matthew the whole time, and I 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 his flirty banter and dogged pursuit of Bella! There’s just something about a reformed playboy who knows who his 𝘰𝘯𝘦 is, and goes all-in with her, no matter what! I also appreciated that Bella didn’t give in right away, despite her years-long feelings for him. Make him work for it a little bit, girl!👊🏻 The evolution of their romance was the perfect balance of relearning each other as adults, becoming friends, then lovers. Once again, the dynamics of the O’Grady brothers was a major stand-out to me, as they supported each other, worked together, and razzed each other when necessary.😉 There was also a surprising dramatic plot twist that brought tears to my eyes when the amazing small town community showed its heart!🥹 This has been a great series, and I, for one, 𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵 for the Whisper Falls series that was set up in this book!!
I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
I’ve been curious about Matthew the whole time, and I 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 his flirty banter and dogged pursuit of Bella! There’s just something about a reformed playboy who knows who his 𝘰𝘯𝘦 is, and goes all-in with her, no matter what! I also appreciated that Bella didn’t give in right away, despite her years-long feelings for him. Make him work for it a little bit, girl!👊🏻 The evolution of their romance was the perfect balance of relearning each other as adults, becoming friends, then lovers. Once again, the dynamics of the O’Grady brothers was a major stand-out to me, as they supported each other, worked together, and razzed each other when necessary.😉 There was also a surprising dramatic plot twist that brought tears to my eyes when the amazing small town community showed its heart!🥹 This has been a great series, and I, for one, 𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵 for the Whisper Falls series that was set up in this book!!
I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
March 23, 2025
Matthew O’Grady was a retired NHL professional player, he was also an O’Grady from Sugar Mountain, he didn’t have to chase women, they flocked to him. Except for Isabella Sanchez, childhood friend and little sister of his best friend Joe. She had a crush on him when she was fourteen, but she was just a kid, and Joe invoked bro code on her. So he kissed her before he left for the NHL and didn’t contact her in the seven years he was away. Cue heartbreak!
Now Matthew is back in Sugar Mountain, retired early from hockey due to a knee injury, he wants Bella but she won’t give him a break. He visits her at the bar where she’s a bartender, she won’t give him the time of day, he begs and begs until he finally convinces her to help him buy a house.
Since she has a realtor license she doesn’t use, she decides to help him out, they choose a house they both love, and he starts waxing poetic, trying to convince him to give him a chance.
Reading their story was fun, Matthew was so cute pouting and whining and finagling one date after another from Bella. The interactions and text messages between brothers were cute, full of banter and good-natured insults. I loved Bella, she held out and made Matthew suffer for his inattention until she needed him urgently and the guy really got present. I love this series because it involves love and steam, but also the love of a small town, friends and family. It’s lovely, sweet, cute and very heartwarming.
Now Matthew is back in Sugar Mountain, retired early from hockey due to a knee injury, he wants Bella but she won’t give him a break. He visits her at the bar where she’s a bartender, she won’t give him the time of day, he begs and begs until he finally convinces her to help him buy a house.
Since she has a realtor license she doesn’t use, she decides to help him out, they choose a house they both love, and he starts waxing poetic, trying to convince him to give him a chance.
Reading their story was fun, Matthew was so cute pouting and whining and finagling one date after another from Bella. The interactions and text messages between brothers were cute, full of banter and good-natured insults. I loved Bella, she held out and made Matthew suffer for his inattention until she needed him urgently and the guy really got present. I love this series because it involves love and steam, but also the love of a small town, friends and family. It’s lovely, sweet, cute and very heartwarming.
March 16, 2025
Worth The Chase is Matthew O’Grady and Bella Sanchez’s second chance at love. It’s a small town romance set in Sugar Mountain and it’s a bittersweet read because it’s the final book in the Sugar Mountain Series. I loved everything about this captivating and entertaining read.
Bella and Matthew have known each other most of their lives because he is her older brothers best friend and from the time she started noticing boys she has crushed on him but he has never returned the feelings and he left for his NHL career without a second glance.
Matthew has been forced into retirement from the NHL and he is back in Sugar Mountain to help run the family resort. But he also wants to reconnect with Bella the woman he has secretly hidden his true feelings from but she isn’t looking to get her heart broken again……
So can Matthew convince her to give love and him another chance?
This book has all the feels, I smiled, I swooned and I fell hard and fast for Matthew. This is a well written story, I loved the loyalty and love this family share but it was an adorable little girl named Clara who loves to wear odd shoes that at times stole the show.
Bella and Matthew have known each other most of their lives because he is her older brothers best friend and from the time she started noticing boys she has crushed on him but he has never returned the feelings and he left for his NHL career without a second glance.
Matthew has been forced into retirement from the NHL and he is back in Sugar Mountain to help run the family resort. But he also wants to reconnect with Bella the woman he has secretly hidden his true feelings from but she isn’t looking to get her heart broken again……
So can Matthew convince her to give love and him another chance?
This book has all the feels, I smiled, I swooned and I fell hard and fast for Matthew. This is a well written story, I loved the loyalty and love this family share but it was an adorable little girl named Clara who loves to wear odd shoes that at times stole the show.
April 1, 2025
This book starts with the MMC already fallen for our heroine. Here is Matthew, newly retired from the NHL and Bella, the little sister to his best friend - and she wants nothing to do with him.
Bella had a crush on him all of her young life. But when he left their hometown for the NHL her heart was left in pieces. So now, he’s all in with Bella but she’s not willing to get her heart broken a second time.
There is such a sweetness to this book. I like that this book starts out with Matthew already falling for Bella. His intent is there from page 1. It’s definitely a different spin on a love story. Bella is this tough on the outside but soft on the inside kind of character. She’s spent a whole lot of her time loving Matthew but being crushed to pieces when he went and became a playboy.
There is a strong theme of family. The O’Grady brothers are such a great trio. I also enjoyed watching our two main characters realize how deeply they felt for each other.
The writing is so fluid and easy to turn those pages - here was me soaking this book up in one night! Really happy to have read this book!!
Bella had a crush on him all of her young life. But when he left their hometown for the NHL her heart was left in pieces. So now, he’s all in with Bella but she’s not willing to get her heart broken a second time.
There is such a sweetness to this book. I like that this book starts out with Matthew already falling for Bella. His intent is there from page 1. It’s definitely a different spin on a love story. Bella is this tough on the outside but soft on the inside kind of character. She’s spent a whole lot of her time loving Matthew but being crushed to pieces when he went and became a playboy.
There is a strong theme of family. The O’Grady brothers are such a great trio. I also enjoyed watching our two main characters realize how deeply they felt for each other.
The writing is so fluid and easy to turn those pages - here was me soaking this book up in one night! Really happy to have read this book!!
May 29, 2025
Matthew & his Bells are such a sweet couple & the chase is such fun for them - and us!
I love the history & friendship, the way Bella falls for Matthew all over again, & the way he works to make sure she knows how much he truly loves her.
This series, and the O'Grady family, is such a favorite! The relationships between the brothers and their women, the family vibe all around, make me happy. Matthew can seem overbearing at times, but he has a good head on his shoulders AND excellent communication skills. He explains where he's coming from when he gets "bossy," which helps showcase his confidence but also his heart.
There are some heavy emotional things in their story, but this author does such an amazing job in still making the story light & fun. We see the gamut of emotions through the story, making these characters feel like friends, not fiction. Love that so much!!
Matthew & Bella are sweet & just the right amount of spicy. There's not an overwhelming amount of page-steam, which balances nicely. And we get a great balance of updates with the whole family. Marvelous!
😍😍😍
I love the history & friendship, the way Bella falls for Matthew all over again, & the way he works to make sure she knows how much he truly loves her.
This series, and the O'Grady family, is such a favorite! The relationships between the brothers and their women, the family vibe all around, make me happy. Matthew can seem overbearing at times, but he has a good head on his shoulders AND excellent communication skills. He explains where he's coming from when he gets "bossy," which helps showcase his confidence but also his heart.
There are some heavy emotional things in their story, but this author does such an amazing job in still making the story light & fun. We see the gamut of emotions through the story, making these characters feel like friends, not fiction. Love that so much!!
Matthew & Bella are sweet & just the right amount of spicy. There's not an overwhelming amount of page-steam, which balances nicely. And we get a great balance of updates with the whole family. Marvelous!
😍😍😍
March 16, 2025
This book is the definition of saving the best for last, and total transparency, I absolutely adored the previous two books but Matthew and Bella’s story was simply chef’s kiss amazing.
One of the reasons I think I enjoyed their story the most out of the three is basically because these two featured often in the previous books. Certain things were alluded about Matthew spending so much time at the bar where Bells worked, but when the truth was revealed it honestly melted my heart.
I always love reading romance novels where the MMC falls first and Matthew falls hard. With their past, Bells is wary but she could only hold back on her own feelings for so long. I think this was the part in their story that I knew that this book was going to my favorite.
It was also great to catch up with the other couples and once again little Clara was a standout. I’m feeling a bit flat knowing that this series is over, but with the reveal of what’s coming up next, I can only hope that I get my hands on the next story sooner than later.
One of the reasons I think I enjoyed their story the most out of the three is basically because these two featured often in the previous books. Certain things were alluded about Matthew spending so much time at the bar where Bells worked, but when the truth was revealed it honestly melted my heart.
I always love reading romance novels where the MMC falls first and Matthew falls hard. With their past, Bells is wary but she could only hold back on her own feelings for so long. I think this was the part in their story that I knew that this book was going to my favorite.
It was also great to catch up with the other couples and once again little Clara was a standout. I’m feeling a bit flat knowing that this series is over, but with the reveal of what’s coming up next, I can only hope that I get my hands on the next story sooner than later.
March 17, 2025
This story melted my heart. It was so enjoyable and well written. The characters were so fun to read.
Bella was in love with Matthew when they were kids. She was broken-hearted when he left for his hockey career. After an injury forced his career to end, he is back home. He sees Bella and pursues her. She keeps turning him down because she knows about his reputation. Her plan is to settle down with someone forever since she is a romantic. Matthew doesn't want to give up and wants be be worthy of her.
I love how Matthew fell hard for Bella. He was so sweet and changed his playboy ways for her. Their chemistry was so good. When something happened to Bella he was right there for her. I also loved how his family was. They were always there for each other.
You will love this story for many reasons including: small town romance, brother's best friend, he falls first, and second chance. I look forward to more from this author.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Bella was in love with Matthew when they were kids. She was broken-hearted when he left for his hockey career. After an injury forced his career to end, he is back home. He sees Bella and pursues her. She keeps turning him down because she knows about his reputation. Her plan is to settle down with someone forever since she is a romantic. Matthew doesn't want to give up and wants be be worthy of her.
I love how Matthew fell hard for Bella. He was so sweet and changed his playboy ways for her. Their chemistry was so good. When something happened to Bella he was right there for her. I also loved how his family was. They were always there for each other.
You will love this story for many reasons including: small town romance, brother's best friend, he falls first, and second chance. I look forward to more from this author.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 19, 2025
We got the book for the cheeky youngest O'Grady brother Matthew! And it did not disappoint.
My favourite trope is brothers best friend love and this was delivered beautifully.
Isabella Sanchez is Matthew's best friends little sister, who has had the biggest life long crush on him. She is quite blinded to any reciprocation and believes it is one sided to him. But he was her first kiss and her first love.
It takes a pivotal conversation with Addi to make her see the light.
Matt is the returning NHL star we have met in the previous books, where his provocations lead to his brothers finding love. We see him fawning over Bella and her hilariously rebuffing him. Its hard for us to take his feelings for her seriously, but through the information we are given about him, his life? And his transformations we are totally on his side. And finding out why he isn't all he seemed in the last books really was eye opening!
This story is beautiful and we get HEAs for everyone! I will miss Sugar Mountain and the inhabitants! But loved this journey so much.
My favourite trope is brothers best friend love and this was delivered beautifully.
Isabella Sanchez is Matthew's best friends little sister, who has had the biggest life long crush on him. She is quite blinded to any reciprocation and believes it is one sided to him. But he was her first kiss and her first love.
It takes a pivotal conversation with Addi to make her see the light.
Matt is the returning NHL star we have met in the previous books, where his provocations lead to his brothers finding love. We see him fawning over Bella and her hilariously rebuffing him. Its hard for us to take his feelings for her seriously, but through the information we are given about him, his life? And his transformations we are totally on his side. And finding out why he isn't all he seemed in the last books really was eye opening!
This story is beautiful and we get HEAs for everyone! I will miss Sugar Mountain and the inhabitants! But loved this journey so much.
March 26, 2025
This is book 3 in the series about the O'Grady brothers. You should read the other ones, too, but you can read this as a standalone and not be lost because things that are necessary are filled in for you. There are a couple of situations that happen so make sure that if they are triggers for you that you are aware that they are contained in this book.
Bella grew up loving Matthew, but he was her brother's best friend, so she was off limits to him. She also felt like she was always waiting in the wings and never the one who was chose on purpose by anyone. So after they shared one kiss, Matthew left town for the NHL and seemingly never looked back. Now he's back in town and declaring that Bella is the only one for him? Of course she's skeptical!
These two characters are too cute. Their reactions to situations are real and raw. Seeing them take each other's pain and just want to make each other whole and better again is so sweet. Their banter had me giggling more than once. I also said "That's right, make him work for it Bella" a number of times.
Bella grew up loving Matthew, but he was her brother's best friend, so she was off limits to him. She also felt like she was always waiting in the wings and never the one who was chose on purpose by anyone. So after they shared one kiss, Matthew left town for the NHL and seemingly never looked back. Now he's back in town and declaring that Bella is the only one for him? Of course she's skeptical!
These two characters are too cute. Their reactions to situations are real and raw. Seeing them take each other's pain and just want to make each other whole and better again is so sweet. Their banter had me giggling more than once. I also said "That's right, make him work for it Bella" a number of times.
April 6, 2025
Worth the Chase was an exciting and beautifully written contemporary romance. I love the Sugar Mountain series, and I swear I keep saying the previous book is my favorite book in the series. Well, this one is my favorite!!! I loved the second chance romance, friend's little sister, golden retriever, and a feisty FMC. This book kept me turning the pages, needing to know what would happen next. I thought the storyline was original and filled with a little drama, angst, and spice. The characters were complex and had a history. I loved their undeniable and intense chemistry.
Bella was independent, stubborn, and a little guarded. I loved her feisty attitude and her quick wit. Matthew was intense, determined, and very protective of Bella. Things aren't what they seem with Matthew; I loved his resolve to get what he wanted and the lengths he went to achieve them. I loved their banter most of all; it had me laughing throughout this book. I can't wait to see what comes next from J. Sterling!!!
Bella was independent, stubborn, and a little guarded. I loved her feisty attitude and her quick wit. Matthew was intense, determined, and very protective of Bella. Things aren't what they seem with Matthew; I loved his resolve to get what he wanted and the lengths he went to achieve them. I loved their banter most of all; it had me laughing throughout this book. I can't wait to see what comes next from J. Sterling!!!
May 12, 2025
I'm writing this review for United Indie book blog..
I'm new to this series but other then not knowing how much of a crush that Bella had on Matthew, I did just fine with reading this and loving the characters.
Bella has had a major crush on Matthew, her whole life and while her brother did his best to try and get her to stop the crush, it just didn't really die. He's back from the NHL and ready to settle down with his brothers. Bella is fiery character and while she is has a sensitive side, especially when it comes to Matthew , she isn't afraid to speak her mind. She does have some things happen to her and takes the right steps to keep her mind right.
Matthew is a man who is determined to make Bella see that she is the woman for him. He's got his work cut out for him, since her brother tried so hard to make her see his playboy ways. He is a man obsessed but not in a way that he's stalking her but more like protecting her. He's all in with her and wants to make a life with her.
This book is so sweet and a good time!!
I'm new to this series but other then not knowing how much of a crush that Bella had on Matthew, I did just fine with reading this and loving the characters.
Bella has had a major crush on Matthew, her whole life and while her brother did his best to try and get her to stop the crush, it just didn't really die. He's back from the NHL and ready to settle down with his brothers. Bella is fiery character and while she is has a sensitive side, especially when it comes to Matthew , she isn't afraid to speak her mind. She does have some things happen to her and takes the right steps to keep her mind right.
Matthew is a man who is determined to make Bella see that she is the woman for him. He's got his work cut out for him, since her brother tried so hard to make her see his playboy ways. He is a man obsessed but not in a way that he's stalking her but more like protecting her. He's all in with her and wants to make a life with her.
This book is so sweet and a good time!!
May 15, 2025
I'm new to this series but other then not knowing how much of a crush that Bella had on Matthew, I did just fine with reading this and loving the characters.
Bella has had a major crush on Matthew, her whole life and while her brother did his best to try and get her to stop the crush, it just didn't really die. He's back from the NHL and ready to settle down with his brothers. Bella is fiery character and while she is has a sensitive side, especially when it comes to Matthew , she isn't afraid to speak her mind. She does have some things happen to her and takes the right steps to keep her mind right.
Matthew is a man who is determined to make Bella see that she is the woman for him. He's got his work cut out for him, since her brother tried so hard to make her see his playboy ways. He is a man obsessed but not in a way that he's stalking her but more like protecting her. He's all in with her and wants to make a life with her.
This book is so sweet and a good time!!
REVIEW BY AMY
Bella has had a major crush on Matthew, her whole life and while her brother did his best to try and get her to stop the crush, it just didn't really die. He's back from the NHL and ready to settle down with his brothers. Bella is fiery character and while she is has a sensitive side, especially when it comes to Matthew , she isn't afraid to speak her mind. She does have some things happen to her and takes the right steps to keep her mind right.
Matthew is a man who is determined to make Bella see that she is the woman for him. He's got his work cut out for him, since her brother tried so hard to make her see his playboy ways. He is a man obsessed but not in a way that he's stalking her but more like protecting her. He's all in with her and wants to make a life with her.
This book is so sweet and a good time!!
REVIEW BY AMY
March 19, 2025
I always love returning to Sugar Mountain, knowing I’ll get that perfect blend of sugar and spice, and J. Sterling delivered so much more with Worth the Chase (Sugar Mountain, Book 3). This book had me hooked from the very first page, with sizzling enemies-to-lovers tension, hilarious banter, and the irresistible charm of a brother’s best friend romance.
Matthew, a newly retired hockey player, might be used to chasing pucks, but now he’s set his sights on Bella—the girl who once had a massive crush on him, until he unknowingly shattered her heart. While Bella hasn’t forgotten that heartbreak, Matthew seems completely oblivious… but that’s not going to stop him from proving she’s worth the chase.
Sterling masterfully weaves in fiery chemistry, laugh-out-loud moments, and just the right amount of angst, making this romance a total page-turner. Bella is a spitfire, determined to resist Matthew’s charm, but let’s be real—when a swoon-worthy ex-athlete decides to play for keeps, there’s only so long she can hold out. Watching Matthew fall hard and fast was everything I wanted and more.
If you love small-town romance packed with heart, heat, and the kind of tension that keeps you flipping pages late into the night, Worth the Chase is a must-read. Sugar Mountain just keeps getting sweeter, and I can’t wait for more!
Matthew, a newly retired hockey player, might be used to chasing pucks, but now he’s set his sights on Bella—the girl who once had a massive crush on him, until he unknowingly shattered her heart. While Bella hasn’t forgotten that heartbreak, Matthew seems completely oblivious… but that’s not going to stop him from proving she’s worth the chase.
Sterling masterfully weaves in fiery chemistry, laugh-out-loud moments, and just the right amount of angst, making this romance a total page-turner. Bella is a spitfire, determined to resist Matthew’s charm, but let’s be real—when a swoon-worthy ex-athlete decides to play for keeps, there’s only so long she can hold out. Watching Matthew fall hard and fast was everything I wanted and more.
If you love small-town romance packed with heart, heat, and the kind of tension that keeps you flipping pages late into the night, Worth the Chase is a must-read. Sugar Mountain just keeps getting sweeter, and I can’t wait for more!
March 16, 2025
This was the perfect conclusion to the Sugar Mountain series! I feel like Bella and Matthew were a long time coming and they were definitely worth the wait.
Bella has loved Matthew since they were kids. When he left to join the NHL, she was heartbroken. Now he’s retired and back in Sugar Mountain on a mission to torture her. Seriously, he will not leave the bar where she works until her shift is over. He keeps asking her to go on one date with him but how can she truly know he really has feelings for her?
Matthew had me laughing for most of the book. He’s the carefree O’Grady brother. He was determined to show Bella that he really wanted a chance with her. I loved how he stayed true to himself and to Bella. He never gave up on her, even when she didn’t make it easy for him. He took care of her even when she didn’t realize it. They were there for each other during their lowest moments. I loved everything about them and cannot wait for the new series!
Bella has loved Matthew since they were kids. When he left to join the NHL, she was heartbroken. Now he’s retired and back in Sugar Mountain on a mission to torture her. Seriously, he will not leave the bar where she works until her shift is over. He keeps asking her to go on one date with him but how can she truly know he really has feelings for her?
Matthew had me laughing for most of the book. He’s the carefree O’Grady brother. He was determined to show Bella that he really wanted a chance with her. I loved how he stayed true to himself and to Bella. He never gave up on her, even when she didn’t make it easy for him. He took care of her even when she didn’t realize it. They were there for each other during their lowest moments. I loved everything about them and cannot wait for the new series!
March 20, 2025
Third and final O’Grady brother finds his Happy Ever After very close to home! After an injury sends him home from the NHL, Matt seems to develop a drinking problem. He cannot stay away from the bar when Bella is working. The man who could get any girl cannot make any headway with her, his best friend’s little sister.
I love a man who knows how to chase his lady! Matt doesn’t know when to give up, but he also doesn’t seem like a creeper. Bella wants Matt, she just doesn’t want to admit that she wants him. But time and time again he is there for her, sometimes she doesn’t even realize the effort he makes to ensure her safety.
I loved when their relationship shifted and Bella appreciates all the Matt has to offer as a partner and not just a childhood crush.
I loved this series and the three brothers’ relationships. This was such a terrific small town trio of books. Totally recommend.
Check trigger warnings on this one!
I love a man who knows how to chase his lady! Matt doesn’t know when to give up, but he also doesn’t seem like a creeper. Bella wants Matt, she just doesn’t want to admit that she wants him. But time and time again he is there for her, sometimes she doesn’t even realize the effort he makes to ensure her safety.
I loved when their relationship shifted and Bella appreciates all the Matt has to offer as a partner and not just a childhood crush.
I loved this series and the three brothers’ relationships. This was such a terrific small town trio of books. Totally recommend.
Check trigger warnings on this one!
June 2, 2025
This was the conclusion of the O’Grady men and I’ll be honest, my heart was sad that it was over so fast. Matthew gave his brothers such a hard time in the first two books, that I could not wait for him to get knocked on his butt by love in his story. Bella or Bells was probably my favorite female character in this series (after Clara, of course)! Bells didn’t want to get caught up in Matthew after he set his sights on her. Throughout the story, it becomes apparent that there’s history between them and that they had both cared about each other more than they let on as teenagers.
I loved watching their story unfold and how he didn’t give up on trying to make her a part of his life and how she fought her feelings along the way, until the moment she couldn’t deny it anymore. I’m sad to see this series come to an end and I’m hoping J Sterling will give us some glimpses of them in the future.
I loved watching their story unfold and how he didn’t give up on trying to make her a part of his life and how she fought her feelings along the way, until the moment she couldn’t deny it anymore. I’m sad to see this series come to an end and I’m hoping J Sterling will give us some glimpses of them in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2026
Good edition to the series, Mathew & Bells were very cute & sweet together. I love how well they take care of eachother.
Matthew is Bells' older brother's best friend and she has always had a crush on him. When he left to play in the NHL he became a playboy & never looked back, crushing her heart. Now that his NHL career is over he is back in Sugar Mt., and he wants Bells, permanently. Bells has never left Sugar Mt. and has never really been in any kind of relationship, but has seen Matthew's exploits and wants no part of him. He patiently pursues her and eventually convinces her to give him a shot to prove he won't hurt her.
MF Romance
Trigger warning there is a SA scene where Bells is attacked, view spoiler if you want the basic details
Matthew is Bells' older brother's best friend and she has always had a crush on him. When he left to play in the NHL he became a playboy & never looked back, crushing her heart. Now that his NHL career is over he is back in Sugar Mt., and he wants Bells, permanently. Bells has never left Sugar Mt. and has never really been in any kind of relationship, but has seen Matthew's exploits and wants no part of him. He patiently pursues her and eventually convinces her to give him a shot to prove he won't hurt her.
MF Romance
Trigger warning there is a SA scene where Bells is attacked, view spoiler if you want the basic details
March 12, 2025
Rating: 4 stars
This is a great read for someone who loves obsessed MMC who'd do anything for FMC, small town, family banter and finding your way in life.
I especially liked Bella as the FMC, as she was the perfect mix of strong and vulnerable, with a healthy amount of sass. She made Matthew work for it and for a good reason (although I do think that her brother was a piece of work and no that good of a Matthew's friend).
My only complaint is that there was not particular point when Matthew's infatuation started. From the first page of the story he was determined to win Bells over and I would have preferred to have a bit of backstory for his change of heart (as a reformed playboy) - perhaps a short prologue?
We also got a glimpse of the main characters in the upcoming series and I am really looking forward to it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
This is a great read for someone who loves obsessed MMC who'd do anything for FMC, small town, family banter and finding your way in life.
I especially liked Bella as the FMC, as she was the perfect mix of strong and vulnerable, with a healthy amount of sass. She made Matthew work for it and for a good reason (although I do think that her brother was a piece of work and no that good of a Matthew's friend).
My only complaint is that there was not particular point when Matthew's infatuation started. From the first page of the story he was determined to win Bells over and I would have preferred to have a bit of backstory for his change of heart (as a reformed playboy) - perhaps a short prologue?
We also got a glimpse of the main characters in the upcoming series and I am really looking forward to it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
March 14, 2025
This series has been a wonderful read, and I loved them all... But this one is my favorite!!
When you have a retired hockey player in a small town crushing on his childhood best friend's sister.
Matthew O'Grady is someone that I will adore until the end of time. He is the perfect man with flaws, of course. The reformed playboy definitely gets brought to his knees in this book.
Bella is the girl who had a crush as a teenager on her brother's best friend. But that was years ago, and now he is back in town, and she doesn't want anything to do with him. But the charming Matthew has a way of breaking down her walls. I love the way you see her grow through the series.
There are so many heartfelt moments in this book!
Jenn wrote a great story that I loved and really didn't want it to end. But I know I will be so happy with what comes next!
When you have a retired hockey player in a small town crushing on his childhood best friend's sister.
Matthew O'Grady is someone that I will adore until the end of time. He is the perfect man with flaws, of course. The reformed playboy definitely gets brought to his knees in this book.
Bella is the girl who had a crush as a teenager on her brother's best friend. But that was years ago, and now he is back in town, and she doesn't want anything to do with him. But the charming Matthew has a way of breaking down her walls. I love the way you see her grow through the series.
There are so many heartfelt moments in this book!
Jenn wrote a great story that I loved and really didn't want it to end. But I know I will be so happy with what comes next!
March 17, 2025
𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘸 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘉𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘧𝘶𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥. 𝘐𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘧𝘶𝘯 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘸 𝘸𝘪𝘯 𝘉𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳, 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘨𝘶𝘺 𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.
𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘸 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘶𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘰𝘺 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘦'𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘺. 𝘏𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘣𝘢𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘉𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘢𝘭𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘯. 𝘏𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘢 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦.
𝘉𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘣𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨. 𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘯𝘰 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘸 𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘬𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘤𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘩 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵. 𝘕𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐'𝘮 𝘨𝘭𝘢𝘥 ��𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘵.
𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘨𝘰 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥. 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘸𝘰𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦. 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘺𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘤 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘳���𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴? 𝘢𝘣𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘵? 𝘸𝘰𝘸, 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘵. 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴!
𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘸 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘶𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘰𝘺 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘦'𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘺. 𝘏𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘣𝘢𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘉𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘢𝘭𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘯. 𝘏𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘢 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦.
𝘉𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘣𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨. 𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘯𝘰 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘸 𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘬𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘤𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘩 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵. 𝘕𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐'𝘮 𝘨𝘭𝘢𝘥 ��𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘵.
𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘨𝘰 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥. 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘸𝘰𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦. 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘺𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘤 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘳���𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴? 𝘢𝘣𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘵? 𝘸𝘰𝘸, 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘵. 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴!
March 25, 2025
The last remaining O'Grady brother has finally fallen in the third and last book in the Sugar Mountain trilogy. Worth the Chase finds twenty-five-year-old Matthew O'Grady facing a challenge he's never had to before, and that is a woman who isn't all that charmed or impressed by him. The retired professional hockey player may be doing a kickass job handling social media for his family's resort, but he sure is grasping at straws trying to figure out why Isabella Sanchez wants nothing to do with him. The twenty-two-year-old mixologist loves her new job as bar manager for Matthew's soon-to-be sister-in-law's barbecue restaurant, but it almost feels like there's no love lost when it comes to him. But if Bella simply gives him a chance, Matthew's taking his shot and winning her heart because she's totally worth the chase.
The thing with these O'Gradys is that once they fall, they fall hard, so I wasn't all that surprised that Matthew was as determined to show Bella they were meant to be together. But Bella gave the guy she had a crush on growing a run for his money, and it wasn't because she got a kick out of doing it. He was a former player, both on and off the ice, and just like everyone else in Sugar Mountain, Bella was aware of how he got around. So yeah, Matthew had to allay her fears, and suffice it to say that he passed with flying colors. The romance was sweet and funny, and I was a fan of how much support Bella and Matthew received from their respective families and friends. Heck, the entire town seemed to be cheering these two on. Worth the Chase was definitely worth the read, and it ends the Sugar Mountain series on a high while stirring up interest for the next J. Sterling small town romance series. This series snags ender 4.5 stars out of a possible five stars.
The thing with these O'Gradys is that once they fall, they fall hard, so I wasn't all that surprised that Matthew was as determined to show Bella they were meant to be together. But Bella gave the guy she had a crush on growing a run for his money, and it wasn't because she got a kick out of doing it. He was a former player, both on and off the ice, and just like everyone else in Sugar Mountain, Bella was aware of how he got around. So yeah, Matthew had to allay her fears, and suffice it to say that he passed with flying colors. The romance was sweet and funny, and I was a fan of how much support Bella and Matthew received from their respective families and friends. Heck, the entire town seemed to be cheering these two on. Worth the Chase was definitely worth the read, and it ends the Sugar Mountain series on a high while stirring up interest for the next J. Sterling small town romance series. This series snags ender 4.5 stars out of a possible five stars.
March 16, 2025
Tropes:
-small town romance
-retired hockey player
-reformed playboy
Worth the Chase is Matthew and Bella’s story. I will say I have not read the other books in this series, but I enjoyed this one so I definitely want to go back and read the others.
Matthew and Bella have known each other most of their lives, he was her brother’s best friend, and she had a crush on him. She never acted on it. He’s back in town and now she wants no parts of him. He works so hard to break down her walls.
Matthew is a reformed playboy and he falls hard for her. This is the chance between them that they needed. Bella is guarded and rightfully so, but Matthew is the type of MMC that will work for what he wants.
This book has all the feels and was an enjoyable read. Releasing March 19, 2025. I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
-small town romance
-retired hockey player
-reformed playboy
Worth the Chase is Matthew and Bella’s story. I will say I have not read the other books in this series, but I enjoyed this one so I definitely want to go back and read the others.
Matthew and Bella have known each other most of their lives, he was her brother’s best friend, and she had a crush on him. She never acted on it. He’s back in town and now she wants no parts of him. He works so hard to break down her walls.
Matthew is a reformed playboy and he falls hard for her. This is the chance between them that they needed. Bella is guarded and rightfully so, but Matthew is the type of MMC that will work for what he wants.
This book has all the feels and was an enjoyable read. Releasing March 19, 2025. I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 17, 2025
Sugar Mountain #3
Matthew O'Grady is a retired NHL player who got injured and never made a full recovery. Now after seven years he is back in town working at Sugar Mountain Resort that his family owns. He is the youngest brother and the only single one of the three.
Bella Sanchez "Bells" had a crush on Matthew as a teen. He's her brother's best friend so he was always around. When he left for the NHL it broke her heart but now he is back and hanging out at the bar she works at just to be around her.
She knew he had a reputation as a playboy but now that he is back his focus is on Bella. He has told her he's not that guy anymore he only wants her but is he for real or is this just a game to him? Can he convince her to give him a chance?
4.25 stars
This is a sweet story that will make you laugh but it also gets emotional.
Matthew O'Grady is a retired NHL player who got injured and never made a full recovery. Now after seven years he is back in town working at Sugar Mountain Resort that his family owns. He is the youngest brother and the only single one of the three.
Bella Sanchez "Bells" had a crush on Matthew as a teen. He's her brother's best friend so he was always around. When he left for the NHL it broke her heart but now he is back and hanging out at the bar she works at just to be around her.
She knew he had a reputation as a playboy but now that he is back his focus is on Bella. He has told her he's not that guy anymore he only wants her but is he for real or is this just a game to him? Can he convince her to give him a chance?
4.25 stars
This is a sweet story that will make you laugh but it also gets emotional.
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