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Return to Starlight Bay
Fore Better or Worse
Sure, I agreed to marry the stranger with the devilish dimples someday. I just didn’t think five years later the pro athlete would be back…and hell bent on slipping a colossal diamond on my ring finger.
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Return to Starlight Bay, the first Man of the Month Club small town. Revisit old friends and fall in love with all new book boyfriends in this romantic seaside town full of Happily Ever Afters.
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Return to Starlight Bay, the first Man of the Month Club small town. Revisit old friends and fall in love with all new book boyfriends in this romantic seaside town full of Happily Ever Afters.
- GenresSports Romance
168 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2025
15 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Brooks
44 books87 followersEllen Brooks pens sexy & satisfying stories. When she’s not dreaming up her next hero or plotting a happily ever after, you’ll find her absorbed in a novel, relaxing into śavāsana, or downing an iced coffee.
Visit ellenbrooks.info/extras to grab a free book today!
Visit ellenbrooks.info/extras to grab a free book today!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
July 30, 2025
This is part of the man of the month series in Starlight Bay. This story was so fun to read. It is an insta love between two totally opposite people. Leah is the bookworm and Hays is a well known professional golfer. They have a lot of chemistry and burn up the pages. You will enjoy this visit to Starlight Bay.
July 29, 2025
Leah & Hays it's such a cute short read.
July 25, 2025
4 Star Review Fore Better or Worse (Return To Starlight Bay #14) by Ellen Brooks
This is pro golfer Hays and Leah and it was a good addition to the Return To Starlight Bay series.
I love stories set in small towns such as Starlight Bay. From the moment he set eyes on Leah, Hays was all in, in fact he fell in love with her immediately.
What follows is an entertaining, well written, witty story that left me with a smile on my face.
Their road to happiness was not as smooth as Hays would have wanted and their slow burn journey ticked numerous boxes for me.
This is pro golfer Hays and Leah and it was a good addition to the Return To Starlight Bay series.
I love stories set in small towns such as Starlight Bay. From the moment he set eyes on Leah, Hays was all in, in fact he fell in love with her immediately.
What follows is an entertaining, well written, witty story that left me with a smile on my face.
Their road to happiness was not as smooth as Hays would have wanted and their slow burn journey ticked numerous boxes for me.
July 31, 2025
Opposites attract each other.
Leah Sullivan lives in a small town in Massachusetts, where she works at the "High Tide Tales" bookstore and is working on writing her first novel. It's the eve of her birthday, and her friends insist she join them on a sunset dinner cruise. She'd much rather stay home and read a book from her TBR pile. But they insist that she can't stay at home still stewing over her ex, who dumped her over Memorial Day weekend.
She and Tabitha, her best friend and boss, are the only ones without a drink. Needing a little time to herself, she volunteers to fetch them drinks.
At age twenty-five, Hays Granger is the ninth-ranked golfer in the world. He's on the cruise to show support and be the wingman for his younger brother, Sean, who's proposing to his girlfriend, Nicole, tonight.
Leah draws his attention immediately. He's never been so attracted to a woman as quickly as he is to her.
Hays is fun-loving and often impulsive. His father had encouraged his interest in golf and often told Hays that he'd be a champion someday. Unfortunately, his father died when Hays was only nine; his father was only twenty-eight.
In talking with Leah, he claims that they are birthday buddies. Turns out his birthday was the day before the cruise, and hers will be the day after the cruise.
Somehow, despite all the odds, he gets her to agree to a pact that she will marry him if he wins a major championship. However, if he fails to do that, and if they are still not married by the time they turn twenty-eight, they will marry then. Surprisingly, Leah agrees. She adds a condition to the pact: they will not communicate with each other during those three years. Of course Hays can't resist contacting her on her birthdays.
Now the three years is almost up, and he's still not a champion. He's back in her town. A major golf championship is being held there, and he's playing. But it seems being so near to her is interfering with his game...
I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Leah Sullivan lives in a small town in Massachusetts, where she works at the "High Tide Tales" bookstore and is working on writing her first novel. It's the eve of her birthday, and her friends insist she join them on a sunset dinner cruise. She'd much rather stay home and read a book from her TBR pile. But they insist that she can't stay at home still stewing over her ex, who dumped her over Memorial Day weekend.
She and Tabitha, her best friend and boss, are the only ones without a drink. Needing a little time to herself, she volunteers to fetch them drinks.
At age twenty-five, Hays Granger is the ninth-ranked golfer in the world. He's on the cruise to show support and be the wingman for his younger brother, Sean, who's proposing to his girlfriend, Nicole, tonight.
Leah draws his attention immediately. He's never been so attracted to a woman as quickly as he is to her.
Hays is fun-loving and often impulsive. His father had encouraged his interest in golf and often told Hays that he'd be a champion someday. Unfortunately, his father died when Hays was only nine; his father was only twenty-eight.
In talking with Leah, he claims that they are birthday buddies. Turns out his birthday was the day before the cruise, and hers will be the day after the cruise.
Somehow, despite all the odds, he gets her to agree to a pact that she will marry him if he wins a major championship. However, if he fails to do that, and if they are still not married by the time they turn twenty-eight, they will marry then. Surprisingly, Leah agrees. She adds a condition to the pact: they will not communicate with each other during those three years. Of course Hays can't resist contacting her on her birthdays.
Now the three years is almost up, and he's still not a champion. He's back in her town. A major golf championship is being held there, and he's playing. But it seems being so near to her is interfering with his game...
I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
August 23, 2025
This was really a cute story.
For her birthday, Leah's friends took her for a sunset dinner cruise. When she went to the bar to get a drink, she met Hays, a pro golfer, who was there to help his brother propose to his girlfriend. Leah was never one to flirt, but for some reason she found herself caught up in the moment with Hays. He was confident and charming, and nothing like her last boyfriend. And totally not her type.
So when Hays pulled her aside again later, Leah is surprised when he goes so far as to propose to her, actually wanting to get married right then and there! She thinks it's ridiculous, considering they just met. But at the same time, something about the moment feels right, and she makes a pact with him. She'll marry him after he wins his first major tournament. But they can't have any contact until then.
They're total opposites. Leah is very much a homebody, preferring a quiet evening in with a glass of wine and a book to going out with friends for her birthday. Hays is a pretty popular guy, well known and all over the media. Can their lives really fit together? Or is this feeling too good to be true?
This was slow burn, despite their instant connection. But out of sight didn't mean out of mind. Anticipation made the possibility of a reunion that much sweeter.
Cute and sweet, this really had me rooting for them to get their chance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
For her birthday, Leah's friends took her for a sunset dinner cruise. When she went to the bar to get a drink, she met Hays, a pro golfer, who was there to help his brother propose to his girlfriend. Leah was never one to flirt, but for some reason she found herself caught up in the moment with Hays. He was confident and charming, and nothing like her last boyfriend. And totally not her type.
So when Hays pulled her aside again later, Leah is surprised when he goes so far as to propose to her, actually wanting to get married right then and there! She thinks it's ridiculous, considering they just met. But at the same time, something about the moment feels right, and she makes a pact with him. She'll marry him after he wins his first major tournament. But they can't have any contact until then.
They're total opposites. Leah is very much a homebody, preferring a quiet evening in with a glass of wine and a book to going out with friends for her birthday. Hays is a pretty popular guy, well known and all over the media. Can their lives really fit together? Or is this feeling too good to be true?
This was slow burn, despite their instant connection. But out of sight didn't mean out of mind. Anticipation made the possibility of a reunion that much sweeter.
Cute and sweet, this really had me rooting for them to get their chance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2025
A Sweet and Spicy Hole-in-One Romance!
Fore Better or Worse is a delightful mix of insta-love, quirky charm, and second-chance romance—all wrapped up in the cozy seaside vibes of Starlight Bay. Ellen Brooks delivers another swoony winner in her Man of the Month series with Leah, the introverted bookworm, and Hays, the flirty pro golfer who somehow convinces her to enter into a marriage pact after one unforgettable sunset cruise.
Leah is a relatable, quiet heroine who just wants to read her books in peace (a mood), while Hays is all charisma, championship dreams, and dimples. Their chemistry? Off the charts. The kind of opposites-attract tension that makes you turn the pages with glee. I loved how their pact—marriage if he wins a major or by age 28—adds a unique, playful twist to their love story. And the fact that Leah insists on zero contact for three years? Bold. Respect.
The writing is sweet and flirty with a dash of heat, and Starlight Bay continues to be a town I want to pack my bags and move to ASAP. The emotional beats around grief, ambition, and trust give the story just enough depth without weighing it down.
Final verdict: If you love small-town charm, fate-fueled romance, and a hero who’s all in from the start, Fore Better or Worse is your next feel-good read. Four stars for chemistry, charm, and that cheeky little diamond promise.
Fore Better or Worse is a delightful mix of insta-love, quirky charm, and second-chance romance—all wrapped up in the cozy seaside vibes of Starlight Bay. Ellen Brooks delivers another swoony winner in her Man of the Month series with Leah, the introverted bookworm, and Hays, the flirty pro golfer who somehow convinces her to enter into a marriage pact after one unforgettable sunset cruise.
Leah is a relatable, quiet heroine who just wants to read her books in peace (a mood), while Hays is all charisma, championship dreams, and dimples. Their chemistry? Off the charts. The kind of opposites-attract tension that makes you turn the pages with glee. I loved how their pact—marriage if he wins a major or by age 28—adds a unique, playful twist to their love story. And the fact that Leah insists on zero contact for three years? Bold. Respect.
The writing is sweet and flirty with a dash of heat, and Starlight Bay continues to be a town I want to pack my bags and move to ASAP. The emotional beats around grief, ambition, and trust give the story just enough depth without weighing it down.
Final verdict: If you love small-town charm, fate-fueled romance, and a hero who’s all in from the start, Fore Better or Worse is your next feel-good read. Four stars for chemistry, charm, and that cheeky little diamond promise.
August 4, 2025
I love Starlight Bay! This is a new author to me. I love these series. I am able to be exposed to new authors and get a great series in a small town. I really liked this book. You know I love books about writers. Leah Sullivan works in a book store and is in the process of writing a romance novel. Her friends take her on a dinner cruise for her birthday where she meets Hays Granger. The connection was immediate for Hays. He was not willing to let Leah go without a lasting tie. After a wonderful cruise together, they made a pact. They would come back to together in three years or after Hays won a major golf tournament and get married. Hays knew after that night she was the one. Leah is logical. They would go no contact during this time so Hays can focus on his dream.
The three years went by. Both Leah and Hays thought about each other. Hays had a rough go of it professionally, but now he was finally in place to participate in a major tournament. This tournament was to take place in Starlight Bay. Where it all started. Though they were trying to make a go of it before the deadline, Leah did not have faith in Hays' decision to marry her. Not to mention, Leah was not very comfortable in the limelight. This relationship might need to be reevaluated. Can Hays win the tournament and win the girl? Readers will be on the edge of their seat for this outcome. This quick read is the romance readers want.
The three years went by. Both Leah and Hays thought about each other. Hays had a rough go of it professionally, but now he was finally in place to participate in a major tournament. This tournament was to take place in Starlight Bay. Where it all started. Though they were trying to make a go of it before the deadline, Leah did not have faith in Hays' decision to marry her. Not to mention, Leah was not very comfortable in the limelight. This relationship might need to be reevaluated. Can Hays win the tournament and win the girl? Readers will be on the edge of their seat for this outcome. This quick read is the romance readers want.
July 30, 2025
Love at First Sight Can be Real -
Leah wasn’t really in the mood to party, but just smiled and tried to enjoy herself, but fate had other plans in store for her, as she stumbled into the arms of a gorgeous stranger, who set her body on fire. The last thing Hays expected when he started his night out was to find the love of his life, who made him felt like his true self. Even though Leah expected Hays to be a playboy because of his fame, he soon showed her how she should actually be treated by a partner.
Unfortunately, Hays and Leah’s relationship became a media circus, which made her hesitant about their budding relationship and asked for time apart. Leah soon realised her true feeling for Hays whilst they were separated and that her decision was detrimental to Hays mindset, so she made a grand public declaration of her feelings, which made him aware of her true feelings and intensions of a future together. This is an interesting opposites attract, love at first sight romance story, with wonderful characters whose go through a rollercoaster ride to get a chance at a happy future.
I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Leah wasn’t really in the mood to party, but just smiled and tried to enjoy herself, but fate had other plans in store for her, as she stumbled into the arms of a gorgeous stranger, who set her body on fire. The last thing Hays expected when he started his night out was to find the love of his life, who made him felt like his true self. Even though Leah expected Hays to be a playboy because of his fame, he soon showed her how she should actually be treated by a partner.
Unfortunately, Hays and Leah’s relationship became a media circus, which made her hesitant about their budding relationship and asked for time apart. Leah soon realised her true feeling for Hays whilst they were separated and that her decision was detrimental to Hays mindset, so she made a grand public declaration of her feelings, which made him aware of her true feelings and intensions of a future together. This is an interesting opposites attract, love at first sight romance story, with wonderful characters whose go through a rollercoaster ride to get a chance at a happy future.
I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 15, 2025
Hays and Leah story
Love at first sight
He falls first and harder
Sports romance
Golf
Hayes and Leah were strangers that agreed to marry each other if Hayes won a major.
This book is what happens when the romance author gets to live out her books. She gets the insta-love / love at first sight with the rich sports player. One who is absolutely obsessed with her.
I loved how Leah and Hayes characters were complete opposites yet knew what the other needed.
I dislike how we didn't get more glimpses into the lives of each character throughout the time change. I think I also would have liked to see their reaction from the other person's POV for some things more right away. You got a glimpse of it later on in their respective chapters. This wasn't a big flaw I just wanted their immediate reaction and didn't want to wait.
This book is part of a series but I felt could be read as a standalone. It leaves room to be interconnected with other books and I'm not sure at this time if that's on purpose as I've not read other books in the series but I will soon!
This book is for people who believe in serendipity and love it first sight.
Love at first sight
He falls first and harder
Sports romance
Golf
Hayes and Leah were strangers that agreed to marry each other if Hayes won a major.
This book is what happens when the romance author gets to live out her books. She gets the insta-love / love at first sight with the rich sports player. One who is absolutely obsessed with her.
I loved how Leah and Hayes characters were complete opposites yet knew what the other needed.
I dislike how we didn't get more glimpses into the lives of each character throughout the time change. I think I also would have liked to see their reaction from the other person's POV for some things more right away. You got a glimpse of it later on in their respective chapters. This wasn't a big flaw I just wanted their immediate reaction and didn't want to wait.
This book is part of a series but I felt could be read as a standalone. It leaves room to be interconnected with other books and I'm not sure at this time if that's on purpose as I've not read other books in the series but I will soon!
This book is for people who believe in serendipity and love it first sight.
July 23, 2025
I just wrapped up reading an early copy of this novella, and I can't stop grinning. It was an absolute delight from start to finish.
This story is another fantastic addition to the Man of the Month / Starlight Bay universe. The male lead, Hays, is making waves in the professional golf scene, while Leah, the female lead, is a charming bookworm from a small town. Their first encounter happens aboard a dinner cruise, and it’s pure magic.
If you’re a fan of clever dialogue, you’re in for a treat. The way these two characters meet and interact had me completely hooked. It’s sweet, sharp, and just the right amount of flirty. Honestly, I’ve never enjoyed a first meeting in a romance story quite this much. It gave me serious wishful thinking vibes—I mean, who wouldn’t want to meet someone like that?
For anyone who enjoys a cozy romance set in a quaint town, complete with humorous exchanges, slow-burning chemistry, endearing characters, and a feel-good ending, this book is a must-read as soon as it’s released!
Thank you so much for the E-ARC!!
This story is another fantastic addition to the Man of the Month / Starlight Bay universe. The male lead, Hays, is making waves in the professional golf scene, while Leah, the female lead, is a charming bookworm from a small town. Their first encounter happens aboard a dinner cruise, and it’s pure magic.
If you’re a fan of clever dialogue, you’re in for a treat. The way these two characters meet and interact had me completely hooked. It’s sweet, sharp, and just the right amount of flirty. Honestly, I’ve never enjoyed a first meeting in a romance story quite this much. It gave me serious wishful thinking vibes—I mean, who wouldn’t want to meet someone like that?
For anyone who enjoys a cozy romance set in a quaint town, complete with humorous exchanges, slow-burning chemistry, endearing characters, and a feel-good ending, this book is a must-read as soon as it’s released!
Thank you so much for the E-ARC!!
August 2, 2025
Another super cute MOTM set in Starlight Bay!
Leah is out celebrating her 25th birthday on a surprise sunset dinner cruise with friends when she quite literally falls into Hays—a professional golfer focused on winning his first title. They have an adorable meet-cute (they're even birthday twins!) and the chemistry is instant.
Hays has never felt this way about anyone before, and by the end of the night, he proposes. Leah doesn’t exactly say no—but she does say not yet. Instead, they make a pact: they’ll meet again in three years, after he’s won a title and she’s achieved a personal milestone of her own. No contact until then.
We follow their journeys—especially Hays’ career—and as the three-year mark approaches, he still hasn’t won. But fate steps in: the Open is being held in none other than Starlight Bay. When these two reunite, the sparks practically fly off the page. Of course, that doesn’t mean everything goes smoothly.
The ending was fantastic, and I’m pretty sure I had a dreamy smile on my face for most of the book. I just love this series!
Leah is out celebrating her 25th birthday on a surprise sunset dinner cruise with friends when she quite literally falls into Hays—a professional golfer focused on winning his first title. They have an adorable meet-cute (they're even birthday twins!) and the chemistry is instant.
Hays has never felt this way about anyone before, and by the end of the night, he proposes. Leah doesn’t exactly say no—but she does say not yet. Instead, they make a pact: they’ll meet again in three years, after he’s won a title and she’s achieved a personal milestone of her own. No contact until then.
We follow their journeys—especially Hays’ career—and as the three-year mark approaches, he still hasn’t won. But fate steps in: the Open is being held in none other than Starlight Bay. When these two reunite, the sparks practically fly off the page. Of course, that doesn’t mean everything goes smoothly.
The ending was fantastic, and I’m pretty sure I had a dreamy smile on my face for most of the book. I just love this series!
August 11, 2025
He is back and is ready to claim his prize...her
Fore Better or Worse: A Man of the Month Club Novella by Ellen Brooks is part of the multi-author Return to Starlight Bay series. All I can say is you better watch where you hit your balls in Starlight Bay as it may land in the sand trap of love. This story is about Leah Sullivan and Hays Granger. He is a professional golfer and she works in a bookstore while also writing a romance novel. They meet when Leah's friends take her on a dinner cruise to celebrate her birthday. Hays is on the cruise and for him it is love at first sight. They end up making a pact to come together again in three years or when he wins a major tournament. It is three years later and Hays is back in town, and wanting to make good on the pact. Leah is much more logical about the situation, or at least her mind in but her body is on the other side of things. These two have fireworks written in the sky as they tangle and tussle to their unexpected HEA.
Fore Better or Worse: A Man of the Month Club Novella by Ellen Brooks is part of the multi-author Return to Starlight Bay series. All I can say is you better watch where you hit your balls in Starlight Bay as it may land in the sand trap of love. This story is about Leah Sullivan and Hays Granger. He is a professional golfer and she works in a bookstore while also writing a romance novel. They meet when Leah's friends take her on a dinner cruise to celebrate her birthday. Hays is on the cruise and for him it is love at first sight. They end up making a pact to come together again in three years or when he wins a major tournament. It is three years later and Hays is back in town, and wanting to make good on the pact. Leah is much more logical about the situation, or at least her mind in but her body is on the other side of things. These two have fireworks written in the sky as they tangle and tussle to their unexpected HEA.
July 23, 2025
I finished an advance copy of this novella an hour ago and I’m STILL smiling. ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS.
Yet another excellent entry in the Man of the Month / Starlight Bay series. Hays, the MMC, is a rising star in the golf world, and Leah, the FMC is a bookish small town girl who has an amazing meet cute with Hays on a dinner cruise.
If you like banter then you will LOVE this novella. This might be my absolute favorite initial meeting between main characters. Like, ever. It’s literally perfect: sweet, funny, witty, and with just enough sexual tension to really make things interesting. I would looooove to meet someone this way…(from these lips to God’s ears, am I right?).
If you like small town romance, strangers to lovers, witty banter, characters with a sense of humor, a sprinkling of spice, and a happy ever after, then you’ll want to read this when it comes out!
Yet another excellent entry in the Man of the Month / Starlight Bay series. Hays, the MMC, is a rising star in the golf world, and Leah, the FMC is a bookish small town girl who has an amazing meet cute with Hays on a dinner cruise.
If you like banter then you will LOVE this novella. This might be my absolute favorite initial meeting between main characters. Like, ever. It’s literally perfect: sweet, funny, witty, and with just enough sexual tension to really make things interesting. I would looooove to meet someone this way…(from these lips to God’s ears, am I right?).
If you like small town romance, strangers to lovers, witty banter, characters with a sense of humor, a sprinkling of spice, and a happy ever after, then you’ll want to read this when it comes out!
July 26, 2025
Once again we return to Starlight Bay for another incredible couple’s story!
My thoughts:
-I immediately fell in love with Hays and Leah!
-Her insta lust and his insta love is the sweetest thing ever!
-Their banter is so entertaining!
-There’s so much lust and tension… it’s intense!
-The MMC is cocky and certain, cause that’s how he lives his life on and off the green.
-The FMC is skeptical and sarcastic, because she writes love stories and doesn’t live them.
-But when it comes down to it they’re both hoping that it’s truly the real thing.
-There’s so much romance… it will truly have you swooning.
-But there’s also a nice sprinkle of spice in there too!
-if you enjoy MMCs who know what they want and go for it… FMCs that are a bit feisty, and some spice with your sweet romance this is a must read!
My thoughts:
-I immediately fell in love with Hays and Leah!
-Her insta lust and his insta love is the sweetest thing ever!
-Their banter is so entertaining!
-There’s so much lust and tension… it’s intense!
-The MMC is cocky and certain, cause that’s how he lives his life on and off the green.
-The FMC is skeptical and sarcastic, because she writes love stories and doesn’t live them.
-But when it comes down to it they’re both hoping that it’s truly the real thing.
-There’s so much romance… it will truly have you swooning.
-But there’s also a nice sprinkle of spice in there too!
-if you enjoy MMCs who know what they want and go for it… FMCs that are a bit feisty, and some spice with your sweet romance this is a must read!
July 28, 2025
Ellen Brooks delivers a witty, heartfelt rom-com in Fore Better or Worse that had me hooked from the first chapter. The blend of humour, chemistry, and emotional depth is perfection. The golf setting adds a fresh twist that makes the story stand out, and the banter between the main characters is sharp, playful, and full of tension in the best way.
What I loved most was how Brooks balanced laugh-out-loud moments with genuine character growth. The romance feels organic and swoon-worthy, and the side characters bring extra charm to the story without overshadowing the main couple.
If you love rom-coms with a sports backdrop, sizzling chemistry, and a story that keeps you smiling long after the last page, Fore Better or Worse is a must-read. Ellen Brooks knocked it out of the park, or should I say, straight down the fairway!
What I loved most was how Brooks balanced laugh-out-loud moments with genuine character growth. The romance feels organic and swoon-worthy, and the side characters bring extra charm to the story without overshadowing the main couple.
If you love rom-coms with a sports backdrop, sizzling chemistry, and a story that keeps you smiling long after the last page, Fore Better or Worse is a must-read. Ellen Brooks knocked it out of the park, or should I say, straight down the fairway!
July 29, 2025
Fore Better Or Worse is part of the Return to Starlight Bay Man of the Month Series.
I don't think I have ever read a story about golf before, so this was a nice change for me. I got to learn a little about the sport while enjoying this cute story.
Hays and Leah meet while on a dinner cruise and he knows instantly that this is the woman for him. However, she knows he has goals he wants to accomplish and having her in his life would make him get distracted from his goals. So they make a deal to get together in three years, or when he wins a championship, and get married. We get to see how their lives are going during this three years leading up to their grand reunion.
I loved Hays determination and devotion to the sport and the woman that he loves.
This was a super cute read.
I don't think I have ever read a story about golf before, so this was a nice change for me. I got to learn a little about the sport while enjoying this cute story.
Hays and Leah meet while on a dinner cruise and he knows instantly that this is the woman for him. However, she knows he has goals he wants to accomplish and having her in his life would make him get distracted from his goals. So they make a deal to get together in three years, or when he wins a championship, and get married. We get to see how their lives are going during this three years leading up to their grand reunion.
I loved Hays determination and devotion to the sport and the woman that he loves.
This was a super cute read.
July 31, 2025
Return to Starlight Bay #15
This is a cute, short, Man of the Month read.
Leah Sullivan works in a bookstore and is a writer. She is out with friends to celebrate her twenty-fifth birthday on a dinner cruise boat when a guy approaches and wants to buy her a drink.
Hays Granger is from Arizona and is a rising golf star who is also celebrating his twenty-five birthday and his brother's engagement. He is one that makes headlines on and off the green.
He sees Leah at the bar and tries to buy her a drink but she turns him down. He is really smitten with her and after talking the whole cruise he wants to marry her but she turns him down.
They end up making a pak for down the road. Can he keep it and if so will she go along with it?
4.5 stars
This is a new author for me and I enjoyed the story and would read her again.
This is a cute, short, Man of the Month read.
Leah Sullivan works in a bookstore and is a writer. She is out with friends to celebrate her twenty-fifth birthday on a dinner cruise boat when a guy approaches and wants to buy her a drink.
Hays Granger is from Arizona and is a rising golf star who is also celebrating his twenty-five birthday and his brother's engagement. He is one that makes headlines on and off the green.
He sees Leah at the bar and tries to buy her a drink but she turns him down. He is really smitten with her and after talking the whole cruise he wants to marry her but she turns him down.
They end up making a pak for down the road. Can he keep it and if so will she go along with it?
4.5 stars
This is a new author for me and I enjoyed the story and would read her again.
August 1, 2025
Captivating and engaging, Hays and Leah's whirlwind "courtship" had me hooked right from the start. With all their differences, the magnetic pull remained fierce. The storyline, while definately fantastical on some levels, was real enough to feel relateable. The emotional rollercoaster they went on through the journey had plenty of loops, drops and suspended hillcrest moments. One had such confidence, in them, and the other held skepticism. Time was meant to quell the noise, though nothing about this story was going to allow that to happen. Hays may come across as overconfident and cocky, but he was right about one thing early on... when you know, you know!
This book is part of a multi-author series (Man of the Month), most of which I've read and highly recommend. This book was a gift and I voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
This book is part of a multi-author series (Man of the Month), most of which I've read and highly recommend. This book was a gift and I voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
August 7, 2025
i read this book as part of an arc program. This is a book int he Return to Starlight Bay series. In this book, Leah works at a bookstore and is an aspiring author. She meets Hays one night on a dinner cruise and they have an instant connection. Hays falls in love with Leah and asks her to marry him, she doesn't think he is serious at first, but she agrees, as long as it is after he wins a professional golf tournament. She also tells him they will have no contact until then. Five years later, Hays returns to Starlight Bay and wants to marry Leah, he has to convince her to agree. I loved this story. I think Hays was a great guy who really loved Leah. Leah loved Hays, but i think she thought it was too good to be true. This was a good story and i really enjoyed reading this different love story.
August 18, 2025
They met by accident but when Hays proposed Leah agreed!
Who meets their future spouse on a dinner cruise boat? Hays was helping his brother set up a romantic proposal but found the love of his life waiting for bar service. Leah was out celebrating her birthday with the girls after a painful breakup. Natalie challenged Leah to go talk to the handsome hottie she couldn't take her eyes off. Oddly Leah insisted on no contact till Hays wins a major tournament...that makes for a long three year to mull things over. Hays breaks the rules and sends an antique typewriter to soon to be published author Leah. He really rocks her world when the big tourney is at her local course. Hays is full of charming one liners and Leah calls him on his cheesy lines but takes his good luck token. Cute story and thank goodness for their great friends support!
Who meets their future spouse on a dinner cruise boat? Hays was helping his brother set up a romantic proposal but found the love of his life waiting for bar service. Leah was out celebrating her birthday with the girls after a painful breakup. Natalie challenged Leah to go talk to the handsome hottie she couldn't take her eyes off. Oddly Leah insisted on no contact till Hays wins a major tournament...that makes for a long three year to mull things over. Hays breaks the rules and sends an antique typewriter to soon to be published author Leah. He really rocks her world when the big tourney is at her local course. Hays is full of charming one liners and Leah calls him on his cheesy lines but takes his good luck token. Cute story and thank goodness for their great friends support!
August 4, 2025
⭐⭐⭐.5
ARC Review
Tropes:
Insta-love
Marriage Pact
Pro Golfer MMC
Romance Author FMC
Small Town
This was my first book from this author and I enjoyed this more than I thought I would.
Hays is up an coming golfer and Leah works at a local bookstore and an aspiring romance author. They meet on a boat on her birthday. Hays is a complete charmer and falls in love with Leah instantly and even asks her to marry him. Leah agrees with 1 condition: win a Golf tournament before getting married or wait 3 years.
The first interaction between these two was HILARIOUS! The push and pull, the banter was chef's kiss!
While it was very insta-love, their connection and chemistry were strong. I that Hays reluctantly knew he had to earn Leah's approval. He was so sweet and so loving🫠
Their HEA was well deserved and I'm curious of what's next from this author!
ARC Review
Tropes:
Insta-love
Marriage Pact
Pro Golfer MMC
Romance Author FMC
Small Town
This was my first book from this author and I enjoyed this more than I thought I would.
Hays is up an coming golfer and Leah works at a local bookstore and an aspiring romance author. They meet on a boat on her birthday. Hays is a complete charmer and falls in love with Leah instantly and even asks her to marry him. Leah agrees with 1 condition: win a Golf tournament before getting married or wait 3 years.
The first interaction between these two was HILARIOUS! The push and pull, the banter was chef's kiss!
While it was very insta-love, their connection and chemistry were strong. I that Hays reluctantly knew he had to earn Leah's approval. He was so sweet and so loving🫠
Their HEA was well deserved and I'm curious of what's next from this author!
August 5, 2025
4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
Starlight Bay is back again and this time we're on the golf course. Hays Granger is in town taking in the award winning course and lending his brother a hand.
Leah a Starlight Bay native runs the local book store and is writing her debut romance novel, when she gets roped into a dinner cruise for her birthday and literally falls into Hays's arms.
From that point on its:
🩷Love at first sight for Him
🏌🏻♂️Sports Romance
🏘️ Small Town Romance
♾️She has trust issues
🥰Great friendships
💒 Happily Ever After
You won't want to miss any of this fun, quick, light hearted tale, low on drama, with a good dose of spice and a great start to forever.
I have voluntarily left this review.
Starlight Bay is back again and this time we're on the golf course. Hays Granger is in town taking in the award winning course and lending his brother a hand.
Leah a Starlight Bay native runs the local book store and is writing her debut romance novel, when she gets roped into a dinner cruise for her birthday and literally falls into Hays's arms.
From that point on its:
🩷Love at first sight for Him
🏌🏻♂️Sports Romance
🏘️ Small Town Romance
♾️She has trust issues
🥰Great friendships
💒 Happily Ever After
You won't want to miss any of this fun, quick, light hearted tale, low on drama, with a good dose of spice and a great start to forever.
I have voluntarily left this review.
July 22, 2025
I received a copy of this for my honest review
Our FMC is in a slump. Well maybe. She was recently dumped by her boyfriend and now just wants to stay at home reading. But her friends make her go on a dinner cruise for a surprise birthday party. That's where she meets our MMC. Kinda cocky, but she keeps him in his place. He is a pro golfer with dreams of winning a major, and has now set his sights on her. Making a pact they agree that when he wins, they will get married. Or if he doesn't they will in 3 years - but no contact until then. She thinks he will forget their kiss and the way it made her feel - he can't stop thinking about her and driving to win so he can get her back.
Our FMC is in a slump. Well maybe. She was recently dumped by her boyfriend and now just wants to stay at home reading. But her friends make her go on a dinner cruise for a surprise birthday party. That's where she meets our MMC. Kinda cocky, but she keeps him in his place. He is a pro golfer with dreams of winning a major, and has now set his sights on her. Making a pact they agree that when he wins, they will get married. Or if he doesn't they will in 3 years - but no contact until then. She thinks he will forget their kiss and the way it made her feel - he can't stop thinking about her and driving to win so he can get her back.
August 20, 2025
I absolutely loved Hays. When he first met Leah, he knew.. She was his forever and he was going to prove it. I think he's a true romantic at heart.
Hays and Leah are the perfect couple for the opposite's attract trope. She's a book worm who works in a book store in a small town and an aspiring writer while Hays is fun, travels all over the world and plays golf for a living. But will being opposite of each other actually be a good thing? Will they balance each other out?
I'm not a big golf girlie. I really don't know what all the golf terms were or their meaning but I was still able to follow the story.
4⭐
2🌶
Hays and Leah are the perfect couple for the opposite's attract trope. She's a book worm who works in a book store in a small town and an aspiring writer while Hays is fun, travels all over the world and plays golf for a living. But will being opposite of each other actually be a good thing? Will they balance each other out?
I'm not a big golf girlie. I really don't know what all the golf terms were or their meaning but I was still able to follow the story.
4⭐
2🌶
July 26, 2025
This novella has everything it needs in its relatively few pages, and was just so much fun. I didn't feel like anything was missing, even though the story has a fairly long timeline to cover. Leah and Hays' first meeting (great names, by the way) on a dinner cruise is so believable and convincing, and their banter is top notch. Since Hays is a professional golfer, there is plenty of golf-based humor and metaphor, all of it fun. Hays' caddy (also best friend) Rory provides plenty of honest advice and keeps Hays focused (most of the time). I thoroughly enjoyed this novella, and might be reading it a second time (rare for me) just because the snark level was such fun!
I was given an ARC and volunteered to write a review.
I was given an ARC and volunteered to write a review.
July 30, 2025
Geez Ellen, can you please give me back my heart because these two stole it! Holy cow batman!
Okay, one, this is my first ever golf read, and dang, it made golf Hella interesting. Two, Leah and Hays were just utter perfection and so great together. Three, this is such a unique and fun twist on instalove and I adore just how out of the box it is! Four, dangg, those spicy scenes had me needing to cool off!
So, the final lesson in this...read the story. It’s shorter, sweeter, and so awesome that you won't want to put it down either!
Okay, one, this is my first ever golf read, and dang, it made golf Hella interesting. Two, Leah and Hays were just utter perfection and so great together. Three, this is such a unique and fun twist on instalove and I adore just how out of the box it is! Four, dangg, those spicy scenes had me needing to cool off!
So, the final lesson in this...read the story. It’s shorter, sweeter, and so awesome that you won't want to put it down either!
July 30, 2025
We return to small town Starlight Bay for this months Man of the Month story. This one is one of my favorites so far! Loved the story of Hays and Leah. Instaconnection, love at first sight deal for Hays but Leah totally schooled him. Pro golfer meets small town bookworm in this beautiful rom com, Hays has all the charm and Leah has all the sass! A quick read, slow burn but spicy, I didn't want this book to end.
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own
July 31, 2025
Leah is trying to be braver and more adventurous, but it isn't really going anywhere. She literally bumps into Hays one night, and they have an instant connection. Leah is nowhere near ready for him, and Hays has some things he needs to accomplish, too. They make a pact for three years in the future, but is there any way they can keep it? These are fun characters, and I liked them together. I didn't love the separation plot, but I give it points for being original. I also liked the ending very much.
August 1, 2025
Jesus Christ Ellen I’m like totally going to need my heart back after reading this. Because these two quite literally stole it away. Fore Better Or Worse is part of the man of the month series in Starlight Bay. This story was really fun to read. It is an insta love between two totally opposite people. Leah is the bookworm and Hays is a well known professional golfer. They have a lot of chemistry and will literally burn up the pages. You will enjoy this visit to Starlight Bay. Add it to your TBR you won’t be disappointed I promise you that.
August 1, 2025
Shy introvert Leah was on "surprise" dinner cruise with her friends for her 25th birthday, complete with "Birthday Girl" banner...deciding she needed a drink...making her way to bar where she meets flirtatious Hays...he is instantly aware of the beautiful woman who won't let him pay for her drinks...but can an unpublished author working in bookstore keep the heart of a golfing professional who asked her to marry him within couple of hours of meeting her??? You will need to read this story to find out...I voluntarily read this book through an Advanced Reader Copy.
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