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False Finish
He's a fallen star who returns home to coach at an elite gym. She's twenty years his junior, biggest fan, and the boss's daughter.
Harper Myles left her two-stoplight hometown in the rearview when she turned eighteen, but a sudden job loss has her unexpectedly returning. Cedar Creek, Kentucky, is a temporary stop on her way to another full time gig in another, bigger, more glamorous city.That is, until Jesse Lee Abel, Olympian and ex-professional wrestler, shows up at her rental to rescue her from a blown breaker.
Harper is used to getting what she wants, and what she wants is Jesse, for however long she plans to stay in town.
Jesse Lee Abel is grumpy, rough around the edges, and picking up the pieces of his wrestling career. The last thing he needs is to get involved with the daughter of his boss, the owner of the Bluegrass Performance Center, where he’s come to coach and train amateur wrestlers.
Despite his better judgement and laundry list of excuses—his age, his past, her father—Jesse finds he can’t resist the bright, exuberant Harper with her smart mouth and thick thighs.
He’s obsessed, but knows he shouldn’t be. She deserves better than a washed up, ex-pro who’s twice her age.
Cedar Creek was only supposed to be a detour for Harper…unless Jesse gives her a reason to stay.
False Finish is the first novella in the Bluegrass Performance Center series. They are short and spicy and intended to be enjoyed in a single sitting…a little afternoon delight, if you will.
Harper Myles left her two-stoplight hometown in the rearview when she turned eighteen, but a sudden job loss has her unexpectedly returning. Cedar Creek, Kentucky, is a temporary stop on her way to another full time gig in another, bigger, more glamorous city.That is, until Jesse Lee Abel, Olympian and ex-professional wrestler, shows up at her rental to rescue her from a blown breaker.
Harper is used to getting what she wants, and what she wants is Jesse, for however long she plans to stay in town.
Jesse Lee Abel is grumpy, rough around the edges, and picking up the pieces of his wrestling career. The last thing he needs is to get involved with the daughter of his boss, the owner of the Bluegrass Performance Center, where he’s come to coach and train amateur wrestlers.
Despite his better judgement and laundry list of excuses—his age, his past, her father—Jesse finds he can’t resist the bright, exuberant Harper with her smart mouth and thick thighs.
He’s obsessed, but knows he shouldn’t be. She deserves better than a washed up, ex-pro who’s twice her age.
Cedar Creek was only supposed to be a detour for Harper…unless Jesse gives her a reason to stay.
False Finish is the first novella in the Bluegrass Performance Center series. They are short and spicy and intended to be enjoyed in a single sitting…a little afternoon delight, if you will.
- GenresSports Romance
125 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2025
13 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 20, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I will say, with it being so short a lot of things happened really fast and seemed a bit rushed, but overall good story. Good spice too.
March 22, 2025
This was a quick and fun little read! I love a good “finding your place in life” love story. Throw in an age gap with a small bit of forbidden and I’m sold! There’s a lot of spice and a growly MMC you’ll fall in love with!
March 31, 2025
“False finish” is J.L. Minyard's most recent novella, with an age gap romance between a curvy FMC and a retired wrestler.
I loved Harper Miles! There is nothing better than a woman who knows what she wants and goes and gets it! I loved that she totally fangirl’d around Jesse and she was not apologetic for wanting him. Jesse needs to do a lot of healing and Harper is exactly what the doctor ordered! She’s fearless, she doesn’t allow him to hide and omit anything in their relationship and she’s feisty. While she’s getting back on her feet between jobs, Jesse also allows her to be herself. Harper is sassy, she’s funny but she also allows Jesse to be vulnerable and heal with her help.
“False Finish” might seem like a simple story, but it felt good. It’s sexy, Harper is funny and overall it was a great time!
I loved Harper Miles! There is nothing better than a woman who knows what she wants and goes and gets it! I loved that she totally fangirl’d around Jesse and she was not apologetic for wanting him. Jesse needs to do a lot of healing and Harper is exactly what the doctor ordered! She’s fearless, she doesn’t allow him to hide and omit anything in their relationship and she’s feisty. While she’s getting back on her feet between jobs, Jesse also allows her to be herself. Harper is sassy, she’s funny but she also allows Jesse to be vulnerable and heal with her help.
“False Finish” might seem like a simple story, but it felt good. It’s sexy, Harper is funny and overall it was a great time!
March 31, 2025
Loved it. A short book that’s well worth reading
March 22, 2025
Short, sweet, and spicy. Just the way I like them!! (The boyfriend also really enjoyed this book) 😅
June 5, 2025
False Finish by J.L. Minyard is a solid and satisfying start to the Bluegrass Performance Center series. Set in the high-energy world of competitive sports and performance training, this book delivers a well-paced romance with characters who feel real and grounded.
The main couple has great chemistry, and their connection builds naturally throughout the story. There’s a nice mix of emotional depth and light-hearted moments, along with just the right amount of steam. You’ll also enjoy the friendships and team dynamics, which add warmth and depth to the overall story.
Whether you’re a fan of sports romance or just enjoy a story with heart, False Finish is a great choice. It’s got charm, tension, and a hopeful, satisfying ending – a promising beginning to a new series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The main couple has great chemistry, and their connection builds naturally throughout the story. There’s a nice mix of emotional depth and light-hearted moments, along with just the right amount of steam. You’ll also enjoy the friendships and team dynamics, which add warmth and depth to the overall story.
Whether you’re a fan of sports romance or just enjoy a story with heart, False Finish is a great choice. It’s got charm, tension, and a hopeful, satisfying ending – a promising beginning to a new series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 31, 2025
J.L. Minyard’s False Finish is a compelling start to the Bluegrass Performance Center series, blending romance, personal growth, and wrestling. With a heartfelt narrative and well-developed characters, this novella offers an engaging read for fans of contemporary romance and sports romance.
FMC Harper Miles temporarily moves to Cedar Creek, Kentucky to help out her dad’s gym with some social media marketing. MMC Jesse Lee Abel is a down and out wrestler working as a coach at Harper’s dad’s gym. Harper has crushed on Jesse for years. Jesse is older and can’t deny his attraction to Harper.
This is a steamy novella with great spice, well developed characters, and a quick moving plot.
FMC Harper Miles temporarily moves to Cedar Creek, Kentucky to help out her dad’s gym with some social media marketing. MMC Jesse Lee Abel is a down and out wrestler working as a coach at Harper’s dad’s gym. Harper has crushed on Jesse for years. Jesse is older and can’t deny his attraction to Harper.
This is a steamy novella with great spice, well developed characters, and a quick moving plot.
April 1, 2025
False Finish by J.L. Minyard was a quick and fun read. I would recommend whether you are in a rut, if you need a filler, or if you just want something fun!
Harper and Jesse have a great connection from the beginning, but Jesse is definitely not wanting something to happen between himself and his boss’ daughter, but Harper gets what Harper wants.
Harper and Jesse have a great connection from the beginning, but Jesse is definitely not wanting something to happen between himself and his boss’ daughter, but Harper gets what Harper wants.
June 30, 2025
BOOK REVIEW: False Finish by Kate Crew
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This novella slammed me—in the best way 😏 Jesse is a grumpy, broody, ex-wrestler daddy with a soft spot for Harper and her thick thighs 💅 And Harper? She’s bold, flirty, and totally in charge of her own story.
The chemistry was off-the-charts. The spice? BABYYYYY, the spice was spicing 🌶️🔥
Short, hot, and totally bingeable—exactly what I needed.
If you love age gap, grumpy/sunshine, and forbidden flirtation in a single-sitting read? Run, don’t walk.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This novella slammed me—in the best way 😏 Jesse is a grumpy, broody, ex-wrestler daddy with a soft spot for Harper and her thick thighs 💅 And Harper? She’s bold, flirty, and totally in charge of her own story.
The chemistry was off-the-charts. The spice? BABYYYYY, the spice was spicing 🌶️🔥
Short, hot, and totally bingeable—exactly what I needed.
If you love age gap, grumpy/sunshine, and forbidden flirtation in a single-sitting read? Run, don’t walk.
April 10, 2025
This book is exactly what you want from a novella. Short, sweet, spicy and a beautifully written story. Harper knew what she wanted and went for it. And a growly alpha male lead is always a good thing!
April 2, 2025
A quick read. It was cute and entertaining. I loved how quirky Harper was and that she went after what she wanted. Jesse didn’t stand a chance against her.
April 8, 2025
Read this in a day and really enjoyed it! It’s a short and spicy story about Harper and Jesse! If you like age gap, forbidden, workplace romance place romance then check this one out!
May 13, 2025
False Finish
Book 1 of Bluegrass Performance Center
J.L. Minyard
The story and characters are well written and developed. I enjoyed the drama, chemistry and journey. Good read.
Book 1 of Bluegrass Performance Center
J.L. Minyard
The story and characters are well written and developed. I enjoyed the drama, chemistry and journey. Good read.
August 30, 2025
too much spice, not enough story
March 31, 2025
3.75 stars
Thank you J.L. Minyard for a digital copy of this ARC
This was good! Short & spicy 🥵
Perfect if you love age gap & forbidden/work place romances
Rating — 3.75 stars
Spice — spicy
Read — March 25th & 26th, 2025
Release date — March 30th, 2025
Thank you J.L. Minyard for a digital copy of this ARC
This was good! Short & spicy 🥵
Perfect if you love age gap & forbidden/work place romances
Rating — 3.75 stars
Spice — spicy
Read — March 25th & 26th, 2025
Release date — March 30th, 2025
October 20, 2025
Grumpy x sunshine
Curvy FMC x rough and tough ex wrestler MMC
Harper is an internet influencer that returns home on a break from jobs. She never wanted to return home, but feeling like it was meant to be. Harper meets up with Jesse Lee at her dad's wresting center. Jesse Lee is an ex pro wrestler working for Harper's dad.
Neither Jesse Lee nor Harper were expecting to fall in love, but of course they do. Cute, short story with a well-deserved HEA.
Curvy FMC x rough and tough ex wrestler MMC
Harper is an internet influencer that returns home on a break from jobs. She never wanted to return home, but feeling like it was meant to be. Harper meets up with Jesse Lee at her dad's wresting center. Jesse Lee is an ex pro wrestler working for Harper's dad.
Neither Jesse Lee nor Harper were expecting to fall in love, but of course they do. Cute, short story with a well-deserved HEA.
April 6, 2025
Absolutely adored this. A quick read to help you get out of your reading slump. Spice was too notch. 🌶️
May 1, 2025
Thank you J.L. Minyard for this ARC.
A funny, fast paced, easy and to the point Novella with a beautiful, confident FMC who knows what she wants and goes for not. Loved her energy and sass.
There's just something about a wounded MMC that'll always have hold on me, and Jesse was no different. I loved how he softens when it comes to Harper.
If you're looking for something short and spicy, this for you!!
A funny, fast paced, easy and to the point Novella with a beautiful, confident FMC who knows what she wants and goes for not. Loved her energy and sass.
There's just something about a wounded MMC that'll always have hold on me, and Jesse was no different. I loved how he softens when it comes to Harper.
If you're looking for something short and spicy, this for you!!
September 30, 2025
Thank you so much to J.L. Minyard for the ARC!
This was short, hot, and fun! Age gap and boss’s daughter? Yeah, sign me up!
This was short, hot, and fun! Age gap and boss’s daughter? Yeah, sign me up!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews