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LA Rays #3
Presley's Christmas Catch: A Sweet Sports Holiday Romance
All I want for Christmas is for Brock Hunter to realize I’m his dream girl.
Presley
I knew Brock was my soul mate from the moment we bonded over the obscure fantasy series we both loved as kids. Since then, our late-night talks and constant text threads have gone way beyond the books we love. With Christmas around the corner, we’ve talked about everything from his struggling pro-football career to my grief at losing my aunt and best friend. He’s hilarious, handsome (even in an ugly Christmas sweater), and everything I want in a guy.
Unfortunately, when I confess my feelings and go in for a kiss, he tells me he doesn’t feel the same way.
Brock
Sharing the books I love with Presley has been just what I’ve needed amidst my troubles with my team, but she’s just my best friend. I promise, it’s not romantic. I’m not incapable of focusing on anything else like my mom’s boyfriend is with her. I don’t have to constantly be around her the way my friends are with their wives. And if I check my phone to see if she’s texted before I go to bed, it’s because I want to be a good friend. That’s all.
When she begs me to pretend her attempted kiss didn’t happen so we can go to the release event of the long-awaited final book in our favorite fantasy series, I reluctantly agree. But at the event, things take a shocking turn, and everything changes. Suddenly, I see her in a different light, and I don’t think I can let her go.
Christmas is a time of possibilities. Is it possible I may just learn to trust my heart?
Presley's Christmas Catch is a sweet sports holiday romance and is book 3 in the LA Sports Romance series, but can be read as a standalone novel.
Presley
I knew Brock was my soul mate from the moment we bonded over the obscure fantasy series we both loved as kids. Since then, our late-night talks and constant text threads have gone way beyond the books we love. With Christmas around the corner, we’ve talked about everything from his struggling pro-football career to my grief at losing my aunt and best friend. He’s hilarious, handsome (even in an ugly Christmas sweater), and everything I want in a guy.
Unfortunately, when I confess my feelings and go in for a kiss, he tells me he doesn’t feel the same way.
Brock
Sharing the books I love with Presley has been just what I’ve needed amidst my troubles with my team, but she’s just my best friend. I promise, it’s not romantic. I’m not incapable of focusing on anything else like my mom’s boyfriend is with her. I don’t have to constantly be around her the way my friends are with their wives. And if I check my phone to see if she’s texted before I go to bed, it’s because I want to be a good friend. That’s all.
When she begs me to pretend her attempted kiss didn’t happen so we can go to the release event of the long-awaited final book in our favorite fantasy series, I reluctantly agree. But at the event, things take a shocking turn, and everything changes. Suddenly, I see her in a different light, and I don’t think I can let her go.
Christmas is a time of possibilities. Is it possible I may just learn to trust my heart?
Presley's Christmas Catch is a sweet sports holiday romance and is book 3 in the LA Sports Romance series, but can be read as a standalone novel.
222 pages, Paperback
Published November 15, 2024
About the author
Ranee S. Clark
40 books356 followersDuring her early years of reading, Ranee` S. Clark devoured fantasy books, which continued into her adulthood—since she often believes that a well-written romance novel is a delightful fantasy. Though raising three boys can sometimes hamper both romance with her own Mr. Charming and her writing, she tries to get a little of both in every day. And most of the time she succeeds.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
November 27, 2024
This was a super cute sports holiday romance! It’s book 3 of the LA Rays Sports Romance series, and my new favorite!
Football romance, grumpy + sunshine, and friends to lovers are all such fun tropes, and made this book so enjoyable. What made me love it even more was how Presley and Brock met and formed a connection because of an obscure fantasy book series they both read and loved as kids.
Through Presley and Brock’s love of this imaginary series, Reneé does a beautiful job of conveying the love and passion readers have for books. The excitement and anticipation for a new release, and the thrill of meeting an author you love. All of it just resonated with me, and made my book loving heart so happy!
Brock is struggling with his football career, and has a reputation as being angry and short tempered. When Presley meets him for the first time, she quickly realizes that he’s nothing like the way the media portrays him. She also discovers that they both love the same book series, and a sweet friendship begins.
Brock is everything Presley wants in a man, and all she wants for Christmas is for him to realize that she’s his dream girl. When she builds up her courage and confesses that she has feelings for him, she’s embarrassed to find out he doesn’t feel the same way.
They decide to ignore her declaration, keep the friendship intact, and then they attend a book event together. Something happens at the event, and everything changes for Brock. He suddenly sees her in a totally different light, but has he blown his chance with her?
What I loved—
📗 She Falls First- He falls harder
📕 Reading out loud to each other
📗 Their book club
📕 Book quotes
📗 He sings to her
📕 Presley’s bond with her aunt
📗 Protective MMC
📕 Former Best Friend’s Club
📗 Portrayal of happy marriages
Presley’s Christmas Catch is an adorable, fun, heartwarming, and feel good story. I loved it!
Many thanks to the author for a gifted copy!
Football romance, grumpy + sunshine, and friends to lovers are all such fun tropes, and made this book so enjoyable. What made me love it even more was how Presley and Brock met and formed a connection because of an obscure fantasy book series they both read and loved as kids.
Through Presley and Brock’s love of this imaginary series, Reneé does a beautiful job of conveying the love and passion readers have for books. The excitement and anticipation for a new release, and the thrill of meeting an author you love. All of it just resonated with me, and made my book loving heart so happy!
Brock is struggling with his football career, and has a reputation as being angry and short tempered. When Presley meets him for the first time, she quickly realizes that he’s nothing like the way the media portrays him. She also discovers that they both love the same book series, and a sweet friendship begins.
Brock is everything Presley wants in a man, and all she wants for Christmas is for him to realize that she’s his dream girl. When she builds up her courage and confesses that she has feelings for him, she’s embarrassed to find out he doesn’t feel the same way.
They decide to ignore her declaration, keep the friendship intact, and then they attend a book event together. Something happens at the event, and everything changes for Brock. He suddenly sees her in a totally different light, but has he blown his chance with her?
What I loved—
📗 She Falls First- He falls harder
📕 Reading out loud to each other
📗 Their book club
📕 Book quotes
📗 He sings to her
📕 Presley’s bond with her aunt
📗 Protective MMC
📕 Former Best Friend’s Club
📗 Portrayal of happy marriages
Presley’s Christmas Catch is an adorable, fun, heartwarming, and feel good story. I loved it!
Many thanks to the author for a gifted copy!
April 26, 2025
This is the second book I have read by this author and I am definitely wowed by these wonderful characters and the great friend group that the author has built and connected to the professional football team, the LA Rays.
I adored Presley and Brock! These two bonded over their love of a certain book series that was not well known except to the true fans. I loved seeing the way they were so right for each other and my heart hurt for that moment when Presley took the risk of telling Brock that she liked him as more than a friend only to have him express that he did not feel more for her than friendship. Ouch!
The author did a great job of conveying all of the emotions that both Brock and Presley experienced. The book event that they attended together was such a special and defining point in the story. The way Brock began to have his eyes opened to what he’d missed out on was perfect. I simply loved this book from start to finish and am very excited to read more from both this series and this author in the future.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
I adored Presley and Brock! These two bonded over their love of a certain book series that was not well known except to the true fans. I loved seeing the way they were so right for each other and my heart hurt for that moment when Presley took the risk of telling Brock that she liked him as more than a friend only to have him express that he did not feel more for her than friendship. Ouch!
The author did a great job of conveying all of the emotions that both Brock and Presley experienced. The book event that they attended together was such a special and defining point in the story. The way Brock began to have his eyes opened to what he’d missed out on was perfect. I simply loved this book from start to finish and am very excited to read more from both this series and this author in the future.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
December 16, 2024
I love, love, loved this Christmas romcom! First off, who wouldn’t fall in love with Brock Hunter?!? He is gorgeous, down to earth, and he loves a book series! Enter swooning! Presley and Brock were so perfect for each other! I loved the sports romance, I am all in for these football players and their stories! Clark does an amazing job with the storytelling. She manages to tell a deep and emotional story while keep it light and fun as well. I really connected with this story as it addresses losing a loved one and the struggles that come along with it. Conversely, the lighthearted banter and love for the fantasy book series helped to balance out the emotional roller coaster of loss. This is one of the most well rounded stories and I enjoyed both Brock and Presley’s perspectives, the mystery of the stolen ring was one more aspect to the story that I enjoyed. This is a five star read for me and I want more!
September 26, 2025
So good!
I just finished this book, and the ending absolutely melted my heart. The heroine. Presley, fell first in this one....and she was so patient with hero, Brock. He just couldn't figure out his feelings....but when he did....what a magical moment! I LOVED the grand gesture he did to show Presley how he felt about her. One of the most romantic things I have ever read. I highly recommend this sweet and clean romance. The whole series is superb! Ranee is one of my new favorite authors!
I just finished this book, and the ending absolutely melted my heart. The heroine. Presley, fell first in this one....and she was so patient with hero, Brock. He just couldn't figure out his feelings....but when he did....what a magical moment! I LOVED the grand gesture he did to show Presley how he felt about her. One of the most romantic things I have ever read. I highly recommend this sweet and clean romance. The whole series is superb! Ranee is one of my new favorite authors!
November 27, 2024
In real life, I am not the biggest sports fan, but if you put a pro sports player in a romcom, I become the biggest fan. I was so excited to read Ranee S. Clark’s latest book in her LA Rays’ series, Presley’s Christmas Catch.
This book focuses on Presley, a physical therapist for the LA Rays football team, and Brock, a pro football player for the Denver Devils. At a mutual friend’s wedding, Presley and Brock meet and hit it off when they start talking about their favorite book series—a book series with a small but loyal fanbase. After the wedding, they continue to text and chat about the books and become close friends. Presley starts to feel more for Brock, but she can’t tell what he thinks or feels. When Brock moves to LA, Presley decides to confess her feelings to him. The story that follows is full of humor, mystery, banter, and romance.
Things to love:
-dual POV
-friends to more
-pro-football player MMC
-pro-football physical therapist FMC
-all the football players
-they read books together
-all things bookish
-the Former Best Friends Club
-all things Christmas
-the second kiss--IYKYK
Brock was a six foot seven dream. I found the combination of his athletic prowess and his love for the book series to be so sexy. He was seriously a Renaissance man. I loved how he treated Presley and his friendships with the other players. I did want to hit him on the side of the head a few times when he was being a little clueless—fortunately, all his friends felt the same way and helped him out.
Presley was fabulous. I loved how smart and driven she was. I also loved how close she was to her parents and aunt Shannon. Their relationships were so good and added so much to the story. Brock comforting Presley when she talks about her late aunt was so sweet.
The writing flowed beautifully, with a perfect balance between the romance and the mystery side story. I loved how the mystery showed more of who Presley and Brock really are and really solidified their relationship. It was a fun twist to a romcom.
I adored reading this sweet book. The Christmas vibes were so fun, especially Brock decorating Christmas cookies. This book is the third book in the series, but it can be read as a standalone. It was so good; I have smile on my face just thinking about it.
Thank you to Ranee for the gifted copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
This book focuses on Presley, a physical therapist for the LA Rays football team, and Brock, a pro football player for the Denver Devils. At a mutual friend’s wedding, Presley and Brock meet and hit it off when they start talking about their favorite book series—a book series with a small but loyal fanbase. After the wedding, they continue to text and chat about the books and become close friends. Presley starts to feel more for Brock, but she can’t tell what he thinks or feels. When Brock moves to LA, Presley decides to confess her feelings to him. The story that follows is full of humor, mystery, banter, and romance.
Things to love:
-dual POV
-friends to more
-pro-football player MMC
-pro-football physical therapist FMC
-all the football players
-they read books together
-all things bookish
-the Former Best Friends Club
-all things Christmas
-the second kiss--IYKYK
Brock was a six foot seven dream. I found the combination of his athletic prowess and his love for the book series to be so sexy. He was seriously a Renaissance man. I loved how he treated Presley and his friendships with the other players. I did want to hit him on the side of the head a few times when he was being a little clueless—fortunately, all his friends felt the same way and helped him out.
Presley was fabulous. I loved how smart and driven she was. I also loved how close she was to her parents and aunt Shannon. Their relationships were so good and added so much to the story. Brock comforting Presley when she talks about her late aunt was so sweet.
The writing flowed beautifully, with a perfect balance between the romance and the mystery side story. I loved how the mystery showed more of who Presley and Brock really are and really solidified their relationship. It was a fun twist to a romcom.
I adored reading this sweet book. The Christmas vibes were so fun, especially Brock decorating Christmas cookies. This book is the third book in the series, but it can be read as a standalone. It was so good; I have smile on my face just thinking about it.
Thank you to Ranee for the gifted copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 26, 2024
When going solo to a wedding always have an exit strategy or at least that’s the way I was when I was single, this is not the case for Presley as her necklace catches the eye of an attractive guy across the room! Brock is no small guy, but being drawn to a woman sololy based on her choice of jewelry at a friend’s wedding is something out the norm! Thus begins a friendship that neither protag knew that they needed in their lives!
Presley’s obsidian necklace from her aunt that represents her favorite fiction series, spoke volumes and got one of the biggest names in the NFL to come over! Turns out they both have a fond appreciation for T.O.K. and it’s not just merely a passing fad, they both are diehard fans! They exchange phone numbers and continue their conversations over the coming months! With the conversations, attraction follows, but Presley doesn’t know what to do with those feelings, as her main confidant, her aunt, has passed away not too long ago.
Brock has thoroughly enjoyed their chats as they have complete comfortability with each other to talk books, work (life in the NFL), and the difficulties life has thrown their way! He’s even up to the challenge of rereading the series faster than she is! They pair have a few times where they can hang out privately embracing their mutual Christmas traditions, that spark something more in him too, but because of his complicated past he doesn’t know how to act!
This is perhaps my favorite of the L.A. Rays series so far! Each were good in their own rights, but there is something special about witnessing the relationship from the ground up! I love that there is more than just immediate attraction and that they grow organically together and individually! I also loved seeing the connections with others that this pair has! Everyone wants the best for all involved and it’s something to aspire to! Great job Ranee!
Presley’s obsidian necklace from her aunt that represents her favorite fiction series, spoke volumes and got one of the biggest names in the NFL to come over! Turns out they both have a fond appreciation for T.O.K. and it’s not just merely a passing fad, they both are diehard fans! They exchange phone numbers and continue their conversations over the coming months! With the conversations, attraction follows, but Presley doesn’t know what to do with those feelings, as her main confidant, her aunt, has passed away not too long ago.
Brock has thoroughly enjoyed their chats as they have complete comfortability with each other to talk books, work (life in the NFL), and the difficulties life has thrown their way! He’s even up to the challenge of rereading the series faster than she is! They pair have a few times where they can hang out privately embracing their mutual Christmas traditions, that spark something more in him too, but because of his complicated past he doesn’t know how to act!
This is perhaps my favorite of the L.A. Rays series so far! Each were good in their own rights, but there is something special about witnessing the relationship from the ground up! I love that there is more than just immediate attraction and that they grow organically together and individually! I also loved seeing the connections with others that this pair has! Everyone wants the best for all involved and it’s something to aspire to! Great job Ranee!
December 1, 2024
“His warmth spreads across my hand, shooting straight up my arm and to my heart. I can be his friend. I can. I can. This will be my mantra, and I will ignore any such warmth that touching him creates.”
This book was the perfect end to my day! It was deep, yet light-hearted, complex and delightful.
It is a very cozy read involving professional sports, die-hard fantasy book fans, and a mysterious situation.
As the social media manager for an NFL team, Presley attends player functions in a professional capacity. That is, until she meets offensive lineman Brock. Not only does he love her favorite sport, he loves her favorite obscure fantasy series!
When she puts her heart on the line to tell him how she feels, will he reciprocate or will it irrevocably ruin their friendship?
Read this book if you like:
🏟️ Wedding Meet Cutes
🎄 Fantasy Books
🏟️ NFL
🎄 Texting At All Hours
🏟️ Memes
🎄 Insightful Friends
🏟️ Celebrating The Holidays
🎄 Family Heirlooms
🏟️ Private Jets
🎄 Grand Gestures
Content: Recent loss of a loved one, Swoony romance- kisses only.
I received a complimentary copy; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book was the perfect end to my day! It was deep, yet light-hearted, complex and delightful.
It is a very cozy read involving professional sports, die-hard fantasy book fans, and a mysterious situation.
As the social media manager for an NFL team, Presley attends player functions in a professional capacity. That is, until she meets offensive lineman Brock. Not only does he love her favorite sport, he loves her favorite obscure fantasy series!
When she puts her heart on the line to tell him how she feels, will he reciprocate or will it irrevocably ruin their friendship?
Read this book if you like:
🏟️ Wedding Meet Cutes
🎄 Fantasy Books
🏟️ NFL
🎄 Texting At All Hours
🏟️ Memes
🎄 Insightful Friends
🏟️ Celebrating The Holidays
🎄 Family Heirlooms
🏟️ Private Jets
🎄 Grand Gestures
Content: Recent loss of a loved one, Swoony romance- kisses only.
I received a complimentary copy; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 26, 2024
Cute. Cute. Cute.
I adored Presley and Brock. They have such an easy friendship. I love their love of TOK and their backstories/personal connections of getting into it.
Presley’s relationship with her aunt made me smile and cry. It was so well done, you could feel the love and heartache.
Brock you were a doofus, but you were such a sweetheart that I forgive you.
I loved the realization/message that love doesn’t have to be all fireworks and that there’s no “right way.” It can start from friendship and sneak up on you. It can be the friend you pour your heart out to and who makes you feel seen.
Some of my favorites:
Their connection over TOK
Aunt Shannon’s letters 😢
The texts
The book release
Bit of a mystery to solve
Seriously fun, adorable, sweet, heartwarming, and just an all around joy.
Thank you to Raneé S. Clark for the copy. All opinions are my own.
I adored Presley and Brock. They have such an easy friendship. I love their love of TOK and their backstories/personal connections of getting into it.
Presley’s relationship with her aunt made me smile and cry. It was so well done, you could feel the love and heartache.
Brock you were a doofus, but you were such a sweetheart that I forgive you.
I loved the realization/message that love doesn’t have to be all fireworks and that there’s no “right way.” It can start from friendship and sneak up on you. It can be the friend you pour your heart out to and who makes you feel seen.
Some of my favorites:
Their connection over TOK
Aunt Shannon’s letters 😢
The texts
The book release
Bit of a mystery to solve
Seriously fun, adorable, sweet, heartwarming, and just an all around joy.
Thank you to Raneé S. Clark for the copy. All opinions are my own.
November 15, 2024
Presley's Christmas Catch is the third book in the LA Rays Sports Romance series. While those who have read the previous book will love catching up with familiar characters, I do think this could be enjoyed just fine as a standalone as well.
If you've ever been passionate about a fandom that is not super popular, chances are you can imagine the excitement of finding someone else who loves it just as much as you do. When that someone is a big, strong football player obsessed with a fantasy series you've both loved since childhood? Even better! Right away, I absolutely adored how Presley and Brock connected over that rather unique shared interest--- and one that had sentimental value for both of them too. I'm not even a fantasy reader, and I found myself wishing this were a real series so that I could experience it with them. They had such an easy chemistry between them, and I couldn't help but love the two of them together. While I don't want to give too much away, there was a bit of a mystery mixed in as well, which led to some unexpected events that certainly kept things entertaining in the end! I loved this sweet and tender story, perfect for the Christmas season (but honestly, would be great any time of year too!).
Presley's Christmas Catch is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
If you've ever been passionate about a fandom that is not super popular, chances are you can imagine the excitement of finding someone else who loves it just as much as you do. When that someone is a big, strong football player obsessed with a fantasy series you've both loved since childhood? Even better! Right away, I absolutely adored how Presley and Brock connected over that rather unique shared interest--- and one that had sentimental value for both of them too. I'm not even a fantasy reader, and I found myself wishing this were a real series so that I could experience it with them. They had such an easy chemistry between them, and I couldn't help but love the two of them together. While I don't want to give too much away, there was a bit of a mystery mixed in as well, which led to some unexpected events that certainly kept things entertaining in the end! I loved this sweet and tender story, perfect for the Christmas season (but honestly, would be great any time of year too!).
Presley's Christmas Catch is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
January 1, 2025
This is a delightful holiday romance that will warm your heart with the charm of best-friends-turned-something-more. Presley and Brock's story is filled with humor, heartfelt moments, and chemistry that keeps you rooting for them from the first page to the last. Presley's internal struggles are relatable and endearing, as she struggles with her feelings for Brock while trying to preserve their cherished friendship.
Brock is charming and supportive; a total swoon-worthy hero. His affection for Presley shines through, their interactions are heartwarming yet sizzling with chemistry. The romantic tension builds, keeping me waiting for the moment when their feelings might finally align. Presley's inner monologue is witty and honest, making her a character you can’t help but cheer for.
The dynamic between these two is electric, and their shared love of a fantasy book series adds a unique layer to their bond. I loved all the texting and the buddy reading. It reminded me of texting with my book besties especially when we happen to be reading the same book.
If you’re looking for a cozy, romantic read that will leave you smiling long after you turn the last page, "Presley's Christmas Catch" is a must-read. It’s the perfect story to curl up with by the fire this holiday season.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions in this review are my own.
Brock is charming and supportive; a total swoon-worthy hero. His affection for Presley shines through, their interactions are heartwarming yet sizzling with chemistry. The romantic tension builds, keeping me waiting for the moment when their feelings might finally align. Presley's inner monologue is witty and honest, making her a character you can’t help but cheer for.
The dynamic between these two is electric, and their shared love of a fantasy book series adds a unique layer to their bond. I loved all the texting and the buddy reading. It reminded me of texting with my book besties especially when we happen to be reading the same book.
If you’re looking for a cozy, romantic read that will leave you smiling long after you turn the last page, "Presley's Christmas Catch" is a must-read. It’s the perfect story to curl up with by the fire this holiday season.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions in this review are my own.
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November 29, 2024I adore this series and the characters within the stories. This is the story of Brock and Presley. Brock Hunter is a star football player who is known for his hot head and loose tongue. Presley is the physical therapist for the LA Rays football team. Presley and Brock meet at a mutual friend's wedding. Presley notices the dreamy Brock across the room, but she also notices his signature scowl. When these two bond over their love of a fantasy book series, no one is more surprised than Presley. It is amazing what you can learn when you really get to know someone.
This was a fun story to read as it was not an immediate attraction. You could feel the chemistry, but they were both careful with their feelings, which made their attraction more genuine. There were so many wonderful scenes including a rescue scene in a bookstore. That scene was beyond swoony. This awesome book is a must read for romance lovers.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a fun story to read as it was not an immediate attraction. You could feel the chemistry, but they were both careful with their feelings, which made their attraction more genuine. There were so many wonderful scenes including a rescue scene in a bookstore. That scene was beyond swoony. This awesome book is a must read for romance lovers.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 23, 2024
Christmas book season is upon us and I’m SO here for it! This book isn’t over the top in the Christmas department but has just the right amount of holiday themes throughout!
Presley meets Brock at the wedding of a mutual friend and they quickly bond over their love of the same book series known by its fans as TOK. Their friendship quickly blooms and soon Presley finds herself falling for him, but when she brings it up and steals a kiss, Brock lets her know he doesn’t feel the same. 😳
This is such a cute story of friends to more! I love that Presley and Brock connect over books and reading! Brock is such a sweetheart (despite being slow to his true feelings for Pres) and Presley is so adorable and patient with him! They’re make the cutest couple!
Definitely add this to your Christmas TBR!!
Presley meets Brock at the wedding of a mutual friend and they quickly bond over their love of the same book series known by its fans as TOK. Their friendship quickly blooms and soon Presley finds herself falling for him, but when she brings it up and steals a kiss, Brock lets her know he doesn’t feel the same. 😳
This is such a cute story of friends to more! I love that Presley and Brock connect over books and reading! Brock is such a sweetheart (despite being slow to his true feelings for Pres) and Presley is so adorable and patient with him! They’re make the cutest couple!
Definitely add this to your Christmas TBR!!
December 1, 2024
Me gustó como se fue dando la relación, aunque a veces quería sacudir a Brock por ser tan despistado, por no decir tonto.
November 22, 2024
— ARC Review : 4 stars ✰
This book was absolutely adorable and so enjoyable that I read it in one sitting! Presley and Brock share such a wholesome friendship, and their moments reading to each other were like something out of a dream. I couldn’t get enough of their friends-to-lovers journey. It felt so authentic and real. I’d wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone looking for a fast-paced romcom!
────୨ৎ────
Thank you to Ranee S. Clark for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
This book was absolutely adorable and so enjoyable that I read it in one sitting! Presley and Brock share such a wholesome friendship, and their moments reading to each other were like something out of a dream. I couldn’t get enough of their friends-to-lovers journey. It felt so authentic and real. I’d wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone looking for a fast-paced romcom!
────୨ৎ────
Thank you to Ranee S. Clark for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
November 26, 2024
I absolutely adore Brock & Presleys sweet friendship, caring, loving, happily ever after!!
December 21, 2024
Presley's Christmas Catch by Ranee S. Clark is the 3rd book in her LA Rays series but can be read as a standalone. There are a lot of crossover characters, though. This was such a great christmas theme book. I absolutely devoured it. It is told from a dual POV, following Presley and Brock. Presley and Brock hit it off, both being huge fans of an obscure fantasy book series that they both have loved since they were kids. Presley knows he's the one for her almost instantly, but it takes Brock a little more to realize his feelings. Their chemistry and friendship is perfection. I can not wait to read more from Ranee. She has quickly become one of my favorite authors for sweet romcoms.
🏈 Sports Romance
❤️ She Falls First...but he falls harder
🏈 Their love of books
❤️ Friends to Lovers
🏈 Football Player MMC
❤️ Trainer FMC
🏈 Holiday Romance
❤️ He Protects Her
🏈 Reading to each other!!
Brock stares at me, that squinty, almost a glare, look coming back, but I see it for what it is now. He’s pondering. He’s one of those people who has a resting angry face, and it’s been misunderstood.
I have to swallow back the words, If you don’t want me to fall in love with you, don’t ever do something like that again. I’m stunned into silence by how utterly sexy it is hearing him read to me. It conjures an image of him relaxing on my couch, like the night we watched a Christmas movie together, but with me leaning against his chest. I would have my TV playing one of those fireplace videos, because of course.
I fell in love with Presley Tatum little by little and never saw it because I thought it had to look like everyone else’s relationships.
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
🏈 Sports Romance
❤️ She Falls First...but he falls harder
🏈 Their love of books
❤️ Friends to Lovers
🏈 Football Player MMC
❤️ Trainer FMC
🏈 Holiday Romance
❤️ He Protects Her
🏈 Reading to each other!!
Brock stares at me, that squinty, almost a glare, look coming back, but I see it for what it is now. He’s pondering. He’s one of those people who has a resting angry face, and it’s been misunderstood.
I have to swallow back the words, If you don’t want me to fall in love with you, don’t ever do something like that again. I’m stunned into silence by how utterly sexy it is hearing him read to me. It conjures an image of him relaxing on my couch, like the night we watched a Christmas movie together, but with me leaning against his chest. I would have my TV playing one of those fireplace videos, because of course.
I fell in love with Presley Tatum little by little and never saw it because I thought it had to look like everyone else’s relationships.
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
January 7, 2025
I accidentally read a non-smutty romance and I didn't hate it.
November 22, 2024
A book about a pro football guy who is also a book nerd. Yes please! Super cute clean romance. Loved reading about the romantacy book series and all the connections with Presleys Aunt Shannon. This book nerd loved it ♥️
December 2, 2024
ARC 8- PRESLEY’S CHRISTMAS CATCH
Author- Ranee S Clark
Book 3 in LA Rays Sports Romance Series
Rating- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre- sports romance, strangers-friends-lovers, bonded over books, Christmas time, she falls first.
Blurb:
All I want for Christmas is for Brock Hunter to realize I’m his dream girl.
Presley
I knew Brock was my soul mate from the moment we bonded over the obscure fantasy series we both loved as kids. Since then, our late-night talks and constant text threads have gone way beyond the books we love. With Christmas around the corner, we’ve talked about everything from his struggling pro-football career to my grief at losing my aunt and best friend. He’s hilarious, handsome (even in an ugly Christmas sweater), and everything I want in a guy.
Unfortunately, when I confess my feelings and go in for a kiss, he tells me he doesn’t feel the same way.
Brock
Sharing the books I love with Presley has been just what I’ve needed amidst my troubles with my team, but she’s just my best friend. I promise, it’s not romantic. I’m not incapable of focusing on anything else like my mom’s boyfriend is with her. I don’t have to constantly be around her the way my friends are with their wives. And if I check my phone to see if she’s texted before I go to bed, it’s because I want to be a good friend. That’s all.
When she begs me to pretend her attempted kiss didn’t happen so we can go to the release event of the long-awaited final book in our favourite fantasy series, I reluctantly agree. But at the event, things take a shocking turn, and everything changes. Suddenly, I see her in a different light, and I don’t think I can let her go.
Christmas is a time of possibilities. Is it possible I may just learn to trust my heart?
Plot:
Weddings are magical. It marks the union of two soulmates. In some c ases, it also marks the meeting of two soulmates. It was for Presley and Brock. Presley Tatum, physical therapist of the LA Rays Football team met Brock Turner at Lincoln Knight’s wedding.
Brock, an old college mate and good friend of the groom was a Left-Tackle for the Denver Devils. He held the reputation of the football short-tempered bad guy. He was a brilliant player with a knack for observing the tiny details. However, the internal problems of his team management lead to their poor reputation. It also resulted in him becoming the bad guy because he took out his anger and frustration at the media and by throwing around stuff. Presley believed what the media portrayed, until the wedding.
She had worn a locket which was a merchandise of a book series-The Obsidian Kingdom, aka, TOK. A handful were aware about the series. Presley and Brock, much to each other’s surprise and joy were loyal fans of the series. It was the locket that caught Brock’s attention. They ended up talking mostly about TOK along with other topics like about football, his team and the problems that came along. They became best friends on spot. Every day, they texted each other, mainly about the books, but still, they spoke about other topics. They also started re-reading TOK together.
Presley’s perspective on Brock changed from a short-tempered guy to a cinnamon roll, wonderful man. She liked him, and it grew ever single day. However, she misread things. Brock liked her as a friend-nothing more, nothing less. It complicated things. They promised that their friendship would still be fine, but the awkwardness prevailed.
TOK was their connecting link, their bridge, the one one who made them best friends and more. The release of the last book in the series mended their awkwardness, lifted off the best-friend shades Brock had worn and gave Presley hope.
They say Christmas miracles do happen. The question is- will they have their’s?
Opinion:
Easy five!!
The book’s plot and progression is different compared to other sports romance books. It is an easy and pleasant read.The way their relation progressed was absolutely solid and genuine, the way it should. It has many hilarious moments. The friendship and banter among the sports players and family members is solid. Everyone, his friends, coach, mom and Presley had Brock’s back during his team crisis. Both Brock and Presley had each other’s back no matter what, even when they didn’t have to. They chose to. They are the definition of soulmates and lovers are most importantly each other’s best friends. The book also conveys the message- not all that we hear is true. We need to find it out ourselves. It’s slightly funny how Presley goes from “I avoid guys like Brock” to “Brock, just love me you idiot!”.
The reader will enjoy reading the book. It can be read as a standalone. However, I personally suggest to read the previous books related to this series in order to get a better idea and hold of the other characters and their relation with the protagonists.
The book overall was a much needed breath of fresh air.
Author- Ranee S Clark
Book 3 in LA Rays Sports Romance Series
Rating- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre- sports romance, strangers-friends-lovers, bonded over books, Christmas time, she falls first.
Blurb:
All I want for Christmas is for Brock Hunter to realize I’m his dream girl.
Presley
I knew Brock was my soul mate from the moment we bonded over the obscure fantasy series we both loved as kids. Since then, our late-night talks and constant text threads have gone way beyond the books we love. With Christmas around the corner, we’ve talked about everything from his struggling pro-football career to my grief at losing my aunt and best friend. He’s hilarious, handsome (even in an ugly Christmas sweater), and everything I want in a guy.
Unfortunately, when I confess my feelings and go in for a kiss, he tells me he doesn’t feel the same way.
Brock
Sharing the books I love with Presley has been just what I’ve needed amidst my troubles with my team, but she’s just my best friend. I promise, it’s not romantic. I’m not incapable of focusing on anything else like my mom’s boyfriend is with her. I don’t have to constantly be around her the way my friends are with their wives. And if I check my phone to see if she’s texted before I go to bed, it’s because I want to be a good friend. That’s all.
When she begs me to pretend her attempted kiss didn’t happen so we can go to the release event of the long-awaited final book in our favourite fantasy series, I reluctantly agree. But at the event, things take a shocking turn, and everything changes. Suddenly, I see her in a different light, and I don’t think I can let her go.
Christmas is a time of possibilities. Is it possible I may just learn to trust my heart?
Plot:
Weddings are magical. It marks the union of two soulmates. In some c ases, it also marks the meeting of two soulmates. It was for Presley and Brock. Presley Tatum, physical therapist of the LA Rays Football team met Brock Turner at Lincoln Knight’s wedding.
Brock, an old college mate and good friend of the groom was a Left-Tackle for the Denver Devils. He held the reputation of the football short-tempered bad guy. He was a brilliant player with a knack for observing the tiny details. However, the internal problems of his team management lead to their poor reputation. It also resulted in him becoming the bad guy because he took out his anger and frustration at the media and by throwing around stuff. Presley believed what the media portrayed, until the wedding.
She had worn a locket which was a merchandise of a book series-The Obsidian Kingdom, aka, TOK. A handful were aware about the series. Presley and Brock, much to each other’s surprise and joy were loyal fans of the series. It was the locket that caught Brock’s attention. They ended up talking mostly about TOK along with other topics like about football, his team and the problems that came along. They became best friends on spot. Every day, they texted each other, mainly about the books, but still, they spoke about other topics. They also started re-reading TOK together.
Presley’s perspective on Brock changed from a short-tempered guy to a cinnamon roll, wonderful man. She liked him, and it grew ever single day. However, she misread things. Brock liked her as a friend-nothing more, nothing less. It complicated things. They promised that their friendship would still be fine, but the awkwardness prevailed.
TOK was their connecting link, their bridge, the one one who made them best friends and more. The release of the last book in the series mended their awkwardness, lifted off the best-friend shades Brock had worn and gave Presley hope.
They say Christmas miracles do happen. The question is- will they have their’s?
Opinion:
Easy five!!
The book’s plot and progression is different compared to other sports romance books. It is an easy and pleasant read.The way their relation progressed was absolutely solid and genuine, the way it should. It has many hilarious moments. The friendship and banter among the sports players and family members is solid. Everyone, his friends, coach, mom and Presley had Brock’s back during his team crisis. Both Brock and Presley had each other’s back no matter what, even when they didn’t have to. They chose to. They are the definition of soulmates and lovers are most importantly each other’s best friends. The book also conveys the message- not all that we hear is true. We need to find it out ourselves. It’s slightly funny how Presley goes from “I avoid guys like Brock” to “Brock, just love me you idiot!”.
The reader will enjoy reading the book. It can be read as a standalone. However, I personally suggest to read the previous books related to this series in order to get a better idea and hold of the other characters and their relation with the protagonists.
The book overall was a much needed breath of fresh air.
November 26, 2024
5/5
Genre: Clean Romance/ Sweet Romance
🚨TW: loss of love ones, mentions of ring stolen
Read it if you like:
📚 Dual POV
📚 Strangers to friends
to lovers
📚 She falls first
📚 Friendships
📚 Family
📚 Christmas
📚 Pro-footballer MMC
📚 Trainer FMC
Favourite Moments
📚 Them getting know each other
📚 They texts to each other
📚 Their love of the book series TOK
📚 In the bookstore and outside the bookstore. (Can’t spoil it)
📚 Them decorating the Christmas cookies
📚 Them opening up to each other
📚 His new teammates helping him to realised his feelings. (can’t spoil it)
(lots more)
Swoony Moments
📚 He cares and protects her
📚 He is great with the teenagers
📚 He will do anything he can to make her happy.
📚 He had the same interests as her.
(lots more)
Synopsis
Presley and Brock met in their friend’s wedding and they became fast friends all thanks to her TOK necklace which her aunt gifted to her which turns out they both love the book series. They bonded and started the Bookclub between both of them. They challenged each other in seeing who is the fastest to finished the series before the next book coming out. Texts, banters, movie nights, cozy preparation for Christmas and what? A missing ring? Their favourite author’s secret? And also, her late aunt left a box for her? So many activities and an adventure together? Will their friendship turns to more? Read Presley’s Christmas Catch to find out!!!
Review:
Never judge a book by its cover before you get to know them. Both characters meet and Presley realised that what that it is in the media is wrong about the footballer Brock. They got to know each other thanks to her TOK necklace. They became fast friends when they found out they love the TOK series (guess what I was trying to google the book or find it in Goodreads but there is no) haha… want to know about Lyra and Kael though hahaha…(opps better don’t spoil too much) Love that they have each other’s back and he protects her and will do anything for her. And she tries to cheer him up and make him happy. Their banter, their texts and their love of TOK series are just so entertaining hehe… Her family are just so sweet and also her mother encouraging her to tell her feelings and then there is the whole football team who is protective of her and also they are friends of Brock who also make him realised his feelings. Love her late aunt’s boxes for each of the family members and also there are secrets inside the boxes which she will find out too (not going to spoil for you read it than you will know ) and also her advices to her when she go through something that needs advice. This book made me smile, laugh, swoon and also can’t help but wanting to be part of the friendship to make Brock realised his feelings.
P.S Makes me want to make myself a hot chocolate.
I was gifted complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own Thanks to @raneesclark for the ARC.
This is the 3rd book of LA Rays Sport Romance Series. You can also check out the 1st book and 2nd book.
Book 1
Best Friends, Backups & Something More (Eli & Court)
Book 2
Layla Meets Her Match (Lincoln & Layla)
You can purchase this book on Amazon and it is available on KU.
Genre: Clean Romance/ Sweet Romance
🚨TW: loss of love ones, mentions of ring stolen
Read it if you like:
📚 Dual POV
📚 Strangers to friends
to lovers
📚 She falls first
📚 Friendships
📚 Family
📚 Christmas
📚 Pro-footballer MMC
📚 Trainer FMC
Favourite Moments
📚 Them getting know each other
📚 They texts to each other
📚 Their love of the book series TOK
📚 In the bookstore and outside the bookstore. (Can’t spoil it)
📚 Them decorating the Christmas cookies
📚 Them opening up to each other
📚 His new teammates helping him to realised his feelings. (can’t spoil it)
(lots more)
Swoony Moments
📚 He cares and protects her
📚 He is great with the teenagers
📚 He will do anything he can to make her happy.
📚 He had the same interests as her.
(lots more)
Synopsis
Presley and Brock met in their friend’s wedding and they became fast friends all thanks to her TOK necklace which her aunt gifted to her which turns out they both love the book series. They bonded and started the Bookclub between both of them. They challenged each other in seeing who is the fastest to finished the series before the next book coming out. Texts, banters, movie nights, cozy preparation for Christmas and what? A missing ring? Their favourite author’s secret? And also, her late aunt left a box for her? So many activities and an adventure together? Will their friendship turns to more? Read Presley’s Christmas Catch to find out!!!
Review:
Never judge a book by its cover before you get to know them. Both characters meet and Presley realised that what that it is in the media is wrong about the footballer Brock. They got to know each other thanks to her TOK necklace. They became fast friends when they found out they love the TOK series (guess what I was trying to google the book or find it in Goodreads but there is no) haha… want to know about Lyra and Kael though hahaha…(opps better don’t spoil too much) Love that they have each other’s back and he protects her and will do anything for her. And she tries to cheer him up and make him happy. Their banter, their texts and their love of TOK series are just so entertaining hehe… Her family are just so sweet and also her mother encouraging her to tell her feelings and then there is the whole football team who is protective of her and also they are friends of Brock who also make him realised his feelings. Love her late aunt’s boxes for each of the family members and also there are secrets inside the boxes which she will find out too (not going to spoil for you read it than you will know ) and also her advices to her when she go through something that needs advice. This book made me smile, laugh, swoon and also can’t help but wanting to be part of the friendship to make Brock realised his feelings.
P.S Makes me want to make myself a hot chocolate.
I was gifted complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own Thanks to @raneesclark for the ARC.
This is the 3rd book of LA Rays Sport Romance Series. You can also check out the 1st book and 2nd book.
Book 1
Best Friends, Backups & Something More (Eli & Court)
Book 2
Layla Meets Her Match (Lincoln & Layla)
You can purchase this book on Amazon and it is available on KU.
November 17, 2024
I absolutely ADORED this story! It is the ultimate book for book lovers, you are going to LOVE getting to experience Brock and Presley's love story! When Presley runs into Brock for the first time she has all these rumors about him just flying around in her mind. But she learns very quickly that he is nothing like the persona she is seeing in the media. Yes, he can have a short temper, but much of his anger is warranted, and the team is using his outbursts to take away from their bad season. When they meet she is surprised to find out that they both love the same book series, and from there their friendship takes off. But no matter how hard Presley tries, she can not push back the feelings she develops for Brock. So, when she takes a leap of faith, she is surprised and embarrassed to find, he does not feel the same! AWKWARD. But in an effort to recover their friendship they decide to attend a book event together, and there it all starts to shift for Brock. He thought he never saw Presley as anything other than his friend. But when she seems to be in danger at an event... he literally swoops in, and carries her to safety and something shifts! All of a sudden the feelings he was ignoring all along start to make sense. But he already ruined the friendship once, he can't risk it again. And what if Presley has moved on after his rejection?
What you will find:
Football romance
Friends to Lovers
Protective MMC
She Falls First- He falls harder
a little mystery mixed in
..... Just sweet kisses
Favorite parts....
reading out loud to each other
their texting back and forth
he carries her
he sings to her
her mom's "romantic advice"
book quotes
Dad is a reader!
Their book club!
This was my first book by Ranee, but I instantly bought another one of her books the moment I finished this one. Five stars all the way! I lovedddd their love! ***Totally curious about the TOK series now! LOL!
QUOTES:
I’m stunned into silence by how utterly sexy it is hearing him read to me.
I have to swallow back the words, If you don’t want me to fall in love with you, don’t ever do something like that again.
“Are you giving me advice from a romance book?”.... “Who better to give advice than someone who researches love regularly?”
I fell in love with Presley Tatum little by little and never saw it because I thought it had to look like everyone else’s relationships.
“This is the last time we’ll get to read a TOK book for the first time. We should … we should read it together.” .... I mean together. Reading it aloud to each other. Really experiencing it together.”
“I’ve never had someone like you in my life, Pres. Someone to really share this with. I want to make it memorable because this is it.”
***I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and reflect my personal thoughts and experiences with the book.
1 like
What you will find:
Football romance
Friends to Lovers
Protective MMC
She Falls First- He falls harder
a little mystery mixed in
..... Just sweet kisses
Favorite parts....
reading out loud to each other
their texting back and forth
he carries her
he sings to her
her mom's "romantic advice"
book quotes
Dad is a reader!
Their book club!
This was my first book by Ranee, but I instantly bought another one of her books the moment I finished this one. Five stars all the way! I lovedddd their love! ***Totally curious about the TOK series now! LOL!
QUOTES:
I’m stunned into silence by how utterly sexy it is hearing him read to me.
I have to swallow back the words, If you don’t want me to fall in love with you, don’t ever do something like that again.
“Are you giving me advice from a romance book?”.... “Who better to give advice than someone who researches love regularly?”
I fell in love with Presley Tatum little by little and never saw it because I thought it had to look like everyone else’s relationships.
“This is the last time we’ll get to read a TOK book for the first time. We should … we should read it together.” .... I mean together. Reading it aloud to each other. Really experiencing it together.”
“I’ve never had someone like you in my life, Pres. Someone to really share this with. I want to make it memorable because this is it.”
***I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and reflect my personal thoughts and experiences with the book.
1 like
November 26, 2024
Reader’s Notes:
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Presley & Brock’s points of view
– a character lost someone close to them due to an accident & ALS within the last year (major part of the story)
-it is mentioned that a character grew up without a father
Review:
I loved this story so much! Presley was upbeat and so hopeful when it came to finding someone who’d love her back. I loved the connection she had with her late aunt and that she’d constantly reminisce about the time they shared together (both on her own & with others). I loved Brock’s obliviousness to any sort of romantic interest thrown his way. It was funny to see Presley watching Brock interact with other women flirting with him and then her having to tell him that’s what had happened. Brock was so set on only a few displays of ‘this is what love looks like’ that he was missing any other kinds of shown interest. But I loved him for it and I loved that Brock & Presley got the chance to strongly bond as friends before Presley told him about being romantically interested in him. I also loved the slight mystery that was given in the story and thought it wasn’t really one the reader could solve completely, it was fun to follow the conclusions Presley & Brock came to about it all.
Summary:
When first Presley met Brock at their friends’ wedding, she thought that he wasn’t remotely interested in getting to know her. But when he revealed that they love the same obscure fantasy series, Presley finds herself drawn to him. They become fast friends via text and update each other on their lives as they compete to finish the next book in their reread of the series. When they are able to get together again for an in person hangout after awhile of having been apart, Presley realizes that she fell for Brock over the course of their friendship. But when she makes a move, Brock says he doesn’t reciprocate her feelings.
Brock is glad to have found a friend in Presley who he can be real with, without feeling the need to sugarcoat things. She gets him, the sport he plays, and the books he loves. Presley is the perfect friend. But when she reveals that she has feelings for him, Brock doesn’t know how to react. He isn’t looking for a romantic relationship at all and Presley requested that they forget her attempt at a kiss with him ever happened. But when something happens at the release of the last book of their beloved series, Brock discovers that everything he thought about love might not be quite right. He knows something is calling him back to Presley every day, and it’s no longer just their friendship…
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Presley & Brock’s points of view
– a character lost someone close to them due to an accident & ALS within the last year (major part of the story)
-it is mentioned that a character grew up without a father
Review:
I loved this story so much! Presley was upbeat and so hopeful when it came to finding someone who’d love her back. I loved the connection she had with her late aunt and that she’d constantly reminisce about the time they shared together (both on her own & with others). I loved Brock’s obliviousness to any sort of romantic interest thrown his way. It was funny to see Presley watching Brock interact with other women flirting with him and then her having to tell him that’s what had happened. Brock was so set on only a few displays of ‘this is what love looks like’ that he was missing any other kinds of shown interest. But I loved him for it and I loved that Brock & Presley got the chance to strongly bond as friends before Presley told him about being romantically interested in him. I also loved the slight mystery that was given in the story and thought it wasn’t really one the reader could solve completely, it was fun to follow the conclusions Presley & Brock came to about it all.
Summary:
When first Presley met Brock at their friends’ wedding, she thought that he wasn’t remotely interested in getting to know her. But when he revealed that they love the same obscure fantasy series, Presley finds herself drawn to him. They become fast friends via text and update each other on their lives as they compete to finish the next book in their reread of the series. When they are able to get together again for an in person hangout after awhile of having been apart, Presley realizes that she fell for Brock over the course of their friendship. But when she makes a move, Brock says he doesn’t reciprocate her feelings.
Brock is glad to have found a friend in Presley who he can be real with, without feeling the need to sugarcoat things. She gets him, the sport he plays, and the books he loves. Presley is the perfect friend. But when she reveals that she has feelings for him, Brock doesn’t know how to react. He isn’t looking for a romantic relationship at all and Presley requested that they forget her attempt at a kiss with him ever happened. But when something happens at the release of the last book of their beloved series, Brock discovers that everything he thought about love might not be quite right. He knows something is calling him back to Presley every day, and it’s no longer just their friendship…
November 27, 2024
It was so fun to continue and go back to the LA rays, and I absolutely adored the story.
Brock is your hardworking, grumpy, silent football player, trying to do his best with a crappy team. Presley is one of Rays physical therapists, a happy, sweet, closet nerd who is doing her best to survive the loss of her best friend and aunt. They become friends first over an obscure fantasy book and football connections. Eventually, Brock and Presley are in L.A. at the same time with the same team, but can something more happen?
“The one with hope is always brighter than one without, even when that hope falls through.”
Their chats and banter about the book series, was parallel to living the life of a bookstagrammer. I kept referencing it in my head, this is exactly what it’s like chatting with book lovers (only there’s no romance). However, in this book…boy does Presley try to get that hunky Brock to see their friendship as more.
“The truth is I think Brock might be my real-life version of Kael. Aunt Shannon would have approved.”
I love how sassy and playful Brock and Presley are and how they just get each other. When she started making it a competition to make sure Brock recognized his feelings for her, I laughed so hard. You will thoroughly enjoy this book, all of the crazy bookish references, the little bit of mystery and of course and Brock & Presley.
“He slides his hand into mine and holds my gaze. His eyes go soft. “Checkmate.” I whisper “
OK, but seriously, how does the Veil of the Queen end? 🤣 I’m expecting this series Ranee. 😉
Brock is your hardworking, grumpy, silent football player, trying to do his best with a crappy team. Presley is one of Rays physical therapists, a happy, sweet, closet nerd who is doing her best to survive the loss of her best friend and aunt. They become friends first over an obscure fantasy book and football connections. Eventually, Brock and Presley are in L.A. at the same time with the same team, but can something more happen?
“The one with hope is always brighter than one without, even when that hope falls through.”
Their chats and banter about the book series, was parallel to living the life of a bookstagrammer. I kept referencing it in my head, this is exactly what it’s like chatting with book lovers (only there’s no romance). However, in this book…boy does Presley try to get that hunky Brock to see their friendship as more.
“The truth is I think Brock might be my real-life version of Kael. Aunt Shannon would have approved.”
I love how sassy and playful Brock and Presley are and how they just get each other. When she started making it a competition to make sure Brock recognized his feelings for her, I laughed so hard. You will thoroughly enjoy this book, all of the crazy bookish references, the little bit of mystery and of course and Brock & Presley.
“He slides his hand into mine and holds my gaze. His eyes go soft. “Checkmate.” I whisper “
OK, but seriously, how does the Veil of the Queen end? 🤣 I’m expecting this series Ranee. 😉
November 25, 2024
This was such an adorable book! I sped through it, and I loved seeing Brock and Presley fall in love.
I thought it was adorable how enthusiastic and straightforward Presley was. She felt super real but also someone that I would love to hang out with because she was fully herself. She did everything with all of herself, and it was sweet to see her interact with Brock. She fell hard for him, and even though it seemed like he didn’t feel the same, he definitely fell harder in the end.
Brock was such a sweetheart! Even though he didn’t realize his feelings right away, I wasn’t frustrated with him. Instead, it made a lot of sense for his character and how he experienced love. It was sweet to see him slowly falling in love with Presley and realizing that he had been in love with her all along.
The plot in this one is so fast and fun! Presley and Brock have an instant connection, but it feels very authentic. There’s a light mystery sub plot which was a fun add, but overall we get to see these two friends find true love. I loved this Christmas read, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves friends to lovers sweet romance!
Content Warnings: Grief
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
I thought it was adorable how enthusiastic and straightforward Presley was. She felt super real but also someone that I would love to hang out with because she was fully herself. She did everything with all of herself, and it was sweet to see her interact with Brock. She fell hard for him, and even though it seemed like he didn’t feel the same, he definitely fell harder in the end.
Brock was such a sweetheart! Even though he didn’t realize his feelings right away, I wasn’t frustrated with him. Instead, it made a lot of sense for his character and how he experienced love. It was sweet to see him slowly falling in love with Presley and realizing that he had been in love with her all along.
The plot in this one is so fast and fun! Presley and Brock have an instant connection, but it feels very authentic. There’s a light mystery sub plot which was a fun add, but overall we get to see these two friends find true love. I loved this Christmas read, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves friends to lovers sweet romance!
Content Warnings: Grief
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
December 12, 2024
This book was the perfect story to break my reading slump of nearly a month. Life had hit hard and I was burnt out on reading since I constantly overbook myself with ARCs - yes, I have a problem 😂 But this fantastic story hit my inbox and I just had to read it ASAP. The LA Rays players and their love interests have been so fun to get to know because they feel like folks you would want as your friends. Plus there’s an awesome amount of snark and wit that will keep you reading from beginning to end. I really liked that this story had characters who were book series fans - gave me a nice connection to them as I have been known to read a series obsessively too. The romance was sweet and well written, but nothing super sappy, which fit well with the characters of Brock and Presley. One other thing I really loved was Aunt Shannon and her influence on Presley. No spoilers but her advice and gifts to Presley were some of the best passages of the story. Definitely add this book to your Christmas TBR, it’s one you will love reading at this time of year.
I received a copy of this story from the author via BookFunnel. I am not required by anyone to write a positive review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.
I received a copy of this story from the author via BookFunnel. I am not required by anyone to write a positive review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.
November 27, 2024
This is the third book in this series and it doesn't disappoint in any way. Presley is a sports therapist for the LA Rays she loves her job. Having to attend a wedding solo wasn't her favorite idea but needs must. When she sees a tall handsome man staring at her she mildly interested. Then when he walks towards her she thinks wow, but all he's interested in is her necklace, which her nana had got her. Discussing the necklace they discover their shared fondness for the same book series, both admitting a secret obsession with it. Brock played for the Denver Devils and was happy to find a diehard fan of T.O.K books who enjoyed them as much as him. Exchanging numbers over time and numerous shared texts and calls their friendship blossomed. Except for Presley her feelings were more, but Brock stipulated its just friendship. Can Presley really be happy as just friends. Will Brock realise his own feelings. This is a prefect story that shows the female character falling first and how sometimes feelings just develop without you even realising. Both characters are charming and funny with just a touch of mystery that keeps you reading
February 2, 2025
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is book 3 in the LA Rays Sports Romance Series and, though you will enjoy seeing familiar characters if you've read the previous books, it can be read as a standalone. Presley's Christmas Catch is told though Presley and Brock's pov and is a clean and sweet friends to lovers romance.
CW: loss (due to an illness), grief, and brief mentions of abandonment
Spice: sweet kisses that don't get too heated
From their first meeting, readers will be rooting for Presley and Brock as a couple. I loved how their love of books allowed them to connect and form a fast bond. Though Presley fell first and hard, their romance was a slow burn but I liked seeing them get to know each other and feel comfortable trusting the other with things they hadn't shared with others. I liked how Brock found comfort in Presley, and with his team, and how he wanted to be there for her when she needed a friend. Overall, this was a pleasant read and I know that those who love friends to lovers, and this series, will enjoy this story.
CW: loss (due to an illness), grief, and brief mentions of abandonment
Spice: sweet kisses that don't get too heated
From their first meeting, readers will be rooting for Presley and Brock as a couple. I loved how their love of books allowed them to connect and form a fast bond. Though Presley fell first and hard, their romance was a slow burn but I liked seeing them get to know each other and feel comfortable trusting the other with things they hadn't shared with others. I liked how Brock found comfort in Presley, and with his team, and how he wanted to be there for her when she needed a friend. Overall, this was a pleasant read and I know that those who love friends to lovers, and this series, will enjoy this story.
December 12, 2024
I loved the way this book spanned a lot of time. It starts in June at Presley and Brock's friend's wedding. And it goes all the way to Christmas. That made the love story in this one seem more organic, less insta-love. And I really liked that.
Presley and Brock met at the wedding. One of the first things Brock noticed about Presley was that she had a necklace from his favorite fantasy series. How can a bookstagrammer not love a book in a book plot! I loved the whole story of how these two read their series together. And ultimately meet their favorite author. That was such a fun addition to this book.
Presley is such a great balance to Brock. He's kind of a hot head. She's a lot more laid back. I didn't like him much when he pushed her away, though. But...he needed to catch up with his own feelings.
I loved that there is a bit of a mystery in this one. And that Presley ends up being the one to figure it out, at least as much as she can with the information she had.
I didn't want this story to end!
Presley and Brock met at the wedding. One of the first things Brock noticed about Presley was that she had a necklace from his favorite fantasy series. How can a bookstagrammer not love a book in a book plot! I loved the whole story of how these two read their series together. And ultimately meet their favorite author. That was such a fun addition to this book.
Presley is such a great balance to Brock. He's kind of a hot head. She's a lot more laid back. I didn't like him much when he pushed her away, though. But...he needed to catch up with his own feelings.
I loved that there is a bit of a mystery in this one. And that Presley ends up being the one to figure it out, at least as much as she can with the information she had.
I didn't want this story to end!
December 29, 2024
When Presley runs into Brock for the first time she has all these rumors about him just flying around in her mind. But she learns very quickly that he is nothing like the persona she is seeing in the media. Yes, he can have a short temper, but much of his anger is warranted, and the team is using his outbursts to take away from their bad season. When they meet she is surprised to find out that they both love the same book series, and from there their friendship takes off. But no matter how hard Presley tries, she can not push back the feelings she develops for Brock. So, when she takes a leap of faith, she is surprised and embarrassed to find, he does not feel the same! AWKWARD. But in an effort to recover their friendship they decide to attend a book event together, and there it all starts to shift for Brock. He thought he never saw Presley as anything other than his friend. But when she seems to be in danger at an event... he literally swoops in, and carries her to safety and something shifts! All of a sudden the feelings he was ignoring all along start to make sense.
May 19, 2026
Charming book by Ranee that gets all the love
You will are the awkward and passionate friends to lovers trope with brick and Presley as they bond over fantasy bokks. You will also love character development and themes of communicating your romantic feelings, as well as how to positively cope with the grief of losing a dear family member with a medical condition.
The medical condition is ALS, which can be treated, but has ked to the deaths of actors like Rebecca Luker and The Grey's anatomy factor who played mcsteamy.
Also a crazy plotline with a Christmas ring but no spoilers on it 😂😂 just read it and find out what happens!!
Best quotes: "It represents all the little things. I swallow back emotion because isn't the place I want to break down over the years I lost."
"Presley deserves the world."
"I think you should definitely keep reading these romance books. They're rubbing off." He grins and !sans over to kiss me again."Helping me put words to what I feel."
"I love you Presley Tatum." "I love you too, Brock Hunter."
You will are the awkward and passionate friends to lovers trope with brick and Presley as they bond over fantasy bokks. You will also love character development and themes of communicating your romantic feelings, as well as how to positively cope with the grief of losing a dear family member with a medical condition.
The medical condition is ALS, which can be treated, but has ked to the deaths of actors like Rebecca Luker and The Grey's anatomy factor who played mcsteamy.
Also a crazy plotline with a Christmas ring but no spoilers on it 😂😂 just read it and find out what happens!!
Best quotes: "It represents all the little things. I swallow back emotion because isn't the place I want to break down over the years I lost."
"Presley deserves the world."
"I think you should definitely keep reading these romance books. They're rubbing off." He grins and !sans over to kiss me again."Helping me put words to what I feel."
"I love you Presley Tatum." "I love you too, Brock Hunter."
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