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Friendship, Rhode Island #2
In a Rush
What’s better than a revenge date?
A revenge husband.
Pro quarterback Ryan Ralston has always known two things.
First, he’s desperately in love with his best friend Emme Ahlborg.
Second–and most importantly–he still has no idea how to tell her.
The marriage pact they made in their senior yearbook was the closest he ever came.
Years passed and Emme forgot about their promise.
Ryan never did, especially not on his thirtieth birthday.
Emme can’t catch a break. Always unlucky in love, her cheating ex is a groomsman in her best friend’s wedding—and there’s no way she’s showing up alone.
Ryan offers her the one thing better than a wedding date: a revenge husband. And he’s not just any fake husband but the NFL’s brightest star…and in need of serious reputation rehab.
Playing the part of the happy couple comes easy and soon enough, the lines between real and fake blur. They disappear altogether when there’s just one bed.
All Ryan has to do is save Emme from her ex, find her step-sister an internship, and get his wife to fall in love with him—or fumble the one thing he’s ever wanted:
her heart.
Content Notes: incidences and discussion of infidelity, incidence of body shaming, parental estrangement, parental divorce, brief mention of parental death (ALS), chronic illness (main character--endometriosis).
A revenge husband.
Pro quarterback Ryan Ralston has always known two things.
First, he’s desperately in love with his best friend Emme Ahlborg.
Second–and most importantly–he still has no idea how to tell her.
The marriage pact they made in their senior yearbook was the closest he ever came.
Years passed and Emme forgot about their promise.
Ryan never did, especially not on his thirtieth birthday.
Emme can’t catch a break. Always unlucky in love, her cheating ex is a groomsman in her best friend’s wedding—and there’s no way she’s showing up alone.
Ryan offers her the one thing better than a wedding date: a revenge husband. And he’s not just any fake husband but the NFL’s brightest star…and in need of serious reputation rehab.
Playing the part of the happy couple comes easy and soon enough, the lines between real and fake blur. They disappear altogether when there’s just one bed.
All Ryan has to do is save Emme from her ex, find her step-sister an internship, and get his wife to fall in love with him—or fumble the one thing he’s ever wanted:
her heart.
Content Notes: incidences and discussion of infidelity, incidence of body shaming, parental estrangement, parental divorce, brief mention of parental death (ALS), chronic illness (main character--endometriosis).
496 pages, Paperback
First published February 4, 2025
1652 people are currently reading
7681 people want to read
About the author
Kate Canterbary
47 books5,546 followersUSA Today Bestseller Kate Canterbary writes smart, steamy contemporary romances loaded with heat, heart, and happy ever afters. Kate lives on the New England coast with her husband and daughter.
To get in touch with Kate, please email kate@katecanterbary.com
To get in touch with Kate, please email kate@katecanterbary.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,147 reviews
February 4, 2025
when I first saw the “revenge husband” premise, I was immediately sold and in a rush did not disappoint!!!
emme walks in on her boyfriend cheating, and she’s furious, sad, and a little bit broken. when she gets together with her childhood best friend, ryan, soon after he’s quick to remind her of their high school pact: if neither of them are married by the time they’re 30, they’ll marry each other. and it would just feel so good to go to her best friend’s wedding with a revenge husband than alone and face her cheating ex and his new girlfriend. so ryan and emme decide to get marry, and ryan works so HARD to prove to her that they should make their temporary marriage way more permanent (like forever).
emme was so relatable and I loved her. she’s a bit of a people pleaser, a bit anxious, and just a soft girl who wants everyone around her happy. ryan is a GRUMP but he is so down bad for her. at every possible point, he’s there for emme showing her how much he loves her. I loveeeeeee a man down bad who spoils his girl, and he literally gets her an amex and buys her everything she wants and needs.
one of the things I loved in in a jam was the found family vibes of the small town, and this still hit that for me! we get a close knit group of girlfriends and so many powerful moments between them in addition to the romance.
what knocked this off a .5 for me was the third act conflict. I really hate the lying and I just don’t get why he wouldn’t just be honest with her? she would have helped him??? they’ve been best friends since they were kids hello.
and can I say. THE REVEAL when he admits 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 hit so freaking hard. I was giggling and giddy and fully obsessed with him.
thank you so much for an arc!
what to expect
⟢ childhood best friends to lovers
⟢ marriage pact & revenge plot
⟢ found fam
⟢ hurt/comfort
⟢ endometriosis rep
actual rating 4.5
emme walks in on her boyfriend cheating, and she’s furious, sad, and a little bit broken. when she gets together with her childhood best friend, ryan, soon after he’s quick to remind her of their high school pact: if neither of them are married by the time they’re 30, they’ll marry each other. and it would just feel so good to go to her best friend’s wedding with a revenge husband than alone and face her cheating ex and his new girlfriend. so ryan and emme decide to get marry, and ryan works so HARD to prove to her that they should make their temporary marriage way more permanent (like forever).
emme was so relatable and I loved her. she’s a bit of a people pleaser, a bit anxious, and just a soft girl who wants everyone around her happy. ryan is a GRUMP but he is so down bad for her. at every possible point, he’s there for emme showing her how much he loves her. I loveeeeeee a man down bad who spoils his girl, and he literally gets her an amex and buys her everything she wants and needs.
one of the things I loved in in a jam was the found family vibes of the small town, and this still hit that for me! we get a close knit group of girlfriends and so many powerful moments between them in addition to the romance.
what knocked this off a .5 for me was the third act conflict. I really hate the lying and I just don’t get why he wouldn’t just be honest with her? she would have helped him??? they’ve been best friends since they were kids hello.
and can I say. THE REVEAL when he admits 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 hit so freaking hard. I was giggling and giddy and fully obsessed with him.
thank you so much for an arc!
what to expect
⟢ childhood best friends to lovers
⟢ marriage pact & revenge plot
⟢ found fam
⟢ hurt/comfort
⟢ endometriosis rep
actual rating 4.5
February 1, 2025
so im going to hopefully keep this pretty short bc im still bummed about my feelings toward this book lol. i unfortunately did not care for this book. i was so excited after loving in a jam so insanely much but this book felt extremely monotonous 🥲
i liked all of the characters in this book just fine but found the romance aspect was lacking… a lot. i didnt want to pick the book up at all, this is a bit harsh but i felt miserable when i was reading it, thats how bored i was.
i dont really have anything else to say about it. i think this book will be good for a lot of people (clearly as theres already a lot of 4 and 5 stars and im the only bad experience so far) but unfortunately it just wasn’t for me.
i liked all of the characters in this book just fine but found the romance aspect was lacking… a lot. i didnt want to pick the book up at all, this is a bit harsh but i felt miserable when i was reading it, thats how bored i was.
i dont really have anything else to say about it. i think this book will be good for a lot of people (clearly as theres already a lot of 4 and 5 stars and im the only bad experience so far) but unfortunately it just wasn’t for me.
February 5, 2025
Happy Release Day!
I was very excited about this book, but unfortunately I did not love it. It wasn’t all bad, but this author can do much, much better, and I’m disappointed.
Emme needs a date for her friend’s wedding so she doesn’t have to face her cheating ex alone, and Ryan needs a wife to improve his image. So officially they are getting married because of reasons. However, there’s also the pact they made in high school, that they would get married if they were still single at thirty.
My biggest problem was that I did not like Ryan very much. I don’t mind a grumpy hero, but gawd, that man was constantly pissed. He only scowled and growled, and at Emme too, unfortunately. He must have been frustrated after spending fifteen years in the friend zone. Fifteen years! And he never made a move!
Another issue was that this book was way too long. The constant denial was repetitive, and I just wanted them to come clean already.
I liked the side characters; I loved Emme’s besties, and Ryan’s teammates were hilarious. I can see potential matches there. 😏
There were some cute moments, and the writing was good as always, but it wasn’t the magic of Henry Hazlette or the Walshes.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thanks to the author for the arc!
I was very excited about this book, but unfortunately I did not love it. It wasn’t all bad, but this author can do much, much better, and I’m disappointed.
Emme needs a date for her friend’s wedding so she doesn’t have to face her cheating ex alone, and Ryan needs a wife to improve his image. So officially they are getting married because of reasons. However, there’s also the pact they made in high school, that they would get married if they were still single at thirty.
My biggest problem was that I did not like Ryan very much. I don’t mind a grumpy hero, but gawd, that man was constantly pissed. He only scowled and growled, and at Emme too, unfortunately. He must have been frustrated after spending fifteen years in the friend zone. Fifteen years! And he never made a move!
Another issue was that this book was way too long. The constant denial was repetitive, and I just wanted them to come clean already.
I liked the side characters; I loved Emme’s besties, and Ryan’s teammates were hilarious. I can see potential matches there. 😏
There were some cute moments, and the writing was good as always, but it wasn’t the magic of Henry Hazlette or the Walshes.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thanks to the author for the arc!
February 5, 2025
Spoilers ahead, rambling thoughts, 2.5*
Take this review with a grain of salt friends to lovers is a touchy one for me 🤷🏿♀️
Friends to lovers, he's wanted her since her first saw her,
Convo between both mcs😑⬇️
“I spent all of high school listening to you tell me you’d never date a player.”
She chucked the pillow at my head. I caught it and threw it back. “You never asked if that included you.”
Friends to lovers only works for me if there were no feelings except friendship previously, in this case the H wanted her but because she said she'd never date a player and he needed to play ball he stayed in the friend zone for 15 years 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄 just screams weak ass pussy to me 🤷🏿♀️ you miss 100% of the shots you don't take! Maybe I could've let it go when they were teens but what about all the years after? When she'd be in shitty relationship after shitty relationship?
Weak lily livered wimp decides at his 30th birthday to finally make a move, they had a pact to marry, she's out of yet another shitty relationship and wants revenge on her ex and he needs to present a family image to secure a deal.....fake dating with a marriage of convenience.
He's awesome as a husband, she just kept doubting him 🙄idk what else he could've done to convince her that he was into her because he absolutely went all out. Just reminds me that they could've been on their 10 year anniversary trip if he'd just taken a chance.
Lots of little stuff in the between spaces, family friends etc etc.
Some really really sweet moments where he'd to anything for her
Third act breakup because why the fuck not! For such a stupid reason too?
Epilogue
**
I would 1000% read Ines and Jakobi's story....they were my favourite characters.
**********
No cheating
Friends to lovers
Both with op over the years
h's ex cheated on her, put her down for years and conveniently forgot her allergy on multiple occasions. She finally grew a vagina and left him, not for almost killing her on 3 occasions but for sticking his dick where it doesn't belong 🤦🏿♀️😔
The ex and the bitch he cheated with caused a little drama because they were part of the friend group
Her father was an asshole alcoholic and fences had to be mended there
h had endometriosis
*************
Thoughts while reading
I already think the h is a desperate fool for staying with a man who knew about her allergy but yet caused her to have severe allergic reactions on more than one occasion.
Now it's just draggingggggggggg
Friends to lovers man, why do I do this to myself?
The H talking about her ex, who she stayed with for a year, who she thought would propose even though he was doing ⬇️
“I know, it’s so stupid,” she continued, seemingly unaware that I was going to put that boy in the ground before the night was over. “He’d toss a whole bunch of crab into scrambled eggs or broccoli cheddar soup or something else that didn’t make any sense. When I’d ask about it because my throat started closing, he’d say I shouldn’t be eating those things anyway because I was putting on too much weight.”
Take this review with a grain of salt friends to lovers is a touchy one for me 🤷🏿♀️
Friends to lovers, he's wanted her since her first saw her,
Convo between both mcs😑⬇️
“I spent all of high school listening to you tell me you’d never date a player.”
She chucked the pillow at my head. I caught it and threw it back. “You never asked if that included you.”
Friends to lovers only works for me if there were no feelings except friendship previously, in this case the H wanted her but because she said she'd never date a player and he needed to play ball he stayed in the friend zone for 15 years 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄 just screams weak ass pussy to me 🤷🏿♀️ you miss 100% of the shots you don't take! Maybe I could've let it go when they were teens but what about all the years after? When she'd be in shitty relationship after shitty relationship?
Weak lily livered wimp decides at his 30th birthday to finally make a move, they had a pact to marry, she's out of yet another shitty relationship and wants revenge on her ex and he needs to present a family image to secure a deal.....fake dating with a marriage of convenience.
He's awesome as a husband, she just kept doubting him 🙄idk what else he could've done to convince her that he was into her because he absolutely went all out. Just reminds me that they could've been on their 10 year anniversary trip if he'd just taken a chance.
Lots of little stuff in the between spaces, family friends etc etc.
Some really really sweet moments where he'd to anything for her
Third act breakup because why the fuck not! For such a stupid reason too?
Epilogue
**
I would 1000% read Ines and Jakobi's story....they were my favourite characters.
**********
No cheating
Friends to lovers
Both with op over the years
h's ex cheated on her, put her down for years and conveniently forgot her allergy on multiple occasions. She finally grew a vagina and left him, not for almost killing her on 3 occasions but for sticking his dick where it doesn't belong 🤦🏿♀️😔
The ex and the bitch he cheated with caused a little drama because they were part of the friend group
Her father was an asshole alcoholic and fences had to be mended there
h had endometriosis
*************
Thoughts while reading
I already think the h is a desperate fool for staying with a man who knew about her allergy but yet caused her to have severe allergic reactions on more than one occasion.
Now it's just draggingggggggggg
Friends to lovers man, why do I do this to myself?
The H talking about her ex, who she stayed with for a year, who she thought would propose even though he was doing ⬇️
“I know, it’s so stupid,” she continued, seemingly unaware that I was going to put that boy in the ground before the night was over. “He’d toss a whole bunch of crab into scrambled eggs or broccoli cheddar soup or something else that didn’t make any sense. When I’d ask about it because my throat started closing, he’d say I shouldn’t be eating those things anyway because I was putting on too much weight.”
April 11, 2025
bumping up my review to a full five stars because the narrators just sold this so hard, and also my brain was just more able to soak in the magnificence. loved it. i hope there's a marriage of convenience in every single one of these and why am i shipping Jamie & Audrey?????
If you loved In a Jam with Daddy Breadbaker, see hello to Daddy Football.
On the eve of Ryan Ralston's thirtieth birthday, he's come to fulfill the pact he made with his best friend Emme Ahlborg. When she sets him up with the perfect scenario to fake a relationship to make her horrible, fat-shaming ex rue the day he was born, Ryan ups the ante. Why not be fake husband and wife, but really get married? All part of Ryan's long game.
Absolutely classic Kate Canterbary featuring a hard on the outside, super squishy on the inside love interest who has always been down bad for the clueless heroine. One throw away comment about never dating football players and he's adjusting his game play like any pro quarterback would do.
Between the banter and all the little and huge ways Ryan yearns for Emme, ugh, so good. I especially loved the "buy all the books you want, wife" energy he brought to her school AND who wouldn't want big football hands to help be a heating pack for your awful endometriosis periods?
There's also a tiny, sweet secondary romance mostly happening off page, great moments from recurring favorites (Noah and Shay, Jennie! Ben! Twin Tulip Farm!), and hot hot hot scenes.
What really makes me love the writing in these books is that the author is so clever to make the action IN the banter between the love interests. There is a scene that takes place off page, involving TSA and a vibe, that is all the more hilarious because it is recounted to Ryan instead of us being present in the moment for it with Emme. It becomes a scene vital to their relationship, their romance ARC. ~craft~
As always, I'll need to re-read via audio when i can and I'll have more to say too.
Thank you to the author for the early copy.
If you loved In a Jam with Daddy Breadbaker, see hello to Daddy Football.
On the eve of Ryan Ralston's thirtieth birthday, he's come to fulfill the pact he made with his best friend Emme Ahlborg. When she sets him up with the perfect scenario to fake a relationship to make her horrible, fat-shaming ex rue the day he was born, Ryan ups the ante. Why not be fake husband and wife, but really get married? All part of Ryan's long game.
Absolutely classic Kate Canterbary featuring a hard on the outside, super squishy on the inside love interest who has always been down bad for the clueless heroine. One throw away comment about never dating football players and he's adjusting his game play like any pro quarterback would do.
Between the banter and all the little and huge ways Ryan yearns for Emme, ugh, so good. I especially loved the "buy all the books you want, wife" energy he brought to her school AND who wouldn't want big football hands to help be a heating pack for your awful endometriosis periods?
There's also a tiny, sweet secondary romance mostly happening off page, great moments from recurring favorites (Noah and Shay, Jennie! Ben! Twin Tulip Farm!), and hot hot hot scenes.
What really makes me love the writing in these books is that the author is so clever to make the action IN the banter between the love interests. There is a scene that takes place off page, involving TSA and a vibe, that is all the more hilarious because it is recounted to Ryan instead of us being present in the moment for it with Emme. It becomes a scene vital to their relationship, their romance ARC. ~craft~
As always, I'll need to re-read via audio when i can and I'll have more to say too.
Thank you to the author for the early copy.
April 3, 2025
I’ve been a fan of Kate’s writing ever since I read In a Jam 2 years ago. she really knows how to create characters you connect with, and her stories always balance humor and heart so well. In a Rush was no different.
Emme's love life falls apart when she discovers her boyfriend has been cheating on her. and to make matters worse, she’s the maid of honor at her best friend's wedding where her ex is the best man. enter Ryan, a star QB and her lifelong best friend, who upon hearing about her situation, reminds her of their high school pact—that they’d marry each other if they’re both single by 30. he suggests she bring a “revenge husband” to the wedding to get back at her ex. what Emme doesn’t know is that Ryan’s been in love with her forever, and plans to use this time to prove they belong together for good.
Ryan is officially in my top 5 favorite fake husbands. the way he’s so obsessed with Emme is just swoon-worthy 🫠😍 I loved how he constantly shows and tells her how much she deserves to be treated and just dotes on her in the sweetest ways.
Emme was a great FMC, although I did want to shake her a couple of times when she doubted Ryan's feelings… because how could she possibly doubt him when he made it so obvious? 😭 I can't help but feel that this book could’ve been a lot shorter (and better) if it weren’t for her hesitance to communicate and fear of messing up their friendship.
other than that, I didn’t have any real complaints. I adored their relationship—the way they were so affectionate, comfortable, and playful with each other, and how they could always talk about anything and just get each other. and of course, it was great seeing a little more of Shay, Genie, and Noah. definitely hoping Jamie and Audrey get their own story soon!
Emme's love life falls apart when she discovers her boyfriend has been cheating on her. and to make matters worse, she’s the maid of honor at her best friend's wedding where her ex is the best man. enter Ryan, a star QB and her lifelong best friend, who upon hearing about her situation, reminds her of their high school pact—that they’d marry each other if they’re both single by 30. he suggests she bring a “revenge husband” to the wedding to get back at her ex. what Emme doesn’t know is that Ryan’s been in love with her forever, and plans to use this time to prove they belong together for good.
Ryan is officially in my top 5 favorite fake husbands. the way he’s so obsessed with Emme is just swoon-worthy 🫠😍 I loved how he constantly shows and tells her how much she deserves to be treated and just dotes on her in the sweetest ways.
Emme was a great FMC, although I did want to shake her a couple of times when she doubted Ryan's feelings… because how could she possibly doubt him when he made it so obvious? 😭 I can't help but feel that this book could’ve been a lot shorter (and better) if it weren’t for her hesitance to communicate and fear of messing up their friendship.
other than that, I didn’t have any real complaints. I adored their relationship—the way they were so affectionate, comfortable, and playful with each other, and how they could always talk about anything and just get each other. and of course, it was great seeing a little more of Shay, Genie, and Noah. definitely hoping Jamie and Audrey get their own story soon!
February 19, 2025
i finished, but at what cost?
November 23, 2025
3 ✨✨✨enjoyable, but unnecessarily long
In a Rush was fun, charming, and exactly the kind of small-town romantic chaos I expect from Kate Canterbary. The banter lands, the chemistry works, and the found-family/worldbuilding is warm and inviting.
But wow… this book had no business being almost 500 pages 😂 The plot could’ve wrapped up about 150 pages sooner there were stretches that felt repetitive, and the pacing dragged in the middle. I enjoyed the story, but the length definitely pulled me out of it.
Still, I love this interconnected world and I’ll keep reading the series.
My Ratings For KC Books-
In A Jam- 5 stars 🥳
In A Rush- 3.25 Stars
In a Rush was fun, charming, and exactly the kind of small-town romantic chaos I expect from Kate Canterbary. The banter lands, the chemistry works, and the found-family/worldbuilding is warm and inviting.
But wow… this book had no business being almost 500 pages 😂 The plot could’ve wrapped up about 150 pages sooner there were stretches that felt repetitive, and the pacing dragged in the middle. I enjoyed the story, but the length definitely pulled me out of it.
Still, I love this interconnected world and I’ll keep reading the series.
My Ratings For KC Books-
In A Jam- 5 stars 🥳
In A Rush- 3.25 Stars
February 4, 2025
It was really good! Emmeline is a wonderful character with her own scars, and in many moments, I saw myself in her. I was a little disappointed because I don't have my own Ryan, but that's okay. Ryan is a grumpy cinnamon roll who knows his best friend like the back of his hand. The humor and the characters' interactions were amazing. The book didn't quite match my mood, but it brightened my evenings all the same.
And I absolutely adored the cameos by Shay, Noah, and Gennie ❤️
Trope:
- marriage pact
- childhood best friends to lovers
- grumpy x sunshine
- football player x teacher
- obsessed hero
- pining
If you're a fan of The Cheat Sheet and are looking for a heartwarming, spicy best-friends-to-lovers story, this is definitely a book you'll love.
Thank you to Kate Canterbary for providing this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
And I absolutely adored the cameos by Shay, Noah, and Gennie ❤️
Trope:
- marriage pact
- childhood best friends to lovers
- grumpy x sunshine
- football player x teacher
- obsessed hero
- pining
If you're a fan of The Cheat Sheet and are looking for a heartwarming, spicy best-friends-to-lovers story, this is definitely a book you'll love.
Thank you to Kate Canterbary for providing this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 26, 2025
Kate Canterbary always writes my ideal man obsessed and I kiss the ground she walks on for it. no one makes me GIDDY over a man down bad like her
February 12, 2025
2⭐️
Absolutely gutted that I didn’t love this one. Friends to lovers is my foundation for romance books but this just did not work for me.
The characters were the saving grace of the whole story tbh, if they weren’t so loveable I’d have been tempted to dnf which I RARELY do. My main problems with this (spoilers ahead):
- The fake marriage came out of nowhere. We hadn’t even met Ryan until this plot point is thrown out there, and it just feels so out of the blue and weird.
- The overuse of “wife”, when used sparingly it can really add to the tension and make a moment, but it’s used in nearly every other sentence out of Ryan’s mouth and it’s cringe.
- The whole third act breakup felt over the top and frustrating. There was no real build up to it.
As someone who loved In A Jam, I’m really sad this didn’t work for me. It felt like combinations of every other fake marriage book crammed into this 400+ page book.
Absolutely gutted that I didn’t love this one. Friends to lovers is my foundation for romance books but this just did not work for me.
The characters were the saving grace of the whole story tbh, if they weren’t so loveable I’d have been tempted to dnf which I RARELY do. My main problems with this (spoilers ahead):
- The fake marriage came out of nowhere. We hadn’t even met Ryan until this plot point is thrown out there, and it just feels so out of the blue and weird.
- The overuse of “wife”, when used sparingly it can really add to the tension and make a moment, but it’s used in nearly every other sentence out of Ryan’s mouth and it’s cringe.
- The whole third act breakup felt over the top and frustrating. There was no real build up to it.
As someone who loved In A Jam, I’m really sad this didn’t work for me. It felt like combinations of every other fake marriage book crammed into this 400+ page book.
April 1, 2025
Just an ok read, not my favourite from this author 🤷
April 6, 2025
Why was I expecting his last name to be 'Rush'?
Nothing wrong with it, but I didn't care as much as I wanted to. I was more invested in the sister snippets. I also think it was a little too long, I got tired by the end of it. The smut was good, the MMC fell first and hard, and I liked the Endo representation. I also loved how the FMC was a plus-size teacher, and there was a storyline regarding her feelings and journey with both. As well as the fact that every chapter started with an objective, it was a really nice touch.
Nothing wrong with it, but I didn't care as much as I wanted to. I was more invested in the sister snippets. I also think it was a little too long, I got tired by the end of it. The smut was good, the MMC fell first and hard, and I liked the Endo representation. I also loved how the FMC was a plus-size teacher, and there was a storyline regarding her feelings and journey with both. As well as the fact that every chapter started with an objective, it was a really nice touch.
February 24, 2025
I finished this ten days ago and have a review that I keep adding to. None of it good. None of it. One million, billion words of just no good.
I didn't like. I didn't like it really at all. I can't even believe this is connected to In a Jam which is an absolute joy and favorite.
I think I'll just leave it there. The hate is only bringing me down.
I didn't like. I didn't like it really at all. I can't even believe this is connected to In a Jam which is an absolute joy and favorite.
I think I'll just leave it there. The hate is only bringing me down.
November 11, 2025
4.5⭐️ this book was such a delight! I read in a jam yearsssss ago, but just saw this pop up! it was just as good. the perfect balance of banter, silly moments, spice, and true connection. add a down mad mmc and it was just 🧑🍳💋
June 8, 2025
4.8/5 ⭐️
This is my 2nd book by this author and I’ve yet again found myself reading this slowly, as something to be savored.
Ugh. Kate Canterbary has a way with words & atmosphere & making the most absolutely charming and funny situations. I LOVE IT. I smiled while reading it. And, unfortunately, I need 10 more books since yesterday!
This is a:
•H has been hopelessly in love since hs👩❤️💋👨
•h doesn’t know (friends) 🥰
•H proposes a “marriage of convenience” 💍✨
•H always waited for her 🩷
My only slight dislike:
I had to keep re-explaining to myself what Ryan did that caused our third act conflict to even empathize w/ Emme. On one hand, I get it! On the other, lowkey didn’t gaf ab what he did as it kinda didn’t make sense [spoiler-full comment on this at the bottom]. But when trying to understand it from Emmes perspective I GET HER SIDE but it felt like the conflict in general was a tad forced.
TROPES & SUCH
teacher h
football player H (retiring)
my wife
he’s always loved her
friends-to-lovers (for her)
H in love w/ h since hs
no virgins
fake/marriage of convincence
No cheating
No owd
Omd: not rlly. mentions of h’s ex*
Hea
SPICE
3/5 🌶️
decent amount of spice
^ but not mind blowing
condoms
*OMD: At time story starts h is no longer w ex. She mentions having walked in on him w someone else but ex maintains that since she didn’t ’specifically ask’ if they were seeing other ppl it wasn’t cheating. Ex is in a few scenes as he’s apart of the wedding party for h’s friend.
NOTES
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*SPOILER BELOW*⚠️‼️
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I slightly feel Ryan knowing her dad went to rehab twice was worse than the soccer stuff. Like wdym he wanted u to fake marry him bc he knew that would make ur dad drop out of the running? How does him going to rehab translate to him dropping out of running bc of his daughter??? It’s so far fetched. An I KNOW, per Ryan’s explanation this wasn’t his intention but this whole thing literally caused the 3rd act conflict.
When I pictured myself as Emme & imagined “being manipulated into a fake marriage as leverage on a business deal to out-bid my dad” I could understand her hurt — since she thinks that. But why in the absolute fuck didn’t Ryan immediately say that ISN’T WHAT HAPPENED? Or that he was planning to propose this soccer stuff SEPERATE from the marriage stuff. It gave a slightly forced energy to me & made me roll my eyes (just a tad) at how mad Emme was.
like I GET IT she has every right to be upset but idk I was trying to understand what was even the big deal.
This is my 2nd book by this author and I’ve yet again found myself reading this slowly, as something to be savored.
Ugh. Kate Canterbary has a way with words & atmosphere & making the most absolutely charming and funny situations. I LOVE IT. I smiled while reading it. And, unfortunately, I need 10 more books since yesterday!
This is a:
•H has been hopelessly in love since hs👩❤️💋👨
•h doesn’t know (friends) 🥰
•H proposes a “marriage of convenience” 💍✨
•H always waited for her 🩷
My only slight dislike:
I had to keep re-explaining to myself what Ryan did that caused our third act conflict to even empathize w/ Emme. On one hand, I get it! On the other, lowkey didn’t gaf ab what he did as it kinda didn’t make sense [spoiler-full comment on this at the bottom]. But when trying to understand it from Emmes perspective I GET HER SIDE but it felt like the conflict in general was a tad forced.
TROPES & SUCH
teacher h
football player H (retiring)
my wife
he’s always loved her
friends-to-lovers (for her)
H in love w/ h since hs
no virgins
fake/marriage of convincence
No cheating
No owd
Omd: not rlly. mentions of h’s ex*
Hea
SPICE
3/5 🌶️
decent amount of spice
^ but not mind blowing
condoms
*OMD: At time story starts h is no longer w ex. She mentions having walked in on him w someone else but ex maintains that since she didn’t ’specifically ask’ if they were seeing other ppl it wasn’t cheating. Ex is in a few scenes as he’s apart of the wedding party for h’s friend.
NOTES
*
*
*
*SPOILER BELOW*⚠️‼️
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
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I slightly feel Ryan knowing her dad went to rehab twice was worse than the soccer stuff. Like wdym he wanted u to fake marry him bc he knew that would make ur dad drop out of the running? How does him going to rehab translate to him dropping out of running bc of his daughter??? It’s so far fetched. An I KNOW, per Ryan’s explanation this wasn’t his intention but this whole thing literally caused the 3rd act conflict.
When I pictured myself as Emme & imagined “being manipulated into a fake marriage as leverage on a business deal to out-bid my dad” I could understand her hurt — since she thinks that. But why in the absolute fuck didn’t Ryan immediately say that ISN’T WHAT HAPPENED? Or that he was planning to propose this soccer stuff SEPERATE from the marriage stuff. It gave a slightly forced energy to me & made me roll my eyes (just a tad) at how mad Emme was.
like I GET IT she has every right to be upset but idk I was trying to understand what was even the big deal.
April 1, 2025
I don’t know what Kate Canterbary adds to her books to make them so addictive.
May 6, 2025
3.5 stars
In a Jam is one of my favorite romances and I’ve been looking forward to reading In a Rush for a while now. Things to expect:
- marriage of convenience
- friends to lovers
- grumpy + sunshine
- he falls first and HARD
- pining
- it’s always been you
- celebrity/sports romance
- touch her and die
- my wife
- dirty talk
- size difference
- secret tattoos
The book started off really strong and I couldn’t get enough of feral Ryan, but things derailed as the lack of communication increased. The third act drama didn’t make the most sense and felt unnecessary. It frustrated me that even though Emme and Ryan are supposed to be the best of friends, they couldn’t just talk and have an honest conversation with each other. I still really enjoyed this one, but there was just something missing for me.
In a Jam is one of my favorite romances and I’ve been looking forward to reading In a Rush for a while now. Things to expect:
- marriage of convenience
- friends to lovers
- grumpy + sunshine
- he falls first and HARD
- pining
- it’s always been you
- celebrity/sports romance
- touch her and die
- my wife
- dirty talk
- size difference
- secret tattoos
The book started off really strong and I couldn’t get enough of feral Ryan, but things derailed as the lack of communication increased. The third act drama didn’t make the most sense and felt unnecessary. It frustrated me that even though Emme and Ryan are supposed to be the best of friends, they couldn’t just talk and have an honest conversation with each other. I still really enjoyed this one, but there was just something missing for me.
December 1, 2025
this book would’ve been so much better if i actually read it and didn’t drag it for a week…
falling victim to a tik tok brought me here and i didn’t hate it! i’ve read another book by this author that i enjoyed so i was interested to see what her sports romance would be like, i guess a romance with no sports. emme and ryan may have the strangest relationship progression in the world, also the weirdest set up for a fake marriage (that was never fake).
a book like this, with a fake relationship at its center, needs some tension, it needs some angst. instead of getting that we had two people jetting off every other weekend to some party that is important for some unknown reason. emme and ryan have been best friends since high school and they had a pact to get married if they were both single at thirty. ryan has loved her the whole time and instead of ever saying anything he was just gonna wait until he turned thirty, interesting choice. i liked the relationship in the beginning but the books’ length sadly made everything feel repetitive and i was so confused as to where we were going plot wise.
i guess i liked reading about this friend group but i also feel like i hate them. it’s all very touch and go. more ines and jakobi would’ve been great though.
falling victim to a tik tok brought me here and i didn’t hate it! i’ve read another book by this author that i enjoyed so i was interested to see what her sports romance would be like, i guess a romance with no sports. emme and ryan may have the strangest relationship progression in the world, also the weirdest set up for a fake marriage (that was never fake).
a book like this, with a fake relationship at its center, needs some tension, it needs some angst. instead of getting that we had two people jetting off every other weekend to some party that is important for some unknown reason. emme and ryan have been best friends since high school and they had a pact to get married if they were both single at thirty. ryan has loved her the whole time and instead of ever saying anything he was just gonna wait until he turned thirty, interesting choice. i liked the relationship in the beginning but the books’ length sadly made everything feel repetitive and i was so confused as to where we were going plot wise.
i guess i liked reading about this friend group but i also feel like i hate them. it’s all very touch and go. more ines and jakobi would’ve been great though.
August 21, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Оо, ця книга подарувала море приємних емоцій!😍
Це швидкий, дотепний і водночас ніжний роман, де гумор прекрасно балансує з романтикою🥰.
Герої — такі справжні, з своїми слабкостями й характерними "закидонами" 😁, що неможливо до них не прив’язатися.
Особливо сподобалося, як їхні стосунки розвиваються між смішними моментами й гарячою хімією😏.
Хоча часом вони були такі вперті, що хотілося їх добре стукнути книжкою, як на мене саме це й робить ці стосунки такими живими☺
Оо, ця книга подарувала море приємних емоцій!😍
Це швидкий, дотепний і водночас ніжний роман, де гумор прекрасно балансує з романтикою🥰.
Герої — такі справжні, з своїми слабкостями й характерними "закидонами" 😁, що неможливо до них не прив’язатися.
Особливо сподобалося, як їхні стосунки розвиваються між смішними моментами й гарячою хімією😏.
Хоча часом вони були такі вперті, що хотілося їх добре стукнути книжкою, як на мене саме це й робить ці стосунки такими живими☺
February 19, 2025
Another win for the ‘my wife’ girlies. I love a man that says what if we just don’t break up at the end of this fake relationship and when his girl is like what how would that work he’s just like let me handle that okay it’ll be fine we’ll just stay together forever. Think Luka from Lovelight Farms level of boy obsessed!!
Also Ines & Jakobi + Hersberler & Ruth books WHEN
Also Ines & Jakobi + Hersberler & Ruth books WHEN
February 5, 2025
GUYS IM SERIOUS!! can everyone read this asap i feel bonkers!!!! i need people to scream and giggle with!!!! i’m bouncing off my walls!!!
ok but seriously: no notes. never any notes for kate canterbary. her writing is just ALWAYS going to get me!!!! i inhaled this. devoured it even. could not read it fast enough!!!
i am a huge huge huge huge lover of in a jam and was soooo ecstatic when i heard the second book in the series was coming and boy did this deliver!! best friends with a fake marriage pact and he’s been secretly pining for her all this time??? FOOL PROOF! i stood 0 chance!! it was always going to be a hit in my heart!!!
the pacing of this was just brilliant and i had the best time watching emme and ryan’s friendship evolved!! i loved getting both of their pov’s and seeing how down bad they both were and i loved getting to see them both be huge blind idiots!!!!
i was grinning from ear to ear during every second of this!!! could not have asked for a more perfect sequel to my beloved in a jam!!!
thank you thank you to kate for the arc!!!!!
ok but seriously: no notes. never any notes for kate canterbary. her writing is just ALWAYS going to get me!!!! i inhaled this. devoured it even. could not read it fast enough!!!
i am a huge huge huge huge lover of in a jam and was soooo ecstatic when i heard the second book in the series was coming and boy did this deliver!! best friends with a fake marriage pact and he’s been secretly pining for her all this time??? FOOL PROOF! i stood 0 chance!! it was always going to be a hit in my heart!!!
the pacing of this was just brilliant and i had the best time watching emme and ryan’s friendship evolved!! i loved getting both of their pov’s and seeing how down bad they both were and i loved getting to see them both be huge blind idiots!!!!
i was grinning from ear to ear during every second of this!!! could not have asked for a more perfect sequel to my beloved in a jam!!!
thank you thank you to kate for the arc!!!!!
February 13, 2025
This is EXACTLY what I want from a sports romance--sports details are mostly correct but with the likely personal edges rubbed off and just the right amount of celebrity stuff for the character's position. I really liked the friendship stuff in this one too, both between the hero and heroine and the heroine and her best friend.
February 21, 2025
I've had a thing lately for heroes who have forever been obsessed with the heroine, and In a Rush DELIVERED.
Ryan and Emme have been best friends since high school. He went on to be a top NFL quarterback, and she is an elementary school teacher. Despite the distance, they've remained best friends. Ryan, for reasons, is in need of a wife, and realizes Emme is perfect for the role when she dumps her ex after finding him cheating. Likewise, there's nothing like getting revenge on your cheating ex like showing up with Ryan, the upgrade of upgrades when it comes to boyfriends/partners.
I loved EVERYTHING about them as friends/a couple. The organic nature of their friendship made the transition to an intimate relationship so seamless. It's not hard to convince anyone that they're in love because they know each other better than they know themselves, and Ryan is setting the bar so Emme doesn't even think of leaving him when their timeline is up. The flirting, the touching, the eye contact, the nostalgia of their friendship, it just all worked. Ryan was the definition of "it's always been you", and I squealed each time a little piece was revealed of just how much he's fine having Emme as his wife. Emme deserved someone who was all in for her after how she grew up. She had her reasons for being hesitant about love, but her comfort with Ryan overcame those fears so she could finally have the HEA she's always wanted.
If marriage of convenience, best friends to lovers, and a great girl group are your thing, then you will LOVE In a Rush.
Ryan and Emme have been best friends since high school. He went on to be a top NFL quarterback, and she is an elementary school teacher. Despite the distance, they've remained best friends. Ryan, for reasons, is in need of a wife, and realizes Emme is perfect for the role when she dumps her ex after finding him cheating. Likewise, there's nothing like getting revenge on your cheating ex like showing up with Ryan, the upgrade of upgrades when it comes to boyfriends/partners.
I loved EVERYTHING about them as friends/a couple. The organic nature of their friendship made the transition to an intimate relationship so seamless. It's not hard to convince anyone that they're in love because they know each other better than they know themselves, and Ryan is setting the bar so Emme doesn't even think of leaving him when their timeline is up. The flirting, the touching, the eye contact, the nostalgia of their friendship, it just all worked. Ryan was the definition of "it's always been you", and I squealed each time a little piece was revealed of just how much he's fine having Emme as his wife. Emme deserved someone who was all in for her after how she grew up. She had her reasons for being hesitant about love, but her comfort with Ryan overcame those fears so she could finally have the HEA she's always wanted.
If marriage of convenience, best friends to lovers, and a great girl group are your thing, then you will LOVE In a Rush.
February 9, 2025
3.25 ⭐️ I really wanted to love this one and I did like it, but was a bit disappointed.
Pros: FTL, MOC, likable characters, very accurate Boston locations, cameos from old friends, good chemistry and steam.
Cons: too long, repetitive (MMC perfect to her and she still not sure?? Maybe he just isn’t into her?? Come on!), fight was beyond dumb and could’ve been cleared up in one conversation, and “wifey” nickname. Please stop. BUT I did enjoy it overall and read it in two days bc I couldn’t put it down. So what do I know?
Pros: FTL, MOC, likable characters, very accurate Boston locations, cameos from old friends, good chemistry and steam.
Cons: too long, repetitive (MMC perfect to her and she still not sure?? Maybe he just isn’t into her?? Come on!), fight was beyond dumb and could’ve been cleared up in one conversation, and “wifey” nickname. Please stop. BUT I did enjoy it overall and read it in two days bc I couldn’t put it down. So what do I know?
February 22, 2025
DNFed at 60%
February 4, 2025
“It’s always been real for us.”
4 stars!
A friends-to-lovers, not-so-fake relationship romance, this is a sweet, fun and sexy read, and I really enjoyed it.
Note - this is the second book in the Friendship, Rhode Island series. There is some character crossover (Emme is friends with Shay from In a Jam), but you can easily read this book as a standalone.
Emme and Ryan met in high school and became the best of friends. They were each other’s person and leant on each other for everything, but for Ryan, it meant so much more. He loved Emme fiercely, but nothing ever happened between them, though they did make a pact to marry at 30 if they were both still single.
Well, 30 has arrived, Emme has jus discovered her long time boyfriend cheating on her, and Ryan – now a NFL quarterback – needs to show he’s a family man for an upcoming business deal. They may not be as up-in-each-other’s-lives as they once were, but they’re still there for each other in all the ways, so they agree to help each other out.
Of course, Ryan has an ulterior motive. He is still desperately in love with his best friend, and OMG, he’s so beautiful about it! He may be grumpy with everybody else in his life, but I love how smitten he is, and how completely unashamed he is about it, and he dives on into the marriage, embracing everything about it, and he’s determined to win Emme’s heart.
It’s a fun set-up, and such a great ride. There’s lots of flirting and touching, lots of “wifey” moments, and it’s so, so hot! These two are wild for each other, their chemistry is insane, and when they give in to it, the sexy time is seriously steamy. The emotion is there too – mostly from Ryan who unashamedly cares for and loves on his wife at every opportunity, and he’s so beautifully swoony!
It’s more of a slow burn for Emme. I enjoyed watching her fall for Ryan, but her doubts and confusion over his intentions became frustrating. I’m not sure what else Ryan could have said to convince her that he was in it for the long haul, but he’s a very determined man, I enjoyed the build-up to the big romantic realisation, and seeing them come together was really gorgeous.
There’s a great group of friends who are with them along the way. From Ryan’s football buds to Emme’s girl circle and her best friend’s upcoming wedding (which just so happens to be held at Shay’s tulip farm), there’s plenty going on around them, and there’s lots of fun moments as the different friend groups collide – special shout out to Ryan’s epic smackdown moment, Gennie, and Ryan meeting Noah, absolute gold!
I really enjoyed this book. It’s an easy read with a gorgeous romance, and I loved it.
4 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.
4 stars!
A friends-to-lovers, not-so-fake relationship romance, this is a sweet, fun and sexy read, and I really enjoyed it.
Note - this is the second book in the Friendship, Rhode Island series. There is some character crossover (Emme is friends with Shay from In a Jam), but you can easily read this book as a standalone.
Emme and Ryan met in high school and became the best of friends. They were each other’s person and leant on each other for everything, but for Ryan, it meant so much more. He loved Emme fiercely, but nothing ever happened between them, though they did make a pact to marry at 30 if they were both still single.
Well, 30 has arrived, Emme has jus discovered her long time boyfriend cheating on her, and Ryan – now a NFL quarterback – needs to show he’s a family man for an upcoming business deal. They may not be as up-in-each-other’s-lives as they once were, but they’re still there for each other in all the ways, so they agree to help each other out.
“I want to be married, I want to be settled, and I want to stop feeling like I’m living in the in-between I want to stop looking for someone to love me.”
When I was finished heaving my sob story into his lap, he met my eyes with a dark, even gaze and said, “You can.” ... “Stop looking. Marry me.”
Of course, Ryan has an ulterior motive. He is still desperately in love with his best friend, and OMG, he’s so beautiful about it! He may be grumpy with everybody else in his life, but I love how smitten he is, and how completely unashamed he is about it, and he dives on into the marriage, embracing everything about it, and he’s determined to win Emme’s heart.
“Ryan Ralston has a heart,” he said. “I haven’t seen it until now because you left it with her.”
“She’s my favorite thing in the world.”
It’s a fun set-up, and such a great ride. There’s lots of flirting and touching, lots of “wifey” moments, and it’s so, so hot! These two are wild for each other, their chemistry is insane, and when they give in to it, the sexy time is seriously steamy. The emotion is there too – mostly from Ryan who unashamedly cares for and loves on his wife at every opportunity, and he’s so beautifully swoony!
“We’re going to last, Em.” I laced my fingers with hers, held them to my chest. “I’m not going anywhere. There’s no world where I exist without you and I don’t want there to be one.”
It’s more of a slow burn for Emme. I enjoyed watching her fall for Ryan, but her doubts and confusion over his intentions became frustrating. I’m not sure what else Ryan could have said to convince her that he was in it for the long haul, but he’s a very determined man, I enjoyed the build-up to the big romantic realisation, and seeing them come together was really gorgeous.
“I love you … I’ve always loved you but I love you and I had to-to-“
“I know, Emme. I love you too.”
“Like I’m your wife?” I asked. “Is that how you love me?”
“You are my wife,” he said, his voice like sandpaper. “And that’s the only way I ever want to love you.”
There’s a great group of friends who are with them along the way. From Ryan’s football buds to Emme’s girl circle and her best friend’s upcoming wedding (which just so happens to be held at Shay’s tulip farm), there’s plenty going on around them, and there’s lots of fun moments as the different friend groups collide – special shout out to Ryan’s epic smackdown moment, Gennie, and Ryan meeting Noah, absolute gold!
I really enjoyed this book. It’s an easy read with a gorgeous romance, and I loved it.
4 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.
February 28, 2025
Once upon a time I was a “friends to lovers” hater. Then I read some books that endeared me to it. This book single-handedly took me right back to my hater phase.
Also, maybe I blocked the origin from my memory, but “Muggsy”? Full body cringe whenever he called her that.
Also, maybe I blocked the origin from my memory, but “Muggsy”? Full body cringe whenever he called her that.
May 27, 2025
I love a man who pines but honestly this book felt so over the place. i truly skimmed the book from 85% because i was getting over the back & forth with no resolution.
the time line also felt incredibly all over the place.
the time line also felt incredibly all over the place.
February 14, 2025
3.25 for me…it started off strong but at some point I found myself skimming and no longer interested in their romance.
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