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Ready to Live
CHARLIE
To prove I deserve my recent promotion, I track down the NFL's top quarterback for an interview. But when I knock on Lucien Saint's door, he gives me more than I bargained for. A lot more. I'm more determined than ever to find out what he's hiding.
LUCIEN
I'm not interested in an in-depth segment about my personal life, and my past is off-limits. My secrets could ruin my career and possibly endanger an innocent young life. Despite the glimpse of hope Charlie offers, my soul-crushing guilt resists her efforts to bring me out of the dark.
While Luc and Charlie learn to trust each other, they must face a danger that threatens everyone they love, including each other.
Ready To Live is the 2nd book in the interconnected Ready For Love series, but can be read as a standalone.
-NFL sports romance
-Mistaken Identity
-One night stand
-Surprise pregnancy
-Secret relationship
-Overcoming past trauma
Trigger Past domestic abuse of parent
To prove I deserve my recent promotion, I track down the NFL's top quarterback for an interview. But when I knock on Lucien Saint's door, he gives me more than I bargained for. A lot more. I'm more determined than ever to find out what he's hiding.
LUCIEN
I'm not interested in an in-depth segment about my personal life, and my past is off-limits. My secrets could ruin my career and possibly endanger an innocent young life. Despite the glimpse of hope Charlie offers, my soul-crushing guilt resists her efforts to bring me out of the dark.
While Luc and Charlie learn to trust each other, they must face a danger that threatens everyone they love, including each other.
Ready To Live is the 2nd book in the interconnected Ready For Love series, but can be read as a standalone.
-NFL sports romance
-Mistaken Identity
-One night stand
-Surprise pregnancy
-Secret relationship
-Overcoming past trauma
Trigger Past domestic abuse of parent
313 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 23, 2025
4 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 21, 2025
I truly did not expect to read an action adventure suspenseful thriller of a romance when I saw this book cover but here we are. Wow. From the first chapter till the epilogue the twists kept coming. (If you were as shocked by me by something from the epilogue please read the little note after the author’s thank you page)
Luc is a star football player in the prime of his career with a very dark secret and in need of therapy. Charlie is a producer on a sports network trying to succeed. They end up due to some miscommunication having some relations and making a baby. Now some of you guys may jump ship with a pregnancy trope but stick with me here. This was done pretty realistically and it wasn’t the whole story. There were times where I felt Charlie was just nuts and then I remembered the time I sobbed over losing a plastic serving spoon when I was early on in my pregnancy and realized this girl’s body is making baby eyelashes and she is to be forgiven. She is working her ass off for “the man” while vomiting and figuring out if the baby daddy is going to get it together. Luc is the biggest character in this book with all his family drama, personal oaths, and giant West Village mansion. I couldn’t hate him even if I tried. This story occurs during the last book’s timeline and some scenes were fleshed in a different way in this book so reading in order is ideal. I’m very excited for the upcoming books as the author teased certain things and I’m hooked.
The found family trope is one of my favorites and I think this author does a lot to show that your blood family may not always be the healthiest people to keep around. She doesn’t glamorize things and the story felt so real sometimes. Luc sometimes felt like a royal prince with the way he spoke but I guess it was the southern gentlemen in him. (This doesn’t mean things didn’t get spicy 🌶️) I didn’t consider this to be a cozy predictable romance as it feels like a small episode in this epic drama she is unfolding in this series. Read and be surprised as I was by Charlie and Luc’s story.
Thanks to the author who provided me an ARC!
Luc is a star football player in the prime of his career with a very dark secret and in need of therapy. Charlie is a producer on a sports network trying to succeed. They end up due to some miscommunication having some relations and making a baby. Now some of you guys may jump ship with a pregnancy trope but stick with me here. This was done pretty realistically and it wasn’t the whole story. There were times where I felt Charlie was just nuts and then I remembered the time I sobbed over losing a plastic serving spoon when I was early on in my pregnancy and realized this girl’s body is making baby eyelashes and she is to be forgiven. She is working her ass off for “the man” while vomiting and figuring out if the baby daddy is going to get it together. Luc is the biggest character in this book with all his family drama, personal oaths, and giant West Village mansion. I couldn’t hate him even if I tried. This story occurs during the last book’s timeline and some scenes were fleshed in a different way in this book so reading in order is ideal. I’m very excited for the upcoming books as the author teased certain things and I’m hooked.
The found family trope is one of my favorites and I think this author does a lot to show that your blood family may not always be the healthiest people to keep around. She doesn’t glamorize things and the story felt so real sometimes. Luc sometimes felt like a royal prince with the way he spoke but I guess it was the southern gentlemen in him. (This doesn’t mean things didn’t get spicy 🌶️) I didn’t consider this to be a cozy predictable romance as it feels like a small episode in this epic drama she is unfolding in this series. Read and be surprised as I was by Charlie and Luc’s story.
Thanks to the author who provided me an ARC!
January 20, 2025
I enjoyed the mistaken identity at the beginning, which led to a one-night stand. The accidental pregnancy trope isn’t one I encounter often, but the author handled it well. The male main character was easy to love, but the female lead felt underdeveloped and lacked personality.
The story includes subplots beneath the overarching sports romance, though the pacing was slow to medium, and the male MC’s past trauma felt overly drawn out. The twist at the end was intriguing, but I wish the story had focused more on the sports aspect rather than childhood trauma.
Thank you to the other for this ARC.
The story includes subplots beneath the overarching sports romance, though the pacing was slow to medium, and the male MC’s past trauma felt overly drawn out. The twist at the end was intriguing, but I wish the story had focused more on the sports aspect rather than childhood trauma.
Thank you to the other for this ARC.
January 27, 2025
This isn’t my usual genre but I enjoyed the character development and at the end I was wondering what happened to one of the characters- as I wanted to hear more. Also, a good example or illustration of how people’s past history shapes their adulthood if the let it - good and bad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2026
loved this!
This was so well done!! A blend between a sports romance and romantic suspense, the story had me gripped from the beginning. Loved both characters so much too. This felt authentic and dramatic at the same time.
This was so well done!! A blend between a sports romance and romantic suspense, the story had me gripped from the beginning. Loved both characters so much too. This felt authentic and dramatic at the same time.
January 2, 2025
**Review of *Ready to Live* by Shefali Prem**
*Ready to Live* is an emotional rollercoaster that masterfully intertwines love, guilt, and redemption. Shefali Prem delivers a compelling narrative as Charlie, a determined TV producer, and Lucien Saint, the enigmatic NFL star, navigate a web of secrets, trust, and undeniable chemistry.
The story shines with its well-paced revelations and heartfelt moments, exploring themes of overcoming past traumas and embracing hope. The sizzling connection between Charlie and Luc is beautifully written, making their journey both relatable and inspiring. The blend of sports drama, personal struggles, and a blossoming romance makes this book a must-read for fans of the secret love and redemption trope.
With its gripping plot and deeply flawed yet endearing characters, *Ready to Live* leaves you captivated and cheering for love that conquers all obstacles.
*Ready to Live* is an emotional rollercoaster that masterfully intertwines love, guilt, and redemption. Shefali Prem delivers a compelling narrative as Charlie, a determined TV producer, and Lucien Saint, the enigmatic NFL star, navigate a web of secrets, trust, and undeniable chemistry.
The story shines with its well-paced revelations and heartfelt moments, exploring themes of overcoming past traumas and embracing hope. The sizzling connection between Charlie and Luc is beautifully written, making their journey both relatable and inspiring. The blend of sports drama, personal struggles, and a blossoming romance makes this book a must-read for fans of the secret love and redemption trope.
With its gripping plot and deeply flawed yet endearing characters, *Ready to Live* leaves you captivated and cheering for love that conquers all obstacles.
January 20, 2025
This is quite possibly one of the best romance books I’ve ever read! A classic tale of two unlikely people falling undeniably in love with each other with enough twists to last a life time. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat and possibly even redefine what it means to be in love. I cannot recommend this book highly enough!
January 1, 2025
Shefali Prem is a remarkable storyteller with a gripping yet intricate tale. This can be read in less than a day.The MMC Luc (Lucian) discovers love without even trying. The FMC. Luc is interviewed by a producer named Charlie (Charolette), who is the sister of one of his teammates. This surprise adds moments of dizziness to the more intricate and tense ones. The revelation of secrets only enhances the sweetness of this couple's ending. A must-read for fans of intricate, romantic, and suspenseful storylines. There are tropes mistakan identity, surprise pregnancy, NFL sports romance, one night stand, secret relationships,and overcoming drama. Thank to the author for allowing me to ARC read this fanatic work releasing Jan 23rd 2025. I highly recommend checking it out!
January 20, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ I really enjoyed Luc and Charlie’s story! I was intrigued from the off with what the storyline would be and quickly couldn’t put it down! Pregnancy books are not a trope I would usually choose to read but there was plenty of background story, plot and growth of the characters that I did enjoy the book! And was happy with the ending! Luc had a lot to overcome but was an adorable character!
January 19, 2025
Luc and Charlie’s story absolutely took over my heart 🥹🥰 it was absolutely amazing! Book 2 is definitely my favourite so far! The tension between them is incredible and the storyline was just perfect 🤩 I can’t wait for book 3 🫣🥰
October 5, 2025
Ready to Live is the perfect follow-up (or even a great standalone) to Ready to Play. Shefali Prem has completely pulled me into the world of NFL romances.
This time, we follow Charlie and Luc’s story, a captivating mix of mistaken identity, surprise pregnancy, and a secret relationship. I’ve loved diving into a sports romance that offers not just the drama and twists, but also meaningful lessons about choosing your family, embracing vulnerability, and healing through love.
I absolutely can’t wait to read book three in the series!
Favourite lines:
- I lose my breath when he invades my space.
- "Those two are like poetry in motion,"
- I was drawn to what they had—the noise and chaos, the teasing, even the squabbling, because under it all, there was so much love.
- Can you miss someone you barely know?
- "I’d like to make a miniature of the ultrasound and put it inside the locket, if that's okay,"
- It's you, your zest for life, your humor and curiosity and integrity and boldness, your shining spirit. It's everything you are that makes me so happy to be alive and by your side
This time, we follow Charlie and Luc’s story, a captivating mix of mistaken identity, surprise pregnancy, and a secret relationship. I’ve loved diving into a sports romance that offers not just the drama and twists, but also meaningful lessons about choosing your family, embracing vulnerability, and healing through love.
I absolutely can’t wait to read book three in the series!
Favourite lines:
- I lose my breath when he invades my space.
- "Those two are like poetry in motion,"
- I was drawn to what they had—the noise and chaos, the teasing, even the squabbling, because under it all, there was so much love.
- Can you miss someone you barely know?
- "I’d like to make a miniature of the ultrasound and put it inside the locket, if that's okay,"
- It's you, your zest for life, your humor and curiosity and integrity and boldness, your shining spirit. It's everything you are that makes me so happy to be alive and by your side
January 19, 2025
After reading book one, I've been anxiously awaiting book two. Boy, did it not disappoint! Charlie was a character from book one, and I was waiting for her love story! Luc is her perfect match. Reading about their back story, growing, and overcoming trauma, touched my heart. The characters were inspiring and came to life. Shefali Prep has created a wonderful sports romance universe, and I can't wait for the next book!
August 19, 2025
I loved this book. The writing was easy to follow and had a great storyline. The main characters had great chemistry and there are some steamy scenes in the book. This is the second book in the series, but you do not have to read them in order to follow the story. I love this series. If you are a sports romance fan, this book is for you.
October 12, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. The way that Shefali Prem wrote Luc and Charlie's story was incredible, beautiful, and phenomenal. I love a book where you can predict the ending relation of the couple but the various plot points are a complete shock! That's exactly what this is. I was rooting for them in ready to play and I was so happy with their story In Ready to live.
March 23, 2025
Ready to Live by Shefali Prem has captured my heart with its emotional depth and thrilling twists. The story of Charlie, a TV producer, and Luc, a mysterious NFL star, kept me on edge with its mix of love, suspense, and redemption. While the pregnancy trope might initially seem off-putting, the book handles it realistically, exploring Charlie’s struggles and Luc’s hidden past in a way that feels both raw and real.
Fans of the found family trope and stories about overcoming trauma will especially appreciate the layers of complexity in the characters’ journeys. Luc, with his Southern gentleman charm, and Charlie, with her fierce determination, create a sizzling, heart-wrenching romance that's anything but predictable. Whether you're in it for the romance, the drama, or the redemption, this book has it all. Highly recommended for those who love a mix of heart and suspense!
Fans of the found family trope and stories about overcoming trauma will especially appreciate the layers of complexity in the characters’ journeys. Luc, with his Southern gentleman charm, and Charlie, with her fierce determination, create a sizzling, heart-wrenching romance that's anything but predictable. Whether you're in it for the romance, the drama, or the redemption, this book has it all. Highly recommended for those who love a mix of heart and suspense!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews