Hot for the Lifeguard

by Nichole Ruschelle

Sometimes forever begins with just one unforgettable week.

DianaAt thirty, I’m standing at a keep chasing the game I’ve given everything to or walk away and start over. It’s not an easy decision. After a friend suggested I take some time for myself, he recommended a quiet resort in Mexico to rest and clear my head. That’s where I met Luca… and everything changed.

He’s too young for me. He lives here in Mexico, while I’m based in L.A. It could never work. But who says we can’t enjoy something beautiful for just a week? Just a fling, nothing more. One week of sunsets and stolen kisses, then I’ll go back to my life—back to basketball. At least, that was the plan.

LucaWorking as a lifeguard at a beach resort is fun—for now. I’m still figuring out what comes next for me, dreaming about building a life, finding love, starting a family someday. But I wasn’t expecting her. When Diana walked in, I swear time stopped. She’s magnetic. Powerful. A goddess.

Somehow, I got her into my arms—but I can already feel her slipping through my fingers. She made it this is only for a week. Just a short escape before she returns to her real life.

What she doesn’t know is… I don’t believe in temporary when it comes to love. I’ve got one week to make her see what I already know—we’re meant to be more than a vacation romance.


Series
Welcome to Hot Beach Retreat, the ultimate getaway where sun-kissed days turn into sultry nights, and every vacation comes with a side of passion.
Nestled along a pristine stretch of golden sand, each exclusive tropical escape is where the wealthy, the restless, and the heartbroken go to forget their worries—and sometimes, find exactly what they've been missing. From billionaire playboys and bad-boy surfers to broody CEOs and free-spirited wanderers, each book in the Hot Beach Retreat series brings a new scorching romance that will leave you breathless. Whether it’s a second-chance fling, a no-strings holiday hookup, or a forbidden tryst that defies all the rules, one thing is guaranteed—once the sun sets, the heat rises. Unwind, indulge, and fall in love. Hot Beach Retreat, where paradise isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling. Tropes You’ll Forced proximity, vacation romance, opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, forbidden love, and oh-so-much steam. Welcome to your next guilty pleasure. Are you ready to check in?

97 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 10, 2025

Reviews

[Crystal Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a spicy and quick novella read. Diana is a professional basketball player and when she finds herself hurt she is wondering what’s next. Does she want to keep playing or is it time to start thinking what’s next..is it time for a family life?

Diana finds herself in Los Cabo for a week at a resort trying to relax and heal from a back injury. Her first night there she spots a very attractive younger man. The sparks and sexually energy is instant between them. She hasn’t ever felt anything like this before, especially with a man that’s 7 years younger than her. Luca is instantly attracted to Diana and she is his goddess. He doesn’t care about the short timeframe he has with her or the age difference, he wants to take full advantage of their time together. Luca may seem like he’s all strong on the outside, but deep down he’s soft and he wants that connection. He has a plan and he wants to spend the week convincing Diana they are perfect for one another. But will he be successful? Will she be able to get out of her head over the distance of her living in LA and him in Mexico?

[Kendra H · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review: Hot for the Lifeguard by Nichole Ruschelle
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5

Nichole Ruschelle never fails to deliver the perfect palate cleanser after a heavier read. I’ve picked up a few of her books now, and every time they give me exactly what I need—short, sweet, and undeniably spicy stories that leave me smiling.

Diana and Luca’s week of fun was such an enjoyable escape. Their chemistry was sizzling, the romance lighthearted, and the spice was chef’s kiss. It’s the kind of story you can fly through in one sitting, and it leaves you feeling refreshed and entertained.

If you’re looking for a quick, spicy read to break up longer, more intense books on your TBR, this one is a perfect choice.

[Dani (criesinanxiety) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, spicy and easy to read!


Him calling her goddess 🫣 it was a good read but I definitely felt the ending was rushed 🥲










･゜ﾟ･*:.｡..｡.:*･Spoilers, TW, & tropes below･*:.｡. .｡.:*･゜ﾟ･






TW: none -


Recommend if you like..
~ insta love
~ beach romance
~ Reverse age gap


(I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review)

[Kala · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hot, very quick read! Personally, if I was needing a bit of a palate cleanser, I’m not sure that I would reach for it. Disappointing cuz I love novellas, small quick reads, insta-loves but this just for whatever reason didn’t do it for me. Probably because it was like love at first sight-I’ll do anything to make her mine-type of read. I think this would definitely be a much better longer book if it could explore more of Diana’s career and more of Luca’s background, that way we can empathize with the characters but this just feels like all the highlights of a story in one quick read. It wasn’t the worst novella I’ve read…

[Leanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

Hot for the lifeguard was a quick, easy read. I didn't really connect with the characters in this book. However, I have enjoyed Nicholes' other novellas and would recommend giving them a read.

[Carrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Happily Booked PR for the arc! Really enjoyed! Fun characters & liked the setting. Will read more in the series.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

When LA and Mexico start to play with sunsets and kisses ,a bit of fun to blow her cares away. She is here for herself ,a change of pace in this paradise of a place. A quiet haven for her to rest,and reset and maybe to forget her woes the most. Marcus might not be forever but he’s here and now ,a pleasure to treasure . Savour ,taste the Latino flavour..Luca is far younger but he sates her hunger ,a thirst that she didn’t know she did need . It’s heaven indeed.In fact it’s bliss ,her Oasis.Luca is a lifeguard on the beach ,she plays basketball in LA out of his reach.Luca is all in ,his heart is lost at first sight with this beauty . She says she’s temporary but it’s not in his vocabulary is that . Once he’s fallen in love ,she’s where he lays his hat.He has one week to make her see he’s who and where she belongs for the long haul.This Hot .beach retreat can’t be beat ,it’s where they find their easy beat the rhythm of the sand and the sea breeze is all setting the serene and the tease of the senses .Lost in time and it’s sublime . Does she go when her time is up? Now she’s supped from this horny devil’s cup. This tropical paradise has opened her eyes . Wealthy and elite and heat that completes not competes . A safe haven for all your wanton,dreams where you can come apart at the seams .Be how you long to be ….free. This is heaven indeed . Soothing away cares one orgasm at a time when,this hot love story is sublime,packing some heat at the retreat ,Los Cabos can’t be beat and even a taste so sweet. Except when it’s steam and sultry and ooh mama though there’s only seven years between them of this this cougar he lays his claim.Shes going nowhere,and that’s a promise ,a threat because baby ,you seen nothing yet. He’s only just started to bid for your heart and he knows exactly where to start. This book has it all and I’m all in and going with the flow . Nichole Rochelle just want you to know,I adored this book ya know.

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I have come to love Nichole Rushelle’s novellas and know they will provide an escape when it is needed. Also great stories to get out of a reading slump or book hangover, her stories are the perfect length and promise romance, spice, and swoon worthy characters. Hot for the Lifeguard provides all of this, adding on a vacation fling and an age gap, this book was a fun, but hot read.

Diana is in Cabo recovering from an injury and at a crossroads of her pro basketball career. She’s wondering what is next for her. She is trying to take her friend’s advice and just let go for her vacation, but that isn’t happening easily. At least not until she meets Luca. The chemistry between them is instant, but him being 7 years younger, does have Diana pausing. When they agree to a no strings attached week, she thinks they are on the same page. Luca, however, has other plans.

Luca has always believed when he met the person for him, he would know. And this is what he feels with Diana. Although she wants no strings, he is using this week to prove to her that love does exist and you can fall in a short amount of time. This man pulls all the stops to show Diane what she is worth and what she deserves to feel from someone else. I would have loved to get a little more of his back story, but love how he holds nothing back.

At times the story did feel a little rushed, but overall I enjoyed this story. The hopeless romantic in me loved seeing a man doing everything he can to prove himself. While Luca is all in from moment one, Diana takes a bit more convincing. I loved watching her open up to Luca and start being honest with herself and what she really wants out of life.

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
🌴Age Gap Romance
🏀Vacation Fling to More
🌴He Falls First
🏀Pro Athlete FMC
🌴Beach Romance
🏀Novella

[Kirsty Gudmundsson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️
3 🌶

What to expect:
🏀 Novella
​🌊 Beach Romance
​🏀 Women's Basketball Player
🌊 Insta-love
🏀 Reverse Age Gap

At thirty, Diana has to choose whether she will keep chasing the game she's given everything to or walk away and start over. A friend suggests she take some time for herself and recommends a quiet resort in Mexico to relax. That’s where she meets Luca… and everything changed.

Luca is 7 years younger than Diana, lives in Mexico, and is a lifeguard. It could never work. But who says we can’t enjoy something beautiful for just a week? Just a fling, nothing more. One week of sunsets and stolen kisses, then I’ll go back to my life—back to basketball. At least, that was the plan.

Luca is still figuring out what comes next for him, dreaming about building a life, finding love, and starting a family someday. But I wasn’t expecting her. When Diana walked in, I swear time stopped. She’s magnetic. Powerful. A goddess.

Somehow, I got her into my arms—but I can already feel her slipping through my fingers. She made it this is only for a week. Just a short escape before she returns to her real life.

What she doesn’t know is… I don’t believe in temporary when it comes to love. I’ve got one week to make her see what I already know—we’re meant to be more than a vacation romance.

This was such a fun, sexy vacation romance novella. It was my first book with a reverse age-gap trope, and I loved it!

[Brita Mackay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes in just one unforgettable week, you can find that your forever can begin.

Diana finds that at 30 she's at a point in her life where she has to decide if she's going to keep chasing the game she's given everything to or if she's going to walk away and completely start over. For Diana, it's not an easy decision.

A friend suggests that Diana take some time for herself, he recommended this quiet resort in Mexico, just to rest and clear her head. And it's at that resort that Diana meets Luca...and she finds that everything changes.

Diana knows that he's too young for her. He lives here in Mexico, and Diana is based in L.A. It could never work between them. But, who in the world says that they can't enjoy something beautiful for the week that Diana's at the resort? It's just a fling, that's all it needs to be. One week of beautiful sunsets, stolen kisses, and then Diana will go back to her life – back to basketball. At least that's her plan.

Luca loved working as a lifeguard at the beach resort, he finds that it's a lot of fun – at least for now. He's still trying to figure out what comes next, he keeps dreaming about building a life of his own, finding the love of his life, and starting a family of his own someday. But, he'd never expected she'd walk into his life. When Diana walked into his sight, he could have sworn that time stopped. She was magnetic, powerful, his goddess.

And somehow, Luca was lucky enough to get Diana into his arms – but he feels like she's already slipping away, slipping through his fingers. Diana had made it clear that this would only last for a week. It was just an escape before she had to return to her real life.

There's something that Diana doesn't know though. Luca doesn't believe in temporary or short-term when it comes to love or relationships. Luca knows that he only has one week to make Diana see what he already knows without a doubt – Luca knows that they are meant to be more than just a week-long fling or a short vacation romance. They are it, they are meant to be, forever.

Series

Welcome to Hot Beach Retreat, the ultimate getaway where sun-kissed days turn into sultry nights, and every vacation comes with a side of passion.
Nestled along a pristine stretch of golden sand, each exclusive tropical escape is where the wealthy, the restless, and the heartbroken go to forget their worries—and sometimes, find exactly what they've been missing. From billionaire playboys and bad-boy surfers to broody CEOs and free-spirited wanderers, each book in the Hot Beach Retreat series brings a new scorching romance that will leave you breathless. Whether it’s a second-chance fling, a no-strings holiday hookup, or a forbidden tryst that defies all the rules, one thing is guaranteed—once the sun sets, the heat rises. Unwind, indulge, and fall in love. Hot Beach Retreat, where paradise isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling. Tropes You’ll Forced proximity, vacation romance, opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, forbidden love, and oh-so-much steam. Welcome to your next guilty pleasure. Are you ready to check in?

Hot For The Lifeguard is the 1st book in the Hot Beach Retreat series by Nichole Ruschelle. This is such a sublime contemporary romance that perfectly weaves humour, passion, and stunning emotional depth.

Diana, a professional women's basketball player, is suffering from a bit of back pain. She is unsure if she wants to continue to play basketball or if she wants to stop and start her life over again. She's told to rest for a week at a resort so she heads off to Los Cabos. It's there at the resort that she accidentally meets Luca, a rather adorable lifeguard. They are navigating unexpected feelings and all the challenges that come with a budding relationship during a week-long vacation for Diana. But, they have this chemistry that is just electric. And they are just perfect together in my opinion.

I loved how both Diana and Luca are well-developed and well-rounded characters, they are relatable and they feel real. Diana has her struggles with her career and her age helps to add depth to her character and helps us older readers to relate to her more easily. Luca is so charming and I just loved how determined he was to make Diana his and that just made him that much more of a delightful love interest.

The two of them have such an amazing chemistry with perfect spicy moments that are just fun and still heartfelt. I loved their banter and the emotional connection they share helps to keep readers enthralled and engaged.

I loved the setting of Los Cabos as the setting for this book, especially as the 1st book of a new series. I found it to be the perfect romantic setting and it honestly felt like it was just a dreamy escape and made me want to go get lost in Los Cabos.

Nichole chose the perfect themes for this book. We get to explore themes like love, self-discovery, and having the courage to embrace change in our lives, and these are themes that will resonate with anyone who reads this book.

Nichole has a talent for crafting charming love stories that balance lightheartedness that still has a serious undertone to the book. This is a perfect book for anyone who is looking for a fun, romantic escape.

I highly recommend this novella. This is a quick and easy read that can be read between any of your longer reads.

And of course, I highly recommend that you read anything that Nichole Ruschelle writes. She is a fantastic author and I'll grab any of her books any time I get the chance.

Quotes

I like the idea that he wants me for me, not because of how famous I am.

Even though she's so f*cking out of my league, I know that if she looked at me and commanded me to drop to my knees and pleasure her with all my might, there is nothing that would be able to stop me.

[kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

♡Quotes♡
I like the idea that he wants me for me, not because of how famous I am.

Even though she's so fxcking out of my league, I know that if she looked at me and commanded me to drop to my knees and pleasure her with all my might, there is nothing that would be able to stop me.

♡Blurb♡
Hot for the Lifeguard is a short romance novella that focuses on Diana, a professional women's basketball player who has a slight back pain. Being told to rest up at a resort for a week, she heads off to Los Cabos where she meets Luca, a Lifeguard who has lived there all his life. Their chemistry is instantaneous, with both feeling strongly for one another. But alas, they only have a week together. Can they figure out how to make long distance work after this or are they doomed to have a one week stand?

♡Review♡
I love Nichole Ruschelle's books so being able to read this ARC early is simply amazing. Luca's insta-love towards Diana is so cute, with him calling her my goddess.

I did have some moments where the story didn't flow smoothly and had me second guessing things, but for a small novella, it was cute.

[Sadie S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2 spice 🌶️🌶️

I really enjoy reading short, fun, and spicy novellas especially after reading a long book or after a heavy book.

Diana is a professional woman’s basketball player for the Los Angeles Stars. She is hesitant but required to take a week off to rest after a back injury. When she arrives at the resort in Los Cabos, she is taken aback at its beauty. Diana has no idea just how much she needed the “vacation”. Will she feel refreshed and ready to go back home? Back to all she’s ever known, basketball? Or will this vacation open her eyes to love?

Luca is a local to Los Cabos and a resort lifeguard for the moment while figures out what comes next in his life. When he is getting off of work he spots the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. The powerful pull he feels towards her is immense. Will he be able to capture the heart of a woman he just met with only one week to do it?

What to expect:
🏀 Novella
​🌊 Beach Romance
​🏀 Women’s Basketball Player
🌊 Insta-love
🏀 Reverse Age Gap


Thank you so much Happily Booked Pr and Nichole Ruschelle for the opportunity to read this early! All reviews and opinions are my own!

[Hali Hegeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another amazing romance from @authornicholeruschelle ! I absolutely love her novellas, and this one is no exception.

Hot For The Lifeguard is an insta-love, reverse age gap romance between Diana and Luca.

I really connected with Diana as she’s a little lost on her vacation, trying to figure out who she is outside of her job and what she wants in life. I loved how with Luca, she can set aside her professional persona and just be herself, finding an easy comfort with him that allows her to truly imagine what her life could look like. I think many women will love her and relate to her.

Lucas is the sweetest. He can see how much Diana needs to let go of her responsibilities and worries, and I loved how he’s able to put her at ease. At the same times he’s also wonderfully protective, and while he certainly pushes her out of her comfort zone, he also would make her feel anything less than loved, safe, and free. Everyone will absolutely adore him.

Thank you so much to @authornicholeruschelle and @happilybookedpr for my arc! I had the best time with these two.

Hot for the Lifeguard is now available in KU💗

[Isabella Cardenas · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️ cute, spicy summer romance novella ! i absolutely Diana & Luca, they were both really relatable characters. Diana being 30 & a professional basketball player struggles with the decision of chasing the game of basketball or retiring and settling down. Diana is forced to rest due to injury and a friend suggests she goes to a resort in Mexico and relaxes for a week. What Diana doesn’t know is that she is about to meet a lifeguard who changes her life completely!!! Luca is 23 & lifeguard at a resort but he has dreams of doing more and figuring out his life. From the moment Luca locked eyes with Diana, he knew that was his woman and he will do whatever it took to make her his. With only one week for them to spend time together, life changing decisions start to come to the surface ! super quick and fun read ! love comes at the most unexpected times and you have to grab on and never let go 💖🏀🌊

super cute, fun & sexy vacation romance novella!

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this was a spicy romance between them and it was explored of passion and romance. It was a page turner and the suspense was so intense. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn't even put it down. They were physical attracted to one another and the chemistry was overheated as they couldn't even fight the temptation any longer in this moment. Luca is not only attracted to Diana but sees her as someone he wants so bad he did not what to in this moment. And she felt the same way about Luca right now on the beach together in Mexico. Could this be a new found love affair for Diana and Luca.
I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and the Happily Book PR and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Trina Jones

[Allison Comis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book as is with anything Nichole writes. This was about Diana. She is a basketball player. She was off her game due to her back hurting. She was sent to the doctor and while waiting for the results her coach told her to take a vacation. She didn’t know what to do with herself. The team doctor gave her a card for a spa/resort so she went. Upon checking in she saw someone that caught her interest. He saw her first. But when he went to go see her she was gone. Luca worked at the resort as a lifeguard. He went back to the resort that night to meet up with his coworkers. He saw her sitting at the bar and he went to talk to her and convinced her to sit with him and his friends. She did and they spent the next week together. He took her out to see the local sites. Loved it.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a fun short spicy read.

Diana is a 30 year old professional basketball player in LA and Luca is a 23 year old lifeguard at a resort in Mexico. She is forced to take a vacation when her back starts bothering her and meets Luca at the resort she is staying at for a week.

It did feel a little rushed especially since there were time jumps. We went from her being told to take a vacation, to the vacation starting, to different days of the vacation, to a week after the vacation. I feel like this book is one that needed to be longer to explore a little bit more with Luca and Diana.

Overall I did like this book and would probably give it 3.75 stars so I rounded up to 4. I read this book as an arc.

[Alisha Pascual · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love novellas or short stories but it never has time for feelings to grow properly and everything feels a little rushed. But the little time it took for Luca and Diana to form feelings for one another was a great story. I loved the detailing of their lives and how they came to meet, their instant attraction towards each other, and the spicy scenes. But there is the fact that she lives in LA and he’s in Mexico. He falls first but she eventually comes to the realization that she wants to take a chance on Luca if her career is almost over. But not without a little heartbreak in the process. This was a pretty good book for a novella.

[Rebmay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diana and Luca’s story is a reverse age-gap, vacation fling romance that turns into so much more. Diana is on forced rest from her professional basketball team and has come to a beach resort to rest and regroup. Luca is a lifeguard at the resort. When they meet, both Diana and Luca feel the sparks and the heat between them. She makes it clear that anything between them is temporary …one week only. The sizzle, the flirting, the dirty talk …you just might need a fan and some ice water! Luca uses all of his very persuasive techniques to claim Diana’s heart, as she stole his the moment they met.

I am happy to recommend this very hot, sexy treat.

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot For The Lifeguard is part of the Hot Beach Retreat Series.

Diana is a basketball player and suffers a small injury where she needs to take time off to rest and recoup. She goes to a resort where she meets Luca. They have a sweet and spicy week together, but they both know they only have one week together and don't want to get too attached to the other. When the week is over we see a lot of emotions at play. Neither wants to say goodbye but a long distance relationship will be hard for them. Diana and Luca both have to decide what is the most important thing in their life and if their love is worth fighting for.

[Keith · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️ /5

Diana is a professional basketball player. She’s suffering from a back injury. Basketball is her whole life though. It’s her love. But when she’s told that she needs to take some time off she ends up Mexico.

Mexico is where she meets Luca. It’s insta-love, insta-lust. Luca eyes land on his goddess and he knows from that moment in the parking lot that he needs Diana. But, how can this work when Luca’s job and family restaurant is in Mexico and Diana’s life is back in Los Angeles?

I always enjoy reading Nichole’s novellas. Always a lot of fun! If you’re looking for a fun, fast paced vacation read this one is for you.

[Nichole Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading Nichole's novellas. They are so entertaining and spicy! Diana is a professional basketball player, who is considering retiring. She is only getting older, and her body just isn't the same. She has to take a rest, and decides to go on vacation in Mexico. She meets Luca, a hot lifeguard, at the resort she is staying at. It's an insta lust situation and things progress pretty fast. It is a novella, and she is only there for a week. I loved both characters. I love how she can let loose and be free with him. Even though he is younger, he is such an attentive, sweetheart of a man. I really enjoyed reading this one!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot For The Lifeguard is a good sweet spicy novella.

What you get.....
♡Beach Romance
​♡Women's Basketball Player
♡Lifeguard
♡Insta-love
♡Reverse Age Gap
♡One Week Together
♡He Falls First
♡Spicy Scenes
♡Adventures
♡Novella

Diana is a professional basketball player and is injured. She is forced to take a vacation. She goes to a beach resort in Los Cabos and meets Luca. He is a sexy young lifeguard. They have an instant attraction and their chemistry is sizzling!

She tries to push him away since she is only there for a week. Luca falls first and knows she is the one. He spends all week showing her how life could be. Will he convince her they are perfect for each other?!?

[Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diana is a professional basketball player whose body is signaling that she needs a break. When she finally takes that break, it comes in the form of sandy beaches and hot sun. What she didn't expect was to meet the attractive lifeguard Luca. He may be young, but Luca knows exactly what he wants, and meeting Diana is it. She doesn't live there and has a whole life to return to, along with a game she loves. These two share a passionate, intense affair and now must decide if they can handle a long-distance relationship. They fall hard and fast, and it's undeniably beautiful. Can they sustain their relationship, or will Diana return to the game she loves, leaving her heart behind?

[Amanda Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luca and Diana

As always I loved this story. I love anything Nichole writes.
Luca and Diana meet when she comes to stay at the resort he works at. She's there because she needs a break from practicing basketball as that is her career, she's a basketball player.
When it's time for Diana to leave, will they go on with their individual lives just remembering their time together or will they decide they can't live without each other? Will Luca want to leave the only home he's ever known? Will Diana decide to retire from basketball? So many questions but you know Nichole will answer them all.
4⭐
3🌶

[Jenn M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swoon Worthy Reverse Age Gap Read!!!!



I love a good reverse age gap read, and this one blew it out of the water! Diana is a star basketball player and is at a juncture in her career. She heads over to Mexico for some rest and to contemplate her future. She quickly falls for Luca - a hot, younger lifeguard. The two have instant chemistry and a whirlwind romance.


Loved the quick pace of this book. I loved Diana’s take charge attitude and confidence and I loved that Luca knew exactly what he wanted.  This is another amazing book from this author who is a definite one click author for me. Can’t wait for her next release!

[Twinkle.butt.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Hot for the Lifeguard” by Nichole Ruschelle is a delightful contemporary romance that seamlessly blends humor, passion, and emotional depth. The story follows Diana, a professional basketball player, and Luca, a charming lifeguard, as they navigate unexpected feelings and the challenges of a budding relationship.
Highlights:
• Character Development: Both Diana and Luca are well-rounded, relatable characters. Diana’s struggles with her career and age add depth, while Luca’s charm and determination make him a captivating love interest.
• Romantic Tension: The chemistry is palpable, with steamy moments that are both fun and heartfelt. Their playful banter and emotional connection keep readers engaged.
• Setting: The picturesque backdrop of Los Cabos enhances the romance, making it feel like a dreamy escape.
• Themes: The book explores themes of love, self-discovery, and the courage to embrace change, resonating well with readers.
Overall Impression: Ruschelle has crafted a charming love story that balances lightheartedness with serious undertones. It’s a perfect read for anyone looking for a fun, romantic escape. Highly recommended!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot for the Lifeguard by Nichole Ruschelle is the story of Luca and Diana. She’s a professional basketball player…with injuries. Now, she’s going to a spa to think about things. There, she meets Luca, a lifeguard. He brings her a new perspective and lots of things that make her rethink her choices.

These two were sooooo lovely!!! They each brought something that the other desperately needed…even if they didn’t know it. Touching, sweet, heartfelt, and plenty of heat! Loved this story!!!

[Jessica Fahey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great quick love story! I love Nichole’s books! They are so fun and quick to read!

Diana and Luca planned for only a week together but realized that the feelings developed into something more. Could this be love?

They each have their own individual plans and live in two different places. How will this work out? They had a great week together with lots of spice and fun adventures. Can they figure out how to come back to one another to make it work?

Check this one out!! You won’t be displeased!!

[Kelsey Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sexy, spicy, sweet, and short. This was another amazing read from Nichole. Diana, a professional basketball player, meets Luca, a lifeguard, at the resort she’s staying at, and sparks fly immediately. Diana is only there for a week and Luca is determined to show her they belong together in that time. The spice in this was HOT and started almost immediately and then Luca pulled out all the romantic stops. This was a really enjoyable read with a very fulfilling plot.

I got this as an ARC but all opinions are my own!