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Wild Card Valentine
A florist done with love and a football player off his game—this Valentine’s Day, they’re each other’s wild card.
After a disastrous football season, NFL star Joe Matthews retreats to his hometown, Honeysuckle Ridge, West Virginia, looking to escape the spotlight. The last person he expects to run into is Ella Banks—his quiet, quirky high school classmate, now the owner of the town’s charming florist shop. Ella’s sworn off love and sees Valentine’s Day as just good business, but when Joe walks into her shop, old sparks ignite. She’s anti-romance, and he’s scared to put his heart on the line, but sometimes love blooms in the most unexpected places.
Wild Card Valentine is a short and sweet holiday treat that’s meant to be read in two hours or less. It has no cliffhangers, a guaranteed HEA, and all the sizzle, but no explicit content.
After a disastrous football season, NFL star Joe Matthews retreats to his hometown, Honeysuckle Ridge, West Virginia, looking to escape the spotlight. The last person he expects to run into is Ella Banks—his quiet, quirky high school classmate, now the owner of the town’s charming florist shop. Ella’s sworn off love and sees Valentine’s Day as just good business, but when Joe walks into her shop, old sparks ignite. She’s anti-romance, and he’s scared to put his heart on the line, but sometimes love blooms in the most unexpected places.
Wild Card Valentine is a short and sweet holiday treat that’s meant to be read in two hours or less. It has no cliffhangers, a guaranteed HEA, and all the sizzle, but no explicit content.
45 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2025
48 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Ash Keller
28 books178 followersAsh Keller writes clean contemporary romance and romantic comedies. Her books are sweet on heat but big on heart. She lives in the rolling hills of Kentucky with her wonderful husband, three mischievous cats, and a couple of bossy backyard chickens that peck on the door to demand treats. For the latest news and exclusive content, subscribe to her newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 13, 2025
Ella is a florist who hates Valentine’s Day. Joe is the hometown hero quarterback coming home after a disappointing season. When they are thrown together on a project, sparks fly.
This short Valentine’s read has all the swoon I’ve come to expect from Ash Keller. It was a quick lunchtime read that had me wishing for more Honeysuckle Ridge.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This short Valentine’s read has all the swoon I’ve come to expect from Ash Keller. It was a quick lunchtime read that had me wishing for more Honeysuckle Ridge.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 17, 2025
In just 39 pages, this story delivers moments filled with love, warmth, and heart. The author did a great job of crafting a connection between Ella and Joe that feels natural and effortless. While their romance unfolds quickly, (it's 39 pages, after all) it never feels lacking. Every chapter was packed with love and sweet, sweet moments that made this a really enjoyable read.
And in Ella's words: "Love isn’t just grand gestures and big moments. It’s showing up. It’s believing in each other, even when the odds aren’t in your favor. It’s late-night conversations, lazy Sunday mornings, stolen kisses before the game, and quiet evenings in the town where it all began."
If you're in the mood for a quick yet satisfying love story, this one is a must.
And in Ella's words: "Love isn’t just grand gestures and big moments. It’s showing up. It’s believing in each other, even when the odds aren’t in your favor. It’s late-night conversations, lazy Sunday mornings, stolen kisses before the game, and quiet evenings in the town where it all began."
If you're in the mood for a quick yet satisfying love story, this one is a must.
July 2, 2025
2.25⭐️ Yeah no. There’s no chemistry. 2 weeks after reuniting, they say “i love you”.
February 13, 2025
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Perfect for Valentine’s Day!! Such a cute and sweet Novella! (Note: spoiler at the bottom of this review!)
It was beautifully written and the pace was perfect! The setting of the story was beautifully described! It reminds me of my hometown!
I love the banter & the teasing between Ella & Joe, watching their relationship develop throughout the story. Joe helping Ella out at the Flower Shop and talking like as if they’re making up for lost time during their high school days!
Personally, it made me think back at my high school days - being the band geek who fell in love with an athlete but we never got to talk or interacted due to being in different cliques but also different high schools.
Ahem. Anyways back to the review (this is where the spoilers might begin so be)
Can we talk about the fact that Joe started this Charity to honour his grandmother (who was the one started this tradition every Valentine’s Day). Talk about a walking green flag!
I also love how Ella flower shop is across the street from her best friend’s bakery! Now that’s bestie goals!
10/10 would recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
Tropes:
Small Town
Black Cat & Golden Retriever
Opposite Attract (Popular Quarterback & Quiet girl)
Cute banter
Perfect for Valentine’s Day!! Such a cute and sweet Novella! (Note: spoiler at the bottom of this review!)
It was beautifully written and the pace was perfect! The setting of the story was beautifully described! It reminds me of my hometown!
I love the banter & the teasing between Ella & Joe, watching their relationship develop throughout the story. Joe helping Ella out at the Flower Shop and talking like as if they’re making up for lost time during their high school days!
Personally, it made me think back at my high school days - being the band geek who fell in love with an athlete but we never got to talk or interacted due to being in different cliques but also different high schools.
Ahem. Anyways back to the review (this is where the spoilers might begin so be)
Can we talk about the fact that Joe started this Charity to honour his grandmother (who was the one started this tradition every Valentine’s Day). Talk about a walking green flag!
I also love how Ella flower shop is across the street from her best friend’s bakery! Now that’s bestie goals!
10/10 would recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
Tropes:
Small Town
Black Cat & Golden Retriever
Opposite Attract (Popular Quarterback & Quiet girl)
Cute banter
March 10, 2025
With a disastrous football season under his belt, local NFL star Joe retreats to his hometown, Honeysuckle Ridge. Ella who has sworn off love but, knows it is good for her business, the flower shop. When they are teamed up to deliver flowers to the local nursing home for his charity, sparks fly and love begins to blossom.
I enjoyed this sweet holiday short. I loved the duel point of view and HEA. The characters Ella and Joe were cute and relatable.
Hoping there are more romcom sugar bomb books!
This is a short story that can be read in one sitting. Ash Keller did it again! I love her stories and you can’t go wrong with them.
I enjoyed this sweet holiday short. I loved the duel point of view and HEA. The characters Ella and Joe were cute and relatable.
Hoping there are more romcom sugar bomb books!
This is a short story that can be read in one sitting. Ash Keller did it again! I love her stories and you can’t go wrong with them.
February 10, 2025
This is a clean romance. It is a quick read.
Ella is not a fan of Valentine's Day even though she owns a flower shop. There has been a standing order of flowers to be delivered to the nursing home. This year, Joe, dubbed the Cupid Quarterback, come to town to deliver the flowers himself. They did go to high school together, but never connected. Can he convince her to like Valentine's Day?
This is a really cute quick read. The story is right before Valentine's Day and ends up with a great story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ella is not a fan of Valentine's Day even though she owns a flower shop. There has been a standing order of flowers to be delivered to the nursing home. This year, Joe, dubbed the Cupid Quarterback, come to town to deliver the flowers himself. They did go to high school together, but never connected. Can he convince her to like Valentine's Day?
This is a really cute quick read. The story is right before Valentine's Day and ends up with a great story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 14, 2025
This book was so sweet and cute. It was a nice little treat for Valentine's Day.
I'm not much of a sports fan, so I tend to avoid sports romance, but I love some of Ash Keller's other books,so when I had the opportunity to read this I just couldn't resist.
I love that Ella is a florist and kind of quirky with her pink hair. Joe was sweet. I think this book worked because they already knew each other from school, so it was okay that it was on the shorter side.
I love a good short cook/story to enjoy. I wish more authors made cute little Novellas like this.
The epilogue was SOO cute. I loved the ending.
I received a copy of this Novella through book sprout. 💕
I'm not much of a sports fan, so I tend to avoid sports romance, but I love some of Ash Keller's other books,so when I had the opportunity to read this I just couldn't resist.
I love that Ella is a florist and kind of quirky with her pink hair. Joe was sweet. I think this book worked because they already knew each other from school, so it was okay that it was on the shorter side.
I love a good short cook/story to enjoy. I wish more authors made cute little Novellas like this.
The epilogue was SOO cute. I loved the ending.
I received a copy of this Novella through book sprout. 💕
February 12, 2025
Valentine sports romance short
Ms.Keller has done it again; delivered a beautifully concise romance with all the 'awww's and feels in a bite-size tidbit that will fit into everyone's Valentine's day schedule. Ella and Joe are really great characters, former secret high school crushes, and now charity project collaborators. I loved the snippets of honesty and vulnerability they shared with each other as they worked to make the holiday special for retirement. home seniors.
I received a free advance copy of this story from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to share my review.
Ms.Keller has done it again; delivered a beautifully concise romance with all the 'awww's and feels in a bite-size tidbit that will fit into everyone's Valentine's day schedule. Ella and Joe are really great characters, former secret high school crushes, and now charity project collaborators. I loved the snippets of honesty and vulnerability they shared with each other as they worked to make the holiday special for retirement. home seniors.
I received a free advance copy of this story from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to share my review.
February 13, 2025
The quarterback and his unexpected Valentine. Ella dislikes everything about the holiday. For Joe, it brings back fond memories of time spent with his grandmother. Can the quarterback convince his florist that love isn’t just a marketing gimmick? Like the chocolate treats that characterize the season, this little book was a sweet indulgence, and I positively don’t want to stop with just the one. I need more about these characters and the friends and family that surround them.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book through Booksprout.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book through Booksprout.
February 13, 2025
This was a sweet story about a football player and a flower shop owner who hates Valentine's day. They knew each other in high school when Ella had a crush on him. Joe was intimidated by Ella and couldn't' talk to her in high school.
When Joe comes home, he's nervous to work with Ella, but the sparks fly between them. This was a sweet story and I love the connection that Joe has to his grandmother and his reason for Quarterback Cupid. It's what makes Ella feel safe to fall for him. I know they had other things to work out, but they were able to overcome them and be together.
When Joe comes home, he's nervous to work with Ella, but the sparks fly between them. This was a sweet story and I love the connection that Joe has to his grandmother and his reason for Quarterback Cupid. It's what makes Ella feel safe to fall for him. I know they had other things to work out, but they were able to overcome them and be together.
February 15, 2025
Fun short read!
This is a very short and quick read for Valentine's Day. I liked that it was a nice 40 minuteish escape.
There are no swears or alcohol and level 1 kissing only. Dual POV.
Joe Mathews is an NFL QB who has just come off a losing season and is visiting home.
Ella Banks owns her own florist shop, Ella's Blooms. She had a crush on Joe in high school. She hates Valentine's Day.
This is a very short and quick read for Valentine's Day. I liked that it was a nice 40 minuteish escape.
There are no swears or alcohol and level 1 kissing only. Dual POV.
Joe Mathews is an NFL QB who has just come off a losing season and is visiting home.
Ella Banks owns her own florist shop, Ella's Blooms. She had a crush on Joe in high school. She hates Valentine's Day.
February 22, 2025
This was such a fun seasonal novella! I think Ash did a great job of making the story not feel rushed, which is crazy hard with a shorter length work. Ella was perfectly eccentric (her pink hair is a whole vibe) and Joe had awesome character growth, even over a short time. I love that Ash included an epilogue. Those aren't a given with novellas and I feel like it really tied up some loose ends for Ella and Joe's story. I highly recommend this one for a quick and sweet Valentine's read. ☺️
February 24, 2025
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This one was super cute. I thought that the tension and growth between our two MC's was so fun. I wish we had more! I would love to read more from this author in the future. I would love to read more about these characters as well. I love a good athlete/florist story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This one was super cute. I thought that the tension and growth between our two MC's was so fun. I wish we had more! I would love to read more from this author in the future. I would love to read more about these characters as well. I love a good athlete/florist story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 13, 2025
Kisses only
When I want a quick read, I go to Ash Keller. This one didn’t have a lot of substance but it was entertaining. It felt like blinks of story. Blink the FMC is at work blink the MMC is with mom blink FMC almost falls blink they are working together in the flower shop blink they are on a date blink they profess love blink they’re married. There isn’t any real conflict and there isn’t connection between blinks. I’m not mad about it though. It’s pretty much what I expected.
When I want a quick read, I go to Ash Keller. This one didn’t have a lot of substance but it was entertaining. It felt like blinks of story. Blink the FMC is at work blink the MMC is with mom blink FMC almost falls blink they are working together in the flower shop blink they are on a date blink they profess love blink they’re married. There isn’t any real conflict and there isn’t connection between blinks. I’m not mad about it though. It’s pretty much what I expected.
December 15, 2025
This was such a cute, short and sweet, bingeable book. It hooked me from the very beginning and I honestly couldn't put it down. It was a perfect bite-sized read that still allowed me to getaway and enter this fictional world where these two love birds reunite. Plus, the whole reason he is back in town is a very heartwarming one. I won't spoil it by mentioning what it is. You'll have to read it to find out. But definitely recommend this book.
February 14, 2025
I know this is meant to be a quick Valentine novella and it does beautifully at that, but I would've loved a full fledged book with this story and these characters. I would've loved to dive deeper with them and get more backstory. As it was, I still enjoyed it as a fun holiday read this time of year.
February 17, 2025
short and sweet
Ash Keller managed to pack all the feels into this brief story.
Although they knew each other in high school, the local florist with the pink hair and the hometown boy turned struggling NFL player find each other again and their love blossoms in this short read.
If you don’t have a lot of time, but want a feel-good story, this is your book.
Ash Keller managed to pack all the feels into this brief story.
Although they knew each other in high school, the local florist with the pink hair and the hometown boy turned struggling NFL player find each other again and their love blossoms in this short read.
If you don’t have a lot of time, but want a feel-good story, this is your book.
March 10, 2025
Sweet romance with two strong characters that try to fight their attraction or they are not looking for love but it happens to find them. Like the characters themselves and the location of the story. There might be a couple twists but romance is never easy. Good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 20, 2026
“My grandma used to say that every tough moment is just another chance to prove what you’re made of.”
Joe and Ella's story was building beautifully - but then the ending was suddenly there! I hated the abrupt change - seems like it fast forwarded at least 6 months.
Otherwise, great character development and world building. Very sweet. HEA.
Joe and Ella's story was building beautifully - but then the ending was suddenly there! I hated the abrupt change - seems like it fast forwarded at least 6 months.
Otherwise, great character development and world building. Very sweet. HEA.
February 10, 2025
I found this to be a fantastic read. It was entertaining from start to finish. Short but wonderful read. Recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 16, 2025
This is a short novella which means you get to the sweet moments even faster! Which is a great pick me up if you need one! Love reading Ash Kellers novellas for a quick love story where you can get all the feels you want!
April 2, 2025
Wonderful rom com with fun engaging characters and an entertaining, enjoyable storyline! My only complaint would be it was too short, could’ve kept reading!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 25, 2025
אלה בנקס היא בעלת חנות פרחים. בכל שנה בוולנטיינ'ז דיי היא מספקת זרי פרחים לבית האבות המקומי, כחלק ממפעל צדקה של ג'ו מת'יו, בן העיירה שלמד אתה בתיכון, והיום כוכב פוטבול. השניים לא נפגשו מאז התיכון. לג'ו הייתה עונת פוטבול לא טובה, והשנה הוא מגיע לביקור בעיירה בתקופת הוולנטיינ'ז דיי כדי להתחמק מהביקורת והתקשורת. אימא שלו דוחפת אותו להשתתף הפעם בעצמו בהכנת וחלוקת זרי הפרחים. כמובן שהזמן שיבלה עם אלה יגרום להם להתקרב ולהתאהב וכו' וכו'.
נובלת קצרה וחמודה מאוד.
נובלת קצרה וחמודה מאוד.
January 23, 2026
Sweet Romance
She may own a flower shop, but hates Valentine’s day. He is a football player that comes home for a break and his Mom convinces him to help with his charity work. They are super cute, but this story is so short!
She may own a flower shop, but hates Valentine’s day. He is a football player that comes home for a break and his Mom convinces him to help with his charity work. They are super cute, but this story is so short!
February 12, 2025
A short and sweet read!
February 13, 2025
Fun read
I enjoyed this fun flirty quick read filled with flowers and a few surprises. I loved the pink hair too.
I enjoyed this fun flirty quick read filled with flowers and a few surprises. I loved the pink hair too.
February 13, 2025
Cute Quick read for that happily ever after pick me up.
February 14, 2025
Sweet Valentines read
I love Ash Kellers short and sweet romances. I saw this Valentine's Day morning and read it the same day. So sweet and short. Definitely put me in my feels 🥰
I love Ash Kellers short and sweet romances. I saw this Valentine's Day morning and read it the same day. So sweet and short. Definitely put me in my feels 🥰
February 14, 2025
Cute little short book
February 15, 2025
Ash Keller’s books are DEAR to me—drop everything and read. Whether they’re a short and sweet sugar bomb like this one or a longer book, they’re always just right.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews