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A River Road #2
What Now
Jake Wiley only cared about two things, hockey and hook-ups–until he met her. From the moment he met Leah, she consumed his every thought, and when they crossed paths again at Barker University, he knew he was in trouble. Then he finds out who Leah truly is. The bad news? She’s off-limits in every way. Why? She’s his best friend’s sister.
He knows he shouldn’t but how does he give up the one girl who’s turned his world upside down?
~ ~
Leah Harper had two hopes for Barker University. One, be known for herself, not the sister of Barker’s new hockey player. Two, run into him. She knows all too well that crushing on her brother’s teammate is a bad idea, but when that teammate happens to be 6’2”, rugged, gorgeous, and an undercover golden retriever known as Jake Wiley, what else is she supposed to do?
Do you follow your heart and risk losing everyone around you, or do you let go even though it’ll hurt like hell?
He knows he shouldn’t but how does he give up the one girl who’s turned his world upside down?
~ ~
Leah Harper had two hopes for Barker University. One, be known for herself, not the sister of Barker’s new hockey player. Two, run into him. She knows all too well that crushing on her brother’s teammate is a bad idea, but when that teammate happens to be 6’2”, rugged, gorgeous, and an undercover golden retriever known as Jake Wiley, what else is she supposed to do?
Do you follow your heart and risk losing everyone around you, or do you let go even though it’ll hurt like hell?
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 4, 2025
12 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Hughes
3 books64 followersJust an Oklahoma Indie Author chasing dreams of becoming a USA Bestselling Author, and spreading my books around the world 💗
I'm currently working on a spicy, college, hockey romance standalone series, A River Road Series, with the first two books available: What If and What Now 🏒
FIND ME ON MY SOCIAL MEDIA! 🫶🏻
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I'm currently working on a spicy, college, hockey romance standalone series, A River Road Series, with the first two books available: What If and What Now 🏒
FIND ME ON MY SOCIAL MEDIA! 🫶🏻
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_mjhu...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@miranda_parha...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/m1Edin...
Newsletter: https://m-js-newsletter.beehiiv.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! It was fast paced and easy to follow, also hard to put down. When I was t reading it I found my self thinking about it and getting excited to read more. I love a good hockey romance and this is another one I will add to my list. Leah and Jake’s story was beautiful from start to finish and since it was forbidden that made it so much better. I need more of the love stories from this group of friends. I thought M.J. Hughes did a really good job of filling in the holes from the time jumps. I never found myself confused about something that happened. I highly recommend this book!!!
March 14, 2025
I loved everything about Leah & Jake! Super cute story. Forbidden romance - one of my favorites. This was my first hockey romance read, and I enjoyed it more than I thought I would enjoy hockey. Definitely will read more hockey romance after this.
I love all the characters and how they each bring a needed piece to the overall puzzle. Clay, oh Clay. He needs a good woman to help calm his hot head.
It was well written and well researched for the sports that are included. I enjoyed the two person point of view and the inner dialogue (which was hilarious most of the time).
Funny, witty and emotional. I look forward to reading the stories of the other characters.M. J. Hughes has a new fan in me.
I love all the characters and how they each bring a needed piece to the overall puzzle. Clay, oh Clay. He needs a good woman to help calm his hot head.
It was well written and well researched for the sports that are included. I enjoyed the two person point of view and the inner dialogue (which was hilarious most of the time).
Funny, witty and emotional. I look forward to reading the stories of the other characters.M. J. Hughes has a new fan in me.
March 25, 2025
Omg second book and it was HARD TO PUT DOWN! Brothers best friend, forbidden romance…sooo cute…there is spice in this one! I LOVED it…I’m already ready for Number 3! Thank you for the arc!
March 12, 2025
I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for What Now! This book is a hockey/cheerleader romance, secret relationship and brother’s best friend. I enjoyed this book so freaking much! Jake Wiley 😍 he is book boyfriend material! Plus the spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
Leah is so sweet, and you see her go from having difficulty making friends, being a recluse to coming out of her shell with some of the best friends she could have asked for.
Jake: he is thoughtful, sweet, and attentive. He remembers things and keeps his promises, even if they were mentioned months earlier.
Leah is so sweet, and you see her go from having difficulty making friends, being a recluse to coming out of her shell with some of the best friends she could have asked for.
Jake: he is thoughtful, sweet, and attentive. He remembers things and keeps his promises, even if they were mentioned months earlier.
April 4, 2025
I fell in love pretty much from the start.
I mean come on can we talk about Jake? A playboy for sure but, for the right girl he can change! Jake and Leah meet at a college party and you instantly see the chemistry between them. After the party they no longer talk or see one another. Well, until they meet again at Barker.
M.J. Hughes brought the characters to life once again. I felt everything throughout the book and how you can see the character growth along the way!
I mean come on can we talk about Jake? A playboy for sure but, for the right girl he can change! Jake and Leah meet at a college party and you instantly see the chemistry between them. After the party they no longer talk or see one another. Well, until they meet again at Barker.
M.J. Hughes brought the characters to life once again. I felt everything throughout the book and how you can see the character growth along the way!
July 22, 2025
Hockey 🏒 and Cheerleading
I am not a huge fan of sports romance, BUT... I ate this up! And I freaking LOVED it! 😍
I am not a huge fan of sports romance, BUT... I ate this up! And I freaking LOVED it! 😍
March 8, 2025
I was lucky enough to join MJ Hughes ARC for What Now. I flew through this book! Hockey romances are always a go to for me. Leah and Jake being willing to sacrifice for each other was chefs kiss! They fell and fell hard. Brother best friend, secret romance, it was exactly what I was hoping for! Can’t wait for more from MJ Hughes!
March 31, 2025
Book 2 in the River Road series comes out this week on April 4!!! This book is extra special to me because I got to be a beta reader AND an ARC reader!
After reading book one, I was really hoping this would be Jake and Leah’s story!! Leah and Jake meet at a party at college- before Leah officially commits to going to Barker- the same school her brother is transferring to for hockey. Jake steps in to help Leah when a guy is harassing her. Leah thanks him, and they end up spending a few hours together- talking, laughing and also making out🤭. He gives her his number but doesn’t hear from her that summer, despite how badly he can’t stop thinking of her.
Fast forward to fall, Leah is now going to Barker and she’s on the cheer squad. Jake is very excited to learn this, only he doesn’t know that Leah is related to Clay- his new teammate who also happens to be his new housemate and good friend. Leah grapples with following her brother’s rules (no dating his teammates) and telling Jake the truth. 😬
I love the banter between Jake and his buddies on the team, and I was rooting for Leah to not only come clean- but for her to find her confidence. ❤️
The only thing I didn’t love and this is so silly- it was hard for me to imagine a college hockey boy using the nickname darlin’! I equate it with cowboys- but I got used to it, and I especially liked his reasoning behind it. 🥰
Themes
🏒 Brother’s Best Friend
🏒 Hockey Romance
🏒 Secret Identity
🏒 Secret Relationship
Genre: Romance, Sports Romance
Spice: spicy!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Series or Stand-Alone: River Road Series Book 2
Thanks to @author_mjhughes for the ARC copy! This is my honest review.
After reading book one, I was really hoping this would be Jake and Leah’s story!! Leah and Jake meet at a party at college- before Leah officially commits to going to Barker- the same school her brother is transferring to for hockey. Jake steps in to help Leah when a guy is harassing her. Leah thanks him, and they end up spending a few hours together- talking, laughing and also making out🤭. He gives her his number but doesn’t hear from her that summer, despite how badly he can’t stop thinking of her.
Fast forward to fall, Leah is now going to Barker and she’s on the cheer squad. Jake is very excited to learn this, only he doesn’t know that Leah is related to Clay- his new teammate who also happens to be his new housemate and good friend. Leah grapples with following her brother’s rules (no dating his teammates) and telling Jake the truth. 😬
I love the banter between Jake and his buddies on the team, and I was rooting for Leah to not only come clean- but for her to find her confidence. ❤️
The only thing I didn’t love and this is so silly- it was hard for me to imagine a college hockey boy using the nickname darlin’! I equate it with cowboys- but I got used to it, and I especially liked his reasoning behind it. 🥰
Themes
🏒 Brother’s Best Friend
🏒 Hockey Romance
🏒 Secret Identity
🏒 Secret Relationship
Genre: Romance, Sports Romance
Spice: spicy!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Series or Stand-Alone: River Road Series Book 2
Thanks to @author_mjhughes for the ARC copy! This is my honest review.
March 5, 2025
M.J. Hughes wrote this book so well. I binged it within hours because I couldn't put it down! Jake Wiley is my new book boyfriend, yup I've claimed him as my own! "What Now" is the perfect college hockey, best friend's sister, forbidden romance.
Leah Harper lives in the shadows of her hockey player brother but when she meets Jake Wiley, hockey player at Barker University. He saves her from a jerk at a party who wouldn't take no for an answer. As soon as Leah meets Jake she feels she can be "just Leah" around Jake and she likes that free feeling.
Jake Wiley is so swoony & a secret golden retriever when it comes to Leah. I love how Jake just knows Leah is it for him and he does whatever it takes to keep her. Jake Wiley never slept over at a girls house, until Leah. He is surprised that he wants to keep dating her the chemistry between the two of them is 🥵 off the charts. The only problem is he has no idea who Leah really is or who her brother is. If and when her brother, Clay finds out could that ruin their relationship?
I loved watching Leah as she develops and finds herself. She makes friendships with the girls on her cheer team and the girl gang is awesome. She really finds herself and I love that for her.
Tropes:
-Hockey Romance 🏒
-Insta Love 💕
-Secret Romance 🏒
-Forbidden Romance 💕
-Best Friends Sister🏒
-Undercover Golden Rest MMC 💕
Leah Harper lives in the shadows of her hockey player brother but when she meets Jake Wiley, hockey player at Barker University. He saves her from a jerk at a party who wouldn't take no for an answer. As soon as Leah meets Jake she feels she can be "just Leah" around Jake and she likes that free feeling.
Jake Wiley is so swoony & a secret golden retriever when it comes to Leah. I love how Jake just knows Leah is it for him and he does whatever it takes to keep her. Jake Wiley never slept over at a girls house, until Leah. He is surprised that he wants to keep dating her the chemistry between the two of them is 🥵 off the charts. The only problem is he has no idea who Leah really is or who her brother is. If and when her brother, Clay finds out could that ruin their relationship?
I loved watching Leah as she develops and finds herself. She makes friendships with the girls on her cheer team and the girl gang is awesome. She really finds herself and I love that for her.
Tropes:
-Hockey Romance 🏒
-Insta Love 💕
-Secret Romance 🏒
-Forbidden Romance 💕
-Best Friends Sister🏒
-Undercover Golden Rest MMC 💕
April 2, 2025
I’ve been excited to read Jake & Leah’s story since we got little snippets of them in “What If” & This book did not disappoint!
I loved their meet cute and how Jake immediately knew she was different than the other girls he entertained in the past.
& I loved that they both felt something right away, they both fell hard and it was all mutual!
With being a forbidden romance, I really enjoyed the bubble they lived in. this wasn’t a typical hide away in a room all the time romance. They went on cute dates, met his parents, went to each others sport events, even still hung out in group settings. I would have been happy for them to live in their bubble forever lol
But of course bubbles do as they do and pop. Reading the last 50% or so I felt like I was on the edge of my seat waiting for that moment of when the secret is let out 😅 I enjoy a great dramatic scene, but it was the heartfelt support from the girls I enjoyed the most. 🥰🥰🥰
It was definitely a fun read! & I Loved It!!
I loved their meet cute and how Jake immediately knew she was different than the other girls he entertained in the past.
& I loved that they both felt something right away, they both fell hard and it was all mutual!
With being a forbidden romance, I really enjoyed the bubble they lived in. this wasn’t a typical hide away in a room all the time romance. They went on cute dates, met his parents, went to each others sport events, even still hung out in group settings. I would have been happy for them to live in their bubble forever lol
But of course bubbles do as they do and pop. Reading the last 50% or so I felt like I was on the edge of my seat waiting for that moment of when the secret is let out 😅 I enjoy a great dramatic scene, but it was the heartfelt support from the girls I enjoyed the most. 🥰🥰🥰
It was definitely a fun read! & I Loved It!!
March 6, 2025
I absolutely loved Leah and Jake’s story. Jake has now been added to my ever growing list of book boyfriends 😂
I love me a good hockey romance. Then throw in some forbidden love (which is one of my favorite tropes) and my oh my did M.J. Do it right.
And it’s his best friend’s sister?! Yes please.
Not going to lie it had me emotional in a few parts. Not being able to have the person you want has to suck, but then getting to have them? Yes please!!
Paul and Clay need some loving soon. I loved Paul’s banter throughout the whole book. Clay needs to lighten up a little.
By far a great love story. I loved seeing the growth in both Jake and Leah. So happy that Leah finally found herself, made such amazing friends and followed her dreams, all while cementing her relationship with the love of her life.
I need more of this series.
I love me a good hockey romance. Then throw in some forbidden love (which is one of my favorite tropes) and my oh my did M.J. Do it right.
And it’s his best friend’s sister?! Yes please.
Not going to lie it had me emotional in a few parts. Not being able to have the person you want has to suck, but then getting to have them? Yes please!!
Paul and Clay need some loving soon. I loved Paul’s banter throughout the whole book. Clay needs to lighten up a little.
By far a great love story. I loved seeing the growth in both Jake and Leah. So happy that Leah finally found herself, made such amazing friends and followed her dreams, all while cementing her relationship with the love of her life.
I need more of this series.
March 27, 2025
M.J. did amazing at encompassing college life with this book. I felt like I was truly listening to conversations going on campus. This book gives you all the things you love…forbidden love, little sister off limits, bro code, hockey/cheerleader, playboy/good girl, etc!
I felt this book was an easy read, it flowed, and I was able to keep up with where everything was going. Yes there are several characters, but it was easy to keep them all separated and not confuse them together.
I am looking forward to finishing the rest of the series as it comes along and see where everyone ends up. I feel like I have some thoughts, but who knows!
I felt this book was an easy read, it flowed, and I was able to keep up with where everything was going. Yes there are several characters, but it was easy to keep them all separated and not confuse them together.
I am looking forward to finishing the rest of the series as it comes along and see where everyone ends up. I feel like I have some thoughts, but who knows!
April 10, 2025
“She’s everything I’m not.. But the way she’s looking at me makes me want to be whoever she needs me to be.”
*I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book from the author, but as always, all opinions are my own!*
This book was absolutely fantastic! I had no idea it was part of a series until after I got my hands on the ARC, but I had no trouble diving right into the story. The book centers around Jake Wiley, a charming playboy and hockey player who unexpectedly falls for Leah Harper, one of his closest friends and teammates. When Leah discovers that Jake is her brother’s teammate, she tries to keep her distance, but she can’t help the feelings that grow between them. In an attempt to protect herself, she hides her true identity from him, but when Jake finds out who she really is, he breaks things off. However, unable to stay away from her, they end up secretly rekindling their relationship.
This was the ultimate forbidden romance! It was such a sweet and enjoyable read! And Jake—him calling Leah “darling” was just chef’s kiss! I loved how easy it was to get lost in this story, and the characters were absolutely irresistible. I’m already eagerly anticipating the next book, hopefully about Clay and Lucy? 👀 I can’t wait to see what’s next!
*I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book from the author, but as always, all opinions are my own!*
This book was absolutely fantastic! I had no idea it was part of a series until after I got my hands on the ARC, but I had no trouble diving right into the story. The book centers around Jake Wiley, a charming playboy and hockey player who unexpectedly falls for Leah Harper, one of his closest friends and teammates. When Leah discovers that Jake is her brother’s teammate, she tries to keep her distance, but she can’t help the feelings that grow between them. In an attempt to protect herself, she hides her true identity from him, but when Jake finds out who she really is, he breaks things off. However, unable to stay away from her, they end up secretly rekindling their relationship.
This was the ultimate forbidden romance! It was such a sweet and enjoyable read! And Jake—him calling Leah “darling” was just chef’s kiss! I loved how easy it was to get lost in this story, and the characters were absolutely irresistible. I’m already eagerly anticipating the next book, hopefully about Clay and Lucy? 👀 I can’t wait to see what’s next!
March 19, 2025
I was thrilled to receive an invite for the ARC of MJ's second novel after absolutely loving the first one!
Jake and Leah make the most adorable couple! I adored Jake's golden retriever energy and really enjoyed the scenes showcasing his protective older brother side. And… could we possibly see a future story featuring Big Brother and Lucy? 👀🤞 I'm really enjoying the enemies-to-lovers dynamic that's developing.
Leah is an amazing main character, and the novel flows wonderfully. I savored every moment and can't wait for MJ Hughes' next release!
Jake and Leah make the most adorable couple! I adored Jake's golden retriever energy and really enjoyed the scenes showcasing his protective older brother side. And… could we possibly see a future story featuring Big Brother and Lucy? 👀🤞 I'm really enjoying the enemies-to-lovers dynamic that's developing.
Leah is an amazing main character, and the novel flows wonderfully. I savored every moment and can't wait for MJ Hughes' next release!
March 27, 2025
What Now is a best friends sister college hockey romance. You have your forbidden romance, insta love, grumpy sunshine, and through in some spice. Jake and Leah have some off the wall chemistry going on. The spice is definitely spicing. And you can't help but laugh along the way because of the sassy witty banter between the two.
MJ Hughes has an excellent way of making you feel you are right there with all the characters. I can't wait for her next book.
MJ Hughes has an excellent way of making you feel you are right there with all the characters. I can't wait for her next book.
March 6, 2025
I think I love Leah and Jake’s relationship a tad bit more compared to Liam and Clara’s!
The secret relationship
The banter
The passion Jake has for Leah 😭
I’m already ready for book 3 & I just finished this one. Once the series is completed I will definitely be doing a back to back reread of the series.
The secret relationship
The banter
The passion Jake has for Leah 😭
I’m already ready for book 3 & I just finished this one. Once the series is completed I will definitely be doing a back to back reread of the series.
March 7, 2025
OH MY GOODNESS!
This book has been my FAVORITE read so far this year!
What now has done nothing but keep me on my toes all while having me kicking my feet and giggling. ❤️❤️❤️
If you love the forbidden romance/ brothers best friend trope absolutely read this book!
Definitely going to be reading every book of M.J. Hughes!
This book has been my FAVORITE read so far this year!
What now has done nothing but keep me on my toes all while having me kicking my feet and giggling. ❤️❤️❤️
If you love the forbidden romance/ brothers best friend trope absolutely read this book!
Definitely going to be reading every book of M.J. Hughes!
March 11, 2025
I love the dynamics between this friend group! The characters are so relatable and well developed. I really enjoyed that this book is set simultaneously with the first book. I hope we get a Clay and Leah book next! They will be the perfect enemies to lovers story.
March 16, 2025
What a story! I binged the book within hours. I love Jake & Leah's forbidden romance story. It was well written and I didn't want the book to end. I just love how Jake changed for the love of his life!
March 19, 2025
I love this group of characters. Jake and Leah’s story is perfect.
April 2, 2025
5/5 ⭐️
JAKE WILEY is the ultimate book boyfriend. He was such a softie for his girl and I loved every single second of this book 😩😭
JAKE WILEY is the ultimate book boyfriend. He was such a softie for his girl and I loved every single second of this book 😩😭
April 13, 2025
Loved everything about this book! The characters, the meet cute, the spice!! An easy weekend read.
July 23, 2025
I loved this book even more than the first one!!
It had the perfect amount of humor, romance, and angst!
Leah and Jake are just the perfect couple and its always the best to read about a man who hops around lock in for his one girl!
It had the perfect amount of humor, romance, and angst!
Leah and Jake are just the perfect couple and its always the best to read about a man who hops around lock in for his one girl!
May 16, 2025
Absolutely loved it! A great continuation of the River Road series. I can’t wait for book 3!
March 10, 2025
Jake is the notorious playboy hockey player who is
supposed to be off limits because hes her brothers teamate and roomate. Leah is the quiet cheerleader new to the school. Of course they end up hooking up, and she doesn't tell him
who she is...... right away! This book has a little forbidden love, brothers best friend, and hockey romance. Overall good read.
supposed to be off limits because hes her brothers teamate and roomate. Leah is the quiet cheerleader new to the school. Of course they end up hooking up, and she doesn't tell him
who she is...... right away! This book has a little forbidden love, brothers best friend, and hockey romance. Overall good read.
March 20, 2025
This was such an amazing addition to the series. I loved everything about this book and I can’t wait to see what happens next. M.j. Hughes is an amazing author and she has really out done herself ❤️
April 5, 2025
I must say I immediately fell in love.
Can we please talk about Jake? A playboy but for the right girl can change! Jake and Leah meet at a party and had an instant connection. After the party they went separate ways until they met again at University.
M.J. Hughes did amazing! I felt all the emotions and felt connected to the characters!
If you love a forbidden or best friend’s sister book, this is the one for you! I’m so ready for either Paul or Clay to have their book! 🩵
Can we please talk about Jake? A playboy but for the right girl can change! Jake and Leah meet at a party and had an instant connection. After the party they went separate ways until they met again at University.
M.J. Hughes did amazing! I felt all the emotions and felt connected to the characters!
If you love a forbidden or best friend’s sister book, this is the one for you! I’m so ready for either Paul or Clay to have their book! 🩵
October 16, 2025
So I got the privilege of being an arc reader for this wonderful author. So let’s get into it.
If you haven’t read book one “What if” I’d read that one before starting book two. It will help you understand the secrets and how this book came to be. Now with that being said. Book two has a lot more smut and secrets that unfolds behind closed doors. We’ve already met Clair and Liam and loved them. Book two takes us to one of my favorite couples Jake and Leah. Jake is on the hockey team and Leah is a freshman in college who happens to also be a cheerleader. These two are like fire and ice trying to hide their relationship from her brother who happens to be Jake’s best friend, roommate, and teammate. This love story goes back-and-forth to her being afraid to tell their friends and family, and even being afraid to tell him because once they do all hell breaks loose. Now don’t get it twisted some love stories never die and theirs are one of my favorites. Definitely a 10/10 if you love a small town romance made into a beautiful love story. Trophs are slow burn, brothers best friend, touch her and see what happens, secret affair, hockey romance and lots of smut!
If you haven’t read book one “What if” I’d read that one before starting book two. It will help you understand the secrets and how this book came to be. Now with that being said. Book two has a lot more smut and secrets that unfolds behind closed doors. We’ve already met Clair and Liam and loved them. Book two takes us to one of my favorite couples Jake and Leah. Jake is on the hockey team and Leah is a freshman in college who happens to also be a cheerleader. These two are like fire and ice trying to hide their relationship from her brother who happens to be Jake’s best friend, roommate, and teammate. This love story goes back-and-forth to her being afraid to tell their friends and family, and even being afraid to tell him because once they do all hell breaks loose. Now don’t get it twisted some love stories never die and theirs are one of my favorites. Definitely a 10/10 if you love a small town romance made into a beautiful love story. Trophs are slow burn, brothers best friend, touch her and see what happens, secret affair, hockey romance and lots of smut!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2025
Jake Wiley.. Leah Harper... the forbidden romance that no one saw coming... what an amazing turn of events in this book! And boy was her brother PISSED!!!
But the golden retriever that jake is made up for it all in the end!! I cannot wait for book 3!!!
But the golden retriever that jake is made up for it all in the end!! I cannot wait for book 3!!!
October 18, 2025
I have never wanted to read the next book in a series as fast as I did this one! This college romance series is fantastically written and MJ Hughes is a fantastic writer!! This series is definitely for the 18 and older crowd but one you’ll be asking when is the next book out!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews