What do you think?
Rate this book
Football and Feels #1
Chasing the Ring
Not yet published
Expected 27 Jan 26When a wronged bride and an NFL quarterback find themselves sharing the same Hawaiian vacation, a no-strings, just-for-fun encounter quickly becomes unforgettable in this warm-hearted, extra spicy football romance for fans of Sarah Adams, Tessa Bailey, Monica Murphy, Kristen Callihan, and Lucy Score.
**DELUXE LIMITED EDITON with interior 4-color character art, designed chapter headers, and stenciled edges!**
Iris Benedetto’s wedding day just went viral . . . for all the wrong reasons.
After a heated blowout with her lying, cheating fiancé at the altar, Iris storms off on a solo honeymoon—loudly announcing that she’s finally going to find out what good sex is all about. Rebranding from small-town preschool teacher to #Horny Runaway Bride was not the plan, but the insanely hot stranger who ends up double-booked in her bungalow on the island of Kauai is an opportunity even devastated Iris can’t ignore.
It’s not often NFL quarterback Roman Maguire meets someone who doesn’t recognize him. Even rarer to have that someone barge in while he’s taking a shower and quickly make him an irresistible offer. Roman is in Hawaii to secure the deal that could finally land him a Super Bowl ring—and closer proximity to his son. A sexy fling in paradise is a perfect way to spend a week with a surprise roommate . . .
Except . . . suddenly a week doesn’t seem nearly enough. And once the truth about Roman’s identity, Iris’s internet infamy, and all kinds of loyalty-testing secrets are revealed, will they both be willing to step into the real-life spotlight together?
**DELUXE LIMITED EDITON with interior 4-color character art, designed chapter headers, and stenciled edges!**
Iris Benedetto’s wedding day just went viral . . . for all the wrong reasons.
After a heated blowout with her lying, cheating fiancé at the altar, Iris storms off on a solo honeymoon—loudly announcing that she’s finally going to find out what good sex is all about. Rebranding from small-town preschool teacher to #Horny Runaway Bride was not the plan, but the insanely hot stranger who ends up double-booked in her bungalow on the island of Kauai is an opportunity even devastated Iris can’t ignore.
It’s not often NFL quarterback Roman Maguire meets someone who doesn’t recognize him. Even rarer to have that someone barge in while he’s taking a shower and quickly make him an irresistible offer. Roman is in Hawaii to secure the deal that could finally land him a Super Bowl ring—and closer proximity to his son. A sexy fling in paradise is a perfect way to spend a week with a surprise roommate . . .
Except . . . suddenly a week doesn’t seem nearly enough. And once the truth about Roman’s identity, Iris’s internet infamy, and all kinds of loyalty-testing secrets are revealed, will they both be willing to step into the real-life spotlight together?
352 pages, Paperback
Expected publication January 27, 2026
78 people are currently reading
19835 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Rowe
68 books5,896 followersUSA Today and internationally bestselling author Lauren Rowe lives in San Diego, California, where, in addition to writing books, she performs with her dance/party band at events all over Southern California, writes songs, walks her dogs, and spends time with her family and friends.
Much to Lauren’s thrill, her books have been translated all over the world in multiple languages and hit multiple domestic and international bestseller lists. To find out about Lauren’s upcoming releases and giveaways, and to check out loads of bonus material, sign up for Lauren’s emails at www.LaurenRoweBooks.com.
Lauren loves to hear from readers! Send Lauren an email from her website, say hi on Instagram @laurenrowebooks, and/or come by her Facebook page by searching Facebook for “Lauren Rowe Author.”
Much to Lauren’s thrill, her books have been translated all over the world in multiple languages and hit multiple domestic and international bestseller lists. To find out about Lauren’s upcoming releases and giveaways, and to check out loads of bonus material, sign up for Lauren’s emails at www.LaurenRoweBooks.com.
Lauren loves to hear from readers! Send Lauren an email from her website, say hi on Instagram @laurenrowebooks, and/or come by her Facebook page by searching Facebook for “Lauren Rowe Author.”
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4 stars
Chasing the Ring was such a funny and heartwarming read. I love Lauren Rowe’s writing style and was so happy to read this one. It left me wanting books for so many of these other characters we met- Roman’s brothers- please!
Roman is an NFL quarterback, and Iris is a jilted bride. They meet on Iris’s honeymoon (where she goes alone), and Roman is on vacation. Iris has no clue who Roman is, and it’s refreshing to him. After going viral for her breakup at the church, Iris is having a hard time, and Roman is really there for her.
I loved the first week they were together. They got to know each other for who they are. I also loved that they went their separate ways for a while. I think they both desperately needed that.
Lauren Rowe always writes the best families and characters. Roman’s family was the best, as well as his son. Every time he was on page, I got a huge smile on my face. I love a book that can make me laugh out loud and swoon, and this was just that. Iris and Roman’s story is one sports romance you don’t want to miss out on!
Chasing the Ring was such a funny and heartwarming read. I love Lauren Rowe’s writing style and was so happy to read this one. It left me wanting books for so many of these other characters we met- Roman’s brothers- please!
Roman is an NFL quarterback, and Iris is a jilted bride. They meet on Iris’s honeymoon (where she goes alone), and Roman is on vacation. Iris has no clue who Roman is, and it’s refreshing to him. After going viral for her breakup at the church, Iris is having a hard time, and Roman is really there for her.
I loved the first week they were together. They got to know each other for who they are. I also loved that they went their separate ways for a while. I think they both desperately needed that.
Lauren Rowe always writes the best families and characters. Roman’s family was the best, as well as his son. Every time he was on page, I got a huge smile on my face. I love a book that can make me laugh out loud and swoon, and this was just that. Iris and Roman’s story is one sports romance you don’t want to miss out on!
January 15, 2026
✨ Rating: 4⭐️
🫧 Vibes: vacation fling that feels like more
🎶 Song: so high school - taylor swift
📖 Favourite Quote: "It wasn’t the place that was the paradise. It was being with you. wherever I am, as long as i’m with you, I’ll always be in paradise."
📚 Would I recommend? yes
💬 tldr thoughts: a fast-paced spicy sports romance!
In the package:
📦 strangers to lovers
📦 single dad
📦 forced proximity
📦 vacation fling
Plot: Iris decides to take her honeymoon trip after she discovers her fiancé has been cheating on her. After putting him on blast on their wedding day, she becomes viral on the internet because of her outburst. When she gets to Hawaii she finds out her ex had cancelled the booking and now she's stuck staying in a bungalow with an NFL quarterback, with whom she decides to have a fling with.
Thoughts: if you're looking for an unserious fun read, then this is exactly what this book offers. This book started off with a bang (literally) 💀 The sweet and tender moments between the characters were the best part. At times they acted a bit immature for their age but I get that the concept of this book is totally unrealistic so I'm excusing parts of it. My favourite parts were when Iris met Roman's son and his family, I love a good found family trope and all their scenes together were so sweet. I prefer books with a little more emotional depth to them rather than spice which is why this isn't necessarily a 5 star read for me.
Thank you Kensington Books, BTC Books and Lauren Rowe for this gifted physical ARC!
✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on tiktok and instagram⋆☾✩⁺₊✩
🫧 Vibes: vacation fling that feels like more
🎶 Song: so high school - taylor swift
📖 Favourite Quote: "It wasn’t the place that was the paradise. It was being with you. wherever I am, as long as i’m with you, I’ll always be in paradise."
📚 Would I recommend? yes
💬 tldr thoughts: a fast-paced spicy sports romance!
In the package:
📦 strangers to lovers
📦 single dad
📦 forced proximity
📦 vacation fling
Plot: Iris decides to take her honeymoon trip after she discovers her fiancé has been cheating on her. After putting him on blast on their wedding day, she becomes viral on the internet because of her outburst. When she gets to Hawaii she finds out her ex had cancelled the booking and now she's stuck staying in a bungalow with an NFL quarterback, with whom she decides to have a fling with.
Thoughts: if you're looking for an unserious fun read, then this is exactly what this book offers. This book started off with a bang (literally) 💀 The sweet and tender moments between the characters were the best part. At times they acted a bit immature for their age but I get that the concept of this book is totally unrealistic so I'm excusing parts of it. My favourite parts were when Iris met Roman's son and his family, I love a good found family trope and all their scenes together were so sweet. I prefer books with a little more emotional depth to them rather than spice which is why this isn't necessarily a 5 star read for me.
Thank you Kensington Books, BTC Books and Lauren Rowe for this gifted physical ARC!
✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on tiktok and instagram⋆☾✩⁺₊✩
November 3, 2025
alright i’ve had enough. i thought this concept was super super fun! single hot dad and jolted bride preschool teacher! what more could you want????
going into this set the scene very well. iris finds that her fiancé has been cheating on her and TAKING THE CHEATING PHONE TO THEIR WEDDING. that’s horrible. she keeps the honeymoon to herself though and it’s there that she runs into roman, our hunky mmc. their first meeting however…. happens when she runs into their double booked bungalow bathroom and goes to relieve herself. now… there was a bit too much detail THERE for me to enjoy but then!! he sees her with her ‘thighs wide and head thrown back’ and knows he has to have her…. when she’s mid-pee. MID-PEE!!!!!! that icks me out so bad i can’t keep reading.
the writing itself feels unpolished. dialogue is a bit stilted between characters. still super grateful to edelweiss and the publishers for provided me with an advanced copy!
going into this set the scene very well. iris finds that her fiancé has been cheating on her and TAKING THE CHEATING PHONE TO THEIR WEDDING. that’s horrible. she keeps the honeymoon to herself though and it’s there that she runs into roman, our hunky mmc. their first meeting however…. happens when she runs into their double booked bungalow bathroom and goes to relieve herself. now… there was a bit too much detail THERE for me to enjoy but then!! he sees her with her ‘thighs wide and head thrown back’ and knows he has to have her…. when she’s mid-pee. MID-PEE!!!!!! that icks me out so bad i can’t keep reading.
the writing itself feels unpolished. dialogue is a bit stilted between characters. still super grateful to edelweiss and the publishers for provided me with an advanced copy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2026
This was a cute and fun football sports romance!
We have Iris, who finds a mysterious phone on the eve of her wedding and finds out her fiancé has been cheating on her! For years! He’s on dating apps, he’s sexting, oh he’s doing it ALL. So her and her bridesmaids besties concoct a plan for her to walk down the aisle and let him have it after originally suspecting nothing.
And oh boy. Someone was recording it and she goes VIRAL! The Horny Runaway Bride! 🤣👰♀️
She decides she’s going to take her Hawaiian honeymoon because she deserves it damnit. She gets to her bungalow to find her entry code doesn’t work and once she proves it’s hers and gets in??? The fun begins. She meets Rowan. An NFL super star. But she didn’t know it. It’s instant attraction and instant sparks! Phew! Do sparks fly!
🫧Iris’s orgasm accompanied by a scream of ecstasy that’s so unhinged, it sounds like she’s birthing a demon 👹 Is this what they call seeing God? 🫧
🤣🤣🤣🤣
He likes that she doesn’t know who he is so they continue seeing each other. But soon reality comes creeping back and since Rowan wants to continue seeing Iris, some truths are going to have to come out.
Follow Iris and Rowan’s journey of making it work, falling in love and being just the perfect couple!
I loved the bonus epilogues too! Omg soooo cute and I recommend this book!
Thank you HambrightPR, NetGalley and above all, Lauren Rowe for the opportunity to read this book!
We have Iris, who finds a mysterious phone on the eve of her wedding and finds out her fiancé has been cheating on her! For years! He’s on dating apps, he’s sexting, oh he’s doing it ALL. So her and her bridesmaids besties concoct a plan for her to walk down the aisle and let him have it after originally suspecting nothing.
And oh boy. Someone was recording it and she goes VIRAL! The Horny Runaway Bride! 🤣👰♀️
She decides she’s going to take her Hawaiian honeymoon because she deserves it damnit. She gets to her bungalow to find her entry code doesn’t work and once she proves it’s hers and gets in??? The fun begins. She meets Rowan. An NFL super star. But she didn’t know it. It’s instant attraction and instant sparks! Phew! Do sparks fly!
🫧Iris’s orgasm accompanied by a scream of ecstasy that’s so unhinged, it sounds like she’s birthing a demon 👹 Is this what they call seeing God? 🫧
🤣🤣🤣🤣
He likes that she doesn’t know who he is so they continue seeing each other. But soon reality comes creeping back and since Rowan wants to continue seeing Iris, some truths are going to have to come out.
Follow Iris and Rowan’s journey of making it work, falling in love and being just the perfect couple!
I loved the bonus epilogues too! Omg soooo cute and I recommend this book!
Thank you HambrightPR, NetGalley and above all, Lauren Rowe for the opportunity to read this book!
January 17, 2026
Chasing the Ring was a really fun, easy romance that I flew through. It’s not trying to be deep or groundbreaking, and honestly, it doesn’t need to be. This is very much a “turn your brain off and enjoy the ride” kind of book.
The forced proximity, vacation setting, and fling that feels like more vibes made this such a cute, addictive read. I especially enjoyed the sweetness mixed in with the spice and the found-family moments they added a lot of heart to what could have just been a fluffy romance.
Was it perfect? No. But it was fun, fast-paced, and genuinely entertaining, and sometimes that’s exactly what I’m in the mood for. If you’re looking for a cute, spicy vacation romance that’s easy to binge, this one fits the bill. Thanks to Kensington for the gifted ARC.
The forced proximity, vacation setting, and fling that feels like more vibes made this such a cute, addictive read. I especially enjoyed the sweetness mixed in with the spice and the found-family moments they added a lot of heart to what could have just been a fluffy romance.
Was it perfect? No. But it was fun, fast-paced, and genuinely entertaining, and sometimes that’s exactly what I’m in the mood for. If you’re looking for a cute, spicy vacation romance that’s easy to binge, this one fits the bill. Thanks to Kensington for the gifted ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
arc rtc
December 19, 2025
Who doesn’t love a runaway bride story, especially after she’s blasted the former groom for his infidelity in front of all the wedding guests and the minister? Of course, her plan for revenge goes awry, and she becomes a target for all the haters on the Internet.
Well, that’s how her solo escape to her honeymoon destination becomes her escape from unwanted infamy or so she thinks.
Cute storyline with lots of heat which kept me interested and reading and reading. Iris and Roman are not your typical haters to lovers romcom but instead are the fall in love in a blink of an eye and all they have to do is admit it, which seems to be really difficult for both of them due to trust issues.
Yes, there are a few cliche incidents but this is such a fun read that you can forgive some of the improbable occurrences and just sit back in your comfy chair and enjoy the read.
Thank you to Between The Chapters for this ARC and to Kensington Publishing, and, of course, to the author, Lauren Rowe.
Well, that’s how her solo escape to her honeymoon destination becomes her escape from unwanted infamy or so she thinks.
Cute storyline with lots of heat which kept me interested and reading and reading. Iris and Roman are not your typical haters to lovers romcom but instead are the fall in love in a blink of an eye and all they have to do is admit it, which seems to be really difficult for both of them due to trust issues.
Yes, there are a few cliche incidents but this is such a fun read that you can forgive some of the improbable occurrences and just sit back in your comfy chair and enjoy the read.
Thank you to Between The Chapters for this ARC and to Kensington Publishing, and, of course, to the author, Lauren Rowe.
December 24, 2025
I received an advanced copy. Thanks GoodReads. However I DNF. I tried but just couldn’t keep reading. It’s not my genre & I couldn’t keep reading.
December 4, 2025
I loved Chasing the Ring. Iris and Roman are such a likeable couple, add in a single dad storyline and I was a goner. She has just been betrayed by her fiancé and she deals with it in epic proportions. I don't want to spoil it, but just know that she does this in a way I've never read in a book before because she is a strong woman who won't be taken down by a less than stellar man.
She meets Roman on what should have been her honeymoon and the sparks are instant. They have a hilarious meet cute and their chemistry was instantaneously addictive. As they go through their journey you really start to wish they were real people so you can be in their friend group.
Lauren has written a book that has all you come to expect in a contemporary romance but adds her own flair and comedy in ways that feel natural and not added just for the sake of trying to lighten up moments in the book. I had already been a long time Lauren Rowe fan, but getting this ARC cemented in every reason I love her books and I know you will love it too.
She meets Roman on what should have been her honeymoon and the sparks are instant. They have a hilarious meet cute and their chemistry was instantaneously addictive. As they go through their journey you really start to wish they were real people so you can be in their friend group.
Lauren has written a book that has all you come to expect in a contemporary romance but adds her own flair and comedy in ways that feel natural and not added just for the sake of trying to lighten up moments in the book. I had already been a long time Lauren Rowe fan, but getting this ARC cemented in every reason I love her books and I know you will love it too.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3.5 stars (rounded up to 4)
Thank you so much to Lauren Rowe and Kensington Books for the physical ARC. I truly appreciate it. ❤️ And can we talk about the floppiness of this book? Absolute cozy-reading perfection. 🤌☁️
If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be FUN. I had such a fun time reading this. It was an easy, fast-paced read that never felt heavy or required me to overthink or analyze every little detail. It was very straightforward and to the point.
Was it perfect? No.
Did it need to be? Also no.
A few chapters in, I realized I had some issues with it and that it wasn’t going to be a five-star read for me. Once I lowered my expectations and stopped taking it too seriously, I leaned into the fun, and that honestly made the reading experience so much better.
I’d compare this book to binge-watching a popular reality TV show. Is it the best writing or most groundbreaking storyline? No. Did I enjoy every second of it? Yes. 😂
Sometimes it’s nice to read a book purely for fun without critically appraising every tiny detail, and that’s exactly what this book was for me. I’m very happy I got the opportunity to read it ❤️
Thank you so much to Lauren Rowe and Kensington Books for the physical ARC. I truly appreciate it. ❤️ And can we talk about the floppiness of this book? Absolute cozy-reading perfection. 🤌☁️
If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be FUN. I had such a fun time reading this. It was an easy, fast-paced read that never felt heavy or required me to overthink or analyze every little detail. It was very straightforward and to the point.
Was it perfect? No.
Did it need to be? Also no.
A few chapters in, I realized I had some issues with it and that it wasn’t going to be a five-star read for me. Once I lowered my expectations and stopped taking it too seriously, I leaned into the fun, and that honestly made the reading experience so much better.
I’d compare this book to binge-watching a popular reality TV show. Is it the best writing or most groundbreaking storyline? No. Did I enjoy every second of it? Yes. 😂
Sometimes it’s nice to read a book purely for fun without critically appraising every tiny detail, and that’s exactly what this book was for me. I’m very happy I got the opportunity to read it ❤️
January 15, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ 2 🌶️
I don’t know what it is about the single dad trope that always gets my blood pumping funny, but let’s be honest, it’s very much a real phenomenon. Roman Maguire, single dad and star quarterback, is fiercely protective, effortlessly charming, and dangerously easy to fall for.
I absolutely inhaled this book. While I usually lean hard toward a slow burn, this wasn’t one and surprisingly, I loved it. The pacing felt intentional and perfectly executed. Even better, we actually get to experience their relationship after they come together, which is something slow burns rarely allow, and it added so much depth and satisfaction.
The chemistry, angst, and push and pull between them was outstanding. The tension was constant, palpable, and completely consuming. It seeped into every interaction and filled my emotional cup to the brim.
I loved everything about this story from start to finish.
Yes. Yes. YES.
I don’t know what it is about the single dad trope that always gets my blood pumping funny, but let’s be honest, it’s very much a real phenomenon. Roman Maguire, single dad and star quarterback, is fiercely protective, effortlessly charming, and dangerously easy to fall for.
I absolutely inhaled this book. While I usually lean hard toward a slow burn, this wasn’t one and surprisingly, I loved it. The pacing felt intentional and perfectly executed. Even better, we actually get to experience their relationship after they come together, which is something slow burns rarely allow, and it added so much depth and satisfaction.
The chemistry, angst, and push and pull between them was outstanding. The tension was constant, palpable, and completely consuming. It seeped into every interaction and filled my emotional cup to the brim.
I loved everything about this story from start to finish.
Yes. Yes. YES.
January 15, 2026
“It wasn’t the place that was paradise. It was being with you. Wherever I am, as long as I’m with you, I’ll always be in paradise.”
A runaway bride and a professional football player with an exceptionally awkward meet cute in paradise. A one day fling, turns into a week long vacation of adventures, rum punch, and lots of vacay heat. The insta love was real for Iris and Roman, but the hard part comes with learning how to admit those feelings can carry over to real life.
I was drawn in by the spice before I even realized the emotional whiplash. Trust is huge for these two, and even more is learning how to trust and lean on each other. This was a fun, swoon worthy read that might just entice you to watch some NFL games.
Thank you @laurenrowebooks and @hambright_pr for this ARC
A runaway bride and a professional football player with an exceptionally awkward meet cute in paradise. A one day fling, turns into a week long vacation of adventures, rum punch, and lots of vacay heat. The insta love was real for Iris and Roman, but the hard part comes with learning how to admit those feelings can carry over to real life.
I was drawn in by the spice before I even realized the emotional whiplash. Trust is huge for these two, and even more is learning how to trust and lean on each other. This was a fun, swoon worthy read that might just entice you to watch some NFL games.
Thank you @laurenrowebooks and @hambright_pr for this ARC
January 15, 2026
Thank you to #HambrightPR and #LaurenRowe for blessing me with an ARC! I ate this book up and left zero crumbs! I’ll always love a runaway bride situation, especially when she runs into the arms of a bloody god of a man that flings her entire life around, literally and figuratively 😂. This was spicy, hilarious and wholesome! And had so many other characters to love along the way! 5 stars!! ❤️❤️❤️
P.S I know this will be a series but I need all the other books asap! I need Luca’s book!!!!
P.S I know this will be a series but I need all the other books asap! I need Luca’s book!!!!
January 9, 2026
Honestly the first chapter was good and the rest was awful. The writing was so disjointed and the character dialogue felt choppy and incoherent. The characters had no chemistry and the timeline was just completely ridiculous.
The story itself was good but the execution was just not there.
The story itself was good but the execution was just not there.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When a crazy Hawaiian trip turns into a week's long one night stand fling you can't forget. You both have guarded hearts for good reasons. But there ends up being something there and so many crazy signs to prove it. But as you figure them out, will life let you be together in the end?
January 7, 2026
Lauren Rowe’s Chasing the Ring delivered exactly the kind of easy, enjoyable vibes I was looking for. While the blurb gave me an idea of what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised by the actual depth that developed between Iris and Roman.
The story kicks off with a week in paradise that leans into that "insta-love" energy, but it isn’t all hearts and flowers. I loved that Iris stood on business; she didn't take Roman's nonsense and was perfectly willing to walk away at the end of the trip. Roman’s growth really shines when he tracks her down in her hometown—bringing his whole family along—to pursue a real relationship that wasn't just built on sex.
The absolute highlight for me was the COMMUNICATION. It was so refreshing to see a couple actually talk through misunderstandings and hurt feelings instead of relying on assumptions or "going off half-cocked." Watching them actively work to grow together made the tooth-achingly sweet ending feel earned.
The book isn't without its flaws. The writing felt a bit repetitive at times, with the author frequently using identifiers like "Sweet Luca" or "Maverick’s Mommy," as if she didn't trust the reader to remember the cast. I also found the frequent use of words like “cooed” and “beloved” a bit grating. However, the overall vibes were solid enough to overlook the simple prose.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The story kicks off with a week in paradise that leans into that "insta-love" energy, but it isn’t all hearts and flowers. I loved that Iris stood on business; she didn't take Roman's nonsense and was perfectly willing to walk away at the end of the trip. Roman’s growth really shines when he tracks her down in her hometown—bringing his whole family along—to pursue a real relationship that wasn't just built on sex.
The absolute highlight for me was the COMMUNICATION. It was so refreshing to see a couple actually talk through misunderstandings and hurt feelings instead of relying on assumptions or "going off half-cocked." Watching them actively work to grow together made the tooth-achingly sweet ending feel earned.
The book isn't without its flaws. The writing felt a bit repetitive at times, with the author frequently using identifiers like "Sweet Luca" or "Maverick’s Mommy," as if she didn't trust the reader to remember the cast. I also found the frequent use of words like “cooed” and “beloved” a bit grating. However, the overall vibes were solid enough to overlook the simple prose.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
January 16, 2026
I thought this would be good but it was so much more!!! I could absolutely see this in my head as a movie, I think it's one of those romcoms I'd watch over and over again!
i don't know what isnit about books beginning with the FMC being cheated on that I just know it's about to get so good!!! I think it's the fact that I know something so much better is coming her way? but the way Iris handled it was perfection, I think it's something I would absolutely do. I really loved her personality and how genuine she was,
now, speaking about Roman? CHEF'S KISS!!!!! his dedication and drive are great but the cherry on top for me is how good he was to Iris and how he cared for her, and don't even get me started on how good he was at taking care of her, lol. and be still my heart because when he took his parents and son to meet her? I was melting!!!
I'm so excited this will be a series and can't wait for the next story!!
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Kensington Publishing and Lauren Rowe!
i don't know what isnit about books beginning with the FMC being cheated on that I just know it's about to get so good!!! I think it's the fact that I know something so much better is coming her way? but the way Iris handled it was perfection, I think it's something I would absolutely do. I really loved her personality and how genuine she was,
now, speaking about Roman? CHEF'S KISS!!!!! his dedication and drive are great but the cherry on top for me is how good he was to Iris and how he cared for her, and don't even get me started on how good he was at taking care of her, lol. and be still my heart because when he took his parents and son to meet her? I was melting!!!
I'm so excited this will be a series and can't wait for the next story!!
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Kensington Publishing and Lauren Rowe!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Chasing the Ring: Deluxe Limited Edition by Lauren Rowe
Published by Kensington Publishing – thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
I read Chasing the Ring in one sitting, two snacks, and three jaw drops. The moment Iris Benedetto crash-landed out of her wedding and onto a solo honeymoon in Hawaii, I knew this book wasn’t going to politely sip rosé and whisper sweet nothings. Oh no. It was going to cannonball into my face wearing a flaming coconut bra and demand attention. I happily obliged.
So here’s the setup: Iris’s wedding doesn’t just “not go as planned”—it goes viral. Her fiancé’s cheating gets exposed in spectacular, church-aisle fashion. Iris, in full queen mode, rage-quits the ceremony and flies solo to Kauai with one goal: get over her loser ex and finally find out what the hype about good sex is all about. She’s not just rebranding—she’s going full scorched-earth. And honestly? Good for her.
Except paradise has other plans, namely in the form of one very naked, very hot, very surprised NFL quarterback named Roman Maguire. Thanks to a double-booked bungalow, Iris walks in on him mid-shower, and things escalate quickly in the best way possible. Their “oops, we’re sharing a room now” situation turns into a steamy, snarky, no-strings vacation fling—until emotions inconveniently show up like TSA agents confiscating your emotional boundaries.
Roman isn’t just a professional heartthrob with biceps that could bench press a Buick. He’s also a single dad trying to lock down a career move that’ll let him live closer to his son. He’s guarded but not cold, charming but not slick. And when he looks at Iris, it’s not as some TikTok punchline—he sees her, the woman behind the meltdown. Cue the swooning. And the yelling. And the, uh, other things.
Their banter sizzles. The sex is molten. The emotional intimacy sneaks up like a sucker punch wrapped in a tropical drink. I came for the spice, stayed for the therapy.
This is forced proximity done right: two emotionally burned people thrown into a shared space with no room to hide from their damage—or each other. What starts as a week of impulsive lust turns into genuine connection, all while they pretend it isn’t happening. Spoiler: it is very much happening.
The deluxe edition makes this book feel even more extra (in the best way). I’m talking full-color interior art, custom chapter headers, and stenciled edges that scream “I am not a paperback, I am an experience.” Rowe knows this is for the romantics who want the fantasy in 4K, and she absolutely delivers.
Now, is the plot a little wild? Yes. Are you going to suspend disbelief more than once? Absolutely. But if you’re coming to a Lauren Rowe rom-com expecting restraint and realism, I don’t know what to tell you. This is vacation fantasy meets football romance with a side of public redemption arc. It’s not meant to be subtle. It’s meant to be fun. And it is.
What I appreciated most—beneath all the steam and wit and biceps—was the emotional honesty. Iris isn’t just running from a broken engagement; she’s trying to reclaim her voice. Her viral moment made her a joke, but this book lets her be a person again—messy, brave, funny, horny, and hurting. And Roman? He’s the walking contradiction of an alpha male who’s also tender, emotionally available (eventually), and trying really hard to do the right thing for his kid. Watching these two try not to fall in love is like watching toddlers resist nap time. You know where it’s going, but it’s still hilarious.
Quote I can’t stop thinking about:
“Wherever you are, that’s where I want to be.”
Sir. That’s illegal. Go directly to jail for that level of emotional sincerity.
So if you like:
• Forced proximity with real stakes
• Hot quarterbacks who shower with the door unlocked
• Viral brides reclaiming their power
• Smart humor layered with just the right amount of pain
• Books that look like limited edition merch because they basically are
…then Chasing the Ring belongs on your shelf, in your hands, and probably on your next beach vacation packing list.
It’s the rom-com equivalent of a fruity cocktail with a firecracker in it. You think you’re here to chill, but suddenly it’s 2am, you’re oversharing, and you’ve already downloaded five more books by Lauren Rowe. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 – Read it for the spice, stay for the soul
#ChasingTheRing #LaurenRowe #DeluxeEditionRomance #FootballRomance #SpicyRomanceReads #RomComReview #HornyRunawayBride #SportsRomanceBook #NetGalley #BookTokRecs #RomanceBookAddict #EmotionalSupportRomance #BookReview2026 #ForcedProximity #SteamyReads #EscapeWithABook #HawaiiRomance #TBRStack #BingeWorthyReads #BooksWithHeart
Published by Kensington Publishing – thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
I read Chasing the Ring in one sitting, two snacks, and three jaw drops. The moment Iris Benedetto crash-landed out of her wedding and onto a solo honeymoon in Hawaii, I knew this book wasn’t going to politely sip rosé and whisper sweet nothings. Oh no. It was going to cannonball into my face wearing a flaming coconut bra and demand attention. I happily obliged.
So here’s the setup: Iris’s wedding doesn’t just “not go as planned”—it goes viral. Her fiancé’s cheating gets exposed in spectacular, church-aisle fashion. Iris, in full queen mode, rage-quits the ceremony and flies solo to Kauai with one goal: get over her loser ex and finally find out what the hype about good sex is all about. She’s not just rebranding—she’s going full scorched-earth. And honestly? Good for her.
Except paradise has other plans, namely in the form of one very naked, very hot, very surprised NFL quarterback named Roman Maguire. Thanks to a double-booked bungalow, Iris walks in on him mid-shower, and things escalate quickly in the best way possible. Their “oops, we’re sharing a room now” situation turns into a steamy, snarky, no-strings vacation fling—until emotions inconveniently show up like TSA agents confiscating your emotional boundaries.
Roman isn’t just a professional heartthrob with biceps that could bench press a Buick. He’s also a single dad trying to lock down a career move that’ll let him live closer to his son. He’s guarded but not cold, charming but not slick. And when he looks at Iris, it’s not as some TikTok punchline—he sees her, the woman behind the meltdown. Cue the swooning. And the yelling. And the, uh, other things.
Their banter sizzles. The sex is molten. The emotional intimacy sneaks up like a sucker punch wrapped in a tropical drink. I came for the spice, stayed for the therapy.
This is forced proximity done right: two emotionally burned people thrown into a shared space with no room to hide from their damage—or each other. What starts as a week of impulsive lust turns into genuine connection, all while they pretend it isn’t happening. Spoiler: it is very much happening.
The deluxe edition makes this book feel even more extra (in the best way). I’m talking full-color interior art, custom chapter headers, and stenciled edges that scream “I am not a paperback, I am an experience.” Rowe knows this is for the romantics who want the fantasy in 4K, and she absolutely delivers.
Now, is the plot a little wild? Yes. Are you going to suspend disbelief more than once? Absolutely. But if you’re coming to a Lauren Rowe rom-com expecting restraint and realism, I don’t know what to tell you. This is vacation fantasy meets football romance with a side of public redemption arc. It’s not meant to be subtle. It’s meant to be fun. And it is.
What I appreciated most—beneath all the steam and wit and biceps—was the emotional honesty. Iris isn’t just running from a broken engagement; she’s trying to reclaim her voice. Her viral moment made her a joke, but this book lets her be a person again—messy, brave, funny, horny, and hurting. And Roman? He’s the walking contradiction of an alpha male who’s also tender, emotionally available (eventually), and trying really hard to do the right thing for his kid. Watching these two try not to fall in love is like watching toddlers resist nap time. You know where it’s going, but it’s still hilarious.
Quote I can’t stop thinking about:
“Wherever you are, that’s where I want to be.”
Sir. That’s illegal. Go directly to jail for that level of emotional sincerity.
So if you like:
• Forced proximity with real stakes
• Hot quarterbacks who shower with the door unlocked
• Viral brides reclaiming their power
• Smart humor layered with just the right amount of pain
• Books that look like limited edition merch because they basically are
…then Chasing the Ring belongs on your shelf, in your hands, and probably on your next beach vacation packing list.
It’s the rom-com equivalent of a fruity cocktail with a firecracker in it. You think you’re here to chill, but suddenly it’s 2am, you’re oversharing, and you’ve already downloaded five more books by Lauren Rowe. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 – Read it for the spice, stay for the soul
#ChasingTheRing #LaurenRowe #DeluxeEditionRomance #FootballRomance #SpicyRomanceReads #RomComReview #HornyRunawayBride #SportsRomanceBook #NetGalley #BookTokRecs #RomanceBookAddict #EmotionalSupportRomance #BookReview2026 #ForcedProximity #SteamyReads #EscapeWithABook #HawaiiRomance #TBRStack #BingeWorthyReads #BooksWithHeart
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Quick Summary: A found my forever in you romance
My Review: Chasing the Ring by Lauren Rowe is book #1 in the Football and Feels series. It is scheduled for release on 1/27/26.
About the Book: "When a wronged bride and an NFL quarterback find themselves sharing the same Hawaiian vacation, a no-strings, just-for-fun encounter quickly becomes unforgettable..."
In My Own Words: A professional football player focused on securing a Superbowl ring with a winning team falls head over heels for a preschool teacher with a heart of gold.
About the Characters: First of all, I have to say that I loved all of the Maguires and the Benedettos. I also adored Iris' besties. The relationships and personalities served up good energy. I loved the protective nature, the loyalty, the playfulness, the support, and the genuine heart they had for each other.
About the Couple: Roman and Iris were opposites in many ways, but those differences did not negate the attraction or affection they had for each other. They both "saw" the other in ways that, perhaps, those around them could not or did not see. Their relationship had a natural flow that went from intense passion to humor-filled fun times to meaningful friendship to life altering love.
What I Liked/Loved:
🏈 I loved how key relationships associated with Maverick stood out in very positive ways. This was especially true when it came to: Roman and Vanessa, Jay and Roman, & Iris and Vanessa. I really liked the way the author presented the dynamics.
🏈 I loved how Maverick was written into the story and how his privacy was protected.
🏈 I liked how mental health was subtly addressed in the backstory of both leads.
🏈 I absolutely loved the humor and antics in this story. The Maguires had me laughing. All of them!
🏈 I liked the epilogue. It was a wonderful glimpse into the future.
What I Did Not Care For/Like:
🤚🏼 The unfortunate incident that happened to he who shall not be named was crude. I did not like it. He was a fart, but that "eww" was extreme. What came after, in terms of the MMC response, did not land well.
My Final Say: Overall, this was a good story. It was family positive, humorous, and entertaining. I enjoyed the reading experience immensely. I found the pacing of the story to be steady with a medium level standing. The conflict level was fairly light, in my opinion. The introduced characters were easy to relate to and empathize with.
* This book will translate well as an audiobook.
** I want all of the siblings and friends of Roman and Iris to have their own stories. That's how much I liked them.
Other: Readers who enjoy sports romances, vacation flings, single dads, and opposites attract relationships should like this novel.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Status: ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
Level: 🌶🌶
Character Chemistry: 🔥
Series: Yes
Cover: +
Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Kensington Publishing | Kensington), and to NetGalley. Thank you so very much for providing access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review. It was a pleasure. I look forward to reading more books in this new series.
My Review: Chasing the Ring by Lauren Rowe is book #1 in the Football and Feels series. It is scheduled for release on 1/27/26.
About the Book: "When a wronged bride and an NFL quarterback find themselves sharing the same Hawaiian vacation, a no-strings, just-for-fun encounter quickly becomes unforgettable..."
In My Own Words: A professional football player focused on securing a Superbowl ring with a winning team falls head over heels for a preschool teacher with a heart of gold.
About the Characters: First of all, I have to say that I loved all of the Maguires and the Benedettos. I also adored Iris' besties. The relationships and personalities served up good energy. I loved the protective nature, the loyalty, the playfulness, the support, and the genuine heart they had for each other.
About the Couple: Roman and Iris were opposites in many ways, but those differences did not negate the attraction or affection they had for each other. They both "saw" the other in ways that, perhaps, those around them could not or did not see. Their relationship had a natural flow that went from intense passion to humor-filled fun times to meaningful friendship to life altering love.
What I Liked/Loved:
🏈 I loved how key relationships associated with Maverick stood out in very positive ways. This was especially true when it came to: Roman and Vanessa, Jay and Roman, & Iris and Vanessa. I really liked the way the author presented the dynamics.
🏈 I loved how Maverick was written into the story and how his privacy was protected.
🏈 I liked how mental health was subtly addressed in the backstory of both leads.
🏈 I absolutely loved the humor and antics in this story. The Maguires had me laughing. All of them!
🏈 I liked the epilogue. It was a wonderful glimpse into the future.
What I Did Not Care For/Like:
🤚🏼 The unfortunate incident that happened to he who shall not be named was crude. I did not like it. He was a fart, but that "eww" was extreme. What came after, in terms of the MMC response, did not land well.
My Final Say: Overall, this was a good story. It was family positive, humorous, and entertaining. I enjoyed the reading experience immensely. I found the pacing of the story to be steady with a medium level standing. The conflict level was fairly light, in my opinion. The introduced characters were easy to relate to and empathize with.
* This book will translate well as an audiobook.
** I want all of the siblings and friends of Roman and Iris to have their own stories. That's how much I liked them.
Other: Readers who enjoy sports romances, vacation flings, single dads, and opposites attract relationships should like this novel.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Status: ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
Level: 🌶🌶
Character Chemistry: 🔥
Series: Yes
Cover: +
Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Kensington Publishing | Kensington), and to NetGalley. Thank you so very much for providing access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review. It was a pleasure. I look forward to reading more books in this new series.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
According to a blurb on the cover of Chasing the Ring from Lucy Score, it’s Lauren Rowe at her most brilliant. If this book is the author at her most brilliant, then everything else she’s written is going to be a hard pass for me.
I read just about anything, and I like a good steamy romance as much as anything else, and sometimes reading one is just a great escape from a world that is pretty depressing right now.
But in this book most of the intimate scenes are front loaded and before the two protagonists form any kind of relationship. Plus the way Rowe wrote them left me feeling icky instead of into the relationship in any way. It’s the difference between something reading as sexy and something reading as kind of crude and vulgar.
I didn’t love Iris, the female protagonist, who came across as a naive, oblivious dope for most of the book, but I absolutely could not stand Roman.
This guy came across as an arrogant, temperamental, lying hypocrite. Even when he knows Ivy is the subject of a viral video, he doesn’t reveal his identity as the Tom Brady of quarterbacks. Even though it has nothing to do with his career choice he also doesn’t tell Ivy he has a four year old son, and can’t seem to understand when she gets really mad at him for not disclosing that detail sooner. He yells at his agent (who supposedly is his best friend) and says he’s worth “200 mill” (? with the word choice) whether he can convince his college coach to join him or not at the team he wants to play for. Then he turns around and bashes the mother of his child for money being too important to her.
These are only a few examples of what a major turnoff he was; I could fill paragraphs but will spare you. In short, a male protagonist who I don’t like and couldn’t imagine finding attractive if he actually existed will ruin a romance novel by itself.
The final nail in the coffin is that I just didn’t enjoy Rowe’s storytelling, period. I’ll use my made up literary term of too “explainly” and simplistic. If you have to do that much work for your reader to follow along, then it is not the right book for me. The final, FINAL nail coffin? I follow NFL football and I hate when romance authors make up fake team names, over explain the game, and use lots of unnecessary references. If you’re writing sports romance novels, write them for people who actually like the sport. The ones who don’t have plenty of other romance novels to choose from.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I read just about anything, and I like a good steamy romance as much as anything else, and sometimes reading one is just a great escape from a world that is pretty depressing right now.
But in this book most of the intimate scenes are front loaded and before the two protagonists form any kind of relationship. Plus the way Rowe wrote them left me feeling icky instead of into the relationship in any way. It’s the difference between something reading as sexy and something reading as kind of crude and vulgar.
I didn’t love Iris, the female protagonist, who came across as a naive, oblivious dope for most of the book, but I absolutely could not stand Roman.
This guy came across as an arrogant, temperamental, lying hypocrite. Even when he knows Ivy is the subject of a viral video, he doesn’t reveal his identity as the Tom Brady of quarterbacks. Even though it has nothing to do with his career choice he also doesn’t tell Ivy he has a four year old son, and can’t seem to understand when she gets really mad at him for not disclosing that detail sooner. He yells at his agent (who supposedly is his best friend) and says he’s worth “200 mill” (? with the word choice) whether he can convince his college coach to join him or not at the team he wants to play for. Then he turns around and bashes the mother of his child for money being too important to her.
These are only a few examples of what a major turnoff he was; I could fill paragraphs but will spare you. In short, a male protagonist who I don’t like and couldn’t imagine finding attractive if he actually existed will ruin a romance novel by itself.
The final nail in the coffin is that I just didn’t enjoy Rowe’s storytelling, period. I’ll use my made up literary term of too “explainly” and simplistic. If you have to do that much work for your reader to follow along, then it is not the right book for me. The final, FINAL nail coffin? I follow NFL football and I hate when romance authors make up fake team names, over explain the game, and use lots of unnecessary references. If you’re writing sports romance novels, write them for people who actually like the sport. The ones who don’t have plenty of other romance novels to choose from.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy
CHASING THE RING by LAUREN ROWE ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Chasing The Ring is the first (#1) book in the FOOTBALL AND FEELS series
Preschool teacher Iris Benedetto’s wedding day doesn’t go as planned, after finding out her fiancé has been cheating on her for some time she decides to confront him at the alter. Unfortunately a video of her chastising him, including some rather ripe comments, goes viral, and in an attempt to escape the backlash Iris decides to go ahead with the honeymoon ALONE.
When she discovers the bungalow in Hawaii not only has been double booked, but the stranger in her bungalow is insanely gorgeous, Iris decides to throw caution to the wind.
NFL quarterback Roman Maguire is in Hawaii hoping to secure a deal that will enable him to challenge for his first Super Bowl ring, but whilst there he might as well relax and enjoy himself. When a stunning woman bursts unexpectedly into his bungalow, a woman that, unbelievably, doesn’t have any idea who he is, Roman decides to let her stay in his bungalow.
As the pair spend time together they grow closer but life, lies and circumstances interfere, do they have a future?
——————————
This was my first read by Lauren Rowe and it was an enjoyable sports romance with engaging characters ( including the side characters).
There are quite a few hot, spicy, open door scenes though they aren’t (thankfully) overdone.
I enjoyed the plot of this interesting book, though I did find the speed of Roman’s attachment to Iris rather fast, especially considering his son.
I thoroughly enjoyed that the story continued well after the wedding, giving an insight into their relationship some years on, it was nice to see a glimpse into their future.
Overall this is a delightful read and an excellent start to the series!
I read an ebook copy of this book, with around 350 pages and a super cute cover, I enjoyed this story.
With thanks to Lauren Rowe and Hambright PR for an early read of this story. All comments are my own, honest, unbiased opinion.
🏈 Forced Proximity
🏈 Sports Romance
🏈 Contemporary Romance
🏈 feisty MFC
🏈 Spicy 🔥🔥🔥
Chasing The Ring is the first (#1) book in the FOOTBALL AND FEELS series
Preschool teacher Iris Benedetto’s wedding day doesn’t go as planned, after finding out her fiancé has been cheating on her for some time she decides to confront him at the alter. Unfortunately a video of her chastising him, including some rather ripe comments, goes viral, and in an attempt to escape the backlash Iris decides to go ahead with the honeymoon ALONE.
When she discovers the bungalow in Hawaii not only has been double booked, but the stranger in her bungalow is insanely gorgeous, Iris decides to throw caution to the wind.
NFL quarterback Roman Maguire is in Hawaii hoping to secure a deal that will enable him to challenge for his first Super Bowl ring, but whilst there he might as well relax and enjoy himself. When a stunning woman bursts unexpectedly into his bungalow, a woman that, unbelievably, doesn’t have any idea who he is, Roman decides to let her stay in his bungalow.
As the pair spend time together they grow closer but life, lies and circumstances interfere, do they have a future?
——————————
This was my first read by Lauren Rowe and it was an enjoyable sports romance with engaging characters ( including the side characters).
There are quite a few hot, spicy, open door scenes though they aren’t (thankfully) overdone.
I enjoyed the plot of this interesting book, though I did find the speed of Roman’s attachment to Iris rather fast, especially considering his son.
I thoroughly enjoyed that the story continued well after the wedding, giving an insight into their relationship some years on, it was nice to see a glimpse into their future.
Overall this is a delightful read and an excellent start to the series!
I read an ebook copy of this book, with around 350 pages and a super cute cover, I enjoyed this story.
With thanks to Lauren Rowe and Hambright PR for an early read of this story. All comments are my own, honest, unbiased opinion.
🏈 Forced Proximity
🏈 Sports Romance
🏈 Contemporary Romance
🏈 feisty MFC
🏈 Spicy 🔥🔥🔥
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Have you ever been so into a book that you took a short break, just so you could prolong the amount of time you were able to be part of the characters’ world? It’s a rare thing for me to do, but after devouring the first 70% of Chasing the Ring, I put it aside until the next day because I just didn’t want to rush to the goal line! (See what I did there with a football reference)
So, let’s talk tropes and all the reasons you need to get this football romance on your TBR!
After epically roasting her fiancé at the altar, Iris is an exhausted runaway bride on a solo honeymoon when she and Roman meet in the most astonishingly awkward meet cute I’ve ever read!
Close proximity in the gorgeous tropical setting of a beach front Hawaiian bungalow, with just one bed, leads to sublimely romantic dates, sensational open door spice, and a soul deep connection between Iris and Roman. But after Roman’s fame is revealed, their tenuous bond is tested.
While I am not typically a fan of hidden identity, the way Lauren Rowe utilized this trope in Chasing the Ring made it work for me. It was a relatively short part of the book, wasn’t for a nefarious reason, and resulted in the characters’ communication. Roman’s misrepresentations and outright lies about his identity weren’t brushed aside by Iris just because she finds out that he is an NFL quarterback.
From Iris’s humble hometown in Washington with apple picking, fishing, and horseback riding, to the glamour of L.A. professional sports, these two opposites attract! I loved that Iris was never influenced by Roman’s fame or enthralled with his wealth. She saw him for himself.
Maverick, Roman’s adorable four year old son, added even more sunshine and sweetness to this book with his unintentionally humorous literal thinking and mispronunciations. The positive co-parenting relationship between Roman and Maverick’s mother was utterly refreshing.
Chasing the Ring is now one of my top book recommendations if you love sweet and spicy sports romcoms and I’m eager to read more in this series.
I had the opportunity to read an early copy and am sharing my honest review voluntarily.
So, let’s talk tropes and all the reasons you need to get this football romance on your TBR!
After epically roasting her fiancé at the altar, Iris is an exhausted runaway bride on a solo honeymoon when she and Roman meet in the most astonishingly awkward meet cute I’ve ever read!
Close proximity in the gorgeous tropical setting of a beach front Hawaiian bungalow, with just one bed, leads to sublimely romantic dates, sensational open door spice, and a soul deep connection between Iris and Roman. But after Roman’s fame is revealed, their tenuous bond is tested.
While I am not typically a fan of hidden identity, the way Lauren Rowe utilized this trope in Chasing the Ring made it work for me. It was a relatively short part of the book, wasn’t for a nefarious reason, and resulted in the characters’ communication. Roman’s misrepresentations and outright lies about his identity weren’t brushed aside by Iris just because she finds out that he is an NFL quarterback.
From Iris’s humble hometown in Washington with apple picking, fishing, and horseback riding, to the glamour of L.A. professional sports, these two opposites attract! I loved that Iris was never influenced by Roman’s fame or enthralled with his wealth. She saw him for himself.
Maverick, Roman’s adorable four year old son, added even more sunshine and sweetness to this book with his unintentionally humorous literal thinking and mispronunciations. The positive co-parenting relationship between Roman and Maverick’s mother was utterly refreshing.
Chasing the Ring is now one of my top book recommendations if you love sweet and spicy sports romcoms and I’m eager to read more in this series.
I had the opportunity to read an early copy and am sharing my honest review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
🩵 Blurb-
Iris Benedetto’s wedding day just went viral . . . for all the wrong reasons.
After a heated blowout with her lying, cheating fiancé at the altar, Iris storms off on a solo honeymoon—loudly announcing that she’s finally going to find out what good sex is all about. Rebranding from small-town preschool teacher to #Horny Runaway Bride was not the plan, but the insanely hot stranger who ends up double-booked in her bungalow on the island of Kauai is an opportunity even devastated Iris can’t ignore.
It’s not often NFL quarterback Roman Maguire meets someone who doesn’t recognize him. Even rarer to have that someone barge in while he’s taking a shower and quickly make him an irresistible offer. Roman is in Hawaii to secure the deal that could finally land him a Super Bowl ring—and closer proximity to his son. A sexy fling in paradise is a perfect way to spend a week with a surprise roommate . . .
Except . . . suddenly a week doesn’t seem nearly enough. And once the truth about Roman’s identity, Iris’s internet infamy, and all kinds of loyalty-testing secrets are revealed, will they both be willing to step into the real-life spotlight together?
💙 Review -
I'm loving all the sports romance novels that are around at the moment and Chasing The Ring certainly didn't disappoint. From the very first page I was hooked and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. I loved Iris and Roman's steamy chemistry and there was also a sweet side to their relationship. I kept rooting for them all the way through the novel as I wanted them to have the happy ending that they deserved. Overall, a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers. I look forward to reading more by the author.
💖 Release date -27th January.
💝 Thank you to Hambright PR and the author Lauren Rowe for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Iris Benedetto’s wedding day just went viral . . . for all the wrong reasons.
After a heated blowout with her lying, cheating fiancé at the altar, Iris storms off on a solo honeymoon—loudly announcing that she’s finally going to find out what good sex is all about. Rebranding from small-town preschool teacher to #Horny Runaway Bride was not the plan, but the insanely hot stranger who ends up double-booked in her bungalow on the island of Kauai is an opportunity even devastated Iris can’t ignore.
It’s not often NFL quarterback Roman Maguire meets someone who doesn’t recognize him. Even rarer to have that someone barge in while he’s taking a shower and quickly make him an irresistible offer. Roman is in Hawaii to secure the deal that could finally land him a Super Bowl ring—and closer proximity to his son. A sexy fling in paradise is a perfect way to spend a week with a surprise roommate . . .
Except . . . suddenly a week doesn’t seem nearly enough. And once the truth about Roman’s identity, Iris’s internet infamy, and all kinds of loyalty-testing secrets are revealed, will they both be willing to step into the real-life spotlight together?
💙 Review -
I'm loving all the sports romance novels that are around at the moment and Chasing The Ring certainly didn't disappoint. From the very first page I was hooked and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. I loved Iris and Roman's steamy chemistry and there was also a sweet side to their relationship. I kept rooting for them all the way through the novel as I wanted them to have the happy ending that they deserved. Overall, a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers. I look forward to reading more by the author.
💖 Release date -27th January.
💝 Thank you to Hambright PR and the author Lauren Rowe for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Iris had her dream wedding planned, but the night before she was supposed to walk down the aisle, she found out her fiance wasn’t who he claimed to be. Not wanting to let the wedding go to waste, she confronted him at the altar in spectacular fashion, not leaving before announcing that she’s finally going to find out what good s*x is. The only thing she didn’t expect was for a video of it to go viral, branding her as a #hornyrunawaybride for all to see. Hoping to find her peace, she decides to go on her honeymoon to Hawaii solo, but when her resort bungalow ends up being double-booked, she can’t resist the hot stranger she’s now going to be sharing a space with.
Roman may be a superstar quarterback, but after three superbowl losses, he is looking for change, a new city, a new team, and depending on how things go with the beautiful woman who just barged in on him in the shower, maybe a fun new fling, especially since she doesn’t have any idea who he is. While their chemistry is undeniable, once feelings start getting involved, things get a whole lot more complicated, especially when her internet infamy and his true identity come into play. But can a vacation fling really turn into something more?
I received an early copy of this book from NetGalley and Hambright PR and really enjoyed it. I loved how Iris went through one of the most painful experiences imaginable, and yet somehow manages to keep her head held high, AND is not afraid to demand her worth. Roman has a reputation as an ultimate playboy with insurmountable walls, but somehow Iris is able to tear them down. After their initial (and justifiable) secret keeping, it was refreshing to see a book couple actually communicate with each other, rather than the usual 3rd act breakup due to miscommunications. All in all it was an honest, feel good romance with minimal angst.
Roman may be a superstar quarterback, but after three superbowl losses, he is looking for change, a new city, a new team, and depending on how things go with the beautiful woman who just barged in on him in the shower, maybe a fun new fling, especially since she doesn’t have any idea who he is. While their chemistry is undeniable, once feelings start getting involved, things get a whole lot more complicated, especially when her internet infamy and his true identity come into play. But can a vacation fling really turn into something more?
I received an early copy of this book from NetGalley and Hambright PR and really enjoyed it. I loved how Iris went through one of the most painful experiences imaginable, and yet somehow manages to keep her head held high, AND is not afraid to demand her worth. Roman has a reputation as an ultimate playboy with insurmountable walls, but somehow Iris is able to tear them down. After their initial (and justifiable) secret keeping, it was refreshing to see a book couple actually communicate with each other, rather than the usual 3rd act breakup due to miscommunications. All in all it was an honest, feel good romance with minimal angst.
January 15, 2026
I love Lauren Rowe. Her Morgan Brothers books are great.
This book hooks you with Iris finding out some terrible things about her fiancé. They are getting married the following day when she finds a secondary phone in his toiletry bag when he’s out. Not good. She decides to look like she’s going through with the wedding and then confront him. Things get out of hand and there is a lot of screaming and the whole thing gets recorded and put online by someone in the crowd. It goes mega viral and Iris goes on the honeymoon by herself.
Roman is a star football player who is in Hawaii for his cousin’s wedding. Iris and Roman have a weird meet cute. Iris’s room has been given away to Roman and some crazy plans get made on both sides. We have a horny forced proximity situation and they spend a week together.
And that’s that - there is more to their story but it’s kind of in the range of adjustments to their relationship styles. This is almost an insta lust/love story. There are a couple of very small roadblocks but nothing that I would call serious. And I think this is my issue with the book. There’s no stakes. There’s no friction. They Meet. Attraction. Suddenly Love. Then a tiny bump in their road to love. Boom. There is a bit of a roadblock late on the book that mostly has to do with figuring out how to be good partners to each other.
Another thing is Iris loses her job because of Roman (sort of) and then she just doesn’t really go back to her beloved profession ever again. I feel like there were some good ideas here and the characters are loveable enough but the story could have used more development and depth.
If this is the first in a series hopefully the author will develop the characters and story a little more in future books.
Thank you to the author, Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.
This book hooks you with Iris finding out some terrible things about her fiancé. They are getting married the following day when she finds a secondary phone in his toiletry bag when he’s out. Not good. She decides to look like she’s going through with the wedding and then confront him. Things get out of hand and there is a lot of screaming and the whole thing gets recorded and put online by someone in the crowd. It goes mega viral and Iris goes on the honeymoon by herself.
Roman is a star football player who is in Hawaii for his cousin’s wedding. Iris and Roman have a weird meet cute. Iris’s room has been given away to Roman and some crazy plans get made on both sides. We have a horny forced proximity situation and they spend a week together.
And that’s that - there is more to their story but it’s kind of in the range of adjustments to their relationship styles. This is almost an insta lust/love story. There are a couple of very small roadblocks but nothing that I would call serious. And I think this is my issue with the book. There’s no stakes. There’s no friction. They Meet. Attraction. Suddenly Love. Then a tiny bump in their road to love. Boom. There is a bit of a roadblock late on the book that mostly has to do with figuring out how to be good partners to each other.
Another thing is Iris loses her job because of Roman (sort of) and then she just doesn’t really go back to her beloved profession ever again. I feel like there were some good ideas here and the characters are loveable enough but the story could have used more development and depth.
If this is the first in a series hopefully the author will develop the characters and story a little more in future books.
Thank you to the author, Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The perfect sports romance to read if you are enjoying the NFL playoffs. A pre-school teacher, Iris, and a pro-football quarterback, Rowan, meet in Hawaii after their bungalow is double-booked. What a memorable meet-cute that will have readers laughing and swooning at the same time. Lauren Rowe did not disappoint with this sweet and spicy sports romance that I devoured!
Iris was supposed to be happily married and on her way to Hawaii for her honeymoon. But that all changed when she found out her fiancé was a cheater. She could have called off the wedding as soon as she found out, but revenge was too viral-worthy to miss. Newly single, she heads to Hawaii by herself to forget, but things get a bit complicated when she walks into a bungalow that is occupied by a handsome man. Unbeknownst to her, he is a star NFL quarterback. Rowan is looking to relax, even if only for a week. His career is up in the air with trading deadlines approaching. And when he meets Iris, and she doesn't seem to know who he is, he goes along and tells her he is a gym owner. They have instant chemistry and agree to have a no-strings fling for one week.
They are electric, and readers will enjoy them. I love a romance that is so unexpected but so right that you have to hope the characters figure it out. And Rowan did figure it out before Iris. He pulled out all the stops to show Iris that giving them a real chance would be worth it. And then you add in the romantic settings of Hawaii, small-town Orchard Blossom, and even L.A. I also think readers will fall in love with Rowan's adorable son, Maverick. He says whatever comes to mind, and it is so cute and hilarious. I ate this entire romance up and left no crumbs! If you enjoy a football sports romance, I highly recommend picking up a copy when it releases on January 27.
Iris was supposed to be happily married and on her way to Hawaii for her honeymoon. But that all changed when she found out her fiancé was a cheater. She could have called off the wedding as soon as she found out, but revenge was too viral-worthy to miss. Newly single, she heads to Hawaii by herself to forget, but things get a bit complicated when she walks into a bungalow that is occupied by a handsome man. Unbeknownst to her, he is a star NFL quarterback. Rowan is looking to relax, even if only for a week. His career is up in the air with trading deadlines approaching. And when he meets Iris, and she doesn't seem to know who he is, he goes along and tells her he is a gym owner. They have instant chemistry and agree to have a no-strings fling for one week.
They are electric, and readers will enjoy them. I love a romance that is so unexpected but so right that you have to hope the characters figure it out. And Rowan did figure it out before Iris. He pulled out all the stops to show Iris that giving them a real chance would be worth it. And then you add in the romantic settings of Hawaii, small-town Orchard Blossom, and even L.A. I also think readers will fall in love with Rowan's adorable son, Maverick. He says whatever comes to mind, and it is so cute and hilarious. I ate this entire romance up and left no crumbs! If you enjoy a football sports romance, I highly recommend picking up a copy when it releases on January 27.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
✦ 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 4✨
✦ 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - January 27, 2026
✦ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
• Sports Romance
• NFL Hero
• Vacation Romance
• Strangers to Lovers
• Forced Proximity
• Single Dad
• Spicy & Sweet
✦ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
This story follows Iris, whose wedding ends in the most heartbreaking and embarrassing way when she finds out her fiancé cheated on her. Her breakdown goes viral, and suddenly her personal pain becomes public entertainment. To escape the mess and breathe again, she decides to go on her honeymoon alone. What was supposed to be a quiet healing trip turns into something unexpected when she meets Roman, a famous NFL quarterback, due to a vacation booking mix-up.
From the very first interaction, the chemistry between Iris and Roman felt natural and easy. Their connection builds beautifully during their time together, filled with laughter, comfort, and attraction. Roman is confident, charming, and surprisingly gentle. His single dad side made me like him even more, and his respect for Iris felt refreshing and sincere.
I really loved how Iris slowly finds herself again through this journey. She is emotional, strong, and relatable, especially after the way her trust was broken. Her healing felt soft and realistic, not rushed or dramatic. The vacation setting added so much warmth and escapism to the story, making everything feel dreamy and comforting.
The romance was sweet, flirty, and spicy in all the right places. The banter was fun, the intimate moments were well written, and the emotional beats landed nicely. Some parts moved a little fast once reality hit, but the feelings still felt genuine and heartfelt. Overall, this book was a feel-good sports romance with heart, heat, and happiness.
Thank you so much hambrightpr & netgalley for the free ARC!
✦ 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - January 27, 2026
✦ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
• Sports Romance
• NFL Hero
• Vacation Romance
• Strangers to Lovers
• Forced Proximity
• Single Dad
• Spicy & Sweet
✦ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
This story follows Iris, whose wedding ends in the most heartbreaking and embarrassing way when she finds out her fiancé cheated on her. Her breakdown goes viral, and suddenly her personal pain becomes public entertainment. To escape the mess and breathe again, she decides to go on her honeymoon alone. What was supposed to be a quiet healing trip turns into something unexpected when she meets Roman, a famous NFL quarterback, due to a vacation booking mix-up.
From the very first interaction, the chemistry between Iris and Roman felt natural and easy. Their connection builds beautifully during their time together, filled with laughter, comfort, and attraction. Roman is confident, charming, and surprisingly gentle. His single dad side made me like him even more, and his respect for Iris felt refreshing and sincere.
I really loved how Iris slowly finds herself again through this journey. She is emotional, strong, and relatable, especially after the way her trust was broken. Her healing felt soft and realistic, not rushed or dramatic. The vacation setting added so much warmth and escapism to the story, making everything feel dreamy and comforting.
The romance was sweet, flirty, and spicy in all the right places. The banter was fun, the intimate moments were well written, and the emotional beats landed nicely. Some parts moved a little fast once reality hit, but the feelings still felt genuine and heartfelt. Overall, this book was a feel-good sports romance with heart, heat, and happiness.
Thank you so much hambrightpr & netgalley for the free ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Lauren Rowe kicks off a new series with Chasing the Ring as the first book. I have enjoyed previous books by Lauren which is why I was so excited to dig into this new book and series.
Iris is a preschool teacher who learns on the eve of her wedding that her fiancé is not who she thought. She calls off the wedding in an epic way and then heads to Hawaii for some rest and relaxation. Roman is a quarterback in the NFL who is in Hawaii for his cousin's wedding. He decides to stay for an extra week after the rest of his family leaves.
Due to some mix-ups and timing, Iris and Roman meet in a really funny way. When they realize the bungalow they both booked, is in fact double booked, they decide to go with it. The kicker (ha ha), is that Iris has no idea who Roman is and he wants to keep it that way.
During their week in Hawaii Roman plans romantic dates for Iris and they have a wonderful time together. As the week comes to a close, as planned, they go their own way. However, Roman is having none of that and they reconnect and let their love grow.
I loved that Iris knew her mind and was not afraid to speak it and stick by her decisions. I also loved how tight both Iris and Roman's families are.
I would have like a bit more angst. I felt that the characters did not show emotional growth much.
Chasing the Ring is a great book for those who love a famous/'normie' pairing, insta-lust, low-angst, and large families in their books.
Overall, I really enjoyed Chasing the Ring and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Steam: 4/5
Fun: 3.5/5
Overall: 3.5/5
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing an eARC and this is my honest review.
Iris is a preschool teacher who learns on the eve of her wedding that her fiancé is not who she thought. She calls off the wedding in an epic way and then heads to Hawaii for some rest and relaxation. Roman is a quarterback in the NFL who is in Hawaii for his cousin's wedding. He decides to stay for an extra week after the rest of his family leaves.
Due to some mix-ups and timing, Iris and Roman meet in a really funny way. When they realize the bungalow they both booked, is in fact double booked, they decide to go with it. The kicker (ha ha), is that Iris has no idea who Roman is and he wants to keep it that way.
During their week in Hawaii Roman plans romantic dates for Iris and they have a wonderful time together. As the week comes to a close, as planned, they go their own way. However, Roman is having none of that and they reconnect and let their love grow.
I loved that Iris knew her mind and was not afraid to speak it and stick by her decisions. I also loved how tight both Iris and Roman's families are.
I would have like a bit more angst. I felt that the characters did not show emotional growth much.
Chasing the Ring is a great book for those who love a famous/'normie' pairing, insta-lust, low-angst, and large families in their books.
Overall, I really enjoyed Chasing the Ring and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Steam: 4/5
Fun: 3.5/5
Overall: 3.5/5
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing an eARC and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for gifting me an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I'm so sorry to say this, but I fear I did not enjoy this book. Now, I am a fan of sports romances, I enjoy these kinds of books. But... unfortunately Chasing the Ring lacked in many ways for me.
First of all, the plot is lacking. It's highly predictable and it doesn't really start until 50% way through the book. Roman and Iris' relationship is way too quick and Roman lies to her through most of the book. I don't usually mind fast burns, but this felt...too rushed. I'm not sure that makes sense, but that's how I feel. Also I felt Roman using his kid to help him get back Iris was a little too red flag for me.
Secondly, I felt the tone of language used in the book was more young adult, maybe even on the juvenile side. Now what I mean by that is their conversations felt like teenagers talking, and not full grown adults. (Which the words they use are adult words, but the way the say them is young.) These two are in their late twenties and mid thirties and they speak to each other in a very...young way. It just didn't fit with their established characters in my opinion.
Now, I did enjoy some things. I did like that Roman was a single father. I thought his and Maverick's father/son relationship was cute. Roman's family was one of the best things in the book.
Overall thoughts:
I just didn't enjoy it. It had moments that I was okay with, it had it's cute little moments. But overall, I felt like it was hard for me to read. But if you want a quick, easy read, I would say "yeah, read it."
I'm so sorry to say this, but I fear I did not enjoy this book. Now, I am a fan of sports romances, I enjoy these kinds of books. But... unfortunately Chasing the Ring lacked in many ways for me.
First of all, the plot is lacking. It's highly predictable and it doesn't really start until 50% way through the book. Roman and Iris' relationship is way too quick and Roman lies to her through most of the book. I don't usually mind fast burns, but this felt...too rushed. I'm not sure that makes sense, but that's how I feel. Also I felt Roman using his kid to help him get back Iris was a little too red flag for me.
Secondly, I felt the tone of language used in the book was more young adult, maybe even on the juvenile side. Now what I mean by that is their conversations felt like teenagers talking, and not full grown adults. (Which the words they use are adult words, but the way the say them is young.) These two are in their late twenties and mid thirties and they speak to each other in a very...young way. It just didn't fit with their established characters in my opinion.
Now, I did enjoy some things. I did like that Roman was a single father. I thought his and Maverick's father/son relationship was cute. Roman's family was one of the best things in the book.
Overall thoughts:
I just didn't enjoy it. It had moments that I was okay with, it had it's cute little moments. But overall, I felt like it was hard for me to read. But if you want a quick, easy read, I would say "yeah, read it."
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Chasing the Ring by Lauren Rowe
A runaway bride. A Hawaiian bungalow mix up. A secret NFL quarterback. This book is pure rom com serotonin with a spicy edge and a huge heart.
Iris’s wedding implodes in front of the internet and instead of crawling into a hole, she hops on a plane and declares she is finally going to find out what good sex is. Enter Roman. Gorgeous. Kind. Shockingly normal for a man who just happens to be an NFL quarterback chasing a Super Bowl ring. Their meet cute is chaotic, hilarious, and instantly electric, and the forced proximity in paradise only makes it better.
What I loved most about this story is how emotionally grounded it feels beneath the fantasy. Iris is funny and brave and wounded in a way that feels real. Roman is swoony without being perfect. He is thoughtful, steady, and carrying his own complicated history. Their connection is fast but not shallow. You can feel why they cling to each other in this strange in between moment of their lives.
The vacation fling energy is immaculate. Sun. Salt. Heat. Long looks that linger too long. The spice is plentiful and confident but it never overshadows the emotional core. This is a story about choosing yourself after heartbreak and daring to believe that something better might actually be waiting.
It is funny. It is warm. It is romantic in that sweeping, cinematic way that makes you want to book a flight and reinvent your life.
If you love
🌴 forced proximity
🏈 athlete romance
💍 runaway bride energy
🔥 spicy vacation flings
💗 big feelings and second chances
this one is absolutely for you.
#ChasingTheRing #LaurenRowe #SportsRomance #Kensington #FootballRomance
A runaway bride. A Hawaiian bungalow mix up. A secret NFL quarterback. This book is pure rom com serotonin with a spicy edge and a huge heart.
Iris’s wedding implodes in front of the internet and instead of crawling into a hole, she hops on a plane and declares she is finally going to find out what good sex is. Enter Roman. Gorgeous. Kind. Shockingly normal for a man who just happens to be an NFL quarterback chasing a Super Bowl ring. Their meet cute is chaotic, hilarious, and instantly electric, and the forced proximity in paradise only makes it better.
What I loved most about this story is how emotionally grounded it feels beneath the fantasy. Iris is funny and brave and wounded in a way that feels real. Roman is swoony without being perfect. He is thoughtful, steady, and carrying his own complicated history. Their connection is fast but not shallow. You can feel why they cling to each other in this strange in between moment of their lives.
The vacation fling energy is immaculate. Sun. Salt. Heat. Long looks that linger too long. The spice is plentiful and confident but it never overshadows the emotional core. This is a story about choosing yourself after heartbreak and daring to believe that something better might actually be waiting.
It is funny. It is warm. It is romantic in that sweeping, cinematic way that makes you want to book a flight and reinvent your life.
If you love
🌴 forced proximity
🏈 athlete romance
💍 runaway bride energy
🔥 spicy vacation flings
💗 big feelings and second chances
this one is absolutely for you.
#ChasingTheRing #LaurenRowe #SportsRomance #Kensington #FootballRomance
Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews