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Atlanta Granite #1
Worth the Try
Elodie Cole has always done the right thing. So why does her life feel like it’s falling apart?
Losing her job and her home in a matter of hours forces her to face a terrifying being “nice” hasn’t protected her from anything. When she lands a temporary nanny job with Atlanta’s pro rugby captain, she vows to finally start choosing herself.
Ansel Miles is used to pressure.
As a single dad and team captain, he’s mastered the art of sacrifice. But when his carefully balanced life teeters on the edge, Elodie’s arrival feels like more than help – it feels like hope. For his daughter. For himself. For something he stopped believing a future built on joy instead of duty.
As the summer unfolds, their connection deepens from tentative trust to something that feels like home. But when a painful piece of Ansel’s past storms back in, threatening custody and exposing their relationship to the world, they’re forced to ask the hardest question of all:
Can two people who’ve always given everything to everyone else finally fight for each other?
FROM THE AUTHOR: This is book one of a brand new rugby romance series. Featuring a single dad and nanny with a forced proximity trope, this book has high emotions, spicy scenes, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
Losing her job and her home in a matter of hours forces her to face a terrifying being “nice” hasn’t protected her from anything. When she lands a temporary nanny job with Atlanta’s pro rugby captain, she vows to finally start choosing herself.
Ansel Miles is used to pressure.
As a single dad and team captain, he’s mastered the art of sacrifice. But when his carefully balanced life teeters on the edge, Elodie’s arrival feels like more than help – it feels like hope. For his daughter. For himself. For something he stopped believing a future built on joy instead of duty.
As the summer unfolds, their connection deepens from tentative trust to something that feels like home. But when a painful piece of Ansel’s past storms back in, threatening custody and exposing their relationship to the world, they’re forced to ask the hardest question of all:
Can two people who’ve always given everything to everyone else finally fight for each other?
FROM THE AUTHOR: This is book one of a brand new rugby romance series. Featuring a single dad and nanny with a forced proximity trope, this book has high emotions, spicy scenes, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
330 pages, Paperback
First published September 26, 2025
58 people are currently reading
393 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Pepper
18 books209 followersSteamy romantic comedy and contemporary romance author. Hoarder of half-used notebooks. Boots enthusiast. Lover of fall. Also coffee. Lots of coffee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
September 27, 2025
I guess I’m officially in my rugby romance era because I want more!
September 21, 2025
Worth the Try by Valerie Pepper (Sept 26, 2025) Thank you, @authorvaleriepepper for the free advanced copy! Below is my enthusiastic and honest review!
Elodie Cole has always tried to do the right thing - but a lot of good that has done her. She’s out of a job and a place to live. While commiserating with her best friend, who happens to work PR for the Atlanta Granite professional rugby team, she runs into a bit of good luck (finally!). Team captain Ansel Miles is in a jam. He needs a nanny for the summer and he has a guest house. Although not Elodie’s goal, helping him out will give her some breathing room as she plans her next move. As it turns out, Ansel’s 5yo daughter Rosie is an absolute joy and Ansel is a really great dad. He’s also easy on the eyes. As the weeks pass, Elodie, Rosie and Ansel begin to carve out a routine. But Elodie and Ansel also begin to push each other - for her to choose herself and speak up about her wants and needs and for him to learn he doesn’t have to shoulder all life’s burdens alone. And then there are the stolen glances, lingering touches and late-night talks that lead them toward something big, emotional, real, and deeply romantic. But when part of Ansel’s past threatens their future, can they let go of their fears and choose each other?
OK…I loved every single bit of this book. A fun sports romance, a child character that has depth and adds important weight to the story, dealing with really relatable and complex emotional baggage, an adorable cat, and then a mountain of fun micro tropes: glasses, tattoos, sweatpants, rolled up sleeves. Add to all of the fun that Pepper is a fantastic writer who balances emotional weight and charming humor and it is a recipe for a five star read. Even better that this is the first in a new series. I don’t know who the upcoming books will center around, but there are so many fantastic side characters in this one that I want to know more about. Consider me all-in for this series.
Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🔥 Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Elodie Cole has always tried to do the right thing - but a lot of good that has done her. She’s out of a job and a place to live. While commiserating with her best friend, who happens to work PR for the Atlanta Granite professional rugby team, she runs into a bit of good luck (finally!). Team captain Ansel Miles is in a jam. He needs a nanny for the summer and he has a guest house. Although not Elodie’s goal, helping him out will give her some breathing room as she plans her next move. As it turns out, Ansel’s 5yo daughter Rosie is an absolute joy and Ansel is a really great dad. He’s also easy on the eyes. As the weeks pass, Elodie, Rosie and Ansel begin to carve out a routine. But Elodie and Ansel also begin to push each other - for her to choose herself and speak up about her wants and needs and for him to learn he doesn’t have to shoulder all life’s burdens alone. And then there are the stolen glances, lingering touches and late-night talks that lead them toward something big, emotional, real, and deeply romantic. But when part of Ansel’s past threatens their future, can they let go of their fears and choose each other?
OK…I loved every single bit of this book. A fun sports romance, a child character that has depth and adds important weight to the story, dealing with really relatable and complex emotional baggage, an adorable cat, and then a mountain of fun micro tropes: glasses, tattoos, sweatpants, rolled up sleeves. Add to all of the fun that Pepper is a fantastic writer who balances emotional weight and charming humor and it is a recipe for a five star read. Even better that this is the first in a new series. I don’t know who the upcoming books will center around, but there are so many fantastic side characters in this one that I want to know more about. Consider me all-in for this series.
Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🔥 Spice: 🌶️🌶️
September 29, 2025
#Review: *Worth The Try* - Valerie Pepper - ARC [18+]
4.7/5✨
3/5🌶️
I kept seeing this book on the author's Instagram page and I said that I could give it a shot and apply for an ARC. Thank you so much Valerie for accepting me to receive this early copy!🩵 Super grateful for it!
Elodie's life was simply crumbling down. In only one day she lost her job and the place she was staying in. Fortunately, serendipity made it possible for Elodie to meet rugby player Ansel, who desperately needed someone who could help him with his daughter. That's how Elodie became little Rosie's nanny. But things cannot be that simple when between Elodie and Ansel was a super electrifying connection🤭. Would they be able to keep their hands to themselves and not cross the line?
I had sooo much fun reading this story. The cute relationship between Elodie, Ansel and Rosie made this book super enjoyable. They hit so well even from the start and, of course, got attached to one another. It was pretty difficult for the lines to not get blurred, being always in each other's proximity. Ansel and Elodie were pretty sceptical about what they felt for one another, especially because of their past failed relationships. Of course, it was super hard to contain themselves and that's how a secret relationship started to bloom. But things got a little complicated along the way and what they had could have been in danger.
This book was such a nice surprise, easily captivating my attention and making my job hard in stopping from reading it. I loved the interaction between all the characters and how the sweet, the spice and the emotional intertwined so well in this story.
✨Tropes
#SingleDad
#Nanny
#HeFallsFirst
#ForcedProximity
#SportsRomance
#Rugby
4.7/5✨
3/5🌶️
I kept seeing this book on the author's Instagram page and I said that I could give it a shot and apply for an ARC. Thank you so much Valerie for accepting me to receive this early copy!🩵 Super grateful for it!
Elodie's life was simply crumbling down. In only one day she lost her job and the place she was staying in. Fortunately, serendipity made it possible for Elodie to meet rugby player Ansel, who desperately needed someone who could help him with his daughter. That's how Elodie became little Rosie's nanny. But things cannot be that simple when between Elodie and Ansel was a super electrifying connection🤭. Would they be able to keep their hands to themselves and not cross the line?
I had sooo much fun reading this story. The cute relationship between Elodie, Ansel and Rosie made this book super enjoyable. They hit so well even from the start and, of course, got attached to one another. It was pretty difficult for the lines to not get blurred, being always in each other's proximity. Ansel and Elodie were pretty sceptical about what they felt for one another, especially because of their past failed relationships. Of course, it was super hard to contain themselves and that's how a secret relationship started to bloom. But things got a little complicated along the way and what they had could have been in danger.
This book was such a nice surprise, easily captivating my attention and making my job hard in stopping from reading it. I loved the interaction between all the characters and how the sweet, the spice and the emotional intertwined so well in this story.
✨Tropes
#SingleDad
#Nanny
#HeFallsFirst
#ForcedProximity
#SportsRomance
#Rugby
September 30, 2025
Ansel and Elodie’s story is kind of sweet and feels like a cozy comfort read. They meet at exactly the wrong (or maybe right?) time: she’s scrambling for a job and a place to live after losing both at the same time, he’s desperate for a nanny for his adorable five-year-old, Rosalie, for the summer due to his rugby training schedule.
The early stages of their relationship didn’t totally work for me. There was a lot of sexual tension and very little emotional connection, which made their initial closeness feel a bit forced. That said, I enjoyed the pacing and the ending, where both Ansel and Elodie had to confront the obstacles in their path and face them together. I just wish there had been more tender moments between them and more focus on how they handled their problems.
I loved the friendships Elodie has with the other women in the story - they added warmth and depth. I wish we’d seen something similar for Ansel, outside of his roles as father and team captain, maybe as a friend or teammate - a bit of bromance would have been fun.
The little moments of flirting throughout the story are fun, but the plot doesn’t offer much that’s new. If you’re familiar with single-dad x nanny romances, you’ll know the beats that follow. I did enjoy seeing Ansel as a professional rugby player and Elodie trying to break out of the “nice girl” mold - these details add some extra flavor. And Rosalie, Ansel’s adorable daughter, absolutely steals every scene she’s in: she’s clever, witty, and perfectly sassy.
All in all, a fun, lighthearted read. Sweet if you’re in the mood for something easy, heartwarming, and with plenty of spicy moments, with charming characters and cute family dynamics, but nothing groundbreaking.
Thank you to Valerie Pepper for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The early stages of their relationship didn’t totally work for me. There was a lot of sexual tension and very little emotional connection, which made their initial closeness feel a bit forced. That said, I enjoyed the pacing and the ending, where both Ansel and Elodie had to confront the obstacles in their path and face them together. I just wish there had been more tender moments between them and more focus on how they handled their problems.
I loved the friendships Elodie has with the other women in the story - they added warmth and depth. I wish we’d seen something similar for Ansel, outside of his roles as father and team captain, maybe as a friend or teammate - a bit of bromance would have been fun.
The little moments of flirting throughout the story are fun, but the plot doesn’t offer much that’s new. If you’re familiar with single-dad x nanny romances, you’ll know the beats that follow. I did enjoy seeing Ansel as a professional rugby player and Elodie trying to break out of the “nice girl” mold - these details add some extra flavor. And Rosalie, Ansel’s adorable daughter, absolutely steals every scene she’s in: she’s clever, witty, and perfectly sassy.
All in all, a fun, lighthearted read. Sweet if you’re in the mood for something easy, heartwarming, and with plenty of spicy moments, with charming characters and cute family dynamics, but nothing groundbreaking.
Thank you to Valerie Pepper for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2025
I will yap about Valerie's book forever and loudly! This was yet another incredible book from her!! I loved this one and Ansel and Elodie so much!! The way we got to see Elodie come to terms with her past and accept what and how shew anted to change, for herself, was so beautiful! Her journey in discovering how to blend her "nice girl" demeanor and reputation, with the person she wanted to be was so amazing!! The way she was able to let herself dive into new opportunities and accept help was such a real and beautiful journey! And Ansel was just the epitome of a swoony single dad, with the way that he just dove right in to fatherhood and fought so hard for Rosalie! His dedication to his team and his family, on top of also learning to ask for and accept help, was just perfection! The way these two came together, learned how to communicate, and fell for each other was an amazing journey to watch! I just loved getting to see them push each other in the best ways!! And the whole cast of characters we get to meet were so much fun, and I cannot wait to see more of them!! Overall this one was so much fun, and I absolutely loved it!! 5 stars; 3.5 chili peppers
Tropes:
- Rugby Player MMC
- Single Dad x Nanny
- Forced Proximity
- Toxic Ex & Family
- Meddling Friends
- He Falls First
Tropes:
- Rugby Player MMC
- Single Dad x Nanny
- Forced Proximity
- Toxic Ex & Family
- Meddling Friends
- He Falls First
September 25, 2025
Another fantastic story from Valerie! Elodie loses her job and her apartment on the same day, so her friend, Kari, that's on the PR team for the Atlanta Granite rugby teams takes her to practice to get some guys to help her move in with her. There she meets team captain Ansel. He's a single dad that just so happens to be needing a nanny. Kari talks Elodie into taking the job. Elodie and Ansel are both instantly attracted to one another but try to keep it professional. They can only ignore the pull for so long though. Ansel's past comes back and starts causing problems. Can they make it worth the try?
September 28, 2025
This was a cute fun spicy sports romance …. Rugby players are hotttt!!! Rosie was the best … so sweet and her relationship with Elodie… adorable…This is a first book in a new series and I’m excited to keep on reading … I loved the characters and the writing was good and the plot was interesting… I was lucky to read an advanced copy of this romance and I was here for it !!! I loved the single dad /nanny aspect so much …. Might be one of my new favorite tropes!!! All in all fun easy read .. check it out !!!
September 26, 2025
Who knew that rugby was gonna end up being my preferred sports romance? Not this girl. lol Valerie has successfully pulled me into this world, and I don't think I'm ever going to leave. Ansel and Elodie's story was so sweet and cute. I found myself laughing at loud a lot and both of their awkward moments. I feel like a lot of girls can relate to Elodie when they meet a guy they are instantly attracted to in such an obvious way. She's awkward and hilarious, and he notices everything she does (to her absolute horror) but he finds it sexy and endearing, and honestly, who doesn't want someone to fall in love with like that?
Ansel is so sweet and swoony and won me over right away. That thigh tattoo? 🫦 His dominating presence? 🫦 Sexy as hell, and I loved it. To be fair, he is not always perfect. At times, he is infuriating (as most men are), and I did find myself getting irritated with him here and there. But whenever that would happen, we would switch to his POV and hear his thoughts, and I'd melt and realize he's just... imperfect like everyone is and I'd be falling for him all over again. Ansel and Elodie's lives are messy, and even when they feel like a perfect fit, some things just aren't and that's OKAY. It's normal to have ups and downs and things that you have to adjust and work through. I appreciate the realness of these characters so much.
I loved everything about this book. The tension and spice is delicious, and that bathtub scene?! MA'AM, I was not prepared. 🥵🥵🥵 Every spicy moment (even when they are interrupted) is electric. They have such amazing chemistry that you can't help but just eat it up. 😏
At this point anything Valerie writes is a must read for me - without question, and I'm not shy about telling you all how much I adore her and her books. This book is absolutely no exception. If you love sports romance (and honestly, even if you're just on the fence) this is a fantastic read, and it absolutely is Worth the Try. (You see what I did there? 😉)
Ansel is so sweet and swoony and won me over right away. That thigh tattoo? 🫦 His dominating presence? 🫦 Sexy as hell, and I loved it. To be fair, he is not always perfect. At times, he is infuriating (as most men are), and I did find myself getting irritated with him here and there. But whenever that would happen, we would switch to his POV and hear his thoughts, and I'd melt and realize he's just... imperfect like everyone is and I'd be falling for him all over again. Ansel and Elodie's lives are messy, and even when they feel like a perfect fit, some things just aren't and that's OKAY. It's normal to have ups and downs and things that you have to adjust and work through. I appreciate the realness of these characters so much.
I loved everything about this book. The tension and spice is delicious, and that bathtub scene?! MA'AM, I was not prepared. 🥵🥵🥵 Every spicy moment (even when they are interrupted) is electric. They have such amazing chemistry that you can't help but just eat it up. 😏
At this point anything Valerie writes is a must read for me - without question, and I'm not shy about telling you all how much I adore her and her books. This book is absolutely no exception. If you love sports romance (and honestly, even if you're just on the fence) this is a fantastic read, and it absolutely is Worth the Try. (You see what I did there? 😉)
October 12, 2025
Rugby romances are one of my favorite, and this couple owned it. Ansel and Elodie 🫦🧎♀️😩 The tropes🧎♀️ The angst and yearning, Wow! The way they are obsessed with each other! Thank you so much, Valerie, for this ARC 🫦 What a start to this series 🥹
Ansel Miles 🔥 What a man 🫦 Grumpy, gentleman, protective, incredible single dad, intense, tall, talented, obsessed with taking care of Elodie, selfless, filthy mouthed, Fly-half for Atlanta Granite, brings out Elodie's feisty side, rich, successful, handsome af, wears glasses, intelligent, and those thighs 🧎♀️🫦 I wanted to bite them too 😩 I need this man! The scenes with his daughter were so adorable and wholesome 🥹 And his scenes with Elodie..... yeah, I'm crawling to him 🫦 He is so attentive and supportive 😩 He tries to deny his attraction for her... until he can't 😏
Elodie Cole 😩 I want to be her when I grow up 😌 Shy, brave, sunshine, talented, kind, sassy, fiercely protective, beautiful, hardworking, nannying the cutest girl for the summer, selfless, obsessed with Ansel's thighs and that slutty tattoo 🫦 adores his little girl and will do anything to keep them safe. Her friends are so empowering. And her bond with Rosalie 🥹 Adorable, heartwarming and wholesome! Elodie bravely works through her trauma, and this made me so proud of her 🥹 She can't help noticing Ansel, especially when he spends time with Rosalie 😩 She tries to keep her distance, but it's hard when he always finds a way to include her in their life 🥹
The writing, characters, storyline, spice, and yearning are out of this world 🫦 The angst and tension! Holy f*ck!!!!! I am so excited for the next book in this series 😈 All these characters have my attention 🧎♀️
Ansel Miles 🔥 What a man 🫦 Grumpy, gentleman, protective, incredible single dad, intense, tall, talented, obsessed with taking care of Elodie, selfless, filthy mouthed, Fly-half for Atlanta Granite, brings out Elodie's feisty side, rich, successful, handsome af, wears glasses, intelligent, and those thighs 🧎♀️🫦 I wanted to bite them too 😩 I need this man! The scenes with his daughter were so adorable and wholesome 🥹 And his scenes with Elodie..... yeah, I'm crawling to him 🫦 He is so attentive and supportive 😩 He tries to deny his attraction for her... until he can't 😏
Elodie Cole 😩 I want to be her when I grow up 😌 Shy, brave, sunshine, talented, kind, sassy, fiercely protective, beautiful, hardworking, nannying the cutest girl for the summer, selfless, obsessed with Ansel's thighs and that slutty tattoo 🫦 adores his little girl and will do anything to keep them safe. Her friends are so empowering. And her bond with Rosalie 🥹 Adorable, heartwarming and wholesome! Elodie bravely works through her trauma, and this made me so proud of her 🥹 She can't help noticing Ansel, especially when he spends time with Rosalie 😩 She tries to keep her distance, but it's hard when he always finds a way to include her in their life 🥹
The writing, characters, storyline, spice, and yearning are out of this world 🫦 The angst and tension! Holy f*ck!!!!! I am so excited for the next book in this series 😈 All these characters have my attention 🧎♀️
September 21, 2025
I didn’t know I needed a rugby romance until this book and now I’m going to go searching social media for some rugby videos 😏😏. Ansel and Elodies story was so good! I’m a sucker for a good single dad and nanny romance and this one was so well done! I liked how Ansel helped Elodie drop some of her “nice girl” ways and as a fellow “nice girl” I felt her struggle! I also enjoyed how Elodie made Ansel see that it was ok to take help and that he didn’t have to do everything himself. Lauren was the absolute worst and I hope she got what’s coming to her. I would love to hear more about Allyson and her PI business lol. Rosie was easily my favorite character and I just loved her and Elodies relationship! This book was so good and the spice ooooh that was so good too, the bathtub scene 🥵🥵🥵 (iykyk). The only thing I would have wanted to see is Ansel grovel a bit more when shit hit the fan lol. But if you love a sports romance, nanny/boss, deliciously thick thighs with a thigh tattoo then make sure to add this to your TBR!
October 8, 2025
Valerie Pepper could write literally anything and I would read it. I seriously mean that and this book was no exception. I had never watched rugby and I’ve never considered myself a fan of the sport. The descriptions of rugby itself were great and I didn’t feel myself getting lost at all, which is huge when it comes to sports romance books. I adore Ansel and I adore Elodie and they’re probably two of my favorites. I love the way that Ansel paid attention to detail when it came to Elodie and Rosie!
The relationship between Rosie and Elodie felt super natural and not super forced which I really enjoyed a lot. Rosie is the sweetest little girl.
I always say that Valerie could write my grocery list and I would read it. She is an auto buy author for me every single time, and I never ever find myself not loving any of her books. She has never let me down and I just get to add another book to my shelf! Thank you Valerie for the ARC, your fabulous writing, sexy as sin men, and lovable characters!
The relationship between Rosie and Elodie felt super natural and not super forced which I really enjoyed a lot. Rosie is the sweetest little girl.
I always say that Valerie could write my grocery list and I would read it. She is an auto buy author for me every single time, and I never ever find myself not loving any of her books. She has never let me down and I just get to add another book to my shelf! Thank you Valerie for the ARC, your fabulous writing, sexy as sin men, and lovable characters!
September 27, 2025
Football who? Rugby is now my new obsession for sports romance! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I learned a little about rugby as a sport and learned a lot about a rugby player’s physique (those thighs 😉). Ansel was an amazing lead. He is a great dad who puts his life on hold for his daughter. Elodie is the perfect woman for him. When she is hired as his nanny, sparks fly! Elodie and Rosalie were the cutest duo and I am so glad we got to see that relationship develop. Cleocatra was my favorite based on name alone! I definitely recommend reading this book if you want some rugby muscle in your life!
Trigger warnings: infertility, being followed,
Trigger warnings: infertility, being followed,
September 23, 2025
I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait for Book 2!!!
September 28, 2025
✨💗 Worth The Try ✨💗
by @authorvaleriepepper 🥳🥰😍
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sports romance + single dad + nanny = my kryptonite 😍
I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Elodie is a good girl going through a rough patcg.. fired from her job and kicked out of her place all at once. Luckily, her best friend works PR for the Atlanta Granite and connects her with Ansel, the team’s captain, who desperately needs a nanny for his daughter Rosie.
Elodie steps in, and before long, the three of them fall into a sweet rhythm. Between stolen glances across the room and kisses in the foyer, sparks are flying... but when Ansel’s past comes knocking, could it ruin everything he’s building with Elodie?
I loved everything about this book! I’m such a sucker for a sports romance, and Valerie Pepper always delivers. She has a way of pulling you straight into the story with vivid imagery and heartfelt moments. Elodie’s growth was inspiring, picking herself back up, taking risks, and diving into new opportunities. And Ansel? The gorgeous rugby player with the cutest daughter ever. 🫶 I’m obsessed with single-dad romances, and this one was perfect!
by @authorvaleriepepper 🥳🥰😍
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sports romance + single dad + nanny = my kryptonite 😍
I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Elodie is a good girl going through a rough patcg.. fired from her job and kicked out of her place all at once. Luckily, her best friend works PR for the Atlanta Granite and connects her with Ansel, the team’s captain, who desperately needs a nanny for his daughter Rosie.
Elodie steps in, and before long, the three of them fall into a sweet rhythm. Between stolen glances across the room and kisses in the foyer, sparks are flying... but when Ansel’s past comes knocking, could it ruin everything he’s building with Elodie?
I loved everything about this book! I’m such a sucker for a sports romance, and Valerie Pepper always delivers. She has a way of pulling you straight into the story with vivid imagery and heartfelt moments. Elodie’s growth was inspiring, picking herself back up, taking risks, and diving into new opportunities. And Ansel? The gorgeous rugby player with the cutest daughter ever. 🫶 I’m obsessed with single-dad romances, and this one was perfect!
September 26, 2025
Valerie Pepper has done it again, Worth The Try was absolutely perfect! This is the first book in her new Rugby Romance series called Atlanta Granite. I was hooked from the first page. It is told from a dual POV, following Elodie Cole and Ansel Miles. Elodie loses her job and her apartment all in the same day. Her bestie, Kari works for the Atlanta Granite and suggests Elodie ask the rugby team to help her move. The same day the team captain, Ansel finds out his parents can't take his daughter, Rosalie for the summer leaving Ansel in a bind. It is suggested that he hire Elodie to be a live-in nanny for Rosalie. The chemistry and connection between Ansel and Elodi was perfection. I absolutely loved how Ansel helped Elodie come out of her shell and finally take what she wants. The growth was perfect. Rosalie was absolutely adorable and such a great addition to the story. This whole book was perfect! It made me swoon (thigh tats IYKYK), cry, laugh, and want to throw my Kindle but it was completely amazing and I am obsessed!. I cannot wait for what comes next from Valerie.
🏉 Rugby Romance
❤️ Single Dad x Nanny
🏉 Forced Proximity
❤️ He Falls First
🏉 Forehead Kisses
❤️ Thigh Tattoo
🏉 He Cooks For Her
❤️ "Eyes on Me" 🥰
🏉 Beg For Me
❤️ Spicy Book
Favorite Scenes/Quotes:
Kari looks out onto the pitch while Rosalie and I settle in at the table. I follow her gaze, and almost immediately have to fight to keep breathing. Holy fluffing airballs. There are easily two- dozen men below us, all in close- fitting shorts and shirts, skin of all shades glistening with sweat in the mid- morning heat. Admittedly, their legs are, erm, really nice to look at. Thick as tree trunks with muscles so defined I can see them from up here.
Which I nearly almost choke on. Because there’s Rosalie, perched on the stool at the kitchen island, smiling up at me from the coloring book she’s been working on, cute as a button. She is not the issue here. Not even close. No, it’s her father. Who stands behind her, wearing the same glasses he was in yesterday, with a rubber band tucked between his lips as he works one of Rosalie’s ponytails into submission. Exactly when I became a puddle of a person at the sight of a dad braiding hair is beyond me, but to be fair: he is a hulking giant of a man, and the look of concentration on his face— he’s biting his lip and his brow is furrowed— might be the hottest thing I've ever seen. The other side of her hair is a frizzy mess, forming a brown halo of unbrushed curls that reminds me so much of my own hair as a little girl.
The whole moment lasts all of a second, but my body comes alive at the contact. As though it, too, can’t remember the last time it was touched by anyone who wasn’t trying to tackle me—Rosalie included. Also, she smells incredible. The scents of vanilla and brown sugar waft around me, like my own personal dessert.
“Why, no sir, your beefy tattooed thighs and slightly crooked smile and scarred eyebrow and chest muscles and love for your daughter actually don’t affect me”
“Now tell me how it’s going with my spreadsheet superhero.” I laugh. “Your what?” She waggles her eyebrows. “That man is a literal freak with the sheets. You know that, right?”
“But you’d make a pretty great couple. He’s the nerdy rugby player in the slutty short shorts, and you’re the sweet- as- pie Disney princess. The happily- ever- after practically writes itself, Elodie.”
I love her. It hits me like a damn freight train. I love her.
I will give this woman whatever she wants. Today, tomorrow, a decade from now.
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
🏉 Rugby Romance
❤️ Single Dad x Nanny
🏉 Forced Proximity
❤️ He Falls First
🏉 Forehead Kisses
❤️ Thigh Tattoo
🏉 He Cooks For Her
❤️ "Eyes on Me" 🥰
🏉 Beg For Me
❤️ Spicy Book
Favorite Scenes/Quotes:
Kari looks out onto the pitch while Rosalie and I settle in at the table. I follow her gaze, and almost immediately have to fight to keep breathing. Holy fluffing airballs. There are easily two- dozen men below us, all in close- fitting shorts and shirts, skin of all shades glistening with sweat in the mid- morning heat. Admittedly, their legs are, erm, really nice to look at. Thick as tree trunks with muscles so defined I can see them from up here.
Which I nearly almost choke on. Because there’s Rosalie, perched on the stool at the kitchen island, smiling up at me from the coloring book she’s been working on, cute as a button. She is not the issue here. Not even close. No, it’s her father. Who stands behind her, wearing the same glasses he was in yesterday, with a rubber band tucked between his lips as he works one of Rosalie’s ponytails into submission. Exactly when I became a puddle of a person at the sight of a dad braiding hair is beyond me, but to be fair: he is a hulking giant of a man, and the look of concentration on his face— he’s biting his lip and his brow is furrowed— might be the hottest thing I've ever seen. The other side of her hair is a frizzy mess, forming a brown halo of unbrushed curls that reminds me so much of my own hair as a little girl.
The whole moment lasts all of a second, but my body comes alive at the contact. As though it, too, can’t remember the last time it was touched by anyone who wasn’t trying to tackle me—Rosalie included. Also, she smells incredible. The scents of vanilla and brown sugar waft around me, like my own personal dessert.
“Why, no sir, your beefy tattooed thighs and slightly crooked smile and scarred eyebrow and chest muscles and love for your daughter actually don’t affect me”
“Now tell me how it’s going with my spreadsheet superhero.” I laugh. “Your what?” She waggles her eyebrows. “That man is a literal freak with the sheets. You know that, right?”
“But you’d make a pretty great couple. He’s the nerdy rugby player in the slutty short shorts, and you’re the sweet- as- pie Disney princess. The happily- ever- after practically writes itself, Elodie.”
I love her. It hits me like a damn freight train. I love her.
I will give this woman whatever she wants. Today, tomorrow, a decade from now.
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
September 28, 2025
Not going to lie, pretty sure I would devour Valerie Pepper’s grocery list and rate it 5 stars. Worth the Try is another book filled with relatable and gripping characters falling in love and becoming their best selves. Plus, rugby is gaining traction here in the US and it’s fun to explore another sport.
Also, the spicy scenes are H-O-T and I’m not mad about that.
Pepper’s newest novel centers around the Atlanta Granite, a professional rugby club. We meet Ansel, captain and single father to the delightful spitfire Rosalie. Ansel struggles with balancing fatherhood, single-parenthood while also working (so relatable to so many readers), being an attentive son to parents beginning to age, and figuring out how to play rugby professionally while also needing to work another job since the sport hasn’t taken off here and yet and most ruggers need additional income.
Elodie is figuring out who she is as a woman. She’s been fired from her job (which she didn’t love, to be honest), dumped by her creep show of a fiancé ostensibly for fertility issues, booted from her apartment by a less-than-helpful landlord, and struggling with a toxic relationship with her beauty pageant official mother. Through a delightful coincidence, Ansel hires Elodie as his summer nanny for Rosalie.
It’s love at first sight. Between Elodie and Rosalie. And, naturally, heart eyes and palpitations between Elodie and Ansel. Their chemistry is hotter than an Atlanta summer, and good gravy did I root for these two to figure out their issues and end up together. The cast of characters is full and fun and I’m excited to (hopefully) dive into the love stories for other members of the Granite.
Also, did I mention the spicy scenes? Woah, mama.
Elodie and Ansel both grapple with challenges familiar to so many readers: balancing self-protection and vulnerability, the changing child/parent dynamic as one becomes and adult and detaches from family-of-origin patterns and roles, and navigating exes and new relationships especially when there is a child involved. Valerie Pepper approaches these topics with care and grace for both her characters and her readers, and the result is a book filled with heart and humor and love. I’m never disappointed when I start one of her novels, and her characters live with me long after I finish the book.
Also, I need to go back and annotate the spicy scenes. Oh, Ansel. His rugby body, his thigh tattoo, his slutty glasses, his dirty talk. Call me Cleocatra, because meow.
I received an advance review copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.
Also, the spicy scenes are H-O-T and I’m not mad about that.
Pepper’s newest novel centers around the Atlanta Granite, a professional rugby club. We meet Ansel, captain and single father to the delightful spitfire Rosalie. Ansel struggles with balancing fatherhood, single-parenthood while also working (so relatable to so many readers), being an attentive son to parents beginning to age, and figuring out how to play rugby professionally while also needing to work another job since the sport hasn’t taken off here and yet and most ruggers need additional income.
Elodie is figuring out who she is as a woman. She’s been fired from her job (which she didn’t love, to be honest), dumped by her creep show of a fiancé ostensibly for fertility issues, booted from her apartment by a less-than-helpful landlord, and struggling with a toxic relationship with her beauty pageant official mother. Through a delightful coincidence, Ansel hires Elodie as his summer nanny for Rosalie.
It’s love at first sight. Between Elodie and Rosalie. And, naturally, heart eyes and palpitations between Elodie and Ansel. Their chemistry is hotter than an Atlanta summer, and good gravy did I root for these two to figure out their issues and end up together. The cast of characters is full and fun and I’m excited to (hopefully) dive into the love stories for other members of the Granite.
Also, did I mention the spicy scenes? Woah, mama.
Elodie and Ansel both grapple with challenges familiar to so many readers: balancing self-protection and vulnerability, the changing child/parent dynamic as one becomes and adult and detaches from family-of-origin patterns and roles, and navigating exes and new relationships especially when there is a child involved. Valerie Pepper approaches these topics with care and grace for both her characters and her readers, and the result is a book filled with heart and humor and love. I’m never disappointed when I start one of her novels, and her characters live with me long after I finish the book.
Also, I need to go back and annotate the spicy scenes. Oh, Ansel. His rugby body, his thigh tattoo, his slutty glasses, his dirty talk. Call me Cleocatra, because meow.
I received an advance review copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.
September 25, 2025
Worth the Try is the first book in Pepper's Atlanta Granite series. This forced proximity, rugby romance features Elodie Cole and Ansel Miles.
In addition to being the captain of the Atlanta Granite, Ansel is also a single father to 5-year old Rosalie. She was the product of a one night stand. Her mother never told Ansel she was pregnant and just left Rosalie on his doorstep when she was 3 months old. While it was a huge shock, he quickly embraced his new role as a father and has made her his number one priority.
On the same day, Elodie was both downsized and told her had one month to vacate her home. It definitely was not a good day. Her best friend, Kari, who works for the Atlanta Granite in PR, offered Elodie her couch until she was back on her feet. Needing some muscles to help her move, Kari thought asking some of the rugby players would be an affordable and efficient option.
When Elodie went to meet the players and ask for their help, she met Rosalie and quickly fell in love with the little girl. When her father finished practice and came to collect his daughter, he met Elodie. As it turned out, Ansel was in need of a new nanny and his best friend, Lennox, and Elodie's best friend, Kari, quickly made the suggestion that Elodie assume the role for the summer.
After an interview and background check, Elodie moved into Ansel's guest house. Over the summer, Elodie and Ansel learn to trust one another. They grow closer and find in each other exactly what they needed.
This was a fun read. I enjoyed the dynamic between the two main characters. Both have had experiences in their pasts which have led to challenges trusting others. I loved how Elodie pushed herself outside her comfort zone and learned to speak up for herself. I can definitely appreciate that struggle! I also loved how Ansel learns to balance his identity as a father and his personal needs. His dominant side in the bedroom was delicious. Pepper's inclusion of the adorable 5-year old and a purrfect feline companion just made the read that much better.
I know there are more books planned in this series, and I can't wait. It looks like "The No Try Zone" is up next, currently expected sometime next year.
In addition to being the captain of the Atlanta Granite, Ansel is also a single father to 5-year old Rosalie. She was the product of a one night stand. Her mother never told Ansel she was pregnant and just left Rosalie on his doorstep when she was 3 months old. While it was a huge shock, he quickly embraced his new role as a father and has made her his number one priority.
On the same day, Elodie was both downsized and told her had one month to vacate her home. It definitely was not a good day. Her best friend, Kari, who works for the Atlanta Granite in PR, offered Elodie her couch until she was back on her feet. Needing some muscles to help her move, Kari thought asking some of the rugby players would be an affordable and efficient option.
When Elodie went to meet the players and ask for their help, she met Rosalie and quickly fell in love with the little girl. When her father finished practice and came to collect his daughter, he met Elodie. As it turned out, Ansel was in need of a new nanny and his best friend, Lennox, and Elodie's best friend, Kari, quickly made the suggestion that Elodie assume the role for the summer.
After an interview and background check, Elodie moved into Ansel's guest house. Over the summer, Elodie and Ansel learn to trust one another. They grow closer and find in each other exactly what they needed.
This was a fun read. I enjoyed the dynamic between the two main characters. Both have had experiences in their pasts which have led to challenges trusting others. I loved how Elodie pushed herself outside her comfort zone and learned to speak up for herself. I can definitely appreciate that struggle! I also loved how Ansel learns to balance his identity as a father and his personal needs. His dominant side in the bedroom was delicious. Pepper's inclusion of the adorable 5-year old and a purrfect feline companion just made the read that much better.
I know there are more books planned in this series, and I can't wait. It looks like "The No Try Zone" is up next, currently expected sometime next year.
September 29, 2025
This book was…something! I am not going to lie to you, it took me a HOT minute to get into it. If I’m being honest, it took me until about 65%ish in to get into it into it. I felt like Ansel and Elodie’s story was rushed. It felt very insta lovey which is not my favorite. I felt like we didn’t really get to see much of their relationship development and I wish we could’ve seen more than that.
I also was kinda annoyed by Elodie and her lack of swearing 😂 but that’s a personal problem. Overall I could relate to her in some aspects (body dysmorphia, self confidence issues, etc) but more often than not she just kind annoyed me lol. I really liked Ansel though! Other than when he needed to get his head out of his azz. Besides that, he was pretty much a green flag for me.
Once the drama with Rosalie’s birth mother started to happen, I started to eat this book up because the tea was HOT and I’m a nosey bitch 🤥 if there’s one thing about me, it’s that I love other people’s drama so long as I’m not involved. (🤥 <— this is me being nosey and wanting to know whats going on 🤭) I really think the drama with the birth mom is what kept me going through this book if I’m being totally honest. But as the story developed, I did find myself crying towards the end because I was feeling so deeply for Ansel and for Elodie (separately) as they worked through their shit.
Valerie did a great job explaining rugby terms. I know next to nothing about rugby so her explanations “to Elodie” helped me to understand what was going on. Val also KILLEDDDDD the spice with this one. 😮💨😮💨🥵
Overall, I have mixed feelings about this book. I wanted to love it so bad, as I have with almost every other book I’ve read written by Valerie but this one kinda missed the mark for me 😬 it was fine! I didn’t hate it. But I also didn’t love it either. I feel bad because again I so badly was wanting to love this one but it just fell flat for me.
I am excited for the next book and to see what happens there cause it seems like it could possibly be messy too 🤭😏😂🤥
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Spice: 🔥🔥💥
Tropes:
🩷 Single Dad/Nanny
🩷 Pro Rugby Player
🩷 He Falls First
🩷 Insta Love
🩷 Emotional
🩷 Dirty mouthed MMC with slutty little glasses and a thigh tattoo
I also was kinda annoyed by Elodie and her lack of swearing 😂 but that’s a personal problem. Overall I could relate to her in some aspects (body dysmorphia, self confidence issues, etc) but more often than not she just kind annoyed me lol. I really liked Ansel though! Other than when he needed to get his head out of his azz. Besides that, he was pretty much a green flag for me.
Once the drama with Rosalie’s birth mother started to happen, I started to eat this book up because the tea was HOT and I’m a nosey bitch 🤥 if there’s one thing about me, it’s that I love other people’s drama so long as I’m not involved. (🤥 <— this is me being nosey and wanting to know whats going on 🤭) I really think the drama with the birth mom is what kept me going through this book if I’m being totally honest. But as the story developed, I did find myself crying towards the end because I was feeling so deeply for Ansel and for Elodie (separately) as they worked through their shit.
Valerie did a great job explaining rugby terms. I know next to nothing about rugby so her explanations “to Elodie” helped me to understand what was going on. Val also KILLEDDDDD the spice with this one. 😮💨😮💨🥵
Overall, I have mixed feelings about this book. I wanted to love it so bad, as I have with almost every other book I’ve read written by Valerie but this one kinda missed the mark for me 😬 it was fine! I didn’t hate it. But I also didn’t love it either. I feel bad because again I so badly was wanting to love this one but it just fell flat for me.
I am excited for the next book and to see what happens there cause it seems like it could possibly be messy too 🤭😏😂🤥
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Spice: 🔥🔥💥
Tropes:
🩷 Single Dad/Nanny
🩷 Pro Rugby Player
🩷 He Falls First
🩷 Insta Love
🩷 Emotional
🩷 Dirty mouthed MMC with slutty little glasses and a thigh tattoo
September 27, 2025
The single dad and the nanny doing it for themselves and it’s awesome and more than Worth a Try . It’s by Valerie Pepper is why. She knows how to make us sigh and swoon and before too long ,I think there maybe an honeymoon …. But let’s not get ahead ,or should I say let’s ,or at least no regrets for Elodie / Elle Cole who’s always done the right thing , made hearts sing with her nannying. But then she’s let go without a bye or leave ,can you believe. The team captain of the Atlanta Granite team needs a nanny and ain’t it uncanny that there just happens to be one on the horizon . It ain’t so surprising when you know that the PR gal Kari has had an hand in the new recruit who thinks his kid is cute . Her friend knows Elle so well and knows she’ll fit right in. Well she does with the dad too but it’s a little bit awks with him. When there’s people looking at them like hawks …Ansel Miles has one of those smiles and eyes for her. She has a piece of his heart instantly but he does try( yeah couldn’t resist) to keep it professional their relationship but slowly his cute five year old daughter Rosalie and him are smitten and emitting a big grin ,so what if they’re living in a bin of sin as long as they’re happy . But then of course a storm cloud beckons for crying out loud to threaten what they have . But this woman knows what she wants and she’s done playing it nice and dealing in sacrifice . And so has this man …Love this family dynamic and all that they do to try and be professional about their relationship,but when you know and why not give love and hope a jolly good try. Love this book! So darn much it has all the feels and ooh so much more fun that can be done with a little so when the toddler goes to bed ,the grownups play around instead. Awesome writing as ever and the characters are superb . I knew I’d love this book even without the blurb . It’s hot it’s cute and there’s no substitute for good storytelling and this book by Valerie Pepper is awesome and compelling
October 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Valerie Pepper has entered the sports romance game and it is spectacular! Worth the Try, book 1 in the Atlantic Granite series, is romantic, sweet, spicy, and so good! Valerie never fails to write enticing, captivating story lines where the MCs carry the story and the side characters often steal the show. Every book of hers that I have read leaves me feeling happy, complete, and full. Everything about this book is well written and executed.
Elodie is learning that being the good girl doesn’t always get you far in life. She is between jobs and has nowhere to live. Following the rules and always doing what is right hasn’t proven fruitful in her life and she needs something to change. When a nanny gig becomes available, she takes it. Not anything like she’s ever done before, she quickly connects with Rosie. This 5 year old is a complete joy throughout this book and plays an important role.
Ansel has carried the weight of the world on his shoulders for some time. Not one to ask for help, hiring a nanny is a big step for him. Allowing someone to help him with life and take some of the burden isn’t easy for him. But as Elodie and Rosie become closer and a routine is carved out between the three of them, he can’t help but see what an amazing person Elodie is. The attraction and tension that follows made this book impossible to put down!
Valerie does a fantastic job at balancing the light hearted side of this book with the emotional depth of the storyline. She isn’t afraid to bring in the heavy emotions and allows her characters to experience every range of emotion in her books. I loved being in this new world she’s created and am beyond excited to see what comes next in this series.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🏉Single Dad MMC
🩷Rugby Romance
🏉He Falls First
🩷High Emotion
🏉Unavoidable Proximity
🩷Employer x Employee
🏉Off Limits Romance
Valerie Pepper has entered the sports romance game and it is spectacular! Worth the Try, book 1 in the Atlantic Granite series, is romantic, sweet, spicy, and so good! Valerie never fails to write enticing, captivating story lines where the MCs carry the story and the side characters often steal the show. Every book of hers that I have read leaves me feeling happy, complete, and full. Everything about this book is well written and executed.
Elodie is learning that being the good girl doesn’t always get you far in life. She is between jobs and has nowhere to live. Following the rules and always doing what is right hasn’t proven fruitful in her life and she needs something to change. When a nanny gig becomes available, she takes it. Not anything like she’s ever done before, she quickly connects with Rosie. This 5 year old is a complete joy throughout this book and plays an important role.
Ansel has carried the weight of the world on his shoulders for some time. Not one to ask for help, hiring a nanny is a big step for him. Allowing someone to help him with life and take some of the burden isn’t easy for him. But as Elodie and Rosie become closer and a routine is carved out between the three of them, he can’t help but see what an amazing person Elodie is. The attraction and tension that follows made this book impossible to put down!
Valerie does a fantastic job at balancing the light hearted side of this book with the emotional depth of the storyline. She isn’t afraid to bring in the heavy emotions and allows her characters to experience every range of emotion in her books. I loved being in this new world she’s created and am beyond excited to see what comes next in this series.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🏉Single Dad MMC
🩷Rugby Romance
🏉He Falls First
🩷High Emotion
🏉Unavoidable Proximity
🩷Employer x Employee
🏉Off Limits Romance
September 28, 2025
This book opens with Elodie having probably the worst day of her life so far. Not only does she lose her job, but on the same day, her landlord serves her notice on her apartment. Jobless and homeless in one day, she moves in with her friend Kari. Kari works for the Atlanta Granite rugby team and enlists the help of some of the big, hunky rugby players to help move Elodie’s stuff into her apartment. While she is there, she meets the team captain, Ansel Miles, who is looking for a nanny for his absolutely adorable five-year-old daughter Rosie. Cue an instant hire, and it just happens to come with a pool house accommodation.
So Elodie moves in to take care of Rosie, and they bond instantly. The trouble is that Elodie and Ansel are also instantly attracted to each other, but neither is keen to rush into the Single Dad/Nanny trope. When they do finally admit it, the passion heats up and the sparks fly. But not everyone wants them to get their happy ever after. Ansel’s past is stalking their every move, and it might just drive them apart for good.
I loved this book; the two leads were relatable and flawed, but so in tune with each other, even when they don’t realise it themselves. Elodie has always been the nice girl, but she has a bad girl persona hidden inside that Ansel draws out. Ansel has trust issues and is conscious to always put his daughter first, but he can’t help himself around Elodie.
The plot was woven with finesse around the romance, drawing it out enough to keep you reading but not dragging its heels so you lose interest. Rosie was such a precious child, so mature for her age, but still an innocent five-year-old for the most part. A solid five star read.
So Elodie moves in to take care of Rosie, and they bond instantly. The trouble is that Elodie and Ansel are also instantly attracted to each other, but neither is keen to rush into the Single Dad/Nanny trope. When they do finally admit it, the passion heats up and the sparks fly. But not everyone wants them to get their happy ever after. Ansel’s past is stalking their every move, and it might just drive them apart for good.
I loved this book; the two leads were relatable and flawed, but so in tune with each other, even when they don’t realise it themselves. Elodie has always been the nice girl, but she has a bad girl persona hidden inside that Ansel draws out. Ansel has trust issues and is conscious to always put his daughter first, but he can’t help himself around Elodie.
The plot was woven with finesse around the romance, drawing it out enough to keep you reading but not dragging its heels so you lose interest. Rosie was such a precious child, so mature for her age, but still an innocent five-year-old for the most part. A solid five star read.
September 29, 2025
🏉 Rugby romance
💕 Single Dad x Nanny
🏘 Forced Proximity
🔥 Slow Burn
✨ Infertility Rep
🖤 Characters in 30s
🥂 Girl gang
If you're anything like me and NEED all the rugby romance books, this one definitely needs to be on your tbr! I absolutely LOVED this single dad x nanny, rugby romance that features characters in their 30s! This story follows Elodie Cole as she gets fired from her job and kicked out of her apartment, all in the same day. To cheer her up, her best friend Kari invites her to an Atlanta Granite practice where Elodie inevitably meets Ansel Miles, captain of the Granite and rugby superstar. Ansel has found himself is in a tight spot and unexpectedly needs a nanny for his daughter for the summer and Elodie offers to help. As the summer unfolds, Elodie and Ansel can't help their attraction for each other just as someone from Ansel's past threatens his future.
This rugby romance was exactly what I needed! We get an MMC with thick thighs, slutty glasses, a thigh tattoo, AND who is amazing dad who learns to braid and makes gourmet meals. Ansel Miles is literal perfection. He not only makes sure his daughter has everything she could ever want but also sees Elodie for who she is. He pushes her to "stop being so nice" and believe in herself. SWOON. Elodie is currently going through a rough patch and is tired of being trampled on and so Disney princess-esque with her niceness. She's determined this rough patch in her life will not define her and make her go after what she wants. I love her growth and her realizing she's worth it. We also get introduced to an amazing girl gang and I absolutely can't wait for what's to come with them!
Thank you so much to Valerie for the advanced copy! ❤ I can't wait for the next book thanks to that little mic drop at the end!
💕 Single Dad x Nanny
🏘 Forced Proximity
🔥 Slow Burn
✨ Infertility Rep
🖤 Characters in 30s
🥂 Girl gang
If you're anything like me and NEED all the rugby romance books, this one definitely needs to be on your tbr! I absolutely LOVED this single dad x nanny, rugby romance that features characters in their 30s! This story follows Elodie Cole as she gets fired from her job and kicked out of her apartment, all in the same day. To cheer her up, her best friend Kari invites her to an Atlanta Granite practice where Elodie inevitably meets Ansel Miles, captain of the Granite and rugby superstar. Ansel has found himself is in a tight spot and unexpectedly needs a nanny for his daughter for the summer and Elodie offers to help. As the summer unfolds, Elodie and Ansel can't help their attraction for each other just as someone from Ansel's past threatens his future.
This rugby romance was exactly what I needed! We get an MMC with thick thighs, slutty glasses, a thigh tattoo, AND who is amazing dad who learns to braid and makes gourmet meals. Ansel Miles is literal perfection. He not only makes sure his daughter has everything she could ever want but also sees Elodie for who she is. He pushes her to "stop being so nice" and believe in herself. SWOON. Elodie is currently going through a rough patch and is tired of being trampled on and so Disney princess-esque with her niceness. She's determined this rough patch in her life will not define her and make her go after what she wants. I love her growth and her realizing she's worth it. We also get introduced to an amazing girl gang and I absolutely can't wait for what's to come with them!
Thank you so much to Valerie for the advanced copy! ❤ I can't wait for the next book thanks to that little mic drop at the end!
September 15, 2025
I received an ARC but all thoughts are my own.
I love that we're getting more rugby romances and I've been looking forward to this one. We have Ansel Miles, the single dad rugby player and Elodie, the recently fired FMC who becomes his nanny.
I love that Ansel was just as nervous and blushy (that's a word) around Elodie as she was around him. It was adorable and I just love the idea of this giant man being all out of sorts around his crush. Plus he wears glasses AND has a thigh tattoo?! Just stop. Take my money and my heart already. He's such a fantastic Girl Dad. I think Ansel might be my new book boyfriend.
I really enjoyed watching Elodie chase her dreams after being fired. Her business idea was pretty fun and not something I've seen in other books before. I think my favorite seen though was when she got into it with Rosie's bio mom at the gala. The ways she stood up for Ansel and Rosie was such an important moment for her. It showed her really coming into her own and out of her shell.
Speaking of Rosie, she's such a great character! She has some hilarious and perfect quotes in the book and her obsession with Cleocatra was really cute. The other side characters really added to the story as well, like Kari who's Elodie's BFF and part of the PR department for the rugby team.
There was a little drama but all worked well with the plot. The pacing was good and the spice was *chef kiss*
I love that we're getting more rugby romances and I've been looking forward to this one. We have Ansel Miles, the single dad rugby player and Elodie, the recently fired FMC who becomes his nanny.
I love that Ansel was just as nervous and blushy (that's a word) around Elodie as she was around him. It was adorable and I just love the idea of this giant man being all out of sorts around his crush. Plus he wears glasses AND has a thigh tattoo?! Just stop. Take my money and my heart already. He's such a fantastic Girl Dad. I think Ansel might be my new book boyfriend.
I really enjoyed watching Elodie chase her dreams after being fired. Her business idea was pretty fun and not something I've seen in other books before. I think my favorite seen though was when she got into it with Rosie's bio mom at the gala. The ways she stood up for Ansel and Rosie was such an important moment for her. It showed her really coming into her own and out of her shell.
Speaking of Rosie, she's such a great character! She has some hilarious and perfect quotes in the book and her obsession with Cleocatra was really cute. The other side characters really added to the story as well, like Kari who's Elodie's BFF and part of the PR department for the rugby team.
There was a little drama but all worked well with the plot. The pacing was good and the spice was *chef kiss*
September 28, 2025
Another book, another great story by Valerie!
This one takes us through the journey of two people who have endured their fair share of hardships and truly deserve their happily ever after.
Elodie gets fired and loses her house on the same day. She has to start over and pick herself up quickly. So, when her best friend—who works as a PR for a rugby team—takes her along to a practice, Elodie unexpectedly finds an opportunity: a job as a nanny for one of the players’ daughters. She jumps at the chance. All she has to do is ignore how attractive he is.
Ansel is a single dad who suddenly realizes he needs help over the summer to care for his little girl while he works. When Elodie shows up and immediately eases some of his stress, he knows she’s the right choice.
Elodie quickly falls for Rosalie (the sweetest little girl ever!) and, inevitably, for her dad as well. But she knows she shouldn’t have those feelings—he’s supposed to be off-limits. Still, when Ansel makes it clear that he loves her too, she gives her whole heart to both of them.
I loved how Elodie bonded with Rosalie—protecting her fiercely and loving her so deeply. She gave her all, and it was beautiful to see.
Ansel was incredibly sweet as well. He adored his daughter, gave her the moon, treated Elodie like a princess, and wasn’t afraid to show his alpha side when necessary.
This is such an amazing story, and I can’t wait to see what comes next!
This one takes us through the journey of two people who have endured their fair share of hardships and truly deserve their happily ever after.
Elodie gets fired and loses her house on the same day. She has to start over and pick herself up quickly. So, when her best friend—who works as a PR for a rugby team—takes her along to a practice, Elodie unexpectedly finds an opportunity: a job as a nanny for one of the players’ daughters. She jumps at the chance. All she has to do is ignore how attractive he is.
Ansel is a single dad who suddenly realizes he needs help over the summer to care for his little girl while he works. When Elodie shows up and immediately eases some of his stress, he knows she’s the right choice.
Elodie quickly falls for Rosalie (the sweetest little girl ever!) and, inevitably, for her dad as well. But she knows she shouldn’t have those feelings—he’s supposed to be off-limits. Still, when Ansel makes it clear that he loves her too, she gives her whole heart to both of them.
I loved how Elodie bonded with Rosalie—protecting her fiercely and loving her so deeply. She gave her all, and it was beautiful to see.
Ansel was incredibly sweet as well. He adored his daughter, gave her the moon, treated Elodie like a princess, and wasn’t afraid to show his alpha side when necessary.
This is such an amazing story, and I can’t wait to see what comes next!
September 26, 2025
This is book #1 in the Atlanta Granite Series by Valerie Pepper!!! I can't wait for book 2. I enjoyed the side characters as much as I did the main characters, and that does not always happen in a story.
Elodie just lost her job and her place to live all in the same day. Her best friend Kari has the idea that she should nanny for one of the single dads on the rugby team. She has low self-esteem from family treating her like crap.
Ansel is the rugby team captain and a single dad. He is in a way over his head, and the plans he had for the summer for childcare have fallen through, and he doesn't know what to do. His daughter Rosalie is so adorable.
I loved Ansel and Elodie and the chemistry they had. They both are learning valuable lesions about each other, and its getting hard to fight the attraction. The problem is that if you don't tell your person about things that will possibly be an issue (ex, showing up unexpected and trying to fight for custody), then how can you truly be a team. Will they work together or let this tear them apart.
I would definitely recommend to friend if they like sports romance. It was light on the sports romance, though. I would check the trigger warning just because it touches on sensitive topics (infertility). Enjoy!!!
#singledadromance #Worththetry #ValeriePepper #newrelease #sportsromance #nannyromance
Elodie just lost her job and her place to live all in the same day. Her best friend Kari has the idea that she should nanny for one of the single dads on the rugby team. She has low self-esteem from family treating her like crap.
Ansel is the rugby team captain and a single dad. He is in a way over his head, and the plans he had for the summer for childcare have fallen through, and he doesn't know what to do. His daughter Rosalie is so adorable.
I loved Ansel and Elodie and the chemistry they had. They both are learning valuable lesions about each other, and its getting hard to fight the attraction. The problem is that if you don't tell your person about things that will possibly be an issue (ex, showing up unexpected and trying to fight for custody), then how can you truly be a team. Will they work together or let this tear them apart.
I would definitely recommend to friend if they like sports romance. It was light on the sports romance, though. I would check the trigger warning just because it touches on sensitive topics (infertility). Enjoy!!!
#singledadromance #Worththetry #ValeriePepper #newrelease #sportsromance #nannyromance
October 1, 2025
Bless those rugby shorts. Bless, bless them. So very much.
🏉❤️🏉❤️🏉❤️
🏉Single Dad
❤️Curvy FMC
🏉He Wears Glasses
❤️Rugby
🏉Nanny
❤️Found Family
🏉❤️🏉❤️🏉❤️
Ansel & Elodie's story is everything that we expect from Valerie Pepper - sweet, emotional, spicy, swoony, and an all around good time. If she writes it, I'm going to read it!
Elodie is the ultimate good girl who always does everything right, but runs into a string of bad luck between losing her job & being kicked out of her place on the same day. The only plus side is that she's given a 1 month notice to find housing. *cue sarcasm* Ansel has also hit a spot of misfortune as his parents can no longer stay & watch his daughter for the summer after his father suffers an injury. INSERT the bestest meddling friend and Elodie finds herself with a temporary job as the nanny to Rosie...and the job even comes with housing!
Sparks fly from the get-go and Elodie is just like the rest of us with her inability to resist the rugby thighs. I will forever be thinking of her taking a bite of one during sexy times! 🤣
The attachments between Rose, Elodie, & Ansel grow in the most beautiful of ways. They are forced to deal with Rosie's egg donor, b/c I refuse to call her a mother, throughout and you really want to smack the woman with all you have. Ansel also needs a smack when he takes out his frustration (verbally) on Elodie, but we can all totally relate to inserting our feet into our mouths at points.
I am so grateful for having received an ARC on this. It is a quick & easy read on top of being so enjoyable!
🏉❤️🏉❤️🏉❤️
🏉Single Dad
❤️Curvy FMC
🏉He Wears Glasses
❤️Rugby
🏉Nanny
❤️Found Family
🏉❤️🏉❤️🏉❤️
Ansel & Elodie's story is everything that we expect from Valerie Pepper - sweet, emotional, spicy, swoony, and an all around good time. If she writes it, I'm going to read it!
Elodie is the ultimate good girl who always does everything right, but runs into a string of bad luck between losing her job & being kicked out of her place on the same day. The only plus side is that she's given a 1 month notice to find housing. *cue sarcasm* Ansel has also hit a spot of misfortune as his parents can no longer stay & watch his daughter for the summer after his father suffers an injury. INSERT the bestest meddling friend and Elodie finds herself with a temporary job as the nanny to Rosie...and the job even comes with housing!
Sparks fly from the get-go and Elodie is just like the rest of us with her inability to resist the rugby thighs. I will forever be thinking of her taking a bite of one during sexy times! 🤣
The attachments between Rose, Elodie, & Ansel grow in the most beautiful of ways. They are forced to deal with Rosie's egg donor, b/c I refuse to call her a mother, throughout and you really want to smack the woman with all you have. Ansel also needs a smack when he takes out his frustration (verbally) on Elodie, but we can all totally relate to inserting our feet into our mouths at points.
I am so grateful for having received an ARC on this. It is a quick & easy read on top of being so enjoyable!
September 22, 2025
I’m really not sure how Valerie does it but boy did she absolutely kill it with this one! One would never think that this was your sports romance and I’m so freakin proud!
There’s absolutely not enough Rugby romance out in the world and I think all sports romance authors should take note because I ate this one up! Elodie and Ansel were absolutely perfection! Elodie was such a sweetheart but I loved seeing her come out of her shell and stick up for herself when she needed to. She absolutely turned into a complete badass!
Ansel, the sweet, thick thighed hottie that you are! I’m absolutely obsessed and couldn’t get enough of him! He absolutely made his way to the top of the best book boyfriend’s list and the way he treated his sweet little girl just absolutely made me SWOON! The thick thighs with the tattoos and the slutty little glasses just had me all kinds of giddy!
And the SPICE! I can’t get over that bath tub scene and I know I’ll be thinking about it well after this book comes out!
Of course I have to give a shoutout to sweet little Rosie because that sweet little girl was just about the cutest thing ever! Valerie, again you killed it and I absolutely can’t wait until the next book in this series!
There’s absolutely not enough Rugby romance out in the world and I think all sports romance authors should take note because I ate this one up! Elodie and Ansel were absolutely perfection! Elodie was such a sweetheart but I loved seeing her come out of her shell and stick up for herself when she needed to. She absolutely turned into a complete badass!
Ansel, the sweet, thick thighed hottie that you are! I’m absolutely obsessed and couldn’t get enough of him! He absolutely made his way to the top of the best book boyfriend’s list and the way he treated his sweet little girl just absolutely made me SWOON! The thick thighs with the tattoos and the slutty little glasses just had me all kinds of giddy!
And the SPICE! I can’t get over that bath tub scene and I know I’ll be thinking about it well after this book comes out!
Of course I have to give a shoutout to sweet little Rosie because that sweet little girl was just about the cutest thing ever! Valerie, again you killed it and I absolutely can’t wait until the next book in this series!
September 25, 2025
🏉Worth the Try by Valerie Pepper🏉
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Valerie Pepper. I don’t know how you do it. You know how to write a cute, yet sexy, love story that makes me feel giddy the entire time I am reading.
This is my first rugby romance. Let me start by saying: I think I found my new obsession. And I am a hockey girlie through and through 😂 A thigh tattoo AND glasses and he has a heart of gold, I’m sold.
I was rooting for Ansel and Elodie (love these name by the way, so different) the whole time. I loved these two so much, their attraction for each other is undeniable but both have reservations to not act on their feelings. I thought it was so cute when they both got nervous around each other (cue me kicking my feet).
Elodie’s life gets upended in a matter of day when she meets Ansel at the perfect time, because he needs a nanny for his daughter, Rosie. We get to see Elodie on a self-discovering journey to rebuild her life.
And Ansel learning that he doesn’t need to do it all on his own. He can have team to help him. But a ghost from his past may disrupt their new beginnings.
My tears started probably with 45 minutes left in this book. My annotations for this were I. Am. Crying. 😭😭 I was literally a flood of emotions. The last half of this book had me feeling all the feels, in the best way.
As always, Valerie Pepper delivers on the spicy scenes. A dirty talking rugby player? Yes please.
#valeriepepper #worththetry #arcreview
#bookstagram #bookcommunity
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Valerie Pepper. I don’t know how you do it. You know how to write a cute, yet sexy, love story that makes me feel giddy the entire time I am reading.
This is my first rugby romance. Let me start by saying: I think I found my new obsession. And I am a hockey girlie through and through 😂 A thigh tattoo AND glasses and he has a heart of gold, I’m sold.
I was rooting for Ansel and Elodie (love these name by the way, so different) the whole time. I loved these two so much, their attraction for each other is undeniable but both have reservations to not act on their feelings. I thought it was so cute when they both got nervous around each other (cue me kicking my feet).
Elodie’s life gets upended in a matter of day when she meets Ansel at the perfect time, because he needs a nanny for his daughter, Rosie. We get to see Elodie on a self-discovering journey to rebuild her life.
And Ansel learning that he doesn’t need to do it all on his own. He can have team to help him. But a ghost from his past may disrupt their new beginnings.
My tears started probably with 45 minutes left in this book. My annotations for this were I. Am. Crying. 😭😭 I was literally a flood of emotions. The last half of this book had me feeling all the feels, in the best way.
As always, Valerie Pepper delivers on the spicy scenes. A dirty talking rugby player? Yes please.
#valeriepepper #worththetry #arcreview
#bookstagram #bookcommunity
October 8, 2025
This is the first book in a new series by Valerie and I hope she plans on many books to be written for it because I am so into this! A refreshing sport romance about a rugby player! So nice to see other sports stories to sink our teeth into!
Basel is a single dad, yummy rugby player just trying to do the best he can while hanging by a tether when Elodie comes into his life at the perfect time!
Elodie is so thankful to get the nanny job since her life has been thrown into a tailspin.
What they don’t count on is the attraction and real connection that develops between them. They try to keep things straight forward and not get too attached, but it’s a losing battle.
They both have a lot a baggage and things that they have to deal with and it is a super emotional ride we are taken on and my heart went out to each of them at different times. The issues they have aren’t solved easily and without some difficult moments, but they are there for each other, even when they make mistakes and they get the HEA they so deeply deserve!
Valerie always delivers a fun, steamy, complex love story and this is no different. In fact, it may just be up a level or two and I was obsessed with it from beginning to end and wanted more!
Basel is a single dad, yummy rugby player just trying to do the best he can while hanging by a tether when Elodie comes into his life at the perfect time!
Elodie is so thankful to get the nanny job since her life has been thrown into a tailspin.
What they don’t count on is the attraction and real connection that develops between them. They try to keep things straight forward and not get too attached, but it’s a losing battle.
They both have a lot a baggage and things that they have to deal with and it is a super emotional ride we are taken on and my heart went out to each of them at different times. The issues they have aren’t solved easily and without some difficult moments, but they are there for each other, even when they make mistakes and they get the HEA they so deeply deserve!
Valerie always delivers a fun, steamy, complex love story and this is no different. In fact, it may just be up a level or two and I was obsessed with it from beginning to end and wanted more!
September 14, 2025
This book is definitely worth the try! A brand new Rugby romance series from Valerie, and it is brilliant. We, of course, start with the captain of the team, Ansel Miles - Single dad, girl dad (cos they are the best) and all round thick thighed rugby hunk. He meets Elodie at the perfect time, he's in desperate need of a temporary nanny for the summer and poor Elodie has just been fired and made homeless. They meet through her best friend Kari (I hope Valerie has a story for her!!) as shes also the Rugby teams PR guru. With Elodie and Ansel living in very close quarters, denying their instant attraction is difficult to say the least and doesn't last long. It gets hot and steamy, and I loved watching Elodie coming out of her shell and stop being so nice, a beautiful journey of growth. My heart did split into two when it all came crashing down, but Rosie (sweetest 5yr out there) put the worlds to right... or at least put her dad to rights anyway! Looking forward to continuing this series, super excited!
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own
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