One night. That was the deal. But things never go according to plan.
I’m not looking for love. Every relationship ends with the guy leaving me for their soulmate.
Then I come face to face with an ex-boyfriend and his fiancée. He makes me feel like I’m not doing anything with my life. So I tell a white lie, that I’m also engaged.
It backfires when I’m invited to his engagement party. Now I need a fake fiancé.
Enter Weston Reynolds, my brother’s best friend and teammate—the guy I’ve secretly had a crush on for years.
Except news of our “engagement” leaks, resulting in endorsement deals for Weston, and he asks me to keep up our ruse for the rest of the offseason.
The more time I spend with him, the more the lines between fake and real blur. I think he might be my forever, but I don’t know if I’m his.
Blue Line is book four in the Orlando Storm series but can be read as a standalone. Tropes: Sports, Fake Engagement, Brother’s Best Friend, Forced Proximity
Intended for audiences 18+, contains mentions of parents death (off page), discussions of side characters being pregnant.
Marissa is a contemporary romance author who loves writing relatable characters and happily ever afters. An avid hockey fan you can usually find her in front of the TV during the season cheering on her favorite NHL team. When not watching hockey you can find her in her garden, reading a novel, watching reruns of Seinfeld or completing a puzzle.
Hadley’s not looking for love, especially since every relationship she’s had leads to her ex finding their soulmate. When she crosses her ex and his fiancée, he makes Hadley feel like she’s not making any progress in her life… so she tells a white lie – she’s also engaged. A white lie that backfires when her ex invites her to his engagement party. Hadley’s fake fiancé is a man she’s had a crush on for years… and he’s her brother’s best friend and teammate. The news of Hadley and Weston’s engagement leaks and leads to Weston receiving endorsement deals so he asks Hadley to keep up the ruse for the rest of the offseason. The more time they spend together, the more the lines blur.
BLUE LINE marks the fourth book in the Orlando Storm series and it follows Hadley and Weston (Wes). Hockey sports romances are my favorite sport romances to read, add in a fake dating/engagement scenario and we have a winning recipe.
Wes and Hadley are two people who have been in each other’s orbits for years with Hadley’s brother as their mutual meeting point. I loved seeing them connect over the course of their fake engagement. It’s beautiful to see Wes and Hadley open up to the other and watch their chemistry grow into something more. They have great chemistry and fun banter, though it does get a bit repetitive. There are several open door scenes peppered throughout – all well placed and felt natural.
The Storm team has been a pleasure to meet via each couple in the series so far and I love revisiting past couple’s via a new POV. The Storm team has created such a beautiful sense of family and community. They’re all so supportive and ready to help each other out at a moment’s notice. I am hopeful that there will be more books to come in this series!
I would like to thank the author, Marissa James, of this advanced digital copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC from Marissa James, so first - thank you so, so much for the chance to read your book before release day!
This was my first Marissa James book, but this is the 4th book in the Orlando Storm series. Of course this book can be read as a standalone, but I totally regret not starting from the beginning. Needless to say, I will be going back and reading books 1-3.
I had such a good time with this book. I went in expecting a cute hockey romance with a fake engagement twist and that's exactly what we got. With a little bit of heart. The setup is chaotic, but in the best way. Running into an ex (lol, ew!), blurting out a fake engagement, then having to find someone to play the part.
And who better than Weston Reynolds - brother's. best. friend. YES, PLEASE, HONEY!! Hockey star and not to mention, the crush she's had since forever. There was yearning. There was tension. There was forced proximity (my personal fav). There were moments that I was giggling (yes, giggling) at my Kindle because you could just feel it through the book.
If you're in the mood for a hockey romance with charm, chemistry, and a couple you can't help but to root for, this one is for you!!
Tropes: ✨ Brother's best friend ✨ Hockey romance ✨ Forced proximity
*ARC review Tropes: • Brother’s best friend • He Falls First • Sports Romance / Found Family Chapter 22... that is all. 🤯🤯🤯 Honestly, I’m still reeling from this book. From the moment I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. If you’re a fan of the "best friend’s brother" trope, you need this on your TBR immediately. Wes is everything. Seeing a "he falls first" dynamic is always a win, but the way his character is written, especially with the support system he has, is so refreshing. The brotherhood and the relationship between the teammates really stole the show for me. It wasn't just about the romance; it was about a group of people who genuinely care for and show up for him and Hadley. It made the emotional stakes feel that much higher. The Spice🥵🔥 It was the perfect amount. It didn't feel forced and really added to the chemistry between the characters without taking away from the plot. The Ending: I did NOT see that plot twist coming! My jaw was on the floor. Between that and the chaos of Chapter 22, this book easily jumped into my top reads of the year. If you want a story with a lot of heart, a great team dynamic, and a plot that keeps you guessing until the very last page, go buy this.
Oh my goodness I was completely swept up in this story. Weston and Hadley were so captivating that I was fully immersed in their journey from start to finish. Watching them finally let their guards down and be honest about their feelings was everything - their chemistry was absolutely undeniable.
And that twist at the end? I did not see it coming. I was so wrapped up in the fake engagement that it completely caught me off guard in the best way.
The found family element in this series continues to be so, so good, and I loved every bit of it. And of course, I’m always a sucker for a great nickname (just wait 😉) this book definitely delivered there too!
What To Expect: 🏒 Hockey Romance ❤️ Found Family 🏠 Forced Proximity 💍 Fake Engagement 🖤 Brother's Best Friend
When Hadley needs help getting out of an awkward situation with one of her exes, she asks Weston for his help, which he is eager to lend. Faking an engagement leads to a forced proximity situation, where both of them are terrible at hiding their true feelings and undeniable attraction. Blue Line is a sweet, romantic, spicy story that will make you laugh, swoon and root for the character’s HEA. The characters have to face their insecurities and their fears in order to face love head on and finally let themselves fall and find their other half, the person who sees, who trusts, who comforts, who supports and who never leaves. Marissa James gives us a heartfelt romance with found family, fake engagement tropes that you will love and read in one go. Thank you for the ARC.
This is the first book in the series that I’ve read and I regret not startint from the beginning. Of course, it can be read as a standalone but I like being familiar with all the characters mentioned, as well as their stories. Regardless, I had no trouble getting immersed in the plot.
This book is sweet, spicy and a quick read. I was hooked from the very beginning and I love when a book captures my attention like that. Hadley and Weston are, each in their own way, very interesting characters with all the insecurities they face on a daily basis. I really got into their everyday routine while they were living together and I absolutely LOVED reading the middle name Hadley constantly used for him 😀 This book met my expectations and motivated me to read the previous books in the series as well.
I don’t know about you but I’m a sucker for a hockey romance, and when it’s a fake relationship/faked engagement when they’ve secretly had feelings for the other - top tier. Now I’ll admit this was my first in this series, and while I know I would have been more feral for this story had I read books 1-3 I had no problems reading it as a stand alone. That being said - the way I flew through this book, the way I need more of this team story in my life you better believe I’ll be starting back at the beginning.
Without any spoilers.. this book will have you laughing at the adorable fake couple; will have you rooting for one or both of them to be brave and take that next step because when they do - it’s perfection.
Blue Line 🌶️: 4 ⭐️4 Tropes: ● Hockey Romance ● Found Family ● Brother’s Best Friend ● Golden Retriever Hero ● Forced Proximity ● Fake Engagement ● It’s always been her ● He falls first
What Weston and Hadley thought was going to be a one night fake engagement turns into a whole new web of lies after a photo of them was “leaked” to sports center. Now they have to continue the charade to help Weston with his endorsement deals. In the process both are internally fighting their attraction and crushes on each other. Weston finally gets Hadley to agree to a real date after he wins their bet. But thanks to miscommunication and fear Hadley causes a third act break up. Don’t worry Weston is a true romantic and makes sure it ends in a VERY happily ever after 😉
thank you so much Marissa for another opportunity to ARC Read for you.
it was so good to see Wes and Hadley finally get together! I feel like their story has been simmering for a hot minute and was so glad when I heard this story was going to be about them.
I really enjoyed their storyline - 2 lonely people who come together to be less lonely, and i love the plot twist that **spoiler!** their friends had been in on it the entire time. you know theyre in love when their friends all come together to make it happen.
I felt like the story was a bit shorter than id have liked - i really enjoyed their characters so really felt like i didnt get enough of them, but overall, I really liked this book!
This was such a fun and emotional fake dating romance.
The setup pulls you in right away, and the tension between the characters builds naturally as the line between fake and real begins to blur. The progression of their relationship feels believable, which makes the emotional moments land even harder.
Weston is exactly the kind of hero that works perfectly for this trope. He is protective, steady, and quietly devoted in a way that makes it impossible not to root for him. There is a great balance between lighter, swoony moments and deeper emotional layers, especially as past experiences and insecurities come into play.
Sweet, a little angsty, and full of chemistry, this is a really satisfying sports romance.
This book I literally could not put it down. I finished it in just a few hours! I absolutely loved this series, but Blue Line was hands-down my favorite. I actually picked this book not realizing (or maybe not remembering) it was part of a series, but while it can be read as a standalone, it’s 100% worth diving into the entire Orlando Storm series. It just makes everything hit that much harder.
Wesley… sir, when you love, you LOVE hard. Hadley, thank you for finally leaving those red-flag guys in your past
If you love fake dating or the brother’s best friend trope… this is your sign. 10/10 recommend
Thank you to the author, Marissa, for the advanced copy of this book.
This is a hockey romance/fake engagement book with a twist I didn't see coming. If you're a bit of an overthinker like I am, some of the inner monologue is going to make you feel seen! Our two MCs overthink their way into a bit of a miscommunication situation, but through some tough love from their found family - they finally find their way. She's the one men date right before they find their "One", and he's feeling left behind in the romance department after watching all of his single friends couple up. They've both harbored secret crushes on each other for years - ahhh... the pining! Cute romcom movie moments together make this a satisfying read.
Ah, the old "let's pretend to be together" storyline -- it truly never gets old for me, and I think this just may be my favorite to date! Hadley runs into her ex and blurts out that she's engaged (she's not) and then has to get her brother's best friend Wes to pretend to be her fiancé. Naturally, she compares him to her crappy exes and has a million reasons why it would never work out in real life, but could it? Throw in some spicy scenes, some family issues, tacos, and so many other cute quirks that make this feel so real and relatable, and you can't help but love this book! 5 stars from me, for sure. I read the whole book in one sitting.
✨ARC Review✨ Oh man oh man. I knew Wes was gonna be my favorite due to Marissa’s previous book, but she absolutely nailed this storyline. I had no idea what I was in store for but the second the ARC hit my inbox I was giddy. I actually had to stop reading it for two days or else I would’ve finished it in one sitting and I knew that would’ve made me sad it was over.
By far one of my favorite fake dating/brother’s best friend hockey romance. Like how can it get any better than that?! 😊 Thank you Marissa for sharing Wes & Hadley with us!
A very cute story!! I read this as a stand alone (I haven’t read the other books in the series yet but I totally plan to now!!). It was easy to follow and could ACTUALLY be enjoyed on its over vs. in a series. Marissa does a great job of giving the series historical background without being awkward and overly explain-y. Definitely worth the read!
Wes & Hadley are too dang cute. I literally kicked my feet and giggled while reading this and just wanted them to finally get together. We love a fake dating/engaged plot
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this as an arc.
I was actually really enjoying this, ad it 1000% would have been five stars, but the the 3rd act separation was so !! fucking !! stupid !! that it immediately made me dislike the FMC, make this three stars, and hope the MMC finds someone better.
That's how stupid it was. And it was at like, 87%, which says a lot.
I honest to god hope the MMC has a huge family, because that green-flag of a man absolutely deserves a large family.
This is the first book I have read in this series and it can be read as a standalone but I think it would have been easier to follow some of the side character's stories had I read the other books first.
The story was enjoyable. I always like a fake engagement trope. And the meddling was hilarious lol
There were a few lines that I felt like were a little bit cringy and I felt like Hadley was a little bit immature at times. Overall though, I enjoyed it!
So good. This is the fourth book in a series. I haven't read the other books in the series yet but I will be. Despite it being the fourth book it truly can be read as a stand alone. I love series but they can be hard to get right. Some have information in it that requires reading in order, others give so much repeated information so that you don't have to read in order that it feels clunky. This was perfection.
I’m a sucker for brother’s best friend trope, mix in a fake relationship, sports romance and found family and I’m all in! I would’ve like a little more from the epilogue (like Hadley’s job since it was such a topic), but overall I really enjoyed this. Wes is such a sweetheart and romantic at heart, I was glad to get his story. I’m really enjoying this series and the Storm family!
Thank you Marissa for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
3.75⭐️This was such a cute romance like what😭I had so much fun. Weston and Hadley were so cute together and I loved how everyone knew they were into each other since day 1. I loved the new take on the brothers best friend romance it was quite refreshing. The side characters were also amazing supporting characters to our main couple I loved it. There is a 3rd act breakup but I understood why especially because Hadley’s insecurities were set up from the get go. Absolutely would recommend
I love a good fake dating/fiancé romance and this one did not disappoint. As soon as I finished this book I went and added the other books in this series to my TBR.
Wes and Hadley were a cute couple. I did like how the author did the brother best friend a bit different. Normally in those books the brother is unhappy about the couple but this one that wasn’t the case and it was honestly nice to see it done differently.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
✨ARC REVIEW✨ blue line is the sweetest hockey romance. hadley jane and wes (insert a million different middle name tries here) story was great. brothers best friend but the brother is all for it? YES PLEASE. a supportive brother is great. mutual pining because they’re both to scared and broken to say anything? YES PLEASE. hadley and wes are the cutest couple with the cutest story.
I really enjoyed this sporty romance read, this series in fun and flirty and I love the chemistry between these two, both pining for one another but so blind to the others true feelings even when they are glaringly obvious. I love the little twist and the end and to very welcome happily ever after. Lovely read and great writing from Marissa.
Super cute story about Wes & Hadley. Story 5/5 spice 🌶️🌶️/5. Loved the fact that it felt like you knew these characters right from the get go, you didn’t have to read the others in the series to feel connected. Super fast read that I couldn’t put down. Can’t wait to read more from Marissa James.
*I received a copy of this book as an ARC. This review and thoughts are mine alone.*
Rating: 4.25⭐️ Spice: 🌶️🌶️
I loved this story. I loved the characters.
But the sheer number of times “Hadley Jane” was said regularly took a few points off for me. It just kind of overshadowed the story because it was excessive.
I did love Wes, and brother’s best friend romances are generally my favorite trope. i also thoroughly enjoyed the found family aspect.
I also loved that she had support no matter where she turned. From Wes, or her brother, or her parents.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
4⭐3🌶️ ARC Dual POV First Person FMC is 🇨🇦, Ontario shoutout Hadley and Weston When the meddler gets tables turned on them, lol. A sweet story of mutual pinning, where they finally get together.
Now I want to go to a Buc-ee's (had to google it, nevere been to/heard of before)
Ahh! This was amazing, especially the twist that came in with all of the friends! I lost it laughing and thinking they are the best! They are so perfect for each other and alls it took was a fake engagement that lead to more and her living with him. This was absolutely perfect!!!
4.75! I loved Wes! I thought this was so cute. Hadley and Wes have such a fun start to their relationship and I thought the little twist was so FUN! Highly recommend if you’re in the mood for a sweet and spicy romance with just a lil touch of hockey!