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A River Road #3
What Next
Not yet published
Expected 21 Feb 26No-strings-attached, no settling down, nothing serious; the words Paul Simmons, Barker University's hotshot goalie, has lived by. That is, until this arrangement with his best friend, Susie Cobble. An arrangement that has him teaching her everything there is to know about being confident.
But when lines are crossed, what's real versus what's fake becomes blurred, and there's one thing for this isn't just an arrangement for him anymore.
Self-confidence isn't a strong characteristic for Susie Cobble, not after what happened to her in high school. But she's determined to get back what she once had and she knows just the person to turn to for help.
Her new best friend, Paul Simmons, the man who radiates confidence in every way.
The plan is three lessons and they go back to their normal.
But how do you go back to normal when you've fallen for your best friend, knowing he couldn't feel the same?
Right?
But when lines are crossed, what's real versus what's fake becomes blurred, and there's one thing for this isn't just an arrangement for him anymore.
Self-confidence isn't a strong characteristic for Susie Cobble, not after what happened to her in high school. But she's determined to get back what she once had and she knows just the person to turn to for help.
Her new best friend, Paul Simmons, the man who radiates confidence in every way.
The plan is three lessons and they go back to their normal.
But how do you go back to normal when you've fallen for your best friend, knowing he couldn't feel the same?
Right?
394 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 21, 2026
28 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Hughes
3 books69 followersJust an Oklahoma Indie Author chasing dreams of becoming a USA Bestselling Author, and spreading my books around the world 💗
I'm currently working on a spicy, college, hockey romance standalone series, A River Road Series, with the first two books available: What If and What Now 🏒
FIND ME ON MY SOCIAL MEDIA! 🫶🏻
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I'm currently working on a spicy, college, hockey romance standalone series, A River Road Series, with the first two books available: What If and What Now 🏒
FIND ME ON MY SOCIAL MEDIA! 🫶🏻
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_mjhu...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@miranda_parha...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/m1Edin...
Newsletter: https://m-js-newsletter.beehiiv.com/
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review from advanced copy from author! 🫶🏻
Holy Guacamole! I wasn't sure Paul was going to be able to top Jake, but he most definitely did! 🥵
Paul & Susie are to die for! Their friendship was amazing before anything else happened, which was so sweet and wholesome! The banter was top tier and the spice was so well written!
Their individual stories really pull at your heartstrings! Having friends really does make all the difference!!
I didn't ever wanna put this book down and I'm so sad it's over! Thanks M. J. for allowing me to read this beautiful work of art!
Holy Guacamole! I wasn't sure Paul was going to be able to top Jake, but he most definitely did! 🥵
Paul & Susie are to die for! Their friendship was amazing before anything else happened, which was so sweet and wholesome! The banter was top tier and the spice was so well written!
Their individual stories really pull at your heartstrings! Having friends really does make all the difference!!
I didn't ever wanna put this book down and I'm so sad it's over! Thanks M. J. for allowing me to read this beautiful work of art!
January 7, 2026
ARC REVIEW: Releases 02/21/2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️
Look at that! First 5⭐️ read of 2026 and of course it was the third book of the River Road series that I’m obsessed with.
Every single book of hers just gets better and better and this one was no different. I love this friend group and their dynamic so much. Paul is such an angel and I loved watching him fall harder and harder for our Susie Q. Friends to lovers isn’t my favorite trope just because it can get very redundant and I live for the tension. This author packed the tension tenfold. It was bursting at the seams and dying to fly off the page! Not to mention the character development we get to see from our Barker U playboy. I am a sucker when an MMC changes for that one girl in his life.
This is such a fun series to read and it started my love for hockey (in real life) and hockey romances. Each one of her books are so different from the other and I enjoy getting to read about previous characters. Also, 2 adorable new characters make their debut and I loved them! Overall, this friends to lovers was perfectly executed and was filled with amazing character and relationship growth!
#arc #whatnext #mjhughes #hockeyromance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️
Look at that! First 5⭐️ read of 2026 and of course it was the third book of the River Road series that I’m obsessed with.
Every single book of hers just gets better and better and this one was no different. I love this friend group and their dynamic so much. Paul is such an angel and I loved watching him fall harder and harder for our Susie Q. Friends to lovers isn’t my favorite trope just because it can get very redundant and I live for the tension. This author packed the tension tenfold. It was bursting at the seams and dying to fly off the page! Not to mention the character development we get to see from our Barker U playboy. I am a sucker when an MMC changes for that one girl in his life.
This is such a fun series to read and it started my love for hockey (in real life) and hockey romances. Each one of her books are so different from the other and I enjoy getting to read about previous characters. Also, 2 adorable new characters make their debut and I loved them! Overall, this friends to lovers was perfectly executed and was filled with amazing character and relationship growth!
#arc #whatnext #mjhughes #hockeyromance
dnf
January 13, 2026I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I’m gonna be honest—the main reason I requested this ARC was because of the tropes. They really intrigued me, and they’re the kind of storylines I usually enjoy. Unfortunately, though, I just couldn’t get into it this time.
I wasn’t able to get past chapter 12, and honestly, I was forcing myself to read. The book didn’t capture my interest, and the writing style just wasn’t for me. I really wanted to enjoy it, but it didn’t quite click, and I wasn’t connecting with the characters or the story.
So, unfortunately, I can’t say much about the book itself. It’s not that it’s a bad story—just not the right fit for me at this moment.
ׂ╰┈➤ Tropes
•Friends to lovers
•Slow burn
•Spicy romance
•Hockey romance
•“Teach me”
•Sunshine girl x hockey playboy
I’m gonna be honest—the main reason I requested this ARC was because of the tropes. They really intrigued me, and they’re the kind of storylines I usually enjoy. Unfortunately, though, I just couldn’t get into it this time.
I wasn’t able to get past chapter 12, and honestly, I was forcing myself to read. The book didn’t capture my interest, and the writing style just wasn’t for me. I really wanted to enjoy it, but it didn’t quite click, and I wasn’t connecting with the characters or the story.
So, unfortunately, I can’t say much about the book itself. It’s not that it’s a bad story—just not the right fit for me at this moment.
ׂ╰┈➤ Tropes
•Friends to lovers
•Slow burn
•Spicy romance
•Hockey romance
•“Teach me”
•Sunshine girl x hockey playboy
January 7, 2026
Okay girls sit down and get comfy as this next book in this hockey romance series is that good! If you have read the first two books by MJ Hughes, you’re in for a ride for sure. This third book has a splash of Liam & Clara’s can’t tell if they like each other with Jake & Leah’s hush hush about the relationship. It was so good and I loved how their relationship molded and finally blossomed. I cannot wait for her next book to come out and see who the next friends to lovers is!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2026
Absolutely LOVED this story. Definitely my favorite of the River Road books so far. Paul and Susie’s friends-to-lovers story was adorable, funny, and sexy. Can’t wait to see where the gang ends up in the final book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hockey romances are my way addiction. I’m happy to have had the opportunity to give this book a read and review.
The Susie and Paul’s story is set around a college hockey team where Paul is their star goalie and Susie is part of the team’s large friend group.
Susie and Paul are close in the terms of friends but their friendship becomes the foundation for what grows into more and that’s what completely sweet about this story.
The slow burn on the front side of the story really sets the stage for their growing feelings and you completely feel it! It’s there ever growing and becoming something neither of them can deny.
The major draw to the story for me was reading as Paul’s evolution from being a no strings/no relationships guy to falling so hard for one of his best friends and realizing that for the right person you can be the right boyfriend.
Building a stellar supporting cast of friends is important for a story like this one where the friends are an integral piece of the book. And this is a really cute friend group who are more like a family than anything else.
I found the book easy to read and even easier to fly through chapters. I am looking forward to reading more by M.J. Hughes!
The Susie and Paul’s story is set around a college hockey team where Paul is their star goalie and Susie is part of the team’s large friend group.
Susie and Paul are close in the terms of friends but their friendship becomes the foundation for what grows into more and that’s what completely sweet about this story.
The slow burn on the front side of the story really sets the stage for their growing feelings and you completely feel it! It’s there ever growing and becoming something neither of them can deny.
The major draw to the story for me was reading as Paul’s evolution from being a no strings/no relationships guy to falling so hard for one of his best friends and realizing that for the right person you can be the right boyfriend.
Building a stellar supporting cast of friends is important for a story like this one where the friends are an integral piece of the book. And this is a really cute friend group who are more like a family than anything else.
I found the book easy to read and even easier to fly through chapters. I am looking forward to reading more by M.J. Hughes!
Review of advance copy received from Author
**ARC Review**
Book three of A River Road series did not disappoint. Paul and Susie's story is exactly why I love friends to lovers books.
When Susie asks her hotshot goalie best friend, Paul, to help build her self confidence their friendship becomes more.
Past traumas have kept both Susie and Paul from being in relationships. When they come to an arrangement to help Susie overcome her self doubt they discover both are healing each other in ways they never expected.
Paul was down to help her in any way to be more comfortable for an upcoming date. Susie realized being with Paul was the most comfortable and cared for she'd ever felt. For Paul, he knew his Susie Q was it for him when she allowed him to be himself and not his usual flirty playboy.
The yearning and care given to these characters is top notch. I didn't want to put this book down.
Book three of A River Road series did not disappoint. Paul and Susie's story is exactly why I love friends to lovers books.
When Susie asks her hotshot goalie best friend, Paul, to help build her self confidence their friendship becomes more.
Past traumas have kept both Susie and Paul from being in relationships. When they come to an arrangement to help Susie overcome her self doubt they discover both are healing each other in ways they never expected.
Paul was down to help her in any way to be more comfortable for an upcoming date. Susie realized being with Paul was the most comfortable and cared for she'd ever felt. For Paul, he knew his Susie Q was it for him when she allowed him to be himself and not his usual flirty playboy.
The yearning and care given to these characters is top notch. I didn't want to put this book down.
Review of advance copy received from Author
* ARC READ*
Paul and Susie.. man oh man! I was a Jake Wiley girl through and through, but Paul may have just taken that top spot! The goalie with trauma, who fell in love with the best friend?! Need I say more? The way he loves and protects not only everyone in his friend troop but the sunshine girl! Man oh man! LANE ROSS deserved way more than a broken nose!!!!
Susie!!!!! Ma'am!! The trauma she went through during high school was awful, but to have the group of friends that she does, and to have the goodest friend in Paul? The way they work together to help her overcome her trauma? *chefs kiss*
And we can't forget about memes! The foul mouthed grandma who raised Paul when his egg donor didn't want to step up? She deserves the MVP!!
I can't wait for book 4!!!!!
Paul and Susie.. man oh man! I was a Jake Wiley girl through and through, but Paul may have just taken that top spot! The goalie with trauma, who fell in love with the best friend?! Need I say more? The way he loves and protects not only everyone in his friend troop but the sunshine girl! Man oh man! LANE ROSS deserved way more than a broken nose!!!!
Susie!!!!! Ma'am!! The trauma she went through during high school was awful, but to have the group of friends that she does, and to have the goodest friend in Paul? The way they work together to help her overcome her trauma? *chefs kiss*
And we can't forget about memes! The foul mouthed grandma who raised Paul when his egg donor didn't want to step up? She deserves the MVP!!
I can't wait for book 4!!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
*ARC READ*
Yet another amazing story. These hockey boys have my heart truly.
Paul and Susie are so freaking cute.
Besties turned lovers.
A past trauma has her not feeling confident about herself, so when the star football player asked her on a date she freaks out and asks her best friend for help.
They make an agreement that he will help her build up her confidence again and help her prepare for this date. But doing that while having feelings for her isn't going to be easy. On top of that, she starts to catch feelings too.
it was really good. I love the funny banter between all of the friends. Getting to continue to hear their stories always makes my heart happy.
Already can't wait for the next book. Clay and Lucy? 😏🤔
Yet another amazing story. These hockey boys have my heart truly.
Paul and Susie are so freaking cute.
Besties turned lovers.
A past trauma has her not feeling confident about herself, so when the star football player asked her on a date she freaks out and asks her best friend for help.
They make an agreement that he will help her build up her confidence again and help her prepare for this date. But doing that while having feelings for her isn't going to be easy. On top of that, she starts to catch feelings too.
it was really good. I love the funny banter between all of the friends. Getting to continue to hear their stories always makes my heart happy.
Already can't wait for the next book. Clay and Lucy? 😏🤔
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I read this book without having read the first two books in the series, and while there were a few moments that felt a bit confusing and a lot of characters to keep track of, it didn’t take away too much from the overall experience. I was still able to enjoy the story and follow along well enough.
The dating coach sessions were a highlight of the book, very fun and engaging.
One of the standout elements for me was the romance and the smut. Their chemistry was great, and I especially loved how often Paul checks in for consent: We love a king who gets consent!!! It was respectful and genuinely sexy. The dirty talk was 🔥🔥. When Paul talks her through it? 🥵
Overall, this was an enjoyable and entertaining read.
Thank you to M.J. Hughes for the Advanced Reader Copy!
The dating coach sessions were a highlight of the book, very fun and engaging.
One of the standout elements for me was the romance and the smut. Their chemistry was great, and I especially loved how often Paul checks in for consent: We love a king who gets consent!!! It was respectful and genuinely sexy. The dirty talk was 🔥🔥. When Paul talks her through it? 🥵
Overall, this was an enjoyable and entertaining read.
Thank you to M.J. Hughes for the Advanced Reader Copy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed What Now and What If. But What Next is definitely my favorite of the River Road Series. Paul and Susie definitely belong together.
Paul is a self-proclaimed sexy, cocky, one and done kind of guy. Unless it comes to Susie, then he's protective teddy bear. Susie thinks she isn't strong, but boy, is she wrong.
What Next is a Hockey romance. With sassy banter, macho 6 players (until a dog gets involved), women who are strong minded, and some hard topics to talk about. With some spice that doesn't take away from the plot.
Paul is a self-proclaimed sexy, cocky, one and done kind of guy. Unless it comes to Susie, then he's protective teddy bear. Susie thinks she isn't strong, but boy, is she wrong.
What Next is a Hockey romance. With sassy banter, macho 6 players (until a dog gets involved), women who are strong minded, and some hard topics to talk about. With some spice that doesn't take away from the plot.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
-Best friends
-Dating coach
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This book did not disappoint! Absolutely loved our shy & insecure FMC, Susie. Our MMC, Paul, was such a great book boyfriend, and he was perfect for Susie. I loved their banter and their friendship (especially as it turned into more!). Was so fun reading along as Susie gained confidence in herself and her abilities, and seeing the effect that she had on Paul. Would absolutely recommend!
-Best friends
-Dating coach
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This book did not disappoint! Absolutely loved our shy & insecure FMC, Susie. Our MMC, Paul, was such a great book boyfriend, and he was perfect for Susie. I loved their banter and their friendship (especially as it turned into more!). Was so fun reading along as Susie gained confidence in herself and her abilities, and seeing the effect that she had on Paul. Would absolutely recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Let's go to the boy aquarium!
Paul Simmons, the man you are, and the way you would burn the world for Susie Q. Good girl and baby... just words for some, but these words are everything to Susie.
Hurt her and die mode activated in all the best ways, and this book truly can't be beat.
Also, if Billy Randall doesn't get his damn dog out of Meme's yard, we're going to war!
Paul Simmons, the man you are, and the way you would burn the world for Susie Q. Good girl and baby... just words for some, but these words are everything to Susie.
Hurt her and die mode activated in all the best ways, and this book truly can't be beat.
Also, if Billy Randall doesn't get his damn dog out of Meme's yard, we're going to war!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book 3 did not disappoint. Loved their story and I have enjoyed reading about these friends becoming more. I had all the feels and emotions right along with the characters. 🤞🏻Hoping for a Book 4!!! 🧡🏒🤎🦫💚💙
January 4, 2026
I really enjoyed getting to know Paul and Susie in this book! The character development was beautiful. There were moments that had me laughing, and moments where I felt the same anger as the characters. Definitely worth the read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
This book had me hooked and kicking my feet from the beginning! I fell in love with Paul & Susie immediately, their friendship and flirting was EVERYTHING 😍 I love the way Paul talks about her. Seriously loved this book and now has me wanting to get a Clay and Lu book? 🧐😘
This book had me hooked and kicking my feet from the beginning! I fell in love with Paul & Susie immediately, their friendship and flirting was EVERYTHING 😍 I love the way Paul talks about her. Seriously loved this book and now has me wanting to get a Clay and Lu book? 🧐😘
Review of advance copy received from Author
Love this series so much!!! Paul and Susie are relationship goals!!! Love all the friendships in these books: Paul/Liam/Jake/Clay/Susie/Clara/Leah/Sara/Lucy. If you haven’t read the first two books in this series, you need to!! I can’t wait for book 4!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
RECEIVED ARC COPY FROM NETGALLEY-
I'm going to admit that this is the first book that I have read from M.J. Hughes but I will gladly be getting her other two, as soon as I can.
While I have read books with the dating coach trope, this one ended up feeling different; in the best way. The mix of friends to lovers, dating coach, and slow burn made for a beautiful love story that made me not put my Kindle down.
There were parts that had me swooning and some that made me tear up, both in feeling for Susie but also because I could only dream and read about men like Paul. Beautiful.
I'm going to admit that this is the first book that I have read from M.J. Hughes but I will gladly be getting her other two, as soon as I can.
While I have read books with the dating coach trope, this one ended up feeling different; in the best way. The mix of friends to lovers, dating coach, and slow burn made for a beautiful love story that made me not put my Kindle down.
There were parts that had me swooning and some that made me tear up, both in feeling for Susie but also because I could only dream and read about men like Paul. Beautiful.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As if I wasn't already in love with this series this book made me fall hard. Paul and Susie's story adorable and I could see myself a lot in Susie. Can't wait to see what's next! ;)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed What Next! I loved Susie & Paul and their friends to lovers relationship!
❤️friends to lovers
❤️hockey player mmc
❤️confidence lessons
❤️cheerleader fmc
❤️friends to lovers
❤️hockey player mmc
❤️confidence lessons
❤️cheerleader fmc
Review of advance copy received from Author
absolutely loved this book its my favorite so far out of this series. I didnt want to finish it at all but knew I had to lol I think Paul and Susie's story will always be my favorite
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews