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Take My Breath Away: A Sweet Sports RomCom
Ledger Hayes has spent his life holding his breath—between laps, between expectations, between the pressure to win. Swimming is the only place he’s ever felt steady. But when his sponsorship is pulled, so is his access to the elite training facility he needs to compete. Without it, his career doesn’t just stall—it ends.
With the World Aquatics Championships within reach and no backup plan, Ledger is offered a last-ditch a sponsorship reserved exclusively for married athletes.
Roxie Montgomery has spent years trying to prove she can build something on her own. Walking away from her trust fund was supposed to mean freedom, but independence is harder than she expected, and her plans to start a business require capital she doesn’t have. Thanks to a loophole put in place, there’s only one way to access the money meant for her future.
She has to get married.
Marrying an elite swimmer she’s spent years clashing with was never part of either of their plans. But a marriage of convenience solves both of their problems—Ledger keeps swimming, Roxie gets the chance to build something that’s hers—and as long as they remember it’s temporary, no one gets hurt.
But when the line between convenience and commitment blurs, Ledger and Roxie must decide if they’re willing to risk everything—careers, pride, and carefully guarded hearts—for something real.
A slow-burn sports romance featuring enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience, elite swimming, found family, banter, and a love that proves balance is just as important as ambition.
With the World Aquatics Championships within reach and no backup plan, Ledger is offered a last-ditch a sponsorship reserved exclusively for married athletes.
Roxie Montgomery has spent years trying to prove she can build something on her own. Walking away from her trust fund was supposed to mean freedom, but independence is harder than she expected, and her plans to start a business require capital she doesn’t have. Thanks to a loophole put in place, there’s only one way to access the money meant for her future.
She has to get married.
Marrying an elite swimmer she’s spent years clashing with was never part of either of their plans. But a marriage of convenience solves both of their problems—Ledger keeps swimming, Roxie gets the chance to build something that’s hers—and as long as they remember it’s temporary, no one gets hurt.
But when the line between convenience and commitment blurs, Ledger and Roxie must decide if they’re willing to risk everything—careers, pride, and carefully guarded hearts—for something real.
A slow-burn sports romance featuring enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience, elite swimming, found family, banter, and a love that proves balance is just as important as ambition.
- GenresSports
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 4, 2026
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April 1, 2026I had the privilege of proofreading Roxie and Ledger's story! I love these two and their fun dynamic.
May 1, 2026
Ledger and Roxie have chemistry in spades. Their quick witted remarks to each other are hilarious and made the sparks fly. It made me want to keep reading to see what things they were going to say. I loved that they kept their snark even as feelings changed and were recognized.
The last thing that either Ledger or Roxie expected was to need a marriage of convenience… little did they know how much they actually needed each other!
Favorite parts
-Roxie’s support at the swim competitions
-their wedding.
-all the “my wife” moments. 👀
-Ledger’s confidence in Roxie’s job
Favorite Quotes
“You’re impossible.”
I gave her a cocky grin, the one I knew she despised. “Yet somehow you married me.”
“I just want you to not poke the bear.”
“I don’t poke bears.”
“You absolutely poke bears.”
Without making it about ego or ownership.
He hadn’t acted like I was fragile.
He’d acted like I was worth protecting.
Something I wasn’t sure I’d ever experienced before.
His hand hovered at my lower back, not touching, just there, until he was sure.
Something inside me shifted.
This wasn’t pretend. Not anymore.
Not the way my body leaned into his space. Not the way my heart expanded when he defended me without hesitation. Not the way I suddenly couldn’t remember a time when I hadn’t wanted him looking at me like that.
The last thing that either Ledger or Roxie expected was to need a marriage of convenience… little did they know how much they actually needed each other!
Favorite parts
-Roxie’s support at the swim competitions
-their wedding.
-all the “my wife” moments. 👀
-Ledger’s confidence in Roxie’s job
Favorite Quotes
“You’re impossible.”
I gave her a cocky grin, the one I knew she despised. “Yet somehow you married me.”
“I just want you to not poke the bear.”
“I don’t poke bears.”
“You absolutely poke bears.”
Without making it about ego or ownership.
He hadn’t acted like I was fragile.
He’d acted like I was worth protecting.
Something I wasn’t sure I’d ever experienced before.
His hand hovered at my lower back, not touching, just there, until he was sure.
Something inside me shifted.
This wasn’t pretend. Not anymore.
Not the way my body leaned into his space. Not the way my heart expanded when he defended me without hesitation. Not the way I suddenly couldn’t remember a time when I hadn’t wanted him looking at me like that.
May 12, 2026
I was immediately hooked by the pure annoyance between the MCs. The tension between them was so thick, I just had to keep turning the pages to see what would cause them to agree to an MOC.
However, I felt like the banter between them that drew me in faded after they got married. Then I noticed some other things which lessened my enjoyment. It felt like I was in the characters' heads too much. For example, while Ledger is doing something, let's say getting ready for a swim, he's thinking about his relationship with Roxie. Instead of describing what he's doing, it only tells us what he's thinking. I would have liked more dialogue and motion and less thinking.
There were also some pacing issues. In particular, Ledger and Roxie go to brunch with the parents, then they go home (20 minutes away) and next thing, they're watching TV before bed. Where did the rest of the day go?
Now despite all that, I did really enjoy the swimming aspect of the story. It was really interesting to get a look at some of the things that go into being a professional swimmer.
I think this author has potential, but I'm probably not going to read more from her for a while.
Thanks to the author and Happily Ever Readers for providing me with an ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
However, I felt like the banter between them that drew me in faded after they got married. Then I noticed some other things which lessened my enjoyment. It felt like I was in the characters' heads too much. For example, while Ledger is doing something, let's say getting ready for a swim, he's thinking about his relationship with Roxie. Instead of describing what he's doing, it only tells us what he's thinking. I would have liked more dialogue and motion and less thinking.
There were also some pacing issues. In particular, Ledger and Roxie go to brunch with the parents, then they go home (20 minutes away) and next thing, they're watching TV before bed. Where did the rest of the day go?
Now despite all that, I did really enjoy the swimming aspect of the story. It was really interesting to get a look at some of the things that go into being a professional swimmer.
I think this author has potential, but I'm probably not going to read more from her for a while.
Thanks to the author and Happily Ever Readers for providing me with an ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
May 21, 2026
This was a fun marriage of convenience story for two people who seemed to be enemies for years. Yet, I loved the way Roxie jumped in with the marriage solution and the way these two began learning to coexist in their small apartment together.
There was great tension between Roxie and Ledger. And both of them had moments within the story where they were scared to admit that their feelings were changing. I liked how supportive they both were for each other, with Ledger even helping Roxie gain more confidence in making a plan for her business. And I loved how well Ledger would do in his meets when Roxie was there. So sweet!
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
There was great tension between Roxie and Ledger. And both of them had moments within the story where they were scared to admit that their feelings were changing. I liked how supportive they both were for each other, with Ledger even helping Roxie gain more confidence in making a plan for her business. And I loved how well Ledger would do in his meets when Roxie was there. So sweet!
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
May 19, 2026
Take My Breath Away is a standalone romance. . In this story you’ll follow Ledger and Roxie, who whe know from Every Breath You Take. An enemies to lovers with a marriage of convience and found family, this sounded really great. I couldn’t wait to dive into this story and had high hopes for it, but what will this story bring?
I really loved this story! The marriage of convience, enemies to lovers and forced proximity, this book just has it all. The tension between Ledger and Roxie is feelable, but also slowly turns into something more. Even though this book is closed door, I could feel the slow burn tension that could have easily been developed in something more.
Check out my full review on my blog Boekensteeg
I really loved this story! The marriage of convience, enemies to lovers and forced proximity, this book just has it all. The tension between Ledger and Roxie is feelable, but also slowly turns into something more. Even though this book is closed door, I could feel the slow burn tension that could have easily been developed in something more.
Check out my full review on my blog Boekensteeg
May 12, 2026
Fake Marriage Turns Real?
Larissa Hommes departs from sports romances featuring intimidating football and hockey heroes to focus on my favorite sport, swimming. (I'll plug Michael Phelps here--we share a birthday and a hometown, and my mom knows his mom through their shared employer, though both are retired now.)
Ledger Hayes is a poor boy whose parents worked multiple jobs to keep their son in elite swimming programs; as the book begins he's finishing a workout when his coach tells him his sponsorship will end the next month. That means no more extra lane access or free housing--only married athletes get free housing. He needs to train, so he needs a wife!
Roxie, who comes from money, is trapped producing web content for her employer's clients. She's good at her job but wants to open her own business. For that, she needs capital. Her trust fund is accessible as long as she marries by her next birthday. Her image-conscious parents pressure her to marry a "suitable" young man from the country club, but Roxie's not going to cave. She needs a husband!
Ledger and Roxie are the love-to-hate duo in their friend group. His best friend Talon (now an assistant coach) and her best friend Livvi are the only romantic couple in the group, while Talon's brother Ridge also hangs with them and swims with Ledger. Several scenes involve the group watching movies and eating out together, with Ledger and Roxie arguing every time. It's repetitive, but when they're kind to each other it's noticed and commented on by Talon, the deck facto group leader.
The "wedding" takes place in a mildewy room with a cheery officiant who conducts the ceremony like it's a fun holiday. After giving their marriage certificate to the registrar, they go to their apartment and discover one bed (natural for married couples in love, awkward for Ledger, who needs restful sleep before morning practice and doesn't fit on the sofa, and Roxie, who needs restful sleep before working from home all day). Their compromise: a pillow wall between his side and hers. Number of times they stay on their respective sides: zero! But this is a sweet, closed-door romance, so all that happens is tangled legs and up-close snoring.
Roxie's parents get wind of her sudden marriage and invite her and their new son-in-law to brunch. Roxie's dread is palpable, and Ledger comes prepared. After one passive-aggressive comment too many, he tells off her parents and takes Roxie home. First clue the marriage is real to Ledger...
Trials for the USA Championship take place, and Roxie joins Livvi in the stands to cheer for Ledger. Having trained well with a good night's sleep, Ledger beats his personal best time in his event, the 100m breaststroke. Roxie goes wild with joy and joins him on the deck for his posts meet interview, where he points her out as his supportive wife and she enthusiastically leans into that description. First clue the marriage is real for Roxie...
As the season unfolds, the clues mount: Roxie's mother suddenly takes an interest in Roxie's champion husband, and Roxie says she only sees Ledger as a stock, a headline, a valuable addition to their portfolio. She says they no longer have access to Ledger or her, and he hears her half of the conversation. At the World Championships, their hotel room has two queen beds, and they wonder how they'll sleep without sharing a pillow-walled bed. And when Ledger medals at Worlds, Roxie hugs him and kisses him in front of a live television audience. In private, they tell each other they don't want fake; they want forever. Looks like the marriage on paper has become a real marriage! Fortunately, the Epilogue doesn't include a traditional wedding or a pregnancy announcement; that would be too much of a cliché.
Larissa Hommes has created five friends with an interesting dynamic. A couple of throwaway comments near the end hint at Ridge getting his own story with a transfer swimmer, Lola, if Hommes writes a third "breath" swimming romance. I'm looking forward to reading about it! Meanwhile, I'm happy for Ledger and Roxie. They truly "take my breath away"!
Larissa Hommes departs from sports romances featuring intimidating football and hockey heroes to focus on my favorite sport, swimming. (I'll plug Michael Phelps here--we share a birthday and a hometown, and my mom knows his mom through their shared employer, though both are retired now.)
Ledger Hayes is a poor boy whose parents worked multiple jobs to keep their son in elite swimming programs; as the book begins he's finishing a workout when his coach tells him his sponsorship will end the next month. That means no more extra lane access or free housing--only married athletes get free housing. He needs to train, so he needs a wife!
Roxie, who comes from money, is trapped producing web content for her employer's clients. She's good at her job but wants to open her own business. For that, she needs capital. Her trust fund is accessible as long as she marries by her next birthday. Her image-conscious parents pressure her to marry a "suitable" young man from the country club, but Roxie's not going to cave. She needs a husband!
Ledger and Roxie are the love-to-hate duo in their friend group. His best friend Talon (now an assistant coach) and her best friend Livvi are the only romantic couple in the group, while Talon's brother Ridge also hangs with them and swims with Ledger. Several scenes involve the group watching movies and eating out together, with Ledger and Roxie arguing every time. It's repetitive, but when they're kind to each other it's noticed and commented on by Talon, the deck facto group leader.
The "wedding" takes place in a mildewy room with a cheery officiant who conducts the ceremony like it's a fun holiday. After giving their marriage certificate to the registrar, they go to their apartment and discover one bed (natural for married couples in love, awkward for Ledger, who needs restful sleep before morning practice and doesn't fit on the sofa, and Roxie, who needs restful sleep before working from home all day). Their compromise: a pillow wall between his side and hers. Number of times they stay on their respective sides: zero! But this is a sweet, closed-door romance, so all that happens is tangled legs and up-close snoring.
Roxie's parents get wind of her sudden marriage and invite her and their new son-in-law to brunch. Roxie's dread is palpable, and Ledger comes prepared. After one passive-aggressive comment too many, he tells off her parents and takes Roxie home. First clue the marriage is real to Ledger...
Trials for the USA Championship take place, and Roxie joins Livvi in the stands to cheer for Ledger. Having trained well with a good night's sleep, Ledger beats his personal best time in his event, the 100m breaststroke. Roxie goes wild with joy and joins him on the deck for his posts meet interview, where he points her out as his supportive wife and she enthusiastically leans into that description. First clue the marriage is real for Roxie...
As the season unfolds, the clues mount: Roxie's mother suddenly takes an interest in Roxie's champion husband, and Roxie says she only sees Ledger as a stock, a headline, a valuable addition to their portfolio. She says they no longer have access to Ledger or her, and he hears her half of the conversation. At the World Championships, their hotel room has two queen beds, and they wonder how they'll sleep without sharing a pillow-walled bed. And when Ledger medals at Worlds, Roxie hugs him and kisses him in front of a live television audience. In private, they tell each other they don't want fake; they want forever. Looks like the marriage on paper has become a real marriage! Fortunately, the Epilogue doesn't include a traditional wedding or a pregnancy announcement; that would be too much of a cliché.
Larissa Hommes has created five friends with an interesting dynamic. A couple of throwaway comments near the end hint at Ridge getting his own story with a transfer swimmer, Lola, if Hommes writes a third "breath" swimming romance. I'm looking forward to reading about it! Meanwhile, I'm happy for Ledger and Roxie. They truly "take my breath away"!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️
A follow up to Every Breath You Take, Larissa Hommes provides a wonderful book 2 in this series, Breath of Love. Take Me Break Away features two new MCs, a marriage of convenience that of course doesn’t stay that way, and closed door romance that still brings all the emotion. I also loved that it is a sports romance featuring swimming. I am all about romances including sports that aren’t written about all the time. I will always love the classic sports too, but these less written about sports have been so fun to read about.
Even though we met Ledger and Roxie in book 1 of this series, book 2 provides us a deeper dive into what makes them tick as individuals. Larissa has a way of making all her characters easy to love, easy to relate to, and easy to want to see happy. The banter between these two is phenomenal. It is witty, flirtatious, and full of fire. Neither is ever at a loss of words with each other and it is easy to feel their chemistry. Even as their relationship grew, the banter between them stayed solid. Almost like it was their foreplay.
As these two start off thinking they have nothing in common, while still needing each other, it becomes evident quickly they have a lot in common. The unconditional support they offer one another, both in the public moments and the quiet times, made me kick my feet in glee. As they let their walls begin to crumble for each other, Larissa makes them shine. The further these two fall into each other, the easier it becomes for them to be themselves.
Larissa will pull you in with her talent of writing characters you want to see happy. Whether they are the MCs or side characters, she puts so much heart and passion into them. We get to see characters from book 1 and we get to know new characters, who hopefully will have their own book soon. I always know I am going to enjoy the time I spend reading Larissa’s books and always, always look forward to what she will publish next.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🏊Enemies to Lovers
🩷Sassy FMC
🏊Swimmer MMC
🩷One Bed
🏊Marriage of Convenience
🩷Sports RomCom
🏊Closed Door Romance
A follow up to Every Breath You Take, Larissa Hommes provides a wonderful book 2 in this series, Breath of Love. Take Me Break Away features two new MCs, a marriage of convenience that of course doesn’t stay that way, and closed door romance that still brings all the emotion. I also loved that it is a sports romance featuring swimming. I am all about romances including sports that aren’t written about all the time. I will always love the classic sports too, but these less written about sports have been so fun to read about.
Even though we met Ledger and Roxie in book 1 of this series, book 2 provides us a deeper dive into what makes them tick as individuals. Larissa has a way of making all her characters easy to love, easy to relate to, and easy to want to see happy. The banter between these two is phenomenal. It is witty, flirtatious, and full of fire. Neither is ever at a loss of words with each other and it is easy to feel their chemistry. Even as their relationship grew, the banter between them stayed solid. Almost like it was their foreplay.
As these two start off thinking they have nothing in common, while still needing each other, it becomes evident quickly they have a lot in common. The unconditional support they offer one another, both in the public moments and the quiet times, made me kick my feet in glee. As they let their walls begin to crumble for each other, Larissa makes them shine. The further these two fall into each other, the easier it becomes for them to be themselves.
Larissa will pull you in with her talent of writing characters you want to see happy. Whether they are the MCs or side characters, she puts so much heart and passion into them. We get to see characters from book 1 and we get to know new characters, who hopefully will have their own book soon. I always know I am going to enjoy the time I spend reading Larissa’s books and always, always look forward to what she will publish next.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🏊Enemies to Lovers
🩷Sassy FMC
🏊Swimmer MMC
🩷One Bed
🏊Marriage of Convenience
🩷Sports RomCom
🏊Closed Door Romance
May 5, 2026
Take my BREATH Away
(A Sweet Sports RomCom book 2)
by: Larissa Hommes
@larissa_hommes
••I give 4 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~What if the one person who could save your future is the one you can’t stand?…
-Take my BREATH Away, is absolutely a sweet swim romance brim full of crackling tension, sparkling chemistry, and just enough delightful banter to keep things interesting and so fun. This slow-burn sports romance story wonderfully features enemies to lovers, a marriage of convenience, elite swimming, dear found family, banter, and a worthwhile love that proves balance is just as important as ambition! The thing that I enjoyed most of all about this story was that the last thing that either main character expected was to need a marriage of convenience, yet little did they know how much they actually needed each other along the way! Yes, there were struggles, uncertainty, and worries but, showing up when it counts, being vulnerable, and being genuinely supportive mattered. Whether in the big moments or in the daily moments in between, having someone in your corner that is there no matter what, with no reservations counts the most. I loved seeing endearing characters choose to risk, choose to go the distance in standing grounds, and choosing what matters most of all! Seeing the beautiful difference of emotional growth that comes along the way, and protection that encompasses safety counts greatly, and leads to such contentment. This cute, quick paced story my friends, is worth the read! I do recommend starting with book one first, Every Breath You Take for full enjoyment of the cast of characters and setting! 🙌🏻📚🩷🏊♂️
•Content: strained family dynamics, controlling/unsupportive/snotty parents, feelings of inadequacy/not being enough/not being seen, some moments of anxiety/fear of unknown, loss, mentioning of ex relationships not working out, no violence, bar scene, no language; kisses only (some make outs).
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
#takemybreathaway
#asweetsportsromcom
#larissahommes
#happilyeverreaderservices
#allaboutthebestreads
(A Sweet Sports RomCom book 2)
by: Larissa Hommes
@larissa_hommes
••I give 4 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~What if the one person who could save your future is the one you can’t stand?…
-Take my BREATH Away, is absolutely a sweet swim romance brim full of crackling tension, sparkling chemistry, and just enough delightful banter to keep things interesting and so fun. This slow-burn sports romance story wonderfully features enemies to lovers, a marriage of convenience, elite swimming, dear found family, banter, and a worthwhile love that proves balance is just as important as ambition! The thing that I enjoyed most of all about this story was that the last thing that either main character expected was to need a marriage of convenience, yet little did they know how much they actually needed each other along the way! Yes, there were struggles, uncertainty, and worries but, showing up when it counts, being vulnerable, and being genuinely supportive mattered. Whether in the big moments or in the daily moments in between, having someone in your corner that is there no matter what, with no reservations counts the most. I loved seeing endearing characters choose to risk, choose to go the distance in standing grounds, and choosing what matters most of all! Seeing the beautiful difference of emotional growth that comes along the way, and protection that encompasses safety counts greatly, and leads to such contentment. This cute, quick paced story my friends, is worth the read! I do recommend starting with book one first, Every Breath You Take for full enjoyment of the cast of characters and setting! 🙌🏻📚🩷🏊♂️
•Content: strained family dynamics, controlling/unsupportive/snotty parents, feelings of inadequacy/not being enough/not being seen, some moments of anxiety/fear of unknown, loss, mentioning of ex relationships not working out, no violence, bar scene, no language; kisses only (some make outs).
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
#takemybreathaway
#asweetsportsromcom
#larissahommes
#happilyeverreaderservices
#allaboutthebestreads
May 5, 2026
This top notch, charming romance will, in fact, take your breath away. A marriage of convenience story is always fun to read, but when the two getting married are seemingly arch enemies, it adds a whole new level to convenience. They are fire and ice. They rub each other the wrong way so much it hurts. Both of them have assumed a lot about the other, without having all of the facts as they will soon learn living in such close proximity to one another.
Ledger Hayes lives and breathes swimming. It is all he cares about. He finds himself without a sponsor, which in turn, means he has no access to the facility to train and no place to live. The World Championship is just within his reach, but the skies are black for him. He is lost with no direction, until Roxie comes to the rescue.
Roxie Montgomery is determined to prove her independence. She does not need her family's approval, nor their money. She wants to make it on her own two feet and her will to be the woman she wants to be. She realizes she can help Ledger and he can help her.
A marriage is what both of them need to attain their goals, but the question will be can they stand being the same house with one another?
This was a classic in every sense of the word. I was rooting for them the whole time just knowing they would have to get out of their own way to admit to themselves and the other that they are not as incompatible as they think.
There were so many great scenes, but some of my favorites were when Ledger was protective of Roxie. The "my wife" scenes were swoony, but the best was when he stood up to her parents. I thought I was going to faint. I was sunk at that point.
I enjoy a sports romance, and swimming is not often a sport you see in this genre. I have enjoyed this author's dive into the deep end in the swimming romance department. This romance gave me all the feels that I enjoy when reading a romance.
If you need something to lighten your day, this will fill your day with joy and more than a little laughter.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ledger Hayes lives and breathes swimming. It is all he cares about. He finds himself without a sponsor, which in turn, means he has no access to the facility to train and no place to live. The World Championship is just within his reach, but the skies are black for him. He is lost with no direction, until Roxie comes to the rescue.
Roxie Montgomery is determined to prove her independence. She does not need her family's approval, nor their money. She wants to make it on her own two feet and her will to be the woman she wants to be. She realizes she can help Ledger and he can help her.
A marriage is what both of them need to attain their goals, but the question will be can they stand being the same house with one another?
This was a classic in every sense of the word. I was rooting for them the whole time just knowing they would have to get out of their own way to admit to themselves and the other that they are not as incompatible as they think.
There were so many great scenes, but some of my favorites were when Ledger was protective of Roxie. The "my wife" scenes were swoony, but the best was when he stood up to her parents. I thought I was going to faint. I was sunk at that point.
I enjoy a sports romance, and swimming is not often a sport you see in this genre. I have enjoyed this author's dive into the deep end in the swimming romance department. This romance gave me all the feels that I enjoy when reading a romance.
If you need something to lighten your day, this will fill your day with joy and more than a little laughter.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 26, 2026
This was such a fun, sweet, and swoony read! “Take My Breath Away” follows Ledger and Roxie as they put aside their differences to help one another navigate personal challenges. After enjoying the first book in the series, “Every Breath You Take” I couldn't wait to dive back into this world. I flew through this story so quickly that I might already be due for a reread just to soak it all in again.
Larissa Hommes excels at creating relatable characters with deep, meaningful backgrounds, and this story is no exception. Here are a few highlights that made this book a standout for me:
**Relatable Leads: Roxie and Ledger felt like real people facing authentic problems that readers can truly identify with.
**Emotional Growth: It was beautiful to watch the characters become more emotionally available. They learned to trust one another even when they had been let down by others in the past.
**Top-Notch Banter: Their affection for each other shines through their dialogue; the wit and back-and-forth were absolute perfection.
**Supportive Friendships: Everyone needs a solid inner circle, and the secondary characters here are wonderful. If you want more backstory on the best friends, I highly recommend reading Talon and Livvi's story in book one! Also love Ridge! I suspect his book will be next!
**Dual POV: Getting inside both characters' heads is my favorite way to experience a romance.
**The Setting: As a fan of sports romance, I loved getting an "insider peak" into the disciplined, high-stakes world of elite swimmers.
**Favorite Tropes: This book is packed with some of the best tropes, including marriage of convenience, one bed, and "enemies" to lovers (though readers will have to see for themselves just how much they actually "hated" each other!)
True to my preference, this is a closed-door romance, making it a perfect choice for those who love a high-chemistry, slow-burn story that focuses on emotional intimacy.
*Thank you to the author for providing an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.*
May 7, 2026
If you’re anything like my husband, when seeing the title of this book, he started humming the song… but the story that Larissa Hommes is so much better than that! During the previous book, you could feel the tension building between Ledger and Roxie, and now as protagonists, they’re even greater than I ever expected!
Ledger Hayes is a well-seasoned swimmer and chasing after his opportunity to compete in the World Championship! The only things that stand between him and achieving that dream are himself and finances! When faced with the predicament of sponsorship struggles, he is befuddled of not knowing what to do. His whole life, the only place he really amounted to something was in the pool and there appeared to be no solution in sight.
Roxie Montgomery, yes – those Montgomerys, had been trying to make it on her own for the last several years. With the constant reminder of a safety net in coming home and marrying a country club member would provide her with comfort along with the prospect of her trust fund paying out, she could be set for life. As much as she needed the funds, subjecting herself to will of her overbearing mom was the last thing she wanted. When she catches wind of Ledger’s woes, she offers to help.
Ledger can’t help but be intrigued by what assistance his enemy might have in mind. And that’s where the push/pull of the dynamics of these two really takes off. They have had volatile aggression towards each other since their freshman year of college! I loved this banter, when it comes to poking the bear, these two could teach a master class on how to do it! It’s one thing to adjust to living with your spouse, but when that person is also an adversary, it gets awkward and understatedly funny! Larissa knocked this one out of the pool and gave us moments to cheer, swoon and leave us gobsmacked! Job well done! Loved this so much! While there were times when their friends came into play, it was when these two were left alone to sort through things that had me hanging on with bated breath! To put it simply, this was chef’s kiss!
Ledger Hayes is a well-seasoned swimmer and chasing after his opportunity to compete in the World Championship! The only things that stand between him and achieving that dream are himself and finances! When faced with the predicament of sponsorship struggles, he is befuddled of not knowing what to do. His whole life, the only place he really amounted to something was in the pool and there appeared to be no solution in sight.
Roxie Montgomery, yes – those Montgomerys, had been trying to make it on her own for the last several years. With the constant reminder of a safety net in coming home and marrying a country club member would provide her with comfort along with the prospect of her trust fund paying out, she could be set for life. As much as she needed the funds, subjecting herself to will of her overbearing mom was the last thing she wanted. When she catches wind of Ledger’s woes, she offers to help.
Ledger can’t help but be intrigued by what assistance his enemy might have in mind. And that’s where the push/pull of the dynamics of these two really takes off. They have had volatile aggression towards each other since their freshman year of college! I loved this banter, when it comes to poking the bear, these two could teach a master class on how to do it! It’s one thing to adjust to living with your spouse, but when that person is also an adversary, it gets awkward and understatedly funny! Larissa knocked this one out of the pool and gave us moments to cheer, swoon and leave us gobsmacked! Job well done! Loved this so much! While there were times when their friends came into play, it was when these two were left alone to sort through things that had me hanging on with bated breath! To put it simply, this was chef’s kiss!
May 6, 2026
loved this!
Thank you to Larissa Hommes for the ARC of Take My Breath Away!
Ledger’s and Roxie’s chemistry in this book is off the charts! They have not liked each other from the first moment they met freshman year of college. They immediately made snap judgments about the other, which led to years of biting remarks toward one other. Their best friends become an item, so they are forced to be around each other more.
Ledger is an elite swimmer going for the World Championships. Roxie’s family has money and lots of it. They both find themselves in a bind and, to help each other, they decide to get married. When they arrive to their new student housing apartment, there is only one bedroom. Uh-oh! Here comes the pillow wall!
Of course, living with each other helps them to see each other for who they really are. They become each other’s cheerleaders and the lines start to blur between what’s real and what isn’t.
I absolutely loved Roxie and Ledger! I loved their witty banter, the way they were there for the other, how they started to see the other for who they really were. Both Ledger and Roxie were lost when they started their marriage, but together they found themselves.
This is book two in the series, but it is a standalone. I did not read the first one and was able to completely follow the storyline. But, I would suggest reading the first because there is some backstory that would have made this book even more enjoyable, I believe.
This is a clean sports romcom with a marriage of convenience, forced proximity, he falls first, one bed, enemies to more, and kissing only book.
Thank you to Larissa Hommes for the ARC of Take My Breath Away!
Ledger’s and Roxie’s chemistry in this book is off the charts! They have not liked each other from the first moment they met freshman year of college. They immediately made snap judgments about the other, which led to years of biting remarks toward one other. Their best friends become an item, so they are forced to be around each other more.
Ledger is an elite swimmer going for the World Championships. Roxie’s family has money and lots of it. They both find themselves in a bind and, to help each other, they decide to get married. When they arrive to their new student housing apartment, there is only one bedroom. Uh-oh! Here comes the pillow wall!
Of course, living with each other helps them to see each other for who they really are. They become each other’s cheerleaders and the lines start to blur between what’s real and what isn’t.
I absolutely loved Roxie and Ledger! I loved their witty banter, the way they were there for the other, how they started to see the other for who they really were. Both Ledger and Roxie were lost when they started their marriage, but together they found themselves.
This is book two in the series, but it is a standalone. I did not read the first one and was able to completely follow the storyline. But, I would suggest reading the first because there is some backstory that would have made this book even more enjoyable, I believe.
This is a clean sports romcom with a marriage of convenience, forced proximity, he falls first, one bed, enemies to more, and kissing only book.
May 6, 2026
The story I've been waiting for 🏊♂️
Ever since I went to the Olympic swim trials, I have felt like the sweet romance community has been painfully bereft of swimmer MCs. Then one day a few weeks ago, @larissa_hommes pops up in my feed with a new romcom with a swimmer MMC and with the amazing news that it is a SERIES. Y'all... day made. I knew I had to read this one and it did not disappoint.
The tension in this story... oh my. The personal journeys that Ledger and Roxie go on to decide who they are as people for themselves, defining their future, and then deciding that they are meant to be a part of one another's... happy, happy sighs. An enemies-to-lovers marriage of convenience is the perfect set-up- she needs him for her trust fund and he needs her so his financial difficulties getting to swim at Worlds will go away. But the demons these two fight, especially with people who should have been in their corner, were TOUGH. The competitive background of professional swimming added that perfect extra stakes.
The story was lovely from beginning to end, and Larissa, being a new-to-me author, had a beautiful, almost poetic style of writing that added depth and feeling to the story. I enjoyed it immensely! This was everything I could have envisioned and hoped for after wanting it to come to life!
Thank you to Larissa and @happilyeverreaders.services for my copy of this story. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#sweetromance #sportsromance #swimromance #enemiestolovers #takemybreathaway
Ever since I went to the Olympic swim trials, I have felt like the sweet romance community has been painfully bereft of swimmer MCs. Then one day a few weeks ago, @larissa_hommes pops up in my feed with a new romcom with a swimmer MMC and with the amazing news that it is a SERIES. Y'all... day made. I knew I had to read this one and it did not disappoint.
The tension in this story... oh my. The personal journeys that Ledger and Roxie go on to decide who they are as people for themselves, defining their future, and then deciding that they are meant to be a part of one another's... happy, happy sighs. An enemies-to-lovers marriage of convenience is the perfect set-up- she needs him for her trust fund and he needs her so his financial difficulties getting to swim at Worlds will go away. But the demons these two fight, especially with people who should have been in their corner, were TOUGH. The competitive background of professional swimming added that perfect extra stakes.
The story was lovely from beginning to end, and Larissa, being a new-to-me author, had a beautiful, almost poetic style of writing that added depth and feeling to the story. I enjoyed it immensely! This was everything I could have envisioned and hoped for after wanting it to come to life!
Thank you to Larissa and @happilyeverreaders.services for my copy of this story. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#sweetromance #sportsromance #swimromance #enemiestolovers #takemybreathaway
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is book 2 in a SWIMMING series. 😍 Book 1 was part of The Love Playbook Series. We meet Roxie and Ledger in that book but it’s not vital to this storyline. However, seeing their dynamic in book 1 makes book 2 that much more fun!
I love reading sports romcoms but I REALLY love when it’s a sport that’s not hockey. You can always find a good hockey book but not many other sports. Also, I swam in high school so reading this series has brought back lots of memories. Larissa does an amazing job when describing the feelings of practices, meets, and even swimming the actually strokes.
Roxie and Ledger are frenemies - part of a found family friend group but these 2 bicker, compete, and banter as their form of communication with each other. It was nice getting their backstories and seeing how that relationship formed. They both had preconceived ideas of each other based on stereotypes….and then gradually they each realized that they were wrong in their assumptions.
The growth arcs that these two have are fabulous. They end up with a marriage of convenience that comes about in a unique way. But the way their walls come down gradually…so good. And the way they truly see one another…and then realize the other person actually sees them…😍😍😍.
Ledger ends up being the perfect guy for Roxie. He appreciates her work ethic, is quietly supportive, and then protective of her to her family. SWOON!! Roxie sees Ledger and all his hard work, encouraging, and calls him out when he needs it. They go beyond surface level with each other and the shift is beautiful to watch.
I love reading sports romcoms but I REALLY love when it’s a sport that’s not hockey. You can always find a good hockey book but not many other sports. Also, I swam in high school so reading this series has brought back lots of memories. Larissa does an amazing job when describing the feelings of practices, meets, and even swimming the actually strokes.
Roxie and Ledger are frenemies - part of a found family friend group but these 2 bicker, compete, and banter as their form of communication with each other. It was nice getting their backstories and seeing how that relationship formed. They both had preconceived ideas of each other based on stereotypes….and then gradually they each realized that they were wrong in their assumptions.
The growth arcs that these two have are fabulous. They end up with a marriage of convenience that comes about in a unique way. But the way their walls come down gradually…so good. And the way they truly see one another…and then realize the other person actually sees them…😍😍😍.
Ledger ends up being the perfect guy for Roxie. He appreciates her work ethic, is quietly supportive, and then protective of her to her family. SWOON!! Roxie sees Ledger and all his hard work, encouraging, and calls him out when he needs it. They go beyond surface level with each other and the shift is beautiful to watch.
May 4, 2026
ARC copy
This was the first book I've read by Larissa Hommes and I'm ready to read more. Roxie and Ledger are a great pairing and it was nice to get inside each of their heads to understand not only their feelings about each other but also the individual struggles they've had that led to some of the conflict between them.
They've known (and hated) each other for years and their best friends are a couple, which forces them together way more than they'd like, but when the only solution they can come up with to both of their problems is to get married and share a small apartment, they have to interact outside of a group setting, without the buffer of their friends, and that's when things start to change.
A few final thoughts: I'm glad that their feelings for each other didn't change too quickly. I don't like when authors do that because it usually seems unrealistic. I thought Larissa Hommes did a great job giving us (and the characters) a happily ever after while still giving the characters time to grow into that. I also appreciate the lack of explicit scenes. Some readers might be turned off by "clean" romance, but I'm glad that there are authors out there who write it. It's refreshing to read a romance novel without being bombarded by sex scenes
This was the first book I've read by Larissa Hommes and I'm ready to read more. Roxie and Ledger are a great pairing and it was nice to get inside each of their heads to understand not only their feelings about each other but also the individual struggles they've had that led to some of the conflict between them.
They've known (and hated) each other for years and their best friends are a couple, which forces them together way more than they'd like, but when the only solution they can come up with to both of their problems is to get married and share a small apartment, they have to interact outside of a group setting, without the buffer of their friends, and that's when things start to change.
A few final thoughts: I'm glad that their feelings for each other didn't change too quickly. I don't like when authors do that because it usually seems unrealistic. I thought Larissa Hommes did a great job giving us (and the characters) a happily ever after while still giving the characters time to grow into that. I also appreciate the lack of explicit scenes. Some readers might be turned off by "clean" romance, but I'm glad that there are authors out there who write it. It's refreshing to read a romance novel without being bombarded by sex scenes
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 Stars
This book is part of the Breath of Love series. While it can be read as a standalone, you will want to read the first book, Every Breath You Take, as we get introduced to Ledger and Roxie in that story.
I love a good Marriage of Convenience story and this one is great!
I would call Ledger and Roxie more rivals than enemies. And while they love to banter and challenge each other, they have more in common than they first realize. And the quiet tension that exists between them is more of them not willing to give voice to the true feelings they are having.
At the core, this story is about two people who desperately want to be seen for who they are and not if they meet someone else's expectations. The desire to be enough. To be seen and to have someone show up for them and be in their corner no matter what.
I love the building of the relationship between Ledger and Roxie. I loved how it was in the quiet, everyday living that they started to let down their walls. And while the banter was still there, the sharp edges started to soften and they both became each others cheerleaders. Of course, to continue to build the tension, there was the element of miscommunication - or maybe a lack of communication - where they were both too scared to voice their true feelings for fear of getting hurt. And while sometimes the lack of communication element can get frustrating, it really works in this story.
Larissa Hommes is an excellent story teller and creates characters that have you falling in love with. She also does an amazing job creating stories that stay with you long after the last page has been turned.
I'm loving this series and am looking forward to the other stories that are coming!!
I received an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Quotes:
"...my worth isn't determined by my marital status."
"He'd chosen me. Out loud and without qualifiers."
This book is part of the Breath of Love series. While it can be read as a standalone, you will want to read the first book, Every Breath You Take, as we get introduced to Ledger and Roxie in that story.
I love a good Marriage of Convenience story and this one is great!
I would call Ledger and Roxie more rivals than enemies. And while they love to banter and challenge each other, they have more in common than they first realize. And the quiet tension that exists between them is more of them not willing to give voice to the true feelings they are having.
At the core, this story is about two people who desperately want to be seen for who they are and not if they meet someone else's expectations. The desire to be enough. To be seen and to have someone show up for them and be in their corner no matter what.
I love the building of the relationship between Ledger and Roxie. I loved how it was in the quiet, everyday living that they started to let down their walls. And while the banter was still there, the sharp edges started to soften and they both became each others cheerleaders. Of course, to continue to build the tension, there was the element of miscommunication - or maybe a lack of communication - where they were both too scared to voice their true feelings for fear of getting hurt. And while sometimes the lack of communication element can get frustrating, it really works in this story.
Larissa Hommes is an excellent story teller and creates characters that have you falling in love with. She also does an amazing job creating stories that stay with you long after the last page has been turned.
I'm loving this series and am looking forward to the other stories that are coming!!
I received an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Quotes:
"...my worth isn't determined by my marital status."
"He'd chosen me. Out loud and without qualifiers."
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received a voluntary ARC. All thoughts are my own.
I flew through this story! I couldn’t put it down. It hooks you from the beginning and doesn’t let go! This world was so easy to get lost in.
I loved how real this relationship felt. You can feel the struggles Ledger and Roxie have to communicate and be vulnerable with each other. The emotional journey for both of them was authentic and relatable.
The journey to see and be seen by someone who truly wants to see who you are really shines through. I loved that part of their dynamic.
The way these two banter was fun, adorable, and so real. Their banter grew from verbal sparring to support and trust. It really encapsulated their relationship and showed how they were changing towards each other.
This book reads as a standalone even though it’s the second book in the series. You are introduced to Ledger and Roxie in book one. You do not have to read the first book to understand their history. You can dive in here and fully enjoy the story. I certainly did!
Recommended reading age (14 yrs+)
No spice (just kisses)
No explicit language
No violence/gore
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️I enjoyed this book
I flew through this story! I couldn’t put it down. It hooks you from the beginning and doesn’t let go! This world was so easy to get lost in.
I loved how real this relationship felt. You can feel the struggles Ledger and Roxie have to communicate and be vulnerable with each other. The emotional journey for both of them was authentic and relatable.
The journey to see and be seen by someone who truly wants to see who you are really shines through. I loved that part of their dynamic.
The way these two banter was fun, adorable, and so real. Their banter grew from verbal sparring to support and trust. It really encapsulated their relationship and showed how they were changing towards each other.
This book reads as a standalone even though it’s the second book in the series. You are introduced to Ledger and Roxie in book one. You do not have to read the first book to understand their history. You can dive in here and fully enjoy the story. I certainly did!
Recommended reading age (14 yrs+)
No spice (just kisses)
No explicit language
No violence/gore
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️I enjoyed this book
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh, Ledger and Roxie... these two were so fun! When we meet them, they really have the perfect enemy banter... their verbal sparring is unmatched and so enjoyable. But their dynamic was unique, because while they bickered, they really didn't seem to hate each other either. So, when he's at risk of losing his swimming sponsorship and all that he's worked for, she comes up with the perfect solution... a marriage of convenience that will give her access to her trust fund. The more time these two spend together, those feelings definitely start to become something more... but I loved that they still didn't lose that back and forth that drew me in to begin with. I truly could not get enough of these two: the banter, the support they gave each other, I loved it all. If you love sports romance, marriage of convenience and enemies to lovers, this is one you won't want to miss.
Take My Breath Away is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Take My Breath Away is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
May 4, 2026
ARC REVIEW ✨️
"He hadn’t acted like I was fragile.
He’d acted like I was worth protecting."
This was a healing story. With Ledger feeling like his worth was tied to his performance and Roxie feeling like she was a disappointment who couldn’t build anything for herself, watching both of them grow out of those beliefs together was so beautiful.
Gosh, I loved seeing those childhood wounds slowly unravel because they chose each other.
And their relationship?? Ledger and Roxie (or Roxanne, as he insists 😂) might have seemed icy at first, but it was really just pressure waiting to crack. I thoroughly enjoyed the gradual thawing of that shell of dislike they used to hide what they actually felt.
By the time they finally got together, it felt so inevitable that no one was even surprised 😂
And when they fell? Oh, they fell 🤭
The banter, the chemistry, the way their personalities bounced off each other.... it was all so satisfying to watch unfold.
I'm a sucker for marriage of convenience, and I enjoyed every bit of this book by Larissa
"He hadn’t acted like I was fragile.
He’d acted like I was worth protecting."
This was a healing story. With Ledger feeling like his worth was tied to his performance and Roxie feeling like she was a disappointment who couldn’t build anything for herself, watching both of them grow out of those beliefs together was so beautiful.
Gosh, I loved seeing those childhood wounds slowly unravel because they chose each other.
And their relationship?? Ledger and Roxie (or Roxanne, as he insists 😂) might have seemed icy at first, but it was really just pressure waiting to crack. I thoroughly enjoyed the gradual thawing of that shell of dislike they used to hide what they actually felt.
By the time they finally got together, it felt so inevitable that no one was even surprised 😂
And when they fell? Oh, they fell 🤭
The banter, the chemistry, the way their personalities bounced off each other.... it was all so satisfying to watch unfold.
I'm a sucker for marriage of convenience, and I enjoyed every bit of this book by Larissa
May 4, 2026
Roxie and Ledger’s story, Take My Breath Away by Larissa Hommes is here, and let me tell ya, it does not disappoint! If you are looking for a bright spot in your day, add this gem to the top of your TBR!
A little enemies to lovers, a little marriage of convenience, and of course, a little sports romance, and this sweet read delivers a delightful blend of banter and snark with a side of chemistry that everyone but the main characters can see.
I fell for their characters and how they interacted when they were first introduced in Every Breath You Take, so seeing them get their own story and then reading it was such a special treat!
I won’t give anything away, but watching these two open up to one another and understand them more, watching one in specific realize how mistaken they were about the other, and then watching them show up for each other? Such a beautiful experience reading along towards their happily ever after. Grab your copy today!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thoughts and opinions are my own.
A little enemies to lovers, a little marriage of convenience, and of course, a little sports romance, and this sweet read delivers a delightful blend of banter and snark with a side of chemistry that everyone but the main characters can see.
I fell for their characters and how they interacted when they were first introduced in Every Breath You Take, so seeing them get their own story and then reading it was such a special treat!
I won’t give anything away, but watching these two open up to one another and understand them more, watching one in specific realize how mistaken they were about the other, and then watching them show up for each other? Such a beautiful experience reading along towards their happily ever after. Grab your copy today!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 5, 2026
Roxie and Ledger have the best banter! I was laughing out loud at so many moments as they navigated their marriage of convenience. They have been rivals since they first met and it was so fun to see them let go of their prejudices and really learn about each other.
I was especially invested in their individual struggles and how everything worked out. Roxie has bucked against the expectations of her family for so long and Ledger has always just wanted a chance to prove himself in a meaningful way. I loved seeing them work so hard individually but also lend support and strength to each other as they worked toward those goals.
The found family vibes are so strong with this one. I loved seeing Livvi and Talon playing such a strong role in this story, while also letting Roxie and Ledger shine. I’m intrigued by Ridge’s story and can’t wait to see what might be next.
This enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience story is technically a standalone but can be read after Every Breath You Take from the Love Playbook multi-author series.
I was especially invested in their individual struggles and how everything worked out. Roxie has bucked against the expectations of her family for so long and Ledger has always just wanted a chance to prove himself in a meaningful way. I loved seeing them work so hard individually but also lend support and strength to each other as they worked toward those goals.
The found family vibes are so strong with this one. I loved seeing Livvi and Talon playing such a strong role in this story, while also letting Roxie and Ledger shine. I’m intrigued by Ridge’s story and can’t wait to see what might be next.
This enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience story is technically a standalone but can be read after Every Breath You Take from the Love Playbook multi-author series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC to review!
It would be a lie to say I'm not biased towards these characters, because from the moment we first met them in Every Breath You Take, I was shipping Roxie and Ledger. Hard.
Their story starts with a classic enemies situation. The two of them are always going head to head, but they also belong in each other's closest friend group. Their dynamic from the very start is so. good.
The banter, the teasing, the tension and especially, knowing each other better than either of them realizes.
After a marriage of convenience (or inconvenience... as both of them might suggest), they get so much closer and a lot more aware of their ACTUAL feelings.
Ledger in denial might just have been my favourite part of the book :)
The entire book was so easy to fly through. The slow burn>>>
There was both character and plot development, which I really liked. Their careers were very important to them, and honestly, nothing's better than realizing that you have someone supporting you through all of it, which was true for Roxie and Ledger.
Overall, Take My Breath Away was a great feel-good read with ALL the best tropes, and I'm still attached to the characters (of course I am). I can't wait for Ridge and Lola's story!
It would be a lie to say I'm not biased towards these characters, because from the moment we first met them in Every Breath You Take, I was shipping Roxie and Ledger. Hard.
Their story starts with a classic enemies situation. The two of them are always going head to head, but they also belong in each other's closest friend group. Their dynamic from the very start is so. good.
The banter, the teasing, the tension and especially, knowing each other better than either of them realizes.
After a marriage of convenience (or inconvenience... as both of them might suggest), they get so much closer and a lot more aware of their ACTUAL feelings.
Ledger in denial might just have been my favourite part of the book :)
The entire book was so easy to fly through. The slow burn>>>
There was both character and plot development, which I really liked. Their careers were very important to them, and honestly, nothing's better than realizing that you have someone supporting you through all of it, which was true for Roxie and Ledger.
Overall, Take My Breath Away was a great feel-good read with ALL the best tropes, and I'm still attached to the characters (of course I am). I can't wait for Ridge and Lola's story!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A marriage of convenience, enemies to more romcom. I enjoyed this romance so much that I read it right through in one evening.
We have Ledger, a 26 year old swimmer, who is trying to make it to Nationals, but just like with his whole life, he is struggling to make ends meet. When the grant he had been utilizing is lost, he has to find a way to continue his practice and a place to stay which is not easy when it takes so much of his time.
Roxie is the girl that Ledger met their first year in college and has pushed his buttons ever since. She is what he deems the typical rich girl who doesn’t have to work for anything. What he doesn’t know is that the only way for her to earn her family’s trust, is to marry before she turns 26. She just wants to earn something of her own.
When Roxie finds out the trouble Ledger is in, she can’t help but want to help and so offers a marriage of convenience. Ledger can’t believe what he is hearing and tries to blow her off immediately. After a bit of time, he realizes that if he wants to make it Nationals this may be his only chance.
They plan to have boundaries and no feelings, since this is temporary after all.
#arcread #forcedproximityromcom #nospiceromcom #marriageofconvenience #enemiestomore
**I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
We have Ledger, a 26 year old swimmer, who is trying to make it to Nationals, but just like with his whole life, he is struggling to make ends meet. When the grant he had been utilizing is lost, he has to find a way to continue his practice and a place to stay which is not easy when it takes so much of his time.
Roxie is the girl that Ledger met their first year in college and has pushed his buttons ever since. She is what he deems the typical rich girl who doesn’t have to work for anything. What he doesn’t know is that the only way for her to earn her family’s trust, is to marry before she turns 26. She just wants to earn something of her own.
When Roxie finds out the trouble Ledger is in, she can’t help but want to help and so offers a marriage of convenience. Ledger can’t believe what he is hearing and tries to blow her off immediately. After a bit of time, he realizes that if he wants to make it Nationals this may be his only chance.
They plan to have boundaries and no feelings, since this is temporary after all.
#arcread #forcedproximityromcom #nospiceromcom #marriageofconvenience #enemiestomore
**I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved Ledger and Roxie together from when we met them in Every Breath You Take. Their banter was epic and you knew there was more beneath the surface. Loved seeing them finally being a bit vulnerable with each other to truly see who the other person was, not just what they assumed or what the world saw. I’m glad that they still had their teasing and banter after fully becoming a couple.
I did feel that the story was lacking just a little. We never got to see how Ledger’s parents felt about the marriage or if/when Roxie met them. Also, a big deal was made about the ring, then nothing, no shopping, no parent comment. Some of the details surrounding the marriage, like the school just giving him money and housing now that he was married, didn’t quite make sense to me.
Overall, it was a great read and I’m looking forward to Ridge’s story.
I did feel that the story was lacking just a little. We never got to see how Ledger’s parents felt about the marriage or if/when Roxie met them. Also, a big deal was made about the ring, then nothing, no shopping, no parent comment. Some of the details surrounding the marriage, like the school just giving him money and housing now that he was married, didn’t quite make sense to me.
Overall, it was a great read and I’m looking forward to Ridge’s story.
May 17, 2026
Second in a series, stands alone, but even better if you read the books in order as you expand your knowledge of competitive swimming.
Frenemies with vastly different problems, Ledger is losing housing and financial support while Roxie is losing access to her trust fund. A convoluded and unexpected solution to both problems is a temporary marriage. Thus the marriage begins at a courthouse with three closest friends in attendance. Knowing there's an end date keeps things focused. A visit to her wealthy (read snobby and over-opinionated) parents ends abruptly when Ledger stands up for his wife, and that's the point where they stop lying to themselves.
Having fast paced, factual, yet realistic situations, the book is a fun story with a chance for those of us who never experienced competitive swimming to learn and appreciate the sport.
Frenemies with vastly different problems, Ledger is losing housing and financial support while Roxie is losing access to her trust fund. A convoluded and unexpected solution to both problems is a temporary marriage. Thus the marriage begins at a courthouse with three closest friends in attendance. Knowing there's an end date keeps things focused. A visit to her wealthy (read snobby and over-opinionated) parents ends abruptly when Ledger stands up for his wife, and that's the point where they stop lying to themselves.
Having fast paced, factual, yet realistic situations, the book is a fun story with a chance for those of us who never experienced competitive swimming to learn and appreciate the sport.
May 22, 2026
If determination were enough, Ledger would already be a world swimming medalist. Unfortunately, it took money. A LOT of money to enable pool time, the best coaches, lodging, the list went on and on. When his sponsorship dries up, so do his chances of fulfilling a lifelong goal and proving he is worth something, even if he isn't rich.
Roxie is determined not to bow to her parents' pressure to marry into the socialite lifestyle. She wanted to stand on her own two feet and create a company that could change lives. But to do that, she needed access to her trust fund, the one that stipulated she marry by her twenty-fifth birthday, just four months away.
This is the story of two people who need each other, temporarily, finding that sometimes, supporting someone can give you the strength to beat the odds. And, maybe, find love along the way.
Roxie is determined not to bow to her parents' pressure to marry into the socialite lifestyle. She wanted to stand on her own two feet and create a company that could change lives. But to do that, she needed access to her trust fund, the one that stipulated she marry by her twenty-fifth birthday, just four months away.
This is the story of two people who need each other, temporarily, finding that sometimes, supporting someone can give you the strength to beat the odds. And, maybe, find love along the way.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This one was so cute 🥹💗
Take My Breath Away by Larissa Hommes delivered on romance, characters, and TOP-TIER banter. I had such a fun time reading it and flew through the story. Literally read in two days.
BUT… I can’t lie, it felt a little rushed. I wanted more, especially when it came to the parents and their thoughts on the marriage. I missed that. That extra depth would’ve made it hit even harder emotionally at least for me because, I’ve been there. I would have loved to explore that. Their friends were also so supportive even during the hard times. Kudos to them!
Still, if you’re looking for a quick, feel-good romance with great chemistry, this one’s worth picking up, I’m glad I was given the opportunity to read about Ledger and Roxanne 😅💕
Take My Breath Away by Larissa Hommes delivered on romance, characters, and TOP-TIER banter. I had such a fun time reading it and flew through the story. Literally read in two days.
BUT… I can’t lie, it felt a little rushed. I wanted more, especially when it came to the parents and their thoughts on the marriage. I missed that. That extra depth would’ve made it hit even harder emotionally at least for me because, I’ve been there. I would have loved to explore that. Their friends were also so supportive even during the hard times. Kudos to them!
Still, if you’re looking for a quick, feel-good romance with great chemistry, this one’s worth picking up, I’m glad I was given the opportunity to read about Ledger and Roxanne 😅💕
Review of advance copy received from Author
Marriage of Convenience? Signed me up! I absolutely loved this book. Ledger and Roxie had a very chaotic "relationship" in the sense that they could not stand each other. But one day the both realize their life was not going as they had planned, so a plan came up to come together to make sure they both had what they needed to continue. The story was written so beautiful I couldn't get enough of it. The way Ledger and Roxie fit together, the way their friend group saw right through their walls, the way they stood up for her family, I mean all of it was beautiful, sweet and brought happiness to my heart. 100% recommended. Larissa has beautiful stories that bring joy to life.
April 30, 2026
I did not want this book to end. Ledger and Roxie started out really disliking each other. We get to slowly see them start to fall for each other after their agreement and that was beautiful to read. Marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes and Larissa nailed it! The “my wife” moments had me SWOONING. The way their banter continued throughout the entire book, even once they formed feelings, made me so happy. They never lost who they were, not even for a second. That was so refreshing. The way they hyped each other up and were there during both the hard times and the good 🥹 this couple is seriously EVERYTHING!
May 4, 2026
Kissing Only
Stand-Alone
Happily Ever After
This is a unique twist on your typical RomCom as it follows an athlete who is a swimmer! It was fun to read a book that includes a sport that doesn’t typically get covered in the romance genre.
I loved how the author weaved in the marriage of convenience trope with enemies-to-lovers. The characters have all the angsty banter while being forced together to keep up the marriage appearance.
The FMC and MMC were both relatable, well-developed, and exhibited character growth through the story. This book was well written, moved at a good pace, and had some hilarious banter along the way. Highly recommend this clean romance book!
Stand-Alone
Happily Ever After
This is a unique twist on your typical RomCom as it follows an athlete who is a swimmer! It was fun to read a book that includes a sport that doesn’t typically get covered in the romance genre.
I loved how the author weaved in the marriage of convenience trope with enemies-to-lovers. The characters have all the angsty banter while being forced together to keep up the marriage appearance.
The FMC and MMC were both relatable, well-developed, and exhibited character growth through the story. This book was well written, moved at a good pace, and had some hilarious banter along the way. Highly recommend this clean romance book!
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