This is the first book that I have read from this author, and I received a free advanced copy.
The story starts with Melanie having a really bad day. She comes home from work as a sports physical therapist, to find her boyfriend has not only changed the locks on the door, despite her having paid the rent since he has been out of work, but he will not only not let her in, but will not let her get her things. With nowhere else to go, she ends up at a women's shelter. She had fled from Iowa to NYC for a good reason, but we don't find out what that is until half way through the story.
Hotshot football player Chance was recently in an automobile accident, when he was not only injured, but finds out that the woman who came on to him was only 16 years old. So he needs to rehab not only his knee, but his reputation. He is not thrilled when he finds out that Melanie is his therapist, but after his first session, realizes that she is a miracle worker. When he finds out what happened to her, he makes a proposal: that they enter into a fake temporary marriage, so she has somewhere to live and he improves his reputation. She reluctantly agrees, with rules, but quickly wants to throw out the rules. Their chemistry is dynamic, so will they continue with their plan, or make the marriage real? Will they misunderstand the other's behavior, or open up to find love?
The characters are well developed, including the secondary ones and the conflicts are real. The author weaves a difficult issue into the story. The story ends with a HEA, but the first 2 Chapters of the next book in the series are included and instead of moving on to another couple, more roadblocks are placed in their path.