What do you think?
Rate this book
Accidentally Yours #3
Romancing His Rival
Hopeless romantic Elena Mason doesn't often hate people, but she hates her ex-fianc�'s insufferable best man, Lucas Albright III. She just knows Lucas is the one who talked her ex out of getting married--so Lucas is clearly the cause of all her problems. And now she's expected to work with him? Oh, heck no. Lucas Albright wants nothing more than to make partner at his advertising firm, and he knows he works best alone. But then Elena ends up as his partner on an account that could win him a promotion. He had a great reason to end her engagement, not that she'd ever believe him. Still, he's willing to try working as a team. Unfortunately, his new "partner" wants him dead. Elena knows she's going to have to give in and work with her nemesis, though nobody said it had to be easy for him. But what happens when fighting starts feeling a whole lot like falling in love? Contains mature themes.
152 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 11, 2019
58 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Shirk
23 books702 followersJennifer Shirk is a USA Today bestselling author of sweet, funny, closed-door rom-coms. If you love witty banter, swoony heroes, and happily-ever-afters that feel like Hallmark movies with a playful twist, her books are for you.
Her award-winning romances have topped Amazon charts in both holiday and series romance, making her stories a go-to escape for readers who want all the laughs and feels—without the steam.
Jennifer lives at the Jersey Shore with her husband, daughter, and two grateful rescue dogs. She’s also president of her local library board—proof that she’s happiest surrounded by stories.
Add her books to your shelves, follow her here on Goodreads, and join her newsletter for sneak peeks and fun extras: https://mailchi.mp/jennifershirk/jenn...
Her award-winning romances have topped Amazon charts in both holiday and series romance, making her stories a go-to escape for readers who want all the laughs and feels—without the steam.
Jennifer lives at the Jersey Shore with her husband, daughter, and two grateful rescue dogs. She’s also president of her local library board—proof that she’s happiest surrounded by stories.
Add her books to your shelves, follow her here on Goodreads, and join her newsletter for sneak peeks and fun extras: https://mailchi.mp/jennifershirk/jenn...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
January 20, 2019
SPOLIER ALERT: I'm one of my favorite authors and a really nice person, and I wrote this book so...
Naturally, I loved it.
Hope you do, too!
Naturally, I loved it.
Hope you do, too!
February 19, 2019
They say the closest feeling to hatred is love and that's just how it seems for Elena. She's in love with love and all things sentimental, especially because her parents had such a fairy tale romance. She wants her happily-every-after to pattern exactly after theirs and when her fiance breaks up with her, she blames his best friend, Lucas. In fact, she hates him, and we all know what that means.
Elena is quite uptight about her ideals and rigid with her rules, yet as the story progresses, she does become more likable. Of course, Lucas is her opposite. His intentional teasing, easy going manner, and blatant flirting make him a delicious character.
I loved the ebb and flow of this story. The romance was sweet and put a smile on my face, but my favorite thing was watching the rose colored glasses come off of these characters. They each had dreams and expectations, but life experiences revealed reality, which was so perfect.
Content: mild romance (kissing); mild-moderate language
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Elena is quite uptight about her ideals and rigid with her rules, yet as the story progresses, she does become more likable. Of course, Lucas is her opposite. His intentional teasing, easy going manner, and blatant flirting make him a delicious character.
I loved the ebb and flow of this story. The romance was sweet and put a smile on my face, but my favorite thing was watching the rose colored glasses come off of these characters. They each had dreams and expectations, but life experiences revealed reality, which was so perfect.
Content: mild romance (kissing); mild-moderate language
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
January 22, 2019
Elena's fiance, Scott, broke up with her after a discussion with his friend, Lucas. To say she's heartbroken would be an understatement. She can't believe Lucas deliberately sabotaged her engagement to Scott. Elena is holding out hope that Scott will eventually change his mind and want her back. But if she never sees Lucas again, it would be too soon.
Lucas is jaded due to his ex-wife. She really did a number on him and now he has no desire to ever marry again. He's okay with being single. His job is all that he needs to be happy. He doesn't regret talking to Scott about his marriage, especially because he doesn't think that Elena and Scott actually fit. He has no doubt that Elena loves Scott. But Scott on the other hand.... he just doesn't see it.
When circumstances beyond Elena's and Scott's control brings the two together, Elena doesn't know how to react. She's still angry and blames Lucas for her broken heart. But Lucas will do anything to get her to work for his firm, even talk to Scott. Elena see this as an opportunity to have Lucas right his wrong. She's determined to get Scott back.
But the more Elena and Lucas work together and get to know one another, the more their feelings for each other start to grow. Will Elena continue on her quest to get Scott back? Or will she finally let him go once and for all? And will Lucas be able to let go of the past and give himself a second chance at a HEA?
I enjoyed this addition to the Accidentally Yours series. But I have to be honest, it wasn't my favorite. I think it's because Elena was SO adamant about getting back together with Scott. It became repetitive and, for me, started taking away from the story. But the bright spot was most definitely Lucas. Even though he wanted to be with Elena, he also wanted her to be happy. And if being with Scott makes her happy then he'll put her happiness before his. I absolutely adored him!
Jennifer Shirk is definitely a favorite of mine. Whenever she releases a book, I instantly grab it and can't read it fast enough! I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!
And let's just take a minute to admire these two... *dreamy sigh*
Content: Mild-moderate language. Mild romance.
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own.*
Lucas is jaded due to his ex-wife. She really did a number on him and now he has no desire to ever marry again. He's okay with being single. His job is all that he needs to be happy. He doesn't regret talking to Scott about his marriage, especially because he doesn't think that Elena and Scott actually fit. He has no doubt that Elena loves Scott. But Scott on the other hand.... he just doesn't see it.
When circumstances beyond Elena's and Scott's control brings the two together, Elena doesn't know how to react. She's still angry and blames Lucas for her broken heart. But Lucas will do anything to get her to work for his firm, even talk to Scott. Elena see this as an opportunity to have Lucas right his wrong. She's determined to get Scott back.
But the more Elena and Lucas work together and get to know one another, the more their feelings for each other start to grow. Will Elena continue on her quest to get Scott back? Or will she finally let him go once and for all? And will Lucas be able to let go of the past and give himself a second chance at a HEA?
I enjoyed this addition to the Accidentally Yours series. But I have to be honest, it wasn't my favorite. I think it's because Elena was SO adamant about getting back together with Scott. It became repetitive and, for me, started taking away from the story. But the bright spot was most definitely Lucas. Even though he wanted to be with Elena, he also wanted her to be happy. And if being with Scott makes her happy then he'll put her happiness before his. I absolutely adored him!
Jennifer Shirk is definitely a favorite of mine. Whenever she releases a book, I instantly grab it and can't read it fast enough! I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!
And let's just take a minute to admire these two... *dreamy sigh*
Content: Mild-moderate language. Mild romance.
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own.*
February 11, 2019
When the person who should have been the best man at your wedding is the man your ex-fiancé listened to before breaking off your engagement, he's not exactly the most welcome person in your life! In fact Elena Mason likens Lucas Albright III to the spawn of Voldermort, for his role in the break up. When he turns up at the chalet she's gone to stay in to get away from everyone, she really wants to get away from him asap! However, this fateful encounter results in him needing her to work with him, using her artistic talents for a promotion he's involved with . . . . Can he convince her to work with him? What will happen when they stop fighting the attraction that's building between them? Does she really want to get back with her ex?
This is a fun, quirky, contemporary romance that had me laughing out loud at times. It is well written with great characters who develop in their relationship and self knowledge as the story progresses. How on earth she could think her ex was such a great potential husband I have no idea - love definitely was blind with that one! This is a lovely read, one where the heroine sets out hating the hero before he manages to romance her! It is a sweet contemporary romance that I have no hesitation in recommending to anyone who enjoys this genre, mind you I also recommend they check out other books by this author as she's written some fantastic reads IMHO!
I requested and was given a copy of this book, via NetGalley. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.
This is a fun, quirky, contemporary romance that had me laughing out loud at times. It is well written with great characters who develop in their relationship and self knowledge as the story progresses. How on earth she could think her ex was such a great potential husband I have no idea - love definitely was blind with that one! This is a lovely read, one where the heroine sets out hating the hero before he manages to romance her! It is a sweet contemporary romance that I have no hesitation in recommending to anyone who enjoys this genre, mind you I also recommend they check out other books by this author as she's written some fantastic reads IMHO!
I requested and was given a copy of this book, via NetGalley. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.
January 22, 2019
*Thank you Netgalley and Entangled for the ARC!
I didn't think this book was the love triangle type. It was, but kind of wasn't. Even though I usually stay away from these books, I enjoyed this one!
Elena Mason is miserable because her fiancé Scott called off their wedding. And the reason has a name: Lucas Albright III, Scott's friend. Lucas' experiences with marriage (involving him and his family) has never worked out, thus he really thinks this is something that has to be very well thought out.
Consequently, Elena hates him, although one "incident" changes everything. Suddenly they start working together and she begins to see who he really is. But what about her feelings for Scott? She's torn throughout the whole book (which was understandable, but sort of annoying at times). I loved Lucas, he was so sweet.
It was a quick and very cute read, I recommend it! 4.5/5
I didn't think this book was the love triangle type. It was, but kind of wasn't. Even though I usually stay away from these books, I enjoyed this one!
Elena Mason is miserable because her fiancé Scott called off their wedding. And the reason has a name: Lucas Albright III, Scott's friend. Lucas' experiences with marriage (involving him and his family) has never worked out, thus he really thinks this is something that has to be very well thought out.
Consequently, Elena hates him, although one "incident" changes everything. Suddenly they start working together and she begins to see who he really is. But what about her feelings for Scott? She's torn throughout the whole book (which was understandable, but sort of annoying at times). I loved Lucas, he was so sweet.
It was a quick and very cute read, I recommend it! 4.5/5
January 21, 2019
This is a sweet story about Elena, a homebody whose deepest wish is for a family of her own. She thought she had found it with her former fiance. However, his best man, Lucas, talked negatively about marriage with him and he then dumped Elena. Elena blames Lucas for being dumped.
When circumstances throw them together again, after the fighting, they begin to talk and, slowly, Elena starts to rethink everything she had thought she wanted. When they begin to work together, neither is sure what to make of their attraction to each other. What follows is a charming story that I just loved. I loved Elena and how she was forced to rethink her life, and Lucas, who also had a epiphany about his life, and how he made changes to reflect his new priorities.
Fans of the genre will love this book. The author is on my must read authors' list and, if you enjoy contemporary romance, should probably be on yours as well.
When circumstances throw them together again, after the fighting, they begin to talk and, slowly, Elena starts to rethink everything she had thought she wanted. When they begin to work together, neither is sure what to make of their attraction to each other. What follows is a charming story that I just loved. I loved Elena and how she was forced to rethink her life, and Lucas, who also had a epiphany about his life, and how he made changes to reflect his new priorities.
Fans of the genre will love this book. The author is on my must read authors' list and, if you enjoy contemporary romance, should probably be on yours as well.
February 11, 2019
Romancing His Rival is the third and final book in Jennifer Shirk’s Accidentally Yours series. This is a truly sweet enemies to lovers story that will leave you smiling. They say you should never judge a book by its cover. In the case of Romancing His Rival, that statement is so true. The release cover screams Valentine read however, this is actually a Christmas romance. If you are a traditionalist and only read Christmas romances during the Christmas season, be sure to put this on your reading list.
Elena Mason is a hopeless romantic, who looks for signs to guide her life. Since her parents died, she's felt lost and alone. But for her that all changed when she met and started dating Scott Coban, a Wall Street guy from New York. Elena thought she found her perfect match. So what if he didn't spend as much time with her as she would like? So what if work kept him busy and interrupted the time they did spend together? He sent her flowers every Friday, just like her father used to do for her mother. He even proposed to her at the same location her father proposed to her mother. Everything was perfect until Scott's friend and best man Lucas Albright III broke them up. Elena views Lucas as the wrecker of dreams and happily-ever-afters.
Lucas has known Scott since they were roommates in college. If truth be told, he never spent that much time with Elena. But he understands why Elena isn't buddy-buddy with him. While he did question Scott about marrying Elena, he never said anything Elena is accusing him of saying. He was simply trying to save them both heartache, because in the back of his mind he knew they weren't right for each other.
Fate and a massive snowstorm converge to strand these two together for the night at Lucas's sister’s cabin. Over a dinner of smores, Elena is shocked to realize that Lucas isn't so bad after all. Lucas is shocked to discover Elena’s hidden talent as an artist. A sketch drawn by Elena proves to be the inspiration Lucas needs for the ad campaign he's been working on. When Lucas’s boss accidentally sees Elena’s drawing, he wants it. If Lucas can get Elena to work with him and provide more drawings, and if Lucas can wow the client, the partnership he’s been seeking could be his.
Romancing His Rival is a standalone read however, over the course of the two previous books readers have gotten a glimpse of Elena. They've also seen some of the things going on with Elena and Scott. Elena is a nice character. She's loving, caring, and giving. But what makes her unlikable at times is the fact that she's so hung up on Scott. She's so sure they belong together. But her blind desire won’t allow her see that Scott just isn't that into her.
When I found out who Elena's hero was going to be, I wasn't sure Jennifer could pull the story off. I mean how could a woman fall for the man who told her fiancé to break up with her? I went into the story already not liking Lucas. But oh my gosh! From the beginning, I had Lucas pegged all wrong. He was EVERYTHING Elena needed and more. Lucas wasn’t looking for love but he saw Elena. He listened to her. He accepted her for who she was. He was beyond supportive.
“Love just kind of sneaks up on you and won’t let go.” That is so true of Elena and Lucas. And honestly, that’s what makes Romancing His Rival so special. I loved that over the course of a month, Elena actually matured, discovered who she really was, and realized the error of her ways. The ending was heartfelt and touching. It showed exactly what makes love so special.
**Received a copy of the book courtesy of the publisher and I voluntarily reviewed it.**
Elena Mason is a hopeless romantic, who looks for signs to guide her life. Since her parents died, she's felt lost and alone. But for her that all changed when she met and started dating Scott Coban, a Wall Street guy from New York. Elena thought she found her perfect match. So what if he didn't spend as much time with her as she would like? So what if work kept him busy and interrupted the time they did spend together? He sent her flowers every Friday, just like her father used to do for her mother. He even proposed to her at the same location her father proposed to her mother. Everything was perfect until Scott's friend and best man Lucas Albright III broke them up. Elena views Lucas as the wrecker of dreams and happily-ever-afters.
Lucas has known Scott since they were roommates in college. If truth be told, he never spent that much time with Elena. But he understands why Elena isn't buddy-buddy with him. While he did question Scott about marrying Elena, he never said anything Elena is accusing him of saying. He was simply trying to save them both heartache, because in the back of his mind he knew they weren't right for each other.
Fate and a massive snowstorm converge to strand these two together for the night at Lucas's sister’s cabin. Over a dinner of smores, Elena is shocked to realize that Lucas isn't so bad after all. Lucas is shocked to discover Elena’s hidden talent as an artist. A sketch drawn by Elena proves to be the inspiration Lucas needs for the ad campaign he's been working on. When Lucas’s boss accidentally sees Elena’s drawing, he wants it. If Lucas can get Elena to work with him and provide more drawings, and if Lucas can wow the client, the partnership he’s been seeking could be his.
Romancing His Rival is a standalone read however, over the course of the two previous books readers have gotten a glimpse of Elena. They've also seen some of the things going on with Elena and Scott. Elena is a nice character. She's loving, caring, and giving. But what makes her unlikable at times is the fact that she's so hung up on Scott. She's so sure they belong together. But her blind desire won’t allow her see that Scott just isn't that into her.
When I found out who Elena's hero was going to be, I wasn't sure Jennifer could pull the story off. I mean how could a woman fall for the man who told her fiancé to break up with her? I went into the story already not liking Lucas. But oh my gosh! From the beginning, I had Lucas pegged all wrong. He was EVERYTHING Elena needed and more. Lucas wasn’t looking for love but he saw Elena. He listened to her. He accepted her for who she was. He was beyond supportive.
“Love just kind of sneaks up on you and won’t let go.” That is so true of Elena and Lucas. And honestly, that’s what makes Romancing His Rival so special. I loved that over the course of a month, Elena actually matured, discovered who she really was, and realized the error of her ways. The ending was heartfelt and touching. It showed exactly what makes love so special.
**Received a copy of the book courtesy of the publisher and I voluntarily reviewed it.**
February 6, 2019
I received a copy of this title via NetGalley. It does not impact my review.
Jennifer Shirk always writes such sweet romances and Romancing His Rival was a great addition to the Accidentally Yours series.
The story was a little Hate-to-Love, which I always enjoy, though the hating was really only on Elena’s side. I liked seeing Lucas eventually win her over as she realized her preconceived ideas about him were wrong. I thought they had good chemistry together and I shipped them.
I was often frustrated by Elena, though. It’s so obvious that Scott is an awful choice for her, but she’s so desperate to be in a relationship that she refuses to see it. I have seen many women settle for a bad relationship that eventually ended and brought more pain just because they were so desperate not to be alone and I will never understand it. However, I did really love the lesson Elena learned about having to find happiness yourself and not depending on other people for it. So many Romances have the love interests “saving/fixing/healing” each other and it’s really refreshing to see a story that shows how romantic love can enhance your life, without being the reason for your whole life.
One thing I didn’t like, which isn’t really a comment on the story itself, is how I don’t feel the title represents the book well. The title, along with the synopsis, makes it sound like they’re both in the same field and have been competing against each other when they’re paired up on a project and have to work together. In reality, Lucas kind of has to beg Elena to help him on his project, as a freelancer. I think something like “enemy” would have been a better choice than “rival”. Also, Lucas never hated Elena, so while he might be her enemy/rival, she was never his. I know this is super picky to point out and while it didn��t lessen my enjoyment of the book at all, it still bugged me.
Overall, I enjoyed Romancing His Rival. The romance was cute and I was glad to see Elena get a happy ending. I also really appreciated the message of not depending on other people to be happy. I recommend this one to fans of sweet Romances.
Overall Rating (out of 5): 3.5 Stars
Jennifer Shirk always writes such sweet romances and Romancing His Rival was a great addition to the Accidentally Yours series.
The story was a little Hate-to-Love, which I always enjoy, though the hating was really only on Elena’s side. I liked seeing Lucas eventually win her over as she realized her preconceived ideas about him were wrong. I thought they had good chemistry together and I shipped them.
I was often frustrated by Elena, though. It’s so obvious that Scott is an awful choice for her, but she’s so desperate to be in a relationship that she refuses to see it. I have seen many women settle for a bad relationship that eventually ended and brought more pain just because they were so desperate not to be alone and I will never understand it. However, I did really love the lesson Elena learned about having to find happiness yourself and not depending on other people for it. So many Romances have the love interests “saving/fixing/healing” each other and it’s really refreshing to see a story that shows how romantic love can enhance your life, without being the reason for your whole life.
One thing I didn’t like, which isn’t really a comment on the story itself, is how I don’t feel the title represents the book well. The title, along with the synopsis, makes it sound like they’re both in the same field and have been competing against each other when they’re paired up on a project and have to work together. In reality, Lucas kind of has to beg Elena to help him on his project, as a freelancer. I think something like “enemy” would have been a better choice than “rival”. Also, Lucas never hated Elena, so while he might be her enemy/rival, she was never his. I know this is super picky to point out and while it didn��t lessen my enjoyment of the book at all, it still bugged me.
Overall, I enjoyed Romancing His Rival. The romance was cute and I was glad to see Elena get a happy ending. I also really appreciated the message of not depending on other people to be happy. I recommend this one to fans of sweet Romances.
Overall Rating (out of 5): 3.5 Stars
January 24, 2019
Elena works at the hotel in Cape Harmony. She was dumped by her fiancé months ago, she blames his best friend and best man Lucas for the break up. Lucas had an unhappy marriage and she believes that he talked Scott out of marrying her. After all these months she still holds out hope that Scott will come back and they'll live happily every after the way her parents did before their untimely death.
She runs into Lucas and the two have at it. She accuses him of all wrong doing, the guy doesn't stand a chance. And the more she tells him about what he said, the more he realizes how wrong she is. And as time goes by how wrong she is for his friend. Lucas is sworn single and married to his job. He needs to make partner. The more time Elena and Lucas spend around each other the more he relaxes, she's feeling things she doesn't think she should be feeling and things head in a direction. Alas, she will still not let the whole nonsense she's got burned into her brain about Scott, needing to be engaged in December and all the other mental fairy tales she's got going on. I have to say I really liked Lucas, but Elena at times wore me out with her frequent breaks from reality. But the book was still a great read while we ride the crazy train with the two of them! I loved Lucas. I love the setting as well and Jennifer is such a great story writer! Can't wait for the next book!
arc from NetGalley and Entangled for an honest review
She runs into Lucas and the two have at it. She accuses him of all wrong doing, the guy doesn't stand a chance. And the more she tells him about what he said, the more he realizes how wrong she is. And as time goes by how wrong she is for his friend. Lucas is sworn single and married to his job. He needs to make partner. The more time Elena and Lucas spend around each other the more he relaxes, she's feeling things she doesn't think she should be feeling and things head in a direction. Alas, she will still not let the whole nonsense she's got burned into her brain about Scott, needing to be engaged in December and all the other mental fairy tales she's got going on. I have to say I really liked Lucas, but Elena at times wore me out with her frequent breaks from reality. But the book was still a great read while we ride the crazy train with the two of them! I loved Lucas. I love the setting as well and Jennifer is such a great story writer! Can't wait for the next book!
arc from NetGalley and Entangled for an honest review
May 1, 2020
If you enjoy Hallmark movies than you’ll enjoy this book! With the fun Christmas setting, likable characters, fun plot and a swoony romance, it’s hard not to get caught up in this story. I thought this was well written and liked that the romance grew naturally and at a good pace. Neither was looking for love and I liked that they had to figure things out and wasn’t an insta-love connection. Fun read and I loved returning to this fun series and seeing past characters make an appearance as well. It was also fun getting a taste of Christmas in July. 😂
Content (PG):
Clean romance, mild/moderate language, casual drinking, no violence …
Similar Books You May Enjoy...
Content (PG):
Clean romance, mild/moderate language, casual drinking, no violence …
Similar Books You May Enjoy...
January 19, 2019
I LOVE LOVE all of Jennifer Shirk's books and this series end did not disappoint.
I feel I know all the characters so well. I want them to be my real friends. LOL
Enjoy!
I feel I know all the characters so well. I want them to be my real friends. LOL
Enjoy!
February 11, 2019
Loved, loved, loved! One of the things I enjoy the most about Jennifer Shirk's books is her ability to write a sweet emotion filled story infused with just the right amount of humor to keep it light, fun and relaxing. That is exactly what she's done with this book. It's one of the better enemies to lovers stories I've read in awhile. Elena blames Lucas for the fact that her fiance called off their wedding. Something Lucas has never denied and won't apologize for, fact is he's never told Elena the whole story nor will he now. When they get paired up to work on a crucial project for Lucas they are forced to put the past to rest and focus on the job. That's when things really start getting interesting.
This one is a must read. I highly recommend it.
This one is a must read. I highly recommend it.
February 11, 2019
"Romancing His Rival" is simply enchanting- a perfect read for the Valentine's season. This romantic comedy follows Elena and Lucas in alternating third person limited points-of-view. Elena is a romantic who wants what her parents had- happiness brought on by a great relationship. She believes that she found it in Scott, who proposed the way her father proposed to her mother (at the Empire State Building) and who sends her flowers on Fridays the way her father used to send to her mother. However, everything came tumbling down around her when Scott broke off their engagement saying that she wasn't the right type of executive wife- and his best friend Lucas was the one who convinced him of that.
"Love is a lot of things, but I'd hardly call it safe. There's the devastating risk, but also the unbelievable beauty of it."
Elena is approaching what would have been their wedding date, and so takes the offer from her wedding planner friend to stay at the nice condo of someone she planned a wedding for, who just happens to be Lucas's sister. When Lucas also shows up and a snow storm traps them there, Elena is finding it hard to continue to hold a grudge for the way he broke up her engagement.
"Happiness won't come to you. It has to come from you."
Lucas did not mean his statements the way his best friend took them, and he certainly didn't mean to break Elena's heart. He has had a skeptical view on marriage, after his ex-wife cheated on him/his marriage failed. He has no interest in getting married again. Although he truly believes it is for the best that Elena's relationship ended, he is willing to strike a bargain. Her artwork will help him land a deal that will result in him becoming partner in exchange for helping her get Scott back.
"Love just kind of sneaks up on you and won't let go."
As they spend time together through plots and work, they both find themselves surprised by the other. This was completely adorable and lovely and all the fluffy. There are also some important messages about making yourself happy and realistic expectations for relationships that I enjoyed. This book is short enough to be read in one sitting, and this is great, because it's hard to tear yourself away from this couple and their story. Full of fantastic fun and clean romance (nothing more than steamy kisses), this is sure to be a Valentine's hit! I highly recommend for lovers of rom-coms.
Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.
"Love is a lot of things, but I'd hardly call it safe. There's the devastating risk, but also the unbelievable beauty of it."
Elena is approaching what would have been their wedding date, and so takes the offer from her wedding planner friend to stay at the nice condo of someone she planned a wedding for, who just happens to be Lucas's sister. When Lucas also shows up and a snow storm traps them there, Elena is finding it hard to continue to hold a grudge for the way he broke up her engagement.
"Happiness won't come to you. It has to come from you."
Lucas did not mean his statements the way his best friend took them, and he certainly didn't mean to break Elena's heart. He has had a skeptical view on marriage, after his ex-wife cheated on him/his marriage failed. He has no interest in getting married again. Although he truly believes it is for the best that Elena's relationship ended, he is willing to strike a bargain. Her artwork will help him land a deal that will result in him becoming partner in exchange for helping her get Scott back.
"Love just kind of sneaks up on you and won't let go."
As they spend time together through plots and work, they both find themselves surprised by the other. This was completely adorable and lovely and all the fluffy. There are also some important messages about making yourself happy and realistic expectations for relationships that I enjoyed. This book is short enough to be read in one sitting, and this is great, because it's hard to tear yourself away from this couple and their story. Full of fantastic fun and clean romance (nothing more than steamy kisses), this is sure to be a Valentine's hit! I highly recommend for lovers of rom-coms.
Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.
February 9, 2019
A sweet love story in Jennifer Shirk’s Accidentally Yours series is a must read.
Elena Mason is a romantic and wants to find romance and a Happily Ever After just like her parents did. Her fiancé Scott not so much. When he calls the wedding off thanks to his best friend Lucas Albright the Third, Elena is bound and determined to have Lucas help her get Scott back. What results is a funny, warm, romantic story of two people who really do find their Happily Ever After.
**Review by Kathy Dunn**
Elena Mason is a romantic and wants to find romance and a Happily Ever After just like her parents did. Her fiancé Scott not so much. When he calls the wedding off thanks to his best friend Lucas Albright the Third, Elena is bound and determined to have Lucas help her get Scott back. What results is a funny, warm, romantic story of two people who really do find their Happily Ever After.
**Review by Kathy Dunn**
February 8, 2019
A sweet love story in Jennifer Shirk’s Accidentally Yours series is a must read. Elena Mason is a romantic and wants to find romance and a Happily Ever After just like her parents did. Her fiancé Scott not so much..... The full review can be found on Reckless Readers at https://www.goodreads.com/RecklessRea...
February 3, 2019
Romancing His Rival by Jennifer Shirk. I am a fan of Jennifer’s. If you are new to her writing don’t judge her talent on this one. The writing is good; the heroine is going to get on your nerves and you may have a hard time finishing. The hero makes up for it. About the only time I liked and could relate to Elena was when Lucas was supporting her to take risks with her drawings.
Her unrealistic and crazy obsession with dates was not relatable. She was more juvenile than you expect.
The premise of the story is that Lucas who has a bad opinion of marriage, gives Elena’s fiancé some doubts about marriage. She blames him their breakup.
They end up working together on a project and she gets to see the real him. However she never seems to see the real side of the guy she wants to be her fiancé.
There were some sweet scenes between Elena and Lucas. Jennifer is also able to create chemistry and tension between the character and keep in clean which is why I rated the book a 4.
I recommend reading Jennifer’s other books that I think you will enjoy more.
Her unrealistic and crazy obsession with dates was not relatable. She was more juvenile than you expect.
The premise of the story is that Lucas who has a bad opinion of marriage, gives Elena’s fiancé some doubts about marriage. She blames him their breakup.
They end up working together on a project and she gets to see the real him. However she never seems to see the real side of the guy she wants to be her fiancé.
There were some sweet scenes between Elena and Lucas. Jennifer is also able to create chemistry and tension between the character and keep in clean which is why I rated the book a 4.
I recommend reading Jennifer’s other books that I think you will enjoy more.
February 3, 2019
Romancing the Rival by Jennifer Shirk a five-star read that will make you swoon. This is the third novel in the Accidently Yours series, but I haven’t read the first two, I will pop back and get the first two as I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Elena Mason has annoyed me at times and did push meat points but overall, I adored her, she pulled through in the end and blew me away. Lucas Albright was so funny, watching him interact with people and come to some conclusions that you can see him struggle with on the pages, he really did surprise me. Cape Harmony sounds like a great place to live and I for one would love to go and visit, I suspect much like many others, I doubt I would want to leave. I will certainly be adding this author to my list of people to watch, she has a way with words that I adored.
January 24, 2019
A really fun, sweet, contemporary romance story. I really enjoyed the originality of the storyline and the writing style too. I wasn’t too sure about Lucas at first, although I really didn’t like Scott from the very beginning. Elena was a very sweet character and I liked her. I could see myself being friends with her in real-life. I felt that the story flowed well and the pacing was good. I read it almost in one sitting. It held my attention. I would recommend it.
I regularly read and review complimentary electronic books from authors, publishers, publicists, and NetGalley. I am not obligated to leave positive reviews, nor do I, nor have I ever, receive(d) compensation. I am not related to anyone who has provided these. The thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
I regularly read and review complimentary electronic books from authors, publishers, publicists, and NetGalley. I am not obligated to leave positive reviews, nor do I, nor have I ever, receive(d) compensation. I am not related to anyone who has provided these. The thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
February 13, 2019
Entangled Publishing sent me an advance copy of Romancing His Rival by Jennifer Shirk to review because I begged...er, requested it. The free copy in no way influenced this review.
Hotel receptionist Elena Mason is left heartbroken months before her wedding when her fiancé dumps her, and it's all Lucas Albright III's fault. Her fiancé's so-called best man talked him out of marrying Elena, and months later, she still hasn't recovered, or stopped believing her fiancé will realize they're meant to be together and come back. As for Lucas, Elena hopes to never see him again.
Lucas Albright is a marketing executive on the fast track to promotion. After a failed marriage, Lucas focuses all of his attention on his career, and it's paid off. Convinced he works better alone, professionally and personally, Lucas is frustrated to find out his long sought after promotion is dependent upon him working with the one person who thinks of him as her archenemy.
Elena knows she has to work with Lucas. but that doesn't mean she's going to make it easy for him. She wants him to pay for breaking up her engagement. Lucas is willing to do whatever it takes to secure his promotion, even work with Elena. But the closer Elena and Lucas work together, the more each has trouble remembering they're supposed to be rivals and not romantic partners.
I was ready to read Elena's story from the time I turned the last page of Catch Him if You Can. The little glimpse into what happened with Elena intrigued me and I couldn't wait to see how Ms. Shirk would pull of Elena's happily ever after. Coming to a book with high expectations like this can be dangerous. I loved Elena as a supporting character, but how would I feel about her as a heroine? Could Jennifer make me love this character and her hero as much as Wade and Arden?
When I first met Elena in Romancing His Rival, I didn't connect with her right away. I wanted to grab her and shake her out of her depressive funk. I wanted to say "get over it, already!" She seemed a little too whiny and was a little too eager to foist all the responsibility onto Lucas for why her relationship didn't work out. Yet there was something about her that kept me reading.
This also did a curious thing: it immediately made me more willing to hear Lucas's side of the story. Instead of being aligned with Elena against him, I was open to the idea there would be more to him and what he did or didn't do than Elena knew or was willing to admit. I couldn't love a man who went around destroying engagements for fun, but I could hear out the guy who was being unjustly blamed for the fate of an entire relationship.
Once Lucas and Elena were on the page together, things got even better. Even though Lucas is supposed to be the uptight ad exec, he's funny and even laid back with Elena, who, although usually rainbows and sunshine, is acerbic and a little dramatic with Lucas to begin with. I liked them together from their first encounter on the page.
It's evident from their first appearances that both of these characters have some growing and changing to do, and Ms. Shirk pulls them through it with an invisible string. Their actions, even the slightly outrageous ones, seem self-motivated and not driven by the plot. There were a couple moments I felt pulled out of the book by a bit of dialogue that felt clunky, but for the most part, I was able to immerse myself in Elena and Lucas's story.
I would recommend Romancing His Rival to anyone looking for a sweet, enemies to lovers romance with humor liberally sprinkled in. Although you don't have to have read them to enjoy Romancing His Rival, I would also recommend Bargaining with the Boss and Catch Him If You Can, the first two books in the Accidentally Yours Series by Jennifer Shirk.
Star Rating 3.5/5
Hotel receptionist Elena Mason is left heartbroken months before her wedding when her fiancé dumps her, and it's all Lucas Albright III's fault. Her fiancé's so-called best man talked him out of marrying Elena, and months later, she still hasn't recovered, or stopped believing her fiancé will realize they're meant to be together and come back. As for Lucas, Elena hopes to never see him again.
Lucas Albright is a marketing executive on the fast track to promotion. After a failed marriage, Lucas focuses all of his attention on his career, and it's paid off. Convinced he works better alone, professionally and personally, Lucas is frustrated to find out his long sought after promotion is dependent upon him working with the one person who thinks of him as her archenemy.
Elena knows she has to work with Lucas. but that doesn't mean she's going to make it easy for him. She wants him to pay for breaking up her engagement. Lucas is willing to do whatever it takes to secure his promotion, even work with Elena. But the closer Elena and Lucas work together, the more each has trouble remembering they're supposed to be rivals and not romantic partners.
I was ready to read Elena's story from the time I turned the last page of Catch Him if You Can. The little glimpse into what happened with Elena intrigued me and I couldn't wait to see how Ms. Shirk would pull of Elena's happily ever after. Coming to a book with high expectations like this can be dangerous. I loved Elena as a supporting character, but how would I feel about her as a heroine? Could Jennifer make me love this character and her hero as much as Wade and Arden?
When I first met Elena in Romancing His Rival, I didn't connect with her right away. I wanted to grab her and shake her out of her depressive funk. I wanted to say "get over it, already!" She seemed a little too whiny and was a little too eager to foist all the responsibility onto Lucas for why her relationship didn't work out. Yet there was something about her that kept me reading.
This also did a curious thing: it immediately made me more willing to hear Lucas's side of the story. Instead of being aligned with Elena against him, I was open to the idea there would be more to him and what he did or didn't do than Elena knew or was willing to admit. I couldn't love a man who went around destroying engagements for fun, but I could hear out the guy who was being unjustly blamed for the fate of an entire relationship.
Once Lucas and Elena were on the page together, things got even better. Even though Lucas is supposed to be the uptight ad exec, he's funny and even laid back with Elena, who, although usually rainbows and sunshine, is acerbic and a little dramatic with Lucas to begin with. I liked them together from their first encounter on the page.
It's evident from their first appearances that both of these characters have some growing and changing to do, and Ms. Shirk pulls them through it with an invisible string. Their actions, even the slightly outrageous ones, seem self-motivated and not driven by the plot. There were a couple moments I felt pulled out of the book by a bit of dialogue that felt clunky, but for the most part, I was able to immerse myself in Elena and Lucas's story.
I would recommend Romancing His Rival to anyone looking for a sweet, enemies to lovers romance with humor liberally sprinkled in. Although you don't have to have read them to enjoy Romancing His Rival, I would also recommend Bargaining with the Boss and Catch Him If You Can, the first two books in the Accidentally Yours Series by Jennifer Shirk.
Star Rating 3.5/5
February 5, 2019
3.5 stars
This is another sweet romance by Jennifer Shirk.
Elena is a hopeless romantic, who wants love exactly like her parents had. Unfortunately, that is not exactly part of her ex-fiancés plan, who dumped her. Elena is convinced that it's because of "advice" from his divorced friend Lucas, who after his divorce is rather anti marriage. So Elena hates Lucas from the bottom of her heart.
Elena and Lucas end up snowed in together, which begins their cute enemies-to-friends to-lovers journey.
☛ I requested an advanced copy of this title from NetGalley, and I'm voluntarily making this review.
This is another sweet romance by Jennifer Shirk.
Elena is a hopeless romantic, who wants love exactly like her parents had. Unfortunately, that is not exactly part of her ex-fiancés plan, who dumped her. Elena is convinced that it's because of "advice" from his divorced friend Lucas, who after his divorce is rather anti marriage. So Elena hates Lucas from the bottom of her heart.
Elena and Lucas end up snowed in together, which begins their cute enemies-to-friends to-lovers journey.
☛ I requested an advanced copy of this title from NetGalley, and I'm voluntarily making this review.
dnf
February 6, 2019DNF 25%
Unfortunately I wasn't a fan of the writing.
Unfortunately I wasn't a fan of the writing.
April 10, 2019
This felt very apropos of a 90s romcom? Which I liked. I imagine this making an excellent Hallmark movie.
February 3, 2019
Romancing His Rival by Jennifer Shirk is a cute, fast-reading romance in which Elena has been ditched by her fiance, Scott, because of something his best man, Lucas, said regarding marriage.
The first chapter has Elena and Lucas ending up snowed in for a night with Elena realizing that Lucas may not be the devil incarnate. It's a fun scene and really foreshadows all of the awakenings Elena will have through the course of the novel.
While I really enjoyed the novel, I wasn't thrilled with Elena's perception that she needed Scott to make her happy, that he was the end-all, that her life wouldn't be complete without him in it so that she could emulate her parents' romantic happiness. I was disappointed by her not realizing that she didn't need anyone other than herself to make her happy and not being more thrilled by a huge opportunity to pursue her art. In this way, Romancing His Rival read more like a novel from a few decades ago in which the heroine only wanted to get married.
However, if you disregard that bit of anachronism, the rest of the novel is enjoyable. It's light on heat for those of you for whom that's important. It's well-written and there's character development with both Elena and Lucas changing course.
Lastly, a little rant. What's with the title? This didn't feel like a triangle until near the end. Is it supposed to be she is Romancing His Rival except she wasn't doing the romance? It's certainly not he is Romancing His Rival. Ugh. I am obviously overthinking this, especially when I don't think we're really supposed to analyze it, but, I'd rather it said something cheesy like: Elena's Awakening or Let It (HIM) Go.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The first chapter has Elena and Lucas ending up snowed in for a night with Elena realizing that Lucas may not be the devil incarnate. It's a fun scene and really foreshadows all of the awakenings Elena will have through the course of the novel.
While I really enjoyed the novel, I wasn't thrilled with Elena's perception that she needed Scott to make her happy, that he was the end-all, that her life wouldn't be complete without him in it so that she could emulate her parents' romantic happiness. I was disappointed by her not realizing that she didn't need anyone other than herself to make her happy and not being more thrilled by a huge opportunity to pursue her art. In this way, Romancing His Rival read more like a novel from a few decades ago in which the heroine only wanted to get married.
However, if you disregard that bit of anachronism, the rest of the novel is enjoyable. It's light on heat for those of you for whom that's important. It's well-written and there's character development with both Elena and Lucas changing course.
Lastly, a little rant. What's with the title? This didn't feel like a triangle until near the end. Is it supposed to be she is Romancing His Rival except she wasn't doing the romance? It's certainly not he is Romancing His Rival. Ugh. I am obviously overthinking this, especially when I don't think we're really supposed to analyze it, but, I'd rather it said something cheesy like: Elena's Awakening or Let It (HIM) Go.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 11, 2019
I love this author.
Her books are always so interesting to read.
Her characters become my friends.
She brings out so many emotions with her stories.
I love HEA's.
Her books are always so interesting to read.
Her characters become my friends.
She brings out so many emotions with her stories.
I love HEA's.
January 26, 2019
Once again, this author gives her readers fun characters and swoony romance, perfect anytime of year. I loved Elena and her friends who I got to know from a previous book in this series (I picked up the series with book 2, so each book is excellent as a stand alone too). Getting to know Elena and watching as she figured out her true source of happiness made this story line a happily ever after for me. I loved the respect that Lucas showed Elena and their fun banter together. Their relationship and it's growth arc made for exciting and perfectly paced reading.
Readers who enjoy 3D characters that pop from the pages, swoony romance with some of the best kissing scenes I've read, as well as friendship and family issues, will definitely love this book.
Readers who enjoy 3D characters that pop from the pages, swoony romance with some of the best kissing scenes I've read, as well as friendship and family issues, will definitely love this book.
January 26, 2019
Read this in a single day! What a sweet read ! Excellent characters and a great "feel good book"!
February 10, 2019
Adorable fun! Now I need to go read the first two in the series...
January 30, 2019
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Some people have high standards for giving 5/5 on a review, however my only criteria involves whether or not I smiled the whole time I read it. I smiled the entire time I read this book. It was fun, cute and I read it in one sitting I was that into it.
This book had sexual tension like you wouldn't believe, but there was no sex scene... how impressive is that? Very, very impressive, I'm left wanting more for the characters. I loved their own personal growth/journeys that led them to making the choices they did.
Will this book win any awards? Probably not, but did it win a place in my heart? Definitely.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Some people have high standards for giving 5/5 on a review, however my only criteria involves whether or not I smiled the whole time I read it. I smiled the entire time I read this book. It was fun, cute and I read it in one sitting I was that into it.
This book had sexual tension like you wouldn't believe, but there was no sex scene... how impressive is that? Very, very impressive, I'm left wanting more for the characters. I loved their own personal growth/journeys that led them to making the choices they did.
Will this book win any awards? Probably not, but did it win a place in my heart? Definitely.
January 22, 2019
Very cute!
January 25, 2019
Jennifer Shirk really does write some of the best feel-good, humorous sweet romances out there. Elena and Lucas are very appealing characters, and as we learn their history for each wanting different things for their lives, we root for them to be together even more.
ARC provided. All opinions are my own. No compensation for reviewing.
Thank you to the publisher and author.
ARC provided. All opinions are my own. No compensation for reviewing.
Thank you to the publisher and author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews