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Wickham Falls Weddings #10
A Winning Season
Sliding home…for a lifetime
The girl next door…
Or a grand slam love?
Baseball ace Sutton Reed’s returned home triumphant after years in the majors. When he moves next door to a troubled young man, he’s determined to help—for the boy’s sake and for the boy’s gorgeous older sister, Zoey Allen. After sacrificing everything to keep her family together, Zoey has no time for romance…even with a hometown hero. But will this unlikely combo be the home run love story they all deserve?
Nationally Bestselling Author
The girl next door…
Or a grand slam love?
Baseball ace Sutton Reed’s returned home triumphant after years in the majors. When he moves next door to a troubled young man, he’s determined to help—for the boy’s sake and for the boy’s gorgeous older sister, Zoey Allen. After sacrificing everything to keep her family together, Zoey has no time for romance…even with a hometown hero. But will this unlikely combo be the home run love story they all deserve?
Nationally Bestselling Author
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 18, 2020
95 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
Rochelle Alers
221 books1,057 followersRochelle Alers was born in Manhattan, New York, USA, where she raised. She obtained degrees in Sociology and Psychology, before started to work. She is a member of the Iota Theta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and her interests include gourmet cooking and traveling. She has traveled to countries in North, Central and South America, and Europe. She is also in accomplished in knitting, crocheting and needlepoint.
Published since 1988, today a full-time writer, has been hailed by readers and booksellers alike as one of today's most prolific and popular African-American authors of romance and women's fiction. With more than fifty titles and nearly two million copies of her novels in print, she is a regular on the Waldenbooks, Borders and Essence bestseller lists, regularly chosen by Black Expressions Book Club, and has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Gold Pen Award, the Emma Award, Vivian Stephens Award for Excellence in Romance Writing, the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and the Zora Neale Hurston Literary Award. She also wrote as Susan James and Rena McLeary.
Rochelle Alers lives in a charming hamlet on Long Island.
Published since 1988, today a full-time writer, has been hailed by readers and booksellers alike as one of today's most prolific and popular African-American authors of romance and women's fiction. With more than fifty titles and nearly two million copies of her novels in print, she is a regular on the Waldenbooks, Borders and Essence bestseller lists, regularly chosen by Black Expressions Book Club, and has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Gold Pen Award, the Emma Award, Vivian Stephens Award for Excellence in Romance Writing, the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and the Zora Neale Hurston Literary Award. She also wrote as Susan James and Rena McLeary.
Rochelle Alers lives in a charming hamlet on Long Island.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 1, 2021
Zoey Allen's younger brother Harper gets into a bit of trouble after attempting to break into former baseball player, Sutton Reeds. Sutton decides that he doesn't want to subject a young Black boy to an unfair justice system and instead makes an agreement with him to do something productive and encourages him to try out for sports. As Sutton mentors the boy and gets settled back into his hometown, he and Zoey become good friends.
Ever read a book where the pacing was both too fast and too slow at the same time? That was my dilemma with this story. I felt Zoey and Sutton very quickly became friends in the beginning of the story so the middle started moving extremely slow while trying to be slow burn romance. And then they were talking about marriage and it felt too fast again.
There was also a lot of repetition in here accompanied by random info dumps in between unrelated dialogue. By the time Zoey and Sutton actually mentioned certain things to each other I had to remember that previously they'd just been thinking about those things for paragraphs on end. I felt as if we read over an over again how Zoey had to grow up fast because she had to take care of her little brothers after her father and stepmother died, how close Zoey was to her stepmother despite their close age difference, how Sutton enjoyed be a mentor to boys who grew up without a father like him, and how shallow his ex wife was. And if I had to read the phrase "pregnant pause" one more time!
Zoey and Sutton did have chemistry but not enough chemistry to hold this book together for me in it's entirety. I understood they were attracted to each other but I didn't understand how it translated to this great love for each other over both being nice people. They also seemed to be in two very different positions in life. I know love is about compromise but Sutton was ready to settle down while Zoey was ready to get her independent adult life started. I contemplated DNFing this book but didn't only because a follower sent it to me and it's short page length. But it started getting painful and unbelievable.
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot....
Ever read a book where the pacing was both too fast and too slow at the same time? That was my dilemma with this story. I felt Zoey and Sutton very quickly became friends in the beginning of the story so the middle started moving extremely slow while trying to be slow burn romance. And then they were talking about marriage and it felt too fast again.
There was also a lot of repetition in here accompanied by random info dumps in between unrelated dialogue. By the time Zoey and Sutton actually mentioned certain things to each other I had to remember that previously they'd just been thinking about those things for paragraphs on end. I felt as if we read over an over again how Zoey had to grow up fast because she had to take care of her little brothers after her father and stepmother died, how close Zoey was to her stepmother despite their close age difference, how Sutton enjoyed be a mentor to boys who grew up without a father like him, and how shallow his ex wife was. And if I had to read the phrase "pregnant pause" one more time!
Zoey and Sutton did have chemistry but not enough chemistry to hold this book together for me in it's entirety. I understood they were attracted to each other but I didn't understand how it translated to this great love for each other over both being nice people. They also seemed to be in two very different positions in life. I know love is about compromise but Sutton was ready to settle down while Zoey was ready to get her independent adult life started. I contemplated DNFing this book but didn't only because a follower sent it to me and it's short page length. But it started getting painful and unbelievable.
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot....
August 18, 2020
The 10th book on Wickham Falls Weddings series. I will not deny that I didn’t read the last nine books, but I will do so very soon. This standalone novel tells Zoey’s story, a woman who set aside her dreams to take care of her younger brothers after her dad and stepmom died. And Sutton, a former baseball star who came across one of Zoey’s younger brother and want to help set the young man’s path straight. I admire Zoey’s sacrifices for her brothers, setting aside her desires isn’t a joke, especially when she was barely an adult when she took on the responsibilities. The author also discloses the reasoning behind Harper (the younger brother) issues and why he is acting out. The chemistry between Sutton and Zoey is cute, and I believe that there are real people who have an instant connection. However, due to her obligations, Zoey seems to be holding back, and I am sure glad Sutton is very patient with her, what a guy! Overall, it is a quick and cute romance read.
August 17, 2020
Zoey Allen is a remarkable young woman. For the past ten years she raised her brothers Kyle and Harper after the deaths of their parents. Kyle has recently enlisted, and Harper only has a couple of years left in high school. For reasons Zoey doesn't understand, Harper has been consistently getting into trouble. Feeling more like a mother than a sister, she is more than a bit overwhelmed.
Sutton Reed has retired from baseball, but he never lost the love of the game. What Sutton enjoys more, however, is helping the less fortunate. When he discovers that his new neighbor's teen brother is in need of guidance. He can't help but step in. While Sutton finds that he and Harper get along quite well, he fights his growing feelings for Zoey. After all, he is trying to set the right example for Harper, so he intends on burying his strong attraction to Zoey.
Before she took on responsibilities for the boys, Zoey had dreams ahead of her. There is light at the end of the tunnel as she looks forward to when Harper graduates. She has never once regretted her choices. Surprised at the chemistry that exists between her and Sutton, Zoey once again must reevaluate her goals.
This is such a wonderful story. I love strong, selfless characters while reading a story. I also love awakening feelings being explored. While the romance is more of a slow burn - especially while both parties are naturally concerned for the teen - it certainly did not negatively impact this story. Also, this story was set in a small town. When you have that, you often have concerned neighbors and often a bit of matchmaking. This all played together to deliver a warm, engaging story, one that I enjoyed reading in just one sitting.
Many thanks to Harlequin Love Inspired and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Sutton Reed has retired from baseball, but he never lost the love of the game. What Sutton enjoys more, however, is helping the less fortunate. When he discovers that his new neighbor's teen brother is in need of guidance. He can't help but step in. While Sutton finds that he and Harper get along quite well, he fights his growing feelings for Zoey. After all, he is trying to set the right example for Harper, so he intends on burying his strong attraction to Zoey.
Before she took on responsibilities for the boys, Zoey had dreams ahead of her. There is light at the end of the tunnel as she looks forward to when Harper graduates. She has never once regretted her choices. Surprised at the chemistry that exists between her and Sutton, Zoey once again must reevaluate her goals.
This is such a wonderful story. I love strong, selfless characters while reading a story. I also love awakening feelings being explored. While the romance is more of a slow burn - especially while both parties are naturally concerned for the teen - it certainly did not negatively impact this story. Also, this story was set in a small town. When you have that, you often have concerned neighbors and often a bit of matchmaking. This all played together to deliver a warm, engaging story, one that I enjoyed reading in just one sitting.
Many thanks to Harlequin Love Inspired and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
July 30, 2020
She gave up her plans and dreams after high school to raise her two younger brothers and now her new neighbor makes her life take on a new sparkle. Small town, close friends and family, a former baseball player... all the delights.
A Winning Season is the tenth in the Wickham Falls Weddings series of standalone contemporary romances.
A Winning Season opens with an eighteen year old, Zoey Allen, learning her dad and step-mom were killed in a carbon monoxide leak. She doesn't even hesitate to set her life plans aside to get custody of her two younger brothers and promise Kyle and Harper they will all be together until they grow up.
Ten years later, Zoey is a home health care worker with dreams of going to college and becoming a nurse just as soon as Harper finishes high school in two years. But unlike his brother, Harper is getting into trouble and she is at her wits end. Her new neighbor, former baseball star, Sutton Reed, knows a thing or two about young men and offers to work with Harper. It's not his celebrity status, but his kindness, comfort, and attraction she feels for him that make her want to change her plans to include her handsome neighbor.
Sutton saw the writing on the wall when he started playing as many games hurt as healthy so he walked away from the game before he was forced to leave. He reached the pinnacle of the career he always loved, got his history degree online while he played ball, and now he wants something else. He is headed back to his West Virginia home town to maybe get a new chance at marriage and family that he didn't have with his ex. His eyes land on his amazingly strong and beautiful neighbor who he knows has lost so much, but worked hard for her brothers. Zoey is just the kind of woman he can fall deeply for if she would only let him be more than a neighbor, friend, and her brother's mentor.
A Winning Season has that laid back charm of a good small town romance with engaging characters I could root for right away, and a slow burn romance while they work through life's challenges. Part of the world of Wickham Falls, A Winning Season is full of glimpses to previous couples and characters and appears to take place at the same time as the previous story, Starting Over in Wickham Falls, with Sutton's cousin getting her story.
The opening of the story introducing the Allen children's tragic story pulled me right in and I enjoyed meeting Sutton and his family as well as getting a feel for the setting. Harper's issues as a kid still struggling with loss and now teenage stuff is ripe and ready. I liked seeing his story develop with Sutton guiding him.
Sutton's struggles are mostly in the past with a past relationship that didnt' work because they wanted different things and also confronting his absentee dad. He's older and in a different place than Zoey so he's stable and ready for this new turn in his life. What a wonderful hero that had me swooning a lot.
Zoey's story is split between her growing romance with Sutton and figuring out her life as her brothers are growing up and leaving home. She has a plan and that has seen her through, but she doesn't realize that she has put so much into her brothers that she has no idea what to do when Sutton shows interest and enters her life. He shows and says his love early on, but she has a lot of baggage to unpack after shoving all those emotions and thoughts to the back of her mind just to get through each day. It turns out that Harper isn't the only one still struggling. She never got past her birth mother abandoning her, her dad's emotional distance, and the marital struggles she saw between Charlene and her dad. It all makes her hesitate to put herself out there even though she knows Sutton is the real deal.
There are many engaging scenes of just the two of them on casual or formal dates, surrounded by friends or family, and daily life in Wickham Falls. I loved it, but at the same time felt it could have been trimmed a little to move things along a bit more swiftly. Zoey needed time, but I did have the urge to grab her hand and drag her along a little faster. Sutton was very patient with her. There was a surprise event near the end that provoked a crisis. In a way, it wasn't too big of a surprise, but at the same time, it felt like it came out of no where. Fortunately, it was swift and swiftly dealt with.
I had a good time in Rochelle Alers' Wickham Falls world and would definitely like to go back for the other stories. I can heartily recommend this one to those who enjoy gently paced, slightly spicy small town romance.
My thanks to Harlequin for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
A Winning Season is the tenth in the Wickham Falls Weddings series of standalone contemporary romances.
A Winning Season opens with an eighteen year old, Zoey Allen, learning her dad and step-mom were killed in a carbon monoxide leak. She doesn't even hesitate to set her life plans aside to get custody of her two younger brothers and promise Kyle and Harper they will all be together until they grow up.
Ten years later, Zoey is a home health care worker with dreams of going to college and becoming a nurse just as soon as Harper finishes high school in two years. But unlike his brother, Harper is getting into trouble and she is at her wits end. Her new neighbor, former baseball star, Sutton Reed, knows a thing or two about young men and offers to work with Harper. It's not his celebrity status, but his kindness, comfort, and attraction she feels for him that make her want to change her plans to include her handsome neighbor.
Sutton saw the writing on the wall when he started playing as many games hurt as healthy so he walked away from the game before he was forced to leave. He reached the pinnacle of the career he always loved, got his history degree online while he played ball, and now he wants something else. He is headed back to his West Virginia home town to maybe get a new chance at marriage and family that he didn't have with his ex. His eyes land on his amazingly strong and beautiful neighbor who he knows has lost so much, but worked hard for her brothers. Zoey is just the kind of woman he can fall deeply for if she would only let him be more than a neighbor, friend, and her brother's mentor.
A Winning Season has that laid back charm of a good small town romance with engaging characters I could root for right away, and a slow burn romance while they work through life's challenges. Part of the world of Wickham Falls, A Winning Season is full of glimpses to previous couples and characters and appears to take place at the same time as the previous story, Starting Over in Wickham Falls, with Sutton's cousin getting her story.
The opening of the story introducing the Allen children's tragic story pulled me right in and I enjoyed meeting Sutton and his family as well as getting a feel for the setting. Harper's issues as a kid still struggling with loss and now teenage stuff is ripe and ready. I liked seeing his story develop with Sutton guiding him.
Sutton's struggles are mostly in the past with a past relationship that didnt' work because they wanted different things and also confronting his absentee dad. He's older and in a different place than Zoey so he's stable and ready for this new turn in his life. What a wonderful hero that had me swooning a lot.
Zoey's story is split between her growing romance with Sutton and figuring out her life as her brothers are growing up and leaving home. She has a plan and that has seen her through, but she doesn't realize that she has put so much into her brothers that she has no idea what to do when Sutton shows interest and enters her life. He shows and says his love early on, but she has a lot of baggage to unpack after shoving all those emotions and thoughts to the back of her mind just to get through each day. It turns out that Harper isn't the only one still struggling. She never got past her birth mother abandoning her, her dad's emotional distance, and the marital struggles she saw between Charlene and her dad. It all makes her hesitate to put herself out there even though she knows Sutton is the real deal.
There are many engaging scenes of just the two of them on casual or formal dates, surrounded by friends or family, and daily life in Wickham Falls. I loved it, but at the same time felt it could have been trimmed a little to move things along a bit more swiftly. Zoey needed time, but I did have the urge to grab her hand and drag her along a little faster. Sutton was very patient with her. There was a surprise event near the end that provoked a crisis. In a way, it wasn't too big of a surprise, but at the same time, it felt like it came out of no where. Fortunately, it was swift and swiftly dealt with.
I had a good time in Rochelle Alers' Wickham Falls world and would definitely like to go back for the other stories. I can heartily recommend this one to those who enjoy gently paced, slightly spicy small town romance.
My thanks to Harlequin for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 14, 2020
Baseball ace Sutton Reed’s returned home and has moved next door to Zoey Allen and her brother. He volunteers to be a mentor for her brother and blossoms under his care, During that time, he gets closer to Zoey and things heat up. A nice girl/boy next door story.
September 10, 2020
Eighteen year old Zoey Allen’s world turned upside down when her father and his second wife died from carbon monoxide poisoning. She becomes her two brother’s sole guardian, which means she has to put her own life and plans on hold. No relationships and certainly no nursing school. Zoey is all about keeping her family together.
Ten years later, Zoey managed to keep her family close. One of her brothers is in the military and the other brother is preparing to graduate from high school. However, her brother Harper, isn’t always the easiest to handle and continually gets into trouble.
When Sutton Reed, a very handsome former baseball star, moves next door, things change quite a bit for the Allen siblings. For one thing, Harper is totally in awe of Sutton which helps his behavior quite a bit. For another thing, Zoey finds herself attracted to the sexy athlete.
Zoey tries to avoid any romantic entanglements until her life is in order, but she can’t help her growing feelings for Sutton. He’s also feeling deeply for Zoey and wants to take their relationship to the next level.
Zoey and Sutton’s romance is sweet, emotional and heartwarming. Sutton’s relationship with Zoe’s brother is inspiring. It’s a very touching book that tugs on the heartstrings. This is the story of a family trying to find their way. It’s filled with strong characters and much family drama.
Although it’s the 10th book in the Wickham Falls series, it’s a standalone story. I haven’t read any of the other books in the series and I didn’t feel as if I missed anything. I would like to take another visit to Wickham Falls and see what other stories are in that small town.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Ten years later, Zoey managed to keep her family close. One of her brothers is in the military and the other brother is preparing to graduate from high school. However, her brother Harper, isn’t always the easiest to handle and continually gets into trouble.
When Sutton Reed, a very handsome former baseball star, moves next door, things change quite a bit for the Allen siblings. For one thing, Harper is totally in awe of Sutton which helps his behavior quite a bit. For another thing, Zoey finds herself attracted to the sexy athlete.
Zoey tries to avoid any romantic entanglements until her life is in order, but she can’t help her growing feelings for Sutton. He’s also feeling deeply for Zoey and wants to take their relationship to the next level.
Zoey and Sutton’s romance is sweet, emotional and heartwarming. Sutton’s relationship with Zoe’s brother is inspiring. It’s a very touching book that tugs on the heartstrings. This is the story of a family trying to find their way. It’s filled with strong characters and much family drama.
Although it’s the 10th book in the Wickham Falls series, it’s a standalone story. I haven’t read any of the other books in the series and I didn’t feel as if I missed anything. I would like to take another visit to Wickham Falls and see what other stories are in that small town.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 5, 2020
Zoey Allen has been raising her two brothers since she was a teenager after the death of her parents. The easy going brother is now in college and Zoey is trying everything she can to make it through the next few years with the sassier brother, then she can follow her dreams and go back to college herself and start living her own life. Her life is planned, but will the sexy new neighbor throw a wrench in her well laid plans?
Sutton Reid is a retired major league baseball legend who returns to town to help his family and finds himself living next door to a beautiful woman and a riled up teenage boy. Sutton has a soft spot for mentoring troubled teens and vows to help anyway he can. Can he be just a mentor when Zoey keeps distracting him?
This is such a sweet story of family, friendship and second chances. It was beautifully written, and I enjoyed the story. It is a feel good, happy ending story that just tugs on your heartstrings. Thank you so much to the author Rochelle Alers, Harlequin and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the book to review. It was fabulous! All opinions expressed for this review are unbiased and entirely my own.
Sutton Reid is a retired major league baseball legend who returns to town to help his family and finds himself living next door to a beautiful woman and a riled up teenage boy. Sutton has a soft spot for mentoring troubled teens and vows to help anyway he can. Can he be just a mentor when Zoey keeps distracting him?
This is such a sweet story of family, friendship and second chances. It was beautifully written, and I enjoyed the story. It is a feel good, happy ending story that just tugs on your heartstrings. Thank you so much to the author Rochelle Alers, Harlequin and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the book to review. It was fabulous! All opinions expressed for this review are unbiased and entirely my own.
September 6, 2020
When you find the one, you immediately know!
Such was the case with retired hall of fame baseball player Sutton Reed when he met his sexy next door neighbor Zoey Allen and her somewhat troubled brother Harper. Many things had gone on in both Zoey and Sutton's lives. Both were struggling with past hurts, she from abandonment by her mother and subsequent loss of her father and beloved stepmother and he the loss of his marriage to someone more concerned about her image than her marriage. The trio went through much growing pains and in the end love won the day!!! I enjoyed Sutton and Zoey's story and glad to add their story to my other Wickham Falls love stories!!!!! Excellent love story that had me bobbing my head in solidarity with this band of Wickham Falls residents and their love for each other Great job MS. Alers a really, really great story, thank you!!!!!!
Such was the case with retired hall of fame baseball player Sutton Reed when he met his sexy next door neighbor Zoey Allen and her somewhat troubled brother Harper. Many things had gone on in both Zoey and Sutton's lives. Both were struggling with past hurts, she from abandonment by her mother and subsequent loss of her father and beloved stepmother and he the loss of his marriage to someone more concerned about her image than her marriage. The trio went through much growing pains and in the end love won the day!!! I enjoyed Sutton and Zoey's story and glad to add their story to my other Wickham Falls love stories!!!!! Excellent love story that had me bobbing my head in solidarity with this band of Wickham Falls residents and their love for each other Great job MS. Alers a really, really great story, thank you!!!!!!
October 16, 2020
Verified Purchase
Kudos Rochelle Alers for this wonderful town and series! I love Wickham Falls!!! Every book was special! Sutton certainly did slide home for love and hit a home run when he found Zoey ! Sutton stepping up to mentor Zoey 's brother Harper was heartwarming.
A beautiful story and ending/beginning for Zoey and Sutton! Zoey is now getting her turn after raising her two younger brothers and Sutton found his life partners ! The wedding on New Year's Eve was the icing on the cake!!! Sorry to be leaving Wickham Falls.
Kudos Rochelle Alers for this wonderful town and series! I love Wickham Falls!!! Every book was special! Sutton certainly did slide home for love and hit a home run when he found Zoey ! Sutton stepping up to mentor Zoey 's brother Harper was heartwarming.
A beautiful story and ending/beginning for Zoey and Sutton! Zoey is now getting her turn after raising her two younger brothers and Sutton found his life partners ! The wedding on New Year's Eve was the icing on the cake!!! Sorry to be leaving Wickham Falls.
September 3, 2020
Great ending to the series
Zoey was strong young woman who took on the responsibility of raising her brothers without complaint. Sutton entered her life right on time. The ending was a surprise. Wow
Zoey was strong young woman who took on the responsibility of raising her brothers without complaint. Sutton entered her life right on time. The ending was a surprise. Wow
September 1, 2020
A Winning Season is the latest heart-warming and uplifting instalment of Rochelle Alers’ enchanting Wickham Falls series.
Zoey Allen’s life has not exactly been a bed of roses. Having lost her father and stepmother when she had been a young teen, Zoey has had to put all of her hopes and dreams on the backburner in order to look after her two younger stepbrothers. Having always wanted to be a nurse, Zoey had chosen to forego nursing school and had instead tried to fit raising her siblings with working whatever job she could find. Zoey does not regret her decision. She would have done whatever was required in order to ensure that her siblings stayed together and with her stepbrothers growing up, her dream of going to nursing school no longer seems impossible. However, her stepbrothers getting older means that they are no longer the compliant young boys they once were and the behaviour of one of her particular siblings is causing her sleepless nights and much cause for concern. Zoey has not dated since high school and she has no intention of getting back in the dating world – but could her new next door neighbour make her change her mind?
Baseball player Sutton Reed has come back home to Wickham Falls after a successful sporting career. Having always been aware that a sportsman’s career had an expiration date, Sutton had invested wisely, been careful with his money and now that he is retired has the luxury of being a man of leisure while he figures out his next step. The divorced sporting hero is not in a rush to start dating again. He likes his privacy and is enjoying settling into his new life, but the beautiful girl next door Zoey Allen intrigues him and he soon finds himself drawn to her.
Zoey cannot deny that she finds Sutton irresistible, but with so much on her plate, romance is the last thing on her mind. But as Sutton volunteers to help her out with her wayward brother, the two of them start spending more and more time together and when cupid’s arrow strike, will they find the courage to act on their feelings for one another? Or are there simply far too many obstacles standing in the way of their happy ending?
Rochelle Alers writes enjoyable and entertaining contemporary romances that never fail to tug at the heartstrings and A Winning Season is certainly no different. Zoey and Sutton’s love story is charming, emotional, moving and one which will bring a tear to the even the most jaded of eyes and have readers cheering them on to get the happiness which has thus far eluded them.
A spellbinding contemporary romance written with compassion, sensitivity and heart, A Winning Season is another wonderful read by Rochelle Alers.
Zoey Allen’s life has not exactly been a bed of roses. Having lost her father and stepmother when she had been a young teen, Zoey has had to put all of her hopes and dreams on the backburner in order to look after her two younger stepbrothers. Having always wanted to be a nurse, Zoey had chosen to forego nursing school and had instead tried to fit raising her siblings with working whatever job she could find. Zoey does not regret her decision. She would have done whatever was required in order to ensure that her siblings stayed together and with her stepbrothers growing up, her dream of going to nursing school no longer seems impossible. However, her stepbrothers getting older means that they are no longer the compliant young boys they once were and the behaviour of one of her particular siblings is causing her sleepless nights and much cause for concern. Zoey has not dated since high school and she has no intention of getting back in the dating world – but could her new next door neighbour make her change her mind?
Baseball player Sutton Reed has come back home to Wickham Falls after a successful sporting career. Having always been aware that a sportsman’s career had an expiration date, Sutton had invested wisely, been careful with his money and now that he is retired has the luxury of being a man of leisure while he figures out his next step. The divorced sporting hero is not in a rush to start dating again. He likes his privacy and is enjoying settling into his new life, but the beautiful girl next door Zoey Allen intrigues him and he soon finds himself drawn to her.
Zoey cannot deny that she finds Sutton irresistible, but with so much on her plate, romance is the last thing on her mind. But as Sutton volunteers to help her out with her wayward brother, the two of them start spending more and more time together and when cupid’s arrow strike, will they find the courage to act on their feelings for one another? Or are there simply far too many obstacles standing in the way of their happy ending?
Rochelle Alers writes enjoyable and entertaining contemporary romances that never fail to tug at the heartstrings and A Winning Season is certainly no different. Zoey and Sutton’s love story is charming, emotional, moving and one which will bring a tear to the even the most jaded of eyes and have readers cheering them on to get the happiness which has thus far eluded them.
A spellbinding contemporary romance written with compassion, sensitivity and heart, A Winning Season is another wonderful read by Rochelle Alers.
February 11, 2021
At 18, Zoey Allen became the legal guardian of her two half-brothers. Ten years later, she's an health home aid, one of her siblings joined the Marines but the youngest is on a delinquent path. Her plan is to not date until he graduate and then she'll enrol in nursing school. Zoey's plan was going great, until Sutton Reed became her new neighbor. Because no other man tempt her before. The retired baseball player returned to his hometown for his family and with a degree in history and teaching, he's preparing to start a new career. When Sutton realize that his pretty neighbor is having trouble with her brother, he offer his help in bringing the teenager running with him every morning.
I was really enjoying this book and was halfway in love with the humble hotshot hero...until the last 40 pages happened. It's like Sutton wasn't the same man suddenly and the separation before the end was too far fetched and didn't make sense to me.
I was really enjoying this book and was halfway in love with the humble hotshot hero...until the last 40 pages happened. It's like Sutton wasn't the same man suddenly and the separation before the end was too far fetched and didn't make sense to me.
August 23, 2020
It was okay. Not my favorite but I didn't dislike it. I was in a mood for a romance novel and it accomplished the goal of an easy romance read. Not a lot of complications besides one aspect which I think could've been left out or handled better. Also, the relationship could have been developed a little bit more. It seemed to go from friend (kinda) to 1 date to engaged and married quickly after. Besides an attraction, I was unsure why they actually got together besides him wanting a family and her needing help with her brother. Overall, a decent quick read for when you are in a mood for an uncomplicated, insta-love romance book.
July 16, 2020
When Sutton Reid decides to return home, he's not sure what will have changed in his hometown.
There's a boy needing help next door and Sutton steps in.
Will things go well or will Zoey Allen prove too much of a distraction for Sutton?
Zoey is the glue holding the family together. Not a believer romance wise, sacrifices are all she has known to get by in life.
I don't know anything about baseball and am not from the US, but this story sounded cute.
I do enjoy any kind of storyline with people helping each other out in some way and the anticipation and feelings Sutton had surrounding his return home were palpable which I liked.
The sense of anticiption at various pooints in the story kept the pacing going for me. I kept wondering what was going to happen.
Quick, riveting and sweet.
Although this is not the first time I have come across Rochelle Alers' books, (The Inheritance was great) this is a nice shorter book.
Is Sutton just the guy to Zoey's mind and make her fall hard?
Thanks to Rochelle Alers and Harlequin for my ARC in exchabange for an honest and voluntary review.
There's a boy needing help next door and Sutton steps in.
Will things go well or will Zoey Allen prove too much of a distraction for Sutton?
Zoey is the glue holding the family together. Not a believer romance wise, sacrifices are all she has known to get by in life.
I don't know anything about baseball and am not from the US, but this story sounded cute.
I do enjoy any kind of storyline with people helping each other out in some way and the anticipation and feelings Sutton had surrounding his return home were palpable which I liked.
The sense of anticiption at various pooints in the story kept the pacing going for me. I kept wondering what was going to happen.
Quick, riveting and sweet.
Although this is not the first time I have come across Rochelle Alers' books, (The Inheritance was great) this is a nice shorter book.
Is Sutton just the guy to Zoey's mind and make her fall hard?
Thanks to Rochelle Alers and Harlequin for my ARC in exchabange for an honest and voluntary review.
June 23, 2021
Zoey Allen gave up her dreams at 18 to raise her two younger brothers when her parents died. Now, ten years later, with one brother in the military, and another with only two years of high school, Zoey is ready to start on her dreams of college and nursing school. But her teen brother is acting up. Then, retired baseball player Sutton Reed moves next door, and takes Harper Allen under his wing. And starts looking at Zoey, also.
October 20, 2020
What a great feel good story of loss, love and mentorship. What a way to show how an African American male can step up and mentor a young male that they see going down the wrong path. I really love Rochelle Alers as an author and will be looking forward to her next book.
November 13, 2020
Relationship between mother and daughter
This a wonderful story of love and giving on both sides. It such sweet love. To meet your mother after a long separation and not know the whole story and making wrong opinions
This a wonderful story of love and giving on both sides. It such sweet love. To meet your mother after a long separation and not know the whole story and making wrong opinions
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September 1, 2020Categories
African American Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Sports Romance, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
Wickham Falls Weddings (Book #10)
African American Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Sports Romance, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
Wickham Falls Weddings (Book #10)
September 2, 2020
Exciting
This was an excellent read. I enjoyed the suspense to the very end. I always enjoy Rochelle Akers books especially the series.
This was an excellent read. I enjoyed the suspense to the very end. I always enjoy Rochelle Akers books especially the series.
September 3, 2020
Winning
Tragedy can cause many people to change life a lifestyle in a heartbeat. One must be able to change it.
Tragedy can cause many people to change life a lifestyle in a heartbeat. One must be able to change it.
September 6, 2020
Zoey and Sutton
Good read! I found this story to be very touching it had me in tears a couple of times. So happy Sutton and Zoey found each other.
Good read! I found this story to be very touching it had me in tears a couple of times. So happy Sutton and Zoey found each other.
October 8, 2020
That was so worth waiting for. The series got better and better. Now I need to read them in order.
November 17, 2020
I adored everything about this! It's the perfect book to put in between some intense reads!
January 23, 2021
This is the first of the (Wickham Falls Weddings) that I've read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Ms Alers did not disappoint. Will read some more the the wedding series.
April 19, 2021
DNF Not terrible, just terribly slow. I have too many books to read.
July 16, 2022
A sweet story of how a daughter makes a life sacrifice at 18 and petition the court for the opportunity to raise her two young half brothers. Since taking on such an awesome responsibility there has been no time for her to date or go to college. The new next door neighbor just happens to be a former baseball player and he takes a shine to her. She brings a lot of baggage to the mix, and the great mystery is can they work together and even take a chance at love. If she does take a chance at love, how might it derail her solid laid plans? Then an unexpected twist to an easy story occurs.
December 10, 2020
A Winning Season is book ten in the Wickham Falls Weddings series by Rochelle Alers, who is a Nationally Bestselling Author, and I can see why. This book has an excellent romance story with a small town, the girl next door, a bit of sports, and it works perfectly well as a standalone. Sutton and Zoey are an easy couple to root for. They're likable, they have good chemistry, and they just fit together. The romance happens organically without it feeling like the author is forcing it along to its expected conclusion, and the whole story kept me engaged from start to finish. I may be new to this series, but I definitely intend to get acquainted with the earlier books very soon.
August 15, 2020
I was really looking forward to reading "A Winning Season" by Rochelle Alers because I'm a big fan of both baseball and small-town romances, but unfortunately, I didn't enjoy it as much as I had hoped I would. On the positive side, I liked main characters Sutton and Zoey and thought that they were well-developed. That said, IMO the character development was achieved somewhat awkwardly through the insertion of random information dumps in the middle of conversations or as the characters were thinking about unrelated topics. There was also a fair amount of repetition; for example, how many times did we need to be reminded that Zoey "had to grow up quickly" because she became her brothers' guardian?
Sutton and Zoey's romance seemed rather lackluster to me as well. They didn't seem to be a very good fit as a couple because they were at such different places in their lives and had opposing goals and dreams. Sutton was ready to settle down in his hometown, become a teacher, and start a family, while Zoey was counting down the days until her youngest brother graduated from high school so she could finally start living life for herself. She dreamed of attending nursing school and establishing herself in her career before thinking of marriage and children, but when Sutton came along, it seemed like those thoughts suddenly went out the window. They eventually agreed to marry right away and hold off on having children until after Zoey finished nursing school, but I had a tough time understanding why Sutton would go along with that plan. He made basically the same agreement with his first wife, and it didn't work out very well for him. What happens if Zoey decides she still isn't ready to start a family when she finishes nursing school? How much longer is Sutton willing to wait to have children?
The pacing of Zoey and Sutton's relationship felt off to me too. They became close friends almost immediately and started exchanging confidences within hours of their first meeting, which seemed very unrealistic to me. It takes time to build the kind of trust necessary to share such intimate secrets! Then, just a few days later and before they had even been out on an official date, Sutton was already asking Zoey "hypothetically" what he'd have to do to get her to marry him. He progressed to telling her that he loved her shortly thereafter. It all felt incredibly rushed, and their feelings for each other did not feel believable to me as a result.
Overall, the things I didn't like about this story outweighed the ones I did, so I cannot recommend "A Winning Season." I would try another one of the author's books in the future, however.
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
Sutton and Zoey's romance seemed rather lackluster to me as well. They didn't seem to be a very good fit as a couple because they were at such different places in their lives and had opposing goals and dreams. Sutton was ready to settle down in his hometown, become a teacher, and start a family, while Zoey was counting down the days until her youngest brother graduated from high school so she could finally start living life for herself. She dreamed of attending nursing school and establishing herself in her career before thinking of marriage and children, but when Sutton came along, it seemed like those thoughts suddenly went out the window. They eventually agreed to marry right away and hold off on having children until after Zoey finished nursing school, but I had a tough time understanding why Sutton would go along with that plan. He made basically the same agreement with his first wife, and it didn't work out very well for him. What happens if Zoey decides she still isn't ready to start a family when she finishes nursing school? How much longer is Sutton willing to wait to have children?
The pacing of Zoey and Sutton's relationship felt off to me too. They became close friends almost immediately and started exchanging confidences within hours of their first meeting, which seemed very unrealistic to me. It takes time to build the kind of trust necessary to share such intimate secrets! Then, just a few days later and before they had even been out on an official date, Sutton was already asking Zoey "hypothetically" what he'd have to do to get her to marry him. He progressed to telling her that he loved her shortly thereafter. It all felt incredibly rushed, and their feelings for each other did not feel believable to me as a result.
Overall, the things I didn't like about this story outweighed the ones I did, so I cannot recommend "A Winning Season." I would try another one of the author's books in the future, however.
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2020
After the death of her parents Zoey has been raising her younger brothers on her own with the support of the community. But it seems one of her brothers are testing boundaries and really pushing the limit. Baseball player Sutton just moved in next door after being out of town for a long while and meeting Zoey and the brothers that he can't help but care for the family. Seeing the path that Zoey's brother is going he made a deal to mentor him and get him on the right path but with spending time with the boy he's also talking a lot with Zoey and they cant help but fall for one another.
I loved this sweet contemporary romance novel. It was such a nice escape getting to to know Zoey and Sutton and seeing their romance bloom. I loved how selfless and loving Zoey was for those she cared for especially for her younger brothers, she was doing everything she could. She gave up everything for them and now at a place where shes trying to get on track to getting the education for the nursing career she was on path for. Then theres Sutton who has it all and now looking for some downtime. I loved how caring he was as well, he didn't know Zoey or her brother and things could've ended differently if he didn't decide to help the child and be his mentor. Loved seeing the change in the child as he spent time with Sutton. Overall this was a sweet book with no drama and I enjoyed it.
I loved this sweet contemporary romance novel. It was such a nice escape getting to to know Zoey and Sutton and seeing their romance bloom. I loved how selfless and loving Zoey was for those she cared for especially for her younger brothers, she was doing everything she could. She gave up everything for them and now at a place where shes trying to get on track to getting the education for the nursing career she was on path for. Then theres Sutton who has it all and now looking for some downtime. I loved how caring he was as well, he didn't know Zoey or her brother and things could've ended differently if he didn't decide to help the child and be his mentor. Loved seeing the change in the child as he spent time with Sutton. Overall this was a sweet book with no drama and I enjoyed it.
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