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It's Raining Men
Falling Hard
He's a mystery she can't wait to solve.
Stella
Once upon a time, Adrian Kane was a football legend.
He now owns a small newspaper and writes romance novels.
He never leaves his little slice of paradise.
He's a mystery I'm dying to solve.
I'm an annoyance he'd rather forget.
Until I show up at his place during a fierce storm and fall right into his arms.
Now, my job isn't the only thing on the line.
My heart is too.
Adrian
Stella Quinn is relentless in her quest to get me to talk.
She's also a curvy goddess I can't get off my mind.
She wants to share my sad story with the world.
I'd rather forget it ever happened.
Before she turned up on my doorstep, I thought I wanted her to leave.
Now I have to convince her to stay.
My past didn't kill me, but losing her will.
And in a town like Spring, Florida, there's always another man waiting to step in.
They can't have this one. She's mine.
If you enjoy over-the-top growly men, feisty heroines, and sugary-sweet romance, you'll love Adrian and Stella's sweet and steamy story!
This small town is paradise. Beautiful beaches, year-round warm weather, and friendly neighbors. There’s only one thing missing—single ladies. It’s Raining Men in Spring, Florida and the lonely residents are hungry to find their soulmates.
During the month of April, some of your favorite instalove authors are bringing you stories set in this fictional town where the men significantly outnumber the ladies. Come meet us in Spring to find your next book boyfriend.
Stella
Once upon a time, Adrian Kane was a football legend.
He now owns a small newspaper and writes romance novels.
He never leaves his little slice of paradise.
He's a mystery I'm dying to solve.
I'm an annoyance he'd rather forget.
Until I show up at his place during a fierce storm and fall right into his arms.
Now, my job isn't the only thing on the line.
My heart is too.
Adrian
Stella Quinn is relentless in her quest to get me to talk.
She's also a curvy goddess I can't get off my mind.
She wants to share my sad story with the world.
I'd rather forget it ever happened.
Before she turned up on my doorstep, I thought I wanted her to leave.
Now I have to convince her to stay.
My past didn't kill me, but losing her will.
And in a town like Spring, Florida, there's always another man waiting to step in.
They can't have this one. She's mine.
If you enjoy over-the-top growly men, feisty heroines, and sugary-sweet romance, you'll love Adrian and Stella's sweet and steamy story!
This small town is paradise. Beautiful beaches, year-round warm weather, and friendly neighbors. There’s only one thing missing—single ladies. It’s Raining Men in Spring, Florida and the lonely residents are hungry to find their soulmates.
During the month of April, some of your favorite instalove authors are bringing you stories set in this fictional town where the men significantly outnumber the ladies. Come meet us in Spring to find your next book boyfriend.
117 pages, ebook
Published April 26, 2021
148 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
Nichole Rose
165 books1,017 followersFour-time award-winning author Nichole Rose writes deliciously dirty rom-coms, sports, and small-town romance, featuring relatable curvy women and the devoted alpha men who can't live without them. From obsessed billionaires to over-the-top hockey players to the firefighter next door, no one is safe from the hilarious, sassy women she sets loose on the world. She loves delivering relatable characters, hilarious banter, and enough heat to make you squirm.
Nichole also writes dark romance as Nichole Fallon.
When not writing, Nichole enjoys fine wine, cute shoes, and everything supernatural. She is happily married to the love of her life and is a proud ringleader in the world’s most ridiculous chihuahua circus. She and her husband live in central Arkansas.
Nichole also writes dark romance as Nichole Fallon.
When not writing, Nichole enjoys fine wine, cute shoes, and everything supernatural. She is happily married to the love of her life and is a proud ringleader in the world’s most ridiculous chihuahua circus. She and her husband live in central Arkansas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
April 26, 2021
5 stars
I’m in love with Adrian and Stella! What a great story. I love a story with a sports hero but as we all know, safe ones are hard to find! It was so refreshing to have a stand up guy who didn’t fit into the image of a lot of professional players. Well done!
Adrian was a dream hero. Unlike so many other sports stars, he was not a player. He was kind and loving, protective and possessive. So fiercely in love with Stella. A love that he now knew most likely started when he saw her all those years ago, although he didn’t realize it at the time.
I also adored Stella. She was spunky and funny. A curvy girl who had crushed on Adrian ever since he stood up for her when she was only 16 years old and he was a star football player visiting her high school.
-no cheating
-no ow/om drama whatsoever
-virgin heroine/ hero celibate over a decade
-plenty of steam 🔥
-older man/younger woman (33/23)
-no violence
-epilogue 5 years later
I’m in love with Adrian and Stella! What a great story. I love a story with a sports hero but as we all know, safe ones are hard to find! It was so refreshing to have a stand up guy who didn’t fit into the image of a lot of professional players. Well done!
Adrian was a dream hero. Unlike so many other sports stars, he was not a player. He was kind and loving, protective and possessive. So fiercely in love with Stella. A love that he now knew most likely started when he saw her all those years ago, although he didn’t realize it at the time.
I also adored Stella. She was spunky and funny. A curvy girl who had crushed on Adrian ever since he stood up for her when she was only 16 years old and he was a star football player visiting her high school.
-no cheating
-no ow/om drama whatsoever
-virgin heroine/ hero celibate over a decade
-plenty of steam 🔥
-older man/younger woman (33/23)
-no violence
-epilogue 5 years later
April 20, 2021
3.5 ⭐
It's rainingggg mennnnnn!!! Now that song is stuck in my head and now it's Stella and Adrain turn in this flordia town.
Adrian Ex NFL football star turned Romance Author keeps ignoring interviews on why he quit the game he is the hot topic and always turns down anyone until he gets a call from Stella and he feels a reaction from her voice and wants to meet her so he agrees to a interview to spill his reason and make Stella his girl. Adrian lord he was a good guy even his story was sad and I wanted to shake him and make sure he understood it wasn't his fault.
As for Stella I had a hard time liking her which was a first for me with Nichole heroines there was something since I've always loved them. Her job at first was get a story but when she spent time with Adrian and learned she didn't wanna be that person plus she feels a connection. Their relationship is hawt and heavy.
No ow/om drama, no cheating, Slight secondary charas, sexy times, virgin gal and no manwhore
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐⭐⭐
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶
Slowinsta
Older/younger couple
No condom
Safe
Hea
Epilogue
It's rainingggg mennnnnn!!! Now that song is stuck in my head and now it's Stella and Adrain turn in this flordia town.
Adrian Ex NFL football star turned Romance Author keeps ignoring interviews on why he quit the game he is the hot topic and always turns down anyone until he gets a call from Stella and he feels a reaction from her voice and wants to meet her so he agrees to a interview to spill his reason and make Stella his girl. Adrian lord he was a good guy even his story was sad and I wanted to shake him and make sure he understood it wasn't his fault.
As for Stella I had a hard time liking her which was a first for me with Nichole heroines there was something since I've always loved them. Her job at first was get a story but when she spent time with Adrian and learned she didn't wanna be that person plus she feels a connection. Their relationship is hawt and heavy.
No ow/om drama, no cheating, Slight secondary charas, sexy times, virgin gal and no manwhore
Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐⭐⭐
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶
Slowinsta
Older/younger couple
No condom
Safe
Hea
Epilogue
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2023
Terribly disappointed
Wow. I’m shocked to have to write this. Nichole rose has been a go-to, one-click, 5-star author for me since I first discovered her books and I’ve loved everything I’ve read from her. She’s been solid gold, which is why this book is such a shock.
The usual stuff that I love about her books—a hero who is celibate and not a manwhore, an innocent heroine, super steamy sex scenes, lots of emotional connection, no cheating—that’s all still there. Thankfully. What makes this book fail for me was the plot. Not only didn’t it make any sense, it was imbecilic.
PLOT SPOILERS and Rant below!!
Hero was a big football star. He leaves the NFL for an undisclosed reason and becomes a romance writer. Why? What’s the big secret? Well, his sister got involved with a fellow player, which he gave the green light to, and the player cheated on her—a definite scumbag move—and the sister, so distraught, jumped into the car when she found out, predictably got into a car accident and died.
Because of this, the hero thinks the scumbag cheater should’ve been accountable for the death of his sister. Because he doesn’t face “consequences” from the NFL, therefore the NFL is “toxic” and therefore the hero leaves it, equating what happened to his sister to an assault.
Because the hero is a moron.
What did the moron hero think the NFL should’ve done? Policed some scumbag’s consensual sexual relationships?! What kind of totalitarian, paternalistic, infantilizing BS is that!? Repeatedly the word “consequences” was used. What consequences? Scumbag BF is only accountable for cheating on her, and last I checked, cheating isn’t illegal. There is a thing called bodily autonomy. You can do good things with your body. You can do scumbag things with your body. Cheating is a scumbag move, but it isn’t assault, and he didn’t push the heroine into car, he didn’t choose to get into a car in an emotionally compromised state. The sister CHOSE that. And she’s treated as if she was mentally deficient, with the mental capacity of a child, who wasn’t responsible for HER actions.
Not only that, but why would the hero encourage his sister to date a guy who was a scumbag? Well, he didn’t know. Why didn’t he know? Teammates know a helluva lot about each other, ESPECIALLY if they’re promiscuous or sliming around from one girl to another. You mean to tell me the moron hero was such a moron he didn’t know what a manwhore his teammate was? That would make him braindead. And there would be no reason to not know that detail as it’s not exactly something one would hide.
We can’t help what people do to us. But we can help how we react to what people do to us. This seems to be completely forgotten by the hero. And it’s understandable why he would want to blame the scumbag BF for his sisters death. Human beings always want to blame others for personal tragedies and failures. Doesn’t make it justified.
What happened to the sister was a terrible tragedy, but it didn’t warrant the hero leaving the NFL. No organization should be policing people’s bedrooms, or their relationships UNLESS there’s an actual crime. Such as abuse. Assault. Things that third parties have an obligation to report to the police. Cheating isn’t one of them.
Another thing that really irritated me, was the attitude about the bullying the heroine went thru. She was bullied in her HS years by fellow classmates. Now, anyone who has had actual experience with, you know, human beings, knows that bullying is an equal opportunity, non-gender specific activity. But the attitude in this story was that bullying was primarily a male activity, which I found laughable, especially as I recalled MY junior high thru HS yrs, when all my bullies were vicious females. Another plot point that made no sense whatsoever
The tenor of this book was very preachy, as if the story—and how much sense it made—was irrelevant to the preachiness of a particular ideology. And I don’t appreciate preachiness wrapped up in a pathetic story to push an ideological agenda.
Abuse and assault are terrible and serious issues that afflict millions of lives and they should be brought into the light and should be dealt with wherever possible. This story would’ve made sense if the scumbag BF had assaulted the sister, physically or sexually and the NFL attempted to cover up his criminal actions. As it is, by making the plot about a manwhore who cheats with the expectation that third parties should’ve stepped in like a punishing father, it only devalues the fight against actual assaults and abuse by making the standard cartoonishly childish.
The stupidity of this plot was just too fucking painful so I DNFed.
Wow. I’m shocked to have to write this. Nichole rose has been a go-to, one-click, 5-star author for me since I first discovered her books and I’ve loved everything I’ve read from her. She’s been solid gold, which is why this book is such a shock.
The usual stuff that I love about her books—a hero who is celibate and not a manwhore, an innocent heroine, super steamy sex scenes, lots of emotional connection, no cheating—that’s all still there. Thankfully. What makes this book fail for me was the plot. Not only didn’t it make any sense, it was imbecilic.
PLOT SPOILERS and Rant below!!
Hero was a big football star. He leaves the NFL for an undisclosed reason and becomes a romance writer. Why? What’s the big secret? Well, his sister got involved with a fellow player, which he gave the green light to, and the player cheated on her—a definite scumbag move—and the sister, so distraught, jumped into the car when she found out, predictably got into a car accident and died.
Because of this, the hero thinks the scumbag cheater should’ve been accountable for the death of his sister. Because he doesn’t face “consequences” from the NFL, therefore the NFL is “toxic” and therefore the hero leaves it, equating what happened to his sister to an assault.
Because the hero is a moron.
What did the moron hero think the NFL should’ve done? Policed some scumbag’s consensual sexual relationships?! What kind of totalitarian, paternalistic, infantilizing BS is that!? Repeatedly the word “consequences” was used. What consequences? Scumbag BF is only accountable for cheating on her, and last I checked, cheating isn’t illegal. There is a thing called bodily autonomy. You can do good things with your body. You can do scumbag things with your body. Cheating is a scumbag move, but it isn’t assault, and he didn’t push the heroine into car, he didn’t choose to get into a car in an emotionally compromised state. The sister CHOSE that. And she’s treated as if she was mentally deficient, with the mental capacity of a child, who wasn’t responsible for HER actions.
Not only that, but why would the hero encourage his sister to date a guy who was a scumbag? Well, he didn’t know. Why didn’t he know? Teammates know a helluva lot about each other, ESPECIALLY if they’re promiscuous or sliming around from one girl to another. You mean to tell me the moron hero was such a moron he didn’t know what a manwhore his teammate was? That would make him braindead. And there would be no reason to not know that detail as it’s not exactly something one would hide.
We can’t help what people do to us. But we can help how we react to what people do to us. This seems to be completely forgotten by the hero. And it’s understandable why he would want to blame the scumbag BF for his sisters death. Human beings always want to blame others for personal tragedies and failures. Doesn’t make it justified.
What happened to the sister was a terrible tragedy, but it didn’t warrant the hero leaving the NFL. No organization should be policing people’s bedrooms, or their relationships UNLESS there’s an actual crime. Such as abuse. Assault. Things that third parties have an obligation to report to the police. Cheating isn’t one of them.
Another thing that really irritated me, was the attitude about the bullying the heroine went thru. She was bullied in her HS years by fellow classmates. Now, anyone who has had actual experience with, you know, human beings, knows that bullying is an equal opportunity, non-gender specific activity. But the attitude in this story was that bullying was primarily a male activity, which I found laughable, especially as I recalled MY junior high thru HS yrs, when all my bullies were vicious females. Another plot point that made no sense whatsoever
The tenor of this book was very preachy, as if the story—and how much sense it made—was irrelevant to the preachiness of a particular ideology. And I don’t appreciate preachiness wrapped up in a pathetic story to push an ideological agenda.
Abuse and assault are terrible and serious issues that afflict millions of lives and they should be brought into the light and should be dealt with wherever possible. This story would’ve made sense if the scumbag BF had assaulted the sister, physically or sexually and the NFL attempted to cover up his criminal actions. As it is, by making the plot about a manwhore who cheats with the expectation that third parties should’ve stepped in like a punishing father, it only devalues the fight against actual assaults and abuse by making the standard cartoonishly childish.
The stupidity of this plot was just too fucking painful so I DNFed.
February 1, 2022
Nichole Rose is one author I can trust to write safe stories, and this one is no exception. Adrian and Stella were okay, but nothing memorable.
It's an instalove story where everything happens so fast it feels too rushed and unbelievable. The main characters meet when the heroine is still in high school and he, as a professional football player, goes to give a speech and ends up defending her from bullies. Years later, they meet again and fall in love.
The heroine's weight is a central part of the story, which something I'm not a fan of; I don't want to be constantly reminded of how insecure she is/was about her curvy body. The sub-plot of the hero's foster sister is very connected to this, and although Rose tried to make it more profound and serious, I didn't feel it was well executed (maybe because of the short length, I don't know).
I recommend this only if you have free time and are looking for something smutty and simple with zero drama.
Safety spoilers:
It's an instalove story where everything happens so fast it feels too rushed and unbelievable. The main characters meet when the heroine is still in high school and he, as a professional football player, goes to give a speech and ends up defending her from bullies. Years later, they meet again and fall in love.
The heroine's weight is a central part of the story, which something I'm not a fan of; I don't want to be constantly reminded of how insecure she is/was about her curvy body. The sub-plot of the hero's foster sister is very connected to this, and although Rose tried to make it more profound and serious, I didn't feel it was well executed (maybe because of the short length, I don't know).
I recommend this only if you have free time and are looking for something smutty and simple with zero drama.
Safety spoilers:
June 21, 2022
2.5✯
°Virgin heroine
°Hero celibate for a decade
°Switching POVs
°He's 33, she's 23
°OTT alpha hero
°No OW/OM drama
°No separation
°No cheating or scenes with OP
°Epilogue: 5 years later
°Bonus epilogue: 10 years later
°Virgin heroine
°Hero celibate for a decade
°Switching POVs
°He's 33, she's 23
°OTT alpha hero
°No OW/OM drama
°No separation
°No cheating or scenes with OP
°Epilogue: 5 years later
°Bonus epilogue: 10 years later
May 2, 2021
A sweet heartwarming story. Stella is a reporter trying to get a story about Adrian who quite his NFL career and is living the life of a recluse is Spring, Florida. (I need to see where that is in Florida since I live in Central, FL) He bought a newspaper down in Florida and he writes romance novels. Stella has been trying to get an interview with him with no success so when it finally happens she is shocked. Enjoying these two as they fall in love as it was very rewarding. Can't wait to read another story by this author. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 9, 2023
Good but simple.
It was a sweet read. I liked that they met when she was sixteen in a very platonic way and she would occasionally cross his mind over the years but it wasn’t anything untoward. They meet up again when she’s an adult and BAM fate.
The only thing I didn’t like was that there was no real dark spot. I need some conflict in my romance. Seriously, just give me anything here. But it was all smooth sailing. If that’s the kind of comfort romance you like then this one’s for you!
It was a sweet read. I liked that they met when she was sixteen in a very platonic way and she would occasionally cross his mind over the years but it wasn’t anything untoward. They meet up again when she’s an adult and BAM fate.
The only thing I didn’t like was that there was no real dark spot. I need some conflict in my romance. Seriously, just give me anything here. But it was all smooth sailing. If that’s the kind of comfort romance you like then this one’s for you!
December 14, 2022
The couple: Adrian and Stella
Romance trope:
Series: It's Raining Men
Length: 117 pages
Plot: Stella has had a crush on (ex) football player Adrian for a long time. Even though he isn't playing anymore, he's still on people's minds because of his bestselling romance novels. Stella is determined to get an interview with him and he agrees, even though that's highly unusual for him. She shows up and that's it for him.
Commentary: The situation with Adrian's foster sister was a little iffy. The culture in the NFL regarding women and how they're treated (from girlfriends/wives to cheerleaders) needs to change. But I don't think there would be any consequences for a guy that cheated on his girlfriend. Does that make it okay? Of course not. But it's not a policeable action. It's not something you can censor (although there was that basketball (I think) coach recently who got in trouble with his college because he had an affair, so I guess it's possible). To make that the reason he quit and lives like a hermit writing books now - well. I feel like there was more going on. Maybe he was just tired of playing, maybe he was tired of the culture overall, he was getting older, he had a story to tell. It was awful that his sister died, truly. But I found that part of the plot the weakest. If this was supposed to be an indictment of that culture, it would have made more sense for her to be abused and then his reaction might have been the same but his expectations for outcomes would be more proportionate.
Previous book in the series: Getting Dirty
Next book in the series: Puppy Love
Romance trope:
Series: It's Raining Men
Length: 117 pages
Plot: Stella has had a crush on (ex) football player Adrian for a long time. Even though he isn't playing anymore, he's still on people's minds because of his bestselling romance novels. Stella is determined to get an interview with him and he agrees, even though that's highly unusual for him. She shows up and that's it for him.
Commentary: The situation with Adrian's foster sister was a little iffy. The culture in the NFL regarding women and how they're treated (from girlfriends/wives to cheerleaders) needs to change. But I don't think there would be any consequences for a guy that cheated on his girlfriend. Does that make it okay? Of course not. But it's not a policeable action. It's not something you can censor (although there was that basketball (I think) coach recently who got in trouble with his college because he had an affair, so I guess it's possible). To make that the reason he quit and lives like a hermit writing books now - well. I feel like there was more going on. Maybe he was just tired of playing, maybe he was tired of the culture overall, he was getting older, he had a story to tell. It was awful that his sister died, truly. But I found that part of the plot the weakest. If this was supposed to be an indictment of that culture, it would have made more sense for her to be abused and then his reaction might have been the same but his expectations for outcomes would be more proportionate.
Previous book in the series: Getting Dirty
Next book in the series: Puppy Love
May 23, 2022
Love it!! I just couldn't put it down. Nice, quick read, Short and Sweet. With a wonderful HEA!!
Stella meets Adrian when she sixteen in high school when he's a guest speaker. Adrian finds Stella being bullied by some of her classmates and defends her. Before Adrian can talk to Stella she disappears. Adrian walked away from the NFL because of things like this happening. Adrian agrees to let Stella interview him for a local paper. Stella arrives in Spring, Florida she stops by the local diner to find where Adrian is, she discovers hot men everywhere. Stella head to Adrian's home only to have it start raining turning into a downpour before she arrives. When Stella arrives on Adrian's deck he is staring at her, he can't believe what a beautiful woman she turned into. Adrian knows he doesn't want to let Stella leave his bed. Stella is forced to stay with Adrian because once the downpour starts the roads are washed away and impassible for days. Stella can't believe this man she has secretly dreamed about years is attracted to her. After Adrian tells Stella his whole story about leaving the NFL and his sister, she is torn on whether or not to public his story. After Adrian and Stella spend a night together Adrian is inspired to write his romance novels. Adrian offers Stella a job at the paper he owns, so that she will leave Nashville and marry him. Stella decides to run the article on Adrian's sister and quit her job to move to Spring and marry Adrian. They have a wonderful HEA!
Stella meets Adrian when she sixteen in high school when he's a guest speaker. Adrian finds Stella being bullied by some of her classmates and defends her. Before Adrian can talk to Stella she disappears. Adrian walked away from the NFL because of things like this happening. Adrian agrees to let Stella interview him for a local paper. Stella arrives in Spring, Florida she stops by the local diner to find where Adrian is, she discovers hot men everywhere. Stella head to Adrian's home only to have it start raining turning into a downpour before she arrives. When Stella arrives on Adrian's deck he is staring at her, he can't believe what a beautiful woman she turned into. Adrian knows he doesn't want to let Stella leave his bed. Stella is forced to stay with Adrian because once the downpour starts the roads are washed away and impassible for days. Stella can't believe this man she has secretly dreamed about years is attracted to her. After Adrian tells Stella his whole story about leaving the NFL and his sister, she is torn on whether or not to public his story. After Adrian and Stella spend a night together Adrian is inspired to write his romance novels. Adrian offers Stella a job at the paper he owns, so that she will leave Nashville and marry him. Stella decides to run the article on Adrian's sister and quit her job to move to Spring and marry Adrian. They have a wonderful HEA!
April 19, 2021
Another great read from Nichole Rose! Adrian was a fantastic hero and such a well-developed character. I enjoyed the athlete angle and the rest of Adrian’s backstory, which helped him seem like a “real” person. It was also interesting to see him portrayed as a romance novelist—I liked the unusual and intriguing nature of his career change. His reasons behind quitting the NFL were heartbreaking and added to the book’s emotional depth.
Stella was a solid character as well, though I felt like we didn’t get to know her like we did with Adrian. She was adorable, feisty, and sweet—the perfect match for Adrian’s alpha personality. However, I wish there had been a bit more excitement in the story. The lack of conflict made the book somewhat flat, despite the wonderful characters and their intense chemistry.
Nonetheless, this was an emotional, romantic short story that I highly recommend. Rose truly never fails to deliver instalove goodness.
*I received an ARC of this novella. This is my complete and honest review.*
Stella was a solid character as well, though I felt like we didn’t get to know her like we did with Adrian. She was adorable, feisty, and sweet—the perfect match for Adrian’s alpha personality. However, I wish there had been a bit more excitement in the story. The lack of conflict made the book somewhat flat, despite the wonderful characters and their intense chemistry.
Nonetheless, this was an emotional, romantic short story that I highly recommend. Rose truly never fails to deliver instalove goodness.
*I received an ARC of this novella. This is my complete and honest review.*
January 10, 2024
Love and destiny
I really enjoyed Stella and Adrian’s curvy girl, opposites attract, virgin, age gap, celebrity crush, forced proximity romance. This story had a good balance of humor, heartwarming love, real life issues, fun banter, and spice. I smiled through almost the entire story. Adrian is a 33 yo former NFL player who quit football to become a wildly successful romance author and no one knows why. Stella is a 23 yo reporter. She has had a crush on Adrian since he spoke at her HS and stood up to bullies for her. She manages to get him to agree to an interview for her paper. Over eager, Stella arrives a day early for the interview and a storm strands her at Adrian’s isolated beach house. That’s when the connection and the attraction really ramps up and snaps into place. Despite being short, the story was fairly well written and included witty dialogue, characters with dimension and an engaging storyline. 3.5 stars
I really enjoyed Stella and Adrian’s curvy girl, opposites attract, virgin, age gap, celebrity crush, forced proximity romance. This story had a good balance of humor, heartwarming love, real life issues, fun banter, and spice. I smiled through almost the entire story. Adrian is a 33 yo former NFL player who quit football to become a wildly successful romance author and no one knows why. Stella is a 23 yo reporter. She has had a crush on Adrian since he spoke at her HS and stood up to bullies for her. She manages to get him to agree to an interview for her paper. Over eager, Stella arrives a day early for the interview and a storm strands her at Adrian’s isolated beach house. That’s when the connection and the attraction really ramps up and snaps into place. Despite being short, the story was fairly well written and included witty dialogue, characters with dimension and an engaging storyline. 3.5 stars
May 2, 2021
Steamy instalove
Sweet and dirty. There was lots to like, the characters were likeable, the story had something to say. Touching on abuse and women’s shelters. It’s a short story, so I figured I’d give it a go. I did enjoy it, but hard instalove and virgins aren’t really my thing. At first I was thinking, well they kind of knew each other already, so not too instalovey. But by half way I was like, yup, total instalove. That said, it was a good story. Adrian being a romance author and silent advocate for abused women, allowed for some touching and important scenes and discussion. It was also great to read Stella as having grown confident, despite treatment in her past because of her size. And really, those were some good and dirty smexy times.
So despite this not totally being my thing, I’d still say give it a go. It’s a nice story and not a 600 page commitment.
Sweet and dirty. There was lots to like, the characters were likeable, the story had something to say. Touching on abuse and women’s shelters. It’s a short story, so I figured I’d give it a go. I did enjoy it, but hard instalove and virgins aren’t really my thing. At first I was thinking, well they kind of knew each other already, so not too instalovey. But by half way I was like, yup, total instalove. That said, it was a good story. Adrian being a romance author and silent advocate for abused women, allowed for some touching and important scenes and discussion. It was also great to read Stella as having grown confident, despite treatment in her past because of her size. And really, those were some good and dirty smexy times.
So despite this not totally being my thing, I’d still say give it a go. It’s a nice story and not a 600 page commitment.
June 4, 2021
Adrian is an ex-NFL who at the height of his career quit and moved to the town of Spring and bought the town newspaper. He has avoided the media and won’t tell anyone his reason for leaving football, he also is a successful sports themed romance writer. Stella needs to get his story in order to save her job, she connects with his foster sister and gets his personal cell number. After hearing her voice he agrees to the interview. Excited Stella arrives early and gets stuck at his house due to a storm. As they talk and get to know one another you find out Stella has crushed on him in a major way since he defended her in high school when he came to give a speech. Stella is a curvy girl who was a nerd back in high school, but she made an impression on Adrian too. He has thought of her through the years and hoped she was well. He finally shares why he quit and feels it’s time to share his grief over losing his other foster sister with the world. She helps him understand it wasn’t his fault and that he’s a great guy. Their connection is deep and strong. Their sexy times hot. She writes his story being respectful and honest then quits her job to live with him and work at his paper. Epilogue five years later with kids. Bonus epilogue ten years with lots of love and Stella wanting another baby.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2021
Falling Hard was a unique take on the sports romance. Adrian left his successful football career due to a tragic event linked to the unhealthy god-like status many athletes command, despite their sometimes unethical/illegal behavior. Stella was a firecracker, but not super annoying as those types of characters can sometimes be. Adrian loved everything about her and held on tight when she got stranded at his house during a storm.
The book touches on a serious subject, but the love story itself is easy and low-angst, with no huge break-up or secrets kept from each other. I appreciated how Adrian stuck to his convictions and principles, and his actions reflected that. He didn't just talk a big game and then go with the flow. Good chemistry between the characters, and a sweet HEA.
The book touches on a serious subject, but the love story itself is easy and low-angst, with no huge break-up or secrets kept from each other. I appreciated how Adrian stuck to his convictions and principles, and his actions reflected that. He didn't just talk a big game and then go with the flow. Good chemistry between the characters, and a sweet HEA.
September 24, 2024
Check me out everywhere: what.in.the.hea
Sub/Genre: Contemporary
Storyline Rating: 5/5 ⭐️
Spice Rating:3/5 🌶️
Humor: 3/5
Dark Rating: 0/5 🖤
Tropes: Romance writer MMC, Journalist FMC, Insta-love, Plus Size Representation, Celibate Hero, V!rgin, Childhood Crush
Triggers: Talk about being bullied
Ending: HEA!
Stella met the man of her dreams when she was an insecure, bullied girl in high school. Too bad he was older and a professional football player! But now he’s not, and as a journalist she wants to know what exactly happened to make him quit….
“Nichole Rose writes filthy, feel-good romance for curvy readers.”
This story was so sweet! I always swoon over a good Instalove story. Add to that the ripped man who craves a plus sized woman ::drooooool::
Sub/Genre: Contemporary
Storyline Rating: 5/5 ⭐️
Spice Rating:3/5 🌶️
Humor: 3/5
Dark Rating: 0/5 🖤
Tropes: Romance writer MMC, Journalist FMC, Insta-love, Plus Size Representation, Celibate Hero, V!rgin, Childhood Crush
Triggers: Talk about being bullied
Ending: HEA!
Stella met the man of her dreams when she was an insecure, bullied girl in high school. Too bad he was older and a professional football player! But now he’s not, and as a journalist she wants to know what exactly happened to make him quit….
“Nichole Rose writes filthy, feel-good romance for curvy readers.”
This story was so sweet! I always swoon over a good Instalove story. Add to that the ripped man who craves a plus sized woman ::drooooool::
April 26, 2021
This was such a good read! Adrian had turn away from the NFL after a personal tragedy with his teammate and his cousin. Stella was trying to prove herself as a real reporter by getting a story from Adrian. He is drawn to her and even though he has refused everyone, he gives her a chance. They had the cutest meeting and had so much fire and heat between them. I love this authors stories, she makes the best hero and heroines. They are fun to read and this is my favorite in this It's Raining Men series so far.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 26, 2021
Stella and Adrian's story was so heartfelt and at the same time so steamy I needed some ice water! Stella's history with Adrian was brief but boy, did he make an impression. She could have chickened out on meeting him face to face but she took a chance and it paid off big time. Adrian could have had a long career in the NFL but he valued people over money. You can't help but admire and respect him for standing up in the only way he could. He was definitely worthy of Stella's admiration of him. Watching these two wonderful people fall in love was glorious. Nichole Rose has a gift and I am so thankful she shares her stories with us!
April 27, 2021
The author has taken us back to Spring, Florida where the men outnumber women two to one. Adrian has avoided journalists since he walked away from the NFL. However, when Stella contacts him he feels compelled to give her an interview. She has been on his mind, periodically, ever since he saw her when she was in high school. She has crushed on him since he confronted her bullies in high school and has never found anyone to measure up to Adrian. When they get together, their lives will never be the same.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 12, 2021
One of the best Nichole Rose book 😍
A wonderful story with a great hero and heroine. Adrian and Stella are a perfect couple that are brought together by something in the past that shaped their future. Adrian is someone you would like to know in person. He lost someone close to him that made him a recluse but found the life line through Stella. I would totally like to meet Stella too. She was bullied when she was a teenager but she did not let it bring her down. She met Adrian when she was sixteen and he defended her from bullies. That meeting was important to both and when fate brought them together again it’s like finding their missing half.
I love the story and it’s so well written. You can never go wrong with a Nichole Rose story.
A wonderful story with a great hero and heroine. Adrian and Stella are a perfect couple that are brought together by something in the past that shaped their future. Adrian is someone you would like to know in person. He lost someone close to him that made him a recluse but found the life line through Stella. I would totally like to meet Stella too. She was bullied when she was a teenager but she did not let it bring her down. She met Adrian when she was sixteen and he defended her from bullies. That meeting was important to both and when fate brought them together again it’s like finding their missing half.
I love the story and it’s so well written. You can never go wrong with a Nichole Rose story.
June 23, 2021
Great book
Stella was a child that was not a size zero the kids made fun of her but Adrian came to her school to talk about football and hear the guys make fun of her and he set them straight they never made fun of her again.
Years later she wanted to know why he left football and was a romance writer so she kept trying and trying til he agreed to meet her. Adrian told her his story and she did him justice along with Ana.
She moved to Florida with him and made it their home with four kids later he loved her like the first time they meet just didn't know they were each other's forever
Stella was a child that was not a size zero the kids made fun of her but Adrian came to her school to talk about football and hear the guys make fun of her and he set them straight they never made fun of her again.
Years later she wanted to know why he left football and was a romance writer so she kept trying and trying til he agreed to meet her. Adrian told her his story and she did him justice along with Ana.
She moved to Florida with him and made it their home with four kids later he loved her like the first time they meet just didn't know they were each other's forever
October 8, 2022
Fast and Heated
Adrian Kane is a somewhat reclusive former NFL player. Everyone still wants to know why he walked away from it all and became a romance writer. Stella Quinn thinks she’s the reporter who can get the scoop. Never mind that she’s crushed on him ever since he stood up for her against the school jocks who continually harassed her when she was sixteen. She’s sure he won’t remember the incident from his visit to the school.
As fate would have it, he does grant her the job interview, and just as she arrives a tremendous storms hits stranding them both at his home. My oh my, what are two attractive and attracted to one another people to do to pass the time?
Adrian Kane is a somewhat reclusive former NFL player. Everyone still wants to know why he walked away from it all and became a romance writer. Stella Quinn thinks she’s the reporter who can get the scoop. Never mind that she’s crushed on him ever since he stood up for her against the school jocks who continually harassed her when she was sixteen. She’s sure he won’t remember the incident from his visit to the school.
As fate would have it, he does grant her the job interview, and just as she arrives a tremendous storms hits stranding them both at his home. My oh my, what are two attractive and attracted to one another people to do to pass the time?
April 23, 2021
OMG I love Adrian and Stella and the connection they shared. Stella has crushed on Adrian since she met him when she was 16 and he never forgot about her either. Adrian walked away from a career in the NFL and the public didn't know why. Since then he has refused to give an interview to anyone until Stella. The heartbreak and guilt he carried was so sad but Stella gave him peace, something that he needed. While Stella helped heal Adrian, Adrian helped Stella realize just how beautiful and perfect she is. They both fell in love quickly realizing that they were waiting for each other.
April 27, 2021
Wow loved isn’t even a good enough word to describe this book I adored it so much! Adrian walked away from football unexpectedly and retired to the small town of Springs. He’s kept silent on what made him walk away even going as far as buying the towns only newspaper. One day when Stella gets through to him Adrian finds himself connected to her and agrees to an interview. Once they meet it’s the cutest thing ever as they both fall instantly and Adrian decides he isn’t going to let Stella go. So darn cute and sweet!
April 27, 2021
4.5 stars.
I’ve come to the conclusion that I love every word Nichole Rose writes.
This was so freakin good.
Cute, and sweet, and funny, and sexy. That insta love, soulmate thing that Nichole excels at writing. Each character was their own person and so likable and real.
It lost a half star because it was over too soon for my greedy ass self, and I’ve read all of her other books so now I have to wait and try finding other books to fill the void. Totally not her fault, but I’m a petty bitch so, there’s that.
I’ve come to the conclusion that I love every word Nichole Rose writes.
This was so freakin good.
Cute, and sweet, and funny, and sexy. That insta love, soulmate thing that Nichole excels at writing. Each character was their own person and so likable and real.
It lost a half star because it was over too soon for my greedy ass self, and I’ve read all of her other books so now I have to wait and try finding other books to fill the void. Totally not her fault, but I’m a petty bitch so, there’s that.
April 28, 2021
Good lord this book had me smiling and swooning the entire time! This is probably the best alpha Nichole Rose has ever written so far. Adrian is an ex-NFL PLAYER turned into a romance author. Sign me up because he was perfect, so sexy, yet so sweet and attentive to Stella. STELLA! Almost all the laughs in the story came from Stella because she was hilarious, so feisty, and a boss lady in her career. All the characters were great, the story was safe, and we got additional epilogues after the book was released. Go get this one ASAP!
May 2, 2021
Adrian and Stella are amazing.
I already did a review on this but it seems like it's disappeared. So, let's try this again...
Darien and Stella are perfect for eachother. Adrian is genuinely a good man and Stella is a strong loving woman. They've both been through some hurtful things that have shaped who they are, but they make it to a wonderful HEA❤ The bonus scene was really sweet too and gave hints to some future couples. Definitely recommend. You cannot go wrong with a Nichole Rose book.
I already did a review on this but it seems like it's disappeared. So, let's try this again...
Darien and Stella are perfect for eachother. Adrian is genuinely a good man and Stella is a strong loving woman. They've both been through some hurtful things that have shaped who they are, but they make it to a wonderful HEA❤ The bonus scene was really sweet too and gave hints to some future couples. Definitely recommend. You cannot go wrong with a Nichole Rose book.
April 10, 2025
This was my 1st book by Nichole Rose. The overall story was ok, but as a huge fan of football and I love love love the Titans, with that said cheating is not apart of the NFL and they have no control over what people do in their lives. Now if you take out why if left the NFL then I love this story. I really love how he still remembers her from her high school days and often thinks about her. there insta love was very sweet and I love how he claims her. Gave a 3 star because once you take out why he left the NFL reason then it really was a great story.
April 25, 2021
Stella met Adrian 8 years ago and fell in love. She was too young at the time but neither of them ever forgot and without realizing it, that meeting changed both their lives. When they are thrown together during a wild storm, they both realize what they've been waiting for is each other. Loved this super sweet story!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 4, 2022
From Mystery to Husband!
Adrian was the mystery Stella wanted to solve. Why he left the NFL, why he was so nice to her when he spoke at her school. Adrian couldn’t get Stella out of his head for long. Throughout the years she floated back into his memories. All it takes is one persistent reporter and a rain storm to solve all the mysteries and give them the greatest gift of all…. Love.
Adrian was the mystery Stella wanted to solve. Why he left the NFL, why he was so nice to her when he spoke at her school. Adrian couldn’t get Stella out of his head for long. Throughout the years she floated back into his memories. All it takes is one persistent reporter and a rain storm to solve all the mysteries and give them the greatest gift of all…. Love.
April 11, 2024
Wonderful story of Adrian Kane, former football player and Stella Quinn, newspaper reporter. Adrian has left football but no one knows why, so naturally Stella wants to know. Having a small encounter years ago helps bring them back together and the rest, as they say, is history. Loved these characters, both strong, but stronger together. Part of It's Raining Men series but can be read as a standalone (I did) but will be going back to read more from this author.
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