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Castoria U #2
Not Rowing To Lie
Renee Barnes can’t lie. So when star-hockey player, Jesse Tremblay, invites her to sample his signature one-night-stand, she can’t deny her curiosity: What would it be like to not be the good girl for a few hours?
But it turns out Jesse leaves her with a lot more than fun memories.
Armed with half a degree, a new boyfriend who is good on paper but refuses to show her how he is between the sheets, a failed rowing career, and a baby on the way, Renee faces a choice: Hide the truth (hard to do when you physically can’t lie), or walk away from the perfect life she’s built.
The one person she has to tell is the father, but it’s’ getting harder and harder to explain why Jesse keeps showing up in her kitchen, walking her to class, and protecting her from a beaver army.
Or why she likes that so much.
But it turns out Jesse leaves her with a lot more than fun memories.
Armed with half a degree, a new boyfriend who is good on paper but refuses to show her how he is between the sheets, a failed rowing career, and a baby on the way, Renee faces a choice: Hide the truth (hard to do when you physically can’t lie), or walk away from the perfect life she’s built.
The one person she has to tell is the father, but it’s’ getting harder and harder to explain why Jesse keeps showing up in her kitchen, walking her to class, and protecting her from a beaver army.
Or why she likes that so much.
- GenresSports Romance
204 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2022
30 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 3, 2022
If the title of this book is not clue enough, it was not good.
September 13, 2022
2.5 stars 🌟
I really don’t know how I feel about this.... the story was good and has a little angst but the MC Jesse is a selfish horrible man! He makes me so mad 😡. He is constantly hot and cold with the h Renèe who is also pregnant. 'Tells her, he can't be apart of the baby life once its born straight after she tells him! Because he believes there a curse.'
There was so many mentions about his dead ex and how they compare I was sick of it.
I just don't like the dead ex trope.
And don’t get me started on how Renèe thinks it's acceptable to be treated this way and doesn't even call him out on it, is bloody frustrating 😒. 'During a doctors appointment after hearing bad news on the baby, he leaves her there and drives off. The h has to ask a friend for a lift only to go searching around for him.'
Now while I'm pretty pissed at Jesse through most of this book, he does have a funny and sweet side but not enough to sway me on all his other bullshit actions and words 😞.
I really don’t know how I feel about this.... the story was good and has a little angst but the MC Jesse is a selfish horrible man! He makes me so mad 😡. He is constantly hot and cold with the h Renèe who is also pregnant. 'Tells her, he can't be apart of the baby life once its born straight after she tells him! Because he believes there a curse.'
There was so many mentions about his dead ex and how they compare I was sick of it.
I just don't like the dead ex trope.
And don’t get me started on how Renèe thinks it's acceptable to be treated this way and doesn't even call him out on it, is bloody frustrating 😒. 'During a doctors appointment after hearing bad news on the baby, he leaves her there and drives off. The h has to ask a friend for a lift only to go searching around for him.'
Now while I'm pretty pissed at Jesse through most of this book, he does have a funny and sweet side but not enough to sway me on all his other bullshit actions and words 😞.
September 27, 2024
What do an NHL hopeful afraid of dead bodies and a sculler who can’t lie have in common? One incredible night of passion and no regrets, and the undisputed ties of a chemistry that runs deeper than any curse or ploy against their independence.
A knockout meet-cute and the immediate establishment of the characters personalities is a strength Rosie Birch possesses, and I just loved Renee and Jesse’s murder mystery hookup! And the opening line? I was sold before their game had even begun, lol.
The care taken with crafting Renee and Jesse’s characters through every hardship and strength was admirable, and the chemistry and respect they shared for one another was endearing. There was a beauty to their vulnerability, and I just adored all the twists Birch had incorporated.
My favourite part, however, was the fresh twist on both the unexpected pregnancy trope and the hockey “player” character. The quick acceptance and maturity towards their situation, and seeing just how badly Jesse wanted to do the right thing by Renee and their baby, despite the Tremblay Curse, both warmed and broke my heart in synchronisation. The root of Jesse’s pain ran deep, and his journey through it was complex and original as he fought to secure that happiness he deserves. There was a softness to his character that made him a fast favourite, and he paired perfectly with Renee’s gentle nature and resilience. I just loved these two!
Creative swears, plenty of cute moments, and a good dose of that Castoria U magic came together in this charming and entertaining read, making for the perfect follow up to Birch’s debut. If you are looking for an easy hockey read with an emotional punch outside of the arena, then I highly recommend this book!
I received an advanced copy from the author and am leaving my honest review. 4.5⭐️
A knockout meet-cute and the immediate establishment of the characters personalities is a strength Rosie Birch possesses, and I just loved Renee and Jesse’s murder mystery hookup! And the opening line? I was sold before their game had even begun, lol.
The care taken with crafting Renee and Jesse’s characters through every hardship and strength was admirable, and the chemistry and respect they shared for one another was endearing. There was a beauty to their vulnerability, and I just adored all the twists Birch had incorporated.
My favourite part, however, was the fresh twist on both the unexpected pregnancy trope and the hockey “player” character. The quick acceptance and maturity towards their situation, and seeing just how badly Jesse wanted to do the right thing by Renee and their baby, despite the Tremblay Curse, both warmed and broke my heart in synchronisation. The root of Jesse’s pain ran deep, and his journey through it was complex and original as he fought to secure that happiness he deserves. There was a softness to his character that made him a fast favourite, and he paired perfectly with Renee’s gentle nature and resilience. I just loved these two!
Creative swears, plenty of cute moments, and a good dose of that Castoria U magic came together in this charming and entertaining read, making for the perfect follow up to Birch’s debut. If you are looking for an easy hockey read with an emotional punch outside of the arena, then I highly recommend this book!
I received an advanced copy from the author and am leaving my honest review. 4.5⭐️
September 5, 2022
4 stars
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This was a fun and cute college romance. It's a quick and easy book that I read in a few hours. I haven't read any college romance books before and am surprised I liked it as much as I did. Renee is on the rowing team and Jesse Tremblay is a star hockey player with NHL dreams. He only has one-night stands and his policy regarding women is one and done. During a murder mystery party, Renee and Jesse meet while hiding out in the kitchen and make a connection. Feeling daring, Renee sheds her "good girl" persona for a few hours and takes Jesse up on his offer of a one-night stand.
Afterwards they find themselves thinking about the other, and when Renee discovers she's pregnant, she tells Jesse he doesn't have to be involved, but she's keeping the baby. Both Renee and Jesse have issues from their past that hinders them getting close to anyone. As they navigate Renee's pregnancy it's hard to deny their chemistry and they begin to wonder if perhaps they can make it work.
I like the author's writing style and the book is well-paced. I really like Renee and Jesse, and their cute banter and chemistry is off the charts. The supporting characters had minimal impact on the story and are there just to bounce off the main characters. This didn't bother me too much because the story is laser focused on Renee and Jesse. There are some spicy scenes in the book, and they are incorporated well into the story.
This is the second book in the Castoria U series and I haven't read the first one. This book can be read as a stand-alone and I didn't feel like I missed anything by not having read the first book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Katie and Brey PA and the author. All opinions are my own.
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This was a fun and cute college romance. It's a quick and easy book that I read in a few hours. I haven't read any college romance books before and am surprised I liked it as much as I did. Renee is on the rowing team and Jesse Tremblay is a star hockey player with NHL dreams. He only has one-night stands and his policy regarding women is one and done. During a murder mystery party, Renee and Jesse meet while hiding out in the kitchen and make a connection. Feeling daring, Renee sheds her "good girl" persona for a few hours and takes Jesse up on his offer of a one-night stand.
Afterwards they find themselves thinking about the other, and when Renee discovers she's pregnant, she tells Jesse he doesn't have to be involved, but she's keeping the baby. Both Renee and Jesse have issues from their past that hinders them getting close to anyone. As they navigate Renee's pregnancy it's hard to deny their chemistry and they begin to wonder if perhaps they can make it work.
I like the author's writing style and the book is well-paced. I really like Renee and Jesse, and their cute banter and chemistry is off the charts. The supporting characters had minimal impact on the story and are there just to bounce off the main characters. This didn't bother me too much because the story is laser focused on Renee and Jesse. There are some spicy scenes in the book, and they are incorporated well into the story.
This is the second book in the Castoria U series and I haven't read the first one. This book can be read as a stand-alone and I didn't feel like I missed anything by not having read the first book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Katie and Brey PA and the author. All opinions are my own.
September 11, 2022
Thank you to Katie and Brey PA and Rosie Birch for providing me with this eARC. This is my honest review.
-
I don’t think I’ve ever read a romance that centered around the surprise pregnancy trope before, so this was a new one for me! It’s also a college sports romance which isn’t my usual go-to. It was somehow cuter than I expected it to be 😭💗 Jesse and Renee had chemistry off the bat and it carried through the entire way. Jesse was so unbelievably sweet! At first I was a little frustrated with his back and forth, but it was easy to comprehend once you learn more about him as a person. Renee was so cute. Just the visual of her going on little pregnancy hikes is so adorable 😭 I did wish we could have spent a little bit more time with her solo, but that’s just a preference of mine!
-
All in all, this book surprised me! I came for the beavers and stayed for the romance 🙌🏽 I’ll definitely be going back to read the first Castoria U book in the near future. If you’re looking for a short, sweet read, give Not Rowing to Lie a try!
-
Not Rowing to Lie is the second book in the Castoria U series, but it can be read as a standalone. It is available to purchase in ebook and paperback format. It is also available through Kindle Unlimited.
-
I don’t think I’ve ever read a romance that centered around the surprise pregnancy trope before, so this was a new one for me! It’s also a college sports romance which isn’t my usual go-to. It was somehow cuter than I expected it to be 😭💗 Jesse and Renee had chemistry off the bat and it carried through the entire way. Jesse was so unbelievably sweet! At first I was a little frustrated with his back and forth, but it was easy to comprehend once you learn more about him as a person. Renee was so cute. Just the visual of her going on little pregnancy hikes is so adorable 😭 I did wish we could have spent a little bit more time with her solo, but that’s just a preference of mine!
-
All in all, this book surprised me! I came for the beavers and stayed for the romance 🙌🏽 I’ll definitely be going back to read the first Castoria U book in the near future. If you’re looking for a short, sweet read, give Not Rowing to Lie a try!
-
Not Rowing to Lie is the second book in the Castoria U series, but it can be read as a standalone. It is available to purchase in ebook and paperback format. It is also available through Kindle Unlimited.
June 11, 2022
I love unexpected pregnancy tropes, especially when the MMC is very protective over his unborn baby and the mother of his child.
I loved this book so much that I read it in one sitting. I rated it five stars because this is definitely a book I will gladly reread over and over 😍. In this book, we experience how each character experiences abandonment or a desire for independence, all the while trying to navigate through the unexpected pregnancy bestowed upon them.
Jesse is now added to my never ending list of book boyfriends. 😏
I loved this book so much that I read it in one sitting. I rated it five stars because this is definitely a book I will gladly reread over and over 😍. In this book, we experience how each character experiences abandonment or a desire for independence, all the while trying to navigate through the unexpected pregnancy bestowed upon them.
Jesse is now added to my never ending list of book boyfriends. 😏
September 25, 2022
This story was so cute! I love Renee and Jesse. They are such a cute match. I read this as a stand-alone but I will be going back and reading the first book now! I enjoy Rosie Birch’s work and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
September 1, 2022
“All I know is it feels a lot nicer to have someone here than to do this alone.”
Not Rowing To Lie is an unexpected but entertaining take on college sports romance.
When it starts off with a murder mystery party, you know it’s gonna be good.
Renee and Jesse are so cute together, getting together in typical college fashion. When fate brings them together, their lives change for the better.
I absolutely loved them together. Jesse is the ultimate ride or die, and how he’s all in before he’s all in? Kills me every time. He even brought her to the ultrasound, and makes her feel better after everything that happened with her mom. My kinda boyfriend (we’re I ever to get one 😂)
The fact that they’re both athletes and support each other no matter what is incredible.
And the fandom references, love that for them.
HIGHLY recommend for any college sports romance reader.
AND THE BEAVERS. I’m dead.
“I’m a papa beaver, throwing myself down an embankment to save my squishy, furry kid.”
“Did you know she offered to watch Game of Thrones with me and tell me when it was safe to look and narrate all the parts with the bodies so I didn’t have to see?”
Tw // cancer, death, college murder mystery party
📸 Edit is mine, photos from Pinterest
#2022releases #2022reads #notrowingtolie #rosiebirch #castoriau #college #collegerance #hockey #rowing #pregnancytrope #sports #sportsromance #castoriauseries
Not Rowing To Lie is an unexpected but entertaining take on college sports romance.
When it starts off with a murder mystery party, you know it’s gonna be good.
Renee and Jesse are so cute together, getting together in typical college fashion. When fate brings them together, their lives change for the better.
I absolutely loved them together. Jesse is the ultimate ride or die, and how he’s all in before he’s all in? Kills me every time. He even brought her to the ultrasound, and makes her feel better after everything that happened with her mom. My kinda boyfriend (we’re I ever to get one 😂)
The fact that they’re both athletes and support each other no matter what is incredible.
And the fandom references, love that for them.
HIGHLY recommend for any college sports romance reader.
AND THE BEAVERS. I’m dead.
“I’m a papa beaver, throwing myself down an embankment to save my squishy, furry kid.”
“Did you know she offered to watch Game of Thrones with me and tell me when it was safe to look and narrate all the parts with the bodies so I didn’t have to see?”
Tw // cancer, death, college murder mystery party
📸 Edit is mine, photos from Pinterest
#2022releases #2022reads #notrowingtolie #rosiebirch #castoriau #college #collegerance #hockey #rowing #pregnancytrope #sports #sportsromance #castoriauseries
October 13, 2022
So Cute
Jesse is the best dad ever. He is the sweetest man ever. Cute Rom-Com, gave Jane the virgin vibes at the beginning lol. Quick read 4.5/5⭐️
Jesse is the best dad ever. He is the sweetest man ever. Cute Rom-Com, gave Jane the virgin vibes at the beginning lol. Quick read 4.5/5⭐️
July 30, 2023
Es un 2,5.
No ha sido un libro que haya dejado gran impacto en mí ya que he tenido que leer un par de reseñas para recordar bien toda la trama y lo leí hace menos de un mes.
Recuerdo que me entretuvo bastante y lo leí prácticamente del tirón en un solo día.
He de decir que no me gusta mucho cuando en los romances de embarazo accidental los protagonistas son tan jóvenes y aun están en la universidad. Los prefiero cuando ambos son adultos independientes y con la estabilidad suficiente como para proporcionar una buena vida al bebé.
Algo que tampoco me ha encantado es todo el problema/maldición que obsesiona al protagonista, me ha parecido bastante inmaduro (¿por qué no va a terapia ni intenta solucionarlo de alguna forma?) y la forma en la que se soluciona ha sido bastante decepcionante.
Lo que mas me ha gustado es el final y el epílogo extra que viene con el libro. No sé si leeré los demás de la saga, quizás en un futuro.
No ha sido un libro que haya dejado gran impacto en mí ya que he tenido que leer un par de reseñas para recordar bien toda la trama y lo leí hace menos de un mes.
Recuerdo que me entretuvo bastante y lo leí prácticamente del tirón en un solo día.
He de decir que no me gusta mucho cuando en los romances de embarazo accidental los protagonistas son tan jóvenes y aun están en la universidad. Los prefiero cuando ambos son adultos independientes y con la estabilidad suficiente como para proporcionar una buena vida al bebé.
Algo que tampoco me ha encantado es todo el problema/maldición que obsesiona al protagonista, me ha parecido bastante inmaduro (¿por qué no va a terapia ni intenta solucionarlo de alguna forma?) y la forma en la que se soluciona ha sido bastante decepcionante.
Lo que mas me ha gustado es el final y el epílogo extra que viene con el libro. No sé si leeré los demás de la saga, quizás en un futuro.
June 1, 2022
So beautiful, I'm in love!
Rosie Birch's laugh-out-loud college sports romance really is much more than just a funny, sweet little story as I expected going in. This was the first book I read from her, and I know many more will follow in the future.
In 'Not Rowing To Lie', we meet rower Reneé and the aspiring NHL hockey star Jesse. What started out as a meaningless one-night-stand turns into something far more complicated when Reneé finds out that the steamy memories aren't all Jesse managed to leave inside of her in their one night together... (We understand each other, right? 😉😏)
By the way, can I just applaud Rosie Birch for writing a character who, for once, just goes ahead and tells the man he knocked her up instead of keeping it a huge secret for half of the book? Because, as fun as secret baby romances are, I really appreciate this adult approach of the situation.
So, having said that, we move on to Jesse. He's just such a lovable, sort of naive dork, it's impossible not to love him. Even if he's got his image as the super cool, super hot 'one and done' womaniser to protect, we're already introduced to him as much more than that. A super cool, super hot one and done womaniser who's scared of corpses. So scared, he can't even watch Game Of Thrones. Yep, he's definitely cursed. 😂
And the curse he believes he has must probably be the most charming thing about him, too. In fact, while I didn't expect this story to turn into a dark sci-fi horror story where the couple has to go back in time and kill a demon from the underworld to free Jesse from his curse, it did keep me at the edge of my seat, always waiting to see the curse strike again. But at the same time, it warmed my heart to see him so naively believing he was cursed. In some really 'faffed-up' way, it was just adorable.
And it led to the one scene in the book where two completely different characters completely stole the show for me. If you read it, watch out for Cheryl and Terry. That concluding conversation between them and Jesse at the end... Oh my, I was crying! And I certainly didn't expect to be crying while reading a laugh-out-loud romance. But these two people... They really stole the show for me. They're amazing.
So, to make a long story short, the characters in this romance are just so heartwarming, lovable and funny. It was hard to put the book down because I kept wanting more from the sweet love I could watch unfold between Jesse and Reneé. Truth be told, I just wanted more Jesse, too. Not sure if he's more book boyfriend material or waking up my motherly instincts, but I just want to cuddle the 'snickerdoodles' out of him. 😂❤️ (Reneé doesn't swear, I stole her curse words for this review).
So, overall, great story, great characters, great writing. It definitely leaves me wanting more from this author!
Rosie Birch's laugh-out-loud college sports romance really is much more than just a funny, sweet little story as I expected going in. This was the first book I read from her, and I know many more will follow in the future.
In 'Not Rowing To Lie', we meet rower Reneé and the aspiring NHL hockey star Jesse. What started out as a meaningless one-night-stand turns into something far more complicated when Reneé finds out that the steamy memories aren't all Jesse managed to leave inside of her in their one night together... (We understand each other, right? 😉😏)
By the way, can I just applaud Rosie Birch for writing a character who, for once, just goes ahead and tells the man he knocked her up instead of keeping it a huge secret for half of the book? Because, as fun as secret baby romances are, I really appreciate this adult approach of the situation.
So, having said that, we move on to Jesse. He's just such a lovable, sort of naive dork, it's impossible not to love him. Even if he's got his image as the super cool, super hot 'one and done' womaniser to protect, we're already introduced to him as much more than that. A super cool, super hot one and done womaniser who's scared of corpses. So scared, he can't even watch Game Of Thrones. Yep, he's definitely cursed. 😂
And the curse he believes he has must probably be the most charming thing about him, too. In fact, while I didn't expect this story to turn into a dark sci-fi horror story where the couple has to go back in time and kill a demon from the underworld to free Jesse from his curse, it did keep me at the edge of my seat, always waiting to see the curse strike again. But at the same time, it warmed my heart to see him so naively believing he was cursed. In some really 'faffed-up' way, it was just adorable.
And it led to the one scene in the book where two completely different characters completely stole the show for me. If you read it, watch out for Cheryl and Terry. That concluding conversation between them and Jesse at the end... Oh my, I was crying! And I certainly didn't expect to be crying while reading a laugh-out-loud romance. But these two people... They really stole the show for me. They're amazing.
So, to make a long story short, the characters in this romance are just so heartwarming, lovable and funny. It was hard to put the book down because I kept wanting more from the sweet love I could watch unfold between Jesse and Reneé. Truth be told, I just wanted more Jesse, too. Not sure if he's more book boyfriend material or waking up my motherly instincts, but I just want to cuddle the 'snickerdoodles' out of him. 😂❤️ (Reneé doesn't swear, I stole her curse words for this review).
So, overall, great story, great characters, great writing. It definitely leaves me wanting more from this author!
June 27, 2022
This is the second installment in Rosie Birch's Castoria U series and it is a fun and sweet romance that quickly swept me up into the story. This one night stand turned surprise baby romance was just so charming and easily romantic that put a smile on my face. Birch's writing has a conversational tone that is easily accessible, her characters are crafted with care in their moments of hardship, and the situations really revolve around the development of trust between the hero and heroine.
Renee, a rower, and Jesse, a star-hockey player, spend one night of passion together and expect never to see the other again. But four months later when Renee finds herself pregnant with Jesse's baby (he is the only person she has been with) she finds her world turned upside down and now she has some choices to make about the current relationship she is in, and what she wants for her future. Jesse must also make some tough decisions around what his heart can handle.
I love the quiet and understanding way that Birch creates this surprise pregnancy romance. Both Renee and Jesse easily accept the truth in the situation, and they calmly think about what is the best steps for them going forward. I love that Jesse, even though he is hesitate to truly embrace fatherhood, based off of past tragedies, he instinctively wants to care for both Renee and his baby. I love that their relationship is able to grow out of a building friendship before they pursue a more romantic understanding. Even though these two are both in college they really look at this new chapter in live with a gravity of understanding of how their lives are going to change. I love that Renee and Jesse become safe places and support for the other and that they are able to easily grow a family with each other. I love that their friendship easily grows into a steamy relationship of trust and understanding and that even though they find themselves in moments of decisions they are able to rationally process past anger into care and love.
This was just a really lovely second novel from Rosie Birch, I was charmed and entertained and I am looking forward to continuing to watch Rosie's craft grow and develop!
Content Notes: cancer death of a high schooler, talk of past miscarriage, controlling boyfriend
Thank you so much to Rosie Birch for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Renee, a rower, and Jesse, a star-hockey player, spend one night of passion together and expect never to see the other again. But four months later when Renee finds herself pregnant with Jesse's baby (he is the only person she has been with) she finds her world turned upside down and now she has some choices to make about the current relationship she is in, and what she wants for her future. Jesse must also make some tough decisions around what his heart can handle.
I love the quiet and understanding way that Birch creates this surprise pregnancy romance. Both Renee and Jesse easily accept the truth in the situation, and they calmly think about what is the best steps for them going forward. I love that Jesse, even though he is hesitate to truly embrace fatherhood, based off of past tragedies, he instinctively wants to care for both Renee and his baby. I love that their relationship is able to grow out of a building friendship before they pursue a more romantic understanding. Even though these two are both in college they really look at this new chapter in live with a gravity of understanding of how their lives are going to change. I love that Renee and Jesse become safe places and support for the other and that they are able to easily grow a family with each other. I love that their friendship easily grows into a steamy relationship of trust and understanding and that even though they find themselves in moments of decisions they are able to rationally process past anger into care and love.
This was just a really lovely second novel from Rosie Birch, I was charmed and entertained and I am looking forward to continuing to watch Rosie's craft grow and develop!
Content Notes: cancer death of a high schooler, talk of past miscarriage, controlling boyfriend
Thank you so much to Rosie Birch for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 8, 2022
Read this if you:
*Enjoy college sports romance novels
*Like unexpected pregnancy tropes
*Adore a strong female protagonist with strong beliefs
Synopsis: When Star-hockey player Jesse Tremblay meets Rowing team member Renee Barnes at a murder mystery party sparks immediately fly. Sick of her goody two shoe behaviors Renee determines being naughty for a few hours couldn’t hurt anyone. Sampling Jesse’s signature on one-night stands leaves her regretting nothing. Jesse leaves Renee with more than just fun memories.
Reader’s Thoughts: Not Rowing to Lie written by Rosie Birch is my utmost favorite book read so far this month. The cute moments with their creative swearing and banter along with all the sweet endearments had me swooning over the relationship that Renee and Jesse formed. Despite the “Tremblay curse”, Jesse wanted to be a good supportive father and partner to Renee. The spicy scenes throughout could be intense at moments but were not the focus of the book, which I thoroughly enjoyed. There were some side characters throughout that added to the story however the focus was on Renee and Jesse which I also liked.
Not Rowing to Lie is the second book in the Castoria U series which I had not known at the time of starting this book. Never once did I feel out of place or as if I was missing out on any details. This could easily be read as a standalone. However, now that I know Rosie Birch has more to offer I will DEFFINETELY be checking out Rowing Stead which is the first in this series.
Favorite Quote: “No beaver left behind” and “I’m a papa beaver, throwing myself down an embankment to save my squishy, furry kid.”
Trigger Warnings: Death from cancer
Available Now! I highly recommend this book; you won’t regret getting your hands on the Castoria U Series!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you, @katieandbreypa and @rosiebirchromance for providing me with a complimentary review copy. In no way has that influenced my voluntary review.
*Enjoy college sports romance novels
*Like unexpected pregnancy tropes
*Adore a strong female protagonist with strong beliefs
Synopsis: When Star-hockey player Jesse Tremblay meets Rowing team member Renee Barnes at a murder mystery party sparks immediately fly. Sick of her goody two shoe behaviors Renee determines being naughty for a few hours couldn’t hurt anyone. Sampling Jesse’s signature on one-night stands leaves her regretting nothing. Jesse leaves Renee with more than just fun memories.
Reader’s Thoughts: Not Rowing to Lie written by Rosie Birch is my utmost favorite book read so far this month. The cute moments with their creative swearing and banter along with all the sweet endearments had me swooning over the relationship that Renee and Jesse formed. Despite the “Tremblay curse”, Jesse wanted to be a good supportive father and partner to Renee. The spicy scenes throughout could be intense at moments but were not the focus of the book, which I thoroughly enjoyed. There were some side characters throughout that added to the story however the focus was on Renee and Jesse which I also liked.
Not Rowing to Lie is the second book in the Castoria U series which I had not known at the time of starting this book. Never once did I feel out of place or as if I was missing out on any details. This could easily be read as a standalone. However, now that I know Rosie Birch has more to offer I will DEFFINETELY be checking out Rowing Stead which is the first in this series.
Favorite Quote: “No beaver left behind” and “I’m a papa beaver, throwing myself down an embankment to save my squishy, furry kid.”
Trigger Warnings: Death from cancer
Available Now! I highly recommend this book; you won’t regret getting your hands on the Castoria U Series!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you, @katieandbreypa and @rosiebirchromance for providing me with a complimentary review copy. In no way has that influenced my voluntary review.
September 21, 2022
⚜️ Book Title - Not Rowing To Lie
⚜️ Author - Rosie Birch
⚜️ Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚜️ Some Genre/Themes/Tropes: Adult Fiction, sports romance, accidental pregnancy and forced proximity.
🏒Synopsis🏒
A murder mystery party gone wrong. A jock with a crochet problem. Beaver wars. And the Tremblay curse....
Renee Barnes can’t lie. So when star-hockey player, Jesse Tremblay, invites her to sample his signature one-night-stand, she can’t deny her curiosity: What would it be like to not be the good girl for a few hours?
But it turns out Jesse leaves her with a lot more than fun memories.
Armed with half a degree, a new boyfriend who is good on paper but refuses to show her how he is between the sheets, a failed rowing career, and a baby on the way, Renee faces a choice: Hide the truth (hard to do when you physically can’t lie), or walk away from the perfect life she’s built.
The one person she has to tell is the father, but it’s’ getting harder and harder to explain why Jesse keeps showing up in her kitchen, walking her to class, and protecting her from a beaver army.
Or why she likes that so much.
🏒Review🏒
I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This is my honest review.
So I enjoy sports romance but not much of a fan of the surprise pregnancy trope, which was stated in the synopsis so that one’s on me… I still decided to give it a try and cringed trying to get through this…
Renee (FMC) was okay, but I found it difficult to like Jesse (MMC). It was his yo-yo 🪀 behaviour towards Renee and the pregnancy. Like yer, you have some issues to deal with but don’t mess with a pregnant woman’s emotions. Pregnancy is hard enough….
I want to say thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC.
⚜️ Author - Rosie Birch
⚜️ Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚜️ Some Genre/Themes/Tropes: Adult Fiction, sports romance, accidental pregnancy and forced proximity.
🏒Synopsis🏒
A murder mystery party gone wrong. A jock with a crochet problem. Beaver wars. And the Tremblay curse....
Renee Barnes can’t lie. So when star-hockey player, Jesse Tremblay, invites her to sample his signature one-night-stand, she can’t deny her curiosity: What would it be like to not be the good girl for a few hours?
But it turns out Jesse leaves her with a lot more than fun memories.
Armed with half a degree, a new boyfriend who is good on paper but refuses to show her how he is between the sheets, a failed rowing career, and a baby on the way, Renee faces a choice: Hide the truth (hard to do when you physically can’t lie), or walk away from the perfect life she’s built.
The one person she has to tell is the father, but it’s’ getting harder and harder to explain why Jesse keeps showing up in her kitchen, walking her to class, and protecting her from a beaver army.
Or why she likes that so much.
🏒Review🏒
I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This is my honest review.
So I enjoy sports romance but not much of a fan of the surprise pregnancy trope, which was stated in the synopsis so that one’s on me… I still decided to give it a try and cringed trying to get through this…
Renee (FMC) was okay, but I found it difficult to like Jesse (MMC). It was his yo-yo 🪀 behaviour towards Renee and the pregnancy. Like yer, you have some issues to deal with but don’t mess with a pregnant woman’s emotions. Pregnancy is hard enough….
I want to say thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC.
September 18, 2022
A solid 4.5. The two main characters become infuriating from time to time, and the ending was a bit lacking for me since it kind of skipped ahead and just wrapped things up. While I’m always for a HEA, it felt very rushed.
Jesse is an NHL prospect, living the life of player on and off the ice. Women get one chance with him and he moves on. He doesn’t feel he deserves love, not after his past. There’s quite a bit to unwrap there. That was another thing that made me sometimes despise him and want to smack him upside the head - how much he led things on, only to aggressively hold back. I get that college kids really don’t share a lot when it comes to emotion, but he was incredibly rough around the edges.
Renee seemingly grew up fairly sheltered. It does come a bit with small town territory though, and I can’t (as a small town gal myself) fault the author for that at all! She doesn’t curse, she keeps up her grades, she’s on the rowing team, and her life gets flipped upside down when she can’t lie at a murder-mystery party. There were times where we get her internal monologue, but she wouldn’t share her thoughts or feelings…however her character showed growth over the course of the book. She finally learned to stand up for herself and what she wants.
My sole wish is that we would have gotten a little bit more than the rushed pieces of Jesse’s past that we did…maybe a little bit more involvement from him emotionally? It just felt like it was finally out there and BAM, everything was great. No more problems.
Jesse is an NHL prospect, living the life of player on and off the ice. Women get one chance with him and he moves on. He doesn’t feel he deserves love, not after his past. There’s quite a bit to unwrap there. That was another thing that made me sometimes despise him and want to smack him upside the head - how much he led things on, only to aggressively hold back. I get that college kids really don’t share a lot when it comes to emotion, but he was incredibly rough around the edges.
Renee seemingly grew up fairly sheltered. It does come a bit with small town territory though, and I can’t (as a small town gal myself) fault the author for that at all! She doesn’t curse, she keeps up her grades, she’s on the rowing team, and her life gets flipped upside down when she can’t lie at a murder-mystery party. There were times where we get her internal monologue, but she wouldn’t share her thoughts or feelings…however her character showed growth over the course of the book. She finally learned to stand up for herself and what she wants.
My sole wish is that we would have gotten a little bit more than the rushed pieces of Jesse’s past that we did…maybe a little bit more involvement from him emotionally? It just felt like it was finally out there and BAM, everything was great. No more problems.
August 4, 2022
Jesse has a well earned reputation as a college hockey player and when he meets Renee at a mystery party there both trying to escape for different reasons Renee can't lie it makes her ill just trying and Jesse hates dead bodies even fake ones they freak him out. So they help each other and after the party Jesse offers what he offers to every girl one night no repeats but this night was different now Renee will have to rethink her goals for college and her career choice. Jesse his hockey career is in trouble if he doesn't get his head on write that's it he can kiss his hockey dream of the NHL good by but he's still thinking about that girl Renee. But what he doesn't know is she's looking for him he's about to find out when you don't want love because it hurts to much and your afraid of life and commitment you get a baby suprise and maybe the girl too. Renee has a perfectly good if boring new boyfriend and surprise she finds out she's pregnant and Jesse she has to tell the world's biggest player he's going to be a dad and her momma if she finds out it's back to a small town and one over bearing momma bear she has to figure things out before dealing with that drama. This is sweet and funny sports romance with a hockey player dealing with allot of past issues and a smart girl trying to be independent and do things herself when what they both need is each other.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
June 29, 2022
I recently read Rowing Steady by Rosie Birch, so I was definitely curious to see how this one went down and I have to say I was thrilled to read this one.
There were definitely fewer beaver jokes, but still enough to know we were at Castoria, and the story focused less on the rowing team. But overall, it was definitely what I was expecting and more.
This novel had a solid opening which drew me in immediately and had me saying “just one more chapter” for several chapters past bedtime. I thought the reason for Jesse’s actions was beautifully complex as he struggled to rectify his past, present, and future as it related to his goals and aspirations.
I also loved Renee’s firm resolve in what she wanted and her ability to work for it! She’s definitely not going to sit back and wait for things to come to her, even if she does occasionally need a nudge from Jesse to remind her of who she is and what she’s capable of.
There were so many cute moments in this book that I couldn’t even pick one favourite, but their text conversations were definitely up there.
I loved watching these two fumble through life together, and I was so happy to see them get an ending they deserved. I can’t wait to read the next one.
I received an advance copy of this title. I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
There were definitely fewer beaver jokes, but still enough to know we were at Castoria, and the story focused less on the rowing team. But overall, it was definitely what I was expecting and more.
This novel had a solid opening which drew me in immediately and had me saying “just one more chapter” for several chapters past bedtime. I thought the reason for Jesse’s actions was beautifully complex as he struggled to rectify his past, present, and future as it related to his goals and aspirations.
I also loved Renee’s firm resolve in what she wanted and her ability to work for it! She’s definitely not going to sit back and wait for things to come to her, even if she does occasionally need a nudge from Jesse to remind her of who she is and what she’s capable of.
There were so many cute moments in this book that I couldn’t even pick one favourite, but their text conversations were definitely up there.
I loved watching these two fumble through life together, and I was so happy to see them get an ending they deserved. I can’t wait to read the next one.
I received an advance copy of this title. I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
June 11, 2022
ARC Review. Release date June 30
I liked this one a lot. College sports romance. This is an emotional read and very fast-paced.
This was my first book by Rosie Birch and I will definitely be reading more.
Renne and Jesse meet at a murder mystery party. She’s sick over lying even if it’s acting for her part in the game and he is terrified of the “dead body”, it doesn’t matter that it’s a mannequin.
They quickly form a pact. He will lie for her and she will block the “body” they manage to get through the party.
Jesse is a hockey jock with one rule. Only one night and absolutely no girlfriends, so when he meets sweet innocent Renee he offers her one night. She accepts.
When she finds out she’s pregnant she knows she needs to have a plan or her mother will drag her back home. She had a new perfectly nice boyfriend, even if he’s lacking, she’s almost completed her degree now she just has to tell the father.
Jesse is dealing with a lot of past trauma and there’s a reason he only does one night. He’s focused on his hockey career and making it to the NHL. This will completely derail his carefully laid plan. Will he be able to let her go?
I liked this one a lot. College sports romance. This is an emotional read and very fast-paced.
This was my first book by Rosie Birch and I will definitely be reading more.
Renne and Jesse meet at a murder mystery party. She’s sick over lying even if it’s acting for her part in the game and he is terrified of the “dead body”, it doesn’t matter that it’s a mannequin.
They quickly form a pact. He will lie for her and she will block the “body” they manage to get through the party.
Jesse is a hockey jock with one rule. Only one night and absolutely no girlfriends, so when he meets sweet innocent Renee he offers her one night. She accepts.
When she finds out she’s pregnant she knows she needs to have a plan or her mother will drag her back home. She had a new perfectly nice boyfriend, even if he’s lacking, she’s almost completed her degree now she just has to tell the father.
Jesse is dealing with a lot of past trauma and there’s a reason he only does one night. He’s focused on his hockey career and making it to the NHL. This will completely derail his carefully laid plan. Will he be able to let her go?
August 10, 2022
Thank you to Rosie Birch's team for providing me with this ARC.
Not Rowing to Lie is a Surprise Pregnancy and College Sports Romance.
The book starts with a humorous and steamy meet cute between
Renee and Jesse. Renee is on the Rowing team and Jesse is a Hockey star on track to the NHL.
Right away you get a feel for their personalities and a preview of their dynamic. Plus a look at their sexual chemistry.
I am happy that Renee is up front with Jesse about the Pregnancy right away and that Jesse does his best to step up immediately, despite his own hang ups with father figures.
I appreciated how Jesse's storyline shows how you were brought up can affect your thoughts and relationship with becoming a parent.
Like in Rowing Steady, the first in the Castoria U series, this one has a good mixture of humor, emotion, and sexy moments.
I enjoyed this book and feel like this series is a great Summer read. Both Not Rowing to Lie and Rowing Steady are available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited
Not Rowing to Lie is a Surprise Pregnancy and College Sports Romance.
The book starts with a humorous and steamy meet cute between
Renee and Jesse. Renee is on the Rowing team and Jesse is a Hockey star on track to the NHL.
Right away you get a feel for their personalities and a preview of their dynamic. Plus a look at their sexual chemistry.
I am happy that Renee is up front with Jesse about the Pregnancy right away and that Jesse does his best to step up immediately, despite his own hang ups with father figures.
I appreciated how Jesse's storyline shows how you were brought up can affect your thoughts and relationship with becoming a parent.
Like in Rowing Steady, the first in the Castoria U series, this one has a good mixture of humor, emotion, and sexy moments.
I enjoyed this book and feel like this series is a great Summer read. Both Not Rowing to Lie and Rowing Steady are available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited
September 15, 2022
✳ Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟✨ (4.25)
✳ Review:
. A sports romance between a Ice Hockey forward, a guy who's afraid of "dead bodies", "do crochet in anxiety" And a Sculler, a girl who "don't swear, don't lie and don't say no".
. This book also has Insta attraction should I say, cause the guy's thoughts just right after meeting the girl is "how warm and strong and home her body feels tucked up against mine." and lets not forget it also has accidental pregnancy trope too.
And all of these are the things that I don't like in my book. But let me tell you, for this book, this book only all my irritation take the backseat and I enjoy it so much.
Cause the author's writing makes it more interesting with the development of the characters, their own journey and also their relationship, romance is so sweet that keeps me going.
. Overall this is genuinely a great book and would definitely recommend even if you hate those tropes. Just give it a try and you'll also love/like the characters.
✳ Review:
. A sports romance between a Ice Hockey forward, a guy who's afraid of "dead bodies", "do crochet in anxiety" And a Sculler, a girl who "don't swear, don't lie and don't say no".
. This book also has Insta attraction should I say, cause the guy's thoughts just right after meeting the girl is "how warm and strong and home her body feels tucked up against mine." and lets not forget it also has accidental pregnancy trope too.
And all of these are the things that I don't like in my book. But let me tell you, for this book, this book only all my irritation take the backseat and I enjoy it so much.
Cause the author's writing makes it more interesting with the development of the characters, their own journey and also their relationship, romance is so sweet that keeps me going.
. Overall this is genuinely a great book and would definitely recommend even if you hate those tropes. Just give it a try and you'll also love/like the characters.
June 12, 2022
4.5⭐️
I’m not usually into unexpected pregnancy books, but this whole story is SO heartwarming. Jesse is a classic womanizing hockey player; he has isolated himself out of fear of losing people. Renee is just trying to find her place and make those around her happy.
Issues aside, Jesse is so selfless. It’s always refreshing to see a man step up when they become aware of these situations. He almost lost my supposed when he said told his agent about Renee at the end, but he earned my trust back.
I know she means well, but I HATE Renee’s mom. I understand wanting what’s best for your child but she’s domineering and doesn’t even want to hear what Renee has to say. Also fuck Stephen 👎🏼👎🏼👎🏼
I hope we’ll get a story about Lauren and her new man?!??? She’s such an interesting character and I want to get inside her head ❤️❤️
I’m not usually into unexpected pregnancy books, but this whole story is SO heartwarming. Jesse is a classic womanizing hockey player; he has isolated himself out of fear of losing people. Renee is just trying to find her place and make those around her happy.
Issues aside, Jesse is so selfless. It’s always refreshing to see a man step up when they become aware of these situations. He almost lost my supposed when he said told his agent about Renee at the end, but he earned my trust back.
I know she means well, but I HATE Renee’s mom. I understand wanting what’s best for your child but she’s domineering and doesn’t even want to hear what Renee has to say. Also fuck Stephen 👎🏼👎🏼👎🏼
I hope we’ll get a story about Lauren and her new man?!??? She’s such an interesting character and I want to get inside her head ❤️❤️
August 19, 2022
This is the first book that I’ve read by this author and I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. Needless to say I was blown away! The writing was on point, the storyline was original, and the characters had me captivated!
From grinning like a goofball, fanning myself, wiping away tears, and smiling with satisfaction, this book brought on a range of emotions. There was something so perfect about Renee and Jesse together. The chemistry between them was like a live wire, and I could get enough.
My only critique is that I would have liked to know more about Jesse’s dad and their relationship, otherwise this gem of a book was perfection!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
From grinning like a goofball, fanning myself, wiping away tears, and smiling with satisfaction, this book brought on a range of emotions. There was something so perfect about Renee and Jesse together. The chemistry between them was like a live wire, and I could get enough.
My only critique is that I would have liked to know more about Jesse’s dad and their relationship, otherwise this gem of a book was perfection!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 11, 2022
💕College sports Romance
💕Small-town romance feel
💕Unexpected pregnancy
💕Super fast read!
This is a sweet college/sports romance; adorable in the way where the FMC is unable to tell a lie or swear. It’s a very easy, quick read and so sweet. I got sucked in right from the beginning.
It opens up with a murder mystery party and a super spicy scene in the first few pages, so what’s not to love!? Renee is on the Rowing team, and Jesse is a Hockey player. I do wish the pace slowed down in a few spots, I would’ve loved some more details and dialogue. Just as I was falling in love with the characters the book was ending! But overall, I really enjoyed it, and would absolutely read a follow up by this author!
Thank you @rosiebirchromance and @katieandbreypa for this ARC!
💕Small-town romance feel
💕Unexpected pregnancy
💕Super fast read!
This is a sweet college/sports romance; adorable in the way where the FMC is unable to tell a lie or swear. It’s a very easy, quick read and so sweet. I got sucked in right from the beginning.
It opens up with a murder mystery party and a super spicy scene in the first few pages, so what’s not to love!? Renee is on the Rowing team, and Jesse is a Hockey player. I do wish the pace slowed down in a few spots, I would’ve loved some more details and dialogue. Just as I was falling in love with the characters the book was ending! But overall, I really enjoyed it, and would absolutely read a follow up by this author!
Thank you @rosiebirchromance and @katieandbreypa for this ARC!
September 16, 2022
If you enjoy surprise pregnancy and college sports romance tropes, then this book is for you. Jesse has a reputation for being a womanizer on campus. He's a hockey star who is well on his way to playing for the NHL. Renee is a sweet girl. She's on the rowing team and always making sure everyone around her is happy. When Renee and Jesse meet at a murder mystery party, they end up forming a pact due to the things happening around them that make them uncomfortable. At the end of the night, Jesse offers Renee one night, nothing more. But one night isn't all it will end up being. When Renee finds out she is pregnant, she must figure out a game plan before her mom drags her back home (I hated her mom btw). I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was a great book to curl up and get lost in.
July 1, 2022
3.5 ⭐️ ARC review.
Cute and fast paced college/sports romance. I have mixed feelings when it comes to the book itself, there were parts I loved, like Jesse’s attentiveness and how well him and Renee got along and parts I didn’t love so much, mainly how sometimes the characters felt a bit immature. However they are 19/20 years old so I’m keeping that in mind also.
Overall, considering I’m not usually the biggest fan of pregnancy books I really enjoyed this book once I got to about chapter 5! This was my first Rosie Birch book and I can’t wait to read more :)
Hoping we will get to see more of Lauren and Kent soon ;)
Cute and fast paced college/sports romance. I have mixed feelings when it comes to the book itself, there were parts I loved, like Jesse’s attentiveness and how well him and Renee got along and parts I didn’t love so much, mainly how sometimes the characters felt a bit immature. However they are 19/20 years old so I’m keeping that in mind also.
Overall, considering I’m not usually the biggest fan of pregnancy books I really enjoyed this book once I got to about chapter 5! This was my first Rosie Birch book and I can’t wait to read more :)
Hoping we will get to see more of Lauren and Kent soon ;)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2022
I am a sucker for an unexpected pregnancy trope, and this book delivered.
Jesse is our cliche sports hot shot. Everyone loves him, and he loves everyone - at least for one night.
Renee has her life on a fairly straight forward path involving the rowing team. Well, that is until she meets Jesse at a murder mystery party.
It only takes one time and Renee finds herself pregnant with task of telling the lady’s man father, Jesse. Will she be able to work up the courage, or will she have to leave school and be a single parent while Jesse continues on to accomplishment all of his dreams?
Could not recommend this one enough. I loved it!
Jesse is our cliche sports hot shot. Everyone loves him, and he loves everyone - at least for one night.
Renee has her life on a fairly straight forward path involving the rowing team. Well, that is until she meets Jesse at a murder mystery party.
It only takes one time and Renee finds herself pregnant with task of telling the lady’s man father, Jesse. Will she be able to work up the courage, or will she have to leave school and be a single parent while Jesse continues on to accomplishment all of his dreams?
Could not recommend this one enough. I loved it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2023
Romance
Unexpected pregnancy
College Sports Romance
Unexpected, entertaining and incredibly sweet!
Despite having a boisterous (and unbelievably cute) 5-year-old, I don't tend to read many books with an unexpected pregnancy trope, so Not Rowing to Lie was a lovely surprise!
The chemistry between Renee and Jesse was so sweet from the very beginning and they both ended up being such adorable characters.
This was a short but sweet read that I'd highly recommend for those who enjoy college sports and a heaping of romance!
Unexpected pregnancy
College Sports Romance
Unexpected, entertaining and incredibly sweet!
Despite having a boisterous (and unbelievably cute) 5-year-old, I don't tend to read many books with an unexpected pregnancy trope, so Not Rowing to Lie was a lovely surprise!
The chemistry between Renee and Jesse was so sweet from the very beginning and they both ended up being such adorable characters.
This was a short but sweet read that I'd highly recommend for those who enjoy college sports and a heaping of romance!
September 10, 2022
I'll be honest I was in this for the hockey player, because who doesn't love a good hockey player? I didn't think I'd like the accidental pregnancy, but I did and with this book it worked so well especially as an eye opener to Jesse. This was so cute to read and like I said I love a good hockey player but I love Renee more she's strong and an absolute cutie! A nice feel good story to start the weekend!
July 2, 2022
I LOVED this story so much!!! From not being able to lie, afraid of dead corpses, to beavers! Who can forget the beavers?! NO BEAVER IS LEFT BEHIND! This romcom was everything and definitely one of my top reads this year. This was my first book from this author but I promise it will not be my last.
September 17, 2022
An enjoyable college sports romance. A quick read with fun characters that are easy to get to know and have a definite connection between them. A college romance story line isn't my usual go to but decided to give this one a try. Add in a surprise pregnancy and you have a book that's hard to put down at times.
I received an advance copy of this book to leave a review.
I received an advance copy of this book to leave a review.
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