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Paint by Numbers #2

Two Strangers

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“We’re trading you.”

Growing up, I always heard the saying…you know the one…sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me. Something along those lines. You get the drift.
Well, I’m calling that bluff. Because those three words, they have the ability to turn my entire world upside down. They could mean the difference between life and death. Literally.

How far would you go to care for someone you love?

Sophie Robinson is an attorney. She’s a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, loves laminating and she wears her over dramatic glasses like the boss she is. She’s nothing like the women I usually meet. And until about six hours ago, I’d never seen her before.
According to Sophie, and a far-fetched loophole in my contract, I’ve got a little more than twenty-four hours to find a wife and protest my trade. My career, but more importantly, my future, rests in the hands of a total stranger.

The clock is ticking. I’ve got to convince a woman I’ve never met before to be my wife. She doesn’t even seem to like me very much, which is weird. Women usually love me.
I don’t want just any woman, though. I want this one. And I don’t even know why.
Go big or go home. It’s a motto that I’ve lived by my entire life.

I’m about to throw a Hail Mary and pray to God she knows how to catch.

Copyright © 2022 by Nicole Dixon - All Rights Reserved
Lucky Thirteen Publishing, LLC

350 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2022

29 people are currently reading
847 people want to read

About the author

Nicole Dixon

13 books89 followers
Nicole Dixon is a Forensic Accountant with an affinity for writing sexy novels. She loves data, coffee, travel, and making sure all the voices in her head get the happily ever after they deserve. She made the decision to begin publishing her work in an effort to teach her children to never give up on their dreams, nothing is impossible.

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @nicoledixonauthor

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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Melissa McGovern.
141 reviews14 followers
September 29, 2022
ARC review

She did it again, folks. Another - slam dunk, or should I say touchdown…

Sophie and Tripp:
football romance
fake marriage
one bed
“good girl”

Sophie is a beyond intelligent lawyer. She loves lists, laminating her lists, and crossing things off of her lists. She also has a glasses collection that will put anyone to shame. Girl loves to match her frames to her ‘fit. Did I mention she had four super protective brothers too?

Tripp is a pro football player, key world player, he has never, ever, EVER, wanted to settle down. His game and his bros are the most important thing in his life - well except his mama. His relationship with his mom is so heartwarming…I won’t spoil any of the specifics but she’s his world.

After getting a little too rowdy Tripp finds himself in a position to be traded to a new team…across the country. This cannot happen - and he must do anything possible to stop it. A quick phone call to find his lawyer, Tyler, and before he knows it he’s busting into the restaurant he’s at trying to find some way to stop the trade. Tyler just happens to be having dinner with his best friends who are ironically mostly lawyers as well - and freaking hilarious - the banter... There must a loophole in the contract and if anyone can find it this crew can. Sophie ends up being the one to find the loophole…dun, dun, dun, dun …but it’s only a thirty day contract. And it has rules, laminated rules, like NO catching feelings…should be easy right. Find out for yourself 10/22 on KU.



Profile Image for Adrianna.
454 reviews6 followers
November 5, 2022
ARC review

It came as no shock to me that I devoured this book. I loved Sophie from One Night and I couldn’t wait to read her story. Like in previous books I love that we got a glimpse into past characters, I mean Marlie and Sam are still major goals. I loved Tripp almost instantly, his character throughout was just perfect and the lengths he was willing to go for his family made him swoony. Sophie’s quirky personality and dedication made her the perfect match for Tripp. The introduction to her family has me wanting their stories like yesterday (Insert grabby hands here). Overall this was the perfect mix of everything I love in a romcom and I can not wait for the next!


Sophie is reaping the rewards of her hard work. She’s through law school and opened her own practice. Everything is going to her perfectly laminated plan. When her college best friends convince her to take a business trip with them to Vegas she jumps at the opportunity. Packing her vintage luggage and set of aesthetically pleasing glasses she’s on her way.

After convincing her to go have a stereotypical night out in Vegas her friend bringing work along with him isn’t really a shock. Now diving deep into a contract to find a loophole is her kind of night.

Tripp has spent years establishing a reputation as a playboy, arrogant quarterback for the NFL He spends all his time and energy making sure he’s at the top of his game. It’s his top priority, after all he needs it to take care of the family he loves. When everything he has is threatened he will do anything to keep his position on the team. Even if they want nothing more than to trade him and be done with it.

When a unique loophole is found in his contract he knows he has to act fast. The only problem? He has to get married in less than 24 hours. Now he simply has to convince the nerdy but beautiful attorney he just met hours ago to help him.

Their rules are simple and fool proof and contractually binding. He learns that she is nothing like anyone he has ever met and quickly discovers he will do anything to keep the wife he never wanted.
Profile Image for Kristi Burgess.
9 reviews
October 23, 2022
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas… right?

Tripp Foster’s arrogant, bad boy image has landed him in the hot seat and is about to find himself traded to a different team. But that would be detrimental to himself and all he holds dear.

Enter Sophie Robinson- smart, sassy young attorney who has an affinity for historical romance, accessorizing her eyewear, and a knack for replacing curse words with different types of food. She alone has found the one possible saving grace to Tripp’s predicament. But it could change both their lives irrevocably… for better or for worse.

This book had me laughing, swooning, and holding my breath. I’d pay to see this story on the big screen one day!! Definitely a page turner!! You won’t be disappointed
Profile Image for Caity.
3 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2022
I have read every single one of Nicole Dixon’s books. Twice. Two Strangers is officially #2 of my favorites! (Until Death still has my heart!)

Football. Contracts. Napkins. Elvis.

Tripp and Sophie are too precious for words! Tripp is insanely charming, and Sophie’s quirkiness had me literally laughing out loud through the whole book. “What if he’s done a porn?!” The plot twist at the end?! I’m here for it.

The supporting characters were just as fantastic and lovable as the main characters! I love the Easter Eggs from both of Nicole’s other series (Carlton Harbor and Silent Hero).

This second book in the Paint by Numbers series has me so excited to see what’s to come!
Profile Image for Liane Cutts.
12 reviews
October 22, 2022
Nicole is definitely hitting her stride!!! This is next level and I loved every page ❣️❣️ Twists and swoony all the way to a happily ever after, can’t beat that right?!?
I want me a man like that girl 🔥❤️🔥
Profile Image for J Ryan.
348 reviews4 followers
November 18, 2022
Loved Tripp and Sophie

Still swooning over Tripp and Sophie! Their chemistry is scorchingly hot and intense and so much fun. There’s this incredible dynamic between them that’s sweet and sassy and the banter is absolute perfection!

“You, sir, are delicious.”

I love the layers these characters have. They’re beautifully flawed and endearing and they made my heart so full.

Nicole Dixon has created a world you’ll want to get lost in from the very first page. It’s a story that’s guaranteed to keep you smiling - I can’t wait for what’s to come!
Profile Image for Tiffany | bookshelf. at .tiffanys.
162 reviews18 followers
June 13, 2023
If you like sports romance, you're going to love this book!

Tripp is a pro football player and the quarterback at that. He's built. He's sexy... and he knows it. But commitment is not something that he's into. The only relationship with a woman that has ever mattered is his Momma, and he takes good care of her.

Sophie is a lawyer. She's a little nerdy and quirky. She likes lists and laminators. She has a fun pair of glasses for basically every outfit, and she does not take making decisions lightly.

Tripp finds himself on the verge of being traded by his current team after some behavior issues. The problem is that team is on the other side of country, and he refuses to let that happen. He makes a phone call to his lawyer, Tyler, and tracks him down to have a conversation. This conversation happens to take place with three of Tyler's best friends who are, ironically, all lawyers as well. All four lawyers review Tripps current contract to find any sort of loophole they can to keep Tripp on his current team. And who ends up finding a potential solution? None other than our girl, Sophie. And what is this loophole? Tripp needs to find himself a wife in the next 24 hours. And who might he have his eye on? You got it, the girl with the funky glasses that he just met.

And thus, "Trophie" is born. But this marriage is a contract between Sophie and Tripp. There are rules that must be followed. Tripp and Sophie both know the rules and they are simple and fool proof. But rules are meant to be broken...

Tripp. Foster. That's all you need to know about this book... Just kidding!

Nicole Dixon has done it again. I absolutely adored this book. I couldn't put it down. I devoured it in less than 24 hours. Tripp is the book boyfriend I need in my life. Sophie was so fun to read! I loved her quirkiness and her relationship with her brothers. I am a huge fan of sports romance and this one was right up my alley! I highly recommend this book. I loved the appearance of the characters from One Night showing up too!

I cannot wait for book 3!
Profile Image for Lindsey Riley.
431 reviews8 followers
October 25, 2023
I absolutely loved Trophie! Fake relationship or marriage of convenience is one of my favourite tropes and this one was perfect.
I usually love the heroines I read but I don’t fall in love with them…until now. I love everything about her. Sophie’s sass and her strength, her quirky style that is hers and she wears with confidence, her lists and her laminator, her not-so-colourful language and her intelligence. Nicole Dixon has written a wonderful heroine. Tripp is just…*swoon* *sigh* What everyone sees is not what Sophie gets. Tripp is romantic and makes thoughtful gestures (OMG I lost count of the number of times I melted into a puddle of goo), has a do-anything-and-everything-needed love for his family and a respect for her family. I fell in love. And gravy on a biscuit, is the steam and chemistry between these two burn-the-building-down hot!
I loved that I was surprised by some of the paths their relationship took. The epilogue was pure gold! I adore Sophie’s brothers and I loved that we saw more of the interesting dynamics between Casey and Tyler. Looking forward to more of the Painted Numbers series.
Profile Image for Casey | PageswithPasta.
185 reviews
September 29, 2022
🎨🏈 Touch Down, No Further Questions ⚖️🎨

Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Two Strangers, book 2 in the "Paint by Numbers" series ARC, by Nicole Dixon @nicoledixonauthor , is the greatest mix of funny, cute, sexy, spice, strength, and depth. I loved it from start to finish. Bonus points for a side character named Casey, even though I'm way more Sophie, and for a quote I felt in my soul.

Tripp is a pro football quarterback who is constantly in the media for more than his team's wins. When his exploits start to reflect poorly on the team Tripp is told he is going to be traded, however that CANNOT happen!
Thankfully while having dinner with his manager and friends, Sophie, a badass lawyer, finds a loophole. A marriage loophole, and guess who he's marrying?
Tripp and Sophie, or "Trophie", write up a contract: 1 month, no feelings, and compete Sophie's bucket list.

I love how strong and independent Nicole Dixon's female characters are and how alpha yet respectful her male characters are. Dixon writes Sophie in a way that she is able to be feel vulnerable without seeming weak and fragile without being dominated. At the same time Sophie can be "dominated" by Tripp's alpha male-ness without being seen as less than. Then Dixon flips things around and allows Sophie to be the dominate one without a power struggle because Tipp is written in such a well rounded and respectful way that is sexy as hell!
Read this! "Yes, sir" "Good girl"

Pass over the Lombardi Trophie! 😉
The final verdict: I need a Tripp

Thank you to Nicole Dixon for trusting me with this ARC! ❤️
Profile Image for Bonnie Ford.
214 reviews13 followers
March 17, 2023
Ohhhh boy, smokin’ hot football husband Tripp is definitely my new book boyfriend! He’s got a rock hard body he ain’t afraid to flaunt, but there is so much more to him. He’ll do anything for his family, and romance the hell out of Sophie. Sophie is such a nerd, I love her so much, with her matching glasses and laminated lists. She’s also a badass attorney with her own practice! Let’s not forget about her 4 brothers 😬😬. When Tripp and Sophie met, it was hilarious, I was seriously rolling, laughing so hard! So much heat between these two! 🔥🔥🔥 Trophie! Omg, they are perfect for each other! I love love love that Tripp loved all Sophie’s quirks, it’s makes you fall even more in love with him. Swoon. Plenty of spice and banter in this one made me devour it as fast as I could! Nicole Dixon writes THE best characters, they are sexy and sweet, serious and hilarious! Also definitely saying “fish sticks” next time I stub my toe… 😆

Some of my favorite quotes while reading:

“He deserved a side kick to the jolly ranchers.”

“I’m sorry. It’s just. I need bread. All the bread.” (Me too Soph, me too 😉)

“Eat.” “Chew.” “Good girl.” (So much hilarious context in this one)

“I have a wife. I have a wife, and she’s hot as fuck.”

“Take all my money, I’m a bad girl now.”

“Stealth mode activated.” (Bahahaha)

“Sweet tea and a biscuit, I’m going to pee my pants.”

“Is it laminated?”

“Good girl.”
Profile Image for Books N Coffee.
79 reviews2 followers
February 4, 2023
“Everyone knows that the minute you make a rule not to fall in love you are one hundred percent going to fall in love.”

Tripp is the best quarterback in the league. He’s also made a name for himself in the media and his team is over it. He needs a Hail Mary if he’s going to stop the trade his team has set in place.

Sophie is a successful lawyer with a laminator. She likes lists and follows the rules. Dare we say she may even be classified as boring to some.

When Tripp and Sophie meet there is this instant pull. Sophie sees something in him that makes her want to help him and he can’t help but feel calmed simply by her presence. They concoct a plan. Thirty days. Marriage. Bucket List. There are rules, so what could go wrong? Some rules are meant to be broken and I’m here for it all!!

Nicole has a way with characters. I was instantly drawn to Tripp and Sophie’s chemistry. I love when the guy falls hard after convincing himself he never will! I wanted more of their story and I hope I’ll get it not just in Casey’s story (hello, you’re not fooling anyone, Casey and Tyler) but also the Robinson brothers as well. I need more Silas, Riggs, Declan and Griffin. One Night by Nicole is Sam and Marlie’s story. Both their story and this are standalone with interconnected characters. You’ll want to get to know them as well! Nicole just does that to you.
Profile Image for Em Bee.
286 reviews2 followers
February 8, 2024
The premise was good but some copy editing would have done wonders for a lot of the grammar and word choice mistakes. Also, the ending felt very low-stakes? Everything felt very rushed. Lucy and his mom is the biggest part of Tripp’s life but Sophie meeting them felt like an afterthought. Everything that led up to the fake marriage was suddenly resolved in seconds at the end and basically felt like the marriage was never needed in the first place. Also, Sophie’s reaction just didn’t make sense. There was no indication of her not wanting to stay in San Diego until chapter twenty-six. All in all, the pacing could have been a lot better alongside the editing mistakes.

Also, and most importantly to me, that’s not how law school works. At all. It made me immediately suspicious of any and everything law related in the book. Research is necessary in writing and yet law school wasn’t researched at all. A Bachelor’s is required, then a JD. There is no “degree in corporate law”. There is only a doctorate in law (JD). You specialize via internships, clinics, and certificates. But no one puts “I got a JD in corporate law” on a resume. Instantly took me out of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Karrie.
61 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2022
This book is AMAZING! If you like sports romances, fake marriage, “good girl”, laugh out loud moments, and all the spice, then this is the romance book you have to read. It is pure perfection!

This story follows Tripp Foster and Sophie Robinson. Tripp is the best QB the NFL has ever seen. The only problem? He’s a partier known to get himself in to some trouble. And now? He’s being traded. In walks Tripp’s attorney and his best friend Sophie. Sophie is the only one who can help get Tripp out of this mess. The catch? They have to get married.

Y’all. Maybe it’s the Tennessee girl in me…or the teacher in me who loves a good laminator. But, I saw so much of myself in Sophie. I loved that she was such a badass, but not afraid to be vulnerable. And Tripp freaking Foster! If you look up “book boyfriend” in the dictionary, his name is right there. He was so attentive and knew Sophie better than she knew herself. Their chemistry was perfection.

Nicole Dixon has once again written a story with the most relatable characters that you can’t help but fall in love with.
494 reviews15 followers
September 30, 2022
What an awesome read and a page turner! I couldn’t get enough of Tripp and Sophie. Sophie is a lawyer, and Tripp is a football player. Tripp is not only a football player, but he's actually a quarterback. They meet when Tripp is about to be traded. When Sophie finds a loophole in his contract, well let’s just say, Tripp needs to get married. After some convincing and negotiating, Sophie agrees. What are the terms of this fake marriage. Wait til you find out. The banter these two share through out the book was not only hilarious but it made me want to keep reading. The chemistry between Sophie and Tripp is evident also. Will their time together actually turn into true feelings? Will Tripp still wind up being traded? How will their families react to them being together? I know I was cheering them on the whole way through. Both deserve to be happy even though this was a fake marriage. Could it turn into a real marriage and both of them settling down?
Profile Image for Tabitha Cagle.
268 reviews5 followers
March 22, 2023
I love reading fake marriage, bad boy/good girl tropes! Sophie is one of a kind. From her quirky style to her strong independent attitude. She has this quiet confidence that radiates between her and anyone she speaks to. I love her food curse words and her uncanny ability to read the people around her. Tripp shows the world this playboy, bad boy persona but he is anything but. I love how circumstances brought these two together. The way they hit it off, the way they banter between each other, and most definitely the way Soph laid him flat out with her super awesome karate skills. Sophie and Tripp faking a marriage to try and help Tripp not get traded wasn't what I loved most, it was Tripp falling first! I love when the guy falls first.

Anyway before I give away any spoilers I just want to say that again I loved how Nicole was able to keep the group of friends timeline on point, as well as give us a taste of what they are all going through without it taking over from Trophies story. I can’t wait to read the next one!
456 reviews
September 24, 2023
Cute read, minus the “sir”

I liked the premise of this story and all the characters. Tripp is a professional football player that falls out of favor with his team because of bad behavior. Sophie is a nerdy attorney that finds a loophole in Tripp’s contract with the team that necessitates marriage. This is a fresher version of the fake marriage trope and was a fun read. The only negative worth mentioning was the use of the word “sir”…which didn’t add to the story and just felt out of place. You will understand what I mean if you read the book.
4 reviews
January 29, 2023
Another amazing book. I have seen so many characters grow under the keyboard of this talented and growing author! I can’t wait for more. Great story lines, steamy romance, with humor and so much more! Keep the keyboard smoking Nichole I am excited to see the next page’s turn while I discover another love come to life.
Profile Image for LAJordan Leigh Ann .
840 reviews49 followers
February 13, 2023
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥

Steamy romcom perfection! Opposites attract & wow they’re hot—the ultimate banter! All the feels, great characters, and super interesting storyline! Fake dating, football player hero, lawyer heroine, teach me/good girl, & don’t fall in love! Best Super Bowl Sunday binge read I could’ve picked!
48 reviews1 follower
July 9, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! I won a Kindle version of this book through a GoodReads giveaway, and I'm so glad I did! The only thing preventing me from making this a five-star read is that some scenes I wanted to read happened off-page (such as Sophie meeting his mother). I would read Nicole Dixon again, as I am very interested in Casey's story!




Profile Image for Stephanies.books_.
617 reviews5 followers
April 2, 2023
Sweet

It was a cute read. Two strangers. One trying to help the other for unknown reasons at the time and another trying to stay for his family. A contract, a no falling in love rule. All equals a very interesting ride for the readers.
4,858 reviews10 followers
September 29, 2023
weirdly mesmerising

First time with this author and wasn’t sure at the start if I’d like, but our female lead blew me away with how fascinating she was. Plus her crazy friends and family. Very entertaining.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,577 reviews1 follower
October 9, 2023
I randomly came across the book and was pleasantly surprised by it. Its a fake relationship sports romance. The characters are relatable and the story is good with a logical progression. Of course there is some spice to it.
Profile Image for Mary Pruett.
18 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2023
So sweet but spicy!

I just love Nicole's books. She writes the most sweet and spicy characters and there's always a few laughs too.
Profile Image for Shannon Vogel Lien.
182 reviews8 followers
April 9, 2023
This book was sweet! I loved that there wasn’t chapters upon chapters of rift and angst. I look forward to reading more from this author.
9 reviews
November 16, 2023
not great

Did I finish? Yes. Am I happy that I read this? Not at all. The FMC’s fake swearing wasn’t cute, neither was her use of the word Nancy.
7 reviews
April 6, 2024
Tripp sets the bar for all men in this one. When a plot turns into forever after and you’re just so happy for the unsuspecting couple.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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