Off-Duty Holiday

Off-Duty Rescue Ranch: Holiday Origins #2

by Zee Irwin

A Sister's Best Friend, Military Romance

A military man in need of a new mission in life. A romance writer lacking experience. A fake relationship might be exactly what they want. But in the end, will they get what they really need?

Will is off-duty for the holidays, visiting his sister while trying to decide if he should remain in the Army or seek civilian life. Enjoying the holiday at home, he doesn’t need the complications of falling for his sister’s best-friend to heat up the situation. But when a fake dating proposal is presented to fend off his meddling mother’s attempts at matchmaking, he realizes the brilliant scheme has many benefits.

Ava is a romance author finding love only between the pages she writes. But when she accidentally wakes up in Will’s arms while staying with her best-friend for the holiday, she suddenly wants more between the sheets. Her attraction to him is undeniable. Their fake dating situation is fun and provides plenty of experience to add to her writing.

But does their plan at the family holiday party go off without a glitch? Does it lead to a real romance once the holiday is over? And about Will’s career prospects—does another mission call to him, leading him to do something more fulfilling with his life? Does a chance encounter steer Ava back into Will’s arms for good?

These insta-love, steamy, small town, military, holiday romances provide the origin story for the Off-Duty Rescue Ranch. Hot, former military men, strong women, and matchmaking horses prove that where there’s a will, there’s a way up the mountain to true love and happily ever afters.

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Amazon, Military Fiction

100 pages, ebook

First published January 19, 2023

About the author

Zee Irwin is a USA Today Bestselling Author who gets powered up by steamy small town romance. She's a bit of sunshine living countryside in Pennsylvania with her own grumpy alpha guy, two teenagers, and twin kitties. Her favorite character to write is a small town billionaire, especially if he falls first, is former military, and is possessive of the woman he loves.
Visit her at zeeirwinauthor.com to keep up to date on her latest work in progress.

Reviews

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another interesting story from Ms. Irwin. This one involves a best selling romance author, Ava, Ava's editor and best friend, Brenda, and Brenda's older brother, Will.

Ava Maguire lives near Buffalo, NY, and relishes experiencing the 4 seasons. However she also loves the beach, so every winter she visits Brenda in Key West for a week. Only this year she's in for a big surprise!

On her 1st morning, she wakes up in the guest room to find a stranger in bed with her. A very  naked stranger...

The naked stranger turns out to be Brenda's brother, Will Beaumont. He's an Army Ranger home on leave. He'd hit the bar near Brenda's the night before, came to the house, retrieved the hidden spare key, crashed in the guest bedroom, where he normally stays, and it was lights out. He wakes up from a dream about a woman with warm brown hair in a red dress and realizes there is a woman in bed with him! But who is she, the woman from the bar last night?

There's a lot of family drama for Will. His parents expected him to enter the family hotel business and had already picked a wife for him by the time he was about to graduate high school. Deciding that college wasn't for him, let alone marriage, he joined the Army. His parents disowned him.
Now with only 4 months left in his current enlistment, he has to decide - get out or reenlist.

Once more his parents want him to marry the same woman they had selected for him10 years ago. This time, it's to save the family business.

As a romance author, Ava is familiar with the genre of fake relationships, best friend's brother, insta-attraction, PTSD in the military, etc. But writing a book about them and living it is something entirely different! Can she write a happy ending for them in real life?

I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Ingrid Vermeulen-Quakernaat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zee Irwin's stories are always a delight to read. Full of love, full of humor and beautiful men.
In this story we are taken to Will and Ava.

Ava is a writer of novels but her life does not turn out as in her books. Brenda is a writer she has worked with before and invites her to spend Christmas with her. She has invited a friend of a friend and Ava senses that her friend is trying to set her up with a man. But after her broken relationship, she now wants to work on herself first. Until the first night with Brenda makes her wake up in the arms of a man, Brenda's brother, Will. And both Will and a certain part of his body is happy to have her in his arms.

Everything seems like one of her romances. A spark flies between her best friend's brother and a request to agree to a fake relationship to lead his parents astray. But how fake are their feelings when they go along with it?

I loved finding links to earlier books by Zee Irwin (Bella and Hank from the 4th part of the fated loves series) and reading about Chris and Nicoletta from the 1st part of this series. Nice to read that Ava was the woman who changed clothes so that Nicoletta could escape and flee to her love. And that the Off-Duty Rescue Ranch has a role again.

Highly recommended, especially for readers who love a good novel and Zee Irwin!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book of the series and continues Ava and Will's fake relationship. The chemistry is real and the steam is increasing. He's such a sweet romantic and it wouldn't be hard to make him your next book boyfriend. The book is really a novella as it can be read in a couple of hours and it does end with a cliffhanger that will end in the next book. Don't miss the prequel in back for Off-Duty Cupid (Ryder's story). I read a free copy via Booksprout and voluntarily chose o review it.

[Miss E Needham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava goes to visit her best friend and editor Brenda and on her first morning she wakes up in the arms of a stranger who turns out to be Brenda’s brother Will. Brenda and Will concoct a plan for Ava to be wills fake date to try and get this parents to stop trying to arrange a marriage for him. Over their time together then become close but Will has to go back in to the army so breaks things off. Will and Ava meet up months later but will the be able to fix things?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pauli · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is so well told, that I was fuming over some of the stuff that happened, and in tears over others...... The people are so real, and even though you know it's romance and all will be right at the end, the road to get there was anything but a straight path.... Loved the characters, the writing style and the way the pieces fit togerh, tore apart and fit back where they belonged. Looking forward to reading the other books in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lizzy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will is a romantic king, I would love if he could romance me even for a little bit. Ava isn't ready for her best friend's matchmaking scheme, in fact, she was thinking how to avoid it all, but she didn't expect to meet Will who would make it all easy to avoid. Even her friend had no choice but to root for the two most important people in her life.

Will went from looking to get his rocks off to being hooked for life. Love is just too sweet to pass on.

[BusyM3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A enjoyable second book in this series Off-Duty Rescue Ranch. The story flows well, the characters are likeable and have great chemistry. I am looking forward to read more in this series. A great book to read on a quite afternoon.

I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

Will and Ava strike sparks from the beginning. Then Will has issues to work through, and Ava has insecurities. But they get to have their happily ever after at the ranch.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great contemporary romance.. I liked it very much.. It is steamy and engaging.. With a second chance and happy ending..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked Ava's positive attitude and her willingness to help and forgive. Her meeting with Will is startling but they fall for each other. However family pressures has will breaking things off. I like how it is Ava's helping another that leads Will to what he needs to heal. Fate steps in and leads Ava to Will so he can heal the rift. Their love has them reconnecting for love.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice storyline

[Claire Trickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Zee's books! They're amazing!

I do feel that Ava forgave Will a little too easily, but I also understood the comments about walking away from his family.

The preview of Off-Duty Cupid sounds great too! I can't wait for its release!

I received a complimentary copy of the book and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.

[Berta Greenleaf Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love stories involving military men. Will and Ava share something special within 5 days, until his parents get in the way. Decisions made break two hearts. Will has to decide what he really wants while Ava has to mend her heart. The ending left me smiling. I highly recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debra Soehner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will wakes up beside Ava after he surprises his sister with a visit. Ava is also visiting but Will was drunk and didn’t notice until morning. Mutual attraction occurs and Ava agrees to be his fake date to through off his matchmaking mother. Oooh the heat.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can a faking it date lead to a making it romance , finding himself at a crossroads and anxious of his family pressures does will choose the right path . Excellent writing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Star-Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know if I can honestly pinpoint what stood out in this book above other “ my friend’s brother” romance books I’ve read before but maybe I have a heart for the wounded and Zee Irwin showcases two of the most powerful of wounds here. The first being the wounded self- confidence of Ava caused by her ex-boyfriend Drake and the most powerful being that of the wounded soldier portrayed not only by Will but also Chris, Ryder and all the other comrades of these three men. Having two romance authors as friends was a plus too. The drama and oh… the romance was so good almost “book-like”. It’s a well written book, characters are great, contains true getting to know each other dialogue along with flirty innuendos with romance adding up to steamy love and a happy ending but yet you feel as though you’ve got to hear more about at least one more character, anticipating a third book. I’m an Arc reviewer: reading for the enjoyment, reviewing so that others may know what to expect and authors may be helped.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rosanne Medill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just loved this fantastic ebook! Ava and Will just sizzled when they met. Of course where they met had a lot to do with it. Will had his own demons being military man dealing with PTSD. Can Will believe he's enough for Ava even though his past makes him feel he doesn't deserve her? Will Ava get over her heartbreak from a former flame and believe in what she really feels for Will? This ebook is loaded with family drama, a hint of the mafia, Veteran mental issues, intense sexual attraction, witty banter, heartbreak and more importantly love. This is a 5 ⭐++ winner! I'd give it 10⭐s if I could. This author just has you from the beginning. You just want to knock some sense into Will's head. Don't get me started on his family!😁 I most definitely recommend this ebook you won't want to put it down. Kudos to the author!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zee Irwin is fast becoming on elf my favorite authors and this book is the reason why. Ava Maguire lives near Buffalo, NY and enjoys the changing seasons, but when her editor and best friend, Brenda, invites her to Key West FL during the holidays, she heads south. After a little too much to drink, Ava wakes up in her friend's guest room with a half naked man wrapped around her. Brenda's brother, Will is an Army Ranger home on leave and after a night at a bar, sneaks into his sister's guest room and wakes up to Ava. These two have immediate sizzle, that turns into steam, but Will runs scared. These two are well written compelling characters, the story has great paced, there's sizzle, steam, some drama, and more. I've enjoyed both of the book in this series and look forward to more. But until then you can enjoy these books for free with Kindle Unlimited. Solid 5 Stars!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ash Juillet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Booksprout for an ARC of this book.

I adored the meet-cute (more like meet-funny) Zee Irwin created for Will and Ava. It's not every day a man wakes up and realises he's in the same bed as his sister's best friend. I've read a few fanfictions with the same plot, and I loved this book just as much as I did every one of them.

This book used not just one trope but two: falling for your best friend's brother and fake dating that leads to angsty middle and a HEA. Although the tropes worked well in the plot, I felt a bit stressed when Will's parents tried to make him marry Mary, causing more drama in his life. The story, fortunately, panned out well, but I would have liked to see him confront his parents or at least describe the emotions that he felt when he refused to follow in their footsteps.

[Ally Doby (Schleicher) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two of this series and told in first person POV by both the MMC and MFC. Although this is the second book, it can be read as a standalone. This story was so sweet, there were laugh out loud moments, all types of different emotions and some very steamy chemistry!

I loved Ava and Will. They both were broken, but together, they brought each other out of the dark. I love that Will was so close to his sister and nephew. I love how romantic and real he was with Ava. I love that Ava was so quick to help him. I also loved that the rescue ranch and Will’s sister helped to bring them back together.

I can’t wait to read Ryder‘s story. I’m excited to see who else Zee has planned to join the ranch.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Offf- Duty Holiday is a great fast story that has a meddling family, fake relationships, misunderstandings, pressure to help and love that grabs your heart.

Will is on leave, deciding on his next step in life when he stops to visit home. Ava is a writer, needing to get away when she goes to stay with her friend. When Will wakes up at his sister, he only wishes he could remember what happen with the woman next to him.

Will and Ava's story is a ride of ups and downs, thrown in the twist of meddling mom and pressure from his father, has Will finding his path. Ava is hurt by the lies Will tells to push her away, but soon the truth comes out and lies are pushed aside.

Great read from start to finish.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava is in Key West to visit her friend and after her first night she wakes up with a naked man beside her. Turns out that its Brenda's brother and he is in town as well. Sparks fly between them. Will is trying to decide his next step when he finds himself naked in bed with Ava. He doesn't know if he wants to continue in the military or come back home for good. They end up faking a relationship to help keep his parents from bothering him. However, it all becomes very real between them. Can this turn into something more?

This is a great story that will draw you in from beginning to end. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Oriana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off- you can't scare me like that 🤪 now for the review😉
Ava is a romance author that works closely with her best friend Brenda which lives in Key West. Ava visits Brenda and wakes next to a mysterious man up. Will is an Army Ranger that fights with PTSD and his estranged parents. He wakes up next to Ava,both of them were to drunk to register the other one in bed. A meddling family and a great attraction between the two of them bring them together. They start fake dating to get Wills parents off his back. What started fake quickly turns into so much more. But someone threatens their HEA and Will had to fight for his woman, but before that he has to find a new way to live.
Instalove, sweet, steamy, romantic and safe with angst but with a great HEA 😍😍😍😍😍

[Kaaren Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will and ava are so good together. Will has a very demanding family and they expect him to marry Mary just to unite their families and keep them from going broke. Ava is a romance writer who finally finds in Will everything she is looking for. But will pushes her away in order to do what his family needs from him. When his flight is canceled going home to Florida after completing his time in the military he decides to rent a car and just drive somewhere. He and ava had helped a singer from Nashville and she told him about the rescue ranch the man she loved was running in Virginia for military men and horses who need rescuing, he ends up there instead. Read it to see what happens.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava was spending a week with her best friend in Key West when she woke to find the friends brother in the same bed. Will had come home unexpectedly, on military leave, to surprise his sister and nephew. Loved the characters and their fake/not-so-fake romance. People they meet end up being their salvation later on. Plenty of steam, but also family squabbles and betrayal, entertaining situations, a great concert that ends in deception, and so much more. So easy to read this story straight through as you want to see what happens next. Loved how it all came together at the ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cams Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another swoony read from Zee Irwin. The fact that the FMC was a romance author felt like I was getting a sneak peek into Irwin’s own life. Especially with the little Fated Loves mention. Yes, I caught that.
Best friends brother trope is a favourite of mine and Will was definitely a yummy brother. How many men would enjoy out-romancing a woman who writes about it. I loved the little Ava’isms as well. She’s one clever woman.
I do wish that I had felt a little more of the oomph in their relationship. It wasn’t lacking but I wanted to feel more invested in them as a couple.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katheryn Bargas · Rating 5 out of 5]

They just keep getting better and better!

I was ALL In when I read the first book in this series and I can't get enough! Off Duty Rescue Ranch series are everything you're looking for in A swoon worthy grab your heart and won't let go, book! The heat is off the charts, the alpha heroes are too Die for and their smart sassy women that bring them to their knees are phenomenal in their own right!
Will and Ava had that spark right from the beginning and of course life has to knock them down! Their reunion is just what you dream of and Will proves he's the right man she needed all along!

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series, and this is Ava and Will’s story. Will is a military man, who is visiting his sister, and he has some decision that he needs to make about his future. Ava is a romance writer and Will’s sisters best friend, and the sparks fly between them. This is a well written story which is fast paced, with drama and fun, with misunderstandings, family, friendships, emotions, challenges, humor, witty banter, matchmaking, and love, which leads to an entertaining page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hot story by Zee Irwin.
Ava is a romance writer who uses the pen name Eve Munrow.
Will has just returned from a year of deployment with the Army. Though their first meeting was unconventional, they can’t deny the attraction. He is her best friend’s brother, if things don’t go well she could lose her friend.
Loved the ending!
*Adult language and situations.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava is friends with Brenda who invites her to Key West where she ends up meeting Brenda's brother Will who is on leave from the military. They hit it off but when his parents ask him for a Hugh favor he goes along with it knowing he is breaking his heart and Ava's. Will Ava and Will finally find their way back to each other before it is too late?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.