I didn’t really like it, but you might. It’s essentially what’s spelled out in the blurb – best friend’s little sister asks the pro hockey player to take her v-card, as a casual situation that starts to feel like more. It’s a tried and true trope that sometimes hits and sometimes misses for me, depending on how it’s executed. This felt really predictable and the leap from “just a hookup” to “I love you” was exceedingly fast. It’s a quick and easy series starter that wasn’t bad, but will be wiped from my memory in a couple of days.
The story follows Evie, a 24-year-old woman who still has her v-card. She partially blames that on her overly protective brother, but she’s ready for it to go. So when Evie starts spending time with her older brother’s best friend, Ian (32), it gives her all kinds of ideas. Ian is fresh out of a long-term relationship and not ready to dive into something real, but he might be convinced to cross a few lines with the girl he just realized is all woman.
I’ve read a couple of books by Valente before and they were all pretty solid, so I thought I’d give this a try – though I did have a few hesitations. This didn’t really win me over, but there was nothing particularly bad about it either. It just wasn’t overly compelling. The story is light and sexy, with a slow burn and some great history between the characters. I liked both Evie and Ian, and I probably would’ve liked this more with a stronger emotional connection and more of an original feel. Right up until the very end, these two are convinced that it’s a temporary situation, and the final act definitely felt rushed. I didn’t love some of the clichés in the story (OF COURSE Evie needs a makeover before Ian sees her as a woman, etc), and it never hooked me in. I won’t be continuing with the series, but I’d check out more from Valente in the future.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/34WeQD7
Blurb:
Begging my brother’s best friend—aka NHL superstar, Ian Fox—to help me ditch my V Card wasn’t part of my “make it big in NYC” plans.
But after years of being “cute little Evie,” I’m tired of waiting for Mr. Right. I’m ready for Mr. Right Now and Ian is everything I’ve ever wanted in a first time. He’s kind, funny, confident, and has a legendary…stick.
Seriously, his stick has its own page of search results, complete with gray sweatpants shots hot enough to make even a clueless virgin drool.
And yes, my brother will murder us if he finds out, but we’re both grownups.
We can keep a secret. We have to since I just landed an art therapy job working with his troubled team.
All we’re doing is a little practice. (Or…ehem…big practice.)
Too bad my heart didn’t get the memo.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/34WeQD7
About the Author:
Author of over forty novels, USA Today Bestseller Lili Valente writes everything from steamy suspense to laugh-out-loud romantic comedies. A die-hard romantic, she can’t resist a story where love wins big. Because love should always win. She lives in the Northeast with her two big-hearted boy children and a dog named Pippa Jane.
Lili also writes naughty serials as Everly Stone. Learn more at www.lilivalente.com.
AUTHOR LINKS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLiliValente
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilivalenteromance
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lili_valente_ro
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