Not quite the grumpy/sunshine read I was looking for, this soft and sweet romance still makes a great series starter. I’ve been meaning to check out Travis’ work, and this was the perfect introduction to her writing – it sets up the series nicely while still remaining a total standalone, and it showcased her unique style. The story is low angst with an easygoing feel, but it also tackles some heavier topics and brings a little heat. I personally would’ve liked significantly more friction between these characters; our hero is only a grump for a couple of scenes, and then he ends up being a total sweetheart. Which, yeah, I like a sweetheart, but I was hoping for more of that grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract sexual tension. I’d definitely check out more of Travis’ work next time I’m in the mood for something softer than my usual.
The story follows Holden, a soccer player who has devoted his life to the sport. After a bad breakup left him reeling two years ago, Holden has sworn off women completely and recommitted himself to his professional. That has made him a little grumpy, and the recent concussion he sustained hasn’t helped soften out those rough edges. So when Holden meets a sexy librarian who seems to be hiding some fire behind her sunshiney personality, it catches him off-guard. They’ve both sworn off love and have been guarding their hearts, but one drunken encounter makes them see each other in a different light. It’s not long before Holden and Molly are breaking their own rules, but there’s a reason they’ve been holding back their hearts.
Admittedly, I was eagerly anticipating the drunken texting storyline, which ended up being kinda lame, lol. It really was just a drunken text or two. But that opened the door for Holden and Molly to let down their guards, and then it didn’t take much for them to start falling for each other. I liked that this has such a distinct feel; it’s not necessarily a sweet or easy romance given both characters’ pasts, but it has such a “soft” feel. Kind of like a small town romance, if you know what I mean. There’s still some heat and tension, but there’s not a ton of drama or conflict. That means it bordered on boring for me at times (and I skimmed a little), but I really did enjoy Travis’ writing. If you’re looking for something with low angst and a charming feel, then this might be a win for you. I received an early copy and am voluntarily leaving a review of this lighthearted romance.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3OGa2nt
Blurb:
Drunk-texting a grumpy soccer star?
Best worst decision of my life.
Especially when the player is the sinfully handsome, foul-mouthed Holden Sanders… my new library assistant.The benched bad boy needed an image makeover, I needed to save my job, and his star status was just what the library ordered to raise awareness for our fundraising campaign. The press can’t get enough of Mr. Growly reading to kids.
It’s win-win and completely platonic.
Until I need a shoulder to cry on after drowning my heartbreak in too many margaritas. I only typed that invitation to his brawny biceps and perfect pectorals for fun–I never meant to hit send. Holden isn’t the kind of guy to care about tears and feelings, least of all mine. He’s made it clear good girls aren’t his type.
But he shows up–with his strapping shoulder, a box of tissues, and a supersized bag of Doritos.
That’s when I realize there’s more to him than meets the eye.
One soulful, smoldering mistake of a kiss has me craving more, and the heat between us quickly builds to a blaze neither of us can control.
But I’m not the only one guarding secrets, and Holden’s might push us to the breaking point.
Even if I’m surrounded by books, I know better than to believe in storybook endings.
And yet, I want to believe… Because I know he’s a keeper.
He’s a Keeper is a standalone romance in the San Francisco Strikers series with no cliffhangers and a HEA.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3OGa2nt
About the Author:
Stacy Travis writes charming, spicy romance about bookish, sassy women and the hot alphas who fall for them.
Writing makes her infinitely happy, but that might be the coffee talking. She drinks a LOT of it.
She’s worked as a journalist, camp counselor, TV writer, SAT tutor, corporate finance researcher, education technology editor, and non-fiction author. When she’s not on a deadline, she’s in running shoes complaining that all roads seem to go uphill. Or on the couch with a margarita. Or fangirling at a soccer game.
She’s never met a dog she didn’t want to hug. And if you have no plans for Thanksgiving, she’ll probably invite you to dinner.
Stacy lives in Los Angeles with her husband, two sons, and a poorly-trained rescue dog who hoards socks. And she’s serious about the Thanksgiving thing.
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