Pretty sure this quick and spicy novella was carefully crafted with all of the buzziest Booktok tropes, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t deliver. Hockey romance, teammate’s sister, boy obsessed, black cat/golden retriever, marriage of convenience, lots of “my wife” moments… it’s all there. It feels like a Tessa Bailey book stripped down to the bare essentials, complete with a sweet hero who is intense and growly in the bedroom, plenty of heat, and an instant attraction that burns into something deeper. It’s easy to devour in a short period of time, and actually feels like a complete story. I flew through it in no time and will probably forget all about its existence in a week, but I had a good time along the way.
The story follows Britta, a woman who is totally aware that her brother’s teammate has been harboring a crush on her for the better part of a year. She’s got her reasons for avoiding relationships and she’s seen what hockey players are like, so she doesn’t have any real interest in crossing that line… most of the time. But when Britta’s brother asks her to marry his teammate, Sumner, so he can stay in the country, it’s a shock to the system. With a ticking clock, Britta relucantly agrees. She knows Sumner is a nice guy, but he’s also been looking forward to marriage and babies, which is the last thing Britta wants. Though they’re married only so Sumner can get a green card, the two are forced to get to know each other better, and that’s making things decidedly more complicated. Because Sumner is all in, and just needs Britta to say the word.
This really did feel like one of Bailey’s books, it just skipped over the quieter moments and a lot of the emotional development. Sumner definitely feels like one of her heroes – he’s such a sweetheart who is totally gone for his girl, but he is also a major dirty talker and all intensity once they hit the sheets. The reason they hooked up the first time felt a little flimsy, but whatever. It was easy to see that Sumner was smitten. I liked the connection between the two, and I think I would’ve enjoyed a full-length book a whole lot. It’s also in first person POV, which was AWESOME. Bailey’s traditionally published work is usually third person, and I’ve been struggling with that so much. This felt more modern and a lot easier to binge, which is exactly what you’re supposed to do to this novella. It wasn’t particularly deep or memorable, but it was a fun read for sure.
Same Time Next Year officially releases on December 1st, but it was selected as one of Amazon’s First Reads this month, so it’s available RIGHT NOW! If you’re unfamiliar with the program, it allows Prime readers to get specific books one month early – for free! The program is free too, so it’s a no-brainer.
If you’re a Prime member, you can check out the details on the product page: https://amzn.to/3Mpm3hE
If you’re not a Prime member, you can grab a free 30-day trial here: https://amzn.to/47fEldi
Blurb:
From New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey comes a steamy novella full of hope and humor tracking a couple’s fake marriage for a year after the wild New Year’s Eve when they first say “I do.”
Adored by all, Britta is an ambitious waitress working at Sluggers. The popular bar holds a special place in her heart and is a regular hangout for the Bridgeport Bandits, the local hockey club. With a half brother on the team, Britta has a strict no-dating policy for hockey boys. But she does have a soft spot for one particular player.
A beast on the ice, Sumner Mayfield is on the brink of breaking into the NHL. But time’s running out. With his work visa about to expire, Sumner’s only chance to stay in Bridgeport is to marry an American—and get a green card. Otherwise, it’s back to Canada for the defenseman.
On New Year’s Eve, the team begs Britta to marry Sumner that very night. Sum is embarrassed yet hopeful—he’s desperately in love. But Britta balks at first. Until something about Sumner’s soulful brown eyes and ripped physique makes her reconsider…
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Mpm3hE
About the Author:
New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey can solve all problems except for her own, so she focuses those efforts on stubborn, fictional blue-collar men and loyal, lovable heroines. She lives on Long Island avoiding the sun and social interactions, then wonders why no one has called. Dubbed the “Michelangelo of dirty talk” by Entertainment Weekly, Tessa writes with spice, spirit, swoon, and a guaranteed happily ever after. Catch her on TikTok at @authortessabailey or check out www.tessabailey.com for a complete list of books.
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