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sdupont's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Isaiah Rhodes!!! What a babe! I truly cannot get over how swoony this man is. He is unbelievably observant, caring, thoughtful, and sweet. Isaiah deeply cares about his family and friends. He plays himself out to be this carefree good time guy but he has a lot of depth. He absolutely has it down bad crying in the gym for Kennedy. I loved Kennedy right there with him. She’s been through a lot, never having a person in her corner or building her up. It was beautiful seeing her gain confidence and come into her own with Isaiah’s support. As their relationship grows and evolves they both find ways to support the other. I loved seeing that shift of playing along to the real deal for Kennedy (because let’s be real Isaiah was never playing). This is a top tier Vegas wedding romance and a perfect summer read. As excited I am for Rio’s story, this book has me feral for a Monty x Reese romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Sexism
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Grief, Car accident, and Death of parent
Minor: Infidelity and Pregnancy
paperbacksandsnacks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I live, laugh, LOVED this book!!
Liz Tomforde needs to be rewarded or given a medal or something on the basis of international services to romance readers everywhere.
How does she keep writing all these 5⭐️ romances. The men in her head are so perfect, I’m telling you, I want to be Liz Tomforde for the day and see who else she has hiding in her mind waiting to come alive on paper.
Isaiah Rhodes?! Are you kidding?! I’m in love. I’m a married woman, but I’m in love with Isaiah. To be honest, I’m in love with both Rhodes men and a basketball playing Shay. But this isn’t their book so I’m going to stop myself before I drool everywhere.
Isaiah Rhodes is a man who has been hurt by love, and yet when it comes to Kennedy he’s not afraid to love at all. And I love that. I adored his gentle and funny nature. His hilarious but well placed confidence and arrogance but, most of all the way he interacted with those he loves. That is a family man through and through. Speaking of families, this man for sure knows how to practice making one. I was aDICKted to the spice in this. Truly a masterpiece. The fireworks scene? 🥵!!!! Plus, the way he takes his time with Kennedy and builds up their intimacy is so beautiful. He’s a true gentleman.
I think his anxieties were handled super delicately throughout this, he was never made to seem like he needed to be fixed but rather people were offering their support and help to make his life easier. I think showcasing men with anxiety or other MH issues is something that deffo needs to be done more so bravo Liz!
Oh and sweet Kennedy. Now you don’t mind physical touch I hope you don’t mind but I will be wrapping you up in a big hug. Again, I think the hard topic of toxic/abusive relationships was handled in a super relatable and gentle way here. I found myself relating to Kennedy and the relationship she had with her ex because my ex was similar. I think the way this affected her in her new relationship was so genuine. The constant question asking, the need for reassurance and the disbelief when someone compliments you and there’s nothing hidden under the surface. Kennedy Kay, I was rooting for you all along, and boy did you get a good one and make some absolute moves. I felt genuinely proud as if I was reading about a real person.
Honestly I just adore Liz Tomfordes writing. You can really relate to the characters even though half of them are sports stars and the other half are boss women with great careers. I am neither of those things but I am a human being and those human experiences that Liz explores in her books are universal, and portrayed in a raw and genuine light. Despite this though, I laugh out loud at every single book of hers and this was no exception. I just adored the story and the characters. I also love the continued presence of previous couples and how they’re all friends. It makes it feel extra special and means that characters from earlier books that I love get to still have a voice.
It’s a tough call as to which Rhodes boy I prefer, but Kai in daddy mode? 😮💨. Might still just edge it. I’m sorry Isaiah but I still love you.
Anyway, if you haven’t read this yet then please do. If you haven’t read any of this series yet then where have you been? Don’t be put off by the size of the books. They’re so addictive you literally fly through them and it’s totally worth the wrist ache! From holding the book, deffo holding the book!! Also, they’re on KU so you can kind of pretend they’re free… girl math.
Liz Tomforde needs to be rewarded or given a medal or something on the basis of international services to romance readers everywhere.
How does she keep writing all these 5⭐️ romances. The men in her head are so perfect, I’m telling you, I want to be Liz Tomforde for the day and see who else she has hiding in her mind waiting to come alive on paper.
Isaiah Rhodes?! Are you kidding?! I’m in love. I’m a married woman, but I’m in love with Isaiah. To be honest, I’m in love with both Rhodes men and a basketball playing Shay. But this isn’t their book so I’m going to stop myself before I drool everywhere.
Isaiah Rhodes is a man who has been hurt by love, and yet when it comes to Kennedy he’s not afraid to love at all. And I love that. I adored his gentle and funny nature. His hilarious but well placed confidence and arrogance but, most of all the way he interacted with those he loves. That is a family man through and through. Speaking of families, this man for sure knows how to practice making one. I was aDICKted to the spice in this. Truly a masterpiece. The fireworks scene? 🥵!!!! Plus, the way he takes his time with Kennedy and builds up their intimacy is so beautiful. He’s a true gentleman.
I think his anxieties were handled super delicately throughout this, he was never made to seem like he needed to be fixed but rather people were offering their support and help to make his life easier. I think showcasing men with anxiety or other MH issues is something that deffo needs to be done more so bravo Liz!
Oh and sweet Kennedy. Now you don’t mind physical touch I hope you don’t mind but I will be wrapping you up in a big hug. Again, I think the hard topic of toxic/abusive relationships was handled in a super relatable and gentle way here. I found myself relating to Kennedy and the relationship she had with her ex because my ex was similar. I think the way this affected her in her new relationship was so genuine. The constant question asking, the need for reassurance and the disbelief when someone compliments you and there’s nothing hidden under the surface. Kennedy Kay, I was rooting for you all along, and boy did you get a good one and make some absolute moves. I felt genuinely proud as if I was reading about a real person.
Honestly I just adore Liz Tomfordes writing. You can really relate to the characters even though half of them are sports stars and the other half are boss women with great careers. I am neither of those things but I am a human being and those human experiences that Liz explores in her books are universal, and portrayed in a raw and genuine light. Despite this though, I laugh out loud at every single book of hers and this was no exception. I just adored the story and the characters. I also love the continued presence of previous couples and how they’re all friends. It makes it feel extra special and means that characters from earlier books that I love get to still have a voice.
It’s a tough call as to which Rhodes boy I prefer, but Kai in daddy mode? 😮💨. Might still just edge it. I’m sorry Isaiah but I still love you.
Anyway, if you haven’t read this yet then please do. If you haven’t read any of this series yet then where have you been? Don’t be put off by the size of the books. They’re so addictive you literally fly through them and it’s totally worth the wrist ache! From holding the book, deffo holding the book!! Also, they’re on KU so you can kind of pretend they’re free… girl math.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Pregnancy
rebakesl's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Liz Tomforde is definitely one of my top five favorite authors. She writes complex, loveable characters with plenty of real-life issues and they actually deal with them in healthy ways and build secure relationships. I thought this was the saddest of all of the Windy City books so far, possibly with the issues that Kennedy and Isaiah were dealing with hitting closer to home than I’m used to. I love Isaiah’s sweetness and they way they both encourage the other to be their whole selves in their relationship and work together to create a safe and loving place within each other to call home. The spice (as always) is *chef’s kiss* with easy banter and good tension. I wish there were a thousand more books like this (although I’d probably never get anything income if that were the case).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, and Sexual content
Moderate: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Minor: Child abuse, Infidelity, Car accident, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
sydney_marie13's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Just when I thought Kai was my favorite brother…Isaiah Rhodes is the definition of pining. He’s crushed on Kennedy for years aware she was off limits, but once he knew she wasn’t— all bets were off. And one night in Vegas changed it all.
I loved it all, Kennedy breaking down her walls slowly for Isiah while coming to the realization that she’s falling for her husband.
</I don’t know why but Isaiah being color blind was such a genuine character trait to give him. And it was so freaking precious at the end when Kennedy gave him color blind glasses.
I loved it all, Kennedy breaking down her walls slowly for Isiah while coming to the realization that she’s falling for her husband.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Car accident, Death of parent, and Abandonment
redempta's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
4.5 🌟
It was a cute story. I love a good marriage of convenience romance.
Next is Rio!!!!!
It was a cute story. I love a good marriage of convenience romance.
Next is Rio!!!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Death of parent
Minor: Car accident
kitcat_reads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
5 ⭐️ | 2.5🌶️
(If I could give this more than five stars, I would)
Synopsis:
Isaiah Rhodes has been smitten with Kennedy Kay since her first day with the Warriors three years ago when he discovers a little secret about her talent. But Kennedy was engaged until eight months ago. Isaiah tries to shoot his shot, but Kennedy continues turning him down. Then they find themselves in Vegas for different reasons but end up hitting the strip together, which proves to be a boozy, albeit fun, time. Fun, that is, until they wake up the following day, married.
Kennedy agreed to take an entry-level job with the team to gain the experience of being in sports medicine, even though the team physician was a raging sexist. He has told her that any belief in mingling with the players would lead to her termination. So when she ends up in Vegas, married to Isaiah, she fears the worst. Then everything hits the fan when their nuptials make the headlines. Leave it to Isaiah to help save her job; only that means staying married for the season. Kennedy knows Isaiah to be a shameless flirt, reckless, and impulsive. But he's also charming as hell. She loves her job and decides to play along; it's just one season. She can resist Isaiah's charm plus keep her job, right?
Tropes:
* Black Cat x Golden Retriever
* Fake Marriage x Marriage of Convenience
* Boy Obsessed
* He Falls First/Harder
* Workplace Romance (Athlete + Athletic Trainer)
Sports Romance, Dual POV
Review:
I'm giving all my stars to this book. I love Isaiah Rhodes. More than his brother Kai, Ryan Shay, Evan Zanders… or all of them combined. And Kennedy, I love her and her character development in this book!
In "Caught Up," we get some exciting and funny interactions between Isaiah and Kennedy. I loved that Isaiah and Kennedy's banter continues and amps up in their book. Their introduction in Caught Up helped to set the groundwork for the start of this book.
"I might talk a big game, but she will always have the upper hand when it comes to us."
This quote comes about 44% into the book but encapsulates Isaiah's feelings for Kennedy from start to finish. From the beginning of the book through the end, he constantly tells her, "When have I ever been able to say no to you?" Isaiah is so gone for Kennedy; I love it! I love that he tells her (and everyone around them) she is it for him. She is his endgame.
Kennedy's character growth was gradual and meaningful. The way she keeps people at a distance is a self-defense mechanism that was shaped by the crappy people in her family and around it. Isaiah tells her to "do what feels good," which helps her create experiences she wants rather than be in those she never had a choice to be part of.
I also loved the side characters from previous books, and it was sweet to see each couple's progression after their books. But Kai and Isaiah's relationship💙🥹💙 I was sobbing hard with Kai's speech in chapter 21. What a touching way to show each brother's love and care for the other.
I lived, laughed, loved this book.😆 (iykyk) I was smiling, giggling, clutching my pearls, crying, kicking my feet… all the emotions. All of them.
10/10 would recommend. And I can't wait for Rio's book!!
Fav Quotes:
Isaiah
"Just think of this as one big game. […] C'mon wife. Play along."
"Oh, no, baby. That's where you're wrong. There's nothing little about me. Maybe one day you'll learn exactly what kind of size I'm working with."
"This is why I came in here in the first place, and I almost forgot. Wanted to give you a hug and tell you how much I missed you this week. Stop avoiding me, Kenny. I don't like it."
"I'm going to ruin your makeup. […] Then I'm going to ruin you for anyone else. You got it?"
Kennedy
"I notice that you smile even when you don't want to. Like with me. I hurt your feelings today, and instead of leaving me to deal with everything on my own, you saved my job and made sure I was smiling before you left."
"I'm not some pathetic girl that needs my husband to fight my battles. Just…let me do my job, Isaiah."
"You memorized my hair color?"
"I don't know how to be the kind of woman that a man would want."
"C'mon, Rhodes. […] Play along."
(If I could give this more than five stars, I would)
Synopsis:
Isaiah Rhodes has been smitten with Kennedy Kay since her first day with the Warriors three years ago when he discovers a little secret about her talent. But Kennedy was engaged until eight months ago. Isaiah tries to shoot his shot, but Kennedy continues turning him down. Then they find themselves in Vegas for different reasons but end up hitting the strip together, which proves to be a boozy, albeit fun, time. Fun, that is, until they wake up the following day, married.
Kennedy agreed to take an entry-level job with the team to gain the experience of being in sports medicine, even though the team physician was a raging sexist. He has told her that any belief in mingling with the players would lead to her termination. So when she ends up in Vegas, married to Isaiah, she fears the worst. Then everything hits the fan when their nuptials make the headlines. Leave it to Isaiah to help save her job; only that means staying married for the season. Kennedy knows Isaiah to be a shameless flirt, reckless, and impulsive. But he's also charming as hell. She loves her job and decides to play along; it's just one season. She can resist Isaiah's charm plus keep her job, right?
Tropes:
* Black Cat x Golden Retriever
* Fake Marriage x Marriage of Convenience
* Boy Obsessed
* He Falls First/Harder
* Workplace Romance (Athlete + Athletic Trainer)
Sports Romance, Dual POV
Review:
I'm giving all my stars to this book. I love Isaiah Rhodes. More than his brother Kai, Ryan Shay, Evan Zanders… or all of them combined. And Kennedy, I love her and her character development in this book!
In "Caught Up," we get some exciting and funny interactions between Isaiah and Kennedy. I loved that Isaiah and Kennedy's banter continues and amps up in their book. Their introduction in Caught Up helped to set the groundwork for the start of this book.
"I might talk a big game, but she will always have the upper hand when it comes to us."
This quote comes about 44% into the book but encapsulates Isaiah's feelings for Kennedy from start to finish. From the beginning of the book through the end, he constantly tells her, "When have I ever been able to say no to you?" Isaiah is so gone for Kennedy; I love it! I love that he tells her (and everyone around them) she is it for him. She is his endgame.
Kennedy's character growth was gradual and meaningful. The way she keeps people at a distance is a self-defense mechanism that was shaped by the crappy people in her family and around it. Isaiah tells her to "do what feels good," which helps her create experiences she wants rather than be in those she never had a choice to be part of.
I also loved the side characters from previous books, and it was sweet to see each couple's progression after their books. But Kai and Isaiah's relationship💙🥹💙 I was sobbing hard with Kai's speech in chapter 21. What a touching way to show each brother's love and care for the other.
I lived, laughed, loved this book.😆 (iykyk) I was smiling, giggling, clutching my pearls, crying, kicking my feet… all the emotions. All of them.
10/10 would recommend. And I can't wait for Rio's book!!
Fav Quotes:
Isaiah
"Just think of this as one big game. […] C'mon wife. Play along."
"Oh, no, baby. That's where you're wrong. There's nothing little about me. Maybe one day you'll learn exactly what kind of size I'm working with."
"This is why I came in here in the first place, and I almost forgot. Wanted to give you a hug and tell you how much I missed you this week. Stop avoiding me, Kenny. I don't like it."
"I'm going to ruin your makeup. […] Then I'm going to ruin you for anyone else. You got it?"
Kennedy
"I notice that you smile even when you don't want to. Like with me. I hurt your feelings today, and instead of leaving me to deal with everything on my own, you saved my job and made sure I was smiling before you left."
"I'm not some pathetic girl that needs my husband to fight my battles. Just…let me do my job, Isaiah."
"You memorized my hair color?"
"I don't know how to be the kind of woman that a man would want."
"C'mon, Rhodes. […] Play along."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Car accident, and Death of parent
Moderate: Grief and Gaslighting
Minor: Abandonment
cielosiluminado's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I LOVED THIS SO MUCH!!! i waited so long for this to come out and it was worth it! there’s no words to describe this book besides: perfection. just like every other book in this series.
-----
preread thoughts:
(3/13/24)
I LOVE THE PURPLE SKYLINE COVER 💜 also i don’t care what anyone says, the male cover model is hot...
(11/10/23)
isaiah and kennedy??? A VEGAS ELOPEMENT!??! oh my god...
-----
preread thoughts:
(3/13/24)
I LOVE THE PURPLE SKYLINE COVER 💜 also i don’t care what anyone says, the male cover model is hot...
(11/10/23)
isaiah and kennedy??? A VEGAS ELOPEMENT!??! oh my god...
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Grief, and Abandonment
Minor: Infidelity and Death of parent
kristanjenkins's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Moderate: Sexual content