Reviews

Off the Record by Annmarie Boyle, Annmarie Boyle

snaze6's review

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4.0

This was my first book by Annmarie and I really enjoyed it. Knowing it was book 3 in a series I went in realizing some of the dynamics between the characters and their anecdotes would be a little difficult without context, but that really wasn’t an issue.

Bridget is President of Business Operations for the WNBA’s New York Flames. The team she was drafted and played for until a life-changing accident ended her basketball career and nearly took her life. Her injury dramatically changed her perspective and how she lives her life - she now is a stickler for following the rules, having a plan laid out in extreme detail and doesn’t allow herself to dream - just goals to meet.

Blake is a member of a successful Nashville band Storyhill, and his upbringing by an absent single mother who worked hard to provide things for him with little emotional bonding. As a result he craves a sense of family he has found with his band mates.

Blake and Bridget have each secretly had a long-standing crush on the other and her brother, Andrew, one of Blake’s bandmates has warned Blake ‘hands off’ his sister. At Andrew’s wedding, Blake and Bridget are paired up in the bridal party and a bridal party dance leads to some sizzling chemistry and a proposition for one night and what happens in Minneapolis stays in Minneapolis.

One spectacular night together does little to dampen their crush or lust for each other and both are feeling the emotional after affects of their night, when they are unexpected paired up to co-chair a charity event for homeless dogs.

I loved how both Bridget and Blake have to grow emotionally and learn to face their fears. Bridget has poured herself into 80 hour work weeks, and pretty much has minimal life outside of work expect for her best friend. When she agrees to watch Blake’s foster dog, Destiny, while he is on tour for three weeks with the assistance of his grandfather, Clyde, she starts to realize how empty her life has become.

This is a very satisfying read with wonderful characters, an engaging storyline, just enough angsty drama to keep you interested yet not too much angst.

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

donnareadathon2021's review against another edition

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5.0

The story
Bridget is an ex-professional basketball player. After a terrible accident and breaking her leg, she walks with a limp but works as head of operations at the womens basketball team she previously played for. She plays by the rules, never swears and is a total workaholic. But her crush for Blake, a fellow member of her brother’s band, unrequited until his wedding, is leading to more feelings that are bound to disrupt the status quo.

My thoughts
Annmarie Boyle’s stories are love stories, but they generally have many layers of things happening, events taking place, feelings being felt and a general sense of camaraderie. This story, the third in the Storyhill series, is no exception. It’s a really enjoyable read. There is a brother’s best friend situation going on, but it’s well-handled and not cheesy at all. I enjoyed how the element of dog rescue was woven throughout the story. Destiny the foster dog provides healing to both Bridget and Blake through her unconditional love. I recommend reading the series ❤️

I read an eARC copy courtesy of the author.

ama_reads's review against another edition

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4.0

A fun sibling’s-bff romance featuring an adorable canine sidekick (I’ll admit I’m a bit partial to smooshy faced pups). Bridget and Blake’s past trauma is handled well. Blake’s grandfather is a great side character. While the third in the series, it stands well on its own. I haven’t read the first two but they went on my tbr list before I finished this one.

I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

chloeleah96's review

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3.0

I enjoyed this book, it was quite obvious where the story was going but I enjoyed it no the less.

I loved that the female lead was an ex-athlete and tall as I think that was definitely a unique spin on the story.

Stupidly I didn’t realise this was part of a series (but can be read as a stand alone) but I think I would have benefitted from reading the others first just to get more of the characters dynamics.

I liked the banter between the two leads and I loved that the male main character was a ginger heart throb

elliegreiber's review

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funny hopeful fast-paced

4.25

sassycassy's review

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4.0

Received an arc via book sirens.

If your looking for a strong Fmc, look no further.

Bridget is a former college hoop star and wnba player. Who gets into an accident and her life takes a different direction.

Who also happens to be harboring a long time crush on her brothers best friend.

Blake is not only her brothers best friend but band mate. Who just happens to also be harboring a crush of his own.

So at her brothers wedding they decide to take a risk. One night together but no one can know.
Just how well can they can a secret when life keeps throwing them together
More...