From the Publisher
Re-entering the world of the Chicago Stars is like a beloved friend come to call.” — #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr
“Susan is the absolute queen of contemporary romance.” — #1 New York Times bestselling author Kristin Hannah
“No one tops Susan Elizabeth Phillips” — #1 New York Times bestselling author Jayne Ann Krentz
“The queen of the football romance is not Taylor Swift. It’s Susan Elizabeth Phillips.” — Wall Street Journal
“Readers will want to savor every delectable word in the sublimely talented Phillips’ latest Chicago Stars novel, just as one would enjoy the luscious artisanal bonbons crafted by the book’s heroine. Infused with addictively acerbic wit and graced with a perfectly matched pair of protagonists whose sexual chemistry is hot enough to melt chocolate, this is Phillips at her dazzling best.” — Booklist (starred review)
“Funny and engaging, with twists and turns that keep it moving. Newbies to the series and even sports-averse readers will appreciate this modern-day Cinderella take from Phillps.” — Library Journal (starred review)
“The shifting kaleidoscope of personal, business, and family relationships makes this such a captivating novel. [An] emotionally generous novel about romantic and familial love…a winning romance novel.” — Kirkus Reviews
“RITA Award–winning and bestselling romance author Phillips’ latest virtuoso literary performance and new addition to her outstanding Chicago Stars series delivers a full score of irresistible delights. From savvy characterization, sassy humor, and sparkling dialogue to a smartly composed plot... this brilliantly conceived contemporary romance will have readers shouting, Brava!” — Booklist (starred review) on When Stars Collide
“Captivating. The thrilling suspense plot and intoxicating chemistry will hook new readers and returning fans alike. This is a page-turner.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) on When Stars Collide
“I always laugh my head off when I read Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ novels. She never fails to leave a smile on my face.” — #1 New York Times bestselling author Catherine Coulter
Library Journal
★ 12/01/2023
Rory Garrett's life is currently a disaster: her business partner steals her products and disappears; her spoiled neighbor, Ashley, ends up dead; and she has a steamy, ill-advised one-night stand with a man who mistakes her for a sex worker. When her brother, NFL quarterback Clint Garrett, is sought in connection with Ashley's death, Rory is shocked to find that the one person who can help her find her brother is that sexy mistake she hoped to forget—Brett Rivers, her brother's agent. Slick and perfect, Brett is enchanted with Rory and her broken-down food truck and furious over the attraction that he can't deny. Now he's being forced to choose between his client, his job, and his chance at love. Return to the world of sports agents and their rich and talented clients in Phillips's 10th sexy, sports-themed "Chicago Stars" novel (following When Stars Collide). VERDICT Funny and engaging, with twists and turns that keep it moving. Newbies to the series and even sports-averse readers will appreciate this modern-day Cinderella tale from Phillips.—Judy Garner
FEBRUARY 2024 - AudioFile
Narrator Nicole Poole delights listeners in this quirky and heartfelt strangers-to-lovers romance set in Chicago. Pro sports agent Brett Rivers should never have had a drunken one-night stand with his most important client's sister. Rory Garrett is in quite a mess herself as she tries to keep her dreams of being a chocolatier afloat. Now the two must work together to find Rory's all-star brother, who's gone missing after a murder takes place. Narrating in the third person, Poole successfully crafts a distinct tone to match the personality of each character. Her delivery of witty banter and swoony moments ensures that listeners will enjoy hearing where Rory and Brett's complicated relationship takes them. J.J.M. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine
Kirkus Reviews
2023-11-03
A classic underachiever falls in love with a man who seemingly cares only about business.
Rory Meadows Garrett has always felt like a failure in her family; she’s a broke, unemployed chocolatier who drifts from job to job while Clint, her half brother, has found fame and fortune as a professional quarterback. After interfering in Clint’s love life, Rory attends a team party, intending to come clean about her meddling. Instead, Rory falls into bed with Brett Rivers, Clint’s agent. For Brett, sleeping with Clint’s sister is the ultimate fireable offense, and he was already in hot water for suggesting that Clint’s girlfriend, Ashley Hart, is a gold digger. After a few days of failing to reach Clint on the phone, Brett drives out to his house, but he only finds Rory, also looking for Clint. As they search the house, they discover Ashley’s dead body and realize she was murdered. Although Rory and Brett’s quest to find the killer and clear Clint’s name drives the plot, it’s the shifting kaleidoscope of personal, business, and family relationships that makes this such a captivating novel. Rory and Brett seem to be complete opposites, but Phillips is a pro at creating characters who turn out to be perfect for each other in unlikely ways. Brett’s staunch belief that professional success is all that matters is challenged by Rory’s laid-back approach to life, while Rory’s feelings of inferiority are vanquished by Brett’s assurance and belief in her skills. Ashley is more plot device than real person, which is the one discordant note in an otherwise emotionally generous novel about romantic and familial love.
Not quite a touchdown, but still a winning romance novel.
