Following a potentially career-ending knee injury, professional hockey player Jude Donnelly returns to his Canadian hometown for rehab. He's not ready to accept that his playing days could be over and is determined to do whatever it takes to get back out on the ice. Hockey is his life, and even though he's one of the oldest players in the league, he doesn't have a plan for life after the NHL.
Physical therapist Lily Chapman has known Jude for years through her best friend, his younger sister Kat. She's secretly had a crush on him for much of that time, though she'd never jeopardize her friendship with Kat by acting on it. Besides, Lily's past relationships have taught her that she'll never be anything more than the "good time girl." When Jude volunteers to accompany her to a family wedding, however, everything changes. Suddenly the whole town - even their families - thinks they're dating. Could there be some truth to the rumors?
There was a lot to love about this story, but what I loved most was how well Lily and Jude communicated, which allowed them to avoid the dreaded third act breakup. For various reasons, neither Lily nor Jude felt they were good enough, but they gained strength and confidence through their relationship. Their story made me emotional at times, but mostly I was just happy that they found someone who loved and accepted them for who they were. Lily never had that with her own family, but Jude and the rest of the Donnellys welcomed her with open arms.
I highly recommend "Pretend to Love You" for all contemporary/small town
romance fans and can't wait to get my hands on the next book of the
series.
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
About "Pretend to Love You"
From bestselling author Julia Jarrett comes a steamy, fake dating, grumpy/sunshine, small town romance about a former NHL star and his little sister’s best friend who will heal more than his injured leg…
My all-star hockey career is over. All because of a busted leg from one too many hits into the boards. Coming home to Dogwood Cove to heal and figure out my next steps feels like the best option I’ve got.
Then somehow the first step I take is to wind up in a fake relationship with my physical therapist, who also happens to be my little sister’s best friend.
It starts out simple enough. Lily needs a date to a family wedding, one that promises to be more torture than celebration. Now, thanks to an overbooked hotel with only one bed, two gossiping bridesmaids, and a three minute slow dance… the entire town, including our families, thinks we’re dating.
To save face we decide to keep the ruse going.
There’s just one problem: What I’m feeling for Lily is anything but pretend.
Falling for her wasn’t part of the plan, but she’s a ray of light that pierces through the dark clouds surrounding me.
She thinks my future is still in hockey, but I know differently.
My future is with her.
Then somehow the first step I take is to wind up in a fake relationship with my physical therapist, who also happens to be my little sister’s best friend.
It starts out simple enough. Lily needs a date to a family wedding, one that promises to be more torture than celebration. Now, thanks to an overbooked hotel with only one bed, two gossiping bridesmaids, and a three minute slow dance… the entire town, including our families, thinks we’re dating.
To save face we decide to keep the ruse going.
There’s just one problem: What I’m feeling for Lily is anything but pretend.
Falling for her wasn’t part of the plan, but she’s a ray of light that pierces through the dark clouds surrounding me.
She thinks my future is still in hockey, but I know differently.
My future is with her.
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