Same Time Next Year
by Tessa Bailey
4 out of 5 stars
"Same Time Next Year" by Tessa Bailey is a steamy novella tracking the unexpected and rather impulsive marriage between Britta, the dedicated and ambitious waitress, and Sumner Mayfield, the Canadian hockey player on the cusp of NHL fame, but with a visa expiring faster than a breakaway on ice. Their wild New Year’s Eve “I do” sets them on a year-long journey, navigating the intricacies of a marriage that started out as a necessity but blooms into something unexpectedly genuine.
The novella is a cocktail of spice, humor, and the sweet, unpredictable turns of a relationship that’s as chaotic as a hockey fight. Britta, the beloved waitress with a strict rule against dating hockey players, finds herself in a conundrum when she agrees to marry Sumner for a green card. Sumner, desperate to stay in Bridgeport and pursue his NHL dreams, sees this as a beacon of hope, albeit an embarrassing one. Their relationship, born out of an absurd yet desperate situation, flourishes against the backdrop of their mutual attraction and undeniable chemistry.
While the novella delivers on the steamy, intense romance typical of Bailey's writing, it also offers moments of tenderness and vulnerability. Sumner's single-minded devotion and Britta's gradual opening up to the possibility of love provide depth to their sizzling interactions. The narrative is peppered with witty banter, steamy encounters, and the genuine growth of two people thrown together by chance but bound together by a deepening connection.
"Same Time Next Year" skates the fine line between absurdity and affection, making readers both cheer and blush. It's a testament to the unpredictable game of love, where the most unexpected partnerships can lead to the most rewarding victories. For those who like their romance with a side of steam and a dash of sports, this novella promises a delightful read, much like a well-played hockey game that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the final buzzer. Whether you're a fan of marriage of convenience tropes, hockey romances, he falls first, or just looking for a quick, fiery read, this book delivers a gratifying blend of all the above. Four stars for a story that scores in humor, heat, and heart.
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