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Strings Attached
A career on the verge of collapse. A broken heart locked away. The last thing they need is strings.
Jake Davenport is the best striker in the English Premier League. Or he was until his off-pitch behavior left his captain with a broken nose, and Jake suspended. Indefinitely. He flees to New York to lay low. But peace is fleeting when he’s sharing an apartment with his free-spirited first love, who insists on friendship and shoves him outside his comfort zone every chance she gets.
Harley O’Connell lives by a simple Maximum fun. Minimum attachments. It’s served her well over the last decade and she sees no reason to rethink it. Certainly not for Jake. She hasn’t thought about their summer fling in years, and is unprepared for his shirtless presence in her kitchen, and her dreams. But admiring his well defined torso is one thing, letting her heart get involved is quite another.
With the friendzone getting hotter by the day, Harley suggests the only thing she thinks will relieve the pressure. Sex. No strings and just the once, so there is no danger of anyone getting attached. It’s a foolproof plan.
Strings Attached is an open door contemporary romantic comedy, it is intended for readers over 18 due to its explicit content.
Jake Davenport is the best striker in the English Premier League. Or he was until his off-pitch behavior left his captain with a broken nose, and Jake suspended. Indefinitely. He flees to New York to lay low. But peace is fleeting when he’s sharing an apartment with his free-spirited first love, who insists on friendship and shoves him outside his comfort zone every chance she gets.
Harley O’Connell lives by a simple Maximum fun. Minimum attachments. It’s served her well over the last decade and she sees no reason to rethink it. Certainly not for Jake. She hasn’t thought about their summer fling in years, and is unprepared for his shirtless presence in her kitchen, and her dreams. But admiring his well defined torso is one thing, letting her heart get involved is quite another.
With the friendzone getting hotter by the day, Harley suggests the only thing she thinks will relieve the pressure. Sex. No strings and just the once, so there is no danger of anyone getting attached. It’s a foolproof plan.
Strings Attached is an open door contemporary romantic comedy, it is intended for readers over 18 due to its explicit content.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2023
8 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
August 8, 2023
I'm quite conflicted about this book, to be honest. There's a few good scenes or chapters here and at the same books a few with not so good ones, in my opinion.
The characters were pretty fun as well, I just think that I would love to have the characters far more chemistry than what they've shown. The spicy scenes were quite good, tho. But I guess I wasn't just hooked as I wanted to be.
The characters were pretty fun as well, I just think that I would love to have the characters far more chemistry than what they've shown. The spicy scenes were quite good, tho. But I guess I wasn't just hooked as I wanted to be.
August 25, 2023
Harley book !!!
Ahh I loved her sm in the prev books, and this book does her so much justice 😭 the sorta second-chance forced proximity trope was executed really well, and I also loved the MCs' individual arcs in this book. They're both processing different kinds of difficult/grieving situations, and I liked how the book took its time to explore and heal wrt both of them and then end up with a super cute hea <3
TWs - death of a partner (past) and subsequent grief (present), invasion of privacy by media
-- ty to the author for an advanced copy!
Ahh I loved her sm in the prev books, and this book does her so much justice 😭 the sorta second-chance forced proximity trope was executed really well, and I also loved the MCs' individual arcs in this book. They're both processing different kinds of difficult/grieving situations, and I liked how the book took its time to explore and heal wrt both of them and then end up with a super cute hea <3
TWs - death of a partner (past) and subsequent grief (present), invasion of privacy by media
-- ty to the author for an advanced copy!
August 11, 2023
*4.5 ARC review!
rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
includes:
- soccer player mmc
- cute barista fmc
- childhood crush
- second chance
- friends to lovers
- roommates to lovers
- best friend’s cousin
- he falls first
- dual POV
- open door spice!
i really enjoyed this book and the whole series! once the lovely erin thomson blessed me with an ARC, i had to get the first two and read those first (okay so i didn’t HAVE to, it can be read as a stand-alone, but i wanted to). harley was awesome, i really enjoyed her and i was so excited to learn more about her behind closed doors. i also really liked jake and his journey and his feelings for harley that he now refused to let go.
they were together once before, though it was only temporary. years past, they both moved on. but now he’s back and the tension is high and hot. is now their chance to try again? is it their chance to get it right? i really liked their relationship. i thought harley was more than just what her friends saw, but jake saw her. he immediately saw her. they were great together.
also shoutout to hunter (the best friend/cousin) who i loved and i hope gets his own book one day (looking at you erin!!! how about o?!)
thank you erin thomson for the ARC!!! i can’t wait to read more from you in the future!
rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
includes:
- soccer player mmc
- cute barista fmc
- childhood crush
- second chance
- friends to lovers
- roommates to lovers
- best friend’s cousin
- he falls first
- dual POV
- open door spice!
i really enjoyed this book and the whole series! once the lovely erin thomson blessed me with an ARC, i had to get the first two and read those first (okay so i didn’t HAVE to, it can be read as a stand-alone, but i wanted to). harley was awesome, i really enjoyed her and i was so excited to learn more about her behind closed doors. i also really liked jake and his journey and his feelings for harley that he now refused to let go.
they were together once before, though it was only temporary. years past, they both moved on. but now he’s back and the tension is high and hot. is now their chance to try again? is it their chance to get it right? i really liked their relationship. i thought harley was more than just what her friends saw, but jake saw her. he immediately saw her. they were great together.
also shoutout to hunter (the best friend/cousin) who i loved and i hope gets his own book one day (looking at you erin!!! how about o?!)
thank you erin thomson for the ARC!!! i can’t wait to read more from you in the future!
July 23, 2023
I loved this book so much! Harley and Jake were absolutely wonderful. They were so fun and SO SOFT. And they were both going through so much. But they really saw each other! I love this little universe Erin has created! I loved seeing Chase and Mack and Jemma and Nash! They were so freaking cute! And not to mention Hunter, Odette, and Darcy!
It was a slow burn, and the tension was good! And it made sense, Jake had no idea what he was doing next and he just inserted himself into Harley’s life and neither of them knew what to do about it. Other than the fact that they both knew how good they were together last time…and they couldn’t stop thinking about each other! And the way Harley was trying so hard to get Jake out of her head, and maybe distract both of them with a friendship! It was so sweet.
The way Jake LOVES Harley 🥹 and while it was obvious as the reader that Harley also has very deep and complicated feelings for Jake and for love in general she also cared SO DEEPLY for him too and she hid it well. Once they finally leaned in to just doing the ‘no strings attached’ things they were so good. Yes, Jake was on a mission to make this a strings attached thing!! But Harley also let go a little, and just let herself FEEL. Which was still so scary for her! But it ended up SO GOOD.
And a special shout out to Hunter! For being the absolute best friend Harley could have ever asked for 🥹 and while he is Jake’s cousin and very much ‘on his side’ he was also 100% there for Harley and was able to speak on her behalf in the most thoughtful way. Ugh I love him too!
I love them so much. The epilogue was perfect! I can’t wait to see what’s next from Erin!
Thank you SO MUCH to Erin Thomson for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! I am thankful!!
It was a slow burn, and the tension was good! And it made sense, Jake had no idea what he was doing next and he just inserted himself into Harley’s life and neither of them knew what to do about it. Other than the fact that they both knew how good they were together last time…and they couldn’t stop thinking about each other! And the way Harley was trying so hard to get Jake out of her head, and maybe distract both of them with a friendship! It was so sweet.
The way Jake LOVES Harley 🥹 and while it was obvious as the reader that Harley also has very deep and complicated feelings for Jake and for love in general she also cared SO DEEPLY for him too and she hid it well. Once they finally leaned in to just doing the ‘no strings attached’ things they were so good. Yes, Jake was on a mission to make this a strings attached thing!! But Harley also let go a little, and just let herself FEEL. Which was still so scary for her! But it ended up SO GOOD.
And a special shout out to Hunter! For being the absolute best friend Harley could have ever asked for 🥹 and while he is Jake’s cousin and very much ‘on his side’ he was also 100% there for Harley and was able to speak on her behalf in the most thoughtful way. Ugh I love him too!
I love them so much. The epilogue was perfect! I can’t wait to see what’s next from Erin!
Thank you SO MUCH to Erin Thomson for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! I am thankful!!
August 15, 2023
Full review coming soon.
August 5, 2023
Jake and Harley were so cute and I loved every moment of this book. I think my favorite part was when they went thrift shopping together. They just fit so seamlessly in each others lives and it made me happy.
I received an arc from the author.
I received an arc from the author.
September 6, 2023
This was such a great read! Harley and Jake were so fun to follow and their relationship was adorable.
September 3, 2023
3.5⭐
Jake comes to New York on indefinite suspension after being involved in a scandal in London with his football team. He goes to stay at his cousin's house, who happens to be roommates with Harley (with whom Jake had a fling twelve years ago but it was more than a fling, at least for him).
Jake just might be the sweetest book boyfriend. Harley was a ray of sunshine! I adored her and the fact that she was so unapologetically herself. My favourite part of the book was definitely the thrifting spree that Jake and Harley go on!
This is the first book I have read by Erin Thomson, so I was introduced to all the characters in this book. They were so likeable that I might just read her other books.
It did make for a cute, fun read but it wasn't something extraordinary that is going to stick with me for a long time.
Read if you like:
🌻football player mmc
🌻cute barista fmc
🌻second chance romance
🌻roommates
🌻friends to lovers
🌻dual pov
Thank you author Erin Thomson for the e-arc. All opinions in this review are my own.
Jake comes to New York on indefinite suspension after being involved in a scandal in London with his football team. He goes to stay at his cousin's house, who happens to be roommates with Harley (with whom Jake had a fling twelve years ago but it was more than a fling, at least for him).
Jake just might be the sweetest book boyfriend. Harley was a ray of sunshine! I adored her and the fact that she was so unapologetically herself. My favourite part of the book was definitely the thrifting spree that Jake and Harley go on!
This is the first book I have read by Erin Thomson, so I was introduced to all the characters in this book. They were so likeable that I might just read her other books.
It did make for a cute, fun read but it wasn't something extraordinary that is going to stick with me for a long time.
Read if you like:
🌻football player mmc
🌻cute barista fmc
🌻second chance romance
🌻roommates
🌻friends to lovers
🌻dual pov
Thank you author Erin Thomson for the e-arc. All opinions in this review are my own.
August 13, 2023
Jake Davenport was at the top of his game in the English Premier League until his actions off the pitch leave him suspended indefinitely. He runs away to New York to lay low and find some peace with his cousin. What he didn’t anticipate was having to share space with his cousin’s best friend (and his first love) Harley O’Connell. Harley has been living life to the fullest - all the fun and none of the attachments...until Jake comes back into her life. They try to keep their relationship strictly in the friend zone, but it's hard to fight the attraction and the memories of their summer fling over a decade ago. But Harley comes up with a plan - sex, no strings, just once, just to relieve the pressure. It's the perfect plan - what could go wrong?
I absolutely love it in a romance when the two main characters are just absolute idiots for each other and that is exactly what Jake and Harley are. Their shared history ramps up the tension between them…and the frustration for the reader (in the best way)! Not only that, but the dual POV makes it clear how absolutely gone for each other they are (and always have been), making it that much sweeter when they finally figure it out.
Even though this is technically the third book in a series, it’s not a necessity to read the first two books in order to follow along. The found family vibes of the friend group are still just as strong without the backstory provided in books prior. Erin does a great job of fleshing out the relationships without that backstory while still providing some fun follow up and Easter eggs for readers who have read the other stories.
While the main focus is the second chance love story between Jake and Harley, both our main characters also have their own journeys to go through independent of the other. Jake has to do a bit of rediscovering himself and figuring out who he is and what he should be doing now. Harley is battling grief and figuring out how to move on. There are times where it feels like things would be easier if they would communicate more, but that’s exactly why they feel like real people and not just characters in a book.
And if you're the kind of Marvel girlie and have strong opinions about the correct order in which to watch the movies like I do, I'd like to let it be known that while it's not explicitly stated on the page, Jake makes the right decision. (As does Harley in a game of fuck/marry/kill.) (Sorry Hemsworth.)
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book from the author for free and have voluntarily written this review.
I absolutely love it in a romance when the two main characters are just absolute idiots for each other and that is exactly what Jake and Harley are. Their shared history ramps up the tension between them…and the frustration for the reader (in the best way)! Not only that, but the dual POV makes it clear how absolutely gone for each other they are (and always have been), making it that much sweeter when they finally figure it out.
Even though this is technically the third book in a series, it’s not a necessity to read the first two books in order to follow along. The found family vibes of the friend group are still just as strong without the backstory provided in books prior. Erin does a great job of fleshing out the relationships without that backstory while still providing some fun follow up and Easter eggs for readers who have read the other stories.
While the main focus is the second chance love story between Jake and Harley, both our main characters also have their own journeys to go through independent of the other. Jake has to do a bit of rediscovering himself and figuring out who he is and what he should be doing now. Harley is battling grief and figuring out how to move on. There are times where it feels like things would be easier if they would communicate more, but that’s exactly why they feel like real people and not just characters in a book.
And if you're the kind of Marvel girlie and have strong opinions about the correct order in which to watch the movies like I do, I'd like to let it be known that while it's not explicitly stated on the page, Jake makes the right decision. (As does Harley in a game of fuck/marry/kill.) (Sorry Hemsworth.)
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book from the author for free and have voluntarily written this review.
August 10, 2023
📚ARC REVIEW📚
Strings Attached by Erin Thomson
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️+/3
Genres: contemporary romance, comedy
Tropes: second chance, sworn off love, friends with benefits, best friend’s cousin
Jake is a successful professional soccer player in Europe; that is, until a scandal involving him and his team captain’s wife occurs. After being given an indefinite suspension from the team, he leaves Europe to go spend some time with his cousin Hunter in New York.
Hunter lives with his best friend, Harley. She and Jake have met previously over a decade ago, and even had a “friends with benefits” thing the summer before he started his sports career in Europe.
Now that he’s back, the chemistry and tension between him and Harley is undeniable. Living together makes this even harder to deny. It becomes clear to both of them that their previous fling was not actually “no strings attached”.
Throughout the story, Harley works on training for a barista competition and Jake has to decide if he even wants to continue playing soccer.
This story is told as dual POV between Harley and Jake, and is in 1st person.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This was definitely a cute story. If you’re a fan of second chance romance, especially, this is the book for you. It had a some pretty funny moments, and the end of the book was super sweet as well. I will say the last 20%-ish was my favorite.
My main issue is that overall, there wasn’t much to set this story apart from other contemporary romances. The non-romance aspects of the plot were kind of boring, and I found the character’s personalities to be a bit annoying. Jake, specifically, had an affair with his (married!) team captain’s wife, and this is never really addressed other than him internally admitting he knew he was an a**hole; Harley knew but never talked to him about it, which makes me assume she just doesn’t care.
A lot of these are more personal issues, so if you’re in to second chance romances, roommate romances, or the “best friend’s brother” (in this case, best friend’s cousin) trope, definitely give this one a read.
Thank you to the author for a copy of this to read ✨
Strings Attached by Erin Thomson
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️+/3
Genres: contemporary romance, comedy
Tropes: second chance, sworn off love, friends with benefits, best friend’s cousin
Jake is a successful professional soccer player in Europe; that is, until a scandal involving him and his team captain’s wife occurs. After being given an indefinite suspension from the team, he leaves Europe to go spend some time with his cousin Hunter in New York.
Hunter lives with his best friend, Harley. She and Jake have met previously over a decade ago, and even had a “friends with benefits” thing the summer before he started his sports career in Europe.
Now that he’s back, the chemistry and tension between him and Harley is undeniable. Living together makes this even harder to deny. It becomes clear to both of them that their previous fling was not actually “no strings attached”.
Throughout the story, Harley works on training for a barista competition and Jake has to decide if he even wants to continue playing soccer.
This story is told as dual POV between Harley and Jake, and is in 1st person.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This was definitely a cute story. If you’re a fan of second chance romance, especially, this is the book for you. It had a some pretty funny moments, and the end of the book was super sweet as well. I will say the last 20%-ish was my favorite.
My main issue is that overall, there wasn’t much to set this story apart from other contemporary romances. The non-romance aspects of the plot were kind of boring, and I found the character’s personalities to be a bit annoying. Jake, specifically, had an affair with his (married!) team captain’s wife, and this is never really addressed other than him internally admitting he knew he was an a**hole; Harley knew but never talked to him about it, which makes me assume she just doesn’t care.
A lot of these are more personal issues, so if you’re in to second chance romances, roommate romances, or the “best friend’s brother” (in this case, best friend’s cousin) trope, definitely give this one a read.
Thank you to the author for a copy of this to read ✨
December 29, 2023
When I stumbled into/onto the writing and bookstagram community 3 or so years ago, Erin was one of the first writers I happened across. We self-published our debut novels in the same year, and I've been in awe of her ever since.
I've loved each and every book she's published - and despite using the same central bunch of characters (with a change in meaty, deep side characters) there's always a new spin!
'The Wedding Planners' was my first ever romance read, and it did not disappoint! Steamy, sexy and swoon-worthy. Then I could hardly contain my excitement at the much anticipated follow up: 'Five Dates Between Friends', which was all sweetness, and sugar and the right amount of spice.
'Strings Attached' is another marvel. Not only did I churn through the first 6 or so chapters, with a vengeance, I struggled to put the book down at any given point. 300 odd pages gone in a flash! And now...I have book depression...
Luckily for me, and any other avid followers/lovers/readers of Erin's work, there's a 4th instalment on the rise, featuring Hunter and Odette.
Erin writes passionate, saucy romances with authentic, unique characters who you wish you could be as intriguing or relatable as. And her ability to weave words and plotlines together into a book (like ingredients in a recipe) is so mouth-watering it's simply magical!
Between the food porn in Book #1, drinks selections in Book #2 and coffee for days in Book #3, I can't wait to see what she 'cooks up' next!
Harley was a loveable character from the get-go (Book #1) but the depth, sincerity and vulnerability that this book brought to her was really touching. Her loss was dealt with beautifully, and the second-chance opportunity at love with Jake really struck a chord!
If you haven't read her work, I recommend you start!
I've loved each and every book she's published - and despite using the same central bunch of characters (with a change in meaty, deep side characters) there's always a new spin!
'The Wedding Planners' was my first ever romance read, and it did not disappoint! Steamy, sexy and swoon-worthy. Then I could hardly contain my excitement at the much anticipated follow up: 'Five Dates Between Friends', which was all sweetness, and sugar and the right amount of spice.
'Strings Attached' is another marvel. Not only did I churn through the first 6 or so chapters, with a vengeance, I struggled to put the book down at any given point. 300 odd pages gone in a flash! And now...I have book depression...
Luckily for me, and any other avid followers/lovers/readers of Erin's work, there's a 4th instalment on the rise, featuring Hunter and Odette.
Erin writes passionate, saucy romances with authentic, unique characters who you wish you could be as intriguing or relatable as. And her ability to weave words and plotlines together into a book (like ingredients in a recipe) is so mouth-watering it's simply magical!
Between the food porn in Book #1, drinks selections in Book #2 and coffee for days in Book #3, I can't wait to see what she 'cooks up' next!
Harley was a loveable character from the get-go (Book #1) but the depth, sincerity and vulnerability that this book brought to her was really touching. Her loss was dealt with beautifully, and the second-chance opportunity at love with Jake really struck a chord!
If you haven't read her work, I recommend you start!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2025
~Book Review~
Strings Attached by Erin Thomson is a beautiful blend of humour, heart, and second-chance romance. Jake and Harley have history, tension, and chemistry for days—and watching them try (and fail) to keep it casual is pure fun. Their banter is on point, their emotional growth is real, and the spicy scenes? Top tier.
Harley is such a vibrant, free-spirited character, and I loved how her energy brought out a different side of Jake. Honestly, she made me want to go thrift shopping and live a little more boldly—she’s that kind of vibe.
And I have to admit… the way they panic buy? Yeah, I felt personally attacked. 😆 I’ve 100% been there. Erin writes those little character quirks so well that you feel totally seen.
This was my first book by Erin Thomson, and I’m genuinely obsessed now. Her writing is fresh but also deeply emotional when it needs to be. I can’t wait to read more of her work—she just earned a permanent spot on my romance shelf.
~Audiobook Review~
The audio version of Strings Attached is everything. Stefanie Kay lights up the story with her portrayal of Harley—she brings warmth, attitude, and that perfect sunshine vibe to every line. You really feel Harley’s heart and fire through her voice.
And Dane Anderson? No surprise—he kills it. If you know me, you already know I’ve been a fan of his work, and he continues to show why. His voice brings Jake to life with that emotional intensity that lingers. He doesn’t just perform—he inhabits the character, making every moment feel intimate and real.
The narration adds a whole new dimension to an already great story. It’s immersive, addictive, and one of those listens that you’ll want to relive.
Strings Attached by Erin Thomson is a beautiful blend of humour, heart, and second-chance romance. Jake and Harley have history, tension, and chemistry for days—and watching them try (and fail) to keep it casual is pure fun. Their banter is on point, their emotional growth is real, and the spicy scenes? Top tier.
Harley is such a vibrant, free-spirited character, and I loved how her energy brought out a different side of Jake. Honestly, she made me want to go thrift shopping and live a little more boldly—she’s that kind of vibe.
And I have to admit… the way they panic buy? Yeah, I felt personally attacked. 😆 I’ve 100% been there. Erin writes those little character quirks so well that you feel totally seen.
This was my first book by Erin Thomson, and I’m genuinely obsessed now. Her writing is fresh but also deeply emotional when it needs to be. I can’t wait to read more of her work—she just earned a permanent spot on my romance shelf.
~Audiobook Review~
The audio version of Strings Attached is everything. Stefanie Kay lights up the story with her portrayal of Harley—she brings warmth, attitude, and that perfect sunshine vibe to every line. You really feel Harley’s heart and fire through her voice.
And Dane Anderson? No surprise—he kills it. If you know me, you already know I’ve been a fan of his work, and he continues to show why. His voice brings Jake to life with that emotional intensity that lingers. He doesn’t just perform—he inhabits the character, making every moment feel intimate and real.
The narration adds a whole new dimension to an already great story. It’s immersive, addictive, and one of those listens that you’ll want to relive.
August 14, 2023
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read the ARC!
Duel POV
Tropes:
Second Chance Romance Barista/Soccer player Sex Positivity
Weekend Getaway Competition Roommates
Sunshine/Grumpy He Falls First It's Always Been You
Harley is a fabulous character; she is goofy and loveable. She is a pretty relatable character…well for me at least. I am also a barista, and my espresso machine is named Frangelica I also call her Franny for short, and she has a massive attitude. I love how Harley is unapologetic about her sex life and she decides to live her life.
“Don't leave because I threatened you with a knife. I promise I Won't do it again, unless you deserve it.”
Jake the selling point for me with Jake was when he asked if thrifting was a verb. Then just went right along with all of Harleys crazy which i strongly appreciate in a thrifting buddy. Also, Jake didn't try to put blame on anyone but himself when he made mistakes with his career, and he also did not beat around the bush too much when he knew what he wanted when all the pieces were given to him.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. As a person who is also a barista and played soccer I felt really connected to this book and all of the secondary characters are amazing. Cece is adorable and I would want to be friends with her in real life. I also really hope Hunter's story is the next one we get to read about 👀 👀. Hunter and Harley's relationship is super cute, but I REALLY wish we would have gotten just a bit more of it.
Duel POV
Tropes:
Second Chance Romance Barista/Soccer player Sex Positivity
Weekend Getaway Competition Roommates
Sunshine/Grumpy He Falls First It's Always Been You
Harley is a fabulous character; she is goofy and loveable. She is a pretty relatable character…well for me at least. I am also a barista, and my espresso machine is named Frangelica I also call her Franny for short, and she has a massive attitude. I love how Harley is unapologetic about her sex life and she decides to live her life.
“Don't leave because I threatened you with a knife. I promise I Won't do it again, unless you deserve it.”
Jake the selling point for me with Jake was when he asked if thrifting was a verb. Then just went right along with all of Harleys crazy which i strongly appreciate in a thrifting buddy. Also, Jake didn't try to put blame on anyone but himself when he made mistakes with his career, and he also did not beat around the bush too much when he knew what he wanted when all the pieces were given to him.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. As a person who is also a barista and played soccer I felt really connected to this book and all of the secondary characters are amazing. Cece is adorable and I would want to be friends with her in real life. I also really hope Hunter's story is the next one we get to read about 👀 👀. Hunter and Harley's relationship is super cute, but I REALLY wish we would have gotten just a bit more of it.
August 14, 2023
ARC review✨
Book: Strings attached by @authorerinthomson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
“Don't leave because I threatened you with a knife. I promise I Won't do it again unless you deserve it.”
First I want to say thank you to Erin Thomson for providing me with this ARC and for allowing me to review it before its release tomorrow. :)
Soccer star Jake escapes to New York after a scandal has left him indefinitely suspended from his team, and he decided hiding out with his cousin back in the States would be the best option. What Jake wasn’t expecting was to be sharing the apartment with his cousin's friend who also happens to be his ex fling from 10 years prior.
Harley is a ray of sunshine who can make a killer cup of coffee, and she has also coincidentally sworn off relationships after her tragic past love. After a partially nude run-in with each other in her bathroom, the new roommates have to learn to ignore their past issues to live with each other.
I really fell in love with these two and with how they seamlessly complimented each other. Full transparency, however, without giving too much away, I do wish their relationship was a bit more spark-inducing. Their dynamic as friends was adorable and I ate it up, but I do feel that maybe their relationship could’ve gone a bit deeper.
I did thoroughly enjoy this book though, and I am excited to go back and read the rest of the series :)
Tropes:
☕️Dual POV
☕️Sports romance
☕️He falls first
☕️Grumpy/sunshine
☕️Roommates
☕️ Cousin's best friend
☕️Second chance romance
☕️ series (can be read as a stand-alone)
Book: Strings attached by @authorerinthomson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
“Don't leave because I threatened you with a knife. I promise I Won't do it again unless you deserve it.”
First I want to say thank you to Erin Thomson for providing me with this ARC and for allowing me to review it before its release tomorrow. :)
Soccer star Jake escapes to New York after a scandal has left him indefinitely suspended from his team, and he decided hiding out with his cousin back in the States would be the best option. What Jake wasn’t expecting was to be sharing the apartment with his cousin's friend who also happens to be his ex fling from 10 years prior.
Harley is a ray of sunshine who can make a killer cup of coffee, and she has also coincidentally sworn off relationships after her tragic past love. After a partially nude run-in with each other in her bathroom, the new roommates have to learn to ignore their past issues to live with each other.
I really fell in love with these two and with how they seamlessly complimented each other. Full transparency, however, without giving too much away, I do wish their relationship was a bit more spark-inducing. Their dynamic as friends was adorable and I ate it up, but I do feel that maybe their relationship could’ve gone a bit deeper.
I did thoroughly enjoy this book though, and I am excited to go back and read the rest of the series :)
Tropes:
☕️Dual POV
☕️Sports romance
☕️He falls first
☕️Grumpy/sunshine
☕️Roommates
☕️ Cousin's best friend
☕️Second chance romance
☕️ series (can be read as a stand-alone)
August 15, 2023
Harley O'Connell is the sunshine barista who lives life in the now. She's fun, energetic and unapologetically her but underneath all the smiles, her tragic past has her refusing to love again.
Enter, Jake Davenport. The best Striker in the English Premier League who flees to New York to escape the heat of a scandal that scored him an indefinite suspension. Arriving unannounced at his cousin, Hunter's apartment, the last thing Jake expected was to find his first love, Harley O'Connell was his roommate.
💭 I love this series! 🥰🥰
I've said this before and I will say it again, Erin has all the rare ability to capture the essence of her character's world that just about guarantees you will crave a good coffee or some snacks while reading her books. Her characters are always so well rounded with authentic, and let's not forget hilarious, internal dialogue. So many laughs!
The sexual tension between Jake and Harley is explosive! And there is so much fricken 🌶️ in this book my vajayjay hurt just reading it. If that wasn't enough to entice you, then I am sure there is a trope or two to trickle everyone's fancy.
Dual POV
Grumpy Sunshine
Sports Romance
Second Chance
Forced proximity
Roommates
Cousin's Best Friend
Friends with benefits
Mutual pining
Love After Loss
STRINGS ATTACHED is out today on KU and paperback from the Zon. Be sure to check out THE WEDDING PLANNERS and FIVE DATES BETWEEN FRIENDS to get the full feels of this friendship group. You will love them!
Enter, Jake Davenport. The best Striker in the English Premier League who flees to New York to escape the heat of a scandal that scored him an indefinite suspension. Arriving unannounced at his cousin, Hunter's apartment, the last thing Jake expected was to find his first love, Harley O'Connell was his roommate.
💭 I love this series! 🥰🥰
I've said this before and I will say it again, Erin has all the rare ability to capture the essence of her character's world that just about guarantees you will crave a good coffee or some snacks while reading her books. Her characters are always so well rounded with authentic, and let's not forget hilarious, internal dialogue. So many laughs!
The sexual tension between Jake and Harley is explosive! And there is so much fricken 🌶️ in this book my vajayjay hurt just reading it. If that wasn't enough to entice you, then I am sure there is a trope or two to trickle everyone's fancy.
Dual POV
Grumpy Sunshine
Sports Romance
Second Chance
Forced proximity
Roommates
Cousin's Best Friend
Friends with benefits
Mutual pining
Love After Loss
STRINGS ATTACHED is out today on KU and paperback from the Zon. Be sure to check out THE WEDDING PLANNERS and FIVE DATES BETWEEN FRIENDS to get the full feels of this friendship group. You will love them!
August 19, 2023
Erin Thomson is back at it again with Strings Attached from her Love in Brooklyn series. This book is one of waited eagerly for as I always loved Harley and have wanted her to be truly happy and in love since I met her. Harley is a well-known barista who has been coasting through life. She enjoys men, but only on her terms - one night flings. She has a great group of friends, and it seems just fine. That is until she met Jake. About a decade ago, they had a short fling before he went to Europe to be an international soccer (football) star in the Premier League. Now, he is back after a short fall from grace and under public scrutiny. He bunks with his cousin, Hunter, and his roommate Harley. Initially, Harley just wants to be friends with him, but soon, that chemistry and tension boils over to a friends benefit situation. However, that attraction is too strong for something so simple, bit is there room for love. This is truly an adorable and steamy romance! First, the main characters of Jake and Harley. Their points of view allow the reader to really see them and especially see their growth as they help each other become better versions of themselves. Second, I love the cameos of the Brooklyn group like Chaee, Mack, Jemma, and Nash. I am so happy to see their relationships thrive. Third, their dates from thrift shopping to ice cream trials. It was so cute! I laughed and cried and enjoyed every moment of this book! Thank you @authorerinthomson!
October 3, 2023
STRINGS ATTACHED By Erin Thomson
Jake Davenport is the best striker in the English Premier League. Or he was until his off-pitch behavior left his captain with a broken nose, and Jake suspended. Indefinitely. He flees to New York to lay low. But peace is fleeting when he’s sharing an apartment with his free-spirited first love, who insists on friendship and shoves him outside his comfort zone every chance she gets.
Harley O’Connell lives by a simple idea: Maximum fun. Minimum attachments. It’s served her well over the last decade and she sees no reason to rethink it. Certainly not for Jake. She hasn’t thought about their summer fling in years, and is unprepared for his shirtless presence in her kitchen, and her dreams. But admiring his well defined torso is one thing, letting her heart get involved is quite another.
😊What i liked -
✔️ Sports/Friends To Lovers/Roommates To Lovers /Second Chance/He Falls First.
✔️ I liked the tension between Jake and Harley.
✔️ I liked the side characters as well. They added quite a nice punch to the story. ✔️I liked Harley and her complex character.
✔️ It was a nice read with a few laughs and swoon.
😊 What could have been better -
✔️ I liked the book but I didn’t get hooked to it.
😊Who Should read :
👶Beginners
💝 Romance Lover
⚽️Sports Romance
💞He Falls First Romance
My Rating : 3.5/5
Jake Davenport is the best striker in the English Premier League. Or he was until his off-pitch behavior left his captain with a broken nose, and Jake suspended. Indefinitely. He flees to New York to lay low. But peace is fleeting when he’s sharing an apartment with his free-spirited first love, who insists on friendship and shoves him outside his comfort zone every chance she gets.
Harley O’Connell lives by a simple idea: Maximum fun. Minimum attachments. It’s served her well over the last decade and she sees no reason to rethink it. Certainly not for Jake. She hasn’t thought about their summer fling in years, and is unprepared for his shirtless presence in her kitchen, and her dreams. But admiring his well defined torso is one thing, letting her heart get involved is quite another.
😊What i liked -
✔️ Sports/Friends To Lovers/Roommates To Lovers /Second Chance/He Falls First.
✔️ I liked the tension between Jake and Harley.
✔️ I liked the side characters as well. They added quite a nice punch to the story. ✔️I liked Harley and her complex character.
✔️ It was a nice read with a few laughs and swoon.
😊 What could have been better -
✔️ I liked the book but I didn’t get hooked to it.
😊Who Should read :
👶Beginners
💝 Romance Lover
⚽️Sports Romance
💞He Falls First Romance
My Rating : 3.5/5
August 14, 2023
Ok but why did this take me a whole day to finish?!?!
A great second chance romance when Jake returns to New York and see's Harley again.
When they said opposites attract they meant Jake and Harley.
Jake in my opinion was such a golden retriever. He fell first, well of course he did.
He had to really find himself and while Harley help loosen him up, I wish there was more he could have done independently.
Harley is a happy go lucky type. New adventure type of girl. Try new things always. I feel that they way she is might have to do with something personal that happened to her in her past. I sense alot of relatable senses to her as I try and be a cheerful person in front of everyone.
But she pushed Jake out of his comfort zone and it pleased him and it showed a different side of him.
As a barista fmc, Harley just made you want to grab a coffee and read.
They were so good together and fit perfectly and I couldn't have seen them without each other.
I'm a fan of thrifting in book and in real life so yay :)
This was a cute fun romance with some spice that would make you melt away ;)
Thank you author Erin Thomson for the chance to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.
A great second chance romance when Jake returns to New York and see's Harley again.
When they said opposites attract they meant Jake and Harley.
Jake in my opinion was such a golden retriever. He fell first, well of course he did.
He had to really find himself and while Harley help loosen him up, I wish there was more he could have done independently.
Harley is a happy go lucky type. New adventure type of girl. Try new things always. I feel that they way she is might have to do with something personal that happened to her in her past. I sense alot of relatable senses to her as I try and be a cheerful person in front of everyone.
But she pushed Jake out of his comfort zone and it pleased him and it showed a different side of him.
As a barista fmc, Harley just made you want to grab a coffee and read.
They were so good together and fit perfectly and I couldn't have seen them without each other.
I'm a fan of thrifting in book and in real life so yay :)
This was a cute fun romance with some spice that would make you melt away ;)
Thank you author Erin Thomson for the chance to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.
August 19, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫3.5/5
Opposites attract. Second chance romance. Barista. Professional soccer player. This book has ALL the right pieces and it was so sweet!
I felt so distracted reading this book?? Like maybe the first 50% wasn’t moving quite as fast as I would’ve liked. However, once Harley and Jake started spending more time together (really once they got to the vacation weekend at Jemma & Nash’s place) the story moved along nicely!
All in all, I loved Harley and Jake!! Mrs S and Hunter are such good friends to Harley and I love to see it! It was great to see the crew again - Cream and Sugar, Rudi Blue, etc.
I will definitely continue to read from Erin Thomson! She writes such unique stories with elements you don’t find in other books! I love that Jake played in the EPL! Such fun details to incorporate!
Thank you Erin Thomson for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! I can’t wait to read what you write next!!
“…none of [my words] were enough for what I wanted to say to this woman. She thought I saved her, but really, I know she’d saved me— from myself, from a downward spiral, from everything.”
Opposites attract. Second chance romance. Barista. Professional soccer player. This book has ALL the right pieces and it was so sweet!
I felt so distracted reading this book?? Like maybe the first 50% wasn’t moving quite as fast as I would’ve liked. However, once Harley and Jake started spending more time together (really once they got to the vacation weekend at Jemma & Nash’s place) the story moved along nicely!
All in all, I loved Harley and Jake!! Mrs S and Hunter are such good friends to Harley and I love to see it! It was great to see the crew again - Cream and Sugar, Rudi Blue, etc.
I will definitely continue to read from Erin Thomson! She writes such unique stories with elements you don’t find in other books! I love that Jake played in the EPL! Such fun details to incorporate!
Thank you Erin Thomson for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! I can’t wait to read what you write next!!
“…none of [my words] were enough for what I wanted to say to this woman. She thought I saved her, but really, I know she’d saved me— from myself, from a downward spiral, from everything.”
July 16, 2023
𝕬𝕽𝕮 𝕽𝖊𝖛𝖎𝖊𝖜:
4 spicy and romantic stars⭐⭐⭐⭐
∆ 𝓢𝓽𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼 𝓐𝓽𝓽𝓪𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓭 is friends with benefits, rekindling of past fling, sports romance. It is oh so hot and definitely filthy with a dash of angst and loads of love. This book made me realise that friends-to-lovers is the best thing ever.
∆ OMGGGG!!! THE FIRST TIME Jake and Harley MEET ("FIRST"ACCORDING TO JAKE) IS SOOOO CUTE AND I FELT SO GIDDY WHILE READING THEIR MEET CUTE🥺 Jake and Harley are the best thing ever, hands down, I am just so excited that I picked this up🫶🏼😩
∆ Harley is a happy-go-lucky girl and she is a ball of sunshine, she is so exuberant and she IS the positive vibe, I felt so happy while reading the character of Harley🫶🏼🤌🏽🧡 but behind that bubbly, sunshine personality, hidden is the pain of a broken heart and a pained soul.
∆ Their attraction towards each other is so explosive and this in turn makes their spice super hot🥵🔥🤤😩🧡🫦 I melt everytime their spice comes (pun intended 😏)
∆ Highly recommended book, one which should be read because it has angst, spice and lots and lots of love 🩷🫶🏼
4 spicy and romantic stars⭐⭐⭐⭐
∆ 𝓢𝓽𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼 𝓐𝓽𝓽𝓪𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓭 is friends with benefits, rekindling of past fling, sports romance. It is oh so hot and definitely filthy with a dash of angst and loads of love. This book made me realise that friends-to-lovers is the best thing ever.
∆ OMGGGG!!! THE FIRST TIME Jake and Harley MEET ("FIRST"ACCORDING TO JAKE) IS SOOOO CUTE AND I FELT SO GIDDY WHILE READING THEIR MEET CUTE🥺 Jake and Harley are the best thing ever, hands down, I am just so excited that I picked this up🫶🏼😩
∆ Harley is a happy-go-lucky girl and she is a ball of sunshine, she is so exuberant and she IS the positive vibe, I felt so happy while reading the character of Harley🫶🏼🤌🏽🧡 but behind that bubbly, sunshine personality, hidden is the pain of a broken heart and a pained soul.
∆ Their attraction towards each other is so explosive and this in turn makes their spice super hot🥵🔥🤤😩🧡🫦 I melt everytime their spice comes (pun intended 😏)
∆ Highly recommended book, one which should be read because it has angst, spice and lots and lots of love 🩷🫶🏼
August 20, 2023
@authorerinthomson has her newest book Strings Attached releasing on Tuesday and let me be the one to tell you that it is such an enjoyable read! Jake Davenport is a professional soccer player who has been suspended for an undeterminable amount of time due to several scandals he has found himself in. That being said, what is a guy to do other than pack his bags up, flee from London, and come to New York to stay with his cousin and his cousin's female roommate who may just so happen to be his former summer college fling! What could go wrong? 😂
Harley is a barista at her friend's coffee shop and is one of the best in the business. After coming home to find her best friend's cousin clad in only a towel in her apartment, Harley makes it her personal mission to befriend Jake and remind him of all the good things life has to offer, even amidst losing the core values he holds dear. Harley and Jake are a dynamic couple and they start off as friends and slowly progress into something more. Their romance seems extremely real and is super sweet, especially with all of the steps Jake takes to convince Harley that she is indeed worth everything, even if it means changing his whole world around because SHE is his world! 🥰
This book was a solid ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5.0 for me only because I didn't quite agree with Harley's choice for the third act breakup. The chemistry between Jake and Harley is extremely well-written and I adored the background characters that are Harley's friends! (They are characters from the first two books that Erin Thomson has written, but if you're like me, you don't have to read the first two in order to understand this story. However, after enjoying Strings Attached as much as I did, I will 100% certainly read Erin's other two books in this series. I also loved the last chapters with Mrs. Smythe and her teases of "I think we can do a little bit better than THAT, can't we, Jake?" 😉 Check out this book if you want an enjoyable sports romance read! (I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.)
Harley is a barista at her friend's coffee shop and is one of the best in the business. After coming home to find her best friend's cousin clad in only a towel in her apartment, Harley makes it her personal mission to befriend Jake and remind him of all the good things life has to offer, even amidst losing the core values he holds dear. Harley and Jake are a dynamic couple and they start off as friends and slowly progress into something more. Their romance seems extremely real and is super sweet, especially with all of the steps Jake takes to convince Harley that she is indeed worth everything, even if it means changing his whole world around because SHE is his world! 🥰
This book was a solid ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5.0 for me only because I didn't quite agree with Harley's choice for the third act breakup. The chemistry between Jake and Harley is extremely well-written and I adored the background characters that are Harley's friends! (They are characters from the first two books that Erin Thomson has written, but if you're like me, you don't have to read the first two in order to understand this story. However, after enjoying Strings Attached as much as I did, I will 100% certainly read Erin's other two books in this series. I also loved the last chapters with Mrs. Smythe and her teases of "I think we can do a little bit better than THAT, can't we, Jake?" 😉 Check out this book if you want an enjoyable sports romance read! (I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.)
August 15, 2023
3.5 🌟
I enjoyed the book, but I felt like there were too many plot points that were never really dug into.
- Why did Jake do what he did with a teammates wife? Was it just because? I wasn't too clear on that. Maybe it was brought up, but I glazed over it. Being that it was a significant point to the story, I wish it was clearer.
- The mention of Liam. It seemed too frequent for not enough substance, like he's being brought up because it's important, but it's more of an afterthought.
- What really happened between Jake and Harley after he first left?
The spice was a little tamer, which is okay if it's by design.
This is also not a critique but an observation. I was a little thrown off by the use of Austrialia English in the story, considering the story is based in NYC, and no one is from Australia. It wasn't a big deal, but something I noticed in terms of continuity.
It was still a cute second chance, love after loss story, and I love overcoming obstacles for personal growth.
I enjoyed the book, but I felt like there were too many plot points that were never really dug into.
- Why did Jake do what he did with a teammates wife? Was it just because? I wasn't too clear on that. Maybe it was brought up, but I glazed over it. Being that it was a significant point to the story, I wish it was clearer.
- The mention of Liam. It seemed too frequent for not enough substance, like he's being brought up because it's important, but it's more of an afterthought.
- What really happened between Jake and Harley after he first left?
The spice was a little tamer, which is okay if it's by design.
This is also not a critique but an observation. I was a little thrown off by the use of Austrialia English in the story, considering the story is based in NYC, and no one is from Australia. It wasn't a big deal, but something I noticed in terms of continuity.
It was still a cute second chance, love after loss story, and I love overcoming obstacles for personal growth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2023
“You don’t know what is going to happen, it might hurt, but you can’t be scared of the hurt, because it means there was love. And that will always be worth it, you hear me?”
First of all, I need a Mrs S in my life, asap. Second of all, I am pretty sure my new favorite trope is second chance. How could it not be after reading Harley and Jake’s story??
I have had the privilege of reading all 3 of Erin’s books, with this one being an ARC. And what a book it was! It has all the makings of a great book for me- banter, check. Angst, check. He falls first, check. Sweet and sassy old ladies, check. Characters from pervious books, check. And most importantly, HEA, check.
I already cannot wait for the next one by Erin Thomson. It was well written and the Jake and Harley were able to jump off the page and come alive in my head. Well done!
First of all, I need a Mrs S in my life, asap. Second of all, I am pretty sure my new favorite trope is second chance. How could it not be after reading Harley and Jake’s story??
I have had the privilege of reading all 3 of Erin’s books, with this one being an ARC. And what a book it was! It has all the makings of a great book for me- banter, check. Angst, check. He falls first, check. Sweet and sassy old ladies, check. Characters from pervious books, check. And most importantly, HEA, check.
I already cannot wait for the next one by Erin Thomson. It was well written and the Jake and Harley were able to jump off the page and come alive in my head. Well done!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2023
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of STRINGS ATTACHED, and can I just say, as a coffee and thrift store lover, this story spoke to me.
Harley was a total ray of sunshine. She was a fun and unique MFC, and I want to be friends with her so desperately, not even because she'd make a killer latte! Her thrifty fashion sense makes me want to go bargain hunting before a date!
Jake was a bit of a loveable sook who lets life lead him without much thought- even if that means he's led into scandal and has to escape the country 😅 The dual POV made it easier to connect with him, and enjoy how fuzzy Harley made him feel.
A modern and fresh story, Strings Attached was easy to read and enjoy. Good for fellow caffeinated romance lovers and those who enjoy friends-with-benefits to lovers, shared past, only one bathroom vibes!
Harley was a total ray of sunshine. She was a fun and unique MFC, and I want to be friends with her so desperately, not even because she'd make a killer latte! Her thrifty fashion sense makes me want to go bargain hunting before a date!
Jake was a bit of a loveable sook who lets life lead him without much thought- even if that means he's led into scandal and has to escape the country 😅 The dual POV made it easier to connect with him, and enjoy how fuzzy Harley made him feel.
A modern and fresh story, Strings Attached was easy to read and enjoy. Good for fellow caffeinated romance lovers and those who enjoy friends-with-benefits to lovers, shared past, only one bathroom vibes!
August 15, 2023
It is my first book by Erin, but definitely it won’t be last!
It is a hilarious read! I stoped counting times of me laughing out loud about something that Harley did or said! She is such a great easygoing character! I can very well imagine become a good friends with her 💚
The book has so many unique and sweet microtropes that melted my heart : thrift dated and weekend gateway 😍😍
I enjoyed Jake and Harley’s story tremendously: the pace, the character development, the writing story and jokes and of course the Spice 🥵🫠
The friendship is off the charts: the connection between main and secondary characters is really good! I didn’t even know before that this is the third book in the series. But as we meet those characters here as well.. I am already positive I want to meet them closer! 🏃🏻♀️ to add first 2 books to my TBR 😍
Thank Erin for ARC! This is my honest review.
It is a hilarious read! I stoped counting times of me laughing out loud about something that Harley did or said! She is such a great easygoing character! I can very well imagine become a good friends with her 💚
The book has so many unique and sweet microtropes that melted my heart : thrift dated and weekend gateway 😍😍
I enjoyed Jake and Harley’s story tremendously: the pace, the character development, the writing story and jokes and of course the Spice 🥵🫠
The friendship is off the charts: the connection between main and secondary characters is really good! I didn’t even know before that this is the third book in the series. But as we meet those characters here as well.. I am already positive I want to meet them closer! 🏃🏻♀️ to add first 2 books to my TBR 😍
Thank Erin for ARC! This is my honest review.
August 15, 2023
*ARC provided by author*
• Second chance
• Love after loss
• Forced proximity (roommates)
• He's a grumpy pro football/soccer player, she's a sunshine barista
• Mutual pining
• No strings arrangement
• Summer vibes
• Super fun friend group
• Open door
• No 3rd act breakup
So, over a decade ago, Jake and Harley had a thing. It ended when he left for Europe to play football/soccer. Lives were lived, etc. Fast forward to the present. Jake finds himself in the middle of a scandal and decides to escape to NY to stay with his cousin (read: family) until things cooled down in London. His cousin who is the best friend of Harley. And there begins all the delicious tension that only forced proximity can deliver. Harley suggests a no-strings deal, but all Jake can think about is how much he wanted those strings attached. He falls first–and hard–and I loved it so much.
Friends. If you're looking for a fun summer read, but still with lots of heart, pick this up! While not strictly necessary, I highly recommend reading books 1&2 in this series first, though. Definitely helps with getting to know all the characters–the friend group that includes the FMC!
• Second chance
• Love after loss
• Forced proximity (roommates)
• He's a grumpy pro football/soccer player, she's a sunshine barista
• Mutual pining
• No strings arrangement
• Summer vibes
• Super fun friend group
• Open door
• No 3rd act breakup
So, over a decade ago, Jake and Harley had a thing. It ended when he left for Europe to play football/soccer. Lives were lived, etc. Fast forward to the present. Jake finds himself in the middle of a scandal and decides to escape to NY to stay with his cousin (read: family) until things cooled down in London. His cousin who is the best friend of Harley. And there begins all the delicious tension that only forced proximity can deliver. Harley suggests a no-strings deal, but all Jake can think about is how much he wanted those strings attached. He falls first–and hard–and I loved it so much.
Friends. If you're looking for a fun summer read, but still with lots of heart, pick this up! While not strictly necessary, I highly recommend reading books 1&2 in this series first, though. Definitely helps with getting to know all the characters–the friend group that includes the FMC!
July 20, 2023
This was such a cute read! I loved how Harley was so sure of herself. She didn’t apologize for it and didn’t need to! Jake was everything she needed. I love it when the man knows what he wants and doesn’t run from it. He admitted when he messed up with his career, but then decided to be better and did! Overall, I really liked Jake. Harley had some trauma to work through, and I loved that she had some amazing elderly women to give her advice! I can’t think of anything that I didn’t enjoy. Loved reading their love story unfold!
Thanks for letting me have an ARC for an honest review! Will definitely want to read again!
Thanks for letting me have an ARC for an honest review! Will definitely want to read again!
October 23, 2023
-Easy 4.5 star read.-
A lovely barista not-coping coping with a lost love (Re)meets a grumpy football star who's fallen from his pedestal in the UK- and of course they think they won't catch feelings when they're living together! Obviously we know how well this always works out.
I absolutely loved this book, even when I wanted to take them and smack their heads together when they were doing their "not following their feelings" and "the other won't feel the same." Insufferable, but undeniably addictive.
I loved these two, the plot, the best friend/roommate that "can't know they're sleeping together." and...I wanna go thrifting with Harley.
-Arc Review-
A lovely barista not-coping coping with a lost love (Re)meets a grumpy football star who's fallen from his pedestal in the UK- and of course they think they won't catch feelings when they're living together! Obviously we know how well this always works out.
I absolutely loved this book, even when I wanted to take them and smack their heads together when they were doing their "not following their feelings" and "the other won't feel the same." Insufferable, but undeniably addictive.
I loved these two, the plot, the best friend/roommate that "can't know they're sleeping together." and...I wanna go thrifting with Harley.
-Arc Review-
July 31, 2023
"He looked sad. Also alarmed, because I'd been threatening him with a knife. Way to make a first - third? - impression, Harley."
The reader's first impression of Jake is him twelve years prior, about to embark on his soccer career but spending a blissful few weeks with the enigmatic Harley, his cousin's best friend, first. He is head over heels.
The reader's second impression of Jake is him in his early thirties, and he sucks. Sorry not sorry, but it is glossed over REAL quick how he slept with his teammate's wife. He had a great career, but now plagued by scandal, Jake is back in the States and in need of a place to stay.
The reader's third impression of Jake is him begging for a place to stay, and Harley threatening him at knifepoint. That at least was super funny.
This book feels like it is set in the Friends universe. Beautiful people, an incredible barista, and a second chance romance for the ages. The titular strings don't come into play until much later, as the lust that crackles from the very beginning eventually gives way to love. It takes a long time to get there though.
I'm gonna be real with y'all: this book was well written. 10/10 spice, fun meddling friends, and thrift roulette fun. But if you're wanting something with more substance or deep discussion, this book doesn't have it. And that's okay! Not every novel does! Some romance novels need to be set in a Friends type of New York. Not everything needs to devastate you.
So if you need something fluffy like latte foam art, this book is for you. I'm not sure if it's for me, at least not at this point in my life. But I will come back to this if I need a pure pick me up like a shot of caffeine, because that is what this book is.
Thank you for the ARC in exchange for my honest feedback!
The reader's first impression of Jake is him twelve years prior, about to embark on his soccer career but spending a blissful few weeks with the enigmatic Harley, his cousin's best friend, first. He is head over heels.
The reader's second impression of Jake is him in his early thirties, and he sucks. Sorry not sorry, but it is glossed over REAL quick how he slept with his teammate's wife. He had a great career, but now plagued by scandal, Jake is back in the States and in need of a place to stay.
The reader's third impression of Jake is him begging for a place to stay, and Harley threatening him at knifepoint. That at least was super funny.
This book feels like it is set in the Friends universe. Beautiful people, an incredible barista, and a second chance romance for the ages. The titular strings don't come into play until much later, as the lust that crackles from the very beginning eventually gives way to love. It takes a long time to get there though.
I'm gonna be real with y'all: this book was well written. 10/10 spice, fun meddling friends, and thrift roulette fun. But if you're wanting something with more substance or deep discussion, this book doesn't have it. And that's okay! Not every novel does! Some romance novels need to be set in a Friends type of New York. Not everything needs to devastate you.
So if you need something fluffy like latte foam art, this book is for you. I'm not sure if it's for me, at least not at this point in my life. But I will come back to this if I need a pure pick me up like a shot of caffeine, because that is what this book is.
Thank you for the ARC in exchange for my honest feedback!
July 25, 2023
I got this as an ARC from the author.
Rounded up from 4.75.
This was my first book from this author. I'm not at all a fan of sports in any way, but I still loved this book. I loved that both Jake and Harley had an actual backstory, both on their own and together. I liked the second chance romance, and the growth they both had. It's definitely not a closed door romance, but I didn't mind that, even if it sounded exhausting irl. I have already bought the rest of the series for myself, and will definitely read those too.
Rounded up from 4.75.
This was my first book from this author. I'm not at all a fan of sports in any way, but I still loved this book. I loved that both Jake and Harley had an actual backstory, both on their own and together. I liked the second chance romance, and the growth they both had. It's definitely not a closed door romance, but I didn't mind that, even if it sounded exhausting irl. I have already bought the rest of the series for myself, and will definitely read those too.
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