Dark Match

by J.L. Minyard

He may be inexperienced...but this golden retreiver boy is about to teach her a lesson or two about love.

Raleigh French never got out of her hometown. She wasn’t ever supposed to. She was supposed to marry her high school boyfriend—the local grocery store heir—pop out a few of his babies, and be just fine. So, she doesn’t have many expectations or aspirations for her life, except for a cold drink and a hot guy.

But everything changes the night she breaks all her rules and kisses the town’s newest rising star.

For the first time in a long time, Raleigh might want something…want someone…she doesn’t deserve.

Because guys like him don’t end up with girls like her.

August Callahan is Cedar Creek’s golden boy. Former heavyweight champion, Jesse Lee Abel, has honed him into wrestling’s next big talent. August is gearing up for his TV debut, an opportunity that could make or break his career.

The producers like him as sweet, fresh faced, and single.

But August has other plans.

He’s inexplicably caught the attention of Raleigh French…the girl he’s low-key been obsessed with since they were teenagers.

And he’s not about to let her go. No matter what it might cost him.

Because, to August, Raleigh was always meant to be his.

Dark Match is the third novella in the Bluegrass Performance Center series. They are short and spicy and intended to be enjoyed in a single sitting…a little afternoon delight, if you will.

145 pages, Paperback

Published March 8, 2026

Reviews

[Dee Layton]

This is an intense and completely dark romance. That I devoured very quickly. This is book 3 in the Bluegrass Performance series. I have read them all and they are absolutely amazing. I love Raleigh and August story it was raw, dark and spicy. I love how from the very beginning you get grabbed and taken on one heck of a ride. I love the quote, "Because to August, Raleigh was always meant to be his." You bet your bottom she was. I personally love the ending and the way the I Love You word came out. I love the valentines gift August got Raleigh. This was just an amazing ending to an amazing book. Overall, this was amazing and I cannot wait to see how this series continues and what lucky couple is next!

[Lauren Head]

This dark romance completely consumed me. As book three in the Bluegrass Performance series, it proves once again why this series is so addictive. Raleigh and August’s story is raw, passionate, and packed with spice, pulling you in from the very first page and taking you on a wild, emotional ride. The moment that stood out most was the line, “Because to August, Raleigh was always meant to be his,” and honestly, you feel that truth in every moment between them. Their connection is powerful, the ending is incredibly satisfying, and the way those long-awaited “I love yous” unfold makes it even sweeter especially with August’s unforgettable Valentine’s gift. An amazing installment with a perfect ending, and now I’m eagerly waiting to see which couple steals the spotlight next.

[Ketyna]

This Author had me from the very first Sentence.

This was a  spicy read... And I was here for it. our clean cut innocent golden retreiver August, Had it bad for Raleigh, he wasn't letting her go. Raleigh whom did not recognize him from the past... Had a F**k moment and gave in. 

I have to say I was surprised by this story. I wanted more it was too short. 

The banter and character development was well done for such a quick spicy read.

I will most definitely be reading this author again. 

thank you to the author for the advanced Readers copy of this story. I very much enjoyed. right story at the right time.

[Johanna]

Book 3 of the Bluegrass Performance Center series. Can be read as a standalone.

'He's inexplicably caught the attention of Raleigh French…the girl he’s low-key been obsessed with since they were teenagers.
And he’s not about to let her go.'

The characters drove the storyline and they were very appealing and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and exciting and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. Another great addition to the series. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

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

[Tori]

her books are literally always the perfect combination of spice and story. they are perfect if you need a short little novella in between books. I absolutely adored August in the previous book, and I fell for him even more in this one. the premise of this book was actually sooo adorable too, like that Raleigh didn't believe she deserved August's love and that she would only hold him back, but he helped her see that all of that was not true.
thank you so much Jessica for the arc, and for allowing me to be on this journey with you 💕

[Jordan]

As a wrestling fan, Dark Match fed my soul! I loved seeing some of the behind-the-scenes stuff that happens with the matches and the training at a performance center.

Not to mention, August and Raleigh were absolutely perfect together 😍 Raleigh was an extremely relatable female lead and made it so easy to get invested in her story and want to see things work out for her. And who doesn't love a golden retriever man????

I'm definitely going to have to go back and read more in the series. I need more of these characters and 100% more wrestling romance!

[Skylar Lemon]

My second time reading a book by this author and she didn’t disappoint. Classic golden retriever boy. Short and sweet (and by sweet I mean hot and spicy). Small town romance that’s straight to the point. I like it. I want more.

[Rebecca Billman]

Raleigh has had her life set up for her for as long as she can remember. One night changes everything when she meets August.

August has always liked Raleigh, but she was always off limits. Now he doesn’t care and will do whatever it takes to be with her.

Another great novella by J.L..

[Calm Your Pits]

Raleigh and August are adorable together and even though she doesn't really remember him at first they don't let that stop them from doing what makes them happy. I love that she is a strong sure of herself woman.

[Adeselna]

Thank you so much to the author for the ARC

“Dark Match” features Raleigh, who works at the front desk of the gym, and August, the town sweetheart who is going to be a star.

I gotta say this time the people from Cedar Creek got on my nerves! Raleigh does NOT deserve any sh!t that people are throwing at her! They literally treat her poorly for no valid reason, that woman is fierce, she’s amazing, and August is damn right being totally in love with her!

Now that the rant is over, damn Raleigh and August are A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E! I loved how sweet and innocent August was and how in charge and unapologetic Raleigh was. It was really awful that everyone tried to convince Raleigh that she was not good enough for August, especially when August is a total goner for her and always has been, and I loved that he owned it and was not afraid to admit his feelings. He didn’t take BS from anyone regarding his feelings for her. We love a MMC who’s sweet but also knows who he adores and does everything for the love of his life.

You go, August Callahan! Go get your woman and screw everyone else who's a downer!

“Dark Match” is short, sweet and if you love an innocent guy with a woman who loves being in charge, this one is definitely for you!

[Elle Graziosa]

Arc reader:
Perfect balance between spice and love story, August is adorable and the small town romance makes everything more sweet!

[Gel]

Thank you for the ARC!

✔️ quick/short/sweet/easy read
✔️ V MMC
✔️ experienced FMC
✔️golden retriever MMC

❌ at times the FMC was obnoxious. She was too much for me at times.
❌ I prefer a MMC who is a little more alpha if he is a fighter. He was a little TOO soft.

[Stormy ✿ (stay-at-home tackler of tbr shelf) ✿]

Not for me: FMC is obnoxious, reverse grumpy sunshine.

[Harley]

quickie

So this little novella was a fun one that makes me want to go grab the first three to see if the connect or not. Wouldn’t be mad about a 4th either

[Stephanie Luther]

Loved this book!!! I am definitely going to be reading more by J.L. Minyard. Couldn’t put this book down!

[Kari Lake]

Another quick and fast read in the Bluegrass Performance world by JL Minyard. This book is about August and Raleigh. Their story is very sweet and spicy. I enjoyed the story and characters.

I was not crazy about the ending, but other than that, I enjoyed the book.

All of JL Minyard's books are highly enjoyable.