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The Storyhill Musicians #3
Off the Record
Walking away seemed like a slam dunk. Until a date with destiny changed everything.
Ever since the day her life flipped upside down, Bridget Hayes obeys a carefully crafted plan. And it works. Or it did. Until the night of her brother’s wedding, when she throws out all her rules—in spectacular fashion and finds herself in bed with one of her brother's bandmates. What had she been thinking? She caved to the one thing she can’t control—her longtime crush on a tall, charismatic, ginger of a man . . . who also happens to be one of her brother's best friends.
Blake Kelly knows two things for happily-ever-after is a myth and Bridget Hayes is risk personified. Doesn’t matter that he’s been attracted to her since her brother uttered the words, “Meet my sister.” Getting close to her could blow up the band. And the band is his family. He can’t risk it . . . no matter how much he wants a repeat performance.
Armed with a pact—tell no one—they return to their regularly scheduled lives. Because in a city of nine million people, what are the chances they’ll bump into each other anytime soon?
Nada. Zip. Zilch.
That is, until a rescue pup named Destiny turns out to be less dog and more cupid in a fur coat.
OFF THE RECORD is the third book in the award-winning Storyhill Musicians series.
Mix two secret crushes, a splash of sports romance, and the complications of dating your brother’s best friend and you have this witty steamy contemporary romance about two people figuring out if the risk is worth the reward.
Ever since the day her life flipped upside down, Bridget Hayes obeys a carefully crafted plan. And it works. Or it did. Until the night of her brother’s wedding, when she throws out all her rules—in spectacular fashion and finds herself in bed with one of her brother's bandmates. What had she been thinking? She caved to the one thing she can’t control—her longtime crush on a tall, charismatic, ginger of a man . . . who also happens to be one of her brother's best friends.
Blake Kelly knows two things for happily-ever-after is a myth and Bridget Hayes is risk personified. Doesn’t matter that he’s been attracted to her since her brother uttered the words, “Meet my sister.” Getting close to her could blow up the band. And the band is his family. He can’t risk it . . . no matter how much he wants a repeat performance.
Armed with a pact—tell no one—they return to their regularly scheduled lives. Because in a city of nine million people, what are the chances they’ll bump into each other anytime soon?
Nada. Zip. Zilch.
That is, until a rescue pup named Destiny turns out to be less dog and more cupid in a fur coat.
OFF THE RECORD is the third book in the award-winning Storyhill Musicians series.
Mix two secret crushes, a splash of sports romance, and the complications of dating your brother’s best friend and you have this witty steamy contemporary romance about two people figuring out if the risk is worth the reward.
320 pages, Paperback
Published August 3, 2022
19 people are currently reading
1042 people want to read
About the author
Annmarie Boyle
7 books62 followersAnnmarie Boyle, author of the award-winning Storyhill series, is an unapologetic believer in the transformative power of love, friendship, and enduring bonds. Known for writing relatable characters, witty dialogue and engaging interaction, Annmarie weaves together stories that make you laugh, think a little, and occasionally shed a tear.
Outside of writing, she can be found on a quest for the perfect vanilla oat milk latte or the most decadent coffee-flavored cupcake. She’s also a sucker for a good interior design show, so if you find a touch of “home make-over” vibes sneaking into her stories, now you know why!
Ultimately, it is her wish that every turn of the page brings a new adventure and every story is a passport into a world where grace is found in struggle, and love always prevails.
Visit her online at www.annmarieboyle.com
Outside of writing, she can be found on a quest for the perfect vanilla oat milk latte or the most decadent coffee-flavored cupcake. She’s also a sucker for a good interior design show, so if you find a touch of “home make-over” vibes sneaking into her stories, now you know why!
Ultimately, it is her wish that every turn of the page brings a new adventure and every story is a passport into a world where grace is found in struggle, and love always prevails.
Visit her online at www.annmarieboyle.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
October 10, 2022
Bringing Them Together . . .
Bridget Hayes acted impulsively once time and it was enough to convince her to be cautious and thoroughly think everything through before acting on it. So it was out of character on the night of her brother’s wedding for her to act on the crush for Blake Kelly that she has been hiding years.
Blake sees the band as his family and he would never do something foolish to put that relationship at risk. Andrew Hayes and Blake Kelly are best friends and bandmates. But when Bridget offered an experience that was too tempting, and a pact to remain silent, he gave in and he and Bridget ended up in bed together. Will they walk away quietly and try to forget their time together? Or will a rescue pup named Destiny become their matchmaker and bring the two together where they belong?
Bridget Hayes acted impulsively once time and it was enough to convince her to be cautious and thoroughly think everything through before acting on it. So it was out of character on the night of her brother’s wedding for her to act on the crush for Blake Kelly that she has been hiding years.
Blake sees the band as his family and he would never do something foolish to put that relationship at risk. Andrew Hayes and Blake Kelly are best friends and bandmates. But when Bridget offered an experience that was too tempting, and a pact to remain silent, he gave in and he and Bridget ended up in bed together. Will they walk away quietly and try to forget their time together? Or will a rescue pup named Destiny become their matchmaker and bring the two together where they belong?
September 11, 2022
Spending my Sunday afternoon reading Off the Record by Annmarie Boyle has been the absolute best. It's sweet, sexy fun with the added bonus of a precocious canine! Now I gotta go back and snag the previous books in the series. Cause this girl needs to get intimate with all the members of the Storyhill Musicians.
*Thanks to InkslingerPR for sharing this title with me.
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*Thanks to InkslingerPR for sharing this title with me.
Follow me on
Instagram✿Twitter✿Facebook✿Pinterest✿TikTok
September 4, 2022
I love a strong, firey female lead in a book and man did Off The Record deliver.
Bridget Hayes is a former college hoops star and WNBA player until her dreams come crashing down and her future changed in one night. She now has a very carefully crafted plan and schedule for each day to help her manage expectations. Its working -- at least it was until her brother's wedding where she lets her hair down and has a one night stand with her long time crush, and her brother's band mate (and best friend) Blake Kelly. The problem is, with them both having harbored feelings for each other for a long time, their one night stand just amplifies the feelings they have had for each other. Matters are made even worse when Bridget and Blake are named co-chairs of a charity event for a local pet rescue and have to work closely together. Blake is her brother's best friend and Bridget would never do anything to take her brother's dream away so they can't be together for real -- right?
This is the third book in the Storyhill series but can certainly be read as a standalone. I LOVED Blake. He is my favorite musician in this series so far. I loved how gone he was for Bridget and there is just something so swoon-worthy about a guy who fosters dogs. I felt like one of those cartoons with heart eyes every time he interacted with the sweet bulldog he fosters from the shelter.
This book is perfect for people who enjoy:
* Let's just do it once and get it out of our systems;
* Forbidden love;
* Brother's best friend;
* Forced proximity;
* Sports romance;
* dogs!
Annmarie has a way of making you feel like you know these characters in real life and each book I have been so invested in the characters and what happens to them. I blew through this book and could not put it down. I loved the characters and the story and would definitely recommend picking this one up!
Thank you to the author for an EARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Bridget Hayes is a former college hoops star and WNBA player until her dreams come crashing down and her future changed in one night. She now has a very carefully crafted plan and schedule for each day to help her manage expectations. Its working -- at least it was until her brother's wedding where she lets her hair down and has a one night stand with her long time crush, and her brother's band mate (and best friend) Blake Kelly. The problem is, with them both having harbored feelings for each other for a long time, their one night stand just amplifies the feelings they have had for each other. Matters are made even worse when Bridget and Blake are named co-chairs of a charity event for a local pet rescue and have to work closely together. Blake is her brother's best friend and Bridget would never do anything to take her brother's dream away so they can't be together for real -- right?
This is the third book in the Storyhill series but can certainly be read as a standalone. I LOVED Blake. He is my favorite musician in this series so far. I loved how gone he was for Bridget and there is just something so swoon-worthy about a guy who fosters dogs. I felt like one of those cartoons with heart eyes every time he interacted with the sweet bulldog he fosters from the shelter.
This book is perfect for people who enjoy:
* Let's just do it once and get it out of our systems;
* Forbidden love;
* Brother's best friend;
* Forced proximity;
* Sports romance;
* dogs!
Annmarie has a way of making you feel like you know these characters in real life and each book I have been so invested in the characters and what happens to them. I blew through this book and could not put it down. I loved the characters and the story and would definitely recommend picking this one up!
Thank you to the author for an EARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 9, 2022
This is the third book in this impressive series, and this is Bridget and Blake’s story. Bridget has had a crush on Blake, her brother’s best friend, as well as one of his bandmates, for a long time, and on the night of her brother’s wedding, she lets loose, and they have a spicy night together. Can these two keep their tryst a secret? This is a well written story which is fun, sweet, humorous, and with witty banter, family, friendships, and love, which leads to a steamy addictive page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 11, 2022
Storyhill, those a cappella country boys, of which my brain has decided must sound like the Avett Brothers or maybe even Lord Huron despite not having instrumentals, but I digress — they’re back, baby!
This time it’s Blake, our playboy player, who underneath it all is nursing some very unhealthy views on love and family courtesy of his mother. He’s also nursing a huge crush on my favorite man ever Andrew’s younger sister Bridget, but that is also a very big secret, because the Storyhill dudes are his found family and he would never do anything to eff that up.
Bridget, Andrew’s little sister, isn’t so little. She’s literally a former WNBA phenom whose career was cut short after a car accident that ruined her leg. She was a wild child before, but rearranged her priorities after because following rules keeps her safe. Because her basketball dreams were ruined, she doesn’t want to ruin Andrew’s music dreams, so her crush Blake is off limits.
Or is it? 😏 Blake and Bridget strike up a secret something something (except to Grace, because my Queen is observant). There are delightful shenanigans, a mouthy grandfather and a gassy little Frenchie named Destiny. Side note: Blake, having no outlet for all of the love in his heart, is big into animal rescue (I love you, Blake) and Bridget, who needs more unpredictability in her life, gets more than she bargains for while fostering the dog.
Blake and Bridget are very satisfying because they’ve got complimentary personalities, a sweet heat as they get to know each other and a tiny taste of a forbidden romance even though they’re in their 30s and Andrew needs to get over himself. There are other relationships that are also satisfying: Bridget and her bff Khadijah, Blake and his grandfather, and Blake’s relationship with the Storyhill family as he redefines who he is as the book progresses.
@annmarieboyleauthor is a really lovely writer, and I’ve enjoyed how each Storyhill member has a distinct personality and storyline. Grace and Andrew will always be my favorites, but workaholic Bridget and dog dad with a heart of gold Blake are definitely worth a read.
This time it’s Blake, our playboy player, who underneath it all is nursing some very unhealthy views on love and family courtesy of his mother. He’s also nursing a huge crush on my favorite man ever Andrew’s younger sister Bridget, but that is also a very big secret, because the Storyhill dudes are his found family and he would never do anything to eff that up.
Bridget, Andrew’s little sister, isn’t so little. She’s literally a former WNBA phenom whose career was cut short after a car accident that ruined her leg. She was a wild child before, but rearranged her priorities after because following rules keeps her safe. Because her basketball dreams were ruined, she doesn’t want to ruin Andrew’s music dreams, so her crush Blake is off limits.
Or is it? 😏 Blake and Bridget strike up a secret something something (except to Grace, because my Queen is observant). There are delightful shenanigans, a mouthy grandfather and a gassy little Frenchie named Destiny. Side note: Blake, having no outlet for all of the love in his heart, is big into animal rescue (I love you, Blake) and Bridget, who needs more unpredictability in her life, gets more than she bargains for while fostering the dog.
Blake and Bridget are very satisfying because they’ve got complimentary personalities, a sweet heat as they get to know each other and a tiny taste of a forbidden romance even though they’re in their 30s and Andrew needs to get over himself. There are other relationships that are also satisfying: Bridget and her bff Khadijah, Blake and his grandfather, and Blake’s relationship with the Storyhill family as he redefines who he is as the book progresses.
@annmarieboyleauthor is a really lovely writer, and I’ve enjoyed how each Storyhill member has a distinct personality and storyline. Grace and Andrew will always be my favorites, but workaholic Bridget and dog dad with a heart of gold Blake are definitely worth a read.
February 17, 2023
Best of the series so far!
September 6, 2022
**I received an EARC in exchange for an honest review.
Let me tell you guys, this story is so precious, so cute and swoon worthy I stayed up until three in the morning to finish it. Me staying up so late to finish a book has not happened in a very long time, so that tells you how much I really enjoyed it.
Off the Record is a five out of five blue stars read in the Then There Were Books review book.
Boyle has captured the simplicity of complicated. Let me elaborate, sometimes the easiest love story can also be complicated and I mean complicated by normal life standards.
Off the Record begins with our female main character, Bridget, going to her brother’s wedding (The couple from the first book if you are interested, I will for sure start reading the other two books of this series because this one was that amazing!).
Bridget is an executive for a WNBA team in New York and because of it, it’s hard for her to take time off, well she could, but she has a difficult time letting go of certain responsibilities of her job.
Also, she doesn’t want to think about all the other areas of her life where she is not exceeding at (specially in her romantic life), so she works and works some more until she doesn’t have to think about all the things she knows she is missing.
Bridget has had a crush on a certain person for a long time, and even though she knows she can’t go there, she still can’t help but wonder how life would be if she could just let herself go there.
But she has been reckless in her life before and it lead to the end of her dream. So she now plays by her own rules and those rules basically mean, do not do anything crazy or daring.
We also have our main male lead, Blake. A lovely goofball who tries to not take things too seriously, specially when it comes to romantic relationships.
Blake is a little terrified of giving someone his unconditional love, just for that person to not reciprocate the feelings and leave him feeling as he did when he was younger and his search for love ended in nothing but pain and loneliness just like his relationship with his mother.
Our dear Blake has also had a little crush on a certain person who for all intents and purposes is off reach.
She is related to one of his bandmates, someone he considers a brother, someone from his found family and he would do anything, risk anything before risking his relationship with the guys in the band and end up alone, so he doesn’t act on this crush.
Things take a turn for him when Bridget decides to break the rules for one weekend and just give in to her crush and get Blake “out of her system.”
He is a little hesitant because deep down he knows that if he goes there with Bridget he might not be able to come back to normal and he might be risking his only real family.
But he is not about to let her go home with anyone that is not him, so the night of his best friend’s weeding, Bridget’s brother, Blake and Bridget give in to their crush agreeing that it will be a one night thing and then they would never speak of it again.
A night off the record.
As destiny would have it, a little foster dog program charity event, Bridget’s willingness to help out her staff and a little dog named Destiny, brings the two closer than they would like to be and makes them face their real feelings. Makes them finally face something that has been brewing between them for the last ten years and creates the perfect storm for them to finally face their fears and feelings and hopefully at the end of said storm they will be able to find each other.
Off the Record is such a refreshing story where the drama is their own very real fears, fears of not being good enough, of letting go and getting hurt. It is so relatable and realistic in the most perfect way that it had me smiling, and almost crying every time our lovely MCs overcame the hardships of learning to trust others with their feelings and taking a jump into the unknown.
Boyle created an amazing, swoon worthy, relatable and realistic story that I think everyone who is looking for a short, lovely, and just super wholesome read, should definitely check out.
Let me tell you guys, this story is so precious, so cute and swoon worthy I stayed up until three in the morning to finish it. Me staying up so late to finish a book has not happened in a very long time, so that tells you how much I really enjoyed it.
Off the Record is a five out of five blue stars read in the Then There Were Books review book.
Boyle has captured the simplicity of complicated. Let me elaborate, sometimes the easiest love story can also be complicated and I mean complicated by normal life standards.
Off the Record begins with our female main character, Bridget, going to her brother’s wedding (The couple from the first book if you are interested, I will for sure start reading the other two books of this series because this one was that amazing!).
Bridget is an executive for a WNBA team in New York and because of it, it’s hard for her to take time off, well she could, but she has a difficult time letting go of certain responsibilities of her job.
Also, she doesn’t want to think about all the other areas of her life where she is not exceeding at (specially in her romantic life), so she works and works some more until she doesn’t have to think about all the things she knows she is missing.
Bridget has had a crush on a certain person for a long time, and even though she knows she can’t go there, she still can’t help but wonder how life would be if she could just let herself go there.
But she has been reckless in her life before and it lead to the end of her dream. So she now plays by her own rules and those rules basically mean, do not do anything crazy or daring.
We also have our main male lead, Blake. A lovely goofball who tries to not take things too seriously, specially when it comes to romantic relationships.
Blake is a little terrified of giving someone his unconditional love, just for that person to not reciprocate the feelings and leave him feeling as he did when he was younger and his search for love ended in nothing but pain and loneliness just like his relationship with his mother.
Our dear Blake has also had a little crush on a certain person who for all intents and purposes is off reach.
She is related to one of his bandmates, someone he considers a brother, someone from his found family and he would do anything, risk anything before risking his relationship with the guys in the band and end up alone, so he doesn’t act on this crush.
Things take a turn for him when Bridget decides to break the rules for one weekend and just give in to her crush and get Blake “out of her system.”
He is a little hesitant because deep down he knows that if he goes there with Bridget he might not be able to come back to normal and he might be risking his only real family.
But he is not about to let her go home with anyone that is not him, so the night of his best friend’s weeding, Bridget’s brother, Blake and Bridget give in to their crush agreeing that it will be a one night thing and then they would never speak of it again.
A night off the record.
As destiny would have it, a little foster dog program charity event, Bridget’s willingness to help out her staff and a little dog named Destiny, brings the two closer than they would like to be and makes them face their real feelings. Makes them finally face something that has been brewing between them for the last ten years and creates the perfect storm for them to finally face their fears and feelings and hopefully at the end of said storm they will be able to find each other.
Off the Record is such a refreshing story where the drama is their own very real fears, fears of not being good enough, of letting go and getting hurt. It is so relatable and realistic in the most perfect way that it had me smiling, and almost crying every time our lovely MCs overcame the hardships of learning to trust others with their feelings and taking a jump into the unknown.
Boyle created an amazing, swoon worthy, relatable and realistic story that I think everyone who is looking for a short, lovely, and just super wholesome read, should definitely check out.
September 11, 2022
Stephannie's 5 Star Review:
Bridget, going to her brother’s wedding and she isn't looking forward to going home. She was a WNBA player until an accident changed everything and she had to adapt to a new life and her dreams were crushed. She is an executive for a WNBA team in New York and is now a workaholic never taking time off. She messed up and one night her dreams were over so now she is over-structured and always plays by the rules now.
Bridget has had a crush on one of her brother's band members Blake, but she has never tried to go for it with him. Blake has his own fear of giving out love and not being reciprocated. He fears that nothing good can come from loving someone and it will leave him heartbroken and feeling alone. Blake has always found Bridget attractive but never went there because she is off limits per her big brother his best friend. This band is like a family and taking the risk with Bridget isn't worth losing his band family.
At Bridget's brother's wedding, she throws caution to the wind and goes for an "off the record" night with Blake. What happens when she leaves the wedding? Can one night be enough for these two? What happens when they go back home to New York and have to work together? What will Bridget's brother do or say?
I really enjoyed this one. The characters are perfect together but these two have their own fears and issues to work through to get to a point where they can give anything a try. There is growth and character development and I love to read books that have characters evolve. Also, the characters' fears are relatable and made me root for them more. I loved this one and it can be read as a standalone.
Bridget, going to her brother’s wedding and she isn't looking forward to going home. She was a WNBA player until an accident changed everything and she had to adapt to a new life and her dreams were crushed. She is an executive for a WNBA team in New York and is now a workaholic never taking time off. She messed up and one night her dreams were over so now she is over-structured and always plays by the rules now.
Bridget has had a crush on one of her brother's band members Blake, but she has never tried to go for it with him. Blake has his own fear of giving out love and not being reciprocated. He fears that nothing good can come from loving someone and it will leave him heartbroken and feeling alone. Blake has always found Bridget attractive but never went there because she is off limits per her big brother his best friend. This band is like a family and taking the risk with Bridget isn't worth losing his band family.
At Bridget's brother's wedding, she throws caution to the wind and goes for an "off the record" night with Blake. What happens when she leaves the wedding? Can one night be enough for these two? What happens when they go back home to New York and have to work together? What will Bridget's brother do or say?
I really enjoyed this one. The characters are perfect together but these two have their own fears and issues to work through to get to a point where they can give anything a try. There is growth and character development and I love to read books that have characters evolve. Also, the characters' fears are relatable and made me root for them more. I loved this one and it can be read as a standalone.
October 9, 2022
This was my first book by Annmarie and I really enjoyed it. Knowing it was book 3 in a series I went in realizing some of the dynamics between the characters and their anecdotes would be a little difficult without context, but that really wasn’t an issue.
Bridget is President of Business Operations for the WNBA’s New York Flames. The team she was drafted and played for until a life-changing accident ended her basketball career and nearly took her life. Her injury dramatically changed her perspective and how she lives her life - she now is a stickler for following the rules, having a plan laid out in extreme detail and doesn’t allow herself to dream - just goals to meet.
Blake is a member of a successful Nashville band Storyhill, and his upbringing by an absent single mother who worked hard to provide things for him with little emotional bonding. As a result he craves a sense of family he has found with his band mates.
Blake and Bridget have each secretly had a long-standing crush on the other and her brother, Andrew, one of Blake’s bandmates has warned Blake ‘hands off’ his sister. At Andrew’s wedding, Blake and Bridget are paired up in the bridal party and a bridal party dance leads to some sizzling chemistry and a proposition for one night and what happens in Minneapolis stays in Minneapolis.
One spectacular night together does little to dampen their crush or lust for each other and both are feeling the emotional after affects of their night, when they are unexpected paired up to co-chair a charity event for homeless dogs.
I loved how both Bridget and Blake have to grow emotionally and learn to face their fears. Bridget has poured herself into 80 hour work weeks, and pretty much has minimal life outside of work expect for her best friend. When she agrees to watch Blake’s foster dog, Destiny, while he is on tour for three weeks with the assistance of his grandfather, Clyde, she starts to realize how empty her life has become.
This is a very satisfying read with wonderful characters, an engaging storyline, just enough angsty drama to keep you interested yet not too much angst.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Bridget is President of Business Operations for the WNBA’s New York Flames. The team she was drafted and played for until a life-changing accident ended her basketball career and nearly took her life. Her injury dramatically changed her perspective and how she lives her life - she now is a stickler for following the rules, having a plan laid out in extreme detail and doesn’t allow herself to dream - just goals to meet.
Blake is a member of a successful Nashville band Storyhill, and his upbringing by an absent single mother who worked hard to provide things for him with little emotional bonding. As a result he craves a sense of family he has found with his band mates.
Blake and Bridget have each secretly had a long-standing crush on the other and her brother, Andrew, one of Blake’s bandmates has warned Blake ‘hands off’ his sister. At Andrew’s wedding, Blake and Bridget are paired up in the bridal party and a bridal party dance leads to some sizzling chemistry and a proposition for one night and what happens in Minneapolis stays in Minneapolis.
One spectacular night together does little to dampen their crush or lust for each other and both are feeling the emotional after affects of their night, when they are unexpected paired up to co-chair a charity event for homeless dogs.
I loved how both Bridget and Blake have to grow emotionally and learn to face their fears. Bridget has poured herself into 80 hour work weeks, and pretty much has minimal life outside of work expect for her best friend. When she agrees to watch Blake’s foster dog, Destiny, while he is on tour for three weeks with the assistance of his grandfather, Clyde, she starts to realize how empty her life has become.
This is a very satisfying read with wonderful characters, an engaging storyline, just enough angsty drama to keep you interested yet not too much angst.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 5, 2022
A strong, accomplished heroine, a charming, a slightly dented hero, a found family and a rescue pup make for such a fun, heartwarming read! This is a new author to me, and Bridget and Blake's story has only served to whet my appetite for more from the Storyhill world.
Ever since Bridget Hayes acted impulsively and her life was upended, she’s very cautious. She makes a plan after carefully considering all angles, possible outcomes, and repercussions, especially when it effects those she cares for. But the night of her brother’s wedding, she throws caution to the wind and gives in to the crush she’s had for years.
Andrew Hayes isn’t simply Blake Kelly's best friend and bandmate. He's family, as are all of the Storyhill mates, and that’s something Blake takes seriously. He's never really had family, in the traditional sense, and he won’t do anything to jeopardize his relationship with the guys or his place in the band. That is, until Bridget makes him an offer he can’t refuse.
This one has so many elements that elevate it above the typical rom-com. Of course I loved the relationship between Bridget and Blake. And Blake’s grandpa is a wonderful character, charming and funny but with poignant pearls of wisdom to share. I couldn’t help but adore him! Add in a sweet, matchmaking pup, an amazing BFF, and the unconditional love and support between the guys and it all adds up to a funny, poignant, spectacular, heartfelt read. Run to the 1-Click now, because I’m absolutely positive you won’t want to miss this one!
Ever since Bridget Hayes acted impulsively and her life was upended, she’s very cautious. She makes a plan after carefully considering all angles, possible outcomes, and repercussions, especially when it effects those she cares for. But the night of her brother’s wedding, she throws caution to the wind and gives in to the crush she’s had for years.
Andrew Hayes isn’t simply Blake Kelly's best friend and bandmate. He's family, as are all of the Storyhill mates, and that’s something Blake takes seriously. He's never really had family, in the traditional sense, and he won’t do anything to jeopardize his relationship with the guys or his place in the band. That is, until Bridget makes him an offer he can’t refuse.
This one has so many elements that elevate it above the typical rom-com. Of course I loved the relationship between Bridget and Blake. And Blake’s grandpa is a wonderful character, charming and funny but with poignant pearls of wisdom to share. I couldn’t help but adore him! Add in a sweet, matchmaking pup, an amazing BFF, and the unconditional love and support between the guys and it all adds up to a funny, poignant, spectacular, heartfelt read. Run to the 1-Click now, because I’m absolutely positive you won’t want to miss this one!
August 22, 2022
The story
Bridget is an ex-professional basketball player. After a terrible accident and breaking her leg, she walks with a limp but works as head of operations at the womens basketball team she previously played for. She plays by the rules, never swears and is a total workaholic. But her crush for Blake, a fellow member of her brother’s band, unrequited until his wedding, is leading to more feelings that are bound to disrupt the status quo.
My thoughts
Annmarie Boyle’s stories are love stories, but they generally have many layers of things happening, events taking place, feelings being felt and a general sense of camaraderie. This story, the third in the Storyhill series, is no exception. It’s a really enjoyable read. There is a brother’s best friend situation going on, but it’s well-handled and not cheesy at all. I enjoyed how the element of dog rescue was woven throughout the story. Destiny the foster dog provides healing to both Bridget and Blake through her unconditional love. I recommend reading the series ❤️
I read an eARC copy courtesy of the author.
Bridget is an ex-professional basketball player. After a terrible accident and breaking her leg, she walks with a limp but works as head of operations at the womens basketball team she previously played for. She plays by the rules, never swears and is a total workaholic. But her crush for Blake, a fellow member of her brother’s band, unrequited until his wedding, is leading to more feelings that are bound to disrupt the status quo.
My thoughts
Annmarie Boyle’s stories are love stories, but they generally have many layers of things happening, events taking place, feelings being felt and a general sense of camaraderie. This story, the third in the Storyhill series, is no exception. It’s a really enjoyable read. There is a brother’s best friend situation going on, but it’s well-handled and not cheesy at all. I enjoyed how the element of dog rescue was woven throughout the story. Destiny the foster dog provides healing to both Bridget and Blake through her unconditional love. I recommend reading the series ❤️
I read an eARC copy courtesy of the author.
October 12, 2022
This was my first time reading something by this author and it was quite an enjoyable experience. The story caught my attention from the beginning and held it all the way through. Bridget is somewhat of a workaholic. She doesn't have much going on outside of work, so she fills her free time with more work. Not to mention her dreams were crushed because of an accident and has had to work hard to adapt. Blake is a member of her brother's band. He has always found Bridgett attractive, and she has always had a crush on him as well. But they never acted on it. Blake is not one to go for a relationship for fear of heartbreak. The band has always been like a family to him, and he doesn't want to risk that by hooking up with Bridgett. But at Bridgett's brother's wedding, they decide to go for it, one night only and totally off the record. But after that one special night, will they be able to go back to business as usual?
The characters were interesting and well-developed with realistic qualities that gave them an authentic personality and were easily relatable. The story was delightfully cute and I really enjoyed it. If you're looking for a fun, swoon worthy and cute read, then you definitely will want to pick this one up.
I received a complimentary copy from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.
The characters were interesting and well-developed with realistic qualities that gave them an authentic personality and were easily relatable. The story was delightfully cute and I really enjoyed it. If you're looking for a fun, swoon worthy and cute read, then you definitely will want to pick this one up.
I received a complimentary copy from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.
August 27, 2022
I was fortunate to receive a copy of this book from Booksiren's, it sounded like a fun romance from a new to me author. Well, I enjoyed it immensely. Blake plays in a band with Bridget's brother Andrew, and they have both harboured secret crushes on the other since Andrew introduced them 15 years prior to the events in the story. It takes Andrew 's wedding for them to get together, but it was just a 'one and done' to get the other out of their systems, right? Nothing's ever that easy in Romanceland and fate or coincidence throws them together again just days later. From there Ms. Boyle takes us on a journey where these two go through major personal growth with humour and a lot of emotional highs and lows. There are great secondary characters that add so much to the story and the cutest dog doing her best to bring them together. I love stories about strong successful women who maybe don't have it all together but work it out in the end, and this is a good one!
August 27, 2022
Sweet and full of emotion:
I enjoyed this gentle romance and appreciated that it wasn't bogged down with excessive drama or angst. Bridget and Blake had always been warned off each other yet their attraction was intense and hard to deny. I enjoyed seeing them work through their personal issues and come out stronger the other side. I thought they made a wonderful couple and I was rooting for them all the way. The foster dog, Destiny, was also a delightful addition to the story.
Whilst part of a series, this could still very much be enjoyed as a standalone. It was however fun reconnecting with past characters and I loved the strong bonds that existed between this group of friends.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
I enjoyed this gentle romance and appreciated that it wasn't bogged down with excessive drama or angst. Bridget and Blake had always been warned off each other yet their attraction was intense and hard to deny. I enjoyed seeing them work through their personal issues and come out stronger the other side. I thought they made a wonderful couple and I was rooting for them all the way. The foster dog, Destiny, was also a delightful addition to the story.
Whilst part of a series, this could still very much be enjoyed as a standalone. It was however fun reconnecting with past characters and I loved the strong bonds that existed between this group of friends.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
August 15, 2022
‘If you don’t have dreams all you’re left with are nightmares’
Brother’s best friends often don’t work for me. I mean, who listens to their brother anyway? And why does a man decides who a woman can or can’t date? But Off the Record put a great spin on this trope and I really liked it.
Off the Record is a character driven romance and I enjoyed following Bridget’s journey. Her need for control meant she’s been risk avoiding, kept it all together, and stopped dreaming. Seeing how she loosened up and allowed herself to be happy again and fall in love was sweet. And Blake never really stood a chance, or did he?
Since their one-night stand was the event that set everything in motion, their big bang came rather early in the book (almost right after the very meet cute) - but the story read as a slow burn after that. I definitely had no patient pants on and was a bit worried the story wouldn’t meet up with the great start - but the pace picked up after a while and Blake and Bridget headed, nice and calmly, to the HEA they both deserved.
This was my introduction to this author and the Storyhill Musicians series, and I really liked it. Am definitely going to check out the other installments and look forward to reading Annmarie Boyle’s other work. I suggest an bonus installment with Destiny, the foster dog!
3.5 stars
I received a digital ARC via BookSirens, and leave this review voluntarily.
Brother’s best friends often don’t work for me. I mean, who listens to their brother anyway? And why does a man decides who a woman can or can’t date? But Off the Record put a great spin on this trope and I really liked it.
Off the Record is a character driven romance and I enjoyed following Bridget’s journey. Her need for control meant she’s been risk avoiding, kept it all together, and stopped dreaming. Seeing how she loosened up and allowed herself to be happy again and fall in love was sweet. And Blake never really stood a chance, or did he?
Since their one-night stand was the event that set everything in motion, their big bang came rather early in the book (almost right after the very meet cute) - but the story read as a slow burn after that. I definitely had no patient pants on and was a bit worried the story wouldn’t meet up with the great start - but the pace picked up after a while and Blake and Bridget headed, nice and calmly, to the HEA they both deserved.
This was my introduction to this author and the Storyhill Musicians series, and I really liked it. Am definitely going to check out the other installments and look forward to reading Annmarie Boyle’s other work. I suggest an bonus installment with Destiny, the foster dog!
3.5 stars
I received a digital ARC via BookSirens, and leave this review voluntarily.
August 22, 2022
Wow! This is my new favourite book! I absolutely loved this story. Loved all the characters and could see the world through their eyes. I could not stop reading. You want to get to the end of the book because you know it is going to be beautiful, but at the same time you don’t want the story to end.
A story with humour, friendships, family and love. Just perfect!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
A story with humour, friendships, family and love. Just perfect!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
August 30, 2022
Received an arc via book sirens.
If your looking for a strong Fmc, look no further.
Bridget is a former college hoop star and wnba player. Who gets into an accident and her life takes a different direction.
Who also happens to be harboring a long time crush on her brothers best friend.
Blake is not only her brothers best friend but band mate. Who just happens to also be harboring a crush of his own.
So at her brothers wedding they decide to take a risk. One night together but no one can know.
Just how well can they can a secret when life keeps throwing them together
If your looking for a strong Fmc, look no further.
Bridget is a former college hoop star and wnba player. Who gets into an accident and her life takes a different direction.
Who also happens to be harboring a long time crush on her brothers best friend.
Blake is not only her brothers best friend but band mate. Who just happens to also be harboring a crush of his own.
So at her brothers wedding they decide to take a risk. One night together but no one can know.
Just how well can they can a secret when life keeps throwing them together
September 9, 2022
This book was incredibly good! Blake and Bridget are a new favorite couple. Add a precious foster dog to the story, and it’s a sure winner for me. Very established and exceedingly successful in their careers, Blake and Bridget fear falling in love. Crushing and flirting for years was all good fun, but after a hot night together after her brother’s wedding, things become very complicated. It’s a really solid story about love, abandonment, dreams, trauma, and family. The characters are very real and relatable. I loved them all. A very talented author! Looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 30, 2022
Bridget and Blake were so Flipping cute!! I loved every page of this book. The story was so encaptivating that I could not put it down. Clyde and Destiny stole my heart and Blake sounds absolutely dreamy. Cannot wait to read the other books in this series. I wonder what is in store for Nick?? Loved It!!!
September 12, 2022
Off the Record is my first book by Annmarie Boyle, and I really enjoyed both the story and the characters. Bridget is the younger sister of Blake's bandmate, and although they've wanted eachother for a long time, because of the brother, they've strictly been hands off. This changes on Bridgets brothers wedding day, when they give into temptation. But one night is not enough, especially as life keeps bringing them back together! Throw in a gorgeous dog, Destiny, and you have a winning romance. I'll definitely be reading more from this author!
October 13, 2022
This was my first book by Annmarie and I really enjoyed it. It’s the third book in the series and haven’t read the previous books I was able to follow the story without any issues. This can certainly be read as standalone. After Bridget dream came crashing down she is now very careful and plans everything. She lets go off everything at her brothers wedding with her long time crush and brothers best friend Blake. Both of them don’t want to hurt Bridget’s brother, so even with the story feeling should they continue or ignore how they feel about each other. The story was captivating and beautifully written. I really enjoyed this story. Looking forward to reading more books by the author.
August 14, 2022
I read this as a stand-alone, but enjoyed it so much that I have since downloaded the first two books in the Storyville Trilogy.
Bridget & Blake have had crushes on each other for years, but the only obstacles stopping them from acting on their feelings are mostly in their own minds.
This is their story, and it is so well written, with each having to dig deep into their backgrounds and understand how they got to be where they are now, and then to decide how to move forward. They are helped along by family and friends, and some of the characters will be familiar to anyone who has read the first two books, but it won’t be a problem for those who haven’t had that pleasure.
I really enjoyed this book, and was moved to tears at times - some happy tears, some sympathetic.
All the characters are well drawn and I fell a little in love with some, especially the one with four legs.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Bridget & Blake have had crushes on each other for years, but the only obstacles stopping them from acting on their feelings are mostly in their own minds.
This is their story, and it is so well written, with each having to dig deep into their backgrounds and understand how they got to be where they are now, and then to decide how to move forward. They are helped along by family and friends, and some of the characters will be familiar to anyone who has read the first two books, but it won’t be a problem for those who haven’t had that pleasure.
I really enjoyed this book, and was moved to tears at times - some happy tears, some sympathetic.
All the characters are well drawn and I fell a little in love with some, especially the one with four legs.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
August 15, 2022
Bridget is a workaholic, she has a powerful job that she loves but has no time for anything or anyone else.
Blake seems to have had a little crush on Bridget that he’s kept to himself because she’s his band mates little sister, even though there’s nothing little about Bridget. These two are so cute together, they’ve had a crush on each other since forever. On the weekend of Bridget’s brothers wedding they went for it, and it was hot! Immediately followed by guilt from commitment phobic Blake. These two had a few hurdles but the ending was so excellent. This story is really good and I couldn’t put it down. I’m giving it four stars and I recommend it.
Blake seems to have had a little crush on Bridget that he’s kept to himself because she’s his band mates little sister, even though there’s nothing little about Bridget. These two are so cute together, they’ve had a crush on each other since forever. On the weekend of Bridget’s brothers wedding they went for it, and it was hot! Immediately followed by guilt from commitment phobic Blake. These two had a few hurdles but the ending was so excellent. This story is really good and I couldn’t put it down. I’m giving it four stars and I recommend it.
September 9, 2022
A well written plot line and the characters were intresting to read. The story line was refreshing to read and the love drama between the pages were irresistible.
This is a standalone romance read.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a standalone romance read.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 13, 2022
This is the third book in the series but you won't be too lost if you haven't read the previous books in the series.
A story line that's fun, entertaining and enjoyable. Characters that are just as fun, enjoyable and also realistic.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A story line that's fun, entertaining and enjoyable. Characters that are just as fun, enjoyable and also realistic.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 22, 2024
This is definitely my favorite of the series so far. Clyde and Destiny were great additions to Blake and Bridget’s story
October 10, 2022
Off the Record by Annmarie Boyle is a good, and enjoyable sports brother's best friend romantic comedy read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 12, 2022
Arc book siren.
Very clever as a slow to relationship by a very busy professional career executive and her brother's bandmate story goes.
You like the characters but the story paces a bit slow.
It seems fresh and we love the secondary characters. Nick and Henry made my heart weep at the end...the whole "family" does!!!
Very clever as a slow to relationship by a very busy professional career executive and her brother's bandmate story goes.
You like the characters but the story paces a bit slow.
It seems fresh and we love the secondary characters. Nick and Henry made my heart weep at the end...the whole "family" does!!!
December 12, 2022
I love this book, I could literally read it a thousand times, I recommend it!
January 19, 2023
The cover is amazing. Randomly stumbled on this book and the author didn't disappoint me. Loved reading it and plot as well.
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