A football star and a single mom… Teach each other to trust againTo impress the executives buying her app, Nichole Moore enlists the help of old friend and pro quarterback Chase Jacobs. A pretend marriage is the perfect ruse: Chase’s celebrity status will impress the executives, while likable, hardworking Nichole could fix his fading career. But as their fake relationship plays out under the … under the glare of the public eye, Nichole realizes her feelings might be the real deal…USA TODAY Bestselling Author
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Nichole and Chase…this is what I think of when I read “two best friends”. Don’t get me wrong – they are like fire and water with their takes on life; but they are such good people both inside and out that their personalities have meshed since they were young and became friends.
These two have heartbreakingly sad stories to tell, you’ll have to read the book as I won’t retell it, but their circumstances are real and true. It made me love them both from the start. Where Nichole is list-driven and focused on following a planned day/life, Chase is far more easy-going. And there is nothing he likes better than teasing Nichole and making her **OMG!** deviate from her list. They really are great friends, and eventually more.
The kids. Adorable! Let’s just say Nichole and Chase (who is just as bad as the kids sometmes) can’t mention the word ‘c-u-p-c-a-k-e’ in front of them. Both Nichole and Chase are such wonderful parents that it will make you wish you had them around when you were growing up.
It’s true that their families and friends see what they themselves can’t (a forest/tree thing) but I loved their story and how they worked together to get thru some kah-razee times. Oh yeah. There’s also an ex I loved to not like – at all – and that’s all I’m going to say. Loved this story and the series, although this is definitely a standalone.
Her Surprise Engagement by Cari Lynn Webb is seemingly a light read for a rainy afternoon but once you get down and dirty, you find that there is much to discover! It is a great second chances story that is also friends to more story and adding a fake marriage into the mix with a famous sports figure and you feel that the book ticks all the right boxes!
We get Chase and Nichole, they used to be friends in high school and now Chase has come to the point in his career that his body is starting to tell him that the end of his career is neigh and Nichole feels that she needs to follow her eternal lists in order to have her life under control and to be a mother her son Wesley needs … they both have stories in their past that will pull at your heart strings but do not get me wrong, it is not just struggle and tears, there is also loads of banter and laughter and this incredible chemistry that they finally acknowledge …
It is a sweet read and once you get to the end you will sigh and hope that maybe you will get your chance one day …
I have enjoyed every book I’ve read in Cari Lynn Webb’s “City By The Bay Stories” series, and it’s always fun to revisit some of the same characters from book to book. Whether it’s time for another family member or a friend of a past hero/heroine to shine in each new book, we get the best of both worlds as readers – the confirmation that beloved characters do still exist after their own stories are read and the enjoyment of watching two more people fall in love. Best of all, the books in this series can each be read as standalones, so don’t fret if this is the first one you’ve found.
Nichole is a single mom with an adorable son, and she’s trying to find investors in the app she’s created. Chase is a football star fighting to stay relevant to his team, despite a serious injury (that he’s ignoring) and a less than squeaky clean reputation. High school friends who’ve briefly reconnected, Nichole ropes Chase into being morale support at a meeting with executives who are interested in her app. This turns into an innocent ruse as newlyweds … which quickly spirals into what you might expect – that tangled web we weave when we deceive, however innocent our intentions.
With hearts of family members now at stake, especially that of Nichole’s adorable son Wesley (who steals the show on more than one occasion), Chase & Nichole are walking a shaky tightrope. This, of course, amps up the sparks that rush to life after an impromptu kiss … and then another … and yeah, you’ll be fanning for sure. I appreciated how a rather implausible situation still seemed pretty believable the way Webb framed it, and I really liked the character growth we see in both protagonists throughout the story. The romantic tension was nicely developed, and the twists that the author weaves in along the way serve to enhance the plot well.
Bottom Line: It’s always a treat to visit with the characters from Webb’s “City by the Bay Stories” series, and Her Surprise Engagement is no exception. This friends-to-more / fake marriage story has some super swoony kisses, sweet moments & great characters. The author draws you into the story right away & keeps your attention until the end – and you’ll be rooting for Chase & Nichole’s fake relationship to become real. A cute weekend read you’ll enjoy!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book! There’s sports for those yearning, learning issues and others helping overcome them, technology and business, family and of course love; which is pure, clean and welcoming IMO!
This was my first read in the City by the Bay Series and I surely want to read the ones I’ve missed.
Peeps this book. I’ve read every book in the series and this is my favorite. I don’t try to play favorites but I just loved Chase and Nichole. For me, the book had a great storyline, perfect pacing, the situations that they went through, and let’s not forget that this one is hilarious. Ms. Webb has really written a well-thought-out, pitch-perfect story about two people that were childhood friends that reconnect in the most hilarious situation.
Seriously, the Tahoe scenes alone are worth the price of the book. There’s romance, hilarity, kittens, friendship, worry but most of all love. You can feel the love all through the book. It’s rare that a book comes along that while there should be some conflict between the characters, I didn’t find that here. Sure, sure, there is a black moment but it’s not bad. Ms. Webb took her time with Chase and Nichole in the romance department and developed their friendship first. I loved seeing Dan Harrington again but it did make for some awkward moments later.
If you haven’t picked up this series you are missing out. I liked seeing everyone again and catching up. But Chase and Nichole just have my heart. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Webb has in store for me next.
Her Surprise Engagement was another great read by Cari Lynn Webb. I have read and enjoyed her books in the past and this one is probably among one of my favorites by her. I loved the chemistry between Nichole and Chase. It was delightful to get to know them. I thought their story was fun, sweet, and entertaining. I could not put the book down until I had it all read in one sitting. It is so so good.
I am giving Her Surprise Engagement a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend this for readers who enjoy sports romance.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
This story had a lot of fun tropes within it: friends to more, second chance romance, fake marriage, and one of the characters was a famous sports figure.
I liked the vibe between the two main characters. It was clear that they had a very close friendship in high school, even though it was started out as a tutoring relationship. Although unlikely to happen in real life, the fake marriage they found themselves in led to plenty of fun and sweet moments between Chase and Nichole. It was enjoyable to watch as their fake relationship turned to more.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Nicole and Chase have an interesting and fun past. One where they got to know and trust each other pretty good. So Nichole had no problem asking Chase for the help she needed. And Chase was caught off guard at what his friend ask of him.
Chase and Nicole are wonderful characters. I love the way their lives intertwine and I really loved following their journey of their fake marriage. Did this really help each of them at where their careers are at now? And they are both wonderful together but they are also both strong individual people, which brought several smiles as I read their daily lives. And Sweet Wesley, can I say he is just adorable and his personality adds much to the story. Each character develops well throughout the story, and this is enough info on them. There is a lot going on in this story, twists and turns weaved throughout that make the story well worth your read.
I have read a number of Cari Lynn Webb’s books and have enjoyed them all, and this one is no different. I love reading the sweet Heartwarming romances from Harlequin, because this is their clean reads line of books, for the most part.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Her Surprise Engagement is the story of Nichole, Chase and Nichole’s app. The main characters have know each other since high school when Nichole tutored Chase. The two are opposites in many ways. Nichole is a stay at home coding nerd and Chase is a star football player. They have good chemistry in this fake marriage. The lie spirals out of control quickly. I could not read this book fast enough. It was the old “one more page, one more chapter” until I reached the end. I really enjoyed this clean, heartwarming romance and its sparkling characters.
Thank you in advance to the author, Cari Lynn Webb; along with Prism Book Tours for providing a complimentary review copy. A positive review was not required or requested and all words are my own.
This is the second “City by the Bay Stories” book I’ve read by Webb. The first one was “In Love by Christmas”.
Even though these are technically a series, they are EASILY standalone titles. I was able to open this one and get through it without wondering who was who – what the connections were. With some “series”, the reader – at least I do – wonders about every one’s connection. With these books? I don’t usually have to worry. If there’s one I’ve missed, I know it won’t be a big deal. Though, honestly, I do prefer to have the entire collection.
Anyway …
The great thing about Harlequin’s Heartwarming line, besides being larger print? They’re absolutely clean reads. No foul language or descriptive sex scenes. While these are categorized as “hope and inspiration”, they do not have Christian/or Faith themes in them. For those who are looking for a cleaner romance read without the Christian/faith tones – these definitely suit the need. They really are wholesome stories with a lot of goodness in them.
This latest offering in the “series” involves a tricky little plot. My take? Fake marriages are my least favorite plot device. Right off there is an intent to deceive to get something, and it REALLY kills the romance.
Now, with that said …
Webb really tries to make this work with her candid and realistic writing style – and for the most part, she does. So, how can we not want to grab this book and cheer for a happily ever after for this sweet, Hallmark-like couple on the front? Especially with this couple knowing each other since high school? I really wanted to see how this was going to play out, and for the most part I liked it. I like where Webb took the story and it was easy to see Chase and Nichole as a couple.
Getting to the characters …
One that makes an appearance from “In Love by Christmas” is Josie. Her boyfriend Theo doesn’t make an appearance until the end of the book. There is no information regarding their relationship or how it is progressing since that novel. As far as the others? I haven’t read the other books in the series to know how they connect.
While seemingly on the outside, Chase looks like a wild guy, he certainly is the hero of the story for me. His antics really didn’t seem so bad at all, and add in a kitten rescue … this guy could be perfect. Well, except for the mind always on football deal.
It was interesting how much he did care for Nichole, and the history they had played a great deal into the fake marriage deal. I loved how Chase wanted to step right up and be all the things he was pretending to be, especially a father for Wesley. Wesley’s father was briefly mentioned and that was a bit of a sad tale in this otherwise happy story.
I didn’t like Nichole’s parents at all and thought what happened to her was pretty sad. They don’t even make an appearance at the end, so I have to say that Nichole was honestly better off without them. I was a bit peeved with Nichole who started the ruse then seemed to get upset when Chase went with it. I would’ve liked to have seen her be a bit more appreciative of what Chase was doing since the scam marriage was her idea, in addition to how much he’d been there for her in high school.
While I wasn’t sure what to make of Chase’s “Nonna”, I dearly loved Nichole’s grandparents more. I have a special place for “Grandma Marie”. My name Marie is from my grandmother’s middle name. Incidentally, it is Nichole’s middle name as well.
Webb realistically writes about Chase’s injury and age factor in football. One really doesn’t consider their age until something happens. Today’s 30+ isn’t as old as it was in say the 1970’s, yet that is what Chase is facing – old age and an injury that will take him out of the only life he’s known. I have to honestly say this is a jarring fact that some of us don’t realize.
Watching Chase and Nichole navigate the fake marriage is at times fun and other times, for me, heart-breaking. It was interesting to see if they were both going to get what they wanted from the fake marriage. It was also interesting to see that most of their friends went with the ruse, and some didn’t even bother to question them on the details.
I would’ve liked to have known more about Nichole’s app “IN A PINCH”. I’m not entirely tech savvy, but I would’ve liked to have seen more to what it was supposed to do. It would’ve also been nice to see it come to fruition.
I loved the message of seeing beyond appearances, as well as loving harder, and love is always enough in this sweet, feel-good read. Webb clearly knows how to write a story that touches on what we all want from life – whether it be a career or family, even a second chance.
There are a lot of football terms, but I am sure that fans of the author and the series will likely enjoy this book.
What a super cute and romantic read this one was. Marriage of convenience stories are my favorite trope, and this one was pretty close. This story finds two high school friends- through a slip of the tongue in a fake marriage. Instead of correcting that slip, they decide to go with it.
Nichole needs Chase’s help to back her as she tries to sell a computer program she has created. Chase decides to help Nichole-especially since she was such a good friend. Well, things get pretty interesting fast when Nichole’s prospective buyers are under the impression that they are married. Why is this such a big deal? Chase is a pretty famous football player with a questionable reputation. Both see the benefits of continuing with the fake marriage, however neither one really counted the costs.
Not only do they have to convince the world, but also their families. More than just letting their families down, which could spell a lot of hurt, both Nichole’s and Chase’s hearts on the line as well. Cue in the swoon as we watch if opposites can really attract.
I really enjoyed this sweet little story that left me smiling all the way to the end.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
The story had heart and humor. It’s a quick read. Chase and Nichole are both at defining moments in their lives. They were friends in the past and know they can trust each other. It’s a great friends to lovers/second chances story. I liked the characters and enjoyed the happy ending! I will look for more books by this author in the future. I received an advance copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was drawn into this story from the get-go because it was both fun and heartwarming. A football player who is staring down the end of his career and the only woman who knows his true self reconnect years after high school only to become tabloid headlines after they lie about being married.
Nicole is a strong single mother but a bit naïve when it comes to doing business. Enter Chase who comes to her rescue but the agreement they come to after that first reconnection takes on a life of its own.
There’s a definite attraction between these two but neither wants to admit it goes any deeper than that. Add in Nicole’s son Wesley, and a softer side of Chase is exposed. Add in both Nicole’s and Chase’s families and Cari Lynn Webb has delivered a sweet, sometimes humorous, and all-around enjoyable story.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
What a great book Chase Jacobs a Football star from High school and his friend Nicole Moore are such a cute couple in this book They are teaching each other to trust again! this is such s great book I gave this a 5 star if you haven’t read you need too you wont be disappointed! This is a page turner!
Her Surprise Engagement is a cute, fun – friends to lovers, fake marriage, high school friends story. Nichole was always the serious, studious girl and Chase was the jock, playboy type and yet they became the best of friends when Nichole helped tutor Chase in high school and college until he gets drafted to play pro football. Now years later, Nichole is a single mom trying to get backing for an app she develops and Chase is trying to repair his reputation and hide a shoulder injury while renegotiating his contract. They agree to help each other with a fake marriage until both are under contract but when family and emotions get involved, things change. Now they must overcome their insecurities and fears to create a happily ever after. This is a fun, sweet story filled with humor, love and a few tears. A great read.
I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher, but all thoughts and feelings are my own.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Her Surprise Engagement, by Cari Lynn Webb, is available at booksellers on 7-1-2020. Engagement is book 6 in the City By The Bay Stories but is intended as a stand-alone. The couple, Chase & Nichole, are super cute & easy to like. He was the high school jock & she the brainy girl who tutored him. Chase has a contract renewal coming up and Nichole needs to find a financial backer. Both are a bit desperate and it’s interesting how they come up with a plan to help each other out. It’s a grown up attraction from the start this time, a few hot kisses and lots of hand holding, I like that. Their respective families are nice people and there’s a load of them. Their HEA made my heart pitter-patter.
#CariLynnWebb #HerSurpriseEngagement #CityByTheBay #romance #HarlequinHeartwarming
Oh how I love friends-to-more sweet romances. And this one fits the bill perfectly. I was drawn in from the first lines, because it let me know, right off, what kind of story I was getting into. Good, clean romance. First lines:
Sundays were reserved for church. Family brunch. And football. Always Football.
Only this Sunday was anything but typical. Prayers were too late. Family brunch had been rescheduled for next weekend. And Chase Jacob’s football season had ended three weeks ago in overtime to Oklahoma City.
I liked Chase straightaway. He’s a sweet and fun family man, and has come to a crossroads in his life. One of the things I find most appealing about him is he doesn’t have a clue how awesome he really is. He’s easy to sympathize with and relate to.
Nichole reminded me of myself at times, which made it easy, as well as a bit uncomfortable (in a good way) to sympathize with her as well. I’ve labeled myself an organizational freak, so, again, I was able to walk around inside her head. She’s a single mom (her son Wesley is a doll!) in need of a little help concerning her app, and unexpectedly finds it in Chase.
Without giving away too much, I’ll say that this story is enjoyable, flows well, and has excellent character development. I adored the friendship Chase and Nichole shared, and even though they were polar opposites in some ways, I knew they “fit.”
This is a charming friends-to-more romance that gives you sighs and smiles throughout.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
This stand alone book in the City by the Bay series, is a touching clean romance .
Nicole Moore and Chase Jacobs have known each other since HS. He was the football star and she the brainy valedictorian. She was also his tutor and the one that kept his secrets.
Nowadays, Nicole is a single mom trying to get investors for her apps and Chase is a football star going through some tough times.
She asks Chase to help her during her deal and in a desperate move a fake marriage ensues.
Both Nicole and Chase have been hurt by love. Neither feeling that they are worthy of it. While he’s seemingly easygoing, she’s a by the book gal.
But feelings start to develop and the make believe starts to seem real.
Will they take a chance at love and family, or will fears and the past keep them from taking a leap of faith?
This was at times heartbreaking ,but also heartwarming. It was also a reminder that the experiences of our childhood and the past, will indeed affect our adulthood and our beliefs.
Another wonderful story by this author.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own
This story blew me out of the water. Chase Jacobs is a football player with a reputation problem. He also needed to have a surgery that might change his career path. Nichole Moore is trying to get her business off the ground and needs a little help. She and Chase knew each other in high school. She asks him for a favor. In the process, they manage to end up with a fake engagement. Even though they knew each other in high school, they get to know who each of them really are. In the end, despite some misunderstandings, they come together and become a family with Nichole’s son Wesley and Chase’s huge extended family! Another great City by the Bay story. I really love Cari’s stories. They have so much heart and love.
I received an early copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Nichole didn’t think – that’s all you can say about the whole situation. She just reacted – said the first thing that came to mind – that Chase was her husband. I don’t know how people believed her story – it was rather abrupt and of course she didn’t think about the living arrangements.
It was a light hearted, fun read- but not a plot that you want to analyze – just enjoy it.