He’s bossy, moody, and overprotective. He’s also a pro athlete who needs to focus on winning games and staying out of the headlines.I’m fiercely independent and need a man like I need a second period each month. So when our worlds collide, I never expected him to be the one to jump in and save me. Especially not when my roommate disappears, leaving me with her baby.I’m clueless about babies—and … baby.
I’m clueless about babies—and it shows. Good thing Alexei isn’t. With six nieces and nephews and an apparent hero complex, the dude is both sexy and more than capable. It’s a combination that makes it easy to forget we’re just playing house.
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A swoony, sexy football player, an adorable baby, and a strong woman are the perfect combination in this must read story!
I fell in love with Alexei in Dear Jane, and I love him even more now after reading his own story. This sweet, sexy, quick read is exactly what I needed! Alexei and Ryleigh’s story may happen fast and unexpected but it was incredible.
Alexei is what heroes are made of. He swoops into Ryleigh’s life when she needs him most and I absolutely loved their relationship. I loved watching both of these characters step up when things got scary and incredibly deep so fast. The stakes are high for both of them and it would have been so easy for either one of them, or even both of them to walk away. They refused to let their fears keep them from doing the right thing.
Grateful to have received a complimentary ARC copy to honestly review.
Author Kendall Ryan knows her way around the alpha man. Her books are full of sexy men that exude confidence, power, and pheromones galore, and are a treat to read. But with FINDING ALEXEI, Kendall has written a different sort of book, because Alexei Ivan, linebacker for the Chicago Hawks, is plenty alpha, but he’s not your typical pro baller, and I’d daresay that he’ll have romance readers everywhere falling a little bit more in love with each page.
Like every other genre, it’s easy to fall into a pattern, to get a little cliché, with romance reads. But Kendall has done an awesome job of keeping things fresh by writing a hero that is not only sexy and successful, but that has plenty of heart to go along with it. I mean, famous, hot, but also has a soft side for babies and damsels in distress? Sign me up.
I also really liked Ryleigh, the lead female character in FINDING ALEXEI. She’s strong and sassy, and, while she’s happy for the help that Alexei is offering, she’s more than capable of taking care of herself. I think that there’s such a spark between them because she isn’t a clingy hanger-on looking for someone to save her. Together, they make the best “by the seat of their pants” parents that a baby girl could hope to have.
FINDING ALEXEI is a sweet and speedy contemporary romance. Perfect for those in search of a feel-good read, it will leave you with a smile and a serious case of HEA feels. Add it to your TBR and enjoy.
If you are looking for a smokin’ hot sports romance with a side of sweet then this is the story for you! I was looking forward to this story after reading Dear Jane and meeting Alexei and it did not disappoint.
We meet Ryleigh and Baby Ella and watching a big, hunky football player help care for a baby just had my ovaries exploding. His was so macho, yet so sweet.
“How does this woman I barely know own me already?”
I loved seeing glimpses of Jane & Weston! I adored meeting Alexei’s family. This seriously was an amazing book that I couldn’t get enough of. I can’t wait for whatever Ms. Ryan comes out with next! (4.5 stars)
Alexei notices a woman talking to a man outside a club. He can tell the man is hassling the young woman. He walks over and makes man leave. Ryleigh works at the club and should be used to men bugging her outside of club. She needs a ride home so she can get back to baby she’s now raising. Alexei and Ryleigh aren’t looking for a relationship but can they fight attraction?
How could you not fall in love with this incredible man?!?
Alexei is definitely one of the good ones – a real knight in shining armor, even if he doesn’t want to be. This sexy man may be a menace on the football field, but underneath all that muscle and brawn is a big teddy bear. Alexei is sweet and caring, but also knows how to turn up the heat.
From the moment you meet Ryleigh, you immediately love her. The struggles she goes through, the sacrifices she makes, are all for the greater good and she’s probably the least selfish person you’ll meet. She’s independent and headstrong, and her desire to do things on her own doesn’t make it easy on Alexei.
Chemistry crackles from the start with these two, and oftentimes you can cut the tension between them with a knife. This story packs in a lot of heat, a lot of heart, and plenty of feels. You’re gonna love it!
it was amazing
LOVED. THIS. BOOK!!!
I was hooked from page one, Sports stories have become some of my favorites to read. Alex maybe a badass on the field. But he’s got a heart the size of Texas and that alone made me fall for him. I won’t give anything away. But I will say who knew you could find love in the middle of a side walk.
The best part for me was Ryleigh liking Alex for the man that he is not for his celebrity status. That really spoke volumes, plus she also has a huge heart
Oooh boy!! Alexei and Riley are a fun pair!! This book was such a great, sweet, swoony and delicious read. Riley and Ella come crashing into Alexei’s world, yet he seems comforted by them. I was drawn into the chemistry between Riley and Alexei. I enjoyed how protective he was of her. He genuinely cared about people and Riley was no exception. It made my ovaries explode with the cuteness of him and Ella! *Swoon* And the way he pursued Riley. *swoon again* I devoured this book and was lost in their world. Riley is a strong, independent woman who wants to depend on no one. She’s a breath of fresh air to Alexei. He’s nurturing and protective and he looks out for what’s his. I enjoyed their story and sweet little Ella.
I not only read this book, but the audiobook was available before today (1/7/19) so I scooped that up as well. I still loved this book, second time around! I thought Jason Clarke and Erin Mallon did a great job of bringing these characters to life! Whichever way you want to consume this book, DO IT! Just don’t miss out on this fabulous read! Grab your copy today!
I can always rely on Kendall Ryan to bring the sweet and the swoon in her romances, and since I’ve been reading quite a few dark romances lately, it was a much needed break to delve into Finding Alexei and be swept up in this feel good/warm your heart story, where the hero and heroine find themselves in a unique situation, building a connection that feels so right despite their differing lives.
And even though their bond seems too good to be true due to extenuating circumstances, I don’t think either of them would mind if the little makeshift family they created becomes their indefinite reality.
Ryan’s heroine, Ryleigh, is an independent woman who doesn’t mind working hard and taking care of herself; in fact, she prefers it that way, and even though she’s in a bit of a complicated situation – one not of her own doing or choosing – she’s determined to make it on her own, even if it’s clear that, that might need the best option. Ryleigh’s not one to use someone else, so while she allows a handsome stranger to come to her aid when she truly has not other choice, she won’t abuse his kindness, even if Alexei Ivan wants her to because he’s drawn to Ryleigh in a way that deserves exploration.
Alexei never seemed like the stereotypical rich professional athlete. He’s made mistakes and he owns up to them. He’s definitely an alpha male whose presence commands his audience, but there is a softer side of him, a kind-hearted side that comes out with Ryleigh and Ella. He sees them as his and he becomes highly protective of them because he doesn’t want them hurt, but in a situation like theirs, it’s almost impossible to shelter them from everything, and it’s that idea that makes Alexei feel inferior at times.
Ryan does a good job of developing Ryleigh and Alexei’s connection and feelings for each other as the story progresses. Both of them have their reasons as to why they should hold the other at an arm’s length, but their attraction to one another was never based on looks alone, so despite the difficulties they may encounter along the way, they owe it to themselves to find out if what they feel is real and lasting.
Finding Alexei has a unique and intriguing plot line that illustrates the importance of kindness regardless of the situation. Alexei stepped up numerous times for someone who was a complete stranger to him, and he did it time and time again, not only because he felt an undeniable connection to Ryleigh but because he knew she needed help and he had the means to make her life a little bit easier. I don’t think either of them expected them to fit so well together despite their differing worlds and lifestyles but that didn’t stop Alexei from barging into Ryleigh’s life and staying there in order to not only help her but because he needed her as well.
4 Poison Apples
Finding Alexei is Kendall Ryan’s next sweet and sexy standalone novel. If you read Dear, Jane then you have already met Alexei as Jane’s best friend and Weston’s teammate. I liked him then but have completely fallen for him now.
Alexei couldn’t afford any distractions. His agent has warned him to stay out of trouble after what happened at the end of last season. But there was no way he was just going to walk away from a woman who was being harassed by a creep on the street. His mother raised a gentleman, after-all. What he didn’t expect was to be buying her diapers, formula, and pacifiers just a few minutes later.
Ryleigh’s life was not all rainbows and butterflies before her ex-roommate left her baby with her without any instructions but now it was harder. She worked nights, barely paying her own rent, and now she had a two-month old to take care of. She was a hot mess. But, she was an independent hot mess who didn’t rely on anybody. Then he entered her life. A bossy, sexy pro-baller who wants to save the day. She doesn’t need a Knight in shining armor but it sure is nice to have someone there to guide her when it comes to Ella. A relief really. He was unexpected. A big teddy bear who made her ovaries explode every time he held the little girl in his arms. Could she let go of her instincts of doing everything on her own to let him in?
Omg!!! I loved this story. I devoured it in one sitting. Alexei is so damn sweet and mouth-watering hot. The way he wants to be there for Ryleigh and Ella is so freaking adorable. And I loved Ryleigh. She is far from being a gold-digging groupie. She is strong and doesn’t even care about Alexei’s job. She only cares for the man.
Overall…it’s one of my favorite Kendall books! Ever. I laughed, cried, and felt flushed. It’s a fast read that tucked at my heart strings.
Quotes:
Oh my God. The man comes complete with a Pack ’n Play. What planet am I living on?
“I’m not your problem, or your little outreach project. You don’t have to worry about me.”
When did this big, strapping jock become a 1950s housewife?
This was such a fun sweet read, I thoroughly enjoyed it and it is the perfect book to dive into when you just need an easy escape or to recover from a massive book hangover. Its just one of those books that is so easy to read and lovey to enjoy that it is a great book to pick up any time you need a pick up. Now, that doesn’t mean the story isn’t moving, because it definitely is. I loved the premise of this story. I loved that this woman who is left in an extraordinary situation doesn’t give up, doesn’t walk out on the responsibility that has been left on her shoulders, no she embraces it, she fights for it, she gives everything she has to make sure to give her very best. I love that she takes this child completely under her wing, when she has no clue why her room mate left her, she has not idea how to care for a child, she has no money to support herself much less a child, but she does it and she does it with the fierceness that any mother would posses.
Alexei, what isn’t to love…other than he was of course, as seems to be the formula, prior to Ryleigh he was a bit of a man whore. If you are wanting to see a bit more of that side of him he does show up in Kendall’s book Dear Jane, but you totally do not need to have read that to enjoy this story. I loved that he is just this big ‘ol linebacker with a teddy bear heart. I loved that he doesn’t even really think twice about helping Ry, that he doesn’t try to be her Knight in Shining armor exactly, but that he has the ability to help and he does. Does he end up being a bit of savior for her, definitely but that was never his foremost intent and he never fails to understand that she is who she is and that she won’t be stifled by a mach man *beats chest* kind of attitude from him.
This is in the end, like I mentioned about a really sweet story that you don’t want to miss out on. If you are a fan of Kendall’s or contemporary romance in general, get this one on your TBR and when you need that break from the world, use this as a little vacation. <3
~ HAPPY READING ~
Finding Alexei was an impossibly sweet, satisfying read. The cute factor was high, the conflict factor low, and the overall feeling of the book was heartwarming. I always have fun reading Kendall Ryan’s books, but Finding Alexei stands out from the rest.
Few women can resist the lure of a hot man with a baby, especially when the baby isn’t his. I am no exception; neither is Ryleigh. I loved how much both Ryleigh and Alexei stepped up for that precious infant who was completely lacking a family. Ella was an innocent, and I was so happy to see these people who had no tie to her rearrange their lives to ensure that precious baby had everything she needed.
Ryleigh was nearly as innocent as Ella and in desperate need of a break. Her life had been anything but easy; she had no support system, no safe place to land, no one to fight for her. Until Alexei found her. She was so used to clawing her way through life, she could scarcely believe – or accept – that someone would so willingly help her. I loved that she was so intent on retaining her independence and resilience.
Alexei was just as good as I imagined him to be in Dear Jane. Seriously, I don’t think the man had a bad bone in his body. He was good with babies, supportive of women, and seemed otherwise flawless. He was perfect in a way only romance novel heroes can be. Those types of heroes don’t always work for me, but in this story, with everything Ryleigh and Ella had gone through, Alexei definitely did it for me. He was amazing, and I kind of want to keep him to myself and refuse to share him with anyone else.
Finding Alexei by Kendall Ryan is a full length, standalone novel, a wonderful read with characters I easily could connect with.
Alexei Ivan is a football pro athlete, a bossy alpha with a big, big heart.
Ryleigh is a young woman, independent and strong. She works odd jobs to make ends meet, cares deeply for the baby that was left for her to care for.
Finding Alexei is a beautiful read, simply as that. It’s nothing like I expected and more than I could have asket fro at the same time.
The characters are good people, they’re perfedtly imperfect and that’s very charming. I loved the storyline and the excellent writing. Finding Alexei is kind of a slow burn and that fits the story perfectly.
I loved meeting characters from previous books, Keaton and Slate from Love Machine; Cam and Natalie from Flirting with Forever and Weston and Jane from Dear Jane.
I recommend the book and give 5 stars.
Final Score – 4.5 Stars!
Kendall Ryan has outdone herself with this fantastic story! I was immediately hooked from start to finish with this sweeping, sugary epic love story. Such strong, likable characters, Alexlei and Ryleigh don’t have the greatest of starts to their relationship, but even so – their love story hold up and will stand the test of time. They both have such good and pure hearts and a willingness to help others, how could their love ever fail?
And let’s not forget that steamy chemistry or the quick whited banter – these two deliver both in spades! It was enjoyable to read and hilarious to witness. Chalk full of emotion, plenty of sexy times and two people nothing short of destined to be together – I recommend you get on the train and RUN out to get Finding Alexei. You won’t regret it!
Ugh! I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!! Finding Alexei is the perfect, easy to read, sweet, sexy sports romance with fantastic characters that you will love immediately. I’ve been excited to read this story ever since I read the preview at the end of Dear Jane and I’m so happy that it delivered and I didn’t set myself up for disappointment with my expectations. Ryleigh and Alexei’s story is low angst and just sweet and enjoyable. I really loved that he sort of rescued Ryleigh and Ella but she was so headstrong and fierce and was determined to take care of herself and her ward. I also really enjoyed the epilogue and that we got an update on 3 of the other couples from Kendall Ryan’s recent books. This is proof positive of why she is an auto buy author for me! 4 out of 5 wine glasses.
Alexei is everything!!!!!!! I’m seriously just infatuated with this man! How can such a big, strong football player be so darn sweet and attentive! Ryleigh never stood a chance with a man like Alexei coming after her. Alexei was all white knight coming in and saving the day! The only fault I can find in this entire story is that it isn’t long enough! I could have read this story forever! I wouldn’t have minded a bit more depth into each character with more backstory.
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… my opinions.
I had grabby hands for this book the moment Kendall Ryan announced it. I mean, a football romance AND a baby? Yep, sign me up please. This book was a quick read that was sweet while having a healthy dose of heat in it, too.
Alexei and Ryleigh meet in a most unconventional way-but it works. It works because it shows the character of these two right off the bat. They’re both strong and stubborn. I liked watching Alexei show Ryleigh she could count on him and still be independent at the same time. He won me over from the start so I championed him winning her, too.
There is a sweetness to this story, but like I said there is definitely heat. You can feel the attraction between these two characters right away and I definitely believed in it. I liked that there was a bit of hesitance on Ryleigh’s part, that she didn’t just immediately fall at Alexei’s feet. I also love that she wasn’t impressed with his fame whatsoever. The connection between them was strong and I loved watching them explore it.
This was a quick read for me and the plot moved well. The writing was well done as always and the story just flowed along the pages. I’ll say that this epilogue was one of my favorites as well.
I enjoyed this title and would absolutely recommend it.
Boy! What a heartwarming and loving story! Kendall brings sexy back and fills your heart with so much love its bursting! Hard core swoon worthy! Fantastic read!!
What a fantastic story! Kendall Ryan has started off my new year with Finding Alexei, a story I was hooked on immediately!
Alexei, a professional football player, and Ryleigh who works at a club and is supporting an infant child that is not her own, couldn’t be any different. Yet, Alexei and Ryleigh are two strong, lovable characters who both have heart and a willingness to help others.
I truly loved everything about Alexei and Ryleigh’s story. Their chemistry and banter was fun and sexy and when you throw in a baby? Oh my! I adore the way Alexei took care of the baby…I couldn’t get enough!
This was a story filled with emotion, sexiness and two people destined to be together, no matter what life threw in their way. I highly recommend Finding Alexei.
SO IN LOVE!! I fell in love with Alexi in Dear Jane and I was so glad he got his own book! Sweet, sexy and heartwarming Finding Alexi is everything you have come to love from Kendall Ryan! Five Stars are not enough!
Alexei may not have the best reputation and because of his career it always seems to be in the news. It seems that everyone knows his business no matter what he does. When he meets Ryleigh something happens to him. He doesn’t know her but he knows he wants to.
At first Ryleigh wants nothing to do with him but he breaks down her resistance. He knows his way around a baby thankfully and it makes her heart beat faster and makes her take a second look at him.
Alexei is used to people wanting to use him for his name and his money and Ryleigh is the complete opposite. It’s a refreshing change for him but will his family and friends think that? Will they get their two cents and make him start doubting.
I loved that Alexei wasn’t over the top crazy but truly wanted the best for Ryleigh. I loved that Ryleigh saw the man and not the dollar signs.