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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Oh my Alexei!
He’s perfect. Bossy, sexy and can change a diaper. The perfect man! When Alexei sees a girl being hassled he steps right in. Not realizing that he’s about to meet the two loves of his life.
Alexei and Ryleigh are great characters and perfect together. Their chemistry is off the charts and their story is sweet and enjoyable. The writing was spot on and the author did a great job bringing us this story. I really like it.
An enjoyable, straightforward, light-hearted romance story from Kendall Ryan. She’s great at delivering stories that sweet and endearing. I read her work to give me that palate cleansing that I sometimes need after all the darker, angsty books I love to read. It just works out, and she gives me that lighter, fluffier hearts & flowers stuff.
The storyline in this one is one I don’t typically pick up. I don’t read books that center around kids or have kids in them. It’s just a personal preference. I read to escape and being a (mostly) SAHM, I don’t want to read about kids when I have them 24/7. I want to read about the lives and worlds that I’ll never live. There was also that whole “insta-love” thing. I never enjoy that aspect when it’s in any story. Again, it’s just a personal thing.
I did enjoy this book, and the story was great, and so were the characters. I do think I could have used a bit more depth to the book, but overall it was good.
I loved him in Dear, Jane and I loved him even more in his own book. Alexei was not what you expected from a big football player. His heart was as big as his height. Him and Ryleigh met in such a unique way. He never judged and never looked down on her. On the other hand, she had no idea he was a famous professional athlete, lol. But even when she found out she still treated him the same.
When she met Alexei, Ryleigh was going thru some hardships and didn’t want anyone especially Alexei to have pity on her. That mentality just made him fall for her even more. She finally loosened up a little and let herself feel.
What I enjoyed about this quick read was that there wasn’t any drama or interference from anyone else. There was a sad moment but that brought them even closer. The epilogue was funny and I enjoyed catching up with the couples from the other stories. This book was just downright beautiful.
Kendall Ryan scores a touchdown with this one. Hot, muscular, gorgeous athlete has a soft side too. When he sees Ryleigh outside of the topless bar something stops him from passing her by and not getting involved. His mom would have been disappointed in him if he left her to deal with the guy that was talking to her. He drove her home after stopping at a store to pick up formula and diapers for Ella. From this first day he was hooked. He helped her take care of Ella, even gave them a place to stay. Ryleigh was unlike any woman he met. She was not a gold digger, only interested in him because of his fame, in fact she didn’t even know who he was or what he did for a living. She knew he had money when he took her home to his apartment and she felt odd and out of place. She never wanted to take advantage of him for his generosity, she wanted to prove to herself she was strong and could do it on her own. Alexei never felt like she was using him, he helped her because he felt it was the right thing to do.
I love how Kendall brought these characters together and developed their relationship. Yes there was an attraction but she showed there was more to them. There was another side to him than the athlete. The way he was brought up, and the relationship he had with his sisters and their children was so endearing and special. It was instant that he showed Ryleigh how to care for Ella. It was like he was born to take care of children afterall, he did have tons of practice with his nieces and nephews. He treated Ryleigh and Ella like they were his own. It allowed her to adjust to taking care of Ella. Having someone to share the responsibility with and never feel like she was a burden to him. Such an enjoyable loving story.
4 Sweet & Sexy Stars!
“Right now, in this moment, I feel comforted and content, all thanks to a man who cared enough to help me tonight.”
If you’re looking for a quick and easy read that is sure to leave you with all the feels, then look no further. Finding Alexei is just the story you’ve been waiting for.
In true Kendall Ryan fashion, this story grabs you from the first page and has you dying to find out more. Ryleigh’s life has been tougher than tough as of late. As if it wasn’t bad enough that her roommate took off a few months ago, when she finally does show up, she shows up with a baby in tow. Ryleigh has the biggest heart and offers her roommate a place to lay her head for the night. Only the next morning, her ex roommate is gone, but the baby is still there. Not knowing what else to do, Ryleigh suddenly finds herself as a single mom and is completely over her head. She hasn’t a clue what she’s doing, but luckily fate had other plans. When fate brought Alexei into Ryleigh’s life, it was the best thing that could have ever happened. Alexei could and does have it all, but there is just something about Ryleigh that he can’t resist. She brings out this protective side that he never knew existed, but that he would do anything for. These two are opposites in every possible way, but I gotta tell you, they just worked. Their connection while intense, was just so easy; so effortless. Not even a baby could mess up what these two had going on. And the way that Alexei was with Ella….ugh! Swoon city.
Finding Alexei is the kind of story that you just can’t help fall in love with. The characters are wonderful and easy to connect with. Their problems are real world ones and are easy for anyone to understand. Alexei had the biggest heart and had me falling head over heels for him. And I just loved how independent Ryleigh was and how she tried the best to deal with the cards life handed to her. Together these two were the perfect match and I just loved getting lost in the two of them.
Finding Alexei was such an easy and effortless love story. It can be read and enjoyed as a standalone novel. I loved that there was low drama, but a lot of steam. And the emotional twist at the end, definitely tugged at this girl’s heartstrings. Overall, a really wonderful read.
5 Stars
I absolutely adored Alex as Jane’s best friend in Dear Jane, but I loved him even more as Alexei. After leaving a meeting, he finds Ryleigh being propositioned by an unwelcoming guest, Alexei steps in to rescue her. His friends and the world know him as Alex Ivan, so he’s not really sure why he introduces himself with his given name, Alexei. Offering to give her a ride home, things start rolling from there. Learning she is caring for her former roommate’s infant daughter, Alexei finds himself enamored with Ryleigh. She’s definitely not the normal type of girl he deals with or entertains. She’s not clingy, nor does she want his money or anything else for that matter. Struggling to make ends meet, when she gets evicted from her apartment, she finally gives in decides to let him help her and the baby.
Finding Alexei is a quick, steamy and sexy read full of “awwww” moments. I mean hello! Hot guy with a baby! It’s almost, but not quite “instalove”. These two develop feelings pretty quickly, but they do take some time if that makes sense lol. It’s a great story and you should totally read it! Seeing Alexei with baby Ella will totally melt your heart and make your ovaries explode 😉
Angela – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Kendall Ryan gets about 5,000 sweetness points for Finding Alexei! Alexei swoops into Ryleigh’s life unexpectedly, but exactly when she needs him. Even though she’s reluctant to admit that. She has a not so glamorous job, and a baby girl who isn’t hers to take care of. Alexei is supposed to be keeping his head low, after getting into a bit of trouble at work, but when he sees Ryleigh, he gets a vibe that she’s worth any trouble she may possibly bring.
So basically in this story you have a rich athlete, Alexei, who is alpha and bossy, but is also sweet and understanding. Where is that combo frowned upon? Nowhere in my world. I loved Alexei and spent most of this book with heart eyes for the dude.
Ryleigh is a heroine who is independent and wants to keep that independence, but also melts a bit when Alexei shows how much he is willing to help out with her and Ella. She is taking care of a baby who belongs to someone she didn’t even know very well, and to me that is the sign of a heroine deserving of all the amazing things Alexei is willing to give.
This story truly ends up being a feel good read. It’s a quick read, and the romance is hesitant at first, but moves pretty quickly. Finding Alexei made me emotional. It made me smile. It made me a little hot and bothered. I loved the characters. I loved their story, and the ending. ALL THE SWOONS. All in all a great read, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a quick feel good romance, that isn’t conventionally realistic, but it’s so good that you won’t care!!
ARC* Book to release January 7, 2019!
Having being a fan of Kendall Ryan’s writing for some time now, Finding Alexei hit all the notes for me and is my favorite one to date from her. It had spice, romance and sexy alpha tendencies! Alexei just wants to take care of Ryleigh. Their spark is evident from the start. Ryleigh was in a less than desirable position till Alexei comes along. Having her ex roommates baby in tow, Alexei takes over. While I love the independence of Ryleigh, I also love the fact that she knows she needs the help when she needs it. She just never expected it would come from a man like Alexei. I adore that she has no clue about his profession either! While this is a insta romance, it hits all the notes and leaves you swooning! I highly recommend this book! I adored it so much!
Well Finding Alexei is a super sweet, romantic story. Alexei and Ryleigh meet in a very unconventional way, but their chemistry was spot on from the very beginning. Alexei is very swoony and the total package. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters very much!
Finding Alexei is by Kendall Ryan. All I had to do is look at this cover and know that I wanted to read this book! I mean, just gaze at that! If you read Dear Jane, you may have previously met Alex. I didn’t read it and it was still perfectly fine.
Ryleigh is barely scraping by as it is. She lives in a tiny apartment in a terrible neighborhood. She works at a topless bar. She keeps telling herself that she is a waitress, not a stripper. The tips are good. But it’s only with sharing the rent with her room mate that she is able to get by. Except her room mate ran off. Then, when she came back, she had a two month old baby. Then she took off again, leaving the baby behind. It’s with all of this on her shoulders on the night when she first met Alexei. She could have handled the situation. But he stepped in and helped her out. She had never laid eyes on him before. She didn’t know he was a football player. He could have been a murderer for all she knew. But somehow she knew that she could trust him. She and baby Elle needed someone that night and he was there. What she didn’t know was that meeting Alexei that night was going to forever change her life.
Alexei has been told by his manager to stay out of trouble. He just signed a new contract with the Chicago Hawks. He had just left a meeting when he first saw Ryleigh outside of the bar where she worked. Someone was hassling her and he stepped in. She was beautiful and stubborn and didn’t want his help which made him all the more determined to help her. Only he realized soon enough that there was a lot more going on than just her own needs. There was a baby as well. She clearly was not completely comfortable with the baby. He, with all of his sisters kids, had plenty of experience with babies.
“How does this woman I barely know own me already?”
“I wonder if she feels the same way I do. Does she feel this thing between us? The force field of chemistry zapping around us is intense. It makes me wonder if this could be something real, and not just something physical.”
Ryleigh feels a little bit like the star of the movie, Pretty Woman. Alexei is clearly rich and can have anyone he wants. She’s a waitress with a baby that isn’t hers. But try as she might, she can’t seem to separate herself from him.
“He’s like a freaking baby-whisperer.”
“What am I going to do when it’s time to leave this fairy tale and return to the real world?”
“He calms me…centers me, even. He makes me think that maybe, just maybe I can do this.”
This was so adorable. Ryleigh was nothing like the clingers that usually chase professional athletes. She didn’t want his money. But she needed his help. It all happens pretty fast but feelings develop. Alexei doesn’t like being apart from Ryleigh and Ella and Ryleigh doesn’t want to burden Alexei. These two were just so perfect together and Alexei with a baby melted me into a puddle of goo. I mean, a huge football player snuggling a tiny little baby girl. “swoon”
This is a quick read with an awesome epilogue. You will definitely walk away from this with a big smile. I’m so glad I had the chance to read it.
5 STAR Review by Jodi for Ruby Red Romance Review
I feel like I waited for this book forever. I loved everything about Alexei from Dear Jane. He was great. He might have been overprotective, but he was just looking out for those he loved. I can’t begin to tell you all the feelings I had for him after reading this book. Alexei is the man we all hope we find some day. He’s bossy, but he’s so much more. He’s sweet, kind, and a total softy. I love what a great man he is in this book. I love what a standout person he is. I just love Alexei.
Ryleigh was amazing as well. Taking on the role of mother, even when she wasn’t able to take care of herself. Ryleigh tried, but sometimes you just need a little help. Even when it comes from a stranger.
This story was everything I wanted and so much more. I loved getting to watch the fall. I loved getting to know more about Ryleigh and Alexei. I loved watching them become one. Please check out this awesome book. We also get to visit with some old friends! Great story by Kendall Ryan and I look forward to the next book.
I absolutely adore Kendall Ryan’s heroes. They are alpha down to the tips of their toes but also so caring and protective. Alexei Ivan is most definitely my favorite hero Ryan has written to date!! He is all growly hotness with a heart of gold and an inner core of strength and kindness. I loved the way he was with Ryleigh and the fiery chemistry and banter between them! GAH!! HE WAS EVERYTHING!!
After playing knight in shining armor when first meeting Ryleigh, Alex could never have expected he would not only be taking the woman home but also caring for a newborn. Who would have thought one good deed would change his life forever?
You guys!! Ryleigh and Alex were so damn sexy. Their chemistry was off the charts hot but the kicker for me in this story was the way Alex loved baby Ella. This story was filled with all the love and passion we’ve come to expect from a Kendall Ryan novel with all the feels as the cherry on top. This was brilliant!! Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
Alexei, yeah I think I’ll keep him!!!
Is it just me or it is extremely attractive when a sexy, rich football player calls his woman “baby”? No, not just me? Yea, I didnt think so.
Let’s start with Ry, strong willed hard working “single mom”, who’s stubborn. I love her, I love that she was determined she was indebted to Alexei, she was going to pay him back. Even though he didnt want her to. Shes the type of women that are far and few between these days, and it was refreshing to read a book where the girl wasnt just falling all over the guy and his money!
Ella, sweet nibletts where I can get one of her? Or 3?
And Alexei… I love him! I love his sweet heart, his moderately bossy manners, and his love for his family. His moms first reaction to Ry and Ella had me nervous as could be, I was for sure thinking that’s where the sad part of the story was going to come in, but when it didnt I was pleased!
Overall, this book is AMAZING! yet again Mrs. Ryan you blow me out of the water with your writing skills! Each book you write is better than the last, & keep me reeling for your next release. Come on 2019, I need new Kendall Ryan novels
Alexei Ivan is a professional football player for the Chicago Hawks. When he rescues a woman from getting hit on outside a bar he has no idea how much his life is about to change.
Ryleigh works at a topless bar but is trying to survive the best she can. She has dreams beyond the bar but when her former roommate leaves her baby daughter with her she is scrambling.
When Alex sees the situation that Ryleigh he begins to take over but is Alex only helping because of Ella and what happens when her mom comes back?
This was such a great book and there were so many laughs but also so many heartwarming moments!
Alex was just the most amazing and perfect guy and I wish I could find a guy like that for myself!! I loved how caring he was the moment he met Ryleigh and he hated how she was living and wanted her and Ella in a better place. I also loved how he took care of Ella and really knew what she needed.
Ryleigh was great as she took in Ella and did her best to take care of her while still trying to work and pay bills. It was sad that she was in a rough situation and she really hated taking handouts. She didn’t want Alex to view her as taking his handouts and wanted to cook to earn her keep.
The chemistry between the two was awesome and I liked them realizing how much they cared about each other.
My heart broke for Andi and I couldn’t imagine what she was going through.
I understood why Ryleigh made a difficult choice near the end but I was so happy that Alex made her see differently. I was shocked at everything that Alex did to prove he wanted Ryleigh to succeed – love this guy!!
The end was awesome and I want more of these two!!
4.5 Stars!
Ryleigh is a woman living in Chicago who is struggling financially, and lately her life seems to be falling apart. Her roommate vanishes leaving behind her baby, and she has no clue if or when she will return. She’s working at a bar serving drinks and taking things one day at a time when she crosses paths with a gorgeous man named Alexei who comes to her rescue when she’s in a bind. He offers her no strings help when she needs it, and then continues to show up like her personal white knight. She’s independent, and the last thing she needs is another complication in her life, but she knows nothing about babies, and he does. This beautiful generous stranger is so kind to her without seeming to want anything in return. He’s just a great guy, and seeing him with a baby is the hottest thing she’s ever seen. He’s bossy, overprotective, and all up in her business, but he doesn’t look at her like the hot mess she feels like.
Alexei Ivan is a famous millionaire professional athlete who is a linebacker for the Chicago Hawks. He needs to put all his focus on football, and staying out of the headlines to keep his big contract, but he can’t sit by when he see’s someone in need. His world collides with a woman named Ryleigh and his life completely changes. He grew up with three sisters and has six nieces and nephews he babysits. He’s great with kids and wants to offer Ryleigh what he can. There’s something different about her, and he can’t just turn his back on her. He feels a real, unexplainable connection to her, and soon they find themselves playing house. Feelings develop and he realizes he cares deeply for Ryleigh and the baby.
Soon everything starts to feel too much like a fairytale to Ryleigh, and she thinks it’s too good to be true. This isn’t her life, and she realizes she’ll soon have to return to the real world, so she better not get too attached.
I loved this heartwarming love story full of romance. This was a sexy, sweet story with a super swoony football player with a heart of gold. I loved this man hard! Alexei is absolutely dreamy and delicious!
Well, this book was a total joy! I really, really do love everything Kendall Ryan writes, but I think I just have a new favorite book from her, and it’s called Finding Alexei.
This book has everything I love about a romantic story – it’s full of hearts, it’s also emotional and the sexy time is totally off-the-charts! The chemistry between the characters is something else. They’re just so perfect together!
Alexei is every girl’s dream. This big, cuddly sport man is a real thief, he will stole readers’ hearts all over the place. And Ryleigh is his perfect match, she’s such a sweetheart! Together, they are everything.
Finding Alexei is the perfect romance novel!
In one word Finding Alexei is Awesome. Readers will fall in love with Alexei for this guy is unreal. I mean he is funny, sweet, sexy and oh emgee a wanna someday DILF. Yep I said it for Kendall Ryan just ruined men for me in Alexei. He is like wow and boy Ryleigh has no hope of resisting this hot sex on a stick. Have to say Kendall Ryan started off the year with a bang loved it.
“I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.”
This book had such a wonderfully heartwarming storyline that I couldn’t stop reading till I finished!
Who knew Alex Ivan, linebacker, would have the biggest heart of a character you will ever meet?? He’s charming but also very selfless and a true testament to how he was raised to be the gentleman he truly is!
When he meets Ryleigh, needless to say its in rather unfortunate circumstances only being that Ryleigh is really doing it tough and I think what eventuates is a beautiful love story!
Ryleigh is a very independent woman striving to do her best the only way she knows how and I admired her alot! She is reluctant to accept help but does it due to her caring nature and for a little baby that came to be in her life! Who could blame her really!
This is such a well written romance with so much heart, yours may break in two! I know mine certainly did! Swoonworthy Alex and alot of sighing was involved! I laughed, I felt compassion and thoroughly enjoyed this wonderfully written story!
Firstly, Kendall Ryan reminds us that she’s the queen of heartfelt romances jammed packed with tons of heat. Finding Alexei is a prime example, this quick read is loaded with heart, wit, and heated passion. Bonus, a beefy football player who loves babies – this man knows how to melt your heart and your panties simultaneously.
Alexei is a famous foot ball player with a heart of gold. He’s the ultimate gentleman, so much so that when he meets Ryleigh in a potentially dangerous situation, he’s prepared to sweep in and save the day. We learn that Ryleigh is quite the complicated character. Her life hasn’t gone according to plan, and now her roommate has left her with a newborn baby. Alexei is the perfect knight in shining armor to help out! Time and time again, I was in awe of Alexei’s ease with Ryleigh and baby in his life, like they were the missing puzzle pieces he was waiting for.
There is plenty of feel good moments between Alexei and Ryleigh. This insta-connection story left me with a sigh of happiness and a feeling that true love does work out. Everyone has their lobster; sometimes in not the most ideal circumstances to start, but they’re out there. There’s also plenty of HAWT moments in this book, Alexei sure gives it his all 🙂
Kendall Ryan is one of my top go-to authors, Finding Alexei is another sure to please and fun romantic read.
4.5 stars
Finally Alexei’s story! I’ve been waiting for his book since I finished “Dear Jane”!! Kendall Ryan definitely delivered with this book; I love it!!!
When I first met Alexei, I couldn’t picture him raising a child that it isn’t his with a stranger. Ryleigh and baby Ella captured his heart from first sight and he couldn’t resist them. I totally get Ryleigh’s need to survive on her own, but I was so happy that he let Alexei help her. Alexei is so cute with baby Ella that I couldn’t help but swoon every time they had a scene together! I really didn’t figure out the reason why Ella’s mother left her with Ryleigh and I was so sad for her.
The story was truly beautiful and the ending wrapped it up just right! If you want a sexy athletic baby whisperer then get this book and prepare yourself because Alexei is here to stay