A marriage of convenience between a pro hockey player and an aspiring vet working at an animal shelter… What more do I have to say?

Eli is a Canadian pro hockey player for the Appies. He just found out that he has thirty days until he is deported back to Canada. That is unless he were to get married… the only problem is he has no one to marry. Getting deported will not only affect his own life and career but will also affect his mom and the illness she is battling. Bailey is in a predicament of her own. She’s in a tight financial spot while she continues to climb her way toward her goal of vet school. She works at an animal shelter and it’s the same shelter Eli happens to visit often. When Eli decides that he is going to need to get married to stay on the country, Bailey is the first person that comes to mind. They can help each other out. She is the perfect person for the job and in exchange he will give her the money she needs to accomplish her dream.

A Groom of One’s Own is a super fluffy, amazingly sweet, clean romantic comedy. It had me in all my feels and I fell in love with the characters instantly. Eli and Bailey truly are perfect for each other. They bring out the best in one another. I absolutely adored all the side characters and seeing the dynamic of their relationships grow!! This book was an easy read and a wholesome romance. Emma St. Clair has become one of my favorite authors. She knows how to write a clean romance that still has all the emotions you need to fall in love with a book. I loved everything about A groom of One’s Convenience, and I know other readers will, too!

AHH I LOVED THIS!! It made me so very happy to read a CLEAN hockey romance!! I absolutely loved this marriage of convenience love story and now I really want to read more not only from this series but also this author!! 5 STARS!!!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ok, I’m hitting the “Not for Me” button.
Marriage of convenience is my absolute favorite, and this hero is so perfectly adorable, like almost unnecessarily so. I made it to half way really trying to hang on, but just not invested enough to keep going.
And I’ll tell you why and hopefully you’re like “Well, That IS for Me” and give it a try because the writing is clever, snappy, funny (from someone who has low tolerance for cringe), and if you want a story that seems to be a series of strung together sweet gestures from a mama’s boy athlete, by all means!
I really tried here, like mention enough times how he’s basically a Viking, and I’ll start just imagining him a jousting champion and her the maiden he offers to marry to follow his liege’s command or get sent back to…Viking-dom. But for me, if there is no character arc for either, ok only if you count “He’ll never want me, right?” shy-girl-learns-to-trust predicament, if the conflict that was so external is solved just like we’re half way in love before the convenient nuptials, the HEA investment drops. I wish I could just glide along for the swoony moments without that tension, but I can’t. Glide along with the too-perfect hockey player if that’s for you!

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC.

Content notes from reading up to 54%: Kissing Only, mention of parents tragic death. Mother with chronic illness. Some innuendo and secondary characters directly joke about premarital intimacy.

Normally I don't like when a marriage of convenience book has the actual marriage take place late in the book but I loved this. Everything about it was just so cute. The two of them were so oblivious to the others feelings. They couldn't imagine how the other one could like them. They just wanted the world for each otther.

What to say about this book? It left me with so many emotions but most of all speechless! This truly is my favorite book of the year! Eli and Bailey (Leelee) were so sweet! I loved them so much! Their banter was unmatched and there were so many times I laughed out loud and swooned! They gave me actual chills and goosebumps! If you haven’t read this book yet what are you doing? Go get this book and read it right now cause this is the best romance book I have ever read and I don’t think I will ever get over it! The swoony romance, the found family, the rescue doggie Doris, the hockey players I loved them all! I just finished this book and I already want to reread it! This was the first book I have read in the Appies series and I quite literally can’t wait to read them all now!

I’m so thankful to have received this ARC on such a lovely novel; so sweet and so cute! I fell in love with Eli. First time reading a book by this author, and now that I have, I’ll be reading more! Read this book if you wanna have a good time!

Well, this just became my new favorite Emma St. Clair book! I fell in love with the Appies with Emma's previous book, Just Don't Fall, and this book just amplified that even more! The story shifts focus to another member of the team with Eli and the struggles he is currently facing--deportment back to Canada which would also displace his mom who has also made Harvest Hollow her home. He has to come up with a solution fast.

Bailey works at an animal shelter and is currently trying to get into veterinary school. Orphaned at 23, she is also the sole financial caretaker for her grandma. Forced with a price increase from the nursing home, Bailey doesn't know how she is going to find the money to pay for it all.

*insert cute hockey player who happens to love dogs and visits the shelter often* and BOOM they are fake dating and she agrees to marry him to solve both of their problems.

Bailey didn't expect to catch real feelings for Eli--especially so fast. And Eli does as well, but was always labeled as "too much" in relationships so he is holding back. Will their fake marriage turn into something more?

This was my favorite line from the book:
"I’ve found one of the hardest things about losing people you care about is the guilt of remembering the things they weren’t so great at."
Which is so true.

Also, loved the cameos from Logan and Parker, and all the Appies boys. I hope all the players get their own story because I love them all! If you are looking for a swoon-worthy and clean romance, this is a great choice!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an e-copy in exchange for an honest review

This review is also cross posted to my Blog and Goodreads. If you would like to follow me on either platform, those links are in my profile.

This book is absolutely adorable and amazing. It is based on Eli, a Canadian hockey player, with a major problem. He is facing deportation from his US home. Later, we meet Bailey, the beautiful Bailey, an inspiring vet, who faces her own set of problems.

Together, with a marriage of convenience, we go through their journey.

And we can't forget about Doris who somewhat saves Eli and Bailey.

Strongly recommend!!!!

I loved being back in the world of the Appies and getting Eli's story! These hockey players are some of the best! Eli is about to be deported, what better way to avoid it than by a marriage of convenience with the shy woman Bailey from the animal shelter he visits? Overall it was a fun and cute rom com that had me smiling and swooning the whole time. I loved how sweet and protective Eli was of Bailey, and that his mom and teammates became her family.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!

What a sweet marriage of convenience story. Eli and Bailey are both such cute characters and easy to root for. In a situation that could be totally terrible, the two show thoughtfulness and kindness.

When Eli is being sent back to Canada due to Visa issues, he is willing to try anything to be able to stay close to his mom and stay on the Appie’s hockey team. In walks Bailey - the girl he’s been trying to get to know at the dog shelter. Her life is in the perfect positon for her to be willing to go along with this risky plan.

Forever “Awkward Together”

Sweet marriage of convenience, hockey romance. I enjoyed the characters and the chemistry of the two leads. The pacing was slow to begin with but picked up as the story progressed.

Bailey and Eli are both strong characters that were endearing. Eli needs to sort out his visa and Bailey, on the other hand, faces financial difficulties. The two meet at the animal shelter where Eli frequents. I loved hearing more about the Appies and the family that Bailey is able to have because of them being together.

Thank you to Netgalley and Victory Editing for an arc of this. I enjoyed this. The couple was cute together. It was a fun, fast read. It has a good build-up for a closed-door romance. I did appreciate that there was no third-act break up/split between the couple. I did appreciate the warnings at the beginning, letting the reader know that some bad stuff happened in the past and some people in the present had illnesses, but nobody dies on page and no cheating.

I really enjoyed this book. Both characters are very relatable and I enjoyed reading about them. I love all the tropes that were incorporated in this book. Friends to lovers, fake marriage and close proximity. Can’t beat it!

Eli, a hockey star with the Appies, faces deportation due to visa issues. In a race against time, he seeks a marriage of convenience to save his career and future. But when he realizes he wants more than just legality, he must convince his chosen bride, Bailey, that their union can be more than a paper contract. This was a sweet book! It was a little bit unbelievable that Eli picked up a wife at a dog shelter, but I went with it. There were lots of sweet moments and Eli was such a lovable hero. 4.5 stars.

Finished this gem yesterday. I loved Eli and Bailey! The marriage of convenience storyline was fun and the banter was adorable. I love the friendships that come through in the Appies teammates… the vow of violence had me laughing out loud. Grab this one (and the stories of the other Appies) through Kindle Unlimited.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with a free copy of those books in exchange for an honest review.

This is Book 1 of the Apples Series!

I was lucky enough to receive as an ARC 🥰

A Groom of One’s Own is a delightful and heartwarming romance that will leave readers smiling from ear to ear. With its charming storyline, loveable characters, and sweet romance, this book is a perfect choice for fans of closed-door marriage-of-convenience romances.

Eli Hopkins is a hockey star with everything going for him—except for a properly filed visa paperwork. When faced with the threat of deportation, he hatches a plan to marry his friend Bailey, who he secretly harbours feelings for. However, convincing Bailey that their marriage is more than just a legal arrangement proves to be a challenge. St. Clair expertly navigates the complexities of Eli and Bailey's relationship, crafting a story that is both heartwarming and humorous.

Set against the backdrop of the hockey world, A Groom of One’s Own offers a unique and engaging setting for the romance to unfold. With its witty banter and endearing camaraderie between teammates, the book captures the spirit of sports romance while also exploring themes of love, friendship, and sacrifice.

What sets this book apart is its focus on the emotional connection between the characters rather than on steamy scenes. St. Clair skilfully builds tension and chemistry between Eli and Bailey, creating a romance that feels authentic and genuine. Readers looking for a sweet and wholesome love story will find plenty to enjoy in A Groom of One’s Own.

A Groom of One’s Own is a delightful read that will leave readers feeling warm and fuzzy inside. With its heartwarming storyline, loveable characters, and sweet romance, this book is sure to capture the hearts of readers everywhere. Don't miss out on this charming and uplifting romance that proves love can conquer all—even paperwork mishaps!

I’m so happy I got to read this book, I’m seriously kicking myself for not knowing about this author sooner! Her writing style has me totally hooked. Personally, I'm all about those fake dating/fake marriage stories and hockey rom-coms, so this book was like hitting the jackpot for me. Whenever I need a break from reality, I always dive into a hockey romance, and this one didn't disappoint.

At first, I didn't realize this wasn't a standalone or the start of a series until they dropped a hint about some previous stories. But honestly, it didn't ruin the fun for me. Eli, the main guy, is just the sweetest thing ever—a real ray of sunshine who'd do anything for his loved ones. And Bailey, the leading lady, is this shy but fiercely independent woman who totally stole my heart. It was so cute seeing her open up to Eli and realize how much she actually likes having him around.

While I enjoyed the slow burn of their relationship, part of me wished they'd tied the knot sooner in the story. But hey, at least there wasn't some big breakup moment in the third act—I was seriously dreading that. Overall, "A Groom of One's Own" has got me itching to dive into the rest of the series, and you bet I'll be grabbing those previous books real soon.

*Thank you to NetGalley, Emma S. Claire and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing the eARC in exchange for a review, but all thoughts are my own*

This book was so cute and fun! I was having trouble sleeping, so I started this book and ate it up in three hours or so. Marriage of convenience meets fake dating and a hockey romance? Yes, please! It is a closed door romance, with little spice, but such a fun story. I liked the banter and story between Eli and Bailey, and their cute dog friends, including Doris. A cute, fun, and enjoyable read.

Protective Eli + Shy Bailey = cute romantic comedy. The plot is engaging and lively. It delivered as promised with a clean romance leaving this reader “twitterpatted”.

🌟 The book itself is a 5 star rating. Morally I’m giving it a 4 star rating (detail below).

❤️ I loved Eli for being protective, non-womanizing, not addicted to pornography, caring, considerate, and a healthy mom relationship. He didn’t turn his head at the women falling over him and instead was interested in the shy, sweet girl working a normal job in an animal shelter. *sigh*

❤️ I also liked Bailey for her strength and lines she wouldn’t cross to get the guy. She stood on her own and it turned Eli’s head. She was also compassionate with family values.

Inner dialog/lighthearted detail was hilarious at times and also a little uncomfortable in other times. Those times included too much description on the women falling over Eli, a comment or two of the hockey brothers flirting, the mention of OnlyFans (even though it was shot down/discouraged), and the mentions of “h***” casually mentioned.

Overall it is a fun read leaving you believing that love works all things out.

Thank you NetGalley and Create If Writing LLC for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.