This book was so good and the couple cemetery was electric…. The sister was so fun I laughed so much when I was reading this book. This was a quick adorable story. Once I started reading this book I couldn’t put it down!!!!
I love that this author can write cemetery like this and know she doesn’t have to have a bunch of spice in the book…..

Thank you to Netgalley and Emma S. Clair for this ARC of ‘A Groom of One’s Own’.

I don’t often read romances without spice anymore but I have no idea why. I love a hockey romance and this one was excellent. I devoured this in one sitting and have no regrets. I love a MMC that Is as sweet as Eli, it just gives you such a nice warm feeling. Like I mentioned I absolutely love this book and would definitely love to read some more from this author.

This was my first hockey romance and I am SO glad It was.

I love how their relationship progressed very naturally and the fact that the romance was the main point of the novel, the fact it had no spice was a huge bonus to me. it's refreshing for a romance to have a deeper connection.
I never felt like the book lacked anything at all, the pacing was perfect and didn't feel rushed, Emma is definitely one of my go-to authors now and I can't wait to read her other books

A lovely arranged marriage love story. I loved it from Eli to Bailey, the dogs, hockey, and all the family. An enjoyable sweet sports read. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgalley

Thank you to Netgalley for an eArc of this book!

I absolutely devoured this book and finished it in a few hours! It was everything I love in fake dating/sports romance!

The MMC of this book is the absolute sweetest and has the kindest soul, I thought these characters had a lovely relationship development and it all felt very natural!

I can’t wait to read more books by this author!

Eli Hopkins, a popular hockey player, is in trouble: an administrative error is about to deport him from the country. If he doesn't want to leave his career, his teammates and his sick mother, his only option is to get married as soon as possible. The problem is, to whom? But everything seems to become clearer when Bailey enters the picture, a girl who works at the animal shelter Eli often visits to play with the dogs and whose financial problems may be driving her to commit the folly of accepting the proposal.

What will we find?
🏑 Hockey romance
💙 Clean romance
💍​ Marriage of Convenience
🥰 The golden retriever guy
💜 Family found
👫 Dual POV

This book is ADORABLE. Eli is literally a ray of sunshine, he is very protective and always puts the needs of others before his own, especially his mother’s. And for that alone, he becomes one more deserving literary boyfriend 💜

And Bailey is amazing. She is a very strong woman who has lost her parents and has a sick grandmother. She wants to be a vet, but has a hard time being able to afford to pay for tuition and her grandmother's care.

Eli and Bailey are very cute and awkward together, which adds a lot of sweetness to the book. And they have hilarious moments, not only with each other, but also with Eli's family and teammates 💗

One of the major themes of the novel is the illnesses of the family members of both of them. I think the author has done a good job and has incorporated them in a very credible way, so that they are not just there for the sake of it.

I also really liked the fact that it is a clean romance, because I think that’s what the story demands. And I loved that in a genre where the spicy is almost a requirement, Emma has managed to drive the romance without having to forcefully add it in this book.

Perhaps what I liked least about the story is that it seems a bit instalove, since everything takes place in just one month. I wish they had at least had more time to develop the romance more slowly, I think it would have been perfect.

4,5 ⭐

Thanks to NetGallery and Emma St. Clair for this ARC in exchange for an honest review 😊

Emma St. Clair’s Just Don’t Fall was the first ARC I received and reviewed. So when I had the opportunity to review A Groom of One’s Own, a stand alone novel that follows one of the Appies hockey players featured in the Sweater Weather series, I was thrilled!

The novel begins with Eli, a member of minor hockey team, the Appies who has just learned that due to a clerical error, he will be deported back to Canada. That is unless he finds a loophole, like finding himself a bride to marry within the next 30 days. As a hopeless romantic, Eli would ideally like to marry for love. But, he may have found a potential bride in Bailey, a shy and cute woman who works at the animal shelter that Eli loves to make laugh whenever he stops by to play with the orphaned dogs. When Eli finds out that Bailey could use some financial support, he suggests they marry short-term to help both of them get through the individual issues that have been plaguing them. As the pair begin to plan their wedding and get to know each other better, it begins to feel less like a marriage of convenience. If you love romance and humour with sizzle but no spice, this book is a great one to add to your TBR. Now I need to read the rest of the Appies series to keep tabs on all the men!

"A Groom of One's Own" is a captivating novel that skillfully intertwines themes of love, family, and personal struggles. The portrayal of the protagonist's mother's fibromyalgia adds depth and realism to the story, resonating deeply with readers who may have experienced similar challenges - as is my case. The dual point of view offers a rich narrative experience, allowing readers to empathize with both characters on a profound level.

Eli's endearing qualities and vulnerabilities make him a truly memorable character, while Bailey's initial skepticism evolves into admiration as her character develops throughout the story. Despite some initial reservations, the authenticity of Bailey's journey becomes increasingly compelling, adding layers to the narrative.

The writing style is exquisite, with beautiful prose that effortlessly draws readers into the world of the characters. Despite its light tone, the novel manages to evoke a range of emotions, from heartwarming moments to those that stir butterflies in the stomach.

While some readers may have hoped for more exploration of the after-marriage aspect, the focus on the lead-up to the wedding is understandable and effectively executed. The absence of explicit scenes does not detract from the palpable chemistry between the characters, showcasing the author's skillful storytelling.

Overall, "A Groom of One's Own" is a delightful read that leaves a lasting impression. Fans of the genre will undoubtedly find themselves eager to explore more works by this talented author, solidifying her status as a new favorite among readers. One thing is certain: she's now one of mine.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this ARC.

A Groom of One's Own is a sweet hockey romance. Eli, hockey player for the minor league team the Appies, has realized that he will deported back to Canada in 30 days. He will lose his spot on the team that has become his family and his mother will have to move back and lose all the doctors that have been helping her care for her fibromyalgia. So, of course, the only thing to do is find someone to marry. Enter Bailey, the girl that works at the animal shelter he goes to and has been slowly getting to know. When she says yes to the crazy idea they realize the marriage could be more than just a marriage of convenience.

I really enjoyed this story and the characters. The relationship between the two main characters was very believable and it was very sweet to see them become more comfortable with each other and settle into their unique relationship. I also liked that there was no miscommunication trope or third act break-up like in most romance novels. It was just a good, straightforward romance novel. The representation of medical conditions such as fibromyalgia and dementia was also welcome and I felt like I was able to connect with Bailey more because of her relationship with her Grandma. Overall, I liked this story and am excited to continue this series! Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for gifting me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

3.5✨

Overall I enjoyed this book. It was a feel good, closed door romance with a fake marriage in order for Eli to get a visa. I wish there would've been a little more depth with all of it really. There was the owner of the team who Eli didn't like and what was his role really in this story? I felt like his side appearance wasn't relevant. Additionally the gran. She is introduced in the very beginning and then never actually seen again which was a little disappointing.

I did like Eli and Bailey's relationship and enjoyed Maggie as a side character.

This was a good book! At first, I was a little skeptical of a "marriage of convience" trope in a modern romance, but I found that it was ok.
Both protagonists, Eli and Bailey, knew each other a little bit before the start of the story as they already met at a pet shelter. This made it a little more plausible for Eli to ask Bailey (in a joking way) if she could marry him to allow him to stay in the US and not be deported to Canada. As Bailey already has a crush on him and needs money, she agrees. The marriage happened at the end of the book which I regretted as it did not leave much time —just a few short couple of weeks — for Eli and Bailey to fall in love. I'd rather both of them marry quickly and then develop feelings. It all happened a bit fast and the characters did not always communicate well and in a honest way.
All in all, this was a sweet, clean romance, with nice characters and a wholesome dog (always a bonus)!
3.75 stars

This was my second Emma St. Clair book, and I absolutely adored it! This was such a sweet marriage of convenience romance story. I related so much to Bailey’s personality, and I loved that Eli was just an absolute golden retriever of a man (I need one of those in my life lol😆). Also, after having read Just Don’t Fall, it was nice to see Logan and Parker again, as well as the other team members of the Appies hockey team, and I really look forward to read more Appies stories!

This is a CLEAN romance, meaning there’s no spice beyond kissing and there’s pretty much no foul language. Caring for family members with dementia/chronic illness does play a big role in this story, so just be aware of that if that’s a topic that triggers you (but I believe the author handled this very well).

Thank you to NetGalley for an e-ARC of this book! All thoughts and opinions above are my own.

I had never read a title by this author, but I had seen some around the library and decided to give it a try. I loved it! I loved it so much I had to put the other titles by this author and Jenny Proctor on hold. Cute and a fun read and not as cliché as a lot of "clean reads." Would definitely recommend the series to anyone who likes sports romance without spice (but you'd still enjoy it even if spice is usually your thing),

Eli finds out he's going to have to go back to Canada to renew his visa unless he happens to have a girlfriend he could marry in the next month to keep him here and on the Appie's team. Bailey wants to become a vet, but school is expensive and the money she currently makes goes mostly toward her grandmother's assisted living care. If only she had someone who could help her out financially? This is exactly what Eli proposes in exchange for marrying him (temporarily of course). But what if there are real feelings between them?

A fun marriage of convenience story based in my neck of the woods (Western North Carolina). Highly entertaining, thoroughly enjoyable, and I may have teared up a bit during the wedding scene...

I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own

This is the second book I have read in the Appies series, and I enjoyed it as much as Parker and Logan's story.

It's a sweet story that is almost more about friendship and community than romance (although there are plenty of romantic gestures)

It's not a steamy read besides a few kisses, just a fun rom com.
My only complaint is that Doris and Gram could have had bigger roles.

Oh man...I adore the Appies and Emma St. Clair. I love the Savannah Bananas so the Appies are my kind of team and the fact that they are a hockey team? Absolutely perfect. I am officially in my hockey romance era...with no sign of exiting any time soon. And KiKi...Her sense of humor is the absolute best! I straight up laughed out loud and giggled to myself so many times through this book. It's such a feel-good and swoony read.

Eli...Man, I always think I don't love the good guys...until I read a really good one. And Eli is the most precious cinnamon roll golden retriever MMC there ever was. He is just so stinkin' sweet and eager to please. But he's also fiercely protective and loyal. What girl doesn't love a guy who encourages her to follow her dreams, but for real backs her up every step of the way? I loved Eli's relationship with his mom. He's a mama's boy, but in all the good ways instead of the bad ones. I also enjoyed how almost instantly invested Eli was in Bailey. Not necessarily a guy falls first situation, but it seemed like he fell harder faster and I was here for it!

Bailey...Bless her. The lonely characters get me every time. After all she's gone through, she absolutely deserved a fairytale ending. I loved experiencing her evolve from such a shy person into someone willing to stand up for herself and demand what she really wants. I loved that while Eli was such a good support system for her, she still figured out how to stand on her own.

Some of my favorite things...Eli's adorable nickname for Bailey, Gran (even though she's not very nice, her antics are hysterical), Bailey and Maggie's relationship (so very healing), and Annie's entire personality. I would absolutely love it if she got her own book.

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this one. It took me a while after pub day to get to it, but I am so grateful. I can't wait to revisit the Appies universe real soon!

🌶️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

First thought: I love the Appies! All the guys on the team are fun, but I was so excited to read Eli’s story. Throw in the adorably cute and shy Bailey, shelter dogs, fake marriage and this book is an absolute must read. So cute you’ll just melt into an ooey gooey puddle!

Eli just found out he has to leave the country in three weeks because his visa expires or he has to get married. The thing is Eli is a romantic and being a hockey player hasn’t given him the chance to meet anyone he would want to marry. Plus his mom suffers from chronic illness and her doctors and support are here, he can’t uproot her.

Bailey works at the local animal shelter and is saving money to go to vet school. She is strapped for cash as she also is the sole provider helping keep her grandma in a nursing home. The one highlight of her week is when this handsome Viking like god comes in to hang with the dogs.

This week something is off his usual happiness is clouded in worry so Bailey asks him what’s wrong and how she can help. The last thing she expected him to say was the only helped he needed was for her to marry him!

Eli and Bailey brush off that awkward encounter but fate has other plans and on the night of her bday they run into each other again. This time chemistry flies and these two are drawn together and the idea of a fake marriage doesn’t seem so far fetched. Maybe they could work out how this marriage could benefit them both.

This is a must read you don’t want to miss, the adorable awkwardness of Eli and Bailey can’t be beat.

Literally Themes you’ll find:

* Golden Retriever MMC
* Shy Animal Loving FMC
* Marriage of Convenience
* Acquaintances to Lovers
* Found Family
* Appies Hockey Team
* Nicknames
* Dual POV
* Closed Door


🩵🐾💍🩵🐾💍🩵🐾💍🩵🐾💍🩵🐾💍🩵

This is a marriage or convenience between Eli, a professional hockey player, and Bailey, an aspiring vet. Eli needs to get married to save his visa and stay in the US and Bailey needs financial backing for veterinary school.

I really wanted to love this story and the plot was mostly great, but the whole thing felt rushed. Barely any tension. No drama. Everything seemed to move too smoothly in my opinion, and left me feeling kinda bored

i ate this book up!!! if you know me, you know hockey romances are my favorite and this one did not disappoint. i LOVE love and cannot get over eli and bailey. if you love sports romances, marriage of convenience, and forced proximity - you need to read this book.

thank you so so much to netgalley and victory editing for the arc copy of this book!!!

This book is HEARTWARMING. There's no suspense. Perfect for my cozy sunday reading. I love both Bailey and Eli's character. It is refreshing to read about reverse grumpy-sunshine, where the FMC is not all bright and the MMC has a career that is attributed to all the macho thing but is a softie inside AND outside, all the way <3
My favorite parts? Whenever Van arrives and say something. He's adorable. Sorry Eli.
There are few things I'd love to read more about Eli's mom, but this is already good and can be discussed in a book club :))
4.5/5

#AGroomofOnesOwn #NetGalley