Devney Perry is a master of contemporary romance! This first installment in the Treasure State Wildcats, and it is the perfect blend of tropes-small town, sports, best friends to lovers, single dad, second chance. Perry writing is quickly engaging, her characters and their motivations are clear, the romance is full of tension and sensuality and the pacing is on point. Perry has such a charming voice, it has an ease and conversational tone which make it extremely readable and relatable. Coach is a perfect place to start with Perry’s work if you are looking for a sweet and sexy romance, with a hero who is absolutely head over heels for the woman he loves.
Ford is an absolutely swoon worthy hero! He has a heart of gold, he is determined to get what he wants, he would do anything for his daughter, and he is willing to compromise. Millie, as the heroine is so smart and strong, she has a wonderful work ethic, she loves hard and strong, and she learns to be bold and confident. Watching Ford and Millie’s college friendship bloom into a romance is sweet and sexy. Perry builds the perfect amount of pining and tension between these two as they learn to work through past missteps and distrusts and move into a space where they can rebuild. It is through subtle interactions that we see the foundation of friendship and understanding and attraction that still boils beneath the surface. And Ford is a determined man who will not back down from getting the woman he wants. There is also the beautiful level of interaction that happen between Millie and Ford's daughter, Millie learns what a wonderful dad Ford is through his daughter, she also gains a understanding for the decisions Ford had to make 10 years ago. Their interactions are sweet and hopeful, and Joey is able to see a strong woman, with goals, show her respect and love.
I think this novel really highlights two people at a time in their lives where they have been able to grow their careers into something they are proud of, and now they are at the moment to seize the family relationship they want to build. I think Perry does this in such a fun and interesting way, she creates these characters and side characters who work so beautifully together, she creates a subtle tension which make Millie and Ford enter into a secret relationship, and she shows the reader that love should always triumph! I love that Perry shows that both Millie and Ford are willing to make sacrifices and compromises for the other, I love that we see they are both willing to do anything in order to make their relationship thrive. I also found this to be a perfect level of steam, it is definitely more sensual than some of Perry's Romantic Suspenses and I found this to be such a fun and beautiful way to show Millie and Ford's deep underlying love for the other.
Basically you have to pick up this book! It is Devney Perry in her element! It is such a beautiful, sexy and fun story, and the perfect introduction to Devney Perry if you have never read her before!
Thank you so much to ValentinePR for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.