In a Rush by Kate Canterbary
Contemporary Romance
February 4, 2025- Self Published
ARC

Review by Angela

Revenge husband for the win!

It’s always a good day when a new Kate Canterbary romance hits your Kindle. Stepping back into the world of Friendship, RI? Even better. This is a friends to lovers, he fell first, marriage of convenience, fake marriage romance, and while that seems like a lot of tropes- believe me, it works.

This is the story of Emme Ahlborg, elementary school teacher and her BFF from high school, Ryan Ralston, a pro quarterback who has been in love with Emme for years. After discovering her boyfriend in bed with another woman, Emme is angry and sad, maybe a little down on herself. But a lunch date with her BFF, where she can vent all of her frustrations, is sure to make her feel better.

Things take a turn when Ryan reminds her of their pact from high school, the one where if neither were married by the age of 30, they would marry each other. He needs an image makeover in order to buy a group of soccer teams, she needs a revenge date to her other BFF’s wedding, so it makes sense. At least to Ryan, but Emme eventually agrees.

I’m a SUCKER for the man falls first trope. There is just something magical about a man positively enamored who does all of these small, secret things to show that love. Ryan has been in love with Emme since high school, a tumultuous time in his life, and despite their different directions in life have kept their friendship intact. This fake marriage pact is his chance to prove to her that he can be the man that she wants and hopefully make the fake marriage a real one, and permanent.

This was such a hot, sexy, SWEET romance. Ryan goes all out to win his best friend’s heart. He knows his her inside and out and is willing to do whatever it takes to make her happy- from showing up to her school to give a speech to her students, to planning a spectacular field day, to trying to buy her rundown building just to make sure she’s safe. Money is no object, and Ryan is in the public eye, so Emme’s life changes when she is introduced to stylists, drivers, and assistants.

I loved Emme, she’s soft, sweet, witty and caring. Her parents are absolutely terrible, and she has issues stemming from their behavior when she was growing up. But she’s made a little family for herself full of wonderful friendships and truly enjoys her community. She and Ryan have a fun relationship, one where they have a deep trust and understanding of each other’s needs. The build from that friendship to a full-fledged, hot at hell intimate relationship was fun to read.

There is last act break-up, but the groveling is truly superb. Ryan’s has a secret and when Emme learns of how he’s been carrying her with him through the years- woo boy.

In a Rush is fabulous. Loved every minute of this book. Highly recommend.

Grade- A