Worth the Try by Valerie Pepper (Sept 26, 2025) Thank you, @authorvaleriepepper for the free advanced copy! Below is my enthusiastic and honest review!
Elodie Cole has always tried to do the right thing – but a lot of good that has done her. She’s out of a job and a place to live. While commiserating with her best friend, who happens to work PR for the Atlanta Granite professional rugby team, she runs into a bit of good luck (finally!). Team captain Ansel Miles is in a jam. He needs a nanny for the summer and he has a guest house. Although not Elodie’s goal, helping him out will give her some breathing room as she plans her next move. As it turns out, Ansel’s 5yo daughter Rosie is an absolute joy and Ansel is a really great dad. He’s also easy on the eyes. As the weeks pass, Elodie, Rosie and Ansel begin to carve out a routine. But Elodie and Ansel also begin to push each other – for her to choose herself and speak up about her wants and needs and for him to learn he doesn’t have to shoulder all life’s burdens alone. And then there are the stolen glances, lingering touches and late-night talks that lead them toward something big, emotional, real, and deeply romantic. But when part of Ansel’s past threatens their future, can they let go of their fears and choose each other?
OK…I loved every single bit of this book. A fun sports romance, a child character that has depth and adds important weight to the story, dealing with really relatable and complex emotional baggage, an adorable cat, and then a mountain of fun micro tropes: glasses, tattoos, sweatpants, rolled up sleeves. Add to all of the fun that Pepper is a fantastic writer who balances emotional weight and charming humor and it is a recipe for a five star read. Even better that this is the first in a new series. I don’t know who the upcoming books will center around, but there are so many fantastic side characters in this one that I want to know more about. Consider me all-in for this series.
Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🔥 Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Book Smart Kate 