Homecoming King (ARC)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Release Date: December 14, 2021

Genre: Holiday Romance

Blurb:

Rex “TW” McMurtry’s perpetual single-hood wouldn’t bother him so much if all his ex-girlfriends didn’t keep marrying the very next person they dated, especially when so many of those grooms are his closest friends. He may be a pro-football defensive end for the Chicago Squalls, but the press only wants to talk about how he’s always a groomsman and never a groom. Rex is sick of being the guy before the husband, and he’s most definitely sick of being the best man at all their weddings.

Bartender Abigail McNerny is the gal-pal, the wing-woman, the she-BFF. She’s dated. Once. And once was more than enough. Privy to all the sad stories of her customers, ‘contentment over commitment’ is her motto, and Abby is convinced no one on earth could ever entice her into a romantic relationship . . . except that one guy she’s loved since preschool.

The guy who just walked into her bar.

The guy who doesn’t recognize her.

The guy who is drunk and needs a ride home.

The guy who has a proposition she should definitely refuse.

Review:

First of all, let me say that I absolutely loved the story of Abby and Rex. Thank you to Penny Reid and Social Butterfly PR for letting me read this ARC. 

Rex McMurtry is the star Defensive End for the Chicago Squalls and Abby is a bartender at the Boozy Rancher in Texas. When Rex walks into her bar and sits down, she doesn't recognize him at first until she sees his ID. All the feelings she had for him in school came rushing back. Yes, they were classmates from preschool until they graduated high school. 

Between Rex's reputation for being the guy women are with before meeting their soul mates and Abby's non interest in dating, Rex's proposition for a fake marriage seemed far fetched, but something that could possibly benefit both sides. 

"I want to hire you to marry me." 

Rex drew me in with how guarded he is and after he finally explains why he doesn't talk to his dad anymore, you can't help but feel for him. No wonder this Greek God has his guard up! Sweet Abby who cannot think straight when Rex is around starts using her nervous humor and sweet personality, to win Rex's trust.

"Thank you, it has pockets" is a saying Abbey says because she hates being complimented. 

After agreeing to a trial run before completely taking Rex's offer, Abby runs into her high school best friend and someone who had a huge crush on her in high school, Cyrus. I questioned Cyrus in the beginning, I wondered if he would inevitably be an obstacle for Rex and Abby to get over. Now, I just hope we get a book for him in the future!

"Cyrus?" "Woman. Look at you, you're gorgeous."

I wasn't sure about this story at the beginning, but the more I read, the more I didn't want to put the book down. I cannot wait to read the rest of Penny Reid's books in the Three Kings Series.