Simply the Best by Susan Elizabeth Phillips is a triage of romance, mystery, and family dynamics. The characters are relatable and engaging.

What a fun book! This is the latest entry in the Chicago Stars series and if you’re a fan it’s a book you shouldn’t miss! I read the first book in the series long ago and had no problems jumping right back into the series. It work just fine as a standalone novel. Now with all of that out of the way, let me say this was a fun and engaging book. I really enjoyed the mystery aspect along with the romance. And I am an absolute chocoholic so all the descriptions of the chocolates made me want to lick my kindle. All in all an engaging read.

Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This book was fantastic! I the the Chicago Stars series and this is a great addition to it. I am a big fan of the rivals to lovers/opposites attract trope and with an added murder mystery into the storyline it makes the story so engaging and fun!

The FMC Rory is a failing chocolatier that struggles with adulting, while watching her NFL brother win at everything. His agent, Brett, is right by his side trying to help him navigate relationship issues and everything in-between. When tragedy strikes, everyone has to navigate through the clues to figure out the "who did it" and have their lives get turned upside down until the culprit is found. I loved seeing a cameo from Heath and Annabelle from "Match Me If You Can." Rory and Brett were great together! I thoroughly enjoyed their story and look forward to other additions to the series.

What to say about Brett and Rory? Simply the best. This was a fast paced story that i read in one day. The suspense elements were perfectly weaved into the romance that was brewing between them.

If you are looking for equal parts heart and humor in a story you can’t go wrong with a Susan Elizabeth Phillips book. This author does not take herself too seriously and refuses to allow her characters to do so either. Don’t get me wrong, she writes about life which can be seriously serious but she makes it fun to read. She has done so again with Simply the Best, her newest Chicago Stars book.

While it looks to be an opposite attraction story it is so much more. It is one of overcoming inferior complexes, putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and finding that the love you find is just the right love for you. The pink and purple food truck, the murder mystery and the mouth-watering chocolates all add to make Roy and Brett’s romance an incredible love story.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Susan Elizabeth Phillips has another offering in her Chicago Stars series and this time murder is involved. Brett Rivers is a focused sports agent who has no time for a personal life until he meets Rory Garrett, the sister of one of his biggest clients. While he's trying to figure out a way to tell his client that he became involved with her a dead body is found on his client's property. His client has vanished and might be the biggest suspect in the case. Rory enlists Brett to help her prove that her brother didn't do it if they can find him. This story has a few different angles like a purple food truck that's never ready to sell food and a not-so-evil stepmother who tries to have a relationship with her stepdaughter while searching for her son. Rory and Brett's relationship felt cliche and seemed to drag along at a slow pace. The murder angle needed a lot more development. I've liked the previous titles in this series, but this one was not my favorite.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this title in advance.

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager, Avon. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Romance, Romcom, Mystery, Romance Mystery
Spice Level: High
Crude Factor: There is definitely some crude moments

I love it when I have a mystery served up with my romcoms. Sadly, I just didn't get into this book as much as I wanted to. The dialogue is snappy. The characters, at least Rory, was interesting and quirky. And I adore having a quirky FMC—it's just so relatable. But Brett was too machismo for my taste, and he rubbed me the wrong way from the opening scene where he met Rory.

Rory making chocolates, helping the homeless, and being an overall good egg was fun since it was at odds with her snark. And the way her stepmom treated her was awful. Didn't love the scene with the hicks and guns either.

It's a pretty light and breezy read. I think a lot of people are going to love this one even though it wasn't my flavor of artisan chocolate.

Happy reading!

I devoured this book in the same way someone might enjoy Rory's chocolates; trying to savor it but in the end consuming it all too quickly. The story was interesting and well-paced and I didn't want it to end. I loved the fun and snarky banter between Rory and Brett and their obvious connection. I also enjoyed the evolution of Rory's relationships with her brother and stepmother. One of the best books I've read in the last year.

Simply The Best by Susan Elizabeth Phillips ⭐⭐⭐⭐

What an action filled novel..... Murder, mystery, humor, Iove and romance definitely can't go wrong for a fun filled night of adventure. Truth me you won't want to put it down till the end.

Can you guess who done it before the end? Will the ending surprise you?

Pre-order your copy today, it releases Feb 13th.

Murder, mystery, who done it, romance, suspense, opposites attract, family issues, sports, and so much more! This book was a romp across genres and just a fun story to read!

I love how everything was melded together. We got to see some of the Chicago Stars that we know and love pop up in this story, understand how familial relationships can change, see how it's so easy to drop down into workaholic mode and give up relationships for money.

I think the biggest takeaway for me was, life is so much more nuanced than any of the characters of this book realized at the beginning. You have to be willing to open up to people and be honest with them for attitudes to change.

Rory has lived in her brother’s shadow for most of her life. Whe. He is accused of killing his former girlfriend, she pairs up with is agent to find the truth. ARC from NetGalley.

This was a good story. To me it was a bit slow getting started but after I got into it, I enjoyed it. Phillips always adds humor and she didn’t disappoint in this story either.
When Rory’s brother Clint, a Chicago Stars player is arrested for murder, Rory will do what she has to do to clear his name. Add in Clint’s sports agent and it’s a game changer.

Another winner. Interesting characters and great character development. A little mystery and sweet romance. Fun read.

Murder? SEP is throwing a murder into this romance? Be still my heart. My favorite romance author is adding a little suspense to spice up her romance. I. Can't. Wait!!!! Snarky humor and sarcastic dialogue spice up this latest Chicago Stars book. SEP has moved from sweet romance to a slightly darker side and adds a murder into the mix. As a romance, the opposites attract trope works fantastic. As a coat tale mystery, the baddie was a complete unknown, but that wasn't the focus of the book, just a means for Rory and Brett to keep bumping up against each other. I loved seeing some of SEP's past couples make cameo appearances.

What happens when a tipsy Juliet Capulet meets a disgruntled Darth Vader on a dark balcony? A lot of fireworks and a big misunderstanding. Brett Rivers and Rory Garrett have no idea who the other is and that just makes the smash up all the more interesting.

Brett Rivers is a wealthy sports agent who puts his client's interests first - always. He is tethered to his phone and striving for a promotion to Vice President at Champion Sports Management. He has broken a cardinal rule - Never dish the star client's girlfriend and is paying for it. That is what led him to drink a little too much and end up on a balcony with said Star Client's sister.

Rory Garrett is a free spirit with a big heart, big dreams and a small bank account even though her half-brother, Clint Garrett, is the star quarterback for the Chicago Stars. Rory had a tough time growing up in the shadow of such a gifted brother and she wants nothing from him. She is going to make it on her own as a chocolatier, but that plan isn't quite working out and all she has is a pink and purple food truck and no cash to stock it.

Rory and Brett both owe Clint an apology for messing in his life, with good intentions, of course. But when a body turns up, they both really, really need each other to figure out how to save an innocent man. But first they have to figure out what to do with each other.

My thanks to the Publisher, and Author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.

Very good Story. This author always tells the story so well, you can see the characters. This one revolved around Rory and Brett. Rory was the 1/2 sister of Clint who was a famous football player. Brett was his manager. At a birthday party for Clint, Brett slept with Rory, thinking she was a hooker and left her $500. She was so angry she cut every bill in half. He was really upset when he found out who she was. A day or so later, Rory has gone to Clint's house and Brett shows up. They are both looking for him and start going through the house. They are shocked to see Clint's ex girlfriend dead on the patio. They called the cops and told their story. The bad part is Clint is missing. He really is just in hiding because he is broken up about the break up. Rory is bound and determined to figure out who killed her. She knew Ashley was just after Clint for his money, but she didn't wish her dead. She reluctantly calls Clint's mom, Kristin, who she doesn't really get along with. Kristin comes to town immediately. Surprisingly, they are starting to get along and become business partners. Rory has a truck she wanted to sell her chocolates out of. Brett loves her chocolates - they are each unique and tasty. She knows how to pair them with beer or wine. He is surprised how good they are and that she really know how to create these wonderful creations.
Who the killer was was a surprise. I thought it was someone else, but was wrong. I loved the banter between Rory and Brett. They were destined for each other, they were just fighting it.

The title could also describe this book. This was so very enjoyable to read. The characters were interesting and the dialogue was witty and fun all the way through. I loved the relationship between Brett and Rory. I could have read their conversations and text exchanges for another hundred pages. Susan Elizabeth Phillips is a master of witty, snarky dialogues. I want to spend more time with these characters. Rory was especially delightful. Her life was a bit of a mess, but she is honorable and honest. She won’t take money from her millionaire quarterback brother. She’s determined to make it on her own as she creates exotic-sounding chocolates. You’ll root for her as she builds her food-truck business while investigating a murder that the police think her brother committed. And she does all this while winning the heart of master-of-the-universe top sports agent. You won’t want to miss this book!

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

Brett Rivers is a successful, wealthy sports agent who would never accept failure. He also has no plans to get into a serious relationship or, worse, marriage.

Rory Garrett was the problem child growing up. She never felt good enough when compared to her overachieving brother who excelled at everything he tried. And she didn’t get along well with her evil stepmother who never had anything good to say about her. She fails at just about everything she tries and gives up too easily.

Rory’s brother is now a famous NFL football player and client of Brett Rivers.

Rory and Brett meet under less than desirable circumstances and it goes downhill from there. They are total opposites. Rory gets on Brett’s nerves, and she doesn’t have anything good to say about Brett in return. But when a body is found outside her brother’s mansion and he’s nowhere to be found, they both set out to find him. The more time they spend together, the more each gets to see the other in a different light. Can they get past their differences and at least be civil to each other? Maybe even more? Is her brother guilty of murder? If not, who is?

This book was such a fun read! Romance, suspense, family dynamics, danger, humor, sharky bantering, sarcasm, and more.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

M&P are huge fans of Queen SEP's Chicago Stars Series! We've been reading SEP since P's med school days and these books are contemporary, escapist romance at their best! The series follows the fictional Chicago Stars football team, whose female owner, Phoebe Calebow, holds court over expanding generation of football players, coaches, agents and others in the the Chicago Stars family.

The series features strong women, who are often at a cross-roads in life - some of the FMCs include a football team owner, physics professor, children's author, matchmaker, and now chocalatier, and the men who fall in love with them.

Simply the best is book 10 in the series, and features sports agent Brett Rivers and chocolatier Rory Garret, who's brother of the Stars' quarterback. The two have a mistaken one-night stand, only to be forced to team up to find Rory's brother and exonerate him from the murder of a woman, found dead at his home.

We loved this book - it's a cozy, comfort read of a romance, with lovers-to-enemies-to falling in love, lots of family involvement, a background mystery, and two characters figuring out who they are and their place in the world. We love this book and series and would highly recommend - and of course with real-life Taylor/Travis deep in football playoff season, it's fun to imagine Taylor and Travis as their own installment in the football series! Now is the perfect time to pick up this book, and the entire Chicago Stars backlog.

Slight warning that the early books were written a *long* time ago (book 1 was written in 2002!), and do feature some outdated gender norms - nonetheless we love this series! Thank you to NetGalley and to SEP for providing advanced access to this book!

Simply the Best
Susan Elizabeth Phillips
February 13, 2024

In the latest Chicago Stars novel we are introduced to Rory Garrett. She is half-sister to the infamous Clint Garrett, quarterback for the Stars. At Brett River’s party bash with the players she finds herself beyond tipsy and aimlessly following him to one of the hotel rooms. Come dawn the crew is heading back to whence they came. For a few couples, especially Clint and his girl, Ashley, all was not well. This story begins with problems and continues with friends and family trying to solve the mess the promiscuous party has created.
Simply the Best will be published on February 13, 2024 by HarperCollins Publications. I was able to read and review Phillips' latest book via NetGalley. This is #10 in the series and I found it fun yet accompanied by suspense when a murder is unexpectedly discovered in the worst of all places. The Garrett family is drawn together along with Brett and Rory trying their best to solve the crime. This is a very enjoyable book by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Due to the series many characters are familiar to the readers. Don’t miss this one!

This is the latest entry in the longtime Chicago Stars series and I must say, like the previous one, I just didn't feel the same kind of connection with this series as I used to - the very first book in the series, It Had to Be you, is my all-time favorite romance and Phoebe at least got a mention in this one, though I was hoping for a cameo. Rory and Brett were decent characters, though it seemed the murder plot overshadowed the romance and Kristin, Rory's stepmother, took up too many pages with her weird, instalove romance. Although this didn't feel like a Chicago Stars novel I think fans of the series and SEP will enjoy this entry even if just for nostalgia's sake. 3 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the DRC in exchange for an honest review.