I’ve been a big fan of Susan’s books for years and was so happy to see her continue the Chicago Stars series. The banter between Rory and Brett was so funny. I also enjoyed the dynamic between her and Kristin. It was refreshing to read about a woman who isn’t afraid to speak her mind, wear what she wants and not be afraid to follow her dreams!

I have not read all the books in this series but this one seemed fine as a stand alone book. Sport romances are one of my favorite tropes so I enjoyed this one a lot but I think even if aren't your choice you will enjoy it too.

Rory Garrett is down on her luck. If things can go wrong in her life, they probably will. Her dream is to be a chocolatier but currently she has a pink and purple food truck she sells purchased candy out of except her ex-partner took off with all the inventory and the cash. Add in a superstar football player brother, a hot sports agent and a murdered friend and things really get interesting for her. Read this one to see how Rory gets the guy, saves her brother and discovers a murderer.

In Simply the Best, Susan Elizabeth Phillip returns to the world of her beloved Chicago Stars football team series. I have been following along with the series since I read book two, Heaven Texas, in 1995, and I was excited to read the next chapter.

Rory Garrett is thirty-four and broke with only a dilapidated food truck to her name, after years of studying and training to be a chocolatier. She’s the family black sheep to her golden child stepbrother, Clint. Clint is the best at everything he tries, and now he is the starting the starting quarterback for the Chicago Stars. It is at Clint’s birthday party, that Rory crosses paths with Brett “The River” Rivers, Clint’s agent. Brett is another golden child. He is an overachiever, who believes that if you aren’t succeeding, then you just need to try harder. He is the best sports agent at Champion Sports Management (owned by Heath Champion of Match Me if You Can, Chicago Stars book 6) with his eye on the second in command position, Senior Vice President. Unaware of their connection through Clint, Brett and Rory spend the night together, after which Brett leaves $500 for Rory, mistakenly believing she is an escort. The next time they cross paths is at Clint’s house, where they find a dead body on the patio.

I love Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ novels! That said, Simply the Best is not her finest Chicago Stars novel (in my opinion, that honor should go to This Heart of Mine, book 5, Molly and Kevin forever!), but it is a solid addition. Rory and Brett have great chemistry, with engaging back and forth exchanges that race off the page. The mystery angle was a new and interesting plot device for Phillips, though the killer didn’t stand out as a suspect for most of the novel. I also really enjoyed the subplot between Kristin, Rory’s stepmother, and Daniel, an awkward electrical engineer. It was enjoyable to read Kristin, gaining much needed confidence in herself. Love, love, loved the epilogue! So cute. Overall, a fun, easy to read, romance novel, with quirky characters, humor, and heart!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for sharing this advanced review copy with me in exchange for my honest feedback!

Rory a food truck owner and chocolatier meet Brett a sport agent who represent her brother Clint when they have a one night together not knowing who each one is.. When Rory discovers Clint ex Ashley dead.
Can they work together to find the murderer .
Good drama ,suspense,romance.
Voluntarily reviewed.

3.5 Stars

Rory Meadows Garrett just can’t seem to get anything right when it comes to her life. From bad business decisions, to a strained relationship with her family, it isn’t until she hooks up with her brother’s agent that Rory realizes that she may have finally hit rock bottom.

Brett Rivers devotes his life to his clients, but the one time he decides to blow off a little steam, he finds out too late that the intriguing woman he spent the evening with is his biggest client’s sister… and that he can NEVER find out…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Simply the Best was an opposites attract romance with a mystery to solve! Rory and Brett are adversaries after a hook-up gone wrong, but when Rory’s brother is accused of murder, they find themselves on the same team, for better or for worse…

Rory is a chocolatier who has never been able to get her business up and running. But while her financial problems may have kept her down, it isn’t until her half-brother lands himself in trouble does Rory reassess the problems in her own life.

Brett is a sports agent who would do anything for a client. But when he starts to question his morals over what he has to do to please the hottest sport stars, everything he has worked for will start to unravel…

This book was a good read, and I really enjoyed the contentious relationship between Rory and Brett… when they weren’t lusting after each other! The plot was interesting and the character growth was top notch. I also really loved the healing that Rory finds with her stepmother and brother.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.

This was a great read or Simply the best! Rory and her partner Jon had a food truck together named Royal Palace of Sweets. It was basically candy, gum just cheaper candy. Rory loved making her fancy chocolates and her dream was to eventually have a store front shop. But unfortunately her partner Jon took off and left her owing a fine so she had to come up with the money on her own.
She meets her half brother Clint’s agent Brett Rivers at a party and she ends up in bed with him. He did the unspoken by leaving cash on the table for her!
Her brother Clint was a NFL quarterback and very successful and his girlfriend was Ashley which was into his money and fame and unfortunately she ends up dead. Clint was the golden boy and their mother doted on him and not Rory but they do see eye to eye later.
It was fun to watch them all work together to figure out Ashley’s murderer. It was a shock to see who it really was.

I received this ARC from Netgalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I received this book as an E-Arc through Netgalley... This review is solely based on my opinion and taste .

What can I say about Susan Elizabeth Phillips and the Chicago Stars universe as a fan who has been voraciously reading this series for more than 25 years....she scored again.

Rory, the down on her luck chocolatier who is a little bitter and neurotic was as complex as her chocolate flavor pairings.

Brett, the hot shot sports agent who doesn't believe in romantic relationships but can't seem to steer clear of his client's half-sister, was sweeter than I first thought possible.

The murder mystery in this novel was a very refreshing addition and gave a little pep in the step of a series that has been progressing for many years.

I will also add that getting to have a few moments within the book to see Heath and Annabelle again was such a treat for me as Match Me If You Can is my favorite book in the entire series.

I will admit that when I started this book, I worried if this series was perhaps reaching a point where it no longer was relevant, and I was so pleasantly surprised that instead, it just felt like catching up with an old friend.

Rory is a struggling chocolate maker whose brother plays football for the Chicago Stars. At a football party she has a one night stand with a mystery man who she finds out a few days later is none other than here brother’s agent. When the two make this discovery they also find her brother’s ex dead at his house and her brother missing. The pair then find themselves in the middle of a mystery, that while they are not actively trying to solve it, are heavily involved. As they spend more time together they are able to resolve their differenced and work through much of their own insecurities.

I wish I had read the blurb for this book more closely as I did not realize this book was going to turn into a murder mystery. I don’t enjoy mysteries and that had me skimming much of this book. This is entirely a me problem, which is why I’m still giving the book four stars. I know Susan Elizabeth Phillips has a great reputation in the romance community and have heard nothing but good things about her Chicago Stars series, but this one just was not for me. The writing was really good and I enjoyed the characters, but I just can’t get myself to care about mystery plot lines. I’ll be better going forward about which books I choose, even from authors I really want to read.

Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing this book, with my honest review below*

I adored Simply the Best by Susan Elizabeth Phillips! We follow Rory and Brett, an admittedly unlikely pair, as they get into hijinks trying to solve a murder (and get Rory’s life back on track). This couples chemistry was great, and I enjoyed watching their romance develop and their witty (and not so witty) repartee. As with other books in the Chicago Stars series, I also enjoyed briefly revisiting past characters and that this delivered a tried and true light romance without making me feel like I was reading the same book (the universe Phillips has built for her novels is dynamic as well).

Recommended for anyone wanting a romance that is funny and comforting, but beware that you will desperately want to eat throughout!

4.5 stars rounded up. Simply the Best was absolutely delightful and everything I love best about SEP as an author. 1) A down on her luck heroine that is too often underestimated. 2) A slick, uber successful hero. 3) TONS of banter and chemistry that sizzles off the page. 4) And lots of laughter. And to make things even more interesting, SEP also threw in a bit of a murder mystery. I always love SEP's heroines but I REALLY loved Rory. She was so quirky and snarky and and plucky and smart and passionate. I loved that she was a chocolatier, and everything she made sounded absolutely delicious. Brett was also a great character, but I think what I loved most about Rory and Brett was how they grew, together. Their meet cute was hysterical, and there were so many comedic moments, I honestly had a smile on my face the entire time reading this. I also appreciated the murder mystery aspect of this one. Although I read a fair bit of romantic suspense, I can truly say that I was completely surprised with how the mystery ended up being reconciled. And outside of the romantic relationship, I loved seeing how the relationship between Rory and her step-mom evolved (I also loved that her step-mom gets her own romance, so this book in some ways is really a 2-for-1). Although this is the 10th book in the series, it 100% can be read as a standalone. I've read some of the earlier Chicago Stars books, but haven't read all of them. Yet I had no problem following allowing with the story. If you've never read SEP before, I highly recommend her books. And Simply the Best would be a great place to start.

Thank you so much to SEP, Avon, and netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Susan Elizabeth Phillips is my all favorite author. Her writing is perfection and her love stories are swoon worthy and leave you wanting more. I was so excited to read this book, knowing I have read the whole series. While I got this one as an eBook, I will be running out o but this one to join my other hardbacks!

This book is such a fun read. NO SPOILERS ahead! I liked nothing more than curling up on the couch and getting lost in this story. This book follows Rory and Brett as they fall in love and solve a mystery. The best part of this book is it has SEP signature banter!

You do not need to read all the Chicago Stars series to read this one but once you read this you will go purchase her other books. Way to go SEP! I am ready for another one!

Thank you to Susan Elizabeth Phillips, NetGalley, and Avon and Harper Voyager Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my review.

I have loved most everything by Susan Elizabeth Phillips and this was no exception! You get a little mystery, laughs, and fun times!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyage/Avon for this ARC. ~I was given this book and made no commitments to leave my opinions, favorable or otherwise~

I loved this! I had not read any of the previous books in the series. But I absolutely loved this! It was so good! I am going to have to buy this series and read them all!! Love love loved this!
I just reviewed Simply the Best by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. #SimplytheBest #NetGalley
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Simply the Best describes both this book and this author. I know when I pick up a book by Susan Elizabeth Phillips that I’m going to love it. I love that she returned to the world of Chicago Stars football. When Brett met Rory he thought she was a hooker but it turns out she’s the sister of his biggest client. From there it’s lots of laughs, mystery and romance. I highly recommend this book. Loved it.

Rory Garrett and Brett Rivers meet at a party. Rory was drunk and she comes on to Brett and he takes up her offer. Rory was at her brothers birthday party and when she wakes up in a motel room with money left on the nightstand, she is not happy.
Brett is a hot sports agent, and his biggest client is unhappy. Well guess what he finds out; it's Rory's brother and he has really messed up now. Rory and Brett come together to find her brother after he goes missing. Rory is in a mess she told her brothers girlfriend he is broke and she broke up with him. Rory is living in a crappy apartment and will not except her brothers help.
This is another great read from Susan Elizabeth Phillips.

I am a lifelong SEPPIE. There are tons of us to be sure. You honestly just have to utter that she has a new book coming and we are there with our literary tongues hanging out. And SIMPLY THE BEST takes place in one of my favorite scenarios - the Chicago Stars. I bet I have your attention now. Phoebe, owner of the Stars, is definitely one of my longtime favorite characters. Sure didn’t look like football team owner material, but Susan Elizabeth Phillips crafted her with a deft eye. It was love at first gaudy sight. If you’ve missed The Chicago Stars series - get on the bandwagon guys. It is simply the best.

And now we have the next installment SIMPLY THE BEST with some brand-new stars Rory and Brett. Mismatched of course. Like leather luggage and backpacks. But it works. Of course, Susan Elizabeth Phillips waves her magic wand, and we get it. The dialog between Rory and Brett is just plain adorable. Sass meets refined. Outlandish meets classy. Joyous.

When Rory opens her mouth you can almost see Brett bristle. But then he starts to get her. Next step is defending her. And you know where this is hopefully going to wind up.

Brett is a sports agent. In this case he is Rory’s brother Clint’s agent. Clint’s girlfriend has just been killed, well that’s what we assume since she is found dead at the bottom of the balcony at Clint’s house. Clint is naturally a suspect. So is Rory since she made the discovery. And Brett’s role is to try to keep them both out of jail. They are needless to say innocent, but the road to discovery is marked with detours.

In the meantime, Brett has sort of attached himself to this outlandish woman who defies all logic. Certainly not his type, actually Brett is not particularly sure he has a type. Rory though is like an unmade bed. And Brett likes his linens crisp and tight. You get the picture.

Those familiar with this series will certainly have images of Phoebe and Dan pop into your mind. Cherished memories. It Had To Be You started my love affair and SIMPLY THE BEST picks up where the series had ended. All ten books stand-alone but looking through the list brings back some dear memories. I have read them all and reviewed those when the opportunity arose. Start with SIMPLY THE BEST and if you have the opportunity catch up with this entire series. It simply is the best.

Similar to Phillips's other books, with a little mystery thrown in. It's just not my cup of tea. Phillips tries to hold her conservative morals in check, but they still shine through. It proves you can, in fact, have a romance book that also shames its female characters for wanting sex.

Simply the Best by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (out 2/13) is SEP at her best: heartfelt, laugh-out-loud funny, sizzling chemistry, & featuring complex characters, who, like all of us, are so very deserving of love.

I adore stepping back into the world of Chicago Stars football, & this tough-as-nails sports agent & his client's hot-mess chocolatier sister are forced to team up to find the team's MIA player and maybe solve a murder... assuming they don't kill one another first. Or die from their off-the-charts sexual tension!

With plenty of laughs, all the feels, and some delicious chocolate thrown in, this is a romance novel you'll devour.

This book has love, murder, mystery, and mayhem not to mention a pink and purple food truck. Rory Garrett is a broke, failure of a chocolatier and Brett "the River" Rivers is a all business, not fun sports agent. Rory's half brother, Clint, is the Chicago Stars' quarterback and one of Brett's clients. Rory and Brett are worlds apart but sparks fly when they collide followed by disaster. Rory and Brett discover Clint's ex girlfriend dead at Clint's house. Who did it? Where's Clint?

Simply The Best is book 10 in Susan Elizabeth Phillips' Chicago Stars series This is book can be read as a stand-alone. She mentions characters from previous books so you feel like you are visiting old friends if you have read her other books.

This is “simply the best” of the Chicago Stars series yet! (Pun intended). Susan Elizabeth Phillips hooked me at the prologue and didn’t let go until the last page of the book! Rory made me laugh with her attitude. Brett struck me as an egotistical sports manager. Clint, Rory’s half brother and Brett’s client was right in the middle of everything. This crazy who-done-it story with many unexpected surprises had just the ending that I was hoping for. Well done, Susan!