Tessa Bailey seriously never disappoints! She's one of my favorite romcom authors and I'm thrilled to be reviewing her new holiday novella on #netgalley!
Britta and Sumner's relationship was so sweet and pure I loved every second of it. I loved how open and honest Sumner was about his feelings and intentions. It really showed what a great guy he is. Also how Britta learned to be trusting and vulnerable for him.
Overall, this was the perfect quick, cute, spicy holiday story to read at home curled up with hot chocolate!

3.5 stars

I've been wanting to chack out Tessa Bailey's books for a while. This was a quick, fun read about a hockey player who needs a fake wife for immigration purposes. Fairly predictable, but still enjoyable. Spicier than what I generally prefer but that's a me problem, not a commentary on the writing itself.

Thank you Amazon Publishing and NetGalley for the digital ARC in return for an honest review.

SAME TIME NEXT YEAR by Tessa Bailey

I loved Tessa Bailey's book It Happened One Summer, so I knew I wanted to read this new novella. I go in blind to books- but based on the title, I was hoping it would be a seasonal - new years eve type romance- and it really wasn't but that's what I get. Don't make the same assumption that I did! 😂

I liked Sumner - he was protective and sweet and understanding- all of the qualities a main guy should have- maybe even a little cheesy. Britta's character was a little underdeveloped - we knew she had trauma that kept her closed off from a relationship, but it never connected. Sumner is very patient in that regard!

Sumner is a hockey player and I liked the bits of hockey that we got - but that also tells me I need to look into some other hockey romances.

I think it's hard to make a reader fall in love with the characters in such a short time and hard to develop their chemistry. I liked the plot, liked the characters, but something was missing for me.

Britta has a heart that has been closed off since she was 12 and her dad chose his other family. Sumner is a handsome hulk of a hockey player with a huge heart and eyes only for Britta. See what happens when a green card marriage brings the two together!

A quick read that will get you in the holiday feels!

This was a fun, quick holiday read, and steamier than some of Tessa Bailey's more recent books. It's about a Canadian hockey player and a tough-lovin bartender who agrees to fake-marry him for 1 year so that he can keep his place on an American minor-league hockey team and hopefully be called up to play in the NHL. The story follows their entanglements and progress for a year and some interesting glimpses beyond that. I found the characters heartwarming and the story was both charming and funny, perfect for the holiday season! Some of their steamy preferences were a bit odd but made me laugh!

I like that this was a short novella because I don't think I would have finished it had it been any longer.Even though it was so short, I found myself invested in the characters. Shockingly, it was the smut that did not do it for me.

Well…this was really not my favourite book by Tessa Bailey. I was totally excited to hear that she was releasing a new book, but was disappointed.
This book felt a bit off. Was it too short? Was it too unrealistic and lacking good research? Were the dialogues too cringey? Or was it how the main characters were portrayed? Probably a mixture of all.
I will be reading her next book, but I hope it will be better.

Tessa Bailey's novella, "Same Time Next Year," is a delightful concoction of humor, spice, and holiday romance. In a brisk 144 pages, Bailey weaves a tale of a fake marriage between Britta, an ambitious waitress, and Sumner, a passionate hockey player facing deportation. The blend of humor and steam is quintessentially Bailey, creating a perfect escape for the holiday season.

The characters of Britta and Sumner are endearing, and the author's ability to infuse their dynamic with both lighthearted banter and genuine emotion is commendable. The novella's pacing is well-executed, ensuring that the story remains engaging and entertaining throughout.

"Same Time Next Year" is a delightful treat, embodying the holiday spirit with its heartwarming narrative and sizzling romance. Tessa Bailey fans, in particular, will appreciate the familiar blend of charm and wit that makes this novella a perfect read, not just during the holidays, but any time of the year.

A fun novella perfect if you are trying to read one more book this year to meet your reading goal. There is the standard Tessa Bailey spice, a cinnamon roll hero and a NYE happily ever after.

Ok but not a hockey fan. And too open door for me. I did like a lot of Tessa Bailey books but something didn't make me like it. I will definitely read other books by this author.

Fake marriage for a green card, hockey romance novella.

Storyline was a familiar one but author added her own quirks and challenges into the characters. I enjoyed the female main character and her personal story and struggles.

There seemed to be zero growth of the main characters relationship. Even for a novella I feel like the couple went zero to a hundred and we missed all the development.

I received a complimentary copy from.ghe publisher and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I am a huge fan of Tessa Bailey and love how the author writes humorous love stories. The book tells the story of Britta who is a waitress at Sluggers and has a crush on a particular player. On one side there is Sumner who hopes to play in the NHL who needs to marry an American woman to stay in the US. Britta ends up marrying Sumner. It's a marriage of convenience and so fast-paced and humorous.

Actual rating 3.5

When it comes to a Tessa Bailey book there are two things you can expect: Humor and Spice.

Boy, did she deliver in this fun, spicy, sports romance novella PERFECT for this holiday season!

I personally love a story where the MMC is OBSESSED so Sumner’s character was so cute to me! I’m also a complete sucker for both of the main tropes: marriage of convenience and brother’s friend.

For being a novella (144 pages), it was well-paced and kept me excited and interested from the get-go. Overall a fun, spicy, funny book that's perfect to read at any time throughout the year, but especially the lul between Christmas and NYD!

This book got lots of different feedback and I didn't really expect anything from it.
BUT, I read it in one day and fall in love. Britta's development wasn't showed very well, as the book itself is short, but I still really liked her. It seemed like she is my friend and I felt really close connection with her. Britta is very charming girl and I really liked her.
Sumner is a gentleman and real golden retriever boy. The fact that he followed her and wanted to around be Britta so cute. I also liked his family and the environment in which he grew up. As, it shows where it all came from. "I want my wife!". That's literally how I would describe him. Sweet hockey player.
Unfortunately, as immigrant myself, green card is a very big part in this country. In book it showed very quick process, when in real life it takes the least 3 years (if you are lucky). But this book isn't about "how correctly get married in the US and get you green card", it is about love story and how it progresses. So, anyone who took off points for that, just don't get "reading for fun" part.
Overall, I gave this book 5 stars. Tessa Bailey really knows how to write the way you will be intrigued and feel special. Definitely a good book and will recommend it around!

This was a very quick book to read. Personally, it wasn’t the best book from Tessa Bailey. I felt that Sumner was supposed to be a “nice guy” but every time it switched to his POV all he’d ever think about was fucking Brita. So the two sides kind of conflicted. However, it was still an entertaining and quick read for me.

✨ 3.5 STARS ✨

yes this book is rushed and completely unrealistic, but as a short seasonal novella, what else would it be composed of? the vibes were there which is what carries the rating. i would have loved to get more details and background on the characters if it was a full book but it did what had to be done and stands on its own.

on new year’s eve, britta’s half brother asks her to marry his hockey teammate in order for him to get a green card and stay in the country. their terms: its super platonic and they will expire at the SAME TIME NEXT YEAR!!

- hockey player
- brothers bestie
- fake dating
- he falls first and harder
- touch her and i’ll kill you
- spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
- short seasonal novella

This was a novella about a marriage of convenience between a girl and her brother's hockey teammate. Britta and Sumner are friends though they secretly and not so secretly have feelings for each other. Throughout the novella we see how Sumner gets Britta to actually make their relationship the real deal. Britta has her reasons so it was interesting to see how Sumner breaks down her walls. This was a short quick read.

Tessa Bailey is Tessa Bailey. What else can I say to that? I loved that we got a hockey romance out of her!! As always I’m so excited for what’s to come

Thank you Amazon and Netgalley for the ARC! I sure do love Tessa Bailey and all of her silly humor and fun spicy times. She always nails the banter and chemistry while making things just FUN for the characters and the reader. If you need a good time, TB is your girl!

📚 Dive into the sizzling world of "Same Time Next Year" by Tessa Bailey, a steamy novella that combines hope and humor in a fake marriage journey that unfolds over the course of a year. Set against the backdrop of a beloved bar, Sluggers, and the local hockey scene, Britta, an ambitious waitress, finds herself entangled in a marriage of convenience with Sumner Mayfield, a formidable defenseman on the brink of an NHL breakthrough.

💕 Adored by all, Britta's strict no-dating policy for hockey boys takes an unexpected turn when the team urges her to marry Sumner on New Year's Eve to secure his stay in Bridgeport. Initially hesitant, Britta's resolve wavers when faced with Sumner's soulful brown eyes and undeniable charm. The stage is set for a tale of unexpected love, commitment-phobia, and the challenges of a relationship born out of necessity.

🔥 The chemistry between Britta and Sumner evolves from a slow burn to a passionate inferno, making "Same Time Next Year" a captivating Marriage-Of-Convenience narrative. However, some readers might find the sudden intensity of their connection surprising, as it transforms from non-existent to scorching hot. The story, spanning a year, features significant time jumps that propel the plot forward, keeping readers engaged with the couple's evolving dynamics.

🌟 Despite the unexpected steaminess that takes center stage, the characters of Britta and Sumner shine through, making their relationship relatable and endearing. Britta's commitment-phobia and Sumner's desperate love create a compelling dynamic, drawing readers into their journey. While the steam level may feel inconsistent with the characters, the overall narrative and the exploration of their relationship make "Same Time Next Year" a worthwhile and enjoyable read.

📖 In this novella, Tessa Bailey skillfully weaves a story of love, humor, and personal growth, offering readers a delightful escape into the world of fake marriages and unexpected romance. Whether you're a fan of holiday romances or enjoy a generous dose of steam in your stories, "Same Time Next Year" delivers a satisfying blend of passion and heart.