Sandy M’s review of Any Given Snow Day by Marie Harte
Contemporary Romance published by No Box Books 1 Dec 17
It’s been a long time, unfortunately, since I’ve read Marie Harte. So it was time to pick up another of her books to see what I’ve been missing. Christmas seemed to be the perfect time. With a blurb that intrigued me and a cover that called to the romantic in me, Any Given Snow Day is a lovely holiday read, despite the fact we don’t get to Christmas until near the end of the book.
Becca Bragg is a single mom of fourteen-year-old Simon. She runs her own business and just barely makes ends meet. Simon plays high school football, and it’s there he catches the attention of Mitch “Flash” Flashman, a two-time Super Bowl champion and now retired from the NFL. He’s assisting his brother, also a former successful NFL player, who coaches the team, because he’s at loose ends and not sure what to do with his life next.
I love the initial meeting between Mitch and Becca. She’s not impressed with his fame and money. A woman who’s happy with her life, she’s strong and independent and still misses her deceased husband. Mitch is taken aback at Becca’s obvious lack of interest – something he’s not used to at all, with woman falling all over themselves to get close to him and hoping for more. As they cross paths more and more, their attraction grows, and while neither is ready for a permanent relationship, they can’t stay away from each other. The development of that relationship is slow and seductive, and helped along by Simon, who doesn’t really remember his dad and wants his mom to move on. Simon adds another level of fun to the story.
Deacon, Mitch’s brother, and Nora, Becca’s cousin, are terrific secondary characters who put up with – and help out with – all the antics those two come up with. I really enjoyed the scenes with Mitch and Simon, Mitch unable to keep himself from the loving the kid nearly as much as he loves the mother. Even the inevitable arguing and hurt feelings are done very well and are quite believable.
This is a romantic holiday story, ending with the Christmas season, happiness all around. Be sure to get your copy soon!
Grade: B+
Summary:
Ex-NFL star + snarky single mom = a touchdown of a holiday romance
After two Super Bowl rings, MVP status, and retiring from the NFL while still on top, Mitch “Flash” Flashman’s millions should make life at the ripe old age of thirty-five a blessing. Yet he’s restless, rudderless, and can’t tell up from down. Roped into helping his brother coach a bunch of teenagers, Mitch finds himself playing defense against the many women in town wanting his attention. Except for one particular woman who doesn’t seem to like him much. Becca Bragg is mouthy, vulnerable, and sexy, and she captivates Mitch despite himself. But Mitch has no time for a sexy single mom when he’s still trying to figure out who he really is. With the playoffs, a boy’s future, and his own heart on the line, he’ll need to figure out how to pull the ultimate victory—winning Becca’s heart and keeping it. For good.
Read an excerpt.
