20. No Time Like Forever by Zoe York

listened on Chirp

narrated by Rebecca Roberts
Unabridged audio (5:58)
2014
211 pgs.
Genre/Level
Finished 3/7/2021
Goodreads rating:  4.04 - 885 ratings
My rating: 3
Setting: 

First line/s: "Mari Beadie used to love bartending weekend shifts at Danny's, Wardham's only pub."

My comments: Another fake girlfriend-to-lover novel, this time an NHL hockey player who's profession was squashed at 33 when he was in a card accident, and a 24-year old bartending, aspiring singer-songwriter.  Set in Canada, just north of Detroit, this light-hearted rom was fun.  It's a riot how they all follow the same outline, these steamy romances!  If I had knows I'd be reading these even five years ago  I would've absolutely, positively denied it, lol!

Goodreads synopsis: It started with a kiss...
          Mari Beadie needed a boyfriend, and former NHL hockey star Chase Miller happened to be in the right place at the right time. The kiss that followed wasn't necessary, strictly speaking, but it sure was hot.
          Hot enough that when the tables are turned, Chase knows just the pretty bartender to ask to be his pretend girlfriend. Only this time, it's not a one-time deal.
          The pub was slammed, strange for a Sunday night, but it was one of the last weekends of the summer. The tips would make up for the sore feet.
           Mari was pouring a tray of pints when the phone rang. She hopped over and stuck the ancient handset under her ear, pinning it in place as she pulled the long cord back to the taps with her.
“Danny’s.”
“You sound busy.”
Her heart didn’t leap a little at the sound of his voice. No, it didn’t. “Yep.”
“What time do you get off?”
“We close at ten tonight, then I need to do some clean up. Probably ten thirty, but I’m not sure.”
“Okay. See you later.”
She frowned as she hung up the phone. Two hours later, she was still confused when he sauntered in after last call. Instead of taking his regular stool, he started straightening chairs.
“What are you doing?”
“Helping you.”
“Why?”
“Because that’s what boyfriends do?”
She looked around. They were alone. “Uhm…”
“Because that’s what friends do?” He shrugged. “Don’t overthink it. I actually just wanted to give you my cell phone number, but when I called you sounded swamped, so I thought it would be easier to stop by. And I’m not going to watch you sweep, that would be a dick move.”
“You watch me tend bar almost every day.”
“That’s different.”
“How?”
“I don’t know. Give me that.” He took the broom from her hand, and she ignored the little thrill she got at the brief, hot press of his fingers against hers.