Sports agent Ryan Callahan’s trip is a complete disaster. Not only did he fail to sign a promising young ballplayer, but now he’s stranded in a Kentucky town no bigger than a bourbon ball. His plane’s been canceled, there’s not a cab to be found, and getting back to New York City is gonna take a miracle. Like a quirky, strawberry-blonde florist with a big van and a craving for late-night, deep-fried hot dogs…

With her best friend’s wedding and her business on the line, Sabrina Hayes needs to be in New York like yesterday. But with her flight canceled and her bank account almost as empty as her gas tank, an extra passenger might just be the long-overdue lucky charm Sabrina needs…especially now that she knows he’s definitely not a serial killer disguised as a scrumptious Thor look-alike.

Somewhere between a roadside stand that serves food as fast as it serves weddings, a motel room haunted by a lovesick ghost, and a car race known as the Snowball 500, Sabrina and Ryan are about to discover that anything that can go wrong will go hilariously wrong. But even they are not prepared for what’s in store on the road ahead…

Titles in the Smart Cupid series (which can be read as a standalone) include— Breaking the Bachelor —♥— Unexpectedly His —♥— One Little Kiss —♥— No Rescue Required —♥—

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

NetGalley ARC

Title:  No Rescue Required
Series:  Smart Cupid #4
Author:  Maggie Kelley
Genre:  Contemporary Romance /  RomCom
Published:  November 14, 2022
Publisher:  Entangled Publishing (Entangled Lovestruck)
My Rating:  4.5 stars

No Rescue Required is the fourth title in the Smart Cupid series (and each can be easily read as a standalone title) that puts two unlikely people on an unexpected road trip right before Christmas that will change lives… and give us more than a few chuckles and a lovely romance to watch unfolding.

Ryan is a New Yorker to the core, he’s also a retired athlete due to an injury and is now scouting out new talent offering them (and sometimes their parents) a fair deal in signing with their agency in what I found to be a most heartwarming and protective manner.  But Ryan is completely out of step with the nuances of this small Kentucky town and gets kicked to the curb quite quickly by the young man’s father for his city-slicker ways… and you have to admit that pinstripes and a tie, and fast-talking ways just don’t really work in a small town, at all, if anything they shout “outsider” with a bullhorn.  Now Ryan’s trip is for nothing, and his flight back to New York has been canceled due to a winter storm so he’s scrambling not only for shelter from the storm but a way back home as well.  He desperately needs a minor miracle and he’s about to get his wish granted in a most unusual way.

Sabrina is on her way to New York City for a friend’s wedding, in fact, she’s providing a living bouquet for the bride (which I found fascinating in its description).  The trouble is her flight has been canceled, there’s a slightly deranged New Yorker on her store’s front step, and she’s about to make the most daring decision of her life when she makes a ride-sharing deal with Ryan.  It doesn’t hurt one little bit that he’s handsome as sin, seems to have a loving family, and doesn’t shout “serial killer” when he speaks.  She’s taking a risk, but when your back is to the wall and you don’t want to disappoint a close friend… well, a road trip with a stranger it is.

I absolutely loved Sabrina and Ryan together.  Their banter is both lighthearted and shows each other who they really are beneath the surface.  Their adventures on this road trip definitely upped the chuckle limit when the unexpected struck (thinking ghosts in hotel rooms here), and the romance was fun and off the charts in the sizzle factor.  I had such a good time watching two strangers learn about each other, and take the risk of falling in love, and what an epilogue.

I loved every moment spent with this couple – and if you love a well-written story, banter, laughter, and watching two people fall in love on a road trip that involves fine roadside dining (deep-fried hotdogs) and perhaps a touch of a ghostly presence then you’ll love No Rescue Required.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Available for the Kindle as this title and series are currently in KU