This book deserves a resounding five-star rating for its unique blend of elements, much like a diverse lineup of players coming together to form a winning team. It's a touchdown of emotions, passion, and intrigue all in one unforgettable story.

Rory Garrett, a chocolatier with a heart as rich as her confections, stands out as a character as delectable as her creations. Her chocolates become an entity of their own, representing her passion, her struggles, and the layers of her character. It's as if every truffle and bonbon she crafts holds a piece of her soul, making the reader root for her success. The chocolate takes on a character of its own.

The love language between the characters is like a well-executed playbook, filled with witty banter, intense chemistry, and undeniable sparks. Beyond the central romance, the relationship between Rory and her step-mother adds another layer. It's both heartwarming and insightful and gives this complex story even more authenticity.

The writing is beautifully edgy and descriptive. The characters are both likable and frustrating, offering added depth. The story carries a captivating mystery and a compelling 'who-done-it' element that keeps it unputdownable until the very last page.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and to Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this captivating story.

This book started out with a lot of that same SEP energy from the 90s and early 2000s but lost some of that along the way. The heroine is the half sister of a famous football player and the hero is that player’s agent. After a one night stand, the two end up playing detective together when they stumble upon a dead body at football player’s house.

I was very intrigued by this premise but found the heroine unlikable and the hero forgettable. There’s a side story that I wasn’t into that I felt like bogged the story down.

I love SEP’s earlier work so I find that my expectation is so high and makes me extra critical. Which is probably unfair, but SEP can write a freaking incredible book and this one was just okay.

Susan Elizabeth Phillips always starts her books off with a **bang** and Simply The Best Isn't different. Rory and Brett get to know each other quickly after meeting at a party. Fireworks then misconceptions, murder and romance ensue.
This was a typical fun SEP read with a touch of mystery and it was fun catching up with previous Chicago Stars couples. Five stars from me.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #HarperCollins books for the opportunity to early read this book.

You can't go wrong with Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Another entry to the Chicago Stars series. Brett and Rory are the definition of opposites attract. The supporting characters were as enjoyable as the main characters. Rory's stepmom makes the best transformation. Susan Elizabeth Phillips remains a must-read author. I look forward to her next book. I am recommending to all of my romance readers - and reminding them that you don't need to read the other books in the series to follow this one (but you should read the others because they are worth it).

Susan Elizabeth Phillips never disappoints!! I almost read this in one sitting. Love Rory and the family coming together in the end.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon & Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read this eARC for an honest opinion.

I enjoyed Simply the Best. This book is part of the Chicago Stars series but I believe can be read as a stand alone. The banter between Rory and Brett was fun to read and had some laugh out loud moments. This book has it all murder mystery, second chances, forgiveness and of course romance. Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the E-ARC. This my own opinion.

It has been quite some time since this author written a Chicago Stars novel. There is much to like about this latest addition to the series. It has all the classic characteristics of her style - a fast-paced, sports-oriented storyline, satisfying repartee between romantically-incline protagonists and an assortment of unusual supporting characters (including a pink and purple food truck).

Rory Garrett, older half-sister to a famous Chicago Stars football player, is struggling with a host of issues. Betrayed by her business partner and dogged by low self-esteem, she valiantly, if unrealistically, holds on to her dream of being a successful chocolatier. There is no denying her talent and her palate, but her business acumen has left her with a broken-down food truck and no resources.

In contrast, Brett Rivers is an ambitious, highly successful (i.e., wealthy) charismatic sports agent who happens to represent Rory’s brother. Through an unfortunate misunderstanding, the two meet in a not-so-cute meet and their mutual attraction/antagonism drives their relationship to a predictable but satisfying resolution.

Overall, I enjoyed the book as a fun, rom-com escape with a bit of a murder mystery to round out the storyline.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

"Simply the Best" by Susan Elizabeth Phillips promises a concoction of intriguing ingredients—a hard-driving sports agent, a failed chocolatier, a superstar football player, a quirky food truck, and even a murder mystery. This blend of elements creates a story that's sure to be a rollercoaster ride of emotions.

The characters, Brett and Rory, represent a striking dichotomy. Brett, the successful and no-nonsense sports agent, stands in stark contrast to Rory, the underachiever with a passion for chocolate. The tension between them, fueled by both attraction and differences, is a recipe for a captivating romance.

The backdrop of the sports world, with its competitiveness and glamour, adds depth to the story. This, combined with the murder mystery, adds an element of suspense and intrigue that will keep readers turning the pages.

Susan Elizabeth Phillips is known for her skill in crafting engaging characters and witty, fast-paced dialogue. "Simply the Best" seems poised to deliver on these fronts, offering both humor and heart.

The concept of forbidden love, with Brett and Rory's complex dynamic, presents a rich opportunity for character growth and emotional depth. Readers can anticipate an exploration of personal values and the price of love that adds depth to the narrative.

Intrigue, romance, and humor are likely to be the driving forces of "Simply the Best." For those who enjoy contemporary romance with a dash of suspense and a healthy dose of humor, this book seems poised to deliver an entertaining and engaging read. Susan Elizabeth Phillips' storytelling prowess suggests that this will be another delightful addition to her collection of romance novels.

As always, SEP can do no wrong. There's a reason she's had such a long and storied career, and why she remains one of my favorite authors, whose books stand up to the test of time. Rory and Brett are...wow. A one night stand that gets messy in the aftermath because he's her brother's agent? Combined with the mystery aspect? NO ONE does romantic suspense like SEP. This book was laugh out loud funny, heartwarming, sexy, and kept me on my toes the entire way. I loved being back in the Chicago Stars universe with these characters, and I can't wait to hold this book in my hands in February!

Simply the Best has a lot going on, in the best way possible.

The quarterback of the Chicago Stars is missing after his on again off again girlfriend is found dead at his house. His sister Rory, a down on her luck chocolatier, and his workaholic ‘take no prisoners’ agent Brett team up to locate him. After a VERY rocky first impression, these two opposites must put their personal and professional problems aside to make sure Clint isn’t charged for his ex’s murder. Their banter and chemistry really propels this story forward, especially layered with Rory’s family drama and Brett’s commitment-phobia.

I’ve been reading Susan Elizabeth Philips for a long time, and to say she’s still got it is an understatement. This is the 10th book in the Chicago Stars Series, and while I’ve come to expect a unique and well written romance, this one immediately set itself apart from the rest. Not only do we get the love story of two characters in the world of professional sports, but this one is a murder mystery to boot!

Arguably my favorite aspect of SEP books, is the secondary romance that’s always included. I loved the one in this book as well. Plus we get cameo’s from a few of our old friends from previous stories. This one is definitely worth the read! Thank you to Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The first half of this book had the trademark wit and charm I am accustomed to with this author. But the obstinace of the heroine dragged on too long. The secondary romance wasn't as well developed as other books and the addition of the murder subplot was unnecessary.

Disclaimer - I love this author and I read all her books.
And this one did not disappoint. I love the author's development of quirky characters in strange situations. Usually the female character is down and out and the male character has oodles of money so that theme has kind of played out but I still enjoy the dialogue, the grit and determination of the characters.
I think the magic of these stories is that you can be comfortable reading them because you know how it will end. You just don't know how they'll get there. Sometimes its reassuring to read something that just gives you hope and happiness. And this author delivers.
Enjoy!

Simply the Best
Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Feb. 13, 2024
Harper
* romance
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
#10 Chicago Stars
Fun read! Fast paced! The book follows Rory Meadows as she struggles through Adulting, while watching her brother win at everything. Then the unthinkable happens, there is a murder.
I have only read a few in this series , but I had no trouble understanding the characters,
I would recommend this to rom com lovers.
4 stars

This one continues the usual SEP formula, which I have enjoyed in the past. I guess I find it just a bit . . . overdone after all these years? I did like the inclusion of a suspense plot, though the cover did not convey the, you know, murdery stuff.

But the formulaic quality of the books is maybe not my cup of tea anymore? The woman has none of her shit together, she might have a dream but she is either down on her luck or hopelessly naive. The man is very work-focused and either doesn't believe in monogamy/love or thinks he will be fully satisfied by work. I did like the career stuff for Rory, and how her family relationships developed, but overall this didn't stand out to me as anything special. I feel like SEP writes two main characters: plucky heroine and stuffy, grumpy hero. I do think this story stands out as unusual in terms of the plot, but it's still not in my top five of her books. *shrug*

A drunken, one night stand turns into much awkwardness when Brett Rivers finds out that he slept with his biggest client's step-sister. Rory Garrett goes looking for her younger step-brother only to find him missing and the body of her neighbor at his empty house. Sparks fly as they are both trying to find Clint, and clear his name...

Why I started this book: Phillips is on my autobuy list, and I eagerly requested an ARC from Netgalley.

Why I finished it: Phillips is at her best with a snappy dialog, a wild child heroine, a sports hero, a repentant parent and a step-sibling or two. This book is no exception. Rory is struggling to make her dreams a reality but determined to succeed. Brett thinks that he's got it all figured out... but life requires lots of sacrifice to stay on top. And Clint just needs a lot of help.

After a long wait we’ve got a new book from SEP, and it is a Chicago Stars book at that! I knew I’d love it and just settled in with my kindle and a bunch of hot tea. I knew it would feel like coming home with adventure and humor and romance. And it turned out that way. I read it in one day.

Brett is a sports agent (remember Heath, also a sports agent and Annabel from earlier books in the series? We do get to glimpse them) and Rory a chocolatier. Both MCs are convincing, and they are charming, quirky, and crazy (like all good SEP characters are). (Sorry so many parentheses, wink). There’s even a murder mystery to enjoy.

I highly recommend the book and thank NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Susan Elizabeth Phillip's newest book is a fantastic read! Rory (a broke, aspiring chocolatier) and Brett's (her brother's sports agent and Heath's #2) meet cute definitely is a little spicy. It is always great to see updates to beloved characters like Heath and Annabelle, but I really loved the way the sparks jumped off the page between Rory and Brett. The murder mystery within this romance was a nice touch and something a little different from SEP's usual. I love all of her books and this one will definitely become part of my "read again" book pile!

Susan Elizabeth Phillips returns to the Chicago Stars and follows her template, one hard-charging alpha male (sports agent Brett Rivers) and one down-on-her luck female (that would be struggling chocolatier Rory Garrett, sister to the Chicago Starts player who Brett represents). This was both a rom com and a suspense, and overall I enjoyed SEP's return to what she does well. If you've read her before, you can almost predict all the beats, but sometimes we like the familiar melody. One major thing I didn't like.
*spoiler*
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The leads hook up at a party for a one-night stand, and Brett mistakes Rory for a hooker. Why? Totally unnecessary and left a bad taste in my mouth. This is how the book *opens* and I almost made it a DNF. Instead I pretended it didn't happen. It seemed a really dumb plot point, and made no sense. Blech.

Overall, I give it 4 stars. I'd like to read about a put together SEP heroine (I guess that children's book writer might count?) but she seems to love that down on her luck trope. It would be a nice change of pace.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free ARC in exchange for an unbiased review. All opinions are my own.

This book is both a romcom and a romantic suspense. It’s takes a talented author to be able to write a book in both and Susan Elizabeth Phillips masters this perfectly. I love how feisty Rory is. Brett doesn’t know what he’s gotten into when he meets Rory. Such masterful writing. I’m so glad I read this book. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I received a copy from the publisher through Net Galley.

#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Elizabeth Phillips returns with the next book in her Chicago Stars series where a successful sports agent and the sister of his biggest client engage in a take-no-prisoners battle of the sexes.

This may be SEP's best book yet, and that's saying something, as I'm a huge fan!! I fell in love with the characters, and laughed out loud at their snark.

All fans of rom-com should race to their nearest bookstore immediately! Highly recommended. #SimplyTheBest #NetGalley #SaltMarshAuthors