“Her smile produces a dimple, and I almost pass out, it’s so pretty.”

That was such a cute quick read! Very intense for being a novella, if you know what I mean by intense…. 😏
I love the light but raw storyline of this book, Tessa Bailey sure knows how to make a gal fall in love with the MC, while keeping us on the edge of our seats! I hope to read more of Britta and Sumner!

✨ "I'll do whatever it takes to make you realize I'm not going anywhere. I'm staying right here. I'll make you feel secure until you realize it's only ever going to be you."

...said no man ever? Lol.

This book was clearly written by a woman because 1) she sure knows what we want and 2) she doesn't know how to write men. Although I liked Britta's backstory, Sumner comes across as a sappy horndog and nothing else.

The underlying immigration subplot was super unrealistic and underdeveloped even for a novella. But I wasn't too fussed since I took this for the short, sweet and fluffy read that it was meant to be. Good for when you want something light or need a break.

Thank you NetGalley and author Tessa Bailey for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

"Adored by all, Britta is an ambitious waitress working at Sluggers. The popular bar holds a special place in her heart and is a regular hangout for the Bridgeport Bandits, the local hockey club. With a half brother on the team, Britta has a strict no-dating policy for hockey boys. But she does have a soft spot for one particular player.

A beast on the ice, Sumner Mayfield is on the brink of breaking into the NHL. But time’s running out. With his work visa about to expire, Sumner’s only chance to stay in Bridgeport is to marry an American—and get a green card. Otherwise, it’s back to Canada for the defenseman.

On New Year’s Eve, the team begs Britta to marry Sumner that very night. Sum is embarrassed yet hopeful—he’s desperately in love. But Britta balks at first. Until something about Sumner’s soulful brown eyes and ripped physique makes her reconsider…"

This is a cute, fast-paced and easy read. I did enjoy reading this.

This was my first Tessa Bailey book, and while it was enjoyable, I do think the pacing of this book was a little inconsistent. At times it felt slow, but others it felt too fast and forced. Overall though, an easy read.

This short story was just ok. It wasnt for me but I was happy that it was quick! Thanks for this copy!

While this book was cute, it felt under researched and under developed. I was disappointed in the commitment to the story.

I found myself whisked away on a captivating, albeit swift, journey into the realms of love, commitment, and unexpected romance. This steamy novella paints a vivid picture of Britta, a beloved waitress with firm boundaries around her heart, especially when it comes to hockey players, and Sumner, a determined athlete on the cusp of his NHL dreams yet hindered by visa complications.

Their unlikely union, prompted by a combination of need, a touch of desperation, and a spark of undeniable attraction, blossoms over a tumultuous year marked by fake marital bliss. Bailey masterfully crafts a narrative that, while echoing familiar tropes, feels fresh and engaging thanks to the palpable chemistry between Britta and Sumner. Their story is one of humor, hope, and the kind of love that sneaks up on you when you least expect it.

Despite the novella's brevity, which leaves a craving for deeper dives into character development and backstory, the narrative thrives on its emotional depth and spicy encounters. Sumner's genuine adoration and Britta's gradual opening of her heart lend a richness to their romance that belies the story's length.

I did find myself wishing for more—more time with the characters, more exploration of their pasts, and perhaps a more intricate look at the nuances of a marriage of convenience. Yet, even within its compact framework, "Same Time Next Year" delivers a satisfying blend of sweetness, spice, and everything nice that defines a Tessa Bailey romance.

In sum, while this novella may not delve as deeply into its characters and setting as one might hope, it offers a delightful escape into a love story that proves even the most pragmatic of arrangements can blossom into something unexpectedly wonderful. A perfect pick for those seeking a quick, fiery read that warms the heart and stirs the senses.

I enjoyed reading this novella in one sitting on - fittingly - New Years Eve. Same Time Next Year tells a short, spicy, and fun story in the limited amount the Novella gives. Britta and Sumner very much are characters we have read from Tessa Bailey before, so you'll get what to expect in this one. This plus the marriage of convenience storyline, makes for an engaging read.

The only thing wrong with this book is that there was not enough of it. I adored these characters. Britta and Sumner were so great to read about. I felt so much for them in such a short amount of time. I sure hope that there is going to be more of these!

This is a super short, sweet AND sexy read. It’s a fantastic sampler for what Tessa Bailey does best!

If Tessa Bailey writes it, I'm going to read it. And no doubt, im going to love it. I absolutely loved this novella! It was the perfect thing for the holiday season. 👀 Also wishful thinking that we may get more of Britta and Sumner in the future. I definitely wasn't ready to let them go.

Britta, a waitress, has a no-dating rule for hockey players, despite her half-brother being on the local team. She has a soft spot for Sumner, a talented player facing visa issues. To stay in Bridgeport, Sumner needs to marry an American for a green card. On New Year's Eve, the team urges Britta to marry Sumner...

This was my first sport romance. I don't know why but I avoided sport romances for the longest time. I am just not into sports. But this was a cute and fun book!

I liked the pacing and Sumner was babygirl. I love him. Just very wholesome.

It was quite short and perfect if you want to have fun short read. <3

What a sweet, quick romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Sumner was such a great guy, and I love his type of character. The "guy falls first" trope is one of my favs! Thank you to #NetGalley and #Amazon for allowing me to read in return for an honest review. 4 stars.

This was a quick read but I really enjoyed it. I want more. The characters were great and their chemistry was off the charts.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.

I know it's a popular trope but, I just get so annoyed with romance stories where one person is so unbelievably scarred from childhood or past heartbreak that they can never love again. Like, you are a absolutely head over heels in love with this person, tell them! I am a sucker for a happy ending though so, 2.5 stars.

DNF at 12%

You know it's time to DNF when you start thinking of doing the dishes and that sounds like a better time than reading your book 🙈🤣

DNF for the following reasons:
* The writing feels a bit wonky. There's moments where the flow is broken, which could've easily been fixed.
* The dialogue feels very unnatural, with the sole purpose of feeding the reader information.
* I love a pining MMC as much as the next gal, but reading Sumner's POV is making me cringe so hard. He's in love with the girl and they've barely talked or spent time together? And it's just *too much*. I'm not a fan of instalove, and this is very much the case for both characters who are either already there or very close to being there. I prefer reading about them falling in love.
* I wasn't a fan of the overexaggeration in Britta's pov in the first chapter about how big Sumner is: wider shoulders than she is tall (those are either very broad shoulders or she's tiny), his head almost touching the ceiling of the bar (some very low ceilings or he's a giant), eating a burger in only two bites (respect. That's one big mouth.)... I usually don't make a fuss about things like these and could've overlooked it, if everything else would've worked for me.

I'm not enjoying it so far and I don't think it'll get better by pushing through. I don't see myself enjoying it more at a later time because of the instalove feel. So sadly, it's a DNF for me.

*I received a free copy (ARC) through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own*

*I usually don't rate DNFs because it's a case of "not for me" and not "I didn't like this", so 3 star rating because NetGalley forces me to rate and 3 stars feels like the most neutral.*

The perfect novella. Packs an emotional punch and has Tessa’s well known steam. Sports romance and fake marriage are honestly two of my favorite tropes. I read this in one sitting and I would highly recommend.

! I’m a sucker for both brother’s friend and a marriage of convenience, so this story was already right up my alley. I think my favorite thing was how much heart was packed into such a short story. I think a lot of romcom novellas struggle with the relationship not having enough time for a lot of depth, but this book did not have that problem at all!

Same Time Next Year is my first book by this author and I can't wait to read more! Britta works in a sports bar where a local hockey team likes to hang out. Sumner needs a green card to stay in the US to try to make it to the NHL. Britta has always liked Sumner but has a strict rule about dating anyone on the team since her step brother plays on the team too. Can she be a fake wife to help Sumner out? A quick read with a happy ending and who doesn't need that!

Thank you to Tessa Bailey, Amazon Original Stories, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Same Time Next Year is a quick and spicy hockey novella. Britta works at her local bar that is also her safe haven. Sumner is on the local hockey team that comes in regularly. Sumner needs a green card to stay in the US with hopes of being drafted, Britta wants nothing to do with relationships, but wants to purchase the bar.

I loved everything about this novella! It was quick and spicy, but also loveable and cute. I loved watching Britta and Sumner's fake relationship blossom.