Her Favorite Rival

I have a set of e-books that I only allow myself to read while walking on the treadmill, in order to incentivize myself to walk more often and for longer periods of time. Some books are more motivational than others. This book made me race home from work every day in eager anticipation of my treadmill time. Sarah Mayberry has singlehandedly restored my faith in category romance novels, and Her Favorite Rival is one of her best. As always, Mayberry crafts a believable yet romantic story with humor, poignancy and passion. Zach and Aubrey are great hero and heroine - strong, capable yet vulnerable - and their dialogue and love scenes positively sizzle. The rival-to-lover transition is made smoothly, without any of that horrible “I hate you/I want you” melodrama. Their respective family difficulties are developed with insight but don't get in the way of the love story. All in all, a great example of romance at its best. If only Mayberry released her books more often I would never get off the treadmill and would be in the best shape of my life!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley.