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Mile High Romance #1
Not So Friendly Intent
Elliot Crawford is in love, but not with the man she planned to marry.
Elliot – Fleeing to Shane after my engagement ended was supposed to make me feel better. And it did, until I started wondering why my relationships never make me as happy as my friendship with him. Big mistake. Now when I look at him, I don’t just see my best friend, I see the sexy quarterback single women all over the country lust after. I’d be a fool to risk our friendship by trying to redefine it. So, why did I bait him into something more?
Shane – My teammates think a newly single Elliot will be a distraction heading into the playoffs, but just because my best friend is hot doesn’t mean I want her. Or it didn’t, until she dared me to touch her. Now I finally get what my teammates saw all along, but admitting it will make them question where my head’s at. The game and the girl are within reach, and I intend to win both. Good thing I’m trained to perform under pressure.
This standalone in the Mile High Romance Series contains characters that appear again in books 2-5, though it can be read at any time. Fans of Kane by Sawyer Bennet or Bad Reputation by Nicole Edwards will love this sports-themed, friends-to-lovers romance. Shane and Elliot’s Happily Ever After is full of laughter, steam, and a colorful cast of characters who help them see what they’ve been blind to for years.
Elliot – Fleeing to Shane after my engagement ended was supposed to make me feel better. And it did, until I started wondering why my relationships never make me as happy as my friendship with him. Big mistake. Now when I look at him, I don’t just see my best friend, I see the sexy quarterback single women all over the country lust after. I’d be a fool to risk our friendship by trying to redefine it. So, why did I bait him into something more?
Shane – My teammates think a newly single Elliot will be a distraction heading into the playoffs, but just because my best friend is hot doesn’t mean I want her. Or it didn’t, until she dared me to touch her. Now I finally get what my teammates saw all along, but admitting it will make them question where my head’s at. The game and the girl are within reach, and I intend to win both. Good thing I’m trained to perform under pressure.
This standalone in the Mile High Romance Series contains characters that appear again in books 2-5, though it can be read at any time. Fans of Kane by Sawyer Bennet or Bad Reputation by Nicole Edwards will love this sports-themed, friends-to-lovers romance. Shane and Elliot’s Happily Ever After is full of laughter, steam, and a colorful cast of characters who help them see what they’ve been blind to for years.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 3, 2021
86 people are currently reading
289 people want to read
About the author
Michele Lenard
29 books112 followersMichele writes contemporary romance that is both sweet and steamy. Her goal is to make you fan your face as you wipe a tear from your eye. Several of her books have been named as finalists in the MARA Fiction From the Homeland contest. Her books are part of a series but there are no cliffhangers so each can be read as a standalone. When she isn't reading or writing she enjoys the outdoors, something that pops up in her books from time to time.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 28, 2021
This was a great hot and steamy sports romance with friends to lovers trope. I love how attentive El and Shane were with each other and the slow burn romance that took them about half way through the book to realize they had! And did I mention steamy? Shewww lots of smut and sexy time on this book and it was great! Definitely recommend picking this on up.
Shelved as 'give-it-a-try'
March 21, 2022March 22, 2022
This was my first read by this author and I really enjoyed it. This best friends to more relationships was fantastic. This is Elliot and Shane’s story.
Shane is an NFL quarterback who has been so focused on his game that a romantic relationship is not even on his radar. His best friend El (Elliot) shows up at his door after her engagement ends and what starts out as him consoling his best friend starts to turn into more…
Elliot needs her best friend. After her engagement suddenly ends, she leaves her editing job in New York and flies to Denver to see Shane. He has always been her rock and fixes things for her and she needs him right now.
These two have a genuine friendship and truly love each other as best friends. When the tide starts changing and they begin to notice the romantic things in each other it really gets good. There is sexy time that is amazing and a really good relationship that blossoms into so much more. My only negative…I wasn’t a fan of the last few chapters and how that played out. They were so strong through the entire story and yes, they got their HEA, but I wish the storyline was handled differently…⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Shane is an NFL quarterback who has been so focused on his game that a romantic relationship is not even on his radar. His best friend El (Elliot) shows up at his door after her engagement ends and what starts out as him consoling his best friend starts to turn into more…
Elliot needs her best friend. After her engagement suddenly ends, she leaves her editing job in New York and flies to Denver to see Shane. He has always been her rock and fixes things for her and she needs him right now.
These two have a genuine friendship and truly love each other as best friends. When the tide starts changing and they begin to notice the romantic things in each other it really gets good. There is sexy time that is amazing and a really good relationship that blossoms into so much more. My only negative…I wasn’t a fan of the last few chapters and how that played out. They were so strong through the entire story and yes, they got their HEA, but I wish the storyline was handled differently…⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 18, 2024
This book is the epitome of good communication 101.
These two have the sweetest friendship. They know each other so well it makes me envious, wanting to have someone understand me that well too.
I also love how Shayne is so confident in Elliot and didn’t allow locker room gossip to pressure him into defining his relationship with her.
"Look, you guys know how important Elliot is to me. But whatever does or doesn't happen between us is between us. Not you guys, not your wives and girlfriends, me and Elliot. Got it?" I warn.
Gotta love a man who isn’t afraid to stand up for his lady, even when she’s not around to witness it.
The ‘falling out’ part was also tastefully done (I cried on the bus). They both made such valid points. It wasn’t just your typical argument of zero substance or a casual misunderstanding due to miscommunication. And the scene unfolding from Shayne’s point of view made it all the more powerful. I felt all his feelings, such a big puppy dog.
Will definitely be checking out more books from this author.
These two have the sweetest friendship. They know each other so well it makes me envious, wanting to have someone understand me that well too.
I also love how Shayne is so confident in Elliot and didn’t allow locker room gossip to pressure him into defining his relationship with her.
"Look, you guys know how important Elliot is to me. But whatever does or doesn't happen between us is between us. Not you guys, not your wives and girlfriends, me and Elliot. Got it?" I warn.
Gotta love a man who isn’t afraid to stand up for his lady, even when she’s not around to witness it.
The ‘falling out’ part was also tastefully done (I cried on the bus). They both made such valid points. It wasn’t just your typical argument of zero substance or a casual misunderstanding due to miscommunication. And the scene unfolding from Shayne’s point of view made it all the more powerful. I felt all his feelings, such a big puppy dog.
Will definitely be checking out more books from this author.
August 22, 2024
Genre/Tropes - Friends to lovers, sports, forced proximity
Age appropriate - 18+ sex
POV - dual
Perfect for readers who like true friends who become more with a sexy sports figure and fun friends
Overall Story **** World ***
Main Characters *** Side Characters ***
Emotions **
Slow build *** Steam ****
Frustration *
Male Narration *** Female Narration **
Story of a pro football player and his best female friend aince childhood. She goes through a breakup and moves in until she can figure out a new path.
Pros
- The male and female friends were very funny and supportive
- Their friendship was very genuine and didn't follow the norm with one pining for the other and they stayed friends afterwards
- didn't drag out the conflict but was not a self sacrificing compromise on either part either.
- the parents knew them so well
Cons
- none worth mentioning
Age appropriate - 18+ sex
POV - dual
Perfect for readers who like true friends who become more with a sexy sports figure and fun friends
Overall Story **** World ***
Main Characters *** Side Characters ***
Emotions **
Slow build *** Steam ****
Frustration *
Male Narration *** Female Narration **
Story of a pro football player and his best female friend aince childhood. She goes through a breakup and moves in until she can figure out a new path.
Pros
- The male and female friends were very funny and supportive
- Their friendship was very genuine and didn't follow the norm with one pining for the other and they stayed friends afterwards
- didn't drag out the conflict but was not a self sacrificing compromise on either part either.
- the parents knew them so well
Cons
- none worth mentioning
April 21, 2023
Friends to lovers
This is one of my favorite tropes. Michele did it justice with this book. It's very well written for it being her first book. The characters grow throughout the book. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will definitely be reading more by this author. Purely Novel intent here I come.....
This is one of my favorite tropes. Michele did it justice with this book. It's very well written for it being her first book. The characters grow throughout the book. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will definitely be reading more by this author. Purely Novel intent here I come.....
April 14, 2022
Nice to give a higher score than the average, nice to not be the strictest of the class for a change. It was a bit drawn out at times, but the characters are likable and real, the build up good and the story reads smoothly so a 4 for me.
March 30, 2023
Read on Radish under Mile High Mischief. Elliot and Shane are best friends but when they cross the line, they discover they are also more. Loved the humor and steamy scenes and friendship in the group!
February 19, 2022
Not for me
I have restarted and stopped this book 6 times. I just couldn't muddle through it.. It just didn't hold my interest..
I have restarted and stopped this book 6 times. I just couldn't muddle through it.. It just didn't hold my interest..
March 5, 2022
Crap. Boring crap.
May 9, 2022
sports theme, friends to lovers and a great couple. I loved it
January 3, 2023
I enjoyed this story. The characters are likable and there is chemistry between them. Overall, the story was a little blah.
June 7, 2023
A cute little slow burn romance.
August 6, 2021
Winning His Girl . . .
Elliot Crawford’s engagement ended. As always, the first person she thought of for comfort was her best friend, Shane, who had been her friend since high school. It was never romantic between them. So why now did she question how he always made her feel better? Her relationships with others never made her as happy as Shane did. Looking at him now in a new way, she could see how the other women who lusted after him saw him. She would never want to risk their friendship though… so why did she dare him to touch her?
Shane Thomas was hearing warnings from his teammates about Elliot being a distraction from the playoffs. They were friends, had always been friends. Why would he want her now? And then she dared him to touch her. That was all it took to let him see what they meant. But he won’t tell them that right now. He can handle both goals without giving either up. He will succeed in the playoffs. And he will win his girl. Right?
I always say that falling in love with a friend can make a deep relationship. That familiarity and the knowledge you can always count on that person makes it easier to take the relationship deeper. Are they both ready to do that?
Elliot Crawford’s engagement ended. As always, the first person she thought of for comfort was her best friend, Shane, who had been her friend since high school. It was never romantic between them. So why now did she question how he always made her feel better? Her relationships with others never made her as happy as Shane did. Looking at him now in a new way, she could see how the other women who lusted after him saw him. She would never want to risk their friendship though… so why did she dare him to touch her?
Shane Thomas was hearing warnings from his teammates about Elliot being a distraction from the playoffs. They were friends, had always been friends. Why would he want her now? And then she dared him to touch her. That was all it took to let him see what they meant. But he won’t tell them that right now. He can handle both goals without giving either up. He will succeed in the playoffs. And he will win his girl. Right?
I always say that falling in love with a friend can make a deep relationship. That familiarity and the knowledge you can always count on that person makes it easier to take the relationship deeper. Are they both ready to do that?
August 12, 2021
Not So Friendly Intent
by Michele Lenard
A Steamy Sports Novel in the Mile High Romance Series
A shoulder to cry on turns into a sweet love.
Elliot Crawford’s engagement ended on a sour note after finding out her fiancé cheated on her. She runs to her best friend since high school, Shane Thomas. It was never anything more than friendship between them. Shane is a sexy single pro quarterback going into the playoffs and best friend to Elliot.
Shane’s teammates think a newly single Elliot will be a distraction, but just because his best friend is hot doesn’t mean he wants her. Or it didn’t, until she dared him to touch her.
Elliot would never want to risk their friendship though… so why did she dare him to touch her? This leads them to start seeing each other in a new light - although it takes them awhile to act on it.
I’ve read some great romance books in this past week. Lenard hits her mark in this one. It was sweet and kind of funny. I enjoyed the quick read, and the characters are believable and developed well through the book. You should definitely read this standalone in the “Mile High Romance Series”. It contains characters that appear again in books 2-5 though it can be read at any time.
by Michele Lenard
A Steamy Sports Novel in the Mile High Romance Series
A shoulder to cry on turns into a sweet love.
Elliot Crawford’s engagement ended on a sour note after finding out her fiancé cheated on her. She runs to her best friend since high school, Shane Thomas. It was never anything more than friendship between them. Shane is a sexy single pro quarterback going into the playoffs and best friend to Elliot.
Shane’s teammates think a newly single Elliot will be a distraction, but just because his best friend is hot doesn’t mean he wants her. Or it didn’t, until she dared him to touch her.
Elliot would never want to risk their friendship though… so why did she dare him to touch her? This leads them to start seeing each other in a new light - although it takes them awhile to act on it.
I’ve read some great romance books in this past week. Lenard hits her mark in this one. It was sweet and kind of funny. I enjoyed the quick read, and the characters are believable and developed well through the book. You should definitely read this standalone in the “Mile High Romance Series”. It contains characters that appear again in books 2-5 though it can be read at any time.
August 6, 2021
This is a real standout in the genre. This story is sweet, funny, and so much fun to read. It flowed so easily I wound up reading it in less than 18 hours, even though I'd originally picked it up intending to just start on a couple chapters--famous last words!
These are kind, decent people and it's very easy to root for their happiness. Their obstacles aren't manufactured or melodramatically angsty. They're the sort of realistic problems kind adults who just need to grow a bit would have. I confess to getting a little bit impatient about a third of the way into the story, but that's because their chemistry and devotion was obvious and vivid!
Side note: the football is written very well. It's not necessary to know the game to understand the story, but if you do know the game you'll appreciate the accuracy and detail in the game descriptions.
Also, this is definitely steamy! The language and action might be a little more erotica than romance, but it's well-written and never loses the underlying affection between the characters.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
These are kind, decent people and it's very easy to root for their happiness. Their obstacles aren't manufactured or melodramatically angsty. They're the sort of realistic problems kind adults who just need to grow a bit would have. I confess to getting a little bit impatient about a third of the way into the story, but that's because their chemistry and devotion was obvious and vivid!
Side note: the football is written very well. It's not necessary to know the game to understand the story, but if you do know the game you'll appreciate the accuracy and detail in the game descriptions.
Also, this is definitely steamy! The language and action might be a little more erotica than romance, but it's well-written and never loses the underlying affection between the characters.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
September 5, 2021
I really enjoyed this friend to lovers, there is a lot of back and forth until they get to that point and it was a very good slow burn and steamy romance
.
Elliot and Shane have been friends since high school. They're the first person they call and they tell everything to each other in complete comfort and confidence. Shane is Elliot's safe place so when she finds her fiancé cheating on her it is the first place she goes in search of a place to heal but she finds that her feelings may have more depth than those of a simple friendship.
.
Elliot is the one who supports Shane the most and that gives him the security to go through everything on the field of play and he already know were his perfect women is and that's the reason why he dosen't look for a girlfriend
.
Shane is the great character in this story for me, he has all the sweetness and all the patience to be amazing. Elliot had me thinking "what ?!" several times and I even found it anoying at the end
.
I really enjoyed their relationship and how they interacted with each other, especially shane and his friends
.
.
.
Thanks to Michele Lenard and Netgalley for give me this great reading in exchange for my honest opinion
.
Elliot and Shane have been friends since high school. They're the first person they call and they tell everything to each other in complete comfort and confidence. Shane is Elliot's safe place so when she finds her fiancé cheating on her it is the first place she goes in search of a place to heal but she finds that her feelings may have more depth than those of a simple friendship.
.
Elliot is the one who supports Shane the most and that gives him the security to go through everything on the field of play and he already know were his perfect women is and that's the reason why he dosen't look for a girlfriend
.
Shane is the great character in this story for me, he has all the sweetness and all the patience to be amazing. Elliot had me thinking "what ?!" several times and I even found it anoying at the end
.
I really enjoyed their relationship and how they interacted with each other, especially shane and his friends
.
.
.
Thanks to Michele Lenard and Netgalley for give me this great reading in exchange for my honest opinion
August 11, 2021
I've said it before and I'll no doubt say it again, but I do enjoy friends to lovers romances. Not So Friendly Intent tells the story of best friends Shane and Elliot. Since they were at school, they have been best friends, but despite everyone assuming that there must be something between them, never anything more than that. When they end up living together temporarily, they both begin to question their feelings.
This was a fun read and I liked both Elliot and Shane. They worked well as a couple and the idea that they were perfect for one another, even if they couldn't see it straight away worked well. The plot did follow well-travelled lines and there was little here that I haven't come across before. It was well executed though and I enjoyed it all the same. I did see the problem that nearly split them up coming, but it worked well.
Overall this was an entertaining and enjoyable read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This was a fun read and I liked both Elliot and Shane. They worked well as a couple and the idea that they were perfect for one another, even if they couldn't see it straight away worked well. The plot did follow well-travelled lines and there was little here that I haven't come across before. It was well executed though and I enjoyed it all the same. I did see the problem that nearly split them up coming, but it worked well.
Overall this was an entertaining and enjoyable read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 12, 2021
This is a new author for me, and I’m so happy to have discovered her!
Elliot ended her engagement after discovering her boyfriend cheating, and she went directly to Shane, her best friend. But things are different now. Now, when she looks at him, she sees the sexy quarterback single women all over the country lust after. Is she going to risk their friendship by trying to redefine it?
Shane’s teammates think a newly single Elliot will be a distraction heading into the playoffs. She isn’t, until she dared him to touch her. Now the game and the girl are within reach, and he intends to win both.
This story is beautiful! Sexy, funny, witty. They are amazing together, not just sexually but as partners. Their friendship is really special. I appreciate the no drama argument. This is a bond that’s changing and I really enjoyed being a witness of that change. The sex…so hot!
The book is well written, easy to read and super enjoyable.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Elliot ended her engagement after discovering her boyfriend cheating, and she went directly to Shane, her best friend. But things are different now. Now, when she looks at him, she sees the sexy quarterback single women all over the country lust after. Is she going to risk their friendship by trying to redefine it?
Shane’s teammates think a newly single Elliot will be a distraction heading into the playoffs. She isn’t, until she dared him to touch her. Now the game and the girl are within reach, and he intends to win both.
This story is beautiful! Sexy, funny, witty. They are amazing together, not just sexually but as partners. Their friendship is really special. I appreciate the no drama argument. This is a bond that’s changing and I really enjoyed being a witness of that change. The sex…so hot!
The book is well written, easy to read and super enjoyable.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 13, 2021
I received this arc for an honest review.
Elliot Crawford has once again ran to her best friend's home and not to anyone else. She knows that he will take care of her. Yes, he. That he is professional quarterback Sawyer Bennet whose team is now in the playoffs and is wanting to make their run to the Super Bowl.
One issue is the change will her being around cause a distraction for him? Second and most importantly his teammates notice that he plays better when she is around.
The story goes back and forth on whether they should change their friendship to having a relationship. The back and forth between the two characters and all of the supporting ones are what makes this book when you get to the last half, it is there where I found that this story really took off. A very good read. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at
www.1rad-readerreveiws.com
Elliot Crawford has once again ran to her best friend's home and not to anyone else. She knows that he will take care of her. Yes, he. That he is professional quarterback Sawyer Bennet whose team is now in the playoffs and is wanting to make their run to the Super Bowl.
One issue is the change will her being around cause a distraction for him? Second and most importantly his teammates notice that he plays better when she is around.
The story goes back and forth on whether they should change their friendship to having a relationship. The back and forth between the two characters and all of the supporting ones are what makes this book when you get to the last half, it is there where I found that this story really took off. A very good read. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at
www.1rad-readerreveiws.com
August 5, 2021
3.5 stars
This story is full of likeable characters - from Shane and Elliot to their friends. Shane and Elliot have been best friends since high school and have never thought of each other in a romantic manner. At least, not until others start pointing out what a great couple they would make and question why they aren't dating. This leads them to start seeing each other in a new light - although it takes them awhile to act on it.
This story is full of likeable characters - from Shane and Elliot to their friends. Shane and Elliot have been best friends since high school and have never thought of each other in a romantic manner. At least, not until others start pointing out what a great couple they would make and question why they aren't dating. This leads them to start seeing each other in a new light - although it takes them awhile to act on it.
August 9, 2021
This friends to lovers novel has great chemistry between the two main characters. The hero is a football star on the heroine is up-and-coming in the publishing world. I enjoyed the chemistry between the characters however a lot of it was very predictable and I didn’t feel like the author bought anything new to the table. Several times I did find myself skimming just to get to the ending. Overall this was just OK for me. Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.
March 23, 2023
A steamy hallmark
First time reading this author. I think it was recommended in a book group. It was cute and steamy story. Kind of reminded me of a spicy Hallmark movie, which I loved. I love friends to lovers because characters already have some sort of chemistry. I'll definitely read another book from this author.
First time reading this author. I think it was recommended in a book group. It was cute and steamy story. Kind of reminded me of a spicy Hallmark movie, which I loved. I love friends to lovers because characters already have some sort of chemistry. I'll definitely read another book from this author.
August 10, 2021
Thank you to #michelelenard and #netgalley for a free copy of this novel to freely and fairly review. This charming, sexy, sports romance has me believing in the power of love and the importance of relationships built on friendship. It is a can’t miss story!!!
September 26, 2021
These two are hilarious together. I wanted them together from the beginning. Unfortunately they had things to work through and we get to go along for the ride. I really enjoyed how Shane’s friends wanted them together and why they weren’t. Be prepared to laugh!!
Want to read
October 28, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (10/28/2021)! 🎁
November 5, 2021
Loved this book! I binged the first 3 in this stand alone series and I don’t regret it one bit!
January 17, 2022
Wonderful story
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews