Five stars for Hail Marry by Martha Keyes!
What a wonderful, feel-good story! I enjoyed it from start to finish, and I’m eager to share it with you. This is book four in Martha Keyes’ sweet romantic comedy series Sheppards in Love. Each book features a different Sheppard family sibling, and you really grow to love this amazing family. Hail Marry tells Victoria’s story, and it incorporates both the marriage-of-convenience trope and the grumpy-sunshine trope–my two favorites! If that’s not enough, it’s also a football romance.
Book summary:
Luca
One major obstacle stands in the way of my dream to be drafted into the NFL: a valid visa. With my student visa about to expire and a past legal issue giving me grief, I’ve run out of options. Then fate steps in when I save a stranger from being hit by a speeding truck.
Tori
A simple “thank you” doesn’t feel like enough when someone saves your life. So, when I learn Luca’s only chance at the NFL hinges on finding a wife, how can I not step up? It’s just paperwork, right? But as we navigate immigration challenges and spend far more time together than we expected, playing pretend becomes anything but simple. Keeping my heart out of the mix might just be the hardest part.
Hail Marry by Martha Keyes is a closed-door romance with no steamy scenes or swearing—just plenty of swoon-worthy moments and laughs!
Noteworthy observations about Hail Marry by Martha Keyes
Characters
The characters are well developed and have clear, realistic motivations. Perhaps this is in part due to many of the characters overlapping from book to book through the series. I don’t think that’s all there is to it, though. I started reading this series two years ago, and I’ve read hundreds of books since then, so my memory of earlier books is feeble at best. Each book focuses in depth on the two leading characters. I grew to care deeply for Luca and Tori in this story.
Speaking of characters, the whole Sheppard family is precious! Their love for each other stands in sharp contrast to the experiences of other characters in the book. Martha Keyes does an expert job of thoughtfully sharing some tough stories through secondary characters.
All of the characters in Hail Marry by Martha Keyes are very human and relatable. Their reactions and fears make sense. Throughout the book, many of the characters (even some with smaller roles) grow and learn. They also grow in their relationships and feelings for each other. The characters always draw me in!
Tropes
So many tropes!! I guess I’ll start with my favorite, grumpy-sunshine. Luca is the grump in this story, and with good reason. He’s had a difficult family situation to contend with, and his brush with the law was no picnic. In one of the scenes, Tori is looking at a picture of Luca following one of his football games. She assumes his team lost the game because of the way he looks in the picture. No, his team had won. 🙂 Tori brings him out of his shell, and it’s fun to watch it unfold.
I also love the marriage-of-convenience trope. I know, I know, this isn’t a very realistic trope for contemporary sweet romantic comedies, but Martha Keyes handles it perfectly. I especially appreciated the way she brought about the resolution of the conflict. No spoilers!
I have read a lot of books with various sports romance tropes, but this was one of few I’ve read centered on football. Luca’s anticipation of the NFL draft and his relationships with his teammates form a significant part of the story. This added depth to the book.
A little about the rest of the series Sheppards in Love
Book 1, Kissing for Keeps, Siena and Jack
Siena
Fresh off a big professional failure, I’m determined to prove myself by nailing my maid of honor duties at my best friend Madi’s glamorous French wedding—even if it kills me, which feels increasingly likely. But while I could use some extra help, I absolutely cannot accept it from Madi’s flirtatious brother, Jack. Why? Because nothing would ruin this wedding faster than Madi discovering what happened between Jack and me once upon a time. Not that it’s a concern anymore—it’s been so long, I barely remember it. Really.
Jack
I’ll admit, my track record as a brother isn’t great. Okay, understatement—I’ve dated enough of Madi’s friends to land a permanent spot in her bad books. But my offer to help Siena isn’t part of some secret plan to upset Madi again. I really do want to be a better brother. Of course, teasing Siena while I help? That’s just part of who I am. Totally normal, no drama here.
Book 2, Just Friends Forever, Troy and Stevie
Stephanie “Stevie”
Being married to an A-list actor had its perks, but no one warns you about the downsides—like paparazzi swarming your life after the divorce. When my longtime friend Troy offers me the empty side of his duplex while I get back on my feet, I jump at the chance. I’ve always seen Troy as just a friend, but when the gossip columns figure out where I’m staying, they’re determined to turn our friendship into something more. The media are relentless. Honestly, they’re almost convincing me, which is completely ridiculous. Right?
Troy
Stevie and I have been through a lot as friends, including the day I threw caution to the wind and admitted I wanted something more. Thankfully, that’s all in the past. Now, I’m just here to support her while she escapes the relentless tabloids. But I might have underestimated both the persistence of the paparazzi and the strength of my own feelings. Both seem intent on dragging up the past, but I’ve already faced rejection once—there’s no way I’m putting myself through it again.
Book 3, Selling Out, Austin and Mia
Austin
After years of hustling in the music industry, I’ve finally made it—headlining my own European tour. Sure, I’d love to perform my own songs instead of what my label hands me, but success is all about compromise. It’s also about having a great team, which is why I knew Mia Sawyer had to be one of my backup vocalists the moment I heard her sing. With thousands of fans screaming my name every night, it shouldn’t matter that she doesn’t seem impressed by me. Real relationships aren’t on my radar anyway.
Mia
Austin Sheppard is exactly the kind of “musician” I can’t stand. But with my social media following stagnating so badly, this might be my only chance to get paid to sing—and see Europe. Touring with Austin gives me an up-close look at everything I’ve ever dreamed of as a musician. It also puts me dangerously close to the man I’ve labeled a sell-out. So close, in fact, that I’m starting to worry that next on the line is my heart.
Hail Marry is a beautiful story. I love the family, the football team, and the delightful side characters.
Are you interested in hearing more about author Martha Keyes? She’s one of my featured authors in historical romance, another genre where she excels. Definitely one of my favorite authors.
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Fondly,
Crysti
Thank you for your review of Hail Marry by Martha Keyes. It looks very entertaining, and just the kind of light read I like. I’ll have to see if my local library has the Sheppards in Love series!
Great, Lisa! I think you’ll like it!
Thanks for introducing us to another great book. I love your review of Hail Marry by Martha Keyes and I will put it on my reading list.
Thanks for the encouragement, Hadassah!
I really love to read some wonderful, feel-good stories – especially during summer at the pool! I’m excited to check out Hail Marry by Martha Keyes myself! It sounds like a delightful read!
It really is delightful. I read a lot of historical fiction too, but I like to break up my more serious books with lighter reads. 🙂
This review of Hail Marry on Something Splendid is heartfelt and engaging, highlighting the charming romance, lovable characters, and cozy football backdrop that make this book a must-read.
Thanks, Gina!
This book, Hail Marry by Martha Keyes, sounds very interesting. Got to pick up and read. Thanks for the recommendation!
Of course, Hari! Have a super day.