Overall Grade: A-/B+
Tropes: one-night stand to more; opposites attract; surprise baby; new adult romance; sports romance; cinnamon roll MMC; down on her luck FMC
Rally, Devney Perry’s third book in her Treasure State Wildcats series, gifts us with the story of Faye and Rush. If you have read the first book of this series, Coach (my favorite of the series to date), you’re familiar with the broad strokes of their story. However, Rally takes us deeper into its beginning, middle, and beautifully written ending. Seriously, Perry’s endings and bonus epilogues are some of my favorites in romancelandia, and Rally exemplifies this gift well.
Faye and Rush’s story is one of complication. Perry has beautifully penned the trials of Faye becoming pregnant while struggling through life. Thankfully, Perry partners Faye with Rush whose background is less uncomplicated and filled with love so he can learn to love her through her struggles. Rally is a roller coaster ride of emotions as Faye learns to depend on Rush, even though she struggles to become vulnerable and willing to rely on someone. Thankfully, Perry crafts Rush to be uncomplicated and stalwart through Faye’s journey. This adds a sweetness to Rally that feels quintessentially Devney Perry.
My only issues are the oft-used “we’ll rally” or “need to rally” as it feels a bit “on the nose” in this story. I know it’s the battle cry of their relationship, but it seemed too pedantic for Perry. Secondly, there are moments when Rush’s actions are inconsistent with the overarching sense of his character as a noble, compassionate fellow. He sometimes retreats from Faye when, as the quarterback of a successful college team, that seems contrary to who he is. Beyond these issues, I loved Faye and Rush’s story.
Devney Perry’s Rally and its predecessors continue her tradition fo writing palatable, engaging romance. I love her stories, and given Rally and her story, Crossroads, published earlier in the year, I won’t stop reading her stories anytime soon.
In love and romance,
Professor A
Professor Romance 