I’ve had Down for the Count on my Goodreads TBR for a while now. I wanted a short contemporary romance book to read for the summer, and this was the perfect book, especially since the two main characters end up in Puerto Rico. A destination that is on my bucket list to visit one day.
Storyline/My Thoughts: First off, this book starts with the female protagonist, Lacey Garrity, catching her groom with one of her bridesmaids. A big no-no for me in stories is cheating, and I’m so glad that Lacey took off running after catching her so-called groom with her best friend/bridesmaid. If she would have stayed, I don’t think I would’ve kept on reading. Who saves her, but her other best friend’s older brother, Galen Thomas. Thank goodness. Galen offers Lacey a daring situation that she will have a hard time turning down. It involves playing games and running away to Puerto Rico to get her mind off what her so-called groom did to her. Unfortunately, Lacey’s family is not happy about it. Lacey, though, will experience the most memorable moments in her life with someone she thought found her annoying. Galen is going to prove how much he cares about Lacey.
I love these kinds of stories where the female protagonist ends up with someone she’s known her whole life, and he ends up being someone she’s had a crush on for a while. Galen Thomas is considered a bad boy, though, especially with what Lacey knows about him. Since he started in it, she’s followed his boxing career, and she knows he has more experience than her. It’s going to be an excellent vacation for both Lacey and Galen in Puerto Rico. I loved their connection with each other. Although, I didn’t particularly appreciate how Lacey’s family interfered at the end.
There are some steamy scenes in this book between Lacey and Galen. Galen shows how Lacey is to be loved and adored, unlike her jerk of a groom. Don’t worry; truths will be revealed in this book about Lacey’s groom.
This happened to be my first book by Christine Bell, and overall, I enjoyed it. I give it four stars. 🙂
Standalone or Part of Series: It’s part of the Dare Me series, but each can be read as a standalone.
HEA: Yes
Steamy: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Trope: Friends to Lovers; Bestfriend’s Brother; Sports (Boxing)
Would I recommend this book? Yes. I recommend this book to Contemporary Romance readers. I also recommend this if you need something while you are at the beach or are on vacation.