Iris Benedetto’s wedding day just went viral . . . for all the wrong reasons.
After a heated blowout with her lying, cheating fiancé at the altar, Iris storms off on a solo honeymoon—loudly announcing that she’s finally going to find out what good sex is all about. Rebranding from small-town preschool teacher to #Horny Runaway Bride was not the plan, but the insanely hot stranger who ends up double-booked in her bungalow on the island of Kauai is an opportunity even devastated Iris can’t ignore.
It’s not often NFL quarterback Roman Maguire meets someone who doesn’t recognize him. Even rarer to have that someone barge in while he’s taking a shower and quickly make him an irresistible offer. Roman is in Hawaii to secure the deal that could finally land him a Super Bowl ring—and closer proximity to his son. A sexy fling in paradise is a perfect way to spend a week with a surprise roommate . . .
Except . . . suddenly a week doesn’t seem nearly enough. And once the truth about Roman’s identity, Iris’s internet infamy, and all kinds of loyalty-testing secrets are revealed, will they both be willing to step into the real-life spotlight together?
Chasing the Ring was my very first Lauren Rowe book, and you could say I am officially now a fan.
This story kicks off with utter chaos. Iris Benedetto discovers her fiancé’s betrayal the night before her wedding, absolutely torches him at the altar, and then does what any self-respecting woman should do: she goes on the honeymoon alone. Enter her accidental rebrand as the internet-famous “Horny Runaway Bride.” Was it planned? No. Was it iconic? Absolutely.
“For one glorious week, baby, we’re going to make our own kind of paradise.”
Her Hawaiian escape gets even better when her beachfront bungalow is double-booked…with Roman Maguire. Tall. Gorgeous. Mysterious. And blissfully anonymous to Iris, who has no idea he’s an NFL quarterback chasing a Super Bowl ring and a future closer to his young son. What starts as a hot-as-sin vacation fling quickly becomes something deeper, richer, and far more emotional than either of them expected.
“And yet, with each step I take away from the bungalow—away from Iris—I feel increasingly like I’m walking away from the great love of my life.”
Lauren Rowe balances panty-melting spice with genuine heart so well. The chemistry between Iris and Roman ignites fast, but the relationship itself unfolds more slowly and thoughtfully. Their connection feels intentional. Earned. Safe. Roman never overpowers Iris. He supports her, gives her space, and lets her choose herself every step of the way. And Roman? That man would fall to his knees daily if Iris asked him to. Swoon doesn’t even begin to cover it.
“To you, Iris. To your balls of steel, your heart of gold, and the debut of your sexy, murderous alter ego.”
Roman Maguire is so much more than a football star. At his core, he’s a man defined by loyalty, intention, and emotional restraint, especially when it comes to protecting his son and his heart. He shows his love through acts of service, through listening, paying attention, and quietly anticipating what Iris needs before she ever has to ask. Roman doesn’t try to fix her or rush her healing; instead, he creates a space where she feels safe enough to choose herself. When he finally opens up, he does it completely, laying bare his fears, his past, and his future. Watching him pine, grovel, and ultimately go all in was deeply satisfying.
Iris is a standout heroine. I loved her off the cuff humor, her warmth, and her quiet strength. She’s a preschool teacher who knows her worth and refuses to be defined by public humiliation or anyone else’s expectations. I loved her friendships, her backbone, and the way she holds firm to her boundaries even when her heart is clearly involved. Roman’s secrecy isn’t brushed aside just because he’s famous, and I really appreciated how communication and accountability were handled when the truth came out.
“That I met a special woman with a heart of gold in Hawaii. A trustworthy, kind, hilarious, sweet woman who never once failed to show me her true self.” His smile drops. “But unfortunately, I was too stupid—or maybe too scared—to let my guard down and return the favor…I’ve come to correct my mistake, Iris. Or at least try. If you’ll let me.”
And then there’s Maverick. Roman’s four-year-old son didn’t just steal my heart, he cemented exactly who Roman is at his core. Watching Maverick fall for Iris just as hard as his dad did was incredibly special. Roman choosing to introduce his son to her felt like the ultimate act of vulnerability, a quiet but powerful declaration that he was willing to go all in. He wasn’t just letting Iris into his life; he was opening every door and showing her everything that matters most to him. And Iris? She welcomed Maverick with open arms. She got down on his level, met him exactly where he was, showed him the ropes, and bonded with him so naturally it felt effortless and real. Their connection added so much warmth and depth to the story. The healthy, respectful co-parenting dynamic was refreshing, the found-family vibes were immaculate, and Maverick brought a sweetness to the book that made every emotional beat hit even harder.
With her, I only want to jump in, headfirst, with my whole heart and without a backup plan. With Iris, I’m all in, always. No reservations or doubts.
While hidden identity isn’t always my favorite trope, it worked beautifully here. It wasn’t dragged out, it wasn’t malicious, and it mattered. Iris doesn’t brush off Roman’s secrecy just because he’s famous—communication and accountability are central to their growth as a couple, and I loved that.
“You’ve always made me feel like you see me, Iris. The real me. When I’m with you—wherever we are, whatever we’re doing—I feel like I can be myself, and you’ll accept me. Like me. Want me for me.”
Once they move beyond the vacation and into real life, the story truly shines. The second half delivers emotional healing, deepening intimacy, and a relationship that feels intentional and well-built. The HEA is incredibly satisfying and grounded in mutual respect, honesty, and love.
Chasing the Ring is funny, heartfelt, spicy, and completely bingeable. It reminded me exactly why sports romance will always have a special place in my heart. I was locked in from the first chapter and didn’t want Iris and Roman’s story to end. I’m already hoping this family gets more books because I would absolutely read every single one.