Tag Archives: sports romance

The Fouls We Make (Braysen U 3) by Brooke O’Brien-review

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🏈The Fouls We Make (Braysen U 3) by Brooke O’Brien-review🏈

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 20, 2024

I’ve sworn off dating football players. After my last relationship ended disastrously, I’ve given up on love entirely.

Determined to start over fresh, somewhere far from Rixton, Tennessee, I impulsively transfer to Braysen University. The Carver twins were like brothers to me growing up. So, when they offer me a place to live until a dorm room frees up, I accept.

Reed Hendrix is as irresistible as he is off-limits. Sleeping in the room next to him could complicate things. Not only because my brother warned Reed to stay away from me but also because falling for him would break my own rule.

Yet it’s unnerving how quickly I find myself giving in to my feelings for him. Before I know it, we’re stealing glances and sneaking around, dangerously toeing the line between flirting and fooling around.

The more I unravel at the hands of Reed, the harder it is to resist falling for him. When my past catches up with me, it’s more than my heart on the line.

They say some rules are meant to be broken.

When secrets are revealed, I can only hope my heart isn’t left broken too.

••••

REVIEW:THE FOULS WE MAKE is the third instalment in Brooke O’Brien’s contemporary, new adult BRAYSEN U erotic, football romance series. This is college football player Reed Hendrix, and fellow student Tatum Pierce’s story line. THE FOULS WE MAKE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story lie premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Tatum and Reed) THE FOULS WE MAKE follows in the wake of Tatum Pierce’s arrival at Braysen University. Tatum Pierce has secrets, secrets that keep her up at night, threatening to break her hard fought need to remain under the radar. Meeting Braysen U football player Reed Hendrix threatens all hopes of not breaking her no-relationship policy until she discovers Reed will be one of her new roommates at Braysen U but all is not well in Tatum’s life; the past has followed and found our story line heroine, and the threats have become dangerous and real.With the help of Reed Hendrix, Tatum is hoping to move forward without always having to look back.

The world building follows two intersecting paths: the building romance and relationship between our story line couple, and the past that continues to threaten our story line heroine. Always trying to keep a low profile, the past has tracked Tatum Pierce, and her nightmare is about to begin anew.

The relationship between Tatum and Reed is a close proximity, friends to lovers,immediate and strong sexual attraction. Needing a place to live, Tatum finds refuse with her brother’s best friends at Braysen U, friends that are all members of the university football team. Under the protection of our story line hero, Tatum finds herself beginning to relax until the past discovers the who, where and why. Falling for Reed is easy, but protecting her heart is more difficult and dangerous. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters include Colter and Ava (The Games We Win 1) Beckham and Hallyn (The Rivals We Hate 1), Hayes and Everly (The Plays We Fake 2), as well as the introduction of Tatum’s brother Talon Pierce and his friend Wren, Colter’s sister Wyatt, Zane and Knox. The author has plans for a ‘hockey’ romance series featuring Tatum’s brother Talon.

THE FOULS WE MAKE is another story of betrayal and obsession, secrets and lies, power and control, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is captivating, haunting and intriguing; the romance is spicy and spirited; the characters are determined, clever and realistic.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Rivals We Hate
The Plays We Fake

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

USA Today Bestselling author Brooke O’Brien writes steamy and swoon-worthy new adult and contemporary romances.

She believes a love worth having is worth fighting for, and she brings this into her stories where her characters risk it all for love.

If Brooke’s not writing or reading, she’s probably spending time with her family, binge-watching the latest crime documentary, indulging in chocolate, or watching Hawkeye football or NBA basketball.

Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/brookesbookbabes

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorbrookeobrien

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorbrookeo

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Website: https://www.authorbrookeobrien.com

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The Plays We Fake (Braysen U 2) by Brooke O’Brien-review tour

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The Plays We Fake (Braysen U 2) by Brooke O’Brien-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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Goodreads: https://bit.ly/ThePlaysWeFakeGR

ABOUT THE BOOK : Release Date March 29, 2024

I’ve heard the rumors about the football players in our small town. Trouble always has a way of finding them, and the girls can’t get enough of their wild ways.

Hayes Carver has the bad-boy reputation down to go with his scoring records and good looks.

Everything changes after the game that destroyed his image and painted him as a dirty player. From the press and social media to his coach and teammates, the pressure is building, and he can’t seem to escape the constant scrutiny.

When his limits are tested, Hayes turns to me for a way out.

He proposes that I play along as his fake girlfriend in hopes it changes the narrative and takes the pressure off him.

The rules are set in stone. Faking a relationship with him won’t be easy, and falling for him is out of the question.

Yet the more time we spend together, the more the lines between what’s real and fake begin to blur.

Hayes needs me to help save his reputation, but to do it, I’ll have to risk my heart.

••••

REVIEW:THE PLAYS WE FAKE is the second instalment in Brooke O’Brien’s contemporary, new adult BRAYSEN U erotic, sports romance series. This is university students, football player Hayes Carver, and Everly Winthrop’s story line. THE PLAYS WE FAKE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. Hayes is Beckham Carver’s brother ( The Rivals We Hate 1). There is a slight cross over between books one and two.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Hayes and Everly) THE PLAYS WE FAKE follows the fake relationship between our story line couple. Everly Winthrop often helps assist with the school media program but our heroine has no time for holier than thou sports stars, especially Hayes Carver. Hayes is struggling with bad publicity following an on-field incident and having a full-time girlfriend may help clean up his bad boy image. Enter Everly Winthrop, the woman with whom Hayes will fall in love but Hayes is keeping secrets, threats against his future and the people he loves, and in this, Hayes is battling his conscience and the secrets that may be revealed.

The world building focus on the fake but growing relationship between our story line couple: their friends and potential enemies, the game of football, and the threats made against our story line hero. Everly reveals a slightly dark blemish about her past, a past that is about to become up close and personal.

The relationship between Everly and Hayes begins acrimoniously. Hayes is desperate to clean up his reputation as the social media campaign against him becomes dangerous and dark. Everly finds herself falling for our hero, someone who is so much more than the rumors and lies. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate-Hayes likes to talk dirty in the bedroom but he is a one woman kinda guy and from the outset he is hoping for something more.

Most of the previous story line characters return including Beckham and Hallyn, roommate Colter Vaughn and his girlfriend Ava; Reed Hendrix; Everly’s roommate Willow, as well as several teammates, and hockey player Talon Pierce, and his sister Tatum.

THE PLAYS WE FAKE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is strong and haunting; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are determined and dynamic.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one THE RIVALS WE HATE

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

USA Today Bestselling author Brooke O’Brien writes steamy and swoon-worthy new adult and contemporary romances.

She believes a love worth having is worth fighting for, and she brings this into her stories where her characters risk it all for love.

If Brooke’s not writing or reading, she’s probably spending time with her family, binge-watching the latest crime documentary, indulging in chocolate, or watching Hawkeye football or NBA basketball.

Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/brookesbookbabes

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorbrookeobrien

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorbrookeo

Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorbrookeo

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorbrookeobrien

Website: https://www.authorbrookeobrien.com

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Kiss Hard (Hard Play 4) by Nalini Singh-a review

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KISS HARD (Hard Play 4) by Nalini Singh-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 3, 2022

Daniel Esera is a young god on the rugby field, a sexy and charming man who’s got the world at his feet. There’s just one problem: his sudden potent attraction to his number one nemesis–Catie River. No. Just no. Not happening.

Catie River is on her way to Paralympic gold, and she’s not about to allow Danny “Hotshot” Esera to derail her plans. Too bad her body isn’t cooperating. Even worse? Her heart might be coming along for the ride. No. Nope. Never.

The pair are united in their desire to remain enemies… until a stranger’s reckless action threatens both their careers. Now, the only way out for Catie and Danny is to pretend to be in a relationship. How bad can it be? They’re adults in full control of their hormones and their hearts. There will be no kissing. No PDA. And definitely no falling in love.

Let the games begin.

••••••

REVIEW: KISS HARD is the fourth instalment in Nalini Singh’s contemporary, adult HARD PLAY erotic, romance series. This is soon to be twenty-five year old, New Zealand rugby star Daniel Esera, and Paralympian Catie River’s story line. KISS HARD can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Catie is Isa Rain’s sister (Cherish Hard 1), and Daniel is Jacob Esera’s brother (Love Hard 3).

Told from dual third person perspectives (Daniel and Catie) KISS HARD follows the frenemies to lovers fake relationship between soon to be twenty-five year old, New Zealand rugby star Daniel Esera, and Paralympian Catie River. A night on the town with friends finds Daniel Esera a victim of a drug assault at the local bar. Noticing something was wrong, Catie River immediately took charge, getting our hero to the hospital just in time. As both Catie and Daniel were fodder for the paparazzi and local sports news, Daniel wanted to keep everything on the down low but the possibility of a major fallout found Daniel and Catie embarking on a ‘fake relationship’ in an effort to keep the media at bay. As Daniel and Catie’s fake relationship begins to take on a life of its’ own, Daniel finds himself at a professional crossroad, a crossroad that is about to pull our hero away from the woman with whom he is falling in love. What ensues is the frenemies to lovers relationship between Daniel and Catie, and the potential fall-out as time apart forces our couple to reconsider the future with or without the person who has stolen their heart.

Catie River never considered her own happily ever after having watched her own parent’s relationship implode. Years earlier, an accident cost our heroine her legs, changing Catie’s life forever. Her relationship with Daniel has always been fraught with antagonism and irritation, anger disguising a palpable sexual attraction. Daniel Esera’s life as a professional rugby player has stagnated, and the recent incident at the local bar could quite possibly threaten our hero’s career. A fake relationship with Paralympian Catie River is the key to possibly redirecting his life but Daniel never expected to fall for our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We welcome the return of Catie’s sister Isa and her husband Sailor Bishop; Gabriel and Charlotte ; and Daniel’s brother Jacob. We are introduced to Catie’s friend Laveni aka Veni, and fellow rugby player Viliame Vili Serevi; Catie’s mother Jacqueline, and her father Clive and girlfriend Gloria; as well as Daniel’s parents Allison and Joseph.

KISS HARD is a story of family and friendships, relationships and acceptance; struggle and healing, love and understanding. The premise is inviting and captivating; the romance is flirty and energetic; the characters are ambitious and charismatic.

Previous Reviews and Reading Order

Cherish Hard
The Rebel Hard
Love Hard

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Right Way by Katie Ashley -Review tour

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The Right Way by Katie Ashley-Review Tour

 

 

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 2, 2020

After witnessing his younger brother’s death in a tragic accident, Jonathan Nelson desperately tries losing himself on the gridiron. No matter how hard he tries keeping his head above water, he’s drowning in a sea of grief. Compounding his inability to get his head on straight is Presley—the girl who had a complicated relationship with his brother, Jake, and who is pregnant with his child. At first, Jonathan only harbors resentment and animosity to Presley when she moves in with his parents. But the more the two are thrown together, the more his feelings for her begin to change, and the more confusing Jake’s loss becomes.

Presley Patterson never imagined finding out she was pregnant just a month before graduating high school. She also never fathomed losing the baby’s father to a tragic accident. Needing support for her and her unborn child, she seeks solace by moving in with Jake’s parents. She isn’t too surprised to find an adversary in Jonathan, but she isn’t about to let him ruin the first stability she’s ever experienced. Surprisingly, the animosity towards Jonathan begins to fade and is replaced by more amorous feelings. Taking a chance on Jonathan means risking the perfect world she’s built for herself and her daughter.

Can the two move on from the specter of Jake in order to find a future together, or will their wounded hearts remain unhealed?

••••••••

REVIEW:Jonathon Nelson’s college football career hangs in the balance. After having some precarious situations on the field, his coach finally gives him the ultimatum of seeking some psychiatric help or no longer being allowed to practice / play on the team. Regretfully, Jonathon knows he is right. After recently witnessing his younger brother Jake die in a tragic accident at the age of 18, his life has drastically changed. Jonathon comes home to help Presley Patterson move into his parents home. Harboring ill will and discontent their encounter at his parents house does not go so well. Presley claims after the death of Jake that she is pregnant with his child. This does not sit well with Jonathon and he says some things he quickly comes to regret.

Once having confirmation that Presley was pregnant with Jake’s child he soon realizes that he spoke out of turn and too soon! Upon apologizing to Presley they slowly come to an understanding that the most important thing in all of their lives is Jake’s child.

What started out as discontent slowly turns into friendship and then once the baby is born their love continues to grow for each other.

Jonathon is a cocky, arrogant jock who’s mouth speaks without thinking. He says some hurtful things to his brothers baby momma. He is quickly out in his place by his dear friend and once he realizes he read the whole situation wrong, he makes amends for what he says! Once baby Evie is born, I absolutely fell in love with the way he fell for the baby and Presley!

Presley didn’t have the best reputation in school growing up, and she knew a lot of people didn’t approve of her on again, off again relationship with Jake. But when she winds up pregnant to him, he ends up dying before letting anyone know what the situation is. Luckily he wrote a letter before his tragic death, in it he explains that he is the baby’s father and he will take care of her! Presley soon finds out that what she feels for Jonathon is much different than what she felt for his brother Jake.

The coming of age of two young people, determined to put the baby that has come into their lives first! Heart-warming and beautiful!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Erin K

 

Katie Ashley is a New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon Best-Selling author of both Indie and Traditionally published books. She lives outside of Atlanta, Georgia with her daughter, Olivia, and her spoiled mutt, Duke. She has a slight obsession with Pinterest, The Golden Girls, Shakespeare, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Scooby-Doo.

With a BA in English, a BS in Secondary English Education, and a Masters in Adolescent English Education, she spent eleven years teaching both middle and high school English, as well as a few adjunct college English classes. As of January 2013, she hung up her red pen and expo markers to become a full-time writer. Each and every day she counts her blessings to be able to do her dream job.

Although her roots are firmly planted in the red Georgia clay, she loves traveling the country and world to meet readers and hang out with fellow authors. When she’s not writing or chasing down her toddler, you might find her watching reruns of The Golden Girls, reading historical biographies, along with romance novels, or spending way too much time on Facebook.

CONNECT WITH KATIE

➜ NEWSLETTER: http://bit.ly/2ljVosh
➜ FACEBOOK: facebook.com/katie.ashleyromance
➜ FACEBOOK READER GROUP (ASHLEY’S ANGELS):facebook.com/groups/ashleyangels
➜ WEBSITE: www.katieashleybooks.com
➜INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/katieashleyluv
➜ TWITTER: twitter.com/katieashleyluv
➜ PINTEREST: pinterest.com/katieashleyluv

 

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Hitting It by Kathy Lyons – a Review

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Hitting It by Kathy Lyons – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository 

Description:
Making it to the Major Leagues is all rookie ballplayer, Rob Lee, has ever dreamed of. But now, he’s a little overwhelmed with his new celebrity status. Everyone wants a piece of the new heavy hitter for the Indianapolis Bobcats. Still, he’s worked hard for it, and he doesn’t have many regrets. Although there is one…

If journalist Heidi Wong wants to keep her job, she needs to come up with a story—fast! That’s why she tells her boss that she knows the Bobcat’s reclusive new slugger, Rob Lee. And she does…in the Biblical sense. During Spring Break three years ago, she and Rob shared a torrid night on the beach. And she’s wanted him again ever since.

But everyone knows reporters and athletes don’t mix. Rob’s contract doesn’t allow him to talk to the press, and her job depends on it. Which is driving them both just a little crazy…

 

Review:

Hitting It by Kathy Lyons is a quick fun read and if you’re a sports fan, even better as the hero is a baseball player.  Rob Lee is a rookie in major league baseball and his career comes first, except for one problem, he can seem to forget the fling he had three years ago with Heidi, who is now a journalist.  When she comes to interview him as a last ditch effort to save her job, both of them remember their tryst three years ago and old feelings creep back in. 

I thought Miss Lyons did an excellent job with the pace of the story, showing us how they met three years ago and then bringing it around to the present and what they are both going through.  You can plainly see both have very real feelings for the other but are struggling with their jobs, and how everyone else around them would react should they get together and make it official. The sexual angst and chemistry is there, and toss in everything else, it makes for quite a roller coaster ride for this duo, but somehow they manage to prevail. 

Their adventure is fast, fun, exciting and watching both Rob and Heidi come to terms with everything, and realizing that the only thing missing from their lives is the other person is dramatic and real.  Their story kept me entertained from beginning to end and made me root for them as a couple. Rob and Heidi are funny, charming and sweet together and make the story flow from page to page that before you know it you’ve read the entire book.

I do have to say I really enjoyed the last bit of the story when Rob goes to see Heidi before she goes off to California to study journalism and winds up meeting her family. Those scenes had me laughing out loud and thinking that’s exactly how anyone would feel meeting the family for the first time. Especially when you aren’t expecting to meet the family. Rob and her family were cute and you can see they did finally approve of him. 

Hitting It by Kathy Lyons gets my sports fan approval and for anyone whose looking for as fast, fun romantic read, then this one’s for you.    

Until next time, happy reading everyone!!

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Playing House by Amy Andrews – a Review

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Playing House by Amy Andrews – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

 

Description:
Eleanor is content with her boring life—mostly. She’s even fine being the quirky sister in a bevy of beauties. So imagine her surprise when one of her brother’s Sydney Smoke mates hits on her at an engagement party. Her. The weird sister, who wears vintage dresses and prefers her books to parties.

Bodie is shocked the next morning to find the soft, sexy virgin who seduced him with corsets is his best friend’s little sister. And two months later, she’s got an even bigger surprise for him. Now he needs to convince the corset-loving wallflower that he loves her uniqueness if they’ve got a chance at forever.

 

Review;

Playing House by Amy Andrews is part of her Sydney Smoke Rugby series and I really enjoyed it.  As this is only the second book in the series I’ve had the chance to read, I feel I really should go back and read the previous ones now thanks to the creative writing and story telling of Miss Andrews.  I liked the overall plotline, the characters, and pace of the story.  Even though it was a quick read, I felt events moved along at a good pace and didn’t rush the characters through their adventure.  Her character development for Eleanor and Bodie is nicely paced, allows the reader to get to know them, what makes them click and why they are drawn to each other. 

Eleanor is quite the quirky character and just made me smile.  I loved that she went by the beat of her own drum and followed her own heart and interests in life. She didn’t let life dictate to her, she created her own life, one that she was comfortable and happy with.  Sure she liked the Victorian era of things; clothing, romance and relationships etc, but she made it work for her, and that’s all that mattered where she’s concerned until she meets the dashing and debonair Bodie. 

Bodie plays on her brother’s rugby team the Sydney Smoke.  He’s your typical athlete, buff, macho, charming, and sexy as all get out.  I really, really liked Bodie, and just wish I could’ve heard his Aussie accent, as I love a good Aussie accent on a sexy guy 😉 We learn about Bodie’s bad experience where love was concerned and how he has since sworn off it until he meets Eleanor at her brother’s engagement party.  Poor Bodie doesn’t know she’s the sister of his best friend and teammate Ryder when he goes to talk to her, and Eleanor doesn’t tell him that fact, instead she gives him a fake name and the two of them hit it off and sparks fly.  The chemistry between Eleanor and Bodie is there from the beginning and continues to burn throughout the story.  They are two characters who just clicked from the first meeting and made their adventure fun, flirty, sexy and just darn right adorable.  Even with Eleanor’s quirks and love of all things Victorian, Bodie can’t help being attracted to her and all that she loves.  It’s just sweet watching them fall for each other and figure out how they will deal with becoming parents after their one steamy night together.  I was sad for them when Eleanor had the miscarriage, but I couldn’t help but hope somehow they’d find a way to stay together and have the HEA both of them deserve.  The scene where Bodie goes to Eleanor’s family home to convince her he loves her, and wants to marry her couldn’t have been more perfectly written for her character, and had me cheering Bodie on.  It was just the perfect ending to their fairy tale romance.  Bravo Miss Andrews, bravo for that scene. 

If you haven’t had the chance to read any of the Sydney Smoke series by Miss Andrews what are you waiting for??  Get on it already, trust me you won’t be disappointed.  I know I’m not. 

Until next time, happy reading everyone!!   

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Publisher

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Hard to Hold (Hard to Play #1) by Katie Rose-a review

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HARD TO HOLD (Hard to Play #1) by Katie Rose-a review

Hard To Hold

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / BAM /

About the book: Release Date September 13, 2016

New Jersey Hurricanes striker Logan Hart lives for the grind of training, the adrenaline of competition, and all the perks of the road—until his ex hands him a baby and tells Logan to raise her on his own. He’s eager to pass this bundle of joy into more capable hands and get back to his hard-playing, hard-partying ways. But when a beautiful, blond drill sergeant of a nanny turns Logan’s life upside down, he sets a new goal: winning her heart.

Isabella Bennett takes pride in teaching the rich and famous how to become loving families. Her no-nonsense style is just what Logan and his crying, copper-haired cutie need. So why can’t she get the image of Logan’s tanned, muscular body out of her head? Isabella’s here to whip a new father into shape, not fall for a sexy ladies’ man. But their chemistry is too tantalizing to ignore, much like the temptation to trust someone with her deepest secrets—and embrace a loving family all her own.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: HARD TO HOLD is the first installment in Katie Rose’s contemporary, adult HARD TO PLAY sport, romance series focusing on the New Jersey Hurricanes professional soccer team. This is strike Logan Hart, and nanny Isabella Bennett. Hard to Play is a spin off from Rose’s Boys of Summer series. You do not have to read the original series to enjoy Hard to Hold.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Logan and Isabella) HARD TO HOLD follows the building relationship between professional soccer player Logan Hart, and his new nanny Isabella Bennett. Days prior to their first meeting Logan comes to face to face with a woman he met one year before- a one-night stand- and the woman hands Logan a three month old child claiming our hero is the dad. As a professional sports player who is on the road more than he is at home, Logan struggles with what to do next and calls his sister Jessica Hart (Boys of Summer #3) for advice. Enter professional nanny Isabella Bennett, and the woman who calls to Logan’s heart. What ensues is the ‘forbidden’ relationship between the nanny and her boss, and Logan’s attempts to locate the mother of his child who all but disappeared within minutes of depositing off her child.

Isabella is a take charge woman; a no-nonsense nanny with a bit of an attitude about work-place romances but a woman with a secret that could break Logan’s heart. Realizing Logan is ill-prepared for a child, our heroine ensures that the child is her first priority, and begins to teach Logan what it is he needs to know about raising a child. Logan is a sexy sports star whose return to America finds him struggling with his new team and their lack of drive and need to win.

The attraction between Isabella and Logan is immediate. The sexual tension is high, and the anxiety about crossing the invisible line runs tight throughout the story. Isabella is fearful of destroying her reputation by having an affair with Logan but Logan is a man determined to win the heart of both Isabella and the young child. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive. The drama was limited to our heroine’s secrets, and Logan’s search for the truth.

We are introduced to several of Logan’s teammates and coaches, as well as Logan’s extended family and friends including his brothers Coulter and Rory; Isabella’s friends Patty, and Anna McCarthy-a pediatrician. Jessica and Gavin (Boys of Summer #3) cross over for familiarity and cohesion between the two series.

The world building follows Logan’s search for the truth and his struggle as a single father whose career is not conducive to raising a child alone; the romance between our leading couple; and the players and coaches for the New Jersey Hurricanes. I did have a small issue with one particular aspect of the story that was not quite believable and appeared to come out of left field when our heroine took the baby to one of Logan’s games-the ensuing reactions from coaches and management was hard to fathom.

HARD TO HOLD is a sweet but predictable romance; a story about two people brought together by the innocence of a small child caught up in a world where big people play. The premise is enjoyable; the characters are colorful and entertaining; the romance is intimate and provocative. HARD TO HOLD is a great start to a new series by Katie Rose.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Completing the Pass (Santa Fe Bobcats #5) by Jeanette Murray-a review

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COMPLETING THE PASS (Santa Fe Bobcats #5) by Jeanette Murray-a review

Completing the Pass

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 17, 2016

Teamwork improves the chances of scoring . . .

When the Bobcats’ fate on the field is sealed, and they would rather give their starting quarterback, Trey Owens, a break, they call in Josh Leeman: “The Backup.” But after Trey is placed on the disabled list for the season, all eyes are on Josh to lead the team. Josh’s sudden superstar status thrusts him into the spotlight, and garners plenty of attention from the ladies—except for one.

Carrington Gray is delighted to see her father released from the hospital—but not so much to see Josh at the celebration. Their mothers have long tried to set them up, although it’s had the opposite effect. But under the circumstances, Carri and Josh would rather go on fake dates to appease their mothers than rock the boat. Yet the more time these two work together on their little lie, the more they see the surprising truth.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: COMPLETING THE PASS is the fifth installment in Jeanette Murray’s contemporary, adult SANTA FE BOBCATS erotic, sports romance series focusing on the members of the professional football team of the same name. This is second string quarterback Josh Leeman, and real estate investor Carrington Gray’s frenemies to lovers story line. COMPLETING THE PASS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Carri and Josh) COMPLETING THE PASS follows Carri as she returns to Santa Fe to help her mother look after her ailing father. Carri and Josh’s families have known one another all of their lives, and with Carri’s return their meddling mothers plan to push the couple together unaware that Carri and Josh’s relationship has been antagonist for many years. What ensues is the building relationship between Carri and Josh that slowly melts the ice around our heroine’s heart.

The long running love –hate relationship between Carri and Josh is a perpetual theme throughout the book but more so for our heroine who is unable to forget about the past. There is never a reasonable explanation as to why our couple has been frenemies for most of their lives but in the end, Josh needs someone to ground him as he takes over the Bobcats quarterback duties, and Carri is the only one to keep him in line. The $ex scenes are provocative and seductive.

The world building continues to focus on the Santa Fe Bobcats-the team, the friendships, the relationships and their loves. The epilogue fast forwards the story line four years, so I am not sure where that leaves the remaining players or the updates of the couples we have already met.

COMPLETING THE PASS is an entertaining and enjoyable read. At times Carri’s attitude and dislike of Josh ran a little too close to childish and immature-she was a difficult heroine to like in the early stages of the story as she continued to push too many buttons. The premise is heartwarming; the characters are engaging and colorful; the romance is a cat fight to a happily ever after.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
One Night With the Quarterback
Loving Him Off the Field
Takes Two to Tackle
Romancing the Running Back
Completing the Pass

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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