Showing posts with label Football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Football. Show all posts

Friday, April 12, 2019

Fumbled (Playbook #2) by Alexa Martin

* * * *


A second chance doesn't guarantee a touchdown in this new contemporary romance from the author of Intercepted.

Single-mother Poppy Patterson moved across the country when she was sixteen and pregnant to find a new normal. After years of hard work, she's built a life she loves. It may include a job at a nightclub, weekend soccer games, and more stretch marks than she anticipated, but it's all hers, and nobody can take that away. Well, except for one person.

TK Moore, the starting wide receiver for the Denver Mustangs, dreamt his entire life about being in the NFL. His world is football, parties, and women. Maybe at one point he thought his future would play out with his high school sweetheart by his side, but Poppy is long gone and he's moved on.  

When Poppy and TK cross paths in the most unlikely of places, emotions they've suppressed for years come rushing back. But with all the secrets they never told each other lying between them, they'll need more than a dating playbook to help them navigate their relationship.


Source: advance e-galley provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review


Who can resist a second chance romance? Certainly not me. Poppy gets the shock of her life when she unexpectedly sees TK, her very former high school boyfriend, at her place of work. She's successfully maintained a low key existence with just herself and her son and then suddenly her past crashes into her. TK can't believe that the girl he was in love with in high school and who disappeared without a notice is now standing in front of him. It's almost surreal. The crazy thing is that they've been living in the same city for a few years now and have never run into each other. It's amazing that Poppy has managed not to freak out about that since TK is one of the most popular athletes in Denver. Now that TK knows that she's okay, he's not willing to lose her again and slowly begins to insinuate himself into her life.

This is going to be so awkward for Poppy when she finally confesses to him the real reason why she left without a word years ago. Psst...he's her baby daddy. It's not a huge secret in the story. Poppy is completely aware that she owes TK the truth so it's a matter of when and ... you can imagine how that goes. Shock. Disbelief. TK feels betrayed at first but then comes around. The rest of the story is about him and Poppy getting reacquainted with each other, getting to know his son, and settling into some kind of a routine as an instant family of three. There's a lot of baggage to unpack between them from what pushed Poppy to leave, to boundaries for TK as a sudden dad, to her unease over the risks of TK's livelihood. The last one becoming more critical as she and her son get closer to him.

Poppy was utterly enjoyable. Despite all her struggles, she has a sunny disposition though she does let the sarcasm drip quite often. She's carved out a comfortable and content life that suits her just fine. She's also resilient and it shows. TK might be a giant on the football field but off of it he's more subdued. He doesn't have an ego or an overtly macho thing going on. He's obviously still in love with Poppy and wants to convince her to give them another chance. I simply liked the two of them together. Admittedly, their reunion does have a few hiccups but it's still seems smooth overall, perhaps a little too smoothly for anyone skeptical. But Poppy is most certainly not about drama so the progression of their relationship made sense to me. I question the angelicness of the kid. Maybe it's an odd thing to remark on and don't get me wrong, sweet, angelic kids exist but it cracks me up that whether it's on tv or in books, single parents almost always seem to have amazing non-back talking, rule-following kids. Yes, I'm a mom of three and that's where I get skeptical. LOL.

The first book in the Playbook series, Intercepted was loads of fun and Fumbled is just as enjoyable and satisfying. I appreciate the interracial romance though that's not even addressed as a "thing" in the story. And talk about things working out in the end -- if ever a heroine deserved to have everything, it's our girl Poppy here.

~ Bel


Thursday, February 7, 2019

For Emery (For You #4) by J. Nathan

* * * 1/2

A STANDALONE New Adult Sports Romance in the For You series. Each book follows a new couple.

Emery
I’ve loved Jordan Grady since I was eight.
Since he became my protector.
Since he became my safe haven each night.
But I was younger.
Off limits...
Until high school when he finally kissed me.
And for a few fleeting moments, everything was right in the world.
Then I was forced to do the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do...
Disappear from his life without a trace.

Grady
I’m Alabama’s star right tackle—and a real prick.
I live my life by a few solid truths.
Life isn’t fair.
Don’t let anyone get too close.
And those who claim to care about you can up and leave.
But you know what they say about things that disappear...
But Emery Pruitt had never been mine.
Even if she had returned after four years.
Older.
Confident.
And more beautiful than the night she vanished.
But it didn’t erase the fact that she’d left me.
So, why find me now?
 


Source: advance e-galley provided in exchange for an honest review


Whenever I've read one of J. Nathan's books I've always enjoyed it. I see her as including just enough angst without being too overwhelming which is just the right combination for me.

For Emery is a story about the ultimate kind of friendship that's forged from the earliest and most influential years in a young child's life. Grady first meets Emery when her family moves in next door. Unfortunately, Emery's family life is a mess and she finds solace in hanging out in Grady's bedroom. He makes her feel safe and protected, and maybe it's hero worship that makes her declare that they'll be boyfriend and girlfriend, and even marry one day. Grady doesn't take her too seriously as far as that's concerned since she's a few years younger than him, but it doesn't change how deeply he cares about her and wishes he could fix everything for her. She disappears from his life abruptly and doesn't hear from her again until she shows up at as a freshman at college where he's a star on the football team. Seeing her again is a complete shock and brings up many years worth of pent up bitterness. Still, he's not letting her out of his sight. Now they just have to learn how to become friends all over again.

Be warned that this story involves domestic violence and Grady has some anger issues as well. Grady's behaviour feels a bit off to me only because the Grady in the younger years is extremely kind and protective, whereas the college-age Grady can be a jerk. It is inferred that Emery's disappearance is the cause of the shift in his attitude but I felt still felt as if I was missing something there.

This was an engaging but tough read because of the subject matter, and it's hard not to be overcome by some of the details. They're not terribly graphic, it's more the fear that Emery has lived with for so long and how she must be careful to protect herself. The upside is that two people who thought they'd lost the most meaningful connection to another person they've ever had, find each other again. And it's no an exaggeration to say that their friendship is a lifesaver. J. Nathan tells a good story and I recommend this one if you're up for it.

~ Bel


Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Keeper by Amy Daws Now On Audio!

KEEPER ON AUDIO IS LIVE + A PURSE GIVEAWAY!

You may have heard of the infamous footy-playing Harris Brothers...or you may have heard of the amazing duet-style narrating with Will Watt and Charlotte Cole, well, you're in for a treat! KEEPER on audio has just gone live! 

Soccer stadium in spotlights . Mixed media

Footy star, Booker Harris shares a flat with his best friend from childhood. Problem is, she's not a little girl anymore. Read for FREE in KU or download the audiobook now! E-Book ⚽️ Amazon Audiobook ⚽️ Audible


Or check out all the Harris Brothers with epic duet narrating! Challenge ⚽️ Endurance

Football - Soccer Ball with Green Grass



Duet-style is like a movie in your ears! Here's a sample:


👜PURSE GIVEAWAY👜

In celebration of the release of the Keeper audiobook, my good friends at Jill-E are giving away an awesome Tablet Purse! So you don't have to worry about the battery running out on your phone just as you're getting to the juicy part in the story! 😝😝😝

tablet bag giveaway_v3 

Enter Here ⬇︎⬇︎⬇︎


ABOUT AMY DAWS



Amy Daws is an Amazon Top 100 bestselling author of the Harris Brothers Series and is most known for her punny, footy-playing, British playboys. The Harris Brothers and her London Lovers Series fuel her passion for all things London. When Amy's not writing, she's watching Gilmore Girls or singing karaoke in the living room with her daughter while Daddy awkward-smiles from a distance.
For more of Amy's work, visit: http://www.amydawsauthor.com


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Friday, July 28, 2017

Study Abroad Relaunch and Giveaway



There's no better time than now if you've ever wanted to read the STUDY ABROAD series. The fabulous Jessica Peterson is relaunching the series with brand new covers and they are lovely!

The STUDY ABROAD series features a series of fun and sexy interconnected standalone novels so it's up to you if you'd like to read them in order or as standalones. Here's the best part - the first book in the series, SPANISH LESSONS is free



Spanish Lessons (Study Abroad #1)



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Lessons In Gravity (Study Abroad #2)



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Lessons In Letting Go (Study Abroad #3)


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Lessons In Losing It (Study Abroad #4)


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Finally to celebrate the relaunch, Jessica Peterson is holding a giveaway where you can win a $10 Amazon or iTunes gift card, A STUDY ABROAD prize pack which includes all four ebooks in the STUDY ABROAD series! Click the link below to enter.




About the Author



Jessica Peterson began reading romance to escape the decidedly unromantic awkwardness of her teenage years. Having found solace in the likes of Mr. Darcy, Jamie Fraser (OMG love the gingers!), and Edward Cullen, it wasn’t long before she began creating tall, dark and handsome heroes of her own. 

She lives in Charlotte, North Carolina with her husband, Mr. Peterson, and her smelly Goldendoodle Martha Bean.




Thanks for stopping by and we hope you check out these books!



Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Lessons In Losing It (Study Abroad #4) by Jessica Peterson

* * * 1/2

I swore I'd keep things platonic with the studly soccer player I met in Madrid...until we ended up naked together on his living room floor #Screwed #PunIntended 

Just friends…

That’s all soccer star Fred Ohr wants to be with Rachel Collins, the American student he meets at party in his adopted hometown of Madrid. He’s looking for the real deal—someone who’ll stick around Spain for more than a semester—so he resolves to keep her at arm’s length. Even if she is sexy as hell. Smart. And as crazy about sports as he is.

But friends don’t kiss. They don’t do sleepovers. And they definitely don’t get rug burn from having the best sex ever on the living room carpet.

Fred and Rachel’s connection is instant. Intense. He loves to cook breakfast for her. She loves it when he cooks wearing nothing but his glasses.

Only Rachel’s got a dream internship waiting for her back in the states. And Fred is lining up a contract worth millions to stay in Madrid. They’re playing with fire to keep seeing each other like this. But how can they resist when the sex is so great—really, really freaking great—and the fun they have together is even better?



Source: advance e-galley provided in exchange for an honest review


I'm normally a stickler about reading books in order if they're part of a series but because the premise and the locale of Madrid were so tempting, I ignored that. Armed with my phone to look up the gorgeous and romantic backdrops I dove right in.

What hit me instantly is that Fred is unlike any athlete I've read. He's not about soaking up glory or adulation. Instead he'd prefer to find solace and joy in books. He just hasn't yet found the woman who rocks his world. Along comes Rachel whose semester in Spain is drawing to a close in three weeks. They hit it off superbly: their mutual love of all things Harry Potter and Quidditch makes him a goner for her. Add that to her smarts and humour and it's just bloody unfair that they'd meet now. Fred's always believed that when he falls in love it'll be long-term so he's adamant that it's complete folly to get involved when Rachel won't be around much longer. She sort of feels the same way though she wouldn't mind having a little fun before she leaves. Since this is happening at an inopportune time they agree on being friends, ruling out anything further any time their minds wander in any sexy direction. Unfortunately, they just click so well and there's that darn attraction thing messing things up, too. It's funny how in this Peterson has flipped their roles where he's the weary one not wanting to get his heart broken while Rachel's open to whatever. In fact, she is the one who does the persuing to an extent while still doing her best to respect his wishes.

While a good chunk of the time is spent mulling over the pros and cons of starting a relationship there are other considerations besides the time constraint adding to the complication. In Rachel's case, it's the inevitable clash with her mother over her career choice. She knows in her heart of hearts what she wants to do but can't bring herself to say it yet. That Fred is able to offer her some valuable insight thanks in part to his own similar experience with his family is what made me like them so much as a couple. Establishing that friendship first brings substance that only makes their chemistry stronger. Fred is the sweet, thoughtful guy but he is something else when things get going ...and so is Rachel!

Lessons In Losing It was the mental escape that I needed and it reminded me why of I like reading NA so much. At this stage in life, all the possibilities are exciting, scary and overwhelming. As an adult, I can look back and both relive some things and also see things with better perspective. As a reader, yeah I had my secret hopes for how I wanted things to pan out for them. I believe I got my HFN. Or maybe it's a HEA depending on the reader ;-) I'll definitely be going back to check out the rest of the books in the Study Abroad series!

~ Bel


Saturday, March 18, 2017

Endurance by Amy Daws Blog Tour






He rejected her. She loathes him. Now they have to fool everyone and pretend they actually like each other.

Endurance is NOW LIVE & Free on Kindle Unlimited!
**99cents for a limited time**


Amazon US  I  Amazon UK  I  Amazon CA  I   






He rejected her. She loathes him. Now they have to fool everyone and pretend they actually like each other.

Tanner Harris has been busy shagging his way through the ladies of east London, but getting caught by the paparazzi buck-naked with his trouser snake in his hands means he’s sowed his last wild oat.

Dr. Belle Ryan once thought Tanner Harris was the perfect kind of bearded bad boy she needed to relieve a bit of stress after her intense job as a surgical fellow, but an icy cold rejection from London’s sluttiest footballer puts the two at each other’s throats.

Fate and a favour conspire to put Tanner and Belle back in each other’s paths and they’re forced to do a lot more than get along to save face and their careers.

Rage turns to passion and tempers run sizzling hot when they realise they aren’t just falling for each other—they’re jumping head first. And neither have the endurance to keep their hands to themselves.




 EXCERPT 

I cheers my beer with hers and chug the rest down. I drop the bottle and begin swirling Indie around in a childish spin that sends us both flying in different directions and crashing to the ground. Hot, sweaty hands wrap around me and pull me to my feet.

“Thank you, Good Samaritan,” I slur, turning to face my gallant saviour.

When my eyes glance up and focus, I’m stunned by the bearded vision before me. “You look like a guy I know!”

He clutches his hands firmly around my waist and holds me to him. “You look like a girl I want to know.”

I laugh half-heartedly and try to pull away.

“Are you trying to leave me, lass?” he slurs into my ear.

I frown and my head bobbles. “How could I leave you, Jesus? You’re God’s son…You’re everywhere.” I throw my hands out wide to punctuate my “everywhere” and attempt to stumble away.

He grabs me again, this time his hands dipping lower to my arse. My good mood evaporates instantly. “Hey!” I shout. “Watch your fucking hands!”

I attempt to shove him away, but he feels like one of those doors that you push when you’re supposed to pull. He doesn’t budge. He leans in close and whispers in my ear, “I’d like to put my hands on your tight little—”
Right when I’m about ready to punch the wank stain in his vile mouth, I nearly fall over as a strange momentum spins me away. The man’s hands are no longer groping me. They are now pinned deftly behind his back by no other than—
“Tanner?” I utter with a gasp, my hands covering my mouth at the shock of the scene before me.

“Shove the fuck off, you disgusting prat, before I turn your wrist into a pretzel.” Tanner pushes him into a nearby table, and the man almost topples over but catches himself before scurrying away without a look back.

Blue, angry eyes swerve to me. “Ryan,” Tanner growls, slicing a hand through his hair to get it off of his face. “I’ve texted you like twenty times.”

“I…I…I haven’t looked at my mobile in a while.”

“No fucking shit.” His bearded jaw is taut with anger. “I’m taking you home.”

He reaches out for my arm but I yank it away from him.

“No, you’re not.”

His shoulders rise and fall with a deep breath. “I’m taking you home. You’re completely pissed.”

My eyes narrow. “Of course I am. It’s Tequila Sunrise night.”

“I don’t give a fuck,” he snaps. “Let’s go.”

I shoot him a murderous look when a voice interrupts us. “I’ve got mine. You got yours?” I turn to see Camden holding a sleepy-looking Indie against his body.

Determination slices through Tanner’s voice. “I’ve got her.”

I turn to face him, stumbling a bit as I wag my finger in his face. “Hey, I am not yours!” Suddenly, Tanner bends over and I’m airborne for a second, landing heavily on top of his shoulder. “Are you fucking kidding me, Harris?” I begin pounding on his back but it’s to no avail. “I’m in a dress. My arse is hanging out for all of England!”

“Your arse was hanging out when you spread out on the floor a minute ago. I’m taking you home, Ryan. Even if you’re kicking and screaming.”

“You’re such an arrogant arsehole!” My hands stop their assault on Tanner’s backside in favour of covering my rump. This is mortifying. I hang my head and let my hair cover my face, praying like fuck I don’t see anyone I know. “I can’t believe this is happening.”

“Believe it, woman.” Tanner pauses at the door and turns his body so my head is facing a different direction. “Now, tell this nice man I’m not a rapist.”

A bouncer-looking bloke turns his head upside down to make eye contact with me. I mumble, “He’s not a rapist. Just a walking dead man.” I straighten a bit with my crescendoed scream. The bouncer lets out a hearty laugh that dumps hot coals into the pit of my belly. So not the reaction I was looking for.

He moves to let us pass and then Tanner drops me down in front of a cab. I ball up my fists and wallop him a few times. “I’m not a petulant child, you animal.”
He doesn’t even flinch.

I exhale in concession and fold myself in behind Indie and Camden. When we’re all in the cab and it begins moving, Tanner breaks the silence with a surprisingly jovial tone. “Well, did you all have a fun night?”



 REVIEW 



***1/2

There's a plethora of adult sports romances out now but Amy Daws has my attention because she helps fill the void that I have when it comes to football. No, not that football. FOOTBALL, as in the "beautiful game". And she makes it even better by setting the series in London!

Daws draws us back into the Harris football family, this time with Tanner whose many sexual antics tend to get him in loads of trouble. The media attention he invites is not exactly what Papa Harris wants for his son, his club or the family. It goes absolutely wrong this time when Tanner is thrown out of his lady-friend's house buck naked. With limited options he calls Indie, his team's sports doctor who also happens to be his twin brother's girlfriend. It's not Indie who comes to his rescue but Belle, her roommate who is none too fond of Tanner or his deviant ways. She's not that thrilled either about coming to help him but if there's a proper way to do things, she'll do the opposite. Coming from a well-to-do family with ties in many social circles, Belle has always felt adrift from her parents' priorities to mingle with the rich and influential. So if there ever is a way she can subtly stick it to her parents, especially her ambitious dad, she'll do it. She wasn't banking on the paparazzi plastering her pictures of her and a naked Tanner all over the place though. Oops! Now she appears to be one of his clueless conquests instead of being the hardworking and respected doctor that she is. This latest event angers her and her family, and puts her dad's political aspirations in jeopardy. As a way to make it up to them and to Belle, Tanner's solution is for them to pretend date so that the media won't think it's a one-off. Not ideal but it just might get dad off her back.


I liked Challenge but I like Endurance more. I think it's the playfulness between Tanner and Belle that does it for me. They're both sharp and witty which makes any conversation between them pretty entertaining and of course, loaded with sexual innuendos. They can cut each other with a sentence and also call each other any bull. Making the best of the awkward situation does prove to be too much when the lines get blurred. If it's all pretend, how far should they go in opening up to each other or caring about the other's well-being? For Belle, seeing Tanner with his close-knit family kicks up all sorts of feelings about her own dysfunctional family. And Tanner hears alarm bells when he realizes that Belle is one of the few women in his life who gets through to him. Outside of their evolving relationship, they're both also working on their respective careers. She's working her way up in her chosen area of medicine and he's trying to adapt to his new role within his football organization without his twin by his side. 


I think Amy Daws has become one of my go-to authors. I like how she transports me to a different place and when it comes down to it, I'm entertained. I finished this book pretty quickly because I was having too much fun with Tanner and Belle and their craziness. Fancy a hot footballer and his wicked humour? How about a young career woman who calls it like it is? Endurance will work just fine for you!


~ Bel 



Meet “the other” Harris TWIN  in Challenge!
NOW AVAILABLE & Free on Kindle Unlimited (Standalone)


Amazon US  I  Amazon UK   I   Amazon AU 


Available on Audible


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Amy Daws is a lover of all things British and her London-based love stories bring the incredible city to life on every page. Read all about hot British men, hilarious heroines, and unforgettable and original ensemble casts that pull out all the feels. For more of Amy’s work, visit www.amydawsauthor.com








Friday, February 24, 2017

Endurance by Amy Daws Cover Reveal

Hey Fabulous Readers!

We are so excited to help reveal the fantastic, ab-licious cover for ENDURANCE the brand new book from Amy Daws!

Go ahead, drool and then read on for more info!



Endurance by Amy Daws releases on March 16th!


He rejected her. She loathes him. Now they have to fool everyone and pretend they actually like each other.


Add to your TBR: http://bit.ly/2lQfeLi



Full Blurb

He rejected her. She loathes him. Now they have to fool everyone and pretend they actually like each other.

Tanner Harris has been busy shagging his way through the ladies of east London, but getting caught by the paparazzi buck-naked with his trouser snake in his hands means he’s sowed his last wild oat.
Dr. Belle Ryan once thought Tanner Harris was the perfect kind of bearded bad boy she needed to relieve a bit of stress after her intense job as a surgical fellow, but an icy cold rejection from London’s sluttiest footballer puts the two at each other’s throats.
Fate and a favour conspire to put Tanner and Belle back in each other’s paths and they’re forced to do a lot more than get along to save face and their careers.
Rage turns to passion and tempers run sizzling hot when they realise they aren’t just falling for each other—they’re jumping head first. And neither have the endurance to keep their hands to themselves.


Meet “the other” Harris TWIN  in Challenge!
NOW AVAILABLE & Free on Kindle Unlimited (Standalone)

About the Author



Amy Daws is a lover of all things British and her London-based love stories bring the incredible city to life on every page. Read all about hot British men, hilarious heroines, and unforgettable and original ensemble casts that pull out all the feels. For more of Amy’s work, visit www.amydawsauthor.com