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nomomstayandread's review
3.0
I believe this was one of Jillian's first books and she has grown leaps and bounds since then. Not that this is bad or anything but you can feel the character development in her newer books a bit clearer than here. I had a bit of trouble with the instalove between the main characters who apparently didn't even know each other's full names before they were ready to put it all on the line.
teriann81's review
1.0
This book is a hard no.
Riddle with queer slurs.
Virgin FMC who slut shames every person in the book, including her best friend, brother and love interest.
Random drunken father who rages between calling his daughter a slut or a lesbian all in the same sentence.
Plot? There’s not one.
Story - dodgy covered in hole and riddled with no character development.
Riddle with queer slurs.
Virgin FMC who slut shames every person in the book, including her best friend, brother and love interest.
Random drunken father who rages between calling his daughter a slut or a lesbian all in the same sentence.
Plot? There’s not one.
Story - dodgy covered in hole and riddled with no character development.
desertlover's review
4.0
This was a sweet, sports based romance. It appears to be the author's debut, and I would definitely read more from her in the future. The ending felt somewhat hurried, but overall it was a touching story. My favorite aspect was the strong female relationship between RJ and Charlie; everyone needs friends like that.
lesleyt's review
dark
emotional
lighthearted
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jenbsbooks's review
4.0
I liked this a lot. Basic contemporary romance, NA (quite a bit of proFanity, sexual situations). I enjoyed my soccer years (looooong ago, as a teen) but soccer really isn't that much of the story. This delves a little more into issues (suicide attempts) but I felt it was uplifting in the overcoming of serious obstacles. I love felt a little rushed, so much so fast, but I guess that can happen sometimes.
I liked the little play on words ... Keeper ;)
I borrowed this while on Kindle Unlimited. I had done a search for Pride and Prejudice, and this was there, a ways down. I really don't think it had any P&P tones, must have been a random placement - but the cover and blurb caught my attention, and then the story kept it.
I liked the little play on words ... Keeper ;)
I borrowed this while on Kindle Unlimited. I had done a search for Pride and Prejudice, and this was there, a ways down. I really don't think it had any P&P tones, must have been a random placement - but the cover and blurb caught my attention, and then the story kept it.
briewhale's review
4.0
I could not put this one down! Which, for me, is unusual. I related to RJ on so many levels: being casual, awkward, and unsure. And Charlie reminded me of my best friend in college, too.
And Mack, well... Of course, he’s this hot soccer star. But my favorite thing about him is his thoughtfulness. Their first date was so perfect. And it warmed my heart the way he was always so understanding when it came to RJ and their relationship.
The book was only from RJ’s perspective, which I’m not used to. It would have been nice to know some of Mack’s thoughts as well, but even without them he was an exceptional character. In fact, I loved the way all the characters were so complex and great, despite their flaws.
The entire book was an emotional roller coaster. There was a lot of drama and “will-they-won’t-they be in a relationship.” It kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. I also appreciated how the author didn’t spend a bunch of time on scenes I didn’t care about as much. If the story strayed from Mack at all, it wasn’t long until he showed up again somehow. There was plenty of romance, humor, and drama to keep me hooked. And it was totally worth dropping everything to read. I am definitely looking forward to the story between Charlie and Jeremy. I have so many questions there!
And Mack, well... Of course, he’s this hot soccer star. But my favorite thing about him is his thoughtfulness. Their first date was so perfect. And it warmed my heart the way he was always so understanding when it came to RJ and their relationship.
The book was only from RJ’s perspective, which I’m not used to. It would have been nice to know some of Mack’s thoughts as well, but even without them he was an exceptional character. In fact, I loved the way all the characters were so complex and great, despite their flaws.
The entire book was an emotional roller coaster. There was a lot of drama and “will-they-won’t-they be in a relationship.” It kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. I also appreciated how the author didn’t spend a bunch of time on scenes I didn’t care about as much. If the story strayed from Mack at all, it wasn’t long until he showed up again somehow. There was plenty of romance, humor, and drama to keep me hooked. And it was totally worth dropping everything to read. I am definitely looking forward to the story between Charlie and Jeremy. I have so many questions there!
sportschicreads's review
4.0
This was an interesting age gap and forbidden romance. It had some more serious parts of the story and other lighthearted moments. Definitely read it if you enjoy age gap and forbidden romances.
It reminded me a bit of Scoring Wilder by RS Grey
It reminded me a bit of Scoring Wilder by RS Grey
capa105's review
4.0
Read full review HERE
I was asked to review this book by the author, and usually I have a pretty good sense of the book, based on previous reviews, but this one had very little… I read it anyway, and OMG guys, I’m so glad I did.
I really liked the writing! You guys know I love dual POV in my romances, and this didn’t have it. Yeah, no dual POV, just Rachel’s POV in the first person. Normally that might have bothered me, but it didn’t, at all. I really really liked it. I didn’t think I was missing a thing by not adding Mack’s POV to the mix.
I absolutely loved the main characters. Both RJ and Mack had some serious shit in their past, but while Mack had been able to deal with it, Rachel hadn’t, because she felt like she couldn’t really burden other people with it, and it was heartbreaking. But they were both strong and determined people. I really liked how unapologetic Rachel was about who she was, though it hurt me to see that she doubted her self worth so much.
Although this is a bit of an instalove story, the connection is there, and it’s always about way more than the physical aspect of things. Actually, I think you could probably count the heated moments in one hand, and there is no explicit scenes… at all. But the amazing connection is there, and it’s so well done. I have to say that I was 100% blindsided by the reason they couldn’t be together… I did not see that one coming! And although it was sort of a forbidden romance, they both try to do the right thing and they talk about it. Yeah, even though at times they think the worst of each other, they don’t let it sit and rot, oh no, they are brutally honest with each other.
I loved how Mack was always willing to fight for her! Even when she didn’t and didn’t think she could. I also really liked that there was no unnecessary drama, like at some points I thought there might be.
Also, Rachel and Jeremy’s relationship is beyond great, it’s a great example of amazing siblings in novels. And now I really want a book about Jeremy and Charlie, because there has to be a lot more to their story.
I REALLY LIKED THIS ONE, IT WAS DEEP AND EMOTIONAL, AND IT DEALT WITH SO MUCH RAW AND IMPORTANT ISSUES. GIVE THIS ONE A CHANCE AND READ IT. NOW!
I was asked to review this book by the author, and usually I have a pretty good sense of the book, based on previous reviews, but this one had very little… I read it anyway, and OMG guys, I’m so glad I did.
I really liked the writing! You guys know I love dual POV in my romances, and this didn’t have it. Yeah, no dual POV, just Rachel’s POV in the first person. Normally that might have bothered me, but it didn’t, at all. I really really liked it. I didn’t think I was missing a thing by not adding Mack’s POV to the mix.
I absolutely loved the main characters. Both RJ and Mack had some serious shit in their past, but while Mack had been able to deal with it, Rachel hadn’t, because she felt like she couldn’t really burden other people with it, and it was heartbreaking. But they were both strong and determined people. I really liked how unapologetic Rachel was about who she was, though it hurt me to see that she doubted her self worth so much.
Although this is a bit of an instalove story, the connection is there, and it’s always about way more than the physical aspect of things. Actually, I think you could probably count the heated moments in one hand, and there is no explicit scenes… at all. But the amazing connection is there, and it’s so well done. I have to say that I was 100% blindsided by the reason they couldn’t be together… I did not see that one coming! And although it was sort of a forbidden romance, they both try to do the right thing and they talk about it. Yeah, even though at times they think the worst of each other, they don’t let it sit and rot, oh no, they are brutally honest with each other.
I loved how Mack was always willing to fight for her! Even when she didn’t and didn’t think she could. I also really liked that there was no unnecessary drama, like at some points I thought there might be.
Also, Rachel and Jeremy’s relationship is beyond great, it’s a great example of amazing siblings in novels. And now I really want a book about Jeremy and Charlie, because there has to be a lot more to their story.
I REALLY LIKED THIS ONE, IT WAS DEEP AND EMOTIONAL, AND IT DEALT WITH SO MUCH RAW AND IMPORTANT ISSUES. GIVE THIS ONE A CHANCE AND READ IT. NOW!
bookphenomena_micky's review
5.0
4.5 stars
Wow, this book has been hiding in plain sight since it's release mid November and I feel like I've found a treasure. This is a writing debut from Jillian Liota and frankly, I'm stunned. Sports romance is one of my absolute favourite genres and I have read varying quality within that area, this is in the top ten. Can I remind you that this is the author's debut and that this author can write, indeed write well.
When I signed up to read this, I recall reading the blurb and being interested to sign up, because it was sports romance. I knew I couldn't read for publication date and now I'm kicking myself and want shout a little about how this book absorbed my thoughts, reading time and gave me book love.
I thought the title meant one thing, then another, then both; even the title is clever. The strongest character in this book is RJ (Rachel), a soccer-playing college girl. She's shy, she keeps to herself and a few others but has some strength of character and spark that reeled me in. She meets Mack and whilst feeling some out-of-character swoons around him, she connects with him. Mack took me on a roller coaster of like, love, dislike and belief. He had his moments of constancy and then flakiness and there's a thread of angst, especially in the last 25%. Essentially both these characters had depth, connection, personality and chemistry. The sports theme was strong which is a must for me in this genre. There were great backstories and character development to get your teeth into.
I didn't want this book to end and yet I needed the culmination like I needed to breathe. I devoured this book over 24 hours. I was unsure of the journey and I liked the unpredictability of certain elements and the way everything wasn't tied up too neatly. I don't know this author but I want to share how good this book is from a story, character and writing perspective. Highly recommended.
A copy of this book was provided by the author in return for an honest review.
Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.
Wow, this book has been hiding in plain sight since it's release mid November and I feel like I've found a treasure. This is a writing debut from Jillian Liota and frankly, I'm stunned. Sports romance is one of my absolute favourite genres and I have read varying quality within that area, this is in the top ten. Can I remind you that this is the author's debut and that this author can write, indeed write well.
When I signed up to read this, I recall reading the blurb and being interested to sign up, because it was sports romance. I knew I couldn't read for publication date and now I'm kicking myself and want shout a little about how this book absorbed my thoughts, reading time and gave me book love.
I thought the title meant one thing, then another, then both; even the title is clever. The strongest character in this book is RJ (Rachel), a soccer-playing college girl. She's shy, she keeps to herself and a few others but has some strength of character and spark that reeled me in. She meets Mack and whilst feeling some out-of-character swoons around him, she connects with him. Mack took me on a roller coaster of like, love, dislike and belief. He had his moments of constancy and then flakiness and there's a thread of angst, especially in the last 25%. Essentially both these characters had depth, connection, personality and chemistry. The sports theme was strong which is a must for me in this genre. There were great backstories and character development to get your teeth into.
I didn't want this book to end and yet I needed the culmination like I needed to breathe. I devoured this book over 24 hours. I was unsure of the journey and I liked the unpredictability of certain elements and the way everything wasn't tied up too neatly. I don't know this author but I want to share how good this book is from a story, character and writing perspective. Highly recommended.
A copy of this book was provided by the author in return for an honest review.
Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.
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