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javalenciaph's review
5.0
Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.
Goodness, I couldn't help but fall in love with the town of Falcon and this sweet and sensitive story about two people trying to find their way home, only to find it in each other. The title speaks for itself because there's absolutely nothing rushed about Darcy Wilde and Robbie Dalton's love story. There are shared moments where I couldn't help but snicker and shake my head and then moments where I found myself getting teary-eyed. I wish I could list down all my favorite moments in this review but then that would be spoiling the overall experience for those who have yet to discover the joy that is this book. Suffice it to say that this was small town romance that was big on emotion and even though nothing was rushed, it was far from boring and I found myself not getting enough of the very quirky but memorable cast of characters.
This was such an excellent beginning to a series that I have a feeling will quickly become a favorite. Readers are introduced to the town and what makes it tick, as well as its people, some of whom stood out more than others. There's Darcy's cousin and Robbie's best friend Logan Wilde, who was with Robbie in Afghanistan and is also an assistant coach on the football team as well as a budding restaurateur and Miss Ada Wilde, Darcy and Logan's grandmother who took them in when Darcy was abandoned by her mother and Logan by his widower father, respectively. Of course, a special shout-out goes to Avery who was a dog that stole the spotlight time and again and who had me shedding a tear in chapters sixteen and seventeen. I'm highly recommending Slow and Steady Rush for your weekend read and give it five out of five stars. ♥
Goodness, I couldn't help but fall in love with the town of Falcon and this sweet and sensitive story about two people trying to find their way home, only to find it in each other. The title speaks for itself because there's absolutely nothing rushed about Darcy Wilde and Robbie Dalton's love story. There are shared moments where I couldn't help but snicker and shake my head and then moments where I found myself getting teary-eyed. I wish I could list down all my favorite moments in this review but then that would be spoiling the overall experience for those who have yet to discover the joy that is this book. Suffice it to say that this was small town romance that was big on emotion and even though nothing was rushed, it was far from boring and I found myself not getting enough of the very quirky but memorable cast of characters.
This was such an excellent beginning to a series that I have a feeling will quickly become a favorite. Readers are introduced to the town and what makes it tick, as well as its people, some of whom stood out more than others. There's Darcy's cousin and Robbie's best friend Logan Wilde, who was with Robbie in Afghanistan and is also an assistant coach on the football team as well as a budding restaurateur and Miss Ada Wilde, Darcy and Logan's grandmother who took them in when Darcy was abandoned by her mother and Logan by his widower father, respectively. Of course, a special shout-out goes to Avery who was a dog that stole the spotlight time and again and who had me shedding a tear in chapters sixteen and seventeen. I'm highly recommending Slow and Steady Rush for your weekend read and give it five out of five stars. ♥
shannon_cocktailsandbooks's review
4.0
This book covers a lot of relationship ground and does it really well.
Darcy Wilde is a research librarian at Emery University when she returns to Falcon, Alabama to nurse the grandmother who raised her. To say that Darcy doesn’t want to be there is putting it mildly, but she firmly believes you do for family. Robbie “Dalt” Dalton is a former Army Ranger who has moved to Falcon to be near his friend, Logan, and be the new football coach/math teacher. He has a whole luggage cart of baggage that he brings with him. The attraction between these two is immediate and when they realize they can’t fight it, they decide to have a “fun for now relationship.”
Trentham does a fabulous job of developing Darcy and Robbie as characters and letting us get to know them. They both have a lot going on and seeing how they handle the other relationships and obligations makes you like them even more. There is a wonderful cast of secondary characters, including the town of Falcon itself, that help drive the story along.
While the story revolves around the romance between Darcy and Robbie, there are also themes about relationships in general running through the book. You see examples of family, friends, mentors, and community relationships that grow and impact our hero and heroine and ultimately their relationship with each other. Slow and Steady Rush is a feel good story that has you rooting for everyone involved and looking forward to coming back for more.
Reviewed by Elizabeth B for Cocktails and Books
Darcy Wilde is a research librarian at Emery University when she returns to Falcon, Alabama to nurse the grandmother who raised her. To say that Darcy doesn’t want to be there is putting it mildly, but she firmly believes you do for family. Robbie “Dalt” Dalton is a former Army Ranger who has moved to Falcon to be near his friend, Logan, and be the new football coach/math teacher. He has a whole luggage cart of baggage that he brings with him. The attraction between these two is immediate and when they realize they can’t fight it, they decide to have a “fun for now relationship.”
Trentham does a fabulous job of developing Darcy and Robbie as characters and letting us get to know them. They both have a lot going on and seeing how they handle the other relationships and obligations makes you like them even more. There is a wonderful cast of secondary characters, including the town of Falcon itself, that help drive the story along.
While the story revolves around the romance between Darcy and Robbie, there are also themes about relationships in general running through the book. You see examples of family, friends, mentors, and community relationships that grow and impact our hero and heroine and ultimately their relationship with each other. Slow and Steady Rush is a feel good story that has you rooting for everyone involved and looking forward to coming back for more.
Reviewed by Elizabeth B for Cocktails and Books
kbranfield's review
5.0
Laura Trentham's debut novel, Slow and Steady Rush, is a fresh and engaging romance that I absolutely LOVED. The characters are superbly developed and likable, the plot is unique and the small town setting is realistic and homey. This first installment in the Falcon Football series is quite captivating and will leave readers very impatient for the release of book two, Caught Up in the Touch.
Darcy Wilde could not wait to leave the small town of Falcon, Alabama behind and she has made a wonderful life for herself in Atlanta. But when the grandmother who raised her needs her help, Darcy puts her career and life on hold and returns to Falcon where she immediately crosses paths with newcomer Robbie Dalton. Robbie served with Darcy's cousin Logan in the army and Logan was instrumental in getting Robbie hired as the football coach/math teacher at the local high school. Robbie and Darcy are attracted to one another, but since Darcy plans to leave as soon her grandmother is back on her feet, they have no intention of acting on their mutual desire. That is until a minor misunderstanding leads to gossip that jeopardizes Robbie's career and Logan proposes a zany plan to squash those crazy rumors circulating about Robbie...
Darcy spent her childhood trying to live down her absentee mother's wild reputation and she found solace at the local library where her grandmother was the head librarian. Now working as research librarian at a university, Darcy is in line for a big promotion but her family's needs trump her career aspirations for the foreseeable future. Darcy is pleasantly surprised by her new perception of her small hometown, but is she willing to make her return permanent?
Robbie is a sweet, caring man, but he is haunted by his past. His childhood was very traumatic and he never forgets just how close to the edge he once walked. Robbie is very closemouthed about his accomplishments and he is very eager to begin a new life in Falcon. His past experiences make him an excellent coach who pushes his players to do well athletically and academically. Robbie is willing to ride out the rumors swirling around him, but when Logan comes up with an idea that could put an end to the gossip about him, he finds himself in a faux relationship with Darcy that begins to feel a little too real.
An exceptionally well-written novel with an appealing cast of characters, Slow and Steady Rush is a fun and flirty romance that is also poignant and thought-provoking. Darcy and Robbie are three dimensional characters who spring vibrantly to life and it is very easy to root for them both individually and as a couple. Laura Trentham accurately portrays both the good and bad of small town life and despite a few negative experiences, the overall atmosphere is warm and inviting. All in all, it is an excellent beginning to the Falcon Football series that fans of contemporary romances are going to love.
Darcy Wilde could not wait to leave the small town of Falcon, Alabama behind and she has made a wonderful life for herself in Atlanta. But when the grandmother who raised her needs her help, Darcy puts her career and life on hold and returns to Falcon where she immediately crosses paths with newcomer Robbie Dalton. Robbie served with Darcy's cousin Logan in the army and Logan was instrumental in getting Robbie hired as the football coach/math teacher at the local high school. Robbie and Darcy are attracted to one another, but since Darcy plans to leave as soon her grandmother is back on her feet, they have no intention of acting on their mutual desire. That is until a minor misunderstanding leads to gossip that jeopardizes Robbie's career and Logan proposes a zany plan to squash those crazy rumors circulating about Robbie...
Darcy spent her childhood trying to live down her absentee mother's wild reputation and she found solace at the local library where her grandmother was the head librarian. Now working as research librarian at a university, Darcy is in line for a big promotion but her family's needs trump her career aspirations for the foreseeable future. Darcy is pleasantly surprised by her new perception of her small hometown, but is she willing to make her return permanent?
Robbie is a sweet, caring man, but he is haunted by his past. His childhood was very traumatic and he never forgets just how close to the edge he once walked. Robbie is very closemouthed about his accomplishments and he is very eager to begin a new life in Falcon. His past experiences make him an excellent coach who pushes his players to do well athletically and academically. Robbie is willing to ride out the rumors swirling around him, but when Logan comes up with an idea that could put an end to the gossip about him, he finds himself in a faux relationship with Darcy that begins to feel a little too real.
An exceptionally well-written novel with an appealing cast of characters, Slow and Steady Rush is a fun and flirty romance that is also poignant and thought-provoking. Darcy and Robbie are three dimensional characters who spring vibrantly to life and it is very easy to root for them both individually and as a couple. Laura Trentham accurately portrays both the good and bad of small town life and despite a few negative experiences, the overall atmosphere is warm and inviting. All in all, it is an excellent beginning to the Falcon Football series that fans of contemporary romances are going to love.
mandy_pandy's review
5.0
4.5 stars for this sweet, thoughtful romance. Darcy moved away from the small town she grew up in. She hated living there, with small-minded people and all the gossip. Years later, when the grandma who raised her gets sick, she takes a leave of work to return to the small town she left behind. As much as things have changed there, some things have stayed the same. One new addition to her hometown is Robbie, aka Dalt, the new coach of the football team. Robbie served in Afghanistan with Darcy's cousin and he wanted to live in the small town Darcy wrote about in her letters. My favorite thing about this book was Robbie. He's really sweet but also kind of broken from a past that haunts him. He's really good with the kids he coaches, he's not a manwhore, and he loves his dog. He's a really fantastic hero. I also really liked the small town setting. This book had the perfect amount of steam. I really enjoyed this sweet romance and look forward to reading more by this author.
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
whiskeyinthejar's review
3.0
2.5 stars
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Darcy couldn't wait to escape her hometown and all the small town gossip about her mother after high school. When her grandmother breaks both hips, Darcy suddenly finds herself thrust back into that world. There is one new addition, though, Robbie the new high school boy’s football coach. He served overseas with her cousin Logan and is not leaving Darcy alone in the feeling the attraction department. They're both wary individuals with their own insecurities but are still drawn to one another. If Robbie can open his heart and Darcy can decide on where home truly is for her, they both might get more than they ever bargained for out of this small town.
Slow and Steady is a debut book for Laura Trentham and while I highly praise the solid technical aspect of the writing, the story and characters fall a bit flat. The story reads as if it is an outline for a small town romance; it’s pretty dry with no spark. The heroine Darcy had an absent mother who the townspeople loved to gossip about behind and to Darcy forcing her to leave behind her loving grandmother and escape off to the big city. Darcy does her best to live a nice normal boring life as to not end up like her wild mother. Our hero Robbie went through the foster care system and guards his feelings, always too scared to hope for the best after being disappointed so much as a child. He was an Army Ranger who has a PTSD nightmare episode in the beginning, which is never really addressed again, and a dog bestfriend who shielded and saved him from a blast. Robbie is, of course, handsome as all get out and hounded by the townswomen but after reading Darcy's letters to her cousin while overseas and now seeing her in person is completely drawn to her.
As you can see, Darcy and Robbie have some past issues but they are never delved into or fleshed out enough to become truly interesting. These story lines have been done before so to become engaging or feel fresh the characters have to bring a spark to the table and I never felt that here. I know Darcy likes how Robbie's biceps look in his shirt sleeves and Robbie likes Darcy's, well, I'm not quite sure, her cooking and very general personality, maybe? Even their sex scenes had a bit of ho hum to them.
The setting of the small town and people was more interesting and showed the author's strength with world building; it felt true to the feeling and concept of herd mentality, importance of high school football, and living in a fish bowl the author was trying to create. The story line of rumors going around of Robbie being gay and the extra characters that brought along got a bit unwieldy at times but gave more depth. The villain of this piece was way over the top and didn't feel natural, I felt like the author was going for shock value.
The story is a slower read but not slow paced, if that makes sense. Overall, our leads were ok but no real emotion between them, the secondary characters rounded out the story well, and the technical writing was solid. It's all very been there done that with an "ok" vibe but if you like this formula and want a calmer read with a good small town setting, then this could be a viable option.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Darcy couldn't wait to escape her hometown and all the small town gossip about her mother after high school. When her grandmother breaks both hips, Darcy suddenly finds herself thrust back into that world. There is one new addition, though, Robbie the new high school boy’s football coach. He served overseas with her cousin Logan and is not leaving Darcy alone in the feeling the attraction department. They're both wary individuals with their own insecurities but are still drawn to one another. If Robbie can open his heart and Darcy can decide on where home truly is for her, they both might get more than they ever bargained for out of this small town.
Slow and Steady is a debut book for Laura Trentham and while I highly praise the solid technical aspect of the writing, the story and characters fall a bit flat. The story reads as if it is an outline for a small town romance; it’s pretty dry with no spark. The heroine Darcy had an absent mother who the townspeople loved to gossip about behind and to Darcy forcing her to leave behind her loving grandmother and escape off to the big city. Darcy does her best to live a nice normal boring life as to not end up like her wild mother. Our hero Robbie went through the foster care system and guards his feelings, always too scared to hope for the best after being disappointed so much as a child. He was an Army Ranger who has a PTSD nightmare episode in the beginning, which is never really addressed again, and a dog bestfriend who shielded and saved him from a blast. Robbie is, of course, handsome as all get out and hounded by the townswomen but after reading Darcy's letters to her cousin while overseas and now seeing her in person is completely drawn to her.
As you can see, Darcy and Robbie have some past issues but they are never delved into or fleshed out enough to become truly interesting. These story lines have been done before so to become engaging or feel fresh the characters have to bring a spark to the table and I never felt that here. I know Darcy likes how Robbie's biceps look in his shirt sleeves and Robbie likes Darcy's, well, I'm not quite sure, her cooking and very general personality, maybe? Even their sex scenes had a bit of ho hum to them.
The setting of the small town and people was more interesting and showed the author's strength with world building; it felt true to the feeling and concept of herd mentality, importance of high school football, and living in a fish bowl the author was trying to create. The story line of rumors going around of Robbie being gay and the extra characters that brought along got a bit unwieldy at times but gave more depth. The villain of this piece
Spoiler
(ok with murder because she was shunned?!)The story is a slower read but not slow paced, if that makes sense. Overall, our leads were ok but no real emotion between them, the secondary characters rounded out the story well, and the technical writing was solid. It's all very been there done that with an "ok" vibe but if you like this formula and want a calmer read with a good small town setting, then this could be a viable option.
readventuring's review
2.0
I’m a lover of small town romances and at first this book had all the promising things set in place for me to enjoy it, but over the course of the book I pretty much was reading just to get to the ending and be done with it.
The third person writing style, noticeably less common in the romance genre and for good reason, had me getting whiplash and confused a lot. On top of that, the overall plot got worse as the story went on and bordered on boring.
Darcy honestly deserved way better than Robbie, who constantly insulted her and turned her acts of kindness toward him into meaningless gestures. Like goddamn, would it kill you to say thanks when the girl home cooks and delivers dumplings to you doorstep? Ughh. And by the end I was hoping for a lot more groveling and apologizing than what occurred (spoiler, not much), but once again we got a heroine who was basically a doormat.
The biggest problem I had with this story, however, was how the author so quickly and easily brushed over the blatant hate crime committed towards Tyler. The attackers not only got away with it, but the ringleader even got the pity and help of the main characters. Meanwhile, the corrupt policeman and everyone else goes on with their lives while no justice is served. NOT COOL. And sadly, this happens in real life all the time, and if it were to someone I care about, you bet your ass I would be seeking retribution to the full extent of the law.
The third person writing style, noticeably less common in the romance genre and for good reason, had me getting whiplash and confused a lot. On top of that, the overall plot got worse as the story went on and bordered on boring.
Darcy honestly deserved way better than Robbie, who constantly insulted her and turned her acts of kindness toward him into meaningless gestures. Like goddamn, would it kill you to say thanks when the girl home cooks and delivers dumplings to you doorstep? Ughh. And by the end I was hoping for a lot more groveling and apologizing than what occurred (spoiler, not much), but once again we got a heroine who was basically a doormat.
The biggest problem I had with this story, however, was how the author so quickly and easily brushed over the blatant hate crime committed towards Tyler. The attackers not only got away with it, but the ringleader even got the pity and help of the main characters. Meanwhile, the corrupt policeman and everyone else goes on with their lives while no justice is served. NOT COOL. And sadly, this happens in real life all the time, and if it were to someone I care about, you bet your ass I would be seeking retribution to the full extent of the law.
kimmylovestoread's review
4.0
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked this book. It has a kick ass heroine. A HOT hero who happens to be ex military. An adorable and loyal three legged dog. Football (I love sports). Excellent secondary characters. And of course a sweet romance.
Darcy is returning home to help her grandmother, Ada, who has broken both her hips. She is only planning on sticking around for a few months to help Ada get back on her feet. Darcy and her cousin Logan grew up together at Ada's house, but Darcy left as soon as she could. Logan, after leaving the military has returned home to run the local tavern and coach the high school football team. The two are extremely close and I really enjoyed their sibling like relationship.
Logan's friend, Robbie, who he served with in the military, is the football team's head coach. How the team performs will decide if he has a job past his first year, so he is a bit under pressure. He meets Darcy while she is swimming (naked) in the local swimming hole. While they have never met before, he did read all of the letters that Darcy used to send Logan while he was deployed. Darcy doesn't realize that Robbie has read her letters and is wary of him at first. He has been very helpful to Ada in Darcy's absence and she thinks it is just so he can buy a house/land that Ada owns.
After a silly misunderstanding, Darcy and Robbie start "dating." By going out on very public dates, they are hoping to stop all the rumors that are going around town. Things are very awkward at first, but it doesn't take long for the two of them to grow close. Robbie knows that Darcy is only there temporarily, but he is willing to take advantage of whatever time they have.
Unfortunately for Darcy she starts to really enjoy her time at home. Sure, he may want the house/land, but when it comes down to it, he really is just a good guy. Having read the letters that she sent to Logan, Robbie feels like he kind of already knows Darcy and he is at ease with her. As two grow close and Darcy discovers that she misjudged Robbie. She also starts to doubt whether she should leave once Ada is back on her feet. Luckily for Darcy she does have a great support system who will support her no matter what.
There are a lot of light moments in this book. Darcy's grandmother is is very funny and quote spunky despite being laid up with two broken hips. And the old ladies who work at the library are hilarious as well. One of my favorite moments in the book is right before Darcy and Robbie are going out for the first time:
Logan's book is next in the series and I can't wait to read it. There are a few references in this book about how he had a hard time after he came home from the war and I would like to know more about that.
I really liked this book. It has a kick ass heroine. A HOT hero who happens to be ex military. An adorable and loyal three legged dog. Football (I love sports). Excellent secondary characters. And of course a sweet romance.
Darcy is returning home to help her grandmother, Ada, who has broken both her hips. She is only planning on sticking around for a few months to help Ada get back on her feet. Darcy and her cousin Logan grew up together at Ada's house, but Darcy left as soon as she could. Logan, after leaving the military has returned home to run the local tavern and coach the high school football team. The two are extremely close and I really enjoyed their sibling like relationship.
Logan's friend, Robbie, who he served with in the military, is the football team's head coach. How the team performs will decide if he has a job past his first year, so he is a bit under pressure. He meets Darcy while she is swimming (naked) in the local swimming hole. While they have never met before, he did read all of the letters that Darcy used to send Logan while he was deployed. Darcy doesn't realize that Robbie has read her letters and is wary of him at first. He has been very helpful to Ada in Darcy's absence and she thinks it is just so he can buy a house/land that Ada owns.
After a silly misunderstanding, Darcy and Robbie start "dating." By going out on very public dates, they are hoping to stop all the rumors that are going around town. Things are very awkward at first, but it doesn't take long for the two of them to grow close. Robbie knows that Darcy is only there temporarily, but he is willing to take advantage of whatever time they have.
Unfortunately for Darcy she starts to really enjoy her time at home. Sure, he may want the house/land, but when it comes down to it, he really is just a good guy. Having read the letters that she sent to Logan, Robbie feels like he kind of already knows Darcy and he is at ease with her. As two grow close and Darcy discovers that she misjudged Robbie. She also starts to doubt whether she should leave once Ada is back on her feet. Luckily for Darcy she does have a great support system who will support her no matter what.
There are a lot of light moments in this book. Darcy's grandmother is is very funny and quote spunky despite being laid up with two broken hips. And the old ladies who work at the library are hilarious as well. One of my favorite moments in the book is right before Darcy and Robbie are going out for the first time:
Still no movement from Robbie’s house. Darcy said, “This is pathetically close to a Disney movie. The studly jock forced to date the mousy nerd. The football god squiring around the bookish librarian to repair his reputation.”
Kat hip-bumped her. “First of all, you are not mousy in the least. Secondly, there is nothing wrong with being intelligent. And, thirdly, I’m sorry to inform you, but you are a decade too old to star in a Disney movie.”
“That’s depressing. What would we qualify for? A Lifetime special?”
“Too young. That’s for the fortysomething set. You two are the prime age for a porno though.”
“A porno.” The laughter bubbling through Darcy’s body erased a good portion of her nerves. “Lord help us. What would we call it? The Coach’s Concubine?”
“The Lusty Librarian,” Kat said. More teenaged giggling ensued.
“Sacking the Coach.”
“Fourth and Extra Long.”
“Unsportsmanlike Conduct.”
“First …Down on the Coach.”
“Indecent Interference.”
“Freaking in the Fourth Quarter.”
“Foot Balls and Dicks.” Darcy’s voice barely squeaked past laughter.
“You about ready to go?” A deep voice rumbled.
Logan's book is next in the series and I can't wait to read it. There are a few references in this book about how he had a hard time after he came home from the war and I would like to know more about that.
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