REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: LOVE OF THE GAME by LORI WILDE

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Love of the Game
Stardust, Texas #3

By: Lori Wilde

Releasing April 26, 2016
Avon

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In Love of the Game (Stardust, Texas #3) by Lori Wilde, Physical Therapist Kasha Carlyle needs her new job, if she's to ever have a chance of taking care of her sister; a younger half-sister she never knew anything about until recently. But denying the chemistry she has with her newest patient, Axel Richmond, is impossible. Especially when he's charming, sexy and flirts with her any time they're together. However, it's not just fighting her attraction to Axel that's difficult. It's that if she can't improve the progress of his recovery from an injury in a week, she'll lose her job anyway. 

Pitcher Axel Richmond needs to get back on the diamond and playing for the Dallas Gunslingers, so he can keep the promise he made to his late son before he died. Choosing to let Kasha help him to recover instead of undergoing surgery is the best decision he could ever make, especially when they get to spend time together on a friend's ranch. But when the time comes, and big decisions have to be made, will Axel follow through on his promise or choose the woman that's come to mean so much to him?

I haven't read a book by Ms. Wilde before, but now that I have, I'll be reading more of this author's work in the future. Because right from the beginning, this book was charming, full of emotion and so entertaining that I couldn't put it down for even a second. I liked the way it started with Axel getting a progress report on his injury, and Kasha offering her opinion, which gets her in trouble. Yet, at the same time, she's determined to prove that she can help Axel.   

Both characters were compelling, and the dialogue between them was fun; and full of playful moments, as Axel does his best to melt away at Kasha's need for control. However, the dialogue was also intense due to both the main characters back stories, Kasha's need to take care of her sister because she thinks it will make up for the fact that her mother denied her half-sister a father, and Axel's determination to honor the promise he made to his late son. 

Kasha is strong, brave, independent and tenacious. She's determined to help Axel get better while fighting the strong chemistry between them. Chemistry that had me cheering the moment they finally surrendered to their feelings, which eventually spilled over onto the pages in nicely-detailed sex scenes. The heroine has been through so much in her life, and she's lucky to have her adoptive parents and siblings. They're a close-knit, loving family, and support her as much as she lets them. That's why it's so hard for her to tell them what's going on in her life, because she doesn't want to hurt them.

Indeed, it was difficult not to be affected by the emotions and reactions, of both Kasha and Axel. I felt sorry for her. Losing her biological parents in the manner that she did, the horrible way people treated her after the horrible ordeal, it wouldn't have been easy to cope. But she managed with finding an activity that calmed her -- yoga. Then there's Axel and how much he misses his son. He loved the boy very much, and it has made him realize that life it too short to not go after what he wants -- Kasha. 

While Axel, he's confident, hard-working, and always pushing himself like he constantly has something to prove to someone. Perhaps it's to do with the promise he made to his son, yet it seemed more than that. Even the way he was with Kasha, desperate for her to give him a chance, he didn't give up until he proved she could trust him. Luckily, Kasha realizes that she needs Axel just as much as he needs her. Besides, how can they doubt the hope chest her sister gave her? It's proven to be a good thing for the couples it's brought together.   

Overall, Ms. Wilde has penned a wonderful read that had me wanting to cry for all that the main characters have been through, but -- in the end -- had me rejoicing at how much they've come through the other side of that heartache for the better. Because they're a couple meant to be, no matter what obstacles they had to face to be together. The ending wrapped this story up nicely, and I liked how Axel fought for his and Kasha's relationship. She needed to know how much he wanted her, and how he couldn't let her go so easily. Not even so he could keep the promise he made to his son. I would recommend Love of the Game by Lori Wilde, if you enjoy small town romances, or stories where the hero has to convince the heroine that they're meant to be.

OVERALL RATING:

 

 

BLURB:
A sexy sports superstar discovers his body isn’t the only thing that needs healing in this newest Stardust, Texas novel from New York Times bestselling author Lori Wilde…

With major league good looks and talent, Dallas Gunslingers relief pitcher Axel Richmond was living the good life. Even if the roar of the crowd could never distract him from the loss of his young son. But now with an injured shoulder and his career on the line, Axel is stuck recuperating at a ranch in Stardust, Texas . . . striking out only with his gorgeous physical therapist.

Kasha Carlyle has one week to get Axel back in action or she can kiss her much-needed job with the Gunslingers goodbye. And any chance to seek custody of the orphaned half-sister she never knew existed. She quickly learns that Axel’s guarded heart also needs healing . . . requiring all kinds of sneaky plays and sexy moves in extra innings.

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It starts like this: an unexpected spark, instant attraction, the jolting jab of oh-so-you-feel-this-too? Flash fire in the belly. A corkscrew twist in the center of the chest. A physical ache that punches low and heavy and spreads out hard and fast through muscles and tendons, blood and bone.

            Heady.

            Erotic.

            Thrilling.

            Physical therapist Kasha Carlyle had felt it before, this hot flare, runaway-mine-train-express that stirred fear in the dark recesses of her mind. She’d resisted it then. Resisted it now.

            But this? This here? This was something more.

            Stronger.

            Bolder.

            Scarier.

            Coal black eyes melted her resistance, seared it to ash. In that stopwatch moment when her gaze struck, and stuck to the steely stare of the Dallas Gunslingers’ most valuable pitcher, Axel Richmond.

            He’d just completed a physical therapy session with his trainer, Paul Hernandez, and he was sitting on a bench wearing nothing but red workout pants, his bare chest on display. Every glistening muscle was finely etched. Not a drop of fat on him. He was a splendid specimen of adult male in top physical shape, life and passion oozing from his pores.

            The only thing that seemed out of place was the black tattoo over his heart that spelled out

            “Dylan.”

            One look and everything and everyone blended and blurred as white-hot need transported them into their own little world far from the sports medicine facility in North Dallas, where baseball coaches, managers, administrators, and sports medicine specialists surrounded them.

            For a split second.

            Then pure panic set it.

            It was Tuesday, May seventeenth, and the second week of Kasha’s three-month probationary period at her new job working with injured major league baseball players.

            And she was already falling in lust.

            No. No. This simply would not do. Keeping her job was essential.

            Now that she had Emma to consider, she urgently needed the bump in salary to pay off the student loans that had gotten her through her PhD. Not to mention the excellent health insurance coverage. Finding out about Emma had changed everything.

            Quickly, Kasha peeled her gaze from Axel’s and studied the insignia on the wall above his head—the blue and green Gunslingers crossed dueling pistols logo—but she didn’t see a darn thing. Purposefully, she slowed her breathing, and forced herself to listen to the conversation.

            “I wish we had better news,” Dr. Tad Harrison, the lead physician on the team, said to Axel.

            Dr. Harrison had been the one to hire Kasha, and the one to caution her that only thirty percent of probationary employees made it past the first three months. “It takes a special breed to work with these ballplayers. They’re long on arrogance and stubbornness and always think they know best.”

            “I have a lot of patience,” she’d said because it was true.

            “I heard they call you the Exorcist in your current job,” Dr. Harrison had said. “Why is that?”

            She couldn’t keep from smiling. “My colleagues say I have a talent for taming difficult clients.”

            “And do you?”

            “I consider physical therapy a calling.” She folded her hands in her lap, and said without a hint of ego. “I was born for this work.”

            Dr. Harrison stroked his chin. “That’s what Rowdy said too.”

Rowdy Blanton was the field manager for the Gunslingers. He was also Kasha’s brother-in-law, married to her younger adoptive sister, Breeanne, and he’d recommended her for the job.

            “If I hire you,” Dr. Harrison had continued. “It will be on your own merits, not your relationship to Rowdy. He got you this interview, but that’s as far as nepotism goes.”

            “As it should.” Kasha bobbed her head.

            The uncertainty of the job was why she hadn’t yet rented an apartment in Dallas. Every day, she made the one hundred and thirty-five mile, one-way trek to the stadium from her hometown of Stardust.

            While she was optimistic, she was also practical. She’d learned that fate could derail even the best intentions and you had to be ready to flow whichever way the current took you. For the next three months, until she solidified the job, she would keep making that drive.

            For Emma.

            Her thoughts took off in a hundred different directions at once. Stalled. Spun. Gathered momentum like an encroaching hurricane. Realizing her mind had wandered, she forcefully shut down the unproductive thoughts and directed her attention back to the patient.

            Axel Richmond.

            One more look and Kasha was on fire and she hated it. The last thing she wanted right now was to meet a guy, especially this guy. Whose stark dark hair was drenched in the heady sheen of sweat.

            He was as sexy as ten kinds of sin, and twice as handsome, and he was studying her through heavily lidded eyes as if she was the most fascinating creature he’d seen in years.

            Um . . . yes . . . that’s why her mind had wandered. To keep from dealing with the feelings his hot-to-trot gaze churned inside her.

            She let out such a long sigh that everyone in the room swiveled to stare. She kept her face blank and examined her fingernails, pretending she’d discovered a ragged cuticle.

            From the moment Axel had strolled into the therapy room with his pro-athlete swagger and princely sense of entitlement, she’d been mesmerized.

            Spellbound by the way his fitted T-shirt hugged his intricately muscled body. Then he’d stripped off the shirt, giving her an even more arresting view. A thick head of lush brown hair curled around his ears, and those powerful thighs strained at the seams of his workout pants.

            Whew.

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Lori Wilde has sold seventy-eight works of fiction to four major New York Publishing houses.

Her first NYT bestseller, the third book in her Twilight, Texas series, The First Love Cookie Club has been optioned for a television movie. The town of Granbury, Texas, upon which her fictional town of Twilight, Texas is loosely based, honors Lori with an annual Twilight, Texas weekend each Christmas.

A popular writing instructor, Lori is a two time RITA finalist and has four times been nominated for Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award. She's won the Colorado Award of Excellence, the Wisconsin Write Touch Award, The Golden Quill, the Lories, and The More than Magic.

Author Links:  Website | Facebook | Twitter |  GoodReads |Pinterest
 

Q. Lori, thanks for taking the time to chat with us today!

Your new release, LOVE OF THE GAME is the third in the Stardust, Texas Series, which features some very handsome baseball playing heroes.  What kind of research goes into writing a new series, especially a series with professional sports involved?  

 

A. Hi, thank you for having me. Whenever I start a new book, I do some preliminary research on the setting, the background, and the characters’ occupation. Then I dive into writing. If something comes up during the writing that I don’t know the answer to, I’ll stop and do some quick research. Then once I finish the first draft and jump into revisions, I’ll look for plot hole and missing pieces of research at that point too. Research can involve Internet searches, talking to people in the professions I’m researching, watching TV programs, going to the library, attending an event, or even hands on learning.

 

Q. You are probably most well known for your Twilight Texas Series, along with the Jubilee Texas Series (my favorite) and the more recent, Cupid Texas Series.  Do you have one series or set of characters that was your favorite to write?  Even a couple?  Or one title that took the most out of you emotionally to write?  

 

A. The most taxing title for me to write was CHRISTMAS AT TWILIGHT, which features characters struggling with mental illness. Several members of my family have struggled with mental disorders. This book took an emotional as I had to put myself back into heart-wrenching situations I’d experienced. But, it was also very cathartic.

 

Q. What many readers might not know about you is that you taught a romance course online, which was not only so informative but very personal when it came to feedback and critique.  (I took the class and LOVED IT).  If you have ONE piece of advice for aspiring romance writers, what would that be?

 

A. Thanks for the compliment. I love to teach writing. I’m actually teaching a class like that again in October through Writers University. https://writeruniv.wordpress.com 

 

My one piece of advice is to get the book done. Just write it. Then write another one and another one. That’s what it takes. Consistent production.

 Q. I read that you are newly certified as a yoga instructor.  What have you found to be the biggest benefit by doing yoga?  Do you think that it has helped with your creativity when it comes to writing?  

 

A. The benefits of yoga have been nothing short of life altering. Yoga has given me my health, sanity and creativity back. I’d lost myself in work and forgotten who I was. Yoga brought me back to me. I’m calmer, healthier, more balanced. It helps me lead a better life.

Q. What are you working on next?  Another Stardust Romance or are you venturing into a new series? Visiting an older series?

A. I’m going back to Cupid, Texas to write about four brothers from a ranching dynasty and the four Native American sisters they fall in love with.

 

Thank you again for taking the time to chat!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: WELCOME HOME, COWBOY by ANNIE RAINS

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Welcome Home, Cowboy
A Hero’s Welcome #2

By: Annie Rains

Releasing April 26, 2016
Loveswept

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In Welcome Home, Cowboy (A Hero's Welcome #2) by Annie Rains, a relationship isn't something Julie Chandler is looking for, not after what she went through with her last boyfriend. But being back in Seaside and running a yoga program for Military men and women with PTSD, she finds it hard to keep resisting the gorgeous Lawson Philips. Especially when she discovers he's her newest student for her program; a program he doesn't believe can be of benefit for him. However, she's determined to change his mind. 

 

After a serious helicopter crash, Lawson Philips hasn't been able to do what he does best - fly, and as a Marine pilot that is what's important, especially if he wants to stay in Seaside. Seeing a psychiatrist is bad enough, but what she orders him to do to help him further is something he'd never ever do unless forced. Yet, as soon as he learns that Julie is the instructor, he's all for giving the relaxation technique a try, if only to spend as much time with her as possible.    

 

Having absolutely loved the first book of this series, I was really looking forward to reading this one, and I've got to say that it does not disappoint. Right from the beginning, it was very entertaining and fast-paced due to Julie being in a bind. Can she convince someone that her yoga program can do wonders for those suffering PTSD?

 

As for the dialogue, I loved every moment between Lawson and Julie, even when she's stand-offish towards the hero. Not that I could blame her after what happened with her ex. However, Lawson is different. He'd never become her ex, and it shows through how kind and caring he is. Not just towards Julie, but everything he does for his sister and niece as well. However, the dialogue is also intense due to the main characters back stories, what Lawson has to go through to find his way back to flying again and when Julie finally confronts her past. She surprised me the way she finally finds the courage to tell her ex off, to do what she did so he couldn't ruin the huge chance she was being offered when it came to her job.

 

Both the main and secondary characters are fantastic, and I liked that Kat and Micah, the couple from the first book made an appearance in this one. The advice each of the secondary characters offers Lawson and Julie is good for them, as it forces both to realize how good they could be together. More so Julie than Lawson, because she deserves to be happy after the disaster of her last relationship. Her ex is a total jerk that didn't deserve her.

Julie is strong, brave, tenacious and I liked how she grew throughout this story. She's quite down in the beginning because of everything that's happened in her life, but once someone gives her a chance to prove herself, she begins to shine. Begins to find that she can do anything she sets her mind to without relying on anyone besides herself. But what I liked most about the heroine is how hard she works to prove that yoga can help lots of people.

While Lawson is strong, brave, and really struggles with his dream of getting back to flying. Indeed, I felt sorry for him. He's haunted by the accident, by the fact that he couldn't save everyone. It seems that no matter what he does, or how hard he tries to get past his demons that have been niggling at him since the accident, nothing works until the timing is right and someone in trouble needs his help.        

Hot sex scenes heat up the pages at the perfect moments throughout this story. Moments that illustrate the intense chemistry that is between this couple from the moment they come face-to-face. Julie needs to be sure that she can trust Lawson before giving him a chance, and he does everything to prove he can be the right man for her. 

Overall, Ms. Rains has penned another really good story for this series with an engaging plot, great characters and well-written dialogue that has left this reader wanting to delve into the next book as soon as its released. The way this story ended was incredible, as Lawson found what it takes to overcome his fears -- both in his personal and professional life. Then there's the epilogue that finally ties up whether Julie is getting a niece or nephew, and how Lawson wants to take their relationship to the next level. But what he has planned isn't at all what most would think it is. I would recommend Welcome Home, Cowboy by Annie Rains, if you've read the first book of this series, or if you enjoy a hero and heroine that need each other to heal from the hurts of their pasts. 

OVERALL RATING:

      

 

BLURB:
With its thriving military base, Seaside, North Carolina, is teeming with heroes of all stripes. But, as the Hero’s Welcome series from Annie Rains continues, it takes a cowboy to rescue the town’s newest resident from heartache.
 

After a bad breakup leaves Julie Chandler completely devastated, she comes to Seaside seeking a fresh start. A talented, compassionate yoga teacher, she has developed a program to help alleviate the effects of PTSD, but getting a bunch of bullheaded Marines into downward facing dog might be impossible. So Julie’s shocked when one of her first students dives in headfirst—and almost tempts her to take down her walls with his easy smile and electrifying touch.
 

Ever since Texas cowboy turned Marine pilot Lawson Phillips lost a crew member in a helicopter accident, he hasn’t been able to fly. When a psychologist orders him to attend, of all things, a yoga class, Lawson’s outraged—until he finds out Julie is the instructor. She’s beautiful, graceful, and completely guarded when it comes to his advances, but he’s determined to find out what makes her tick. Because underneath Julie’s hard shell is a woman Lawson knows he could fall for—and he’s not ready for the ride to end.

 

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“Come ride with me anytime,” he said, helping her dismount from the horse when they were back at the barn. He didn’t place his hands on her ass this time, which was both regrettable and a relief. Instead, he steadied her waist with his hands. She turned to face him after he helped her to the ground, and was surprised to find how close they were standing. Close enough that the brim of his hat on her head nearly touched his chin.

“This belongs to you.” She took off the hat and went up on her tiptoes to put it back where it belonged. Their eyes locked as the movement brought them even closer together. Her heart bucked again, like a wild horse ready to bolt.

Returning to flat feet, she started to step away. Needed to step away. Too bad Bon-Bon was still behind her, blocking her escape.

“Julie?” he said, making her feet pause and her heart stutter. She liked the sound of her name on his lips. Low, deep.

​
“Yes?” she asked breathlessly.

He reached out his hand to tame a strand of her hair brushing against her cheek. “You have what I call hat-hair.” He took his time smoothing the hair around her ear, awakening every nerve in her body. Then he slowly dipped, keeping his blue-as-the-ocean eyes on hers, and kissed her.

She melted into him instead of stepping away. The side of his cheek on hers was warm and inviting, intoxicating. His tongue tapped softly against hers, just once, as he swept his hand behind her neck, pulling her gently toward him.

A soft moan escaped her throat, betraying her. She parted her lips for him, inviting him in, begging him to stay, which he did for just a moment longer. Then he broke it off, keeping it sweet. The kiss had threatened to be more, though. It had threatened to take her inside that barn, lay her down on a blanket of hay, and be a whole hell of a lot more.

“See you later, Lawson,” she said, forcing herself to step away from him, away from the horse and the barn. She turned toward her car and didn’t look back. Otherwise, her hormones were going to win and drag this cowboy into the barn and slam the stall doors behind them.

“See you later, Julie,” he called after her.

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Annie Rains is a contemporary romance author who writes small town love stories set in fictional towns on the coast of North Carolina. Raised in one of America’s largest military communities, Annie often features heroes who fight for their countries, while also fighting for a place to call home and a good woman to love. When Annie isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her husband and 3 children, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.
 

Author Links:  Website | FB | Twitter | GR

 

Meet Lawson Phillips, your next book boyfriend:

 

He's 6 foot tall and one hundred and ninety pounds of lean muscle.

 

He's a southern charmer with a quick wit and sense of humor.

 

He's half cowboy—saddle up! And half Marine—Oo-rah!

 

As a cowboy, Lawson knows how to treat a lady. He will open doors for you, hold your hand, and make sure you always come first (no pun intended!).

 

He loves his cowboy hat, but underneath is that short military buzzed hair that you’ll love to run your fingers through.

 

He can ride a horse all day long. He can run several miles in combat boots with 50 lb. gear on his back. Imagine all the other stamina-requiring exercises he can partake in!

 

Lawson has a dark past he hides from everyone. It'll take just the right woman to bring down his defenses. Win his heart and you've won a lifetime of devotion because this Cowboy Marine is as loyal as they come.

 

Any takers? He’s all yours in WELCOME HOME, COWBOY on April 26, 2016!

 

 

 

 

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: SOMEONE LIKE YOU by JENNIFER GRACEN

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SOMEONE LIKE YOU

The Harrison's #2

Jennifer Gracen 

Releasing April 26th, 2016

Zebra Shout

 

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In Someone Like You (The Harrisons #2) by Jennifer Gracen, Pierce Harrison has returned home after quitting the game he loved because of a horrible scandal involving his club owner's wife. Not knowing what he's going to do with his time now that he's retired, he's thrilled by the offer he's given to coach a little kids soccer team. Except he has to co-coach with the gorgeous woman that already coaches the team, which isn't a hardship. Until he realizes it's going to take more than his charm and good looks to convince her to take a chance on him.

 

Abby McCord is back home living with her parents after her recent relationship went south. She's happy helping her parents and sister out, especially since it allows her to spend time with her nephew. Coaching the little boy's soccer team is fun, but it could be a lot better, if only they could win a game. When she learns she'll be co-coaching the team with playboy extraordinaire Pierce Harrison, she's less than thrilled. Because no matter how hard she tries, he's hard to resist.  

 

The first book of this series was incredible, and this opposites attract trope encompassing story was just as good. Right from the beginning, this story was highly entertaining, fast-paced, and had me flipping the pages quickly to discover what sort of challenges this couple would face. As Pierce is the black sheep amongst his family; and Abby has been burned by her past relationship, making it difficult for Pierce to win her over the way that he normally wins women over.

 

The dialogue was compelling, and Pierce faces a real challenge when it comes to winning Abby's trust. Although she does know how to let her hair down -- so to speak -- whenever he teases her. Indeed, I liked that she sees right through him, recognizes that he flirts with women because that's the only way he knows how to be. That he's never been his real self with any woman before. However, the dialogue was also intense due to the main characters back stories and the problems Pierce faces with his family. His dad is a real jerk the way he treats Pierce, and it was no wonder the hero didn't like being around his family much.

 

I really liked both the main characters, as well as the secondary ones. I really liked how Pierce's siblings do their best to make him feel like he's a part of the family for once. He's never really been close to any of them besides his sister. But in the moment when their dad loses it, it brings them closer together, because they finally discover why Pierce has stayed away for so many years. Then there's Abby's family, which are so different to Pierce's. They have such a close bond, and would do anything for each other.

 

Abby is strong, brave, and doing her best to move on from her failed relationship. The man that she was with lied to her about something pretty big, and it isn't surprising that she doesn't trust Pierce. He's a total player. However, I liked that she decided to move on and give Pierce a chance because he's trying to change. Trying to be a better man, the sort of man Abby deserves.

 

While Pierce, it's hard being back among his family because he didn't leave on the best of terms. However, he's determined to change and find a way to get over the bitterness he's had since his career ended. Abby helps him with that when he finally opens up to her with what really happened. Then there's his kind and caring nature with the kids he's helping to coach. He's good with them, and the kids really like that he's their coach. That he makes things fun for them.   

 

Nicely-detailed sex scenes heat up the pages, and illustrate the wonderful chemistry Abby and Pierce have from the moment they meet. The saying opposites attract definitely applies to them, and perhaps that is what makes their growing relationship so great because the heroine is nothing like the women he normally goes after. Then again, he was always the love 'em and leave em' type, and now it seems like he wants to settle down. Find someone that will give him the sort of love he's never had before. Unconditional love.   

 

Overall, Ms. Gracen has penned another great novel for this series where readers will without a doubt cheer for the heroine to finally get the happy ever after she deserves with a hero that needs someone just like her. Someone willing to show him that love is worth fighting for. The way this story ended was perfect, as Pierce repairs his relationship with Abby. He does a really good job groveling, and I liked his final words about her red pen. I would highly recommend Someone like you, if you've read the first book of this series, or enjoy the opposites attract trope.

 

OVERALL RATING: 

  

BLURB:

A ZEBRA SHOUT FRESH NEW ROMANCE

Pierce Harrison—yes, that Pierce Harrison, black sheep of the wealthy Harrison clan—has come home to his family’s luxurious Long Island compound. The big question is why the dangerously sexy soccer star agreed to coach a kids’ soccer team. His co-coach Abby McCord should be grateful. Instead she’s fending off some seriously smoldering advances from the scandal-ridden athlete. Good thing bad boys are so not her type . . .

Abby is definitely not lacking in passion, but the sweet-faced beauty needs to learn a thing or two about taking a team to the championship—and a whole lot about how to let a man into her once-broken heart. Pierce definitely knows how to make the moves, but will Abby trust that the bachelor the world has condemned as a scoundrel can settle down with the one woman who has taken hold of his heart?

 

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Abby grabbed two spoons from the drawer, a few napkins off the counter, and went to join her sister in the living room. Flopping down on the couch beside her, Abby simply said, “Gimme.”

Fiona handed her a pint of chocolate peanut butter ice cream, then took a spoon from her and dug into her own pint of mint chocolate chip. “We’re such rock stars, aren’t we?”

“Ohhh yeah,” Abby snorted. “Ten o’clock on a Saturday night, and here we are. Party animals, that’s us.”

Their parents had gone upstairs to watch TV in their room until they fell asleep, and Dylan had passed out in his bed at nine. “What movie do you want to watch?” Fiona asked. “Did we decide?”

            “Need a comedy tonight,” Abby said after another spoonful. “Maybe The Heat? Definitely not a romance.”

Fiona frowned at her younger sister. “Something happen?”

“Allison and Jeff got engaged. Another one down.” She told Fiona the few details she’d learned from Facebook earlier that day.

“You need to start dating again,” Fiona announced. “It’s time.”

Abby shook her head. “Nah.”

“Yes. Your one-year dating sabbatical is just about up, isn’t it?” Fiona pointed with her spoon for emphasis. “It’s time for you to get back out there.”

“No interest,” Abby said.

“That’s just because you haven’t met anyone. And how can you? You’re always hiding behind my kid.” Abby froze as indignation washed over her.

“Excuse me?”

“Don’t get me wrong,” Fiona said, digging her spoon back into her ice cream. “I’m beyond grateful for everything you do to help me with Dylan. But . . .” She shoveled a spoonful of mint chocolate chip into her mouth.

“Say it,” Abby ground out, glaring. “But what?”

“But . . .” Fiona reached for a lock of her long blond hair and twirled it around her finger. “I worry that you’re hiding here. Using watching Dylan as an excuse not to go out anymore.”

“You’ve got some nerve.” Abby slammed her pint of ice cream down on the coffee table. “I moved back here, for you and for him. I’ve been trying to help you, Mom and Dad—”

“I know!” Fiona said quickly. “I know, Abs! Didn’t you hear me? I’m so grateful, so appreciative. But Abby . . .” The lock of hair she twirled would be knotted soon. “I know Ewan hurt you, but not all men are lying sacks of shit. Honey, you’re twenty-eight. You should be out, meeting new guys.”

“Oh, like you are?” Abby countered.

“Don’t turn this around on me,” Fiona said. “I was married to a lying sack, and he’s loooong gone. I’d love to meet someone new, someone decent. I haven’t even been laid in how long?” She grinned wryly, making Abby roll her eyes. “But I work all the time. And I do that so that I can move out of here one day and not make Mom and Dad feel like they have to take care of Dyllie and me forever. I’m not single and free like you are. It’s very different: I have a kid. I’m a package deal now. You . . . you have freedom to do whatever you want.”

“No I don’t,” Abby groused, ignoring the twist of sympathy in her heart for her sister. “You all need my help. That’s why I moved back home.”

“That, and because Ewan broke your heart and sent you reeling. You’ve been hiding while you heal. That’s normal.” Fiona shrugged and took another spoonful. “You were right to not want to date for a year, to get your head back together. I agreed with you a hundred percent. But that year’s just about over, and it’s time for you to—”

“I’m putting my ice cream away, then starting the movie,” Abby huffed, her face heating as she stood. She stomped away into the kitchen, tossing her spoon into the sink with a loud clang before closing the pint and shoving it into the freezer. Her heart pounded and she took a few deep breaths. Crossing her arms, she stared out the kitchen window. The darkness was soothing as she searched for a star.

Was she over Ewan? Yes. She’d fallen out of love with him soon after she’d realized what a conniving, manipulative liar he was. But was she over the anger, the betrayal? Not completely. Maybe she never would totally get over that, just past it. And the thought of opening herself up to someone new, a chance for getting hurt again, didn’t appeal to her whatsoever.

Sighing, she leaned against the counter. She’d buy cats. She’d become a cat lady. If she was a crazy cat lady, people wouldn’t urge her to get back out there and start dating, they’d leave her alone. Her shoulders slumped. It had been almost a year since she’d found out the truth about Ewan. Her insides were finally numb instead of throbbing with heartache all the time, and she was glad for that. But she just wanted to be left alone. After a few months, when the initial heartache had started to subside, she’d discovered how to like being alone without being lonely. That’s how she’d known she’d truly started to heal.

Besides, her track record with guys was pitiful.

She looked out to the two stars she could find in the night sky and sighed again. Okay, she didn’t want to be alone forever, she could admit that. But for now, she was fine with it. She felt solid again. That was normal, right? What was with Fiona and her sudden insistence that she date again?

Fiona. Ah boy. She’d snarled at her older sister. That wasn’t fair. It wasn’t Fi’s fault that she was turning into an uptight, iron-cast shell of who she once was. Abby was just mad that Fi had called her on it.

She took a few more deep breaths, and then went back into the living room. Fiona hadn’t moved. Abby sat down stiffly and reached for the remote.

“I’m sorry I pissed you off,” Fiona said. “But I’m not sorry for what I said. Because I love you. I don’t want you to be alone forever, like I might be. One of us should find a good man and have a happy ending.”

Abby turned to her with wide eyes. “First of all, we don’t need men to have a happy ending. We’re smart, strong, capable women.”

“I know.” Fiona snorted and rolled her eyes. “You’re getting so jaded, Abs.”

“I am? Did you hear yourself just now? You’re not going to be alone forever!”

“I might be,” Fiona said flatly. “Look. I’m thirty-two, a single mom to a young boy with ADHD. I work all the time. We live with my parents because my dirtbag ex-husband took off and left us with nothing. . . .” She shrugged. “Yes, I’m smart, strong, and capable. But I’m not exactly a catch.”

“That’s bullshit!” Abby cried. “You’re all those things I said, not to mention hardworking, a great mom to a great kid, and drop-dead gorgeous. You’re a total catch.”

Fiona smiled softly. “Thanks for that. But it’s hard to date once you have a kid. It’s just the truth. Guys my age . . . they can still find younger women, who can give them their own kids. Or at least, women who don’t have the baggage I have.”

“I hate what I’m hearing,” Abby grumbled, fiddling with the remote control. “I really do, Fi.”

“Know what I hate? That you’re free to do what you want, meet someone without strings, and you refuse to try.” Fiona pinned her sister with a sharp stare. “It’s a Saturday night, and you should be out with your friends.”

“Shut up. I like hanging out here with you.” Abby’s anger had evaporated, leaving its usual tenderness for her big sister in its place. Even though they were four years apart, they’d always been close. They were more than sisters, they were best friends. They could finish each other’s sentences, had the same sense of humor, similar tastes in music and movies—they genuinely enjoyed each other’s company. “Actually, I’m closer with you now than Allison, or Becca, or any of my girlfriends.”

“That’s sweet. And I love you, too. But I’ll tell you what.” Fiona put what was left of her ice cream on the table and turned to face her sister. “Next Saturday, instead of ice cream and a movie here on the couch, we’re going out after I get home from work. To a bar, or a club. Like the fabulous young single women we are. We’re going to have drinks, maybe go dancing, and be out. We need it. We need to have fun.” Her eyes narrowed. “We’re doing that. Got me?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Abby grumbled.

Fiona snorted out a laugh. “Don’t get overly excited or anything.”

“Starting the movie now.”

“I’m holding you to this,” Fiona warned. “We’re going out next weekend.”

“Starting the movie now,” Abby sing-songed, aiming the remote at the TV to bring up Netflix. The last thing in the world she wanted to do was go out clubbing. That wasn’t her thing. And as for finding someone new? No thanks.

Sometimes she didn’t know if she’d ever be ready for that. The thought of it exhausted her, frankly. She was in a good place now. At peace with being on her own. It’d certainly have to be a hell of an amazing man to change her mind about dating again—someone honest and trustworthy and solid, who could also make her burn with passion and shine with happiness. And she just wasn’t sure men like that really existed.

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jennifer Gracen hails from Long Island, New York, where she lives with her two young sons. After spending her youth writing in private and singing in public, she now only sings in her car and has fully embraced her lifelong passion for writing. She loves to write contemporary romance and romantic women’s fiction for readers who yearn for better days, authentic characters, and satisfying endings. When she isn’t taking care of her kids, doing freelance copy editing/proofreading, reading, or talking to friends on Twitter and Facebook, Jennifer writes. She’s shocked her family hasn’t yet staged an intervention for her addiction to social media. But the concerts she gives in her car and the dance parties she has in her kitchen are rumored to be fabulous.

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