Unwrapping Her Perfect Match ( London Legends 3.5) by Kath Latham

Hello to all,

 i'm sory for not having a post up last week but i spent most of my time at teh emergency and then at hospital for more exams for my mother so reading time was nil . i do have something for you today though and more later this week with even a giveaway perhaps so be patient please

Today i'm giving you my opinion on a holidays romance, a novella in a sport romance series by Kat Latham that i've been wanting to read for quite a moment now so when i got the opportunity to review this novella i didn't hesitate and i'm so happy i jumped at the chance.

Happy reading!

Publisher: Kat Latham

Publication: 2014

ISBN:  9789082295108

Genre: contemporary romance, novella, sport romance, holidays romance, Christmas
Violence: none
Language: normal
sex: mild, steamy
Public: 18+

Source: ecpy received in exchange for an honest review

Description from goodreads :

 ’Twas a week before Christmas, and at the auction house…

At six foot one, Gwen Chambers has felt like a giant her whole life. She’s a calm, capable nurse saving lives in a busy London hospital, but healthy men give her heart palpitations. When larger-than-life rugby player “Little” John Sheldon convinces her to bid on him in his team’s fundraising auction, she discovers how pleasurable heart palpitations can be.

A rugby player was stirring, with desire no one could douse…

John has wanted Gwen since he first saw her, but when he’s injured in a match just before Christmas he suddenly needs her too. Not only can the sexy nurse help him recover, but she might be able to help him look after his daughter—a shy ten-year-old who speaks only French.

But will it be a Happy Christmas for all, and for all a good night?
From decorating the Christmas tree to ice skating at the Tower of London, Gwen helps father and daughter open up and bond with each other—and she bonds right along with them. But when John’s agent calls with a life-changing offer, Gwen has to decide how far she’s willing to go for her perfect match. Will their first Noël also be their last?

My opinion:

          A wonderful insight in the series, an appetizer for the new readers and a sweet treat for the already fan of the series.

Kat Latham makes a good job of giving enough information so we can immediately settle in the story of  John and Gwen. Those two are simply perfect for each other but a little clumsy about their feeling .  I loved to see them learning about each other and their feeling, i also realy loved how Gwen was with John’s daugther.

It’s a really good  novella wih the magic of Christmas feeling  in the background and it made me want to read the complete series as soon as possible because i loved the group even if we only saw a few of  John’s teammates they won me over. I also hope it will give some explanation about John’s past because that side is a little left out , we know how he met  his daughter’s mother but that’s is.

I also guess that part of me was a little torn at the ending , it was moving , happy and at the same time it means i will miss John a lot but i can’t tell you more.

 If you haven’t read this author yet, give this novella a try it will show you how well written this series is. If you love rugby romance and christma soen this is just your alley.

Score:  4/5

Disclaimer: Source: a copy in exchange for an honest review, no other compensation was received.All opinions are my own .

Backfield in Motion (Seattle Lumberjacks 4) by Jami Davenport

Hi!,

 oki now this is really the last line for the sport romance challenge since there is only a little more than 24h left and no i'm not finished.... when i see all the books fitting this category i have and that i want to read  it's infuriating i had to take a forceful reading break.... now i can read again but little by little  since my hands aren't healed and it's painful to hold something long and with all christmas and now New year preparation the time is limited. However i'm not giving up!

If you remember this year, i've read and absolutely loved Down by Contact by Jami Davenport, it was in fact the third book in the series and i have been dying to read book 1 and 2 since then, they are on my night table even but i couldn't read them then and now book 4 just released so  i couldn't resist and i jumped on it as soon as i could with pleasure^^ and i will read backwards after but i couldn't miss this new release to share it with you so...

 Happy Reading!

Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Group

Publication: 2013

Genre: sport romance
Violence: mild
Language: normal
sex: strong
Public: 18+

Source: ecopy received in exchange for an honest review
 

Short description from goodreads :

 Bruce "Bruiser" Mackey's story (running back)

All you'll ever be is a pretty face...

Star running back Bruce “Bruiser” Mackey has heard those words his entire life, especially after his twin brother’s tragic accident. He might use his surfer-boy good looks to land lucrative endorsements for his secret charity, but he hates books being judged by their covers. Which is why it’s wrong that his friend MacKenzie Hernandez is intent on giving herself a makeover.


Sure, Mac and her father have been reeling financially since her brother disappeared three years ago, and Lumberjacks management gives an annual scholarship that might get her life back on track, but he can’t imagine anyone smarter, sexier, or more beautiful than Mac already is. He can’t keep his hands off her—and the more they spend time together, the less he wants to. She’s perfect as is. One way or another, he’ll make sure the team’s tomboy greenskeeper gets a full ride. And between the two of them, they can learn to accept what’s behind them and look downfield to a future full of win.

My opinion:

          After enjoying so much “ Down by Contact” i was impatient to find the Seattle Lumberjacks once more however instead of starting with the precedent books it was time for the newly release and I didn’t want to miss it. Jami Davenport is really an author you have to try if you love sport romance because so far I have liked (or more) all I’ve read from her.

This book doesn’t break that rule I really liked it but at the same time I found it harder to immerse myself in the story because the suspense part was more important than the sport one and I guess perhaps a little too unbelievable for me. However the author’s writing talent made it so that I still couldn’t close the book and i had to finish it the sooner the better.

I was delighted to get to see again Kelsie, Lavender and Rachel as well as their counterpart^^, They have become great at scheming lovers plans and it’s sure Mac and Bruiser needed their wisdom ( I want to see Tyler get married even if apart the ceremony and paper it’s all look like he is already)I enjoyed discovering more about Brett and I do hope he will find his soulmate too because he does deserve it, he is so loyal and forgiving. Now i must say i still hate Veronica and I don’t think that could change a day…. You will see what i mean after reading this 4th book….she is such a b**** I wanted to strangle her ( I’m sure she is even furious with Elliot).

The romance between Mac and Bruiser is cute and I do love the message between it that you need to see behind the appearances. People can be so different that what they want people to believe and if you stop just at the looks you are missing so much…. Bruiser did need a change in Mac appearance to give it a try and I guess that part bothered  me just a little…he is saying he saw her and liked her before but he needed to see her as a woman to make his move…. Now that happen also in real life sometimes you need a change of place to open your eyes to what was right in front of you so i got over it pretty quickly. Both have guilt issues and difficulty to trust, they are stubborn and sadly not selfish enough sometimes making them pay a too heavy price for someone else decision or desire but together they do get stronger if they can accept it.

Nevertheless when you add the burden in Mac’s life to Bruiser’s past… it was a little too much for me. It’s not bad no but perhaps I would have enjoyed more if at least one of them at resolved his or her problem first because it does make a lot especially when Elliot come to add to the mix of their perturbed life already. I loved Elliot Character… so mature and at the same time so vulnerable..; it’s just that the 3 situations together were too much for my emotional state right now i guess.

The sport part is a little more behind the scene in this story, we know Bruiser plays ( and wins) that he has training session but the majority of the action take place far from the stadium. Perhaps i missed that but at the same time if you are not great fan of sport it makes it even easier to be drawn in the story.

All in one it’s a really good sport romance with a lot of suspense romance this time in the mix and one you should really give a try to.

Score:  3,5/5

Disclaimer: Source: a copy in exchange for an honest review, no other compensation was received. All opinions are my own and no compensation was received in exchange for this review

 For more info on Jami Davenport and her books you can check her Website  HERE

 Backfield in Motion is available on amazon or on smashwords ( as well as other format and retailer listed on her website)

Challenge:

Offside (The Barker triplets 1) by Juliana Stone

Happy Holidays to all of You!!


                     I hope you had a wonderful Christmas time with your loved ones ( and if you don't celebrate, a great family time simply). For once i did enjoy a calm meal and christmas day was also a really good one since i managed to get a little reading done after all i'm still hoping to finish the challenge i've entered and that's the last line so i'm trying^^.

I opted for a sport romance since i must still read 2 others but to be honest i was also hesitant to pick it... during this year that i tried to discover this genre i found excellent ones but i also got really disappointed by other and i was a little afraid if it wasn't one for le that i would loose my motivation.....thankfully i have been more than happily surprised and i really liked to read this on christmas since the main messsage is forgiveness and trust so without waiting here is my opinion on Offside by Juliana Stone

Happy reading!

Publisher: Juliana Stone

Publication: 2012

ISBN:  0373277210

Genre: contemporary, sport romance
Violence: mild
Language: mild
sex: strong
Public: 18+

Source: free (promo on smashwords at the time)

Short description from goodreads :

 When hockey phenom Billie-Jo Barker returns home and decides to play in the local Friday night hockey league, all hell breaks loose. Not because Billie's talent is in question, but because Billie is a woman. And though these are modern times, some of the local guys still have a problem letting a girl into their 'men's club.'

Soon, Billie is at the center of a small town battle of the sexes, with everyone choosing sides. Her sisters. The townsfolk. Her friends. And yet, the only person whose opinion she cares about doesn't seem to care much at all. Logan Forest, the man who broke her heart when she was eighteen and the man she now shares the bench with every Friday night.


She's got a lot to prove and though Billie Jo Barker scores on the ice, will this girl ever score with the man of her dreams?

My opinion:

          As hesitating as I was to start this book I didn’t expect it to be that good! I really loved it.  While it was a little difficult for me to get into the story at first because I kept confusing the characters (between Billie, Bobby and Betty you have to follow^^) I got really attached to Billie and Bobby….( I hate Betty even if she appears only a little)… I admire how Billie fought for her dreams and how she isn’t giving up, she was moving and the fact she loved Logan since little drew me to her… she is an athlete and he has the mind of one determined, voluntary and stubborn too^^

Bobby is different. Part of me were (still are) angry with how she is reacting but at the same time to having had my father live a degenerative illness I really can understand her. If you haven’t lived the situation you can’t imagine how exhausting physically AND emotionally it can be… you can choose to help with your free will you are never prepared for how hard is it to see one person you care for change and not recognize you or simply acting the opposite you always knew him to be. It hurts a lot and I’m sure under her grumpiness she is terribly afraid to loose her father and it’s a way to protect herself. The fact she was alone to do it add up to all the stress and fears she had so in a sense it’s normal she cat how she does to Billie and if you look closely she is never really mean to her ( not like Betty) she not supportive that’s completely different…. I really hope she will get her HEA with Shane and even more I want to know what happened between them!

I really loved that the sport in this was hockey in fact it’s was attracted me in this book to start with and i was really glad to see how the author introduced us to it… it’s completely part of book but not overwhelming if you don’t know anything about it. You follow Billie’s love for it you don’t have to stick to the rules to get a felling of what happen because mostly in this story the ethic is predominant…for example  you know what Seth did isn’t acceptable no matter what the rules states it’s not something you can agree with. I also really appreciate to see how the sport made the character stick together even if it wasn’t the case at the beginning…. By sharing together, working together they bonded and those bonds while done are strong as we can see how the guys move together to defend her.

Logan is so yummy^^;; I loved how loyal he was with Shane and how determined he could be. It really made sense with the romance part… it took time to take place but when it does it’s ignite with a spark. Logan has been hurt but it was more a misunderstanding in fact even if he doesn’t know it. Because of that he has apprehension with Billie simply because of whom her sisters are… he takes time to really see her for her and he gets really surprised… however they share so much in common they couldn’t not to get together. He is protective, honor counts for him and…. He isn’t a complete macho so a perfect book boyfriend, a real alpha is his own way.

Really it was a great sport romance read and while the rest of the series won’t be sport romance ( or less because if Shane appears he is playing hockey too) but only contemporary I wouldn’t need a lot of coaxing to give it a try after enjoying this first book so much! If you want a steamy romance but that built slowly, some hockey sport and want to see some macho get what they deserve with also some humour along the road ( the cat Weird is too funny) this is a great book for you!

Score:  4/5

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and no compensation was received in exchange for this review

Challenges:

Line of Scrimmage by Marie Force

Hello to all,

                       I admit i got a little sidetracked with the bout of books, i have been writings reviews but i forgot to post some of them^^;;, i really need to improve.
So to start i will give you my opinion about a sport romance i won recently... yes a new author once again and if i'm right i still have 2 or 3 one to discover before going back to series i did start already.
It was an enjoyable reads  ( a great one to start the week with in fact).

so no more waiting and here is my opinion of Line of Scrimmage by Marion Force.

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Publication: 2008

ISBN:  1402214243

Genre: sport romance
Violence: mild
Language: normal
sex: strong
Public: 18+

Source: won
 

Short description from goodreads :

 "She's given up on him and moved on..."

Susannah finally has a peaceful, calm life and a no-surprises man. Marriage to football superstar Ryan Sanderson was a whirlwind of passion, heat, energy, and excitement, but Susannah got sick of playing second fiddle to his team, watching women throwing themselves at him, and living in terror of the hard hits he took on the field. With their divorce just days from being final, she's already planning a wedding with her new fiance...

"He's finally figured out what's really important to him. If only it's not too late..."


Ryan has just ten days to convince his soon-to-be ex-wife to give him a second chance. He has just brought home his third championship and his career is at its pinnacle, but during the year of their separation, Ryan's come to realize it doesn't mean anything at all without Susannah...

My opinion:

         I’m quite happy to have read this book even if I admit I had some doubts... in a whole it’s an enjoyable read, quicker that what I expected, and perfect for the summer. This is the first sport romance I read when the athlete is retiring, even more retiring by choice when still at the top….and perhaps it’s part of what I regretted because for this reason we don’t get a whole of the sport elements themselves only the fact that after several victory in a row they are big celebrations….i would have enjoyed to see more interactions between the players not just see them in less than 20pages.

Oh we do get that he Ryan is loved by his colleagues, and his superiors as well as the fans. We see the deep trust he has with his coach and we can understand he worked hard but the author centred the story on the romance leaving, in my opinion, the sport element to the side a little too much. I don’t like when it’s predominant but here it wasn’t enough.

That put aside, I got a little hesitation with the romance it self… fortunately the author managed to avoid situations I would have hated but still…Ryan come to try to win back his wife…I have nothing against that, even less knowing they were separated for other reason than cheating…but the fact that Susannah was planning a new wedding while the divorce wasn’t final that bothered me…I prefer when situation are clear so you terminated completely a relation before starting a new one or it’s cheating! And I hate cheating now like I said the author did manage to avoid that by keeping Susannah and Henri relationship platonic…. But then making Ryan making love to his wife when she hasn’t broken with Henry was once again limit ( but Henri being a jerk I can forgot that)Susannah sound like she can’t make her mind and it’s not really true to her character. She suffered a lot, her and Ryan got in a huge misunderstanding and that drove them apart but their feelings were the same all along.

Thus when, once they get back together, the hesitation and doubts start again it was a little too much for my taste, yes nothing is perfect right away but they got back together because the trust was against there so playing with that not once but 3times, that’s exaggerating. The ending felt a little rushed too but it’s an happy one and that’s the most important.

 I did smile too while reading this story but mostly thanks to the judge character so attentive and funny when he wants to be.( like his comments with the newspapers), he is quite cunning. Bernie was also a big supporter of the couple not only Ryan and that something I appreciated. Ryan can be really moving but he was hurt growing without a father and that’s reflect in his personality, sometimes I though him stupid when he doubted Susannah, then so good for guessing about Henry and being so protective with his wife then too kind ( no the girl wasn’t innocent, she accepted the money she knew was she was doing she should have been punished)…I don’t think he could have been so compassionated right after what he has lived even less with what he was thinking about his wife, later perhaps right then.. no realistic

So everything put together it’s an enjoyable romance , a good one for the summer since it’s a fast read and if you want to try sport romance but don’t like to read much about sport this is the right book for you. If you love second chance romance this is an good one.

Score:  3,5/5

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and no compensation was received in exchange for this review

Challenges:

Racing to Love : Jesse’s Soul (Racing to love 2) by Amy Gregory

Hello to all,


                       July will bein the past in a few hours and i didn't see the time flying...so many thing to do so little time. Now in June i've forgotten to post a sport romance like i intended to, to keep up with the challenge hosted by Anna so this month i was adamant to read one....i wanted to keep introducing author new to me but i had forgotten that July was the month when a new book, in a series i loved was released... so i had to be up to date for this event...the release of the third book in the Racing to Love series by Amy Gregory that will have Eli has a main character...

So before i get back to a new author and then eventually to other books in series that i've started already i needed to give you my opinion on Jesse's Soul...let just said you will need tissue because it's a really emotional reads but the romance is sweet and you will be happy to follow this author.


Happy Reading!

Publisher: Sapphire Star Publishing

Publication: 2012

Genre: sport romance
Violence: none
Language: normal
sex: mild
Public: 18+

Source: won

Short description from goodreads :

 Jesse Frost lived the life most men would kill for. Fast bikes, fame, money, and looks. He hadn’t thought much about those things throughout his career. He was just an easy-going guy from Texas who always worked hard for everything he got in life. He’d been the shy guy in school, so when the prom queen found him years later, he thought he had finally made it. Her mirage, however, left him empty and certain there was no one that wanted him just for the man inside.

Emery Kincaid has a last name that is revered in their world. A woman in a man’s world and succeeding, Irish through and through, she has the temper and sass to boot and a reputation that precedes her. She has remained strong because she’s had no other choice. The pain she masks runs deep and hiding it is the only way she can survive.

Thrown together and forced to be in each other’s space day in and day out, sparks start to fly—from chemistry and the brakes she tries desperately to throw on. Without a doubt, Jesse thinks he’s found her, but the girl that stole his heart has a stubborn streak a country mile wide.


What Jesse doesn’t know could break his heart. Hiding her true feelings for him is the only way for Emery to protect him and in turn—herself. She barely made it out the first time. If she let Jesse in and he walked away…well, that’s a risk her heart can’t take.

My opinion:

          Moving…Amy Gregory is really talented to mix sport romance with other topic to make not only a sweet romance but one really moving…it’s hard not to want to shed a tear at some points but i really appreciate how open she made Jesse… he is really a formidable hero.. protective, loving and “going alpha” only when it’s needed.

He is really a good guy with a warming personality (which has always amused me with his last name: Frost) and here we saw how honourable he is, despite hurting - because let be honest i would have wanted to punch the prom queen, to tell all the city what she has done, as you would more than probably.-and he will never take it on on his friends, partners and family. No, mister suffer alone or at least try. He does deserve an happy end so when you read how long and what it takes, you can only admire him and at the same time a little part tell you that yes it’s unfair but only him could do it.

Emery is really an epitome of the Irish girl and you better not to mess with her. Having grown in a men,’s world she know she must have a strong front but when tragedy strikes it’s not a wall she build but a complete bunker. She never expected to feel welcome on the team, even less on such a short notice. Yes Reid is her father but despite being a Kincaid and the best at what she does, she still is a female…however the gang isn’t just a bunch of guys, they are good persons and soon the majority see behind her shell … Molly becomes quickly the friend she never had but even more than that, she becomes like a sisters and with her pushing her to Jesse, Emery can’t win the fight to keep it only professional between them, even less when Jesse sees right through her.

What most don’t know, or at least at first, is what Emery suffered and endured… Amy Gregory really managed to make all the suffering lost of hope stand out but with behind a strong girl, mature and who deserves love.

I can relate to Emery a lot, and i’m sad she is mostly suffering because of what society tends to put forwards as the most important or even as mandatory without taking into account what real life can be. I think this story could really help some girls and women to find hope again, like Emery because for each of us there a special one, we just have to find him ( or her)

One bonus was to find Molly and Carter and to see how things have evolved since book 1, and also all the gang is there Reid, Eli, Brody and some new ones to makes us hope for several more books^^

I did cry with this book, i got angry at how unfair some people and things can be but also i hoped, i dreamed and i smiled so if you want a excellent sport romance albeit a really, really emotional one, you should give this one a try. It could be read as stand alone without trouble but I would recommend to read book 1 since it will give you a deeper understanding of all the secondary characters.

Score:  4/5

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and no compensation was received in exchange for this review

Challenges:

Down by Contact (Seattle Lumberjacks 3) by Jami Davenport

Hello to all,

                  If you read my blog for a few month, you know that one of my objective this year was to discover the subgenre "sport romance"... i made some good discoveries so far and i also read some books that really don't sit well with me. In my quest to find new author ( to me) and series, i've encountered a blog tour for a new release " Down by Contact", i follow it, read the excerpt and i thought it was a book i could like and after the last one i read and really didn't enjoy it was a great change.

I tried to win the contests during the blog tour, without luck so i took my courage and contacted the author. The blog tour showed me a really kind and open woman and my own contact confirmed those feeling... Jami Davenport kindly accepted that i review her book on my humble blog. Let me just said i'm really glad i did dare to ask because i was far from expecting such a excellent book.

So let me give you my opinion on "Down by Contact", third book in the series "Seattle Lumberjacks", don't worry i haven't read book 1 and 2 yet but i didn't miss anything , this book works perfectly as a stand alone.( But i will read the precedent books and later share what i thought about them with you but first thing first, here comes Zach's story!)

 Happy Reading!

Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Group

Publication: 2013

Genre: sport romance
Violence: little
Language: mild
sex: strong
Public: 18+

Source: A ecopy in exchange for an honest review

Short description from goodreads :

 It's showtime.

After twelve years in the league, all Zach Murphy wants is a Super Bowl ring. He’s been about hard hits not smooth manners, about breaking quarterbacks not making small talk at cocktail parties. But now he’s shattered something else. After dumping a tray of drinks on the team owner’s snooty daughter and accidentally feeling up the Governor’s wife, his tenure with his team looks perilously short. And things are getting worse.

Life is looking up for Kelsie Carrington-Richmond. A onetime beauty pageant star and mean girl, she only recently stopped living out of her car. But those times have passed. Her finishing school for real men has a real shot, and the Seattle Lumberjacks have hired her to polish their roughest player.

Except…it’s Zach. Long ago she broke his heart. He’s just the beast she remembers—gruff, protective—but she’s nothing like the beauty from his past. Yet, getting knocked down happens, and getting back up makes a contender. And they both have the hearts of champions.

My opinion:

          From the excerpt I thought I was going to like it but in fact I love this story and I even greatly love it. It’s simply one of the best sport romance I’ve read so far, it’s really well written, the characters are well built and you will love some as much as you will hate others but each of them has the perfect background to makes the readers understand them. Also you have a large part dedicated to the sport, but it’s well written in a way that even if you know nothing about it, you are not bothered at all; in fact it even made me want to learn a little more.

And the romance: simply wonderful, sweet and cute but also growing with the relationship between the main protagonists, Zach and Kelsie, at the same rhythm as their trust. It’s just superb. To be honest I had some doubt about Kelsie at first, until we learn more about her and I can really appreciate her effort now. Knowing which kind of family she had, I can see why see wanted acceptance at all costs, sad she wanted acceptance from the number not from the quality but she was a child then so my heart went to her, even more when we learn that her parents sides with her ex after all they have done. Rachel and Lavender are her first true friends because being able to navigate society and being popular doesn’t mean you aren’t lonely far from it. Kelsie is stronger that she seems and just needed proper guidance.

Zach is just the opposite, you have to love him right at the start… he is a little like a big bear imposing on the outside but soft and fragile inside. The way he gets to do the wrong things at the wrong time just make him even cuter, I couldn’t resist. He is trying to do his best but if he manages on the field, in society that’s the opposite. He prefers to be alone, to do things that matters so in a sense he is all against appearances when he is also judging others on them. After a new disaster at a gala, he must take etiquette lessons…just the idea made me laugh. The big men who must learn how to hold their cup… while I can see the necessity of politeness, asking so much from athletes was a little ludicrous, for me, as long as there wasn’t disaster, it didn’t matter which fork they would use to eat etc. But it is also part of the scheme orchestrated by Veronika who just wanted him to fail not to shine, and that a character I detested strongly since the beginning, after Kelsie’s mother that we never see but heard enough about, and Mark that really should have suffered more.

Zach is all about honesty and compassion, he has suffered so much but he didn’t become selfish, simply afraid to let people discover that fragile side of him. The way he wants to wait until after the marriage before making love was simply adorable in a really good sense of the word. It was about love before sex, to have some meaningful and it something I respect and admire. He really worked his way in my heart.

 I was so engrossed in the story that I didn’t want to put the book down I had to finish it right now. It’s the third book in the series yes but I haven’t read the others yet, but I hope to do so really soon, however that didn’t bothered me at all. It works perfectly as a stand alone even if now I want to understand Tyler more, he looks like a excellent man too. So if you want to read a sport romance with a wonderful story try this one you won’t be disappointed at all.

Score:  5/5

Disclaimer/Source: a copy in exchange for an honest review.All opinions are my own and no compensation was received in exchange for this review

 For more info on Jami Davenport and her books you can check her Website  HERE

 Down by Contact is available on amazon or on smashwords ( as well as other format and retailer listed on her website)

Challenge:

Snow Bound by Larissa Ione

Hello to all!

                  To change a little from the paranormal romance including demon, today i offer you my opinion on a sport romance that really moved me but don't worry the paranormal will come back tomorrow. Enjoy "Snow Bound" by Larissa Ione.

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Publication: 2008

ISBN:  1599988232

Genre: contemporary romance, sport romance
Violence: none
Language: normal
sex: strong
Public: 18+

Source: won

Short description from goodreads :

 Passion hot enough to melt the slopesand their hearts. Thanks to a devastating medical diagnosis, ski patroller Sean Trenton has endured two years of celibacy. Two long years that have chipped away at his confidence. Now, with the career opportunity of a lifetime on the line, hes ready to remedy the celibacy situation, and sexy snowbunny Robyn Montgomery is just what the doctor ordered.

Unfortunately, the last thing reliable, intense radio station manager Robyn Montgomery wants in her suddenly turbulent professional and personal life is a thrill-seeking former Olympic skier-even if he is a total hottie. Shes had it with guys who hog the spotlight and leave her in the shadows. So why is it that even an icy blizzard cant temper the combustible heat between them?

Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex, graphic language.

My opinion:

          Fabulous… I took it first to past time but I devoured the book in less than an hour…. It’s really a wonderful story and I do recommend it… Larissa Ione has a wonderful written style, clear and easy but even more I was touched by the message in this story. It has steamy scene… really steamy one but for me it was mostly a sweet story about acceptance and trust.

Both main protagonists have trouble with self esteem…. Robyn because she was harassed during her childhood because she was obese and studious…she grew up, lost weight, got a good career however when it’s time for a reunion with her tormentor she wants to prove herself and is stressed to the point to be ill. So when her ex boyfriend and boss, Damon, cancel his participation to the auction she is organising there at the last minute, it’s the disaster for her even more when she see him there….and understand he is just using her and her contacts to have a interview  of importance.

Sean Trenton had it all… fame, success, money and groupie available for flings as soon as he wanted…but his dream of winning the gold medal at the Olympics crashed when he received terrible news… and had an accident nearly voluntarily. Now that his sport life is behind him and 2 years later he is healed…having a job as a skiing patroller and paramedic but that part of his life left sequels and Sean doubt himself, refusing to date a woman since he is maimed in his opinion. He is afraid of rejection, when his friend Todd encourages him to date again, he resist until he met Robyn…she is the total opposite of the women he dated in the past and worse she is not jumping on him ignoring his past fame. Worse, when she does learn about his past exploit she is even more determined to avoid Sean. Without realist why, the hot skier is even more determined to have her and to help her.

Now to be honest, if I do regret something in this book is that part about “fling”, one stand etc…for me sex is not a game and it must hold significance so I can’t assent to this attitude.. I do understand that Todd wants Sean’s happiness but urging him to have “ fun” instead of finding love isn’t something I approve of. I’m realistic and I do believe this behaviour to be common with celebrities and groupies but still… however Larissa Ione managed to make me forget about that during my reads. Immersed in the story, I enjoyed Robyn reservations but I was sad it was because of lack of self esteem and fear… Sean soon get really involved even if he doesn’t recognise it immediately. He is honest in his approach even if he is not telling her all the truth… and he does go against Damon, who I really dislike a lot, the horrible egoistical, abusive man.

Both of them are hurting and in love unfortunately their doubts and fears nearly destroyed their chance until they get stuck in a storm .. then… alone in the world they are about to open their heart about the source of their fear and I enjoyed this intimacy, the sweet approach and the acceptance that happen then… not everything is on the table yet but the story take another level.

It’s really a wonderful reads that I recommend if you are looking for a sweet romance with steamy part^^…and perhaps this book will make you love yourself a little more too as a bonus because none of us is perfect but each of us can be  deserving.

Score:  5/5

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and no compensation was received in exchange for this review

Challenges:

Racing to Love: Carter’s Treasure ( Racing to Love1) by Amy Gregory

Hello to all,

 It's soon St Patrick's day - just the day after my birthday-so i decided to share with you a book i felt lucky to discover. As you know , this year i've entered a challenge to read sport romance because it's a subgenre i didn't know... i wanted to try and not to limit myself to more common sports either. So when weeks ago, a friend blogger i trust, introduce me to a new series for the release of it's second book i was delighted. A sport romance yes but a really well written one from the excerpt i saw. Even better Brenda and me we share common taste so when she loves a book  i will most likely love it ( and vice versa).. only downside... there wasn't a pdf version at our knowledge but the author kindly told me that if i was to win she was going to try to get a pdf format. Amy gregory was so kind and fun that i started to follow her immediately......

A few week later i was lucky to win not book 2 but book 1 AND 2 and as promised she asked for the pdf for me so i can tell you how delighted i was and still am. i love when the authors take their readers into account.

And it's with ggreat pleasure i offer you my opinion on book 1  "Carter's Treasure" today, don't worry you will get one for book 2 too but i wanted to separe both of them so you could enjoy those books, can be read out of order but reading the series in order will give you more pleasure.

Happy reading!

Publisher: Sapphire Star Publishing

Publication: 2012

ISBN:  1938404084

Genre: romantic suspense, sport romance, contemporary
Violence: mild
Language: normal
sex: mild
Public: 18+

Source: won

Short description from goodreads :

 From the outside, Molly West had everything, beauty, brains, and a career she d retired from not once, but twice. Being in the limelight and in a sport that was male driven, she was often surrounded by men. She ignored first the boys, and as she got older, the men. Her cold shoulder and patented not a chance in hell look were usually enough to get her point across. Molly had no plans in changing what was a perfectly good system. That is until she walked into the pits. Carter Sterling had traveled the racing circuit since he was a boy. He d heard all the old standbys, She s out there somewhere, love comes along when you least expect it. Good things come to those that Yeah, he d heard them all. The last place he expected to meet the love of his life was on a pro track. All she did was smile, and he knew, looking into her sapphire blue eyes, Molly West was his. Forever. If it was only that easy. From the moment he laid eyes on her, he had a gripping feeling in him. An overwhelming need to protect her a girl he d just met. Carter had learned a long time ago that gut feelings are almost never wrong. Molly now held his heart in her hands, but it was going to take a lot more than just love to protect her from the past she thought she d buried a long time ago.

My opinion:

          When I discovered Amy Gregory during the blog tour for her second book, she caught my interest with an excerpt only. As you know I’ve decided to try to discover the sport romance subgenre so it entered that category but it seemed really well thought too. So when I won book 1 and 2 I was jumping everywhere, really happy and I couldn’t wait to discover her universe of motor bike racing.…

Each book can be read as a stand alone but Brenda ( a blogger i admire and trust) told me that while I could easily read book 2 first it would be better to start with the first one “Carter’s treasure” and I really don’t regret it.

This book is a wonderful romance and offered me a glimpse, oki even more than that, of the motor bike racing universe which I was completely clueless about. The author really managed to make you feel comfortable with that sport even if you don’t have any prior knowledge because the character are racers and retired racers, the setting is different place where the races are held but we don’t get into the technicalities of said sport so really no need to be afraid. For me it was also really interesting because it’s not a sport I saw a lot in the books I could read (often it‘s football or baseball so great change)

Even better, there is apart of suspense, a little investigation and it’s something I appreciate so it was an added bonus in my eyes.

The characters are really believable, Molly has been traumatized and still suffer the consequences more than 10years after the trauma, that’s the reason she is really overprotected by her  adoptive parents and her ”brother”. She is riding a bike since she was toddler and racing just a little after… that’s all she know all her life and she love that sport. However, that kind of wandering life following the races and the training this sport requires had the effect to cut in her social life. She didn’t date, go out etc. Always surrounded by others racers, mostly male, but protected by her family she has kept her distances. Some could think strange that she accepts how Carter is touching her already the first night but  it didn’t bothered me…perhaps because of the kind of traumatism she had..; she wasn’t violated so the “touch part” isn’t the problem it’s more the trust and yes sometimes we offer our trust immediately without knowing why. She is also in her late twenties so not a child anymore and she is a little uncomfortable with those marks of affection at first, just she is not hurt. What is more affecting her is the violence and shouts and the authors described several scenes to better make us understand that.

Carter is determined but also really patient. He is sure she is “the one” for him as soon as he saw her but he doesn’t put too much pressure on her. Yes he is touchy and yes he flirts with her but when he discovers how innocent she is he let her set the speed. I really appreciate that and how he was protective but not suffocating her. He keeps his promises, doesn’t try to change her and he is persistent despite all Brody’s attempt to make him leave he stays like promised, even when he see her at her worst he stays by her side and for me that a great show of love.

I loved how Carter’s friends were supportive of them and helped when needed, I’m glad I will see more of them in book 2.

The romance is really well constructed and the rhythm is adapted to the character, their life and the situation they are in , Amy Gregory really drew me in her story and my hearth went to the characters so often that I couldn’t make a break in this book. I just wanted more. The plot with the stalker, the threats was really a perfect idea to make the things happens more quickly, to push her to make some decisions while showing her how much she could trust her family, friends and lovers. It was also one really well thought and I didn’t guess who was the culprit or why he was doing it before it was revealed.

The only downside is that sometimes the change of setting or time had me surprised and I went back  a few page to be sure I didn’t miss a passage, page or something. But it was her first book so I’m sure the author must have improved that (and still could) but despite those few and short moments where I felt lost I really enjoyed this story greatly and the ending was just perfect!

I really recommend this story if you want to discover a good sport romance with a lot of feeling, happy end and well written even if not perfect.

Score:  4,5/5

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and no compensation was received in exchange for this review

Challenges:

Now you could be lucky too because the author has a giveaway on her blog to win a copy of the second book Jesse's soul. You can enter here until the 18th so hurry and good luck ;)