Romance Writer and Lover of Books...Vikki Vaught: Football

Showing posts with label Football. Show all posts

Thursday, April 27, 2017

Book Review: Sweet Southern Trouble by Michele Summers

Sweet Southern Trouble by Michele Summers

Publisher & Release: Sourcebooks Casablanca, May 2, 2017

Time and setting: Present Day, Raleigh, NC

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Length: 352 pages

Heat Level: 2 Flame

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description:

An ambitious Southern belle

Marabelle Fairchild knows she's a gal who can get things done. Feeling unappreciated at the exclusive private school where she's a kindergarten aide and varsity tennis coach, Marabelle determines to score with the next big fundraiser. What she doesn't expect? A smokin' hot football coach to throw her off her game...

A reclusive NFL bachelor...
NFL coach Nick Frasier is Raleigh's most eligible bachelor, but he wants to focus on his career...not his playboy status. He doesn't need a smart-mouthed, pint-sized kindergarten teacher pestering him. So he cuts Marabelle a deal—in exchange for Nick sponsoring a bachelor auction starring him and his gorgeous celebrity pals, Marabelle will pose as his fiancée to ward off unwanted advances.

What could possibly go wrong?

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Sweet-Southern-Trouble-Michele-Summers-ebook/dp/B01MY0NYMD

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31408165-sweet-southern-trouble

Vikki’s Musings

This is the first novel I have read by Michele Summers, and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. When I received an invitation from the publisher via Net-Galley to read and review, I hesitated, because I was not sure I would like the heroine. I’m so glad the sexy hero enticed me to accept.

Marabelle Fairchild wants to be accepted by her peers and agrees to manage the upcoming fundraiser for her school. She knows she can gain their approval because she gets things done. What she does not expect is a startling attraction the coach of the NFL football team.

Nick Frasier needs to clean up his playboy image quickly. When he meets the pint-sized Marabelle, she is the perfect answer to his dilemma. Who better than a kindergarten teacher to have as a pretend fiancée?

Can he convince her to go along with his plan to redeem his reputation, and while they are playacting, will she heat up the sheets with him as well?

I thoroughly enjoyed Sweet Southern Trouble from the first page to the last. All the characters are great from the hero and heroine to the teammates on Nick’s team, even the villain of the story adds a lot of humor to this entertaining read.

Much to my surprise, I fell in love with Marabelle immediately. She’s just so darn cute! Her insecurities due to her narcissistic mother called to me in a big way. No wonder she has issues with a mother like that. It did not help that her father goes along with whatever his ex-wife wants!

Nick is a great hero. He’s a fun-loving character who truly wants to change his image, and not just so he keeps his job. He really cares for his team, and he cannot resist his little dynamo. The banter between him and the other characters had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion.

If you are looking for a light-hearted romance with surprising depth of character, then you will enjoy Sweet Southern Trouble as much as I did. While this is the first book I have read by this author, it will not be the last. Happy reading!

Monday, May 30, 2016

Book Review: The All-Star Antes Up by Nancy Herkness

The All-Star Antes Up by Nancy Herkness (Wager of Hearts, Book 2)

Publisher & Release: Montlake Romance, May 31, 2016

Time and setting: Present Day, NYC

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Length: 354 pages

Heat Level: 2 Flames

Rating: 4 Gold Crowns

Book Description:

“No strings, no rings.” That’s Luke Archer’s motto. As the champion quarterback for the New York Empire—not to mention a self-made billionaire—Luke has given up on serious relationships. Women only want him for one thing: the thrill of being with a superstar. And he likes it that way too. But when his best friend announces he’s retiring from football to spend time with his wife and kids, Luke feels like he’s missing out on something much bigger than his career.

The assistant concierge in Luke’s luxury high-rise, Miranda Tate fled her family’s dairy farm to come to the bright lights of New York City. She works hard to move up and sends her spare earnings home to her brother. When she and Luke meet, there’s an instant sexual attraction which turns steamy quickly, but they’re in completely different leagues. Could Miranda be just the woman Luke needs to win the most important game of his life?

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/All-Star-Antes-Wager-Hearts-Book-ebook/dp/B0194UEDFO

Audible: http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/The-All-Star-Antes-Up-Audiobook/B01EM7SY1S/ref=a_search_c4_1_1_srTtl?qid=1464628091&sr=1-1

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28319409-the-all-star-antes-up?search_version=service

Vikki’s Musings

This is the second book in Nancy Herkness’ Wager of Hearts series. I read the first book, The CEO Buys In, several months ago and was eagerly waiting for this one to be released when I found it on Net-Galley. Of course, I requested it. As with Book 1, The All-Star Antes Up is a great read.

Although Luke Archer agreed to the wager, he doesn’t have time to look for his true love since he’s in the middle of football season and with a mysterious pain in his shoulder causing him problems, he has to keep his attention on his game. When his brother’s misbehavior has him running interference, the last thing he expects is to find the woman who just might be THE ONE.

As hard as he tries to keep it casual, his heart wants the exact opposite. Can he ask her to wait, or should he break it off and let her go?

I enjoyed the easy banter between Miranda and Luke. The pacing is great, and the story kept me entertained from start to finish. Both characters are easy to like. Miranda is feisty and independent. Luke is, of course, a hunk, but better yet, a really nice guy. The chemistry between them sizzles and only gets hotter as the story unfolds.

While sports romance is not my cup of tea, I could appreciate the research Ms. Herkness did regarding the football scenes. She obviously has a great love of the game, and it came through in her writing. She also must have done her research on dairy farming as well, since that was in Miranda’s storyline.

I thoroughly enjoyed Miranda and Luke’s love story and absolutely loved their “happily ever after.” I can’t wait for Gavin’s story. He’s the third person involved in the wager and so far, his character has been a bit of the instigator. I think his story could very well be the best one of the three. If you enjoy a light-hearted read with great characters, then you will want to read The All-Star Antes Up. Happy reading!

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Book & Audio Review: Dare to Love by Carly Phillips

Dare to Love by Carly Phillips

Publisher & Release Date: CP Publishing, November 10, 2014

Time and setting: Present Day, Florida

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Erotic

Length: 292 pages

Heat Level: 3 Flames

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Book Description:

When it comes to family, billionaire football team owner, Ian Dare gives his all, but in relationships, he offers the bare minimum. Until one glimpse of sensual Riley, Taylor arouses his dominant and protective instincts. He will do anything to possess her ... and does. But any future with Riley must include him dealing his half-brother who is a constant reminder of the pain he'd rather forget.

Riley Taylor believes herself immune to domineering men - until charismatic Ian Dare turns a simple kiss into an all out assault on her senses and she discovers she likes his brand of control in the bedroom. As their affair heats up, they soon realize this is more than just an affair. But Riley's past is closer than she cares to remember, and her struggles with Ian's dominance might just cost her everything. If you like bad boy romances, alpha males or billionaire romances, this series is for you.

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GQE9CXA/

Audible:http://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Dare-to-Love-Audiobook/B00IZO352I

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24752782-dare-to-love

Vikki’s Musings

This is the first book I have read by Carly Phillips. I actually met her a couple of years ago at a Readers Conference. While searching for books with the audio version available for $1.99, I stumbled across Dare to Love and remembered her, so I decided to download the book and the audio. I’m very glad I did. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

While attending a birthday party for her best friend’s father, Riley Taylor meets Alex’s half-brother, Ian Dare. The attraction between them is electrifying, but there is a huge problem. Ian and Alex hate each other. She would never do anything to hurt her friendship with Alex.

When Riley loses her job, she ends up working for the football team owned by Ian. The pull is so strong; they give in to the overwhelming passion that burns between them. Only they both have major trust issues along with the other problem with Ian’s brother.

Can Ian and Riley open their hearts to each other, or will they allow the differences that separate them keep them apart?

Riley’s character is a real sweetheart. While her childhood was horrible, she does not let it keep her from her goals. She is a loyal friend, an independent woman, and she’s determined to excel in her new job. Her backstory is truly heart-breaking and brought tears to my eyes. Ms. Phillips is gifted in writing with deep emotion, and that helped me to become vested in Riley from the start.

Ian is an extremely complex and compelling character. While he can be ruthless in business and has only had physical encounters with women in the past, he also shows vulnerabilities, especially with Riley. I really felt his pain over why he doesn’t get along with Alex and the rest of his half-siblings. That earned my empathy and helped me like his character a lot.

I greatly feared this would end in a cliff-hanger, but fortunately, it does not. There is a great “happily ever after” at the end. This is a series featuring all the siblings, and I look forward to reading/listening to the other books. If you enjoy stories with a sexy billionaire, hot love scenes that are also emotional ones, then you will love Dare to Love as much as I did. Happy reading!

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Book Blast with Review: Sly "Bullhorn" Brodsky Offensive Line by Jean C. Joachim

BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – SLY “BULLHORN” BRODSKY SERIES – FIRST & TEN AUTHOR – Jean C. Joachim GENRE – Contemporary/Sports Romance PUBLICATION DATE – Nov. 16, 2015 LENGTH (Pages/# Words) - 66,900 words PUBLISHER – Moonlight Books COVER ARTIST – Dawne Dominique

BOOK SYNOPSIS

Sly “Bullhorn” Brodsky wished winning the heart of Samantha Drake was as easy as protecting his quarterback. A top offensive lineman in the NFL, Bull tried to live down his rep as a womanizer. Locker room chatter had elevated him to the level of “player” in more than football. But Samantha Drake, dark-haired, stunning sister of a teammate, didn’t want to have anything to do with him. Or did she?

On his best behavior, Bull pulled out all the stops to woo the reluctant beauty. He was making progress until a woman from his past reappeared. Tiffany, the one woman who broke his heart, is in trouble. Is Bull the only man who can help?

Samantha is overcoming her doubts about Bull until Tiffany arrives. Is the blonde really in hot water or does she just want another chance with the man she discarded?

Enjoy the return of your favorite First & Ten characters in this book, too. Surprises, twists, and football action scenes will keep you turning the pages.

BUY LINKS

Website AMAZON AMAZON U.K AMAZON CANADA BARNES & NOBLE ITUNES/APPLE KOBO PAPERBACK

Vikki’s Musings

I have been a fan of Jean C. Joachim’s books for several years. When the chance came up to read and review SLY “Bullhorn” Brodsky, Offensive Line, I quickly agreed. This is the first book in the First & Ten series I have read. Darn it! Now I’m going to have to read the other four books in this light-hearted and entertaining series.

Samantha Drake is extremely attracted to her brother’s teammate on his NFL team. While she has heard Sly Brodsky has a reputation as a “player”, she takes a chance and agrees to date him. When his ex-Fiancée re-enters the picture, it has her questioning the wisdom of her decision.

Sly Brodsky wants Samantha in a big way, even if he has to go up against her brother on his team. Unfortunately, Tiffany, the woman from his past, is in trouble, and he feels he must help her.

Will he be able to convince Samantha she is the only woman for him, or will his ex destroy the fragile bond between him and the woman he loves?

I thoroughly enjoyed this fun book. It has a bit of everything. A great romance, engaging characters, and suspense. The Sly’s story is fast paced and kept me turning the pages to see how it would end. One thing I particularly enjoyed, was the true to life dialogue between the players on the NFL football team. Ms. Joachim brings the characters to life with their typical locker room banter.

Samantha is an engaging character, and I became fully vested in her character from the start. She is a strong independent woman, dedicated to her brother and crusades for abused women. As the story unfolds, I could really get inside her head, which is something I love.

Sly is a sweetheart of a guy and a great hero. While he has every reason to be cautious when it comes to having a serious relationship––after getting left at the altar by his ex-fiancée––he is so smitten with Sam, he is willing to take the risk. I loved his loyalty to his team and teammates, and his desire to protect Samantha.

Sly’s story is sure to be a hit with football fans for sure, male and female alike. Ms. Joachim must be a huge football fan because she certainly understands the game. If you are looking for a fun read with interesting characters, plenty of action and a very romantic ending, then you will love this book. Happy reading!

4.5 Gold Crowns

EXCERPT

“I’m grubby. I need a shower,” she said, pushing to her feet to glance in the mirror.

The next image to take over his mind was stepping into a steamy shower behind Samantha. He blinked a few times and took a deep breath, hoping his thoughts wouldn’t inspire an erection.

“You okay? Were the boxes too much?” Her dark, chocolate brown eyes held concern.

He laughed. “You kiddin’? That’s nothin’. I take down guys ten times that weight in every game. Geez. What do you think? I’m a pussy or something?”

She made a face.

“Sorry. I need to clean up my words.” He sensed color in his face. He’d never had a girlfriend like Samantha Drake. She was smart, beautiful, and nice. She did volunteer work at the New Life Shelter for battered women and kids. But she wasn’t his girlfriend, only a friend. With no benefits. He sighed.

“My brother, Devon, talks like that too. You’d think football players never went to college.” She handed him a cold bottle of water.

He downed the liquid. “What’s next?”

She turned around in the room and sucked her lower lip between her teeth. “Bed, books, clothes, rocking chair. Hmm. How many boxes are still in the car?”

“Two.”

“Then that’s it. The place looks pretty empty.” She perched on the mattress, tucking her feet under her.

“You’ll have it furnished before you know it. Come on. I’m gonna bring those boxes up then take you out to dinner.”

“Thanks. Be right back.” Her thousand-watt smile turned his innards to jelly.

He sat in the rocking chair while Samantha washed the dirt off her luscious body. Or what he assumed was luscious. Sylvester “Bullhorn” Brodsky, known to his teammates as “Bull,” had the hots for Samantha Drake, and it was keeping him up nights. While he waited for her to want him back, his imagination ran through a half dozen things he’d like to do to her under the warming spray of hot water. She was a little slip of a thing, and he was huge. Six foot three inches tall and two hundred fifty pounds of pure muscle, the offensive lineman could lift her up with one hand.

SHORT SNIPPET

2. Bull shifted his weight. Blood rushed to his face, and his palms sweated. “This friend thing is great. But I’m interested in more than that. I want you to be my girlfriend.”

“Maybe. Don’t you have a girlfriend?” She tilted her head back to make eye contact.

“Nope. I haven’t dated anyone more than a couple of times in a long time.”

“Huh? I’m surprised. Thought football players had women crawling all over them.”

“Not the kind of women I want. I’m looking for a real woman, not a hook-up.”

She narrowed her eyes. “And what’s a ‘real woman’ like?”

“One-of-a-kind, like you.”

AUTHOR BIO

Jean Joachim is a best-selling romance fiction author, with books hitting the Amazon Top 100 list since 2012. She writes mostly contemporary romance, which includes sports romance and romantic suspense.

The Renovated Heart won Best Novel of the Year from Love Romances Café. Lovers & Liars was a RomCon finalist in 2013. And The Marriage List tied for third place as Best Contemporary Romance from the Gulf Coast RWA. To Love or Not to Love tied for second place in the 2014 New England Chapter of Romance Writers of America Reader’s Choice contest. She was chosen Author of the Year in 2012 by the New York City chapter of RWA.

Married and the mother of two sons, Jean lives in New York City. Early in the morning, you’ll find her at her computer, writing, with a cup of tea, her rescued pug, Homer, by her side and a secret stash of black licorice.

Jean has 30+ books, novellas and short stories published. Find them here: http://www.jeanjoachimbooks.com.

AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE WEBSITE FACEBOOK TWITTER PINTEREST GOODREADS

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Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Book Review & Excerpt: SLY "BULLHORN BRODSKY, OFFENSIVE LINE by Jean C. Joachim

SLY “BULLHORN BRODSKY, OFFENSIVE LINE by Jean C. Joachim

(First & Ten Series, Book 5)

Publisher & Release Date: Self-published, November 14, 2015

Time and setting: Present Day, Connecticut

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Sports

Length: 238 pages

Heat Level: 2 Scorching Hot Flame

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description:

Samantha is overcoming her doubts about Bull until Tiffany arrives. Is the blonde really in hot water or does she just want another chance with the man she discarded?

Enjoy the return of your favorite First & Ten characters in this book, too. Surprises, twists, and football action scenes will keep you turning the pages.

Buy Links:

AMAZON

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0180YBND0?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

AMAZON U.K.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0180YBND0?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

AMAZON CANADA

http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0180YBND0?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

BARNES & NOBLE

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sly-bullhorn-brodsky-jean-joachim/1122954279;jsessionid=F631E440B19D15973AABF0407031B876.prodny_store02-atgap09?ean=2940152747386

ITUNES/APPLE

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1059206728

KOBO

https://store.kobobooks.com/search?Query=sly+%22bullhorn%22+brodsky%2C+offensive+line

PAPERBACK

https://www.createspace.com/5869210

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27829968-sly-bullhorn-brodsky-offensive-line

Vikki’s Musings

Sly Brodsky wants Samantha in a big way, even if he has to go up against her brother on his team. Unfortunately, Tiffany, the woman from his past, is in trouble, and he feels he must help her.

Will he be able to convince Samantha she is the only woman for him, or will his ex destroy the fragile bond between him and the woman he loves?

I thoroughly enjoyed this fun book. It has a bit of everything. A great romance, engaging characters, and suspense. The Sly’s story is fast paced and kept me turning the pages to see how it would end. One thing I particularly enjoyed was the true-to-life dialogue between the players on the NFL football team. Ms. Joachim brings the characters to life with their typical locker room banter.

Except:

“I’m grubby. I need a shower,” she said, pushing to her feet to glance in the mirror.

The next image to take over his mind was stepping into a steamy shower behind Samantha. He blinked a few times and took a deep breath, hoping his thoughts wouldn’t inspire an erection.

“You okay? Were the boxes too much?” Her dark, chocolate brown eyes held concern.

He laughed. “You kiddin’? That’s nothin’. I take down guys ten times that weight in every game. Geez. What do you think? I’m a pussy or something?”

She made a face.

“Sorry. I need to clean up my words.” He sensed color in his face. He’d never had a girlfriend like Samantha Drake. She was smart, beautiful, and nice. She did volunteer work at the New Life Shelter for battered women and kids. But she wasn’t his girlfriend, only a friend. With no benefits. He sighed.

“My brother, Devon, talks like that too. You’d think football players never went to college.” She handed him a cold bottle of water.

He downed the liquid. “What’s next?”

She turned around in the room and sucked her lower lip between her teeth. “Bed, books, clothes, rocking chair. Hmm. How many boxes are still in the car?”

“Two.”

“Then that’s it. The place looks pretty empty.” She perched on the mattress, tucking her feet under her.

“You’ll have it furnished before you know it. Come on. I’m gonna bring those boxes up then take you out to dinner.”

“Thanks. Be right back.” Her thousand-watt smile turned his innards to jelly.

He sat in the rocking chair while Samantha washed the dirt off her luscious body. Or what he assumed was luscious. Sylvester “Bullhorn” Brodsky, known to his teammates as “Bull,” had the hots for Samantha Drake, and it was keeping him up nights. While he waited for her to want him back, his imagination ran through a half dozen things he’d like to do to her under the warming spray of hot water. She was a little slip of a thing, and he was huge. Six foot three inches tall and two hundred fifty pounds of pure muscle, the offensive lineman could lift her up with one hand.

Author Bio:

Dangerous Love Lost & Found, First Place winner in the 2015 Oklahoma Romance Writers of America, International Digital Award contest. The Renovated Heart won Best Novel of the Year from Love Romances Café. Lovers & Liars was a RomCon finalist in 2013. And The Marriage List tied for third place as Best Contemporary Romance from the Gulf Coast RWA. To Love or Not to Love tied for second place in the 2014 New England Chapter of Romance Writers of America Reader’s Choice contest. She was chosen Author of the Year in 2012 by the New York City chapter of RWA.