Talk Nerdy Book Blog

TagSports Romance

Magnetic and Delicious: The Lie by Karla Sorensen

By Sarah
In 4-stars, ARC, Book Review
September 15, 2021
6 Min read
M

Series: Standalone

Release Date: September 15, 2021

<strong>Synopsis</strong>
Rule number 1 for the team owner’s daughter? Don’t date the players.

Especially not hotheaded tight ends with tattoos and impulse control problems.

That’s why Dominic Walker is completely off my radar. Sort of.

Babysitting the team troublemaker when he’s forced to volunteer for the foundation where I work means I can’t exactly avoid him.

I wish I had though. Because once I get to know Dominic, it’s almost impossible to ignore the feelings he brings out in me.

Pretty soon, I’m breaking all my rules. I just have to hope he doesn’t break my heart in the process.

<strong>Ending</strong>
HFN
<strong>Representation</strong>
No strong representations of the following:
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
<strong>Possible Triggers:</strong> Yes
• Death of Hero’s younger sister from c@ncer
• Grief
• Anger management problems
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe
• No cheating
• No OW/OM drama
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
• Does have a ~1-month separation between the Hero and Heroine (both celibate)
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Format: eARC

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Note: I received The Lie from Karla Sorensen’s team in exchange for an honest review.

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Waking Olivia by Elizabeth O’Roark

By Sarah
In 4-stars, Book Review
November 22, 2018
7 Min read
W

Series: Standalone

Release Date: March 14, 2016

<strong>Synopsis</strong>
“That girl isn’t just trouble of the not-a-team-player, not-a-reliable-runner variety. She’s trouble of the devious, manipulative, too-f***ing-hot-for-her-own good variety. She’s the kind of girl who causes trouble merely by existing, and then makes sure to cause more.
And the last thing I need right now is more trouble.”

A failing farm.
His father’s debt.
And a struggling college track team.
Will Langstrom has too many responsibilities, and the last thing he needs is Olivia Finnegan, a beautiful but troubled new transfer student.

A smart mouth.
A strong right hook.
And a secret that could destroy her.
Olivia is her own worst enemy, with a past she can’t seem to escape, and the last person she wants help from is a cocky track coach she can never seem to please.
Refusing to be pushed away, Will is determined to save her.
And determined to resist an attraction that could destroy them both.

<strong>Ending</strong>

HEA
<strong>Representation</strong>
No strong representations of the following:
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
<strong>Possible Triggers:</strong> Yes
• Physical abuse (Memories, flashbacks and on-page)
• Significant PTSD
• Attempted rape (Memories, off-page)
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Not Safe
• No cheating
• Does have OW/OM
– The Hero has a longtime girlfriend for a significant portion of the book
– The Heroine flirts and attempts to hook up with an OM but doesn’t follow through
– The Heroine goes on dates with a different OM throughout the novel
• Does have descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
– It’s between the Hero and his girlfriend. There’s only one.
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
• Does have a brief separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Format: Kindle

Rating: 4/5 stars

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From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata

By Sarah
In 4-stars, Book Review
March 15, 2018
5 Min read
F

Series: Standalone

Release Date: February 1st, 2018

<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
If someone were to ask Jasmine Santos to describe the last few years of her life with a single word, it would definitely be a four-letter one.

After seventeen years—and countless broken bones and broken promises—she knows her window to compete in figure skating is coming to a close.

But when the offer of a lifetime comes in from an arrogant idiot she’s spent the last decade dreaming about pushing in the way of a moving bus, Jasmine might have to reconsider everything.

Including Ivan Lukov.

<strong>Ending</strong>

HEA
<strong>Representation</strong>
• Hispanic main and supporting character
• LGBTQIA+ supporting characters
• Main character with learning disability (dyslexia)
• Addresses ageism
<strong>Possible Triggers</strong>
• No OTT sad parts
• No abuse
• The Heroine has a really bad relationship with her father. He undermines her whole career and doesn’t acknowledge her dyslexia.
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe
• No cheating
• No OW
– It’s never clarified if the Hero dated/slept with his last partner.
• Does have OM
– The Heroine’s ex-BF was also her ex-skating partner. He tries to make things right at the end, but the Heroine isn’t having it.
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
• Does not have a separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Rating: 4/5 stars

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Unmasked by Magan Vernon

By Sarah
In 1-star, Book Review
November 16, 2017
7 Min read
U

Series: Standalone

Release Date: November 6th, 2017

<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
Can a hotshot snowboarder de-ice the ice queen?

At twenty-six, Blake Tremblay is one of the oldest snowboarders in the game. His sights are set on the gold medal, and he knows it’s now or never.

Kelly Johnson has spent her entire life skating and winning. She’s had no time for friends or an active social life, earning her the nickname “Ice Queen” – in and out of the rink.
Blake makes a bet without knowing all the terms. His ego won’t let him back out, even though his target is none other than the American Ice Queen herself.

What are the odds the dreadlocked playboy can warm the frosty figure skater when the real games are unmasked?

Let The Games Begin.

<strong>Ending</strong>

HEA
<strong>Representation</strong>
No strong representations of the following:
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
<strong>Possible Triggers</strong>
• No abuse.
• No OTT sad parts.
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe
• No cheating
• No OM drama
• Does have OW drama
– The Heroine’s nemesis is an ex of the Hero
• No descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
• Does not have a separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Rating: 1/5 stars

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The Lucky Charm (The Portland Pioneers, #1) by Beth Bolden

By Sarah
In 4-stars, Book Review
January 26, 2015
4 Min read
T

Series: The Portland Pioneers*

Release Date: May 4th, 2014

<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
IT’S THE BOTTOM OF THE NINTH …

Izzy Dalton’s about to strike out. Her new job as the sideline reporter for the Portland Pioneers major league baseball team is problematic on several levels:

1. Baseball is her least favourite sport. Falling behind golf, tennis, and maybe even curling.
2. What Izzy knows about baseball could fill about three minutes of airtime.
3. Her last experience in front of a camera was in college. Six years ago.
4. The Pioneer’s second baseman has a wicked sense of humour and even wickeder blue eyes.

AND A FULL COUNT …

Jack Bennett couldn’t be more uninterested in a little sideline action. He just wants to show up at the park and win baseball games. Izzy is the one woman he should steer clear of, but she’s also the key to his success – and his heart, too.

All Izzy has to do is convince her misogynistic boss she’s competent, learn what the heck an RBI is, and stay away from Jack Bennett. Izzy tells herself it’ll be a snap, but 162 games is longer than she ever imagined and Jack more irresistible than she counted on.

<strong>Ending</strong>

HEA
<strong>Representation</strong>
No strong representations of the following:
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
<strong>Possible Triggers</strong>
• Heroine’s family died when she was young
• No abuse (Heroine does have rude bosses though)
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe
• No cheating
• No descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
• Does have the Heroine pushing the Hero away
• Does not have a separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Rating: 4/5 stars

*Each novel in the series is Standalone

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Secret Catch by Cassie Mae and Jessica Salyer

By Sarah
In 4-stars, Book Review
November 24, 2014
4 Min read
S

Series: Standalone

Release Date: October 7th, 2014

<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
Tyler Koontz is Trojan gold all the way. There’s nowhere he loves to be more than on the football field.

Sam Nolan is Skyhawk red born and raised. With her mom’s alcohol problem and her dad’s recent death, she lives for her little brother who is a big football fanatic.

There’s one rule in this town …

Trojans and Skyhawks don’t date. EVER.

So when Tyler and Sam fall fast and hard for each other, what are they to do? Keep it a secret of course.

The problem is in a town this small, secrets don’t stay secret for long.

<strong>Ending</strong>

HEA
<strong>Representation</strong>
No strong representations of the following:
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
<strong>Possible Triggers</strong>
• Death (Heroine’s father dies and the Heroine becomes the primary caretaker to her younger brother because her mother has checked out)
• Violence
• Allusions to physical abuse
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe
• Both the Hero and Heroine are virgins
• No cheating
• No OW/OM drama
• Does have the Hero pushing away
– This is what made the book Safe with Exceptions for me. Most would find this book completely safe but it really bugged me how the Hero purposefully broke his promise to the Heroine to “protect her.” For someone who’s been repeatedly abandoned by the people she loves, it was not a well thought out move. The good intention was there, but the Hero just ended up hurting the Heroine that much worse.
– And then, worse than that, he didn’t have the courage to stand up for his relationship when the Heroine asked him to during their separation. It took until the end of the novel.
• Does have a brief separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

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Sweet Home, A Series by Tillie Cole

By Sarah
In 4-stars, Series Review
October 30, 2014
12 Min read
S

About the Series

I have a weakness for cliché contemporary romances, especially books that have an alpha-male, a strong female lead and an awesome romantic story to go with it. Also, since this book was based on the famous Shakespearean Romeo and Juliet, I had to read Sweet Hone. It’s just up to the reader to see if these reincarnations of Romeo and Juliet finally get their HEA.

The review of the series includes reviews on each of the following books (listed in order of release):

Note: The review of the Sweet Rome may discuss spoilers from the first book since they are companion novels. And, Books 2-5 in this series are Standalone.

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Offside by Shay Savage

By Sarah
In 4-stars, Book Review
September 17, 2014
5 Min read
O

Series: Standalone

Release Date: August 3rd, 2014

<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
I have to be the best. I am the best. I’m quick. I’m strong. I’m smart. I’m the star keeper of my high school soccer team, and I’ve got major leagues scouting me. As their captain, my teammates will do anything I say – on or off the field. Girls practically beg to be added to my list of conquests. As long as I manage to go pro for the best team in the world, I won’t have to worry about my father’s earth.

I’m Thomas Malone, and I’ve seen to it that the world revolves around me.

There’s a new girl at school, and it’s just a matter of time before she gives in to my charm. This one’s just a little more stubborn than most – she won’t even tell me her name! She’s smart, too. Maybe too smart. I can’t let her in. I can’t let anybody in. I’m not too worried, but even I have to admit she’s interfering with my focus on the goal.

Dad’s not going to be happy about that.

Did I mention I love Shakespeare? Yeah, I know. I’m a walking contradiction, According to the Bard, ‘Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.” Somehow, I got all three.

<strong>Ending</strong>

HEA
<strong>Representation</strong>
No strong representations of the following:
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
<strong>Possible Triggers</strong>
• Sexual assault (off-page, memories)
– Heroine drugged and then coerced into sexual acts which were then photographed
• Death of parent (off-page, memories)
• Domestic abuse (on-page)
• Suicide (on-page)
• Traumatic accident resulting in serious injury (on-page)
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Not Safe
• No cheating
• Does have (light) OW drama
– An ex-hookup of the Hero’s spreads rumours about the Heroine because the OW is jealous
• Does have a descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
– Before the Hero meets the Heroine: one descriptive scene at the beginning of an OW giving the Hero a BJ
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
• Does have a separation between the Hero and Heroine
– They were separated for a couple of months
– Assumed they were both celibate but not confirmation
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Rating: 4/5 stars

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Sanctuary of Mine by Shelly Pratt

By Sarah
In 4-stars, Book Review
July 16, 2014
4 Min read
S

Series: Standalone

Release Date: July 13th, 2013

<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
Mackenzie Deeks is struggling. Outwardly she plays the tough guy and acts like being a young adult with an eating disorder is no big deal. Inside, she’s crumbling.

Ever since her parents’ divorce, the only way she has been able to feel in control of her life is by purging the despair that has its grips on her and won’t let go.

Tyler Redding knows when someone needs help – he’s seen it before. This time, though, he’s not going to take no for an answer. From the moment he first sets his sights on Mackenzie, he’s unable to think of anyone else. But how can he focus on a football career when all he wants to do is date the most unassuming person he’s ever met?

As their lives become intricately entwined, it becomes more than wishful thinking when Mackenzie and Tyler find each other again as adults. With successful careers, a beachside lifestyle and each other’s love to contend with, life should be pretty damn good. But just when they think they’ve found their wonderful kind of normal, their perfect world comes crashing down.

It’s going to take a lot to keep Mackenzie from succumbing to old habits, but Tyler thinks he might just be the one to save her for good.

<strong>Ending</strong>

HEA
<strong>Representation</strong>
• LGBTQIA+ side character
<strong>Possible Triggers</strong>
• Bulimia
• Anorexic
• Death of family member
• Grief
• Sexual assault
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe
• No cheating
• No descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
• Does have a separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

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Out of Play by Nyrae Dawn and Jolene Perry

By Sarah
In 4-stars, Book Review
July 7, 2014
4 Min read
O

Series: Standalone

Release Date: August 6th, 2013

<strong>Synopsis:</strong>
Rock star drummer Bishop Riley doesn’t have a drug problem. Celebrities – especially ones suffering from anxiety – just need a little help taking the edge off sometimes. After downing a few too many pills, Bishop wakes up in the hospital facing an intervention. If he wants to stay in the band, he’ll have to detox while under house arrest in Seldon, Alaska.

Hockey player Penny Jones can’t imagine a life outside of Seldon. Though she has tons of scholarship offers to all the best schools, the last thing she wants is to leave? Who’ll take care of her absentminded gramps? Not her mother, who can’t even be bothered to come home from work, let alone deal with their new tenants next door.

Penny’s not interested in dealing with Bishop’s crappy attitude, and Bishop’s too busy sneaking pills to care. Until he starts hanging out with Gramps and begins to see what he’s been missing. If Bishop wants a chance with the fiery girl next door, he’ll have to admit he has a problem and kick it. Too bad addiction is hard to kick … and Bishop’s about to run out of time.

<strong>Ending</strong>

HEA
<strong>Representation</strong>
• LGBTQIA+ supporting character
• Native Alaskan main character
<strong>Possible Triggers</strong>
• Drug addiction
• Alzheimer’s
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe
• No cheating
• No descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
• Does not have a separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Rating: 4/5 stars

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