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3⭐
Genre ~ sports romance
Setting ~ Kansas & Wisconsin
Publication date ~ September 5, 2024
Publisher ~ Boldwood Books
Est Page Count ~ 258 (19 chapters)
Audio length ~ 8 hours 36 minutes
Narrator ~ Kate Handford
POV ~ dual 3rd
Featuring ~ football, workplace romance, small town, some steamage
Ella (34) & Jake (36) grew up in the same small town in Kansas where everyone knew your business. Now almost 20 years later they’re living in a different state and still trying to get out of the shadow of their parents’ mistakes, Ella more so than Jake.
Jake has been forced to retire from the NFL. The reasoning was pretty admirable once we learned what it was. He purchases a bar and turns it into a sports bar. It just so happens this was Ella’s favorite Friday night spot until there wasn’t a decent song on the jukebox.
Ella is a principal at a HS that’s on the cusp on being shut down. She’s also raising her 15 year old brother, Cameron, who seems to hate her and the world. Running out of options, she asks Jake to create a winning football team that’ll not only help keep the school open, but will hopefully get Cameron on track. Ella has a wonderful best friend and ‘Aunts’ that brought some fun to the story.
I liked that they knew each other back in the day, so they had some familiarity with each other, but then they really get to know each other more in the present. While I felt the chemistry between them something still felt off with them. I can’t exactly put my finger on it. Absolutely hated their first fight, which could have gone down a little better with some communication, however I can see why what was assumed was. Also, Ella is a bit of a hypocrite with some things that I didn’t care for.
Overall, it was a likable, quick read, but still felt on the longer side. I will surely check out more books from Amy in the future, though.
Side note ~ this originally came out in 2013 as Holding Out For a Hero and has been rewritten to give Taylor Swift/Travis Kelce vibes. The vibes were not really in my face, so I appreciated that. I wonder what else differs between the two versions.
Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
Add to your never ending TBR ~ goodreads
I’d love to hear your thoughts if you’ve read it.
Book blurb:
A disgraced football star, a high school in need of saving and a reunion too hot to handle
Headteacher Ella Lucas and football star Jake Prince have a very complicated history! Their mind-blowing encounter two years ago is proving impossible to forget now Jake is back, in her small town after being kicked out of the NFL.
She knew he was trouble then, but Ella has enough on her plate without having to worry about Jake Prince. Her school’s on the brink of closure, and she needs help. Then it dawns on her that maybe they can benefit each other – in more ways than one! Ella will help Jake to restore his disgraced reputation, if he can coach the football team to a winning streak. With nothing to lose, Jake reluctantly agrees….
As the school season heats up so does the inevitable chemistry between them. Far from being stuck in the past, the sparks between them are still there. And although he may look like her next mistake, Ella is determined that she will keep her hands off Mr Anti-hero even though she has an itch longing to be scratched. Because Ella’s has one golden rule: this is strictly business, they are never ever getting back together….
Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/lookwhatyousocial
Author Bio –
Amy Andrews is an award-winning, USA Today best-selling, Aussie author who has written eighty-nine contemporary romances. Her books bring all the feels from sass, quirk and laughter to emotional grit and steam. She loves frequent travel, good books and great booze. For many years she was a registered nurse which means she knows things, anatomical things, and she’s not afraid to use them! Amy lives in a pretty little coastal town where she gets to stare at the ocean all day.
Social Media Links –
Facebook: @AmyAndrewsAllStars
Twitter: @AmyAndrewsbooks
Instagram: @amyandrewsbooks
Bookbub profile: @AmyAndrews
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