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Matchplay #1
Matchplay
A Girl, a Guy, a Tournament and a Challenge
The Girl: At a time when most girls obsess about homecoming and high school prom, Rainy Dey spent her senior year caring for her dying mother. So when her father drops her off at college to start her freshman year, his words of advice to his bookish daughter are to start acting like a young person and finally have some fun.
The Guy: College senior, Aaron Donovan, aka Mr. Hot-and-Knows-It, is President of The Clubhouse, a social club for the college's most wealthy and popular guys. Aaron can have any girl on campus except the one who challenges and excites him the most--Rainy Dey.
The Tournament: Every year, the senior members of The Clubhouse engage in a golf-inspired tournament to see who can sleep with the most freshman girls. When Rainy finds out about The Tournament, she believes Aaron's only interest in her is to score points by taking her V-Card.
The Challenge: Can Aaron convince Rainy that his feelings for her are true and that she won't be just another notch on his tournament scorecard?
This new adult romance contains language and content indented for adult readers (18+).
The Girl: At a time when most girls obsess about homecoming and high school prom, Rainy Dey spent her senior year caring for her dying mother. So when her father drops her off at college to start her freshman year, his words of advice to his bookish daughter are to start acting like a young person and finally have some fun.
The Guy: College senior, Aaron Donovan, aka Mr. Hot-and-Knows-It, is President of The Clubhouse, a social club for the college's most wealthy and popular guys. Aaron can have any girl on campus except the one who challenges and excites him the most--Rainy Dey.
The Tournament: Every year, the senior members of The Clubhouse engage in a golf-inspired tournament to see who can sleep with the most freshman girls. When Rainy finds out about The Tournament, she believes Aaron's only interest in her is to score points by taking her V-Card.
The Challenge: Can Aaron convince Rainy that his feelings for her are true and that she won't be just another notch on his tournament scorecard?
This new adult romance contains language and content indented for adult readers (18+).
210 pages, Paperback
First published March 17, 2013
14 people are currently reading
804 people want to read
About the author
Dakota Madison
30 books318 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling author Dakota Madison is known for writing new adult, love in midlife, and contemporary romance with a little spice and lots of heart. Dakota is a winner of the prestigious RONE Award for Excellence in the Indie and Small Publishing Industry. When she's not at her computer creating spicy stories Dakota likes to spend time with her husband and their bloodhounds. Dakota also writes under the pen names SAVANNAH YOUNG, SIERRA AVALON and REN MONTERREY.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
September 29, 2013
This novel had a heartbreaking beginning. Such harsh life lessons learned so young. With this beginning Madison takes you and drops you right into the middle of the story, fighting right alongside her wonderfully created characters, trying to make a go at a relationship that society dictates is probably bound to fail. I also love how this story takes place in a very concrete location but you never find out exactly where that is. As a reader, you are dependent on Madison to fully create this world for you, which she does brilliantly. Madison paints a mural of the campus where these characters live that is so vivid you feel like you’ve been there.
Madison has presented us with a vast yet well-developed cast of characters to fill the pages of this novel. They range from the stereotypical frat boys, to well-to-do ladies, to studious geeks. Everyone has a well-defined place in the story, which is supported by both their past and their actions. The real life, gut lever reactions from these characters reach out to the readers. They are never forced or fake. It allows you to relate to them on many different levels.
As a whole, this was a quite shocking yet very interesting and emotional novel that doesn’t let you go easily. It was a brilliantly put together novel from a very intriguing author.
Madison has presented us with a vast yet well-developed cast of characters to fill the pages of this novel. They range from the stereotypical frat boys, to well-to-do ladies, to studious geeks. Everyone has a well-defined place in the story, which is supported by both their past and their actions. The real life, gut lever reactions from these characters reach out to the readers. They are never forced or fake. It allows you to relate to them on many different levels.
As a whole, this was a quite shocking yet very interesting and emotional novel that doesn’t let you go easily. It was a brilliantly put together novel from a very intriguing author.
July 29, 2013
2.5 stars
Oh wow this hits all of my previously identified New Adult/Young Adult checklist:
1. Written in the first person POV – check, although not done badly
2. Obsession with describing clothes, hair and make-up of all protagonists – check, although not annoyingly so
3. Angst - parental abuse, ex-boyfriend abuse, mad stalker, rape victims, death of first boyfriend, substance abuse, death of mother from cancer, in the witness protection programme (I made that one up but I bet there's one out there) – check
4. Arts - one of them is a dancer or a musician or a singer and/or a tattoo artist - check
5. Tattoos and/or piercings generally – don't think so
6. Both protagonists being, quite frankly, as thick as pig shit. These books take mutual misunderstandings to a whole new level of "he said, she said" when in most instances by page 50 anyone with half a brain would have said "hey, what are you talking about, I didn't stand you up/leave you/sleep with your best friend" and that would be that! - there's a bit of this but not much
7. Usually explicit sex scenes and/or obsession with the heroine's so-called V-Card - check
8. Having stupid names – no one in these books has a name like John Brown – checkRainy Dey ! Rainy Dey FFS
9. The guy giving the girl a stupid nickname - check Sunshine (get that, she's called Rainy Dey and he calls her Sunshine?)
10. Someone has oodles of money – enough for a teenager to buy a house/car/engagement ring – check
11. Some sort of stupid bet – check
So, I hated Rainy Dey, all she ever seemed to do was watch Aaron do nothing, then she would run away crying, over and over again. Aaron needed to grow a pair – he started the book as the boy who had everything and ended it as a weak, needy, cry-baby, slightly creepy, obsessive who got pushed around by everyone.
And really, in this day and age would a group of wealthy privileged boys have a stupid competition to see how many girls they could sleep with? And would they be able to keep it quiet?
Evan was a complete tool in the book until the very last minute when I could almost hear the cogs turning in the author's mind, "Hey, I could do a sequel, and I could make it about Evan" (I don't know if she has, but I suspect it).
The book ended so abruptly I was actually expecting it to end on a cliff-hanger but no, all was forgiven in the space of what felt like two pages.
Going back to special forces romances – formulaic in a different way!
Oh wow this hits all of my previously identified New Adult/Young Adult checklist:
1. Written in the first person POV – check, although not done badly
2. Obsession with describing clothes, hair and make-up of all protagonists – check, although not annoyingly so
3. Angst - parental abuse, ex-boyfriend abuse, mad stalker, rape victims, death of first boyfriend, substance abuse, death of mother from cancer, in the witness protection programme (I made that one up but I bet there's one out there) – check
4. Arts - one of them is a dancer or a musician or a singer and/or a tattoo artist - check
5. Tattoos and/or piercings generally – don't think so
6. Both protagonists being, quite frankly, as thick as pig shit. These books take mutual misunderstandings to a whole new level of "he said, she said" when in most instances by page 50 anyone with half a brain would have said "hey, what are you talking about, I didn't stand you up/leave you/sleep with your best friend" and that would be that! - there's a bit of this but not much
7. Usually explicit sex scenes and/or obsession with the heroine's so-called V-Card - check
8. Having stupid names – no one in these books has a name like John Brown – checkRainy Dey ! Rainy Dey FFS
9. The guy giving the girl a stupid nickname - check Sunshine (get that, she's called Rainy Dey and he calls her Sunshine?)
10. Someone has oodles of money – enough for a teenager to buy a house/car/engagement ring – check
11. Some sort of stupid bet – check
So, I hated Rainy Dey, all she ever seemed to do was watch Aaron do nothing, then she would run away crying, over and over again. Aaron needed to grow a pair – he started the book as the boy who had everything and ended it as a weak, needy, cry-baby, slightly creepy, obsessive who got pushed around by everyone.
And really, in this day and age would a group of wealthy privileged boys have a stupid competition to see how many girls they could sleep with? And would they be able to keep it quiet?
Evan was a complete tool in the book until the very last minute when I could almost hear the cogs turning in the author's mind, "Hey, I could do a sequel, and I could make it about Evan" (I don't know if she has, but I suspect it).
The book ended so abruptly I was actually expecting it to end on a cliff-hanger but no, all was forgiven in the space of what felt like two pages.
Going back to special forces romances – formulaic in a different way!
March 29, 2013
This is one of the most uncomfortable books I've read in my life.
May 9, 2013
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*
When I first read the blurb I kept thinking what an awful game they are playing, men are pigs and there is no way Aaron can convince Rainy he's not one of said pigs. It's all going to blow up in his face, he's going to hurt her no matter what etc. and well that's pretty much what happened.
When Rainy first met Aaron she already knew about the game and his reputation. Still he gets to her and no matter how hard she tries, she can't keep him out. Rainy keeps looking for something in him to make him less of an a-hole so she won't feel bad about liking him, because pretty much everyone is against them being together.
For Aaron, Rainy is a challenge to him and I'm left wondering if that's really all she is to him. He claims he has stopped the game and that he really likes her. True, he behaves different when he's with Rainy, which makes it hard for her not to like him, certainly when she's really inexperienced and has no idea how to handle a guy like Aaron.
Unfortunately Aaron keeps lying to and disappointing Rainy. The guy seriously needs to grow a backbone and dare to stand up to his friends. This is a reoccurring factor and nearly drove me insane and I mean this in a bad way!!! Actions mean so much more than "pretty" words.
So he made some drunken mistake and that ruined his first love, now he's "punishing" himself by only doing casual hook-ups, since that's all girls could ever want from him. That's no excuse, that's wallowing in self pity! "I'm no good enough for real love so I sleep with as many girls as I can because I'm unworthy." I just want to smack this guy, he's so pathetic.
All in all how many chances can you give a guy, because Aaron has used up his a long time ago to me. I really don't understand what Rainy sees in this guy and why she keeps going back. I so don't like Aaron; he's weak, lacks confidence, he uses too much cheesy and cliche lines so he's not even all that charming, the only thing the guy has going for him are his looks and that just isn't enough.
Also the sex scenes are lacking details, are very short and pretty much all happens without using the word sex or cock etc. I didn't even know this was possible.
The ending is just terrible, without giving away any spoilers; everything happes way too fast and seeing all that has happened they have some serious issues to work out first. Really I would just recommend Rainy to dump Aaron, she would be much better of.
When I first read the blurb I kept thinking what an awful game they are playing, men are pigs and there is no way Aaron can convince Rainy he's not one of said pigs. It's all going to blow up in his face, he's going to hurt her no matter what etc. and well that's pretty much what happened.
When Rainy first met Aaron she already knew about the game and his reputation. Still he gets to her and no matter how hard she tries, she can't keep him out. Rainy keeps looking for something in him to make him less of an a-hole so she won't feel bad about liking him, because pretty much everyone is against them being together.
For Aaron, Rainy is a challenge to him and I'm left wondering if that's really all she is to him. He claims he has stopped the game and that he really likes her. True, he behaves different when he's with Rainy, which makes it hard for her not to like him, certainly when she's really inexperienced and has no idea how to handle a guy like Aaron.
Unfortunately Aaron keeps lying to and disappointing Rainy. The guy seriously needs to grow a backbone and dare to stand up to his friends. This is a reoccurring factor and nearly drove me insane and I mean this in a bad way!!! Actions mean so much more than "pretty" words.
So he made some drunken mistake and that ruined his first love, now he's "punishing" himself by only doing casual hook-ups, since that's all girls could ever want from him. That's no excuse, that's wallowing in self pity! "I'm no good enough for real love so I sleep with as many girls as I can because I'm unworthy." I just want to smack this guy, he's so pathetic.
All in all how many chances can you give a guy, because Aaron has used up his a long time ago to me. I really don't understand what Rainy sees in this guy and why she keeps going back. I so don't like Aaron; he's weak, lacks confidence, he uses too much cheesy and cliche lines so he's not even all that charming, the only thing the guy has going for him are his looks and that just isn't enough.
Also the sex scenes are lacking details, are very short and pretty much all happens without using the word sex or cock etc. I didn't even know this was possible.
The ending is just terrible, without giving away any spoilers; everything happes way too fast and seeing all that has happened they have some serious issues to work out first. Really I would just recommend Rainy to dump Aaron, she would be much better of.
April 15, 2013
Perfect
April 20, 2013
I wanted to like this book. It has a decent plotline and it sounded promising but unfortunately it did not deliver the goods. The writing was about as descriptive and emotional as a rock. It was too simply written and It didn't inspire much of anything in me other than excessive eye-rolling. I'm not trying to be harsh here, but that is honestly how I feel.
Basically, the general idea is that Rainy is just starting her freshman year at college when she meets Aaron on move in day at the dorms. He walks up to her and offers to help her carry some of her things. She is immediately attracted and dumbfounded at how handsome so she doesn't really say much. Her new roommate interrupts and later warns her that he is no good and she needs to stay clear of him. He is part of a social club (like a fraternity but not affiliated with the school) that has a competition every year over who can sleep with the most freshman. She is appalled and immediately agrees to avoid him. Unsurprisingly, that's easier said than done. He starts showing up all over the place where she is and even turns out to have an art history class with her. She is equally attracted and repelled by him. She can't help but want to believe all the feelings he professes to have for her but she knows that the "tournament" that he is a part of makes him unworthy of her. I like that she pulls no punches and makes him earn her trust, respect, and body. He has to prove himself and when he does something that is disrespectful for her she tells him off and walks away. BUT.....there were too many problems with the writing and the story for me to give this a good rating.
It seemed like all the characters in this book were a little immature, nervous, and unsure of themselves. It came off as more of a high school YA book than a mature NA book. I don't even mind reading a YA book from time to time, but this was a little bland and boring for me. It seemed like every page of this book one character or another was "gulping" in nervousness. Ugh. It was about the only emotion I noted in this book. But the biggest issue I had was Aaron. He was the typical bad boy who falls for the good girl and wants to reform for her. I didn't actually see any remorse for his past behavior towards all the girls that he tricked into sleeping with him for the tournament. He tells Rainy that he is done with it and that she is more important to him than winning the contest. Is this supposed to make her heart flutter in appreciation and love?? To me it's like he's pointing out what a sacrifice he's making for her by dropping out of the competition and dating her.
Basically, the general idea is that Rainy is just starting her freshman year at college when she meets Aaron on move in day at the dorms. He walks up to her and offers to help her carry some of her things. She is immediately attracted and dumbfounded at how handsome so she doesn't really say much. Her new roommate interrupts and later warns her that he is no good and she needs to stay clear of him. He is part of a social club (like a fraternity but not affiliated with the school) that has a competition every year over who can sleep with the most freshman. She is appalled and immediately agrees to avoid him. Unsurprisingly, that's easier said than done. He starts showing up all over the place where she is and even turns out to have an art history class with her. She is equally attracted and repelled by him. She can't help but want to believe all the feelings he professes to have for her but she knows that the "tournament" that he is a part of makes him unworthy of her. I like that she pulls no punches and makes him earn her trust, respect, and body. He has to prove himself and when he does something that is disrespectful for her she tells him off and walks away. BUT.....there were too many problems with the writing and the story for me to give this a good rating.
It seemed like all the characters in this book were a little immature, nervous, and unsure of themselves. It came off as more of a high school YA book than a mature NA book. I don't even mind reading a YA book from time to time, but this was a little bland and boring for me. It seemed like every page of this book one character or another was "gulping" in nervousness. Ugh. It was about the only emotion I noted in this book. But the biggest issue I had was Aaron. He was the typical bad boy who falls for the good girl and wants to reform for her. I didn't actually see any remorse for his past behavior towards all the girls that he tricked into sleeping with him for the tournament. He tells Rainy that he is done with it and that she is more important to him than winning the contest. Is this supposed to make her heart flutter in appreciation and love?? To me it's like he's pointing out what a sacrifice he's making for her by dropping out of the competition and dating her.
I rolled my eyes. “So you’re not trying to get into my pants so you can score points. I hear virgins are worth a lot these days.” As soon as the words came out of my mouth, I immediately regretted saying them. Aaron looked into my eyes with such intensity, I thought I could burn up in the heat of his gaze. I swallowed hard because I knew I was in trouble. “I would never do something like that to you—ever.” I looked into his eyes with what I hoped was equal intensity. “But you would do it to other girls?” His nonresponse to my question seemed to be the answer.
I swallowed and gathered my courage. “Now that we’re together, what are you going to do about The Tournament.” Aaron expression grew sullen and I immediately regretted bringing up the subject. He took a moment to gather his thoughts then said, “I have two older brothers. We’re all two years apart and extremely competitive. They were both in The Clubhouse when they were in college. Of course, they were both President just like me and they both won The Tournament their senior years.” Aaron’s expression changed. I couldn’t tell if he was sad or embarrassed, maybe a bit of both. “I have to tell them that I’m out of the Tournament. I don’t think they’ll understand. My oldest brother will be turning 27 and he’s just now thinking about settling down. My other brother is still playing the field. They’ll think it’s weird that I want a serious relationship in my senior year, of all times.”
Aww. How touching. He's embarrassed to stop being a player for her. I just did not care for this book.
May 12, 2013
2.5/5 stars
As you can tell from my rating, I had some issues with this book. Or more specifically, the characters. I thought the plot was a fun idea and I really enjoyed the idea of this Tournament and the challenge for the boy to prove to the girl that he really does care about her.
Rainy is a college freshmen and is immediately told to stay away from the Clubhouse boys. Too bad she can't help but be immediately attracted to Aaron, the President. He seems into her too and we see him slowly try to work his way into her life, wanting to draw her in with his irresistible charm.
For the first part of the book, I felt it had potential. Sure, there's bound to be angst, but man. After a while it just got to be too much for me. There was way too much back and forth on Aaron's part and constant breaking of Rainy's trust. I never really felt that his feelings for her were genuine and just didn't buy their relationship.
He always seemed to be making up for something he did wrong and I hated how she let him treat her, especially when she has some really good, sweet guys vying for her attention. Being a senior in college, you would think Aaron would be a bit more mature than he actually was- he didn't have the guts to stand up to his friends when he wanted to back out of the tournament, he didn't push away the beautiful girl his family wants to see him end up with when Rainy was right there, and he avoided telling his parents about Rainy.
My love interests can't be spineless fish. I need a real man and Aaron did not fit the bill. I didn't have as much of an issue with Rainy, but again, I didn't like the way she allowed him to treat her.
And the ending? It seemed like he was trying too hard to make up for past mistakes and this was his magic solution.
*I received an e-copy of this book from AToMR and the publisher in return for an honest review.*
As you can tell from my rating, I had some issues with this book. Or more specifically, the characters. I thought the plot was a fun idea and I really enjoyed the idea of this Tournament and the challenge for the boy to prove to the girl that he really does care about her.
Rainy is a college freshmen and is immediately told to stay away from the Clubhouse boys. Too bad she can't help but be immediately attracted to Aaron, the President. He seems into her too and we see him slowly try to work his way into her life, wanting to draw her in with his irresistible charm.
For the first part of the book, I felt it had potential. Sure, there's bound to be angst, but man. After a while it just got to be too much for me. There was way too much back and forth on Aaron's part and constant breaking of Rainy's trust. I never really felt that his feelings for her were genuine and just didn't buy their relationship.
He always seemed to be making up for something he did wrong and I hated how she let him treat her, especially when she has some really good, sweet guys vying for her attention. Being a senior in college, you would think Aaron would be a bit more mature than he actually was- he didn't have the guts to stand up to his friends when he wanted to back out of the tournament, he didn't push away the beautiful girl his family wants to see him end up with when Rainy was right there, and he avoided telling his parents about Rainy.
My love interests can't be spineless fish. I need a real man and Aaron did not fit the bill. I didn't have as much of an issue with Rainy, but again, I didn't like the way she allowed him to treat her.
And the ending? It seemed like he was trying too hard to make up for past mistakes and this was his magic solution.
*I received an e-copy of this book from AToMR and the publisher in return for an honest review.*
August 7, 2013
*2.5 stars
Eh....so, first of all, why does the bad boy always get the girl? I was totally rooting for Luke, the sweet, nerdy guy. He totally deserves to have his own story.
Aaron, the love interest here, is in one word an asshole. He had no spine, he was not macho, at least not in my eyes, and he didn't have the guts to stand up for his girl, the girl he supposedly loved. And even in the end, his declaration was too weak and quick for me. Not to mention, Rainy kept going back to him, back-and-forth, back-and-forth, even after the multiple times he seems to put her behind his friends. Really, Aaron, couldn't you have had the guts to show the whole world you loved Rainy? More action, less words is what I needed.
If you like the concept of bad-boy meets good-girl and they fall in love with friends and family not wanting them to, then this is not a bad story to read. It was decent and enjoyable if you overlook those minor annoyances I had. Just not the one for me.
Eh....so, first of all, why does the bad boy always get the girl? I was totally rooting for Luke, the sweet, nerdy guy. He totally deserves to have his own story.
Aaron, the love interest here, is in one word an asshole. He had no spine, he was not macho, at least not in my eyes, and he didn't have the guts to stand up for his girl, the girl he supposedly loved. And even in the end, his declaration was too weak and quick for me. Not to mention, Rainy kept going back to him, back-and-forth, back-and-forth, even after the multiple times he seems to put her behind his friends. Really, Aaron, couldn't you have had the guts to show the whole world you loved Rainy? More action, less words is what I needed.
If you like the concept of bad-boy meets good-girl and they fall in love with friends and family not wanting them to, then this is not a bad story to read. It was decent and enjoyable if you overlook those minor annoyances I had. Just not the one for me.
November 3, 2015
I don't like Aaron. He's very spineless and more ales a wimp when it comes down to it. He doesn't fight for Rainy and their relationship at all.
Rainy...shes really no better than Aaron she lets him come back time after time and say he's sorry and then opens her arms and welcomes him back everytime.
In the end I don't have high hopes for their relationship at all.
Til next time - Sweets Books
Rainy...shes really no better than Aaron she lets him come back time after time and say he's sorry and then opens her arms and welcomes him back everytime.
In the end I don't have high hopes for their relationship at all.
Til next time - Sweets Books
March 29, 2013
This book was entertaining, and I enjoyed it up until the end. The ending came out of nowhere, with no questions answered. His parents? the point system ending (was aaron in the running at all?) Her dad's thoughts... She's only a freshman, and he's a senior, how would that have worked out? I felt like the storyline was a good 3rd copy, but was waiting for more depth before publication.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2013
I like it from start to middle.... then story kinda went from hot to WTH to what did just happen? Lol... I see book 2 as Kiera's POV... I'm not sure I wanna go there after this... But I'm sure I will, just not today.
March 11, 2018
I listened to this book!
This is your typical book about an innocent girl falling for the bad boy. It was predictable at times but there were a few surprises here and there. I am going to listen to the rest of this series as I really enjoyed the story and I am hoping that Aaron will man up and stand his ground when it comes to Rainy.
The narration was extremely poor, sentences got repeated, there was background noise, the narrator sounded tired, she sighed a lot, there was even a very burp while she was narrating.
I would recommend that this story is re narrated, then only would I recommend this book to other people to listen to. For now I recommend read it yourself.
This is your typical book about an innocent girl falling for the bad boy. It was predictable at times but there were a few surprises here and there. I am going to listen to the rest of this series as I really enjoyed the story and I am hoping that Aaron will man up and stand his ground when it comes to Rainy.
The narration was extremely poor, sentences got repeated, there was background noise, the narrator sounded tired, she sighed a lot, there was even a very burp while she was narrating.
I would recommend that this story is re narrated, then only would I recommend this book to other people to listen to. For now I recommend read it yourself.
February 21, 2022
So, this book was not my favorite, hence the review. HOWEVER, I used to love rereading this one part when the main character leaves the love interest! I don't know why--I mean, actually I do--I'm a sucker for those "chase" kind of moments when the love interest is put to the test! (even though its usually rooted in the miscommunication trope! lol).
February 19, 2018
I think two stars is being generous. The sTory was boring, juvenile. Writing: the emotions were lacking as was depth. Character depth also lacking as was realistic reactions and depth or growth. Angst was missing- probably due to all the above.
July 27, 2019
I rate this book 1 gulp! Even though the book had way more gulps than that. Ugh!
May 15, 2013
Actual Rating: 1.5 stars (because I had no trouble finishing the book)
Although Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, and Epic Fantasy are my favorite genres, I get in moods and have to switch up what I read. Historical Romance is one of my go-to breathers. Fun, light contemporary romances with cliché plots and an almost guaranteed HEA are another. Matchplay seemed to fit the bill, and I really wanted to like it, but I just couldn't.
The book started off well enough. Rainey Day not only has a funny name that she embraces but also a good head on her shoulders. She's smart, caring, and sensical, has a great relationship with her dad, and can call shots as she sees them without feeling a bit of remorse. So when she confronts Aaron Donavan, during their first study date, about his clubhouse's tournament of sleeping with as many freshman girls as possible, I instantly liked her and thought this book would be a little different than the other "bet" books. Aaron Donavan also seemed more than the pretty, rich boy because of his quiet, playful demeanor with a determined streak.
Then somewhere around the middle of the book, between study date number one and two, Rainey is no longer the upfront, self-assured girl who knows what she wants and kindly brushes off other people's assumptions and the lines of cliques. She becomes needy and doesn't stand up for herself, even after she gives up her v-card—pretty darn quickly, I might add. She questions everything but Aaron's involvement and status in the tournament when he supposedly quit but hasn't. She becomes the girl who bites her tongue when her boyfriend obviously lies and treats her like shit in front of everyone, which is too darn often.
Don't get me started on Aaron. The boy needs to grow a pair, and all of his wonderful character building and tidbits in the beginning lead to nowhere. They had no point. They were included for nothing, and the only word that comes to mind when I think of him now is: WEAK.
That's just it. I love character flaws, but there has to be some growth. In Matchplay , there is none. And I mean none. I swear these characters went backwards, only getting worse and worse, eventually leading to the worst.
The ending certainly didn't help. Nothing is concluded, eluded to, or even delved into. The tournament—what tournament? How does golf play into it, the book, or the characters' lives? Aaron's parents have a lot weight on him and his decisions but never make an appearance. All the relationships Rainey has and made—did they have a reason to be in the story other than mere filler? And this challenge of Aaron trying to get Rainey to believe he likes her ... it's not prominent in the book, and he wasn't trying very hard when he lets his childhood friend, who's a girl and utter bitch, grope and hang on him with everyone watching, Rainey included.
When I think Rainey and Aaron have finally hit rock bottom, and I was glad because I didn't want them together any longer, they do something so jacked up that I was left stunned. There were no words, because when a relationship is only full of mistrust, the best thing to do is get engaged, right? Right ...
Matchplay had potential in the starting backswing and direction. But with a rushed second half, characters too stupid to live after completing a 180, and an ending that made no sense whatsoever, the book didn't simply fall short of the fun, shallow hole—it missed the green by miles.
* Paperback copy provided by the author in exchange for a review.
* Review also posted on the The LUV'NV blog.
Although Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, and Epic Fantasy are my favorite genres, I get in moods and have to switch up what I read. Historical Romance is one of my go-to breathers. Fun, light contemporary romances with cliché plots and an almost guaranteed HEA are another. Matchplay seemed to fit the bill, and I really wanted to like it, but I just couldn't.
The book started off well enough. Rainey Day not only has a funny name that she embraces but also a good head on her shoulders. She's smart, caring, and sensical, has a great relationship with her dad, and can call shots as she sees them without feeling a bit of remorse. So when she confronts Aaron Donavan, during their first study date, about his clubhouse's tournament of sleeping with as many freshman girls as possible, I instantly liked her and thought this book would be a little different than the other "bet" books. Aaron Donavan also seemed more than the pretty, rich boy because of his quiet, playful demeanor with a determined streak.
Then somewhere around the middle of the book, between study date number one and two, Rainey is no longer the upfront, self-assured girl who knows what she wants and kindly brushes off other people's assumptions and the lines of cliques. She becomes needy and doesn't stand up for herself, even after she gives up her v-card—pretty darn quickly, I might add. She questions everything but Aaron's involvement and status in the tournament when he supposedly quit but hasn't. She becomes the girl who bites her tongue when her boyfriend obviously lies and treats her like shit in front of everyone, which is too darn often.
Don't get me started on Aaron. The boy needs to grow a pair, and all of his wonderful character building and tidbits in the beginning lead to nowhere. They had no point. They were included for nothing, and the only word that comes to mind when I think of him now is: WEAK.
That's just it. I love character flaws, but there has to be some growth. In Matchplay , there is none. And I mean none. I swear these characters went backwards, only getting worse and worse, eventually leading to the worst.
The ending certainly didn't help. Nothing is concluded, eluded to, or even delved into. The tournament—what tournament? How does golf play into it, the book, or the characters' lives? Aaron's parents have a lot weight on him and his decisions but never make an appearance. All the relationships Rainey has and made—did they have a reason to be in the story other than mere filler? And this challenge of Aaron trying to get Rainey to believe he likes her ... it's not prominent in the book, and he wasn't trying very hard when he lets his childhood friend, who's a girl and utter bitch, grope and hang on him with everyone watching, Rainey included.
When I think Rainey and Aaron have finally hit rock bottom, and I was glad because I didn't want them together any longer, they do something so jacked up that I was left stunned. There were no words, because when a relationship is only full of mistrust, the best thing to do is get engaged, right? Right ...
Matchplay had potential in the starting backswing and direction. But with a rushed second half, characters too stupid to live after completing a 180, and an ending that made no sense whatsoever, the book didn't simply fall short of the fun, shallow hole—it missed the green by miles.
* Paperback copy provided by the author in exchange for a review.
* Review also posted on the The LUV'NV blog.
June 15, 2013
I really, REALLY wanted to like this book. The premise, although not particularly original, is usually one I enjoy. Essentially, it's 'innocent girl heroine' goes off to college and meets handsome, rich, popular boy with a womanizing reputation. Obviously, innocent girl tries really hard not to fall for boy but does anyways, which is complicated by the fact that boy is part of a contest where scoring with a girl gets them points. Sounds interesting if you're into chick lit, right?!
Unfortunately, the characters are pretty one dimensional, the "problem" never really builds, relationship issues are never really solved, and no character development occurs... For example, the main character, Rainy, has just dealt with major loss. We're told this has helped her grow. That's great, but if her Mom died 8 months ago in the story, SHE'D STILL BE DEALING WITH IT! But she isn't, aside from a couple references to 'last holidays' and caring for her Mom, there isn't a whole lot there in terms of an emotional reaction from Rainy with regards to her mother's death. I'd have preferred if the author had utilized homeschooling as a plot device or something as a way of maintaining her innocence rather than having a completely undeveloped aspect of a character... It would help explain her complete lack of social skills combined with verbal diarrhea.
Throughout the entire book, it's the same relationship problem over and over again. Rainy does not trust Aaron. They date anyways, Aaron does something that makes Rainy run away. Aaron chases after her and apologizes. Rainy takes Aaron back. Repeat sequence. The problem is never actually really solved, emotions other than "crying" are not explored, and a typical "cheater" relationship is depicted for the entire story. These unresolved issues made the ending feel abrupt to me.
Essentially, I think the immaturity and lack of character "might" not bother a younger reader... Maybe.... But, at the end of this book, I was still waiting for the story to happen... Which sucks, cuz I think it could have been a really great, albeit fluffy, read....
Unfortunately, the characters are pretty one dimensional, the "problem" never really builds, relationship issues are never really solved, and no character development occurs... For example, the main character, Rainy, has just dealt with major loss. We're told this has helped her grow. That's great, but if her Mom died 8 months ago in the story, SHE'D STILL BE DEALING WITH IT! But she isn't, aside from a couple references to 'last holidays' and caring for her Mom, there isn't a whole lot there in terms of an emotional reaction from Rainy with regards to her mother's death. I'd have preferred if the author had utilized homeschooling as a plot device or something as a way of maintaining her innocence rather than having a completely undeveloped aspect of a character... It would help explain her complete lack of social skills combined with verbal diarrhea.
Throughout the entire book, it's the same relationship problem over and over again. Rainy does not trust Aaron. They date anyways, Aaron does something that makes Rainy run away. Aaron chases after her and apologizes. Rainy takes Aaron back. Repeat sequence. The problem is never actually really solved, emotions other than "crying" are not explored, and a typical "cheater" relationship is depicted for the entire story. These unresolved issues made the ending feel abrupt to me.
Essentially, I think the immaturity and lack of character "might" not bother a younger reader... Maybe.... But, at the end of this book, I was still waiting for the story to happen... Which sucks, cuz I think it could have been a really great, albeit fluffy, read....
May 7, 2013
Kat's Review
My first impression after finishing this book was that it's a book unfinished. The ending seemed rushed and too cliché, and throughout the book I didn't get the sense that any of the underlying issues were ever confronted or dealt with in any depth.
My biggest issue is with the fact that the main character (Rainey Dey) is dating not only a guy who is actively participating in the ridiculous tournament, but is actually the club President, and therefore essentially the guy running it. Excusing the fact that she's decided to date a guy who thinks it's okay to participate in an event like this, they never actually talk about just how many points he's accumulated. There's very little mention of how many women he's been involved in during the time that they've been flirting, even though their relationship progresses quite significantly before he actually drops out.
I found Aaron to be weak. It was obvious that he had feelings for Rainey, but on several occasions he neglected to step up to the plate and defend either her or their relationship. This is an issue that I don't feel was resolved in any real way. At the end off the novel Aaron makes a huge gesture (no spoilers) in order to show Rainey that he's serious about their relationship, but she's never introduced to his parents, and there's never any discussion about the way his friends have treated her.
There was a lot of potential in this book. Rainey was a naïve but likeable character, and her roommate definitely has a story to tell in a future book. Aaron had potential, but I was never convinced that he would ever man-up when it counted. Plus, any guy that could run such a competition is automatically not worth any girl's time. Especially when he took so long to quit.
Rating: Heavy Page Turner
I didn't have trouble reading this book, but I felt like it just skimmed the surface of the bigger issues in an attempt to offer up a sweet romance. The tried and true virginal girl meets bad boy who changes for her, but without bringing anything new to the table. If you're looking for a light read and don't care about the deeper issues, you might like this. It just didn't do it for me.
I received a complementary copy of this title from ATOMR and the publisher in return for an honest review.
My first impression after finishing this book was that it's a book unfinished. The ending seemed rushed and too cliché, and throughout the book I didn't get the sense that any of the underlying issues were ever confronted or dealt with in any depth.
My biggest issue is with the fact that the main character (Rainey Dey) is dating not only a guy who is actively participating in the ridiculous tournament, but is actually the club President, and therefore essentially the guy running it. Excusing the fact that she's decided to date a guy who thinks it's okay to participate in an event like this, they never actually talk about just how many points he's accumulated. There's very little mention of how many women he's been involved in during the time that they've been flirting, even though their relationship progresses quite significantly before he actually drops out.
I found Aaron to be weak. It was obvious that he had feelings for Rainey, but on several occasions he neglected to step up to the plate and defend either her or their relationship. This is an issue that I don't feel was resolved in any real way. At the end off the novel Aaron makes a huge gesture (no spoilers) in order to show Rainey that he's serious about their relationship, but she's never introduced to his parents, and there's never any discussion about the way his friends have treated her.
There was a lot of potential in this book. Rainey was a naïve but likeable character, and her roommate definitely has a story to tell in a future book. Aaron had potential, but I was never convinced that he would ever man-up when it counted. Plus, any guy that could run such a competition is automatically not worth any girl's time. Especially when he took so long to quit.
Rating: Heavy Page Turner
I didn't have trouble reading this book, but I felt like it just skimmed the surface of the bigger issues in an attempt to offer up a sweet romance. The tried and true virginal girl meets bad boy who changes for her, but without bringing anything new to the table. If you're looking for a light read and don't care about the deeper issues, you might like this. It just didn't do it for me.
I received a complementary copy of this title from ATOMR and the publisher in return for an honest review.
May 3, 2013
Rainy day is a sweet, innocent and hard worker who worked her butt off to get that scholarship so she can go to a great school to get where she wants to go. Then there's Arron the rich, womanizing play boy who has a change of heart when he meets the lovely Rainy Dey. Even though Rainy will try to stay away from him because she knows he's bad news she still cant help herself and that connection she has with Aaron. The thing is can he change is playboy ways and be true to his Rainy or will the past keep dragging him down?
I enjoyed the book it was a pretty good read. There was just something off about it, don't get me wrong its a good book and I liked it but its not a book that I would read again, once was enough.
Throughout the book I just wanted to hit something over Aaron's head a couple of times because he was so stupid and isnt good enough for Rainy. I love Rainy's character and when she was hurt she made sure that person knew and would stand up for herself, when Aaron once again let another women put her hands on him she didn't stand for it and left. My problem with her is no matter how many times he got himself in trouble with her she kept going back. If it were my friend I wouldn't be ok with her letting herself be put through this. I kept hoping that she would go for Lucas or Josh someone decent who wouldn't break her heart like Aaron kept going. I felt like their relationship was a bit immature for two college students. I probably would've liked Aarons character more if he did more for their relationship.
This is what would've love to do to Aaron at times:
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And I wanted to do this to Rainy because shes supposed to be a smart girl but wants so badly to be with with wrong person. All she needs is some sense smacked into her.
I feel like the ending was a bit rushed, I wish it could've lasted a little longer. I don't think how it ended feels realistic and if it was a real relationship I dont think it could've lasted that long.
I enjoyed the book it was a pretty good read. There was just something off about it, don't get me wrong its a good book and I liked it but its not a book that I would read again, once was enough.
Throughout the book I just wanted to hit something over Aaron's head a couple of times because he was so stupid and isnt good enough for Rainy. I love Rainy's character and when she was hurt she made sure that person knew and would stand up for herself, when Aaron once again let another women put her hands on him she didn't stand for it and left. My problem with her is no matter how many times he got himself in trouble with her she kept going back. If it were my friend I wouldn't be ok with her letting herself be put through this. I kept hoping that she would go for Lucas or Josh someone decent who wouldn't break her heart like Aaron kept going. I felt like their relationship was a bit immature for two college students. I probably would've liked Aarons character more if he did more for their relationship.
This is what would've love to do to Aaron at times:
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And I wanted to do this to Rainy because shes supposed to be a smart girl but wants so badly to be with with wrong person. All she needs is some sense smacked into her.
I feel like the ending was a bit rushed, I wish it could've lasted a little longer. I don't think how it ended feels realistic and if it was a real relationship I dont think it could've lasted that long.
June 24, 2017
Rainy Dey heads off to college as a freshman. Her mom had recently passed away after a battle with cancer and during that time, Rainy had not done all the dating and going to parties and all that her friends had been doing so she's pretty inexperienced but she's ready to start living life like a typical 18 year girl does when she's out on her own.
Shortly after arriving on campus, she encounters and is strangely attracted to Aaron, a gorgeous boy who turns out to be a senior and president of The Clubhouse, a social club full of well-privileged boys on campus. And they have a yearly competition to see who can rack up the most points by sleeping with as many girls as possible and bonus points anytime a V-card is taken by one of the guys. Turns out that Aaron is drawn to Rainy as well, particularly after they are paired to work on a semester long project in an art history class.
Rainy's roommate and new friends warn her to steer clear of Aaron. They know he's a player and that it'd be only a matter of time before he'd use her and then break her heart. But Rainy can't deny her growing feelings for him. Is Aaron using her to secure a win in The Clubhouse's game or is it possible that Rainy just might be the girl that makes him change his ways?
I enjoyed Matchplay and the story flowed smoothly so it was a quick read for me. I loved Rainy and although she's not broken like most female characters that I've been reading lately, she does come with a little bit of baggage with her inexperience in dating matters but she's savvy enough to be cautious and hold back a bit when it comes to getting to know Aaron.
Aaron was an absolute sweetheart, despite his player reputation, so it was easy to understand how Rainy could start to fall for him even knowing his background. I loved how he called her Sunshine and all the kind things that he did for her throughout their relationship. And I so hoped that they'd be able to work through all the issues that came along with everything related to the Tournament and trust issues.
I've read one other book by Dakota Madison and loved that one as well, so it's safe to say that there will be more of her books appearing on my kindle screen soon.
Shortly after arriving on campus, she encounters and is strangely attracted to Aaron, a gorgeous boy who turns out to be a senior and president of The Clubhouse, a social club full of well-privileged boys on campus. And they have a yearly competition to see who can rack up the most points by sleeping with as many girls as possible and bonus points anytime a V-card is taken by one of the guys. Turns out that Aaron is drawn to Rainy as well, particularly after they are paired to work on a semester long project in an art history class.
Rainy's roommate and new friends warn her to steer clear of Aaron. They know he's a player and that it'd be only a matter of time before he'd use her and then break her heart. But Rainy can't deny her growing feelings for him. Is Aaron using her to secure a win in The Clubhouse's game or is it possible that Rainy just might be the girl that makes him change his ways?
I enjoyed Matchplay and the story flowed smoothly so it was a quick read for me. I loved Rainy and although she's not broken like most female characters that I've been reading lately, she does come with a little bit of baggage with her inexperience in dating matters but she's savvy enough to be cautious and hold back a bit when it comes to getting to know Aaron.
Aaron was an absolute sweetheart, despite his player reputation, so it was easy to understand how Rainy could start to fall for him even knowing his background. I loved how he called her Sunshine and all the kind things that he did for her throughout their relationship. And I so hoped that they'd be able to work through all the issues that came along with everything related to the Tournament and trust issues.
I've read one other book by Dakota Madison and loved that one as well, so it's safe to say that there will be more of her books appearing on my kindle screen soon.
February 12, 2014
We are The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club, to know more about this book, go to the post in our website:
Matchplay (Matchplay #1) by Dakota Madison
If you are interested, you can visit our website:
The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club
The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club's Review:
Rate: 4 stars
Review:
Matchplay is a story about college, what you can find there and how your life can change forever. I really liked this book, not only because it reminded my a little bit of Greek, the TV Show, which I loved it, but because Rainy Dey has a unique story and when she crosses paths with Aaron Donavan, he's a goner even though he didn't know.
With parties, classes, a bet, a college bar and lot of students, Dakota Madison creates this well-plotted story in a campus so vivid, that you feel like you are there, with the characters.
What I also liked was the fact that Rainy and Aaron were doomed. Or so they kept hearing. He's richer than Rainy, with a wealthy family that has already searched a future, wealthy wife for him, full of prejudices and only capable of thinking about themselves.
The tournament was something that had to be part of the story, though I was expecting more trouble because of that. Despite this, it was totally worth it reading about it and I knew who the winner would be.
And I loved, after so many challenges, how this couple ended up together. It's not easy believing that a boy like Aaron, a player, can be sincere with his feelings.
What made our day was that Aaron called Rainy Sunshine? Made me totally smile. I couldn't help it. He's a natural player and I like how he acted around Rainy.
Rainy, on the other hand, was a character a little bit strange. I said strange because of my mixed feelings. I mean, I like her, she's not bad, but she cried a lot. She needed to stand up and say what she wanted from Aaron.
I highly recommend this book to all of you, Book Addicts.
Matchplay (Matchplay #1) by Dakota Madison
If you are interested, you can visit our website:
The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club
The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club's Review:
Rate: 4 stars
Review:
Matchplay is a story about college, what you can find there and how your life can change forever. I really liked this book, not only because it reminded my a little bit of Greek, the TV Show, which I loved it, but because Rainy Dey has a unique story and when she crosses paths with Aaron Donavan, he's a goner even though he didn't know.
With parties, classes, a bet, a college bar and lot of students, Dakota Madison creates this well-plotted story in a campus so vivid, that you feel like you are there, with the characters.
What I also liked was the fact that Rainy and Aaron were doomed. Or so they kept hearing. He's richer than Rainy, with a wealthy family that has already searched a future, wealthy wife for him, full of prejudices and only capable of thinking about themselves.
The tournament was something that had to be part of the story, though I was expecting more trouble because of that. Despite this, it was totally worth it reading about it and I knew who the winner would be.
And I loved, after so many challenges, how this couple ended up together. It's not easy believing that a boy like Aaron, a player, can be sincere with his feelings.
What made our day was that Aaron called Rainy Sunshine? Made me totally smile. I couldn't help it. He's a natural player and I like how he acted around Rainy.
Rainy, on the other hand, was a character a little bit strange. I said strange because of my mixed feelings. I mean, I like her, she's not bad, but she cried a lot. She needed to stand up and say what she wanted from Aaron.
I highly recommend this book to all of you, Book Addicts.
November 9, 2013
Matchplay is the first book in the matchplay trilogy and you can buy the whole trilogy in one boxed set, which is nice. I like to be able to read all the books back to back if I so choose to. Matchplay is a very quick read, but the writing is very good even if the book itself is only 200 pages. It’s a short on time book and sometimes those can feel too rushed to me, but Matchplay didn’t.
Rainy Dey is just starting college. And man, oh man, would I be mad at my parents if they gave me a name like that, but she seems to just go with it. She gets to school with no one, but she makes quick friends of her roommate and her roommates brother. And right off the bat she meets Aaron, the big man on campus. (which I never really understood because I went to such a big college that there was no way that everyone on campus would know one guy that was the most popular, but I guess if you went to a smaller school it could happen.) Her roommate Olivia quickly warns her against Aaron, stating that he is bad news and it seems like Rainy wants nothing to do with him. Especially after she finds out about the “tournament”. But lo and behold she is partnered with him in an art history class and they have to work together. The plot is formulaic and not unique but it is a plot that, if done well, works for me. I enjoy this kind of formula if the characters are good. And I liked Rainy.
I haven’t made my mind up about Aaron yet. Is he a good guy? Is he still a bad guy? You will have to decide for yourself. But Rainy starts developing feelings for him through their work on the project and eventually he wears her down. My favorite part of the book was their development and bonding through the art history project. I really liked the art back story into rainy’s life, and I thought Aaron’s attempts to learn more about her were really cute. Matchplay seems like a solid first book in the matchplay series. I would recommend it to people who are looking for a cute, quick romantic comedy-like read.
Rainy Dey is just starting college. And man, oh man, would I be mad at my parents if they gave me a name like that, but she seems to just go with it. She gets to school with no one, but she makes quick friends of her roommate and her roommates brother. And right off the bat she meets Aaron, the big man on campus. (which I never really understood because I went to such a big college that there was no way that everyone on campus would know one guy that was the most popular, but I guess if you went to a smaller school it could happen.) Her roommate Olivia quickly warns her against Aaron, stating that he is bad news and it seems like Rainy wants nothing to do with him. Especially after she finds out about the “tournament”. But lo and behold she is partnered with him in an art history class and they have to work together. The plot is formulaic and not unique but it is a plot that, if done well, works for me. I enjoy this kind of formula if the characters are good. And I liked Rainy.
I haven’t made my mind up about Aaron yet. Is he a good guy? Is he still a bad guy? You will have to decide for yourself. But Rainy starts developing feelings for him through their work on the project and eventually he wears her down. My favorite part of the book was their development and bonding through the art history project. I really liked the art back story into rainy’s life, and I thought Aaron’s attempts to learn more about her were really cute. Matchplay seems like a solid first book in the matchplay series. I would recommend it to people who are looking for a cute, quick romantic comedy-like read.
June 2, 2013
Okay, I was looking for a fun, hot kind of New Adult story here, and for the most part that's what I got. However, there were just a couple things that kept me from really getting into this one the way I had hoped to. Don't get me wrong, I liked it, but it didn't quite live up to my expectations.
First of all, I liked the main character, Rainy, and I felt for her as she had to give up a great deal of her last high school years caring for her mother. Any girl who goes through that deserves some good times, so when her dad wants her to kick up her heals a little and enjoy college life, I felt it was well-deserved. Aaron, on the hand, I didn't take to quite so quickly. I liked him, don't get me wrong, and yes, he was kind of hot. BUT, I just never felt like I got to know him. He seemed very surface to me, with very little depth. I didn't pick up on the things that made him a real person, so he just kind of seemed a bit unfinished.
Because the romance is front and center to this story, and I didn't feel like I knew the guy very well, this story just didn't hold my interest the whole time, because I never felt like I could get fully invested in their romance. First of all, I had a hard time buying the fact that Rainy went ahead and went out with Aaron to begin with, knowing what she knew about him. Granted, we may find out later that he's not as bad as his frat brothers are about the whole thing, but she didn't know that at the time. So she seemed not too smart to just go out with him when she knows he's a part of this little tournament. I felt like the situation, the romance, was somewhat forced.
I liked her friends, and I did like the premise of the story and how everything worked out, but due to the few factors mentioned above, I just couldn't fall in love with it completely the way I wanted to. I did enjoy the author's writing, as it was straightforward, fast-reading, and interesting.
First of all, I liked the main character, Rainy, and I felt for her as she had to give up a great deal of her last high school years caring for her mother. Any girl who goes through that deserves some good times, so when her dad wants her to kick up her heals a little and enjoy college life, I felt it was well-deserved. Aaron, on the hand, I didn't take to quite so quickly. I liked him, don't get me wrong, and yes, he was kind of hot. BUT, I just never felt like I got to know him. He seemed very surface to me, with very little depth. I didn't pick up on the things that made him a real person, so he just kind of seemed a bit unfinished.
Because the romance is front and center to this story, and I didn't feel like I knew the guy very well, this story just didn't hold my interest the whole time, because I never felt like I could get fully invested in their romance. First of all, I had a hard time buying the fact that Rainy went ahead and went out with Aaron to begin with, knowing what she knew about him. Granted, we may find out later that he's not as bad as his frat brothers are about the whole thing, but she didn't know that at the time. So she seemed not too smart to just go out with him when she knows he's a part of this little tournament. I felt like the situation, the romance, was somewhat forced.
I liked her friends, and I did like the premise of the story and how everything worked out, but due to the few factors mentioned above, I just couldn't fall in love with it completely the way I wanted to. I did enjoy the author's writing, as it was straightforward, fast-reading, and interesting.
May 26, 2013
'Pop' we lost another virgin!
This book was a super quick and sweet read. Maybe a bit too sweet but a nice clean NA book.
Rainy first meets Aaron the minute she steps on campus and is immediately drawn to him but of course, of course they are from different worlds and shouldn't be together plus Aaron was a player with a 'game'. So of course with self doubt (loads of it) and a cautious heart she goes against her brains and decides to take a chance on the player.
But....lo and behold there is tons of miscommunication and in my opinion a numerous amount of times of forgiveness which happened way to quick and a relationship that escalated quick quickly. Every time Aaron screwed up which were many Rainy didn't even put a fight and forgive him over and over again but in the end it was worth it.
I hope that there relationship is strong enough to last when the odds are against them.
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May 31, 2013
I don't know how I feel about this book. Normally I have one definite emotion for it but this one was just... I don't know. The beginning started off pretty good. Rainy Dey is all innocent and sweet. She is a freshman in college and upon her dad dropping her off she meets the glorious Evan and Aaron. Of course they are smoking hot so you can just imagine that she isn't exactly trying to run from them. Her roommate Olivia and her brother Lucas step in and take her under their wings.Rainy tries to stand her grown and keep Aaron at arms length but when they are put together to work on a project, Rainy can't help the way she feels for Aaron.
Lucas is a super geek but crazy sweet. He is interested in Rainy but how can he compete with sexy Aaron. Even though he knows he doesn't have a change with her, he is still there to come to the rescue whenever Rainy needs him.
Aaron can't help falling for Rainy. She's different from any girl he's met before and is willing to change his ways for her. Being the president of The Clubhouse puts some strain on their relationship. Not only does she have to worry about what other will think of her and the talk of her loosing her V card but Evan and some of Aaron's friends make Rainy question herself.
Here is where things go downhill. Aaron is completely open with their relationship. The minute his family and old friends come into the picture, he changes. He is so set on having her claim him to the world but he can't seem to do the same. The whole last quarter of the book just pisses me off. I really didn't like the ending even if it did end with an "aww" factor.
On My Blog
Lucas is a super geek but crazy sweet. He is interested in Rainy but how can he compete with sexy Aaron. Even though he knows he doesn't have a change with her, he is still there to come to the rescue whenever Rainy needs him.
Aaron can't help falling for Rainy. She's different from any girl he's met before and is willing to change his ways for her. Being the president of The Clubhouse puts some strain on their relationship. Not only does she have to worry about what other will think of her and the talk of her loosing her V card but Evan and some of Aaron's friends make Rainy question herself.
Here is where things go downhill. Aaron is completely open with their relationship. The minute his family and old friends come into the picture, he changes. He is so set on having her claim him to the world but he can't seem to do the same. The whole last quarter of the book just pisses me off. I really didn't like the ending even if it did end with an "aww" factor.
On My Blog
April 11, 2013
This book is a very light-weight book that you can enjoy reading anytime you want.
Matchplay starts with Rainy Dey starting college, she is a very innocent girl, who had to look after her mother when she was in her senior year in high school. To me, Rainy is a very kind girl, but sometimes she's too soft for her own being.
Aaron Donavan is a senior in college, and while being the most popular guy in college, he is best known as the Clubhouse's president and the playboy. But once he'd set eyes on Rainy, he can't stop the feelings he had for her. The romance between Rainy and Aaron is expected, the bad-boy and good-girl thing. I enjoyed reading the feelings that they had for each other, and all the obstacles in front of them.
There are also other characters in the story, and I loved all of them. But to be honest, I thought Rainy and Aaron's relationship was a bit rushed. I mean, the whole story was cute and really enjoyable, but the feelings and tension in here was just a bit rushed.
At first it went from just meeting each other, to full on love, and I liked it. But the rest was like a side dish of a full meal, if you get what I mean. So, the relationship and the love they had for each other was the main dish, but then all of the obstacles didn't have enough description.
I give this 4 stars instead of 5 because the description was too rushed. If the author stretched the story more (as in, not rushing it), then it would've been a very enjoyable and cute story.
Even though, I still love the story, I thought it's a very easy book to love while reading anywhere and anytime.
Matchplay starts with Rainy Dey starting college, she is a very innocent girl, who had to look after her mother when she was in her senior year in high school. To me, Rainy is a very kind girl, but sometimes she's too soft for her own being.
Aaron Donavan is a senior in college, and while being the most popular guy in college, he is best known as the Clubhouse's president and the playboy. But once he'd set eyes on Rainy, he can't stop the feelings he had for her. The romance between Rainy and Aaron is expected, the bad-boy and good-girl thing. I enjoyed reading the feelings that they had for each other, and all the obstacles in front of them.
There are also other characters in the story, and I loved all of them. But to be honest, I thought Rainy and Aaron's relationship was a bit rushed. I mean, the whole story was cute and really enjoyable, but the feelings and tension in here was just a bit rushed.
At first it went from just meeting each other, to full on love, and I liked it. But the rest was like a side dish of a full meal, if you get what I mean. So, the relationship and the love they had for each other was the main dish, but then all of the obstacles didn't have enough description.
I give this 4 stars instead of 5 because the description was too rushed. If the author stretched the story more (as in, not rushing it), then it would've been a very enjoyable and cute story.
Even though, I still love the story, I thought it's a very easy book to love while reading anywhere and anytime.
April 27, 2016
Review coming November 10 at Gabic Reads as part of the Matchplay Series Blog Tour.
Sounds like an interesting book, right? I'm kinda a sucker for "good girl virgin falls for bad boy player" books. And that's what this book was. But this one bugged me.
Rainy Dey is a control freak who runs away from everything. She gets mad at her boyfriend so she doesn't give him a chance to explain. Just runs off crying. Then a day or two later Aaron will come around begging for her to take him back, promising that her won't let something like that happen again. And she immediately takes him back and starts making out with him. I feel bad for Aaron who's on the receiving end of this madness. But I don't understand why he keeps crawling back.
At the beginning, Rainy is very assertive about boundaries. Aaron has to ask permission to hold her hand. Okay fine, I understand that as her best friend was molested. So, she goes on to tell him that she has to trust him before they have sex and she doesn't thinks she's ready. But then, she falls into bed with him a few days later. Seriously? Do you have no self-respect? She got on my nerves so much!
There a couple of back-stories that were introduced but then never brought up again. For example, Rainy's best friend being molested by her step-father. Or the fact that Mrs. Dey died of cancer and Rainy was her main caretaker and her father had to work to pay for the medical bills.
Sounds like an interesting book, right? I'm kinda a sucker for "good girl virgin falls for bad boy player" books. And that's what this book was. But this one bugged me.
Rainy Dey is a control freak who runs away from everything. She gets mad at her boyfriend so she doesn't give him a chance to explain. Just runs off crying. Then a day or two later Aaron will come around begging for her to take him back, promising that her won't let something like that happen again. And she immediately takes him back and starts making out with him. I feel bad for Aaron who's on the receiving end of this madness. But I don't understand why he keeps crawling back.
At the beginning, Rainy is very assertive about boundaries. Aaron has to ask permission to hold her hand. Okay fine, I understand that as her best friend was molested. So, she goes on to tell him that she has to trust him before they have sex and she doesn't thinks she's ready. But then, she falls into bed with him a few days later. Seriously? Do you have no self-respect? She got on my nerves so much!
There a couple of back-stories that were introduced but then never brought up again. For example, Rainy's best friend being molested by her step-father. Or the fact that Mrs. Dey died of cancer and Rainy was her main caretaker and her father had to work to pay for the medical bills.
May 20, 2013
When I initially read the synopsis for Matchplay, I was ready for an angst-filled, drama-filled story that would make me want to throw my e-reader across the room a few times. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel that was entirely the case. Instead, I found myself reading a sweet, romantic story between Rainy and Aaron. Yes, the Tournament that Aaron is involved in factors into the challenges in their relationship. Overall though, I felt that the biggest challenge was Aaron’s inability to stand up for their relationship with friends and family. This is what made me want to reach in and shake Rainy a few times for letting him do that to her! Repeatedly! Argh!
With that said, I felt the dialogue flowed easily and there were many tender moments in the building of their relationship. The secondary characters like Rainy’s roomie, the roomie’s brother, Aaron’s friend, and a few others added nicely to the story without taking over. I had a very good mental picture of Aaron but I didn’t ever get a very clear image of Rainy other than height and weight. That mental image is very important for me as I’m reading.
Overall, this was a read that left me wanting more. The end wrapped up a little too quickly and neatly for my drama-loving mind. It was a light, sweet read that I wanted to finish to see if Aaron was going to eff it up or pull it together and realize what he could have with Rainy.
ARC provided by Author for honest review
With that said, I felt the dialogue flowed easily and there were many tender moments in the building of their relationship. The secondary characters like Rainy’s roomie, the roomie’s brother, Aaron’s friend, and a few others added nicely to the story without taking over. I had a very good mental picture of Aaron but I didn’t ever get a very clear image of Rainy other than height and weight. That mental image is very important for me as I’m reading.
Overall, this was a read that left me wanting more. The end wrapped up a little too quickly and neatly for my drama-loving mind. It was a light, sweet read that I wanted to finish to see if Aaron was going to eff it up or pull it together and realize what he could have with Rainy.
ARC provided by Author for honest review
April 10, 2013
I did not particularly like this book - I'm glad that I was able to borrow it for free on my Kindle. It would have been a waste of $4 in all honesty. The writing on this was amateurish which I think is what bugged me the most. I didn't feel connected with the main characters, thought things got serious way too quickly with Aaron and Rainey and didn't find the dialog at all realistic. Some of the words Rainey would use did not sound like a normal 18 year old...more like a 50 year old, and it bugged the crap out of me. Unfortunately, Dakota Madison writes exactly what you'd expect a self-published author to write and sound like - unpolished is probably the best way to describe it. I hate seeing that because I'm a huge advocate for self-published/indie authors. They are by far some of my favorites (Karina Halle, Katja Millay, Steph Campbell and Abbi Glines just to name a few). But the same cannot be said for Dakota Madison. Needless to say, I wouldn't waste my time with this one.
May 9, 2013
Matchplay is not a complicated NA romance story; it rarely strays from the boundaries of its genre; little happens to surprise or shock the reader - but yet I still found this novel compulsive reading and was completely attached to Rainy and Aaron!
I knew as soon as Rainy (I thought Rainy Dey was one of the most gorgeous names I had ever come across in a book!) saw Aaron he was going to be 'bad' news and the fact that the boys in The Clubhouse had The Tournament running did not surprise me. However, the more that Rainy and Aaron's eyes meet, and he reveals his vulnerable side I thought that they may have a chance.
Apart from the complications of Aaron and Rainy's romance Dakota Madison touches upon the difficult subject of admitting sexuality to friends and family. I think she deals with this well and in a fun way, rather than seriously.
As someone who is not a fan of golf I did not appreciate the constant golf analogies but I think it gave the story a perspective, particularly with Aaron's connections.
There were plenty of times in the story when I wanted to shout at both Aaron and Rainy for their stupidity, but Dakota Madison is always gently in the background reminding her reader of Rainy's naivety and Aaron's emotional insecurities.
I definitely recommend this book :-).
I knew as soon as Rainy (I thought Rainy Dey was one of the most gorgeous names I had ever come across in a book!) saw Aaron he was going to be 'bad' news and the fact that the boys in The Clubhouse had The Tournament running did not surprise me. However, the more that Rainy and Aaron's eyes meet, and he reveals his vulnerable side I thought that they may have a chance.
Apart from the complications of Aaron and Rainy's romance Dakota Madison touches upon the difficult subject of admitting sexuality to friends and family. I think she deals with this well and in a fun way, rather than seriously.
As someone who is not a fan of golf I did not appreciate the constant golf analogies but I think it gave the story a perspective, particularly with Aaron's connections.
There were plenty of times in the story when I wanted to shout at both Aaron and Rainy for their stupidity, but Dakota Madison is always gently in the background reminding her reader of Rainy's naivety and Aaron's emotional insecurities.
I definitely recommend this book :-).
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