False Start

Love and Skate #5

by Lila Felix

Rex has firsthand knowledge of how love can rip a person to shreds. How it can swallow a person whole, leaving them gasping for air, and dying a lonely person. He watched his mother give everything she had to his father and then she died, too weak and frail to continue on. His father, the deranged man who could barely feed himself—taking care of him left a permanent crease on Rex's heart. He swears he can still hear his pleas for help in his sleep. Nothing can give him solace from the painful memories.

Except this girl.

Hayes is a constant and consistent optimist. She's witnessed her mother and father’s almost perfect marriage and taken it as an example of what she wants. But she can’t seem to find a guy who is sincere. She’s dated them all— snake-in-the-grass jerks, straight-up commitment-phobes, fakes and phonies alike. They all fit her perfect dream on the outside, but when the relationship gets to the nitty gritty, they all crumble like stale bread.
Unable to find a better man, she settles for nothing instead, wondering if a man who treats her right could even exist. With perfect parents and a team name like I Kilda Girl, that man would have a lot to live up to.

Until this boy.

When she sees a rugged, tattooed guy who shows up at all the derby bouts, she wonders if chasing the bad boy might just be right.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, New Adult, Roller Derby, College, Young Adult, Sports

Unknown Binding

First published November 20, 2013

About the author

Lila Felix is full of antics and stories. She refused to go to Kindergarten after the teacher made her take a nap on the first day of school. She staged her first protest in middle school. She almost flunked out of her first semester at Pepperdine University because she was enthralled with their library and frequently was locked in. Now her husband and three children have to put up with her rebel nature in Louisiana where her days are filled with cypress trees, crawfish, and of course her books and writing. She writes about the ordinary people who fall extraordinarily in wild, true love.

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-4.5 Stars!



This is such a fun and fantastic YA series. Love the Love and Skate books!

Rex. We meet Rex in Mad’s book. Rex is Maddox’s half brother. He is now an honorary Black brother. He is much more standoffish than the rest of the group, a little more quite and shy. He has his reasons. He’s seen a lot in his life. Living with a father who had mental problems, things with his mother and father, he’s not going there. Rex doesn’t get it. All of the Black boys with their women, he doesn’t think he could be that way.

They’re all whipped. Every damned one of them. They dote and fawn all over their women to no end. I just can’t do it.


Until he meets Hayes. Hayes is a outgoing and spunky pastry chef/derby girl. She loves to bake, has a wonderful family, and she seems to have it all. But looks can be deceiving. Hayes has things in her past she’d rather forget. Hayes seems to only date duds, she can’t get past a first date to save her life. One day, at the derby, she see’s him. In all his ‘bearded glory', with his tattoos, wearing suspenders. She is smitten, and she lets him know it! Omg- the accidental phone call between these two had me cracking up!



Watching Hayes and Rex’s awkward relationship develop was great. I love all the advice Rex had to get from the other Black boys and the girls. He was just too adorable. Hayes and Rex just click. They just need to find the strength to open up to each other. If they can open up, and let go of their pasts, things between them could be perfect.


This was another captivating and lovable book in the Love and Skate Series! The Black family... they are one of my favorite fictional families! And my absolute favorite member (Falcon ♥) got many of his own chapters- that made me a very happy girl! The ending and epilogues were very satisfying but left me in tears. I hate that this is the end of this series, but I look forward to anything else by this author! If your in the mood for some sweet and fun YA, pick these books up!

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hell yes!
I freakin' love this series!
The way Felix writes the characters and blends this misfit family together - it's like reading a damn slice of heaven!

Some of my favs:
"I'm so awesome.
Really, there's no words for how cool I am.
Somebody stab me."

"Did I want coffee? Do butts have holes?"

And what I read in the epilogue ... I'm dancing with excitement!!!!

[Mandy Reads Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I don’t pity you. But that’s fine. Run away.”
“I’m walking, not running,” I said, already making my way to the door.
“The only difference is speed,” I heard her whisper to the air, since she probably didn’t think I was listening.
***

Rex is closed off, seeking out the solitude in all things. He has a past that has kept him from being comfortable around others. But when he loses his father, his half-brother brings him to Louisiana and into the arms of a ready-made family. Hayes can't seem to find a guy she deems worthy of a second date. Tired of being alone she takes a chance and asks Rex out, only to make a fool of herself on the phone. Little did she know that phone call would be the start of something amazing between the two. Together they will find the hope in one another to overcome the obstacles in their lives.

Goodness me. Lila, your men are something else. No matter the book, you give us such amazing male characters. Why are they not real? They need to be. Speaking of these guys, Rex is one of my favorites. I love that he is more broodier than the others. He has layers that are more complex than the others. He has a freaking beard…um, yummy! No I am not talking Duck Dynasty beard...but there is enough scruff to make you giddy. At least I was giddy. I love an author not afraid to give her MC a little facial hair. It seems to be lacking in a lot of the stuff I've been reading lately.

***
“I can’t stand for you not to look at me. Come on,” I said it all in a rush, climbing into the bed, “Just go ahead, get your eye full. I know you want to see the tats.”
She looked at me, her blush still in full force. “Give me the tour. Start with the first one.”
***

Oh did I forget tats? My bad. Yeah he has them.

But let’s not forget the ladies of the series. They are the heart and soul of the family. They are the true backbone that keeps everyone together and everything running smoothly. We just like to pretend it is Falcon. ;) But what a great addition to the series Hayes is. First of all...love the name. Secondly, the girl really knows how to put Rex in his place. She isn't afraid of hurting his feelings. And she is exactly what he needs to pull him from his funk and back to the land of the living. Let’s give her some credit…his own brother couldn’t do this great feat.

***
May he what? See my tattoo? Yes. Touch my leg? Hell, yes. Push my dress back up with his very big hands, Hell, yes, please.
***

See why I love this girl? She is snarky and fun and I couldn't get enough of her.

I thought I was doing great getting through 99% of the book without crying. Because let’s face it, Lila always makes me cry. What I wasn't planning on was that last 1% coming at me head on. I know I should have been better prepared. I mean Lila did spring this on me months ago. But even so, nothing can really prepare you for this. Nothing. Break out the tissues and settle in for one heck of a fabulous read.

I have said it before and I truly mean it...I find that with each of the books of the series, they just keep getting better and better. Yes, there is so much emotion and so much romance in each of them. But with this being the last, it was so bittersweet. But wait! There is some hinting (ok, flat-out telling us) that this is not the last we have heard of these characters. Lila has her work cut out for herself when she does decide to dive back in to this amazing world she created. Those Black kids are a handful! ;)

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW:

You need to know two things before you start False Start. First, have something yummy (sweet things are best) and have a big ol' box of tissues!! Are you thinking what is she talking about? Let me explain, Hayes works at a bakery and makes all these delicious treats you'll just die to get your hands on. As far as the tissues, I cried y'all like big UGLY tears!! Ok, ok, enough now that you have your supplies you're ready to hear about False Start, lets start with my favorite subject Rex *sigh*

Even though Nellie calls him the "Grinch of the family" I promise you'll fall hard and won't ever look back!! Rex had a difficult life and still holds a grudge against his deceased father for all his heartache. Rex watched his mother struggle to hold the family together only to have his father rip it apart for sport. Because of this, Rex holds everyone (even his own brother) at arms length. He just can't risk having the pain that comes along with a family. Now all that said, Rex doesn't sit around and say "Oh poor me & boo hoo!" Nope, he wouldn't be Lila's guy if he was like that! He's a fighter and determined to rise above his past. Rex goes to school, works for Falcon *sigh* and even supports the girls in the family by going to their derby games. This where he sees Hayes for the first time.....

Hayes on the other hand grew up with the perfect loving and supportive family. That however, doesn't mean that tragedy won't seep into your life. Hayes has learned to be strong, self reliant and a bit sassy you'll LOVE her!! She doesn't take anything off of anyone including Rex. Hayes is determined to make Rex understand that he does deserve be in a loving relationship and be loved. The closer he gets to Hayes, the more in love he falls. Will he listen to his heart and let go, or will unrealistic fears keep him from what he needs most of all?

I know I've said it before, but Lila is truly THE master story teller!!! She has the power to enthrall and captivate the reader with realistic characters. There is a little bit of all of us in each of Lila's characters, perhaps that's why we adore them so much?? Oh and her men!! HER MEN!!!! How can you NOT love them?? Rex is no exception, he's sexy, bold, sexy, smart, sexy, caring, sexy, intelligent, sexy, devoted, sexy and determined and did I say sexy???? Yet another book boy to add to your collection!!


Missing the Black family?? No problem, Lila brings them all back, no really!! You get to see how each member is progressing in his/her life and the struggles they are currently facing. "False Start" contains a struggle that brings the family to their knees, but they wouldn't be the Blacks we know and love if that didn't bring them closer.

This book is full of love, tragedy, laughter, tears, romance, growing pains and undying faith in the bonds of family. You'll think of this love story long after you've finished and want to revisit it often!

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

This series is near and dear to my heart. I loved it from the first word, and I loved it as I read the last.

I feel as if these characters have become family, and Rex was no exception. He came in and swept me off my feet.

I cannot say much because I want each reader to ride this ride on their own.

What did I like: As with every book in this series, I loved the characters. I've already mentioned my love for Rex, but Hayes and her family (well most of them) are just the icing on the cake. How Lila keeps coming up with these amazing characters is beyond me.

What I didn't like: I do not like it when a series comes to an end, but I know that it cannot continue forever either.

Would I recommend this book: I have yet to read a Lila Felix book that I wouldn't recommend. They are fun reads, with some real world thrown in. The characters are fun, and grow in your heart. They are the kind of books that mom can read, and not worry about her 15 year-old reading as well.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! Lila has done it again! She has wrote an amazing book, with an amazing family. This story is about Rex and Hayes. I just love their story. This book brings laughter and tears. As I sit here trying to write this review, I find it hard to do without being all spoily. I can’t stand spoilers so I am going to keep this short and sweet! This is a must read - as is the other books in this series! Check them out! If you enjoy reading books that bring laughter and tears, have great characters and great families, this the series for you. It won’t disappoint.

[Rachel Isaacs · Rating 2 out of 5]

So... this was not for me. Not to say that it couldn't be for somebody else... but I did not enjoy this. It felt like a chore for me in too many parts for me to really enjoy it.

Potential spoilers ahead. As always, you've been warned.

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First of all, there was entirely too much 'telling' in this book, and not enough stuff to make me feel like I was actually experiencing this with the characters in real time. (I'd never actually read a book that felt too much like it was just 'telling' me stuff without letting me experience it. This is a new one for me. But low and behold, here this one is.)

As you all know, I have a thing about grammar and mechanics in the writing. Too many mistakes will automatically knock off a star, for the simple fact that it makes me have to pause and leave the story for a moment so I can scratch my head for a second and go, "huh?". The first sixty or seventy percent of the book was mostly fine, but after that we kept hitting areas where certain words were misspelled or simply forgotten and left out. And even if the understanding of what was meant it easy to figure out, I'm the person who still has to pause and think, 'but wait, why? what happened?'. And so, here we are.

The book had a lot of potential. Also, take into account people, this is the fifth book in this series, and this is where I decided to start. (Don't ask why, because I can't remember what logic I used to reach that conclusion myself.) But on that note, I have no desire based on this one to go back and read the others. Because even though it had a lot of potential, it just missed the mark by way too much.

Our main characters were so flat to me. I couldn't feel the chemistry. I was told about the chemistry. I was told it was there and when it was growing and when it had solidified. But I felt nothing, on my own, for them or between them.

I think the 'telling' bit is going to be my biggest issue here, because if I'd actually felt chemistry here or been allowed to sort of envelop myself in how they were feeling or how anyone was feeling, I might've liked it better. But no. Even all the side characters stayed very flat for me, even though you read the book and you are told they are anything but. I couldn't latch onto anybody that I could say, "Ooo! You! I like you!" Sorry. Couldn't find it.

And Vera? The best friend? I did like her in the beginning. She was still flat, but I thought she was a good friend. And then... like, I don't even know what happened really. Have no idea whatsoever. But now I don't like her.

Anyway... I apologize. I give them when I mean them, but I do hate giving poor reviews. Unfortunately, this one falls into that category, and I will not be reading anymore in this series.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

~Arc kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review~

5 Bitter Sweet Stars

We are introduced to Rex in Mad's book, they are half brothers... Growing up and living with a father with mental problems, a mother that withered away taking care for her sick husband and work to keep the family afloat, there was no affection shown. So Rex's take on love was tainted. Rex is closed off and feels alone even among the amazing Black family that welcomed him with open arms.

"They’re all whipped. Every damned one of them. They dote and fawn all over their women to no end. I just can’t do it."

Hayes an out going, pastry chef and a roller derby girl. She has had bud luck with men only dating the duds, she is looking for a good man she deems worthy of a second date. When she witnesses a heart melting moment between Rex and Scout (Nixon's daughter) at a bout, she realizes our breaded, tattooed, suspender wearing Rex might be worthy. Little does Hayes a phone call will turn into something so amazing, finding hope and trust in one another.

"So no suspenders?"
"No, I was afraid you'd drag me into a corner and defile me, I didn't want to tempt you."

False Start ties up this whole series up so beautifully. This book, no, this series is filled with so much emotion and romance but with this being the last one, its so bitter sweet. The ending and epilogues were very satisfying and left me in tears, get your tissues ready!!! I hate that this is the end of this series, but wait! This isn't the last we will see of the Black family, the amazing and talented Lila Felix is doing a spin-off series of Black kids. I absolutely adore, the Love and Skate series, Lila created such a heartwarming, captivating world known as the Black Family. (it's hard saying goodbye to them, but so happy I can revisit them any time I like) And I look forward to any book by this author. If your in the mood some sweet, fun Ya read, this is definitely the series for you!!!

"We just work together Hayes. I'm better when I'm with you. I'm happier when I'm with you. I feel like me when I'm with you."

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This was one of those books you really, really wanted to love but it just fell a little short for me. Rex is the h, a very socially awkward, shy guy. He sees a girl, Hayes, at a roller derby competition and is attracted to her. But he just can't bring himself to make the first move. It seems that he grew up in a home where his mother (and he) spent their lives caregiving for his father. It was alluded that the father was mentally ill but it was never really spelled out. Even after the father died, the mother was worn out physically and mentally, and died soon after of cancer. Rex still has horrific nightmares of his time at home which makes sleep almost impossible. He watches 80's movies to try and socialize himself (kind of funny), but it is painful to watch him try to fit into normal life.

Hayes also has her problems. Although she comes from loving parents, she had a sister who constantly belittled her and Hayes developed some severe emotional problems. But, she has gotten stronger, has a great job at a bakery and loves her roller derby competitions. She has seen the boy staring at her at her competitions, is interested in him and decides to try and draw him out.

Now, my problem with the book. I loved both main characters but we never got to really, deeply know them and what made them the way they were. The story seemed a little rushed, like it had to be wrapped up in a hurry. There were a ton of side characters that I'm sure were introduced in previous books. I understood who they were, but I really wanted so much more of the main characters that I resented when we started focusing on someone else.

The ending and epilogue again were wonderful but everything seemed to happen so fast. I would have loved a more detailed story about Rex and Hayes' life.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay first if you haven't read this series... Start NOW it is one of the Best series out there!!! You will Fall in Love with each & every single man of this family. Watch for Spoilers possible!!!

Rex feels alone even amongst this Amazing family who have welcomed him with open arms. Rex has never been in love nor had the time to pursue it but it doesn't much matter since his view on the subject is tainted. Rex saw his mother wither away taking care of a husband/father who wasn't lucid most of the time or showed much affection to either one of them. Rex focuses on school and only school so much so that he tends to close himself off from everyone. He also has trouble sleeping at night because when he lets his guard down he swears he can still hear his sick father crying out into the night for help. Rex can't seem to find any Peace until Hayes.

Hayes a-look-on-the-bright-side kind of girl with a Beautiful heart. She is looking for a Good man to share Love & Laughter with. Hayes knows that special guy is out there she just has no idea he may be right under her nose. Witnessing our Sexy, Tattooed Rex share a Heart-melting moment with Nixon's daughter Scout at one of the bouts Hayes realizes he might just be Worth Chasing!

A Sweet, Take your time romance buds between Rex & Hayes but not without a few hang-ups both need to work through. I Loved their chemistry which made me melt and their sarcastic/fun banter made me smile. Lila ties this last book up so Beautifully and still makes me Yearn for more from The Black family. This is A MUST READ if you LOOOVE the Derby series!!!!

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great final chapter to the Love and Skate series. I loved getting to know Rex and Hayes while keeping up with all my favourite characters from the past books at the same time. The story was as sweet and easy to read as all the others before it. However the story itself was quite different from the last several books and reminded me a lot more of Owen and Nellie's story from the first book. Like Nellie, Hayes works in a shop and ends up meeting Rex at the derby just like Nellie met Owen. Out of all the other women that have come along I found Hayes' no-bullshit attitude with Rex the most similar to Nellie also. Rex also reminded me of Owen with all his walls up and his reluctance to trust anyone enough to let them in. Anyway, this was a great final story for the series and I'll be interested to see if the author decides to go ahead and write a spin-off series about the children of the main characters. As it stands I think the series is complete and I've enjoyed reading it immensely. I'd recommend picking up Love and Skate if you're looking for some easygoing contemporary young-adult romance that is very sweet and quick to read.

[Christine Woo · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is one thing I love about Lila!....wait, no, here let me try this again! :) There's a lot of things I like about Lila. She has a sense of humor that is witty yet very unusual (completely normal). Her loving yet happy personality (haven't met her in person but boy if the rink rats don't agree). And lastly but far from the least her dedication! I have read every single book (ehem except for perchance for which I am super sorry for and will get to) and all of them have this life to them. False Start is Rex's story and it has such a....hmmm what's the word....persona to it! It's like for a while, I'm literally a part of the story. And it goes beyond being the main character! I mean in depth POV BABY! I mean come on smurfette! *snorts* Hellie Nellie is that indefinately! ;)

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lila this can't be the end of the series!! Even though you did promise spinoffs. Sigh. I think these two characters broke my heart the most. Both lacked the ability to trust and let their walls down. I can surely relate to that. My heart is full of secrets that I cannot share and I have walls built up. Very few do I let in those walls and the ones I do I consider my best friends. Lila this book was amazing. Thank you so much for writing this series. Maybe one day people will fully be able to look passed the tattoos and piercings that some of us have and accept us for who we are and not how we look. You are a truly amazing woman and I love you dearly.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

All good things must come to an end I suppose, but I didn’t want this series to end. So I waited and wanted to read it, but didn’t want to read it at the same time because that would mean it was over! Yes, yes. Silly I know!

I’m not going to spoil anything for you that you’re not already going to know if you’ve gotten this far into the Love and Skate series. Real beauty is on the inside, don’t judge a book by its cover, real love takes work, and life will find a way (as true with derby families as it is with dinosaurs).

A wonderfully sad and sweet send off to a fantastic series that will have you ready to jump into the stories of the next generation of the Black family!

[Alina Man · Rating 5 out of 5]

Move aside Travis… There’s a new man in town and his name is REX. OMG I don’t even know where to start. I am a HUGE Lila Felix fan and all I can say is that False Start has to be my favorite. It’s the perfect mix of drama, romance, and comedy. Rex – he’s the hard cover chocolate with the soft center, the perfect mix of rugged and gentle. His past made him that way. Hayes, the happy-go-lucky girl, is the girl that catches his attention and makes him want more out of life. Their ride may not be smooth but in the end, love conquers all. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll want more. A must read for sure. But yet again, I haven’t read a book by Lila Felix that I didn’t love.

[Na · Rating 3 out of 5]

A big fan of the series but this book was lacking. I liked the characters and liked their story but the book skipped over things they brought up. There was a potential conflict with a possible love triangle which I'm glad the author didn't do but though it was pointless to even try to bring up. Conflicts with new secondary characters were not really resolved. Thought this book brought in the past characters too much. I would recommend the book but its probably the worst book in the series as it felt like it was rushed.

[Cheri Varner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite book of the series. I don't even know where to start. I love the Blacks. Love that they were such a close family. That they were there for each other. I love that they adopted in people and then loved them like they were blood. I've read reviews that say grab some tissues- it's true. Make sure they're handy. This book also made me laugh with all the one liners- I highlighted them because they were so great. Read the whole series and fall in love with the Blacks too.

[Kayla Mccoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved every book in this series and False Start is no different! Rex and Hayes are perfect for each other although it takes them awhile to figure it out! Both of them have been though pretty traumatic expierences in their lives but they were able to find love and happiness with each other! I am going to miss the Black family so very much but I'm so happy I can revisit them anytime I like!!

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this book. Rex is a tattooed, quiet, closed off, stubborn,unbelievable guy. He keeps his future on hold because of his past and his life. Hayes is tired of being alone and has taken a chance only to put her foot in her mouth but it's so good that she does. This is such a good story and Lila has again sucked me into their life. You have to read this!!

[Krystal Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series! It was so well written. I loved that every book included several chapters from different characters and kept the importance of every character from their introduction until the end of the series. I love how Lila put herself in there and made the characters come to life. This series will stay with me for a while, it was truly amazing.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this not so final book in the series ;) Hayes really fit with Rex. So glad we got to see all the babies too, but the jump ahead epilogue with the Sylvia videos about made me cry. Can't wait to see the next generation of Blacks' books!

[Ilene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a little slower then the rest but it still worked. It focused really on just the couple with very little of the others from the Black family.

Hayes and Rex both damaged and pretty good at hiding it.

The epilogue killed me.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this series from the first book and I started bawling reading the end!! WTG Lila on another hit

[justwant2read · Rating 3 out of 5]

Um....I'm trying to think of something to say about this book. I will get back to you on what I thought.

[Dawn Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book, but lackedba little something that i cant put my fingerbon. With all the Black boys married off where too from here.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

review to come

[Jamie Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Rex & Hayes' story. I'm really sad to see this series end. This has been an absolute joy to read and I'm really excited to see Ms. Felix is going to do a spinoff series for the kids.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lila Felix has an amazing gift for writing character driven books. Love this series and this family!!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

review coming soon

[Sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS SERIES!!!! :')