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Love and Football #4
Covering Kendall
Kendall Tracy, General Manager of the San Francisco Miners, is not one for rash decisions or one-night stands. But when she finds herself alone in a hotel room with a heart-stoppingly gorgeous man—who looks oddly familiar—Kendall throws her own rules out the window…and they blow right back into her face.
Drew McCoy should look familiar, he’s a star player for her team’s archrival the Seattle Sharks. Which would basically make Drew and Kendall the Romeo and Juliet of professional football…well, without all the dying.
Not that it’s an issue. They agree to pretend their encounter never happened. Nothing good can come from it anyway, right?
Drew’s not so sure. Kendall may be all wrong, but he can’t stop thinking about her and he finds that some risks are worth taking. Because the stakes are always highest when you’re playing for keeps.
Drew McCoy should look familiar, he’s a star player for her team’s archrival the Seattle Sharks. Which would basically make Drew and Kendall the Romeo and Juliet of professional football…well, without all the dying.
Not that it’s an issue. They agree to pretend their encounter never happened. Nothing good can come from it anyway, right?
Drew’s not so sure. Kendall may be all wrong, but he can’t stop thinking about her and he finds that some risks are worth taking. Because the stakes are always highest when you’re playing for keeps.
368 pages, Unknown Binding
First published October 21, 2014
25 people are currently reading
469 people want to read
About the author
Julie Brannagh
10 books430 followersUSA Today bestselling author Julie Brannagh has been writing since she could hold a pencil. She lives in a small town near Seattle, where she once served as a city council member and owned a yarn shop. She shares her home with a wonderful husband, two uncivilized Maine Coons and a rambunctious chocolate Lab.
When she's not writing, she's reading--or armchair-quarterbacking her favorite NFL team from the comfort of the family room couch. Julie is a Golden Heart finalist and the author of six contemporary sports romances.
When she's not writing, she's reading--or armchair-quarterbacking her favorite NFL team from the comfort of the family room couch. Julie is a Golden Heart finalist and the author of six contemporary sports romances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
October 31, 2014
4 Having to Make it Work Stars * * * *
Every once in a while I'll pick up a book, think I know exactly what I am getting. I will be on target most of the time and this book was about to be like many I have read... and then SURPRISE... it gave me much more than I expected.
We have the setting of Football... and the location of Seattle. There is the hot, cut muscled, popular player who is loved by all...but he is not your hard living, hard playing jock... he is more a homebody and loves to read...We meet him during a horrible rain storm and he is thrilled to have the time to go to his favorite bookstore. The employees know him, protect him from fans and treat him just like a "normal" person... not the town's superstar. He sees a book signing and discussion for Carl Sagan's Biographer...goes to the seating area and waits quietly for it to start.
In comes our gal, the temporary GM of the opposing Football team from San Francisco...she just had a horrible meeting with the board members and needs a break. She loves books and there is a bookstore down the street....entering the store, she sees a sign of the reading. Her father is a huge Carl Sagan fan; she decides to take in the talk and get an autographed copy for him. She sits down few seats away from our guy.
They both exchange comments about the horrible storm outside... talk about Sagan and then see the bookstore employee taking away all of the books. It seems the reading was cancelled as the writer was delayed due to the storm. Our couple look at each other and for some reason they don't want to stop talking .... they go to the coffee shop next door to extend their time together.
As they talk, none of the employees let on he is anything special... and she keeps looking at him, wondering why he looks so familiar... and more to the point ... each is massively in tuned and turned on by the other. Both feel it and she decides to go for it... she is staying in the hotel next door to the bookstore and invites him up to get one of the books they had been discussing. They fight the storm and arrive at the hotel soaked through and through... he comes to her room and one thing starts to lead to another... They are in the heat of passion and he takes off the knit cap he had been wearing... his trademark long blonde hair pulled back comes out... as she pulls away from a kiss to catch her breath... it finally dawns on her why he looks so familiar... He is on the deadly opposing football team they are playing.... he is also the free agent her team wants; she, as the temporary GM, is supposed to make it happen. She tells him to stop... they can't do this... she has worked so hard to be respected as an equal in a man's game and for them to be anything together cannot happen.
This is a problem... he had no idea who she was either and they both are extremely drawn together... although the lusting and wanting is a major factor... there is more to this... he likes talking to her and feels like she could be something more than what he is use too... She is also torn... she knows what she must do.... but is not happy about it at all.
The major part of the story covers how these two try to be together... it is like a modern day Romeo and Juliet with the waring families... but this time it is business... careers on the line and both are conflicted... both have their jobs to do.... and for them to date just isn't done... too many issues to fight... but both are smitten kittens... and they start to figure out how to be together...
There is another part of this story which impressed me ... his mom and dad are roll models for him... their marriage seems perfect... with both his parents contributing to his success in becoming a man... a football star... and ways of taking care of himself. He knows how to cook, organize and handle his business affairs. He has a maturity which is not heavy but solid. His parents also gave him something else very special.... the desire to have a family... he has a plan of wanting to have the same type of marriage his parents have and all which comes with it. He sees this as a concrete goal and is willing in his mind's eye to fight for it.
She has worked her way up the Football team's front office ladder; starting during her college days, learning all about the team hands on. She was encouraged to stay and continue after she graduated and while she completed her Masters at Wharton, a renowned and prestigious business program. She had reached the peak of being in control of salaries, players' cap and all of the high level needs of the team. The actual owner was fighting a criminal charge and she was thrown in as Temporary GM. She was the only one who could handle the position in such short notice. This caused the dynamic in the front office and board members to change on her... the men in suits were not pleased with a woman doing this job... all eyes were on her waiting for her to fail. It also didn't help that the team right now was dealing with a losing streak; needed to revamp and get players which could reshape and fix their team. She was saddled with attaining this free agent from Seattle... and he had no desire to leave his home or team.
To have all of this on her back... to be a woman at the top... for her to fall and want to be with this player...the risks and ramifications to her career would be devastating... yet the pull to him, not just physically... but emotionally has started to hold on tight...
As I said... this book gave me more than I thought I would get. It had the romance and it was delicious... it had the fella who knew how to deliver...and the team players and all the usual fun with sports books.
But it had so much more; it addresses the idea of long term marriages and what partners need to do so each is fulfilled. It used that concept as a teaching tool for the main characters... for them to learn and open up their minds to seeing things more clearly.
It also used the hostile way business is done; where old school suits still see women as less than and how it must be addressed. Lastly, it addressed the need for Football teams to be responsible and take ownership of the behavior of their stars... to hold them accountable to actions which are criminal and not look the other way.
All of this was done in a story which captured my attention, made me wish these two would find a way and they could have their HEA. I truly enjoyed this read... and if you like men in tight pants, are great with their hands but also have a heart, too... then don't fumble... go read this book.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
Every once in a while I'll pick up a book, think I know exactly what I am getting. I will be on target most of the time and this book was about to be like many I have read... and then SURPRISE... it gave me much more than I expected.
We have the setting of Football... and the location of Seattle. There is the hot, cut muscled, popular player who is loved by all...but he is not your hard living, hard playing jock... he is more a homebody and loves to read...We meet him during a horrible rain storm and he is thrilled to have the time to go to his favorite bookstore. The employees know him, protect him from fans and treat him just like a "normal" person... not the town's superstar. He sees a book signing and discussion for Carl Sagan's Biographer...goes to the seating area and waits quietly for it to start.
In comes our gal, the temporary GM of the opposing Football team from San Francisco...she just had a horrible meeting with the board members and needs a break. She loves books and there is a bookstore down the street....entering the store, she sees a sign of the reading. Her father is a huge Carl Sagan fan; she decides to take in the talk and get an autographed copy for him. She sits down few seats away from our guy.
They both exchange comments about the horrible storm outside... talk about Sagan and then see the bookstore employee taking away all of the books. It seems the reading was cancelled as the writer was delayed due to the storm. Our couple look at each other and for some reason they don't want to stop talking .... they go to the coffee shop next door to extend their time together.
As they talk, none of the employees let on he is anything special... and she keeps looking at him, wondering why he looks so familiar... and more to the point ... each is massively in tuned and turned on by the other. Both feel it and she decides to go for it... she is staying in the hotel next door to the bookstore and invites him up to get one of the books they had been discussing. They fight the storm and arrive at the hotel soaked through and through... he comes to her room and one thing starts to lead to another... They are in the heat of passion and he takes off the knit cap he had been wearing... his trademark long blonde hair pulled back comes out... as she pulls away from a kiss to catch her breath... it finally dawns on her why he looks so familiar... He is on the deadly opposing football team they are playing.... he is also the free agent her team wants; she, as the temporary GM, is supposed to make it happen. She tells him to stop... they can't do this... she has worked so hard to be respected as an equal in a man's game and for them to be anything together cannot happen.
This is a problem... he had no idea who she was either and they both are extremely drawn together... although the lusting and wanting is a major factor... there is more to this... he likes talking to her and feels like she could be something more than what he is use too... She is also torn... she knows what she must do.... but is not happy about it at all.
The major part of the story covers how these two try to be together... it is like a modern day Romeo and Juliet with the waring families... but this time it is business... careers on the line and both are conflicted... both have their jobs to do.... and for them to date just isn't done... too many issues to fight... but both are smitten kittens... and they start to figure out how to be together...
There is another part of this story which impressed me ... his mom and dad are roll models for him... their marriage seems perfect... with both his parents contributing to his success in becoming a man... a football star... and ways of taking care of himself. He knows how to cook, organize and handle his business affairs. He has a maturity which is not heavy but solid. His parents also gave him something else very special.... the desire to have a family... he has a plan of wanting to have the same type of marriage his parents have and all which comes with it. He sees this as a concrete goal and is willing in his mind's eye to fight for it.
She has worked her way up the Football team's front office ladder; starting during her college days, learning all about the team hands on. She was encouraged to stay and continue after she graduated and while she completed her Masters at Wharton, a renowned and prestigious business program. She had reached the peak of being in control of salaries, players' cap and all of the high level needs of the team. The actual owner was fighting a criminal charge and she was thrown in as Temporary GM. She was the only one who could handle the position in such short notice. This caused the dynamic in the front office and board members to change on her... the men in suits were not pleased with a woman doing this job... all eyes were on her waiting for her to fail. It also didn't help that the team right now was dealing with a losing streak; needed to revamp and get players which could reshape and fix their team. She was saddled with attaining this free agent from Seattle... and he had no desire to leave his home or team.
To have all of this on her back... to be a woman at the top... for her to fall and want to be with this player...the risks and ramifications to her career would be devastating... yet the pull to him, not just physically... but emotionally has started to hold on tight...
As I said... this book gave me more than I thought I would get. It had the romance and it was delicious... it had the fella who knew how to deliver...and the team players and all the usual fun with sports books.
But it had so much more; it addresses the idea of long term marriages and what partners need to do so each is fulfilled. It used that concept as a teaching tool for the main characters... for them to learn and open up their minds to seeing things more clearly.
It also used the hostile way business is done; where old school suits still see women as less than and how it must be addressed. Lastly, it addressed the need for Football teams to be responsible and take ownership of the behavior of their stars... to hold them accountable to actions which are criminal and not look the other way.
All of this was done in a story which captured my attention, made me wish these two would find a way and they could have their HEA. I truly enjoyed this read... and if you like men in tight pants, are great with their hands but also have a heart, too... then don't fumble... go read this book.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
January 7, 2015
I didn't really enjoy the writing style. Not sure this author is for me. It's an ok read, but nothing about it blew me away.
November 4, 2014
Two stars: A face paced romance with an unrealistic male lead.
Drew slips into the local Seattle bookstore hoping to go unnoticed. Drew is the star player of the Seattle Sharks football team, but he prefers to keep a low profile whenever possible. While browsing the bookstore, he sees a sign advertising a book signing for a book on Carl Sagan. As an avid book lover, Drew is intrigued so he heads toward the event area. He is surprised to find the only other person there is an attractive young woman. Drew is immediately drawn to her, and when the signing is unexpectedly cancelled, he asks her to join him for a cup of coffee. Sparks ignite and a strong attraction pulls them together, but once their identities are revealed, it seems a relationship isn't in the works as Kendall just so happens to be the acting General Manager for Drew's rival football team. Can these star crossed lovers make it work?
What I Liked:
*Sigh... this is a hard book for me to review as I so wanted a light, cozy, fluffy read. While it is a pleasant enough romance, I had some big issues with it. However, I will say if you are an avid romance reader, and you don't mind a rapid paced romance based on instant lust, this will work for you. Even though the attraction is immediate, the pair develop strong chemistry and that helps solidify the relationship down the road.
*One of the reasons I picked up this book was because I am an avid football fan and I was excited to read a football romance. I liked going behind the scenes and learning more about the ongoings of a professional football team behind the scenes. I learned some interesting things.
*I liked that this book focused a bit on the recent upheaval that has taken place in the NFL. Though the author is unable to refer to the NFL or use any of the NFL's team names, but she is able to bring about an event that is similar to the drama that recently unfolded in real life. Basically, one of the San Fransisco Miners players gets in trouble for hitting his girlfriend (sound familiar?). However, in this version of events, Kendall the acting San Fransisco GM, quickly cuts him loose from the team. I loved Kendall's strong stance on the issue and that she took immediate action, if only the team owner's in the NFL acted the same way.
*Speaking of Kendall, I thought she was an excellent protagonist. What I loved about her was that she was a woman standing tall in a man's world. She faced many sexist hurdles, and yet she held her ground and did the right thing. I loved seeing her take on the good old boys and win. It was especially nice when she was able to fire a couple of them as well. We need more women like her in professional sports.
*I liked how many of football players including Drew took the time to visit children in the hospital suffering from cancer. It was truly touching, and I am glad that so many professional athletes take time out of their schedules to visit children's hospitals.
*It was interesting to see the conflict that arose between Drew's parents. His parents were fighting because after all the children had left the nest, Drew's mom started to pursue activities outside the home. Drew's dad got angry and resentful because he felt neglected. I liked seeing them come to terms with this life adjustment and work things out.
*Even though this is book four in the series, I was able to pick it up and read it as a stand alone, as this is a companion novel series. You can read the books in any order as they all feature different couples and they have a complete story. No cliffhangers or nagging questions.
And The Not So Much:
*My big issue with this romance was that it screamed insta love. Drew and Kendall meet, they chat for a few minutes, share a cup of coffee and then he walks her to her hotel in a rainstorm. Next thing you know, they are going at it like animals, granted they pull back at the last minute, but for me, the romance was based on lust and it unfolded way too quickly. I didn't feel like it took the time to explore and develop. It was all lust and attraction. I like romances that take their sweet time, and this one doesn't do that. Kendall and Drew, in my opinion, don't really take the time to get to know each other and they are quick to make big decisions. I didn't feel like the relationship was real.
*Drew is the perfect guy. Sweet, charming, kind considerate, a book worm and even though he is a professional athlete, he dreams of a wife and kids. What is not to like? For me, he was too good to be true and the more I read, the more I felt like I was getting a male character written by a woman. As terrible as this sounds, I didn't feel like he was realistic or believable. He was not genuine at all. He didn't even think lustful thoughts and he always appeared to be the perfect gentleman.
*While I liked the issues brought up with Drew's parents, I seriously wanted to smack his dad. I couldn't believe that he acted like such an ass, complaining because his wife didn't go all out after working all day to make a complete homemade cooked meal, she still cooked dinner mind you, but not everything was from scratch. I couldn't stand him. He was selfish and a jerk.
Overall, even though this was a nice romance with little drama, I failed to connect with it because it moved far too quickly for my taste and the male protagonist felt too good to be true. I really wanted to like this one, but it ended up being a fizzle for me. I prefer my romances to take their time to build and develop. This one needed more flirting and time to grow. I didn't like how the couple met and within two hours they are headed to bed. If you don't mind a rapid fire romance, I am sure this will work for you.
"Home wasn't a place in which one person worked to meet the needs of her entire family. It was a place in which everyone worked together to take care of each other."
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
Drew slips into the local Seattle bookstore hoping to go unnoticed. Drew is the star player of the Seattle Sharks football team, but he prefers to keep a low profile whenever possible. While browsing the bookstore, he sees a sign advertising a book signing for a book on Carl Sagan. As an avid book lover, Drew is intrigued so he heads toward the event area. He is surprised to find the only other person there is an attractive young woman. Drew is immediately drawn to her, and when the signing is unexpectedly cancelled, he asks her to join him for a cup of coffee. Sparks ignite and a strong attraction pulls them together, but once their identities are revealed, it seems a relationship isn't in the works as Kendall just so happens to be the acting General Manager for Drew's rival football team. Can these star crossed lovers make it work?
What I Liked:
*Sigh... this is a hard book for me to review as I so wanted a light, cozy, fluffy read. While it is a pleasant enough romance, I had some big issues with it. However, I will say if you are an avid romance reader, and you don't mind a rapid paced romance based on instant lust, this will work for you. Even though the attraction is immediate, the pair develop strong chemistry and that helps solidify the relationship down the road.
*One of the reasons I picked up this book was because I am an avid football fan and I was excited to read a football romance. I liked going behind the scenes and learning more about the ongoings of a professional football team behind the scenes. I learned some interesting things.
*I liked that this book focused a bit on the recent upheaval that has taken place in the NFL. Though the author is unable to refer to the NFL or use any of the NFL's team names, but she is able to bring about an event that is similar to the drama that recently unfolded in real life. Basically, one of the San Fransisco Miners players gets in trouble for hitting his girlfriend (sound familiar?). However, in this version of events, Kendall the acting San Fransisco GM, quickly cuts him loose from the team. I loved Kendall's strong stance on the issue and that she took immediate action, if only the team owner's in the NFL acted the same way.
*Speaking of Kendall, I thought she was an excellent protagonist. What I loved about her was that she was a woman standing tall in a man's world. She faced many sexist hurdles, and yet she held her ground and did the right thing. I loved seeing her take on the good old boys and win. It was especially nice when she was able to fire a couple of them as well. We need more women like her in professional sports.
*I liked how many of football players including Drew took the time to visit children in the hospital suffering from cancer. It was truly touching, and I am glad that so many professional athletes take time out of their schedules to visit children's hospitals.
*It was interesting to see the conflict that arose between Drew's parents. His parents were fighting because after all the children had left the nest, Drew's mom started to pursue activities outside the home. Drew's dad got angry and resentful because he felt neglected. I liked seeing them come to terms with this life adjustment and work things out.
*Even though this is book four in the series, I was able to pick it up and read it as a stand alone, as this is a companion novel series. You can read the books in any order as they all feature different couples and they have a complete story. No cliffhangers or nagging questions.
And The Not So Much:
*My big issue with this romance was that it screamed insta love. Drew and Kendall meet, they chat for a few minutes, share a cup of coffee and then he walks her to her hotel in a rainstorm. Next thing you know, they are going at it like animals, granted they pull back at the last minute, but for me, the romance was based on lust and it unfolded way too quickly. I didn't feel like it took the time to explore and develop. It was all lust and attraction. I like romances that take their sweet time, and this one doesn't do that. Kendall and Drew, in my opinion, don't really take the time to get to know each other and they are quick to make big decisions. I didn't feel like the relationship was real.
*Drew is the perfect guy. Sweet, charming, kind considerate, a book worm and even though he is a professional athlete, he dreams of a wife and kids. What is not to like? For me, he was too good to be true and the more I read, the more I felt like I was getting a male character written by a woman. As terrible as this sounds, I didn't feel like he was realistic or believable. He was not genuine at all. He didn't even think lustful thoughts and he always appeared to be the perfect gentleman.
*While I liked the issues brought up with Drew's parents, I seriously wanted to smack his dad. I couldn't believe that he acted like such an ass, complaining because his wife didn't go all out after working all day to make a complete homemade cooked meal, she still cooked dinner mind you, but not everything was from scratch. I couldn't stand him. He was selfish and a jerk.
Overall, even though this was a nice romance with little drama, I failed to connect with it because it moved far too quickly for my taste and the male protagonist felt too good to be true. I really wanted to like this one, but it ended up being a fizzle for me. I prefer my romances to take their time to build and develop. This one needed more flirting and time to grow. I didn't like how the couple met and within two hours they are headed to bed. If you don't mind a rapid fire romance, I am sure this will work for you.
"Home wasn't a place in which one person worked to meet the needs of her entire family. It was a place in which everyone worked together to take care of each other."
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
October 21, 2014
I have recently started liking sports romance and, even though I know nothing about football, I was sucked into the story from the beginning. I enjoyed the first part of the book, the instant attraction between the two characters, the fact that they were both bookworms and the major buzz kill when Kendall realized who Drew was.
I liked how they both tried to overcome the major obstacle on their way because of the way they felt for each other. Fighting for the one you love is one of my favorite themes.
Drew was a very nice hero. I loved his humble attitude, even though he was a super famous player, and I loved how he cared for his parents. The thing I loved the most about him was when he went to visit the sick kid in the hospital, and all he did to cheer him up. That part was super sweet.
As for Kendall, I liked her determination to succeed in a man's world. I can only guess how tough that world must be and I was in awe of her for standing up against her male colleagues.
However, there were some parts I didn't like and because of these, I had mixed feelings about the rating. For one, although I did enjoy the chemistry between Kendall and Drew, I could've done without the two explicit sex scenes. This is just my personal opinion, so if you don't mind explicit sex, this won't be a problem for you. Secondly, I felt there were some parts where the story seemed to drag a little.
Also, even though I said I liked Kendall determination, I didn't like how she decided to put her job first if it came to choose between the man she claimed to love and her career. Maybe it's because I'm not career-driven, so I would always put my Prince Charming first. I realize this was part of the character though, so I understand the author's choice. It just didn't work for me, but any career-driven woman would most probably see herself in Kendall.
The icing on the cake, that earned the rating one extra shamrock, was the epilogue. I won't tell you anything about it, because I don't want to spoil the ending for you, but it totally swept me off my feet. I loved Drew in that chapter and I was really happy that the author decided to add the epilogue.
If you like sports romance in Romeo and Juliet style, you should definitely grab a copy of this book. Drew is a romantic, a little old-fashioned (in a good way) Romeo and Kendall is a kick ass modern Juliet.
***I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review***
I liked how they both tried to overcome the major obstacle on their way because of the way they felt for each other. Fighting for the one you love is one of my favorite themes.
Drew was a very nice hero. I loved his humble attitude, even though he was a super famous player, and I loved how he cared for his parents. The thing I loved the most about him was when he went to visit the sick kid in the hospital, and all he did to cheer him up. That part was super sweet.
As for Kendall, I liked her determination to succeed in a man's world. I can only guess how tough that world must be and I was in awe of her for standing up against her male colleagues.
However, there were some parts I didn't like and because of these, I had mixed feelings about the rating. For one, although I did enjoy the chemistry between Kendall and Drew, I could've done without the two explicit sex scenes. This is just my personal opinion, so if you don't mind explicit sex, this won't be a problem for you. Secondly, I felt there were some parts where the story seemed to drag a little.
Also, even though I said I liked Kendall determination, I didn't like how she decided to put her job first if it came to choose between the man she claimed to love and her career. Maybe it's because I'm not career-driven, so I would always put my Prince Charming first. I realize this was part of the character though, so I understand the author's choice. It just didn't work for me, but any career-driven woman would most probably see herself in Kendall.
The icing on the cake, that earned the rating one extra shamrock, was the epilogue. I won't tell you anything about it, because I don't want to spoil the ending for you, but it totally swept me off my feet. I loved Drew in that chapter and I was really happy that the author decided to add the epilogue.
If you like sports romance in Romeo and Juliet style, you should definitely grab a copy of this book. Drew is a romantic, a little old-fashioned (in a good way) Romeo and Kendall is a kick ass modern Juliet.
***I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review***
October 14, 2019
4 stars
Drew is a star football player who regularly hangs out in a book shop. One day, he runs into this fascinating woman when she takes shelter from the rain. He ends up walking her back to her hotel, but before things get too serious there, she realizes who he is to her.
Kendall is the interim GM of a rival football team, and the two cannot be seen together, especially since her team wants to try and acquire Drew in free agency. But there is something between the two of them that just can't be put on the back burner. Even though it might cost the two of them their jobs, they keep finding ways to see each other.
Before I was at 25%, I checked to see what other books by this author I own, and put the ones I didn't on my wish lists. Drew and Kendall took the time to get to know one another, even if they didn't exactly spend a lot of time together. I liked the fact that they both compromised for their relationship, and that Kendall stood strong against Drew when he went all demanding and jerk-like.
Drew is a star football player who regularly hangs out in a book shop. One day, he runs into this fascinating woman when she takes shelter from the rain. He ends up walking her back to her hotel, but before things get too serious there, she realizes who he is to her.
Kendall is the interim GM of a rival football team, and the two cannot be seen together, especially since her team wants to try and acquire Drew in free agency. But there is something between the two of them that just can't be put on the back burner. Even though it might cost the two of them their jobs, they keep finding ways to see each other.
Before I was at 25%, I checked to see what other books by this author I own, and put the ones I didn't on my wish lists. Drew and Kendall took the time to get to know one another, even if they didn't exactly spend a lot of time together. I liked the fact that they both compromised for their relationship, and that Kendall stood strong against Drew when he went all demanding and jerk-like.
December 27, 2020
Love and Football book #4.
It is about Kendall Tracy and Drew McCoy.
Kendall is the General Manager of the San Francisco Miners. She is not one for a one-stand. She finds herself alone in a hotel room with a gorgeous man who looks oddly familiar. She throws her rules out the window and unfortunately it all blows up in her face.
Drew is a star player for her team's arch rival the Seattle Sharks. He should look familiar. This encounter could make them the Romeo and Juliet of professional football, but they both agree to act like their encounter never happened. Neither think anything good can come from it. Too bad Drew can't stop thinking about her. He finds that some risks are worth taking and Kendall may be all wrong with what she is thinking.
They may end up playing for keeps.
It is about Kendall Tracy and Drew McCoy.
Kendall is the General Manager of the San Francisco Miners. She is not one for a one-stand. She finds herself alone in a hotel room with a gorgeous man who looks oddly familiar. She throws her rules out the window and unfortunately it all blows up in her face.
Drew is a star player for her team's arch rival the Seattle Sharks. He should look familiar. This encounter could make them the Romeo and Juliet of professional football, but they both agree to act like their encounter never happened. Neither think anything good can come from it. Too bad Drew can't stop thinking about her. He finds that some risks are worth taking and Kendall may be all wrong with what she is thinking.
They may end up playing for keeps.
June 27, 2020
Love wins
I really enjoyed this story because the main characters were actually adults and worked and talked through their concerns. This novel was also good because I enjoy reading books about cities I've never been, and it's great when author's can capture the scenery of regions. I'm sad to say this author passed away and this is the last book of hers that I had not read. I enjoyed each book and I'm forever grateful to my gym trainer from four years ago for recommending this author.
I really enjoyed this story because the main characters were actually adults and worked and talked through their concerns. This novel was also good because I enjoy reading books about cities I've never been, and it's great when author's can capture the scenery of regions. I'm sad to say this author passed away and this is the last book of hers that I had not read. I enjoyed each book and I'm forever grateful to my gym trainer from four years ago for recommending this author.
April 26, 2023
I loved this one so much.
I love this a lot. A football player who loves to read? Swoon worthy. This has to be my favorite Julie Brannagh book yet. This book has everything. I recommend this book to all romance lovers.
I love this a lot. A football player who loves to read? Swoon worthy. This has to be my favorite Julie Brannagh book yet. This book has everything. I recommend this book to all romance lovers.
May 15, 2017
fantastic series .... I am so hooked
February 10, 2018
3.5 sweet sweet sweet story
February 22, 2020
Review of Covering Kendall
This was a great book and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels. She keeps you involved from page one until the end.
This was a great book and I will recommend her books to anyone who loves romance novels. She keeps you involved from page one until the end.
Read
October 8, 202110/22/2014 Reread 1/19/19
February 26, 2015
This review was originally posted on Ticket to Anywhere
Place(s) Traveled To: Seattle, Washington // Bellevue, Washington // Santa Clara, California
First Line(s): Drew McCoy dodged pouring rain as he darted through a puddle-infested parking lot and into the entrance of the biggest bookstore in Bellevue.
Covering Kendall by Julie Brannagh is the fourth book in her Love & Football series and while it does involve the Seattle Sharks football team can almost be read as an independent story as there is almost no mention/interaction of the previous characters. In this story Drew McCoy of the Sharks meets up with Kendall Tracy who is the GM of a rival team, which is something that they don't know at first. There are sparks and I think that its going to be a really juicy story but somewhere along the way it just sort of fizzles out.
I liked Drew and Kendall and I liked their story and I am every so glad that there wasn't a random subplot where everyone focused on the heroine's uterus or her weight as with the previous installments. It was a quick read that I essentially read in less than a day so I was involved with the plot but there was just something missing that I can't quite put my finger on. There were also some random inconsistancies that just took me out of the plot. Like how the Sharks played Dallas back to back (at home and then away) and even this non-football watcher knows that is a no-go. Although I did read an ARC so its possible that all these little inconsistencies that bothered me were corrected in the final version. Many times I'll grab a copy of that final book to check but I just don't care enough about this story to do so.
As I said above, I read this quickly and I liked the forbidden love aspect of the story but it just seemed like the two main characters put way more stress upon themselves than needed. Then, of course, there was the pointless breakup leading to angst and moping before they get back together for their HEA. And boy what an eye-rolling HEA did they have. It was just so cliched and forced and a little too perfect to feel real. I get that with a romance there is some suspension of belief, there is that wish fulfillment that every reader wants in that perfect ending. But you can have a good satisfying ending without getting overly cheesy at the same time.
For me, I think that my love affair with the Love and Football series might be waning. Each book just gets to be a little less enjoyable for me and so I am unsure if this is a series that I will continue with or not. Though I will keep my eye out for other stories by Julie Brannagh as I did really enjoy the first book in this series.
November 8, 2014
You know how sometimes you read the blurb for a book and you automatically get turned off by one specific element and just KNOW there is no reason for you to even read it because you couldn't possibly enjoy it? Well that's what I thought about COVERING KENDALL by Julie Brannagh. As soon as I read the word football I was sure it wasn't going to be for me.
Now, it's not that I know nothing about the sport. I mean, I understand the basics and can keep up with what's going on when I have to sit through a game. I'm just not a fan. And it seems that all my friends are, so I'm often subjected to hearing about fantasy leagues or sitting through the Superbowl. Let's just say I've kind of grown to resent the sport and that convinced me that I couldn't possibly love a football-centric romance.
I am not ashamed to say that I was completely wrong.
Yes, the main characters work and or play for the NFL, but it's not all of who they are. And it's definitely not all of what makes up their romance.
I loved Kendall and Drew together from the very beginning. They both might live and breathe football but they meet at a bookstore of all places, on a rainy afternoon, and that just made my day. I love reading books where the characters are also readers, especially when the heroine is a romance reader. People still read, everybody! Some people actually still go into bookstores to browse and sit through book signings. And sometimes that leads to their finding a huge, muscled, sexy football player with a heart of gold. (Damn, I should stop shopping for books online.)
These two were playful and adorable together from their first meeting, with a burning attraction that pulled them all the way back to Kendall's hotel room. Until reality set in and they found out who the other really was. Kendall and Drew work so hard at first to deny their attraction, knowing the gossip and drama it could stir up for both of their careers, but their thoughts seem to be stuck on each other and fate finds a way to continue to throw them together. I loved reading their flirtatious banter and their sweet conversations in the moments they were able to steal together.
Even the side stories in this novel drew me in. I was intrigued by the look at Kendall's struggle as a female GM in a testosterone dominated field, and her overcoming the sexist male colleagues who undermine her authority, to bring the team up to snuff. It gave her character a core of strength that made me look up to her.
Drew's parents and their fighting over his mother getting a job really served to underline the issues Drew and Kendall face with her trying to balance her demanding job and their relationship. I also loved Drew's parents as supporting characters and appreciated that Brannagh gave us an older couple that are obviously still so in love and continue to put in the work (and chase each other around like kids) to keep their relationship fresh.
I never thought I would ever love a book about the Romeo and Juliet of professional football, but Julie Brannagh made it happen! I can't believe I'm saying this but I can't wait to read more novels about the Sharks and see some of the other teammates find their loves. This was the first novel by Brannagh I've read but I absolutely adored her writing style and her balance of heat and heart. So hats off to Julie Brannagh for creating some interesting, sweet and funny characters, even if they do love football.
Disclaimer: As an Avon Addict, I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions shared are my own.
Now, it's not that I know nothing about the sport. I mean, I understand the basics and can keep up with what's going on when I have to sit through a game. I'm just not a fan. And it seems that all my friends are, so I'm often subjected to hearing about fantasy leagues or sitting through the Superbowl. Let's just say I've kind of grown to resent the sport and that convinced me that I couldn't possibly love a football-centric romance.
I am not ashamed to say that I was completely wrong.
Yes, the main characters work and or play for the NFL, but it's not all of who they are. And it's definitely not all of what makes up their romance.
I loved Kendall and Drew together from the very beginning. They both might live and breathe football but they meet at a bookstore of all places, on a rainy afternoon, and that just made my day. I love reading books where the characters are also readers, especially when the heroine is a romance reader. People still read, everybody! Some people actually still go into bookstores to browse and sit through book signings. And sometimes that leads to their finding a huge, muscled, sexy football player with a heart of gold. (Damn, I should stop shopping for books online.)
These two were playful and adorable together from their first meeting, with a burning attraction that pulled them all the way back to Kendall's hotel room. Until reality set in and they found out who the other really was. Kendall and Drew work so hard at first to deny their attraction, knowing the gossip and drama it could stir up for both of their careers, but their thoughts seem to be stuck on each other and fate finds a way to continue to throw them together. I loved reading their flirtatious banter and their sweet conversations in the moments they were able to steal together.
Even the side stories in this novel drew me in. I was intrigued by the look at Kendall's struggle as a female GM in a testosterone dominated field, and her overcoming the sexist male colleagues who undermine her authority, to bring the team up to snuff. It gave her character a core of strength that made me look up to her.
Drew's parents and their fighting over his mother getting a job really served to underline the issues Drew and Kendall face with her trying to balance her demanding job and their relationship. I also loved Drew's parents as supporting characters and appreciated that Brannagh gave us an older couple that are obviously still so in love and continue to put in the work (and chase each other around like kids) to keep their relationship fresh.
I never thought I would ever love a book about the Romeo and Juliet of professional football, but Julie Brannagh made it happen! I can't believe I'm saying this but I can't wait to read more novels about the Sharks and see some of the other teammates find their loves. This was the first novel by Brannagh I've read but I absolutely adored her writing style and her balance of heat and heart. So hats off to Julie Brannagh for creating some interesting, sweet and funny characters, even if they do love football.
Disclaimer: As an Avon Addict, I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions shared are my own.
October 29, 2014
Julie Brannagh's fourth Love and Football series, COVERING KENDALL, is her best work yet. Brannagh is an author I've been with from the beginning - as an Avon Addict, I was introduced to her with her debut novel, Blitzing Emily (which I enjoyed - http://onceuponahappywriter.blogspot.... ). I saw improvement in her writing in her second, Rushing Amy (http://onceuponahappywriter.blogspot....), and her style became even better with Catching Cameron. (Why didn't I review this?! I loved this novel. I'll have to review it so you, dear reader, can make a decision to buy it. Spoiler alert: It's worth your money.)
But this one?
She. Nailed. It.
The characters' struggles are so real - career vs. personal life. It's one many of us struggle with in our everyday lives, and Brannagh injects so much feeling into the dialogue and setting that I related all over the place. (As I mentioned in earlier posts, I'm not a football lover. I'm not really a sporty type. But this series - this story in particular - transcends all that.)
Kendall is a busy career woman. She has climbed to the top by working her behind off; she's professional without being cold, which is a difficult thing for any author to pull off. Brannagh balanced her just right. One of the subplots in this book is that Kendall has to deal with one of her players involved in a domestic abuse case. Instead of going all icy and "I'm a woman and I'm bad-ass, I'm going to kick this guy out of the NFL," Kendall responds with such grace, humility and realism that I cheered out loud. It was wonderful. And that's just one example of the wonderfulness of this novel.
Drew is another well-rounded character. I wish I could turn on the TV and look for him on the field! Drew thinks he has it all together. He wants the perfect family - the same one he grew up with, really. Two loving parents, siblings, white picket fence. He even bought a house that would support such a family, when he found the perfect woman to marry. (Ha! I love that. He has such confidence that all will fall neatly into place. Life never works that way, and again, Brannagh nails this by blowing it completely out-of-the-water!) His high-profile job gives him a great insight into what it will be like for Kendall if their romance secret ever got out (which, of course, it does). Then it gives him great sensitivity to how she has to deal with it. He doesn't handle it perfectly - he is, after all, human - but his character arc is impressive, natural, and above all, realistic.
Drew's parents, by the way, are an excellent subplot that surprised me. Brannagh interwove it so seamlessly that I didn't see what she was doing until it was done. Read it. You'll know what I mean.
Five stars.
(Disclaimer: I was provided a digital Advanced Reader Copy (e-ARC) from the publisher for an honest and unbiased review.)
But this one?
She. Nailed. It.
The characters' struggles are so real - career vs. personal life. It's one many of us struggle with in our everyday lives, and Brannagh injects so much feeling into the dialogue and setting that I related all over the place. (As I mentioned in earlier posts, I'm not a football lover. I'm not really a sporty type. But this series - this story in particular - transcends all that.)
Kendall is a busy career woman. She has climbed to the top by working her behind off; she's professional without being cold, which is a difficult thing for any author to pull off. Brannagh balanced her just right. One of the subplots in this book is that Kendall has to deal with one of her players involved in a domestic abuse case. Instead of going all icy and "I'm a woman and I'm bad-ass, I'm going to kick this guy out of the NFL," Kendall responds with such grace, humility and realism that I cheered out loud. It was wonderful. And that's just one example of the wonderfulness of this novel.
Drew is another well-rounded character. I wish I could turn on the TV and look for him on the field! Drew thinks he has it all together. He wants the perfect family - the same one he grew up with, really. Two loving parents, siblings, white picket fence. He even bought a house that would support such a family, when he found the perfect woman to marry. (Ha! I love that. He has such confidence that all will fall neatly into place. Life never works that way, and again, Brannagh nails this by blowing it completely out-of-the-water!) His high-profile job gives him a great insight into what it will be like for Kendall if their romance secret ever got out (which, of course, it does). Then it gives him great sensitivity to how she has to deal with it. He doesn't handle it perfectly - he is, after all, human - but his character arc is impressive, natural, and above all, realistic.
Drew's parents, by the way, are an excellent subplot that surprised me. Brannagh interwove it so seamlessly that I didn't see what she was doing until it was done. Read it. You'll know what I mean.
Five stars.
(Disclaimer: I was provided a digital Advanced Reader Copy (e-ARC) from the publisher for an honest and unbiased review.)
October 3, 2014
This series by Julie, featuring heroes who are football players is so good! Covering Kendall is very sweet, especially because the hero Drew and the heroine Kendall enjoy reading. While Kendall is on a business trip in Seatlle she visits a bookstore and meets Drew, unaware he plays for the Sharks, her team's major nemesis in the NFL. Kendall is the only female GM in the NFL. Her team is the San Francisco Miners. Drew and Kendall have a sort of date at the bookstore cafe and talk books. Drew escorts Kendall back to her hotel during a rain storm and she invites him up to her room. She's all for sharing a passionate night with Drew, but then she finally figures out who Drew is. She halts their lovemaking because if anyone ever found out she and Drew even had a one night stand, it could go very badly for her, especially since her teams wants Drew to play for them.
Drew respects Kendall's wishes but can't get her off his mind. Soon he's hopping on airplanes in secret to spend a day or two with her. Kendall ends up doing the same. These two are now involved with one another, but have to keep it a secret. But then when a photographer catches them together kissing, they jig is up and they have to come clean.
While Drew tries to figure out a way to keep Kendall in his life, his parents are having major troubles in their marriage. His father moves in with him, in what is a pretty funny scenario. Drew loves his parents and wants them to make it work, but he wants to concentrate on Kendall more. Kendall is worried her job is on the line, as well as trying to see Drew who lives in another state.
It seems like the odds are against Drew and Kendall, but they will try their best to make it work. The question is, who is willing to sacrifice all they worked for in order for them to be together?
Julie writes the best heroes. Drew is such a sweetheart. Kendall is an independent woman who wants respect in a male dominated field. Drew and Kendall click so well together.
The ending is your typical HEA, but I felt the epilogue was a bit too rushed and pat. But overall I really enjoyed Covering Kendall. I hope Julie continues writing more books set in this world of football she had created.
Drew respects Kendall's wishes but can't get her off his mind. Soon he's hopping on airplanes in secret to spend a day or two with her. Kendall ends up doing the same. These two are now involved with one another, but have to keep it a secret. But then when a photographer catches them together kissing, they jig is up and they have to come clean.
While Drew tries to figure out a way to keep Kendall in his life, his parents are having major troubles in their marriage. His father moves in with him, in what is a pretty funny scenario. Drew loves his parents and wants them to make it work, but he wants to concentrate on Kendall more. Kendall is worried her job is on the line, as well as trying to see Drew who lives in another state.
It seems like the odds are against Drew and Kendall, but they will try their best to make it work. The question is, who is willing to sacrifice all they worked for in order for them to be together?
Julie writes the best heroes. Drew is such a sweetheart. Kendall is an independent woman who wants respect in a male dominated field. Drew and Kendall click so well together.
The ending is your typical HEA, but I felt the epilogue was a bit too rushed and pat. But overall I really enjoyed Covering Kendall. I hope Julie continues writing more books set in this world of football she had created.
October 13, 2014
Posted on What I'm Reading
Truth be told I didn't really read the blurb for Covering Kendall. All I knew was it's Drew's book, I liked the previous book, and it's about football. That's what sold me on reading Covering Kendall. Anyway, I thought the story started out cute. You probably going, "What?"
When Kendall and Drew first meet they have no clue who one another is, but they have this instant attraction. So much chemistry that they almost jump into bed with one another. Then Kendall figures out who Drew is and puts a kibosh on the whole thing. After all things could get pretty ugly since they are like mortal enemies in the football world. I guess it would be like having a Broncos fan marrying a Raiders fan, you just don't do things like that. However, fate had other plans in store for these two.
However, Drew and Kendall don't automatically get together it actually takes sometime before they even make an attempt on the relationship. Yet, there are other things going on in the story before they make a go. For instances Kendall is picking up the pieces in the organization and trying to make sure runs well. While Drew is playing referee in his parents life. Poor guy shouldn't have to deal with his parents issues on changing dynamics, but they brought it to his door. So, they both are dealing with personal issues that keep them inline for a little while. Like Romeo and Juliet they can't seem to stay away from each other.
Truth be told I laughed and cried while reading the story. However, the tears came more cause of Drew's interaction with a kid name Nolan. The beginning had be chuckling cause you have the Capulets and the Montague's of football. Yes, Drew and Kendall have their trials to overcome in the story once they finally decide to make a go. Overall, I found Covering Kendall enjoyable. So, if you are looking for that Romeo and Juliet kind of stories that doesn't end in death, you will find it in Covering Kendall.
Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss.
Truth be told I didn't really read the blurb for Covering Kendall. All I knew was it's Drew's book, I liked the previous book, and it's about football. That's what sold me on reading Covering Kendall. Anyway, I thought the story started out cute. You probably going, "What?"
When Kendall and Drew first meet they have no clue who one another is, but they have this instant attraction. So much chemistry that they almost jump into bed with one another. Then Kendall figures out who Drew is and puts a kibosh on the whole thing. After all things could get pretty ugly since they are like mortal enemies in the football world. I guess it would be like having a Broncos fan marrying a Raiders fan, you just don't do things like that. However, fate had other plans in store for these two.
However, Drew and Kendall don't automatically get together it actually takes sometime before they even make an attempt on the relationship. Yet, there are other things going on in the story before they make a go. For instances Kendall is picking up the pieces in the organization and trying to make sure runs well. While Drew is playing referee in his parents life. Poor guy shouldn't have to deal with his parents issues on changing dynamics, but they brought it to his door. So, they both are dealing with personal issues that keep them inline for a little while. Like Romeo and Juliet they can't seem to stay away from each other.
Truth be told I laughed and cried while reading the story. However, the tears came more cause of Drew's interaction with a kid name Nolan. The beginning had be chuckling cause you have the Capulets and the Montague's of football. Yes, Drew and Kendall have their trials to overcome in the story once they finally decide to make a go. Overall, I found Covering Kendall enjoyable. So, if you are looking for that Romeo and Juliet kind of stories that doesn't end in death, you will find it in Covering Kendall.
Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss.
August 27, 2016
Julie Brannagh brings us back to Seattle for the fourth book in her Love and Football series. In Covering Kendall we meet new friends and catch up with a handful of our old pals. Kendall Tracy has gone where no woman has gone before - GM of a pro football team. Although she loves her career, she is under a lot of pressure from men waiting for her to fail. In order to be successful, she has strict rules... Rules that don't include sexy Drew McCoy. Rules that are quickly broken as they risk both of their careers in hopes that their secret romance will turn into forever.
I am having a lot of fun immersing myself in Julie's football lovin' world. Her characters are always romantic and lovable. And of course, it is a sports themed series, which is a theme that I'll devour. Covering Kendall was the perfect addition to a series that is already a favorite of mine. I loved the whole Romeo and Juliet vibe from Drew and Kendall. They found a way to fall in love and I don't think they would have let anything stand in their way. As strong and intelligent individuals, they were that much stronger as a couple. Kendall kicked ass and took names, while Drew crunched bones on the field. Then, of course, we have the many secondary characters that just made the book charming. Noah broke my heart. Call me crazy, but I'd love to see his mom matched up with a player. Hint, Julie... *wink* Of course, there is also Derrick and Seth. Both men sent me swooning numerous times during the story. Yum...
Covering Kendall sucked me in from the first page and wouldn't let me go until I finished. And now I'll try to wait patiently to see what Julie has in store for her favorite Sharks. Key work: try... I can't make any promises...
I am having a lot of fun immersing myself in Julie's football lovin' world. Her characters are always romantic and lovable. And of course, it is a sports themed series, which is a theme that I'll devour. Covering Kendall was the perfect addition to a series that is already a favorite of mine. I loved the whole Romeo and Juliet vibe from Drew and Kendall. They found a way to fall in love and I don't think they would have let anything stand in their way. As strong and intelligent individuals, they were that much stronger as a couple. Kendall kicked ass and took names, while Drew crunched bones on the field. Then, of course, we have the many secondary characters that just made the book charming. Noah broke my heart. Call me crazy, but I'd love to see his mom matched up with a player. Hint, Julie... *wink* Of course, there is also Derrick and Seth. Both men sent me swooning numerous times during the story. Yum...
Covering Kendall sucked me in from the first page and wouldn't let me go until I finished. And now I'll try to wait patiently to see what Julie has in store for her favorite Sharks. Key work: try... I can't make any promises...
October 23, 2014
Another excellent book in the Love and Football series. When Kendall Tracy runs into Drew McCall, she knows he looks familiar but she can't place him. The two meet at a bookstore waiting for an author signing. When the author bails, Kendall and Drew go for a quick bite nad discover there is a lot of chemistry between them. When they end up in her hotel room, the memory clicks and Kendall realizes that Drew is the sexy quarterback for the Sharks. Problem! Kendall is the acting GM for the miners who are the arch-rivals of the Sharks. Kendall and Drew realize that they cannot pursue a relationship but as time goes by they can't keep away from each other.
I loved that this couple was so combustible and so forbidden. It was nice to see a woman in a power position but having the guy be relatively equal except in the eyes of the NFL. He is rich and famous and a nice guy. He is also not going to take no for an answer with Kendall. It leads to a lot of sexual tension between the two and the story just keeps getting hotter. There doesn't seem to be any resolution which makes the stolen moments so much more interesting.
The depiction of the issues Kendall has at work with the good old boys network seem to be typical of upper management's glass ceiling. There is also a very serious player issue that arises which is right from today's headlines (and this book had to be written months ago). As always, Ms. Brannagh gives us a satisfying resolution that isn't impossible to believe. There is a teaser for the next book- can't wait.
I loved that this couple was so combustible and so forbidden. It was nice to see a woman in a power position but having the guy be relatively equal except in the eyes of the NFL. He is rich and famous and a nice guy. He is also not going to take no for an answer with Kendall. It leads to a lot of sexual tension between the two and the story just keeps getting hotter. There doesn't seem to be any resolution which makes the stolen moments so much more interesting.
The depiction of the issues Kendall has at work with the good old boys network seem to be typical of upper management's glass ceiling. There is also a very serious player issue that arises which is right from today's headlines (and this book had to be written months ago). As always, Ms. Brannagh gives us a satisfying resolution that isn't impossible to believe. There is a teaser for the next book- can't wait.
October 14, 2014
Covering Kendall (Love and Football, #4) by Julie Brannagh Star football player for the Seattle Sharks, Drew McCoy, and General Manager of the San Francisco Miners, Kendall Tracy, should have recognized each other before they embarked on a one-night-stand. Once they realized they worked for rival teams, they agreed to pretend the incident never happened. Too bad they are attracted to each other, can’t stop thinking about each other, and keep running into one another.
I liked Kendall. She is a smart business woman with a great knowledge of the game of football. She is strong for succeeding in a predominantly male industry. She handles herself intelligently and with grace.
Drew is a great guy. He is popular but remains down to earth. Drew’s family drama was interesting and a well-timed life lesson for himself.
I appreciate that Kendall and Drew meet at a bookstore. You have got to love fellow bookworms.
The plot was fun and entertaining. I agree with the book in that it was contemporary Romeo and Juliet minus the deaths. The story is well-written making it easy to read and hard to put down.
I really enjoyed the ending. It was heartwarming and sweet. Julie Brannagh wrote another great book in the Love and Football series. I look forward to reading future books in the series.
Complimentary copy provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
I liked Kendall. She is a smart business woman with a great knowledge of the game of football. She is strong for succeeding in a predominantly male industry. She handles herself intelligently and with grace.
Drew is a great guy. He is popular but remains down to earth. Drew’s family drama was interesting and a well-timed life lesson for himself.
I appreciate that Kendall and Drew meet at a bookstore. You have got to love fellow bookworms.
The plot was fun and entertaining. I agree with the book in that it was contemporary Romeo and Juliet minus the deaths. The story is well-written making it easy to read and hard to put down.
I really enjoyed the ending. It was heartwarming and sweet. Julie Brannagh wrote another great book in the Love and Football series. I look forward to reading future books in the series.
Complimentary copy provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
June 14, 2016
2 stars.
This review is also posted on Pretty Sassy Cool.
You know I love football romances and I love Romeo & Juliet, so I wanted to read this one as soon as I heard about it. The summary for it is basically exactly what happens. Kendall and Drew have a one-time hookup, only to later discover that they’re basically archrivals. She’s the GM of one team, he’s the star of the other team. Of course, they can’t stop thinking about each other. Will they get past their jobs to be together or was one night enough for them?
First of all, I thought it was totally unbelievable that Kendall wouldn’t have known who Drew was. If his team wasn’t the rival of her team, then maybe. But even then, I would think that the GM of any NFL franchise would be familiar with the most important players on all of the teams in their division, even a temporary GM. And especially when you factor in that her team is trying to steal him. But that’s just me. *shrugs*
I thought Drew and Kendall had great chemistry and the story, including all of the football stuff, was interesting. I really liked Drew. He was sweet and swoony, but there was just something I didn’t love about this story. It was overall kind of meh for me. I didn’t care about them or if they worked it out–at all.
With instalust that turns into instalove and an unbelievable situation, Covering Kendall just wasn’t for me.
This review is also posted on Pretty Sassy Cool.
You know I love football romances and I love Romeo & Juliet, so I wanted to read this one as soon as I heard about it. The summary for it is basically exactly what happens. Kendall and Drew have a one-time hookup, only to later discover that they’re basically archrivals. She’s the GM of one team, he’s the star of the other team. Of course, they can’t stop thinking about each other. Will they get past their jobs to be together or was one night enough for them?
First of all, I thought it was totally unbelievable that Kendall wouldn’t have known who Drew was. If his team wasn’t the rival of her team, then maybe. But even then, I would think that the GM of any NFL franchise would be familiar with the most important players on all of the teams in their division, even a temporary GM. And especially when you factor in that her team is trying to steal him. But that’s just me. *shrugs*
I thought Drew and Kendall had great chemistry and the story, including all of the football stuff, was interesting. I really liked Drew. He was sweet and swoony, but there was just something I didn’t love about this story. It was overall kind of meh for me. I didn’t care about them or if they worked it out–at all.
With instalust that turns into instalove and an unbelievable situation, Covering Kendall just wasn’t for me.
October 27, 2014
The beginning of the book and the "meet and greet" of the main characters really annoyed me. She's a director of football, looks at endless tape of players, wants to get Drew McCoy for her team...and she doesn't recognize him when she sees him in person at a bookstore in the Seattle area...even after he twlls her his first name. She just knows "he looks familiar"? Really??? Is she permanently stuck on stupid? Other patrons recognize him, the barista recognizes him and shouts "Go Sharks" at them...and still Kendall is clueless? This is NOT realistic given what she's been involved with pro football since she was 16 and that Drew's in a variety of endorsements, so she's seen him in other than a Sharks uniform.
The instant lust acted upon without even knowing the others last names also annoyed me....esp. given the female character's last relationship.
The storyline was ok, but this novel didn't reach, for me, the level of the previous ones in this series.
Had the author found a much more plausible way for them to meet, I would probably have given this 4 stars, but not as written.
The instant lust acted upon without even knowing the others last names also annoyed me....esp. given the female character's last relationship.
The storyline was ok, but this novel didn't reach, for me, the level of the previous ones in this series.
Had the author found a much more plausible way for them to meet, I would probably have given this 4 stars, but not as written.
January 13, 2015
I have enjoyed all of the books in this series so far, but "Covering Kendall" was lacking something. Do not get me wrong, I enjoyed the story of Kendall and Drew, but there was something missing. I am glad that this story line took place over 2 years instead of only a couple of months, but the "instant" love and the "Romeo and Juliet" premise was a bit tried for my taste.
Kendall is the Interim General Manager for the Shark's most bitter rival, the San Francisco Miners. Drew is a player for the Seattle Sharks. They bump into each other in a book store in Seattle and she doesn't know who he is until he removes his hat in her hotel room. Then she instantly knows who he is and gets him to leave before anything happens. But too late, her heart is in the game already when she can't get him out of her head and he, her. Because of her job, this attraction is doomed to fail. But somehow they manage to survive.
Come to your own conclusions. I did enjoy the story, but just personally didn't care for the doomed from the start premise.
Kendall is the Interim General Manager for the Shark's most bitter rival, the San Francisco Miners. Drew is a player for the Seattle Sharks. They bump into each other in a book store in Seattle and she doesn't know who he is until he removes his hat in her hotel room. Then she instantly knows who he is and gets him to leave before anything happens. But too late, her heart is in the game already when she can't get him out of her head and he, her. Because of her job, this attraction is doomed to fail. But somehow they manage to survive.
Come to your own conclusions. I did enjoy the story, but just personally didn't care for the doomed from the start premise.
November 23, 2015
very good story.....Kendall is the interim GM for an NFL team who happens to meet up with a very wonderful guy who just happens to play for the NFL team that is the archrival to hers. Not realizing who Drew is at first she spends time with him & decides that she's ready for a one night stand. Drew is looking for someone who he might see a future with & while spending time with Kendall in a bookstore & coffee shop waiting for a storm to let up he realizes that he'd like to get to know her a lot better. When they realize who they each work for they decide that it isn't worth it & Kendall forces Drew to leave. Well life doesn't work the way you want it to all the time & their feelings get even more involved. They are outed & hassels & opinions follow as well as severe injury. Can they make it through everything? Can they work a relationship around a football schedule of 2 different teams? Really like this series & this book is a good addition to it.
January 14, 2015
Totally Awesome!!!
I can't believe what a great book this is. Of course, I knew I would enjoy it, because I loved all of the others in this series. I must say Julie Brannagh really hit it head on with this one! I think I learned more about not only what the players actually go through, but the team managers and office personnel behind the scenes. This book covered it all and a love story also! Drew turned out to be so much more intelligent and level headed than the other books made him out to be. I loved getting to catch up with some of the characters from all of the previous books also. I don't know if this is the last book in the series, but I'm hoping not, and if by chance it is, I sure hope Ms. Brannagh writes another sports romance series. I would recommend this book and series to anyone who likes to read sports romances. They can be read as stand-aliens, but I enjoy reading series in order if I am able to.
I can't believe what a great book this is. Of course, I knew I would enjoy it, because I loved all of the others in this series. I must say Julie Brannagh really hit it head on with this one! I think I learned more about not only what the players actually go through, but the team managers and office personnel behind the scenes. This book covered it all and a love story also! Drew turned out to be so much more intelligent and level headed than the other books made him out to be. I loved getting to catch up with some of the characters from all of the previous books also. I don't know if this is the last book in the series, but I'm hoping not, and if by chance it is, I sure hope Ms. Brannagh writes another sports romance series. I would recommend this book and series to anyone who likes to read sports romances. They can be read as stand-aliens, but I enjoy reading series in order if I am able to.
May 11, 2015
Rating: 2.5*
Cover: Nay
Chemistry Rating: Low boil
POV: 3rd Person
One-Sentence Summary: Interim GM of a rival football team unwittingly gets tangled up with Drew from the Seattle Sharks
Review: I really like this series but this book fell short of the mark for me.
It started off really well and I loved the 'meet cute' scene but then everything fell apart in the second half: the whole 'insta-love' didn't sit well with me, nor did Drew (and his father's) old-fashioned ideas of what a wife's role in a family should be, and then after Drew ends up in hospital, it all got really childish.
May 22, 2017
Suddenly, the book was over. Seriously. It's like someone is telling you a story like, "The worst storm in the history of the world. Chaos was reigning and.".
AND WHAT?????
The whole book was pretty weird and I'm still trying to understand what exactly happened.
The couple was pretty unrealistic and I'm not really sure what was the real conflict, there was so many happening at the time, and everything was easily solved.
You must be asking why would I give this book three stars. Well, I really like how women bond with each other and how they don't see each other as enemies but as allies in this book. All of the books of this series are like that, actually. That's pretty much the reason I still read them.
Covering Kendall deserves three is stars solely for that reason.
AND WHAT?????
The whole book was pretty weird and I'm still trying to understand what exactly happened.
The couple was pretty unrealistic and I'm not really sure what was the real conflict, there was so many happening at the time, and everything was easily solved.
You must be asking why would I give this book three stars. Well, I really like how women bond with each other and how they don't see each other as enemies but as allies in this book. All of the books of this series are like that, actually. That's pretty much the reason I still read them.
Covering Kendall deserves three is stars solely for that reason.
December 30, 2014
Kendall Tracy, the titular character, is the general manager of the rival team to quarterback Drew McCoy’s NFL team. But on a rainy evening in Seattle, they find themselves together at a bookstore, the chemistry is overwhelming, and after a dash to her hotel room, they almost have sex. Then she realizes who he is, reminds herself who she is, and stops them.
But dammit if they don’t love being around each other and they can’t seem to keep away from each other, despite the risk and the distance. They are likable and you can’t help by root for them. It’s one of those romances where the two characters are so clearly inevitable that you mainly want to see how the author is going to get these two characters to a happily ever after.
Full review at Bitter Empire: http://bitterempire.com/best-romance-novels-read-2014/
But dammit if they don’t love being around each other and they can’t seem to keep away from each other, despite the risk and the distance. They are likable and you can’t help by root for them. It’s one of those romances where the two characters are so clearly inevitable that you mainly want to see how the author is going to get these two characters to a happily ever after.
Full review at Bitter Empire: http://bitterempire.com/best-romance-novels-read-2014/
December 23, 2014
Ugh.... I am willing to suspend reality a bit, but this was just ridiculous at points. For instance, Kendall is the general manager of a football team, supposedly knows a lot about football, but can't recognize Drew until he is naked and she sees his tattoo??? Then his clothes are in the laundry so he is going to put on a pair of her yoga pants and go out in public....but when those don't fit we are going to wear a bell hops uniform??? I don't know any men who wouldn't rather be caught walking around buck naked before they would put on a pair of woman's yoga pants....think she was going for "humor" there, but it fell really flat. The rest was downhill from there.
March 23, 2015
Julie Brannagh
Drew McCoy is hands down my favorite Seattle Shark! He lingered with me long after the last page was turned, and still visits me every now and again!
This book has been my favorite in the series so far, I loved the storyline, it kept me interested the whole way through! It had everything a good romance book should have: a swoonworthy male, light humor, a fiesty heroine, enthralling plot, and lots of chemistry and sizzle!!
This book could be read as a stand alone, but I recommend you read them all...I guarantee you walk away with at least one or maybe two new book boyfriends!
Drew McCoy is hands down my favorite Seattle Shark! He lingered with me long after the last page was turned, and still visits me every now and again!
This book has been my favorite in the series so far, I loved the storyline, it kept me interested the whole way through! It had everything a good romance book should have: a swoonworthy male, light humor, a fiesty heroine, enthralling plot, and lots of chemistry and sizzle!!
This book could be read as a stand alone, but I recommend you read them all...I guarantee you walk away with at least one or maybe two new book boyfriends!
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