Fighting for Love

Lightning #3

by Tracy Wolff, Anita Nirschl (Translator)

Elara & Tanner – beide würden alles für den Sport tun. Aber können sie einander eine Chance geben?
Footballstar Tanner Green fällt aus allen Wolken, als er von Ex-Basketballprofi Elara Vance öffentlich beschuldigt wird, sie um Spendengelder für ihr Jugend-Sportzentrum gebracht zu haben. Diese Anschuldigung kann Tanner nicht auf sich sitzen lassen, und sucht sie im Jugendzentrum auf. Bei einem aufgeheizten Basketballspiel fliegen zwischen den beiden die Funken – und Elara merkt schnell, dass der Profisportler nicht nur ein aufrichtiges, sondern auch ein gebrochenes Herz hat. Ebenso wie sie. Ist ihre Verbindung stark genug, sich trotz ihrer Vergangenheit auf den jeweils anderen einzulassen?

Sports Romance trifft auf den Trope Shared Trauma

Genres: Romance, Sports, Football, Sports Romance, Contemporary Romance, Abuse, Contemporary

337 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 16, 2018

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Tracy Wolff is a lover of vampires, dragons, and all things that go bump in the night. A onetime English professor, she now devotes all her time to writing dark and romantic stories with tortured heroes and kick-butt heroines. She has written all her sixty-plus novels from her home in Austin, Texas, which she shares with her family. tracywolffbooks.com

Reviews

[Mindy Lou's Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm pretty impressed with this book. Really this whole series has been a bit of surprise with how much I like these characters and their stories.

Due to a knee injury, Elara is former WNBA player. That right there already shows she's not your typical heroine and throws this book into the unique category.

What makes her an even better heroine is that she turned something bad that happened to her into something good. She opened a rec center for underprivileged kids. This center has it all and honestly, if I was a kid, I would be living at this rec center.

The way Elara cares about these kids is pretty amazing, especially when she had so much personally she's had to battle. Her story is heartbreaking in a way that you don't always hear about.

Tanner is currently in the NFL and one of the greatest in the game. His own story has a sad background but like Elara, he's turned that sad into something great.

Tanner has four baby sisters he takes care of. That combined with what happened to his high school girlfriend is what made him into the man he is today. That man is one who truly knows how to treat a woman and made me fall in love with him.

I got such a kick out of getting to know both of these characters. When the author added so much heart to their story, I couldn't do anything but fall in love with this book. I'm not sure if the author can top this one, but I sure hope she tries. ARC Provided by NetGalley.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC received for review

Tanner was just as yummy and sweet and amazing as I thought he would be. Elara made him work for it. She has a seriously messed up ex. Of course, Tanner messes up, and boy, does he do it big time. True love, of course, conquers all. Loved seeing all the boys and their ladies.

[Carvanz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elara’s rec center for children is in need of money and when the money she was promised is taken away and given to Tanner’s charity, she loses it. In the football locker room, in front of his teammates, while he’s wet and wearing a towel. When he shows up a few days later, her kids go crazy and she is forced to face the fact that perhaps she was mad at the wrong person. Because, although she knows better, Tanner appears to be one of the nice guys. But can she trust that what he shows the world is the real him?

Tanner notices Elara while leaving the field after practice. He makes a plan to learn who she is but is shocked when the woman comes barging in while he and the team are changing. He doesn’t have a clue what she’s talking about but dang the woman is hot even while spewing all her anger at him. Seeing her in her element at the recreation center shines a light on the strong independent woman that only pulls him to her more. Now he’s finally got a chance and all he has to do is allow her to control her life, including dealing with her past.

I really enjoyed this story although I’m not a big fan of heroines who are ball busters, which Elara most certainly was. However, her character never fit into the mold that those around her tried to put her in, so I tried to understood why she was that way but I still had a hard time connecting with her. On the other hand, I love a hero who goes full throttle into protective mode over his woman, and that was exactly who Tanner was. He was also genuinely sweet and caring and he never thought of himself first but the ones he loved. Totally swoon worthy!

This is a fast paced read with plenty of chemistry and heat as well as some strong support from secondary characters as well as some heart clinching moments in regards to Elara’s “kids”. I would have liked to have had a further into the future epilogue that also covered them as well as the center because I had grown to care about them as much as Elara, but what we were given was okay.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley and Random House Loveswept. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Dual POV
Safe no ow drama; ex drama due to h’s past with him although he does not come on scene until the end when he does stir it up although it is not his actions that cause conflict; H is not a manwhore; H was engaged when he was 20 and she died but he recognizes that what he feels for h is more than what he felt for dead fiancée
Triggersh’s ex would drug her and then rape and abuse her during the night – she was unaware until she became suspicious and put up a camera – no on page scene just her sharing it with H – details shared were a bit vague but still understood

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rough & Ready
Lightening, Book 3

I Picked Up This Book Because: Random Netgalley selection

The Characters:

Tanner Green: Looks NOTHING like the dude on the cover, which is also my biggest peeve with this book.
Elara Vance:


The Story:

While I like Elara and Tanner and enjoyed watching their relationship grow, I took major issue with the timeline of this book. Their relationship blossoms very quickly which isn’t even a problem for me what bothers me more is you can’t tell how quick. I found myself thinking something happened a few days ago and then find out it’s been weeks. I am reading an ARC so I hope things like this are sorted out before the book is released.

Now that I’ve gotten that off my mind can I talk about what a spectacular man Tanner is? Not only is he great with Elara and her issues he is wonderful with her kids, extremely generous and truly there for his sisters. Elara is extremely strong and so damn fierce. My only gripe with her is not exposing Jeremy however I do understand why she hasn’t.

The Random Thoughts:



The Score Card:



3.5 Stars

[Pelusa Rivera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) This is the third book in this series and we have all been waiting for Tanner's story, he captured our interest since the first book and I was dying to know about him. I have to say that when Elara first made her opinion I could not stand her, and I never really got her justification for her confrontation, she was wrong that soured my opinion of her. Tanner is awesome and the whole time you want him to get whatever he wants, unfortunately he wants Elara. As the story continues you start worming up to her and she did go thru a traumatic time and she luckily meets and has Tanner. It is always fun to read of the previous characters, so I am thinking this is it for this bunch.

[Mary Mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads, so here is my review.
Tanner Green is the main man of the offensive line. He is also the man off the field, with his sweet and caring attitude, protective mode and all around good guy. He just can't be real can he?
Elara Vance lost her dream when an injury sidelined her career in the WNBA. Now she runs a rec center to help kids to have a better future. When she sees Tanner she knows he can't be real, no man is that good. Now all she needs to do i get more people with money to donate to her rec center so she can continue to help these kids.
Tanner and Elara have explosive chemistry and he wants to explore it more and she wants to deny it. She thinks he is a player because most ballers are. He wants to show her he is different with gifts and donations for her rec center.
Will Tanner be able to convince Elara that he is different? Can Elara let her past go and let Tanner in? Will Tanner share his past with her?
I love this story and it just might be my favorite in the series so far. It is filled with pain, hurt, heartbreak, lust, trust and love that will last forever. I hope you read this series and enjoy it too. You can read one or all of them, just read them. I found Tracy Wolff with her Ethan Frost series and have loved her writing style ever since, so read it, enjoy it, love it.

[Bette Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally we get Tanner's story and he's just as amazing as I thought he'd be! Rough & Ready is the third book in the Lightning series and while fans of the series will enjoy catching up with the prior couples it is easily read stand alone. I loved Elara and thought she fit with Tanner perfectly. Elara is a former WNBA star so she's not impressed with his NFL status. Her carrier may have been cut short due to an injury but she definitely made her mark on the league. Now she runs a community center for at risk kids and she has no time for a smooth talking baller like Tanner Green. He may seem like a good guy but she's seen his type before. Or has she? Could he be the real deal? You definitely want to grab a copy and find out. I highly recommend it.

[Catherine Bibby (Rochelle's Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy via Netgalley and voluntarily left a review and all opinions are my own.

I was beyond giddy to read this book. I just love books about athletes, give me both a hero and heroine that are athletic, sexy, and have game...I am there! I couldn't wait to jump heart first into the game of love with Tanner and Elara and see where Tracy Wolff would take us. It wasn't long and I was reeling from the emotions and heat in Rough & Ready and turning the pages faster and faster to see who would win in their newest battle of wills.

It was amazing being back in the Lightning's locker room listening to the NFL hotties joke and carry on with one another, especially when a beautiful, tall blonde walks in and gives Tanner a piece of her mind. Immediately sparks started to fly and I was hooked and ready to get to know this sassy spitfire and see how Tanner was going to be able to charm her, because he had already done that to me in the previous books. Soon I was just as smitten with the headstrong Elara as I was with Tanner and ready to see them smolder together and open their hearts to one another.

As if Tracy didn't already have me fall hard enough for the tall, dark, and handsome Tanner, she had to make him the most amazing big brother and melt my heart forever where this hero is concerned. I just don't know if Tracy is going to be able to give us another book boyfriend in the Lightning series as perfect as Tanner, I just don't think it is possible. I cannot sing his praises enough. It takes a really talented author to make a hero that is sensitive enough to make you say “awe” and melt and then also rise your temperature with his commanding bedroom presence in the next chapter and Tracy Wolff has pulled this off flawlessly with Tanner.

Tracy Wolff delivers an enemies to lover romance that tangles our heart strings and leave us wanting so much more from these football heroes. I highly recommend Rough & Ready for a love story between two people who have always pushed their bodies to the max and now must do the same with their hearts. Since the moment I read my first book by Tracy Wolff, I have been enchanted by her writing and always waiting for her next book to be released, especially when it involves hot and sexy football players.

[Up All Night With Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Marvelous Stars
Review by Nancy
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog

A light steamy read, Rough & Ready by Tracy Wolff is a great sports romance. It is the third book in the Lightning series, but can be read as a standalone.

Tanner is an absolute swoon worthy hero, a very successful football player with a heart of gold. Having to raise his sisters has given him a different perspective on life. Running a successful rec center is how he gives back to his community. When Elara storms into the locker room accusing him of being a bad person, he takes it upon himself to prove her wrong.

Elara is rough around the edges, at one point playing basketball was everything until an injury caused her to retire from playing pro ball. Now running a rec center is her life, she dedicates every moment to that place and the kids that come through there. After she loses a donation she thinks is already in her hands, she takes it out on the man who unknowingly got it, Tanner.

She knows Tanner holds himself to be a generous person, he can talk the talk but she questions whether he can really walk the walk. That is until she spends time with him, and then there is no stopping her from falling in love with the amazing man Tanner is.

Although the flow of the book was great, I had a hard time connecting with Elara’s character. After reading more of the book I realized she has a troubled past that explained some of her behavior, but even then I couldn’t fully enjoy her character. Nonetheless I enjoyed reading this book, the story was light and sweet. Another great addition to the Lightning series.

**ARC provided for an honest review**

[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

This is the third in the series - and whilst it would read fine as a standalone, it is a great series, so why miss out?

I love the explosive start to the Tanner / Elara story; the scene in the locker room with him protected only by a towel is very entertaining. But after a series of encounters they both start to understand why she was so angry, and Tanner wants to work together to change things. He is really an all round good guy, and comes from a position of care not control. However, Elara has a frightening past which when shared with Tanner causes him to see red. Through the abuse she suffered and has risen above, he can see how strong she is, but yet needs to protect her. And here lies the problem in their possible relationship - one which both of them need to overcome in order to move forward together.

I love that he trusts his friends with his problems, but never divulges hers. He takes their advice, and does not give up when it would be easier to do so. He shows her how much she matters and that he knows when he messes up. Elara is also willing to revise and accept changes in her life, which leads to a hope filled HEA for them both.

Another lovely romantic, sport filled story from the Lightning family, thank you Tracy Wolff.

[LeeAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Tanner and Elara are two of my favorite characters that I’ve read in a very long time. Elara is a former WNBA player and currently runs a rec center for children, when funding she’s been banking on for summer rec programs is “stolen” by famous football star Tanner Green, Elara heads straight to him and gives him an earful. Tanner has absolutely no idea who Elara is or why she’s yelling at him but he’s intrigued and sets out to make things right between them. Once Elara has calmed down she realizes what a great guy Tanner is but things that happened in her past keep her from getting too close.

Elara is absolutely fierce, she doesn’t take crap from anyone and defends her “kids” to the death. She’s just an awesome character and Tanner was equally as awesome, though he’s definitely an alpha protector he’s also the worlds sweetest guy who spends much of his free time also helping out kids in need. This is a hot, steamy read and I was sad to see it end. The only thing that could have made this book better was a longer epilogue, I just wanted more. I’m very much looking forward to more from Tracy Wolff and I hope there is another book to this series and that we wind up getting more of Tanner and Elara.

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where are the dreadlocks? The cover isn't right! Well, the story is right however. ARC Netgalley so you'll have to be watching for this book to be published here soon. Tanner is a treasure. We know it in the locker room when Elara (odd name) comes in and loses her temper all over unsuspecting and quite innocent Tanner. I almost gave up the book there as she came off as a shrew and a lunatic. Keep reading. I like that she's compassionate and has had a professional sports career. Pro basketball for women never took off. It never had an audience. I'm not sure why. Nonetheless, E does remarkable things with her life after basketball. I think the addition of Tanner in her life was icing on the cake. Enjoy.

[Janine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Immer wenn man dachte, dass Buch kann nicht noch schlechter werden hat die Autorin es dennoch geschafft. Keine Ahnung ob sie wirklich eine Geschichte erzählen wollte. Aus meiner Sicht hat sie dies nicht geschafft. Mindestens 50% des Buches sind Sex Szenen. Und fürs Ende hatte sie dann wohl endgültig keine Idee mehr. Wenn ich könnte gäbe es 1,5 Sterne. Der deutsche Klappentext passt nur bedingt zum Buch.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like I've been waiting for Tanner's story for forever! And now it's here and I'm like....sigh...I liked it, but I'm so sad to admit that I didn't love it. I think I pumped this up too much for myself. Dang it :(

Tanner is a footballer. Ok, he's the hot dark skinned, sinfully yummy and funny footballer we grew to love in the first two books of this series. In this book, Tanner is blindsided by a woman who literally barges in to the locker room, demanding answers and cussing him out, all while trying to change. After she leaves and after trying to wrap his head around what just happened, he realizes that there's been a mistake. So what better way to fix it than to go find this woman.

Elara is a former WNBA player who now runs a recreational center for kids. Unfortunately, she just found out that money earmarked for her, went to Tanner's charity instead. Rightfully irritated, she makes sure Tanner knows exactly what she thinks of him and just about everything else. Except now that she's calmed down and Tanner shows up at the rec center, she realizes that she may have made a mistake in judging him.

I need to tackle something. In this story and previous stories in this series, Tanner has dreadlocks. Um...Do you see dreadlocks on this cover? Nope. I think that's another reason I couldn't get as in to this as I hoped. I was immediately taken out of my own visual, trying to catch up, only be confused again when reading descriptions within the book. Ok, I'm done ranting...

So, of course there is chemistry between Elara and Tanner. I mean, it wouldn't be a hot and steamy read if there wasn't. And of course their stories are compelling and each have work to do with themselves in order to move forward. But it's the kids that got me in this story. Ok, and the way Tanner worked with them. A-Dorable!!!

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book. I really enjoyed it! There was much more of a storyline compared to other books similar to this. The characters were well-developed, each with their own history, yet come together to make each other better. Enjoyed it!

Merged review:

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book. I really enjoyed it! There was much more of a storyline compared to other books similar to this. The characters were well-developed, each with their own history, yet come together to make each other better. Enjoyed it!

[WycEd Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out our Rough & Ready post on Wicked Reads.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
Tanner Green is the main man of the offensive line. He is also the man off the field, with his sweet and caring attitude, protective mode, and all-around good guy. He just can't be real, can he?

Elara Vance lost her dream when an injury sidelined her career in the WNBA. Now she runs a rec center to help kids to have a better future. When she sees Tanner, she knows he can't be real, no man is that good. Now all she needs to do is get more people with money to donate to her rec center so she can continue to help these kids.

Tanner and Elara have explosive chemistry and he wants to explore it more and she wants to deny it. She thinks he is a player because most ballers are. He wants to show her he is different with gifts and donations for her rec center.

Will Tanner be able to convince Elara that he is different? Can Elara let her past go and let Tanner in? Will Tanner share his past with her?

I love this story and it just might be my favorite in the series so far. It is filled with pain, hurt, heartbreak, lust, trust, and love that will last forever. I hope you read this series and enjoy it too. You can read one or all of them, just read them. I found Tracy Wolff with her Ethan Frost series and have loved her writing style ever since, so read it, enjoy it, love it.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the third in the series – and whilst it would read fine as a standalone, it is a great series, so why miss out?

I love the explosive start to the Tanner/Elara story; the scene in the locker room with him protected only by a towel is very entertaining. But after a series of encounters, they both start to understand why she was so angry, and Tanner wants to work together to change things. He is really an all-around good guy and comes from a position of care not control. However, Elara has a frightening past which when shared with Tanner, causes him to see red. Through the abuse she suffered and has risen above, he can see how strong she is, but yet needs to protect her. And here lies the problem in their possible relationship – one which both of them need to overcome in order to move forward together.

I love that he trusts his friends with his problems, but never divulges hers. He takes their advice and does not give up when it would be easier to do so. He shows her how much she matters and that he knows when he messes up. Elara is also willing to revise and accept changes in her life, which leads to a hope-filled happily ever after for them both.

Another lovely romantic, sport filled story from the Lightning family, thank you, Tracy Wolff.


Lee’Anne – ☆☆☆☆☆
I absolutely loved this book! Tanner and Elara are two of my favorite characters that I’ve read in a very long time. Elara is a former WNBA player and currently runs a rec center for children; when funding she’s been banking on for summer rec programs is “stolen” by famous football star Tanner Green, Elara heads straight to him and gives him an earful. Tanner has absolutely no idea who Elara is or why she’s yelling at him, but he’s intrigued and sets out to make things right between them. Once Elara has calmed down, she realizes what a great guy Tanner is but things that happened in her past keep her from getting too close.

Elara is absolutely fierce, she doesn’t take crap from anyone, and defends her “kids” to the death. She’s just an awesome character and Tanner was equally as awesome – though he’s definitely an alpha protector, he’s also the world’s sweetest guy who spends much of his free time also helping out kids in need. This is a hot, steamy read and I was sad to see it end. The only thing that could have made this book better was a longer epilogue, I just wanted more. I’m very much looking forward to more from Tracy Wolff and I hope there is another book to this series and that we wind up getting more of Tanner and Elara.


Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

[Kerstin Cornils · Rating 5 out of 5]

Auf einem zart blauen Hintergrund kann man eine Ansammlung von Hochhäusern sehen. Davor erkennt man einen bunten Streifen, der zum Teil mit Palmen gesäumt ist. Für mich ein schönes Cover, das mich angezogen hat.

Fighting for Love von Tracy Wolff erschien bei Random House Audio. Es ist der dritte und abschließende Band der San Diego Lightnings Reihe. Das Hörbuch wurde von Polly Nolden und Thomas Breitl eingelesen. Die Geschichte dreht sich um den Footballstar Tanner Green und die ehemalige Basketball Profilspielerin Elara Vance, die das Jugendzentrum Rebound führt. Von Anfang an liegt Spannung in der Luft, sei’s wegen der verpassten Spendengelder oder einem hitzigen Basketballspiel. Höre am besten selbst hinein. 

Wie schon die ersten beiden Bände: Winning for Love und Scoring for Love habe ich auch den letzten einfach verschlungen. Ich hing förmlich an den Lippen der Sprecher und konnte gar nicht genug davon bekommen. Du musst übrigens die ersten beiden Bücher nicht gelesen bzw. gehört haben, um dieser Geschichte voll und ganz folgen zu können. Die einzelnen Liebesgeschichten sind in sich abgeschlossen, aber die Paare aus Buch 1 und 2 tauchen hier als Randfiguren auf und so war es ein schönes Wiedersehen, aber mehr auch nicht. 

Polly Nolden hat den Part der Ich-Erzählerin Elara eingelesen. Mit ihrer Stimme unterstreicht sie die Emotionen der Protagonistin und gibt ihre Verletzlichkeit besonders im Bezug auf das Verhältnis mit ihrer Mutter preis. Ich habe Elara sofort in mein Herz geschlossen und fand sie einfach nur toll. Mit Herzblut und ganz viel Engagement kümmert sie sich um ihre Jugendlichen bei Rebound und sorgt dafür, dass sie in der Anlaufstelle sicher sind. Dafür betritt sie auch die Bühne ihrer Mutter, um für Spendengelder zu werben.

Als zweiter im Bund hat Thomas Breitl das Hörbuch eingesprochen. Er verleiht dem männlichen Ich-Erzähler seine Stimme. Gekonnt bringt er die Emotionen, die Tanner zu verbergen sucht rüber. Von Haus aus hat er einen Beschützer Instinkt, der bei Elara nicht unbedingt gut ankommt. Was du dir vielleicht denken kannst, aber auch hier höre am besten selbst in die Szenen hinein. 

Die beiden Sprecher harmonieren sehr schön, und haben mich für ein paar Stunden sehr gut unterhalten. Ich wusste durch den regelmäßigen Wechsel immer genau wo ich gerade bin und habe ihnen zum Teil einfach mit geschlossenen Augen gelauscht. 

Magst du Sportromance mit Tiefgang? Dann freue dich in „Fighting vor Love“ von Tracy Wolff auf spannende Vibes aus der Football und Basketball Szene. Verfolge gespannt wie die zwei Riesen aufeinandertreffen und in wie weit Elara sich dem fügen kann. Begleite beide auf ihrem Weg, mit dem Ruhm und dem Profisport umzugehen und liebe einfach das prickelnde zwischen Ihnen, was von der ersten Stunde mitschwingt. Von mir gibt es eine ganz klare Hör- und Leseempfehlung für alle, die Sportromance und Shared Trauma als Tropes in Liebesromanen mögen.

[Ayekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic story in the Lightning Series. Tanner was just insanely hot and oh so sweet. The genuine nice guy we all want to call our own. Tanner meets Elara after a practice when she storms the mens locker room and calls him out in a serious way. Elara is a retired WNB after an injury took her out of the game and she runs a local community center for at risk youth. Her funding is scarce and when a wealthy donor drops a cool 15 mil into Tanners charity she's ballistic. The donor had promised her a pittance compared to that, but she feels betrayed for her kids and has absolutely no time for yet another baller. Tanner pays a visit to the center to check things out, the kids that are there are so excited and dressed up for a "date" arranged by her obnoxious mother, they wind up playing a quick game of hoops which Elara kicks his can. The kids are cheering them on and then game over. Tanner doesn't know who Elara is. Only that's she a beauty at 6'2" and a challenge for him. He gets shown around the center, he's brought his check book and makes a large donation.
He's duly impressed with what she's done on the meager amount of money she has to work with.
The two finally grow closer and while Tanner is the parent to his 4 younger sisters he's every bit the nice guy that he seems. Elara has some issues, burned badly by a baller boyfriend, she doesn't trust men, much less players. The two spend time together and grow closer. Tanner is so smooth and sexy. The two end up in a relationship that is still evolving when things start falling into place.
Until they don't. On that note, I'm going to leave you hanging and read the book. This series just gets better and better and I'm loving these men and the women they fall for.
Tracy writes a fantastic story.

[Sue Galuska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanner Green plays for the San Diego Lightning. He has really made a name for himself as one of the nice guys....probably has to do with having to raise 4 younger sisters and being the grandson of a preacher. Tanner always tries to give back to those in need because he remembers a time in his life when things were much harder.

Elara Vance is an ex-WNBA star player, having to retire because of an injury. Now she runs Rebound, a rec-center for underprivileged youth in her San Diego. Imagine her surprise when she finds out the donation she was suppose to receive ends up going to Tanner's foundation instead. Elara is pissed and wants to tell Tanner off and she does it in such a great way....in his locker room, in front of his friends. It was great. Only problem is, is that Tanner didn't realize any of this happened and he wants to help make things right. Too bad Elara isn't biting.

When Tanner shows up to Rebound that is when the fun begins. He doesn't realize that Elara is an ex-WNBA player and agrees to a little 2 on 2 pick up game each of them picking a youth. Imagine Tanner's surprise when Elara blows him away! I just FLOVE Elara!

As Tanner keeps trying to play nice, Elara isn't buying it. All ballers are just a bunch of players and because of something from her past, she is not getting played again. Slowly, Tanner is starting to break Elara's walls down. Just when it looks like they are going to get their happy ending, the past comes back to haunt both of them and together they need to work very hard to get that happy ending.

I loved both of these characters. Tanner really is a perfect guy. Sweet, thoughtful, loving....what more do you need???? Elara is such a strong female and loves to speak her mind. You do not want to cross her! I really enjoyed their happy ending too! Overall this was a great end to such a fun series.

[Sandy Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 3 in the Lightning series and it can absolutely be read as a stand alone, although the first 2 were good too so I recommend those as well. This one is about Tanner Green and Elara Vance. Tanner is on the football team the Lightning (I'm horrible with sports so I couldn't tell you what his position actually does) and always tries to do the right thing. He tries to just generally be a nice guy, even when he doesn't want to. Part of that is due to his upbringing and part of it just due to him being a generally nice guy. When Elara needs help for her rec center, he steps up and tries to do the right thing for her kids. Elara is a former WNBA player who was sidelined due to an injury. Now she spends her days trying to help kids with her rec center and avoiding "ballers". When she meets Tanner she thinks he is just another athlete trying to pass out money to make himself feel better. She never expects to be proven wrong.

I loved this book!! Tanner is a genuinely sweet man who just happens to play pro football. He takes care of his sisters, steps up for his friends, and just tries to be the best person he can be. I love him! He is what all people should aspire to be, even when he makes mistakes and has to learn and realize from them! Elara is one of those women that you wish you were more like. She is hard working, honest, giving to a community who definitely needs it, and not afraid to stand up for herself when necessary. And after what happened to her, that's an awesome thing. I love how these two come to be together and how they learn to work things out so they can be happy together. This book just showed me once again why I have fallen in love with this series and I think it might be my favorite out of all of them so far!

[Connie N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

#3 in the Lightning sports romance series

Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a very nice completion (I think) to what has been a very enjoyable series. The characters are all strong and attractive and just trying to live normal lives despite their wealth and fame. With usual sports romance books, the male main character is the professional athlete. That is true with this book also, but the female lead, in this case, is also a famous sports figure--a former WNBA star. I love that they are oversized people (he is 6'6", 300 pounds, while she is 6'2") with big personalities. But, at the same time, they are both living (or trying to live) normal lives with ordinary wants and needs. After retiring, Elara has opened a youth rec center that is struggling to provide for "her kids." When Tanner's foundation gets the funding she'd been working for, she verbally attacks him. Instead of getting angry, he's totally intrigued with this strong and forceful woman. Their chemistry is off the charts, and the sex scenes are hot! They are both strong and independent, but they also aren't afraid to show their tenderness and vulnerability (at least to each other). I would definitely want to hang out with either one or both of these characters. It was fun to revisit with Tanner's teammates from previous books. This series is a winner, and I continue to be a Tracy Wolff fan.

[Diane McConnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elara and Tanner make the perfect couple!

Retired San Diego Phantoms basketball player Elara Vance is angry at football player Tanner Green because his charity got the donation that she needed to expand programs at the rec center she founded. Tanner decided to check out her rec center and actually talk to her instead of having her yell at him. Tanner wanted to take care of everybody and Elara didn’t want him to because she was used to taking care of herself. Tanner raised his sisters after the death of his mother and would do anything for them. Elara’s family didn’t understand her at all because she played basketball and wasn’t what they expected.

I love Rough & Ready since Tanner was introduced in Down & Dirty which is the first book in the series and I wanted to learn more about him but he needed someone that would support him and not just let him take care of them.

Down & Dirty us the third book in the Lightning series and it is definitely worth reading all of them.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Vivian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. All the books in this series are great and this one was no different. It seemed that the two MC were going to be opposites, but when it came down to it they were more similar than they thought. They each had a pro-sports career and love for children and helping those in unfortunate situations.

There were a couple twists that I really wasn't expecting. Elara had a traumatic past that I really was not expecting and added a whole other dimension to her character and the story. I just wish I could have seen more of a resolution for that before the story ended.

Tanner was such a good man. He was just so decent and kind and at the same time super alpha and hot! This books had a bit of everything: emotional scenes, sexy scenes, and sweet scenes. It really was an entertaining read and I highly recommend it.

**ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.**

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 Stars!

Due to an injury Elara had to retire from the WNBA, so now she has Rebound - a place where kids can go to learn, play and be safe. When she looses her major funding, she takes it out on Tanner Green, a NFL superstar who's charity received the funds that she was promised. Tanner doesn't know what hit him ... except that he wants to get to know the blond bombshell a lot better.

I fell in love with Tanner ... he is the ultimate boyfriend. I think he's a unicorn because there really are no guys that are that perfect ... lol! I also loved the fact that Elara made him work for everything because he sure wasn't used to that, as women normally just flocked to him. If you are looking for a laugh-out-loud, swoon-worthy and sexy romance then this is the book for you. In my opinion this is the best book in the series and I highly recommend it.

I received an ARC courtesy of Random House - Loveswept through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a new-to-me author that drew me to the story because of my love of sports romance. Since I haven't read any of the prior books in the series, I may have lost a valuable connection to Tanner that I never achieved. he was portrayed as a protector and I felt that, but at times it was too much and at others not enough. Which I think made him come across as human, so that is good. I thought Elara's character was put together well with being strong and wanting to take care of herself. So I liked the character portrayal, but the story went a little fast. The time period that elapsed for their relationship on the page was very short and I needed more to believe their motivations and actions. I also had trouble with the lack of closure on the serious issue that was center to the plot. All in all, I liked the story, but a few problems kept me from loving it. Thank you to Netgalley for providing an ARC.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rough and Ready is a nice easy read with characters whose hearts are as big as their bank accounts 😉

Tanner and Elara are perfect for each other, even though Elara fights it tooth and nail. There is a connection between the pair from the beginning but Elara has a nasty habit of projection her past experiences onto sports players and therefore, tarnishes Tanner before she even gets to know him.

I loved Tanner’s ability to breakdown Elara’s barriers just by being himself, no bells or whistles needed. Tanner sure knows how to treat women properly, seriously the guy needs to give lessons (or just let his mother and sisters get their claws into them, lol.)

My favourite thing about Rough and Ready was the way in which Tanner and Elara gave back after their individual success in the sporting world, realising the importance of paying it forward 💖It would be fantastic if more millionaire sports personality undertook a little more of this philosophy 😍

[Pennie Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you get when you cross a football player with a retired WNBA player? A book that is so hot it is smoking! Tanner and Elara have so much chemistry I was surprised my Ipad did not combust as I was reading. Elara runs a rec center for at risk kids and she was expecting a donation that went to Tanner's charity and when she confronts him it is in his locker room in front of his teammates while he is in a towel. Oh yeah. He knew nothing about this. When he shows up at her rec center to make a donation to make up for the slight he finds her playing a basketball pick up game in a tight skirt and barefoot as she was on her way out to a meeting but then challenges her to a 2-on-2 game and plans to go easy on her. First mistake. Oh, these two are perfection together. Elara is independant and Tanner is smooth. Together they are just right. Definitely a great ending to this series!

**Received this ARC for review from the publisher via NetGalley**

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This whole series so far has been pretty great, as for this book...I really liked this book but I didn’t feel connected to Elara. She felt too harsh for me as a character, she warmed up a bit in the end but she seemed too harsh at times.
Tanner I loved, his character was well written and I was able to get that connection with him...which for me was what saved this book for me. Where Elara was harsh, Tanner was soft emotionally (which you usually don’t see in male characters).

I also feel like there could have been a little bit more story of what happens to Jeremy...that portion of the plot felt unresolved for me.

I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in the future as I have enjoyed all of the books I have read thus far.

Advanced copy received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Crissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS!!!
Rough and Ready was a sweet sports romance that's light, easy and steamy, with just a tad bit of drama. I loved the characters and the storyline. Tanner and Elara made the perfect couple because they weren't perfect people, but when it came to something or someone they cared about they put 100 percent into their actions. The only thing that stopped me from rating this book 5 stars was that I felt Tanner spent too much effort worrying about Elara's past instead of just focusing on them when he found out what happened. However, even though I wished he hadn't dwelled on Elara's past so much, I absolutely enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading more from this author. Would I recommend this book to romance readers? Yes! I definitely think it's a story worth reading.

[Pamela Devereux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elara Vance is an independent in your face kind of woman. She fights for what she wants. What she fights the most for is her rec center that gives kids in the neighborhood a safe place to be.
Tanner Green is an offensive lineman on a football team. He is an over-protective big brother to 4 sisters, whom he is raising. That over-protectiveness does not stop there, it also includes the other people in his life that he cares about. When these two meet, it is explosive. She is in his face giving him grief and he has relied on his good looks and football to get what he wants. Only she is not impressed. It is so much fun watching him get shot down and yet he digs in. He is determined to win her over.