Deck...the Balls

by D.L. Gallie

INGREDIENTS
One sassy woman—Reese Turner
One stubborn man—Jesse Thornton
A Christmas baking competition

METHOD
1.Throw woman and man together
2.Combine with teasing and taunting
3.Simmer with sexual chemistry
4.Add alcohol to loosen the lips
5.Mix and see what happens

It’s going to be a nutty Christmas

Genres: Holiday

202 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 2021

About the author

~Books, wine and a spicy good time ~

DL Gallie writes spicy romance with elements of comedy and suspense. She currently lives in Central Queensland, Australia, her husband and two teenagers. She and her husband have been together since she was sixteen, and although they drive each other crazy at times, she couldn’t imagine her life without him.

Shortly after her son was born, DL began reading again. With encouragement from her husband, she picked up the pen and started writing. Almost ten years later and the voices in her head won’t shut up.

DL enjoys listening to music, drinking white wine in the summer, red wine in the winter, and beer all year round. She’s also never been known to turn down a cocktail, especially a margarita.

Follow her at the following:

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www.facebook.com/DLGallieAuthor

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www.instagram.com/dlgallieauthor

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www.twitter.com/AuthorDLGallie

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www.amazon.com/-/e/B01JYSV39A

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www.bookbub.com/authors/dl-gallie

Reviews

[Isabella. R · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 In Need of Christmas Miracle Stars ⭐

Deck the Balls was an apt title for exactly what you should expect when reading this. Because Jesse's balls took the brunt of Reese's hostility. These two have participated in petty bickering and animosity since high school. Yet it takes one party and some heavy fondling to cement them into the hate zone.

We’re total opposites and for some reason, she hates me with a passion. Maybe she and I just need a hate fuck to get over the issues.

Fast forward to present day and Jesse is back in town and they are now colleagues. The obvious choice would be to stay away but they can't help but gravitate to each other. There's no denying that neither Reese nor Jesse have moved on, and bad habits keeps them from moving forward. However there is something tender about young love and timing is always key.

Did you just say I’m a dick?”

“If the dick fits,” she snarls, and then her eyes widen farther when she realizes what she just said.

“Trust me, babe, the dick will fit and it will fit you like no dick has ever fit you before.”

Okay so I may have enjoyed the immaturity of their antics and banter but it is the silly season. I would have enjoyed this more had they both gotten over themselves sooner and Reese was a little less crazy. But it was fun and hot and another great addition to my Christmas readathon!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a comical Christmas read that was appropriately titled. Jesse and Reese have a love to torture/love to hate relationship. Reese’s best friend convinces Reese that Jesse makes her life miserable because he likes her. Reese decides to believe her best friend and gives Jesse a chance. However, later in the night, she hears him bashing her to his best friend. She takes off and doesn’t see him for several years. Reese is a teacher. Students and parents love her. She interviewed for the position of principal only to have Jesse get the coveted spot. Tossing these two together is like untangling Christmas lights. They are a pain to unravel but worth the final beautiful creation they make. Jesse and Reese are meant to be together, and pulling pigtails or knocking balls is just how they show their affection. I found this to be an adorable, cute, and funny Christmas story!

[Jezabel Nightingale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sexy and witty and made me crave rum balls! Luckily there are recipes in the back that I plan to try!

[Mandy Enchantedbookduo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating
4.5💎
1.5 🌶️

Quick Summary
Absolutely adored the snappy banter and laugh-out-loud ball mishaps 😝 pure festive chaos! Reese and Jesse were a perfect mix of stubborn and sweet, making this Christmas read impossible to put down.

Reading Thoughts
📗Love love love the banter
📗The decking of the balls had me in fits, how does someone run into balls so often
📗These guys were meant to be, love that they were realistically snappy at each other. Felt real
📗Reese has been hurt and is determined not to feel that again
📗Jesse knew he wanted Reese and really needed to stop pushing all her buttons
📗Such a brilliant Christmas read and devoured it in 1 sitting

Words that linger
🍷“You just decked him in the balls,” someone yells out
🍷“Trust me, babe, the dick will fit and it will fit you like no dick has ever fit you before.”
🍷“Okay,” I try again, “ I bet if I slip my hand inside your pants right now, your lady garden would be dripping.”
🍷She looks like an angel, my angel.

Tropes
Christmas Read
Enemies to Lovers
Baking Competition
Second Chance

[United Indie Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

So funny and sexy! It is very well done.
Jesse is clueless about why Reese ran away. He should think about wearing a cup when he is near her. Ouch! It’s funny to read about, but it wouldn’t be fun to have happen to you.
I love the recipes at the end. I just have to convert the grams to cups and teaspoons. I will have to be sure to only use the rum in the cooking. This is a really fun book. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

REVIEW BY LAURA

[Laurel Nilsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deck The Balls is a second chance with a side of enemies to lovers. Jesse and Reece’s story starts at high school where immaturity plays a huge part in the break down of their relationship. Ten years on and they are thrown together where Reece still holds a grudge and Jesse is unsure why. The chemistry is electric between these two and the humour gives it a light hearted feel. A sweet love story with a festive feel.

[Kylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deck The Balls is a second chance romance that starts off with Jesse and Reece in high school. Where the treat ‘em mean keep ‘em keen played a part. However an overheard conversation has Reece’s heart breaking. Years later these two are thrown together again. As sparks fly, anger still simmers and the laugh out loud moments are aplenty this turns into a story that will make you smile and steal your heart.

[Vicky Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an easy read and not as festive I thought it was going to be. Jesse and Reece know each other from school enemies to lovers to enemies again. Things didn’t feel like they needed to be that complicated but alas they was still in high school and immature. They meet when they are in their 30s again and the chemistry picks back up but I felt by that age they would be a little more mature. I enjoyed the story but kind of wish they acted their age more

[Eclectic Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy balls!  This story had me giggling right from the start. 

Opposites attract in this hilarious romantic comedy as Reese "Short Stack" Turner and Jesse "Jackass" Thornton draw the battle lines beginning in high school. Is he mean because he likes her or is he just a jackass? After an unforgettable senior party, Reese and Jesse discover their attraction for each only to destroy it by a misinterpreted private discussion. 

Jump ahead 10+ years and Jesse is back in his hometown as principal at the school where Reese works. Yeah, he's her boss now in a job she wanted. Not a great reunion considering she is still angry at him for his betrayal many years ago. The insults fly, the chemistry is hot, and Reese's unfortunate assaults on Jesse's balls are hilarious. Poor man needs to wear a jockstrap around her. When they are finally just honest with each other, their fate is sealed with a few happy surprises to come.

Reese is a bit over the top sometimes as she jumps to conclusions and puts up walls to protect herself from getting hurt again. However, she has a funny side, and her waffling, when she gets flustered, is hilarious. Jesse is a little naive about what to do in a relationship, but sometimes I'm just as confused as he is with Reese's volatile Jekyll and Hyde persona. It's the fun banter and deep attraction that make these two work so well together leading to a well-anticipated HEA.

Reese's long-time friend Drew is a great supporting character with her quick wit and solidarity for her bestie.  And Drew's husband Rusty doles out sage advice to Jesse who is a little slow on the uptake sometimes.

If you enjoy enemies-to-lovers tropes with LOL moments, give this book a try. Oh, and there are wonderful recipes in the back for Reese's yummy rum balls and brownies and Jesse's blue-ribbon Snickerdoodles.

Thank you to Ms. Gallie for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

[Jean Dewsbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reece Turner the somewhat quiet shy girl throughout highschool finds herself finally alone with her crush Jesse Thornton at the senior end of year party.
The same man who forever seems to tease her calling her stortstack. You know what they say "boys only tease the girls they like" Drew Jacobson reminds her bestfriend Reece. I know you like him, try to give him a real chance.

Reece gave Jesse his chance. He blew it when he broke 💔 her heart.

3 years later after Reece moves back to town for her new teaching job. What was going to be her starting to move on from a recent relationship only to find out Jesse Thornton is the principal.
There is plenty of chemistry still between them if only Reece would stop and reveal to Jesse what he did wrong.
A sweet country read filled with humour and a second chance romance story about Reece always decking Jesse's balls.

[Katslovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I FLOVED THIS STORY SO MUCH!!!

From page one this story was so entertaining, the perfect enemy to lovers story with a dash of passion, a spoon full of steam and a delicious banter between Reese and Jesse that will leave you wanting more. (could I have seconds please lol)

I loved how the story goes back on forth, with Reese and Jesse's relationship in high school and what left them going separate ways. A misunderstanding that left Reese hating Jesse to no end.

But what can you do when you have all the right ingredients? passion, attraction and chemistry. Can Reese let go of the resentment and could Jesse win the girl of his dreams at the end?

You have to read and find out.

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great hilarious and sweet Christmas read by D.L. Gallie. This story has you laughing and thoroughly enjoying this cute story.

Jess and Reese are two seniors in their last year in high school. Jess consistently bugs Reese and calls her Short Stack and in turn he is known as Jacka$$. Reese trips and ends up hitting his balls & causing him pain. At an end of the year party Reese and Jess make out but things don't go as planned for Reese. Her heart is broken.

Fast forward and Jess is Reese's boss, a principal at her school. She is still heartbroken by him but realizes they need to work together. Can she keeps it professional? When Jess keeps trying to get her to talk, will she give in? It seems everytime they meet Reese some how hits his balls and sometimes she tries to make them feel better. Will they act upon their mutual attraction? Will a drunken call from Reese to Jess change everything?

This is the first book I have read of D.L's and lived it. A mix of laughs, banter and friends with some steam included, make this book a fantastic addition to your Christmas collection.

[Carlyn Zanidean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short Stack and her Jack*ss
This was my first book read by this author and I absolutely loved it... this book made me laugh out more then once and all I can say is "poor Jesse's Balls". This is a must read, and I recommend for all to read

High school crush-enemies. Young love, misunderstanding, a second chance.
Both Reese and Jesse thought the other hated them, but secretly deep down both were strongly attracted to eachother. The one time they could have taken the chance on the other, a misunderstanding keeps Reese away from Jesse. Now years later they find themselves back in their home town working together.

[Lori Hammons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a humorous and frisky story of Reese and Jesse, who both operate under some misguided presumptions while trying to get together. I thoroughly enjoyed their adventures.

[Susan McWhinney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another feel good quick easy read by DL Gallie.
A second chance romance for Jesse as he failed to get the girl when a senior at school.
Reece having overheard Jesse after their make-out session at a party tell his mates she was nothing to him, decided that all men were jackasses!
With College over and back in their home town, Jesse and Reese meet up again.
She still holds intense negative feelings towards Jesse for his treatment of her as a senior.
Jesse wonders if coming back to where it all began, is fate telling him that he should try one more time to win the girl back!
With Jesse returning and being Reese's boss, he is everywhere that she goes. It seems she can't escape him and his balls!!
A funny quirky romance where Jesse decides he is not letting Reese go and goes all out to try and win her affections again.
The sizzle and heat whenever they are in the same room ignites, and the sexual chemistry is off the charts.
How does a man win back his girl when everything he does seems to go wrong!
A feel good romance with a touch of humour thrown in for good measure!

[Stephanie Ditmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Reese and Jesse. These two have a past, high school crushes neither knew about, the teasing, the tension and one night of letting go and going for it leads to a misunderstanding that breaks her heart, not knowing exactly what it was he did and Jesse have lived with that for years and always wondered what could’ve been if she’d just talked to him. Well he gets his chance now that he’s back and now the new principal where Reese teaches. These two drove me crazy, the banter and wit between them was off the charts, smexy, steamy, and just plain HOT! We all know the saying when a boy teases a girl it’s because they like you, well in this case it was true, now all Jesse has to do is convince Reese he’s not the horrible person she thinks he is and if given the chance he wants forever with her. I laughed and laughed some more, this was a great way to start reading for the holiday’s.

[S Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute Christmas novella of two people who never quite were. While in HS, Jesse was popular and always picked on Reese but their senior year Reese decides to make a move because he always liked her. They had what started as a magical night but it ended badly and they never resolved their issues. Years later, Reese considers Jesse her sworn enemy. Jesse is still holding a long time crush and wondering why they never got it together. He resolves to finally make a move but just like aways they keep having moments that end in arguments and misunderstandings.

This is a cute Christmas Novella and a fast read. Jesse and Reese have chemistry and despite their arguments are very attracted to each other. Jesse just has a really bad case of foot in mouth syndrome and Reese is always on guard due to the constant teasing that still lingers into adulthood. What I liked about this book is the comedy, I found myself laughing more than once. Cute Christmas Read.

[Fleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved how this spanned from when Resse and Jesse were seniors at school and then to a horrendous break up for Jess bringing us then to the here and now. I have to say poor Jesse he really should have a "athletic supporter" when Resse is as that girl can not help but attack his nuts which is painful for him but oh so hilarious for us especially as she totally does it without premeditation hahahhaha. This is a sweet and hilarious second chance love story with loads of great characters, plenty of laughs, some highs and lows, eye rolling along with the happiness of seeing to people finally get the timing right to get their HEA together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Coffeenbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

- Second chance
- Enemies to lovers
- Workplace romance
- Miscommunication
- He falls first

Back in high school, Jesse liked to tease Reese by calling her Short Stack. Really, he secretly liked her, but as a teenager, didn't know how to let her know. Then at the last party of their senior year, he finally gathers the courage to show her how he feels, but soon after she overhears a conversation and assumes the worst...

Fast forward years later. Reese is now an elementary school teacher and finds out their new principal is none other than Jesse. She really wanted the job and uses that as fuel to further dislike him. But now Jesse is better at expressing himself. Will Reese give him another chance?

This book was so fun!

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reese is a teacher who is not happy to hear that her nemesis from high school is returning to town and that he was chosen for the job she wanted as Principal of the school. She will work with him but that is where their relationship will end.

When they were in high school Jesse tried to show Reese how he felt about her by teasing her to get her attention, but he thought they had finally turned a corner until she refused to talk to him. He is determined to work through the misunderstandings of the past and get the girl he has always wanted.

This is a sweet and sexy second chance at love story that is sure to bring a smile to your face.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is sassy Reese and stubborn Jesse’s story. These two had a thing in high school until Reese overheard a conversation and has hated Jesse ever since. Now 10-yeals later Reese is a teacher who is loved by her students and their parents, and when the position becomes available for principal she is interviewed, only to find out that Jesse is appointed instead. Jesse is totally clueless as to why Reese is holding a grudge against him. This is a well written sweet and fun read which is filled with humor, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and is a 2nd chance entertaining page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Jane McDougall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sexy, witty heartwarming read. Jesse has long teased Reece and you know what they say about boys teasing girls?

They have chemistry, with but misunderstood conversations and misinterpreted actions pull them apart when they were younger.
Now they are back in the same town and wouldn't you know it? They're working together!
But those misunderstandings are keeping sparks flying. Never great though they have friends who help get them on the right path.
I love the wit in the book, the fun side characters and the original of the title.
I smiled throughout reading this one. Really enjoyable way to lift my mood!
I'm off to make some rum balls now!

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deck...the Balls was a comedic Christmas novella.

This is a bit of a second chance story as Reese and Jesse went to school together and reconnect years later at work. There are some funny moments in this one. I want to say its roughly three or four times where Jesse gets decked in the balls. They are both super competitive and hate to lose.

They both had a lot of chemistry with each other. When they could put aside their competitiveness and their "hatred", the sparks were flying with their heated looks. There was a bit of a miscommunication which finally comes to light but it does take awhile to get there.

It was a super cute and fun Christmas read.

[Rachs_Bookish_World · Rating 3 out of 5]

A funny and lighthearted read. I laughed out loud many times while reading this story and thoroughly enjoyed the numerous “decking” of “the balls” lol 😂
Reece and Jesse are quite amusing and their love/hate relationship is very yo-yo like lol
I did find the use of their last names overdone. And the “I hate you but you’re so sexy” was maybe abit much.
Based on the Overview, I kind of felt like the baking competition would have played a bigger part in the story, but it was very minimal. It also didn’t feel very Christmasy. I was expecting more of a holiday theme I guess based on the name and cover.
I am keen to try the recipes in the back though. They sound delicious!

[DS Book Promotions · Rating 5 out of 5]

In one word......Hilarious!!
This was a brilliant Rom Com, it had me laugghing out loud on the first page and continued throughout. Jesse and Reese were briliiant, they had chemistry for days and their banter was awesome.
Old school crushes that went pear shaped just by mis communication turned them into enemies who had me snorting with laughter.
I loved their chemistry even when they were barbing each other but you could easier see the attraction to each other was real.
This was one Enemies to Lovers, Second Chance Romantic Comedy you will LOVE!

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reese and Jesse have known each other forever. She hates him. He doesn't know what he did wrong. I knew this was a rom-com, but it's completely hilarious. She manages to hit him in his man parts without ever doing it intentionally - and I lost count of how many times. I love them together; even when they're feuding, you can see what a perfect fit they are. The story isn't too heavy, and it's filled with steamy Christmas fun. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reese and Jesse like each other and a misunderstanding breaks Reese's heart. Now Jesse is back and he's going to find out exactly why Reese gave him the cold shoulder the rest of their Senior year. These two will banter and buttheads, but their love is undeniable. Reese wants to throttle Jesse for sure and she's not good with expressing how she feels. When Jesse puts the full force of himself towards her can she survive? Will Jesse be able to win Reese's heart after so many years of longing for her? This book will give you some good Christmas feels as well as some good laughs.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. Reese has seen Jesse as a bad guy for so long that every interaction years later seems like a form of betrayal. Jesse thinks that he finally got the girl but ends up wondering how it went wrong so fast. As adults they both still feel the attraction but Reese has some issues to work thru although I thought she drug them out longer than needed. Plenty of humor, friendship and tension. Good characters and story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deck the Balls by DL Gallie is the delicious story of Jesse and Reese. This story had me busting-a-gut laughing throughout! Tongue-in-cheek humor that is just what I needed to get me in the mood for the holidays! Reese is outrageously dangerous…especially for Jesse. She inadvertently hurts him multiple times. Jesse just can’t help himself…he irritates her constantly and unknowingly. Years later…things haven’t changed…or have they?

Such a delightful, funny, romantic read! Couldn’t stop laughing!! You’ll enjoy this read tremendously!!!

[Bookish Lady Night · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I was laughing so hard throughout this book… if the dick fits… I cackled literally! Jesse and Reese are the perfect angsty love hate push pull couple.

Their chemistry is explosive and when I say it it’s like watching a live wire hit water. You want to cover your eyes but you peek through because you don’t want to miss anything and see how they are ridiculous and fall even harder as you watch.

This story has my heart it was so cute, funny, swoony, and just all over the perfect Christmas vibes I’m looking for!