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Tackled by the Girl Next Door

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Jason Black is a newly retired professional football player. Forced off the playing field due to an injury, he returns to his hometown to contemplate his future and finds solace in his relationship with his best friend, Samantha O’Brien.Sam has spent the past five years caring for her younger brother. Home from college for Thanksgiving break, he parties hard and bullies his sister. When Jason comes to her defense, protecting her from a crowd of drunken college kids, Sam begins seeing him as more than a friend. Yet, she fears acting on their attraction could ruin the friendship she’s grown to depend upon.Just one kiss changes everything for Jason. Sam is no longer the girl next door but the woman of his dreams. Now, he just has to convince her that his feelings are real. But when the football world comes calling again and career decisions are on the line, both sacrifice all to put the other’s needs first. They must decide whether to follow their hearts and make the catch of a lifetime.

52 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 15, 2014

11 people are currently reading
246 people want to read

About the author

Susan Scott Shelley

63 books169 followers
USA TODAY bestselling author Susan Scott Shelley writes romance with heat and heart that celebrates love without limits. A city girl who likes being out in nature as often as possible, she has yet to meet a plant she hasn’t wanted to take home and she really wants a pet crow.
Learn more at https://www.susanscottshelley.com

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5 stars
65 (31%)
4 stars
65 (31%)
3 stars
54 (25%)
2 stars
17 (8%)
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8 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].
3,067 reviews25.3k followers
November 7, 2016
Tackled by the Girl Next Door is a perfect little Thanksgiving romance by Susan Scott Shelley and Veronica Forand.

Samantha O’Brien’s life hasn’t turned out the way she planned. Loss brings her home to Glynneath to care for her younger brother. She sacrificed everything so that her brother could succeed. Samantha lives next door to her best friend, Jason Black. Jason is forced to retire from professional football due to an injury. He’s back home in Glynneath to try to figure out what direction he wants his life to take now. Jason comes over regularly to watch football and just hang out. What Jason doesn’t know is that Sam thinks of him as a lot more than just a buddy. She has been in love with Jason for some time. If she tells him, it’s sure to ruin their friendship and she can’t risk that.

 :

Sam has always been Jason’s best friend. But all of a sudden, when he turned around and looked at her, he didn’t see his buddy, Sam anymore. He saw a crazy sexy, beautiful woman and he was thinking thoughts WAY outside of the friendship rules. Could Sam ever feel that way about him?

“He’d never felt more at home, more at peace with a woman in his arms.”

cuddle:

Sam and Jason share their first kiss and it is the kiss of all kisses. It changes everything. Jason still hasn’t figured out which way to go with his career. What he does know is that it can’t be here in Glynneath. But he also knows that he feels something special with Sam. And he wants her to be part of his future as well.

This is a very short friends to lovers story revolving around Thanksgiving. I enjoyed Sam and Jason. They were adorable together and you can’t help but want them to get their happily ever after. I have to admit the beginning shocked me. There is an incident that took my breath away and I am so glad Jason was nearby. I’ve had this for some time so it was the perfect time of year to finally dig it out. I’m so glad I did.

 :
Profile Image for Chu.
1,459 reviews72 followers
October 16, 2014
Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak

PURCHASE IT ►►► AMAZON

Jason and Sam are best friends who are once again starting over from the bad stroke of luck that hit their lives.

Jason is a newly retired professional football player, who was forced to retire because of an injury. He comes back home to think about his future. Samantha, on the other hand, gave up a high-paying job and had spent five years taking care of her younger brother since their parents died.

When her brother was home during Thanksgiving break, he parties hard and bullies his sister. Good thing Jason was there protecting her from his tantrums and all those drunken college kids.

Sam saw him in a new light. But this was Jason, and their friendship is more important than anything else. She needed someone who can depend on. If she acts on it, he might not return the sentiment and they might lose their friendship. So, she kept mum. It took one kiss to change everything. Jason thought of her more often than necessary, and she saw her more than just his best friend. But when an opportunity knocks on his door, and career decisions are to be made, sacrifices were done. Is it worth it? Or would they follow their hearts?

I hated Sam’s brother – argh. He’s such an ungrateful a**, after what Sam did for him, all those sacrifices – he had the audacity to do that? Is he out of his mind? I wanted to go inside the book and slap some senses into him. As for Sam, she deserves a halo. Because she didn’t give up on her brother, no matter how much he treats her. She chastise him, but he wouldn’t listen. It took one stupid decision and a complete 180 of his life before he finally realizes his mistakes.

As for our two love birds, I like the plot of friends crossing the lines. There is no stronger bond in a relationship than friendship. It might have been just days, but their love story had perhaps started even before that and the realization is just taking place. Nevertheless, it didn’t felt rush. Only that now, after all those years, finally, the perfect time has come for the both of them.

Tackled by the Girl Next Door is short, sweet and soft on the heart. The perfect late night read to end your day.

•Complimentary Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.•

More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com
Profile Image for BooksandBeyondFiftyShades.
1,350 reviews158 followers
October 16, 2014

* * * * * 5 Stars

Samantha O'Brien had sacrifieced a lot in her 31 years. Losing her husband in Iraq, then shortly after her mom dies in a car accident, she had to let go of her dream job in order to move back home and take care of her 16 year old brother Kevin. 5 years later she was still in her hometown working in a job she hated but it pay bills, barely. After everything she has done to her brother, now she's facing the worse attitude she could received from Kevin. Her only hope was her best friend and next door neighbor Jason Black.

Jason Black was a Pro-Football player, recently retired due to an career ending injury Jason is force to returned home when he has to think about his future. Coming home he found comfort with his best friend and next door neighbor Sam. One day after rescuing Sam from kevin's bullying he found out that Sam was a gorgeous woman that had always been under his nose but never paid any attention.

Jason and Sam had this explosive chemistry, but can Jason settled down with Sam? Or will Sam sacrifies her happiness one more time?

This is a fast pace romance book and I love it. The story is well writen and it makes you fall in love with Jason and Sam.

I recommend this romantic fairy tail story!!
Profile Image for Deserie williams.
606 reviews6 followers
July 17, 2015
2.75Short and simple. Not enough to get to know h and H too well but an easy fast read:)
Profile Image for Margaret.
609 reviews14 followers
October 15, 2014
4.5 Stars

I just loved this book and am so impressed how such a big story was told in so few pages without leaving me feeling like I needed more. I was also impressed with the fact that despite having two authors, I would be hard pressed to find any instances where they didn't speak with one voice. The plot flowed nicely, the characters were multi-dimensional, and there was real life edge to the book that I really liked.

Sam was such a wonderful character. She has suffered such loss in her life, but has become so strong in spite of it all. She is at odds with her younger brother, but finds strength in her neighbor – her best friend, and a man she now looks at as maybe being someone who could be more than a friend.

Jason is trying to find his way now that his professional football career has come to end. What he didn't expect was to find himself looking at his best friend as someone who could be so much more – and when he sets his mind on having Sam, he’ll go to any lengths to prove to her that he’s the man she needs…and deserves.

Sam and Jason together were just awesome – what started as a smoldering attraction quickly escalated into a full blown bonfire! And even though there were things that got in the way of their happy ever after, Jason couldn't have been any sweeter – standing up for Sam, being at her side through some rough times with her brother, and just being an all-around good guy. I loved the fact that Sam has come to terms with her past and is ready (and willing) to move forward with her relationship with Jason, which was refreshing and made me love Sam that much more – she really has been dealt so many tough blows that I was really routing for her to find her HEA!

This is a definite must read – and I hope there will be more stories like this from the writing team of Susan Scott Shelley & Veronica Forand!

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ruby Bassett.
Author 3 books
October 15, 2014
Let me start by saying, I am not a football fan. But you don’t need to like football to love this hero. Jason is complex character in only 50 pages and Sam is more than the girl next door. If her emotional journey isn’t enough of a roller coaster ride for you, then the heat between these two should be.

Achingly romantic love scenes and witty dialogue make you feel like you’re reading an epic novel. But then it’s over in a flash and you wonder where the few hours went.

If you’re looking to escape your family for a few hours around Thanksgiving and want some quiet time to digest your meal, pick up this book, curl under a fleece blanket and get tackled.
Profile Image for Jen.
586 reviews17 followers
October 15, 2014
After seeing Sam in her workout outfit instead of the oversized sweats or boxy suits, Jason finally sees her as more that just his best friend. A passionate kiss changes things between them, and leaves them both wanting more than a temporary relationship. Jason's career threatens to end their relationship before it even really starts. But he wants Sam more than anything, and he won't go down without a fight. Super sweet, romantic and steamy short story!

ARC received in exchange for an honest review as part of a blog tour.
Profile Image for Becky.
3,441 reviews142 followers
January 5, 2015
Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books, for 10/15/14.

A very short and sweet friends-to-lovers story.

If you're pressed for time and just want a quick, satisfying read, give Tackled by the Girl Next Door a try. It's a fun troupe--best-friends-to-lovers--and won't take up more than an afternoon. Jason is a yummy hero (and a former pro football player!), and it's very sweet watching him finally see Samantha, "the girl next door", as something more.

And can I say, I love the title? Totally cute!

Tackled takes place in a short period of time--over Thanksgiving week--and as it's a novella everything is resolved rather quickly and a bit behind the scenes. The readers have a hint of what's going to fix their "problem", but Sam is a bit blindsided. This definitely could have been expanded into a longer story, but as is it's a fun diversion.

You really can't go wrong with a good friends-to-lovers story!

Rating: 3 1/2 stars / C+

I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Profile Image for Annie .
125 reviews10 followers
October 15, 2014
Tackled by the Girl Next Door plays into every girl’s fantasy. Sexy football player falls for the girl next door. Friends turned into lovers. Loner girl gets the Jock. Could it get any hotter?

Jason and Sam have been best friends almost their whole lives. While Jason went off to become a football god, Sam remained at home raising her little brother. When Jason’s career come to an end he finally comes home, and his friendship with Sam picks up right where it left off. Expect this time sparks fly and lines are blurred.

I absolutely adored this book. It was short, satisfying and straight to the point. No unnecessary reading and drama. This book has a little something for everyone.
Profile Image for Adele Downs.
Author 19 books88 followers
September 18, 2014
Adorable! You don't have to be a football fan to enjoy this sports-themed contemporary romance, since the hero is a sports personality and the story doesn't include on-the-field football scenes. I happen to love watching football, though, and thought the authors resolved the career vs. love conflict very nicely. A terrific debut from Susan Scott Shelley and Veronica Forand.

*Received an ARC of the story for honest review*
Profile Image for Tabitha Jones.
303 reviews15 followers
October 6, 2014
This book was just simply WONDERFUL!!!

Of course anytime I find a book about football it is a must read for me. A short read that is simply sweet and fun. Both Jason and Sam are likable and lovable characters. Their friendship is very important to both of them yet the electricity between the two is undeniable. A great curl up on the couch read. You will definitely love it.

I was given a copy of this book to read and review for an honest opinion.
Profile Image for Crystal.
496 reviews31 followers
October 14, 2014
This is a short story and a great one! You immediately connect with the main two characters, Samantha and Jason, that have grown up being best friends. It was a really sweet romance and wonderfully written. You will be cheering for these two characters. It is a story of realizing what you have been needing is right in front of your eyes, and having the courage to go for it.
Profile Image for Lynn Kellan.
Author 10 books135 followers
September 26, 2014
I had the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book, and absolutely LOVED it! So much fun! The story is beautifully written, sexy, and contains a hero and heroine who were both likable and lovable. This is a top-notch novella, and I can't wait to read more from these wonderful authors!
Profile Image for Codi Gary.
Author 32 books981 followers
September 15, 2014
Such a sweet love story! More to come after release! :-)
Profile Image for Melissa Miller-Mattern.
602 reviews11 followers
October 15, 2014
Reviewed for A Wanton Book Lover

This is a short, cute version of boy next door begins to have feeling for girl next door, adult version. I read Tackled by the Girl Next Door in a couple of hours over one evening. We have Sam who has experienced her share of heart break in her young 30s something years; she lost her husband to an accident in Iraq and only a few years later, her mother is killed in car wreak leaving her to move home and take care of her younger brother. Sam's younger brother is now in college and she is struggling to make ends meet at a job she hates. The boy next door, Jason, has had a career-ending injury in the NFL and has returned home for a reprieve trying to decide his next move in life. Jason and Sam have always been best-friends but suddenly Jason finds himself looking at Sam in a new light wondering if she might be feeling the same way. A careless accident leaves Sam emotionally vulnerable with Jason there to comfort her. Jason and Sam.......I'm not going to tell you what happens! You have to read the cute little novella from Susan Scott Shelly and Veronica Forand to find out.
Profile Image for Beverly Ovalle.
Author 20 books347 followers
October 13, 2014
Jason is a football star, though his career as a player is over, but new horizons are opening for him. Sam works and is trying to raise her little brother who has nothing but attitude and disrespect for her. Sam has always had a thing for Jason but knows he doesn't see her as anything but a friend. Jason suddenly sees what is in front of him, and he always gets what he wants. What he didn't figure on is her brother.

Sam is a strong woman. Life has given her plenty of shocks, but she's overcome and accepted them as best she can. A strong woman that rolls with the punches and is willing to take what is handed out by life. I really enjoyed Sam's down to life character, her hopes and dreams are what many women dream of, a home and family.

Jason is a stand up man, honorable and a pillar of strength when needed. His character perfect for Sam.

Tackled by the Girl Next Door is a well written, entertaining book. Humor and emotions intertwine to give a great look at life and all the knocks it can give. I enjoyed the real life characters and the story line that could be happening to the girl next door. Tackled by the Girl Next Door is well worth the time to read.
Profile Image for Sassy Southern Book Affair.
294 reviews20 followers
October 16, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. It wasn't fast paced but it held my attention and was just a relaxing read.

Sam takes care of her younger brother, who seems to take advantage of the situation and be unappreciative. Jason lives next door and comes to her defense. Sam and Jason have known each other for years and are great friends.

They have begun to spend more time together since Jason has come back home to figure out what to do with his future. Sam enjoys the company but just like any girl, fears that things will change drastically if something were to happen between them. These two are honest with each other, just as friends should be. This was a heart warming story and I enjoyed it.


4 stars
~Jade
Profile Image for Page Turners.
722 reviews4 followers
October 16, 2014
This is Jason and Sam's story. Jason and Sam have been friends for a long time. The story begins with Sam and her brother and his friends getting into a verbal fight on the front lawn. Hearing all the yelling, Jason comes up to defend Sam against all the guys. And after hanging out with Sam, Jason starts to see her as more than "the girl next door". And Sam starts to see him as more than a friend. I loved the laid back feeling between Jason and Sam. And the chemistry between them is strong. I highly recommend reading this book.
Profile Image for Tracy Reads.
727 reviews44 followers
October 15, 2014
received in exchange for an honest review

cute short read and the only thing i didn't like was there wasn't more
the storyline is well wrote so the fast pace of the book didn't matter as its a short story, romantic and sexy i read it in a few hours and could not put it down
well done 5 stars
Profile Image for Jill.
786 reviews9 followers
October 22, 2014
I gave this short story 4.5 stars because it is a enchanting read of life long friends that finally discover happiness and love in each others arms. Jason Black is visiting his parents after being forced into a early retirement from the NFL and trying to figure out what else he wants to do with his life. Samantha O'brien lost her husband and her mother in a relatively short amount of time then had to sit back as her world came crashing down around her. Sam quit her dream job and moved back to her childhood home to raise her younger brother Kevin. Kevin is ten years younger and could care less about the sacrifices that his sister has made to provide for him. After a rather heated argument that Jason had to physically resolve between the siblings, feelings start to change. Jason realizes that Sam is a woman not just his buddy. Sam is headstrong yet so endearing you can not help but instantly like her. Jason is your typical jock but still very charismatic and sweet. Sam and Jason navigate the waters of a new relationship while maintaining their friendship with a few hiccups along the way.
Profile Image for Limecello.
2,548 reviews46 followers
January 4, 2016
seriously writing all my ~quick thoughts on books I've read has shown me just how many books are >.> the same.

friends to lovers, hero is an EX NFL player now turned sports commentator. [This is like what, the fourth? book with the story line that I'd read in the past few months?] => tropes just find me. Very similar tropes. Although in this case it was more like a controlled study considering I targeted football romances. >.> Anyway enough of the social science.

I ... didn't like the lack of communication to cause drama. And he's all ZOMG! I LURVES HER! And she's all "he's leaving sob sob" - so, yeah, obviously things annoyed me.

HOWEVER - it IS a good friends to lovers story, she knows his parents, he steps in ... her little brother is a shit - I think he was a bit too static although he did apologize ... not sure why she didn't move since she hated her job anyway but whatever - it was cute seeing them move from friends to friends *and* lovers.

C-
Profile Image for Tamara Philip.
Author 9 books65 followers
December 4, 2014
Talk about swoon worthy romance! I loved Jason! I loved Sam! I loved Sam and Jason together and the writers knew what they were doing building up their love until the readers were basically like 'OMG NOW KISS AND DON'T STOP KISSING" what a great read! and I loved the cover too that really drew me in.

I really wanted to knock some sense into her little brother. He was a total ingrate but I'm glad he was in it to break up the sweetness of their love. It tempered it really well with the other heartbreaks that Sam suffered through. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to fall in love while reading.

I hope there will be more books from the author team of Susan Scott Shelley & Veronica Forand in the future!!

I received this book from the Book Partners in Crime booktours in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Marie.
180 reviews5 followers
October 22, 2014
This story is absolutely adorable! I LOVED the fact that it's such a romantic and sweet, well-developed story played out in just a few pages.

Jason and Sam were wonderful characters with so much to offer the story. Jason is the lost soul who finds solace in the sweet, almost too perfect girl next door. They rescue one another and their romance is silver screen worthy.

It's a beautiful scenario, created in an even more beautiful setting with characters that the reader can't help but love.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions reached are my own.
Profile Image for Delene Yochum.
131 reviews9 followers
October 14, 2014
This novella is an enjoyable read! The story of Samantha (Sam) and Jason, two people who live next door to each other and have been friends forever. Sam, has not had it easy her husband died in Iraq and had returned home years earlier to raise her brother after the death of their Mother. Jason the guy next door, there for her in good and bad times. The book spans 1 week and everything that happens as they realize that there is an attraction and what to do about it! A great read to relax with for a quick read! Hope to see more collaborations between these two authors!
1,534 reviews31 followers
October 19, 2014
this was a short, sweet somehow complete story in just a few pages! the story takes place over 6 days...and surprisingly doesn't make you feel like you just read a short story. you get a good bit of the characters' histories and interactions with each other. the character development is solid as is the writing. jason is
so sweet and sam is a strong female lead. overall, a great little story!







Profile Image for Colleen.
177 reviews13 followers
October 22, 2014
Such a fun read. I don’t think there’s anything quite as sweet as when very best friends become a couple. This was a really short book… but there so much back story given on both Jason and Sam that you couldn’t help but feel you knew them. While growing up as best buds… life had taken them in separate directions… but had dropped them both back where they started. Perfect timing… and the perfect moment… made for some magic. Then end had me teary eyed.
Profile Image for Kitty Via.
117 reviews19 followers
October 24, 2014
A great short read. It took me all of about 45 min to read. Even though it was short it was not rushed and you got a lot of information from it.

Jason is a football player who was forced to retire.

Sam the girl next door. Sams husband died in Iraq , her mom died and she moved home to take care of her brother. Her and Jason are best friends.

They decide to take the relationship to next level. Will it work or wont?
Profile Image for Alison.
749 reviews
October 18, 2014
For such a short book you get a really sweet love story. Many authors would have fleshed this out to be a longer book but it so doesn't need to be anything other that what we get .... very enjoyable!
31 reviews1 follower
May 7, 2015
Great

A great job by Susan Scott Shelley love the idea of hometown boy does good and returns to his hometown grounded and falls in love with the girl next door
132 reviews
September 22, 2015
Short, sweet, and to the point....

Here is a novella that moves at the right pace. Focused on the main characters and the ending leaves a smile on your face. Solid 4 stars....
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