Devon Drake, Cornerback: First & Ten Series, Book 4

First and Ten #4

by Jean C. Joachim

Devon Drake, star cornerback, has it hot supermodel girlfriend and pro football career, or does he? A childhood friend wanders back into his life, upsetting his ideal existence. Is it finally time to tell her the truth about what happened 15 years ago?

Stormy Gregory is on the run from an abusive man. Her best friend offers her a safe place at the shelter for abused women and children. Grateful to be out of harm’s way, Stormy helps with a charitable event, not expecting to run into Devon Drake, her friend’s brother. Will she run again rather than face rejection?

Cracks in his perfect world threaten the cornerback’s starting lineup status. An unwelcome surprise short-circuits Stormy’s attempt to build a new life. Can they pull together or will the secret that separates the former friends keep them on a downward spiral?

This book contains locker-room language.

Genres: Sports, Romance

Audible Audio

First published August 24, 2015

About the author

I've been making up stories for as long as I can remember. When other kids wanted to be doctors, teachers or firemen, I wanted to be a writer.
As soon as I could read, I began devouring books. I'd read anything I could get my hands on, but Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women" and Nancy Drew mysteries were early favorites.
In school, term papers were my favorite homework. While others bemoaned the amount of work involved, I jumped in, burying myself in research and writing the document with care.
Still fiction was my first love. After college and a degree in English, I fell into the world of advertising. After many years in corporate America, I went my own way. Working and raising two kids took all my energy and creativity. But when the youngest went off to school, all the stories ideas in my head came to life. Mac Caldwell and Callie Richards landed in my head and refused to leave. So I told their story. What started as one book has become six. Now I greet my characters every morning at six and jump back into their story, enjoying every minute. I'm blessed to be able to work at something I love. More than 70 books later, I'm still up at the crack of dawn, crafting the tales of the people who live in my head while nursing a cup of tea and a few pieces of black licorice.

Reviews

[Geri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devon, Devon, Devon what can I say? Yet another sexy football player in the First and Ten series and like the others this one scores! I loved that we had a chance to catch up with the other couples from the earlier books in the series. Now, back to Devon. Back in his high school days he crushed a girls heart and years later she storms back into his life unexpectedly. What is Devon willing to do to try and win the one that he shouldn't have let get away? The interactions between Devon and Stormy are terrific and I love how they go back and forth with each other and then throw in Devon's sister, Sam and parts are so very comical. I enjoyed seeing the tough football side of Devon and the soft-hearted side as well. I love this series and the players keep getting better and better. It is great to be able to read a sports romance book where the author knows what she is writing about and writes about it so well that you can feel like you are part of the game. Hope this series continues on for a very long time.

[Janis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked learning about Devon and Samantha and their friend Stormy and how Stormy and Devon fell in love. another touchdown for Jean

[Julianne Redmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story about young love lost and found.

Jean does an awesome job with the story. I couldn't put it down! I needed to know how Devon and Stormy's story ended. I also liked how parts of other stories were woven into this one so we could catch up on Griff and Lauren, Buddy and Emmy, Coach and Josie, and even Verna and Hank :) Introducing Devon's sister, Sam, at the same time spiked up the drama in the story. I truly like the direction the whole team is going.

The reason this got 4 stars instead of 5 is that I am still ambivalent about the main characters. Devon is a wonderful protector, a hard worker on the field, and a generally a good guy. But he rubbed me the wrong way with how he has everything done for him AND with his treatment of his sister. I wanted to smack him in the back of the head a couple of times LOL Stormy was a perfect fit for Devon as she wanted to cater to his every need, however it seemed like whenever things got tough Stormy just up and left. I wanted her to fight and scream and yell and throw things...anything but seeming to give up. As I mentioned though, they were a very good fit for each other but they each had qualities that are personal pet peeves of mine.

As always the action on the field is written superbly. I got lost in the nail-biting 3rd downs and exciting play-by-plays. Even the parts talking about the player's nutrition, drills, and training camp were interesting and well-written.

I'm looking forward to the next in the First & Ten series!

[Spunky N Sassy · Rating 3 out of 5]

SNS Rating: 3.5

~~~~~~~~~~Val's ★★★★✰ Review~~~~~~~~~~

I am a huge football fan and I have been so impressed with this series for the accuracy of the sport, Jean clearly did her homework! The characters in this book were not my favorite. I don't know if it's because so much was devoted to the past characters or what but I just didn't believe their chemistry. However, I was very thankful for the update on the prior books couples since I had gotten so invested in them :) I still really enjoyed this book, it flowed well and the story as a whole played out great and was written well.

~~~~~~~~~~Sharlene's ★★★✰✰ Review~~~~~~~~~~~

This is the second book of this series that I have read and gotta say I wasn't super impressed. It was ok. The writing was good and flowed and was an easy read. IMO there was too much devoted to the actual football games played during the book. Some woman might like that. I see enough football on Sundays that I don't want to read about it in that much depth. Plus I could not connect with Devon. He acted like a pompous jerk most of the time. Stormy was sweet and seemed like she had herself together (or was at least trying to). The characters from the other book I read did reappear in this story which made sense. However, the author spent too much time explaining the other characters. I felt like it distracted from Stormy and Devon's story.

There is a an HEA and this story can be read as a stand alone.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the First and Ten series by Jean Joachim! Jean’s descriptions are amazing. The play-by-plays were so spot on, I felt like I was in the stands watching the game, wanting to jump up and down, screaming and cheering. I really enjoyed Devon and Stormy’s story. Devon screwed up big time with her and hurt her badly in high school, making him feel like he had lost her. Now, she’s back in his life and he is finally realizing she needs to stay put. I love how she didn’t take any of his crap and dealt it right back at him. Also, Devon’s relationship with his sister, Sam, felt very genuine, they really had some great back and forth moments because of his protectiveness. I can’t wait to dive into her story with Brodsky!
I guess my only criticism would be at times I felt the book jumped around a bit. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love catching up with everyone from the previous books, I just think at times it felt a bit much – like too many different storylines were going on at the same time. But then again, isn’t that the way it is in life, everyone always has something going on, different than everyone else. So, ya, ok fine…I will take that back. Maybe it’s just because I really was into Devon and Stormy!
Do I recommend this book and author….That would be a hell YES!!! This is definitely a series not to be missed!

[Niki Driscoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you don't know what you had until you lose it. Devon Drake made a mistake when he was a teenager and hurt someone he cared about badly. Stormy Gregory has been in love with Devon Drake since she was a wide eyed little girl with her first crush. When their paths cross unexpectedly again, will they be able to see what is in front of them and go for the touchdown or will there be a penalty on the play. This was a surprising storyline, even though it was centered around the current couple Ms. Joachim gave us a small section on each of the past couples keeping us up to date on what is going on in their lives. It was well written, easy to read and flowed smoothly from couple to couple. I enjoyed the easy camaraderie of Drake, Stormy and Drakes sister Sam. The bickering, bantering and yelling between the three of them not only was amusing but showed a realistic closeness that would be present between good friends and your sibling. I found Drake to be a real interesting character, even being a big football star he was not all about the publicity and more of a homebody. As a brother he was the typical overprotective jerk but he did really care about his sister and wanted to protect her. This is a great series and I can't wait to find out what happens next.

[V.L. Locey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the First & Ten series!

Once again Ms. Joachim brings us a wonderfully written sports romance filled with the things that I adore: romance, sexy times, humor, drama and sports! I must make mention of how wonderfully written the play-by-play scenes were in this book. I felt as if I were watching the game in person. I truly enjoy having real sports in my sports romances and not just a fly-by mention that Joe Hero plays *insert any random sport or occupation here*. It s obvious that the author knows football.

I also enjoyed how Ms. Joachim wove the characters from the previous books in and introduced us to some new couples. It was artfully done. The main plot was compelling and the story flowed well. The bedroom scenes were toasty warm and sensual and the dialog was crisp and biting. A great story in wonderful series. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next one!

[Jodie D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing that I think is really influencing my review of this book is that I have not read the rest of the books in the series. There were several major scenes involving characters from previous books that seemed out of place to me since I haven't read about them. I did enjoy the book, but I think I would have enjoyed it better had I read the others.

I felt like I could have really used a prologue to the story, one that explained more about what happened to Stormy and what brought her back to Samantha and Devon. Again, this may have been addressed in other books in the series and I'm just not aware of it.

I enjoyed the writing enough to go back and read the other books in the series. After I do that, I expect that I will amend this review. I honestly feel like it's my lack of knowledge of the series that is keeping me from rating this a 5 star book.

[Stacy Barr-sooter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Love this story line. It is a series so make sure you read them in order. The chapters jump to other characters. Although the book is mainly about to specific people it does jump to other "scenes". It's a great read.

[Amy O'neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book. it had me cracking up all through it, especially the wedding.

[Traci De Carlo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome read! Loved it!

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Quando aveva quattordici anni, credeva di essere innamorata di Devon Drake, suo amico e fratello della sua migliore amica. Lui era più intelligente, più divertente e più bello di tutti gli altri ragazzi a scuola, ma il suo atteggiamento freddo e beffardo da sedicenne le aveva fatto correre un brivido lungo la schiena che non aveva mai dimenticato. Aveva distrutto le sue speranze in pubblico. Crescendo, Stormy era riuscita a perdonare quel giovane uomo sfacciato e arrogante, ma quel ricordo era sempre rimasto con lei e il dolore che aveva provato allora era ancora reale come se fosse successo tutto solo il giorno prima.”

Dopo la lunga incursione nel mondo del baseball, Jean Joachim ci riporta allo stadio dei Connecticut Kings, alla vigilia della grande partita del Super Bowl, dove scopriamo che i nostri atleti sono tutti molto nervosi. Devon è deluso di non aver potuto riabbracciare la sua ragazza neppure per Natale, dato che la giovane e bella modella sta tentando di diventare attrice e da qualche tempo è fuori dallo stato. Per rendere il tutto ancora più complicato, nella sua vita è riapparsa Stormy, una ragazza a cui Devon deve delle scuse da ben quindici anni; la loro è stata una lunga amicizia, finita per causa sua, e ora, finalmente, deve trovare il coraggio di raccontare la verità. Anche se Devon e Stormy sono i protagonisti, questo è sicuramente il libro più corale dell’intera serie e prepara il terreno per il prossimo, che si prospetta davvero scoppiettante.

Jean Joachim in questo nuovo capitolo ci porta su e giù per le strade di Monroe, facendoci fare piacevoli fermate nelle case dei giocatori, permettendoci di sbirciare piccoli episodi del loro quotidiano. Le novità, nella vita di questi ragazzoni palestrati, non mancano. Il padre di Griff si è trasferito in città e sta corteggiando la madre vedova di un suo compagno di squadra e questo porta spesso a sentire, nello spogliatoio e in campo, la frase «Dì a tuo padre di tenere le mani lontano da mia madre» e non vi nascondo che sono davvero curiosa di sapere come andrà a finire.

Anche Drake sta vivendo una situazione simile: sua sorella, infatti, si sta vedendo, per lo più di nascosto, con Bull, il loro attaccante, e questo proprio non gli va giù; non vorrebbe mai che la sua sorellina frequentasse uno di quei bestioni pieni di testosterone che si ritrova nello spogliatoio e non importa se a uno a uno si stanno accasando, diventando tutti estremamente monogami e fedeli. Oltre al nervosismo per la partita più importante dell’anno, c’è anche da organizzare il matrimonio del Coach Pete che, credetemi, si rivelerà quantomeno originale. L’autrice, insomma, si è sbizzarrita, mettendo tantissima carne al fuoco, incuriosendoci e regalandoci scene passionali e intense e momenti molto divertenti.

Se in ogni libro c’è una storia che si può gustare in modo autoconclusivo, leggere i libri in sequenza è a mio avviso davvero consigliato, perché permette di assaporare appieno ogni risvolto della trama. È infatti piacevolissimo passare da un capitolo all’altro riallacciando ogni avvenimento a quello successivo, ritrovando gli stessi personaggi e assistendo ai cambiamenti che accadono nelle loro vite. Personaggi che diventano sempre più vividi nella mente del lettore, assumendo connotazioni precise; amici che si spalleggiano, che litigano, ma che insieme formano una grande, bella famiglia allargata che è sempre piacevole ritrovare.

Quindi, cappellino, coca cola, una scatola di ciambelle e tutti pronti per andare allo stadio ad assistere alla più importante partita dell’anno: abbiamo un biglietto in prima fila e il pass per lo spogliatoio.

[Le cercatrici di libri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recensione:
Uno dei miei generi preferiti delle mille sfumature del rosa sono gli sport romance, contengono il giusto connubio di amore, sacrificio, impegno e intrattengono con gli sport, per chi come me li ama sia da praticare che da seguire, leggerli è il top.
Era un pò che vedevo i libri di questa autrice e ne ero attratta ma non conoscendola ero frenata dal comprarla a scatola chiusa, così quando è arrivato ero felicissima e sono entrata nel mondo del football americano.

Uno dei punti di forza di questo romanzo è proprio la maniera in cui è descritto questo sport, sei pieno protagonista dell'azione passo a passo ti immergi in questo sport un pò violento e apparentemente senza molto ragionamento , e devo dire che da completa ignorante sul American football è la prima volta che ci capisco qualcosa. È narrato così bene nei passaggi che la partita ti sembra di viverla, il sacrificio, il sudore e perfino la strizza in certe azioni che fremevo pure io. Leggendo questo romanzo, mi ha sfatato quello che pensavo suoi giocatori che si muovevano a caso invece dietro vi è strategia e pure psicologia, bisogna prevedere le azioni degli avversari, essere furbi e avere il giusto tempismo.


Non si perde perché uno ha sbagliato ma perché gli altri sono stati migliori, più furbi, meno falli, più coesi e affiatati.

Nonostante nella trama vengono evidenziati due protagonisti principali, nel libro il protagonista principale è lo sport, che non fa solamente da contorno ma è la tela su cui tutti si "muovono". Stormy e Drake sono i personaggi primari, ma non le uniche voci narranti perché il romanzo è corale e rispettando lo sport che narra che è di squadra finisce per narrare più storie intrinseche dei Kings e di differente età dai più giovani Stormy e Drake a protagonisti più maturi e con storie diverse.

Nonostante le molteplici voci narranti l'autrice è riuscita a farci vivere ogni storia raccontata anche se nella storia primaria a mio avviso è stato approfondito poco l'aspetto psicologico di una tematica così importante come la violenza domestica, che anziché essere importante viene trattata in maniera marginale e un pç superficiale.

Drake è un conerback, da poco nella squadra dei Kings ha il fisico appesantito e un pò fuori forma e non è ben inserito ancora nella sua nuova squadra. Ha una fidanzata supermodel, ma non è soddisfatto della sua vita. Vive con la sorella Sam, è un uomo iperprotettivo e generoso.
Stormy è una ragazza che è stata ferita molteplici volte psicologicamente e dopo aver subito violenza domestica scappa a rifugiarsi dall'amica di infanzia Sam.

Durante la sua infanzia, Devon era stato il suo eroe ed era stato naturale innamorarsi di lui, ma ora? Era lo stesso ragazzino di allora, solo trasformato in un uomo stupendo ? O la fama, il successo, i soldi e una certa supermodella l’avevano cambiato?

Sam è un personaggio che mi ha molto incuriosita è una donna forte, aiuta in un centro per donne maltrattate e nonostante in questo romanzo "rubi" molto spazio non ne è protagonista, la sua storia inizia ma poi resta sospesa e promette fuoco e fiamme e spero che la sua storia arrivi in Italia.
Nonostante avrei voluto un pochino più incentrato sulla storia di Stormy, mi è piaciuto molto perché bilancia molto bene sport e peperoncino.
Un libro di intrattenimento, non adatto ai più piccini.
Molto carino!

Fra
LCDL

[Feel The Book · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recensione a cura di Lilith per Feel the Book

Voto 3,5

Questo è un romanzo corale nel quale la coppia principale sono Devon e Stormy, ma compaiono anche le coppie dei libri precedenti con la routine delle loro vite e, ovviamente, delle news. In questo romanzo inoltre si formano altre due coppie, ma io parlerò solo di Devon e Stormy.

I due ragazzi si conoscono da sempre: vicini di casa, cresciuti insieme, Stormy è la migliore amica della sorella di Devon, Samantha, ma i due si perdono di vista quando Devon diventa uno sportivo professionista.

Stormy e Devon si ritroveranno a una cena, alla quale Stormy è stata invitata dalla sorella di Devon, dopo che la ragazza l’ha incontrata di nuovo in una casa famiglia per donne vittime di violenza. Durante la cena, Devon ritrova una Stormy diversa, cresciuta, e prova una certa attrazione, benché sia fidanzato. A fine serata, mentre Devon riaccompagna Stormy alla casa famiglia, i due si imbattono nell’uomo che ha abusato di Stormy, cosa che porterà Devon a portare la donna a casa sua.

Proseguendo nella lettura, scopriamo che alla quattordicenne Stormy piaceva un sacco Devon, che sperava di avere una chance con lui al ballo di fine anno scolastico. Scopriamo anche quanto il sedicenne Devon fosse sciocco, tanto da umiliare Stormy davanti ai suoi amici, cosa che porterò la ragazza a non rivolgergli più la parola fino alla famosa cena.

Stormy rimane a vivere da Devon e la convivenza procede tranquilla, l’attrazione rinasce anche se Devon ha dei problemi con la sua fidanzata (che pensa solo alla sua carriera di super modella) ed è teso per il per la finale di campionato che si avvicina. Solo in prossimità di quest’evento, Devon e la fidanzata chiariranno le rispettive posizioni e, finalmente, anche Stormy riuscirà ad avere ciò che ha sempre sognato.

“Devon Drake, Cornerback”, è una storia molto carina e divertente; una lettura piacevole e scorrevole. L’autrice riesce a far percepire bene i sentimenti dei protagonisti: la paura di Stormy per l’aggressore, così come la frustrazione di Devon per la sua fidanzata egoista, oltre alla sua esagerata voglia di avere tutto sotto controllo e di voler persino decidere per la sorella Sam, oramai ventottenne.

Come dicevo a inizio recensione, consiglio l’approccio iniziando dal primo libro della serie per poter comprendere tutti gli eventi al meglio.

Editing a cura di Kaila Swarte per Feel the Book

[Libri e Altri Disastri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recensione a cura di Barbara: 3 stelle e mezzo.

Il quarto libro della serie ha come protagonisti Devon e Stormy, ma compaiono anche le coppie formatesi nei libri precedenti e ci addentriamo sempre più nello loro vite. Devon è un giocatore di football molto famoso, la sua squadra continua a vincere ed è fidanzato con una supermodella aspirante attrice; non potrebbe desiderare altro dalla vita se non fosse che la sua ragazza ha come obiettivo primario la sua carriera, non è quindi mai disponibile e ciò lo rende amareggiato e deluso. Stormy è la migliore amica di Samantha, sorella di Devon, si conoscono da sempre ma si sono allontanati quando lui, per non fare brutta figura con i suoi amici, la umilia al ballo della scuola. Si ritrovano una sera a cena a casa di Devon e benché Stormy abbia il viso tumefatto per le violenze subite dal suo ex, Devon prova una forte e immediata attrazione. Per continuare a proteggerla, visto l'insistenza dell'ex della ragazza che si presenta al rifugio per donne maltrattate di cui è ospite Stormy, la invita a vivere a casa sua.

Inizia così la loro convivenza e Devon si ritrova a desiderare di più dal rapporto con Stormy e dalla vita in generale. Stormy è da sempre innamorata di Devon ma il timore di non essere all'altezza della sua fidanzata la rende insicura e titubante sulle prospettive future, ecco perchè si mantiene sempre un po’ in disparte, timorosa di ritrovarsi nuovamente con il cuore spezzato. Devon però sa quello che vuole ed è avere Stormy nella sua vita, ma dovrà chiarire la situazione con la sua fidanzata e soprattutto dovrà trovare il coraggio di raccontare la verità sul passato e sulle vicende che li hanno allontanati. Attorno alla nuova coppia ritroviamo tutti i membri della squadra con rispettive mogli e fidanzate, preparativi di matrimonio, nuovi amori e consolidamento dei vecchi... I personaggi sono descritti sufficientemente bene, con una trama scorrevole, ma a parer mio sempre troppo piatta e senza eccessivi colpi di scena, con descrizioni fin troppo dettagliate delle partite e con tanti termini tecnici in cui mi sono un po’ persa.

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the great things about a good sports series is that typically each story truly is stand alone but has cameo or supporting role appearances by couples from prior books in the series. Usually it's done in such a way that newcomers often don't even need to know of the prior tales in order to totally enjoy the book as the primary plot is key, though those who've been reading along certainly get enhanced enjoyment by getting not only a new story but also updates on characters they cane to love I preceding series books. That's not really the case here. We do get a really well done story about Stormy and Devon which is beautifully done with a backstory involving both a childhood incident from their youth and Stormy's escape from an abusive relationship as an adult. It's sort of a second chance romance in some ways, and is really very enjoyable all by itself (ie, if you simply cut out any other parts of the book this story would've been great by itself). It's the rest of the book that's different as, unlike other series books, this one gives as much (maybe more, I didn't count pages) of itself towards updating the romances in the prior books (Jo and Coach Pete, Emmy and Buddy, and Lauren and Griff), and setting the stage for new romances presumably covered in future book(s) (Sam and Bullhorn/Sly, and a budding romance between Griff's dad Hank and Buddy's mom Verna), as it does to the primary story. It's sort of a Book 4 + Books 1B + 2B + 3B. Totally wonderful for those who have read (and loved) the prior books, especially the last one as the biggest of the "part B" stories evolves around Jo and Pete's wedding. As for newcomers, this is one that I really think needs to be read after the three "part A" stories. My rating is this really presuming that you've read those prior books and, if you have, then I can't but very highly recommend this one.

[Floriana Amoruso · Rating 3 out of 5]

https://labibliotecadellibraio.blogsp...
Nel precedente romanzo, Pete Sebastian, Coach, il finale anticipa un po' chi saranno con ogni probabilità i futuri protagonisti della serie, First & Ten.
Devon Drake è il cornerback della squadra dei King, ma sta attraversando un momento difficile, colpa dell'aver messo su un paio di chili di troppo che non lo lasciano muovere e scattare come dovrebbe. La causa sembrerebbe la vita un po' sregolata e soprattutto il pensiero della sua attuale ragazza, sempre fuori, alle prese con il lavoro di modella e magari anche sì, di attrice. Una situazione non certo piacevole che si ripercuote sulla sua vita sia sentimentale che lavorativa.
Stormy è una vecchia amica di Devon e di sua sorella, Samantha, sta fuggendo da un vecchio amore che la maltrattava e trova rifugio proprio nell'amicizia con i due.
Nasce una convivenza data anche della mansione che ben presto Stormy si ritrova a ricoprire, quello di nutrizionista e che vede coinvolti sia Devon che un suo collega di squadra Sly, colpevoli di aver messo su un po' troppi chili e che ora alla riapertura del campionato devono assolutamente perdere.
Da tutto ciò, scopriamo che Stormy ha sempre avuto un debole per Devon, nascosto nel suo cuore lo ha sempre amato, ma ora le cose sembrano complicarsi perché lui è sentimentalmente impegnato...
Una convivenza come dire difficile che però ben presto si trasforma in qualcosa di più impegnativo e importante, perché anche Devon ha provato dei forti sentimenti nei confronti di Stormy quando erano solo dei ragazzini e ancora oggi scopre che gli stessi non sono mai scomparsi, magari messi un po' da parte ma mai spariti...
Allora, da dove partiamo...
Nel complesso il libro è stato una piacevole lettura, solo che a differenza di altri questo nuovo capitolo non è completamente incentrato sulla storia tra Devon e Stormy, all'interno incontriamo l'evolversi delle storie d'amore dei precedenti protagonisti, non manca nessuno e c'è anche l'inserimento della futura storia d'amore che nascerà tra Samantha, sorella di Devon e Sly, l'Offensive Line, dei King.
Ho trovato troppi personaggi a discapito dei protagonsiti, si è passati repentinamente da una storia a un'altra e sinceramente l'ho trovato tutto un po' troppo confusionario, è vero che è giusto conoscere anche come prosegue la vita degli altri ma tutti in un unico libro non mi ha soddisfatta per niente.
Peccato, perché sinceremente avrei prefertio conoscere qualcosa di più sulla vita precedente di Stormy, ho trovato riduttivo inserire il vecchio pretendente, solo per un po' per poi farlo sparire del tutto.
Avrei voluto un po' più di enfasi nella storia tra Devon e Stormy, ecco perché non sono stata completamente soddisfatta.

La serie First & Ten è composta da nove libri:

#1 Griff Montgomery. Quarteback - recensione
#2 Buddy Carruthers. Wide Receiver - recensione
#3 Pete Sebastian. Coach - recensione
#4 Devon Drake. Cornerback
#5 Sly "Bullhorn" Brodsky. Offensive Line
#6 Al "Trunk" Mahoney. Defensive Line
#7 Harley Brennan. Running Back
#8 Overtime. The Final Touchdown
#9 A Kings' Christmas

[Roni Denholtz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good, entertaining story by Jean joachime!

[Cathy Brockman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stars of the Show--oops-- I mean book: Devon Drake, of course, is the leading man. He is a sexy cornerback that has been distracted and not focusing on his game. He has put on some weight and losing speed on the field. He needs to get his head back in the game but how?

Bring in Stormy the leading lady. She grew up with Devon and his sister Samantha. Devon is surprised to see Stormy in Monroe in the women's shelter. Will she be able to get him back in shape or will she just be another distraction?

There are lots of other characters in this book. I do love multi-character stories and bringing these in from the other books and giving us more of their stories add to the realness of the story. so if you have read the other books but not this one yet...here is good reason. If you haven't read any, read this then I promise you will want to go get the other three!

Characters that stole my heart: I have a thing for animals so toss one in and I am a sucker. Brody is a pug that Stormy rescues and I can see how he stole her heart.

I also like older characters and we have a very interesting pair here. Buddy has a widowed mom that helps him out and Griff's dad came to help out Lauren. Hmmm...is there more to this story? Another good reason to check this out!

What I thought About Devon: I thought Devon was arrogant, selfish and stubborn. He treats his sister like a baby. Yes, being protective is good but overprotective? Though he shows this he is not unlikeable. You can see he has a good heart. I love a man that needs to redeem himself and man does he in a big way.

Memorable event- Stormy: I think Stormy stole the show when she went to the TV station to clear Devons name. The scene is the excerpt above so read it and see what an amazing woman this girls is. She corners the market on what a girl would do for the man she loves.

Memorable Event-Devon: I have to say this man redeem himself in a big way. When he let go his feelings man did he let go. I think his proposal was one of the cutest I have ever read. What do mud pies have to do with a proposal? You need to read this book just for this!

The one thing that I didn't like so much: There is a lot of technical football stuff. There are two games that has a lot of play by play action. Yes, I do agree the scenes need to be there and are very vital to the book, I just felt they could have been a little bit shorter like just one vital play per scene. I did skim through these two scenes a little.If you are a real big football fan this will not bother you at all.

This is part of a series. Each book stands alone pretty well, but I will warn you this one has scenes from all the other books. They are done well enough you do know who they are and able to follow that part of the story.

If you love a good sweet, sensually sexy romance, sports romance pugs, and football this is definitely for you!

[Sassy Beta Reading & Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Devon and Stormy...or was it? I'm really not sure to be honest. There was just as much if not more of the other characters pov's and the continuation of their story lines (and the start of even more couples introduced) than there was of Devon and Stormy. Yes I love it when characters from previous books show up, but not when they take over someone else's story.

I would have loved to have seen more of Devon and Stormy and see how their relationship progressed but we didn't see much. We had huge time gaps....first its the end of the Super Bowl and then 25 lbs down and a few weeks before training camp which was months apart. Show me the courting, the romance, dinners, not just a snippet here and there then the sex. I want the full package.

I love Jean Joachim, she is one of my favorites but this one left me wanting more. I guess I'll have to read the next book , which I assume will be about Sam and Bull to read more about Devon and Stormy. Of course I'll read the next one, I love the series. I always look forward to Jean's books.

This is book 4 of the series and can be read as a stand alone (sorta) Again, so many characters from the three previous books and then a few other new possible couples introduced that it would be best to read the other three as well for their back ground information....(along with the fact that the other three books are freaking awesome!)

So...The story concept was good, the multi pov of the previous characters seemed more like filler, the dialogue was good between the characters and the descriptions to detail were done well.

All in all, a good read.

Would I recommend this book? Yes

Would I read more from this author? Yes

Sassy Beta Reading & Review

[Patricia Blevins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well the story of Devon and Stormy was a great one that started when they where little children. Would these two be able to see what they had both wanted at an early age and get what they have both wanted for so long? Then we have Jo and Coach great to catch up with them and the wedding. Griff and Lauren are still at it and so is Buddy and Emmy can't wait for more of their stories. Then we have Hank and Verna ah how life works out in the long run can't wait to see where they will go. And lastly we have Bullhorn and Samantha will these two be able to have a life without people trying to interfere? This book goes into a lot of detail about football and it really great especially if you are a sports fan. The way that Jean has given everyone pov's in this book so you could catch up is just great.

Merged review:

Great Football Read!

Well the story of Devon and Stormy was a great one that started when they where little children. Would these two be able to see what they had both wanted at an early age and get what they have both wanted for so long? Then we have Jo and Coach great to catch up with them and the wedding. Griff and Lauren are still at it and so is Buddy and Emmy can't wait for more of their stories. Then we have Hank and Verna ah how life works out in the long run can't wait to see where they will go. And lastly we have Bullhorn and Samantha will these two be able to have a life without people trying to interfere? This book goes into a lot of detail about football and it really great especially if you are a sports fan. The way that Jean has given everyone pov's in this book so you could catch up is just great.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I enjoyed this instalment of the First and Ten series but it is probably my least favourite. I say this only because I felt like about a quarter of the book (may have been less) was about all the other characters in the book, I don't mind this usually but I think Jean missed the mark a few times and just put to much focus on the other characters for too long. I think if she had broken it up a bit more it would have improved the book in my estimation or maybe she should have just made a novella about Jo and Pete's wedding and added all the other stuff into that story as I think that would have made more sense. But to get back to what's great about the book was Stormy and Devon were enjoyable characters, their story moved at a fast pace but had known each other since they were kids so the fast pace worked well. I felt like Stormy's character was a bit erratic with her personality, I didn't find her a very consistent character and while she was likeable she was a bit blah in my opinion. Devon on the other hand was a really likeable character who I found really engaging and I liked the riff between him and Sam it'll be interesting to read the next book and see if it's Sam's story. Overall this was a solid read and I really enjoyed it, it was good to see the other characters and I will definitely be reading the next book in the series and hopefull we see more of Devon and Stormy because I want to see what happens to them in the future.

[J. Kahele · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love football!

So I was excited to read this novel. I was lost at times with all the characters but the writing was very engaging and the story flowed well. The story begins with Devon, a cornerback for Connecticut Kings missing his super model girlfriend. It was obvious to me as the story went on, she did not feel the same.

The story introduces Sam his sister who stays with Devon and basically takes care of him. Like any normal brother, Devon is protective and at times a bit overbearing, especially when it comes to men.

Sam’s childhood friend Stormy has been through a rough time, her boyfriend has been abused her to the point of leaving bruises and forcing her to stay on a shelter. She comes for dinner and Devon offers her a ride home. It's here they come face to face with her abusive ex and Devons protective nature kicks in and makes her get back in the car. She is after all, like a little sister to him, so he tries to convince himself but as time goes on he realizes that his feelings for Stormy are more, much more.

I liked the connection between Stormy and Devon, they had a deep friendship that made a solid and believable relationship. It was an enjoyable read.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 4 of the First & Ten series had a ton of elements in it. It was the story of Devon and Stormy, but included so much more. It has the continuation of the stories of the couples from books 1-3. Sometimes through the book, I felt that the book was more of a catch up than a new story for another couple. I think that if the continuations of the earlier books had included more of Devon and Stormy, I would have loved it and it would have been 5 stars for me, instead, there were entire segments that followed up on other characters that completely left the story of Devon and Stormy.

Aside from the overwhelming extra story lines, Devon and Stormy both won me over. Each were battling their own demons while trying to make a relationship work. I feel like there were some gaps that left some questions for the readers in regards to the budding relationships. I would have liked to see more of the build up to the HEA.

Overall, it's an enjoyable read, that continues a fabulous series. I would recommend this series to most romance lovers, and I would read the series in order. I'm looking forward to book 5, which I'm assuming will be about Bull and Sam.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, but I thought it did not have enough about Stormy and Devon. There was a lot of the other characters from the other 3 books. It was nice to get to know Griff since I have not read that book, but plan to.

Devon and his sister, Sam, have known Stormy since they were kids. Devon realizes that he should not have lost Stormy like he did and he had the best woman. Now what will he do? He is in the middle of training camp.

I want to know about Sam. I can not wait to read the next book!

☆☆☆☆
I give this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Would I recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Would I read more from this author? Yes!

Happy Reading!
Melissa

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stormy Gregory is running and the emotions she carry
With her has her in a abusive shelter, how fitting since
She's running from a abusive man Helping her friend
Has her seeing the man who had rejected her
RUN OR NOT TO RUN!!!!!!
Devon life is good ... Well it is until he see the one
Women he need to tell the truth to and then everything
changes. Past Present and Future are brought you
a amazing love story.
You never knew love could be such an adventure until
You see it written on a page.

[Lisa McNicholas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, but I wish it would have had more about Stormy and Devon. There was a lot about the other characters which was good since this is the first book I have read from Jean Joachim and I am assuming they are from other books.

I want to know about Sam. I can not wait to read the next book!

[SiKReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book may be about the romance of Devon and Stormy, but their romance seems not to take front burner. We catch up with many of the teammates we met in previous books. That is not a bad thing at all mind you. That being said, I love how Devon and Stormy had known each other since childhood and now that Stormy has grown into a woman, Devon sees her in a whole new light.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This combination of sports and romance is a delightful tale of second-chance love.

Read full review in the 2016 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book! I love the fact this book isn't just about football; community service is intertwined. Looking forward to #5:)