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Hard & Deep: A Football Romance

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I don't care if it's not allowed. I won't let anyone stop us... I'm Oliver Lance. Yes, the Oliver Lance. The one that all men want to be and all women want to be with. Every Sunday a million fans watch me throw a ball down a field, win games, and sign huge endorsement deals. Everything was going perfectly, until a car accident tore it all away from me. I want it back, and only she can help me. At first, I think about 'Doc' Elsie the same way I think of every other woman. Just another possible conquest, another notch on my bedpost. Only Elsie is different. She's not starstruck by me. She's not interested in my money. She's the most real woman I've ever met, and those tempting curves are making it hard to stay focused on my recovery. Now, I'll do anything to keep her by my side. I'll defy my manager, my coach, even lay down my career as quarterback to stay with her. It's third and long, and I'm gonna make my play Hard and Deep.

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First published December 19, 2016

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About the author

Krista Lakes

89 books885 followers
Krista Lakes is a writer of romances that leave you feeling good and always have a happily ever after. She has two boys and a husband that keep her busy, not to mention two cats and a dog.

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5 stars
181 (39%)
4 stars
156 (33%)
3 stars
82 (17%)
2 stars
31 (6%)
1 star
11 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
Profile Image for Maria11.
2,003 reviews46 followers
January 1, 2017
Not bad...not great.

Short sweet romance. Like the physical therapy storyline. It was kinda cheesy but sometimes cheesy is ok.
Profile Image for Alina.
264 reviews
February 19, 2017
It was a bit boring...I skipped a lot of pages at some point, only focusing on their interactions. The plot was good, it just failed to hold my interest for a long time. I found that Nikki situation childish and annoying. And also not well treated. Nikki was emotionally unstable and in no possible way a person like her could do a good job as the world's most famous quarterback's manager. She turned out to be a sour jealous lady and she seemed to have really deep problems. Problems that would have surfaced while Oliver was fucking around, not just when he met Elsie. Problems that definitely would not stop as soon as he'd fired her. Nope, no way. That's not how this thing works. And the fact that his mate said he was excited for them to be back together really made me laugh. Because if he was a mate as good as he claimed to be, he would've known Nikki was just bad news. Instead of encouraging a healthy relationship between Elsie and Oliver, he did the horrible way.

Anyways. In the first chapter, Oliver is presented to us as the womanizer. He says himself "this is the way I want". He says he can't actually settle down and be with just one woman. And yet, while with Elsie he is the bloody opposite. He is cute and sweet and boyfriend material. Elsie says when they fight that she thought he was not the guy the media pictured him to be. Well...media did no mistake, hun. He was a freaking manwhore and I wish the author would've stuck with that and make Oliver's character slowly develop, instead of suddenly making him the perfect boyfriend.

The epilogue was pretty sweet, though. It's a good quick read book. Not a lot of drama, just a crazy ex and a hero who was stupid enough to keep her around even after she threw a wine glass at his head and cracked it open. Yep.
Profile Image for April Symes.
5,013 reviews445 followers
December 29, 2016

Oliver Lance is THE star quarterback. He has everything- Looks, money, is famous and this arm that is worth millions. He is mister bachelor with the women and the alcohol until it all comes to a stop for him when an accident could ruin his career. He sees his only chance to save his career in a therapist in the backwaters part of the country.
Elsie was pursuing a promising career in sports therapy when her aunt passed away. Her uncle no longer wanted his physical therapy business so he gave it over to Elise after his wife died. She moves home & is running the business; her life is a struggle and she is barely making it when this woman comes in to become her office manager. Around this time , she gets a secret patient to fix , needing her help to make him better. The chemistry between them is awesome and in return to her fixing her bodily , she helps him emotionally as he does her. The change is awesome and this relationship blossoms but can their relationship stand the test of time after he is healed, can they have a long distance relationship?
Great word building, fantastic flow and lovely characters. Loved how everything came together and the ending was lovely.

My Rating: 4.5 stars *****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
392 reviews2 followers
December 31, 2016
LOVED IT!!! Oliver AKA Ollie as some call him is shocked by his extremely hot Physical Therapist Elsie. He is even more shocked that she has no clue that he is a star quarterback. Their chemistry is off the charts. This story is sweet and heartfelt. Oliver works hard to get the woman he can't live without. I highly recommend reading this book.
484 reviews3 followers
December 28, 2016
I just finished the latest book by Krista Lakes, Hard and Deep: A Football Romance, and let me tell you this: Ms. Lakes has another winner!
I loved this story! I love the way that Elsie looked at Ollie in spite of what she read about him. I love the reason that Ollie fell for Elsie. Oh, and by the way, Nikki is a bi… er witch! No, I will got tell you the reasons for any of these statements. You need to read this book and find out for yourself. I really enjoyed reading this book during the holidays and everything else going on. The story hooked me from the beginning, and would not let me loose. But, this is what makes a book great in my opinion.
Kudos Ms. Lakes on another winner!!!!
Profile Image for Cheryl   Graham-Petit.
4,124 reviews26 followers
December 27, 2016
Krista Lakes does it again! She has the ability to grab hold of you from the very beginning and keep you captivated until the very end. Hard & Deep is skillfully written, has wonderful characters, and a great story-line. There's everything you want in a sports romance book... a bit of drama, jealousy, gossip, attraction, love, and of course... hot sex! Once you start reading, you won't want to put it down.

I volunteered to review an advanced readers copy of this book.
Profile Image for Tish.
1,533 reviews5 followers
January 6, 2017
I just love a good sports romance and this one didn't disappoint!! I was sucked into the story from the very beginning and it kept me interested till the very end. Ollie and Elsie have so much chemistry. After a bad accident Ollie needs physical therapy and Elsie is hired on to get him back in the game. Will they be able to fight the feelings they have for each other or will a line be crossed?

(I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book)
Profile Image for Misty.
285 reviews3 followers
February 3, 2017
When playboy Oliver Lance comes to your small Iowa Town for physical therapy and meets his new "DOC" Elsie. The attraction is strong. She won't cross that line. But when therapy is over Ollie takes her on a date.
This book will make you laugh and love. A great book.
I received a advanced copy for a voluntary honest review.
Profile Image for Nate.
24.2k reviews19 followers
December 28, 2016
Got this in exchange for an honest review. This was a new author for me & I really enjoyed this book. Ollie & Elsie have a wonderful story...which I Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Nikki Brackett.
195 reviews18 followers
December 29, 2016
First of all Football romance are my weakness-- whew hot sexy alpha's in football gear--SWOOOOON

Krista never ever disappoints. I have read several of her books now and never am I left unhappy after reading one of them. I am always left wanting more and this was no different with Ollie and Elsie's story.

Oliver is every girl's wet dream--sexy, arrogant, playboy, pro football player that is exceptional at the sport--did I mention Quaterback??? Well Oliver "Ollie" is the epitome" of ultimate swoon. He will melt the panties off any warm blooded female. After one night of partying to much one of his team mates drove Ollie home because he was unable to due to drinking so much but it still wasn't enough to keep them from getting in an accident. With Ollie's injuries he goes to the middle of nowhere Iowa to meet up with a physical therapist who specializes in sports medicine to keep the press from blowing this up in his face--the last thing the world needs to know is just how bad his injuries are. There he meets Elsie and everything Ollie has ever known in his life is questioned from the moment he looks in her eyes that first day--never did he realize just how much she would change him and make him question everything even FOOTBALL.

Elsie was given her Uncle's Therapy Practice but it's not her dream but because she loves her uncle so much she takes it over. Elsie is exceptional at her job and when she is given an opportunity to take care of a top secret client with the pay she is offered she can't pass it up--but never realizing that she too, would question so much and so much resolve be tested between her and Ollie.

These two as they spend more time with each other realizes that the lust and connection between them isn't gonna sizzle out--just keeps getting deeper. They find that spending time with each other by just talking is what they crave and sometimes all they want even though they want each other badly intimately. But they find it soothing and relaxing talking to each other and as the days get closer to him going back to California they realize starting something would be a disaster waiting to happen. But resolves are broken and they can't help but give in--- and once is definitely never going to be enough.

These two have fire beneath them and when they come together they explode. I loved everything about Ollie and Elsie. They are absolutely perfect for each other and Krista gives us a phenomenal balance between them and their careers but also gives us a lot in between that will have you gripping the edge of your seat. Phenomenal sports romance that will have you craving more and more.
413 reviews2 followers
December 31, 2016
Hard & Deep is a football-related romance that is much sweeter and much more developed than the title indicates. Judging by the title, I expected this to be a raunchy romp, but was happily surprised that the two main characters were really well-developed and got to know each other *before* the sex happened. For those who are used to sex scenes happening pretty early in the book, don't worry because they are definitely there - we just get to know and like the characters before they take place.

I will admit to being unsure about how I was going to feel about Oliver at the beginning of the book. His actions regarding the women at the club made me grimace and worry that he was going to be another one of THOSE male characters who was a total pig, but unlike in other books in this genre, Oliver Lance actually matured beyond his adolescent objectifying and mental degrading of women and grew into exactly the kind of Hero that I love to read about. Thank you for that, Ms. Lakes!

Elsie was fantastic. Although she felt something for Oliver, she stayed professional – which again, is rare for the genre – and true to herself until her job was through. Although she lost her mind and jumped to conclusions a little toward the end, I actually found it amusing that she was so stubborn, even when Oliver was wooing her with all he had. (“You're not getting a tip” made me laugh out loud as I read it, and I loved her surliness while everyone else was rooting for the Bandits.)

If you're a stickler for details in your romance novels as so many reviewers seem to be these days, a few sports-related things might bug you (the fact that his team wouldn't know how injured he was is not remotely plausible and the football coach being called the 'manager' repeatedly) but for the most part, Ms. Lakes does a really good job of using the correct terminology. There were a few general editing issues that slipped by, but nothing that kicked me out of the book as I read it or cost the book a review star.

I love football, but haven't really liked a lot of the football-related romance novels that I've read recently, but this one is an exception – I really, really enjoyed this book. Ms. Lakes' books are all great, but this book really showcased her growth as a writer, and it stands out to me as her best all-around work as an author yet. I'm excited to see what next year holds in store for her. (Perhaps a book about Matthew or Sean?)

I received a free copy of this book, but was under no obligation at all to write this review.
Profile Image for Scrap.
882 reviews6 followers
December 28, 2016
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book

This is the first book by Krista Lakes that I have read and I will be reading more by her. Her writing style is great, she pulls you into the story
you feel the emotions of the characters. I LOVED it

Oliver Lance is the Quarterback for the NFL Team out of California. Oliver is a playboy, he loves women, partying and playing ball, Oliver is what you would call an older player, in his early 30's but still in his prime. One night he and Sean (one of the other players) are in an accident Oliver is hurt pretty badly and secretly goes to Iowa to start physical therapy to help his repaired ACL. When he meets his new physical therapist Elizabeth (Elise) or Doc as Ollie calls her he feels an instant attraction, especially since she has no idea who Oliver Lance is.
Elise has moved home to help her uncle run his physical therapy clinic. She would do anything to help her uncle. when she gets there she finds out her uncle has given his clinic to her. when Elise is hired to take care of a secret patient she is stunned by what she has to sign to take on this client. but when she sees Ollie for the first time that takes her breath away, His Ice blue eyes his bottled blond hair. his gorgeous fit body.
I loved how this story played out and cried so so hard when Ollie went back to California just a wonderful great book
1,122 reviews6 followers
January 1, 2017
I enjoyed this sweet, budding romance between an injured professional quarterback, Ollie, and the physical therapist, Elsie, hired to rehab his knee back to health. I like stories that are told from a dual point of view so I can appreciate being inside the head of both the Hero and Heroine. I liked that Ollie was able to drop his public persona and be himself around Elsie, enabling them to establish a true friendship before there was any romantic entanglements. There were a couple of "duh" moments for both the H and h, when they should have trusted the friendship, but hey, where would the story be without a little hitch to make the reunion that much sweeter! There were also a couple of side stories concerning Ollie's manager, and Elsie's uncle, that I would have liked wrapped up in the Epilogue. Enjoyable, sweet and fast read.
144 reviews3 followers
December 31, 2016
Krista Lakes creates strong characters that are well developed and relatable. The story is genuine and the words draw you right in. Oliver Lance, is a professional quarterback who has what could be a career ending injury. Elsie is a physical therapist in Iowa who has experience with these types of injuries on an athlete. The team does not want anyone to know that Oliver has been injured so they send him to Iowa for therapy after his surgery. The chemistry between Ollie and Elsie is strong but they resist since Ollie is Elsie's patient. Can they resist for ever? What bumps will life throw in their way.
This is great story that you will not want to put down.
437 reviews2 followers
January 8, 2017
Another winner!!

Oliver is a star quarterback who was in a bad auto accident and just had a possible career ending acl repair. He is secretly hidden away in the middle of nowhere as nobody can know he has this injury. Every possible piece of equipment a physical therapist can need is brought to this house. Elsie is brought in as a specialist in sports medicine to get him back to normal. Good story, a little sex, a few more typos than I would like. You get a wonderful bonus book that I had read before but reread, which is unusual for me, because it was so good. This book is much hotter and editing is excellent. What a deal!!
Profile Image for Brandi Sartin lawrence.
661 reviews6 followers
December 26, 2016
Loved this book! With the holidays, I had to put the book down and couldn't just keep reading. It was really really hard to do. My favorite sport is football so I could relate to it and I don't think I would be calm meeting the star quarterback! I could also relate to the physical therapy. I am currently doing PT for my shoulder-it really does suck just like Ollie says!!! The "doc" does "torture" you with the workouts-just like Elsie did to Ollie!!! I am hoping that there will be another book.
Profile Image for _booknerd.4ever_.
1,536 reviews11 followers
January 4, 2017
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book...

While the pace was slow and the plot predictable, I still enjoyed reading the book. Krista Lakes is one of my favorite authors that I enjoy reading. While this is a football romance, the focus wasn't on the sport. The focus is on Oliver's recovery from ACL surgery and the romance that blooms between him and his therapist, Elise. Of course, don't forget the villain, Nikki, the ex-girlfriend! I loved the story and how Oliver went over and beyond to win Elise back!
154 reviews
December 30, 2016
Another awesome book by Kristen Lakes

This was a really entertaining book that went surprisingly quick. Ollie, a NFL player and all around bad boy, was injured in an accident and has to go into "seclusion" to recover. Elsie becomes his physical therapist and they quickly discover that they have chemistry. All around great sports romance book with a villian adding to the complication of Ollie and Elsie's relationship.
2,263 reviews18 followers
January 1, 2017
I enjoyed this book. Oliver is star quarterback that sexy and a playboy. No woman can resist him. After a car accident leaves Oliver with his career up in the air. Elsie is physical therapist that comes home to take over her uncle's practice. The moment Oliver and Elsie meet the attraction is strong. Can they continue to fight the chemistry between them? Can they get past the obstacles? This is a great story! I voluntarily reviewed copy of this book.
Profile Image for Joanna Brocklehurst smith.
475 reviews6 followers
May 15, 2017
This is quite possibly one of my most favourite authors and love her work. This is no exception. Hard and Deep is different to her normal books, it is set around a career orientated footballer. He has an injury and wants no-one to know. So a home physio is what he needs and ‘Doc’ Elsie is what he gets. She doesn’t care that he is famous, she just loves her job and does it to the best of her ability. Which works well for Oliver.
A great read, really loved it.
Profile Image for Tai Nelson-Barnes.
2,833 reviews76 followers
July 6, 2017
This is my first Krista Lakes book and I really enjoyed it. I love sports themed books and this one is no different. Elise comes in to be Oliver's PT after he is in a car accident. He is the NFL's all-star and has the ego to match. But this does nothing for Elise, she is there for a job and not to be there for his amusement.
Good book. I voluntarily read this book for Hidden Gems for my honest review
246 reviews2 followers
December 29, 2016
Oliver and Elsie are instantly attracted to each other but as his physical therapist, she keeps him at arm's length to keep their relationship professional.  HIs publicity manager hires Elsie but comes to rue that decision.  Their sweet dynamic together is well drawn and their story flows quickly with some interesting roadblocks to their HEA.
Profile Image for Mary.
2,753 reviews23 followers
December 31, 2016
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is a sweet, romantic bad boy story where bad boy Oliver is a perfect, charming gentleman when it comes to Elsie. Elsie is a very small town girl hired to rehab Ollie. It's a touching storyline, Ollie and Elsie falling in love is refreshingly romantic without a lot of drama. This is a must add to your TBR list.
Profile Image for Cheri.
57 reviews2 followers
January 3, 2017
Super Quick afternoon read. Ollie is a football star who is a major player. He gets hurts and needs the best PT there is. Elsie is a small town girl who doesn't even know who Ollie is. They are great together and she makes him want to change. Their romance is quick and sweet. Of course there is some conflict that drives them apart. But Ollie proves he's worth her taking another chance on.
Profile Image for Betsy :D.
1,293 reviews44 followers
July 8, 2019
2.5 Stars Oliver is an idiot it was clear as day that Nikki was crazy! Still it was an okay read it was just something missing for me I feel that there relationship was missing chemistry or it went somewhat fast idk... it just didn't appeal to me very much. Though it may work for you and there is a HEA so give it a try if you think you may enjoy it.
Profile Image for Shawna.
41 reviews
December 27, 2016
Another great one

I loved this book. Ollie and Elsie are a perfect match. I was so busy reading on Christmas that dinner was 3 hours late. I would recommend this book to all my readaholic friends.it was another great story from Krista Lakes.
Profile Image for Aimee Suter.
118 reviews2 followers
January 1, 2017
Amazingly wonder!!

Just when I think Krista has written the most amazing story she goes and writes a new one!!! So in love with Oliver and Elise!!!! Super sweet and pulls you in and hooks you and keeps you wanting more!!!
61 reviews
August 17, 2017
When I started reading this book I wasn't sure what to think of it. But only Krista can make a football player player injury so interesting. It's a cute story of a famous quaterback falling in love with his pt. thumbs up to Krista for doing it once again.
Profile Image for Zeinab Dh.
1,635 reviews38 followers
January 1, 2019
I chose to read and review this book. I enjoyed reading it. everything is well written the plot the flow and the characters I liked how they interacted together. It has a lot of emotions and sweetness to it.

Profile Image for Zulma.
169 reviews2 followers
December 27, 2016
Totally in Love

I am a HUGE Krista Lakes fan and the story of Ollie and Elsie love story is beautifully written. Ha e not ever read one bad book by this woman. Love love love
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews

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