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Completion #4
Slam
What happens when you have it all, or think you do and your world turns upside down?
Olivia Stradmore, daughter to Senator Jonathan Stradmore, has one goal in life—win her fourth grand slam tennis title in as many years. Olivia doesn’t have time for a stalker who disapproves of her less than modest life choices. She enjoys the occasional tennis pro in bed, short skirts, and the chance to free her wild side. Her dreams take a dark turn when her stalker, known only as Ty, clips her with his van and puts her in the hospital. Ty will stop at nothing to possess what he covets.
Enter bodyguard Brack Jacobs—hair too long, attitude too uptight, and body too damn hot. Brack has a job to do and sleeping with a target is not in the target’s best interest. Doesn’t matter that Olivia is sexy as hell and bent on adding a notch to her bedpost with Brack’s name on it.
Life is not as straightforward as it seems and deadly consequences await them both. Can Olivia change Brack’s mind and turn a spark of desire into a raging inferno? Will Brack survive the flames or would slam, bam, thank you ma’am be his safest bet?
This book contains adult situations and more balls than a man knows what to do with.
Reading Order:
Play
Goal
Strike
Kick
Ruck
Slam
Olivia Stradmore, daughter to Senator Jonathan Stradmore, has one goal in life—win her fourth grand slam tennis title in as many years. Olivia doesn’t have time for a stalker who disapproves of her less than modest life choices. She enjoys the occasional tennis pro in bed, short skirts, and the chance to free her wild side. Her dreams take a dark turn when her stalker, known only as Ty, clips her with his van and puts her in the hospital. Ty will stop at nothing to possess what he covets.
Enter bodyguard Brack Jacobs—hair too long, attitude too uptight, and body too damn hot. Brack has a job to do and sleeping with a target is not in the target’s best interest. Doesn’t matter that Olivia is sexy as hell and bent on adding a notch to her bedpost with Brack’s name on it.
Life is not as straightforward as it seems and deadly consequences await them both. Can Olivia change Brack’s mind and turn a spark of desire into a raging inferno? Will Brack survive the flames or would slam, bam, thank you ma’am be his safest bet?
This book contains adult situations and more balls than a man knows what to do with.
Reading Order:
Play
Goal
Strike
Kick
Ruck
Slam
Unknown Binding
First published January 22, 2015
43 people are currently reading
473 people want to read
About the author
Holly S. Roberts
89 books1,013 followersHolly S Roberts is an award-winning author which includes appearing on the USA TODAY list multiple times and selling more than one million books worldwide. Her career as a homicide and sex crimes detective kept her in the romance genre for years because she needed happy endings. After years of therapy and speaking publicly on matters close to her heart, she’s turned her pen to dark survival thrillers with kickass women that encapsulate her unique perspective. The Carter Family Shark Thrillers are current bestsellers. Max, her Rottweiler, is never far from her side because he listens when she has plot problems and offers rare insights when encouraged by cookies.
For more information, visit her website at wickedstorytelling.com.
For more information, visit her website at wickedstorytelling.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
April 6, 2015
**4 Slam Stars**
Olivia Stradmore had it all. A tennis champion, daughter of a Senator, pretending to be the innocent daughter, but secretly partying with other tennis players.
"Win at all costs, fuck when it feels good, and keep men at arm’s length."
That was Olivia's motto in life, until the day a crazy stalker came into her life and turned it upside down. Olivia was trying to sneak out, when he attacked her and suddenly she woke up in a hospital bed.
Her father, Senator Stradmore, has assisted her with a team of bodyguards to take care of her while that stalker is still on the loose. Brack is one of these bodyguards and he won't take Olivia's shit.
The chemistry is obvious and palpable between them and Brack is taking her on an island, away from everyone, not even informing her father about the location, since it seems that the stalker has inside information.
“I don’t know whether to fuck you, spank you,
or turn you on until you’re screaming and then walk away.”
Olivia is trying to seduce Brack, but Brack can't mess with his job just for a fuck. He's trying to teach her self defense as things become more serious around this psychotic person who's after her and her beloved ones.
I really enjoyed Slam. It was a story, with a girl who's involved with sports for a difference and a hot bodyguard, who has as his number one priority, keeping her alive. A fun, erotic and suspenseful story that will keep you on your toes until the last pages.
My only complaint is the last 5% .. I can't say I enjoyed that part, I could have lived without it in the picture. I do get that it provided the story with more twists though and I guess I understand her reasons. Really enjoyed the writing of this author, so it won't be my last book from her. :)
**This book is part of a series, but can be read as a standalone**
Copy provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
Olivia Stradmore had it all. A tennis champion, daughter of a Senator, pretending to be the innocent daughter, but secretly partying with other tennis players.
"Win at all costs, fuck when it feels good, and keep men at arm’s length."
That was Olivia's motto in life, until the day a crazy stalker came into her life and turned it upside down. Olivia was trying to sneak out, when he attacked her and suddenly she woke up in a hospital bed.
Her father, Senator Stradmore, has assisted her with a team of bodyguards to take care of her while that stalker is still on the loose. Brack is one of these bodyguards and he won't take Olivia's shit.
The chemistry is obvious and palpable between them and Brack is taking her on an island, away from everyone, not even informing her father about the location, since it seems that the stalker has inside information.
“I don’t know whether to fuck you, spank you,
or turn you on until you’re screaming and then walk away.”
Olivia is trying to seduce Brack, but Brack can't mess with his job just for a fuck. He's trying to teach her self defense as things become more serious around this psychotic person who's after her and her beloved ones.
I really enjoyed Slam. It was a story, with a girl who's involved with sports for a difference and a hot bodyguard, who has as his number one priority, keeping her alive. A fun, erotic and suspenseful story that will keep you on your toes until the last pages.
My only complaint is the last 5% .. I can't say I enjoyed that part, I could have lived without it in the picture. I do get that it provided the story with more twists though and I guess I understand her reasons. Really enjoyed the writing of this author, so it won't be my last book from her. :)
**This book is part of a series, but can be read as a standalone**
Copy provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
January 27, 2015
3.5 Seriously Alpha Meets His Game Set Match * * * 1/2
Loving sports books, Alpha hunks, strong women, a good solid plot... and I am there. Slam had all the elements to interest me.
We have Olivia; a tennis pro ramping up for another record breaking season...she comes from a family steeped in politics...her father, a revered Senator. She does not always listen to him and rebelled against anyone telling her what to do since she was in her teens. She is driven and only has time for training, meets and casual sex...which is with the other tennis players on the circuit. These men are safe... they have as much to lose as she does if they reveal anything intimate...the publicity would kill them, too. So she settles for mindless exchanges, never really feeling anything or experiencing what she really would like.
She has been getting letters and threats but not paying serious attention to them... all famous people have their stalkers and nutcases, right? Only this time, she is almost killed. Awaken in the hospital, her first realization of this is the bodyguards... she will have none of it and begins to be her obnoxious self of ordering them around... once one of them bites the dust...another more foreboding comes in...
He is Brack.... and Oh, My...a solid specimen of Man...
Brack has seen it all... spoiled heiresses, princesses and government officials. He is ex military and now works guarding those in danger. He is buttoned up and has his team. His personal past is ugly in that he was used... blatantly... causing him to shut down any personal feelings. His course of action is to not get involved with his client... he cannot... but tell that to Olivia and his dick....
Due of the escalating threats and how close they keep coming, he has implemented a radical way of keeping Olivia safe...by isolating them, he can watch over her until they nab the stalker/killer. Brack has his idea of how this should go...Olivia has other ideas... mainly... sex.
Because Olivia is a sexual being... she uses it as a release of frustrations in training and anything else that bothers her... she has a terrible temper, testing those around her...but Brack just looks at her and laughs... he is not amused or interested...at least that is what he leads her to believe... the question is which one of them will break first...
This had intrigue and keep me interested in who was the one causing Olivia to fear for her life...The author did an excellent job as I never guessed who... big plus! My only downside was Olivia...although I got her and understood all of her complexities...she did things which made her hard for me to like... In the end the both of them were good together... I just gravitated to Brack more....
For Brack was that guy... bossy, sexy and knew his stuff...I am talking really knowing his stuff...if you know what I mean....
So if you like all I mentioned; sports, intrigue and a delicious hunky Alpha... this could be your book.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
Loving sports books, Alpha hunks, strong women, a good solid plot... and I am there. Slam had all the elements to interest me.
We have Olivia; a tennis pro ramping up for another record breaking season...she comes from a family steeped in politics...her father, a revered Senator. She does not always listen to him and rebelled against anyone telling her what to do since she was in her teens. She is driven and only has time for training, meets and casual sex...which is with the other tennis players on the circuit. These men are safe... they have as much to lose as she does if they reveal anything intimate...the publicity would kill them, too. So she settles for mindless exchanges, never really feeling anything or experiencing what she really would like.
She has been getting letters and threats but not paying serious attention to them... all famous people have their stalkers and nutcases, right? Only this time, she is almost killed. Awaken in the hospital, her first realization of this is the bodyguards... she will have none of it and begins to be her obnoxious self of ordering them around... once one of them bites the dust...another more foreboding comes in...
He is Brack.... and Oh, My...a solid specimen of Man...
Brack has seen it all... spoiled heiresses, princesses and government officials. He is ex military and now works guarding those in danger. He is buttoned up and has his team. His personal past is ugly in that he was used... blatantly... causing him to shut down any personal feelings. His course of action is to not get involved with his client... he cannot... but tell that to Olivia and his dick....
Due of the escalating threats and how close they keep coming, he has implemented a radical way of keeping Olivia safe...by isolating them, he can watch over her until they nab the stalker/killer. Brack has his idea of how this should go...Olivia has other ideas... mainly... sex.
Because Olivia is a sexual being... she uses it as a release of frustrations in training and anything else that bothers her... she has a terrible temper, testing those around her...but Brack just looks at her and laughs... he is not amused or interested...at least that is what he leads her to believe... the question is which one of them will break first...
This had intrigue and keep me interested in who was the one causing Olivia to fear for her life...The author did an excellent job as I never guessed who... big plus! My only downside was Olivia...although I got her and understood all of her complexities...she did things which made her hard for me to like... In the end the both of them were good together... I just gravitated to Brack more....
For Brack was that guy... bossy, sexy and knew his stuff...I am talking really knowing his stuff...if you know what I mean....
So if you like all I mentioned; sports, intrigue and a delicious hunky Alpha... this could be your book.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
April 12, 2015
As the daughter of a prominent US Senator and four time grand slam tennis champion, Olivia Stradmore is used to fans of all sorts, but stalkers are a whole nother ball game.
When a stalker gets a little too close for comfort Olivia is forced to accept a security detail who whisk her away to a secret undisclosed location for her own safety. About to attempt a fifth grand slam title, Olivia doesn't need the distractions her overbearing PITA bodyguard poses as it's hard to keep her eye on the prize when he keeps her panties in a perpetually state of wetness and her thoughts keep drifting to balls of a different sort.
Brack Jacobs is the best of the best when it comes to providing personal security and safety. Hired by Senator Stradmore, his job is to safeguard the high maintenance diva daughter until her stalker is caught. Not an easy task when said daughter is used to having her own way and she's making it known she wants Brack.
With the tennis season about to begin, Olivia's stalker knows it's just a matter of time before Olivia resurfaces, and when she does, he'll be ready. Ready for his HEA forever future with Olivia by his side. That is as long as she remains pure and untouched because if that's not the case ..........
* * * *
4th installment in the "Completion" series, this standalone read features a female tennis star who has a stalker. With the flavor of Kevin Costner & Whitney Houston's The Bodyguard, Slam provided a unique storyline slant that kept me guessing to the very end. When a book is able to satisfy both my inner voyeur who appreciates adult content erotica and the outer mystery/puzzle solver detective side who wants more than just a romance I call it a win/win. Or should I say grand slam......
This story has two different things going on. The core is of course the romance but the author throws in ethical dilemmas that the reader has to ponder. The first being when an employee charged to keep someone safe enters into an intimate romantic situation with his client. Ok. If it was me and Brack was hired, no question about it and a no brainer but... The other dilemma is at what point does a victim do whatever it takes to make things stop? The decision, right or wrong, to end the game being played by whatever means possible. Of course this is all going on as the mystery of who IS Olivia's stalker teases the psyche. You want to talk mind games? The author did that to me in that whenever I put this book down I found myself rehashing things to consider who it might be. Family/friend/rival competitor/coach/fan/etc. By about the 75% progress I felt fairly confident I knew. Sorry, not sharing. You'll have to read the book to find out yourself. hehehehe.
What I really appreciated about this story though is that Olivia is a strong female main character. So many times I read a book that premises someone who has core inner strength but when an alpha male enters the picture they roll over becoming submissive dependent women who live to please their men. Olivia breaks that mold. She's head strong, defiant, knowledgeable, opinionated, independent, but most of all listens to anyone who respects her for who she is. IF the situation warrants she'll follow someone's lead but again, they have to earn her respect to get to that point. High five author lady. High five.
For those who appreciate the adult content scenes. Boy oh boy, get your ice cream cones ready and your ice water in reach as Brack likes it rough and coincidentally so does Olivia. I had a hard time holding it in when one of the scenes addressed the lack of BOB for Olivia with Brack helpfully suggesting she might look into various salad ingredient alternatives. Yup, athletes do need their veggies and proteins don't they. lol.
I was happy when Brack and Olivia came to a mutually beneficial resolution. Repeatedly. :D
My only issue, and this is really digging deep, is that by the time the big reveal occurred and the stalker named, the remainder of the story was rushed. Condensed. The only saving grace, for me, was the final twist that the author added at the end of the story. No spoilers from me but what I will say is don't get too comfortable thinking you know how it ends. ;)
This is one of my go to authors when I'm looking for a challenging erotic romance story that doesn't follow the traditional norm of what a romance read should be. The author takes chances which sometimes works and other times doesn't. In this case - it worked. For those who haven't read anything by Holly Roberts - seriously, check her out. Whether it's this standalone or another, there's something to appeal to different interest readers of erotic romance of all tastes.
When a stalker gets a little too close for comfort Olivia is forced to accept a security detail who whisk her away to a secret undisclosed location for her own safety. About to attempt a fifth grand slam title, Olivia doesn't need the distractions her overbearing PITA bodyguard poses as it's hard to keep her eye on the prize when he keeps her panties in a perpetually state of wetness and her thoughts keep drifting to balls of a different sort.
Brack Jacobs is the best of the best when it comes to providing personal security and safety. Hired by Senator Stradmore, his job is to safeguard the high maintenance diva daughter until her stalker is caught. Not an easy task when said daughter is used to having her own way and she's making it known she wants Brack.
With the tennis season about to begin, Olivia's stalker knows it's just a matter of time before Olivia resurfaces, and when she does, he'll be ready. Ready for his HEA forever future with Olivia by his side. That is as long as she remains pure and untouched because if that's not the case ..........
* * * *
4th installment in the "Completion" series, this standalone read features a female tennis star who has a stalker. With the flavor of Kevin Costner & Whitney Houston's The Bodyguard, Slam provided a unique storyline slant that kept me guessing to the very end. When a book is able to satisfy both my inner voyeur who appreciates adult content erotica and the outer mystery/puzzle solver detective side who wants more than just a romance I call it a win/win. Or should I say grand slam......
This story has two different things going on. The core is of course the romance but the author throws in ethical dilemmas that the reader has to ponder. The first being when an employee charged to keep someone safe enters into an intimate romantic situation with his client. Ok. If it was me and Brack was hired, no question about it and a no brainer but... The other dilemma is at what point does a victim do whatever it takes to make things stop? The decision, right or wrong, to end the game being played by whatever means possible. Of course this is all going on as the mystery of who IS Olivia's stalker teases the psyche. You want to talk mind games? The author did that to me in that whenever I put this book down I found myself rehashing things to consider who it might be. Family/friend/rival competitor/coach/fan/etc. By about the 75% progress I felt fairly confident I knew. Sorry, not sharing. You'll have to read the book to find out yourself. hehehehe.
What I really appreciated about this story though is that Olivia is a strong female main character. So many times I read a book that premises someone who has core inner strength but when an alpha male enters the picture they roll over becoming submissive dependent women who live to please their men. Olivia breaks that mold. She's head strong, defiant, knowledgeable, opinionated, independent, but most of all listens to anyone who respects her for who she is. IF the situation warrants she'll follow someone's lead but again, they have to earn her respect to get to that point. High five author lady. High five.
For those who appreciate the adult content scenes. Boy oh boy, get your ice cream cones ready and your ice water in reach as Brack likes it rough and coincidentally so does Olivia. I had a hard time holding it in when one of the scenes addressed the lack of BOB for Olivia with Brack helpfully suggesting she might look into various salad ingredient alternatives. Yup, athletes do need their veggies and proteins don't they. lol.
I was happy when Brack and Olivia came to a mutually beneficial resolution. Repeatedly. :D
My only issue, and this is really digging deep, is that by the time the big reveal occurred and the stalker named, the remainder of the story was rushed. Condensed. The only saving grace, for me, was the final twist that the author added at the end of the story. No spoilers from me but what I will say is don't get too comfortable thinking you know how it ends. ;)
This is one of my go to authors when I'm looking for a challenging erotic romance story that doesn't follow the traditional norm of what a romance read should be. The author takes chances which sometimes works and other times doesn't. In this case - it worked. For those who haven't read anything by Holly Roberts - seriously, check her out. Whether it's this standalone or another, there's something to appeal to different interest readers of erotic romance of all tastes.
February 20, 2015
I received a copy of the ePub from the author in exchange for an honest review.
As the daughter of a successful and powerful senator, Olivia is determined to forge her own path. And she does as a successful pro tennis play at the top of her game professionally and personally. The author has created a strong willed, determined and a woman comfortable in her own skin.
Her life changes when a stalker enters her world. Olivia’s father hires a bodyguard for her protection. The chemistry between Olivia and bodyguard Brack is undeniable from the start. He is her bodyguard and extremely professional with a strong work ethic but will Brack cross the line with Olivia? The author shows the reader who they are via their words and actions.
This fast paced read has many unexpected and shocking twists and turns. Slam is a true page-turner. The identity of the stalker was a complete surprise. The ending was creative and cleaver as well.
Slam is a most entertaining read. It is character driven and well written. Looking forward to the next instalment of the Completion series. Slam by Holy S. Roberts does not disappoint.
As the daughter of a successful and powerful senator, Olivia is determined to forge her own path. And she does as a successful pro tennis play at the top of her game professionally and personally. The author has created a strong willed, determined and a woman comfortable in her own skin.
Her life changes when a stalker enters her world. Olivia’s father hires a bodyguard for her protection. The chemistry between Olivia and bodyguard Brack is undeniable from the start. He is her bodyguard and extremely professional with a strong work ethic but will Brack cross the line with Olivia? The author shows the reader who they are via their words and actions.
This fast paced read has many unexpected and shocking twists and turns. Slam is a true page-turner. The identity of the stalker was a complete surprise. The ending was creative and cleaver as well.
Slam is a most entertaining read. It is character driven and well written. Looking forward to the next instalment of the Completion series. Slam by Holy S. Roberts does not disappoint.
September 23, 2015
this series started out perfectly and I was hoping this would be the same but it was just a little more hit than miss for what I was chasing. It had more story than full out chest beating alphaness which is what I was hoping for.
Check out my reviews here
Check out my reviews here
January 28, 2015
Holly S. Roberts not only post the best pictures on Facebook especially on Wednesday but she writes really good books.
Okay so with that in mind let me just say the Slam was a very enjoyable and fun read. After reading Play, Strike and Kick which I have to say I learned alot about Rugby, they all part of the Completion Series and I recommend reading this series.
This time the main character is a woman athlete instead of a male which is a switch for the serie that I have to say was a great move for Holly to write. Olivia Stradmore who's father is Senator Jonathan Stradmore hires...and he we go Brack Jacobs as Olivia's bodyguard. Well if his name along doesn't give you chills wait till you read his discription as to how Holly writes him. Yes he is a total hot alpha male.
Why Brack gets hired it to protect Olivia from an apparent stalker known as Ty and with Olivia one the verge of trying to win yet another championship the last thing she needs is a stalker.
Well also the last thing she thinks she needs is the hot alpha male bodyguard protecting her and so the story begins.
There is a little of everything here in this book that the readers will enjoy.
Okay so with that in mind let me just say the Slam was a very enjoyable and fun read. After reading Play, Strike and Kick which I have to say I learned alot about Rugby, they all part of the Completion Series and I recommend reading this series.
This time the main character is a woman athlete instead of a male which is a switch for the serie that I have to say was a great move for Holly to write. Olivia Stradmore who's father is Senator Jonathan Stradmore hires...and he we go Brack Jacobs as Olivia's bodyguard. Well if his name along doesn't give you chills wait till you read his discription as to how Holly writes him. Yes he is a total hot alpha male.
Why Brack gets hired it to protect Olivia from an apparent stalker known as Ty and with Olivia one the verge of trying to win yet another championship the last thing she needs is a stalker.
Well also the last thing she thinks she needs is the hot alpha male bodyguard protecting her and so the story begins.
There is a little of everything here in this book that the readers will enjoy.
January 28, 2015
Another hit for Holly! This is number 4 in her Completion Series and I think it is my favorite. I fell in love with Olivia....she is a strong woman and knows and goes after what she wants and Brack, OMG, I can picture him so clear in my mind! The story is well written and totally worth reading!
January 28, 2015
“Win at all costs, fuck when it feels good, keep men at arm’s length”
This is Olivia Stradmore’s philosophy, and even though she’s in the spotlight due to her successful pro tennis career and her Senator father’s protectiveness, these rules guide her and allow her the release and control she needs to maneuver through the craziness of the media, her training, and at this moment, a crazy ass stalker who wants nothing more than to claim her and won’t allow anything or anyone get in his way.
With the walls closing in on her, Olivia makes a monumental mistake, and her father takes it upon himself to ensure her safety by putting Brack Jacobs in charge of his daughter’s safety. Brack vows to protect Olivia at all costs, but with Olivia’s constant snark and sexual innuendos, her high maintenance demeanor makes Brack’s job that much harder – good thing Brack gives as good as he gets and knows how to handle Olivia; there isn’t a game she can play that Brack won’t win. But Olivia’s stalker is not playing games and in order to protect her, Brack does what he has to do, rattling Olivia and forcing her to face the situation that she’s in and take back control.
Olivia is a ball buster, and she definitely knows how to rub people the wrong way, but in my opinion, her attitude is her way of dealing with all of the stress that surrounds her life, especially now with someone hell-bent on making her his. She’s a heroine who will drive some readers crazy because based on the situation she’s in, she shouldn’t run her mouth or act the way that she does. Olivia is an acquired taste, and yes, even I had trouble with some of her decisions, especially towards the end of the text, but you don’t get ahead in a profession like pro tennis without carrying yourself a certain way…I guess I just wanted to see it not reflected everywhere in her life, especially with Brack later on in the story.
Brack is a kickass bodyguard who lives his job, and he knows he shouldn’t mix business and pleasure together, and, at first, he keeps Olivia at arm’s length, but he’s a man, and Olivia knows how to push just the right buttons. But Brack still has a job to do and he won’t be compromised, especially when the stalker keeps getting closer and closer to his target. Decisions have to be made, and when the lines are crossed, Brack needs to ensure Olivia’s safety first and foremost – even if that complicates the way they feel about one another.
Slam is more suspenseful than any of the other books in the Completion series, which is a great way to keep readers invested, but it also still possesses those defining sports romance qualities that Play, Strike, and Kick have. I love the quick witted come backs that seem to be strewn throughout Roberts’ stories and the sizzling connection between her heroes and heroines is definitely something that seeps off the pages of her books.
I wonder what sports up next?
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
4 poison apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
This is Olivia Stradmore’s philosophy, and even though she’s in the spotlight due to her successful pro tennis career and her Senator father’s protectiveness, these rules guide her and allow her the release and control she needs to maneuver through the craziness of the media, her training, and at this moment, a crazy ass stalker who wants nothing more than to claim her and won’t allow anything or anyone get in his way.
With the walls closing in on her, Olivia makes a monumental mistake, and her father takes it upon himself to ensure her safety by putting Brack Jacobs in charge of his daughter’s safety. Brack vows to protect Olivia at all costs, but with Olivia’s constant snark and sexual innuendos, her high maintenance demeanor makes Brack’s job that much harder – good thing Brack gives as good as he gets and knows how to handle Olivia; there isn’t a game she can play that Brack won’t win. But Olivia’s stalker is not playing games and in order to protect her, Brack does what he has to do, rattling Olivia and forcing her to face the situation that she’s in and take back control.
Olivia is a ball buster, and she definitely knows how to rub people the wrong way, but in my opinion, her attitude is her way of dealing with all of the stress that surrounds her life, especially now with someone hell-bent on making her his. She’s a heroine who will drive some readers crazy because based on the situation she’s in, she shouldn’t run her mouth or act the way that she does. Olivia is an acquired taste, and yes, even I had trouble with some of her decisions, especially towards the end of the text, but you don’t get ahead in a profession like pro tennis without carrying yourself a certain way…I guess I just wanted to see it not reflected everywhere in her life, especially with Brack later on in the story.
Brack is a kickass bodyguard who lives his job, and he knows he shouldn’t mix business and pleasure together, and, at first, he keeps Olivia at arm’s length, but he’s a man, and Olivia knows how to push just the right buttons. But Brack still has a job to do and he won’t be compromised, especially when the stalker keeps getting closer and closer to his target. Decisions have to be made, and when the lines are crossed, Brack needs to ensure Olivia’s safety first and foremost – even if that complicates the way they feel about one another.
Slam is more suspenseful than any of the other books in the Completion series, which is a great way to keep readers invested, but it also still possesses those defining sports romance qualities that Play, Strike, and Kick have. I love the quick witted come backs that seem to be strewn throughout Roberts’ stories and the sizzling connection between her heroes and heroines is definitely something that seeps off the pages of her books.
I wonder what sports up next?
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
4 poison apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
February 2, 2015
MICHELLE'S REVIEW
So I am a huge fan of the COMPLETION series. I read PLAY and STRIKE and just realized that I missed KICK somehow so I must immediately rectify that!!
But I'm here to tell you about SLAM. Here is the number 1 reason I was excited about this book. The cocky athlete in this book? A lady! That's right. The sex crazed, hot to trot character in this book was a woman. Love. It.
This is the story of Olivia- a tennis star who loves sex and loves tennis and doesn't apologize for either. Her father is a Senator and scares everyone but Olivia. But poor Olivia is living in a nightmare because a stalker is out to get her- as in see her dead if he has to. So her dad hires the ultimate bodyguard- Brack.
Brack wants Olivia and he wastes no time letting her no that but he also lets her know that he won't give into temptation. Of course sex-loving Olivia is having none of that. I love the sexual tension between them because as hot as it is- it's also kind of humorous.
Of course the no sex policy does not last but neither does Olivia's no attachment policy. These two naturally fall in step with one another but once Olivia sees that this stalker will spare no one to get to her- she tries to distance herself.
This was one small flaw for me in the plotline. I won't spoil anything for you but here is what I will say. I liked that Brack was alpha man but I really wanted Olivia to be the one to have to make things right when she made stupid selfish decisions and not Brack. This happens on more than one occasion and I just felt that it took away from some of her strength at times.
Overall though, this is a good read and will keep you guessing til the end. I had NO idea who the stalker was going to be so I was really impressed by how well that was done.
If you love sports romances check this one out. Actually just check out the whole COMPLETION series!
January 31, 2015
Another winner! I'll admit that Strike is still my favorite in the Completion series but this one is a must read as well.
I love how Holly writes strong female characters with wit and backbone. Her men are always smokin hot and sexy and any book she writes is guaranteed to set your Kindle on fire with the sex scenes. Stalking is a serious issue for many people and I appreciated the honesty and knowledge she brought to this story. Stalkers are dangerous, our laws don't adequately protect the victims and even well trained warriors don't always prevail. Brack teaching Olivia self defense was a wonderful way for her to take back some control over her life that the stalker was trying to steal from her. It also made some great opportunities for Olivia to get under the alpha males skin.
I love the build up of the relationship between Olivia and Brack. The interactions between Olivia and her father were wonderful, loving but domineering, overbearing father and his daughter who has mastered the art of manipulation, with love of course.
While this book is about a tennis star there is not a lot of emphasis on tennis, this book is about relationships. I laughed at the power struggles between Olivia and Brack, of course I was Team Olivia all the way. By now I know that it's pretty much a guarantee that Holly's going to make me cry somewhere before I'm done and she did once again.
I love how Holly writes strong female characters with wit and backbone. Her men are always smokin hot and sexy and any book she writes is guaranteed to set your Kindle on fire with the sex scenes. Stalking is a serious issue for many people and I appreciated the honesty and knowledge she brought to this story. Stalkers are dangerous, our laws don't adequately protect the victims and even well trained warriors don't always prevail. Brack teaching Olivia self defense was a wonderful way for her to take back some control over her life that the stalker was trying to steal from her. It also made some great opportunities for Olivia to get under the alpha males skin.
I love the build up of the relationship between Olivia and Brack. The interactions between Olivia and her father were wonderful, loving but domineering, overbearing father and his daughter who has mastered the art of manipulation, with love of course.
While this book is about a tennis star there is not a lot of emphasis on tennis, this book is about relationships. I laughed at the power struggles between Olivia and Brack, of course I was Team Olivia all the way. By now I know that it's pretty much a guarantee that Holly's going to make me cry somewhere before I'm done and she did once again.
February 10, 2015
This book is very interesting. It has a good mix of mystery, thriller and romance. I didn't expect anything as great as this. You learn from this book, you learn that sometimes fear takes over, you learn that sometimes love is blind, you learn that true passion exists- not just passion for ones body but passion for ones intelligence, heart, mind, everything, you learn that even if your life is in danger if you are close to the ones you love then you can beat anything or anyone. You are taught that sometimes jealousy helps you see the truth, the truth about people, the truth about those you know and love. When you read this book you will see that even things don't always go as planned one way or another things will work out, just be positive, it's okay to have melt downs because they are good for us but just remember what you have. Ms. Roberts is able to help you connect with the characters thoughts and feelings, you feel their fear, anger, pain, happiness. Ms. Roberts writes so passionately that you are able to become the characters, which is a great achievement for writers. One of the things I have learned in my life is that if you want something bad enough you will fight for it, this book proudly proclaims that. Read this book and you will understand what I mean. I swear you will enjoy not only the writing but the lessons you learn from this book.
August 20, 2015
This book is well written and the characters come alive with great dialogue. It has has something for everyone; some action and suspense, laughter and hot rocking sex. I have enjoyed each and every book in the Completion Series. They have each had a little something that made each wonderful all by itself; but as a group, they are outstanding.
Olivia starts as someone you want to slap and tell her not to be so self absorbed but quickly becomes someone you want as a best friend. Brack is the perfect man to balance Olivia out. Though he tries to keep the relationship professional he is man enough to let love be more important and brings in others to help. How many times can a girl be tossed into the ocean and for what reasons? Read the book and find out. Being able to leave stress and life behind for a few hours is what a book should do and this one does it in style. Another wonderful read by Holly Roberts.
Olivia starts as someone you want to slap and tell her not to be so self absorbed but quickly becomes someone you want as a best friend. Brack is the perfect man to balance Olivia out. Though he tries to keep the relationship professional he is man enough to let love be more important and brings in others to help. How many times can a girl be tossed into the ocean and for what reasons? Read the book and find out. Being able to leave stress and life behind for a few hours is what a book should do and this one does it in style. Another wonderful read by Holly Roberts.
February 9, 2015
Sexy and fun romance based in the tennis world with a strong mystery which drives the drama. Olivia is successful on the tennis circuit and works very hard to win grand slam titles. What she doesn't expect is to have her life and career threatened by a stalker. Brack is hired by her father to protect her after a failed kidnap attempt by her stalker. For a woman used to getting her way and calling the shots, being trapped on an island with the overbearing Alpha male Brack is torture. Of course, the fact that she is completely attracted to him doesn't help and he seems to be immune to her … or is he really? There is great banter and chemistry between the two as he works to protect her and she fights to get back to her normal life. I loved how the mystery of the stalker unfolded and was truly shocked by who it was … great twists and turns that kept me guessing and totally glued to the page.
January 28, 2015
I'm seriously a Holly S. Roberts fan!
She won me over previously in Kick, with her knowledge of rugby......now, in Slam, she manages to integrate one of my favorite sports with a kick ass storyline, a freaking hot alpha and a heroine that doesn't make me wanna gouge my eyes in!
Slam was a fun action packed sexy read. The element of "suspense" or drama was enough to make the story have that slight edge. I thought the "resolution" was actually clever and a different twist.
Ms. Roberts develops interesting and fun characters that have some dimensions and depth to them. Her incorporation of tennis, was true and done in the perfect way, for this true tennis aficionado, to not want to kick her in the lady balls for mucking it up.
So, over all a win for me! yaya!
I will def continue to read this sports series.
She won me over previously in Kick, with her knowledge of rugby......now, in Slam, she manages to integrate one of my favorite sports with a kick ass storyline, a freaking hot alpha and a heroine that doesn't make me wanna gouge my eyes in!
Slam was a fun action packed sexy read. The element of "suspense" or drama was enough to make the story have that slight edge. I thought the "resolution" was actually clever and a different twist.
Ms. Roberts develops interesting and fun characters that have some dimensions and depth to them. Her incorporation of tennis, was true and done in the perfect way, for this true tennis aficionado, to not want to kick her in the lady balls for mucking it up.
So, over all a win for me! yaya!
I will def continue to read this sports series.
January 29, 2015
HOT...HOT...HOT
Holly has done it again. I love this series and I don't think I can pick a favorite. Slam is another hit. This women can write there's no if and or buts about it when she start writing she is on fire. This story really hit home for me because Ive been in this situation not as bad as Olivia but still it was pretty bad so I think I understood very well what Olivia was feeling. Olivia and Brack have this awesome chemistry with one another. The sexual tension between the two of them was hot and when they let lose JUST WOW. I also had so many laugh out load moments in slam. Funny how someone's mind works to come up with such an awesome read.....lol If you haven't read this series you need to go and pick it up. I promise you will sit up all night devouring it. Well done Holly looking forward to the next one.....Yep that's my way of putting a rush on you.
Holly has done it again. I love this series and I don't think I can pick a favorite. Slam is another hit. This women can write there's no if and or buts about it when she start writing she is on fire. This story really hit home for me because Ive been in this situation not as bad as Olivia but still it was pretty bad so I think I understood very well what Olivia was feeling. Olivia and Brack have this awesome chemistry with one another. The sexual tension between the two of them was hot and when they let lose JUST WOW. I also had so many laugh out load moments in slam. Funny how someone's mind works to come up with such an awesome read.....lol If you haven't read this series you need to go and pick it up. I promise you will sit up all night devouring it. Well done Holly looking forward to the next one.....Yep that's my way of putting a rush on you.
February 4, 2015
from reading the blurb I was expecting something like the Katie Holmes film the first daughter ( which is one of my guilty pleasures ) yet what I got was a more intense adult version with a bloody lunatic stalker.
This is the first book I've read from Holly s. Roberts and I will be having a look at her other books. I really did enjoy this.
I loved Olivia she's a character with so much spunk I found myself laughing at the banter between her and brack.
brilliant storyline I loved the whole suspense of what the stalker was going to do next, would they catch him quickly? who the hell is he? who would be hurt or killed next?
while this crazy stalker is out there Olivia and Brack are on a secret island tormenting each other.
so much chemistry between these two you can feel it in every page.
brilliant
thank you Holly for allowing me to read and review this. I really enjoyed it
This is the first book I've read from Holly s. Roberts and I will be having a look at her other books. I really did enjoy this.
I loved Olivia she's a character with so much spunk I found myself laughing at the banter between her and brack.
brilliant storyline I loved the whole suspense of what the stalker was going to do next, would they catch him quickly? who the hell is he? who would be hurt or killed next?
while this crazy stalker is out there Olivia and Brack are on a secret island tormenting each other.
so much chemistry between these two you can feel it in every page.
brilliant
thank you Holly for allowing me to read and review this. I really enjoyed it
January 27, 2015
SLAM is a great addition to the Completion Series and a nice change up with putting a woman, Olivia in the sports eye instead of a man.
All in all, it's a fun, sexy, exciting, edge of your seat read that'll leave you wanting MUCH more!
I look forward to what Holly will bring us in the next of the series. I've learned to expect the unexpected with her and I love it :)
All in all, it's a fun, sexy, exciting, edge of your seat read that'll leave you wanting MUCH more!
I look forward to what Holly will bring us in the next of the series. I've learned to expect the unexpected with her and I love it :)
January 28, 2015
This book was great. It was exciting from the first sentence. It didn't drag at all. It kept me in so I felt like part of the action. It seems as if each story gets better. I want the next book yesterday. You know it's a good book when even the end is as good as the beginning.
January 28, 2015
Another amazing book by my favourite author it's a must read for anyone well done holly you've done it again with another hit on your hands xx
January 23, 2015
Full review to come on 30/1 during blog tour
April 22, 2018
This book is bad bad bad. From the very beginning it’s unbelievable and poorly written and edited.
Here is an example, which is just a couple of pages into the book: “The window in the eave of the house was small, though, best of all, not secure. I thought I could manage it. I wasn’t small, though.” Couldn’t the author use a synonym for the second « though »?
Another example: there are two flights of stairs, then another to reach the attic. Heroine reaches the window through which she hopes to escape (in the attic) and notices that it is « several feet » from the ground. Right. « Several », by definition, means more than two but less than many. « Many » is a large number of something. I don’t know about you, but going up three sets of stairs, in my book, means there must be about 30 ft between the attic and the ground. At my house it’s actually 36. That’s many feet, not several. I would break my neck if I were to attempt jumping out that attic window.
Last example before I threw this book away for good: “My father might think of me as an innocent young girl, but I knew the truth”. Well, I sure would hope you knew the truth about the fact that you’ve slept with God knows how many men (because that’s what she’s referring to in the book). I mean, common. Rewrite that sentence.
This is definitely a first for me but I gave up before even reaching Chapter 2. Not worth my time.
Here is an example, which is just a couple of pages into the book: “The window in the eave of the house was small, though, best of all, not secure. I thought I could manage it. I wasn’t small, though.” Couldn’t the author use a synonym for the second « though »?
Another example: there are two flights of stairs, then another to reach the attic. Heroine reaches the window through which she hopes to escape (in the attic) and notices that it is « several feet » from the ground. Right. « Several », by definition, means more than two but less than many. « Many » is a large number of something. I don’t know about you, but going up three sets of stairs, in my book, means there must be about 30 ft between the attic and the ground. At my house it’s actually 36. That’s many feet, not several. I would break my neck if I were to attempt jumping out that attic window.
Last example before I threw this book away for good: “My father might think of me as an innocent young girl, but I knew the truth”. Well, I sure would hope you knew the truth about the fact that you’ve slept with God knows how many men (because that’s what she’s referring to in the book). I mean, common. Rewrite that sentence.
This is definitely a first for me but I gave up before even reaching Chapter 2. Not worth my time.
December 17, 2025
This was much less of a sports romance and more of a romantic suspense story, but I still enjoyed it. The FMC did play tennis, but that was secondary to the situation she found herself in that required security. Which is where we found the MMC. Through some high adrenaline moments and some spicy scenes, the story was told and will definitely grab readers attention. This also completes this series, and I have to say that I'm glad I found it. Romance readers of all kinds are sure to find something to love here.
January 2, 2022
Did not like Olivia. Spoiled, snobby, awful, manipulative, selfish.
Brack was ok. Didnt really get a good feel for his character.
The story line and the stalker angle was not well developed. I didnt feel a sense of urgency or suspense. Brack surviving was a bit unbelievable.
The last chapter was just dumb. This one didnt feel like a romance.
Brack was ok. Didnt really get a good feel for his character.
The story line and the stalker angle was not well developed. I didnt feel a sense of urgency or suspense. Brack surviving was a bit unbelievable.
The last chapter was just dumb. This one didnt feel like a romance.
books-boxed-sets
April 23, 2020In boxed set - "Completion Series Box Set"
September 27, 2017
Best of the 4.5 book series
January 27, 2015
Slam is the 4th book in the Completion Series but every book is a complete stand-alone. With Slam and the rest of the Completion Series Holly takes sports to a whole new level and brings us sexy athletes and tells their story. There are balls, lust, sex, suspense, humor, adrenaline, and much more.
I think the one thing I love most about not only Slam but also the whole Completion Series is the careful easy storyline that Holly gives us. Slam was an easy fun filled and sexy read that I quickly finished because for me it was a page-turner.
There is more of a suspense element in Slam than the rest of the series, which gave it a bit of an edge. Olivia is a tennis princess and totally acts like one. She is spoiled and cocky and most of the time a total witch. She gets tired of following everyone’s rules and is a bit rebellious but with her being in the limelight that rebellious act backfires and she quickly finds herself playing a cat and mouse game where she is the mouse and her cat won’t stop until he pounces. Her character was written to portray a bitch and a totally bitch she is. At times she can be vindictive and manipulative.
Here is when Brack comes into play. Bodyguard, sex god, extraordinaire. Brack who is not only ex military and has muscle for days was hired by Olivia’s dad to protect her and he takes his job seriously. His character is hard as stone, doesn’t take shit from anyone and knows exactly how to put rich little spoiled girls in their place (omg so funny). He is not only very professional and good at his job but he doesn’t take shit from Olivia and puts her in her place every single time.
So what happens when you take a spoiled brat and put her on an island with a broody harass man – oh let the fun begin.
Now of course this wouldn’t be a Holly Roberts novel without sex and um well yes there is LOTS of tension and lust flowing from Brack to Olivia. He wants her badly but he knows that he is getting paid to do a job but that doesn’t entail banging. (Darn)! I could literally feel the hatred flowing from Olivia to Brack – she despised him and I could just imagine the expression on her face when he didn’t put up with her shit.
Something strong happens between Brack and Olivia and their time together and it would seem that nothing could break that connection, or can it?
I can’t say that I loved Olivia’s character but I don’t think I was supposed too. Some of her actions I did not agree with but deep down I understood why she did those things, would I do them? Probably not. Nobody is perfect and she is the prime example of that, however, I think Holly did a great job with Brack’s character because he is the one person who can take the girl that most will probably hate and turn her around into someone that we can at least understand. Brack on the other hand is easy to fall in love with. From his alpha male attitude and hot body he is the total package. He doesn’t back down and will take care of what he feels is his. He will stop at nothing to get the job done and find out who is trying to destroy Olivia, it may end up costing him the one person he wants most but he knows that her protection is his job and he never fails. There are twists and turns in Slam that you don’t see coming. I really thought I knew who the crazy stalker was but once again Holly threw me for a loop. There was always something going on that kept my interest until the very end.
Holly is an amazing author who knows how to tell a gripping story whether it be intense and heavy or it be a light and fun filled read but either way she always seems to write the page turners that I can’t get enough of. Her imagination knows no bounds and I can’t wait to see what is in store next. We have had football, rugby, tennis, and baseball in the Completion Series so I thinking next maybe soccer or basketball? At least there better be another book in this series because I am completely smitten with this author.
I think the one thing I love most about not only Slam but also the whole Completion Series is the careful easy storyline that Holly gives us. Slam was an easy fun filled and sexy read that I quickly finished because for me it was a page-turner.
There is more of a suspense element in Slam than the rest of the series, which gave it a bit of an edge. Olivia is a tennis princess and totally acts like one. She is spoiled and cocky and most of the time a total witch. She gets tired of following everyone’s rules and is a bit rebellious but with her being in the limelight that rebellious act backfires and she quickly finds herself playing a cat and mouse game where she is the mouse and her cat won’t stop until he pounces. Her character was written to portray a bitch and a totally bitch she is. At times she can be vindictive and manipulative.
Here is when Brack comes into play. Bodyguard, sex god, extraordinaire. Brack who is not only ex military and has muscle for days was hired by Olivia’s dad to protect her and he takes his job seriously. His character is hard as stone, doesn’t take shit from anyone and knows exactly how to put rich little spoiled girls in their place (omg so funny). He is not only very professional and good at his job but he doesn’t take shit from Olivia and puts her in her place every single time.
So what happens when you take a spoiled brat and put her on an island with a broody harass man – oh let the fun begin.
Now of course this wouldn’t be a Holly Roberts novel without sex and um well yes there is LOTS of tension and lust flowing from Brack to Olivia. He wants her badly but he knows that he is getting paid to do a job but that doesn’t entail banging. (Darn)! I could literally feel the hatred flowing from Olivia to Brack – she despised him and I could just imagine the expression on her face when he didn’t put up with her shit.
Something strong happens between Brack and Olivia and their time together and it would seem that nothing could break that connection, or can it?
I can’t say that I loved Olivia’s character but I don’t think I was supposed too. Some of her actions I did not agree with but deep down I understood why she did those things, would I do them? Probably not. Nobody is perfect and she is the prime example of that, however, I think Holly did a great job with Brack’s character because he is the one person who can take the girl that most will probably hate and turn her around into someone that we can at least understand. Brack on the other hand is easy to fall in love with. From his alpha male attitude and hot body he is the total package. He doesn’t back down and will take care of what he feels is his. He will stop at nothing to get the job done and find out who is trying to destroy Olivia, it may end up costing him the one person he wants most but he knows that her protection is his job and he never fails. There are twists and turns in Slam that you don’t see coming. I really thought I knew who the crazy stalker was but once again Holly threw me for a loop. There was always something going on that kept my interest until the very end.
Holly is an amazing author who knows how to tell a gripping story whether it be intense and heavy or it be a light and fun filled read but either way she always seems to write the page turners that I can’t get enough of. Her imagination knows no bounds and I can’t wait to see what is in store next. We have had football, rugby, tennis, and baseball in the Completion Series so I thinking next maybe soccer or basketball? At least there better be another book in this series because I am completely smitten with this author.
February 17, 2015
http://bookbutterflyreviews.blogspot.ca
I was in the mood for a Romance novel, so when I had the opportunity to read Slam in exchange for a review, I took it. I don’t mention it a lot, but the Sport genre is actually pretty high on my interest list, and sadly, I don’t read it enough. So, that was another reason I was really excited to read Slam.
Let’s start with my loves. I loved that the main character, Olivia, is a sassy, confident woman that has no understanding of the word ‘shy’. She knows what she wants, *cough* Brack *cough* and she has no issues asking, begging, and demanding him. Saying that, I love that Brack was an Alpha male, to Olivia’s Alpha female personality. I love that he refuses to give her what she wants, but he isn’t afraid to admit he wants it too. The main characters and their development was definitely this novel’s strongest aspect. For the most part, they were extremely well established and they developed nicely with the plot. Saying that, I was a little disappointed on how flat every other character was. They were mentioned briefly, had little to say, and were only brought up when convenient. Unfortunately, that also includes the stalker.
And speaking of the stalker, I felt that it was such an integral part of the novel that was massively underplayed. Much like the other secondary characters, he only appeared when convenient. Starting right at the beginning, I felt like I was coming into the story half way through. I would have really enjoyed seeing the build up of the stalkers actions, but instead, I walked into the book right as the stalker got straight to deathly violent. I would have like to see Olivia’s reactions when the stalker first started to contact her, and see how those reactions changed and developed all the way through.
Just as I felt the beginning was a little too rushed, I also felt that the ending was a little rushed as well. It felt extremely out of place, and it also felt as though it came out of left field. More hints pertaining to who Brack is, or rather who his family is, would have been ideal for the ending to make more sense. Additionally, I believe the author intended a joke at the end of the novel (toward Brack and her father), but it played out very awkward, confusing, out of place, and a little crazy white-girl for my taste. The ending was definitely the weakest part of the novel. I think that 50 pages could have been added to both the beginning and the end to take away the rushed feeling, and I would have felt a lot more comfortable with the novel as a whole.
Lastly, one of the reasons I was so excited about this book was because of the entire sport aspect. However, there wasn’t a lot of tennis going on at all. HOWEVER, the author does give reasons for this fact, and she does bring attention to those reasons so the reader understands what is going on. So, while I was a little disappointed, I entirely understood it as a creative choice and I didn’t let my disappointment take away from my rating.
So overall, while the beginning and ending of the novel were very rushed, the middle of the novel was well established and ran at a good pace. I loved the details and the dialogue that was included in the plot, which really saved the book in my opinion. The main characters were amazing and fun to read, but I would have liked to read about the other secondary characters in more depth. And the ending? Eh, not the best I’ve read. I wish that I had read the other books in the series so I could have had a better understanding of the authors writing style, and to see if any of those secondary characters had more of a lead role else where. However, I didn’t have that opportunity, so I have to give this book a 3/5.
I was in the mood for a Romance novel, so when I had the opportunity to read Slam in exchange for a review, I took it. I don’t mention it a lot, but the Sport genre is actually pretty high on my interest list, and sadly, I don’t read it enough. So, that was another reason I was really excited to read Slam.
Let’s start with my loves. I loved that the main character, Olivia, is a sassy, confident woman that has no understanding of the word ‘shy’. She knows what she wants, *cough* Brack *cough* and she has no issues asking, begging, and demanding him. Saying that, I love that Brack was an Alpha male, to Olivia’s Alpha female personality. I love that he refuses to give her what she wants, but he isn’t afraid to admit he wants it too. The main characters and their development was definitely this novel’s strongest aspect. For the most part, they were extremely well established and they developed nicely with the plot. Saying that, I was a little disappointed on how flat every other character was. They were mentioned briefly, had little to say, and were only brought up when convenient. Unfortunately, that also includes the stalker.
And speaking of the stalker, I felt that it was such an integral part of the novel that was massively underplayed. Much like the other secondary characters, he only appeared when convenient. Starting right at the beginning, I felt like I was coming into the story half way through. I would have really enjoyed seeing the build up of the stalkers actions, but instead, I walked into the book right as the stalker got straight to deathly violent. I would have like to see Olivia’s reactions when the stalker first started to contact her, and see how those reactions changed and developed all the way through.
Just as I felt the beginning was a little too rushed, I also felt that the ending was a little rushed as well. It felt extremely out of place, and it also felt as though it came out of left field. More hints pertaining to who Brack is, or rather who his family is, would have been ideal for the ending to make more sense. Additionally, I believe the author intended a joke at the end of the novel (toward Brack and her father), but it played out very awkward, confusing, out of place, and a little crazy white-girl for my taste. The ending was definitely the weakest part of the novel. I think that 50 pages could have been added to both the beginning and the end to take away the rushed feeling, and I would have felt a lot more comfortable with the novel as a whole.
Lastly, one of the reasons I was so excited about this book was because of the entire sport aspect. However, there wasn’t a lot of tennis going on at all. HOWEVER, the author does give reasons for this fact, and she does bring attention to those reasons so the reader understands what is going on. So, while I was a little disappointed, I entirely understood it as a creative choice and I didn’t let my disappointment take away from my rating.
So overall, while the beginning and ending of the novel were very rushed, the middle of the novel was well established and ran at a good pace. I loved the details and the dialogue that was included in the plot, which really saved the book in my opinion. The main characters were amazing and fun to read, but I would have liked to read about the other secondary characters in more depth. And the ending? Eh, not the best I’ve read. I wish that I had read the other books in the series so I could have had a better understanding of the authors writing style, and to see if any of those secondary characters had more of a lead role else where. However, I didn’t have that opportunity, so I have to give this book a 3/5.
March 23, 2016
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
I am new to the Completion Series by Holly S. Roberts as well as her books, so I had no idea what to expect with this book. I knew that I really wanted to read it from the blurb and sexy cover though, and I am so glad that I gave it a shot. I really enjoyed this book, and I look forward to going back and reading more from this series.
Olivia Stradmore is the daughter of Senator Stradmore, and has dedicated her life to being the best tennis player she can be. With her next championship title approaching, she has time for little else besides practice. But when her stalker starts stepping up his game and threatens those around her, her father hires a security team to watch over her. When she first meets her new bodyguard Brack Jacobs, she finds him to be uptight even if he is hot. But the longer they are forced to be together, the more she wants Brack. Brack has no intentions of sleeping with Olivia while she is his job though and continues to reject her advances. But as things get more dangerous with her stalker, Brack finds it harder to turn her away. Soon Brack and Olivia find themselves wondering not only what the future holds for their relationship, but if they will survive long enough to take a shot at a future together.
I really liked Brack. He was sexy and alpha, and super hot! He was playful and funny with Olivia, and yet he would do whatever it took to keep her safe. I loved his little endearments for her, and I thought it was really cute he was never that formal with her. Though he tried to keep things professional and fought what was between them, he could never just call her by her name and I loved that. Olivia was a wild child, and she made no apologies for that. I thought that she was fun and feisty, and I loved that while she was so dedicated to being the best player on the courts that she was so different off of them. It was kind of nice to see the girl be the one pushing for sex and not ashamed of her desires in a book rather than just the hero. I liked that Brack made Olivia work for it though, and that he wanted more than just sex. These two had a ton of chemistry, and it was great to see the tension build between them. But I also really liked getting to see more develop between them as well.
Overall, this was a really good story and Brack and Olivia were hot together. I loved that they were so compatible on every level, and their story was a lot of fun to read. I loved the banter between them and I loved their sexy scenes. But I think that what made this book so good was that there was more than just the physical between them and it was just a well rounded story. I liked Holly's writing style a lot, and found it easy to get lost in the story. While I really liked this one, I will say that at first Olivia came off as sort of an immature brat and I was worried that she would be too annoying to like. But she won me over, and I really liked seeing how she changed as she grew closer to Brack. I am looking forward to reading more from Holly S. Roberts in the future, and I can't wait to read more in this series.
**ARC Provided by Enticing Journey Book Promotions**
I am new to the Completion Series by Holly S. Roberts as well as her books, so I had no idea what to expect with this book. I knew that I really wanted to read it from the blurb and sexy cover though, and I am so glad that I gave it a shot. I really enjoyed this book, and I look forward to going back and reading more from this series.
Olivia Stradmore is the daughter of Senator Stradmore, and has dedicated her life to being the best tennis player she can be. With her next championship title approaching, she has time for little else besides practice. But when her stalker starts stepping up his game and threatens those around her, her father hires a security team to watch over her. When she first meets her new bodyguard Brack Jacobs, she finds him to be uptight even if he is hot. But the longer they are forced to be together, the more she wants Brack. Brack has no intentions of sleeping with Olivia while she is his job though and continues to reject her advances. But as things get more dangerous with her stalker, Brack finds it harder to turn her away. Soon Brack and Olivia find themselves wondering not only what the future holds for their relationship, but if they will survive long enough to take a shot at a future together.
I really liked Brack. He was sexy and alpha, and super hot! He was playful and funny with Olivia, and yet he would do whatever it took to keep her safe. I loved his little endearments for her, and I thought it was really cute he was never that formal with her. Though he tried to keep things professional and fought what was between them, he could never just call her by her name and I loved that. Olivia was a wild child, and she made no apologies for that. I thought that she was fun and feisty, and I loved that while she was so dedicated to being the best player on the courts that she was so different off of them. It was kind of nice to see the girl be the one pushing for sex and not ashamed of her desires in a book rather than just the hero. I liked that Brack made Olivia work for it though, and that he wanted more than just sex. These two had a ton of chemistry, and it was great to see the tension build between them. But I also really liked getting to see more develop between them as well.
Overall, this was a really good story and Brack and Olivia were hot together. I loved that they were so compatible on every level, and their story was a lot of fun to read. I loved the banter between them and I loved their sexy scenes. But I think that what made this book so good was that there was more than just the physical between them and it was just a well rounded story. I liked Holly's writing style a lot, and found it easy to get lost in the story. While I really liked this one, I will say that at first Olivia came off as sort of an immature brat and I was worried that she would be too annoying to like. But she won me over, and I really liked seeing how she changed as she grew closer to Brack. I am looking forward to reading more from Holly S. Roberts in the future, and I can't wait to read more in this series.
**ARC Provided by Enticing Journey Book Promotions**
March 1, 2015
When I started this book I was expecting a hot sports romance, but what I got was so much more…and so much better! Holly Roberts has delivered a story set in the sports world that had the romantic suspense junkie in me saying…yes, please! Olivia and Brack are a fun couple to watch, the supporting characters added a nice secondary dynamic to the book, and the action and suspense kept me turning the pages and smiling.
So we have Olivia. She’s young, but she has a maturity about her that comes from her life as the daughter of a prominent politician, as well as the fact that she has also been in the public eye as a top-ranked tennis player. When Olivia’s stalker makes a failed attempt at abducting her, she ends up in the hospital…and then in the care of the very hot, very alpha, very controlling bodyguard, Brack, that her father has hired to keep her safe. And let’s just say that she pulls out all the stops when it comes to trying to get Brack to do more than just guard her body!
And we have Brack. Just that name brings images of hot, hunky, alpha male! And even though he wants Olivia more than his next breath, he knows he has to stay focused on his job – protecting her and keeping her safe – which he knows will be compromised if he gives in to her advances. You could feel the tension between these two from their first meeting, and things just keep getting hotter every minute they are together. I just loved watching Brack try to fend off all of Olivia’s advances – she really was relentless with her pursuit…and I just loved watching him dump her in the ocean to cool her down!
As the threats of the stalker escalate and become more personal, it gets harder for Brack to stay away from Olivia. And once lines get crossed it’s clear the stalker will stop at nothing to get to Olivia – including murder.
This was a really great read that, as I said, had a bit of everything that I love! And just when I thought the story was over, there was a bit more to the story when it came to Olivia and Brack and really loved that the story didn’t end with the resolution of the stalker issue. There were twists and turns, lots of steamy sexy times, and a mystery (or two) that kept me engaged through the entire book.
If you like sports romances layered into your romantic suspense, with lots of heat, then Slam is a definite must for your TBR!
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
So we have Olivia. She’s young, but she has a maturity about her that comes from her life as the daughter of a prominent politician, as well as the fact that she has also been in the public eye as a top-ranked tennis player. When Olivia’s stalker makes a failed attempt at abducting her, she ends up in the hospital…and then in the care of the very hot, very alpha, very controlling bodyguard, Brack, that her father has hired to keep her safe. And let’s just say that she pulls out all the stops when it comes to trying to get Brack to do more than just guard her body!
And we have Brack. Just that name brings images of hot, hunky, alpha male! And even though he wants Olivia more than his next breath, he knows he has to stay focused on his job – protecting her and keeping her safe – which he knows will be compromised if he gives in to her advances. You could feel the tension between these two from their first meeting, and things just keep getting hotter every minute they are together. I just loved watching Brack try to fend off all of Olivia’s advances – she really was relentless with her pursuit…and I just loved watching him dump her in the ocean to cool her down!
The ass had actually thrown me in the water. I was in love again. I’d found a man who wasn't intimidated by me or my father.
….
I peeled off my clothes and walked naked into my new home sweet home. I hoped the man’s cock was made of steel because I was about to test its resistance.
As the threats of the stalker escalate and become more personal, it gets harder for Brack to stay away from Olivia. And once lines get crossed it’s clear the stalker will stop at nothing to get to Olivia – including murder.
This was a really great read that, as I said, had a bit of everything that I love! And just when I thought the story was over, there was a bit more to the story when it came to Olivia and Brack and really loved that the story didn’t end with the resolution of the stalker issue. There were twists and turns, lots of steamy sexy times, and a mystery (or two) that kept me engaged through the entire book.
If you like sports romances layered into your romantic suspense, with lots of heat, then Slam is a definite must for your TBR!
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
March 2, 2015
* I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
A hard-as-nails tennis pro, who also happens to be the daughter of a U.S. Senator, finds her life and career on hold when a vicious stalker decides he'll stop at nothing to get to her.
Olivia Stradmore is a strong, confident woman. Her sexual forwardness is a little alarming--I prefer my heroines on the sweet side. Yet, Olivia's personality matches her aggressive, competitive nature, and it has made her a champion. So, when some anonymous maniac throws her life into turmoil, she is not amused. And when she finds herself under the protection of Brack Jacobs, head of an exclusive and highly rated personal protection firm, she's livid. Brack has let a job get personal in the past and it didn't end well, so he's not going to take Olivia's crap...or accept her numerous and blatant sexual offers.
Brack leaps off the page from the moment he takes the stage. He's one of my favorite male leads in recent memory. Roberts makes him strong enough to stand up to Olivia...but only just. They both reach their breaking point at around the same time, which makes for plenty of excitement and sexual tension.
Great characters aside, the plot has some problems. It's really the last 15-20% that's at issue. It's too rushed. Roberts violates the basic rule of mystery/suspense by not offering enough clues early on to give readers even a shot at figuring out who the bad guy is. Seriously, the big reveal comes out of left field.
The resolution of the Brack-Olivia relationship--the way Olivia actually goes about sealing the deal with him and wrapping up her career--makes little sense. As a reader, I just didn't understand why Brack's family connections were such a huge deal to Olivia and led to all her subterfuge in the last chapter.
I enjoyed this book enough that I'd read it again. That's because the the first 80% is so good. The balance of the novel isn't as well thought out.
A hard-as-nails tennis pro, who also happens to be the daughter of a U.S. Senator, finds her life and career on hold when a vicious stalker decides he'll stop at nothing to get to her.
Olivia Stradmore is a strong, confident woman. Her sexual forwardness is a little alarming--I prefer my heroines on the sweet side. Yet, Olivia's personality matches her aggressive, competitive nature, and it has made her a champion. So, when some anonymous maniac throws her life into turmoil, she is not amused. And when she finds herself under the protection of Brack Jacobs, head of an exclusive and highly rated personal protection firm, she's livid. Brack has let a job get personal in the past and it didn't end well, so he's not going to take Olivia's crap...or accept her numerous and blatant sexual offers.
Brack leaps off the page from the moment he takes the stage. He's one of my favorite male leads in recent memory. Roberts makes him strong enough to stand up to Olivia...but only just. They both reach their breaking point at around the same time, which makes for plenty of excitement and sexual tension.
Great characters aside, the plot has some problems. It's really the last 15-20% that's at issue. It's too rushed. Roberts violates the basic rule of mystery/suspense by not offering enough clues early on to give readers even a shot at figuring out who the bad guy is. Seriously, the big reveal comes out of left field.
The resolution of the Brack-Olivia relationship--the way Olivia actually goes about sealing the deal with him and wrapping up her career--makes little sense. As a reader, I just didn't understand why Brack's family connections were such a huge deal to Olivia and led to all her subterfuge in the last chapter.
I enjoyed this book enough that I'd read it again. That's because the the first 80% is so good. The balance of the novel isn't as well thought out.
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