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Play Makers #2
Play Date
BAM!
When quarterback Johnny Spurling cancels his blind date with Rachel Gillette on account of matrimony, she cheerfully agrees to a substitution—Sean Decker, another hunk in pro football’s feared Triple Threat. But love doesn’t spark between the adorable kicker and the kindergarten teacher, and she wonders if she’s destined to sit on the bench forever.
No one is crazy enough to match Rachel with the third member of the Triple Threat. Bam Bannerman is Thor-like of body, potty of mouth, and hot as hell. And when he spots the classy blonde at Johnny’s wedding, he’s determined to have some fun. Sure, she’s prim and proper, but he’s Bam, isn’t he? So no problem.
To Rachel, who’s tired of being ignored and rejected, the rowdy halfback is a hilarious change of pace. They sneak away, he rocks her world, then she fondly bids him farewell.
But Bam isn’t done scoring, and before Rachel knows what’s hit her she’s enjoying weekly hookups with the irrepressible stud. When a heartsick Sean signals he might want to get back into the game, she suddenly finds herself with her hands full—and discovers her arms, and maybe even her heart, are full too.
When quarterback Johnny Spurling cancels his blind date with Rachel Gillette on account of matrimony, she cheerfully agrees to a substitution—Sean Decker, another hunk in pro football’s feared Triple Threat. But love doesn’t spark between the adorable kicker and the kindergarten teacher, and she wonders if she’s destined to sit on the bench forever.
No one is crazy enough to match Rachel with the third member of the Triple Threat. Bam Bannerman is Thor-like of body, potty of mouth, and hot as hell. And when he spots the classy blonde at Johnny’s wedding, he’s determined to have some fun. Sure, she’s prim and proper, but he’s Bam, isn’t he? So no problem.
To Rachel, who’s tired of being ignored and rejected, the rowdy halfback is a hilarious change of pace. They sneak away, he rocks her world, then she fondly bids him farewell.
But Bam isn’t done scoring, and before Rachel knows what’s hit her she’s enjoying weekly hookups with the irrepressible stud. When a heartsick Sean signals he might want to get back into the game, she suddenly finds herself with her hands full—and discovers her arms, and maybe even her heart, are full too.
349 pages, ebook
First published August 27, 2014
11 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
September 2, 2014
3 Bam Banging Stars * * *
This is part of a series and sometimes that means there are specific challenges. It means juggling characters who have had their stories told already and weave them as part of the new story and characters. This is not as easy as it may seem. Characters we know can be a bonus as we have met them and loved them and now they are being revisited. The balancing act is how to integrate all of it with the main story... and sometimes it all works out great... and others... just ok.
This was a decent read for me... and I had not read the previous books. The drawn was the sports team feel and the description of the characters... opposites attracting... with the guy being an outlandish, sexy hunk.
Bam Bannerman is brash, sexual, unedited and built like a romance reader's dream. He has a crass way of of wooing a gal... but it seems to work. The object of his interest is a set up date for another player at the wedding they are all attending... but this other player has the hots for another woman... leaving Rachel open to be approached Bam. There is insta lust and a quickie. She feels it was a one and done with no regret... it was the best sex of her life. Little does she realize Bam decides he isn't finished with her...
The rest of the story covers multiple arcs... some worked and others felt draining ... with a couple dealing with complex entanglements.
The main attraction was Bam...he was just a guy, loving life... gets hit by falling in love with Rachel and what he does to be with her merited the 3 stars.
This is part of a series and sometimes that means there are specific challenges. It means juggling characters who have had their stories told already and weave them as part of the new story and characters. This is not as easy as it may seem. Characters we know can be a bonus as we have met them and loved them and now they are being revisited. The balancing act is how to integrate all of it with the main story... and sometimes it all works out great... and others... just ok.
This was a decent read for me... and I had not read the previous books. The drawn was the sports team feel and the description of the characters... opposites attracting... with the guy being an outlandish, sexy hunk.
Bam Bannerman is brash, sexual, unedited and built like a romance reader's dream. He has a crass way of of wooing a gal... but it seems to work. The object of his interest is a set up date for another player at the wedding they are all attending... but this other player has the hots for another woman... leaving Rachel open to be approached Bam. There is insta lust and a quickie. She feels it was a one and done with no regret... it was the best sex of her life. Little does she realize Bam decides he isn't finished with her...
The rest of the story covers multiple arcs... some worked and others felt draining ... with a couple dealing with complex entanglements.
The main attraction was Bam...he was just a guy, loving life... gets hit by falling in love with Rachel and what he does to be with her merited the 3 stars.
September 17, 2014
Copy received from Netgalley for honest review
I read this book as a stand alone, though it has me intrigued to read the others for their stories.
I loved everything about this book, it had hot alpha football males, and a lot of hot scenes to the book.
I loved Bam Bannerman and all his cockiness towards Rachel. I loved how they met and what happened between the two characters. I love stories where two people get together and form some sort of bond which most of the time hits them in the butt.
The only negative comment was there was no Bam Bannerman POV, I wanted there to be one a few times throughout the book.
This is a must read for the sport alpha lovers out there.
I read this book as a stand alone, though it has me intrigued to read the others for their stories.
I loved everything about this book, it had hot alpha football males, and a lot of hot scenes to the book.
I loved Bam Bannerman and all his cockiness towards Rachel. I loved how they met and what happened between the two characters. I love stories where two people get together and form some sort of bond which most of the time hits them in the butt.
The only negative comment was there was no Bam Bannerman POV, I wanted there to be one a few times throughout the book.
This is a must read for the sport alpha lovers out there.
September 18, 2014
Slick‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
5 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
I started this book when I was on a book high and Kate Donovan not only sustained it, she set the bar really high for the next book I read. An unlikely couple that somehow are so right together even when they and everyone around them thinks they are a horrible match. A hero with no filter, a smart and sassy heroine, an amazing cast of secondary characters, a romance that both the hero and heroine aren’t aware is happening, a captivating side story, and some hot, raunchy, and amazingly spectacular sex makes Play Date author Kate Donovan’s best work yet.
I don’t know what’s wrong with me that I adore a hero who is so completely inappropriate, but there is something about Vince “Bam” Bannerman that I completely love. He’s like one of those big puppies whose body is too big for its feet and he’s all over the place but you just can’t help but scratch his ears and give him hugs and kisses. The thing is there is way more to Bam than meets the eye; he’s smart, caring, and has a huge heart but he’s also bawdy, crazy, and doesn’t quite know when to stop talking. Most of all he sees Rachel Gillette, wants her and goes after her which is just what she needs at the time.
The thing I love most about Rachel is that she’s a beautiful woman but doesn’t realize it. She’s been told time and time again by men that they don’t approach her because they figure she’s with someone or because she’s out of the league but she is just so unassuming. She rarely gets hit on by men, so when Bam approaches her at a wedding after making the most inappropriate toast that includes the men that have not “banged” her and then he proceeds to do just that. I swear, for a short time I wondered if the straight laced kindergarten teacher had lost her mind, but then I was right there with her loving the way Bam lives life by just grabbing hold and not letting go. Rachel is just one of those all around good people; she’s dedicated to her job and loves it; she is a loyal friend even when she probably shouldn’t be, and she loves with her whole self.
Bam and Rachel have the most interesting “un-relationship” on the planet and while Rachel really had a great outlook on it and was doing her best to accept that is was just a temporary thing she had no idea that Bam was totally invested because he isn’t one to really share his thoughts and feelings and he has quite the reputation as a man who enjoys variety. I love the friendship that developed between them, their unguarded moments, their explosive couplings, the tender moments and everything in between. To be honest I can’t remember a time when I enjoyed a couple this much! I would like to note though that while their growing relationship was front and center there were a couple of side stories going on that were pretty integral to the plot and added a lot of depth to an already full story.
Kate Donovan’s Play Date is filled with a fantastic cast of characters, a crazy, wonderful love story, and a complicated and entertaining plot; this is one you don’t want to miss!
5 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
I started this book when I was on a book high and Kate Donovan not only sustained it, she set the bar really high for the next book I read. An unlikely couple that somehow are so right together even when they and everyone around them thinks they are a horrible match. A hero with no filter, a smart and sassy heroine, an amazing cast of secondary characters, a romance that both the hero and heroine aren’t aware is happening, a captivating side story, and some hot, raunchy, and amazingly spectacular sex makes Play Date author Kate Donovan’s best work yet.
I don’t know what’s wrong with me that I adore a hero who is so completely inappropriate, but there is something about Vince “Bam” Bannerman that I completely love. He’s like one of those big puppies whose body is too big for its feet and he’s all over the place but you just can’t help but scratch his ears and give him hugs and kisses. The thing is there is way more to Bam than meets the eye; he’s smart, caring, and has a huge heart but he’s also bawdy, crazy, and doesn’t quite know when to stop talking. Most of all he sees Rachel Gillette, wants her and goes after her which is just what she needs at the time.
The thing I love most about Rachel is that she’s a beautiful woman but doesn’t realize it. She’s been told time and time again by men that they don’t approach her because they figure she’s with someone or because she’s out of the league but she is just so unassuming. She rarely gets hit on by men, so when Bam approaches her at a wedding after making the most inappropriate toast that includes the men that have not “banged” her and then he proceeds to do just that. I swear, for a short time I wondered if the straight laced kindergarten teacher had lost her mind, but then I was right there with her loving the way Bam lives life by just grabbing hold and not letting go. Rachel is just one of those all around good people; she’s dedicated to her job and loves it; she is a loyal friend even when she probably shouldn’t be, and she loves with her whole self.
Bam and Rachel have the most interesting “un-relationship” on the planet and while Rachel really had a great outlook on it and was doing her best to accept that is was just a temporary thing she had no idea that Bam was totally invested because he isn’t one to really share his thoughts and feelings and he has quite the reputation as a man who enjoys variety. I love the friendship that developed between them, their unguarded moments, their explosive couplings, the tender moments and everything in between. To be honest I can’t remember a time when I enjoyed a couple this much! I would like to note though that while their growing relationship was front and center there were a couple of side stories going on that were pretty integral to the plot and added a lot of depth to an already full story.
Kate Donovan’s Play Date is filled with a fantastic cast of characters, a crazy, wonderful love story, and a complicated and entertaining plot; this is one you don’t want to miss!
January 20, 2020
The deeper I get into the books the more convinced I get that I’m reading a series about swingers
November 15, 2014
A warm sweet woman, a man that is in love with someone that could break his career and another man that is loyal to a woman that is worming herself under his skin.
This story was a little hard to follow because so much was going on. I’m not saying that I didn’t like I just had to try to keep track of who was with whom and why. There was lots of drama with Sean Decker because he had set his eyes on a forbidden woman. Then there is Rachel Gillette a beautiful woman just wanting to have a family but since her blind date never happened with Johnny it seemed that she would be alone. But then Sean walks in but sparks don’t fly but then the unthinkable happens the night of Johnny and Erica’s wedding she met Bam and sparks explode.
Vince “Bam” Bannerman is a wild, sexual man that loves banging. Only that he didn’t think that he would be seeing the woman that was supposed to be Sean’s date for Johnny’s wedding. Only that it worked for him and what started as a weekly encounter with Rachel the wooing was working. The encounters that they have are crazy and even though Bam knows nothing about romance he still does an excellent job. But when Sean wants to see about seeing Rachel again Bam gets a little territorial and spits out that they have been banging.
Rachel Gillette gets herself in a little pickle but there is no going back. She is trying to give some advice to a woman that is in love with Sean but Rachel knows how Sean thinks. She didn’t want Sean to be heartbroken but the Triple Threat can be threatened.
When Bam talks sometimes there is no filter when words come out of his mouth. There are a couple of times that what Bam says hurts Rachel but she knows that he has a reputation so she knows that he is more than likely sleeping with other woman but she doesn’t want to hear about it and believe me I don’t blame her. But it seems that when they are together everything flies out the window when he tells her she is the only woman for him but can she believe him.
What is going to happen when Bam and Rachel’s relationship is found out by everyone? What is going to happen to Triple Threat?
Play Date was a good read. There were a couple of twists and turns with a couple of the characters and that has left me wondering what will happen next. The passion between Bam and Rachel is explosive and oh my just hot. Ms. Donovan’s stories are captivating and intriguing. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for the next book.
Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an Honest Review
This story was a little hard to follow because so much was going on. I’m not saying that I didn’t like I just had to try to keep track of who was with whom and why. There was lots of drama with Sean Decker because he had set his eyes on a forbidden woman. Then there is Rachel Gillette a beautiful woman just wanting to have a family but since her blind date never happened with Johnny it seemed that she would be alone. But then Sean walks in but sparks don’t fly but then the unthinkable happens the night of Johnny and Erica’s wedding she met Bam and sparks explode.
Vince “Bam” Bannerman is a wild, sexual man that loves banging. Only that he didn’t think that he would be seeing the woman that was supposed to be Sean’s date for Johnny’s wedding. Only that it worked for him and what started as a weekly encounter with Rachel the wooing was working. The encounters that they have are crazy and even though Bam knows nothing about romance he still does an excellent job. But when Sean wants to see about seeing Rachel again Bam gets a little territorial and spits out that they have been banging.
Rachel Gillette gets herself in a little pickle but there is no going back. She is trying to give some advice to a woman that is in love with Sean but Rachel knows how Sean thinks. She didn’t want Sean to be heartbroken but the Triple Threat can be threatened.
When Bam talks sometimes there is no filter when words come out of his mouth. There are a couple of times that what Bam says hurts Rachel but she knows that he has a reputation so she knows that he is more than likely sleeping with other woman but she doesn’t want to hear about it and believe me I don’t blame her. But it seems that when they are together everything flies out the window when he tells her she is the only woman for him but can she believe him.
What is going to happen when Bam and Rachel’s relationship is found out by everyone? What is going to happen to Triple Threat?
Play Date was a good read. There were a couple of twists and turns with a couple of the characters and that has left me wondering what will happen next. The passion between Bam and Rachel is explosive and oh my just hot. Ms. Donovan’s stories are captivating and intriguing. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for the next book.
Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an Honest Review
September 20, 2014
http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com/
I was given a copy of this book to write an honest review for Netgalley and Cocktails and Books.
PLAY DATE is a rollicking story with some zany characters and lots of hot football players. Rachel Gillette is a beautiful, sexy kindergarten teacher, but she rarely dates because men are intimidated by her beauty and afraid to ask her out. She’s tired of her boring life and wants to make some changes and add some excitement to it. Rachel first meets Bam when she attends a wedding for one his team mates. Bam is a professional football player with the Portland Lancers. As soon as Bam meets Rachel he’s immediately attracted to her and starts pursuing her. Bam doesn’t take anything seriously, especially relationships with women. His nonchalant attitude takes Rachel off guard, because he says whatever is on his mind and treats Rachel like anyone else. Rachel has never met anyone like Bam, because men usually treat her as though she is fragile and unattainable. So even though Rachel isn’t sure what to think of Bam, she finds him intriguing. On the one hand Rachel is attracted to Bam’s good looks and carefree attitude, but she also knows he has a wild reputation as a womanizer. Bam’s a nice guy, but is crude, rude and constantly joking and Rachel knows she can’t take him seriously. Everyone keeps reminding Rachel that Bam is a love them and leave them type of guy who will never settle done. So when he sets his eye on her she knows it’s just a temporary thing.
Kate Donovan writes an entertaining, well written story with down to earth characters. Bam is such a fun, easy going guy, but also totally clueless, which I found enduring. Rachel is a smart and gorgeous woman, but she is also sweet and innocent. This is the third book in the series and although I haven’t read the first two books in this series, each one is a stand-alone and I was able to keep up. I enjoyed this book so much I plan on reading the first two books in the Play Makers series.
I was given a copy of this book to write an honest review for Netgalley and Cocktails and Books.
PLAY DATE is a rollicking story with some zany characters and lots of hot football players. Rachel Gillette is a beautiful, sexy kindergarten teacher, but she rarely dates because men are intimidated by her beauty and afraid to ask her out. She’s tired of her boring life and wants to make some changes and add some excitement to it. Rachel first meets Bam when she attends a wedding for one his team mates. Bam is a professional football player with the Portland Lancers. As soon as Bam meets Rachel he’s immediately attracted to her and starts pursuing her. Bam doesn’t take anything seriously, especially relationships with women. His nonchalant attitude takes Rachel off guard, because he says whatever is on his mind and treats Rachel like anyone else. Rachel has never met anyone like Bam, because men usually treat her as though she is fragile and unattainable. So even though Rachel isn’t sure what to think of Bam, she finds him intriguing. On the one hand Rachel is attracted to Bam’s good looks and carefree attitude, but she also knows he has a wild reputation as a womanizer. Bam’s a nice guy, but is crude, rude and constantly joking and Rachel knows she can’t take him seriously. Everyone keeps reminding Rachel that Bam is a love them and leave them type of guy who will never settle done. So when he sets his eye on her she knows it’s just a temporary thing.
Kate Donovan writes an entertaining, well written story with down to earth characters. Bam is such a fun, easy going guy, but also totally clueless, which I found enduring. Rachel is a smart and gorgeous woman, but she is also sweet and innocent. This is the third book in the series and although I haven’t read the first two books in this series, each one is a stand-alone and I was able to keep up. I enjoyed this book so much I plan on reading the first two books in the Play Makers series.
September 3, 2014
First let me say I Love this series!! This book could be read as a standalone but your reading experience would be greatly increased by reading the first two books. This book had everything I've come to expect from a Play Makers book: humor, drama and enough hot sex to melt your kindle!
I loved Bam and Rachel together! They seem like such a mismatch but they work really well. They seem to balance each other and I thought it was really great. I loved getting to see the McSpurlings again, they are such a cute couple and I have to admit that I love Johnny Spurling, he's my current book boyfriend (though I'm thinking about cheating on him with Bam, because oh my god is he HOT!) It was also nice to see more of Jason and Beth Spurling, they've been in the earlier books but this is really or first chance at getting to know either character. Now on to Decker, his situation is a hot mess and seems likely to continue as such through the next book. I'm not sure if I like his current pairing so I'm really interested I seeing where the author goes with this one. I agree with Johnny, Deck’s girl is a head case and I think if pushed she could end up being a bunny boiler ala Fatal Attraction. She seems sweet but it feels like she's got more than her share of crazy too. Needless to say there's plenty of drama to go around. Anyway, to recap, I loved this book, it's smoking hot. If you like a fun story with plenty of friendship, drama and melt your kindle sex (and football too!) then look no further this one’s for you. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved Bam and Rachel together! They seem like such a mismatch but they work really well. They seem to balance each other and I thought it was really great. I loved getting to see the McSpurlings again, they are such a cute couple and I have to admit that I love Johnny Spurling, he's my current book boyfriend (though I'm thinking about cheating on him with Bam, because oh my god is he HOT!) It was also nice to see more of Jason and Beth Spurling, they've been in the earlier books but this is really or first chance at getting to know either character. Now on to Decker, his situation is a hot mess and seems likely to continue as such through the next book. I'm not sure if I like his current pairing so I'm really interested I seeing where the author goes with this one. I agree with Johnny, Deck’s girl is a head case and I think if pushed she could end up being a bunny boiler ala Fatal Attraction. She seems sweet but it feels like she's got more than her share of crazy too. Needless to say there's plenty of drama to go around. Anyway, to recap, I loved this book, it's smoking hot. If you like a fun story with plenty of friendship, drama and melt your kindle sex (and football too!) then look no further this one’s for you. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
dnf-set-aside-for-later
May 25, 2016I picked this one up some time ago and I must have been in a certain mood. Apparently, I waited too long because when I started reading it recently, it didn't do it for me.
I read a couple of chapters and then closed it.
I didn't read anything bad or awful. There was a light, playful tone to the story. It was about a pro football player watching his friends getting serious about women and him stuck falling for women who were all taken- and not being able to get over that attraction. He had a one night fling with a nice unattached gal at his teammate's wedding, but let it go and since then, nothing. He knows that Rachel is who he should be going for, but she doesn't really draw him so he moves on.
He gets up to trouble at a bar when he thinks that it is his coach's sister in law (twin to the wife) who he gets it on with off by themselves, and he is imagining it is the coach's wife, but then he discovers he had indeed hooked up with the coach's wife. She was mad when she found out he thought she was his sister and he was disappointed that he broke the unspoken rule of messing with the coach's wife.
At this point, I was just meh about the set up so decided to move on. Maybe its the summer heat, just a mood, or what, but I decided to move on.
This is a sports romance and it was of a lighter tone and seemed primed to bring on the heat so if that works for you then give it a whirl.
My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this story in exchange for an honest review.
I read a couple of chapters and then closed it.
I didn't read anything bad or awful. There was a light, playful tone to the story. It was about a pro football player watching his friends getting serious about women and him stuck falling for women who were all taken- and not being able to get over that attraction. He had a one night fling with a nice unattached gal at his teammate's wedding, but let it go and since then, nothing. He knows that Rachel is who he should be going for, but she doesn't really draw him so he moves on.
He gets up to trouble at a bar when he thinks that it is his coach's sister in law (twin to the wife) who he gets it on with off by themselves, and he is imagining it is the coach's wife, but then he discovers he had indeed hooked up with the coach's wife. She was mad when she found out he thought she was his sister and he was disappointed that he broke the unspoken rule of messing with the coach's wife.
At this point, I was just meh about the set up so decided to move on. Maybe its the summer heat, just a mood, or what, but I decided to move on.
This is a sports romance and it was of a lighter tone and seemed primed to bring on the heat so if that works for you then give it a whirl.
My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this story in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2017
**ARC provided by author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
Dear Sean Decker;
You. Suck.
I mean come on, seriously dude? I really liked this book, and even though Sean was only a side character, he was too wishy-washy and annoying for me.
Overall I really enjoyed the book, but I did have a few problems. The whole triple threat thing was pretty cool, it was neat to see such close friends, but I just got this vibe that we were supposed to love them because the were rich and famous. Now, I didn't realize that this book was part of a series, so I will definitely be going back and reading the others.
I tip my hat to Rachel, she was able to forgive Sean pretty easily and still be friends with him. I loved her classroom and how much she loved her kids. I also loved Bam, everyone thought he was too brash or too much of a caveman, but he totally had my type of humor. Bam was a delight to read about. I liked how he took care of Rachel and got to know the kids she taught. That interaction made him even yummier.
To read the full review, check it out at:
http://bookaholicraves.blogspot.com/2...
Dear Sean Decker;
You. Suck.
I mean come on, seriously dude? I really liked this book, and even though Sean was only a side character, he was too wishy-washy and annoying for me.
Overall I really enjoyed the book, but I did have a few problems. The whole triple threat thing was pretty cool, it was neat to see such close friends, but I just got this vibe that we were supposed to love them because the were rich and famous. Now, I didn't realize that this book was part of a series, so I will definitely be going back and reading the others.
I tip my hat to Rachel, she was able to forgive Sean pretty easily and still be friends with him. I loved her classroom and how much she loved her kids. I also loved Bam, everyone thought he was too brash or too much of a caveman, but he totally had my type of humor. Bam was a delight to read about. I liked how he took care of Rachel and got to know the kids she taught. That interaction made him even yummier.
To read the full review, check it out at:
http://bookaholicraves.blogspot.com/2...
September 9, 2014
Play Date is the third in this series that I have read by Kate Donovan. As I have said in earlier reviews of the first two in the series, I am not a sports fan. However, the focus of Ms. Donovan is on the characters and their struggle in finding a love for life. With that said, I enjoy this series immensely.
Her characters are always different and the story line interesting. It is predictable only in the sense that you expect them to have a HEA by the end. Rachel was a likable character so it was easy to want her to be loved and accepted. In comes, Bam, just like his name implies he is full of life, even if he sometimes seems to be the Flintstone character by the same name. He is so not her type but just who she needs. That was an awesome appeal of this story, seeing how they would fit together. I wanted to keep reading to seeing how he won the girl for life.
I am come to expect an interesting love story with seemingly mismatched characters from Kate Donovan. She does not disappoint. I would have enjoyed this book even if I had not read the others in the series. Each book is complete in itself with no cliffhangers.
Copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
Her characters are always different and the story line interesting. It is predictable only in the sense that you expect them to have a HEA by the end. Rachel was a likable character so it was easy to want her to be loved and accepted. In comes, Bam, just like his name implies he is full of life, even if he sometimes seems to be the Flintstone character by the same name. He is so not her type but just who she needs. That was an awesome appeal of this story, seeing how they would fit together. I wanted to keep reading to seeing how he won the girl for life.
I am come to expect an interesting love story with seemingly mismatched characters from Kate Donovan. She does not disappoint. I would have enjoyed this book even if I had not read the others in the series. Each book is complete in itself with no cliffhangers.
Copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
August 30, 2014
Holy s*** I love Bam he's hot, sexy, and well knows how to go a few rounds, "but he really was getting hard again, and she actually gasped in dismay. "You can't be serious. Put me down. Or at least..." Her libido staged a rapid comeback. 'We need to use a condom this time. That was completely irresponsible of us." Bam he doesn't beat around the bush, "I didn't call to check on you. I want to schedule a re-bang. Hopefully for next weekend. We can go anywhere you want. Hawaii, Cabo, you name it." He's not a bashful person either, "you want to see my junk?" he said with a grin. "May, you're dirty." He pulled off his pants and boxers in two quick movements, then discarded the used condom in a nearby waste bin and moved close enough to exhibit his half-erect pe**s proudly. "Here you go." He can be a tad bit bossy but I don't think Rachel minds, "yeah, I know. Story time, right? I'll just head over to your place." His eyes twinkled. "Come straight home this time. Don't stop for rubbers or beer."
September 9, 2014
***Copy provided by Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.***
Let me start out by saying that this book was SO fantastic, that I WILL be backtracking to the first two books in this series ASAP! The thing that attracted me to request this ARC from NetGalley was, of course, the sport theme. I AM A SPORT THEME ROMANCE NOVEL FANATIC! lol But sometimes, it's not done right. NOT THIS TIME!
I LOVED the whole opposites thing. We have an over the top sex alpha sports guy that everyone wants to be around and then we have the over the top sey girl that everyone is afraid to be around! LOL I loved these characters!
So they meet, they have sex, and she's done....um yea, NOT! LOL SHE may have wanted/thought one night stand, but Bam (hero) has other things in mind. There are A LOT of little twists and turns in this story and you really NEED TO READ THIS BOOK to enjoy them because I'm not going to give you a play by play of the book LOL
This was funny, sexy and a little heartbreaking at times. I highly recommend it to all sport romance readers out there!
Let me start out by saying that this book was SO fantastic, that I WILL be backtracking to the first two books in this series ASAP! The thing that attracted me to request this ARC from NetGalley was, of course, the sport theme. I AM A SPORT THEME ROMANCE NOVEL FANATIC! lol But sometimes, it's not done right. NOT THIS TIME!
I LOVED the whole opposites thing. We have an over the top sex alpha sports guy that everyone wants to be around and then we have the over the top sey girl that everyone is afraid to be around! LOL I loved these characters!
So they meet, they have sex, and she's done....um yea, NOT! LOL SHE may have wanted/thought one night stand, but Bam (hero) has other things in mind. There are A LOT of little twists and turns in this story and you really NEED TO READ THIS BOOK to enjoy them because I'm not going to give you a play by play of the book LOL
This was funny, sexy and a little heartbreaking at times. I highly recommend it to all sport romance readers out there!
September 18, 2014
Karia’s musings…
Wham…Bam…Thank you Bam!!! Filled with Bam! Banging Bam! And the best…Bamming the Sheriff! The sheriff gets 4 stars!!
What can I say about Vince “Bam” Bannerman….He is huge, hot and so vulnerable that momma wanted to wrap him up, feed him my crockpot potato and bacon soup and soothe away his insecurities. As the saying goes…the bigger they are…the harder they fall!
Rachel might get a complex. Jilted by Johnny and then by Sean for other women, Rachel convinces herself that Bam is in it for some fast, fun F@$%s…but then when the chips are down, she realizes too late that her heart is in deep. My heart broke for Bam…seriously! And then when Rachel was so heartbroken…I love when a book makes me swoon, cry and cheer!
This story is full of football (yeah!) and crazy side characters. Kerrie is a big ole hot mess and I loved her with Sean, who is just as messed up as she is. Add to the mix, Beth “the Drill Sargent” and Erica and you have some fun friendships. This is a great fun read for rainy fall night! Enjoy!!!
Wham…Bam…Thank you Bam!!! Filled with Bam! Banging Bam! And the best…Bamming the Sheriff! The sheriff gets 4 stars!!
What can I say about Vince “Bam” Bannerman….He is huge, hot and so vulnerable that momma wanted to wrap him up, feed him my crockpot potato and bacon soup and soothe away his insecurities. As the saying goes…the bigger they are…the harder they fall!
Rachel might get a complex. Jilted by Johnny and then by Sean for other women, Rachel convinces herself that Bam is in it for some fast, fun F@$%s…but then when the chips are down, she realizes too late that her heart is in deep. My heart broke for Bam…seriously! And then when Rachel was so heartbroken…I love when a book makes me swoon, cry and cheer!
This story is full of football (yeah!) and crazy side characters. Kerrie is a big ole hot mess and I loved her with Sean, who is just as messed up as she is. Add to the mix, Beth “the Drill Sargent” and Erica and you have some fun friendships. This is a great fun read for rainy fall night! Enjoy!!!
September 26, 2019
I received this free eARC novel from NetGalley. This is my honest review.
This was a decent novel. I had some issues throughout the book because it kept jumping from one character to another character's viewpoint with no rhyme or reason. I thought this was Rachel and Bam's novel, so when it started going to Sean and other character's storyline, I found myself not interested. I would skip over other people's information and look for Bam or Rachel's names and start reading again.
I really loved the interaction between Rachel and Bam. They are complete opposites, and yet they just click with each other. Rachel is an odd duckling, though, so she was always saying one thing, doing another, and thinking a third thing. She didn't seem like she had everything figured out in her life, so the thing she had with Bam was a stress reliever for her, almost.
Overall, this book was okay, but I am not inclined to read any more books about these characters, sadly. But I am glad I got to read this eARC novel and maybe I'll pick up another book by this author!
This was a decent novel. I had some issues throughout the book because it kept jumping from one character to another character's viewpoint with no rhyme or reason. I thought this was Rachel and Bam's novel, so when it started going to Sean and other character's storyline, I found myself not interested. I would skip over other people's information and look for Bam or Rachel's names and start reading again.
I really loved the interaction between Rachel and Bam. They are complete opposites, and yet they just click with each other. Rachel is an odd duckling, though, so she was always saying one thing, doing another, and thinking a third thing. She didn't seem like she had everything figured out in her life, so the thing she had with Bam was a stress reliever for her, almost.
Overall, this book was okay, but I am not inclined to read any more books about these characters, sadly. But I am glad I got to read this eARC novel and maybe I'll pick up another book by this author!
August 30, 2014
This is a good story. The main focus is football. Luckily you don't need to know the sport to enjoy this book. I only received it on the 28th from NetGalley but I couldn't put it down so I'm not too late with a review. Vince Bannerman is one of the "Triple Threat" on his team. He is a major player off the field as well as on. Rachel teaches Kindergarten and doesn't date much. She meets Vince at the wedding of John, the QB. It's confusing here as Sean, the kicker on the team, is her blind date also part of the wedding party so she is on her own. That is where she hooks up with Vince, or Bam as he is also known. He has no problem with telling things as he sees them. There are a good many other stories all woven into Rachel and Vince' s story. They aren't really for under 18 readers. This is a series but it works as a stand alone too. Please try this story. You won't be let down. I have this book for an honest review for NetGalley.
October 24, 2014
I love the sports romances!! Add in a hilarious alpha with no filter and a smart female and you have me. I loved how nobody thought this couple would work and that Bam was an idiot that was going to mess Rachel over. As terrible as some of the stuff he said was, you couldn't help but shake your head and laugh.
Kate Donovan threw me off giving Sean's POV and nothing from Bam. I honestly didn't have a whole lot of love for the fickle Sean and his drama. Rachel was a saint for putting up with all of that.
This is def a go to book when you want a romance that will make you smile. :-)
Compimentary copy provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Kate Donovan threw me off giving Sean's POV and nothing from Bam. I honestly didn't have a whole lot of love for the fickle Sean and his drama. Rachel was a saint for putting up with all of that.
This is def a go to book when you want a romance that will make you smile. :-)
Compimentary copy provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 21, 2014
So I really really enjoyed this story! Bam was seriously hilarious, Rachel was kind of a badass in her own right, and I ADORED her students.
However, I didn't like Karrie or John at all. Karrie got on my last nerve with her flightiness and airheadedness. I actually hope her and Sean DONT end up together. And I don't like how everyone treated John like some god. That really bugged me. Even his wife deferred to him. Just once I wanted someone to stand up to him and say "You're not the boss of me!" But that never happened.
Still, the story was hilarious and adorable. I'd definitely recommend it.
*Received an ARC for honest review.*
However, I didn't like Karrie or John at all. Karrie got on my last nerve with her flightiness and airheadedness. I actually hope her and Sean DONT end up together. And I don't like how everyone treated John like some god. That really bugged me. Even his wife deferred to him. Just once I wanted someone to stand up to him and say "You're not the boss of me!" But that never happened.
Still, the story was hilarious and adorable. I'd definitely recommend it.
*Received an ARC for honest review.*
November 12, 2014
4 1/2 stars, actually! I really loved this book. And Bam? My God, Bam. Rachel was sweet yet believable and I loved her as much as I did her hero. I would have easily given this book 5 stars if not for the secondary love story involving Sean and Kerrie. I never connected with either one of them despite being in Sean's point of view too often. As for Bam? It would have been a bonus to be in his but it wasn't really necessary. He was an open book. A sexy, irreverent and candid book I never wanted to end, lol. The emotional climax was extremely satisfying and I will eagerly look for the other books in this series!
September 16, 2014
Arc from Netgalley for an honest review.
I found the authors writing to be very fun to read with great characters. This is the third book on this series.
I loved Bam Bannerman and Rachel and the live affair that they have. She is a kindergarten teacher and he is a halfback in the NFL.
I really feel for bam when he showed up at Rachel's class and was so sweet with her class.
I wasn't a huge fan of Kerrie because of all the drama that she caused for Sean. I can't wait to read more books in this series.
I found the authors writing to be very fun to read with great characters. This is the third book on this series.
I loved Bam Bannerman and Rachel and the live affair that they have. She is a kindergarten teacher and he is a halfback in the NFL.
I really feel for bam when he showed up at Rachel's class and was so sweet with her class.
I wasn't a huge fan of Kerrie because of all the drama that she caused for Sean. I can't wait to read more books in this series.
September 11, 2014
I actually enjoyed this book more than Playing for Keeps. The banter between Rachel and Vince (Bam) was great. It kept the book light but just enough drama to keep you interested. I also like how the other characters still play important roles within the book. The book seems to be told from several different POV. Sometimes I was confused on who's pov it was and would have to go back a little to figure it out. Overall, the book was a quick fun read. I will definitely read the next book in the series.
February 20, 2018
What. The. Heck? Is what I repeated throughout this entire book. I thought Kate Donovan was a legit author? I couldn't work out if this was an actual novel or if someone just put some random thoughts on paper. The writing was terrible. I've blocked most of it out by now but I remember being annoyed that all the characters lusted after everyone else's partners. And then the main 'heroine' threatened to call the cops when the 'hero' called her! She had no problem getting it on with him seconds after meeting but how dare he call her! What a jerk! Crazy.
September 9, 2014
I always enjoy this author. I always laugh out loud. The things the guys say. The characters are real. They feel and they cry and they laugh. When they do that so do I. I luke how there was two stories in this read. Sean and Bam. Such alpha males. Hot alpha males should I say! Rachel and Bam lol!! I look forward to the next installment!! Lets do this!!
I received this ARC from the publisher via Net Galley for my honest review. Thank you, Net Galley!
I received this ARC from the publisher via Net Galley for my honest review. Thank you, Net Galley!
September 30, 2014
Love this story about Rachel and Bam! They are two people on opposite ends of the spectrum but sparks fly. Enjoyed watching the characters grow and their interactions. Secondary characters were just that I didn't give too much thought to them as much as I did the main characters. Had a hard time putting this down. So you may want to clear your schedule before you curl up with this read.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review via NETGALLEY.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review via NETGALLEY.
September 3, 2014
Arc from Netgalley for honest review...I have read another of Kate's books and I found her writing to be very fun to read with great characters. I loved Bam Bannerman and Rachel. I wasn't a huge fan of Kerrie. I want to read more of Kate Donovan and so should you.
October 1, 2014
This was a cute book. I really liked the banter between Rachel and Bam and the story was believable. This book is part of a series, but each one can be read as a standalone. The only thing I didn't like is that Rachel tended to "ramble" a bit too much.
November 11, 2014
loved the first book in the series, and was excited to read the next installment of these characters. Overall I liked the book, it was an enjoyable read, and I liked the continuation. I LOVED Bam and Rachel. Hot!
September 29, 2014
Well written, and what an ending.... Can't wait for Decker's book to be released!
September 19, 2014
Our main characters, on team romance are Rachel and Bam. Rachel is a kindergarten teacher. Bam is a football player. Rachel doesn't know much about football. She meets Bam at a wedding where, once again, no one is hitting on her. It's just because she's so beautiful.
Rachel's date, Sean, seems to only have eyes for the bride, until some mysterious blonde walks in and he disappears with her. Rachel had planned to have sex with Sean and see if they could make a relationship work, but with a sigh and drink she gives up on that hope. Surprisingly, to Rachel, Bam hits on her, and they end up having a quickie, or as Bam calls it, they bang. Bam is blunt and a little crude, but Rachel finds she enjoys that about him. He makes her feel desirable. She leaves the wedding happy with their tryst.
There are a few little things in the story that made it feel just a little dated, even though it was very recently published. Later in the week Bam shows up when Rachel is teaching kindergarten. This easy unannounced access into the classroom of a school made the story feel out of touch with today’s elementary schools. Another thing is that Rachel's salmon colored dress is considered pretty cool. Then there's the time that Rachel leaves Bam in charge of her class. I just don't think that would happen at my kids' schools - not without the teacher getting in trouble.
In any case, Bam has shown up in Rachel’s home town because he’s interested in a re-bang. Rachel knows it’s pretty crude, but she’s absolutely down for a re-bang, whatever Bam wants to call it. Rachel and Bam have a lot of chemistry that’s fun to read. I really wish the book had been all about them!
However, as good as Rachel and Bam are, we’re also stuck with a secondary storyline about Sean and Kerrie. Kerrie’s married to Sean and Bam’s coach. Kerrie’s unhappy in her marriage. Her husband cheats on her constantly and is emotionally indifferent. But she doesn’t want to leave him because… she’s made a lot of contacts in the NFL and their charity work and she thinks she’ll be ostracized for divorcing a known cheater. No, really, she won’t leave her husband until she can divorce him and marry Sean in the same weekend. She doesn’t want to be single.
So, Bam and Rachel are fun to read about. They’re funny and sweet together, but about 1/3 of the book is devoted to Kerrie and Sean, and it’s clear we’re supposed to like them, but I didn’t.
I do give bonus points for creative role playing and some incredibly thoughtful gifts. However there are additional penalties awarded for gross use of the word “drenched,” a pycho breakdown in front of a mirror, and too many details about Rachel’s lesson plans.
I really wish I liked this book more. If I could read it without Kerrie and Sean, it would probably be a B+ read.
Rachel's date, Sean, seems to only have eyes for the bride, until some mysterious blonde walks in and he disappears with her. Rachel had planned to have sex with Sean and see if they could make a relationship work, but with a sigh and drink she gives up on that hope. Surprisingly, to Rachel, Bam hits on her, and they end up having a quickie, or as Bam calls it, they bang. Bam is blunt and a little crude, but Rachel finds she enjoys that about him. He makes her feel desirable. She leaves the wedding happy with their tryst.
There are a few little things in the story that made it feel just a little dated, even though it was very recently published. Later in the week Bam shows up when Rachel is teaching kindergarten. This easy unannounced access into the classroom of a school made the story feel out of touch with today’s elementary schools. Another thing is that Rachel's salmon colored dress is considered pretty cool. Then there's the time that Rachel leaves Bam in charge of her class. I just don't think that would happen at my kids' schools - not without the teacher getting in trouble.
In any case, Bam has shown up in Rachel’s home town because he’s interested in a re-bang. Rachel knows it’s pretty crude, but she’s absolutely down for a re-bang, whatever Bam wants to call it. Rachel and Bam have a lot of chemistry that’s fun to read. I really wish the book had been all about them!
However, as good as Rachel and Bam are, we’re also stuck with a secondary storyline about Sean and Kerrie. Kerrie’s married to Sean and Bam’s coach. Kerrie’s unhappy in her marriage. Her husband cheats on her constantly and is emotionally indifferent. But she doesn’t want to leave him because… she’s made a lot of contacts in the NFL and their charity work and she thinks she’ll be ostracized for divorcing a known cheater. No, really, she won’t leave her husband until she can divorce him and marry Sean in the same weekend. She doesn’t want to be single.
So, Bam and Rachel are fun to read about. They’re funny and sweet together, but about 1/3 of the book is devoted to Kerrie and Sean, and it’s clear we’re supposed to like them, but I didn’t.
I do give bonus points for creative role playing and some incredibly thoughtful gifts. However there are additional penalties awarded for gross use of the word “drenched,” a pycho breakdown in front of a mirror, and too many details about Rachel’s lesson plans.
I really wish I liked this book more. If I could read it without Kerrie and Sean, it would probably be a B+ read.
September 30, 2014
The Characters
Rachel Gillette: I wanted to like Rachel, I really did but I just could not get on board with some of her behavior. She was a great teacher and I think she was a good person but she came off as a very weak woman sometimes. Her melt down over Bam leaving? I wanted to shake her and yell at her to not be “that girl whose life falls apart because of a guy".
Vince “Bam Bammerman: Again I wanted to like Vince, but his bawdy humor and terrible pillow talk came off more douchebag then charmer to me. He came through for his friends and Rachel in the clutch and I respect that but I did not really like him. He was great with Rachel’s class and he would probably be a pretty good dad.
Sean Decker: I’m not sure what to think about Sean. He’s a good guy and he’s in love and ready to settle down but I don’t think we got a whole lot of his personality here. Or maybe I’m just not remembering a lot.
Kerrie Cosner: Kerrie is crazy. But she is also sweet and lovable and just such a free spirit. I really want things to go well for her.
Rachel’s Kindergarten Class: My favorite character(s) in the story. These precocious little people stole my heart from the first scene they were in.
The Story
Let me start with this was a LOT of story. A lot, a lot. First we have Rachel and Sean then Rachel and Bam then Sean and Kerrie, then the kindergarten class. Not to mention cameos from Sophie, Jake, Beth, Jason, Erica and Johnny. Honestly I think it was a bit too much. I think the Sean/Kerrie story might have played out better in a novella. On the Bam/Rachel storyline… their first meeting struck me as wrong wrong wrong. It was like he sexually assaulted her, but she seemed to enjoy it so… okay. You know they say there is someone for everyone and I supposed Bam is Rachel’s someone.
The Random Thoughts
You can read my "as I was reading" thoughts (and there were a lot of them) here. Read With Me: Play Date
2.5 Stars
Rachel Gillette: I wanted to like Rachel, I really did but I just could not get on board with some of her behavior. She was a great teacher and I think she was a good person but she came off as a very weak woman sometimes. Her melt down over Bam leaving? I wanted to shake her and yell at her to not be “that girl whose life falls apart because of a guy".
Vince “Bam Bammerman: Again I wanted to like Vince, but his bawdy humor and terrible pillow talk came off more douchebag then charmer to me. He came through for his friends and Rachel in the clutch and I respect that but I did not really like him. He was great with Rachel’s class and he would probably be a pretty good dad.
Sean Decker: I’m not sure what to think about Sean. He’s a good guy and he’s in love and ready to settle down but I don’t think we got a whole lot of his personality here. Or maybe I’m just not remembering a lot.
Kerrie Cosner: Kerrie is crazy. But she is also sweet and lovable and just such a free spirit. I really want things to go well for her.
Rachel’s Kindergarten Class: My favorite character(s) in the story. These precocious little people stole my heart from the first scene they were in.
The Story
Let me start with this was a LOT of story. A lot, a lot. First we have Rachel and Sean then Rachel and Bam then Sean and Kerrie, then the kindergarten class. Not to mention cameos from Sophie, Jake, Beth, Jason, Erica and Johnny. Honestly I think it was a bit too much. I think the Sean/Kerrie story might have played out better in a novella. On the Bam/Rachel storyline… their first meeting struck me as wrong wrong wrong. It was like he sexually assaulted her, but she seemed to enjoy it so… okay. You know they say there is someone for everyone and I supposed Bam is Rachel’s someone.
The Random Thoughts
You can read my "as I was reading" thoughts (and there were a lot of them) here. Read With Me: Play Date
2.5 Stars
Read
February 19, 2015First let me say that I haven't read the other books in this series. It made me feel at a slight disadvantage at some points, but it is possible to keep up. It wasn't too confusing but I can see how reading the previous novels would have made it better. Anyway I really enjoyed this story. Bam is one of the sweetest guys. He also was overall just a good guy. He wasn't complicated or moody or broody. He looks like Thor and he is sweet. What more could a girl want?
Now I don't like kids, don't want kids and don't really care about kids. However Rachel was a kindergarten teacher and the author worked that into the story really well. Kids were a part of this book and it worked really well. Rachel also had the cutest house! The story, aka the Rachel and Bam relationship ends when you are about 80% through the book and the rest is focused on Sean and just make you anticipate the next book even more.
Now part of the confusing part of this book is that besides Bam and Rachel's relationship there is Sean. Sean starts to have an affair with a women he has been in love with for years. Her name is Kerrie and she is CRAZY. The guys all mention that she is unstable at the end of the book and the girls all disagree. I found her to be completely insane from the get go. She really seems like she should be on some medication which is never mentioned. I will say that it made me want to read the next book ASAP. I am really hoping that Kerrie is not his HEA because I'm pretty sure she should be institutionalized.
Overall I really liked this story. Bam was very funny, immature at times, but also very sweet. I liked the authors writing and will be keeping an eye out for her books in the future!
~I received a free copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review~
Now I don't like kids, don't want kids and don't really care about kids. However Rachel was a kindergarten teacher and the author worked that into the story really well. Kids were a part of this book and it worked really well. Rachel also had the cutest house! The story, aka the Rachel and Bam relationship ends when you are about 80% through the book and the rest is focused on Sean and just make you anticipate the next book even more.
Now part of the confusing part of this book is that besides Bam and Rachel's relationship there is Sean. Sean starts to have an affair with a women he has been in love with for years. Her name is Kerrie and she is CRAZY. The guys all mention that she is unstable at the end of the book and the girls all disagree. I found her to be completely insane from the get go. She really seems like she should be on some medication which is never mentioned. I will say that it made me want to read the next book ASAP. I am really hoping that Kerrie is not his HEA because I'm pretty sure she should be institutionalized.
Overall I really liked this story. Bam was very funny, immature at times, but also very sweet. I liked the authors writing and will be keeping an eye out for her books in the future!
~I received a free copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review~
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