Love Will Find You

Australian Sports Stars #1

by Iris Blobel

Can their new love survive the scrutiny of the public eye?

After his father’s heart attack, Australian Football League player Tyson Gaspaldi takes his parents on holiday to a small place at the New South Wales coast.

One morning, following a surfing session, he comes across a crying woman on the beach. Everything about her intrigues him, and he can’t walk away. She’s not only sexy and humble, but, as he soon finds out, vulnerable as well.

It’s only been a few months since Katie Cassidy lost her sister in a car accident.

Still overwhelmed by the loss, a chance encounter on the beach with an attractive stranger awakens unexpected emotions inside her. She’s instantly drawn to his caring nature, but also his looks.

However, Tyson’s past quickly catches up with them, causing Katie’s childhood demons to return, and the road to romance becomes anything but smooth.

Genres: Sports, Contemporary Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Australia, Sports Romance, Football

174 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 25, 2014

About the author

For a FREE book from Iris Blobel, join her Newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/b-U0G5 and do follow her on Bookbub for the latest book releases https://www.bookbub.com/profile/iris-...

Iris Blobel writes warm, sexy, and sometimes witty Australian Contemporary Romance books for readers who, like herself, still strongly believe in love and Happily Ever Afters. And she knows HEAs. Her couples are hungry for life, done with the past, passionate about family, and emotionally hopeful for a future. The stories are mainly set in Australia but also in New Zealand and even the US, depending on where her travels take her. She loves nothing more than for her readers to join her on her journeys.

Reviews

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Australian Football League player Tyson Gaspaldi decides to take his parents on a well deserved holiday to a small place on the New South Wales after his father suffered a heart attack.

After a surfing session Tyson crosses paths with a woman crying on the beach and Tyson feels the need to find out what’s troubling her. Tyson can instantly see that Katie Cassidy is an attractive woman, but she's also somebody who needs a shoulder to cry on. Katie feels at ease with Tyson and feels drawn to him, but was that all about to change when she found out who he was.

Love Will Find You by Australian writer Iris Blobel is a well-written and enjoyable romance. Although I’m not a huge fan of AFL I still found this to be a pleasant read.

[Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book – Love Will Find You (Australian Sports Stars #1)
Author – Iris Blobel
Publication Date – October 7, 2014
Genre – New Adult Romance
Type – Companion Series
Cliffhanger – No
Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Complimentary Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

My Thoughts - Story
What a cute and sweet read that I devoured in a matter of hours! I wasn’t just interested in the storyline but also the descriptions of Australia, and now I want to go on a trip there to see the sites myself.



Ms. Blobel did a wonderful job of developing her characters but…sorry…Katie started to irritate me with her jumping to conclusions and not trusting Tyson.

Other than that…I thoroughly enjoyed this story and got so wrapped up in the romance!  

Reason for Reading – Author Request
Story Rating – 4.25 out of 5 Stars
Steam Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars
Angst Rating – 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Writing Rating – 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars
HEA? –Yes

[Cristina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book, but the main female character made it impossible!!!
I hated Katie... she was so annoying. I mean come on 🙄 when you break up with someone so many times just because of something silly - every time!!! - it makes it impossible not to be angry. I wanted to DNF this book at least 5 times. It was short, but the amount of stupidity Katie was showing, made it longer than it should’ve been.
Thank God for Ty. Just because of him I’m giving this book 2 stars and not just one.
Total waste of my time. 🙄 Lucky for me, it was free on Amazon. Otherwise I would have regretted paying for it...

[Kerenza · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

Sometimes you luck out with free Amazon Kindle books, and this was one of these times.

The prologue begins with Tyler winning the Brownlow medal however being too upset about his girlfriend who should’ve been there and wasn’t. We then begin the story to find out how these characters got to this point.

Iris did a great job of representing Melbourne in this book (my home town) with the characters spending a day visiting Southbank, Yarra river, Crown casino , Fed square, Eureka tower, all iconic places from my home town (which I passed whilst reading this book on the way to work). For these reasons Katie adored Melbourne and a lot of readers will hopefully have the desire to visit.

At the beginning I really liked Katie’s character, however during the middle of the book she seemed to get lost, and caught up in the drama and rather than trusting and listening to Tyson ( a gorgeous AFL player…hello) she got caught up in dramatics pushing him away instead of trying to work it out. I mean come on Katie, he’s an AFL player, he has options but he choose you and not many people would drive eight hours for just a “hook-up”. Tyson on the other hand was a great character, he has strong friendships, a real family man, and ultimately an AFL footy player, what’s not to love! He was a strong character who rightly so wouldn’t stand for Katie’s bullshit and called her out on it No need to think abt a move to melb if u really think I slept with her .

In the end, as these stories do, it all worked out the way it was meant to, and I’m looking forward to continuing the story and learning more about Tyson’s friends Oliver & Markus.

[Tiana · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm glad this mess was free.

I really wanted to like this book. An Australian setting, it's just what I'm after. I'm Aussie, and I really want to find more romance books with a great Aussie setting. This wasn't it, though. It was instantly lust/love, in the very first chapter. And there wasn't even any chemistry to follow that. The male character sees a girl crying on the beach, and he has the nerve to actually check her out. Then he feels "drawn" to her because she doesn't wear a lot of make-up or dress in high-fashioned clothing. I mean, really? They meet for five minutes, and then they plan to meet again the next day. On their second meeting, they kiss and feel "connected". Then when he goes back to his life, they text back and forth like silly little teenagers. They have sex by the 3rd or 4th chapter, and I have no idea why it even happened. He traveled all the way to where she lived just to have sex with her? They only knew each other for like a couple of days! It made no sense, everything was moving at an unrealistic pace, and yet nothing was really happening. Zero emotion. Zero plot direction. It wasn't even close to being believable. The character development wasn't there at all. The writing style was childish. I really don't know how the author managed to get this published, but I'm sure as heck grateful that she's not getting a profit from me. Free Kindle reads. Thank fuck for that.

DNF at 20%.

[Patty · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 stars
Katie seems to immature with her reactions to situations happening in the book. The prologue in my opinion was not needed.

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Will Find You by Iris Blobel is one of those books that reaffirms my belief in love and romance. AFL star Tyson takes his parent on holiday so his father can heal after a heart attack. While there, Tyson, meets Katie on the beach. She's having a difficult time dealing with her sister's death. Sparks fly and just when things are moving forward, Katie finds out who Tyson really is. Can they make it as a couple in the spotlight or is Katie about to lose another person she love? A heart-felt emotional romance, Love Will Find You grabbed ahold of my heart-strings and didn't let go. I loved both Tyson and Katie. Blobel is quickly becoming my favorite romance author, not only because she writes beautiful romances that make me swoon but the setting of Australia becomes a minor character in each of her books. Highly recommend!

My Rating: 5+ stars

[Marisela M. Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so such an easy, fast paced read. I just loved Katie and Tyler together. It was such a sweet story and I couldn't put it down. 💙💖

[Ri The Ravenous Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stumbled on this book half cut last night on wine and gave it a proper go.



Tyson was a man I could get behind. I grew up in regional QLD in Rugby League country however, I am a massive fan of AFL due to marrying my own Victorian hottie.



^ something Ri does with her blonde haired blue eyed husband while madly flirting with him... still, after 7 years. Rrrawww....

Anywho... back to Tyson....

Tyson is a famous AFL football player in Melbourne who met Katie on a vacation up north with his family.

Suffice to say, he didn't tell her but she found out through "Google" anyway.

Now as expected cue the...


Katie, Katie, Katie.





Her insecurities ate her out alive. Poor Tyson did nothing to convince her of anything but his love for her yet she doubted him and let him down the whole way through the book.

She seemed to have a major jealousy issue that was completely imagined and in her head. There was no one else for him but her yet she kept pushing him away constantly.

I understand she was grieving but girl! Calm down.
She blew every little thing, every single text, every single magazine article out of proportion completely.



A man does not drive 8.5 hours to have sex with a woman that he isn't serious about!



No vagina alive is worth a 16 hour round trip in the middle of football season for anything less than love.

I should know. I can't even get my hot husband off the couch while WATCHING the game, let alone if he was actually participating.

By the end of the book I couldn't stand her whiny, non-committal, flaky ass.



Her lack of faith in their relationship over something as simple as him being famous or fairly recognisable made me completely lose a connection with her character. Maybe I just like someone who is confident and self assured.

Tyson needs Ride or Die NOT a Flaky Katie.

*3 stars for Tyson only

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

Status check in the middle of chapter one:
The prologue is set sometime after the main story where the romance has taken place and obviously gone wrong but while wanting to win her back he flirts with another girl in front of his family and the media's. Then we start from the beginning. He's a manly man with no emotions because man. Fuck women because one "burned" him. But waxes poetic about heroine's looks. The writing felt detached and though I was willing to give it a chance I didn't think I was gonna like it. But the repetition of it killed me. She kept using slightly rephrased sentiments two or three paragraphs down and it was getting on my nerves.
Dnf

[Lily Malone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was offered an ARC of Love Will Find You by the author, and I finished it last night, after several lazy nights of reading to end my kids' school holidays.
It's an uncomplicated love story, with authentic characters and a grandma who almost stole the show for me.
I love my AFL footy. (Love most sports actually), so I had no reservations about the sport in this book and I'm glad to hear it's part of a series as I'm sure I'll enjoy the other two.
For me, because I do like the football so much, I could have used a bit more interaction/description with the hero, Tyson, and his game. A bit of footy rough and tumble would have been good fun. I would also have enjoyed going a bit deeper into what makes Katie tick. The book begins with her grieving after the death of her sister and Tyson finds her having a cry on the beach. Katie's job, some more about the things she enjoys in life, a greater sense of what she wants to do and become - some of those details I would have enjoyed. I found Katie just a bit hard to identify with.
This is the third of Iris Blobel's books I've read, having also read the first 2 of her 'Beginnings' series, set in Tasmania.
She has a very warm writing style and although this one is a bit 'racier' than either of the Beginnings books, the sex or language level certainly isn't over-done.

[Dee Strawbridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

GENRE: ROMANCE—Love Will Find You by Iris Blobel
Ms. Blobel understands the essence of romance. At its heart a good romance has to be about the emotional connection between two people. Katie and Ty’s story is a poignant reminder that it is easy to fall in love, but building a relationship takes time, trust, and a willingness to open your heart. As a reader, I appreciate that there is much more to the story than sex. Yes the characters do steam up the sheets, but the scenes are tastefully done. The real story is about love’s rollercoaster ride, and it’s healing power. I won’t summarize the plot, nor belabor the point that this is a genre romance. In my humble opinion, reviews should tell you whether the book is worth reading, and this one is. Love Will Find You is the perfect book to take to the beach and read while soaking up the sun. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Blobel’s books.

[Emilia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not expect this to be such a page turner! :) I've already read the 2nd book in the series, so I kind of had an opinion as to what to expect - but I am very pleasantly surprised, as I think this one is much better :D
Two lives, that fate wanted to intertwine, but before they can start one together, lots of things has to happen... Old inclarities have to become clear, shaky emotions and feelings - strong ones. There is hurt pride, money (non)issue, growing up, settling down, and one sudden but strong Love that has to overcome it all.
It also evokes whole bunch of emotions in a reader - from smiling, through laughing out loud, getting annoyed, getting upset, to - possibly - shedding a tear or two :)

[Chelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

this was a good paced romance and generally I liked it.

I liked Tyson a lot - he was a great romantic hero. Katie was lovely, however there wasn't really enough about her motivation. Yes, she's suffered a tragedy, but it wasn't clear why she was reluctant to share that and what the impact it had on her relationship with Ty.

I thought her descriptions of AFL and Melbourne were good. Its my game so I know it well and the author did it justice
But what really let the book down was the dialogue. It was stilted between most of the characters but with Ty and his friends it was just plain stupid - I don't think the author has spent much time with Aussie boys/men chatting. And if she has she needed to listen to them more - it was almost kind of funny.

[Michelle Quintana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I would have liked the story better if Katie had not gotten on my nerves. She didn't start off that way but by the end of the book she drove me nuts because she came across as being immature. When Tyson first meets her, she is trying to get over the death of her sister. I can understand how she was acting at that time, even though I thought they had moved kind of fast. Tyson wants to be with her and keeps trying to prove it to her. No matter what, she keeps pushing him away for the stupidest things and acts like a teenager instead of an adult. Was disappointed in the ending of the book. It just kind of ended and left me thinking, that's it?

[V.L. Locey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful romance rich with atmosphere.

As a reader in the US being able to read about an Australian couple was a rare treat. I quite enjoyed the dialog and descriptions. This is a touching book about a young couple struggling with the media, family loss and fame. On top of all that these two kids are working to try to build, and maintain, a long distance relationship. Ms. Blobel brings us a sensual read with some spicy scenes but nothing overtly erotic or explicit. Overall it`s a highly enjoyable novel that any fan of sports romances should enjoy.

[Rebecca Barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

One my favourite books I've ever read!

Tyson is the typical Aussie football (and prefect book boyfriend). While taking a break he meets a crying Katie his world is upended and he doesn't even shy away from the tears that stream down her face.

Despite reservations and distance, Tyson pursues Katie with the same vigour and persistence that have made him the hottest thing in football.

Tyson's relationship with his grandmother is adorable and just makes him even a little more perfect, if that is at all possible

The perfect summer beach read for those wanting a little bit of romantic innocence

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the Prologue I was hooked - I had to know what had happened to get the characters to this point. I found the two lead characters engaging and they were well supported by the ancillary characters. The heat has been "turned up" in this new series and was done in a way that complimented the story. I will definitely be adding the remaining books in this series to my Wishlist.

[Amy Mullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The main characters popped off the pages right from the start and the author sprinkled a fun and quirky set of secondary characters throughout. I always like a male lead that knows what he wants and goes for it - and a female lead strong enough to know when she's wrong. Add in Australia and football and I'm hooked.

[Karlena tarango · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot footy player!!

Ty is this sexy Australian football star but super sweet guy who falls for a sweet but slightly broken Katie..... Distance and a horrible ex railroad the couple a few times but this is definitely a HEA!!! Loved Tyson very much!!!

[Angelic · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 "Cuppa" star...

i love aussie books/author...errr i just love aussies!
that why i give this book a try and tadahhh i love it!

[Christie Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading books by Australian authors because I am one myself. And books about Australian sport stars are my favourite kind. It was truly an enjoyable read from start to finish

[Kimme · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book. It was alright. Nothing spectacular. It was a little flat. Katie was a boring and insecure girl. Ty had the potential to be amazing but fell short.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book!! Thank you, Iris!! I couldn't put it down once I started reading it!!

[Elsabe Van zweel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book!!!! Always wanted to know how it will be to meet a famous person, how to handle the situation, press and every thing. this story gave a good insight in what it might be like.....

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a great book to read

[Caren · Rating 1 out of 5]

The ending was absolutely horrible.

[Emm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Will Find You

Beautiful story. A story about loss and self-worth. It was interesting how the author interacted all the characters together. Recommend the book.

[Josie]

I marked this as DNF because I skimmed through most of it. I really liked the cover (except for those goal posts, pretty sure they're for US football), and I thought it was great to find another book with an AFL player hero but I found it extremely difficult to connect with these characters. The heroine came across as immature and her behaviour when it came to Anita was frustrating. I also struggled to invest myself in their black moment when it could have been resolved if the hero had actually answered the heroine's question instead about whether he slept with the ex. There was also a lot of dialogue I found unrealistic and stilted. I won't be continuing with this series.