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McKay-Tucker Men #1
False Start
Vowing to never follow her heart again, Meg Fulton keeps men at a safe distance. But retired NFL player Connor McKay manages to crack Meg’s defenses, and she discovers the sports-loving alpha male is much more than a sexy package wrapped in great biceps and a tight rear end. False Start, Book 1 of Marianne Rice’s new romance series will be a welcome addition to your romance library.
Ex-NFL player turned high school football coach, Connor McKay is well loved by all … except by the sexy principal who wants to make changes to his athletic program. Intrigued by Meg Fulton’s beauty and intelligence, Connor doesn’t mind going head-to-head with her. When he and Meg are set up on a blind date, he’s finally able to open a crack in Meg’s high emotional wall and see the caring woman inside. What Connor doesn’t expect is that his buddy and ex-teammate is the one responsible for Meg’s wall in the first place. To choose between a one-time brother and the woman he’s fallen hopelessly in love with, Connor will make the riskiest play of his life.
Always the misfit growing up, newly hired high school principal Meg Fulton uses a fashionable wardrobe and a sharp tongue to keep men at a safe distance. After a drunken, abusive experience in the back of a Chevy as a naïve teen, she became a single mother with a tough hide…until Connor McKay walks into the picture. She can’t stand him. He’s a sports-loving alpha male––no thanks! Meg has a good reason to hate jocks. Been there, done that, much to her regret. But as her path continues to cross with Connor’s, and attraction heats to a boiling point, Meg learns there’s more to Connor than biceps and a tight rear end. Things are heating up with them, when someone from her past threatens to tear them apart. Meg runs for cover…and from Connor. It will take a leap of love for Meg to shed the scars of her past and let love into her life.
Content Sweet, Contemporary, Sports, Athletes
Ex-NFL player turned high school football coach, Connor McKay is well loved by all … except by the sexy principal who wants to make changes to his athletic program. Intrigued by Meg Fulton’s beauty and intelligence, Connor doesn’t mind going head-to-head with her. When he and Meg are set up on a blind date, he’s finally able to open a crack in Meg’s high emotional wall and see the caring woman inside. What Connor doesn’t expect is that his buddy and ex-teammate is the one responsible for Meg’s wall in the first place. To choose between a one-time brother and the woman he’s fallen hopelessly in love with, Connor will make the riskiest play of his life.
Always the misfit growing up, newly hired high school principal Meg Fulton uses a fashionable wardrobe and a sharp tongue to keep men at a safe distance. After a drunken, abusive experience in the back of a Chevy as a naïve teen, she became a single mother with a tough hide…until Connor McKay walks into the picture. She can’t stand him. He’s a sports-loving alpha male––no thanks! Meg has a good reason to hate jocks. Been there, done that, much to her regret. But as her path continues to cross with Connor’s, and attraction heats to a boiling point, Meg learns there’s more to Connor than biceps and a tight rear end. Things are heating up with them, when someone from her past threatens to tear them apart. Meg runs for cover…and from Connor. It will take a leap of love for Meg to shed the scars of her past and let love into her life.
Content Sweet, Contemporary, Sports, Athletes
215 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2015
65 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
Marianne Rice
40 books288 followersMarianne Rice writes small town contemporary romance and women's fiction. Her heroes are big and strong, yet value family and humor, while her heroines are smart, sexy, sometimes a little bit sassy, and are often battling a strong internal conflict. Together, they deal with real life issues and always find everlasting love.
When she’s not writing, Marianne spends her time drooling over shoes, eating chocolate, attending her children's sporting events, and when there’s time, relaxing with fancy drinks and romance books.
To receive news about new releases, sales, freebies and contests, sign up for Marianne's newsletter:http://www.mariannerice.com/connect.html
When she’s not writing, Marianne spends her time drooling over shoes, eating chocolate, attending her children's sporting events, and when there’s time, relaxing with fancy drinks and romance books.
To receive news about new releases, sales, freebies and contests, sign up for Marianne's newsletter:http://www.mariannerice.com/connect.html
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 24, 2017
Connor is an ex-NFL star, now teaching high school football. When his friends set him up on a blind date, the last person he'd expect to walk into his life is combative Meg, high school principal. He's looking for a fun-living woman, not a jaded one. But when he peels back the layers, he discovers Meg is a beautiful woman, inside and out. They fall in love but when the one man who tore Meg apart all those years ago turns out to be closer than Connor would like, he must show Meg he's different. Another fantastic romance from Marianne Rice and this time, it's a football romance. I loved how these two spar and love with the same ferocity. My heart went out to Meg but also to Connor. He's not your typical jock and I loved that about him. Highly recommend!
My Rating: 5 stars
My Rating: 5 stars
May 28, 2015
*Review copy received from the author for an honest review*
4 “Connor McKay” stars
After finishing False Start, my first thoughts are Connor and Meg put the F in frustrating!! Even though I enjoyed their story, they still made me crazy!! Communication is a HUGE problem for them. At one point I was like, really?!?! Not again! But that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy their story. I did and finished it very quickly. This was almost a one sitting book for me :)
“Shit. I never thought I’d see the day! Someone’s got Connor McKay by the balls.”
The synopsis gives you a great description of what this story is about, so I am not going to review that. Almost too well, in my opinion. There was no way of going into this one blind. But, it’s still an anxiety builder because you know that something is going to happen. I knew what would ultimately happen and I waited and waited for it to all go down. There is definitely more anxiety than romance here. It is a romance story but all the drama and communication issues sorta overtook the story. But that’s not a bad thing! Does that make sense?!? Probably not. I tend to ramble sometimes. Hehe ;)
“I don’t know if I’m terrified or turned on.”
False Start is a great story for those who love the complicated romances. They are together…no, they aren’t together. That kind of back and forth stuff goes on throughout the story. They both made some silly decisions and one time Connor did something that almost made me write him off as a book boyfriend ;) And that ending…huge smiles on my face from that one :)
“For the first time in…ever, she felt safe with a man.”
This is a very well written story about learning to trust again and love again. Book Bitch approved and recommended!! Happy Reading!!
4 “Connor McKay” stars
After finishing False Start, my first thoughts are Connor and Meg put the F in frustrating!! Even though I enjoyed their story, they still made me crazy!! Communication is a HUGE problem for them. At one point I was like, really?!?! Not again! But that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy their story. I did and finished it very quickly. This was almost a one sitting book for me :)
“Shit. I never thought I’d see the day! Someone’s got Connor McKay by the balls.”
The synopsis gives you a great description of what this story is about, so I am not going to review that. Almost too well, in my opinion. There was no way of going into this one blind. But, it’s still an anxiety builder because you know that something is going to happen. I knew what would ultimately happen and I waited and waited for it to all go down. There is definitely more anxiety than romance here. It is a romance story but all the drama and communication issues sorta overtook the story. But that’s not a bad thing! Does that make sense?!? Probably not. I tend to ramble sometimes. Hehe ;)
“I don’t know if I’m terrified or turned on.”
False Start is a great story for those who love the complicated romances. They are together…no, they aren’t together. That kind of back and forth stuff goes on throughout the story. They both made some silly decisions and one time Connor did something that almost made me write him off as a book boyfriend ;) And that ending…huge smiles on my face from that one :)
“For the first time in…ever, she felt safe with a man.”
This is a very well written story about learning to trust again and love again. Book Bitch approved and recommended!! Happy Reading!!
March 17, 2018
Another excellent story from Marianne Rice. I couldn't put this book down and stayed up far too late so I could finish it. The characters in this book were more mature than most romance novels but it didn't detract from the story one bit. And I liked that even though the hero was pretty much an alpha male, he knew when to be soft and gentle, as was needed for this scarred lady. What I absolutely loved about this book was that it took place over the course of almost a year. Too many books have someone with an abusive past "getting over it" in the course of a weekend fling of wild sex. None of that here. The realistic approach, that this woman needed to slowly ease her way back into trusting a man, was fabulous! I applaud you, Ms. Rice. Well done!!
July 4, 2015
I absolutely loved Connor and Meg. Their relationship was the start of something beautiful. Meg was the new principle who strived for excellence and who had a horrendous past that no one knew about not even her family. Connor was the coach/teacher who went against Meg and tried her patience. Through the bumpy life of ex's and misunderstandings these two's love for eachother shown even when they tried to hide it. As your reading you may shed a tear or two but it is worth it in the long run. Ms Rice wrote an amazing tale of romance that has you pulled in from the very start.
October 23, 2016
The writing leaves something to be desired but anyway, it could have been executed better. There's so much miscommunication going that leads to conflicts in this book and I'm not about that life.
[Rape tw]
[Rape tw]
May 2, 2015
Marianne Rice’s debut novel, False Start, digs deep to get to the heart of her character’s angst, taking the reader through an edge-of-your-seat competition with game-losing turnovers at each quarter. Makes you want to root for a winning tie.
Meg Fulton, one totally put together, uptight, and hot high school principal who brings out-of-the-box ideas to her new job, may be the one to throw retired NFL player, now high school football coach and town idol, off his game.
She’s the farthest thing from his fantasy perfect mate as Connor McKay can get. Yeah, he might be ready for commitment, settling down in the home town he loves, once he heals from what life has thrown at him. But not with Meg. Hot, smart, sassy Meg.
Meg and Connor were never meant to belong together.
The two start off on the wrong foot and manage to dance around each other through the entire book, all the while falling in love against all odds. But who can’t beat those odds when the entire small town full of family and friends is willing to help with a little shove or two?
Meg takes one look at Connor filling her office doorway and knows she better stay clear. She knows his type—a full of himself player. In her practiced, stoic way, she lets him know she is out of bounds.
But life throws a spiral ball straight between their out-stretched arms. Rice weaves so many twists and turns into her story, throwing challenges at her characters, as inch by inch toward the goal line secrets are unraveled and hearts are opened to possibilities.
Meg and Connor don’t stand a chance of not ending up together.
Introduce some meddling, albeit, loveable family and friends, and the happily-ever-after is inevitable. But what a game to watch, from kick-off, to half-time shenanigans, to the final run down the field to score, as Rice opens up her characters to the reader bit by bit.
And that is exactly what I love about good romance. Watching the characters learn to love the one they are 100% sure is wrong for them—and watching them finally understand why they’ve put up their own walls for so long.
Enjoy the game. Take a breath, then head back out to the bleachers for book two, False Hope, the next in the McKay-Tucker Brothers series. Can’t wait to read it.
Meg Fulton, one totally put together, uptight, and hot high school principal who brings out-of-the-box ideas to her new job, may be the one to throw retired NFL player, now high school football coach and town idol, off his game.
She’s the farthest thing from his fantasy perfect mate as Connor McKay can get. Yeah, he might be ready for commitment, settling down in the home town he loves, once he heals from what life has thrown at him. But not with Meg. Hot, smart, sassy Meg.
Meg and Connor were never meant to belong together.
The two start off on the wrong foot and manage to dance around each other through the entire book, all the while falling in love against all odds. But who can’t beat those odds when the entire small town full of family and friends is willing to help with a little shove or two?
Meg takes one look at Connor filling her office doorway and knows she better stay clear. She knows his type—a full of himself player. In her practiced, stoic way, she lets him know she is out of bounds.
But life throws a spiral ball straight between their out-stretched arms. Rice weaves so many twists and turns into her story, throwing challenges at her characters, as inch by inch toward the goal line secrets are unraveled and hearts are opened to possibilities.
Meg and Connor don’t stand a chance of not ending up together.
Introduce some meddling, albeit, loveable family and friends, and the happily-ever-after is inevitable. But what a game to watch, from kick-off, to half-time shenanigans, to the final run down the field to score, as Rice opens up her characters to the reader bit by bit.
And that is exactly what I love about good romance. Watching the characters learn to love the one they are 100% sure is wrong for them—and watching them finally understand why they’ve put up their own walls for so long.
Enjoy the game. Take a breath, then head back out to the bleachers for book two, False Hope, the next in the McKay-Tucker Brothers series. Can’t wait to read it.
April 24, 2015
False Start
4.5 Stars
This is a fun romance with a twist. It is written from both characters POV and you really get to know the characters. A confident and passionate former football star turned High School coach and a strong and jaded high school principal what could possibly go wrong?
When Conner and Meg first meet there is instant attraction but there is also a lot of head butting and arguing. Both are passionate about their beliefs, Meg's concerning education and Connors concerning athletics. I absolutely loved there back and forth bickering, they were an even match for each other. They try to avoid each other but fate has a funny way of sneaking up on you, add that in with sneaky matchmaking family members and there was no way to avoid the inevitable. There are definitely roadblocks to their HEA from their strong personalities to Connors jealousy to Meg's past.
This was a great debut book and was well written, with a storyline that pulls you in and really makes you fall in love with the characters. I really loved this book and getting glimpse at the other McKay-Tucker men. I can wait for the next brothers books, I will definitely be one-clicking, I'm hooked!!!
4.5 Stars
This is a fun romance with a twist. It is written from both characters POV and you really get to know the characters. A confident and passionate former football star turned High School coach and a strong and jaded high school principal what could possibly go wrong?
When Conner and Meg first meet there is instant attraction but there is also a lot of head butting and arguing. Both are passionate about their beliefs, Meg's concerning education and Connors concerning athletics. I absolutely loved there back and forth bickering, they were an even match for each other. They try to avoid each other but fate has a funny way of sneaking up on you, add that in with sneaky matchmaking family members and there was no way to avoid the inevitable. There are definitely roadblocks to their HEA from their strong personalities to Connors jealousy to Meg's past.
This was a great debut book and was well written, with a storyline that pulls you in and really makes you fall in love with the characters. I really loved this book and getting glimpse at the other McKay-Tucker men. I can wait for the next brothers books, I will definitely be one-clicking, I'm hooked!!!
September 17, 2015
Ooh how I love football and author Marianne Rice gives me Ex-NFL player, turned high school teacher and coach Connor McKay, the ultimate alpha. Then she puts Meg Fulton, the principal, with the beauty and intelligence and the drive to make changes in the athletic programs at school to make sure all athletes pass their classes and get the education they need. Look out now, Connor and Meg are gonna go head-to-head, guess we'll see if it works out with both of them.
Connor and Meg are set up on a blind date and learn a lot about each other. Things are going well, and they've learned to work together. They both have secrets that come to light and may jeopardize what they have come to appreciate in each other. They have to learn to communicate and keep those lines of communication open, always.
This is an AWESOME story that is wonderfully written, has amazing characters, supporting characters, great twists, turns, drama, comedy, suspense, and my favorite love story ending. Thank you Marianne for a beautiful read. I can't wait to read the next in the series.
Connor and Meg are set up on a blind date and learn a lot about each other. Things are going well, and they've learned to work together. They both have secrets that come to light and may jeopardize what they have come to appreciate in each other. They have to learn to communicate and keep those lines of communication open, always.
This is an AWESOME story that is wonderfully written, has amazing characters, supporting characters, great twists, turns, drama, comedy, suspense, and my favorite love story ending. Thank you Marianne for a beautiful read. I can't wait to read the next in the series.
September 17, 2015
The book false start is a nice book to read you hate to put it away because of doing things because wants to know what 's going to happen between Meg and Connor because you get to see what the writing made him to let that advantage was seen despite of meg 's side there were a loving relationship has come out and ingratitude she was raped Meg still could love Connor. Kudos to marianne rice to write so beautiful book that you think it is that happens when fiction I think it's a must for everyone to read. Can not wait for the next part .
December 6, 2015
I am sucker for sports romances and Marianne definitely hits the mark with Connor McKay. An ex-NFL star, Connor is definitely an alpha male with a soft spot especially when it comes to Meg and her sharp tongue. Meg knows how to hold her own with him and I love that. From the very first interaction between them in Meg's office I knew I would have to keep reading to find out how Connor manages to finally win her heart. This book will keep you guessing (Connor and Meg's relationship doesn't come easily) but it's definitely worth it in the end.
August 27, 2016
I wasn't a huge fan of Conner at first. I'm not really into the macho, sports guy. He kind of grew on me, though, because he really is a good guy. I love all the characters in this story, and the pace at which the story develops. I particularly like the way the author slowly reveals bits and pieces about the past as the current story is developing. It's very well-done, revealing just enough information to keep you wondering. Looking forward to reading more in this series.
June 20, 2015
I really loved reading this book. It can be read as a stand alone or as part of the series. It was well written and has a great story line. There were many emotions throughout the book and I felt connected with the characters from the start of the book. Looking forward to reading more from this author. I will be adding Marianne Rice to my list of favorite authors.
November 9, 2015
Omg this book is amazing. It is going to make you laugh, cry, scream, and yell. But I know you are going to fall in love with Meg and Conner just like I did. I can't wait to see what comes next for this couple. Will they beat the odds or not? You will have to read it to find out
March 22, 2015
I'm not one for romance books, but loved it! For real, Marianne! ;)
January 6, 2018
The back story of Meg strikes a chord. Small town girl, shy, doesn’t quite fit in with the popular kids. But, Meg overcomes, succeeds and shows everyone how strong a woman she really is. Having a child so young, finishing school and using her intelligence to better schools districts along her way, shows how determined she is to make a good life for her and her daughter.
Connie is an ex-football player who came home to coach and teach, after an injury ruined his career. Years of playing football, losing his wife to the seduction of the game and partying way too much, have left him cynical that love isn’t in the cards for him.
That is until the new Principal comes to his school. She is classy and confident and he doesn’t realize he is smitten until he gets bit. Connor can tell Meg had something happen to her that makes her very skiddish with men. He doesn’t realize, neither does Meg, until a fateful party at his house, that her terror is due to something his best friend did over 20 years ago.
In order to keep Meg in his life, Connor has to choose who is more important to him, Meg and her daughter Emma, or his best friend.
Connie is an ex-football player who came home to coach and teach, after an injury ruined his career. Years of playing football, losing his wife to the seduction of the game and partying way too much, have left him cynical that love isn’t in the cards for him.
That is until the new Principal comes to his school. She is classy and confident and he doesn’t realize he is smitten until he gets bit. Connor can tell Meg had something happen to her that makes her very skiddish with men. He doesn’t realize, neither does Meg, until a fateful party at his house, that her terror is due to something his best friend did over 20 years ago.
In order to keep Meg in his life, Connor has to choose who is more important to him, Meg and her daughter Emma, or his best friend.
September 18, 2017
Meg Fulton is principal at a new high school when she meets the football coach, ex-NFL start Connor McKay. Connor is sexy, but Meg had a bad experience in high school with another football player and has never recovered from it. It left her a single mom with an adult daughter, Emma.
Connor and Meg flirt and spar over the course of the school year. Connor wants more and can't figure out why the sexy principal is so hands off. There's also a series of misunderstandings and miscommunications that impede their romantic progress.
I enjoyed this contemporary romance. Meg was a little too bitchy at times and Connor a little too hetero, but they did match well together. It's a quick and fun read with some serious moments. I just grabbed the next book because I'm more interested in the premise of romance between Mason, Connor's half-brother, and Emma.
Connor and Meg flirt and spar over the course of the school year. Connor wants more and can't figure out why the sexy principal is so hands off. There's also a series of misunderstandings and miscommunications that impede their romantic progress.
I enjoyed this contemporary romance. Meg was a little too bitchy at times and Connor a little too hetero, but they did match well together. It's a quick and fun read with some serious moments. I just grabbed the next book because I'm more interested in the premise of romance between Mason, Connor's half-brother, and Emma.
June 19, 2018
This is the first book I have read by this author. It took a bit to get into the story, but once there, I did not want to put it down. Meg had been through a lot, and I understood her hesitancy to let someone into her life. She had an hard shell covering her broken center. I loved her interactions with her daughter and Connor. Connor was a sweetheart, although he was not very communicative. He was full of reaction before thought. They made a great couple and had me laughing, crying, and sighing throughout the story.
This is my unsolicited review.
This is my unsolicited review.
March 16, 2019
A nice play off between a football coach and the new principal. Each has something prove and they both work at the same high school, but what will they do about that attraction between them? If you like sexy heroes and smart heroines this is the book for you.
February 15, 2018
It was a good story and the characters had great chemistry. I however found the story to be slow and way h was towards H was annoying at times. I did really enjoy the epilogue.
February 18, 2015
False Start is the debut contemporary romance novel by author Marianne Rice. It is Book #1 in the Mckay-Tucker Men series.
High school principal Meg Fulton is leary of alpha men and football coach Connor Mckay fits the type to a T. They clash when she threatens the high school athletic program by making the academic standards more stringent for the students/players.
He thinks she's an uptight perfectionist and she thinks he's a brawny jerk. Things aren't always what they seem with these characters. Meg has a painful past that leaves her nervous with men and Connor does his best to get over that emotional hurdle. Even with the numerous spats and squabbles, the attraction between sexy Meg and hunky Connor is undeniable.
The characters are emotionally driven and relatable. I empathized with their struggles and rooted for a big win in love. I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to others.
Now I'm waiting to see what happens to Meg's daughter, Emma in the next book in the series!
High school principal Meg Fulton is leary of alpha men and football coach Connor Mckay fits the type to a T. They clash when she threatens the high school athletic program by making the academic standards more stringent for the students/players.
He thinks she's an uptight perfectionist and she thinks he's a brawny jerk. Things aren't always what they seem with these characters. Meg has a painful past that leaves her nervous with men and Connor does his best to get over that emotional hurdle. Even with the numerous spats and squabbles, the attraction between sexy Meg and hunky Connor is undeniable.
The characters are emotionally driven and relatable. I empathized with their struggles and rooted for a big win in love. I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to others.
Now I'm waiting to see what happens to Meg's daughter, Emma in the next book in the series!
November 14, 2016
Coach McKay is used to women only wanting him for his fame, money and hot body - and after his wife left him for losing one of the three, why wouldn't he believe that's what they all want. Even now, as the small town football coach, Connor is satisfied with his single, carefree life. Shame his mother isn't.
Meg has worked hard to get where she is. As the new Principal of the local school she has big ideas and impenetrable walls. After everything she's been through, raising her daughter as a single teen mother, why wouldn't she?
Small towns though, secrets aren't kept for long and mother's (and in Meg's case, daughters) meddle at will.
A beautiful love story about letting go of the past, kissing goodbye judgements and trying to move forward. Only once that's done, can love really find you.
Meg has worked hard to get where she is. As the new Principal of the local school she has big ideas and impenetrable walls. After everything she's been through, raising her daughter as a single teen mother, why wouldn't she?
Small towns though, secrets aren't kept for long and mother's (and in Meg's case, daughters) meddle at will.
A beautiful love story about letting go of the past, kissing goodbye judgements and trying to move forward. Only once that's done, can love really find you.
July 17, 2022
Unfortunately, I had quite a few issues with the book. First of all, I didn't like Meg. She came off as really hostile, and despite her past I found it hard to be sympathetic to her. In the first half of the book, she constantly pushed Connor away, and I was kind of hoping he would get tired of her and move on. The second half was more eventful but it also was overdone. For example, the whole Tracy misunderstanding felt ridiculous. I kept shaking my head in disbelief at how childish both Meg and Connor behaved. At that point I was done and I ended up skimming the rest just to see how it ended.
February 21, 2015
When I started reading this book last tuesday, I said to myself "This is just another romance book and I am not going to even finish this" Then as I was reading the first few pages I was starting to enjoy it. (I can actually relate to False Start myself -_-) I highly recommend False Start by Marianne Rice because not only is it easy to read, but it is also not your ordinary romance book. Hope more like this kind of books soon!
February 14, 2015
Great beach read!
Yes this is a boy meets girl story but not just your typical romance read. The first time author is witty and inserts twists along the way making me unable to put the book down. Anxiously awaiting the next book in the series!
Yes this is a boy meets girl story but not just your typical romance read. The first time author is witty and inserts twists along the way making me unable to put the book down. Anxiously awaiting the next book in the series!
May 15, 2017
Cute story. I really liked Connor.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews