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Sweet Home Alabama #1
Slow and Steady Rush
This book is published under the original series name. The new editions are published under the series name: Sweet Home Alabama
She lives by the book—and is still searching for her happily ever after.
Darcy Wilde has tried hard not to live up to her last name. As a librarian in Atlanta she lives a fine life far away from the football-obsessed town of her childhood. But when her beloved Grandmother needs help, Darcy takes a leave of absence and heads back to the home and past she left behind.
He knows how to play the field—and is in no rush to settle down.
Robbie Dalton knows a thing or two about painful pasts. After bouncing around in foster care and the Army for years he is finally ready to move on and make a home for himself in Falcon, Alabama as the newest high school football coach. Sparks fly when the sexy new coach and the sharp-tongued librarian meet, but neither of them is looking to make ties.
But when it comes to love, sometimes you’ve gotta throw away the rule book to cross the finish line…
Everything changes when Darcy falls in love, not only with the gruff, protective, and smoking hot man who's sharing her days and nights, but also with the complex tapestry of people who weave Falcon together. Could this be where she belongs - and who she belongs with?
She lives by the book—and is still searching for her happily ever after.
Darcy Wilde has tried hard not to live up to her last name. As a librarian in Atlanta she lives a fine life far away from the football-obsessed town of her childhood. But when her beloved Grandmother needs help, Darcy takes a leave of absence and heads back to the home and past she left behind.
He knows how to play the field—and is in no rush to settle down.
Robbie Dalton knows a thing or two about painful pasts. After bouncing around in foster care and the Army for years he is finally ready to move on and make a home for himself in Falcon, Alabama as the newest high school football coach. Sparks fly when the sexy new coach and the sharp-tongued librarian meet, but neither of them is looking to make ties.
But when it comes to love, sometimes you’ve gotta throw away the rule book to cross the finish line…
Everything changes when Darcy falls in love, not only with the gruff, protective, and smoking hot man who's sharing her days and nights, but also with the complex tapestry of people who weave Falcon together. Could this be where she belongs - and who she belongs with?
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2015
155 people are currently reading
1091 people want to read
About the author
Laura Trentham
43 books910 followersAuthor of smart, sexy Southern contemporary romance, Regency historicals, & heartfelt Women's Fiction
Series include:
Sweet Home Alabama
Cottonbloom
Spies and Lovers
Heart of a Hero
Highland, Georgia
Series include:
Sweet Home Alabama
Cottonbloom
Spies and Lovers
Heart of a Hero
Highland, Georgia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
January 23, 2015
I loved Robbie I loved how he had morals, "because you were blitzed, and excuse me for being gentlemanly, but I didn't want you puking your guts up while I screwed you." Such a nice boy. His thoughts sometimes were of those of a teenage virgin who was nervous, "I'll go, but only if Robbie wants to." She cast him an inscrutable look under her lashes. What did that mean? Did she want to go out with him?" He's sometimes pretty open about his thoughts, "you have no effing idea how much I want you. I think about getting your legs around me every waking second of the day." Robbie and Darcy were like teenagers at times, "Jesus Christ, couldn't you tell I enjoyed it?" A knock startled them apart. Robbie yanked his pants up while Darcy moved to the door straightening her clothes." Robbie sometimes has to check with his girl on things, "I brought three condoms. Do you think that will cover us?" He smiled into her hair." I really liked this book and I think I'm going to like this series, it has the atmosphere I like with small towns, and it has sex so this series will probably go far on my radar.
June 6, 2016
4 -
Let the past stay there and believe in love.
Stars!
Laura Trentham has added herself to one auto-buy list with Slow and Steady Rush. This book offered me everything that I want in a romance novel, and it also offered an extremely strong beginning to the Falcon Football Series.
”Still waters and all that.”
I started this book with minimal expectations, being that it is from a new author offering up a new series, but after reading the synopsis I was hopeful of a good read. Laura more than exceeded my expectations, she blew them away. I devoured Darcy and Robbie’s story; it had everything, laughter, tears, great development on the town of Falcon, Alabama and its residents in general, as well as the gradual building of this couples relationship in that setting. One is a returning resident, one a newcomer, and both have a lot to prove, to the town and too themselves.
”I’ve ridden way bigger studs than you, Coach Dalton.”
There is so much going on in this book, Robbie is dealing with the expectations of starting as the local schools new football coach, the team has been on the skids for a long time so the pressure to provide a few wins and motivate his boys and the town in general is huge, not everyone is happy that an ‘outsider’ has been given such a plum role and more than a few obstacles are thrown in his path.
Darcy has returned to Falcon, on sabbatical to care for her ailing grandmother Ada, who basically raised her and her cousin Logan, subject to the towns disdain and being the center of family gossip in the past, she is looking to get in, get her Gran back on track and get back to the city again. I loved Miss Ada her sass as well as her perky personality in general were a really great addition to the story, she wasn’t secondary for me and actually played quite a pivotal role in the scheme of things. I also loved the dynamic between the two of them, what initially starts out as reluctance to stay soon morphs into something else as Darcy starts to get more involved with the town, the library and Robbie with Ada’s encouragement, and a little meddling thrown in for good measure.
This book oozes potential, the writing highlights a massive talent, the story and the characters offer a strong, emotive, sexy, and hugely entertaining beginning to a series that I have extremely high hopes for. Logan Wilde is up next, I think he is going to be another guy with more under the surface than you initially expect, and I cannot wait for Caught Up In Touch (due July 2015) to get to know him a whole lot better.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
Laura Trentham has added herself to one auto-buy list with Slow and Steady Rush. This book offered me everything that I want in a romance novel, and it also offered an extremely strong beginning to the Falcon Football Series.
”Still waters and all that.”
I started this book with minimal expectations, being that it is from a new author offering up a new series, but after reading the synopsis I was hopeful of a good read. Laura more than exceeded my expectations, she blew them away. I devoured Darcy and Robbie’s story; it had everything, laughter, tears, great development on the town of Falcon, Alabama and its residents in general, as well as the gradual building of this couples relationship in that setting. One is a returning resident, one a newcomer, and both have a lot to prove, to the town and too themselves.
”I’ve ridden way bigger studs than you, Coach Dalton.”
There is so much going on in this book, Robbie is dealing with the expectations of starting as the local schools new football coach, the team has been on the skids for a long time so the pressure to provide a few wins and motivate his boys and the town in general is huge, not everyone is happy that an ‘outsider’ has been given such a plum role and more than a few obstacles are thrown in his path.
Darcy has returned to Falcon, on sabbatical to care for her ailing grandmother Ada, who basically raised her and her cousin Logan, subject to the towns disdain and being the center of family gossip in the past, she is looking to get in, get her Gran back on track and get back to the city again. I loved Miss Ada her sass as well as her perky personality in general were a really great addition to the story, she wasn’t secondary for me and actually played quite a pivotal role in the scheme of things. I also loved the dynamic between the two of them, what initially starts out as reluctance to stay soon morphs into something else as Darcy starts to get more involved with the town, the library and Robbie with Ada’s encouragement, and a little meddling thrown in for good measure.
This book oozes potential, the writing highlights a massive talent, the story and the characters offer a strong, emotive, sexy, and hugely entertaining beginning to a series that I have extremely high hopes for. Logan Wilde is up next, I think he is going to be another guy with more under the surface than you initially expect, and I cannot wait for Caught Up In Touch (due July 2015) to get to know him a whole lot better.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
February 10, 2015
This was the first Laura Trentham book that I read and I definitely will be reading more. It isn't often that a book will make me have a range of emotions from laughing out loud(the banter between the Dalt and Darcy) to crying (well, I won't give away why I cried). I liked the layers to both of the characters and how they both had to overcome their insecurities, to be together. I also appreciated the Grandmother's character because she seemed like a real person, almost like she was talking to you. That is what I liked about the book...the characters came alive to me and seemed like real people with real issues and a happily ever after too. It was spicy but in the right places.
I am definitely looking forward to reading more books in this series!
I am definitely looking forward to reading more books in this series!
January 28, 2015
This review pertains to Slow and Steady Rush by Laura Trentham. Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the chance to read and review. What a great read! First off, I love the main characters name (it's the same as mine!) In one of the descriptions I read it called this book Sweet Home Alabama meets Friday Night Lights and that is just the perfect description. This was a sweet romantic comedy which had me hooked from Darcy and Robbie's rather Spicy introduction. There were true laugh out loud moments and many awww moments which have you rooting for these two. Strong characters and I could see some possible introductions to future books as well. Great read and I look forward to more!
January 25, 2015
This is the first book I have read by Laura Trentham and have since found out that, "Slow and Steady Rush," was her first book. This was a really enjoyable read. Great story, humor and of course that "boom chicka wow wow," that adds a sizzle to the story line. I read this book quickly as I was anxious to see how the relationship between Darcy and Robbie would unfold. I will definitely buy the next one in the series when it comes out, as I am hoping that will tell more of Logan's story.
March 15, 2015
Review can be read at It's About The Book
4.5 stars
Oh, you people… I’m not a spring chicken and it’s not fair to me, keeping me up past my bedtime! But as the recent Facebook meme states, I consider a bookmark–whether virtual or paper–a quitter’s strip. And this intriguing story was so well-written and so wrought with feeling that I had to keep going to get every.last.drop out. I couldn’t stand to go to sleep without making sure that everything was going to be okay.
Abandoned by her mom, Darcy Wilde spent her childhood in Falcon trying to NOT be like her. Not to be trouble, not to make bad decisions. Raised by her librarian grandmother Ada, she’d gone on to get both a college degree and a great career in Atlanta. One phone call from her cousin Logan put that on hold; while out chopping wood, eighty-five year old Ada had broken BOTH of her hips and would need serious rehab time. So Darcy took a leave of absence from her job and headed back to Falcon. She owed Ada a lot and she intended to do what family does–take care of each other. She just hoped she could get back to Atlanta in time to keep the other people circling her research librarian position away. It was July now, and her leave ended in November–and the job they were holding would be up for grabs then if she didn’t return. And she really wanted that promotion! So, Ada had to get better by then, right?
The first taste of what it felt like to be home came to Robbie Dalton when he served in Afghanistan with Logan Wilde. Cousin Darcy’s letters would come filled with love and stories about the small-town life of Falcon, Alabama–making him homesick for something he’d never known. Raised in foster care and an even tougher military, Dalt’s view of the world was definitely not shielded by the slow-dripping rain of a southern spring. His memories of childhood and life were jagged and raw, not obscured by the softness of loving memories. Moving to Falcon and taking the job of head football coach of the losing high school football team had been a chance for a better way, a nicer life. If he could just get Darcy Wilde to see that he wasn’t using Ada’s kind nature to try to steal the Wilson place out from under her. His motives might not be pure–sure, he wanted the place. But he was willing to pay for it, and it was going to take a lot of work. And as far as he could tell, Darcy didn’t plan on coming back to life in Falcon near Ada anyway, which was a shame. She was squandering what he’d dearly love to have–a caring family that would take a child in when they were left alone–and he would know what happened when there wasn’t one. His life was basically the description writ large.
The best and worst thing about small towns is that everybody knows your business. And when someone says something they shouldn’t and the wrong somebody hears it…well, you know the drill. Rumors spread. They get around. And before you know it, you’ve got an uncontained brush fire on your hands!
We’ve got a hero who needs to be saved, a heroine who doesn’t want to save him, a football-crazy town, and a cast of characters that fill this crazy southern town called Falcon in a way that will be familiar and yet new. Meet them all and enjoy the characters, the relationships and the unfolding tension as push comes to shove and we all wonder…. can you go home again?
The writing is heartfelt, the romance is spot on, the dynamic between the main characters hot, and the town is a character all on its own. I really loved the people in this book and the town of Falcon, and I can’t wait for Logan’s book, coming next! Thanks!
4.5 stars
Oh, you people… I’m not a spring chicken and it’s not fair to me, keeping me up past my bedtime! But as the recent Facebook meme states, I consider a bookmark–whether virtual or paper–a quitter’s strip. And this intriguing story was so well-written and so wrought with feeling that I had to keep going to get every.last.drop out. I couldn’t stand to go to sleep without making sure that everything was going to be okay.
Abandoned by her mom, Darcy Wilde spent her childhood in Falcon trying to NOT be like her. Not to be trouble, not to make bad decisions. Raised by her librarian grandmother Ada, she’d gone on to get both a college degree and a great career in Atlanta. One phone call from her cousin Logan put that on hold; while out chopping wood, eighty-five year old Ada had broken BOTH of her hips and would need serious rehab time. So Darcy took a leave of absence from her job and headed back to Falcon. She owed Ada a lot and she intended to do what family does–take care of each other. She just hoped she could get back to Atlanta in time to keep the other people circling her research librarian position away. It was July now, and her leave ended in November–and the job they were holding would be up for grabs then if she didn’t return. And she really wanted that promotion! So, Ada had to get better by then, right?
The first taste of what it felt like to be home came to Robbie Dalton when he served in Afghanistan with Logan Wilde. Cousin Darcy’s letters would come filled with love and stories about the small-town life of Falcon, Alabama–making him homesick for something he’d never known. Raised in foster care and an even tougher military, Dalt’s view of the world was definitely not shielded by the slow-dripping rain of a southern spring. His memories of childhood and life were jagged and raw, not obscured by the softness of loving memories. Moving to Falcon and taking the job of head football coach of the losing high school football team had been a chance for a better way, a nicer life. If he could just get Darcy Wilde to see that he wasn’t using Ada’s kind nature to try to steal the Wilson place out from under her. His motives might not be pure–sure, he wanted the place. But he was willing to pay for it, and it was going to take a lot of work. And as far as he could tell, Darcy didn’t plan on coming back to life in Falcon near Ada anyway, which was a shame. She was squandering what he’d dearly love to have–a caring family that would take a child in when they were left alone–and he would know what happened when there wasn’t one. His life was basically the description writ large.
The best and worst thing about small towns is that everybody knows your business. And when someone says something they shouldn’t and the wrong somebody hears it…well, you know the drill. Rumors spread. They get around. And before you know it, you’ve got an uncontained brush fire on your hands!
We’ve got a hero who needs to be saved, a heroine who doesn’t want to save him, a football-crazy town, and a cast of characters that fill this crazy southern town called Falcon in a way that will be familiar and yet new. Meet them all and enjoy the characters, the relationships and the unfolding tension as push comes to shove and we all wonder…. can you go home again?
The writing is heartfelt, the romance is spot on, the dynamic between the main characters hot, and the town is a character all on its own. I really loved the people in this book and the town of Falcon, and I can’t wait for Logan’s book, coming next! Thanks!
February 19, 2015
I enjoyed this book. The storyline was great. I was very drawn to the characters. I wanted to know what happened to them, and I couldn’t put the book down until I knew.
The Whitey storyline was an unexpected twist. The author drew out my sympathy for him, and his circumstance. I was reminded that with opportunity, there’s a chance to break free of our past and make a better future.
I’m looking forward to #2. Great new author!
The Whitey storyline was an unexpected twist. The author drew out my sympathy for him, and his circumstance. I was reminded that with opportunity, there’s a chance to break free of our past and make a better future.
I’m looking forward to #2. Great new author!
May 10, 2016
Well, I was about ready to give this my 'just okay' stamp. I thought the romance was rather ho-hum, I struggled to be passionate towards Darcy and Robbie as a couple. I wasn't particularly excited with Robbie, I guess. I thought his secret didn't justify him to do the awful things (like being judgmental or pushing the heroine away) he did. IMHO, Darcy did most of the attempts to keep their relationship. AND, for a series with "Football" on the name, I didn't see too much football related scenes.
But there were still some parts that entertained me, the whole misunderstanding with Darcy thinking of Avery as Robbie's boyfriend made me smile (Avery was Robbie's dog, by the way). The porn movie titles that came up between Darcy and her friend Kat (I voted: Fourth and Extra Long by the way) as well. I thought Darcy's relationship with her cousin Logan was also nice.
What made this story ended up having two stars was not a consequence of those reasons written above. It had something to do with what happened to one of the teenagers here, a gay teenager named Tyler. My opinion will be rather rant-y, plus it will be specific to a particular plot. So under spoiler tag it goes.
It took out just the slight 'okay' feel I had with the book, thus my 2-stars.
But there were still some parts that entertained me, the whole misunderstanding with Darcy thinking of Avery as Robbie's boyfriend made me smile (Avery was Robbie's dog, by the way). The porn movie titles that came up between Darcy and her friend Kat (I voted: Fourth and Extra Long by the way) as well. I thought Darcy's relationship with her cousin Logan was also nice.
What made this story ended up having two stars was not a consequence of those reasons written above. It had something to do with what happened to one of the teenagers here, a gay teenager named Tyler. My opinion will be rather rant-y, plus it will be specific to a particular plot. So under spoiler tag it goes.
It took out just the slight 'okay' feel I had with the book, thus my 2-stars.
March 7, 2015
4.5 stars for this sweet, thoughtful romance. Darcy moved away from the small town she grew up in. She hated living there, with small-minded people and all the gossip. Years later, when the grandma who raised her gets sick, she takes a leave of work to return to the small town she left behind. As much as things have changed there, some things have stayed the same. One new addition to her hometown is Robbie, aka Dalt, the new coach of the football team. Robbie served in Afghanistan with Darcy's cousin and he wanted to live in the small town Darcy wrote about in her letters. My favorite thing about this book was Robbie. He's really sweet but also kind of broken from a past that haunts him. He's really good with the kids he coaches, he's not a manwhore, and he loves his dog. He's a really fantastic hero. I also really liked the small town setting. This book had the perfect amount of steam. I really enjoyed this sweet romance and look forward to reading more by this author.
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
February 26, 2015
2.5 stars
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Darcy couldn't wait to escape her hometown and all the small town gossip about her mother after high school. When her grandmother breaks both hips, Darcy suddenly finds herself thrust back into that world. There is one new addition, though, Robbie the new high school boy’s football coach. He served overseas with her cousin Logan and is not leaving Darcy alone in the feeling the attraction department. They're both wary individuals with their own insecurities but are still drawn to one another. If Robbie can open his heart and Darcy can decide on where home truly is for her, they both might get more than they ever bargained for out of this small town.
Slow and Steady is a debut book for Laura Trentham and while I highly praise the solid technical aspect of the writing, the story and characters fall a bit flat. The story reads as if it is an outline for a small town romance; it’s pretty dry with no spark. The heroine Darcy had an absent mother who the townspeople loved to gossip about behind and to Darcy forcing her to leave behind her loving grandmother and escape off to the big city. Darcy does her best to live a nice normal boring life as to not end up like her wild mother. Our hero Robbie went through the foster care system and guards his feelings, always too scared to hope for the best after being disappointed so much as a child. He was an Army Ranger who has a PTSD nightmare episode in the beginning, which is never really addressed again, and a dog bestfriend who shielded and saved him from a blast. Robbie is, of course, handsome as all get out and hounded by the townswomen but after reading Darcy's letters to her cousin while overseas and now seeing her in person is completely drawn to her.
As you can see, Darcy and Robbie have some past issues but they are never delved into or fleshed out enough to become truly interesting. These story lines have been done before so to become engaging or feel fresh the characters have to bring a spark to the table and I never felt that here. I know Darcy likes how Robbie's biceps look in his shirt sleeves and Robbie likes Darcy's, well, I'm not quite sure, her cooking and very general personality, maybe? Even their sex scenes had a bit of ho hum to them.
The setting of the small town and people was more interesting and showed the author's strength with world building; it felt true to the feeling and concept of herd mentality, importance of high school football, and living in a fish bowl the author was trying to create. The story line of rumors going around of Robbie being gay and the extra characters that brought along got a bit unwieldy at times but gave more depth. The villain of this piece was way over the top and didn't feel natural, I felt like the author was going for shock value.
The story is a slower read but not slow paced, if that makes sense. Overall, our leads were ok but no real emotion between them, the secondary characters rounded out the story well, and the technical writing was solid. It's all very been there done that with an "ok" vibe but if you like this formula and want a calmer read with a good small town setting, then this could be a viable option.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Darcy couldn't wait to escape her hometown and all the small town gossip about her mother after high school. When her grandmother breaks both hips, Darcy suddenly finds herself thrust back into that world. There is one new addition, though, Robbie the new high school boy’s football coach. He served overseas with her cousin Logan and is not leaving Darcy alone in the feeling the attraction department. They're both wary individuals with their own insecurities but are still drawn to one another. If Robbie can open his heart and Darcy can decide on where home truly is for her, they both might get more than they ever bargained for out of this small town.
Slow and Steady is a debut book for Laura Trentham and while I highly praise the solid technical aspect of the writing, the story and characters fall a bit flat. The story reads as if it is an outline for a small town romance; it’s pretty dry with no spark. The heroine Darcy had an absent mother who the townspeople loved to gossip about behind and to Darcy forcing her to leave behind her loving grandmother and escape off to the big city. Darcy does her best to live a nice normal boring life as to not end up like her wild mother. Our hero Robbie went through the foster care system and guards his feelings, always too scared to hope for the best after being disappointed so much as a child. He was an Army Ranger who has a PTSD nightmare episode in the beginning, which is never really addressed again, and a dog bestfriend who shielded and saved him from a blast. Robbie is, of course, handsome as all get out and hounded by the townswomen but after reading Darcy's letters to her cousin while overseas and now seeing her in person is completely drawn to her.
As you can see, Darcy and Robbie have some past issues but they are never delved into or fleshed out enough to become truly interesting. These story lines have been done before so to become engaging or feel fresh the characters have to bring a spark to the table and I never felt that here. I know Darcy likes how Robbie's biceps look in his shirt sleeves and Robbie likes Darcy's, well, I'm not quite sure, her cooking and very general personality, maybe? Even their sex scenes had a bit of ho hum to them.
The setting of the small town and people was more interesting and showed the author's strength with world building; it felt true to the feeling and concept of herd mentality, importance of high school football, and living in a fish bowl the author was trying to create. The story line of rumors going around of Robbie being gay and the extra characters that brought along got a bit unwieldy at times but gave more depth. The villain of this piece was way over the top and didn't feel natural, I felt like the author was going for shock value.
The story is a slower read but not slow paced, if that makes sense. Overall, our leads were ok but no real emotion between them, the secondary characters rounded out the story well, and the technical writing was solid. It's all very been there done that with an "ok" vibe but if you like this formula and want a calmer read with a good small town setting, then this could be a viable option.
March 11, 2015
When Darcy Wilde left her grandma’s loving home to strike out on her own, she thought she was finished with small towns and small minds. When grandma needed her help, due to an accident, Darcy drops everything, takes time off work, packs a couple of suitcases and comes back to Falcon, temporarily, only. Little did she know she would meet the new high school football coach, become the biggest town gossip of all, spreading an untrue rumor about him and have to atone for her sins. Even more shocking, she finds she likes her “punishment,” maybe just a little too much.
Robbie Dalton has lived through a world of hurt, pain and loss. Falcon was to be his starting point for a new life and hope for a better future. He did not expect Darcy to turn his head and put his heart in a vice. Her sharp and biting tongue often moves faster than her brain, and her stay is temporary, right? That is what they agreed on, but someone forgot to check with their hearts. Will the hot football coach score the final touchdown with Darcy or will his words trip him up at the ten yard line?
Slow and Steady Rush by Laura Trentham is a delightfully sweet, slightly spicy romance between two people who never thought they could find a place to fit in. Ms. Trentham has scored huge in her world building by capturing the essence of a small town filled with quirky, nasty and endearing residents. The familiar high school football pride runs deep and very true to life! She strikes just the right amount of tension, humor and heartache without being angsty and dark as she leads through another day in the life of average America.
From page one, this light romance kept me following willingly along, sometimes smirking, sometimes, shuddering, but always rooting for the “home” team!
I received this ARC edition from St. Martin's Press in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Falcon Football - Book 1
Publication Date: March 10, 2015
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
ISBN-13: 9781466883949
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 400 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Robbie Dalton has lived through a world of hurt, pain and loss. Falcon was to be his starting point for a new life and hope for a better future. He did not expect Darcy to turn his head and put his heart in a vice. Her sharp and biting tongue often moves faster than her brain, and her stay is temporary, right? That is what they agreed on, but someone forgot to check with their hearts. Will the hot football coach score the final touchdown with Darcy or will his words trip him up at the ten yard line?
Slow and Steady Rush by Laura Trentham is a delightfully sweet, slightly spicy romance between two people who never thought they could find a place to fit in. Ms. Trentham has scored huge in her world building by capturing the essence of a small town filled with quirky, nasty and endearing residents. The familiar high school football pride runs deep and very true to life! She strikes just the right amount of tension, humor and heartache without being angsty and dark as she leads through another day in the life of average America.
From page one, this light romance kept me following willingly along, sometimes smirking, sometimes, shuddering, but always rooting for the “home” team!
I received this ARC edition from St. Martin's Press in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Falcon Football - Book 1
Publication Date: March 10, 2015
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
ISBN-13: 9781466883949
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 400 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
March 13, 2015
ARC provided via NetGalley for an honest review..
This is the book that I have from Laura Trentham! I definitely will be reading more... Slow and Steady Rush is about Darcy Wilde is a librarian in Atlanta she ends going back to her home town to help of her grandmother.. Robbie Dalton the new high school boy’s football coach. He served overseas with her cousin Logan.. Darcy and Robbie have some past issues.. The attraction between Robbie and Darcy is immediate and when they can’t fight there feeling for each other, they decide to have a fun for now relationship!! Read this book to see what happens!! You will enjoy it!!
This is the book that I have from Laura Trentham! I definitely will be reading more... Slow and Steady Rush is about Darcy Wilde is a librarian in Atlanta she ends going back to her home town to help of her grandmother.. Robbie Dalton the new high school boy’s football coach. He served overseas with her cousin Logan.. Darcy and Robbie have some past issues.. The attraction between Robbie and Darcy is immediate and when they can’t fight there feeling for each other, they decide to have a fun for now relationship!! Read this book to see what happens!! You will enjoy it!!
February 16, 2019
This was a sweet small-town romance! Darcy and Robbie had crazy attraction and although I didn’t think they clicked emotionally until later on, their journey was an interesting ride. I liked Robbie’s interactions with the football team and was amused by Darcy’s denial of staying in town even as she continually involved herself. Avery, Robbie’s dog, was hilarious with his human-like reactions and I loved his emotional support for his human caregiver.
Possible trigger: a situation of bullying in regards to sexual orientation
Possible trigger: a situation of bullying in regards to sexual orientation
February 4, 2015
The characters were likable for the most part. Robbie Dalton or better known as “Dalt” has a lot of insecurities. At first he came off as this strong character; a nice person who is respected as the new coach for the high school football team where football is LIFE. For the last couple years the football team at Falcon has had a losing record, so it is on Dalt’s shoulders to get the team back to winning. Darcy has come back home to Falcon after being gone and living in Atlanta. She was reluctant to come back but her grandmother, Ada, suffered a a broken hip and is immobile and needs Darcy’s.
I am not really sure I felt the connection I was supposed to feel with these two characters. I really was hoping things would go differently, but the misunderstanding felt awkward and to me did not fit in well in the story.
Additionally, I don’t like how things ended with what the grandmother did. Many may find it sweet, but I did not. It was supposed to be sentimental gesture, but I did not see it like that at all.
There was very little angst in this story. Whatever angst there was, it was resolved quickly. Also, where I thought there should have been groveling there was none. The heroine disappointed me. I hate when a man says very hurtful words even though he said for a reason and the woman still feels she was in the wrong. I was so frustrated with that whole scene.
Bottom line it was a sweet small town romance with little angst.
A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
I am not really sure I felt the connection I was supposed to feel with these two characters. I really was hoping things would go differently, but the misunderstanding felt awkward and to me did not fit in well in the story.
Additionally, I don’t like how things ended with what the grandmother did. Many may find it sweet, but I did not. It was supposed to be sentimental gesture, but I did not see it like that at all.
There was very little angst in this story. Whatever angst there was, it was resolved quickly. Also, where I thought there should have been groveling there was none. The heroine disappointed me. I hate when a man says very hurtful words even though he said for a reason and the woman still feels she was in the wrong. I was so frustrated with that whole scene.
Bottom line it was a sweet small town romance with little angst.
A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
March 2, 2015
This book covers a lot of relationship ground and does it really well.
Darcy Wilde is a research librarian at Emery University when she returns to Falcon, Alabama to nurse the grandmother who raised her. To say that Darcy doesn’t want to be there is putting it mildly, but she firmly believes you do for family. Robbie “Dalt” Dalton is a former Army Ranger who has moved to Falcon to be near his friend, Logan, and be the new football coach/math teacher. He has a whole luggage cart of baggage that he brings with him. The attraction between these two is immediate and when they realize they can’t fight it, they decide to have a “fun for now relationship.”
Trentham does a fabulous job of developing Darcy and Robbie as characters and letting us get to know them. They both have a lot going on and seeing how they handle the other relationships and obligations makes you like them even more. There is a wonderful cast of secondary characters, including the town of Falcon itself, that help drive the story along.
While the story revolves around the romance between Darcy and Robbie, there are also themes about relationships in general running through the book. You see examples of family, friends, mentors, and community relationships that grow and impact our hero and heroine and ultimately their relationship with each other. Slow and Steady Rush is a feel good story that has you rooting for everyone involved and looking forward to coming back for more.
Reviewed by Elizabeth B for Cocktails and Books
Darcy Wilde is a research librarian at Emery University when she returns to Falcon, Alabama to nurse the grandmother who raised her. To say that Darcy doesn’t want to be there is putting it mildly, but she firmly believes you do for family. Robbie “Dalt” Dalton is a former Army Ranger who has moved to Falcon to be near his friend, Logan, and be the new football coach/math teacher. He has a whole luggage cart of baggage that he brings with him. The attraction between these two is immediate and when they realize they can’t fight it, they decide to have a “fun for now relationship.”
Trentham does a fabulous job of developing Darcy and Robbie as characters and letting us get to know them. They both have a lot going on and seeing how they handle the other relationships and obligations makes you like them even more. There is a wonderful cast of secondary characters, including the town of Falcon itself, that help drive the story along.
While the story revolves around the romance between Darcy and Robbie, there are also themes about relationships in general running through the book. You see examples of family, friends, mentors, and community relationships that grow and impact our hero and heroine and ultimately their relationship with each other. Slow and Steady Rush is a feel good story that has you rooting for everyone involved and looking forward to coming back for more.
Reviewed by Elizabeth B for Cocktails and Books
October 6, 2015
Great addition to the small town contemporary field. Loved the way that Darcy and Robbie connected over their shared love of her grandmother Ada. And that though their chemistry was there from the start they didn't jump into anything (though when they did--ooh la la). Even if the librarian heroine hadn't already endeared this book to me the smoking hot romance would have sealed the deal. With a realistic and colorful cast of characters and a romance that's surprisingly poignant, this one is definitely going on my keeper shelf.
And, in case you're interested, as someone who went to grad school in Tuscaloosa, and lives in a small town in Alabama, I can vouch for the authenticity of Falcon, too. Yes, football really is that important to folks in small towns. Though our elderly librarians aren't nearly as awesome as Ada. :(
And, in case you're interested, as someone who went to grad school in Tuscaloosa, and lives in a small town in Alabama, I can vouch for the authenticity of Falcon, too. Yes, football really is that important to folks in small towns. Though our elderly librarians aren't nearly as awesome as Ada. :(
March 10, 2015
I have never read a book by Laura Trentham before. Had never even heard of any previous books by this author. That all changed when I was invited to read a copy of her book Slow and Steady Rush. I was quite impressed. Ms. Trentham wove a story of two outsiders -each with emotional scars searching for a place they belong. I enjoyed the story and would most definitely recommend this book.
December 7, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this author's newer series and thought since one of the characters get his first shout out in this series I'll give it a go. Unfortunately, this never clicked with me because I didn't feel the book has the same tone. I guess that is the danger with trying some of the earlier works of an author. I never felt connected to h/H or the people around them and didn't feel they had any connection beyond the physical (even that felt lacking). I don't think I will be giving the other two books a shot.
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April 15, 2015
Slow and Steady Rush by Laura Trentham
Review by: Kayla
Synopsis: She lives by the book—and is still searching for her happily ever after. Darcy Wilde has tried hard not to live up to her last name. As a librarian in Atlanta she lives a fine life far away from the football-obsessed town of her childhood. But when her beloved Grandmother needs help, Darcy takes a leave of absence and heads back to the home and past she left behind. He knows how to play the field—and is in no rush to settle down. Robbie Dalton knows a thing or two about painful pasts. After bouncing around in foster care and the Army for years he is finally ready to move on and make a home for himself in Falcon, Alabama as the newest high school football coach. Sparks fly when the sexy new coach and the sharp-tongued librarian meet, but neither of them is looking to make ties. But when it comes to love, sometimes you’ve gotta throw away the rule book to cross the finish line…Everything changes when Darcy falls in love, not only with the gruff, protective, and smoking hot man who's sharing her days and nights, but also with the complex tapestry of people who weave Falcon together. Could this be where she belongs - and who she belongs with?
Review: I was given a copy of Slow and Steady Rush by netgalley and Reading Bliss for an honest review.
Darcy is looking for her happily ever after. Darcy has tried hard not to live up to her last name. She is a librarian in Atlanta and she lives a life far away from the football obsessed town of her childhood. But when her grandmother needs help, Darcy has to go back home and face the past she left behind. Robbie knows a thing or two about pain. He has been from foster home to foster home and then in the Army. He is ready to move back home and be the newest football coach. Then he meets Darcy. This book is about love and taking the rules and tossing them away. Is this where Darcy belongs? Will she make the right choice? I enjoyed this book. It kept me thinking what’s going to happen next. I liked the characters and plot. I would recommend this book to my friends. I give it 4 out of 5 stars!
Review by: Kayla
Synopsis: She lives by the book—and is still searching for her happily ever after. Darcy Wilde has tried hard not to live up to her last name. As a librarian in Atlanta she lives a fine life far away from the football-obsessed town of her childhood. But when her beloved Grandmother needs help, Darcy takes a leave of absence and heads back to the home and past she left behind. He knows how to play the field—and is in no rush to settle down. Robbie Dalton knows a thing or two about painful pasts. After bouncing around in foster care and the Army for years he is finally ready to move on and make a home for himself in Falcon, Alabama as the newest high school football coach. Sparks fly when the sexy new coach and the sharp-tongued librarian meet, but neither of them is looking to make ties. But when it comes to love, sometimes you’ve gotta throw away the rule book to cross the finish line…Everything changes when Darcy falls in love, not only with the gruff, protective, and smoking hot man who's sharing her days and nights, but also with the complex tapestry of people who weave Falcon together. Could this be where she belongs - and who she belongs with?
Review: I was given a copy of Slow and Steady Rush by netgalley and Reading Bliss for an honest review.
Darcy is looking for her happily ever after. Darcy has tried hard not to live up to her last name. She is a librarian in Atlanta and she lives a life far away from the football obsessed town of her childhood. But when her grandmother needs help, Darcy has to go back home and face the past she left behind. Robbie knows a thing or two about pain. He has been from foster home to foster home and then in the Army. He is ready to move back home and be the newest football coach. Then he meets Darcy. This book is about love and taking the rules and tossing them away. Is this where Darcy belongs? Will she make the right choice? I enjoyed this book. It kept me thinking what’s going to happen next. I liked the characters and plot. I would recommend this book to my friends. I give it 4 out of 5 stars!
August 5, 2015
This is the first book in a series, all the book features other couples and can be read as a standalone. This one features the characters Darcy Wilde and Robbie Dalton.
Brief Synopsis
This tells the story of two lonely characters that are both haunted by their past in some form or another. They meet by the heroine coming home to help take care of her ill 85 year old grandmother Ada. They meet initially off to a rocky start but slowly warm up to each other.
My Thoughts
Honestly the premise of this book set up the story way more than what was given. The hero was an actual idiot that was too scared to face his past; it was so disgusting how long he took to really man up. The heroine had to make all the moves and she barely got met halfway. His character was a joke to the highest degree and he helped to bring down this story for me.
The heroine was such a doormat for the hero that it was comical, she always had to wait on what HE wanted which just further brought the book down a notch.
Brief Synopsis
This tells the story of two lonely characters that are both haunted by their past in some form or another. They meet by the heroine coming home to help take care of her ill 85 year old grandmother Ada. They meet initially off to a rocky start but slowly warm up to each other.
My Thoughts
Honestly the premise of this book set up the story way more than what was given. The hero was an actual idiot that was too scared to face his past; it was so disgusting how long he took to really man up. The heroine had to make all the moves and she barely got met halfway. His character was a joke to the highest degree and he helped to bring down this story for me.
The heroine was such a doormat for the hero that it was comical, she always had to wait on what HE wanted which just further brought the book down a notch.
February 25, 2015
This is the first book I have read by Laura Trentham and it was a good book. I really did like Robbie and Darcy together. I thought they were the perfect match from when they first met. The more time they spent together you could see the connection becoming deeper between them even though they were fighting it.
I really did love how Darcy created the rumor that Robbie was gay. I couldn't help but laugh out loud. I thought it was sweet that she offered to pretend to date him in order to clear up this rumor. Before you know it these pretend dates start to feel like real ones and starts to become much more.
Even though I did enjoy this book, I did feel like it was moving a little slow in the romance department. Don't get me wrong I did like the fact they just didn't jump right in bed with each other, but you can tell both Robbie and Darcy were holding back even through their attraction to one another.
I love Luke and Darcys relationship and banter. You can tell they have always been close and look out for one another. I adored how Luke shared his letters from Darcy with Robbie when they were in the Army. That was super sweet! I cant wait to find out more about Luke for sure.
I did like the characters and the town that was created. Even the secondary characters were great. I hope I get the chance to read about everyone of them. Some parts of the book were funny. I am looking forward to reading book 2 in this series now that I have more of a background . I cant wait to see what is in store for the second book in this series.
I really did love how Darcy created the rumor that Robbie was gay. I couldn't help but laugh out loud. I thought it was sweet that she offered to pretend to date him in order to clear up this rumor. Before you know it these pretend dates start to feel like real ones and starts to become much more.
Even though I did enjoy this book, I did feel like it was moving a little slow in the romance department. Don't get me wrong I did like the fact they just didn't jump right in bed with each other, but you can tell both Robbie and Darcy were holding back even through their attraction to one another.
I love Luke and Darcys relationship and banter. You can tell they have always been close and look out for one another. I adored how Luke shared his letters from Darcy with Robbie when they were in the Army. That was super sweet! I cant wait to find out more about Luke for sure.
I did like the characters and the town that was created. Even the secondary characters were great. I hope I get the chance to read about everyone of them. Some parts of the book were funny. I am looking forward to reading book 2 in this series now that I have more of a background . I cant wait to see what is in store for the second book in this series.
March 11, 2015
I have received this book as an ARC from Net Galley for my honest review.
I have been waiting for this release date so that I can say that I absolutely loved this book. This is the first book that I have read by Laura Trentham and believe me I will be looking for more.
I want to start by saying my hat goes off to you Laura for a addressing an issue that is very important. You were able to touch on the subject in a way that gave it importance but you had the talent to not allow it take over your book in a dark way; but shedding light on it in a way that will empower many people.
This book was everything that I could want in an romance novel, I was laughing at the interaction between Darcy and Robbie, I fanned myself at passion displayed in the bedroom, the kitchen or any other place Darcy and Robbie decided on using.
I don't want to give spoilers but nothing was funnier then what Darcys cousin finds in the fridge! I cried my eyes out at the moment when Darcy feels utter betrayal and when secrets were exposed. I can go on an on this book is a must read.
Right now it is on sale for $3.99, this is a great price for this book. I recommend this book and I am adding Laura Trentham to my must read Author list!
I have been waiting for this release date so that I can say that I absolutely loved this book. This is the first book that I have read by Laura Trentham and believe me I will be looking for more.
I want to start by saying my hat goes off to you Laura for a addressing an issue that is very important. You were able to touch on the subject in a way that gave it importance but you had the talent to not allow it take over your book in a dark way; but shedding light on it in a way that will empower many people.
This book was everything that I could want in an romance novel, I was laughing at the interaction between Darcy and Robbie, I fanned myself at passion displayed in the bedroom, the kitchen or any other place Darcy and Robbie decided on using.
I don't want to give spoilers but nothing was funnier then what Darcys cousin finds in the fridge! I cried my eyes out at the moment when Darcy feels utter betrayal and when secrets were exposed. I can go on an on this book is a must read.
Right now it is on sale for $3.99, this is a great price for this book. I recommend this book and I am adding Laura Trentham to my must read Author list!
June 11, 2015
ARC provided by St Martin's Press via NetGaleey for an honest review!
This is the story of Robbie and Darcy. Robbie's a newcomer to the town of Falcon Alabama and Darcy is a born and bred returnee to the town. Robbie's looking to start fresh and grow roots. Darcy's looking to get in and get out. Perfect combination if you ask me :)
The title of this book is VERY apropos to how the (romance) story read. It was slow and it was steady but by no means boring. The connection between Darcy and Robbie didn't wow me and sparks didn't fly for me as a reader, but I believed in it. So it wasn't that Laura Trentham didn't develop them properly as individuals, she just didn't give them a WOW factor as a couple! But let me tell you what did WOW me ... the town. She did and exceptional job of painting a picture of small town living and their love of football and dislike of outsiders! LOL
I have high hopes for this author and this series. Her writing is spot on and accurate. The series is already fun, enjoyable and entertaining! I am very much looking forward to Logan's story real soon!
This is the story of Robbie and Darcy. Robbie's a newcomer to the town of Falcon Alabama and Darcy is a born and bred returnee to the town. Robbie's looking to start fresh and grow roots. Darcy's looking to get in and get out. Perfect combination if you ask me :)
The title of this book is VERY apropos to how the (romance) story read. It was slow and it was steady but by no means boring. The connection between Darcy and Robbie didn't wow me and sparks didn't fly for me as a reader, but I believed in it. So it wasn't that Laura Trentham didn't develop them properly as individuals, she just didn't give them a WOW factor as a couple! But let me tell you what did WOW me ... the town. She did and exceptional job of painting a picture of small town living and their love of football and dislike of outsiders! LOL
I have high hopes for this author and this series. Her writing is spot on and accurate. The series is already fun, enjoyable and entertaining! I am very much looking forward to Logan's story real soon!
February 2, 2015
Alrighty guys, This was an okay read. Although, to be honest, the storyline seemed a bit dated to me. Speaking as a girl who hails from a small town in Georgia, I think the days of freaking out over a rumored gay football coach are over. He's not.... it's just a rumor. But this is the basis of the H/h relationship. They "pretend to date" and well.....you can guess what happens next. Like I said it is an okay read just not one that moved me or prompted me to discover more about series.
* ARC provided by Netgalley
* ARC provided by Netgalley
February 13, 2015
This was great, Trentham's writing perfectly draws a picture of small town life in rural Alabama and the various types of people living there. The characters were engaging and I was fully invested in finding out if Robbie and Darcy would overcome their insecurities and learn to trust one another. The dialogue was very witty as well, and helped to move the story along at a good pace.
Highly recommended, and I can't wait to read Logan's story when it's published in July.
* ARC received from NetGalley in return for an honest review *
Highly recommended, and I can't wait to read Logan's story when it's published in July.
* ARC received from NetGalley in return for an honest review *
August 24, 2020
What a great read! This is my first from this author and I can't wait for more from her. The story had a nice steady pace and I loved the characters! Robbie is a man of integrity and values and Darcy is a woman who is just a little lost. She left Falcon years ago to get away from the gossip and pity but she quickly discovers the little town is really the only place she has ever felt loved. It's a great small town romance and I will be looking for the next one. I highly recommend this one.
November 9, 2024
Very enjoyable read with a small town setting, and great lead and supporting characters.
March 10, 2015
For more on this review, please see...
http://www.scandaliciousbookreviews.c...
Dubbed Friday Night Lights meets Sweet Home Alabama, that was really the only line that registered when I made the instantaneous decision to read this book while visions of Taylor Kitsch circulated on repeat through my mind. Slow and Steady Rush is Laura Trentham's debut release and the first in what I'm sure will become the sought after Falcon Football series. This story grabbed me from the first page and didn't let go until I had consumed all 400 pages within the same day. It's the perfect small town romance complete with sweet southern darlin' charm where your life is under constant scrutiny and gossip spreads like wildfire. The imagery is beautifully written, capturing the sights and sounds of rural Alabama so perfectly that it left this born and bred city-girl longing for wide open spaces. Slow and Steady Rush is a funny, emotional, heartfelt romance about self-discovery and finding home.
Stuff Legends are Made of...
Robbie Dalton is fresh blood, an outsider recruited by a football obsessed town with exceedingly high expectations for their disappointing high school team. His tie to Falcon, Alabama is courtesy of his best friend Logan Wilde, Darcy's cousin, whom he served beside in Afghanistan. Dalt is a complex package. He carries the emotional scars of a childhood he would rather forget, the physical scars from four tours in Afghanistan, the body of a God and the brain of a scholar. Closed off emotionally, Dalt is the first to agree with past accusations of his cold, hard-heart but it's not too difficult to see past his gruff exterior to the honorable, caring, protective man he is.
The Lusty Librarian...
Darcy Wilde is the exact opposite of her namesake, she keeps her life on the straight and narrow and covets her career as a research librarian working with doctoral candidates in Atlanta. She escaped the small minded town that never let her forget who or what her momma was as soon as possible and never looked back. It's only due to the ailing health of her grandmother Ada, the woman who lovingly raised her, that has brought about her unenthusiastic return. Darcy works hard to maintain her carefully cultivated good girl image but a certain coach is wreaking all kinds of havoc on her self control.
It Takes a Village aka a Small Alabama Town...
Laura Trentham does a fabulous job of weaving together a supporting cast of townspeople, family, friends, coaches and kids while creating the groundwork for future stories. She has created strong-willed, smart female characters that can hold their own against their stubborn and hard-headed counterparts while blending together the usual small town suspects of gossips and troublemakers. While Dalt's coaching position could have easily been glossed over and simplified as the sexy coach that brings all the ladies out in their Sunday finest, the author has taken the time to develop his relationship with the kids he coaches thereby adding even more depth to an already multidimensional story. Whether he is helping them with schoolwork so they can maintain their expected grade point average, facilitating athletic scholarships to get them into college or just providing moral support and guidance, you genuinely see how much he cares for those kids.
How it All Went Down...
Darcy Wilde greets the city limits sign of Falcon, Alabama with a big old f-you which pretty much sums up her feelings on returning to the small town where she was raised. She's taken a leave of absence from her job as head research librarian in Atlanta, to return home and help care for her grandmother, the only parent she's ever really had. Sparks fly and tempers flare when Darcy and Dalt unexpectedly come face to face the first time. He's not the polyester wearing fortysomething year old with a bad comb over she was expecting and she's not the nerdy little sister type he envisioned when reading the letters she sent to Logan while they were stationed in Afghanistan. Darcy's need to high tail it home as soon as Ada is well and on her feet again rubs Dalt the wrong way and he makes his opinion clear. His standoffish attitude and her sharp tongue are constant fuel to the sexual tension that's been building since their first encounter. Out of respect for Ada and Logan, Dalt has no intentions of acting impulsively where Darcy is concerned but when an ill conceived declaration by Darcy puts the rumour mill into overdrive and threatens not only Dalt's job but his safety, the two of them will have to provide some PDA to give the people of Falcon something else to talk about. Hot Alabama days lead to even hotter nights and Dalt unleashes the passion and wildness Darcy works so hard to restrain. With the expiration date of their no strings attached hook up looming, they'll both have to let go of their pasts if they have any chance of a future.
http://www.scandaliciousbookreviews.c...
Dubbed Friday Night Lights meets Sweet Home Alabama, that was really the only line that registered when I made the instantaneous decision to read this book while visions of Taylor Kitsch circulated on repeat through my mind. Slow and Steady Rush is Laura Trentham's debut release and the first in what I'm sure will become the sought after Falcon Football series. This story grabbed me from the first page and didn't let go until I had consumed all 400 pages within the same day. It's the perfect small town romance complete with sweet southern darlin' charm where your life is under constant scrutiny and gossip spreads like wildfire. The imagery is beautifully written, capturing the sights and sounds of rural Alabama so perfectly that it left this born and bred city-girl longing for wide open spaces. Slow and Steady Rush is a funny, emotional, heartfelt romance about self-discovery and finding home.
Stuff Legends are Made of...
Robbie Dalton is fresh blood, an outsider recruited by a football obsessed town with exceedingly high expectations for their disappointing high school team. His tie to Falcon, Alabama is courtesy of his best friend Logan Wilde, Darcy's cousin, whom he served beside in Afghanistan. Dalt is a complex package. He carries the emotional scars of a childhood he would rather forget, the physical scars from four tours in Afghanistan, the body of a God and the brain of a scholar. Closed off emotionally, Dalt is the first to agree with past accusations of his cold, hard-heart but it's not too difficult to see past his gruff exterior to the honorable, caring, protective man he is.
The Lusty Librarian...
Darcy Wilde is the exact opposite of her namesake, she keeps her life on the straight and narrow and covets her career as a research librarian working with doctoral candidates in Atlanta. She escaped the small minded town that never let her forget who or what her momma was as soon as possible and never looked back. It's only due to the ailing health of her grandmother Ada, the woman who lovingly raised her, that has brought about her unenthusiastic return. Darcy works hard to maintain her carefully cultivated good girl image but a certain coach is wreaking all kinds of havoc on her self control.
It Takes a Village aka a Small Alabama Town...
Laura Trentham does a fabulous job of weaving together a supporting cast of townspeople, family, friends, coaches and kids while creating the groundwork for future stories. She has created strong-willed, smart female characters that can hold their own against their stubborn and hard-headed counterparts while blending together the usual small town suspects of gossips and troublemakers. While Dalt's coaching position could have easily been glossed over and simplified as the sexy coach that brings all the ladies out in their Sunday finest, the author has taken the time to develop his relationship with the kids he coaches thereby adding even more depth to an already multidimensional story. Whether he is helping them with schoolwork so they can maintain their expected grade point average, facilitating athletic scholarships to get them into college or just providing moral support and guidance, you genuinely see how much he cares for those kids.
How it All Went Down...
Darcy Wilde greets the city limits sign of Falcon, Alabama with a big old f-you which pretty much sums up her feelings on returning to the small town where she was raised. She's taken a leave of absence from her job as head research librarian in Atlanta, to return home and help care for her grandmother, the only parent she's ever really had. Sparks fly and tempers flare when Darcy and Dalt unexpectedly come face to face the first time. He's not the polyester wearing fortysomething year old with a bad comb over she was expecting and she's not the nerdy little sister type he envisioned when reading the letters she sent to Logan while they were stationed in Afghanistan. Darcy's need to high tail it home as soon as Ada is well and on her feet again rubs Dalt the wrong way and he makes his opinion clear. His standoffish attitude and her sharp tongue are constant fuel to the sexual tension that's been building since their first encounter. Out of respect for Ada and Logan, Dalt has no intentions of acting impulsively where Darcy is concerned but when an ill conceived declaration by Darcy puts the rumour mill into overdrive and threatens not only Dalt's job but his safety, the two of them will have to provide some PDA to give the people of Falcon something else to talk about. Hot Alabama days lead to even hotter nights and Dalt unleashes the passion and wildness Darcy works so hard to restrain. With the expiration date of their no strings attached hook up looming, they'll both have to let go of their pasts if they have any chance of a future.
March 13, 2015
Laura Trentham's debut novel, Slow and Steady Rush, is a fresh and engaging romance that I absolutely LOVED. The characters are superbly developed and likable, the plot is unique and the small town setting is realistic and homey. This first installment in the Falcon Football series is quite captivating and will leave readers very impatient for the release of book two, Caught Up in the Touch.
Darcy Wilde could not wait to leave the small town of Falcon, Alabama behind and she has made a wonderful life for herself in Atlanta. But when the grandmother who raised her needs her help, Darcy puts her career and life on hold and returns to Falcon where she immediately crosses paths with newcomer Robbie Dalton. Robbie served with Darcy's cousin Logan in the army and Logan was instrumental in getting Robbie hired as the football coach/math teacher at the local high school. Robbie and Darcy are attracted to one another, but since Darcy plans to leave as soon her grandmother is back on her feet, they have no intention of acting on their mutual desire. That is until a minor misunderstanding leads to gossip that jeopardizes Robbie's career and Logan proposes a zany plan to squash those crazy rumors circulating about Robbie...
Darcy spent her childhood trying to live down her absentee mother's wild reputation and she found solace at the local library where her grandmother was the head librarian. Now working as research librarian at a university, Darcy is in line for a big promotion but her family's needs trump her career aspirations for the foreseeable future. Darcy is pleasantly surprised by her new perception of her small hometown, but is she willing to make her return permanent?
Robbie is a sweet, caring man, but he is haunted by his past. His childhood was very traumatic and he never forgets just how close to the edge he once walked. Robbie is very closemouthed about his accomplishments and he is very eager to begin a new life in Falcon. His past experiences make him an excellent coach who pushes his players to do well athletically and academically. Robbie is willing to ride out the rumors swirling around him, but when Logan comes up with an idea that could put an end to the gossip about him, he finds himself in a faux relationship with Darcy that begins to feel a little too real.
An exceptionally well-written novel with an appealing cast of characters, Slow and Steady Rush is a fun and flirty romance that is also poignant and thought-provoking. Darcy and Robbie are three dimensional characters who spring vibrantly to life and it is very easy to root for them both individually and as a couple. Laura Trentham accurately portrays both the good and bad of small town life and despite a few negative experiences, the overall atmosphere is warm and inviting. All in all, it is an excellent beginning to the Falcon Football series that fans of contemporary romances are going to love.
Darcy Wilde could not wait to leave the small town of Falcon, Alabama behind and she has made a wonderful life for herself in Atlanta. But when the grandmother who raised her needs her help, Darcy puts her career and life on hold and returns to Falcon where she immediately crosses paths with newcomer Robbie Dalton. Robbie served with Darcy's cousin Logan in the army and Logan was instrumental in getting Robbie hired as the football coach/math teacher at the local high school. Robbie and Darcy are attracted to one another, but since Darcy plans to leave as soon her grandmother is back on her feet, they have no intention of acting on their mutual desire. That is until a minor misunderstanding leads to gossip that jeopardizes Robbie's career and Logan proposes a zany plan to squash those crazy rumors circulating about Robbie...
Darcy spent her childhood trying to live down her absentee mother's wild reputation and she found solace at the local library where her grandmother was the head librarian. Now working as research librarian at a university, Darcy is in line for a big promotion but her family's needs trump her career aspirations for the foreseeable future. Darcy is pleasantly surprised by her new perception of her small hometown, but is she willing to make her return permanent?
Robbie is a sweet, caring man, but he is haunted by his past. His childhood was very traumatic and he never forgets just how close to the edge he once walked. Robbie is very closemouthed about his accomplishments and he is very eager to begin a new life in Falcon. His past experiences make him an excellent coach who pushes his players to do well athletically and academically. Robbie is willing to ride out the rumors swirling around him, but when Logan comes up with an idea that could put an end to the gossip about him, he finds himself in a faux relationship with Darcy that begins to feel a little too real.
An exceptionally well-written novel with an appealing cast of characters, Slow and Steady Rush is a fun and flirty romance that is also poignant and thought-provoking. Darcy and Robbie are three dimensional characters who spring vibrantly to life and it is very easy to root for them both individually and as a couple. Laura Trentham accurately portrays both the good and bad of small town life and despite a few negative experiences, the overall atmosphere is warm and inviting. All in all, it is an excellent beginning to the Falcon Football series that fans of contemporary romances are going to love.
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