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Play On #1
In Touch
Sexy. Passionate. Fierce.
Irish rugby star, Padraig O’Neale, has fecked up his life and is one angry man. When caught using a banned substance for his back pain, Padraig is excused from both his provincial club and the Irish International team. Right before World Cup selection. Out of choices, his agent convinces Padraig to play for a small American club in Michigan. Just until things settle down. But when Coach asks the team physical therapist, Gillian Sommersby, to help the newest Blues player with his issues, Padraig finds himself trying every wacky treatment out there from stinky salves to music to yoga. Like her therapies, the therapist herself is a bit…odd. The cute college grad in Converse and glasses doesn’t seem all that impressed with Padraig’s celebrity status, nor gives a shite about his excuses. As it turns out, she might be exactly what he needs…
Irish rugby star, Padraig O’Neale, has fecked up his life and is one angry man. When caught using a banned substance for his back pain, Padraig is excused from both his provincial club and the Irish International team. Right before World Cup selection. Out of choices, his agent convinces Padraig to play for a small American club in Michigan. Just until things settle down. But when Coach asks the team physical therapist, Gillian Sommersby, to help the newest Blues player with his issues, Padraig finds himself trying every wacky treatment out there from stinky salves to music to yoga. Like her therapies, the therapist herself is a bit…odd. The cute college grad in Converse and glasses doesn’t seem all that impressed with Padraig’s celebrity status, nor gives a shite about his excuses. As it turns out, she might be exactly what he needs…
241 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2015
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447 people want to read
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C.D. Brennan
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 3, 2015
Wow. This was my first sports romance. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but this far exceeded my expectations. The conflict was so perfect for the hero and heroine of this Rugby romance. Brennan created a brilliant harmony for these two to be destined for one another.
Slight spoiler, but not by much as you learn this in chapter one, Padraig is addicted to the pain killers he started taking after a back injury. Forced to leave his team in Ireland and "slum it" on an American team, it isn't surprising that he's bitter and cynical about his new assignment. He knows he's fallen from grace, and the addiction is still riding him hard.
In steps Gillian as the new physical therapist for the Rugby team, the Blues. She has a unique and unconventional approach that endears her to the reader, but perhaps not to the tough-guy jocks on the team. Gillian swore years ago she'd never fall for a jock, and because of a tragic incident in her past, she'd definitely never date someone with an addiction. But opposites attract, and Gillian realizes the new guy they call Irish is far more than a brooding jock with a chip on his shoulder. Together, these two discover there is a light at the end of the tunnel...as well as love.
Sexy and breathtaking, I adored this story. Can't wait to read the next one in the Play On series. Keep writing, Ms. Brennan!
Slight spoiler, but not by much as you learn this in chapter one, Padraig is addicted to the pain killers he started taking after a back injury. Forced to leave his team in Ireland and "slum it" on an American team, it isn't surprising that he's bitter and cynical about his new assignment. He knows he's fallen from grace, and the addiction is still riding him hard.
In steps Gillian as the new physical therapist for the Rugby team, the Blues. She has a unique and unconventional approach that endears her to the reader, but perhaps not to the tough-guy jocks on the team. Gillian swore years ago she'd never fall for a jock, and because of a tragic incident in her past, she'd definitely never date someone with an addiction. But opposites attract, and Gillian realizes the new guy they call Irish is far more than a brooding jock with a chip on his shoulder. Together, these two discover there is a light at the end of the tunnel...as well as love.
Sexy and breathtaking, I adored this story. Can't wait to read the next one in the Play On series. Keep writing, Ms. Brennan!
March 20, 2017
I like the mood of this book in terms of how the writer deals with grief, addiction and passion for one's profession.
The heroine is dedicated to her job as a physical therapist integrating new methods into her practice. She is grieving the loss of her brother to addiction.
She is a lot hippy and the hero is not.
The hero is an Irish rugby player struggling with a addiction on pain pills and his denial.
There is a great deal of passion between them and they struggle with communication but they both grow a great deal.
The rugby details are finely drawn.
The romance could end with more emotionial bravery but this is a compelling read and I am looking forward to reading more in the series.
The heroine is dedicated to her job as a physical therapist integrating new methods into her practice. She is grieving the loss of her brother to addiction.
She is a lot hippy and the hero is not.
The hero is an Irish rugby player struggling with a addiction on pain pills and his denial.
There is a great deal of passion between them and they struggle with communication but they both grow a great deal.
The rugby details are finely drawn.
The romance could end with more emotionial bravery but this is a compelling read and I am looking forward to reading more in the series.
September 1, 2015
I can't begin to express how much I enjoyed this book. Cd Brennan introduced me to the world of rugby in a refreshing way, without being too technical. Padraig and Gillian are at odds from the get go. She's dealing with re-entering the world of the sport after losing her brother to an addiction resulting from his days of playing. Padraig is dealing with and addiction from his own injury, and the resulting doping scandal that had him suspended from his premier level team in Ireland and banished to a small semi-pro team in northern Michigan. This captivating story chronicles how the two come together and work to overcome the obstacles life and the sport have thrown their way.
Cd has done a terrific job representing the personalities and frailties common with any type of athlete. With a sensitive touch she dealt with Padraig's struggle to conquer his addiction and his struggle to find his place with a team he'd never have giving two thoughts to in the past. I loved Gillian's quirkiness and her strong desire to help Padraig on his journey. That the pair finds love along the way is simply a Conversion Goal after a Try! (a rugby way to say icing on the cake)
Cd has done a terrific job representing the personalities and frailties common with any type of athlete. With a sensitive touch she dealt with Padraig's struggle to conquer his addiction and his struggle to find his place with a team he'd never have giving two thoughts to in the past. I loved Gillian's quirkiness and her strong desire to help Padraig on his journey. That the pair finds love along the way is simply a Conversion Goal after a Try! (a rugby way to say icing on the cake)
August 16, 2015
I received an ARC of this really fun read. Padraig is a great flawed character struggling to kick a bad habit. He ends up on a podunk team in the U.S. and struggles to find his place on the team and in life. The relationship between he and the team’s PT is steamy and a fun ride. Not being much of a sporty person I was drawn in by the blurb and the cover. I learned a fair amount about the sport and the Irish along the way. Reccomend!
October 26, 2016
“In Touch” is the first book in C.D. Brennan’s Play On series, and it was my first sports romance book. Since rugby has always been a slight fascination of mine because of the large Scotsmen that play, this rugby-focused book was a great choice.
The Story-
Padraig is a professional rugby player, but after getting addicted to oxy, his career has taken a bit of a detour from the Irish National League to a podunk team in Michigan. Gillian is a holistic physical therapist who is volunteering her time at the local rugby club to get some professional experience. She knows that working with this particular club will be challenging because she must convert the boys to her methods while facing old demons.
My Thoughts-
This is one of the hardest reviews I’ve written, and it’s not because I didn’t like the book. About halfway through the book, I was thinking “wow, I LOVE sports-themed books! This is hot!” I identified with the main character, and I love that the hero is a sexy, Irish rugby player. The writing is top-notch; the sex is great. So, why the difficulty? I think it lies in that I really wasn’t sure if Padraig convinced me that he was a good guy. The other issue is that stuff with the addiction was very real and very serious. As it should be. But, am I prepared to read about it when I pick up a romance? Not sure.
The Good-
The rugby backdrop is so well done and really set this book apart from other sports-themed romance. The characters are very complex and fully formed; I loved Gillian and felt like she was part me, part many of my friends. Padraig is so hot and, were he a real person, would certainly be worth a tumble. (Is he real? Can I have a picture?) The plot is character driven in the very best way, and the writing is excellent.
The Bottom Line-
This is not a breezy read; it is more serious, but satisfying. I felt like I was reading about real people with real problems, not a Hallmark movie couple. I will be reading other books by this author in the future, and hope that they will check in on this couple to ease my curiosity. 4 stars
The Story-
Padraig is a professional rugby player, but after getting addicted to oxy, his career has taken a bit of a detour from the Irish National League to a podunk team in Michigan. Gillian is a holistic physical therapist who is volunteering her time at the local rugby club to get some professional experience. She knows that working with this particular club will be challenging because she must convert the boys to her methods while facing old demons.
My Thoughts-
This is one of the hardest reviews I’ve written, and it’s not because I didn’t like the book. About halfway through the book, I was thinking “wow, I LOVE sports-themed books! This is hot!” I identified with the main character, and I love that the hero is a sexy, Irish rugby player. The writing is top-notch; the sex is great. So, why the difficulty? I think it lies in that I really wasn’t sure if Padraig convinced me that he was a good guy. The other issue is that stuff with the addiction was very real and very serious. As it should be. But, am I prepared to read about it when I pick up a romance? Not sure.
The Good-
The rugby backdrop is so well done and really set this book apart from other sports-themed romance. The characters are very complex and fully formed; I loved Gillian and felt like she was part me, part many of my friends. Padraig is so hot and, were he a real person, would certainly be worth a tumble. (Is he real? Can I have a picture?) The plot is character driven in the very best way, and the writing is excellent.
The Bottom Line-
This is not a breezy read; it is more serious, but satisfying. I felt like I was reading about real people with real problems, not a Hallmark movie couple. I will be reading other books by this author in the future, and hope that they will check in on this couple to ease my curiosity. 4 stars
September 1, 2015
Irish rugby star Padraig O’Neale finds himself playing for a small American team in Michigan, after getting caught using a narcotic for back pain. Padraig arrives in the U.S. with a huge chip on his shoulder, determined to put in his time until he can return to the international spotlight.
It’s a rough adjustment for him. Not only does he resent being banished to an inferior team, but he’s a fish out of water in the U.S. Enter Gillian Sommersby, hired by the team to help the players with physical therapy. Her methods are “out there” as far as Padraig is concerned, but he can’t deny they work, nor can he deny the growing attraction between them.
This book had a fun and sizzling romance at the core, but it also delved into issues of second chances, triumph over adversity, teamwork, and addiction. Gillian’s past is riddled with heartache over the loss of her brother, a rugby player who couldn’t overcome his battle with addiction. She’s not ready to go down that path again with Padraig.
I learned a lot about rugby in this book. The camaraderie (and rivalries) between the players was witty and fun to see unfold, especially as Padraig went from not giving a feck to attempting to fit in. I enjoyed the chemistry between Padraig and Gillian, and I loved the international flavor woven through the story. An entertaining read!
I received an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
It’s a rough adjustment for him. Not only does he resent being banished to an inferior team, but he’s a fish out of water in the U.S. Enter Gillian Sommersby, hired by the team to help the players with physical therapy. Her methods are “out there” as far as Padraig is concerned, but he can’t deny they work, nor can he deny the growing attraction between them.
This book had a fun and sizzling romance at the core, but it also delved into issues of second chances, triumph over adversity, teamwork, and addiction. Gillian’s past is riddled with heartache over the loss of her brother, a rugby player who couldn’t overcome his battle with addiction. She’s not ready to go down that path again with Padraig.
I learned a lot about rugby in this book. The camaraderie (and rivalries) between the players was witty and fun to see unfold, especially as Padraig went from not giving a feck to attempting to fit in. I enjoyed the chemistry between Padraig and Gillian, and I loved the international flavor woven through the story. An entertaining read!
I received an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2015
I so enjoyed this story. While I admit I know absolutely zero about Rugby, Cd Brennan did a great job of putting awesome visuals into my head...so much so that I felt like I was actually there, watching Padraig play. I loved that.
And my poor Padraig. So angry and damaged, but his dark side never had a chance against Gillian. She always managed to bring out the best in him whenever they were close, and I loved that he didn't use it to avoid her. He had his demons, and did his share of trying to push her away, but from the beginning, you knew they were inevitable. And not just because it's a romance, but because deep down, he needed her and he knew it.
Gillian was fun and quirky and I love that she held her own against the boys, not giving an inch when it came to her non-traditional ways of treating them. I adored her.
Now, I'm kinda desperate to see whose book comes next, because Ms Brennan set the page for so many awesome stories to come.
And my poor Padraig. So angry and damaged, but his dark side never had a chance against Gillian. She always managed to bring out the best in him whenever they were close, and I loved that he didn't use it to avoid her. He had his demons, and did his share of trying to push her away, but from the beginning, you knew they were inevitable. And not just because it's a romance, but because deep down, he needed her and he knew it.
Gillian was fun and quirky and I love that she held her own against the boys, not giving an inch when it came to her non-traditional ways of treating them. I adored her.
Now, I'm kinda desperate to see whose book comes next, because Ms Brennan set the page for so many awesome stories to come.
September 8, 2015
Cd Brennan draws us into the world of love through the story of a disgraced Irish rugby player and the American physical therapist who saves him, body and soul. In Touch takes us along on Padraig’s roller coaster ride—his struggle with an addiction to pain killers and his redemption by Gillian, the pulse of his heart. And in return, Gillian learns to receive the love she deserves. The pair sense an immediate attraction but tip-toe slowly into a relationship of fulfilled sexual longing and a deep emotional bond.
In Touch is a great read from cover to cover. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series to learn where these two lovers go from here.
In Touch is a great read from cover to cover. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series to learn where these two lovers go from here.
September 13, 2015
It was a beautiful day, and I spent it wrapped up in the love story of a rugby player and new age physical therapist. Couldn't manage to put this one down!
In Touch was a nice, smooth, magnetizing read. I loved the characters, the language, the sports lessons (cause I know very little), and the emerging love story. It was sometimes bitter, but always sweet. It was sexy... and the story felt like it could have been real. Always a nice combination!
Five stars cause I loved it!!!
In Touch was a nice, smooth, magnetizing read. I loved the characters, the language, the sports lessons (cause I know very little), and the emerging love story. It was sometimes bitter, but always sweet. It was sexy... and the story felt like it could have been real. Always a nice combination!
Five stars cause I loved it!!!
Read
September 8, 2015Enjoyed this
November 18, 2015
A romance that revolves around rugby?
Hell yeah I’m all over it. I’ve found that I enjoy rugby more than football nowadays (Yes I know that is considered blasphemy in many circles, but seriously? Have you watched rugby?), even if I still don’t fully understand all the ins and outs of it. And I especially LOVE the New Zealand All Blacks, but that is a conversation for another time. So with my love of rugby, the fact that theRugby World Cup had been held this year, and the fact that an #authorIadore pimped this out, it really was a no brainer to shove it to the top of the tbr pile and I have to say that I found it hard to put down. .
Padraig aka Irish I liked from the very beginning. Yes, he’s not the most likeable person in the beginning. Yes, he is an addict. Yes, there are times when I wanted to throttle him. And yet, knowing the demons he struggled with and just how his entire world crumbled around him there was no way I couldn’t root for him. And as the story progressed and we got to see just who he was underneath the walls he’d constructed as he fought his demons and got his head out of his ass (Thanks to Del) and became more invested in the team, I found him to be a really good guy as well as a sweet and sexy one at that.
Gillian. Straight up, no bullshitting, I had a love/hate relationship with her. I loved her quirks. Hell I loved that she loved 80’s music and marched to her own personal beat. Her belief in her skills to use a more holistic approach to physical therapy was something I admired, as well as how she dealt with the skepticism thrown her way. My issues with her centered around how she couldn’t let go of her prejudices against male athletes. I understood why she felt the way she did, and yes some athletes are players and asshats, but after a while I got tired of hearing about it and just wanted to smack her. Horrible, I know, but true.
Padraig and Gillian’s relationship. There is an attraction between them, but there is no jumping of the gun into a full blown ‘I love you, I can’t live without you’ situation, which I appreciated because that wouldn’t have worked considering the issues they were both dealing with. They needed to work what was going on in their heads out before making any major commitments. And while the ending isn’t necessarily the norm, I thought it was very fitting for them.
Overall the writing was engaging, I had a difficult time putting it down, though the pacing for me was a bit choppy. The time jumps didn’t always flow well for me, but it didn’t take anything away from my enjoyment of the story. I loved the attention to detail that was given to the game of rugby from the differences between how rugby is dealt with and looked at in the U.S versus the rest of the world as well as game itself. As I said, my knowledge of the game is minimal at best, but the descriptions of what was happening while the boys were practicing, playing or even goofing around (the lake scene was awesome!) were very well done and I could actually see it happening in my mind. I loved Del, yes it helps that he’s a Kiwi, he epitomized what it means to be a captain and leader of a team. Rory was a sweetheart and some of my favorite parts were when the various members of the team were interacting, good or bad. Also the whole windshield wiper vs. turn signal issue had me cracking up because I dealt with the same thing when I was in NZ, the struggle is real.
The Bottom Line: A great read and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next one!
Hell yeah I’m all over it. I’ve found that I enjoy rugby more than football nowadays (Yes I know that is considered blasphemy in many circles, but seriously? Have you watched rugby?), even if I still don’t fully understand all the ins and outs of it. And I especially LOVE the New Zealand All Blacks, but that is a conversation for another time. So with my love of rugby, the fact that theRugby World Cup had been held this year, and the fact that an #authorIadore pimped this out, it really was a no brainer to shove it to the top of the tbr pile and I have to say that I found it hard to put down. .
Padraig aka Irish I liked from the very beginning. Yes, he’s not the most likeable person in the beginning. Yes, he is an addict. Yes, there are times when I wanted to throttle him. And yet, knowing the demons he struggled with and just how his entire world crumbled around him there was no way I couldn’t root for him. And as the story progressed and we got to see just who he was underneath the walls he’d constructed as he fought his demons and got his head out of his ass (Thanks to Del) and became more invested in the team, I found him to be a really good guy as well as a sweet and sexy one at that.
Gillian. Straight up, no bullshitting, I had a love/hate relationship with her. I loved her quirks. Hell I loved that she loved 80’s music and marched to her own personal beat. Her belief in her skills to use a more holistic approach to physical therapy was something I admired, as well as how she dealt with the skepticism thrown her way. My issues with her centered around how she couldn’t let go of her prejudices against male athletes. I understood why she felt the way she did, and yes some athletes are players and asshats, but after a while I got tired of hearing about it and just wanted to smack her. Horrible, I know, but true.
Padraig and Gillian’s relationship. There is an attraction between them, but there is no jumping of the gun into a full blown ‘I love you, I can’t live without you’ situation, which I appreciated because that wouldn’t have worked considering the issues they were both dealing with. They needed to work what was going on in their heads out before making any major commitments. And while the ending isn’t necessarily the norm, I thought it was very fitting for them.
Overall the writing was engaging, I had a difficult time putting it down, though the pacing for me was a bit choppy. The time jumps didn’t always flow well for me, but it didn’t take anything away from my enjoyment of the story. I loved the attention to detail that was given to the game of rugby from the differences between how rugby is dealt with and looked at in the U.S versus the rest of the world as well as game itself. As I said, my knowledge of the game is minimal at best, but the descriptions of what was happening while the boys were practicing, playing or even goofing around (the lake scene was awesome!) were very well done and I could actually see it happening in my mind. I loved Del, yes it helps that he’s a Kiwi, he epitomized what it means to be a captain and leader of a team. Rory was a sweetheart and some of my favorite parts were when the various members of the team were interacting, good or bad. Also the whole windshield wiper vs. turn signal issue had me cracking up because I dealt with the same thing when I was in NZ, the struggle is real.
The Bottom Line: A great read and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next one!
February 16, 2017
Loved this gripping story! C.D. Brennan knows how to tell a story and bring the reader to a satisfying HEA! Perfect!
September 28, 2015
I think this is my first book I have read with Rugby as the sport. It was nice to learn about a sport I do not know about. I love the characters.
Are there situations and/or characters you can identify with, if so how? Padraig had back surgery 6 months ago. He is addicted to pain meds. I can identify with Padraig. Not the addiction, but for the back surgery. I had back surgery in December, 2007. My back surgery has been labeled as a failed back surgery. Since before my surgery and after, my pain is daily. In the last few years, it is worse. My pain management doctor knows how I feel about pain meds. I will not take heavy pain meds. The ones that are addicting. I do not want to take a chance of becoming addicted. My doctor and I just had this talk the last time I saw him. We also talked about how I would rather deal with the pain than to take anything. It will be 8 years in December since my surgery. It has been a long 8 years of being in pain. A new thing I told my doctor was that I am going to have to deal with this when I am older. A lot older. I don't want to be on pain meds for 40+ years. That is too long. I love that addiction was in this book. Addiction needs to be highlighted.
I will definitely want to read Book #2 in the Play On Series.
☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Would I recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Would I read more from this author? Yes!
Happy Reading!
Melissa
Are there situations and/or characters you can identify with, if so how? Padraig had back surgery 6 months ago. He is addicted to pain meds. I can identify with Padraig. Not the addiction, but for the back surgery. I had back surgery in December, 2007. My back surgery has been labeled as a failed back surgery. Since before my surgery and after, my pain is daily. In the last few years, it is worse. My pain management doctor knows how I feel about pain meds. I will not take heavy pain meds. The ones that are addicting. I do not want to take a chance of becoming addicted. My doctor and I just had this talk the last time I saw him. We also talked about how I would rather deal with the pain than to take anything. It will be 8 years in December since my surgery. It has been a long 8 years of being in pain. A new thing I told my doctor was that I am going to have to deal with this when I am older. A lot older. I don't want to be on pain meds for 40+ years. That is too long. I love that addiction was in this book. Addiction needs to be highlighted.
I will definitely want to read Book #2 in the Play On Series.
☆☆☆☆☆
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Would I recommend this book? Yes! Author? Yes!
Would I read more from this author? Yes!
Happy Reading!
Melissa
September 18, 2015
I have decided I need to find myself a rugby player! LOL
Seriously, a great fast paced read. The story was unique and quirky, however it did treat the underlying theme of addiction with great care and sensitivity. I also like how it treated holistic/alternative medicine as a viable option instead of painting it as "odd" as most people who do not understand it do. Brennan did a great job of making someone who has never followed rugby understand the game.
The characters were well-written and likable. I had a hard time with Gillian at first with how overbearing she was with her parents. However her passion for helping people and her just being a GOOD person totally won me over tough. And Padraig ::sigh:: who doesn't love a bad boy that needs to be fixed?? But he was definitely more than that...he is a great, multi-faceted hero to compliment the complexity that Gillian exudes.
The way the setting was described drew me into the book even more. I've never been to Michigan but now I want to! The author really sets the tone for the unease that Padraig fills by contrasting his home in Ireland with Traverse City. There were a couple of scenes where I could literally feel his frustration at being out of place.
Overall, very well-written and really just a fun read.
Seriously, a great fast paced read. The story was unique and quirky, however it did treat the underlying theme of addiction with great care and sensitivity. I also like how it treated holistic/alternative medicine as a viable option instead of painting it as "odd" as most people who do not understand it do. Brennan did a great job of making someone who has never followed rugby understand the game.
The characters were well-written and likable. I had a hard time with Gillian at first with how overbearing she was with her parents. However her passion for helping people and her just being a GOOD person totally won me over tough. And Padraig ::sigh:: who doesn't love a bad boy that needs to be fixed?? But he was definitely more than that...he is a great, multi-faceted hero to compliment the complexity that Gillian exudes.
The way the setting was described drew me into the book even more. I've never been to Michigan but now I want to! The author really sets the tone for the unease that Padraig fills by contrasting his home in Ireland with Traverse City. There were a couple of scenes where I could literally feel his frustration at being out of place.
Overall, very well-written and really just a fun read.
September 20, 2015
4 1/2 stars
I love sports romance books and this was my first Rugby romance, and I hope it is not my last. This was very entertaining. I did however have to go online to google search what some of the terms meant so that I could figure out what was going on. Was this a bad thing? No, absolutely not. Will I remember what I read about Rugby? Probably not, but that is okay too :)
Padraig is a Rugby player that comes over to the US because no team wants him overseas. The only place that is willing to take chance on him is in Michigan. Gillian is a new physical therapist that believes in alternative medicines and methods.
Padraig has a huge chip on his shoulder and it takes Gillian to get him to realize that things happen for a reason and maybe things are not as bad as they seem.
This was an entertaining read, however it could have used a good beta read. Found some errors that should have been caught during the beta read. (not just grammar)
Written as a multi pov with a sorta hea. I hope we get to see more of these two in the books that follow. I want to see their permanent hea.
So, would I recommend this book? Yes, it was entertaining.
Would I read more from this author? Yea.
Sassy Beta Reading & Review
I love sports romance books and this was my first Rugby romance, and I hope it is not my last. This was very entertaining. I did however have to go online to google search what some of the terms meant so that I could figure out what was going on. Was this a bad thing? No, absolutely not. Will I remember what I read about Rugby? Probably not, but that is okay too :)
Padraig is a Rugby player that comes over to the US because no team wants him overseas. The only place that is willing to take chance on him is in Michigan. Gillian is a new physical therapist that believes in alternative medicines and methods.
Padraig has a huge chip on his shoulder and it takes Gillian to get him to realize that things happen for a reason and maybe things are not as bad as they seem.
This was an entertaining read, however it could have used a good beta read. Found some errors that should have been caught during the beta read. (not just grammar)
Written as a multi pov with a sorta hea. I hope we get to see more of these two in the books that follow. I want to see their permanent hea.
So, would I recommend this book? Yes, it was entertaining.
Would I read more from this author? Yea.
Sassy Beta Reading & Review
September 22, 2015
In Touch was truly a sports romance, there was a lot of rugby terminology that I couldn't follow, but it didn't overtake the story. I could follow the sports parts well enough to enjoy the story, but I lost something in not knowing exactly what was happening.
The romance aspect of the story was sweet, Gillian is a strong woman that does what's right for herself regardless of what others think. She's still hurting after the death of her brother but is bound and determined to help other people.
Padraig is a bitter, angry, former star that made some bad decisions and is now battling an addiction. For 85% of the story, I couldn't stand him, I hated the way he treated everyone and his small mindedness. But as the end of the story drew near, he started to redeem himself in my eyes.
There were some transitions between chapters that spanned gaps in time and sometimes confused me. The end also seemed a bit abrupt to me, I felt like something was missing. Overall, I think a reader who enjoys sports romance, heavy on the actual sport would really enjoy this book.
The romance aspect of the story was sweet, Gillian is a strong woman that does what's right for herself regardless of what others think. She's still hurting after the death of her brother but is bound and determined to help other people.
Padraig is a bitter, angry, former star that made some bad decisions and is now battling an addiction. For 85% of the story, I couldn't stand him, I hated the way he treated everyone and his small mindedness. But as the end of the story drew near, he started to redeem himself in my eyes.
There were some transitions between chapters that spanned gaps in time and sometimes confused me. The end also seemed a bit abrupt to me, I felt like something was missing. Overall, I think a reader who enjoys sports romance, heavy on the actual sport would really enjoy this book.
September 23, 2015
Where has rugby been my whole life and why haven't I been watching this???? This book is great! Padraig is a Irish rugby star who made a mess of his career and ends up in the last place he ever wanted to be....in the United States on a rugby wannabe team. He has issues including a chip on his shoulder and a prescription pain pill problem and his arrival is rough. When the coach decides it would help if he met with the volunteer new age therapist Padraig gets more than he bargained for. Gillian is his other half and neither one of them understand that yet, but she is light to his dark and helps him with more than just his injury. Gillian has her own issues that she is dealing with and has to put behind her in order to really help Padraig. I loved how Padraig works through his issues, comes to terms with his injury and his life, and helps Gillian deal with hers. I loved the other guys on the team and how they interacted with him. This is a terrific start to this series and I cannot wait to read more about the Blues!
October 11, 2015
In Touch is a story about rough around the edges, oxy-taking, grumpy Irish Rugby star, Padraig O’Neale (can you get anymore Irish then that?) and compassionate, freckled-faced physical therapist, Gillian Sommersby. At first, I had my doubts about each character, but as they slowly fell for each other, I found myself surrender tackled by their charms (yes, folks I learned an actual Rugby term!). The romance developed slowly, but you could see the chemistry build and the depth of each character and how they complimented each other. I also liked Padraig’s transformation from someone who put himself above the team to a true team player to an actual team leader. I look forward to the other story’s in the series and more books by CD Brennan.
November 15, 2015
Great book about two people with baggage who help each other carrying the load. I have never been to the US but after reading this book Michigan would be at the top of my list. As a rugby fan and as a girl often left alone with my tv while my other half goes out in the cold to watch a rugby game I LOVED this book! Thanks CD Brennan! Can't wait for the next one!
October 20, 2015
I'm all about baseball, especially Royals. But, I have to say this new series by Cd Brennan makes me want to start watching rugby. Fabulous story with real characters and such a great plot. The author doesn't make it easy for Gillian and Padraig to work through their issues. But, like all great romances, the author delivers.
January 14, 2018
So good that I bought it.
November 5, 2018
I bought this a while before I got around to reading it. Or rather, not reading it in truth. I started it, got bored, and gave up.
It might appeal to others, but it totally failed to grab my attention in any way. Neither lead character appealed to me, in fact I found both irritating, and so couldn't care less about their possible relationship.
It might appeal to others, but it totally failed to grab my attention in any way. Neither lead character appealed to me, in fact I found both irritating, and so couldn't care less about their possible relationship.
November 2, 2015
Great story
Cd Brennan is a new author for me, and honestly I chose the book for its cover, lol. well I'm glad I did because I absolutely loved In Touch. The book was funny, sexy, and dealt with real issues in a way that made it relatable. So now I just have to wait patiently for the next book in the series.
Cd Brennan is a new author for me, and honestly I chose the book for its cover, lol. well I'm glad I did because I absolutely loved In Touch. The book was funny, sexy, and dealt with real issues in a way that made it relatable. So now I just have to wait patiently for the next book in the series.
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