The Odd Ballerz

by Ruthie Robinson

Memphis Jones is not thrilled when she’s forced to try out for a women’s football league. Aside from being tragically clumsy, she’d rather be kicking ass in the office than on the football field. She also has an issue with the coach, who doesn’t seem to like her.

Coach Zachary “Z” Sloan has serious doubts about this Memphis woman. She’s either the worst football player he’s ever seen, or she’s faking. And yet somehow he can’t keep his eyes off her, despite the strict rule against coach-player relationships.

Despite their initial misgivings, Memphis and Z find themselves drawn to each other. Memphis thinks she’s found someone that challenges her; Z thinks he may have found someone he can finally trust. As their attraction to each other grows . . . and they begin to learn each other’s secrets, will their connection be enough?

389 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 11, 2015

About the author

I grew up in Fort Worth, Texas. Attended Clark College as an undergrad, and completed my Masters at the University of Texas in Austin. Both of my degrees are in Economics. After working in the Banking industry, I am now doing what I love - telling stories.

I enjoy reading, gardening, movies and hanging out with my spouse of twenty-seven years and our two young adults. I currently live in Austin, Texas.

Reviews

[Gigi · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading 6 books by Ruthie Robinson (just finished a RR marathon, with this one being the last) I can safely say she gets quite repetitive as far as theme’s and characters goes. Let’s see, there is the male whorish lead that normally goes for a certain type of woman (worldly, not looking for attachment) as opposed to the quirky female lead who wants more than the no strings attached sex. Besides being different, the female lead is also described as not really beautiful but still capable of catching the eye of the Adonis-like lead. He is attracted because she is sexy in her own unique way and he wants to act on the attraction. While he’s catching feelings his concept of beauty evolves and suddenly she becomes beautiful to him.
Sigh. Really?

I can let this bother me, I’ve chosen not to. Instead I delved in, I was in the mood for a slow build romance and that’s what I got. RR always deliver on that. Still waiting for the same level of greatness she accomplished with Reye’s Gold though. I liked how this book dealt with learning disabilities and how to overcome them. The nudist (as a way of life) aspect was…different, but it worked.

I will continue reading this authors books, but can we please have another kind of casting as far the lead characters go? I’m quite done with the good-looking man ho and the so different plain Jane.

[Mspraise50 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first story by this author. I have heard what a great author she is. I am going to try some of her other stories on Kindle Unlimited.

This is Memphis and Coach Zackary's story.

The couple meet each from the very first page of the book which I like. However, this was a slow read and build up to the relationship. It was not just about Memphis but her Sister Alex's story was being told at the same time.

I think I would describe this story more as Women's Fiction rather than a real romance story. The couple don't get together until about 60% through the book. There as a interesting twist at the end. I enjoyed the story even though it was a slow read. I would call this a sweet romance if we want to label it and there were laugh out loud moments and moment that made me smile.

[D · Rating 2 out of 5]

Will Work for Food and Games We Play are my two favorite Ruthie Robinson stories so I was excited to learn about Odd Ballerz. I liked Memphis, Alex and Charlotte a lot and I loved their relationships. I wanted to know more about Z. I feel like the turn the story takes during the second half of the book came from left field because of the lack of character building about him during the first half. Also, Memphis' goal of joining the team just seemed to disappear without being mentioned again. Overall, the story moved a little too slow for my liking. Also, I didn't like how half the book seemed to be written as if Yoda speaking (e.g., upset he was at..; attractive she thought he was...). It was a distraction to me. I wanted to like this book more. It was just okay for me.

[Jennie Rosenblum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again the combination of wonderful fully developed characters and interesting side stories make this author's book a win. But, add in basics of women's football and some great sex scenes and the book has it all. Memphis the leading character is a "real" woman with all the attributes of being a smart professional without giving up her feminine side. And "Z" - well let's just say I am thinking about learning football!

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this story. It was quirky in its premise.

I connected to it in a weird way...Maybe because I have a sister that is super athletic and finds it her mission in life to challenge me to physical activities.

Be open to the story and roll with it.

[Lawanna Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two people so different yet so similar can find each other and make it work.

I choose this rating because the book was a very good read. I suggest this book to anyone that want to read a real life story.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!