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Overtime
Jagger Jameson could be the poster child for a nasty childhood campaign but he refused to allow it to dictate his future. At an early age, he learned to shut down all of his emotions and focus solely on survival. As it turned out, survival came in the form of a basketball scholarship with the University of Kentucky Wildcats. As the rest of the team around him focuses on having a good time and building friendships, Jagger worries only about using his talent to help him escape the life that was dealt to him. Everything is going smoothly until somebody from his past makes a reappearance, and with just the mention of a name, Jagger finds himself struggling to maintain his cool facade.Colton Montgomery’s wealth allowed him the opportunity to have just about anything in the world he could desire…except the only thing he’d ever really wanted – Jagger Jameson. When the opportunity to try and tame a Wildcat comes his way, Colton welcomes the challenge.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2016
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September 20, 2016
I promised myself I wouldn't get ranty, but, WHOA, BAD WRITING, BATMAN. Nope, I just can't let this one go.
Let's talk about the editing, or lack thereof, first: wrong words, missing words, punctuation errors, misspellings (e.g., "knew" used in place of "new"), and, my personal favorite, the wrong name used for a character (one of the secondary characters, Rory, is at one point referred to as Colton, one of the MCs, for several paragraphs).
If that doesn't pull you out of the story, you might as well hit your head on a brick wall, because, seriously? That shit is distracting (not to mention annoying).
Let's not forget the randomly shifting POVs (most of the story is told from Jagger's perspective, but sometimes a paragraph, or just one sentence, would be from Colton's perspective or from one of the secondary characters' perspective).
I may have liked the story more if it hadn't been for the piss poor editing. Maybe.
But there's also this small issue: NOTHING IN THIS BOOK IS BELIEVABLE.
You know how Avon Gale's Scoring Chances series is so awesome? She writes real characters with inner demons, and she writes authentic hockey. I am not a hockey fan, but, man, she makes me root for the team. She's done her research, and done it well.
I can't say the same for T.S. McKinney. I'm not an expert, but even I know that there is no actual championship game in college basketball. There are regional finals, where the two best teams from a region, who've played each other before, compete. In the book, Jagger's team has never played Colton's team. That leaves the NCAA tournament, but the play-offs in Overtime don't remotely resemble March Madness; the author makes it seem like there's only one game, not a series of games.
There's also the infamous captain's challenge. Supposedly, the entire winning team chooses the punishment and is well aware of the losers' humiliation. Why had Jagger never heard of it after playing four years of college ball and apparently winning the "championship" on prior occasions?
Moving on: Colton is a stalker. How could he be in love with Jagger when he's never even talked to him? And, no, spying on him for years doesn't count! That's just creepy.
Colton knows Jagger's father was a worthless piece of garbage who abused Jagger, yet he acts like a predator, pushing Jagger into sex, touching him against his will, and being an all-around possessive douche.
At one point, Colton puts his hand on Jagger's thigh, against Jagger's wishes (in a situation where Jagger can't move away), and keeps moving it closer to Jagger's cock. We're supposed to think that it's okay, because Jagger wants it, but Jagger says NO, more than once. I don't care what Jagger is thinking. NO equals fucking NO; end of conversation.
Let's imagine this scene taking place in an M/F romance novel, with the man forcefully putting his paws on a woman who tells him NO repeatedly. Rape, much?
There's a lot of sex TALK, but there is really only one full-on sex scene. At one point, Colton's mouth is two inches away from Jagger's cock, and the two stop to have a heart-to-heart. Fuck me sideways. Two 23-year-old men can't stop talking long enough to fuck?
I read a couple scenes from this story to my brother (who's gay), and he couldn't stop laughing. He was all, Wow, does she think gay men act like junior high school kids? That's so fucking patronizing. I mean, really?
Yup, really.
Colton's friends run around naked and get all up in each other's business. Jagger's team captain, Riley, who ignored Jagger for four years, is all of a sudden his BFF, flying across the country to protect Jagger's virtue.
Who does that?
Even the HEA rubbed me the wrong way, because Jagger essentially has to give up his dreams to be with Colton. Colton demands it, and Jagger follows. And the last chapter is really just a big ol' setup for the next book in the series.
I was so close to DNF this book, but I wanted to give it a fair shake. Well, now I have, and I can say with some certainty that I won't be reading anything else by this author for a long while, maybe never.
Let's talk about the editing, or lack thereof, first: wrong words, missing words, punctuation errors, misspellings (e.g., "knew" used in place of "new"), and, my personal favorite, the wrong name used for a character (one of the secondary characters, Rory, is at one point referred to as Colton, one of the MCs, for several paragraphs).
If that doesn't pull you out of the story, you might as well hit your head on a brick wall, because, seriously? That shit is distracting (not to mention annoying).
Let's not forget the randomly shifting POVs (most of the story is told from Jagger's perspective, but sometimes a paragraph, or just one sentence, would be from Colton's perspective or from one of the secondary characters' perspective).
I may have liked the story more if it hadn't been for the piss poor editing. Maybe.
But there's also this small issue: NOTHING IN THIS BOOK IS BELIEVABLE.
You know how Avon Gale's Scoring Chances series is so awesome? She writes real characters with inner demons, and she writes authentic hockey. I am not a hockey fan, but, man, she makes me root for the team. She's done her research, and done it well.
I can't say the same for T.S. McKinney. I'm not an expert, but even I know that there is no actual championship game in college basketball. There are regional finals, where the two best teams from a region, who've played each other before, compete. In the book, Jagger's team has never played Colton's team. That leaves the NCAA tournament, but the play-offs in Overtime don't remotely resemble March Madness; the author makes it seem like there's only one game, not a series of games.
There's also the infamous captain's challenge. Supposedly, the entire winning team chooses the punishment and is well aware of the losers' humiliation. Why had Jagger never heard of it after playing four years of college ball and apparently winning the "championship" on prior occasions?
Moving on: Colton is a stalker. How could he be in love with Jagger when he's never even talked to him? And, no, spying on him for years doesn't count! That's just creepy.
Colton knows Jagger's father was a worthless piece of garbage who abused Jagger, yet he acts like a predator, pushing Jagger into sex, touching him against his will, and being an all-around possessive douche.
At one point, Colton puts his hand on Jagger's thigh, against Jagger's wishes (in a situation where Jagger can't move away), and keeps moving it closer to Jagger's cock. We're supposed to think that it's okay, because Jagger wants it, but Jagger says NO, more than once. I don't care what Jagger is thinking. NO equals fucking NO; end of conversation.
Let's imagine this scene taking place in an M/F romance novel, with the man forcefully putting his paws on a woman who tells him NO repeatedly. Rape, much?
There's a lot of sex TALK, but there is really only one full-on sex scene. At one point, Colton's mouth is two inches away from Jagger's cock, and the two stop to have a heart-to-heart. Fuck me sideways. Two 23-year-old men can't stop talking long enough to fuck?
I read a couple scenes from this story to my brother (who's gay), and he couldn't stop laughing. He was all, Wow, does she think gay men act like junior high school kids? That's so fucking patronizing. I mean, really?
Yup, really.
Colton's friends run around naked and get all up in each other's business. Jagger's team captain, Riley, who ignored Jagger for four years, is all of a sudden his BFF, flying across the country to protect Jagger's virtue.
Who does that?
Even the HEA rubbed me the wrong way, because Jagger essentially has to give up his dreams to be with Colton. Colton demands it, and Jagger follows. And the last chapter is really just a big ol' setup for the next book in the series.
I was so close to DNF this book, but I wanted to give it a fair shake. Well, now I have, and I can say with some certainty that I won't be reading anything else by this author for a long while, maybe never.
February 18, 2016
Re-read september 2016 to get in the right mind frame for Touchdown.
T.S. McKinney has a very specific writing-style, and I'm pretty sure it's not for everyone, but I love it! She creates these Alpha-dudes, with just enough possessive-ness and humor, that you cannot help but love.
There are a few issues with tense, but it did not take away from the story for me.
So Jagger has had an ABYSMAL childhood, his mother left him with his abusive douche of a father, and his upbringing was horrible to say the least. But this dude is a fighter! He found basketball, which brought him a scholarship and he is working his ass of to break the Jameson-cycle of alcoholism and useless-ness.
Colton is born with a silver spoon in his mouth, and his sunny disposition has rubbed Jagger the wrong way since they were children. Colton is the ONLY one who sees Jagger and tries to be his friend. But Jagger is having none of that shit. He is focused on his goals.
Colton's parents moved to Key West when Colton was 15-16, Colton has NOT forgotten Jagger, and when they are to meet in the Basketball Championship final, Colton hatches a 'devious' plan to get Jagger to SEE him.
Seriously this book might be over the top (for some) with the Alpha-ness, and the plot (be prepared for an out-there set-up). BUT the issues Jagger have, and his trouble committing/letting go, was done with so much... Authenticity. I don't know if McKinney has researched the shit out of victims of abuse and their coping mechanisms, but it felt so REAL and she was true to her characters and the parameters she set for them from the beginning.
I loved the surrounding cast, Landry especially, and I cannot wait for his book (it's supposed to arrive in 2017, and it will be a one-click buy for me).
The smexy times were HOT (we have a butt virgin people) and the LOVE Colton had for Jagger was AWESOME. Yes, there's angst but it is so well-done and authentic that it fit seamlessly into the story, without being too much. So be prepared for a story of the broken Jagger and a lovely Alpha-Colton, who is NOT ready to give up, and HOORAY for that. These two get their hard-won HEA.
McKinney is the MM-equivalent of Elle Kennedy -IMO. Doing these fun, alpha-types with a possessive streak a mile wide in a 'college-age setting'. I freaking love it.
T.S. McKinney has a very specific writing-style, and I'm pretty sure it's not for everyone, but I love it! She creates these Alpha-dudes, with just enough possessive-ness and humor, that you cannot help but love.
There are a few issues with tense, but it did not take away from the story for me.
So Jagger has had an ABYSMAL childhood, his mother left him with his abusive douche of a father, and his upbringing was horrible to say the least. But this dude is a fighter! He found basketball, which brought him a scholarship and he is working his ass of to break the Jameson-cycle of alcoholism and useless-ness.
Colton is born with a silver spoon in his mouth, and his sunny disposition has rubbed Jagger the wrong way since they were children. Colton is the ONLY one who sees Jagger and tries to be his friend. But Jagger is having none of that shit. He is focused on his goals.
Colton's parents moved to Key West when Colton was 15-16, Colton has NOT forgotten Jagger, and when they are to meet in the Basketball Championship final, Colton hatches a 'devious' plan to get Jagger to SEE him.
Seriously this book might be over the top (for some) with the Alpha-ness, and the plot (be prepared for an out-there set-up). BUT the issues Jagger have, and his trouble committing/letting go, was done with so much... Authenticity. I don't know if McKinney has researched the shit out of victims of abuse and their coping mechanisms, but it felt so REAL and she was true to her characters and the parameters she set for them from the beginning.
I loved the surrounding cast, Landry especially, and I cannot wait for his book (it's supposed to arrive in 2017, and it will be a one-click buy for me).
The smexy times were HOT (we have a butt virgin people) and the LOVE Colton had for Jagger was AWESOME. Yes, there's angst but it is so well-done and authentic that it fit seamlessly into the story, without being too much. So be prepared for a story of the broken Jagger and a lovely Alpha-Colton, who is NOT ready to give up, and HOORAY for that. These two get their hard-won HEA.
McKinney is the MM-equivalent of Elle Kennedy -IMO. Doing these fun, alpha-types with a possessive streak a mile wide in a 'college-age setting'. I freaking love it.
February 13, 2016
DNF @70%
Uhm...where to begin with this one. Well,first of all,when I read the blurb,I expected NA romance between two boys who come from different worlds and I expected feels - lots of it,and what I got didn't manage to evoke an ounce of emotion in me.
The writing was,in best case, average. The characters were written in such way that their acts and way they behaved more looked like that of a caricature than a real person.
First problem I had was with Colton, 'cause you see Jagger really had a hard life during his childhood - abandoned my his mother and than abused by his father, when he grew up he avoided contact with other people at all cost out of fear from getting involved with someone and than getting hurt by that person. He didn't even have any friends...he dedicated his whole life to playing basketball and getting a degree,so he could make money and not be hungry ever again. It was sad...well,it's supposed to be, but even while reading about something like this, which would usually make me feel at least empathy toward the MC, I was emotionally blank. And not to sound like a monster, but you can only write the notion "I'm not worthy of Colton,he is everything I'll never be,I'm nothing" in so many ways before it gets too old. And by 40% I was getting tired of reading the same but in a different words. Anyway, back to Colton. He knew all of this about Jagger and his brilliant plan was to literally force him on a date with him, act arrogant and throw sexual innuendos in basically every sentence. What can I say, brilliant...and not to forget his OTT jealousy,and I'm not very big fan of those.
After first 100 pages it gets slightly better - author introduces couple of more characters (not that they were developed or something - they were like cliché caricatures who served as a page fillers basically), things actually start happening, and Colton is more tolerable. But than editing errors start to accumulate...Mixing names,random POV's (sentence or two,sometimes whole paragraph; like author accidentally slips into other character's mind,when she should be in Jagger's) and so on. And at 70% I decided to abandon the ship. It had a potential with a blurb like that,and I think I even could have enjoyed it if editor and betas did their work,but this way 2 stars from me.
Uhm...where to begin with this one. Well,first of all,when I read the blurb,I expected NA romance between two boys who come from different worlds and I expected feels - lots of it,and what I got didn't manage to evoke an ounce of emotion in me.
The writing was,in best case, average. The characters were written in such way that their acts and way they behaved more looked like that of a caricature than a real person.
First problem I had was with Colton, 'cause you see Jagger really had a hard life during his childhood - abandoned my his mother and than abused by his father, when he grew up he avoided contact with other people at all cost out of fear from getting involved with someone and than getting hurt by that person. He didn't even have any friends...he dedicated his whole life to playing basketball and getting a degree,so he could make money and not be hungry ever again. It was sad...well,it's supposed to be, but even while reading about something like this, which would usually make me feel at least empathy toward the MC, I was emotionally blank. And not to sound like a monster, but you can only write the notion "I'm not worthy of Colton,he is everything I'll never be,I'm nothing" in so many ways before it gets too old. And by 40% I was getting tired of reading the same but in a different words. Anyway, back to Colton. He knew all of this about Jagger and his brilliant plan was to literally force him on a date with him, act arrogant and throw sexual innuendos in basically every sentence. What can I say, brilliant...and not to forget his OTT jealousy,and I'm not very big fan of those.
After first 100 pages it gets slightly better - author introduces couple of more characters (not that they were developed or something - they were like cliché caricatures who served as a page fillers basically), things actually start happening, and Colton is more tolerable. But than editing errors start to accumulate...Mixing names,random POV's (sentence or two,sometimes whole paragraph; like author accidentally slips into other character's mind,when she should be in Jagger's) and so on. And at 70% I decided to abandon the ship. It had a potential with a blurb like that,and I think I even could have enjoyed it if editor and betas did their work,but this way 2 stars from me.
February 17, 2016
I'm writing a review for Gay.Guy.Reading and Friends. I'll add a link when it's available.
2 sad little stars
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
2 sad little stars
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 16, 2016
I’m not one to notice grammar/spelling mistakes in books. But darn, there was so much of it in this one, I don’t know how anyone can not notice.
The was often They. Rory suddenly was Colton (twice). Some sentences made no sense at all. And we got 3rd person POV from Jagger for the first 4 chapters and then all of a sudden we get Colton’s in chapter 5. I didn’t mind getting more insight in Colton, but it went right back to Jagger a paragraph later and then Colton again a sentence later. After this it was a head hopping feast. We even got all their friends thoughts just thrown in there. It was so confusing.
And then the last chapter starts with Colton and then we get a paragraph that starts with Jagger. I’m not sure what the purpose was of that, since it was a bit late to suddenly start with the discernible POVs.
It was very annoying. And unnecessary, since anyone reading the book will notice this instantly (especially since I’m usually totally blind for these kind of things).
And now on to the story.
The first 25% was 5 stars for me, no doubt about that. Then the middle part was 3.5 and the last part 2 stars. So 3 stars it is.
Jagger has had a tough childhood. His mom left him with his dad when he was just seven. Even though she knew he would take his anger out on Jagger every day.
Jagger learned to just not feel. He got into college on a basketball scholarship and he has been the perfect student for 4 years. Right up until his last game at college. He gets told he is part of the Captain’s Challenge. The captain of the opposing team and his captain will meet before the championship to negotiate what the other team has to do if they lose. But it turns out the captain of the other team wants Jagger if they win. He wants a date with Jagger. A date that lasts 24 hours.
The captain of the other team is Colton, a boy from Jagger’s hometown. A boy that once made him feel when no one else could. Who he has never spoken a word to, but who gives him goosebumps whenever he hears his name. A boy who is now a man...
I loved how Colton was kind of creepy stalkerish in his love for Jagger. I loved how Jagger was hurt and just needed to be shown what it was like to be loved. I also loved how Colton never pushed Jagger too far. How he was dominant, but always tried to protect Jagger.
“I want to make you fall in love with me, Jagger. I want it and I’ll wait forever for it. Don’t rush yourself. If all you feel comfortable doing is kissing and touching, we will kiss and touch until you’re ready for something else. Don’t let me push you and don’t push yourself.”
What I didn’t quite like were all the friends. It was a bit confusing and with all the head hopping going on, I didn’t like it. Everyone was giving advice all the time, while I just wanted them to leave Colton and Jagger alone.
And even though I really loved Jagger and wanted to hug him all the time, the self-hatred went a bit too far for me at the end.
This was quite the angsty read and even though I’m normally not a big fan of angst, in this it kind of worked. There was some miscommunication and some hard words between the guys, but somehow it was doable. I didn't like the short separation at the end though (or the reason why).
Overall, it was a good story, but the execution could have been better.
(BTW, this is not a sports book, for those of you who want to know. The guys are done with college and sports after the first chapter.)
The was often They. Rory suddenly was Colton (twice). Some sentences made no sense at all. And we got 3rd person POV from Jagger for the first 4 chapters and then all of a sudden we get Colton’s in chapter 5. I didn’t mind getting more insight in Colton, but it went right back to Jagger a paragraph later and then Colton again a sentence later. After this it was a head hopping feast. We even got all their friends thoughts just thrown in there. It was so confusing.
And then the last chapter starts with Colton and then we get a paragraph that starts with Jagger. I’m not sure what the purpose was of that, since it was a bit late to suddenly start with the discernible POVs.
It was very annoying. And unnecessary, since anyone reading the book will notice this instantly (especially since I’m usually totally blind for these kind of things).
And now on to the story.
The first 25% was 5 stars for me, no doubt about that. Then the middle part was 3.5 and the last part 2 stars. So 3 stars it is.
Jagger has had a tough childhood. His mom left him with his dad when he was just seven. Even though she knew he would take his anger out on Jagger every day.
Jagger learned to just not feel. He got into college on a basketball scholarship and he has been the perfect student for 4 years. Right up until his last game at college. He gets told he is part of the Captain’s Challenge. The captain of the opposing team and his captain will meet before the championship to negotiate what the other team has to do if they lose. But it turns out the captain of the other team wants Jagger if they win. He wants a date with Jagger. A date that lasts 24 hours.
The captain of the other team is Colton, a boy from Jagger’s hometown. A boy that once made him feel when no one else could. Who he has never spoken a word to, but who gives him goosebumps whenever he hears his name. A boy who is now a man...
I loved how Colton was kind of creepy stalkerish in his love for Jagger. I loved how Jagger was hurt and just needed to be shown what it was like to be loved. I also loved how Colton never pushed Jagger too far. How he was dominant, but always tried to protect Jagger.
“I want to make you fall in love with me, Jagger. I want it and I’ll wait forever for it. Don’t rush yourself. If all you feel comfortable doing is kissing and touching, we will kiss and touch until you’re ready for something else. Don’t let me push you and don’t push yourself.”
What I didn’t quite like were all the friends. It was a bit confusing and with all the head hopping going on, I didn’t like it. Everyone was giving advice all the time, while I just wanted them to leave Colton and Jagger alone.
And even though I really loved Jagger and wanted to hug him all the time, the self-hatred went a bit too far for me at the end.
This was quite the angsty read and even though I’m normally not a big fan of angst, in this it kind of worked. There was some miscommunication and some hard words between the guys, but somehow it was doable. I didn't like the short separation at the end though (or the reason why).
Overall, it was a good story, but the execution could have been better.
(BTW, this is not a sports book, for those of you who want to know. The guys are done with college and sports after the first chapter.)
February 15, 2016
I had really high expectations for this book after reading the blurb and seeing the reviews. Unfortunately I have to say I was disappointed. It started off really good--Jagger remembering his childhood almost had me in tears. Unfortunately it soon began to really stretch my willingness to believe the whole setup.
First, there is no way a team captain would do what Riley supposedly did during the championship game--no way!
Second, Jagger went from stoic guy to sounding like he should have been the female in a M/F story.
Third, I just could never really believe in Colton. He just finished college and yet suddenly he's a counselor for abused people? His jealousy seemed contrived, in fact most of the conflicts seemed contrived!
Fourth, there were all kinds of editing issues. The timing of everything was off, ages seemed very fluid to fit the story, eye color changed often for the mc's and several times character names were wrong.
Fifth, Unfortunately I didn't really like most of the side characters.
To sum it up--it felt like I was reading a really unbelievable N/A M/F romance.
First, there is no way a team captain would do what Riley supposedly did during the championship game--no way!
Second, Jagger went from stoic guy to sounding like he should have been the female in a M/F story.
Third, I just could never really believe in Colton. He just finished college and yet suddenly he's a counselor for abused people? His jealousy seemed contrived, in fact most of the conflicts seemed contrived!
Fourth, there were all kinds of editing issues. The timing of everything was off, ages seemed very fluid to fit the story, eye color changed often for the mc's and several times character names were wrong.
Fifth, Unfortunately I didn't really like most of the side characters.
To sum it up--it felt like I was reading a really unbelievable N/A M/F romance.
February 19, 2016
4.25 Free Throw Stars
Oh Yeah Baby! This is one is happy dance worthy. It only has one flaw which I will be happy to point out later.
Jagger is a star basketball player at one of the elite basketball programs in America. Yes, you guessed it. The Kentucky Wildcats.
Full disclosure: I grew up a Kentucky basketball fan. I tried not to let it color my review.
Jagger is not your typical basketball star. He keeps to himself, has great grades, and does not have a bevy of basketball bunnies following him around. He keeps his memories close. The memories that drive him.
Numbness didn't allow him to remember the mental and physical pain he'd endured. Numbness prevented him from feeling. Numbness protected him.
Colton knew Jagger when they were boys. He remembers the skinny kid who feed stray cats and had bruises. Colton hasn't seen Jagger for years. But that doesn't mean he has forgotten him.
When circumstances bring them together, bring them to oppose each other, Colton sees the chance to fix the numbness inside of Colton. Or try, at least.
Colton wants to fix the little boy that he knew. But what about the little boy inside Colton? The one that has been hiding his feelings for so long. The one who has dreamed of his friend.
After I met you, I learned to see things differently. You, Wildcat, fixed me.
This is my first TS McKinney book. It was well written and well paced. Ms McKinney knows how to write an emotional read with introspective characters. She also rocks the angst and "only you" longing.
He wanted to protect himself. He just wanted Colton more.
Overtime tells the story of what happens when you unlock your potential to love. When you give your heart a chance even is you thought your heart was damaged beyond repair. Even if you thought you were not worthy or capable of love. Not brave enough to face your desires.
That person-that coward- was gone....at least for tonight.
So the flaw - no Division 1 basketball player would do that. Even for love.
Overtime is an emotional read full of deep thinking and self doubt. And hot guys. Really hot guys. Who talk about sex as much as they lay around the pool naked. And that's a lot. I hope Ms McKinney doesn't deprive us of the stories of the rest of the Naked Pool Gang. They have a story to tell. And more Naked Pool Time to enjoy.
Oh Yeah Baby! This is one is happy dance worthy. It only has one flaw which I will be happy to point out later.
Jagger is a star basketball player at one of the elite basketball programs in America. Yes, you guessed it. The Kentucky Wildcats.
Full disclosure: I grew up a Kentucky basketball fan. I tried not to let it color my review.
Jagger is not your typical basketball star. He keeps to himself, has great grades, and does not have a bevy of basketball bunnies following him around. He keeps his memories close. The memories that drive him.
Numbness didn't allow him to remember the mental and physical pain he'd endured. Numbness prevented him from feeling. Numbness protected him.
Colton knew Jagger when they were boys. He remembers the skinny kid who feed stray cats and had bruises. Colton hasn't seen Jagger for years. But that doesn't mean he has forgotten him.
When circumstances bring them together, bring them to oppose each other, Colton sees the chance to fix the numbness inside of Colton. Or try, at least.
Colton wants to fix the little boy that he knew. But what about the little boy inside Colton? The one that has been hiding his feelings for so long. The one who has dreamed of his friend.
After I met you, I learned to see things differently. You, Wildcat, fixed me.
This is my first TS McKinney book. It was well written and well paced. Ms McKinney knows how to write an emotional read with introspective characters. She also rocks the angst and "only you" longing.
He wanted to protect himself. He just wanted Colton more.
Overtime tells the story of what happens when you unlock your potential to love. When you give your heart a chance even is you thought your heart was damaged beyond repair. Even if you thought you were not worthy or capable of love. Not brave enough to face your desires.
That person-that coward- was gone....at least for tonight.
So the flaw - no Division 1 basketball player would do that. Even for love.
Overtime is an emotional read full of deep thinking and self doubt. And hot guys. Really hot guys. Who talk about sex as much as they lay around the pool naked. And that's a lot. I hope Ms McKinney doesn't deprive us of the stories of the rest of the Naked Pool Gang. They have a story to tell. And more Naked Pool Time to enjoy.
September 15, 2016
3.5 stars
There was something I loved about this book that I can't quite put my finger on... to be frank, there were some random things that would normally make me a little crazy - the dramatic over the top dialogue, the constant use of girl/chick to characterize crying or emotion (this one I'm holding a grudge on, tbh. For a f/m writer, I am surprised at this although I guess that's exactly why I don't like to read f/m romance because of this crap. C'mon. The world is annoying enough with this patriarchal bullshit. Don't do it in romancelandia, too!), the word choice/typos/misuse of names. And yet I really liked this book.
Colton was so single-mindedly devoted to Jagger. Jagger was such a sad sack and it was fantastic to see him come into his own (while at the same time staying true to his character and not suddenly recovering from a lifetime of abuse instantly because of the power of lurve). The secondary characters were great and added so much (I liked Riley, Rory and Landry a lot and hope there are books out there for them that I haven't discovered yet). And the sweetness factor was intense but somehow fit.
I liked it. Looking forward to Touchdown.
There was something I loved about this book that I can't quite put my finger on... to be frank, there were some random things that would normally make me a little crazy - the dramatic over the top dialogue, the constant use of girl/chick to characterize crying or emotion (this one I'm holding a grudge on, tbh. For a f/m writer, I am surprised at this although I guess that's exactly why I don't like to read f/m romance because of this crap. C'mon. The world is annoying enough with this patriarchal bullshit. Don't do it in romancelandia, too!), the word choice/typos/misuse of names. And yet I really liked this book.
Colton was so single-mindedly devoted to Jagger. Jagger was such a sad sack and it was fantastic to see him come into his own (while at the same time staying true to his character and not suddenly recovering from a lifetime of abuse instantly because of the power of lurve). The secondary characters were great and added so much (I liked Riley, Rory and Landry a lot and hope there are books out there for them that I haven't discovered yet). And the sweetness factor was intense but somehow fit.
I liked it. Looking forward to Touchdown.
October 1, 2016
All things put aside, I did re-read this book. Re-read my favorite parts. I just loved Colton so much. So I have to give this book some credit. I'm upping the rating. (originally 4 stars)
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3.5 stars
My goodness, the drama. It feels like I was watching a telenovela. But I liked it. It certainly works with me. Although I do have few niggles...
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3.5 stars
My goodness, the drama. It feels like I was watching a telenovela. But I liked it. It certainly works with me. Although I do have few niggles...
February 16, 2016
Awesome book!! This is another great book by this author. Can't wait for the next release!!
February 15, 2016
3.5 star review by The Blogger Girls.
This is the story of Jagger, a guy who has overcome desertion by his mother, child abuse by his father, and basically having nothing. Through his love of basketball, he found a way out. It was his sole focus – getting the scholarship, maintaining a 4.0 GPA and making sure he didn’t have to rely on anyone again to take care of him. He accomplished all of this, to the detriment of his social life, which is almost non-existent. He has a few friends on his team, but no one close. That all changes in the final championship game that takes place just before he graduates and is about to start his new job.
Colton is the complete opposite of Jagger. He grew up privileged and was everything Jagger hated when he was young. But Jagger caught Colton’s eye. Try as he might though, he was never able to get close to Jagger all those years ago. Finally, he has a chance when his team goes head to head with Jagger’s in the championships.
After basically winning a bet, Colton puts his plan into action to seduce Jagger in the hopes he will fall in love with the still-pining away Colton. Jagger’s biggest issue here is trust. He just doesn’t trust anyone, doesn’t ever think any of their intentions towards him could be good, and he fights it tooth and nail. Oh, and he has been straight up until this point, although he does admit that there was always a spark where Colton was concerned, especially after a few spoken words many years ago, even though he basically hated the guy.
This story grabbed me early on. I really liked the dialog and watching the friendships grow. Jagger’s Captain, Riley, takes steps to deepen their friendship, and Colton’s friends play an important role as well. I was really hoping to see more Riley/Rory action and will keep my fingers crossed for their story. Colton’s friend, Landry, has an interesting story as well, and that looks like it is heading in an exciting direction that I’m really looking forward to reading.
There were various miscommunications with these guys, and you have to suspend your belief fairly often that any of these things could actually be possible where the actions of the characters are concerned. But, it was engaging, sexy and sweet. I enjoyed Colton’s wooing attempts and his gentle handling of Jagger. Colton held a candle for Jagger for many years, believing he was the one, and never let up until he made it happen. I felt bad for each of them at various times and was rooting for them in the end.
Usually, I do not mention issues with editing because much of the time I am reading unfinished versions of a book. However, there were a lot of issues here, so much so that they continually pulled me out of the story. I don’t recall having this problem with other books by Ms. McKinney, so I’ll put it down to this being a bit of a fluke. Hopefully things will iron out in future stories, and, as this seems like the beginning of an interesting series, and I’m really hoping that is the case, as I would love to follow up on the different storylines that seem to be sprouting from this one.
February 21, 2016
Panty Scorching – 5.0
Storyline – 5.0
Angst – 4.0
Tissues – 1
Value – 5.0
Overall – 4.5
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Robin
Jagger’s basketball team has made it to the championships and he’s close to graduation. He should be happy since he’s always tried to remain focused and escape the way he grew up. Until he encounters the captain of the other team, a childhood acquaintance that has always been able to get under his skin. Colton has wanted to take care of Jagger almost from the time he met him. Can he make Jagger realize that they belong together or will Jagger keep running from him?
“Riley had tried to make it sound so easy, like his only problem was he was afraid of admitting he was gay. Riley didn’t know shit about him. He was a certified, level ten nutcase that was more than likely incapable of love…because he was definitely incapable of being loved. Even his own damned parents hadn’t loved him. It had been years since he allowed himself to remember – years since he allowed himself to feel the pain he tried to keep tucked inside. He didn’t want to go there tonight but had a feeling he didn’t have a choice. Riley had opened too many wounds with his innocent words. Hiding? Hell, if only it was that simple.”
This story was heartbreaking. Jagger grew up never knowing love and his mother crushed him when she abandoned him. It was so sweet how Colton saw him and felt a deep soul connection from childhood. I was touched how much this affected Colton’s entire life. The patience Colton showed trying to heal Jagger was amazing and that he never gave up trying to show him that he was worthy of being loved. I really enjoyed this story.
This was my first book by T.S. McKinney. I know I will try others and can’t wait to read Landry’s story. He truly needs to find his happy ending as well.
Storyline – 5.0
Angst – 4.0
Tissues – 1
Value – 5.0
Overall – 4.5
Kindle eArc provided by Author
Reviewed by Robin
Jagger’s basketball team has made it to the championships and he’s close to graduation. He should be happy since he’s always tried to remain focused and escape the way he grew up. Until he encounters the captain of the other team, a childhood acquaintance that has always been able to get under his skin. Colton has wanted to take care of Jagger almost from the time he met him. Can he make Jagger realize that they belong together or will Jagger keep running from him?
“Riley had tried to make it sound so easy, like his only problem was he was afraid of admitting he was gay. Riley didn’t know shit about him. He was a certified, level ten nutcase that was more than likely incapable of love…because he was definitely incapable of being loved. Even his own damned parents hadn’t loved him. It had been years since he allowed himself to remember – years since he allowed himself to feel the pain he tried to keep tucked inside. He didn’t want to go there tonight but had a feeling he didn’t have a choice. Riley had opened too many wounds with his innocent words. Hiding? Hell, if only it was that simple.”
This story was heartbreaking. Jagger grew up never knowing love and his mother crushed him when she abandoned him. It was so sweet how Colton saw him and felt a deep soul connection from childhood. I was touched how much this affected Colton’s entire life. The patience Colton showed trying to heal Jagger was amazing and that he never gave up trying to show him that he was worthy of being loved. I really enjoyed this story.
This was my first book by T.S. McKinney. I know I will try others and can’t wait to read Landry’s story. He truly needs to find his happy ending as well.
January 27, 2016
Overtime by T.S. Mckinney isn't a sports book even though it starts off that way. Overtime hard to sum up in a single line as it felt like an onion and with each revelation you were pulling back the layers. Jagger Jameson plays it safe, just sneaking by trying to go unnoticed. Jagger worked hard to earn a basketball scholarship to be able to earn his degree but he's not like most students, he doesn't party and doesn't really have any friends to speak of. Jagger was abused by his father and abandoned by his mother at a young age which closes him off to others. When the Wildcats make the state championship in his senior year of college little did he think he'd see Colton Montgomery ever again. Colton was the only person in Jaggers youth that tried to break through his rough walls. Colton is everything Jagger isn't; wealthy, outgoing & charming but Colton has always affected Jagger and 10 little word one sentence has stuck with him since he was 16. Now a bet has been placed on the championship game and Jagger is the prize. No matter what happens Jagger's life is about to change.
I had some issues with this book, like other reviews the story is a bit outlandish. The timeline is so quick and fast paced it seemed off. Colton's character is so obsessed/in love with Jagger it's to the point of stalking really, which is a problem in my mind. Besides that though it was a page turner and oh boy can T.S. McKinney write hot M/M sex scenes that made me want to flip to the next page. I loved the sub characters and would be interesting in reading more about them and their journies. I give Overtime 3.5 Stars - room for improvement in my eyes but I still enjoyed where the story took me.
*** Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Reads - ARC provided for a honest review ***
I had some issues with this book, like other reviews the story is a bit outlandish. The timeline is so quick and fast paced it seemed off. Colton's character is so obsessed/in love with Jagger it's to the point of stalking really, which is a problem in my mind. Besides that though it was a page turner and oh boy can T.S. McKinney write hot M/M sex scenes that made me want to flip to the next page. I loved the sub characters and would be interesting in reading more about them and their journies. I give Overtime 3.5 Stars - room for improvement in my eyes but I still enjoyed where the story took me.
*** Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Reads - ARC provided for a honest review ***
March 8, 2016
---- April 1, 2016 - YESSS! I re-read the book and it was even better than the first time! Like seriously! I will need me a wedding or something, it cannot have just this alone! PLEASE! ---
My highlighter needs a break! I mean, my ibooks pages are littered with very important highlighted bits for me to pour over again and again later! Why doesn't this book have more stars????! I can't fathom why!
......Some stalker-ish, obsessive, gooey love goodness! Add some much needed alpha maleness, possessiveness and cute jealousy along with a complicated, downtrodden-by- abuse hottie and we have a freaking winner!
I don't care what, in my fictional world I need me some of all that and more! AND angst, lots of mixups and make ups! For the love of all that "bad" stuff I crave I can safely say I was thoroughly satisfied with this book! I mean damn! I loved very minute of it!
I have found my kindred spirit author and T.S. McKinney brought out everything I secretly or not so secretly crave in a book! Ripped it right out of my imagination and made the words come alive for me better than I could ever have done.
Yes I'm serving the cheese on how good this book was! Yes there were a some typos or whatever, but who the hell cares? I've read "worse" books that has more stars than should ever have been awarded, so no it didn't bother me. Not in the least, so there!
Screw the haters!!!!! read the book! Fall in love with these characters and all that alpha male goodness. 10 stars!
My highlighter needs a break! I mean, my ibooks pages are littered with very important highlighted bits for me to pour over again and again later! Why doesn't this book have more stars????! I can't fathom why!
......Some stalker-ish, obsessive, gooey love goodness! Add some much needed alpha maleness, possessiveness and cute jealousy along with a complicated, downtrodden-by- abuse hottie and we have a freaking winner!
I don't care what, in my fictional world I need me some of all that and more! AND angst, lots of mixups and make ups! For the love of all that "bad" stuff I crave I can safely say I was thoroughly satisfied with this book! I mean damn! I loved very minute of it!
I have found my kindred spirit author and T.S. McKinney brought out everything I secretly or not so secretly crave in a book! Ripped it right out of my imagination and made the words come alive for me better than I could ever have done.
Yes I'm serving the cheese on how good this book was! Yes there were a some typos or whatever, but who the hell cares? I've read "worse" books that has more stars than should ever have been awarded, so no it didn't bother me. Not in the least, so there!
Screw the haters!!!!! read the book! Fall in love with these characters and all that alpha male goodness. 10 stars!
January 23, 2016
Full review coming soon.....
February 24, 2016
Main Character: Jagger Jameson (Wildcat) & Colton Montgomery
This book straight up annoyed me. I was obsessed to get my hands on this book after reading a snippet of it. I didn't want to buy it at first and try to borrow it but that wasn't getting me anywhere quick. I was hesitant to buy because I felt I wasn't going like it because I don't care for BDSM theme book. I t does nothing for me but after reading reviews , it was suggested that it will be on the light side. So I went forth and bought the book.
This story in a rough nut shell is about an asshole Alpha (Colton) and his obsession with damage omega (Jagger) . Mind you this is not paranormal book at all but it defiantly had the whole the Alpha/Omega feel to it. With the whole "Mine" and growling going on when anyone got 10 ft of within of Jagger's space. I didn't like how people manipulated Jagger to get him to go on a force date with Colton and that multiple times he stated that he wanted to leave and how people dismiss what he wanted in favor keeping there for Colton's sake. At about 70% I was over Jagger's insecurities which lead to many push and pull scene with Colton.
I've yet to be convince by an author that it is plausible that a person that was in a previous physically abuse relationship would enter a BDSM type relationship after a day. Jagger has no relationship experience and hates to be touch. I don't care how much you have been eye fucking me or let be real for once and state that Colton was exhibiting stalking like behavior. I'm not busting out of my comfort zone to please your kink. I understand actual physical abuse and physical aspect of BDSM ( with the very little knowledge I know about) is totally different thing if done right. Thankfully most of it was left off page. I really hate that Colton got his way with Jagger. That Jagger only pseudo friend had help Colton with is plan for Jagger. I don't care how much that friend got in Colton's face about it. You still help put your friend in that position.
@70%
This is where Colton's redemption comes into play. It was where everything is reveal. It was a nice reveal but a little too late for me. His explanation for keeping it a secret was whack and considering a few pages before he came stating how he was going spank Jagger's ass.
@87%
Colton reminds everyone that he is arrogant asshole. You expect Jagger to do what after a week of hooking up. It was so melodramatic on both their parts.
Overall I refuse to DNF this book. I was almost going to leave it unrated but screw that option. I read this book 100% and I didn't like it.
This book straight up annoyed me. I was obsessed to get my hands on this book after reading a snippet of it. I didn't want to buy it at first and try to borrow it but that wasn't getting me anywhere quick. I was hesitant to buy because I felt I wasn't going like it because I don't care for BDSM theme book. I t does nothing for me but after reading reviews , it was suggested that it will be on the light side. So I went forth and bought the book.
This story in a rough nut shell is about an asshole Alpha (Colton) and his obsession with damage omega (Jagger) . Mind you this is not paranormal book at all but it defiantly had the whole the Alpha/Omega feel to it. With the whole "Mine" and growling going on when anyone got 10 ft of within of Jagger's space. I didn't like how people manipulated Jagger to get him to go on a force date with Colton and that multiple times he stated that he wanted to leave and how people dismiss what he wanted in favor keeping there for Colton's sake. At about 70% I was over Jagger's insecurities which lead to many push and pull scene with Colton.
I've yet to be convince by an author that it is plausible that a person that was in a previous physically abuse relationship would enter a BDSM type relationship after a day. Jagger has no relationship experience and hates to be touch. I don't care how much you have been eye fucking me or let be real for once and state that Colton was exhibiting stalking like behavior. I'm not busting out of my comfort zone to please your kink. I understand actual physical abuse and physical aspect of BDSM ( with the very little knowledge I know about) is totally different thing if done right. Thankfully most of it was left off page. I really hate that Colton got his way with Jagger. That Jagger only pseudo friend had help Colton with is plan for Jagger. I don't care how much that friend got in Colton's face about it. You still help put your friend in that position.
@70%
This is where Colton's redemption comes into play. It was where everything is reveal. It was a nice reveal but a little too late for me. His explanation for keeping it a secret was whack and considering a few pages before he came stating how he was going spank Jagger's ass.
@87%
Colton reminds everyone that he is arrogant asshole. You expect Jagger to do what after a week of hooking up. It was so melodramatic on both their parts.
Overall I refuse to DNF this book. I was almost going to leave it unrated but screw that option. I read this book 100% and I didn't like it.
February 16, 2016
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
Overtime came along just when I needed it. I was in a rut and needed something a bit different to shake things up and this one fit perfectly. I couldn’t help falling for Jagger, it was immediate and hard, this boy that had no friends, no life, bad memories and a life plan that closed him off from everyone – even himself. Everyone that Jagger had ever trusted or loved either left him or abused him. His one shot at escaping his life was to win a scholarship and work hard and this is what he did but he did it to the extreme and after years at college he may have gotten his degree, he may have excelled as part of the basketball team but he was such a lonely figure that it made me heart sore.
Colin Montgomery is at the other end of the spectrum when you compare his life to Jagger’s. Born to wealth as a child he had everything his heart desired. He had loving parents who provided him with a good life, he had no idea what it was like to live in fear or to go hungry. For all his cockiness that would make him very easy to dislike there was another layer to Colin that you had to look for. Even at a young age he was aware what Jagger’s life was like but was powerless to do anything about it. He tried to make friends with the boy but Jagger didn’t do friends – ever. He stalked him, he admitted to stalking him, he became infatuated and was determined that one day Jagger would be his.
A final game, an outrageous bet and Jagger and Colin are thrown together and everything that Jagger has done to close himself off slowly starts to unravel. Again you have to look past Colin’s behaviour to see the man that is scared of losing what he has in front of him. Jagger is constantly fighting his demons which loom large but there is a small voice in his mind that says what if…what if he could be happy, what if someone could love him…..
The other thing worthy of a mention is the great cast of secondary characters and I am really looking forward to further books in the series. The one complaint I had when I was finished was the editing – there were a lot of errors especially in the second half and for me they interfered with my enjoyment of the story, without them this would easily have been a 4.5 star read.
Overtime came along just when I needed it. I was in a rut and needed something a bit different to shake things up and this one fit perfectly. I couldn’t help falling for Jagger, it was immediate and hard, this boy that had no friends, no life, bad memories and a life plan that closed him off from everyone – even himself. Everyone that Jagger had ever trusted or loved either left him or abused him. His one shot at escaping his life was to win a scholarship and work hard and this is what he did but he did it to the extreme and after years at college he may have gotten his degree, he may have excelled as part of the basketball team but he was such a lonely figure that it made me heart sore.
Colin Montgomery is at the other end of the spectrum when you compare his life to Jagger’s. Born to wealth as a child he had everything his heart desired. He had loving parents who provided him with a good life, he had no idea what it was like to live in fear or to go hungry. For all his cockiness that would make him very easy to dislike there was another layer to Colin that you had to look for. Even at a young age he was aware what Jagger’s life was like but was powerless to do anything about it. He tried to make friends with the boy but Jagger didn’t do friends – ever. He stalked him, he admitted to stalking him, he became infatuated and was determined that one day Jagger would be his.
A final game, an outrageous bet and Jagger and Colin are thrown together and everything that Jagger has done to close himself off slowly starts to unravel. Again you have to look past Colin’s behaviour to see the man that is scared of losing what he has in front of him. Jagger is constantly fighting his demons which loom large but there is a small voice in his mind that says what if…what if he could be happy, what if someone could love him…..
The other thing worthy of a mention is the great cast of secondary characters and I am really looking forward to further books in the series. The one complaint I had when I was finished was the editing – there were a lot of errors especially in the second half and for me they interfered with my enjoyment of the story, without them this would easily have been a 4.5 star read.
February 19, 2016
This is a first for me from this author. I’ll start by saying there are other reviews out there that really love this book and I encourage everyone to read those as well as this, because not everyone has the same taste.
The basic story is this: Jagger and Colton knew each other as kids, from opposite sides of the track, and Colt threw down a gauntlet about wanting Jagger but then left him for years.
Now Colton and Jagger are thrown together again when Jagger’s team loses a bet and Colton wins a date with Jagger.
Colton is the rich kid – full of swagger and (to me) cheesy porny lines about his “Wildcat” and what he’s gonna do with him. At one point – they’re on a plane going to Florida – a teenager turns around and tells Colton to back off because he’s scaring the guy with his over the top innuendos. She’s about the only person who seemed to be real in this story.
Jagger has a very warped self-perception due to his childhood and despite the constant barrage of attention from Colton – up til the bitter end – he denies that he could possibly be in a relationship with the guy.
For me the story could have been much shorter – a brief set up of the situation – some steamy sexual tension finally relieved on their Florida trip – followed by a realization that there is something between them worth exploring. What we get is a really long, sometimes clichéd story that draws out the drama without digging too deeply into any of the more “meaty” issues like the past childhood abuses or the stark differences between the two MCs.
This just didn’t appeal to me, but again, I urge you to read other reviews because many others really liked this and it definitely held some appeal to me, though I’d lost interest by the end.
Sorry to say, I can’t recommend this.
The basic story is this: Jagger and Colton knew each other as kids, from opposite sides of the track, and Colt threw down a gauntlet about wanting Jagger but then left him for years.
Now Colton and Jagger are thrown together again when Jagger’s team loses a bet and Colton wins a date with Jagger.
Colton is the rich kid – full of swagger and (to me) cheesy porny lines about his “Wildcat” and what he’s gonna do with him. At one point – they’re on a plane going to Florida – a teenager turns around and tells Colton to back off because he’s scaring the guy with his over the top innuendos. She’s about the only person who seemed to be real in this story.
Jagger has a very warped self-perception due to his childhood and despite the constant barrage of attention from Colton – up til the bitter end – he denies that he could possibly be in a relationship with the guy.
For me the story could have been much shorter – a brief set up of the situation – some steamy sexual tension finally relieved on their Florida trip – followed by a realization that there is something between them worth exploring. What we get is a really long, sometimes clichéd story that draws out the drama without digging too deeply into any of the more “meaty” issues like the past childhood abuses or the stark differences between the two MCs.
This just didn’t appeal to me, but again, I urge you to read other reviews because many others really liked this and it definitely held some appeal to me, though I’d lost interest by the end.
Sorry to say, I can’t recommend this.
February 13, 2016
Overtime T.S. McKinney is a story of a young guy who overcame his childhood by obtaining a basketball scholarship to college where he is scheduled to graduate with a 4.0 GPA. Jagger was abandoned by his mother and left with an abusive drunk of a father. As a means of escape he closed himself off from all emotions and made it his mission to make something of himself. Senior year of college his team is going to the championship again and this time they are playing a Cinderella team. On this team is someone from his childhood, Colton a guy who followed Jagger around almost to the point of being a stalker. This will be the first time they will see each other since Colton’s family moved away when he was 16. Their last meeting consisted of Colton making a very suggestive promise to Jagger. This is a story that was more than just male on male. This was a story of a love transcending time and space. I was pleasantly entertained by the cast of characters and the premise of the story was new and fresh. I liked the look into the gay lifestyle in Key West. I especially look forward to the next book. There is so much I want to know about many of the guys in the book. I can say I have read all of this author’s books and she never has disappointed me. I was given an ARC of the book for an honest review. I give this story 4 stars.
February 19, 2016
*received ARC for honest review*
It has been a while since I last read an m/m book and this was like a breath of fresh air. I enjoyed the dynamics between Jagger and Colton. The push and pull between them. At times it seemed more high school than college but then I remember Jagger's history. Jagger a senior in college has his life planned out, graduate, find a job and live a life he always wanted. Colton has always been somewhat of a distraction to Jagger. So when they see each other again in the championship basketball game, bets are made and hearts are at stake. Will Colton be the distraction Jagger needs or will Jagger stick to his plan?
I did not give this book 5 stars because there were times the book changed POV and I was cunfused for a moment. I would have to pause and re-read the previous sentence to see who is talking. Other than that I loved this book. I did not want it to end. I am sooo looking forward the the next book and I will be looking into more this author's work.
It has been a while since I last read an m/m book and this was like a breath of fresh air. I enjoyed the dynamics between Jagger and Colton. The push and pull between them. At times it seemed more high school than college but then I remember Jagger's history. Jagger a senior in college has his life planned out, graduate, find a job and live a life he always wanted. Colton has always been somewhat of a distraction to Jagger. So when they see each other again in the championship basketball game, bets are made and hearts are at stake. Will Colton be the distraction Jagger needs or will Jagger stick to his plan?
I did not give this book 5 stars because there were times the book changed POV and I was cunfused for a moment. I would have to pause and re-read the previous sentence to see who is talking. Other than that I loved this book. I did not want it to end. I am sooo looking forward the the next book and I will be looking into more this author's work.
February 13, 2016
4.5 Stars! A story about young love, a separation and finding him again. Colton has always wanted to take care of Jagger and he wants to prove himself worthy. I cried. Full review coming on The Smut-Brarians!
March 24, 2016
* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review.
I really liked T.S. McKinney's book "Overtime." It has a couple of problems I will get into later, but for the first book I've read from this author, I was drawn into the story so much that I read the entire book in one sitting. (Yep, up till 2Am finishing it!)
The story centers around Jagger Jameson, a senior player on the Kentucky Wildcats "almost" NCAA championship basketball team. (That's not a spoiler, its integral to the story) After losing a bet placed on the championship game (Hello, NCAA violation!) Jagger is forced to accept a date with the point guard from the winning team. The problem, that point guard is Colton Montgomery; a rich kid from Jagger's past and the star of Jagger's vivid desires for the last several years. Jagger, who grew up poor and abused, has used his basketball career to get himself an education (and a great new job) in order to escape the horrible past he barely survived. Jagger is torn between his desires for Colton and his disgust at Colton's arrogance. Through a week long "date" in Key West, Florida, Jagger and Colton work through their various demons and start, what appears to be, a lasting relationship.
What I didn't like: (And most of these are pretty minor complaints)
*I had a hard time getting to like Colton. A really hard time! The first 2/3rds of the book, he is an arrogant, selfish, unmitigated asshole! Even at the end of the novel, after you hear more of his story and he's been somewhat redeemed, I still had a hard time liking or trusting him.
* I like sport related stories. (Amy Lane, Teegan Loy, Avery Cockburn, Leta Blake, Max Vos have all written some great sports related MM novels) I though this book would follow that theme more, but once you get past the set up in the first couple of chapters, the sports story disappears. That would be OK, but the blurb and cover sort of make it sound like this will be more sports related than it is.
*Following on the sports theme; if Jagger (and Riley, both) are the star players on the Kentucky Wildcats basketball team that comes within one point of winning a national championship (again, that's not a spoiler.) there would be NBA scouts all over them. But nowhere in the story does that ever come up. I think because I like sports related stories that I really noticed that omission.
*Jagger's cutting. It shows up 3/4 of the way through the story. Its as if we needed one more bit of angst to the story so it got thrown in. The first time it was mentioned, I thought I had missed it from earlier in the story.
What I liked:
*With the exception of Colton, I loved the other characters in the story. I see a whole SERIES of books about this bunch: Riley's and Rory's story, Landry and Jericho, the rest of the bunch.
*Another reviewer called this book BDSM-lite. I like that term. I kept waiting for it to become more a part of the story, but it just seemed to hang around the edges. A bit of a tease... Maybe in the SEQUEL to Jagger and Colton's story??? Or in the SERIES about the other characters? (That's a hint, Ms. McKinney!!!)
*The sex was pretty damned hot!
Overall, with the exception of the problems I mentioned, I liked this story. It kept me glued to it till the wee hours of the morning because I wanted to know what was going to happen next.
Now I want a sequel and a series!
I really liked T.S. McKinney's book "Overtime." It has a couple of problems I will get into later, but for the first book I've read from this author, I was drawn into the story so much that I read the entire book in one sitting. (Yep, up till 2Am finishing it!)
The story centers around Jagger Jameson, a senior player on the Kentucky Wildcats "almost" NCAA championship basketball team. (That's not a spoiler, its integral to the story) After losing a bet placed on the championship game (Hello, NCAA violation!) Jagger is forced to accept a date with the point guard from the winning team. The problem, that point guard is Colton Montgomery; a rich kid from Jagger's past and the star of Jagger's vivid desires for the last several years. Jagger, who grew up poor and abused, has used his basketball career to get himself an education (and a great new job) in order to escape the horrible past he barely survived. Jagger is torn between his desires for Colton and his disgust at Colton's arrogance. Through a week long "date" in Key West, Florida, Jagger and Colton work through their various demons and start, what appears to be, a lasting relationship.
What I didn't like: (And most of these are pretty minor complaints)
*I had a hard time getting to like Colton. A really hard time! The first 2/3rds of the book, he is an arrogant, selfish, unmitigated asshole! Even at the end of the novel, after you hear more of his story and he's been somewhat redeemed, I still had a hard time liking or trusting him.
* I like sport related stories. (Amy Lane, Teegan Loy, Avery Cockburn, Leta Blake, Max Vos have all written some great sports related MM novels) I though this book would follow that theme more, but once you get past the set up in the first couple of chapters, the sports story disappears. That would be OK, but the blurb and cover sort of make it sound like this will be more sports related than it is.
*Following on the sports theme; if Jagger (and Riley, both) are the star players on the Kentucky Wildcats basketball team that comes within one point of winning a national championship (again, that's not a spoiler.) there would be NBA scouts all over them. But nowhere in the story does that ever come up. I think because I like sports related stories that I really noticed that omission.
*Jagger's cutting. It shows up 3/4 of the way through the story. Its as if we needed one more bit of angst to the story so it got thrown in. The first time it was mentioned, I thought I had missed it from earlier in the story.
What I liked:
*With the exception of Colton, I loved the other characters in the story. I see a whole SERIES of books about this bunch: Riley's and Rory's story, Landry and Jericho, the rest of the bunch.
*Another reviewer called this book BDSM-lite. I like that term. I kept waiting for it to become more a part of the story, but it just seemed to hang around the edges. A bit of a tease... Maybe in the SEQUEL to Jagger and Colton's story??? Or in the SERIES about the other characters? (That's a hint, Ms. McKinney!!!)
*The sex was pretty damned hot!
Overall, with the exception of the problems I mentioned, I liked this story. It kept me glued to it till the wee hours of the morning because I wanted to know what was going to happen next.
Now I want a sequel and a series!
February 24, 2016
Jagger got himself out of an incredibly abusive childhood through intense focus, and constant hard work. He earned a basketball scholarship, where again his focus was completely on his performance on the court as well as his grades so that even after college, he would be able to take care of himself and would never have to rely on anyone again. Colton came from a life of money and privilege, but since he was young the only thing he ever wanted was Jagger. Jagger is a stoic and serious person who has kept his life free from any real relationships or emotional entanglements of any kind. Colton has been the only person who could shake Jagger's cool, and cause him to experience a variety of feelings. A situation arises during the championship game of their senior year which brings Jagger and Colton to the same place for the first time since they were teenagers. Colton has no plans to let Jagger slip away from him this time.
Jagger is an easy character to care about. The more that is revealed about his horrific childhood, the more I appreciated just how much more difficult everything he has accomplished was for him and it makes his success all the more incredible. It is tough to see Jagger really struggle with his feelings once he starts to acknowledge them and attempt to allow himself some of the pleasures that go along with connecting with other people. Beyond just experiencing his first friendship, Jagger really has to struggle as he questions his sexuality on all levels and what it is he really wants. Colton is pretty annoying at first, and I didn't like the way he went about a lot of his interactions with Jagger. The more we learn about Colton though, and the more we know his motivations, the easier it is to start cheering him on. It is tough to see Jagger struggle so hard with his emotions and behaviors as he experiences some pretty intense feelings for the first time. It is also really rewarding to see both Jagger and Colton find a connection that is ultimately good for both of them.
There were times that the pacing felt a little fast, but I became engaged in the story quickly and stayed interested throughout. I would read more by this author in the future.
*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Jagger is an easy character to care about. The more that is revealed about his horrific childhood, the more I appreciated just how much more difficult everything he has accomplished was for him and it makes his success all the more incredible. It is tough to see Jagger really struggle with his feelings once he starts to acknowledge them and attempt to allow himself some of the pleasures that go along with connecting with other people. Beyond just experiencing his first friendship, Jagger really has to struggle as he questions his sexuality on all levels and what it is he really wants. Colton is pretty annoying at first, and I didn't like the way he went about a lot of his interactions with Jagger. The more we learn about Colton though, and the more we know his motivations, the easier it is to start cheering him on. It is tough to see Jagger struggle so hard with his emotions and behaviors as he experiences some pretty intense feelings for the first time. It is also really rewarding to see both Jagger and Colton find a connection that is ultimately good for both of them.
There were times that the pacing felt a little fast, but I became engaged in the story quickly and stayed interested throughout. I would read more by this author in the future.
*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
February 29, 2016
There are some books I rate with one star happily because I just can't finish it.
Then there are books where I question the rating system, why can't we rate zero stars? Heck, I'm primed to question why can't we rate negative stars.
What is with these two main characters?
Bizarre plot
Nothing subtle here
Kill me now
Thank heavens Amazon offers refunds, this being an unwanted purchase is an understatement.
Then there are books where I question the rating system, why can't we rate zero stars? Heck, I'm primed to question why can't we rate negative stars.
What is with these two main characters?
Bizarre plot
Nothing subtle here
Kill me now
Thank heavens Amazon offers refunds, this being an unwanted purchase is an understatement.
February 20, 2016
The story has so much potential. The writing could have been a bit better. Sometimes I wondered about the point of view. Sometimes it got boring to read the same thoughts over and over. The sex could have been hotter. And I could not believe how Jagger went from shy, polite and quiet to ... whatever.
But despite these little flaws I like the story.
But despite these little flaws I like the story.
February 22, 2016
I am a fan of sports romance books so this caught my attention. The characters are extreme opposites and I found them a little bit stereotypical, especially in the opening chapters. The book took a good few chapters to get going but after that I did enjoy it. I thought the banter between the two guys was hilarious and well written. I award this book 3.5 stars
May 13, 2016
DNF @ 50%
The writing was so juvenile. I felt like I was reading a badly written fanfic.
I found Jagger very annoying: his indecisiveness and "I'm not worthy" attitude got old fast. Colton was just as annoying; his jokes were not funny, and he came on too strong. I'm all for dominance and persistence, but he was just a pest.
The writing was so juvenile. I felt like I was reading a badly written fanfic.
I found Jagger very annoying: his indecisiveness and "I'm not worthy" attitude got old fast. Colton was just as annoying; his jokes were not funny, and he came on too strong. I'm all for dominance and persistence, but he was just a pest.
February 22, 2016
3.5 stars
March 19, 2016
I have to say it, I could not connect with that story plot in any way. For me, it was all pointless and boring.
June 1, 2017
I liked it best towards the end. Don't think there's more books in the series but I wish there were!
*** spoilers ***
The list of stuff:
- m/m (they are all gay ,, no straights here)
- coming to terms with your sexuality
- figuring out how to love
- childhood trauma
- abuse , physical by father , domestic violence /abuse
- cutting
- depression
- panic attacks (mentioned)
- insecurity
- issues ,, abandonment , trust, etc (mom left)
- friendships
- poverty/ wealth
- going hungry
- alcoholism
- dealing with figuring out how to love someone and feel worthy of being loved,, of not forgetting the past but focusing on the future
- they gonna get 3 dogs and 2 cats,, animal lovers
- kinky sex stuff (ok honestly not that kinky like I've read way kinkier stuff like there basically wasn't even any kinky stuff like a bit of spanking maybe and like mentions of them wanting to try out some stuff)
- bdsm (they gonna try it ,,they're friend owns a bdsm club)
- bit of jealousy & possessiveness, I did not care for that, but like they realized it was a problem and like addressed that
- that one scene where he almost got r*ped like nothing happened but it was close
- some stuff bothered me like some sentences here and there but I'm not gonna write them all there
- there were also some sentences that were Top Notch Writing
I like it a lot,, it dealt with a lot of hard themes and issues, in an ok way like definitely thought it was alright ,, don't think the rep was badly written but I wouldn't go so far and say it was 100% accurate and incredibly written (1 I haven't been through all that 2 the stuff I've been through isn't the same for everyone, so I can't know )
Makes sense? Idk
Good enough book !!
*** spoilers ***
The list of stuff:
- m/m (they are all gay ,, no straights here)
- coming to terms with your sexuality
- figuring out how to love
- childhood trauma
- abuse , physical by father , domestic violence /abuse
- cutting
- depression
- panic attacks (mentioned)
- insecurity
- issues ,, abandonment , trust, etc (mom left)
- friendships
- poverty/ wealth
- going hungry
- alcoholism
- dealing with figuring out how to love someone and feel worthy of being loved,, of not forgetting the past but focusing on the future
- they gonna get 3 dogs and 2 cats,, animal lovers
- kinky sex stuff (ok honestly not that kinky like I've read way kinkier stuff like there basically wasn't even any kinky stuff like a bit of spanking maybe and like mentions of them wanting to try out some stuff)
- bdsm (they gonna try it ,,they're friend owns a bdsm club)
- bit of jealousy & possessiveness, I did not care for that, but like they realized it was a problem and like addressed that
- that one scene where he almost got r*ped like nothing happened but it was close
- some stuff bothered me like some sentences here and there but I'm not gonna write them all there
- there were also some sentences that were Top Notch Writing
I like it a lot,, it dealt with a lot of hard themes and issues, in an ok way like definitely thought it was alright ,, don't think the rep was badly written but I wouldn't go so far and say it was 100% accurate and incredibly written (1 I haven't been through all that 2 the stuff I've been through isn't the same for everyone, so I can't know )
Makes sense? Idk
Good enough book !!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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