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Skin in the Game #1
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Football players s*ck.
A bunch of cocky, lying cheaters who think they’re god’s gift to women, just like my dear old dad. I’ve managed to avoid them my whole college career until now >.< I just got assigned to be wide receiver Callum Samskevitch’s physical therapist.
Pro: It will be great to add to my resume.
Con: I have to see him. Every. Single. Day.
Which would be fine…if he wasn’t so dang sexy…
Cal
Football is all I’ve got, so when Coach saddles me with some frumpy PT student with a chip on her shoulder, all I can think is doom. I don’t have time for this. Not now. Not when my dreams are on the verge of being crushed. All that should matter right now is ball. So why can’t I stop imagining what Bee Mitchell is hiding beneath those baggy sweatshirts?
A bunch of cocky, lying cheaters who think they’re god’s gift to women, just like my dear old dad. I’ve managed to avoid them my whole college career until now >.< I just got assigned to be wide receiver Callum Samskevitch’s physical therapist.
Pro: It will be great to add to my resume.
Con: I have to see him. Every. Single. Day.
Which would be fine…if he wasn’t so dang sexy…
Cal
Football is all I’ve got, so when Coach saddles me with some frumpy PT student with a chip on her shoulder, all I can think is doom. I don’t have time for this. Not now. Not when my dreams are on the verge of being crushed. All that should matter right now is ball. So why can’t I stop imagining what Bee Mitchell is hiding beneath those baggy sweatshirts?
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2016
219 people are currently reading
1095 people want to read
About the author
Christine Bell
52 books1,273 followersChristine Bell is a romance author and also writes erotic romance as Chloe Cole. She and her handsome hubby currently reside in Pennsylvania with a four-pack of teenage boys. If she gets time off from her duties as maid, chef, chauffeur, or therapist, she can be found reading just about anything she can get her hands on, from Young Adult novels to books on poker theory. She doesn’t like root beer, clowns or bugs (except ladybugs, on account of their cute outfits), but lurrves chocolate, going to the movies, the New York Giants and playing Texas Hold ‘Em. Writing is her passion, but if she had to pick another occupation, she would be a pirate…or, like, a ninja maybe. She loves writing steamy romance stories, but also hopes to one day publish something her dad can read without wanting to dig his eyes out with a rusty spoon. Christine loves to hear from readers, so please contact her through her website, www.christine-bell.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
August 13, 2024
I started this book just because i wanted to check safety and make it to-read, but ended really enjoying it and after awhile i was grinnig like shit.
This is your typical college book where the hot guy meet the plain-jane girl.
Bee is PT student who is assigned to Cal, the hunky football player who cant be more different than her, and even though i dont like these wallflower heroines i didn't mind Bee, yes, she had some confidence problems but hell, with parents like hers, who wouldnt? Her father is cheating ass who treats her mother like crap and of course he was football player so she doesnt think of them much.
And Cal... he is definitely on my book-boyfriend's shelv, he was just sweet and amazing.
The plot is what you are expecting, you know whats gonna happen next but i wasnt disappointed at all. It was just another resting college book you will enjoy and i love Cal and Bee together, they were perfect, it wasnt insta-love and you have there some development first. The end is more open so i guess there may be another book about them in future and if so i will gladly read it.
SAFETY:
This is your typical college book where the hot guy meet the plain-jane girl.
Bee is PT student who is assigned to Cal, the hunky football player who cant be more different than her, and even though i dont like these wallflower heroines i didn't mind Bee, yes, she had some confidence problems but hell, with parents like hers, who wouldnt? Her father is cheating ass who treats her mother like crap and of course he was football player so she doesnt think of them much.
And Cal... he is definitely on my book-boyfriend's shelv, he was just sweet and amazing.
The plot is what you are expecting, you know whats gonna happen next but i wasnt disappointed at all. It was just another resting college book you will enjoy and i love Cal and Bee together, they were perfect, it wasnt insta-love and you have there some development first. The end is more open so i guess there may be another book about them in future and if so i will gladly read it.
SAFETY:
July 27, 2017
3.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was actually better than I thought it'd be. Will it go down as one of my favorites or be one that will stick with me forever? No. But it served its purpose for me in being a light, sexy, college athlete romance. It doesn't get deep into the characters or the storyline, but it was enjoyable. I really think it would've greatly benefited from a jump ahead epilogue into their future when they were older and deeply into their relationship and grown-up lives, but that's just me ;)
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Bee and Cal's story. They literally bump into each other one morning, and are surprised to find out that Bee has been assigned to work on Cal's case because she is a PT student. Cal is the star football player that has injured his knee and is having a hard time adjusting to not playing. Bee has a father that played in the NFL, and has sworn herself off of football players. They dance around each other some, have some sexy times, deal with family and ex drama...but they get a HFN ending.
POV: This alternated between Bee and Cal's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I wanted more in the end (when do I not?!? ;D), but otherwise it flowed well and I never skimmed.
Instalove: No. I felt like hey had sufficient time to develop feelings.
H rating: 4 stars. Cal. I liked him. I felt like he really cared for the h, and he was sweetly protective too.
h rating: 3 stars. Bee. I felt really bad for her circumstances with her parents, but I also had some frustration with her pushing the H away at times.
Sadness level: Low. No tissues required.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Moderate. They have good chemistry and scenes.
Descriptive sex: Yes.
Safe sex: Yes. Mentions of std status and birth control. No mention of previous practices that I remember.
OW/OM drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Mild
Closure: This had ok closure, but I really wanted a farther jump into their future and see them as a secure couple. I'd call this a HFN ending.
How I got it: I got it on loan through booklending.com
Safety: I'd say this is probably Safe for most readers.
Overall Opinion: This was actually better than I thought it'd be. Will it go down as one of my favorites or be one that will stick with me forever? No. But it served its purpose for me in being a light, sexy, college athlete romance. It doesn't get deep into the characters or the storyline, but it was enjoyable. I really think it would've greatly benefited from a jump ahead epilogue into their future when they were older and deeply into their relationship and grown-up lives, but that's just me ;)
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Bee and Cal's story. They literally bump into each other one morning, and are surprised to find out that Bee has been assigned to work on Cal's case because she is a PT student. Cal is the star football player that has injured his knee and is having a hard time adjusting to not playing. Bee has a father that played in the NFL, and has sworn herself off of football players. They dance around each other some, have some sexy times, deal with family and ex drama...but they get a HFN ending.
POV: This alternated between Bee and Cal's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I wanted more in the end (when do I not?!? ;D), but otherwise it flowed well and I never skimmed.
Instalove: No. I felt like hey had sufficient time to develop feelings.
H rating: 4 stars. Cal. I liked him. I felt like he really cared for the h, and he was sweetly protective too.
h rating: 3 stars. Bee. I felt really bad for her circumstances with her parents, but I also had some frustration with her pushing the H away at times.
Sadness level: Low. No tissues required.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Moderate. They have good chemistry and scenes.
Descriptive sex: Yes.
Safe sex: Yes. Mentions of std status and birth control. No mention of previous practices that I remember.
OW/OM drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Mild
Closure: This had ok closure, but I really wanted a farther jump into their future and see them as a secure couple. I'd call this a HFN ending.
How I got it: I got it on loan through booklending.com
Safety: I'd say this is probably Safe for most readers.
May 17, 2016
This book had a lot of potential but the h ruined it for me. I got tired of Bee being so spineless when it came to her father. I also got tired of her constantly assuming all football players were not worth her time because of her past experiences. She came across as pathetic to me and it got old quickly.
May 8, 2016
I liked this. It was a quick fun read. I really liked Bee. And I liked Cal a lot too. The storyline wasn't original but I still really enjoyed it so that's a win in my book.
October 5, 2017
It took me a while to finish this book, which is not a sign of a really great read. It was kind of boring for the first 60% and then suddenly there’s an asshole father (is that a prerequisite in NA to have an asshole dad?) and a totally psycho ex-gf and the story veered off in a completely unexpected but not entirely welcome direction. I really liked the heroine but I wish the story had been better for her. She deserved better.
March 31, 2016
What a fun read.
Here we have Bee and Cal. Bee is a PT student who gets Cal assigned as a case for one of her classes; and Cal, a cocky football player, struggling with an injured leg that could potentially end his football career before it even starts. On top of that, Bee has a big distaste of football players, after watching her dad treat her mother and her pretty crappy. So, to say that these guys had hard start would be an understatement, lol.
As the story advances, we not only get to know these characters more in depth, but also understand more where they came from, particularly with Bee. Man, her family was a piece of work: a Dad so narcissistic, it’s a wonder he didn’t marry himself; and a mother so hard not to judge tbh, but even though I understood her reasons for staying with that ass, it’s no reason enough to treat her daughter like she was less-than in her (not so) perfect life.
Loved their time together, it was fun and just what they needed, helping each other bring the best in the other. I also loved that they didn’t let the drama keep them apart. They both had insecurities that sometimes they let come to the surface, but not enough to end their relationship.
There was also a bit of a drama, and oh what drama. Jeez, this guy needs to seriously start screening the people he hangs out with, ‘cause talk about a wack job.
The ending was perfect, ‘cause not only it’s HEA, but also leaves the door open to more, I can’t wait for these guys to do awesome in the future. I’m also looking forward to reading the next book in this series and what new characters we can meet.
All in all, a great start of a new series.
*Thank you to the author and Frog Prints Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange of my honest opinion*
Here we have Bee and Cal. Bee is a PT student who gets Cal assigned as a case for one of her classes; and Cal, a cocky football player, struggling with an injured leg that could potentially end his football career before it even starts. On top of that, Bee has a big distaste of football players, after watching her dad treat her mother and her pretty crappy. So, to say that these guys had hard start would be an understatement, lol.
As the story advances, we not only get to know these characters more in depth, but also understand more where they came from, particularly with Bee. Man, her family was a piece of work: a Dad so narcissistic, it’s a wonder he didn’t marry himself; and a mother so hard not to judge tbh, but even though I understood her reasons for staying with that ass, it’s no reason enough to treat her daughter like she was less-than in her (not so) perfect life.
Loved their time together, it was fun and just what they needed, helping each other bring the best in the other. I also loved that they didn’t let the drama keep them apart. They both had insecurities that sometimes they let come to the surface, but not enough to end their relationship.
There was also a bit of a drama, and oh what drama. Jeez, this guy needs to seriously start screening the people he hangs out with, ‘cause talk about a wack job.
The ending was perfect, ‘cause not only it’s HEA, but also leaves the door open to more, I can’t wait for these guys to do awesome in the future. I’m also looking forward to reading the next book in this series and what new characters we can meet.
All in all, a great start of a new series.
*Thank you to the author and Frog Prints Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange of my honest opinion*
March 29, 2016
I have always been a huge fan of Christine Bell since I read her first book - Hell, I am an actual character in on her books! LOL But Christine just has a way with her writing that makes me feel all mushy and gooey when I read her books and I love it!
Score is the first book in her newest series, Skin in the Game. It's a NA sports romance and Christine definitely starts this series off well.
Bee is a PT student who's in her final year of college and has to do some "hands-on" if she wants to continue on to medical school. Cal is the star wide receiver who injured his knee and who is also assigned to Bee.
Bee and Cal are two different people when it comes to college life. She sticks to her books and getting good grades, where Cal barely passes and is there on a football scholarship. These two couldn't be more different if they tried. There chemistry isn't instant but it's the way they interact together that keeps them coming back. It's like the itch can never be satisfied enough.
I loved the way this played out and how it wasn't instant. Cal proved he was nothing like she expected. And Bee showed him that good girls know how to have fun too. I really enjoyed the way Christine had this all fall into place and even added the bump near the end - I was expecting something to happen, but not that. Very nice addition. And the humor in this was the perfect added touch - it made everything feel more natural.
I am looking forward to see what Christine brings us in the next installment.
Score is the first book in her newest series, Skin in the Game. It's a NA sports romance and Christine definitely starts this series off well.
Bee is a PT student who's in her final year of college and has to do some "hands-on" if she wants to continue on to medical school. Cal is the star wide receiver who injured his knee and who is also assigned to Bee.
Bee and Cal are two different people when it comes to college life. She sticks to her books and getting good grades, where Cal barely passes and is there on a football scholarship. These two couldn't be more different if they tried. There chemistry isn't instant but it's the way they interact together that keeps them coming back. It's like the itch can never be satisfied enough.
I loved the way this played out and how it wasn't instant. Cal proved he was nothing like she expected. And Bee showed him that good girls know how to have fun too. I really enjoyed the way Christine had this all fall into place and even added the bump near the end - I was expecting something to happen, but not that. Very nice addition. And the humor in this was the perfect added touch - it made everything feel more natural.
I am looking forward to see what Christine brings us in the next installment.
April 12, 2016
This is my first NA book by this author but I really like her writing. Bee and Cal were great characters and I liked that we got to see more depth to them as the story moved forward. The book was pretty light and cute, which was exactly what I was in the mood for, and the hint of drama kept it intriguing.
My three star rating comes mostly from the fact that the end confused me. The extra drama that got added didn't seem to fit with the rest of the story, and I just wish it had all gone together a little better. Overall, this was a great book for when you're in the mood for an easy NA read.
August 9, 2016
This is the first time I've read this author. It wasn't bad at all.
My first thought when I started reading?: *groan* This isn't Hockey. Football is not Hockey. I don't like Football.
However, there wasn't too much football, and it was enjoyable.
I liked Cal. He wasn't an ass, but also wasn't too perfect.
I liked Bee. She was smart. I was able to identify with her.
The baddie? Yeah, that was some cray cray. However, it worked. It didn't feel toooooo outlandish.
I think I'll gladly continue reading the series, and mayhaps the rest of her works.
5 stars because at no point did I find myself disliking the book.
My first thought when I started reading?: *groan* This isn't Hockey. Football is not Hockey. I don't like Football.
However, there wasn't too much football, and it was enjoyable.
I liked Cal. He wasn't an ass, but also wasn't too perfect.
I liked Bee. She was smart. I was able to identify with her.
The baddie? Yeah, that was some cray cray. However, it worked. It didn't feel toooooo outlandish.
I think I'll gladly continue reading the series, and mayhaps the rest of her works.
5 stars because at no point did I find myself disliking the book.
May 15, 2016
Ok so this book was a big miss for me. Main issue was everything was BEYOND rushed, I mean I've read books with insta-love that went at a better pace. There was no development of the characters and the "problematic" plot twists just came off as highly unrealistic or even slightly believable. Bottom line is, for me this was a big fat no, sorry... But not really
April 2, 2016
Quick fun read, definitely could have done without Renée. There was enough angst without her.
April 3, 2016
1.5 stars
Didn't like Bee.
Unnecessary drama.
No time to get into a relationship with them. Everything was just too quick.
Didn't like Bee.
Unnecessary drama.
No time to get into a relationship with them. Everything was just too quick.
May 27, 2016
Good book just wish it had a better ending :-)
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August 16, 2016
Smart, sweet refreshingly witty and funny.....A little gem among the dull rocks
June 19, 2018
In Score we meet Bee Mitchell a physical sports therapist and Callum Samskevitch a football player. Both characters broke the stereotypical mold of the insensitive jock and the wild sorority girl. Bee is focused on her academics while Cal is focused on his football scholarship.
Cal is the popular guy who every sorority girl wants to hook up with. Bee is the underdog who doesn’t draw attention to herself like typical sorority girls.
There were bits of pieces of a good story, but the constant harrumphing about Bee’s appearance annoyed me. Cal’s character wasn’t any better with the constant comments about his sexy good looks and popularity.
In the beginning, I liked Bee’s character she started off strong and fierce until she met Cal. Cal had her questioning herself causing doubt and insecurity. I lost interest in her character after that.
I felt the story was a bit cliche with the popular guy dating the underdog and the underdog getting backlash from everyone. There were too many themes being tackled at once. This story continued to spiral downhill with unnecessary obstacles. I didn’t like the direction this story went.
Sarah Puckett narrates both main characters. After listening to a few of her audiobooks I notice the same tone in all her narrations. Not much variety in acting out the characters voices. The words are read robotically. I’m looking for a narrator who brings these characters to life with animation to their voice and she doesn’t do that.
Cal is the popular guy who every sorority girl wants to hook up with. Bee is the underdog who doesn’t draw attention to herself like typical sorority girls.
There were bits of pieces of a good story, but the constant harrumphing about Bee’s appearance annoyed me. Cal’s character wasn’t any better with the constant comments about his sexy good looks and popularity.
In the beginning, I liked Bee’s character she started off strong and fierce until she met Cal. Cal had her questioning herself causing doubt and insecurity. I lost interest in her character after that.
I felt the story was a bit cliche with the popular guy dating the underdog and the underdog getting backlash from everyone. There were too many themes being tackled at once. This story continued to spiral downhill with unnecessary obstacles. I didn’t like the direction this story went.
Sarah Puckett narrates both main characters. After listening to a few of her audiobooks I notice the same tone in all her narrations. Not much variety in acting out the characters voices. The words are read robotically. I’m looking for a narrator who brings these characters to life with animation to their voice and she doesn’t do that.
August 29, 2017
Definitely a great read.
I liked this one a lot more than Knocked Up, I mean the virgin trope again was a bit much but Bell took her time with the characters in this story allowing the reader to become invested in their successes, failures and relationships.
Again I'll mention two virgin female leads.in a row is pushing it. I get that their are college virgins out there, but I don't know I'm not in the generation that somehow respects a female lead more for being virginal and hooking up with the player who gives up his man who really ways because he's so touched by the gift of her precious flower. I mean nothing against virgins but when I read one all I hear in my head is Really? Seriously? You went there? I'd say we've finally reached a period in history where it's socially acceptable for a woman to be as experienced as a man and I like it when the books I read reflect that so the virgin lead is always points off for me.
Additionally I would have liked more of a play by play than a montage of his recovery so that we'd have more time to witness the little moments that made them more than strangers. However overall it was a good story and I enjoyed reading it.
I liked this one a lot more than Knocked Up, I mean the virgin trope again was a bit much but Bell took her time with the characters in this story allowing the reader to become invested in their successes, failures and relationships.
Again I'll mention two virgin female leads.in a row is pushing it. I get that their are college virgins out there, but I don't know I'm not in the generation that somehow respects a female lead more for being virginal and hooking up with the player who gives up his man who really ways because he's so touched by the gift of her precious flower. I mean nothing against virgins but when I read one all I hear in my head is Really? Seriously? You went there? I'd say we've finally reached a period in history where it's socially acceptable for a woman to be as experienced as a man and I like it when the books I read reflect that so the virgin lead is always points off for me.
Additionally I would have liked more of a play by play than a montage of his recovery so that we'd have more time to witness the little moments that made them more than strangers. However overall it was a good story and I enjoyed reading it.
November 19, 2017
This book is great! A few humorous spots that make the story flow so well. I love the way the enemies to friends to lovers came about. Love seeing the story progress and the surprise towards the end was the perfect touch. So happy with the way it ended and can’t wait to read the next in the series.
January 24, 2018
Awesome
This is my first book from this author and I absolutely loved the story line and the characters. I am reviewer so I try to never hold it against the author for misspelled words. I did not like how the story ended, I wished the author would continue their story thru an epilogue to find out what happened with their life.
This is my first book from this author and I absolutely loved the story line and the characters. I am reviewer so I try to never hold it against the author for misspelled words. I did not like how the story ended, I wished the author would continue their story thru an epilogue to find out what happened with their life.
April 11, 2018
Score
A sweet story of college age kids one a super football jock with an injured knee. In comes a sweet shy physical therapist student ordered to help Val with his therapy. Bee has hatred for any thing to do with football. Together they work out their differences and realize that they aren't so different.
A sweet story of college age kids one a super football jock with an injured knee. In comes a sweet shy physical therapist student ordered to help Val with his therapy. Bee has hatred for any thing to do with football. Together they work out their differences and realize that they aren't so different.
January 4, 2017
Loved It!
So this is my first review, but I have read tons of books
I was pulled in right away, and could not put it down.
I loved the little twist near the end.
Part of me wishes there was a second book, because I did not want it to end.
So this is my first review, but I have read tons of books
I was pulled in right away, and could not put it down.
I loved the little twist near the end.
Part of me wishes there was a second book, because I did not want it to end.
May 17, 2017
Felt similar to many other college-set NA stories I've read. There are alternating first person narrators, hero is a football player who is a good guy, the heroine is an ugly duckling (who really isn't) and there is an evil ex-girlfriend. It was nothing new, was enjoyable.
Freebie from kindle
Freebie from kindle
August 15, 2017
Hard to put down
I really enjoyed this story. Characters are awesome. I even liked the insecurities of the characters and that they worked through them.
Of course, the HEA is always welcome. I look forward to continuing the series.
I really enjoyed this story. Characters are awesome. I even liked the insecurities of the characters and that they worked through them.
Of course, the HEA is always welcome. I look forward to continuing the series.
December 13, 2017
Score by Christine Bell was a good read. It is the first book in the Skin in the Game series. Bee has been assigned to be Callum's Physical Therapist. Things heat up in this great book. I enjoyed reading this book.
January 10, 2018
Audiobook version:
Story: This was a fun read~ The characters were relate-able and easy to root for. I enjoyed watching this relationship develop.
Narration: Narration was great. no complaints~
I totally enjoyed this book :)
Story: This was a fun read~ The characters were relate-able and easy to root for. I enjoyed watching this relationship develop.
Narration: Narration was great. no complaints~
I totally enjoyed this book :)
May 22, 2018
So this book definitely lost points for the random kidnapping that took place in the middle of the book. It felt very out of place. Also, the main girl annoyed me a lot because she just projected her daddy issues repeatedly, which got old very fast.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2019
Ah-fucking-mazing I just can’t honestly. Ioved it it really was a fabulous book. Supper sweet and loving and just made my heart “eeek” lmao. And usually when the Mc is a v I get kinda annoyed but not with this book that’s how amazing it was.
August 13, 2020
normally not my cup of tea, but the way this football-player with the damaged knee and the reluctant physiotherapist find their way to each other is written so convincingly I found myself reading through a whole night.
October 30, 2016
Entertaining
I enjoyed this book & I look forward to reading the rest of the series. Loved Cal and Bee as a couple.
I enjoyed this book & I look forward to reading the rest of the series. Loved Cal and Bee as a couple.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews