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Seattle Grizzlies #1
Getting Inside
This book is out of print.
They’re big. They’re hot. And they play hard.
In the kickoff to Serena Bell’s sexy new football romance series, the heat between a female coach and a cocky linebacker turns the Seattle Grizzlies locker room upside down.
Iona: There’s nothing like the rush of going head-to-head with the boys. Football is my life, and I got my new job with the Seattle Grizzlies because I know how to play rough. But as a woman in a man’s game, I can’t afford any distractions—like panty-melting tabloid darling Ty Williams, my star linebacker. I’ve stared down plenty of good-looking players without losing my cool . . . and yet something about Ty’s intense gaze burns straight to my core.
Ty : Despite what they say in the press, I save my best moves for game day. The Grizzlies aren’t just my teammates, they’re my brothers—no way am I going to let some new coach shake up our defense. But Iona Thomas isn’t just some coach. It’s so tough to keep my head in the game when I’d rather be in bed with her. She may take charge at practice, but if I had her in my arms, I’d be choosing the plays. I just need to figure out what makes her tick—and what makes her want to break the rules.
Getting Inside is a short novel about going long. Includes an excerpt from another Loveswept title!
They’re big. They’re hot. And they play hard.
In the kickoff to Serena Bell’s sexy new football romance series, the heat between a female coach and a cocky linebacker turns the Seattle Grizzlies locker room upside down.
Iona: There’s nothing like the rush of going head-to-head with the boys. Football is my life, and I got my new job with the Seattle Grizzlies because I know how to play rough. But as a woman in a man’s game, I can’t afford any distractions—like panty-melting tabloid darling Ty Williams, my star linebacker. I’ve stared down plenty of good-looking players without losing my cool . . . and yet something about Ty’s intense gaze burns straight to my core.
Ty : Despite what they say in the press, I save my best moves for game day. The Grizzlies aren’t just my teammates, they’re my brothers—no way am I going to let some new coach shake up our defense. But Iona Thomas isn’t just some coach. It’s so tough to keep my head in the game when I’d rather be in bed with her. She may take charge at practice, but if I had her in my arms, I’d be choosing the plays. I just need to figure out what makes her tick—and what makes her want to break the rules.
Getting Inside is a short novel about going long. Includes an excerpt from another Loveswept title!
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 3, 2017
11 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Serena Bell
54 books748 followersNewest Release!
USA Today bestselling author Serena Bell writes contemporary romance with heat, heart, and humor. A former journalist, Serena has always believed that everyone has an amazing story to tell if you listen carefully, and you can often find her scribbling in her tiny garret office, mainlining chocolate and bringing to life the tales in her head.
Serena’s books have earned many honors, including an RT Reviewers’ Choice Award, Apple Books Best Book of the Month, and Amazon Best Book of the Year for Romance.
When not writing, Serena loves to spend time with her college-sweetheart husband and two hilarious kiddos—all of whom are incredibly tolerant not just of Serena’s imaginary friends but also of how often she changes her hobbies and how passionately she embraces the new ones. These days, it’s stand-up paddle boarding, board-gaming, meditation, and long walks with good friends.
Sign up for new release updates here! http://www.serenabell.com/newsletter
USA Today bestselling author Serena Bell writes contemporary romance with heat, heart, and humor. A former journalist, Serena has always believed that everyone has an amazing story to tell if you listen carefully, and you can often find her scribbling in her tiny garret office, mainlining chocolate and bringing to life the tales in her head.
Serena’s books have earned many honors, including an RT Reviewers’ Choice Award, Apple Books Best Book of the Month, and Amazon Best Book of the Year for Romance.
When not writing, Serena loves to spend time with her college-sweetheart husband and two hilarious kiddos—all of whom are incredibly tolerant not just of Serena’s imaginary friends but also of how often she changes her hobbies and how passionately she embraces the new ones. These days, it’s stand-up paddle boarding, board-gaming, meditation, and long walks with good friends.
Sign up for new release updates here! http://www.serenabell.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
December 30, 2016
2.5 - "No hard feelings." Stars.
I think the fact that I have zero quotes etc, highlighted in this ARC apart from the above and the H/h’s names coincides with my thoughts that nothing really stood out for me in relation to Ty and Iona’s story. It wasn’t bad, but if I was to sum it up; it is a book that you read, and forget. Which in itself is what surprises me the most.
Serena Bell is an author who I have come to expect a certain type of reading experience from, and that is an emotional one, with character depth and well thought out plot development, and Getting Inside didn’t really give me that, this felt like a really short book, and I wonder if a little added ‘flesh’ and word count to Ty and Iona’s backgrounds and the plot in general may have helped in this case, because it just felt a little light in all aspects.
It does set up the Seattle Grizzlies series really well as everyone that is introduced is likely to be in future books going forwards, and there were a couple of other players I would be interested in seeing have their stories told. Maybe my expectations are unreasonably high, I just expected a little more and it wasn’t there on this occasion. I would happily read more from this author and the series though.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
I think the fact that I have zero quotes etc, highlighted in this ARC apart from the above and the H/h’s names coincides with my thoughts that nothing really stood out for me in relation to Ty and Iona’s story. It wasn’t bad, but if I was to sum it up; it is a book that you read, and forget. Which in itself is what surprises me the most.
Serena Bell is an author who I have come to expect a certain type of reading experience from, and that is an emotional one, with character depth and well thought out plot development, and Getting Inside didn’t really give me that, this felt like a really short book, and I wonder if a little added ‘flesh’ and word count to Ty and Iona’s backgrounds and the plot in general may have helped in this case, because it just felt a little light in all aspects.
It does set up the Seattle Grizzlies series really well as everyone that is introduced is likely to be in future books going forwards, and there were a couple of other players I would be interested in seeing have their stories told. Maybe my expectations are unreasonably high, I just expected a little more and it wasn’t there on this occasion. I would happily read more from this author and the series though.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
January 7, 2017
I was truly surprised at how much I enjoyed this story. On the surface, it seemed like a typical football and coach romance, but the author took the time to develop each character’s narrative that I was engaged in their personal success just as much as the success of their relationship. I was drawn in almost immediately to the end. That’s what great writing does to a reader, transport the reader into the story.
Iona Thomas worked hard to establish herself as female coach and she made sure never to compromise herself by getting involved with a football player…until Ty Williams.
Ty Williams is the starting linebacker for the Seattle Grizzlies, a fictional PFL team, and the new linebacker coach is causing all kinds of distractions for him. While she gives very sound coaching techniques, he can’t help but notice her curves or how good she smells.
Both Iona and Ty fight their mutual attraction because Ty is under the microscope for his less than inspired performances of late and Iona has made history as the first female coach in the PFL much to the chagrin of some.
Ty was working through some personal issues and Iona was working on herself esteem as a woman. Ty and Iona seemed to be just what the other needed at this point in their lives, but both were cognizant of what an affair would do to their burgeoning careers. With so much on the line, was it worth it to risk their hearts over the career they were individually building?
Serena Bell really made me believe in both character’s integrity. While there was an almost immediate attraction, the author made them work for the happily ever after. I found the road to love believable, realistic and angsty.
I applaud her for not going the route of too much sex over plot because I became invested in these character’s aspirations as well as their family lives. I felt their chemistry, I also felt their anguish about what a secret affair would do to each other and the football community. As a person who loves football, I appreciated the author’s effort to being authenticity to the character and the environment that Iona and Ty were a part of. I hope this book is indicative of how this series is going to be because I really enjoyed this story.
*Special Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via Netgalley for the e-book given in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2017
Serena Bell’s Returning Home series, about military veterans and their adjustment to life at home again after deployment is a favorite of mine, and book 3, To Have and To Hold, made my best reads of 2016 list for its thoughtful and emotional look at how a brain injury could impact a relationship. Now she’s set her sights on the world of professional football with this first entry in her new Seattle Grizzlies series. Getting Inside is a tight paced, sexy and exciting forbidden affair/ workplace romance, about a female coach and one of the players on the team. Told in alternating first person present tense point of view (more often seen in new adult than contemporary romances), the story delves into the conflicts and emotional consequences of getting involved with someone you work with and is a great first entry into what promises to be a dynamic and entertaining sports romance series.
Iona Thomas loves football. First as a player, then working her way up to coaching, she’s thrilled to have accepted her first job with the Professional Football League (the PFL) as a linebacker coach for the Seattle Grizzlies. As an African American woman, she knows she has her work cut out for her to prove that she belongs in such a high powered position and that she will be judged more harshly than her male counterparts. She already has plans to turn around the Grizzlies current losing streak, starting with her star linebacker, Ty Masters. He’s been off his game recently and she doesn’t know why. But the tape doesn’t lie and it shows he’s been hesitating, resulting in losing plays. She’s got ideas to help him get back on track – if he’s willing to listen.
Ty is struggling with the recent death of his longtime ally, friend and coach Mack. Mack’s replacement was a disaster, never gelling with him and his guys, and he’s relieved that they’ve hired someone new. His first look at Iona when he encounters her in Coach Thrayne’s office (before realizing who she is) results in an immediate visceral reaction:
Finding out that Iona is his new coach puts her very definitely in a ‘no touching’ category – but the seeds are sown.
Iona has some self-esteem problems when it comes to her looks. She’s a very fit woman who plays pick up games of football when she can and her job keeps her physically active. Told by her father as a teenager that she’d never find a man interested in her if she kept playing football, she took those words to heart and assumes that they are still true. Some short-term relationships, mediocre sexual experiences and her ‘masculine’ job results in her believing that she’s undesirable as a partner. When she thinks she glimpses interest in Ty’s eyes, she convinces herself that she’s mistaken and it’s only as they spend time alone together and Ty makes the first move that she realizes his interest is real.
But it obviously comes with all sorts of problems. Though there are no official team rules preventing relationships between players and coaches (mainly because it’s never been an issue before), Iona is fully aware of what the public will think if they find out what’s happening between them. As a female, it will be assumed that she slept with someone to get the job, or that she’ll dally with more than one player, or that any off-field relationship will be detrimental for the players on the field. She and Ty have a bit of push and pull between them as they try to resist the attraction, resulting in lots of sexual tension. I appreciate that they didn’t just sleep together at the start of the story and damn the consequences, making their eventual lovemaking worth the wait. It results in some steamy scenes that make it clear it’s not going to be so easy to keep their feelings under wraps. Ty respects Iona and understands that should their relationship become public, it will cause her a lot more problems than it will him. He is willing to follow her lead and will stand by her no matter what happens.
Their burgeoning relationship notwithstanding, Iona is interested in getting to the heart of what makes Ty tick. She quickly realizes that his focus in football is playing for someone else, and not for himself. He had a rough childhood and is estranged from his brother for reasons that still affect him. He had always played for Mack, and when Mack died suddenly prior to the season starting, Ty didn’t have anyone to win for. It turned him into a more cautious player and Iona realizes this and knows that to get Ty back into winning games, he needs to learn to win for himself and no one else. She’s not afraid to push Ty, to challenge him, and make him face his fears on and off the field.
For someone who hasn’t written a sports romance before, Ms. Bell has done a very satisfactory job of making the reader believe they are witnessing a behind the scenes look at what makes a football team tick. The action on the field is credible and exciting, the seasonal games play out and the reader has a real vested interest in the team and its players. Knowing that Iona and Ty’s relationship could be outed at any time makes for some underlying suspense in the second half of the story. The pressure on Iona to succeed not just as a coach, but as a female in a typically male career adds to the tension and this is one of those stories that kept me up late reading to find out how it would all work out. Getting Inside is a sexy and entertaining sports romance.
This review also appears at All About Romance: http://allaboutromance.com/book-revie...
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
Iona Thomas loves football. First as a player, then working her way up to coaching, she’s thrilled to have accepted her first job with the Professional Football League (the PFL) as a linebacker coach for the Seattle Grizzlies. As an African American woman, she knows she has her work cut out for her to prove that she belongs in such a high powered position and that she will be judged more harshly than her male counterparts. She already has plans to turn around the Grizzlies current losing streak, starting with her star linebacker, Ty Masters. He’s been off his game recently and she doesn’t know why. But the tape doesn’t lie and it shows he’s been hesitating, resulting in losing plays. She’s got ideas to help him get back on track – if he’s willing to listen.
Ty is struggling with the recent death of his longtime ally, friend and coach Mack. Mack’s replacement was a disaster, never gelling with him and his guys, and he’s relieved that they’ve hired someone new. His first look at Iona when he encounters her in Coach Thrayne’s office (before realizing who she is) results in an immediate visceral reaction:
Wow.
Hot.
Want.
Followed immediately by:
Nope. Because if she’s anyone who has anything remotely to do with the team, she’s off limits. Especially media or personnel.
Finding out that Iona is his new coach puts her very definitely in a ‘no touching’ category – but the seeds are sown.
Iona has some self-esteem problems when it comes to her looks. She’s a very fit woman who plays pick up games of football when she can and her job keeps her physically active. Told by her father as a teenager that she’d never find a man interested in her if she kept playing football, she took those words to heart and assumes that they are still true. Some short-term relationships, mediocre sexual experiences and her ‘masculine’ job results in her believing that she’s undesirable as a partner. When she thinks she glimpses interest in Ty’s eyes, she convinces herself that she’s mistaken and it’s only as they spend time alone together and Ty makes the first move that she realizes his interest is real.
But it obviously comes with all sorts of problems. Though there are no official team rules preventing relationships between players and coaches (mainly because it’s never been an issue before), Iona is fully aware of what the public will think if they find out what’s happening between them. As a female, it will be assumed that she slept with someone to get the job, or that she’ll dally with more than one player, or that any off-field relationship will be detrimental for the players on the field. She and Ty have a bit of push and pull between them as they try to resist the attraction, resulting in lots of sexual tension. I appreciate that they didn’t just sleep together at the start of the story and damn the consequences, making their eventual lovemaking worth the wait. It results in some steamy scenes that make it clear it’s not going to be so easy to keep their feelings under wraps. Ty respects Iona and understands that should their relationship become public, it will cause her a lot more problems than it will him. He is willing to follow her lead and will stand by her no matter what happens.
Their burgeoning relationship notwithstanding, Iona is interested in getting to the heart of what makes Ty tick. She quickly realizes that his focus in football is playing for someone else, and not for himself. He had a rough childhood and is estranged from his brother for reasons that still affect him. He had always played for Mack, and when Mack died suddenly prior to the season starting, Ty didn’t have anyone to win for. It turned him into a more cautious player and Iona realizes this and knows that to get Ty back into winning games, he needs to learn to win for himself and no one else. She’s not afraid to push Ty, to challenge him, and make him face his fears on and off the field.
For someone who hasn’t written a sports romance before, Ms. Bell has done a very satisfactory job of making the reader believe they are witnessing a behind the scenes look at what makes a football team tick. The action on the field is credible and exciting, the seasonal games play out and the reader has a real vested interest in the team and its players. Knowing that Iona and Ty’s relationship could be outed at any time makes for some underlying suspense in the second half of the story. The pressure on Iona to succeed not just as a coach, but as a female in a typically male career adds to the tension and this is one of those stories that kept me up late reading to find out how it would all work out. Getting Inside is a sexy and entertaining sports romance.
This review also appears at All About Romance: http://allaboutromance.com/book-revie...
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
January 4, 2017
BOOK REVIEW: Getting Inside
BOOK SERIES: Seattle Grizzlies #1
AUTHOR: Serena Bell
GENRE: Sports Romance
PUBLICATION DATE: January 3, 2017
CLIFF HANGER: No
4 Stars
*This story is for mature audiences only. Contains explicit scenes and language intended for adults 18+
SYNOPSIS:
They’re big. They’re hot. And they play hard.
In the kickoff to Serena Bell’s sexy new football romance series, the heat between a female coach and a cocky linebacker turns the Seattle Grizzlies locker room upside down.
Iona: There’s nothing like the rush of going head-to-head with the boys. Football is my life, and I got my new job with the Seattle Grizzlies because I know how to play rough. But as a woman in a man’s game, I can’t afford any distractions—like panty-melting tabloid darling Ty Williams, my star linebacker. I’ve stared down plenty of good-looking players without losing my cool . . . and yet something about Ty’s intense gaze burns straight to my core.
Ty: Despite what they say in the press, I save my best moves for game day. The Grizzlies aren’t just my teammates, they’re my brothers—no way am I going to let some new coach shake up our defense. But Iona Thomas isn’t just some coach. It’s so tough to keep my head in the game when I’d rather be in bed with her. She may take charge at practice, but if I had her in my arms, I’d be choosing the plays. I just need to figure out what makes her tick—and what makes her want to break the rules.
MY THOUGHTS:
I have to say this slow burn sports romance hit on many notes for me. I really enjoyed how the story unfolded. We are taken on a journey with the characters as they try to find their balance between their professional lives and their personal lives.
Iona was an amazing heroine. She was set to trial by fire all through her personal journey to get to play football, coach women’s football and finally is hired to coach the linebackers of the Seattle Grizzlies, a team in PFL. This is her dream job. The story to her journey touches your heart and you feel her anguish to your soul. She has always found Ty attractive, but when they finally meet, she feels a strong pull that she has to deny. She has too much at stake to let her hormones get in the way.
Ty is a cocky linebacker with a player reputation and a chip on his shoulder. His play has been suffering. He has not been playing up to his usual game, until Iona starts coaching and turns that line around. She amazes him with her knowledge of the game, her respect and knowledge of how to deal with each player. He is blindsided by his personal feelings for her.
This was a slow burn romance. Ty and Iona have to take it slow, cautious, and there is a lot of push and pull. As the story unfolds, I got the story behind their professional drives and their personal anguish. When they are together the chemistry explodes and their feelings can’t be denied, but there are so many factors working against them. If their relationship gets out, they both could lose their dream jobs.
I won’t tell you anymore, as you need to read this sweet, slow burn, hot sports romance. I really enjoyed it and I can’t wait to read more of this new series.
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
BOOK SERIES: Seattle Grizzlies #1
AUTHOR: Serena Bell
GENRE: Sports Romance
PUBLICATION DATE: January 3, 2017
CLIFF HANGER: No
4 Stars
*This story is for mature audiences only. Contains explicit scenes and language intended for adults 18+
SYNOPSIS:
They’re big. They’re hot. And they play hard.
In the kickoff to Serena Bell’s sexy new football romance series, the heat between a female coach and a cocky linebacker turns the Seattle Grizzlies locker room upside down.
Iona: There’s nothing like the rush of going head-to-head with the boys. Football is my life, and I got my new job with the Seattle Grizzlies because I know how to play rough. But as a woman in a man’s game, I can’t afford any distractions—like panty-melting tabloid darling Ty Williams, my star linebacker. I’ve stared down plenty of good-looking players without losing my cool . . . and yet something about Ty’s intense gaze burns straight to my core.
Ty: Despite what they say in the press, I save my best moves for game day. The Grizzlies aren’t just my teammates, they’re my brothers—no way am I going to let some new coach shake up our defense. But Iona Thomas isn’t just some coach. It’s so tough to keep my head in the game when I’d rather be in bed with her. She may take charge at practice, but if I had her in my arms, I’d be choosing the plays. I just need to figure out what makes her tick—and what makes her want to break the rules.
MY THOUGHTS:
I have to say this slow burn sports romance hit on many notes for me. I really enjoyed how the story unfolded. We are taken on a journey with the characters as they try to find their balance between their professional lives and their personal lives.
Iona was an amazing heroine. She was set to trial by fire all through her personal journey to get to play football, coach women’s football and finally is hired to coach the linebackers of the Seattle Grizzlies, a team in PFL. This is her dream job. The story to her journey touches your heart and you feel her anguish to your soul. She has always found Ty attractive, but when they finally meet, she feels a strong pull that she has to deny. She has too much at stake to let her hormones get in the way.
Ty is a cocky linebacker with a player reputation and a chip on his shoulder. His play has been suffering. He has not been playing up to his usual game, until Iona starts coaching and turns that line around. She amazes him with her knowledge of the game, her respect and knowledge of how to deal with each player. He is blindsided by his personal feelings for her.
This was a slow burn romance. Ty and Iona have to take it slow, cautious, and there is a lot of push and pull. As the story unfolds, I got the story behind their professional drives and their personal anguish. When they are together the chemistry explodes and their feelings can’t be denied, but there are so many factors working against them. If their relationship gets out, they both could lose their dream jobs.
I won’t tell you anymore, as you need to read this sweet, slow burn, hot sports romance. I really enjoyed it and I can’t wait to read more of this new series.
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
February 7, 2017
This is a well written compelling love story of one of the first female pro football coaches and a player.
The characters are full developed, the conflicts real, and the plot well paced.
I loved the look at sexism in sports.
All that said, it just wasn't a favorite for me. I never liked the hero that much though his character evolved and was finely painted. I liked the heroine.
I think because so much of the attraction between them was physical I missed the falling in like with each other though they certainly respected one another.
So, a very good book for someone else.
I was given this book for my honest review. So, there you have it.
The characters are full developed, the conflicts real, and the plot well paced.
I loved the look at sexism in sports.
All that said, it just wasn't a favorite for me. I never liked the hero that much though his character evolved and was finely painted. I liked the heroine.
I think because so much of the attraction between them was physical I missed the falling in like with each other though they certainly respected one another.
So, a very good book for someone else.
I was given this book for my honest review. So, there you have it.
February 4, 2017
Full disclosure - I've tried Serena Bell in the past (not recently) and she never worked well for me. But I guess because it's been some time since I've tried her and this is the new start to a football series, I tried her again. The first half was a struggle for me, but the second half worked better.
Iona has accepted a coaching position in the Pro Football League (aka the NFL). She is going to be the Seattle Grizzlies Defensive lineman coach. Having some intern experience in San Francisco and a lifelong dedication to women playing tackle football, she is very excited. She knows she is going to have to prove herself - not only being a woman, but a black woman. She is ready.
Ty is an all-star defensive lineman who really hates his line coach. The coach degrades his players and puts way too much negative pressure on them. Ty looks to his teammates as more than brothers, and he thinks this coaching style is the reason they have lost so many games. Before he has a chance to tell the head coach all of his concerns, he learns the line coach is fired, and that Iona has been hired. Ty initially doesn't know what to think having a woman as a coach. The only thing running through his mind is how sexy she is and he can't concentrate on anything else.
Iona has known Ty from television and has followed his career because she is a fan. Now faced with coaching him, she too can't keep her eyes off him. But with so much at stake for her career, she knows she can't give in to her lust.
I had a hard time with the first half because so much emphasis is put on the sexual stuff between Iona and Ty. I love some good, hot chemistry but this felt too forced and in the reader's face. It's constant references to these lust-filled thoughts on both sides, rather than respecting her as a coach, or him as a player. For this to happen from the immediate meeting and as Iona gets settled as a coach felt odd to me for some reason.
Once they settle down and actually have dinner together (second half) it felt more natural for these thoughts to arise. Or maybe because she was out to dinner rather than a coach trying to do her job. I understood their attraction and chemistry better later in the book. I wanted to understand Ty as a football player and Iona as a coach first - and that took some time.
I really enjoyed Iona by the end - strong, confident, in love, and willing to fight for her job. I'm glad the author showed us into the locker room, coaches meetings and on the field - although I'm not sure how NFL it really felt.
After a rocky start, it worked out okay in the end
Grade: C+
Iona has accepted a coaching position in the Pro Football League (aka the NFL). She is going to be the Seattle Grizzlies Defensive lineman coach. Having some intern experience in San Francisco and a lifelong dedication to women playing tackle football, she is very excited. She knows she is going to have to prove herself - not only being a woman, but a black woman. She is ready.
Ty is an all-star defensive lineman who really hates his line coach. The coach degrades his players and puts way too much negative pressure on them. Ty looks to his teammates as more than brothers, and he thinks this coaching style is the reason they have lost so many games. Before he has a chance to tell the head coach all of his concerns, he learns the line coach is fired, and that Iona has been hired. Ty initially doesn't know what to think having a woman as a coach. The only thing running through his mind is how sexy she is and he can't concentrate on anything else.
Iona has known Ty from television and has followed his career because she is a fan. Now faced with coaching him, she too can't keep her eyes off him. But with so much at stake for her career, she knows she can't give in to her lust.
I had a hard time with the first half because so much emphasis is put on the sexual stuff between Iona and Ty. I love some good, hot chemistry but this felt too forced and in the reader's face. It's constant references to these lust-filled thoughts on both sides, rather than respecting her as a coach, or him as a player. For this to happen from the immediate meeting and as Iona gets settled as a coach felt odd to me for some reason.
Once they settle down and actually have dinner together (second half) it felt more natural for these thoughts to arise. Or maybe because she was out to dinner rather than a coach trying to do her job. I understood their attraction and chemistry better later in the book. I wanted to understand Ty as a football player and Iona as a coach first - and that took some time.
I really enjoyed Iona by the end - strong, confident, in love, and willing to fight for her job. I'm glad the author showed us into the locker room, coaches meetings and on the field - although I'm not sure how NFL it really felt.
After a rocky start, it worked out okay in the end
Grade: C+
September 3, 2016
Getting Inside is a solid start to what looks to be an awesome series. The heroine, Iona is the first female coach of the PFL and as with firsts in anything the pressure to succeed is always that much higher because you're in essence paving the way for others to follow. I think the author did a great job in conveying what it's like to be the only female in a male dominated sport from the stupid questions they get asked in interviews to the sexist comments to you name it. I loved the way the author tackled how female athletes bodies are viewed and the stereotypes that go with them and the way she shattered those stereotypes.
I also loved watching the romance develop between Iona and Ty.
All in all Getting Inside is an enjoyable read that I'd definitely recommend.
ARC provided by publisher through Net Galley
I also loved watching the romance develop between Iona and Ty.
All in all Getting Inside is an enjoyable read that I'd definitely recommend.
ARC provided by publisher through Net Galley
September 14, 2016
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Random House Publishing*
June 4, 2017
3.5 stars
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 3, 2017
They’re big. They’re hot. And they play hard.
In the kickoff to Serena Bell’s sexy new football romance series, the heat between a female coach and a cocky linebacker turns the Seattle Grizzlies locker room upside down.
Iona: There’s nothing like the rush of going head-to-head with the boys. Football is my life, and I got my new job with the Seattle Grizzlies because I know how to play rough. But as a woman in a man’s game, I can’t afford any distractions—like panty-melting tabloid darling Ty Williams, my star linebacker. I’ve stared down plenty of good-looking players without losing my cool . . . and yet something about Ty’s intense gaze burns straight to my core.
Ty : Despite what they say in the press, I save my best moves for game day. The Grizzlies aren’t just my teammates, they’re my brothers—no way am I going to let some new coach shake up our defense. But Iona Thomas isn’t just some coach. It’s so tough to keep my head in the game when I’d rather be in bed with her. She may take charge at practice, but if I had her in my arms, I’d be choosing the plays. I just need to figure out what makes her tick—and what makes her want to break the rules.
•••••••••••••
REVIEW: GETTING INSIDE is the first installment in Serena Bell’s contemporary, adult SEATTLE GRIZZLIES football, romance series focusing on the member of the professional football team the Seattle Grizzlies. This is offensive lineman Ty Williams, and coach Iona Thomas’s story line.
Told from dual first person points of view (Iona and Ty) GETTING INSIDE follows the building but forbidden relationship between offensive lineman for the Seattle Grizzlies Ty Williams, and the professional football league’s first African –American female coach Iona Thomas. The Seattle Grizzlies have been struggling; with a 1-6 record the owners and staff were desperate for a change-enter Iona Thomas-the first African –American female coach in the PFL, and the woman that would steal Ty Williams’s heart. What ensues is the turn around of a floundering professional football team, and the growing love between player and coach-a relationship that may not be accepted by the people in charge.
The relationship between Ty and Iona is one of immediate attraction but Iona knows that it is her job on the line as both a coach and the person in charge. Our heroine has struggles through most of her life trying to prove she was as capable as a man in the field of professional football. Ty’s attraction to Iona becomes a distraction both on and off of the field when Iona begins to push away the man with whom she is falling in love. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive.
We are introduced to a number of Ty’s fellow Seattle Grizzlies team mates including his best friend ‘O’ aka Michel Ohalu, as well as quarterback Zach Jones, and cornerback Calder Blake. Iona’s parents, and Ty’s brother add some personal family drama throughout the story.
GETTING INSIDE is a predictable story line of forbidden romance but I struggled with the lack of conflict when all was said and done. The final resolution is more of a fizzle, and this reader was left wondering about the little details in between that were never brought to the reader’s attention. I also had a difficult time with the fact that a woman was coaching a professional football team (ala the NFL) and was readily accepted by most if not all the players, other coaches, and people in charge. I suspect there would have been many more issues than what was presented in the story. The premise is entertaining; the characters are colorful; the romance is sexy.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 3, 2017
They’re big. They’re hot. And they play hard.
In the kickoff to Serena Bell’s sexy new football romance series, the heat between a female coach and a cocky linebacker turns the Seattle Grizzlies locker room upside down.
Iona: There’s nothing like the rush of going head-to-head with the boys. Football is my life, and I got my new job with the Seattle Grizzlies because I know how to play rough. But as a woman in a man’s game, I can’t afford any distractions—like panty-melting tabloid darling Ty Williams, my star linebacker. I’ve stared down plenty of good-looking players without losing my cool . . . and yet something about Ty’s intense gaze burns straight to my core.
Ty : Despite what they say in the press, I save my best moves for game day. The Grizzlies aren’t just my teammates, they’re my brothers—no way am I going to let some new coach shake up our defense. But Iona Thomas isn’t just some coach. It’s so tough to keep my head in the game when I’d rather be in bed with her. She may take charge at practice, but if I had her in my arms, I’d be choosing the plays. I just need to figure out what makes her tick—and what makes her want to break the rules.
•••••••••••••
REVIEW: GETTING INSIDE is the first installment in Serena Bell’s contemporary, adult SEATTLE GRIZZLIES football, romance series focusing on the member of the professional football team the Seattle Grizzlies. This is offensive lineman Ty Williams, and coach Iona Thomas’s story line.
Told from dual first person points of view (Iona and Ty) GETTING INSIDE follows the building but forbidden relationship between offensive lineman for the Seattle Grizzlies Ty Williams, and the professional football league’s first African –American female coach Iona Thomas. The Seattle Grizzlies have been struggling; with a 1-6 record the owners and staff were desperate for a change-enter Iona Thomas-the first African –American female coach in the PFL, and the woman that would steal Ty Williams’s heart. What ensues is the turn around of a floundering professional football team, and the growing love between player and coach-a relationship that may not be accepted by the people in charge.
The relationship between Ty and Iona is one of immediate attraction but Iona knows that it is her job on the line as both a coach and the person in charge. Our heroine has struggles through most of her life trying to prove she was as capable as a man in the field of professional football. Ty’s attraction to Iona becomes a distraction both on and off of the field when Iona begins to push away the man with whom she is falling in love. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive.
We are introduced to a number of Ty’s fellow Seattle Grizzlies team mates including his best friend ‘O’ aka Michel Ohalu, as well as quarterback Zach Jones, and cornerback Calder Blake. Iona’s parents, and Ty’s brother add some personal family drama throughout the story.
GETTING INSIDE is a predictable story line of forbidden romance but I struggled with the lack of conflict when all was said and done. The final resolution is more of a fizzle, and this reader was left wondering about the little details in between that were never brought to the reader’s attention. I also had a difficult time with the fact that a woman was coaching a professional football team (ala the NFL) and was readily accepted by most if not all the players, other coaches, and people in charge. I suspect there would have been many more issues than what was presented in the story. The premise is entertaining; the characters are colorful; the romance is sexy.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
February 7, 2017
Serena Bell excels at writing slow burn romances with depth and a message for readers and GETTING INSIDE combines both of those things into a very thoughtful, interesting and lighthearted read.
Football is Iona Thomas's life and after dedicating herself to it as a player, she's now stepping up to the big time with a new job as a coach for the Professional Football League (the PFL). As if being a coach was not enough pressure, Iona is the first female coach ever in the PFL as well as the first person of color to land such a position, which surely means that she will be watched very closely and more would be expected of her than her male colleagues. Talk about living in a fishbowl! Iona is determined to jump into her first task of turning around the losing streak the Seattle Grizzlies have been on and getting a case of major lust for her star linebacker is not the way to start out.
Ty Masters has been off his game since the death of his mentor and coach and his replacement was a hazard to team cohesion, especially damaging to the morale of the younger players. The news that a new coach has been hired is welcome, at least before Ty lays his eyes on her. Yes, her! He does not think having a female coach is a good idea, particularly because of his very strong reaction to her. But Iona is determined to improve his game no matter how potent the attraction between them or how strong his resistance.
I think Ms. Bell does a really great job with Iona and Ty, revealing what makes them tick, from Iona's self-esteem issues and her strained relationship with her dad to Ty's deep seated abandonment issues and how they affect his game; from the forbidden relationship between a coach and her player to the double standards that litter professional sports and the pressure on female professionals to outperform their male counterparts and live exemplary lives in every way.
I enjoyed the push and pull between Iona and Ty, how invested Iona was Ty's, and ultimately the team's success and I was glad there was no hurry to make their relationship physical. Even for a novice in the game of football like me, the daily grind, the training and the action on the field were all attention-grabbing and made me invested in the success of the team.
GETTING INSIDE is a great start to this new series and I'm definitely looking forward to more from Ms. Bell.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely mine.
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Football is Iona Thomas's life and after dedicating herself to it as a player, she's now stepping up to the big time with a new job as a coach for the Professional Football League (the PFL). As if being a coach was not enough pressure, Iona is the first female coach ever in the PFL as well as the first person of color to land such a position, which surely means that she will be watched very closely and more would be expected of her than her male colleagues. Talk about living in a fishbowl! Iona is determined to jump into her first task of turning around the losing streak the Seattle Grizzlies have been on and getting a case of major lust for her star linebacker is not the way to start out.
Ty Masters has been off his game since the death of his mentor and coach and his replacement was a hazard to team cohesion, especially damaging to the morale of the younger players. The news that a new coach has been hired is welcome, at least before Ty lays his eyes on her. Yes, her! He does not think having a female coach is a good idea, particularly because of his very strong reaction to her. But Iona is determined to improve his game no matter how potent the attraction between them or how strong his resistance.
I think Ms. Bell does a really great job with Iona and Ty, revealing what makes them tick, from Iona's self-esteem issues and her strained relationship with her dad to Ty's deep seated abandonment issues and how they affect his game; from the forbidden relationship between a coach and her player to the double standards that litter professional sports and the pressure on female professionals to outperform their male counterparts and live exemplary lives in every way.
I enjoyed the push and pull between Iona and Ty, how invested Iona was Ty's, and ultimately the team's success and I was glad there was no hurry to make their relationship physical. Even for a novice in the game of football like me, the daily grind, the training and the action on the field were all attention-grabbing and made me invested in the success of the team.
GETTING INSIDE is a great start to this new series and I'm definitely looking forward to more from Ms. Bell.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely mine.
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December 20, 2016
Original review can be found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
** I received an advanced readers copy from Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**
I read Serena Bell's entire Returning Home series and thoroughly enjoyed it so when I found out that she had a brand new series I jumped at the opportunity to get my hands on it. Getting Inside is the first book in the new Seattle Grizzlies series.
I have read quite a few books and series about sports teams and I always have to make it clear that I am not an avid fan of any sport. The only exception to that would be rugby and probably only because my daughter plays. Having said that, I have enjoyed quite a few contemporary romances that were centred around a sporting team.
Getting Inside started a little rough for me. There was nothing wrong with the writing but there was a lot of sports lingo and references to specific plays in football. Seeing as how I can only appreciate a football game when I get free tickets to a box and can experience the entire atmosphere surrounding it, I have to say that it was a little lost on me. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried about how much I would enjoy the book.
As I got deeper into the book and got to know Iona and Ty my worries began to fade. There were less of the technical football terms to confuse me and more of the stuff that good contemporary romances are made of. The forbidden attraction captured me and had me wondering how it could possibly work out.
I was in Iona's corner from the very first page. She had overcome so many obstacles to achieve the things she most wanted and possessed a lot of the strong female characteristics that I respect and aim for in myself. Even though she was strong, there was still a sensitive and insecure part of her that I think we can all relate to. Ty was also a lot more sensitive than what you would expect from a giant, rough and tough football player. The forbidden aspect (as mentioned above) made me anxious and had me highly anticipating their inevitable fall towards each other.
Bell took someone who is not a sports fan and made a fan. I feel like this might be a series that grows and gets better with each instalment. I can't wait to read more about the Seattle Grizzlies and find out who the next book will be about.
** I received an advanced readers copy from Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!**
I read Serena Bell's entire Returning Home series and thoroughly enjoyed it so when I found out that she had a brand new series I jumped at the opportunity to get my hands on it. Getting Inside is the first book in the new Seattle Grizzlies series.
I have read quite a few books and series about sports teams and I always have to make it clear that I am not an avid fan of any sport. The only exception to that would be rugby and probably only because my daughter plays. Having said that, I have enjoyed quite a few contemporary romances that were centred around a sporting team.
Getting Inside started a little rough for me. There was nothing wrong with the writing but there was a lot of sports lingo and references to specific plays in football. Seeing as how I can only appreciate a football game when I get free tickets to a box and can experience the entire atmosphere surrounding it, I have to say that it was a little lost on me. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried about how much I would enjoy the book.
As I got deeper into the book and got to know Iona and Ty my worries began to fade. There were less of the technical football terms to confuse me and more of the stuff that good contemporary romances are made of. The forbidden attraction captured me and had me wondering how it could possibly work out.
I was in Iona's corner from the very first page. She had overcome so many obstacles to achieve the things she most wanted and possessed a lot of the strong female characteristics that I respect and aim for in myself. Even though she was strong, there was still a sensitive and insecure part of her that I think we can all relate to. Ty was also a lot more sensitive than what you would expect from a giant, rough and tough football player. The forbidden aspect (as mentioned above) made me anxious and had me highly anticipating their inevitable fall towards each other.
Bell took someone who is not a sports fan and made a fan. I feel like this might be a series that grows and gets better with each instalment. I can't wait to read more about the Seattle Grizzlies and find out who the next book will be about.
December 24, 2016
Getting Inside is the first book in Serena Bell's newest series, Seattle Grizzlies, and its a sports romance with a female protagonist that happens to be the coach of a profootball team. Not to mention her love interest happens to be one of the players in the team she's coaching. That in itself opens up a whole Pandora's box for the both of them. I don't really go for sports romance so much but Ms. Bell has managed to pen a story that really tackles potential problems arising from this situation. The story is told both from Iona and Ty's point of view, so it adds depth to the story line plus an insight on what both characters are going through when it becomes inevitable that they are going to embark on this almost forbidden relationship. Being public figures its also going to be an issue on how they can further their romance without any of them giving up their current jobs. Its a real life problem and although the solution is sound, it does have an air of fairy tale around it. But this is a romance and that slight glitch can be quickly forgiven. It is a terrific romance despite the length. Its sexy hot and thought provoking, Getting Inside will definitely keep you reading plus make you interested enough to continue on to the next book.
*ARC provided by the publisher thru NetGalley*
*ARC provided by the publisher thru NetGalley*
November 4, 2016
Getting Inside is Serena Bell at her best! An excellent start to her new series. Highly recommended!
September 27, 2023
Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
This was such a fun read. I loved the premise and watching Ty and Iona come together and I love that we got a bit of their backstories when it came to their family. I would have loved more fleshed out relationships (between Ty and the guys and Iona and Julia), but all in all, it was really enjoyable. There were moments that made me tear up and some that made me laugh and a bit of spice to top it off.
This was such a fun read. I loved the premise and watching Ty and Iona come together and I love that we got a bit of their backstories when it came to their family. I would have loved more fleshed out relationships (between Ty and the guys and Iona and Julia), but all in all, it was really enjoyable. There were moments that made me tear up and some that made me laugh and a bit of spice to top it off.
January 6, 2017
Although I know a lot of romance readers and reviewers love Serena Bell’s work (I’m looking at you Maria Rose) I had yet to read anything by her until picking up Getting Inside. Now I know why everyone raves about her work. .Getting Inside. is the first book in Bell’s new Seattle Grizzlies series. For those who like sports romances, now is the time to get in on the ground level of a new football romance series!
Getting Inside is Iona and Ty’s story. Iona is the new coach for the Seattle Grizzlies. She’s fierce and competent at her job. Although she totally rocks in her professional life she is a little bit insecure when is comes to her profession and how her job in such a male-dominated field interacts with her appearance and sexual desires. Aka…she doesn’t think she’s beautiful or worth anyone’s time. Ty is a football player, but, of course, he’s not just any football player. He’s a bit of a playboy and totally, completely prepossessing. When these two meet they have instant chemistry, but they need to play things safe to keep Iona’s job and reputation intact.
There was lots to like about this book. Iona’s self-awareness (or lack thereof) was incredibly relatable for me and I found the pacing of the book kept me engaged and entertained throughout. The chapters of Getting Inside are short, which is perfect for readers who like to pick up a book and just read for a few minutes in between answering work emails or between toddler tantrums. However, my favorite parts of the book were Bell’s dual first-person narrative and the internal conversations between her H/h. By giving Iona and Ty chapters that are written solely from their POV Bell really captured my imagination and engrossed me in Ty and Iona’s individual motivations. Even better, though specific chapters were written from Iona and Ty’s perspective, we got super sexy internal dialogue between the two characters at certain points. It was almost like they were talking to each other silently in their minds. I’m imagining intense bedroom eyes and lusty looks. Guys, it was HOT.
I am knocking this book down a half a star since the end of the book felt a bit rushed in comparison to the rest of the action. Ty and Iona took awhile to acknowledge their feelings and act on them and then, all of the sudden, it seemed like the book was over. Still, this book is completely wonderful and the perfect way to start your 2017 reading. I highly recommend this first in a new series sports romance!
This review was originally posted on Straight Shootin' Book Reviews.
Getting Inside is Iona and Ty’s story. Iona is the new coach for the Seattle Grizzlies. She’s fierce and competent at her job. Although she totally rocks in her professional life she is a little bit insecure when is comes to her profession and how her job in such a male-dominated field interacts with her appearance and sexual desires. Aka…she doesn’t think she’s beautiful or worth anyone’s time. Ty is a football player, but, of course, he’s not just any football player. He’s a bit of a playboy and totally, completely prepossessing. When these two meet they have instant chemistry, but they need to play things safe to keep Iona’s job and reputation intact.
There was lots to like about this book. Iona’s self-awareness (or lack thereof) was incredibly relatable for me and I found the pacing of the book kept me engaged and entertained throughout. The chapters of Getting Inside are short, which is perfect for readers who like to pick up a book and just read for a few minutes in between answering work emails or between toddler tantrums. However, my favorite parts of the book were Bell’s dual first-person narrative and the internal conversations between her H/h. By giving Iona and Ty chapters that are written solely from their POV Bell really captured my imagination and engrossed me in Ty and Iona’s individual motivations. Even better, though specific chapters were written from Iona and Ty’s perspective, we got super sexy internal dialogue between the two characters at certain points. It was almost like they were talking to each other silently in their minds. I’m imagining intense bedroom eyes and lusty looks. Guys, it was HOT.
I am knocking this book down a half a star since the end of the book felt a bit rushed in comparison to the rest of the action. Ty and Iona took awhile to acknowledge their feelings and act on them and then, all of the sudden, it seemed like the book was over. Still, this book is completely wonderful and the perfect way to start your 2017 reading. I highly recommend this first in a new series sports romance!
This review was originally posted on Straight Shootin' Book Reviews.
November 4, 2016
*ARC from publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
Iona Thomas is the first female coach to land a job coaching in the PFL (fictional version of the NFL). Having only coached women's intramural flag football before, the public speculate on whether a woman has what it takes to coach men. Not to mention, can she keep her hormones in check when in the locker room with a bunch of naked, good looking men.
Very few people, Iona's parents included, have faith that she'll do a great job.
Ty Williams is a starting linebacker for the Seattle Grizzlies, Iona's new team. While Ty isn't sorry to see his former coach go, he questions whether a woman can get inside the head of a male football player and make that player better. Ty also questions whether he can keep his libido in check around his new, very pretty coach.
This being a romance book, sparks fly and both Iona and Ty are very attracted to one another. But both have baggage, and neither has the desire to abuse their power, Iona as Ty's coach, and Ty as a player who is already on thin ice with his head coach.
Caution gets thrown to the wind and the pair come together. The question remains- once their relationship gets out to the team, can they remain objective, or will misunderstandings tear them apart?
I've previously read a few of Serena Bells' books and while they were all great, this one just didn't do it for me. I didn't feel the heat that the characters had. I felt that she withheld their respective back stories for way too long, so long that I felt like I was reading the second book in a series in which everything was explained in the first book.
I felt that there was too much of a build up- lots of hand wringing, should I, shouldn't I, what about my past- type of build up, that by the time Ms. Bell got to the climax, I had already lost interest. I kept putting this down and picking it back up in the hopes that it would pick up in speed, or heat or action, but I was disappointed each time. Even the football scenes were dull. I've read other sports stories before and I was on the edge, turning pages as fast as I could to see what would happen, but that was sadly not the case here.
I also felt that the issues Ty had were never fully resolved. Iona's issues were resolved as much as they could be.
This is the first in a new series, but I'm not sure I want to continue on with the series.
Iona Thomas is the first female coach to land a job coaching in the PFL (fictional version of the NFL). Having only coached women's intramural flag football before, the public speculate on whether a woman has what it takes to coach men. Not to mention, can she keep her hormones in check when in the locker room with a bunch of naked, good looking men.
Very few people, Iona's parents included, have faith that she'll do a great job.
Ty Williams is a starting linebacker for the Seattle Grizzlies, Iona's new team. While Ty isn't sorry to see his former coach go, he questions whether a woman can get inside the head of a male football player and make that player better. Ty also questions whether he can keep his libido in check around his new, very pretty coach.
This being a romance book, sparks fly and both Iona and Ty are very attracted to one another. But both have baggage, and neither has the desire to abuse their power, Iona as Ty's coach, and Ty as a player who is already on thin ice with his head coach.
Caution gets thrown to the wind and the pair come together. The question remains- once their relationship gets out to the team, can they remain objective, or will misunderstandings tear them apart?
I've previously read a few of Serena Bells' books and while they were all great, this one just didn't do it for me. I didn't feel the heat that the characters had. I felt that she withheld their respective back stories for way too long, so long that I felt like I was reading the second book in a series in which everything was explained in the first book.
I felt that there was too much of a build up- lots of hand wringing, should I, shouldn't I, what about my past- type of build up, that by the time Ms. Bell got to the climax, I had already lost interest. I kept putting this down and picking it back up in the hopes that it would pick up in speed, or heat or action, but I was disappointed each time. Even the football scenes were dull. I've read other sports stories before and I was on the edge, turning pages as fast as I could to see what would happen, but that was sadly not the case here.
I also felt that the issues Ty had were never fully resolved. Iona's issues were resolved as much as they could be.
This is the first in a new series, but I'm not sure I want to continue on with the series.
December 28, 2016
This was a pretty good read, there was definitely a lot of build-up to the actual romance but once it happens it’s a steamy read. I think it was a good start to what’s going to be a great series!
Iona Thomas is the first female to ever get a job as coach for a PFL team (professional football.) There are many people who believe that she isn’t going to have what it takes but there are just as many who have her back. Having been heavily involved in football her entire life Iona has struggled to find a man who can handle her and see her as the woman that she is. Ty Williams is the linebacker for the Seattle Grizzlies and is on the head coaches radar for being in trouble. Neither Ty nor Iona wants to shake the boat with their careers by seeking a relationship with one another but the attraction between the two is undeniable. Even though Ty has never been one to be in a committed relationship Iona has changed his views and he’s working hard to win her over.
I think the author really did a phenomenal job portraying how it would be for a female working in the male dominated industry of football. It was definitely a well-researched book and I enjoyed the storyline. The reason I'm giving 3 stars instead of 4 is because I felt like neither Iona or Ty's issues from their past were really resolved, I felt like once the story ended I was left hanging.
I’m interested to see where the author takes this series next!
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Iona Thomas is the first female to ever get a job as coach for a PFL team (professional football.) There are many people who believe that she isn’t going to have what it takes but there are just as many who have her back. Having been heavily involved in football her entire life Iona has struggled to find a man who can handle her and see her as the woman that she is. Ty Williams is the linebacker for the Seattle Grizzlies and is on the head coaches radar for being in trouble. Neither Ty nor Iona wants to shake the boat with their careers by seeking a relationship with one another but the attraction between the two is undeniable. Even though Ty has never been one to be in a committed relationship Iona has changed his views and he’s working hard to win her over.
I think the author really did a phenomenal job portraying how it would be for a female working in the male dominated industry of football. It was definitely a well-researched book and I enjoyed the storyline. The reason I'm giving 3 stars instead of 4 is because I felt like neither Iona or Ty's issues from their past were really resolved, I felt like once the story ended I was left hanging.
I’m interested to see where the author takes this series next!
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
December 27, 2016
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
I really loved this story of the first female football coach in the NFL. Iona is a worthy heroine and she is exactly the kind of woman I want to read about. I loved her passion for football, her knowledge of the game and the way she carefully gained her players’ trust.
Iona is perfectly matched with Ty and I loved the balance of power between the two of them. He may be a superstar, but she is his coach. The immediate but awkward connection between the two of them is brilliant and their chemistry is fantastic. I loved the shared moments watching game play and her gentle correction of his game. I don’t know much about American football but I enjoyed the sport and the team in this book.
The feminist in me cringed a few times when Iona was willing to risk her job for a very new relationship, but most of the time I really liked her physical and emotional strength.
For me, the ending lost this book a star. It felt rushed and disjointed and I struggled to understand certain decisions. But overall, this is a great sports romance.
I really loved this story of the first female football coach in the NFL. Iona is a worthy heroine and she is exactly the kind of woman I want to read about. I loved her passion for football, her knowledge of the game and the way she carefully gained her players’ trust.
Iona is perfectly matched with Ty and I loved the balance of power between the two of them. He may be a superstar, but she is his coach. The immediate but awkward connection between the two of them is brilliant and their chemistry is fantastic. I loved the shared moments watching game play and her gentle correction of his game. I don’t know much about American football but I enjoyed the sport and the team in this book.
The feminist in me cringed a few times when Iona was willing to risk her job for a very new relationship, but most of the time I really liked her physical and emotional strength.
For me, the ending lost this book a star. It felt rushed and disjointed and I struggled to understand certain decisions. But overall, this is a great sports romance.
December 28, 2016
Getting Inside (Seattle Grizzlies #1) by Serena Bell
3.5 stars
M/F Sports romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
This was a good story. I enjoyed the dynamic between Iona, the teams, the players, coaches and her family. I think that all of those pieces came together in a great way – fairly organic but not without their own drama.
Ty is another story. He’s kind of the hot shot, know it all, the “golden boy” of the team. In essence, he can do no wrong and the team will do whatever they need in order to keep him. However, Ty is not without his baggage and when that comes streaming back in to his life, he doesn’t really know what to do with the feelings that bubble up.
I do really wish that there had been more resolution between Iona and her family, but I can understand that the story was more about Iona and Ty – their relationship developing and seeing whether or not there was a future for them.
The realization that both characters come to is one that was predictable, but without the realization, the story would have been less effective. Overall, this was a good start and I hope that other players get their own stories.
3.5 stars
M/F Sports romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
This was a good story. I enjoyed the dynamic between Iona, the teams, the players, coaches and her family. I think that all of those pieces came together in a great way – fairly organic but not without their own drama.
Ty is another story. He’s kind of the hot shot, know it all, the “golden boy” of the team. In essence, he can do no wrong and the team will do whatever they need in order to keep him. However, Ty is not without his baggage and when that comes streaming back in to his life, he doesn’t really know what to do with the feelings that bubble up.
I do really wish that there had been more resolution between Iona and her family, but I can understand that the story was more about Iona and Ty – their relationship developing and seeing whether or not there was a future for them.
The realization that both characters come to is one that was predictable, but without the realization, the story would have been less effective. Overall, this was a good start and I hope that other players get their own stories.
December 28, 2016
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the first in a new Sports romance series, which I think is going to be a hit! There is quite a large cast to be introduced to, but the focus on Ty, a player, and Iona, a coach, means that we get up to speed pretty quickly. And it also gives plenty of ideas of who might feature in future stories.
I really liked the emphasis on Iona's glass ceiling breaking, and how (unfairly) her behaviour would be judged as a slight on her gender and race, rather than just on her as an individual - it added an extra dimension to a story where roles and risks shift between the two leads all the time. It is always good to read a romance with new angles and issues.
There is a good balance of humour, seriousness and great chemistry leading us seamlessly through the minefield of two people who are mixing professional with pleasure. I would say this is definitely worth a read, thank you Ms Bell.
This is the first in a new Sports romance series, which I think is going to be a hit! There is quite a large cast to be introduced to, but the focus on Ty, a player, and Iona, a coach, means that we get up to speed pretty quickly. And it also gives plenty of ideas of who might feature in future stories.
I really liked the emphasis on Iona's glass ceiling breaking, and how (unfairly) her behaviour would be judged as a slight on her gender and race, rather than just on her as an individual - it added an extra dimension to a story where roles and risks shift between the two leads all the time. It is always good to read a romance with new angles and issues.
There is a good balance of humour, seriousness and great chemistry leading us seamlessly through the minefield of two people who are mixing professional with pleasure. I would say this is definitely worth a read, thank you Ms Bell.
February 7, 2017
I was pleasantly surprised at how I hooked on this book and how much I enjoyed it.
At first, I was kind of reluctant because of the coach/player love angle, but it ended up being only one of the obstacles in their way. The other obstacles are what made this story come alive. The characters were well fleshed out, gave depth to the story and carried it out. I also loved the football angle, which is different from the other mainstream themes, and even more awesome because it focused on linebackers instead of the classic quarterback. The characters, their problems and their situations were all realistic and they drove the story forward. I rooted for Iona and melted for Ty.
The only thing I didn't like was the way the ending was written. It was good, but the way it was written was confusing and it felt really rushed.
Looking forward to reading the next novel in the Grizzlies saga!
Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC!
At first, I was kind of reluctant because of the coach/player love angle, but it ended up being only one of the obstacles in their way. The other obstacles are what made this story come alive. The characters were well fleshed out, gave depth to the story and carried it out. I also loved the football angle, which is different from the other mainstream themes, and even more awesome because it focused on linebackers instead of the classic quarterback. The characters, their problems and their situations were all realistic and they drove the story forward. I rooted for Iona and melted for Ty.
The only thing I didn't like was the way the ending was written. It was good, but the way it was written was confusing and it felt really rushed.
Looking forward to reading the next novel in the Grizzlies saga!
Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC!
January 3, 2017
Wow! First time reading this author. I love sports stories that give us insight into the sport as well as the romance part. Great job here. Also, wonderful twist on the forbidden romance to have a female coach and male player. Great commentary on the disparity for all women and for person's of color. Loved the peak and the rest of the team. I look forward to reading more!!
*Complimentary copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
*Complimentary copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
September 21, 2016
Full review closer to release date.
**Arc received via NetGalley for honest review**
**Arc received via NetGalley for honest review**
January 7, 2017
3.5 stars
December 20, 2016
Wonderful story! I absolutely loved both Ty and Iona. They are both strong independent characters, they know what they want, they know where their focus SHOULD be, yet there is some sort of a pull they can't ignore and lucky for us - they don't ;) Getting a strong hero is nothing new in a romance novel, but getting someone as strong as Iona was truly refreshing, though she was working hard to keep her place because she was always being second guessed. Ty was perfect for her because unlike most men he wasn't discouraged by either her strong body nor her strong willed character and he actually understood how hard she needed to work to be appreciated.
I'm not a sports fan so it doesn't really matter to me what's the sports field in a romance novel, I'm just going to enjoy a fun athlete hero :) In this one, Serena made a concept similar to the "NFL" calling it "PFL". Ty is a professional football player, playing for the "Seattle Grizzlies" and Iona is their new coach.
Ty had issues with the former coach so getting him replaced sounds great, but seeing it's the drop-dead-gorgeous Iona makes it harder, especially since the first thing she suggests means one of his closest friends would have to take a lesser role in the game. Iona has her reasons and they definitely work. Iona might be the first coach who is both black AND a woman but she is good at what she does, and so it's no wonder she takes the team to where they should have been considering their potential but never actually got with their previous coach.
But every step of the way brings Ty and Iona closer. They are both VERY attracted to one another and though stealing looks never hurt anyone, it's starting to be difficult to do JUST that, not mentioning they somehow became friends who care for one another. Yet "friends" doesn't seem to be enough so they have to re-think even that.
They both have their past demons to deal with. Ty's family situation was truly heart breaking and even though Iona's past was never that crushing, she still had to fight her every step and prove herself above and beyond and her family weren't that supportive of her. Seeing the way both Ty and Iona changed in the way they saw their past and decided how they want to make their present and future was simply beautiful. THIS is what made this story from nice & sweet to simply WONDERFUL.
The only reason I'm reducing half a star is because it took me awhile to get into the story. It started with a lot of football talk which I wasn't that interested in and frankly didn't really understand.. but once I got over that, and we were IN the story, I was ALL in and couldn't let this one go. Obviously if you're into football you are going to love every second of this book! :)
We get a nice but quite short introduction to a few of the other players (not hard to guess they'll be the ones to feature in the next installments) so I'm intrigued to who we are going to see in the next one.
I kindly received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
More Reviews HERE
I'm not a sports fan so it doesn't really matter to me what's the sports field in a romance novel, I'm just going to enjoy a fun athlete hero :) In this one, Serena made a concept similar to the "NFL" calling it "PFL". Ty is a professional football player, playing for the "Seattle Grizzlies" and Iona is their new coach.
Ty had issues with the former coach so getting him replaced sounds great, but seeing it's the drop-dead-gorgeous Iona makes it harder, especially since the first thing she suggests means one of his closest friends would have to take a lesser role in the game. Iona has her reasons and they definitely work. Iona might be the first coach who is both black AND a woman but she is good at what she does, and so it's no wonder she takes the team to where they should have been considering their potential but never actually got with their previous coach.
But every step of the way brings Ty and Iona closer. They are both VERY attracted to one another and though stealing looks never hurt anyone, it's starting to be difficult to do JUST that, not mentioning they somehow became friends who care for one another. Yet "friends" doesn't seem to be enough so they have to re-think even that.
They both have their past demons to deal with. Ty's family situation was truly heart breaking and even though Iona's past was never that crushing, she still had to fight her every step and prove herself above and beyond and her family weren't that supportive of her. Seeing the way both Ty and Iona changed in the way they saw their past and decided how they want to make their present and future was simply beautiful. THIS is what made this story from nice & sweet to simply WONDERFUL.
The only reason I'm reducing half a star is because it took me awhile to get into the story. It started with a lot of football talk which I wasn't that interested in and frankly didn't really understand.. but once I got over that, and we were IN the story, I was ALL in and couldn't let this one go. Obviously if you're into football you are going to love every second of this book! :)
We get a nice but quite short introduction to a few of the other players (not hard to guess they'll be the ones to feature in the next installments) so I'm intrigued to who we are going to see in the next one.
I kindly received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
More Reviews HERE
February 14, 2017
Wow, what a great book. I couldn't put it down. I stayed up all night reading because I was hooked. This is the first book I've ever read from this Author, but it definitely won't be my last.
Coach Iona Thomas, former women's/men's football player, is getting her dream job, to coach in the PFL, She's worked her whole life for this. She's loved football ever since she was a kid, but her parents, especially her Father disapproved of her playing the game. So, she bought her own equipment, paid for everything herself with a part-time job. Her Dad made her believe that because she was a strong woman and could play tough on the field, no man would be interested in her. After two disastrous relationships she decides to not date anymore and just focus on her career. That is until she gets hired mid-season by the Grizzlies to replace another coach and she meets Ty Williams.
Ty Williams, football player is also known as a notorious "player." When Ty is called in to the head coach's office for a talk, he interrupts an ongoing conversation and his first impression of the woman in the office was mind boggling. Yet, when he finds out that she's his newest coach, his whole world is tilted on its axis. Believing the same old line that "women don't belong Coaching football" his attitude slowly changes for the better when he realizes that she knows her stuff.
When they are both stuck together during a wind storm one night, they ride out the storm watching old football tapes and talking about themselves. But throwing in a hot, steamy kiss...is a huge reality check for Iona. She could lose everything, her career, her well deserved respect. So, the kiss stays between them and is forgotten, only it just makes working together much more difficult to be professional.
With a chemistry as explosive as theirs is be ignored? Or will it finally combust?
A must read!!
**Was given an ARC by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
Coach Iona Thomas, former women's/men's football player, is getting her dream job, to coach in the PFL, She's worked her whole life for this. She's loved football ever since she was a kid, but her parents, especially her Father disapproved of her playing the game. So, she bought her own equipment, paid for everything herself with a part-time job. Her Dad made her believe that because she was a strong woman and could play tough on the field, no man would be interested in her. After two disastrous relationships she decides to not date anymore and just focus on her career. That is until she gets hired mid-season by the Grizzlies to replace another coach and she meets Ty Williams.
Ty Williams, football player is also known as a notorious "player." When Ty is called in to the head coach's office for a talk, he interrupts an ongoing conversation and his first impression of the woman in the office was mind boggling. Yet, when he finds out that she's his newest coach, his whole world is tilted on its axis. Believing the same old line that "women don't belong Coaching football" his attitude slowly changes for the better when he realizes that she knows her stuff.
When they are both stuck together during a wind storm one night, they ride out the storm watching old football tapes and talking about themselves. But throwing in a hot, steamy kiss...is a huge reality check for Iona. She could lose everything, her career, her well deserved respect. So, the kiss stays between them and is forgotten, only it just makes working together much more difficult to be professional.
With a chemistry as explosive as theirs is be ignored? Or will it finally combust?
A must read!!
**Was given an ARC by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
November 4, 2016
I have read and enjoyed a number of Serena Bell's books, and To Have and To Hold is probably in my top ten most memorable. So I was looking forward to reading this first book in a new series. Objectively, like everything I've read of hers, it was very well written. The characters were interesting, the dialogue believable, and the pace moved forward at a good rate.
However, for some reason this book just fell flat for me, and I can't say exactly why other than that some books are just subjectively less appealing than others. I think the main problem for me was the premise: the first female coach in a professional football league. The author made her an accomplished female, but I just couldn't buy her being a coach in a professional football league with the experience she described. Surely she would have to have been an assistant coach for a Dividion 1 college team before being hired in the pros. Did I miss something? I guess that made the rest of the plot equally implausible. Also, the complication of having to hide a relationship because it is prohibited by employment issues has been done a lot, and this was done well - there just wasn't anything fresh about it.
If you can go with the premise, I think you'll enjoy this book. It is generally well done and there is a lot to like about it. Just didn't do it for me.
However, for some reason this book just fell flat for me, and I can't say exactly why other than that some books are just subjectively less appealing than others. I think the main problem for me was the premise: the first female coach in a professional football league. The author made her an accomplished female, but I just couldn't buy her being a coach in a professional football league with the experience she described. Surely she would have to have been an assistant coach for a Dividion 1 college team before being hired in the pros. Did I miss something? I guess that made the rest of the plot equally implausible. Also, the complication of having to hide a relationship because it is prohibited by employment issues has been done a lot, and this was done well - there just wasn't anything fresh about it.
If you can go with the premise, I think you'll enjoy this book. It is generally well done and there is a lot to like about it. Just didn't do it for me.
January 4, 2017
Iona's a woman who loves football. She's played, coached and has earned a position as coach of a mens pro football team! Her success has come at a cost. Her feminine self esteem has been damaged by the men she trusts. The attraction she feels to Ty, a plkayer on the pro football team, can only lead to sex, Iona believes, because she doesn't believe any man can want her...
Ty's a powerful player, both on and off the football field. But there are other, personal things, he's kept hidden. He's drawn to Iona, but backs away...
Absorbing and entertaining romantic sports start to a new series! Fell in love with the characters and storyline! Hope O, Blake and Zach get their own books, as well as Derek, though he's not a football player. Will enjoy getting inside more of this series!
Book free for honest review thru Netgalley and publisher.
Ty's a powerful player, both on and off the football field. But there are other, personal things, he's kept hidden. He's drawn to Iona, but backs away...
Absorbing and entertaining romantic sports start to a new series! Fell in love with the characters and storyline! Hope O, Blake and Zach get their own books, as well as Derek, though he's not a football player. Will enjoy getting inside more of this series!
Book free for honest review thru Netgalley and publisher.
April 14, 2017
I was given a gifted copy by NetGalley.
Iona is a football player who manages to be a coach in the PFL. The road to it has not been easy at all but her love for football is so great that anything can't stop her.
Ty is the star in the Seattle Grizzlies Team. He is a good player and loyal to his team mates.
I liked Iona’s strength and Ty honesty. The author is really great describing feelings. They are so intense that my heart hurt with their pain or fear. I liked how anticipation was getting increased with every chapter and how the author keeps it to nearly the end to make it more interesting and to have us, readers, trying to guess what is next. Another plus for me is the alternated POV chapters.
I’m not very much into sports romances and I wasn’t sure about getting this book but I’m really happy I got it in the end.
Iona is a football player who manages to be a coach in the PFL. The road to it has not been easy at all but her love for football is so great that anything can't stop her.
Ty is the star in the Seattle Grizzlies Team. He is a good player and loyal to his team mates.
I liked Iona’s strength and Ty honesty. The author is really great describing feelings. They are so intense that my heart hurt with their pain or fear. I liked how anticipation was getting increased with every chapter and how the author keeps it to nearly the end to make it more interesting and to have us, readers, trying to guess what is next. Another plus for me is the alternated POV chapters.
I’m not very much into sports romances and I wasn’t sure about getting this book but I’m really happy I got it in the end.
February 2, 2017
Iona and Ty are a football coach and a star player. They have amazing chemistry, which is what really made this book for me. I couldn't stop reading about them because their connection just leapt off the page. What I had a really hard time with was that Iona's struggle as a female coach in the NFL was also really well written-- and I couldn't wrap my head around the stupidity of her getting sexually and romantically involved with a player, given all the struggles she had experienced to get herself into the position she has as one of the coaches of an NFL team. It just wasn't believable to me that she would do that, even though their chemistry was off the charts. That said, this book was really well written and I will definitely read other titles by Serena Bell.
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