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Skin in the Game #2
Hustle
No f*%ing. No friends. Just football.
Straight off a bloody tour in Iraq, I'm battling night terrors while my peers squabble over beer pong. If it wasn't for my NFL dreams, I wouldn't be here at all. But when I sign up for an easy "A" Drama Class, I take my eye off the ball, totally distracted by Teacher's Assistant, Flora Vasquez. She's like a ray of sunshine in the darkness that is my life...a darkness sure to consume her if I get too close.
He's the only man in a room full of boys...
Ty Maxwell is a twenty-three year old college freshman with a chip on his shoulder and more secrets than the CIA. In a word? Trouble. So why can't I stop staring at those tortured eyes and wondering what those hands would feel like on my body?
Straight off a bloody tour in Iraq, I'm battling night terrors while my peers squabble over beer pong. If it wasn't for my NFL dreams, I wouldn't be here at all. But when I sign up for an easy "A" Drama Class, I take my eye off the ball, totally distracted by Teacher's Assistant, Flora Vasquez. She's like a ray of sunshine in the darkness that is my life...a darkness sure to consume her if I get too close.
He's the only man in a room full of boys...
Ty Maxwell is a twenty-three year old college freshman with a chip on his shoulder and more secrets than the CIA. In a word? Trouble. So why can't I stop staring at those tortured eyes and wondering what those hands would feel like on my body?
215 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 21, 2016
About the author
Christine Bell
53 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 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 6, 2016
I'm such a fan of Christine's writing and I'm lovin' this series! Hustle is book 2 in her Skin in the Game Series, which can be read as a standalone. After reading SCORE (book 1) I definitely wanted to read about Flora (Bee's best friend from book 1) and it did not disappoint! Flora and Ty's chemistry was a given right from the start, but they had some major things to work through before they could reach their HEA. Ty has been trying to deal with traumatic events from his past and Flora has been trying to heal from something that happened to her in her past. Flora's love of acting has helped her, but Ty is a different story. He's out of the Marines now and going to college to play football and hopefully get called up to the NFL. He's closed himself off to people and especially women, not wanting to bring them down and feels he isn't good for anyone. Flora meets Ty through drama class (she's a TA for the class) and can see that he is going through something major and wants to be there for him. As much as he tries to distant himself from her, she fights for the both of them. There are definitely troubled waters for these two and a difficult journey, but it was a journey I was invested in to see what would happen for these two.
July 25, 2019
3.25 stars. The emotional dialogue was good and the overall story as well, but it really needed a proofreader/editor for continuity, and missing words etc. This one is for fans of Othello.
April 24, 2017
Al igual que el anterior, un final demasiado abrupto.
En cuanto a la historia en sí, creo que no me convenció demasiado el romance. Después de todo, el sujeto este se pasa gran parte del libro evitando a Flora o derechamente siendo un idiota con ella. Y a pesar de que me gustó el personaje de Flora, me molestó que ella no se diera cuenta de que alguien que te trata así, como si le estorbaras, no merece que le des ni la hora.
El súbito cambio de opinión de Ty me pareció forzado e irreal.
Creo que lo mejor del libro son las apariciones de Bee y Cal, la pareja del anterior.
En cuanto a la historia en sí, creo que no me convenció demasiado el romance. Después de todo, el sujeto este se pasa gran parte del libro evitando a Flora o derechamente siendo un idiota con ella. Y a pesar de que me gustó el personaje de Flora, me molestó que ella no se diera cuenta de que alguien que te trata así, como si le estorbaras, no merece que le des ni la hora.
El súbito cambio de opinión de Ty me pareció forzado e irreal.
Creo que lo mejor del libro son las apariciones de Bee y Cal, la pareja del anterior.
July 25, 2016
Flora had her life all together. She was in her senior year, a newly appointed TA for her favorite professor in her chosen career studies. She had a backup plan if actual acting didn't happen. She was a realist. Popular with a great roomie BFF. No one—no one knew her dark side, and she didn't plan to share it with anyone.
Ty didn't hide his dark side. He had one goal and didn't need anyone else. His return from the Sand Box was just part of his pain—one he'd never recover from so why try. He would fulfill a dream, part his, but more important than what he wanted—he'd play pro football. He just had to stay focused, keep average grades and ignore anything else—including sex/women.
Both had a plan, both needed to focus, both were in a bad place and didn't need an intense relationship. So why wouldn't she/couldn't she stay away from him? Why did he want to grab her every time he saw her? Fate sure had a messed up sense of humor. Both planned to ignore the other—until they were paired in very intense class.
Can Ty really ignore her and his feelings? Even with her dark side, can she just forget what she sees in him? If she tries, will he let her in? Can they confide and help each other? This is an intense story, with real life horrors and how people deal. It is also a love story you won't want to miss, with characters you won't be able to forget. I give this 5 recommends and stars.
I was provided an ARC for an honest review.
Ty didn't hide his dark side. He had one goal and didn't need anyone else. His return from the Sand Box was just part of his pain—one he'd never recover from so why try. He would fulfill a dream, part his, but more important than what he wanted—he'd play pro football. He just had to stay focused, keep average grades and ignore anything else—including sex/women.
Both had a plan, both needed to focus, both were in a bad place and didn't need an intense relationship. So why wouldn't she/couldn't she stay away from him? Why did he want to grab her every time he saw her? Fate sure had a messed up sense of humor. Both planned to ignore the other—until they were paired in very intense class.
Can Ty really ignore her and his feelings? Even with her dark side, can she just forget what she sees in him? If she tries, will he let her in? Can they confide and help each other? This is an intense story, with real life horrors and how people deal. It is also a love story you won't want to miss, with characters you won't be able to forget. I give this 5 recommends and stars.
I was provided an ARC for an honest review.
August 1, 2016
In this second standalone title in Christine Bell's Skin in the Game series, the story revolves around Ty, a veteran returned to college to get the eye of a football recruiter and Flora, Teaching Assistant.
When Ty and Flora meet on the first day of class, there's an instant lustful connection between them.But Ty has lots of issues from his past and so does Flora. I'd assumed Ty's issues were from his war time experiences, and that is just part of it. Turns out he's got more than one demon in his past.
Flora really cares about Ty. I'm not sure why -- oh yeah, maybe it was that super hot kiss Ty gave her in the stair well, and Ty keeps pushing her away. Just one I thought she'd had enough, she goes back for more, she cares about him that much.
I did like this story, although it had little to do with sports and more about growing up and learning to deal with people and relationships. It was just the right size and pace for an afternoon read. Christine Bell has a pleasant and easy writing style so the words flowed nicely and even though the story ended a bit abruptly, I did like Ty and Flora's story.
ARC provided for review.
When Ty and Flora meet on the first day of class, there's an instant lustful connection between them.But Ty has lots of issues from his past and so does Flora. I'd assumed Ty's issues were from his war time experiences, and that is just part of it. Turns out he's got more than one demon in his past.
Flora really cares about Ty. I'm not sure why -- oh yeah, maybe it was that super hot kiss Ty gave her in the stair well, and Ty keeps pushing her away. Just one I thought she'd had enough, she goes back for more, she cares about him that much.
I did like this story, although it had little to do with sports and more about growing up and learning to deal with people and relationships. It was just the right size and pace for an afternoon read. Christine Bell has a pleasant and easy writing style so the words flowed nicely and even though the story ended a bit abruptly, I did like Ty and Flora's story.
ARC provided for review.
December 6, 2016
Great read, but needs disclaimer.
I truly enjoyed this book. The only thing I would suggest is to add a possible flashback disclaimer. References of sexual assault or molestation should always have one. I was very caught off guard.
I truly enjoyed this book. The only thing I would suggest is to add a possible flashback disclaimer. References of sexual assault or molestation should always have one. I was very caught off guard.
July 10, 2017
It is a great book to read
January 26, 2018
The ending seemed a little rushed to me, and I have a problem with those. Overall, though, the writing itself was excellent and the steamy parts were four-alarm fire HAWT.
June 2, 2018
This was okay. I really liked the characters separately, but I didn't like how they treated one another for a lot of the book. I think there are just some things that I'm not as willing to overlook as others may be.
June 3, 2019
I’m at a loss how did he get her? Honestly I’m confused.
July 29, 2016
Christine Bell is back with the second book in the Skin in the Game series and this time we get a book that totally different from the last book and at the same time so damn good. Yes this can be read as a standalone, but this is shaping up to be a series you won’t want to miss.
This book gave me all the feels, ALL THE FEELS. There are a few parts that had me gasping, awing, warm and cuddly and an ending had me happy sniffling on the bus and getting a few odd looks because of it. I tried not to full out bawl like a baby but it was close.
I was excited to dive into this book because one, it was a Christine Bell book and two, I loved the first book Score. What I didn’t expect was to connect so hard with these flawed, hurting characters and to end up cheering for them to get their HEA. My heart broke for both Ty and Flora more than once. I wanted to give them a big hug and say you will get through this hurt to the other side. Cue the feels.
When I say flawed, hurting characters, I don’t mean that this is a dark depressing read. Not at all. Ty and Flora have both lived through horrific events that have shaped them into who they are now and it’s like watching magnets attract when these two literally come first come together. Inevitable. But this is the love story of two people who weren’t looking for another but fate had other ideas.
Ty and Flora are made for each other. Yes they fight it and give it a good shot, but they can’t fight it forever. No matter the demons chasing them. [=
Bonus, if you’ve read Score, Cal and Bee make appearances (they kind of have to since Flora and Bee are besties and I love it). I could go on, but my best advice if you are reading this is….put aside a day to read this book and digest this book, you won’t be sorry you did, plain and simple.
This book gave me all the feels, ALL THE FEELS. There are a few parts that had me gasping, awing, warm and cuddly and an ending had me happy sniffling on the bus and getting a few odd looks because of it. I tried not to full out bawl like a baby but it was close.
I was excited to dive into this book because one, it was a Christine Bell book and two, I loved the first book Score. What I didn’t expect was to connect so hard with these flawed, hurting characters and to end up cheering for them to get their HEA. My heart broke for both Ty and Flora more than once. I wanted to give them a big hug and say you will get through this hurt to the other side. Cue the feels.
When I say flawed, hurting characters, I don’t mean that this is a dark depressing read. Not at all. Ty and Flora have both lived through horrific events that have shaped them into who they are now and it’s like watching magnets attract when these two literally come first come together. Inevitable. But this is the love story of two people who weren’t looking for another but fate had other ideas.
Ty and Flora are made for each other. Yes they fight it and give it a good shot, but they can’t fight it forever. No matter the demons chasing them. [=
Bonus, if you’ve read Score, Cal and Bee make appearances (they kind of have to since Flora and Bee are besties and I love it). I could go on, but my best advice if you are reading this is….put aside a day to read this book and digest this book, you won’t be sorry you did, plain and simple.
July 25, 2016
A great follow-up to
Score
!
I really liked both Flora and Ty. Their chemistry is off-the-charts hot, but Ty's got issues on top of issues (and they're doozies--not over the top and/or overblown drama like some new adult heroes or heroines tend to have) which means they're doomed to spend a good chunk of the novel not together, sadly.
But when they are? Watch out!
I was bummed about one aspect of the story and do think that their relationship woes ended up being fixed pretty quickly at the end, but still Hustle was a darn good read overall.
If Ms. Bell is going to write more in this series? I am SO there.
Hustle does work as a standalone, but since Score's Cal and Bee play pretty prominent roles in Flora and Ty's story, you'll probably get more out of them both if you read them together.
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked both Flora and Ty. Their chemistry is off-the-charts hot, but Ty's got issues on top of issues (and they're doozies--not over the top and/or overblown drama like some new adult heroes or heroines tend to have) which means they're doomed to spend a good chunk of the novel not together, sadly.
But when they are? Watch out!
I was bummed about one aspect of the story and do think that their relationship woes ended up being fixed pretty quickly at the end, but still Hustle was a darn good read overall.
If Ms. Bell is going to write more in this series? I am SO there.
Hustle does work as a standalone, but since Score's Cal and Bee play pretty prominent roles in Flora and Ty's story, you'll probably get more out of them both if you read them together.
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 25, 2016
Loved this! These characters grabbed my attention from the first page and I could not put this one down. Ty is a brooding 23 year old now in college as a freshman after a tour in Iraq that left him with emotional and physical scars. He just wants to play ball. Playing in the NFL is the goal and the only way to get there is to get noticed during the spring season. There's no time for anything else. Especially not the sexy TA in what was suppose to be his easy A class but is actually his worst nightmare. Drama class - what was he thinking. On the verge of failure he's forced to spend time with his biggest distraction. Flora Vasquez is determined to get Ty through this class. There is just something about him. Yes he broody and sometimes a complete jerk but she can't get him out of her head. Nor can she forget the sadness she sees in his eyes. All she wants to do is help him.
This is a wonderfully written story and one I highly recommend.
This is a wonderfully written story and one I highly recommend.
July 24, 2016
This book had me all over the board with my emotions. I wanted to shake Ty and tell him to start living! Then I wanted to give him a hug to try to help him through his pain. Ty is an ex Marine and even before that, he had had a tragic life. Flora seems to be a ray of sunshine, but she also hides a secret. Ty frustrated me because he was so taken with Flora, but believed she deserved so much more than him since he believed himself to be damaged. Flora was taken with Ty, but more than that, she wants to truly help this man who seems so sad and lost and has no one.
This story wasn't your typical college football story. There was a lot more angst as Ty fights through his feelings from his past as well as his feelings for Flora. I loved Flora in the first book of this series, so I was glad to see her again along with Bee and Cal. The characters are strong and I loved to watch as they came around to finally find each other. This was a great read. Loved it.
This story wasn't your typical college football story. There was a lot more angst as Ty fights through his feelings from his past as well as his feelings for Flora. I loved Flora in the first book of this series, so I was glad to see her again along with Bee and Cal. The characters are strong and I loved to watch as they came around to finally find each other. This was a great read. Loved it.
July 27, 2016
This is a great book; this is the second book in the Skin in the Game series written by Christine Bell. This book can be read as a standalone, but once you read this one you will want to go back and read the other books in this series. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
July 24, 2016
As always, Christine Bell's writing is full of characters that grab your heart strings and give a good pull. Ty is an ex-marine that believes he's damaged beyond repair. Flo is a college senior trying to accomplish her dream. After fighting their instant attraction, they become entangled in a heated relationship that reveals some heavy emotional baggage for the both of them. A fast-paced heated read with a touch of humor that makes you feel Ty and Flo's love and pain on the way to their HEA. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 7, 2016
Nowhere near as good as the first book. There really was no relationship built between Flora and Ty. They spend hardly any time together, then in 24 hours they sleep together, do the road trip, have a fight with no contact for 4 weeks then suddenly they are saying I Love You. It didn't make any sense, especially in the context of the story and the issues both MC's were dealing with. They both had trust issues and suddenly they are all ready for a serious relationship with nothing to show how they got there. Bit disappointing, really, because I quite liked the first book.
November 5, 2016
Hustle
This is the second book in the A Skin in the Game series by Christine Bell. Another great story. This has a lot less to do with football than the first one. The H is going to the college to try to make it into the NFL but that is about it. The focus is more on the personal traumas that the H and h have been through in their lives and how to move past it with each other's help and compassion. Good emotional story. HEA and no cliffhanger. .
This is the second book in the A Skin in the Game series by Christine Bell. Another great story. This has a lot less to do with football than the first one. The H is going to the college to try to make it into the NFL but that is about it. The focus is more on the personal traumas that the H and h have been through in their lives and how to move past it with each other's help and compassion. Good emotional story. HEA and no cliffhanger. .
Read
July 28, 2016Way too much angst and drama. There was so much going on, too much introspection, and slow pacing that it was difficult to buy into the alleged attraction between Flora and Ty. One I hit the audition scene, that seemed to go on for pages and pages, I was done with this book.
August 6, 2016
Two broken people
Two broken people who found each other. The h didn't realize she was that she was still broken as she set out to help the H. They ended up helping each other along the way. Good book.
Two broken people who found each other. The h didn't realize she was that she was still broken as she set out to help the H. They ended up helping each other along the way. Good book.
August 15, 2016
Shots!
I loved both of them! I just wish it wasn't almost to the end of the book before they figured their stuff out. Both of them had skeletons but she was pushy and knew what she wanted. Thank God Cal is a good person and talked some sense into him. I love the friendships.
I loved both of them! I just wish it wasn't almost to the end of the book before they figured their stuff out. Both of them had skeletons but she was pushy and knew what she wanted. Thank God Cal is a good person and talked some sense into him. I love the friendships.
July 30, 2016
3.5 Stars
August 6, 2016
I liked each of the character's devotion to their passion- theatre and football and the resolution of their pasts before they could be together.
September 5, 2016
I enjoyed the story but I felt it dragged on a bit... loved Flora in the first book and Ty was great. I also hate the way the books end so abruptly... no epilogue..just ends
October 2, 2016
Pretty good!
November 26, 2016
Short, easy read. Not a novella, but not a long novel either. Greatly enjoyed this book. Totally worth reading.
April 1, 2019
Took three hours to read. Something felt off, I can't place it. I loved the first book better than this one. Still love her work
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews