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A Love Story #7
Playbook
If only life came with a script.
Anna Jeffries has spent the last thirty-two years blending in, content in her worn-out reading chair—her happy corner of the world—spinning romantic scenarios she’s certain reality can’t deliver. After three years of teaching Shakespeare at UC Berkeley, Anna is working toward full tenure. Her life in the classroom means everything and she can’t imagine wanting more… until she does.
Dane Sivac is in his second year as the wide receiver coach, and with new talent on the team this year, he’s beginning to think his future may hold a permanent position with Cal—as permanent as any coach can hope for. When his star receiver begins struggling on and off the field, the sports psychologist asks Dane for help. For Dane, emotions are best ignored, but his player’s seemingly uptight Shakespeare professor is driving Dane nuts… until she’s not.
Invested in the future of a student athlete they’ve both come to care about, Dane and Anna are forced to work together. The attraction is undeniable, but opposing teams rarely get along. Right as Dane makes the type of romantic gesture Anna has only known in fiction, her career is threatened and she is reminded, playbook or not, she was never good at games.
Note: Each Love Story is a standalone. There are some shared characters throughout the books (siblings, friends, etc.) Closely related books are often distinguishable by the similar covers. The book order so far is as follows:
-Premiere
-Candidate
-Taste
-Reserved
-Stirred
-Vacancy
-Playbook
-Exposure
-Brew
-Smooth
-Tap
-Blow
Anna Jeffries has spent the last thirty-two years blending in, content in her worn-out reading chair—her happy corner of the world—spinning romantic scenarios she’s certain reality can’t deliver. After three years of teaching Shakespeare at UC Berkeley, Anna is working toward full tenure. Her life in the classroom means everything and she can’t imagine wanting more… until she does.
Dane Sivac is in his second year as the wide receiver coach, and with new talent on the team this year, he’s beginning to think his future may hold a permanent position with Cal—as permanent as any coach can hope for. When his star receiver begins struggling on and off the field, the sports psychologist asks Dane for help. For Dane, emotions are best ignored, but his player’s seemingly uptight Shakespeare professor is driving Dane nuts… until she’s not.
Invested in the future of a student athlete they’ve both come to care about, Dane and Anna are forced to work together. The attraction is undeniable, but opposing teams rarely get along. Right as Dane makes the type of romantic gesture Anna has only known in fiction, her career is threatened and she is reminded, playbook or not, she was never good at games.
Note: Each Love Story is a standalone. There are some shared characters throughout the books (siblings, friends, etc.) Closely related books are often distinguishable by the similar covers. The book order so far is as follows:
-Premiere
-Candidate
-Taste
-Reserved
-Stirred
-Vacancy
-Playbook
-Exposure
-Brew
-Smooth
-Tap
-Blow
280 pages, ebook
Published January 24, 2017
26 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Ewens
15 books190 followersTracy Ewens is the contemporary romance author of fifteen Love Story books.
She lives and writes in Arizona, has a dog named Jack, and takes her tea with almond milk.
Stop by www.tracyewens.com to sign up for updates and news.
She lives and writes in Arizona, has a dog named Jack, and takes her tea with almond milk.
Stop by www.tracyewens.com to sign up for updates and news.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 5, 2017
I love the story where the author gives the main characters little bit of age and wisdom. A Little older and a little wiser but when good things happen you can appreciate them even more.
This book was a surprise to me. I was expecting just another romance novel, but this book started off strong and stayed that way. We are immediately introduced to the main characters and the playful banter between the two brings a lot of interest and fun to this book.
While the characters could have been written with a bit of boring detail because of the work they did, the author brought in some great personality and heat between the two.
This book was a fun and pleasing read that combines many different aspects to bring a delicate balance to this story. Dane is a sweetheart and totally endeared himself to me. I need one just like him!!
This book was a surprise to me. I was expecting just another romance novel, but this book started off strong and stayed that way. We are immediately introduced to the main characters and the playful banter between the two brings a lot of interest and fun to this book.
While the characters could have been written with a bit of boring detail because of the work they did, the author brought in some great personality and heat between the two.
This book was a fun and pleasing read that combines many different aspects to bring a delicate balance to this story. Dane is a sweetheart and totally endeared himself to me. I need one just like him!!
November 18, 2016
**Playbook generously provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
4 "She's kind of magical..." Stars
This story is my first of this series and of this author and really enjoyed the angsty, real-life romance of it. With an interesting setting and very intriguing characters, through the third person point of view Tracy Ewens delivers a very sweet budding relationship between two broken yet charismatic characters.
Dane and Annabelle live their lives content with loneliness as they cast those feelings off as something else. When they meet they're instantly taken with the other while neither can pinpoint why that is. Through the mutual interest in the success of one their players/students the two form a flirtatious friendship and relationship. Their banter and arguing is top notch and the sweetness they both exude make for great romance. There are a few times I felt the inner monologues of each character were repetitive without revealing too much information and giving something to hang onto while they were hanging on themselves. However, the author continually pushed the plot forward and kept me very interested in these two characters. Secondary characters and the sub plots of each main's jobs were fascinating as well. It was an environment I could see myself having fun within.
Tracy Ewens writing proved to be what I crave from my romance books. Angst and conflict coupled with a character driven plot guided by charming, unassuming characters and terrific writing. This story felt easy to read and quick to gain my interest and hold my attachment. I'm excited I've read it and look forward to meeting other characters from this talented story teller.
October 11, 2019
Normally I like these books but today I just wasn't feeling it. Anna was an okay character but she had some issues. I felt bad that she had to deal with a lot at her job. I was glad that she finally gave Dane a chance. Even tough she almost lost him in the end.
May 30, 2022
This was a fun, opposites attract romance between a UC Berkeley professor of Shakespeare, and one of the football coaches. It was nice to have a couple with a little age and experience, though there were times that Anna acted strangely naive. The Berkeley campus setting was a plus as well.
October 27, 2018
To the Author
February 5, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was such a sweet romance and to be honest, after all the erotica and the wham-bam-thank you ma’am that I have read lately, I needed to read this. It was a balm to my brain.
I loved that author chose to have Annabelle teaching Shakespeare at the University of Berkley. Shakespeare is my all time favorite playwright and to see his plays being taught in such a way that the students (even if it is fictional) was awesome.
I also liked the opposites attract theme. Annabelle and Dean couldn’t have been more different and to be honest, it works. They are just different enough that it keeps them both on their toes, relationship wise. The fact that they were first colleagues, than friends and then started their relationship was great. They didn’t jump right into bed with each other and when it did, it meant something to both of them.
I really connected with Annabelle. She was so passionate about what she teaches and it rubs off on her students. I just wish that she was more assertive earlier in the book. Because, it would have gotten rid of a lot of her stress (read the book if you want to find out).
Speaking of that, and I truly don’t know this, is it normal for a committee to be so interested in an associate professor’s personal life when they are applying for tenure? Because even I lifted an eyebrow when they called Annabelle and questioned her about her kiss with Dean during the football game. Seemed a bit intrusive (and a lawsuit waiting to happen) to me.
Dean just melted my heart. He was such a nice guy and how hard he fell for Annabelle just melted my heart.
The secondary storyline of the tenure committee really ticked me off and I did a lot of eyerolls during Annabelle’s meetings with them. The other storyline of Trey was actually sad. But, I loved seeing him come out of his shell on field and off. The talk that Dean had with Trey was perfect.
The end of the book was perfect. It was definitely a HEA!!!
How many stars will I give Playbook: 4
Why: I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a great read and it was something that I needed after reading a couple of eroticas.
Will I reread: Yes
Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes
Age range: Adult
Why: Sex, some language
**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**
I loved that author chose to have Annabelle teaching Shakespeare at the University of Berkley. Shakespeare is my all time favorite playwright and to see his plays being taught in such a way that the students (even if it is fictional) was awesome.
I also liked the opposites attract theme. Annabelle and Dean couldn’t have been more different and to be honest, it works. They are just different enough that it keeps them both on their toes, relationship wise. The fact that they were first colleagues, than friends and then started their relationship was great. They didn’t jump right into bed with each other and when it did, it meant something to both of them.
I really connected with Annabelle. She was so passionate about what she teaches and it rubs off on her students. I just wish that she was more assertive earlier in the book. Because, it would have gotten rid of a lot of her stress (read the book if you want to find out).
Speaking of that, and I truly don’t know this, is it normal for a committee to be so interested in an associate professor’s personal life when they are applying for tenure? Because even I lifted an eyebrow when they called Annabelle and questioned her about her kiss with Dean during the football game. Seemed a bit intrusive (and a lawsuit waiting to happen) to me.
Dean just melted my heart. He was such a nice guy and how hard he fell for Annabelle just melted my heart.
The secondary storyline of the tenure committee really ticked me off and I did a lot of eyerolls during Annabelle’s meetings with them. The other storyline of Trey was actually sad. But, I loved seeing him come out of his shell on field and off. The talk that Dean had with Trey was perfect.
The end of the book was perfect. It was definitely a HEA!!!
How many stars will I give Playbook: 4
Why: I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a great read and it was something that I needed after reading a couple of eroticas.
Will I reread: Yes
Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes
Age range: Adult
Why: Sex, some language
**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**
June 16, 2017
[I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review]
I knew it was an adult fiction book, but I was surprised at how much I related to the main character who is, in fact, 15 years older than me. But if I’d want to picture myself 15 years from now, I would be an exact version of Anna.
Check out my book review on my blog: https://painfullyfictional.wordpress....
I knew it was an adult fiction book, but I was surprised at how much I related to the main character who is, in fact, 15 years older than me. But if I’d want to picture myself 15 years from now, I would be an exact version of Anna.
Check out my book review on my blog: https://painfullyfictional.wordpress....
December 3, 2016
ARC received via Net Galley
My friend and I devour these books!
I've loved getting know the Jeffries sisters, Annabelle is a professor of Shakespeare. She's a solid, developed character who finds herself with Dane Sivac, a football coach. They play well off each other. The banter is enjoyable. I laughed a lot. Can't wait to see what happens next.
My friend and I devour these books!
I've loved getting know the Jeffries sisters, Annabelle is a professor of Shakespeare. She's a solid, developed character who finds herself with Dane Sivac, a football coach. They play well off each other. The banter is enjoyable. I laughed a lot. Can't wait to see what happens next.
February 15, 2017
** ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley. **
3.5 stars. Review to come.
3.5 stars. Review to come.
January 8, 2026
Playbook by Tracy Ewens was a really enjoyable romance, and what stood out most for me was that the characters are just far enough past their twenties to bring a little extra depth to the story.
Anna being in her early thirties adds a grounded, self-aware energy. She knows herself, her boundaries, and what she will and won’t settle for, which made her incredibly easy to root for.
That slight maturity shift gives the romance more weight. The chemistry is still great, but it’s paired with thoughtful conversations, realistic hesitation, and emotional choices that feel shaped by experience rather than impulse. The conflicts feel relatable without tipping into unnecessary drama, and the emotional beats land more naturally because of it.
A really enjoyable 4 star read!
Anna being in her early thirties adds a grounded, self-aware energy. She knows herself, her boundaries, and what she will and won’t settle for, which made her incredibly easy to root for.
That slight maturity shift gives the romance more weight. The chemistry is still great, but it’s paired with thoughtful conversations, realistic hesitation, and emotional choices that feel shaped by experience rather than impulse. The conflicts feel relatable without tipping into unnecessary drama, and the emotional beats land more naturally because of it.
A really enjoyable 4 star read!
January 21, 2017
This is a wonderful love story!
Playbook is the 7th book in the series A Love Story. While the stories are connected by shared characters, each book does quite well as a standalone. If you love reading series in order as much as I do, you might want to consider starting at the beginning but I don’t think you will be sorry either way.
The name of the series is A Love Story and what a love story this one is. Annabelle (Anna) Jeffries and Dane Sivac are about as different as night and day. She is all about Shakespeare and he is all about football – at least that's what they both think until they realize they have more in common than they thought.
This book made me ugly cry in a good way; my heart broke for both Anna and Dane. Fortunately, Ms. Ewens' books don't have cliffhangers and these two eventually get their HEA (happily ever after).
For an accomplished woman, with a PhD, Anna has fairly low self-esteem. She sees herself as less than her three sisters – like wallpaper that no one notices. Dane Sivac has his own issues and has buried his feelings way down deep; he's not sure he can change even for Anna.
Dane and Anna's first meeting didn't go too well:
But when they begin working together to help one of Dane's players overcome his problems on the playing field they are unable to fight the attraction they have to each other.
Playbook is a story that built slowly and powerfully. The first kiss wasn't until chapter 12 and it knocked Dane for a loop:
The first bedroom scene didn't happen until chapter 18 and even then, there is no explicit sex; it wasn't needed. Later, Dane tries to convince himself that he doesn't love Anna:
I marked a lot of passages in this book and that is something I don't normally do. There are many other quotes I'd like to share but this review is already long enough. Ms. Ewens' writing is just exquisite and I was totally captivated while Dane and Anna's love story unfolded and went through its ups and downs. There is no way that my review can adequately describe how much I liked this book.
I definitely recommend Playbook, to anyone who enjoys a good love story. There is minimal coarse language – fairly unusual in contemporary romances these days – with only 3 instances of the f-word and they are used during stressful times not just thrown about casually.
There is one Jeffries sister yet to get her story and I hope that Tracy Ewens is writing it soon.
A review copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley but this did not influence my opinion or rating of the book.
Playbook is the 7th book in the series A Love Story. While the stories are connected by shared characters, each book does quite well as a standalone. If you love reading series in order as much as I do, you might want to consider starting at the beginning but I don’t think you will be sorry either way.
The name of the series is A Love Story and what a love story this one is. Annabelle (Anna) Jeffries and Dane Sivac are about as different as night and day. She is all about Shakespeare and he is all about football – at least that's what they both think until they realize they have more in common than they thought.
This book made me ugly cry in a good way; my heart broke for both Anna and Dane. Fortunately, Ms. Ewens' books don't have cliffhangers and these two eventually get their HEA (happily ever after).
For an accomplished woman, with a PhD, Anna has fairly low self-esteem. She sees herself as less than her three sisters – like wallpaper that no one notices. Dane Sivac has his own issues and has buried his feelings way down deep; he's not sure he can change even for Anna.
Dane and Anna's first meeting didn't go too well:
When Anna said nothing, he kept going. “You know what? Since you have all your… stuff, just give me your number and I’ll text you my information.”
“No.”
“No, you won’t give me your number?”
“Mr.—Ah, Coach Whatever, I make a habit of giving my number to people I like.”
“And you don’t like me?”
“No.”
But when they begin working together to help one of Dane's players overcome his problems on the playing field they are unable to fight the attraction they have to each other.
Playbook is a story that built slowly and powerfully. The first kiss wasn't until chapter 12 and it knocked Dane for a loop:
Dane walked to his truck and hoped like hell she understood the concept of the long game because he was positive he was ruined for all other women with one simple kiss.
The first bedroom scene didn't happen until chapter 18 and even then, there is no explicit sex; it wasn't needed. Later, Dane tries to convince himself that he doesn't love Anna:
When the sun rose he would tell himself it was physical, that he was attracted to her, drawn to her because she was a challenge. That would probably get him through lunchtime, and then his heart would bust in two and beg him to let her in, keep her close. As the heat between them rose, his mind was still searching for order, figuring out a way to share who he was with every touch and sigh of his name.
I marked a lot of passages in this book and that is something I don't normally do. There are many other quotes I'd like to share but this review is already long enough. Ms. Ewens' writing is just exquisite and I was totally captivated while Dane and Anna's love story unfolded and went through its ups and downs. There is no way that my review can adequately describe how much I liked this book.
I definitely recommend Playbook, to anyone who enjoys a good love story. There is minimal coarse language – fairly unusual in contemporary romances these days – with only 3 instances of the f-word and they are used during stressful times not just thrown about casually.
There is one Jeffries sister yet to get her story and I hope that Tracy Ewens is writing it soon.
A review copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley but this did not influence my opinion or rating of the book.
February 8, 2017
Ms. Ewens proves once again you can speak the language of love with mostly passionate kisses and not overly graphic smexy scenes. At nearly 40% into it before they share their first kiss, the couple’s individual internal monologue, which is laced with the assumed advice/opinions of others they hold dear and their own doubts/insecurities, take up quite a bit of the story line. Then eventual confirmation/self-encouragement kicks in as they one by one come to the conclusion they need to go for the goal of what will truly make them happy, each other. Well, one of them crosses into love’s end zone first, leaving them patiently waiting with arms open wide for the other to get with the program and catch up. Which one? Well, that, my fellow romance book loving friends, is part of this romantic tale’s playbook that I shouldn’t reveal. It’s best if you experience it for yourself.
With some pass interference of a job related nature, this low romantic angst love story does conclude with a HEA, folks. Though slow paced and somewhat predictable, there is good character development and the writing flowed. As an avid true romantic at heart, I am still a little upset with one of the main couple for not automatically choosing love in the first place, especially after a grand gesture was made. Here’s to hoping my comments have been insightful enough to help you decide if Playbook will be a big win as your next romantic read.
Title: Playbook, Series: A Love Story (Book 7), Author: Tracy Ewens, Pages: 274, stand-alone, HEA, college football coach hero, Professor of Shakespeare heroine, slow paced, lots of inner monologue, some relationship angst, not overly graphic/steamy, no love triangle, no cheating, no OW/OM drama, non-virgin main couple, no violence, no lusty language.
Goodreads Romance Safety Gang:
Book 1 - Premiere
Book 2 - Candidate
Book 3 - Taste
My review - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Book 4 - Reserved
My review - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Book 5 - Stirred
My review - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Book 6 - Vacancy
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Book 7 - Playbook
(This review is based on advanced reader copy provided via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased, fair review. No compensation was provided to this reviewer, nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher/NetGalley.)
With some pass interference of a job related nature, this low romantic angst love story does conclude with a HEA, folks. Though slow paced and somewhat predictable, there is good character development and the writing flowed. As an avid true romantic at heart, I am still a little upset with one of the main couple for not automatically choosing love in the first place, especially after a grand gesture was made. Here’s to hoping my comments have been insightful enough to help you decide if Playbook will be a big win as your next romantic read.
Title: Playbook, Series: A Love Story (Book 7), Author: Tracy Ewens, Pages: 274, stand-alone, HEA, college football coach hero, Professor of Shakespeare heroine, slow paced, lots of inner monologue, some relationship angst, not overly graphic/steamy, no love triangle, no cheating, no OW/OM drama, non-virgin main couple, no violence, no lusty language.
Goodreads Romance Safety Gang:
Book 1 - Premiere
Book 2 - Candidate
Book 3 - Taste
My review - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Book 4 - Reserved
My review - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Book 5 - Stirred
My review - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Book 6 - Vacancy
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Book 7 - Playbook
(This review is based on advanced reader copy provided via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased, fair review. No compensation was provided to this reviewer, nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher/NetGalley.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2016
Having read each book in this series, one thing remains consistent with this author's writing, she creates characters that are so uniquely real and relatable, they are captivating. You'll find yourself laughing, nodding in agreement, falling in love, and genuinely just simply enjoying the story because of the uniqueness of her characters.
If there was ever a sweeter couple than Dane and Anna, I have not come across them. There is a certain gentleness that comes across in Dane, Ms Ewens having done a remarkable job of bringing out so much of a three dimensional personality in a two dimensional arena. The banter (more like sparing) between the two characters was heartwarming and entertaining at the same time...making me chuckle just how often he surprised her with his wit and intelligence...for a football coach as was her rarified way of thinking.
It has occurred to me that Ms Ewens writing sparks a somewhat dormant need to revisit areas of creativity in my reading. Her books are romances/love stories, but they are quite NOT the standard, boy meets girl, looses girl and then finds her again...no, her stories have heart, with a warmth I attribute to her brilliant and gifted storytelling. She has taken these two characters and brought them completely around, out of their comfort zones and left an impression so tender to the heart that Dane and Anna will remain two favorites of mine from now on.
It is truly enjoyable to have past characters with on going reappearances in all her books...reminding the reader of their backstories and how they are intricately woven in to play an important part of the story. Hollis' calling Anna Middle Two brought back her, Hollis', story full force. The family dynamics that play heavily into each of the Love Story books pulls at the heartstrings as well...making me yearn for those same dynamics in my life.
Hopefully next up is Meg's love story...that will truly be an enjoyable read!
This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
If there was ever a sweeter couple than Dane and Anna, I have not come across them. There is a certain gentleness that comes across in Dane, Ms Ewens having done a remarkable job of bringing out so much of a three dimensional personality in a two dimensional arena. The banter (more like sparing) between the two characters was heartwarming and entertaining at the same time...making me chuckle just how often he surprised her with his wit and intelligence...for a football coach as was her rarified way of thinking.
It has occurred to me that Ms Ewens writing sparks a somewhat dormant need to revisit areas of creativity in my reading. Her books are romances/love stories, but they are quite NOT the standard, boy meets girl, looses girl and then finds her again...no, her stories have heart, with a warmth I attribute to her brilliant and gifted storytelling. She has taken these two characters and brought them completely around, out of their comfort zones and left an impression so tender to the heart that Dane and Anna will remain two favorites of mine from now on.
It is truly enjoyable to have past characters with on going reappearances in all her books...reminding the reader of their backstories and how they are intricately woven in to play an important part of the story. Hollis' calling Anna Middle Two brought back her, Hollis', story full force. The family dynamics that play heavily into each of the Love Story books pulls at the heartstrings as well...making me yearn for those same dynamics in my life.
Hopefully next up is Meg's love story...that will truly be an enjoyable read!
This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgalley, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
February 15, 2017
I really liked this book. Like everything else I've read by this author, it is beautifully written. The main characters, a football coach and an English professor at a large university, meet through their dedication to helping a student, and try to navigate their way through their differences to make a relationship work.
Having said that, I will confess that the first time I read it I was so annoyed by Anna I couldn't enjoy the story or even buy the plot. I could not for the life of me understand how someone like Dane would spend any energy trying to know Anna. I found her rude and irritatingly insecure. He describes her as beautiful, but from her recounting of her recent dating history, which included only solo appearances by a few losers, you figure she doesn't dazzle anyone with her personality or her beauty. His mother, a great character, describes Anna as magical. Must be. I just couldn't warm up to her, and wondered why he didn't move on to someone more interesting - and for that matter why her friend Cynda, who appeared to be a fun person, would want to spend any time with her. Her accomplished family apparently largely ignored her, and I understood why.
But because I've enjoyed this author's other books so much, I decided to let it rest for a few weeks and reread it. While Anna still annoyed me, I believe I understood her motivations and insecurities better. I'm still not sure why Dane was so bent on pursuing her, but he did it so nicely it was a pleasure to read.
We don't like all the people we meet, and I guess that goes for book characters also. While I wouldn't want to sit next to Anna at a dinner party, this was a book worth reading. The relationship with her students and Dane with his players was especially compelling. I'm so glad I reread it and discovered more of its character..
Having said that, I will confess that the first time I read it I was so annoyed by Anna I couldn't enjoy the story or even buy the plot. I could not for the life of me understand how someone like Dane would spend any energy trying to know Anna. I found her rude and irritatingly insecure. He describes her as beautiful, but from her recounting of her recent dating history, which included only solo appearances by a few losers, you figure she doesn't dazzle anyone with her personality or her beauty. His mother, a great character, describes Anna as magical. Must be. I just couldn't warm up to her, and wondered why he didn't move on to someone more interesting - and for that matter why her friend Cynda, who appeared to be a fun person, would want to spend any time with her. Her accomplished family apparently largely ignored her, and I understood why.
But because I've enjoyed this author's other books so much, I decided to let it rest for a few weeks and reread it. While Anna still annoyed me, I believe I understood her motivations and insecurities better. I'm still not sure why Dane was so bent on pursuing her, but he did it so nicely it was a pleasure to read.
We don't like all the people we meet, and I guess that goes for book characters also. While I wouldn't want to sit next to Anna at a dinner party, this was a book worth reading. The relationship with her students and Dane with his players was especially compelling. I'm so glad I reread it and discovered more of its character..
January 8, 2017
Annabelle is an associate professor of Shakespearean literature at UC Berkley. She walks around in her head most of the time, is a total academic and doesn’t understand the mundane. She has a unique way of teaching that draws students to her class. Her best friend, Cynda, drags her out to do normal social things that she would not do on her own.
Dane is a football coach at the same university. Dane has been in his own cocoon for the last year, focusing on his coaching, buying a house and fixing it up. He lost his father when he was 19 and has never gotten over the loss. Because he can‘t risk this type of pain again, he doesn’t allow himself to get close to other people.
When one of his football players is flunking her class, Dane is sent to talk to Anna, to see if she can do anything to help him pass. They are both immediately attracted, but gloss over it for their own reasons. She thinks he’s a dumb jock and he thinks she’s an academic snoot. They both have to come out of their comfort zones to get the love they both secretly want.
Annabelle’s insecurities have her all over the place. She flirts, argues, throws out witty banter, and occasionally shuts down. Dane catches her off guard at times with his intelligence and insight - for a football coach.
These two take you on a roller coaster ride with their emotions but you can’t help but root for them to figure it all out.
I have now read 4 of the 7 in this series. I have liked them all, but Reserved remains my favorite.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley.
Dane is a football coach at the same university. Dane has been in his own cocoon for the last year, focusing on his coaching, buying a house and fixing it up. He lost his father when he was 19 and has never gotten over the loss. Because he can‘t risk this type of pain again, he doesn’t allow himself to get close to other people.
When one of his football players is flunking her class, Dane is sent to talk to Anna, to see if she can do anything to help him pass. They are both immediately attracted, but gloss over it for their own reasons. She thinks he’s a dumb jock and he thinks she’s an academic snoot. They both have to come out of their comfort zones to get the love they both secretly want.
Annabelle’s insecurities have her all over the place. She flirts, argues, throws out witty banter, and occasionally shuts down. Dane catches her off guard at times with his intelligence and insight - for a football coach.
These two take you on a roller coaster ride with their emotions but you can’t help but root for them to figure it all out.
I have now read 4 of the 7 in this series. I have liked them all, but Reserved remains my favorite.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley.
October 7, 2019
4.5 Stars ⭐️ Annabelle (Anna) Jeffries is a Professor of English at Berkeley and teaches Shakespeare, while Dane Sivac is a football coach for the same institution. Anna is a wonderful teacher who is a bundle of contradictions, she was easy to relate to and I really rooted for her throughout the book. She loved books and struggles to live in the real world, something I completely understood! Dane was a breath of fresh air to me as far as love interests go. He was complex, had his own struggles to work through, and still made the choice regularly to make changes to his life to get what he wanted. He didn’t seem overly immature, nor was it out of character to struggle with all the new desires he was having to “settle down.”
I chose not to read the description before reading this book, and it was a delightful surprise. Tracey Ewens spun a tale that is realistic, charming, romantic, sappy, and yet not sickening - it is really a talent! For me, the last half of the book was a little slow because the the plot seemed to kind of go in circles a little bit before one of the characters made a change, but it was oh-so-satisfying when it happened!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I chose not to read the description before reading this book, and it was a delightful surprise. Tracey Ewens spun a tale that is realistic, charming, romantic, sappy, and yet not sickening - it is really a talent! For me, the last half of the book was a little slow because the the plot seemed to kind of go in circles a little bit before one of the characters made a change, but it was oh-so-satisfying when it happened!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 12, 2023
#7 in the Love Story romance series
When Dane, one of the football coaches, must meet with his player's English professor, he goes in with an anti-Shakespeare attitude. But he is soon caught up in the cute teacher, Anna Jeffries. We've met Anna before since she is Hollis's and Sage's sister, and she is often referred to as "wallpaper" since she is so easy-going and expects so little out of life. But when she and Dane fall in love, her attitude is sad since she would rather let him go than expect her "cup to be full." Add to that the complication of the tenure committee expecting her to toe the line and follow their strictures, and Anna finds herself too afraid to make a leap. Too bad too, since they are cute together, complementing each other, both turning out to be non-judgmental despite their being so different and focused on such varied passions. My only problem came when movies were referred to (Anna is a big fan and I've never seen any of the movies she mentioned, so the references were lost on me.) or when Shakespearean quotes were made (I didn't quite understand those references either.). But the characters more than made up for those shortcomings. I'm looking forward to reading Meg's story (another sister) soon.
When Dane, one of the football coaches, must meet with his player's English professor, he goes in with an anti-Shakespeare attitude. But he is soon caught up in the cute teacher, Anna Jeffries. We've met Anna before since she is Hollis's and Sage's sister, and she is often referred to as "wallpaper" since she is so easy-going and expects so little out of life. But when she and Dane fall in love, her attitude is sad since she would rather let him go than expect her "cup to be full." Add to that the complication of the tenure committee expecting her to toe the line and follow their strictures, and Anna finds herself too afraid to make a leap. Too bad too, since they are cute together, complementing each other, both turning out to be non-judgmental despite their being so different and focused on such varied passions. My only problem came when movies were referred to (Anna is a big fan and I've never seen any of the movies she mentioned, so the references were lost on me.) or when Shakespearean quotes were made (I didn't quite understand those references either.). But the characters more than made up for those shortcomings. I'm looking forward to reading Meg's story (another sister) soon.
March 31, 2017
I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I had not read the previous books in this series. So going in I had no pretense on the writer or the plot. What I found was a book that had two strong leading characters that were written with such passion, angst, and details that it was as if they were real everyday people that walked among us.
Dane, at first I said, I don't know if I can like this man. Cocky, arrogant, drop dead sexy and stubborn. The way he didn't want to back down the first time he met Kate caught me off guard. But the way the scene ended made me feel better.
Kate made me smile. The way the author wrote her you felt like she was your best friend. It was easy to see her as part of your life. I wished that I had a professor like her teach Shakespeare. I was floored by the involvement of the tenure team (for lack of a better title). You'll understand when you read.
Dane and Kate's story is a slow burn of opposites attract. I found it to be a little slow at times but it was still enjoyable.
I had not read the previous books in this series. So going in I had no pretense on the writer or the plot. What I found was a book that had two strong leading characters that were written with such passion, angst, and details that it was as if they were real everyday people that walked among us.
Dane, at first I said, I don't know if I can like this man. Cocky, arrogant, drop dead sexy and stubborn. The way he didn't want to back down the first time he met Kate caught me off guard. But the way the scene ended made me feel better.
Kate made me smile. The way the author wrote her you felt like she was your best friend. It was easy to see her as part of your life. I wished that I had a professor like her teach Shakespeare. I was floored by the involvement of the tenure team (for lack of a better title). You'll understand when you read.
Dane and Kate's story is a slow burn of opposites attract. I found it to be a little slow at times but it was still enjoyable.
October 24, 2019
Delightful, original story! Brains and Brawn
I very much enjoyed this book, which was the first I've read from the author. Ms. Ewens has woven a tale of brains meets brawn in the most creative way! It's chock full of witty dialogue and each of the main characters introducing the other to his/her world.
Somehow she's created a very realistic tale of football (American) meets Will (as in Shakespeare)! This book has solid, realistic characters that will pull you in and make you look at that bookish, but super cute gal and strong muscle-bound guy at the coffee shop and wonder (...and hope) if they are deeper than the image they present.
It features Anna as a dedicated literature professor who brings to life the stories and characters. She's an unconventional professor with character and personality that is a mile deep. She's stereotyped Dane and misses his big heart, intelligence, and dedication to his players.
I recommend this book! I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
I very much enjoyed this book, which was the first I've read from the author. Ms. Ewens has woven a tale of brains meets brawn in the most creative way! It's chock full of witty dialogue and each of the main characters introducing the other to his/her world.
Somehow she's created a very realistic tale of football (American) meets Will (as in Shakespeare)! This book has solid, realistic characters that will pull you in and make you look at that bookish, but super cute gal and strong muscle-bound guy at the coffee shop and wonder (...and hope) if they are deeper than the image they present.
It features Anna as a dedicated literature professor who brings to life the stories and characters. She's an unconventional professor with character and personality that is a mile deep. She's stereotyped Dane and misses his big heart, intelligence, and dedication to his players.
I recommend this book! I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
October 10, 2019
Annabelle Jeffries is a beige cardigan... she love her academic life as an associate Professor of Shakespeare. She has her routine and is happy with the simplicity of her life. A loving family and a best friend who are constantly in her head with their snippets of advise... but otherwise she is happy being unnoticed.
Dane Sivac is the receiver coach for the football team. He is settling in to the quiet life in his thirties.... had enough of partying and drinking he is content with his rice maker!!
When a student in common needs their combined teaching skills both Dane and Anna find themselves in unfamiliar territory.... can Anna trust herself to actually live her life and can Dane be the one to show her how to do it and have some fun?
Great mature characters, well thought out story... quite a lot of inner thoughts, which can go on a bit but still an enjoyable addition to the ‘love story’ series.
I received an arc from hidden gems and I am choosing to leave a review.
Dane Sivac is the receiver coach for the football team. He is settling in to the quiet life in his thirties.... had enough of partying and drinking he is content with his rice maker!!
When a student in common needs their combined teaching skills both Dane and Anna find themselves in unfamiliar territory.... can Anna trust herself to actually live her life and can Dane be the one to show her how to do it and have some fun?
Great mature characters, well thought out story... quite a lot of inner thoughts, which can go on a bit but still an enjoyable addition to the ‘love story’ series.
I received an arc from hidden gems and I am choosing to leave a review.
October 10, 2019
I received this book free as and ARC reader for review.
While I was reading this book I really enjoyed it. We all have emotional baggage, and how we carry it really defines who we are. As such, the use of past heartaches is an effective way to give characters depth and a starting place for personal growth. This novel was all about personal growth. Anna had to find her self-worth, Dane had to reconnect with his emotions, and Trey had to channel his inner Lady Macbeth.
However... what a lot of personal growth that was... in one college semester (that's 3 months!). Once I got to the end of the book I felt like I had whiplash. The way the relationships developed felt natural until I realized how fast everything was moving. I know when you fall it love everything seems magically possible...but slow down a bit!
While I was reading this book I really enjoyed it. We all have emotional baggage, and how we carry it really defines who we are. As such, the use of past heartaches is an effective way to give characters depth and a starting place for personal growth. This novel was all about personal growth. Anna had to find her self-worth, Dane had to reconnect with his emotions, and Trey had to channel his inner Lady Macbeth.
However... what a lot of personal growth that was... in one college semester (that's 3 months!). Once I got to the end of the book I felt like I had whiplash. The way the relationships developed felt natural until I realized how fast everything was moving. I know when you fall it love everything seems magically possible...but slow down a bit!
March 18, 2017
Playground is a different kind of romance novel. Centered around an English professor at UC Berkely and a football coach, the story is more cerebral than physical. There is a long build up but there is a satisfying payoff. The tension between Matt and Anna reminded me of the Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan characters in the the film, "You've got Mail." They are from different worlds that at first glance seem to be oposites. They find they have more in common than they thought and the romance grows from there. The book lacked the strong sensual component of most popular romance novels, but the interaction between the characters helped to make up some of that. I was able to identify with Anna, which helped me to connect to the novel. While not my favorite, Playbook was a good read.
October 15, 2019
4* ARC Review- Another great story!
Through Hidden Gems I have had the opportunity to read several books by this author and I have become a fan. Her characters seem like real people and their stories are interesting enough to keep me reading without a lot of drama. Although it is a pretty typical, opposites attract story, I liked how it played out and it never felt redundant.
This is the story of Anna, who is an English professor that teaches Shakespeare at UC Berkeley. She meets Shane because one of her students is a football player he coaches. They are brought together to help this student athlete but discover how much they have in common and how they have misjudged each other in the beginning.
Through Hidden Gems I have had the opportunity to read several books by this author and I have become a fan. Her characters seem like real people and their stories are interesting enough to keep me reading without a lot of drama. Although it is a pretty typical, opposites attract story, I liked how it played out and it never felt redundant.
This is the story of Anna, who is an English professor that teaches Shakespeare at UC Berkeley. She meets Shane because one of her students is a football player he coaches. They are brought together to help this student athlete but discover how much they have in common and how they have misjudged each other in the beginning.
November 18, 2016
This book managed to draw out a wide variety of emotions from me. I adored the sweetness of Dane and Anna's chemistry and passion and how even though they were grown adults they still had a childlike quality to their romance. I was frustrated with Anna and her thoughts and insecurities and how she would push Dane away and not stand up for herself. I was outraged at how Anna was treated by the tenure committee and president of the university. I was bewitched by Trey and his story line altogether.
Yeap- tons of emotions evoked in this book and, as always with a Tracy Ewens book, loved reading her story.
Yeap- tons of emotions evoked in this book and, as always with a Tracy Ewens book, loved reading her story.
March 31, 2017
Shakespeare and football, I never would have guessed. Anna and Dane are complete opposites yet are drawn together in a magical way. Her crazy Shakespeare quotes and his addiction to the rice cooker kept me laughing. Their silly banter was sweet and funny with a bit of dirty undertones. Her friend, Cynda, is a riot with her flat out honesty and sexy humor. Trey, a student in Anna's class and receiver on Dane's team, is a real gem and unknowingly brought them together. This is part of a series but you can jump in anywhere. I read an advanced copy from Netgalley and this is my voluntary review.
December 26, 2019
4.5 Stars! Gave me the feels!
This book definitely gave me the feels!
I liked Annabelle. She knew who she was and where she felt comfortable. Dane initially came off as a jerk. They were two wounded, flawed people. One who never really got over the death of a parent, and the other who was so used to being overlooked, never felt anyone could truly see them.
I loved Trey’s character and how that was what had brought Dane and Annabelle into each other’s orbit.
I was elated when Annabelle finally saw the light of day and took care of business!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
This book definitely gave me the feels!
I liked Annabelle. She knew who she was and where she felt comfortable. Dane initially came off as a jerk. They were two wounded, flawed people. One who never really got over the death of a parent, and the other who was so used to being overlooked, never felt anyone could truly see them.
I loved Trey’s character and how that was what had brought Dane and Annabelle into each other’s orbit.
I was elated when Annabelle finally saw the light of day and took care of business!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
December 3, 2016
A friend and I discovered this author and series just before the 4th book was released. We devoured the first three books and have been counting down for each book since. The characters are all so real and this one doesn't disappoint!
Annabelle Jeffries is an associate professor of Shakespeare and in order to help a struggling student she teams up with football coach Dane Sivac. Both must step out of their comfort zones and that draws then together. I loved the interplay between Anna and Dane. Another win for Tracy Ewans!
ARC provided by NetGalley for my honest review.
Annabelle Jeffries is an associate professor of Shakespeare and in order to help a struggling student she teams up with football coach Dane Sivac. Both must step out of their comfort zones and that draws then together. I loved the interplay between Anna and Dane. Another win for Tracy Ewans!
ARC provided by NetGalley for my honest review.
January 22, 2017
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first time reading this series and I absolutely loved everything about this book. I requested access to this book knowing nothing about the series or author but going only on the blurb. I am so glad that I took a chance. I loved Anna and found her so relatable- her quirkiness, her intelligence, her inner monologues. The well written story, the cast of characters, everything about this book exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend it and will be reading the rest of the books in the series.
This was my first time reading this series and I absolutely loved everything about this book. I requested access to this book knowing nothing about the series or author but going only on the blurb. I am so glad that I took a chance. I loved Anna and found her so relatable- her quirkiness, her intelligence, her inner monologues. The well written story, the cast of characters, everything about this book exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend it and will be reading the rest of the books in the series.
May 14, 2017
I really liked this book! It had many of my most favorite things!
*Shakespeare
*Football
*Berkeley
*great secondary characters
And to top it off, the story was great. I loved Anna and Dane and watching their development, not only together, but apart. It had a "moment" that really tugs at my heart and is kinda my achilles heel in stories--it gets me every freaking time.
I am now looking forward to going back and starting this series at book one (this is book seven--I'm a little late to the game).
**copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for honest review.
*Shakespeare
*Football
*Berkeley
*great secondary characters
And to top it off, the story was great. I loved Anna and Dane and watching their development, not only together, but apart. It had a "moment" that really tugs at my heart and is kinda my achilles heel in stories--it gets me every freaking time.
I am now looking forward to going back and starting this series at book one (this is book seven--I'm a little late to the game).
**copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for honest review.
November 7, 2019
Can Annabelle Jeffries finally her Owen love story? She is been living in the shadow along with her romantic heart all her life and teaching Shakespeare is been her passion. But when coach Dane asivac cross her path, can she give it a try and live her life to her fullest? CAn Dane open his heart again to love, loos and pain after the emotional rollercoaster that was for him his father’s death fifteen years ago? A heartwarming love story. I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily reviewed it.
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